2002 La Quinta General Plan - SupersededBy Steve Plone
CITY OF LA QUINTA
COMPREHENSIVE
GENERAL PLAN
Prepared for
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Prepared by
/ 1 Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc.®
L J 400 South Farrell, Suite B-205
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Adopted March 20, 2002
CITY OF LA QUINTA GENERAL PLAN
Adopted March 20, 2002
City Council
John Pena, Mayor
Stanley Sniff, Mayor Pro Tem
Donald Adolph
Ron Perkins
Terry Henderson
Planning Commission
Jacques Abels, Chairman
Richard Butler, Vice Chairman
Tom Kirk
Robert Tyler
Steve Robbins
General Plan/Table of Contents
GENERAL PLAN POLICY DOCUMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Introduction and Administration 5
Chapter 2: Land Use Element 10
Chapter 3: Traffic acid Circulation 23
Chapter 4: Open Space Element 45
Chapter 5: Parks and Recreation Element 48
Chapter 6: Natural Resources Element 52
Chapter 7: Infrastructure and Public Services 72
Chapter 8: Environmental Hazards Element 79
Chapter 9: Cultural Resources Element 97
List of Tables
2.1 Proposed Land Use Designations 11
2.2 Land Use Buildout Statistical Summary 16
2.3 Residential Buildout Conditions in the Planning Area 18
3.1 General Plan Road Analysis 26
3.2 Intersection Analysis 32
8.1 Community Noise and Land Use Compatibility 94
8.2 General Plan Buildout Projected Noise Contours 95
List of Exhibits
2.1 Land Use Map 17
3.1 Existing ADT Volumes 25
3.2 Street Cross Sections, State Highways 28
3.3 City Street Cross Sections 29
3.4 Street Cross Sections at Intersections - State Highways and City Streets 30
3.5 City Roadway Classifications 34
3.6 Image Corridors 35
3.7 Classification of Golf Cart Paths 36
3.8 Phase I Golf Cart Routes 37
3.9 Phase lI Golf Cart Routes 38
3.10 Multi -Purpose Trails 39
5.1 Parks in the Planning Area 49
6.1 Giant Sand Treader Cricket Recommended Survey Areas and Distribution Areas 59
6.2 Desert Tortoise Recommended Survey and Distribution Areas 60
6.3 Coachella Valley Fringe -Toed Lizard Fee Mitigation Area 61
6.4 Flat -Tailed Horned Lizard Recommended Survey Areas and Distribution Areas 62
6.5 Palm Springs Ground Squirrel Recommended Survey Areas
and Distribution Areas 63
ii
General Plan/Table of Contents
6.6 Palm Springs Pocket Mouse Recommended Survey Areas
and Distribution Areas 64
6.7 Peninsular Big Horn Sheep Critical Habitat 65
6.8 Paleontologic Resources 69
8.1 Geologic Map 85
8.2 Liquefaction Susceptibility Map 86
8.3 Seismic Settlement Map 87
8.4 Wind Hazard Map 88
8.5 Flood Hazard 1V_''ap 91
9.1 Cultural Resources Map 99
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-011
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CHANGE TO
THE CLASSIFICATION FOR FRED WARING DRIVE, ADAMS
STREET, AND DUNE PALMS ROAD IN THE CIRCULATION
ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
CASE NO.: GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2002-088
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, did on
the 4th day of February, 2003, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to review a General
Plan Amendment to change the classification for Fred Waring Drive, Adams Street, and
Dune Palms Road in the Circulation Element of the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California,
did on the 14th day of January, 2003, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to review a
General Plan Amendment to change the classification for Fred Waring Drive, Adams
Street, and Dune Palms Road in the Circulation Element of the General Plan as shown
on Exhibit "A", attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons wanting to be heard, said
City Council did make the following mandatory findings approving said General Plan
Amendment:
1. Internal General Plan Consistency. The proposed Amendment to the Circulation
Element would change the classification for certain streets from Primary and
Secondary Arterials to Major and Primary Arterials. The proposed amendment
was analyzed by the City's traffic engineer, and was determined to be
consistent with the General Plan Goals, Objectives and Policies. The on -going
review of street classifications in the Circulation Element is supported by the
General Plan Primary Goal of establishing and maintaining acceptable levels of
service on all community roadways.
2. Public Welfare. The proposed Amendment will not create conditions materially
detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare, insofar as the traffic
engineer determined that the change will maintain and improve circulation.
3. General Plan Compatibility. The proposed General Amendment will be
compatible with the roadway classifications used by the City on other
roadways, and provides the City with greater flexibility in developing a safe,
comprehensive circulation system.
Resolution No. 2003-011
General Plan Amendment 2002-088
Adopted: February 4, 2003
Page 2
4. Property Suitability. The proposed Amendment is City-wide. The City's
roadway system and functional classification system support the change.
5. Change in Circumstances. The continued development of the City requires the
continued analysis of the best methods to build out a safe and efficient roadway
system, and this Amendment continues to support that development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
La Quinta, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the findings of the City
Council in this case.
2. That it does hereby determine that this project is exempt per Section
15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
3. That it does approve General Plan Amendment 200-088 for the reasons set
forth in this Resolution and as contained in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
made part of.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La
Quinta City Council held on this 4' day of February, 2003, by the following vote, to
wit:
AYES: Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
DON ACOLPH,lliayor
City of La Quinta, California
Resolution No. 2003-011
General Plan Amendment 2002-088
Adopted: February 4, 2003
Page 3
ATTEST:
JUN %CREEK, CMC, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
(CITY SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
M. KATHERINE JENSON, City Attorney
City of La Quinta, California
Resolution No. 2003-011
General Plan Amendment 2002-088
Adopted: February 4, 2003
Pape 4
EXHIBIT "A"
STREET
EXISTING
CLASSIFICATION
PROPOSED
CLASSIFICATION
LOCATION
Fred Waring Drive
Primary Arterial
A (4D)
Major Arterial
6(D)
Washington Street
to Jefferson Street
Adams Street
Secondary Arterial
(4U)
Primary Arterial
A(4D)
South of Highway
111 to Avenue 48
Dune Palms Road
Secondary Arterial
(4U)
Primary Arterial
A(4D)
South of Highway
111 to Avenue 48
AMENDMENTS ADOPTED
SINCE
MARCH 20, 2002
General Plan/Administration Element
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION AND ADMINISTRATION
INTRODUCTION
This section of the General Plan provides
background on the General Plan, its organization,
the Plan's function and its relationship to other
documents, including the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), the Subdivision Map Act, and
the Development Code. Also within this section are
descriptions of General Plan review and amendment
procedures. The Element also sets forth a goal,
policies and programs intended to effectively
administer the General Plan.
The Administration Element includes provisions for
the periodic review and amendment of the General
Plan to ensure that the Plan is maintained and kept
current with changing conditions.
California Government Code (Section 65300)
requires that incorporated communities and counties
prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long-term
General Plan which regulates the physical
development of lands under the jurisdiction of, or
having an influence upon, the community, including
the City's legally recognized Sphere -of -Influence.
This General Plan incorporates the incorporated
boundaries of the City of La Quinta, its sphere -of -
influence, and two planning areas which are not
currently within the City's sphere -of -influence,
referred to in this document as Planning Area No. 1
and Planning Area No. 2 (please see Exhibit 2.1).
The General Plan and its various elements are
required to function as an integrated, internally
consistent and compatible statement of policies
(Government Code Section 65300.5).
Special local conditions and circumstances result in
a General Plan which may take differing forms and
still meet minimum requirements (Government
Code Section 65300.7). The General Plan must be
responsive to the variations in density, land use and
development issues, and the needs of each
community's residents (Government Code Sections
65300.9, 65302).
Format
The La Quinta General Plan is composed of three
documents: the Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA), which presents the background on each
chapter; the General Plan Policy Document, which
provides goals, policies and programs; and the
General Plan Environmental Impact Report, which
analyses implementation and buildout of the
General Plan, and provides mitigation measures.
Goals, Policies and Programs
General Plan goals are developed as broad
statements reflecting the City's values, aims and
aspirations. These goals address the physical
development of the City, as well as the preservation
of the community's important environmental and
cultural assets.
Policies have been developed to accomplish the
goals of the General Plan, and set forth specific
performance requirements for each element.
Programs provide quantitative and qualitative targets
to implement the policies in the Plan.
Maps and Graphics
Maps and graphics are incorporated into all three
sections of the General Plan. They include land use
and circulation patterns, natural resources and
hazards, and public infrastructure. These maps carry
equal authority to the goals and policies of the
General Plan.
Elements
California Government Code Section 65302
establishes the seven (7) mandatory elements of the
General Plan: Land Use, Circulation, Housing,
Conservation, Open Space, Safety, and Noise.
All of the mandated elements are found within this
General Plan. This document integrates mandatory.
and discretionary elements into nine major chapters
which demonstrate compliance with State
requirements that the General Plan be internally
consistent. Each chapter of the General Plan has
equal legal authority. In addition to this
Administration Element, the General Plan contains:
5
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Administration Element
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element focuses on the distribution
of land uses, and the intensity of residential,
commercial and other development densities.
Buildout of the General Plan is addressed both in
terms of total residential units and commercial and
industrial square footage, in the City, its sphere of
influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area
No. 2.
Traffic and Circulation Element
The Circulation Element addresses the roadways
required to implement the Land Use Element.
Analysis is provided to show the required location
and size of roadways, the control of traffic, the
future needs for transit systems and the ultimate
buildout of the City's trail system.
Open Space Element
The Open Space Element relates to the preservation
and management of open space lands. The Element
supports the City's desire to conserve some of its
most valuable assets, including wildlife habitat,
mountain viewsheds, watersheds, and agricultural
and scenic resources.
Parks and Recreation Element
The Parks and Recreation Element guides the
development of parks and other recreational
facilities throughout the City. The provision of
passive and active recreation opportunities reflects
and enhances the City's quality of life.
Natural Resources Element
This chapter describes the resources of the physical
natural environment, including man-made artifacts
and other natural resources. The Natural Resources
Element includes sections on:
• Air Quality
• Energy and Mineral Resources
• Biological Resources
• Paleontological Resources
• Water Resources
Infrastructure & Public Services Element
This Element addresses the long-term provision of
adequate levels of essential public facilities and
services in concert with the level of development
anticipated in the City. This Element includes
sections on:
•
•
•
•
•
.
•
•
•
•
Law Enforcement
Fire Protection
Public Education
Public Libraries
Domestic Water
Sanitary Sewer
Stormwater Management
Electricity
Telephone
Natural Gas
Solid Waste Disposal
Cable
Environmental Hazards Element
This Element describes the hazards of the physical
environment, including man-made hazardous
conditions and toxic materials. The Environmental
Hazards chapter of the General Plan includes the
following sections:
•
•
.
•
•
Hazardous and Toxic Materials
Emergency Preparedness
Geologic and Seismic Hazards
Flooding and Hydrology
Noise
Cultural Resources Element
The Cultural Resources Element addresses issues
related to archaeological and historic resources in
the City, its sphere of influence, Planning Area No.
1 and Planning Area No. 2. The Element provides
extensive policies and programs to guide the City's
implementation of the protection of these resources.
Using The General Plan
The General Plan is the foundation upon which all
land use decisions are to be based. The Plan is a
comprehensive information and planning guide
established by State law to provide a framework for
making informed decisions about the future of the
community. The General Plan MEA and Policy
Document, and supporting environmental
documentation provide the basis for a rational nexus
to support development, mitigation measure and
exactions.
All development proposals must be analyzed and
tested for consistency with the goals, policies, and
programs in every applicable element of the General
Plan. Specific Plans and the Development Code
must be consistent with the General Plan. This test
of General Plan compliance is also a required
criteria for determining significant impacts under the
6
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Administration Element
provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA).
Interpretation of the General Plan
When uncertainty exists regarding the location of
boundaries of any land use category, proposed
public facility symbol, circulation alignment, or
other symbol or line found on the General Plan
maps, the following procedures will be used to
resolve the issue:
Boundaries shown in the General Plan and on
official maps as approximately following the limits
of any municipal corporation are to be construed as
following these limits. Boundaries shown as
following or approximately following section lines,
and half or quarter section lines, shall be construed
as following such lines.
Boundaries shown as following or approximately
following the centerline of streams, creeks, rivers, or
other continuously or intermittently flowing streams
or creeks are to be construed as following the
channel centerline of these water courses taken at
mean low water, and, in the event of natural change
in the location of such streams or other water
courses, the zone boundary is to be construed as
moving with the channel centerline.
Where a land use category applied to a parcel is not
mapped to include an adjacent street or alley, the
category shall be considered to extend to the
centerline of the right of way. Boundaries shown as
separated from, parallel, or approximately parallel to
any of the features listed above shall be construed to
be parallel to such features and at such distances
therefrom as are shown on the map. Symbols that
indicate appropriate locations for proposed public
facilities are not property specific. They indicate
only the general area within which a specific facility
should be established.
CEQA Review of Consistency
State CEQA Guidelines require that an initial study
include "an examination of whether the project is
compatible with existing zoning and plans." The
State CEQA Guidelines further stipulate that, "A
project will normally have a significant effect on the
environment if it will conflict with adopted
environmental plans and goals of the community
where it is located." If a determination is made by
the Planning Commission or the City Council that
the proposed action is inconsistent with the General
Plan, no further action shall be taken without the
completion and processing of an EIR or other
detailed analysis which would support a finding of
overriding consideration.
Zoning Consistency
California State law also mandates that the City's
Development Code be consistent with the General
Plan. In the event that the Development Code
becomes inconsistent with the General Plan by
reason of a General Plan Amendment, the
Development Code must be amended within a
reasonable time so that it is made consistent with the
General Plan, as amended. The Development Code
cannot be amended if it causes an inconsistency
with the General Plan.
Amending The General Plan
The General Plan is a multi -faceted document,
which defines and addresses the changing needs of
the community. It is also based on an on -going
assessment and understanding of existing and
projected community needs. To assure that the
General Plan is kept current, short-term programs
and policies may be reviewed annually to reflect
compatibility with budgetary priorities and related
program status. Long-term programs and
implementation measures must also be given
consideration to assure timely funding and
development of critical infrastructure and public
services and facilities.
The City Council or any citizen may initiate a
General Plan Amendment. It is up to the local
jurisdiction to establish an amendment schedule.
Application Procedures
Applications for the amendment of the General Plan
and the appropriate fees are filed with the City
Community Development Department. An
amendment to the General Plan constitutes a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), and therefore is evaluated for its
environmental effects and consistency with other
elements of the General Plan. Final approval of
General Plan amendments is the responsibility of
the City Council.
7
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Administration Element
Annual Review
California Government Code requires that the
planning agency "render an annual report to the
legislative body (City Council) on the status of the
Plan and the progress in its implementation"
(Section 65400(b)). State law further requires that
the Housing Element be reviewed and updated at
least once every five (5) years.
Exemptions
The State Legislature has recognized that occasions
arise which require the local jurisdiction to have
some flexibility in amending the General Plan. As
set forth in the California Government Code, the
following are exempt from the General Plan
amendment schedule:
(1) Amendments requested and determined
necessary for the development of a residential
project, of which at least twenty-five percent (25%)
of its units will be available to persons of low or
moderate income (Sections 65361(b) & 65358 (d)).
(2) Any amendment necessary to comply with a
court decision in a case involving the legal adequacy
of the General Plan (Sections 65361 and 65358 (d)
(1)).
Specific Plans
A Specific Plan plays an important role as a refined
version of the General Plan and Development Code,
applicable to a specific parcel of land or area of the
community. Specific Plans provide detailed design
and analysis, and indicate precise land use locations
and designs. Specific Plans contain text, exhibits,
and diagrams indicating the distribution, location,
and intensity of proposed land uses and the
necessary public and private urban support systems,
including streets, utilities and drainage facilities.
Specific Plans provide an opportunity to utilize
creative and non-traditional techniques for
development. The City encourages the preparation
of Specific Plans which result in innovative projects,
either on a single property, or across several parcels.
Specific Plans also define the standards and criteria
by which development and, where applicable,
conservation will proceed on the property. It must
also be consistent with all facets of the General Plan
and in turn, zoning, subdivision, and public works
projects must be consistent with an existing Specific
Plan (Government Code Section 65455).
Specific Plans are prepared, adopted and amended
in the same manner as a General Plan, may be
adopted by resolution or ordinance, and may be
amended as often as deemed necessary by the City
Council.
In areas where the Specific Plan encompasses more
than one property, the plan must be completed and
adopted prior to development on any affected
property.
Capital Facilities
California incorporated towns, charter cities and
counties are to "annually review the capital
improvement program of the city or county and the
local public works projects of other local agencies
for their consistency with the General Plan." Also,
pursuant to Government Code Section 65401, all
departments within the City and all other local
government agencies must submit a list of proposed
projects to the City. The City is responsible for
reviewing these projects for conformity with the
General Plan.
Implementation of the General Plan
California Government Code Section 65103(c)
requires that local jurisdictions implement the
General Plan once it has been adopted. The La
Quinta General Plan relies on programs as well as
the related mitigation measures and monitoring
programs set forth in the General Plan Program
EIR, to serve as implementation measures. The City
Development Code also plays a critical role in
implementing the goals and policies of the Plan, and
Specific Plans provide detailed implementation
programs for specific portions of the General Plan
area.
Implementation Through the
Development Code
The Development Code is an exercise of police
powers granted to the City by the State, and is the
primary tool for implementing the General Plan.
The Development Code regulates land use by
distinct development zones and permitted uses. Text,
maps, diagrams and other materials describe the
distribution and intensity of land uses in all land use
designations. Minimum development standards for
8
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Administration Element
each of the zones are also included, in a manner
consistent with the General Plan. Permitting
processes set forth in the Development Code,
including Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Site
Development Permits and other land use permitting
also implement the General Plan. The
implementation of the General Plan is further
regulated by Government Code Sections 65800 et.
seq.
Implementation Through the
Subdivision Ordinance
Like Development Codes, subdivision regulation is
also an exercise of police powers and a principal
instrument for implementing the General Plan.
Establishing state-wide uniformity in local
subdivision procedures, the State Subdivision Map
Act (Government Code Sections 66410 et seq.)
leaves the standards for regulating the design and
improvement of subdivision to local government.
The broadest authority for regulating subdivisions
lies in Government Code Sections.66473.5, 66474,
66474.60, and 66474.61, requiring findings that,
among other things, the subdivision is consistent
with the City General Plan and any applicable
Specific Plan.
Development Agreements
State law provides for the adoption of development
agreements between a project proponent and the
City, in accordance with Government Code Section
65865 et seq. The purpose of development
agreements is to provide developers with additional
assurances that development approvals will not be
nullified by some future local policy or regulation
change. In exchange, the developer may be required
to meet certain conditions or performance criteria
which become part of the agreement.
As set forth in Government Code Section 65866, the
City, unless otherwise provided by the development
agreement, is not prevented from applying new
rules, regulations, and policies which do not conflict
with those rules, regulations, and policies applicable
to that property. Neither is the City prevented from
denying or conditionally approving any subsequent
development project application on the basis of such
existing or new rules, regulations or policies.
ADMINISTRATION GOAL, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
GOAL
Comprehensive administration and implementation
of all elements of the General Plan through
consistent and effective policies and programs.
Policy 1
The City shall provide for the periodic revision and
updating of the General Plan and ensure that
associated City ordinances are maintained in
conformance with the General Plan.
Program 1.1: The City Council shall, through the
public hearing process, receive an annual report
from the Planning Commission on the status of the
General Plan.
Program 1.2: The City shall comprehensively
review and amend, as necessary, the Development
Code and Subdivision Ordinance to maintain
consistency with the General Plan.
Policy 2
Maintain a cooperative planning process with
Riverside County, Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert,
Coachella, native american tribes, the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments and other public
agencies assuring an effective advisory role
regarding development and land use planning issues
proposed within or in close proximity to the City's
Sphere -of -Influence.
Policy 3
The City shall assure that properly filed
development applications shall be processed in an
expeditious and timely manner.
Policy 4
The City shall utilize master plans to address the
City's recreation, drainage/flood control,
infrastructure, traffic control, and other facility needs
Program 4.1: The City shall maintain master
facility plans and master plans for open space areas
owned by the City, to establish need and availability
of funding for additional public services and
facilities, and open space.
9
Adopted March 20, 2002
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Land Use Element
Chapter 2
LAND USE ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta is "The Gem of the Desert." The City
and its residents insist upon high quality, balanced
development which continues to enhance the
dramatic natural beauty of the desert and mountains
which surround it. Development in the future will
balance fiscal integrity with the preservation of the
City' s quality of life.
PURPOSE
The preparation of a comprehensive General Plan
which governs the land uses and future development
of the City considers all aspects of the built and
natural environment. The Land Use Element is
critical to the continued growth and stability of the
City, including its residents' quality of life,
economic health and the health of its environment.
Government Code Section 65300 requires every city
and county to prepare and adopt "a comprehensive,
long-term general plan for the physical
development" of the community. The General Plan
must also include a land use element that designates
lands for housing, business, industry, open space,
and other uses (Government Code Sections
65302(a) and 65303). The Land Use Element is the
key to a successful and effective General Plan, and
must support all other elements.
The Circulation Element is most closely tied to the
Land Use Element, being affected by the viability of
the land use distribution pattern. The General Plan
Guidelines require that these two elements be
closely interrelated. The Housing Element is also
closely tied to the Land Use Element, depending on
adequate residential land use distributions to
support its implementation. The inclusion and
consideration of Environmental Hazards and
Conservation are both also critical for effective land
use planning.
The land use designations included in this Element
do not vary significantly from those in the City's
previous General Plan. New designations have been
developed and assigned to lands in the planning
areas for land uses which have not previously been
needed in the City, such as "Industrial," and
"Agricultural and Equestrian Overlay." Table 2.1
provides descriptions of the City's General Plan
land use designations, and Table 2.2 provides the
statistical summary of these land uses for the City,
its sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2.
Land Use categories within the planning areas and
outside the City generally parallel the land use
designation currently assigned by the County of
Riverside, except where low density residential
designations have been assigned for lands
designated primarily for agriculture by the County.
10
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
Table 2.1
City of La Quinta Draft General Plan
Proposed Land Use Designations
Land Use Designation (Density) Purpose of Land Use
Residential Land Uses
Very Low Density Residential, VLDR
(Up to 2 dwelling units per acre)
Low Density Residential, LDR
(Up to 4 dwelling units per acre)
Medium Density Residential, MDR
(Up to 8 dwelling units per acre)
Medium -High Density Residential, MHDR
(Up to 12 dwelling units per acre)
This designation provides for large lot single
family residential development at the southeastern
boundary of the City. The designation provides a
transition between agricultural lands and residential
uses. It encourages large lot subdivisions and
equestrian uses, allowing for a progression of land
uses.
This land use designation is the most prevalent in
the City, sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1
and Planning Area No. 2. It supports the
development of single family attached and detached
development, both in a country club setting and in
standard subdivisions. Equestrian uses may be
appropriate on larger lots. The clustering of smaller
housing units, including condominiums and
townhomes, may be appropriate in this designation,
with the provision of common area amenities and
open space, when governed by a Specific Plan.
This designation allows the development of single
family attached and detached units on smaller lots.
The Cove area of the City falls under this
designation. The clustering of smaller housing
units, including condominiums and townhomes,
may be appropriate in this designation, as may be
apartment and duplex units, with the provision of
common area amenities and open space, when
governed by a Specific Plan.
This designation is appropriate for both single and
multiple family dwelling units, including attached
and detached units on small lots, condominiums
and townhomes, and apartments. The clustering of
smaller housing units, including condominiums,
townhomes and apartments, is appropriate in this
designation, with the provision of common area
amenities and open space. Mobile home parks or
subdivisions with common area amenities and open
space may also be allowed under this designation,
with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
11
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
High Density Residential, HDR
(Up to 16 dwelling units per acre)
Agricultural and Equestrian Overlay
This designation allows for attached single and
multi -family dwellings. This designation is also
most suitable for planned communities and
affordable and senior housing where smaller units
and higher densities may be appropriate. Duplex
and multiplex development is the most common.
Mobile home parks or subdivisions with common
area amenities and open space may also be allowed
under this designation, with the approval of a
Conditional Use Permit .
This overlay has been applied to underlying
residential designations in Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2. It recognizes the importance
of the agricultural and equestrian community in this
part of the Coachella Valley, and demonstrates the
City's commitment to maintaining existing
agricultural and equestrian land uses. Any
agricultural and equestrian land use within this
overlay area shall be allowed to continue until such
time as the land owner chooses to develop.
Agricultural and equestrian land uses within this
overlay area are never to be considered non-
conforming land uses.
Commercial Land Uses
Mixed Regional Commercial (M/RC)
This land use designation supports major
commercial land uses. Parcels assigned this
designation in the future shall be 20 acres or more.
These land uses serve not only the City, but
neighboring jurisdictions as well. Land uses typical
of this designation include corporate offices, non -
laboratory research and development facilities,
major department and specialty stores,
supermarkets and drug stores, medical offices,
hospitals and clinics, hotels and motels, automobile
sales and commercial recreational and
entertainment facilities. Smaller commercial retail
facilities which support and are complementary to
the primary land uses in this category are also
permitted. These would include but not be limited
to restaurants, services and some automobile
service related land uses. High density residential
land uses with an affordable housing component
are permitted only if they are more than 600 feet
south of Highway 111. A Specific Plan is required
for all lands under this designation.
12
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
Community Commercial, CC
Neighborhood Commercial, NC
Commercial Park, CP
Office, 0
Resort Mixed Use, RMU
Tourist Commercial, TC
This designation provides for larger, community -
scale shopping centers on parcels ranging from 20
to 30 acres in size, along major arterial roadways.
These centers include large scale anchors as well as
a variety of retail outlets and restaurant and
entertainment uses to meet the needs of multiple
neighborhoods. Other typical land uses include
general merchandise, hardware, food and drug
stores, offices and personal services. Hotels and
motels may also be appropriate within this
designation.
This designation supports the development of
commercial land uses which serve the daily needs
of the adjacent neighborhood on parcels of 10 to
20 acres. Typical land uses include food and drug
stores, personal services, small restaurants, and
financial institutions. This designation generally
occurs at arterial and major arterial intersections.
The typical land uses under this designation are
office and light industrial: warehousing and
storage, office/warehouse combined uses, high
technology light manufacturing and automobile
repair.
This designation allows for the development of
professional and general offices, including
financial, medical and legal offices. Retail
commercial uses which support these offices may
also be appropriate under this designation, but shall
not be the principal use.
This land use designation is intended for projects
which propose a wide range of potential land uses.
A minimum of 20 acres is required for any project
in this land use designation. Single and multi-
family residential units, and condominium
development are permitted in this designation, as
are golf courses, and land uses permitted in the
Tourist Commercial designation. Timeshares,
recreational vehicle parks and resorts and mobile
home parks and subdivisions may be permitted
with a Specific Plan.
Uses allowed under this designation are limited to
resort hotels, tourist commercial and recreational
land uses, such as destination hotels, conference
centers and hotels, restaurants and ancillary retail
land uses. Time share projects may also be
appropriate under this designation with the
approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A Specific
Plan is required in the Tourist Commercial
designation.
13
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
Village Commercial, VC
The intent of this designation is to provide for hotel
and resort uses, and pedestrian oriented retail
stores, which help create a village atmosphere in the
traditional core of the City. Typical specialty land
uses include art galleries, restaurants and cafes,
hotels, apparel and jewelry stores and services.
Medium High Density and High Density
residential land uses may also be appropriate under
this designation.
Other Land Uses
Industrial/Light Manufacturing, I
Major Community Facilities, MC
Park, P
This land use designation is applied to lands in
Planning Area No. 2. It provides for business
parks and the development of non-polluting
industrial uses operating entirely in enclosed
buildings, and those requiring limited and screened
outdoor storage. Examples include clean
manufacturing operations, aircraft or airport related
uses, warehousing and distribution facilities,
mini -warehouse storage, and a variety of light
manufacturing businesses. Siting industrial lands
in close proximity to major regional highway and
railroad facilities is also desirable.
Preferred development includes master planned
business and industrial parks with integrated access
and internal circulation. Ancillary or related
commercial land uses may also be appropriate.
With the approval of a Conditional Use Permit,
more intense industrial uses with the potential to
generate substantial levels of noise smoke, dust,
glare, traffic vibration or other nuisance may also
be allowed. These uses would include the
manufacturing of durable goods such as
appliances, furniture, fabricated metal products, and
transportation equipment.
All projects proposed within this designation will
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts to
acceptable or insignificant levels and be compatible
with existing and planned land uses. A Specific
Plan is required under this designation.
This designation is applied to existing or planned
municipal, educational, non-profit and/or religious
organizations, or public service facilities. Typical
land uses within this designation include civic
centers and other governmental offices, fire
stations, schools, facilities for non-profit
organizations and utility substations.
This designation is applied to municipal and
regional park facilities.
14
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
Floating Park Designation, P In Planning Area No. 2, this floating designation is
not assigned to a specific parcel, but indicates that a
park or parks will be located in the general area in
the future.
Open Space, OS This designation applies to lands in public or
quasi -public ownership. The designation allows the
discretionary approval of trails, trailheads, and
similar facilities.
Hillside Overlay This overlay is applied to lands above the toe of
slope. The provisions of the Hillside Preservation
Ordinance shall apply.
Golf Course, G Public and private golf courses, and associated
ancillary facilities.
Watercourse/Flood Control, W Floodways and drainage channels.
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND USES
The City of La Quinta is typical of many Coachella
Valley cities in its land use distribution, consisting
primarily of low density residential lands, resort
residential lands, and open space areas. Table 2.2
provides a summary of land uses in the City.
The Table is followed by the General Plan Land
Use Map, Exhibit 2.1.
15
Adopted March 20, 2002
Table 2.2
Statistical Summary of Land Uses
City Limits
Total
Influence
Influence
P1
P1 Total
P2
P2 Total
Grand Total
General Plan Designations
Developed
Un-
developed
Developed
Un-
developed
Developed
Un-
developed
Developed
Un-
developed
VLDR Very Low Density up to 2
261.0
198.2
459.2
0.0
0.0
64.4
64.4
523.6
LDR Low Density up to 4 du/ac
3,202.5
3 096.9
6 299.4
549.5
286.5
836.0
2,447.2
551.2
2,998.4
5,213.6
846.8
6,060.3
16,194.1
MDR Medium Density up to 8 d
1,063.9
324.2
1,388.1
171.7
66.2
237.9
58.2
62.7
120.8
358.8
100.5
459.3
2,206.1
MHDR Medium -High Density ul
14.5
69.0
83.4
0.0
259.7
78.9
338.6
422.0
HDR High Density up to 16 dub
0.6
86.7
87.3
93.7
71.4
165.1
252.4
Total Residential Acreage
4,542.4
3,775.0
8,317.5
721.3
352.7
1 073.9
2,765.0
692.7
3,457.8
5,730.4
1,018.7
6,749.1
19,598.2
M/RC Mixed Commercial
87.9
309.0
397.0
4.5
4.5
0.0
69.3
14.3
83.6
485.0
CC Community Commercial
24.2
93.7
- 117.9
7.2
2.9
10.0
219.7
33.1
252.8
380.7
NC Neighborhood Commercial
61.8
50.8
112.5
47.2
2.5
49.7
162.2
CP Commercial Park
64.0
64.0
64.0
O Office
39.9
39.9
43.7
43.7
83.6
TC Tourist Commercial
206.2
145.3
351.5
351.5
VC Village Commercial
64.4
68.8
133.2
133.2
Total Commercial Acreage
444.5
771.5
1,216.0
4.5
0.0
4.5
54.4
5.3
59.7
332.7
47.3
380.1
1,660.2
I Industrial
319.7
60.6
380.3
380.3
MC Major Community Facilities
178.3
13.1
191.3
2.0
2.0
29.0
29.0
36.7
36.7
259.0
P Park Facilities
601.3
128.0
729.3
729.3
08 Open Space
1,246.2
4,258.7
5,505.0
44.5
44.5
496.2
149.4
645.6
6,195.1
G Golf Course Open Space
3,125.3
986.7
4 111.9
229.8
88.0
317.8
198.8
59.8
258.6
4,688.3
W Watercourse/Flood Control
Total Other Acreage
468.9
5,619.9
132.8
5,519.3
601.7
11,139.2
231.8
88.0
319.8
227.8
104.3
332.1
815.9
246.6
1,062.5
601.7
12,853.6
Grand Total
10,606.7
10,065.8
20,672.6
957.6
440.7
1,398.3
3,047.3
802.3
3,849.5
6,879.0
1,312.7
8,191.7
' 34,112.0
16
Adopted March 20, 2002
BLED WA NG
IIPI
,.2iiihfllll�u
all #101111111.11
11 ll11111IIJZIRIl1
I111#111114i111
111111fIi11111
11111111P5111
1I1lr11111 11
�7!1iIlnel�Il�Il
N 11111116lllila
t i now iilliflli
741/5 f1r.tli#Y
JI�Ir.: MYII 14 i,.::$d
IIUEIIr'
EXHIBIT 2.1
City of La Quinta
General Plan
LEGEND
Roads
- - - - Tow nslfip/Nargje Sections
City Limits
•` " Planning Area 81
• Plarring Area 12
• • •y Sphere of Inlirrnce
Residential land Uses
1 1 V1fI Very tow nemlty up in 2 dings:
I I LIM tow Density up to 4 drdu
l _ 1 MDR Medium Density up to 8 duhec
1 MHDR Mpsgunr•l-ligh Deruity upto12 duiac
• HEIR High Denelly Rs totfe drrac
F -, 7 1 HIIlddeOverlay
r X' i Agrieultu:elfquerbian Overlay
Commercial Land Lases
1E3= WIC Mixed/Regional Commercial
r—Aii CC Community Cornmer ial
I NC Neighborhood Commercial
1 i CP Commercial Park
r I o orrice
TC Toviat Commercial
C Village Cammarciai
Other lard Unas
l_ I frdutrial
1 - MC Major Community FacUlttes
Ilflffff O P Park Faciliteei
1 J OS Open Space
i '— I GGolf Course Open Space
ffffffffffll W Watcreours&Flood Cnrtttol
P Floating pant ttraaignation
Scale
1:72,000
1
ff.0
NORTH
0 4,000 8,000 12,000
Feet
Riverside County Vicinity Map
Or {•
S
Car q -V2,bdt
r-- �
4 •
`IL — );
—
Map Prepared on: June 19, 2002
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Map Version No.: 8
r 1
. A TERRANOVA°
yilbsmaSon
KID,-
General Plan/Land Use Element
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The Land Use Element provides a guide for the
City's future, based on current conditions. The
City's rapid growth, and changes in market
conditions will require that it reconsider land use
decisions and the contents of the Land Use Element
regularly. State law allows amendments to the
General Plan and its elements, including the Land
Use Map. As the City's needs change, it must
consider amendments to the Land Use Element and
map in order to take advantages of emerging
opportunities and meet the needs of its residents,
businesses and visitors.
The continued logical expansion of the community,
and the associated extension of services as this
expansion occurs, will continue to sustain the City's
growth.
The Highway 111 corridor continues to be a critical
commercial core. Other commercial nodes will
develop as the City's boundaries expand, but are not
likely to support the regional economy in the same
manner as Highway 111.
The City has traditionally utilized the planning tools
available in Specific Plans to encourage careful
siting and land use compatibility within a project.
This practice is continued in the goals, policies and
programs set forth below. The City has also utilized
planning review processes, including Site
Development Permits, to assure that good planning
practice is implemented in all land use proposals.
Buildout Dwelling Units and Population
There are approximately 13,131 existing dwelling
units in the General Plan planning area, including
12,141 in the City, 236 in the sphere -of -influence,
174 in Planning Area #1, and 580 in Planning Area
#2. The 2000 population is approximately 27,936
permanent residents, including 23,694 in the City,
692 in the sphere -of -influence, 839 in Planning
Area #1, and 2,711 in Planning Area #2.
The General Plan designates approximately 5,839
vacant acres for future residential development.
Buildout of the General Plan planning area could
result in the development of up ,to 47,031 new
dwelling units. This includes 13,195 new units in
the City, 1,257 in the sphere -of -influence, 11,764 in
Planning Area #1, and 21,113 in Planning Area #2.
These dwelling units would accommodate a total of
132,521 new residents, including 36,945 new
residents in the City, 3,519 in the sphere, 32,940 in
Planning Area #1, and 59,117 in Planning Area #2.
When future and existing conditions are combined,
General Plan buildout could result in a total of
60,460 dwelling units and 160,457 residents in the
General Planning area.
Table 2.3
Residential Buildout Conditions
in the Planning Area
Area
Buildout
Dwelling
Units*
Buildout
Population
City
Sphere
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
25,336
1,493
11,938
21,693
60,639
4,211
33,779
61,828
TOTAL 60,460 160,457
*Assumes 90% of land in agriculture redeveloped to single
family residential. Assumes future residential development occurs
at 75% of the maximum permitted densities.
Commercial Development Potential
The buildout of the General Plan would result in
approximately 15.9 million square feet of
commercial square footage. This includes
approximately 11.6 million square feet in the City,
573,075 in Planning Area #1, and 3.6 million in
Planning Area #2.
Industrial Development Potential
The Land Use Element allows industrial land uses in
Planning Area #2, primarily surrounding the Desert
Resorts Regional Airport. The buildout of the
General Plan would result in 5,632,395 square feet of
industrial space.
Open Space and Recreation
There are 12,214.4 acres of open space and
recreation lands in the planning area, including
10,947.9 in the City; 317.8 in the sphere -of -
influence; 303.1 in Planning Area #1; and 645.6 in
Planning Area #2.
18
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
LAND USE GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
The goals, policies and programs enumerated below
begin with those which affect all land uses. This is
followed by specific goals, policies and programs
for residential, commercial and other land use
categories.
GENERAL LAND USE GOALS, POLICIES &
PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Land use compatibility throughout the City, its
sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2.
GOAL 2
High quality development which promotes the
City's image as "The Gem of the Desert."
GOAL 3
Protection of our natural environment.
Policy 1
The City shall maintain a Land Use Map which
implements the goals and policies of the Land Use
Element and other elements of the General Plan.
Policy 2
The City Development Code and Map shall be
consistent with the General Plan land use
designations.
Program 2.1: The City shall maintain a
Development Code that corresponds to the
designations established in the Land Use Element,
and which guides and regulates development
consistent with the General Plan.
Program 2.2: The Development Code shall include
design standards in all zoning districts which assure
high quality development.
Policy 3
The City shall continue to utilize planning tools as
part of its overall economic development strategic
plan.
Policy 4
Specific Plans of Land Use shall be required under
the following circumstances:
• For all projects of 10 acres or more in the
Commercial Park, Industrial/Light
Manufacturing, Tourist Commercial, Resort
Mixed Use and Regional Commercial
designations, prior to any land divisions or
subdivisions.
• For all projects proposing the integration of go If
course, tourist commercial and residential uses.
• For all projects proposing flexible
development standards differing from the City' s
Development Code.
Program 4.1: The City shall maintain detailed
requirements for the preparation of Specific Plans in
its Development Code.
Program 4.2: For approved Specific Plans, the
Director of Community Development shall have the
ability to determine substantial conformance in a
Specific Plan, and waive the need for a Specific Plan
amendment under the following circumstances:
• When changes in the land use allocation within
the Specific Plan are less than 5%,
• When no new land use is proposed,
• When the off -site circulation pattern and turning
movements will not be altered by the p r o p o s e d
change.
Program 4.3: In areas where Specific Plans are
required, adjacent property owners shall be
encouraged to work together to create a single
Specific Plan which incorporates all properties within
a block or neighborhood.
Policy 5
All land use development proposals shall be
consistent with all applicable land use policies and
standards contained in the General Plan.
Policy 6
In -fill development shall be encouraged by placing
capital improvement projects in the developed areas
of the City as top priorities.
Policy 7
The City shall maintain standards and procedures in
its Development Code which define the requirements
for all development applications.
19
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
Policy 8
The City shall carefully consider sphere of influence
and subsequent annexations to accommodate
growth.
Program 8.1: All annexation applications by land
owners shall be accompanied by required
environmental and fiscal impact analyses to ensure
the orderly development of the City.
Program 8.2: The City shall undertake a
comprehensive community outreach program for
any City -initiated annexation effort, to encourage
and facilitate community participation in the
annexation process.
Policy 9
Agricultural and equestrian land uses are
encouraged.
Policy 10
The City shall maintain its "dark sky" ordinance.
RESIDENTIAL GOALS, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
The maintenance and protection of residential
neighborhoods to assure that future housing needs
are met.
GOAL 2
A broad range of housing types and choices for all
residents of the City.
Policy 1
The City shall encourage the preservation of
neighborhood character and assure a consistent and
compatible residential land use pattern.
Program 1.1: The City shall periodically review
land use designation definitions to assure that
changes in the community and marketplace are met.
Program 1.2: Apply the City's discretionary
powers and site development review process
consistently to assure that subdivision and
development plans are compatible with existing
residential areas.
Policy 2
Encourage compatible development adjacent to
existing neighborhoods and infrastructure.
Program 2.1: The City will continue to use creative
planning techniques, including the merger of small
residential lots in the Cove, to encourage
development in existing neighborhoods.
Policy 3
The City shall discourage scattered development of
residential subdivisions by requiring necessary
improvement/extension of intervening roadways and
infrastructure to serve new development.
Policy 4
Density transfers may occur in Specific Plans when
common area amenities and open space are provided.
Program 4.1: The Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance shall include standards for density
transfers, with the provision of common areas and
amenities.
Policy 5
The City shall maintain residential development
standards including setbacks, height, pad elevations
and other design and performance standards which
assure a high quality of development.
Program 5.1: The Development Code shall include
development standards and design guidelines for
each residential zoning designation.
Policy 6
The City will use development incentives to achieve a
mix of housing, including affordable housing.
Program 6.1: The City shall monitor the progress
made to achieve its Housing Element mandated goals
for the provision of housing, and shall consider
amendments to the General Plan when necessary to
help achieve those goals.
Policy 7
The City shall establish an Agricultural and
Equestrian Residential district in the Development
Code.
Program 7.1: The Development Code shall be
amended to include permitted and conditionally
permitted land uses and development standards in the
Agricultural and Equestrian Residential zone.
20
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
COMMERCIAL GOALS, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
A balanced and varied economic base which
provides a broad range of goods and services to the
City's residents and the region.
GOAL 2
The continued growth of the tourism and resort
industries in the City.
Policy 1
The City's commercial land use designations shall
allow a full range of retail, office, resort and
institutional businesses in the City.
Program 1.1: The Land Use Map shall be reviewed
regularly to assure that sufficient lands are
designated for commercial uses which support the
needs of the community and surrounding areas.
Program 1.2: The City will encourage an
integration of a wide range of support services at
employment centers, including child care,
occupational health, fitness facilities and
convenience retail shops.
Program 1.3: The City will maintain economic and
demographic statistical data and make this data
available to the development community and other
interested parties.
Policy 2
The City shall maintain commercial development
standards including set backs, height, pad elevations
and other design and performance standards which
assure a high quality of development.
Program 2.1: Residential development shall not be
permitted within 600 feet of Highway 111 in the
Regional Commercial designation, except as allowed
in the non-residential overlay in the Development
Code.
Policy 3
Strip commercial development will be discouraged.
The Development Code shall establish and maintain
minimum lot depth standards in all commercial
zones.
Policy 4
The City will continue to support and encourage the
development of resort hotels as a key component of
its economic base.
Program 4.1: The City's Development Code will
provide standards for a broad range of tourist
commercial land uses, including mid -sized
conference hotels, resort hotels, time share units, inns
and bed and breakfasts.
INDUSTRIAL/LIGHT MANUFACTURING
GOALS, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Lands that provide for the development of
non-polluting, clean industrial development that
broadens the economic/employment base of the City.
GOAL 2
Expanded airport services which enhance the City's
available services, agriculture and access to tourism
markets.
Policy 1
The City shall support the development of a broad
range of non-polluting, carefully planned industrial
uses.
Program 1.1: The Development Code shall be
amended to include provisions for industrial
development, including development standards,
permitted and conditionally permitted land uses.
Policy 2
Industrial lands shall be located along major
transportation corridors, and in areas that maximize
all available infrastructure.
Policy 3
The City shall encourage the development of
vocational and technical programs in the educational
system, in order to help the industrial sector find
qualified local employees.
Policy 4
The City shall consider the airport Master Plan in all
development proposals adjacent to the Desert
Resorts Regional Airport.
21
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Land Use Element
Program 4.1: Standards for development adjacent
to airports shall be developed which maximize the
need for public safety.
OTHER LAND USE GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Major community facilities which efficiently serve
the community and are compatible with surrounding
land uses.
GOAL 2
The preservation of open space and recreational
resources as a means of preserving and enhancing
the quality of life and economic base of the City.
Policy 1
Planning for all major community facilities shall
carefully consider the potential impacts to adjacent
development, particularly residential development.
Program 1.1: The Development Code shall
maintain standards for municipal facilities, utility
substations, schools and similar public facilities.
Policy 2
Public utility providers shall be subject to the same
standards as the development community.
Policy 3
The City shall participate in efforts to preserve and
protect sensitive resources throughout the City, its
sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2.
Program 3.1: The City shall maintain and enforce
its Hillside Preservation Ordinance.
Program 3.2: The City shall amend the Land Use
Map as necessary to ensure the preservation of
sensitive resources through the designation of land
as open space.
Program 3.3: The City shall encourage the use of
native landscaping and "links" golf courses which
preserve natural open space areas.
Policy 4
The City shall continue to include park facilities
planning in neighborhood planning efforts.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to utilize the
standards allowed in the Quimby Act to charge park
fees and allow for park development.
Program 4.2: The City shall develop a program
which allows for Park Fee credits for projects which
include public golf courses or other active
recreational amenities. Retention areas shall be
considered for partial credit of Park Fees.
Program 4.3: The City shall incorporate park
planning into annexation studies and annexation
community outreach efforts.
22
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Chapter 3
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta strives to continue to improve its
roadways to keep pace with development through
technological and system enhancements. The City
also encourages the maintenance and improvement
of pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle and golf cart routes
which link neighborhoods to retail and job centers.
PURPOSE
As one of the fastest growing communities in
California, La Quinta and the Coachella Valley, the
level of vehicular traffic has steadily increased, and
challenges the City to balance the character and
qualities of a destination resort community with the
accessibility needs of the community's residents
and visitors. Balancing these two potentially
conflicting goals requires careful planning of the
local and intercity roadway networks.
The potential for delays and the risk of traffic
accidents increases as the City's road system nears
its capacity for handling traffic in a safe and
efficient manner. The General Plan Circulation
Element has been developed in order to preserve the
City's unique character and quality of life, while
providing the safest and most efficient roadway
system possible.
The Circulation Element examines the City's
current road system and operating conditions, and
analyses future traffic impacts due to growth
projected for the City and region. The Circulation
Element and associated technical analysis provide an
efficient, cost-effective and comprehensive
transportation management strategy consistent with
regional plans, local needs to maintain and improve
mobility, and in a manner consistent with the goals,
quality and character of the community.
The Circulation Element also serves as a
comprehensive transportation management strategy,
which is based upon an analysis of existing
conditions within the City and future development,
as set forth by the General Plan Land Use Map (see
Land Use Element). Regional traffic growth has
also been considered, and has been based upon
statistical trends, an assessment of long-term
regional growth potential and the regional
transportation model, CVATS, prepared by the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG).
A variety of data were used to quantify and
characterize existing traffic volumes and conditions
along roadway links and at major intersections. In
addition to traffic counts collected by the City,
CVAG and CalTrans, additional sets of data were
collected from project -specific studies and other
sources to gauge existing conditions and provide a
sound basis for projecting future traffic volumes.
These various data are from the period of 1990
through 1999 and include mid -block roadway
segments, as well as counts of intersection turning
movements. Detailed information on the City's
circulation system is available in both the General
Plan Master Environmental Assessment, and
General Plan Environmental Impact Report.
Acceptable Levels -of -Service
An essential goal of the Circulation Element is to
establish and maintain acceptable levels of service
on all community roadways. LOS C has long been
considered the desirable and optimal level of traffic
volume on any given roadway, however, it represents
a standard that is progressively more difficult and
costly to achieve in urban areas. For peak operating
periods, LOS D and/or a maximum volume to
capacity ratio of 0.90 is now considered the
generally acceptable service level. Buildout of the
City General Plan is not expected to result in any
intersections operating at levels worse than LOS D.
In those temporary periods where a V/C ratio of 1.0
or worse exists along certain roadway segments,
every measure to improve operating conditions shall
be pursued.
23
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Average Daily Traffic Volumes
Average Daily Traffic Volumes (ADT) for the
current period for the General Plan designated
roadways inside the boundaries of the City, sphere
of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning
Area No. 2, as well as regionally, are listed in Table
3.1 and are graphically presented in Exhibit 3.1.
ADT is a useful "benchmark" number for
determining various roadway configurations and
design aspects.
24
Adopted March 20, 2002
COUNTRY
cluifEr
HOVLEY LN,
FRED
WARING DR.
s
EISENHOWER
DR.
REFER
TO
INSET A
'•�' cv
3.9
AVE. 50
7.8
f{
B$
/ AVENIDA
BERMUDAS
LEGEND'
a-
AVe_ 46
5.9 A
ai
4.8
MILS AVE.
3.7
AVE. S4
0.6
A1PORT
AVE. 50
(0.4 0.8
AVE. 00
0.z
10.0 = VEHICLES PER DAY (1000'S)
0
3.7
0.8
BLVD.
0.3
L AVE. 02
1.1
AUTO
CENTER
DR.
AVE. 04
AVE 06
9
DILLON
RD.
VISTA DEL SUR
INSET A
x/Q WESTWARD
HO DR.
I
TERRA NOVA ®
Planning & Research, Inc.
City of La Quinta
General Plan
Year 2000
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Volumes
Exhibit
3.1
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Table 3.1
General Plan Road Analysis
Roadway Link
1998 1998 Buildout Buildout Buildout
ADT V/C General Plan ADT V/C Ratio
Ratio Designation
Highway 111
E. Of Washington Street 23,300 N/A Major 61,288 1.08
W. Of Washington Street 25,501 N/A Augmented Major 62,214 0.82
Adams to Dune Palms Road 25,000 N/A Major 40,684 0.71
Dune Palms to Jefferson 25,000 N/A Major 48,510 0.85
Washington Street
I-10 to Country Club 23,390 N/A Augmented Major 75,838 1.00
Country Club to Ave. 42 20,771 N/A Major 52,745 0.93
Ave. 42 to Fred Waring Dr. 26,079 N/A Major 54,929 0.96
Fred Waring to Miles Ave. 25,488 N/A Major 68,392 1.20
Miles Ave. To Hwy. 111 24,897 N/A Major 65,518 1.15
Hwy 111 to Ave. 48 28,094 N/A Augmented Major 67,202 0.88
Ave. 48 to Eisenhower Dr. 22,744 N/A Augmented Major 62,551 0.82
Eisenhower to Ave. 50 17,392 N/A Major 53,233 0.93
Jefferson Street
Country Club to Fred Waring 12,195 N/A Major 37,650 0.66
Ave. 48 to Ave. 50 11,197 N/A Major 47,324 0.83
Ave. 52 to Ave. 54 9,421 N/A Major 47,199 0.83
Madison Street
Hwy 111 to Ave. 48 6,664 N/A Primary 35,802 0.94
Ave. 48 to Ave. 50 3,564 N/A Primary 33,778 0.89
Ave. 50 to Ave. 52 464 N/A Primary 28,211 0.74
Country Club Drive
Oasis Club to Washington 17,741 N/A Primary 39,238 1.03
Ave. 42 to Jefferson St. N/A N/A Primary 32,979 0.87
Fred Waring Drive
Oasis Club to Washington 20,876 N/A Major 58,172 1.02
Washington to Adams 17,651 -- Primary 32,566 0.86
Adams to Dune Palms 15,087 -- Primary 32,914 0.87
Dune Palms to Jefferson 15,087 N/A Primary 31,198 0.82
26
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Miles Avenue
Hwy. 111 to Washington 3,800 N/A Primary 11,012 0.29
Washington to Adams 4,745 N/A Primary 18,633 0.49
Avenue 48
Washington to Adams 2,066 N/A Primary 11,972 0.32
Adams to Dune Palms 5,018 N/A Primary 26,262 0.69
Dune Palms to Jefferson 5,018 N/A Primary 35,778 0.94
Van Buren to Hwy. 111 5,964 N/A Primary 35,140 0.92
Avenue 50
Eisenhower Dr. To Washington 1,910 N/A Primary 29,360 0.77
Washington to Jefferson 7,837 N/A Primary 27,198 0.72
N/A = data not available
27
Adopted March 20, 2002
Augmented Major - State Highway
8'-12'
8'
11'
11'
11'
12'
136'-144'
14'
12'
(Eight Lanes divided, w/breakdown lane)
Major Arterial - State Highway
140'
11'
11'
11'
R'
8'-12'
11
12'
8'
12'
12'
14'
24'
14'
12'
12'
R'
12'
(Six Lanes divided, w/ bike lane)
City of La Quinta
L A TBRRA NOVA General Plan
Planning & Research, Inc. Street Cross Sections - State Highways
Exhibit
3.2
Augmented Major - City Street
132'
12'
11'
11'
11'
12'
14'
12'
11'
11'
13'
12'
11
(Eight Lanes divided, no parking)
Mai or Arterial - City Street , �n
9'
8'
11'
12'
13'
14'
131
12'
11'
8'
9'
Primary Arterial - A
1X Lanes aivlaea, w/rnKe lane
110'
12'
8'
13'
13'
18'
13'
13'
8'
12'
l
Primary Arterial - B
(Four Lanes divided, w/bike lane)
12'
7'
12'
13'
12'
13'
12'
7'
12'
(Four Lanes divided, w/bike lane)
Secondary Arterial 88'
12'
14'
12'
12'
12'
14'
12'
a
Collector
11'
8'
(Four Lanes undivided, no parking)
74
12' 12' 12'
(Two Lanes undivided, w/bike lane)
Local BO'
12'
181
18'
(Two Lanes w/parking)
Cul de Sac 50'
11'
12'
7'
18'
18' 7'
(Two Lanes w/parking)
r
6 A TERRA NOVA
Planning & Research, Inc.
City of La Quinta
General Plan
Street Cross Sections - City Streets
Exhibit
3.3
Augmented Major at Dual Left Intersections - State Highway
163'
77'6"
85'6"
12'
8'
11'
11'
11'
12'
4'
ars. 26„
11'
ll'*
11'
11'
11'
4'
12'
12'
(Eight Lanes divided, w/breakdown lane)
*Through lane adjacent to turn lane is reduced 1 foot, but returns to standard width on far side of intersection adjacent to
median nose.
Augmented Major at Dual Left Intersections - City Street
143'-151'
671-71'
76'-80'
8'-12'
13'
11'
11'
12'
3'
9' 2'
11'
11'
11'*
(Eight Lanes divided, no parking)
*Through lane adjacent to turn lane is reduced 1 foot, but returns to standard width on far side of intersection adjacent to
median nose.
11'
11'
11'
11'
8'-12'
Major Arterial at Dual Left Intersections - State Highway
142'
12'
8'
12'
12'
14'
4"
12'
12'
12'*
(Eight Lanes divided, no parking)
*Through lane adjacent to turn lane is reduced 2 foot, but returns to standard width on far side of intersection adjacent
to median nose.
Primary Arterial A at Dual Left Intersections - City Street
1dS
12'
12'
8'
12'
1
12'
8'
12
13'
3'
12'
12'
12'*
12'
8'
12'
* *
(Four Lanes divided, no parking)
*Through lane adjacent to turn lane is reduced 1 foot, but returns to standard width on far side of intersection adjacent to
median nose.
'1 4 4 h
Modified Secondary at Single Left Intersections - City Street
p88'
64'
C4rs II
Gall
12' ^° g 15' 15'
a ,Fl
(Two Lanes undivided, w/golf cart lane)
12'
F
A TERRA NOVA
Planning & Research, Inc.
City of La Quinta
General Plan
Street Cross Sections at Intersections
State Highways and City Streets
Exhibit
3.4
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT
As a direct result of the analysis conducted on
existing traffic and roadway conditions, and on
projections of future traffic resulting from General
Plan buildout, and buildout in the region, a roadway
classification system has been developed and
assigned to existing and future roads. This process
has also taken into consideration special issues of
concern and opportunities to enhance community
circulation. The following table lists these General
Plan roadways and also provides the following
information:
A. 1998 Average Daily Trips (ADT) and Volume
to Capacity Ratios
B. General Plan Roadway Designation.
C. General Plan Buildout Average Daily Trips and
Volume to Capacity ratios.
Intersections
The capacities of the various roadway segments
within the City, its sphere of influence, Planning
Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2 are defined by
a variety of variables, including the number of travel
lanes, the number of access points onto the roadway,
and the roadway geometry, i.e. is it divided or
undivided, the width of travel lanes, and other
constraints. However, the most constraining and
defining portions of the roadway network are
intersections, which are typically the ultimate
arbiters of capacity. Detailed analysis and
recommendations regarding intersection
improvements are generally outside the realm of the
General Plan, however, analysis of several key
intersections provides important perspective on the
constraints expected at these locations.
As part of the General Plan analysis, twenty
intersections were evaluated to establish the
projected average total delay per vehicle and the
anticipated levels of service for each intersection in
the AM and PM peak hours. Currently (2000), all
of these intersections are operating at acceptable
levels of service. As shown below, each of the
twenty intersections are projected to operate at LOS
D or better in the buildout (Post 2020) condition.
31
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Table 3.2
Intersection Analysis for the General Plan
Intersection
Average Delays
(Secs)
Traffic Control2 AM PM AM PM
Level of Service
Washington St. (NS)
at:
Country Club Dr. (EW) TS 48.7 49.4 D D
Hovley Ln. (EW) TS 34.9 51.2 C D
Fred Waring Dr. (EW) TS 49.5 46.8 D D
Miles Ave. (EW) TS 45.2 50.7 D D
SR-111 (EW) TS 41.3 48.6 D D
Eisenhower Dr. (EW) TS 49.6 51.0 D D
Ave. 50 (EW) TS 42.4 47.3 D D
Jefferson St. (NS) at:
Country Club Dr. (EW) TS 50.5 45.7 D D
Ave. 44 (EW) TS 30.6 49.5 C D
Miles Ave (EW) TS 27.2 43.7 C D
SR-111 (EW) TS 28.3 36.2 C D
Ave. 48 (EW) TS 46.7 44.1 D D
Ave. 50 (EW) TS 30.5 42.7 C D
Ave. 52 (EW) R
Madison St. (NS) at:
Ave. 50 (EW) TS 40.1 49.8 D D
Ave. 52 (EW) TS 38.5 45.2 D D
Jackson St. (NS) at:
Airport Blvd. (EW) TS 46.6 50.9 D D
Harrison St. (NS) at:
Airport Blvd. (EW) TS 39.8 38.6 D D
SR-111 (NS) at:
Airport Blvd. (EW) TS 45.9 49.0 D D
Ave. 62 (EW) TS 50.3 46.4 D D
1 Source: Dowling Associates, Traffix Version 7.10607 (1999).
2 TS=Traffic Signal, R=Roundabout
32
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
GENERAL PLAN ROADWAY
CLASSIFICATIONS
Each major roadway has been assigned a specific
design classification based upon existing and
projected traffic demands generated by buildout of
the General Plan. The need for and appropriateness
of each classification has been based upon modeled
future traffic volumes and overall community design
goals set, forth in the General Plan. Each of the
classifications corresponds with the street cross
sections illustrated in this element. Certain
refinements may be required when securing
right-of-way and constructing improvements at
specific locations.
The City has successfully implemented, within its
roadway classification standards, requirements for
medians on Major and Primary Arterials. Medians
provide an opportunity to improve capacity on these
roadways. The City will continue to develop 12 to
14 foot wide medians in street designs developed to
accommodate buildout of the General Plan.
The standards associated with each roadway
classification, including traffic control devices,
driveway separation and design speeds, are included
in the policies and programs below.
Golf Cart Transportation Program
As part of the overall evaluation and planning of the
City circulation system, the General Plan identifies
pathways along existing and future roadways
connecting residential, recreational, commercial and
other community amenities. As with on -street
bikepaths, cart path safety is of the utmost
importance. Expanded golf cart usage can provide
an enjoyable, convenient, economical and safe
alternative to automobile use. State law requires that
golf cart paths be limited to routes shown on an
adopted plan, which also provides minimum design
criteria, signage, and golf cart and operator
requirements.
A two-phase golf cart route implementation plan has
been developed for the General Plan (see General
Plan EIR Circulation Study Appendix). The initial
phase has a five-year time horizon and is meant to
benefit existing developments. Phase II provides a
longer term and more comprehensive route plan (see
exhibits below). -
Golf carts to be used on the public golf cart routes
must meet specific physical requirements set forth
in the City golf cart transportation program, must be
certified as "road ready" by the City and carry an
appropriate permit sticker. Golf cart operators must
carry a valid California Driver's license, have proof
of insurance, be equipped with seatbelts and
appropriate child safety equipment, and be properly
maintained.
Off-street (Class I) golf cart paths must be designed
to be shared with bicyclists and pedestrians and
should be a minimum of 12 feet in width. On -street
(Class II) cart paths should be a minimum of 8 feet
in width and appropriately striped. Designated Class
III routes should not require extensive modifications
to existing roadways, except for the installation of
appropriate signage.
Traffic Calming
The City encourages the use of traffic calming
devices within new subdivisions. The
implementation of such devices helps to maintain
low speeds, and promotes traffic safety in new
neighborhoods. New projects should consider such
design features as curvilinear streets, narrowed
intersections, stop signs on through -streets, when in
the design phase.
Pedestrian and Other Non -Motorized Issues
Pedestrian and other non -motorized circulation is
encouraged in the City wherever possible. The
provision of sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-
purpose trails is especially important along major
roadways in the community. While sidewalks have
been constructed in various parts of the City, their
design and construction has been inconsistent,
disjointed and unconnected. In future development,
pedestrian and other non -motorized transportation
safety and accommodation should be given
emphasis equal to that currently given to automobile
access.
33
Adopted March 20, 2002
)
I I1I 116-
Ik.;�.11■1 ilil
r�INN Wit
I! 111111111111W.
___ ___
City of
General
La
Quinta
Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
11111111 Railroads
City Limits
— — — —' Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 3.5
CITY ROADWAY
CLASSIFICATIONS
• Freeway Interchanges
Augmented Major (8D)
f Major Arterial (6D)
// N W Primary Arterial - A (4D)
v u V Primary Arterial - B (4D)
••- Secondary Arterial (4U)
•*-- Modified Secondary (2D)
-•tee— Collector (2U)
Source: City of La Quinta General Plan Update Traffic Study,
RKJK & Associates, Inc. September, 2000
Scale
1:72,000
Q
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside
County Vicinity Map
i r „
f5
L)
as
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
, I
L. A TERRANOVA.
add
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
idotoldw
Map Version No.: 6
City of
General
La
Quinta
Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
— — — — Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 3.6
IMAGE CORRIDORS
Image Corridor
■ Primary
Secondary
Image Corridor
,r
mil" Agrarian Image Corridor
• Primary Gateway Treatment
* Secondary Gateway Treatment
Source: City of La Quinta General Plan
June, 1992
Scale
1:72,000
N
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
-)
J
\:
P ., •4 latd n.
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Version No.: 6
L A TERRANOVA°
_ _ ' I�rmmhn
19.whag . sad, kmMap
CLASS I: OFF-STREET PATHWAY ACCOMMODATING TWO-WAY GOLF CART
TRAVEL SHARED WITH PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS.
PARKWAY I— GOLF CART PATHWAY
WIDTH VARIES
CLASS II: ON -STREET STRIPED LANE ACCOMMODATING ONE
WAY GOLF CART TRAVEL SHARED WITH BICYCLISTS.
1IIIIGill=f1111
MINIMUM WIDTH 12'
SIDEWALK
STRIPING GOLF CART LANE
MINIMUM WIDTH 8'
CLASS__I_I_I: ON -STREET ROUTE SHARED WITH AUTOMOBILE AND
BICYCLE TRAFFIC. CLASS III ROUTES ARE RESTRICTED
TO STREETS WITH SPEED LIMITS OF 25 M.P.H. OR LESS.
1
PARKWAY
SIDEWALK
PARKWAY
J TERRA NOVA ®
Planning & Research, Inc.
City of La Quinta
General Plan
Classification of Golf Cart Paths
Exhibit
3.7
= CHARGING LOCATION
!! = CLASS I PATHS
= CLASS II PATHS
■ ■ ■ = CLASS III PATHS
AVENIDA
MONTEZUMA
I
FRED WARING DR
d1
MILES AVE
111 LA QUINTA CENTRE
LA QUINTA DR.
•
LEGEND:
= CIVIC CENTER (CITY HALL, POST OFFICES, ETC.) •
= SHOPPING CENTER LOCATION •
= SCHOOL LOCATION . • • • •
•
b = GOLF COURSE LOCATION •
= PARKS AND RECREATION • AVENIDA
FERNANDO
4
AVE. 47
CORPORATE CENTRE DR
WESTWARD HO DR. f
# SR-111
II •! \ LA QUINTA CENTRE DR
AUTO CENTRE DR. WHITEWATER
RIVER
AVE. 48
0
EISENHOWE
l� f
WASHINGTON ST,
r1
AVE.50
CALLE
TAMPICO
■R■
••
AVE. 52
• • • •
JEFFERSON S
•
•
Z.
•
•
•
•
•
•-•••
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
AVE. 54
TERRA NOVA
Planning & Research, Inc.
City of La Quinta
General Plan
Phase I (2005) Golf Cart Routes
Exhibit
3.8
COUNTRY
CLUB OR
HOVLEY LN.
(,,WASHNGTON ST.
42ND AVE
HRED WARING
_DUNE
PALM
• ADAMS ST.
DR.\ — -
r
REI) WAR!
MILE
AVE
l.,
AVE, 47— •AVE. 48
of •Tc• WESTWARD
f
HO DR.
■
•
I • 11n • -
• R1
�• •••••••• 0
I EISENHOWE1 z
DR. •cn
I AVENIDA
BERMUDAS
1
LEGEND:
0
z I
AVE. 52
AVE 54
N
0
AUTO
CENTER
DR.
DILLION
RD.
VISTA DEL SUR
1
AIRPORT
BLVD,
co)
AVE. 58
AVE. 66
•
AI
ra. v
xI 1
11
AVE. 62
.15 331:13id
• = FREEWAY INTERCHANGE
=FREEWAY
- • - • - = U10UINTA GENERAL PLAN BOUNDARY
• • • = CLASS PATHS
= CLASS II PATHS
= CLASS III PATHS
MN ME
I
AVE. 64
AVE. 66
0
rn
rn
f 1
J TERRA NOVA
Planning & Research, Inc.
City of La Quinta
General Plan
Phase II (Buildout) Golf Cart Routes
Exhibit
3.9
City of
General
La
Quinta
Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
— — — —' Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 3.10
MULTI -PURPOSE TRAILS
Class I
Bicycle Trails
(Exclusive
Bicycle/Pedestrian Lane)
■ ■ ■ ■ Class II Bicycle Trails
(On Road Bicycle Lane)
Class III Bicycle Trails
(Shared Facilities)
Multi -Purpose Trails
,,..," w. D. Pedestrian/Hiking Trails
Scale
1:72,000
N
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside
County Vicinity Map
/4
1--.. 5
_
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
,
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
l A TERRANOVA°
, ®bn
Map Verdon No.: 6
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Based upon an analysis of the Post-2020 buildout
period, the Circulation Element sets forth specific
design classifications for the City's backbone
circulation network. The geometry assumed for
intersections can be accommodated based upon the
roadway classification system. A total of 15
roadway segments are projected to have potential
traffic volumes which exceed capacity (i.e. V/C
ratios of 1.0 or greater). Although a roadway
segment may be identified as exceeding the
allowable capacity, intersection improvements may
allow the endpoints of a segment to operate
acceptably. The modelling effort also makes certain
assumptions about access to network roadways, and
actual impacts to capacity from adjoining
development may be lessened by thoughtful site
planning, restricted access and conditions of
approval.
Therefore, the City shall continue to review and
monitor land use trends and their associated changes
in traffic volumes and patterns, and make periodic
adjustments in planning and program
implementation by utilizing roadway improvement
and maintenance management programs. This will
be accomplished by regularly monitoring traffic on
major roadways and by conducting ongoing
inventories of current traffic and circulation patterns.
Given the rate of growth in the community, this
should be done at a minimum of once every two
years. The City shall continue to coordinate with
State and regional agencies that have jurisdiction
over the state highways in or affecting the
community. Through the phased implementation of
the roadway cross -sections and identified
intersection geometries set forth in this Element, and
coordination with regional, state and federal
regulators, the City will work towards alleviating
current problems and avoid future system
inadequacies.
The development and implementation of
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
techniques should be as widely used as practical to
extend or preserve capacity of existing roadways.
These techniques may include efforts to encourage
car or van pooling, work flex -time and the continued
utilization and future expansion of public transit
services provided by Sunline Transit.
On -going planning and analysis of the City
circulation network will also suggest special
intersection designs that allow dedicated right turn
overlap signal phasing to provide free right turns
where appropriate, and other system enhancements
that provide cost effective solutions. Detailed
analysis is periodically undertaken for the
intersections identified in project -specific, City
monitoring and engineering studies, and the General
Plan to refine realignments and design engineering.
These on -going monitoring, analyses and design
procedures will help to assure availability of
necessary right-of-way for adequate long-term
Levels of Service.
Other transportation management techniques that
address specific issues of concern within the City of
La Quinta include limiting, and in some cases
restricting, access onto Highways 111, Washington
Street, Jefferson Street and other major roadways.
This can be accomplished by combining driveways,
installing raised center medians to restrict turning
movements, adding travel and turning lanes, and
minimizing the number of intersections. Finally, a
concerted effort by the City to balance local jobs
and housing, and encouraging mixed -use
development will minimize future traffic volumes in
the City. All of these measures are discussed in
detail in the General Plan Traffic Study and EIR.
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
A transportation and circulation network that
efficiently, safely and economically moves people,
vehicles, and goods using facilities that meet the
current demands and projected needs of the City,
while maintaining and protecting its residential
resort character.
Policy 1
Establish and maintain a master plan of roads,
which sets forth detailed improvement plans and
schedules for implementation, to assure minimal
levels of roadway segment and intersection opera-
tions at V/C ratio of 0.80 and LOS D, respectively.
Program 1.1: Initiate and complete a master plan of
roads, which includes targets for ultimate
rights -of -way and pavement width and provides a
schedule for securing right-of-way and constructing
40
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
improvements consistent with the projected needs
and standards set forth in the City Circulation
Element and Program EIR.
Program 1.2: Establish and maintain a roadway
pavement management program (PMP) that sets
forth timelines and schedules for the maintenance of
existing roads in the community. The program shall
establish funding levels for each fiscal year.
Policy 2
Coordinate and cooperate with CalTrans, CVAG,
Riverside County and adjoining cities to assure
preservation of capacity and maximized efficiency
along Washington Street, Jefferson Street, Highway
111 and other major roadways.
Program 2.1: Maintain a liaison with adjoining
cities, CalTrans, CVAG, Riverside County planning
and engineering staffs to study and implement
effective means of preserving and improving
capacity along Interstate-10 and its interchanges,
Washington Street, Jefferson Street, Highways 111
and other major roadways serving inter -city traffic.
Strategies shall include but are not limited to
synchronized signalization, consolidation of access
drives and restriction of access, construction of
additional travel and turning lanes, raised median
islands, and improvements to critical intersections.
Program 2.2: Review new and redeveloping
projects along Washington Street, Adams Street and
Highway 111 with the intent of limiting access and
aligning and/or consolidating access drives in a
manner which minimizes conflicting turning
movements and maximizes the use of existing and
planned signalized intersections.
Program 2.3: On Major Arterials, the minimum
intersection spacing shall be 2,600 feet in residential
areas, and may be 1,060 feet for commercial
frontage. Intersection spacing may be reduced to
500 feet at the Whitewater Channel and La Quinta
Evacuation Channel. The design speed shall be 60
miles per hour (mph). Left turn median cuts may be
authorized if turn pocket does not interfere with
other existing or planned left turn pockets. Right
in/right out access driveways shall exceed the
following minimum separation distances (in all
cases, distances shall be measured between the curb
returns):
-- more than 250 feet on the approach leg to a full
turn intersection;
- - more than 150 feet on the exit leg from a full turn
intersection;
- -more than 250 feet between driveways.
All access configurations shall be subject to City
Engineer review and approval.
Program 2.4: On Primary Arterials, the minimum
intersection spacing shall be 1,060 feet. The design
speed shall be 50 mph. Left turn median cuts may
be authorized if turn pocket does not interfere with
other existing or planned left turn pockets. Right
in/right out access driveways shall exceed the
following minimum separation distances (in all
cases, distances shall be measured between the curb
returns):
- - more than 250 feet on the approach leg to a full
turn intersection;
- - more than 150 feet on the exit leg from a full turn
intersection;
- -more than 250 feet between driveways.
All access configurations shall require City
Engineer review and approval.
Program 2.5: On Calle Tampico, between
Eisenhower Drive and Washington, and on
Eisenhower Drive, between Calle Tampico and
Avenida Bermudas, full turn intersections may be
permitted at a minimum distance of 500 feet, if the
intersection complies with the approved Corridor
Signal Plan.
Program 2.6: On Secondary Arterials, the
minimum intersection spacing shall be 600 feet. The
design speed shall be 40 mph. Full access to
adjoining property shall be avoided and when
necessary shall exceed the following minimum
separation distances (in all cases, distances shall be
measured between the curb returns):
- - more than 250 feet on the approach leg to a full
turn intersection;
- - more than 150 feet on the exit leg from a full turn
intersection;
- -more than 250 feet between driveways.
All access configurations shall be subject to City
Engineer review and approval.
41
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Program 2.7: On Collectors, the minimum
intersection spacing shall be 300 feet. The design
speed shall be 30 mph. Access driveways shall
exceed the following minimum separation distances
(in all cases, distances shall be measured between
the curb returns):
- - more than 250 feet on the approach leg to a full
turn intersection;
-- more than 150 feet on the exit leg from a full turn
intersection;
- -more than 250 feet between driveways.
All access configurations shall be subject to City
Engineer review and approval.
Program 2.8: On Local streets, the minimum
intersection spacing shall be 250 feet. The design
speed shall be 25 mph. All access configurations
shall be subject to City Engineer review and
approval.
Program 2.9: The City Engineer shall prepare, or
cause to be prepared, a Corridor Signal Plan for
Calle Tampico, between Eisenhower and
Washington, and for Eisenhower, between Calle
Tampico and Avenida Bermudas.
Program 2.10: Within subdivisions, private streets
may be designed to a width of 28 feet with restricted
parking, subject to City Engineer and Fire
Department approval.
Program 2.11: Standards for all City streets shall
be maintained in the Development Code. The
standards shall include, but not be limited to:
- - Streets with speed limits of 45 mph or more
should be painted in each lane, parallel to each
posted sign.
- - Left turn pockets should be 10 feet long for each
10 mph of speed limit
-- Dual left turn lanes should be 6 feet long for each
10 mph of speed limit
- - All traffic signals should be equipped with LED
lights as soon as possible.
- - Parking stall size and location should also be
regulated.
-- Landscaped parkway berming heights shall be
within definite parameters.
Program 2.12: The City Engineer shall establish
and maintain a traffic calming program which
details acceptable traffic calming devices or
concepts in residential neighborhoods.
Program 2.13: Confer and coordinate with
CalTrans in efforts to secure state and federal
funding sources for preservation and expansion of
capacity on Interstate-10, State Highway 111 and
other important City arterials.
Program 2.14: New streets which are extensions of
existing streets shall carry the same name for their
entire length.
Policy 3
Participate and represent the City' s interests in
circulation -related regional planning activities, and
encourage acceptance of City policies regarding
regional transportation issues.
Program 3.1: Establish and maintain a liaison with
CVAG, SCAG and CalTrans and proactively
represent City in transportation planning meetings
to assure that City policies, programs and strategies
are given priority consideration in resolving regional
transportation issues affecting the community.
Policy 4
Encourage expansion of ridership and the service
area of the public transit systems operated by the
Sunline Transit Authority within the City.
Program 4.1: Consult and coordinate with the
Sunline Transit Authority and assure vocal
representation on the Authority Board and its
decision making process.
Program 4.2: When reviewing development
proposals, consult and coordinate with the Sunline
Transit Authority and solicit comments and
suggestions on how bus stops and other public
transit facilities and design concepts, including
enhanced handicapped access, should be integrated
into project designs.
Program 4.3: When reviewing development
proposals, consult and coordinate with the Sunline
Transit Authority to encourage the development of
rideshare and other alternative, high occupancy
transit programs for employers with sufficient
numbers of employees.
42
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Program 4.4: Encourage and proactively support
the efforts of the Sunline Transit Authority in
organizing a Transportation Management
Organization (TMO) among employers to provide
an on -going information network, develop a
rideshare plan, and determine opportunities for
transit/shuttle operations.
Policy 5
As a means of reducing traffic associated with
work -related out -migration, make every reasonable
effort to enhance the City's jobs/housing balance.
Program 5.1: In order to locate jobs and housing
near each other to produce shorter work commutes,
make a concerted effort to increase City -based
employment; encourage mixed -use development
with a residential component contiguous with or
near to employment centers; facilitate use of the
City's home occupation ordinance; and encourage
major employers to evaluate tele-commuting
opportunities, either home -based or at local centers,
as well as part-time options for employees.
Program 5.2: To the extent practical, prepare a
rideshare plan for City employees to serve as an
example for area employers. This plan should
include meaningful incentives for employees to
walk, bike, or rideshare to complete their work
commutes.
Policy 6
Develop and encourage the use of continuous and
convenient bicycle routes and multi -use trails to
places of employment, recreation, shopping, schools,
and other high activity areas with potential for
increased bicycle, equestrian, golf cart and other
non -vehicular use.
Program 6.1 Prepare and adopt a master plan of
bicycle -ways, and multi -purpose trails, and develop
or require the development of secure bicycle and
golf cart storage facilities, horse staging facilities
and other support facilities which increase bicycle,
equestrian and golf cart use.
Program 6.2: The construction of bikeways shall
conform to the CalTrans manual "Planning and
Design Criteria for Bikeways in California."
Bikeways shall be a minimum of 6 feet in width.
Program 6.3: Sidewalks shall be provided on both
sides of all arterial and collector streets, except
where there is a multi -use trail on one side.
Program 6.4: Golf carts shall be permitted on
designated routes, as depicted in Exhibit 3.8 and
3.9, and on all public local streets. Specific street
crossings for golf carts from the cove onto
collectors and arterials shall be designated by the
City Engineer.
Policy 7
The City will continue to participate in the
assessment of the potential for development of
perimeter trails in the La Quinta area through the
Coachella Valley Trails and Bighorn Sheep
Working Group.
Policy 8
Coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District
and its consultants to assure the provision of
all-weather crossings along critical roadways.
Program 8.1: Consult and coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District, and cooperate in
the planning and development of all-weather
crossings as part of the community's Master
Drainage Plan and its implementation.
Policy 9 •
Facilitate the design and installation of a community
locational/directional sign program to efficiently
direct traffic to high use areas, including civic center,
parks, Desert Resorts Regional Airport, and other
facilities, without creating excessive signage.
Program 9.1: Provide clear public signage
directing traffic to the City's park and recreational
facilities, and all public facilities, including but not
limited to, libraries, hospitals, police and fire
stations, and civic centers.
Policy 10
Coordinate and cooperate with the Riverside County
Airport Commission (for the Desert Resorts
Regional Airport) and the Palm Springs Regional
Airport Authority to assure that these airports
continue to meet the City's existing and future
transportation, commercial and emergency response
needs.
Program 10.1: Proactively consult and coordinate
with the County in updating the Desert Resorts
Regional Airport Master Plan and encourage the
expansion of facilities to accommodate commercial
aircraft serving the eastern portions of the valley.
43
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Policy 11
Streets within planned residential areas shall be
installed and maintained as private streets, and shall
be developed in accordance with development
standards set forth in the Development Code and
other applicable standards and guidelines.
Program 11.1: Private streets will be designed to
meet the standards of the City's public street system
at the point where they connect with it, in order to
safely integrate into it.
Policy 12
Truck routes shall be designated and limited to
Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and Highway
111.
Policy 13
Continue to implement the Image Corridors in the
City, and identify new image corridors for streets
brought into the City through annexation.
Program 13.1: Primary Image Corridors shall
include: Washington Street, Jefferson Street,
Highway 111, Fred Waring Avenue, and
Eisenhower Drive from Avenue 50 to Washington
Street.
Program 13.2: Secondary Image Corridors shall
include: Miles Avenue, Dune Palms Road, south of
the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, Adams
Street, south of the Coachella Valley Stormwater
Channel, Avenues 48, 50 and 52, and Eisenhower
Drive, south of Calle Tampico to Avenida
Bermudas.
Program 13.3: Agrarian Image Corridors shall
include: Madison, Jackson and Harrison Streets, and
Avenues 54, 58, 62 and 66.
Program 13.4: Standards for all Image Corridors
shall be maintained in the Development Code.
Program 13.5: Image Corridor standards shall be
superseded by the Village Design Standards in that
land use designation.
Policy 14
In order to preserve the aesthetic values on the
City's streets, minimum landscape setbacks shall be
as follows:
Highway 111: 50 feet
Other Major Arterials & Primary Arterials: 20 feet
Secondary Arterials & Collector Streets: 10 feet
Policy 15
The City shall maintain building height limits along
Primary, Secondary and Agrarian Image Corridors
in its Development Code.
Policy 16
Cadiz, Barcelona and Amigo Streets, in the Village
area, shall be allowed to remain at a maximum 50
foot right-of-way.
Policy 17
The City Engineer shall review individual
development proposals located at critical
intersections, and shall have the authority to request
additional right of way if necessary.
44
Adopted March 20, 2002
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Open Space Element
Chapter 4
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta will conserve and expand its most
valuable assets, including wildlife habitat,
watersheds and agricultural and scenic resources,
and will protect the open spaces of the Coral Reef
and Santa Rosa Mountains which surround it.
aA "
By Steve Plone
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Open Space Element is to
establish the City's goals, policies and programs
relating to the preservation and management of open
space lands. Open space policies and programs are
designed to discourage the premature or
inappropriate conversion of open spaces to more
intense land uses. They are also intended to assure
the long-term viability of open spaces for continued
availability and possible production, and for
recreational and scenic enjoyment.
BACKGROUND
The Open Space Element addresses a broad range
of issues and is, therefore, directly and indirectly
related to many other General Plan elements,
including Land Use, Parks and Recreation,
Circulation, Environmental Hazards and
Environmental Conservation.
Government Code Section 65560(b) defines open
space as "any parcel or area of land or water which
is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open -
space use." These lands typically include rivers,
streams, managed agricultural lands, mineral
resources, parks and recreational lands, and lands
dedicated for the preservation of biological or other
natural resources.
Government Code Section 65302(d) requires that
General Plans include elements which address
resource conservation and designate lands for
preservation. Government Code Section 65566,
also referred to as the Open Space Lands Act,
requires local governments to prepare open space
plans before adopting open space zoning
ordinances. This helps to assure that open space
zoning regulations are consistent with open space
plans.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The undeveloped open spaces of the Santa Rosa and
Coral Reef Mountains provide valuable biological,
cultural and scenic resources to the City of La
Quinta. Agricultural and equestrian lands within
Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2 also
constitute valuable commodities that provide a link
to the region's cultural past.
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
an estimated 60,460 housing units in the City, its
sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2 (please see Master
Environmental Assessment, Land Use Chapter).
This level of development has the potential to
adversely impact and strain open space resources. In
response, the General Plan Land Use Plan has been
designed to provide a total of approximately 12,214
acres of open space lands. This includes about
6,195 acres of open space, 4,688 acres of golf
course open space, 729 acres of parks and
recreation facilities, and 602 acres of watercourse
and flood control facilities.
Thoughtful implementation of the General Plan,
Development Code and other regulatory
mechanisms will be required to assure the long-term
preservation of open spaces. The City can play an
important role in acquiring federal and state grants
and other funding mechanisms for the purchase of
conservation easements and/or fee simple land
ownership interests. The City also has the
opportunity to encourage residents and other
45
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Open Space Element
agencies to become involved in open space
preservation. On -going efforts between the City, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG), adjoining communities and private entities
are necessary for the continued conservation of
regional open space resources.
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT GOAL, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
Preservation, conservation and management of the
City's open space lands and scenic resources for
enhanced recreational, environmental and economic
purposes.
Policy 1
The City shall identify and map lands suitable for
preservation as passive and active open space.
Program 1.1: Lands suitable for preservation as
open space shall be designated on the General Plan
Land Use map.
Program 1.2: The City shall confer with adjoining
communities and other responsible agencies to
periodically review and update information on
regional open space, and to coordinate preservation
efforts.
Policy 2
Hillsides and alluvial fans with slopes exceeding 20
percent shall be preserved as open space.
Program 2.1: The City shall continue to implement
its Hillside Conservation Zone Ordinance to protect
visual, biological and other resources within
mountainous and sloped areas from impacts
associated with urban development.
Program 2.2: The City shall explore and utilize,
where appropriate, a variety of measures to preserve
privately owned properties within hillside and
alluvial fan areas.
Program 2.3: The City shall identify agencies and
property owners which hold fee simple title to
properties located in hillside and alluvial fan areas,
and should encourage agreements which assure that
such lands remain undeveloped in perpetuity.
Policy 3
In recognition of its agricultural history, the City
shall support the preservation of existing
agricultural lands whenever possible.
Program 3.1: In the event that agricultural lands are
developed into more intense land uses, elements of
the past agricultural use (such as date palm groves
and citrus orchards) shall be incorporated into on -
site open space areas, streetscapes and landscape
designs.
Policy 4
Unique and valuable biological resources shall be
preserved as open space, to the greatest extent
practical.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to participate
in the development of the Coachella Valley Multi -
Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CV MSHCP).
Program 4.2: Until formal adoption of the
Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan, the City shall continue to
support and implement the Coachella Valley Fringe -
Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan.
Program 4.3: The City shall review development
applications for currently vacant land to determine
whether the site shall be reviewed by a qualified
wildlife biologist to evaluate potential project -related
impacts to biological resources. Projects determined
to have potential impacts on important biological
resources shall incorporate adequate mitigation
measures to reduce the impacts to levels of
insignificance.
Policy 5
Where appropriate, geological hazard zones,
including but not limited to earthquake fault lines,
areas susceptible to liquefaction, floodways, and
unstable slopes shall be preserved as open space.
Program 5.1: The City shall identify and evaluate
potentially hazardous areas for consideration as
open space.
Policy 6
Develop a comprehensive multi -purpose trails
network to link open space areas.
46
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Open Space Element
Program 6.1: The City shall coordinate with, and
obtain approval from local utility providers and the
Coachella Valley Water District to use flood control
and utility easements as a trails network which links
open space and recreation areas.
Program 6.2: The City shall coordinate with
adjoining communities and other appropriate
agencies, and review applicable local, regional and
state trail maps to determine the feasibility of
developing regional trail connections.
Policy 7
The City shall encourage the preservation of open
space in privately owned development projects.
Program 7.1: Adopt and implement flexible
development standards, density incentives, and/or
other means to encourage the provision of open
space in new planned developments. Such
standards shall be incorporated into the City
Development Code and other appropriate regulatory
documents.
Policy 8
Watercourses, major flood control improvements
and canals which convey irrigation water shall be
preserved as open space.
Policy 9
The City shall encourage CVWD to landscape their
various existing, barren future well sites within La
Quinta.
47
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
Chapter 5
PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta will strive to provide recreational
opportunities of all kinds for all its residents.
PURPOSE
The Parks and Recreation Element establishes the
goals, policies, and programs which guide the
development of parks, trails, bikeways and other
recreational facilities throughout the City. Many of
the City's residents and visitors spend their leisure
time outdoors participating in recreational activities.
Providing passive and active recreation opportunities
is an important municipal service that reflects and
enhances the community's quality of life.
BACKGROUND
The Parks and Recreation Element has a direct
relationship with the Open Space and Environmental
Conservation Elements of the General Plan, in that
each of these elements seeks to conserve and
maintain the City's open space and natural
resources. The Parks and Recreation Element also
has connections to the Land Use Element. The land
use map identifies existing and proposed park sites,
trails, and recreational facilities and helps determine
the compatibility of adjacent land uses.
A number of California statutes address the
provision of community parks and recreational
amenities. Government Code Section 65560
requires that the General Plan include a discussion
of areas particularly suited for parks and
recreational purposes, including areas with links
between major recreation and open space
reservations and trails. Section 65561 states that the
preservation of park land is necessary not only for
the maintenance of the economy, but also for the
continued assurance of land for recreation and the
enjoyment of scenic beauty. The statutory
references for park land dedications are found in the
Subdivision Map Act. Specifically, Government
Code Sections 66477 and 66479 enable local
governments to require park site dedications, or fees
in lieu of dedication, as conditions of subdivision
and parcel map approval. Recreational land uses are
included in the description of land use elements in
Section 65302(a). Trail designations are also
required as part of Section 5076 of the Public
Resources Code.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
includes a comprehensive discussion and evaluation
of existing and proposed public park and recreation
facilities in the community.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the General Plan land use scenario is
expected to add approximately 132,521 residents,
resulting in a total buildout population of about
160,457 in the City, its sphere of influence, Planning
Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2 (see Master
Environmental Assessment, Land Use Chapter).
This population growth will increase the demand for
parks and recreation facilities. Quimby Act
standards can be used to determine the number of
neighborhood and community park acres needed to
adequately serve the buildout population. The
Quimby Act allows local governments to exact from
developers of residential subdivisions, the dedication
of parkland or in -lieu fees, or both, and establishes a
standard of 3.0 acres of parkland per 1,000
population. Applying this standard to the estimated
General Plan buildout population, a total of 481.3
acres of neighborhood and community parks will be
required to adequately serve the City (181.9 acres),
its sphere of influence (12.6 acres), Planning Area
No. 1 (101.3 acres) and Planning Area No. 2 (185.5
acres).
The City requires that on -site retention basins be
incorporated into new development projects to
manage project -generated runoff and 100-year
stormwaters. When properly designed, engineered,
and maintained, retention basins can potentially be
used as viable park and recreation sites. Careful
consideration must be given to a basin's design to
assure adequate and safe accessibility for visitors,
while still maintaining the basin's primary function
as a stormwater management facility.
48
Adopted March 20, 2002
Frances Hark La Qu
ni• Bair Creek
City of
General
La
Quinta
Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range
Sections
#1
#2
of Influence
Designation
Railroads
—
City Limits
— — —' Planning Area
Planning Area
City Sphere
P Floating Park
EXHIBIT 5.1
EXISTING AND
PROPOSED PARKS
IN THE PLANNING AREA
mit Existing Park & Recreation Facility
AProposed Park & Recreation Facility
Source: City of La Quints, 1999
Scale
1:72,000
Q
NORTH
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
Riverside County Vicinity Map
���,
��f
\•(fit.
•p„„,,.
fj{iJ
4, i
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Map Version No.: 6
r I
i• A TERRA^nr.
�� Pram.c
General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
GOALS, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
A comprehensive system of parks and recreation
facilities which integrates cultural resources into
parks and open space.
GOAL 2
Sufficient parkland and recreational facilities to meet
the active and passive recreational needs of all
residents and visitors.
GOAL 3
The utilization of existing natural and manmade
features to link park facilities, open space areas and
significant cultural resources.
Policy 1
The City shall strive to distribute parks and
recreation facilities in a manner that is convenient to
City neighborhoods and proportionally balanced
within population concentrations.
Program 1.1: City staff shall identify and prioritize
park development projects based upon need, land
availability and funding.
Program 1.2: Vehicular and pedestrian access,
noise and lighting impacts, public safety and
community input shall be considered when
determining the location and design of public parks.
Program 1.3: The City shall assure that dedicated
land and/or fees in lieu of dedication, which are
collected in association with the Quimby Act, are
used to rehabilitate or develop only those parks or
recreation facilities that bear a, reasonable
relationship to the inhabitants of the contributing
subdivision.
Policy 2
The City should strive to achieve a standard of at
least 3.0 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents.
Program 2.1: The City should ensure that a total
of 438 acres of improved and unimproved park land
is provided within the City or is located within the
service area of the City at full buildout.
Program 2.2: The City should budget for the
development and maintenance of additional parks to
meet the needs of its residents.
Program 2.3: The City should investigate and
utilize, to the greatest extent practical, the broad
range of financing mechanisms available for the
purchase, operation, and maintenance of new parks
and recreation facilities. Such mechanisms may
include, but are not limited to, the Quimby Act,
Development Impact Fees, Mello Roos special
districts, public/private ventures, state and federal
grant opportunities, and inter -agency joint use
agreements.
Program 2.4: The City should generally require
the payment of fees in lieu of park land dedication
in subdivisions containing 50 or less residential
parcels, and shall exempt residential subdivisions
containing less than five parcels from in -lieu fee
payment.
Program 2.5: The City should issue a credit for the
value of any improvements made to dedicated land
or existing park and recreational facilities against the
payment of fees or the dedication of land. The City
shall not issue a credit for private recreation
facilities.
Policy 3
The City should strive to provide affordable golfing
opportunities for its residents.
Program 3.1: The City should promote the
development of a municipal golf course to serve
local residents.
Program 3.2: City staff shall coordinate with local
private golf courses to establish a preferred green
fee rate structure for residents during off-peak
seasons of the year.
Policy 4
The City shall develop and implement plans for
linkages between open space areas, parks,
recreational facilities, and important cultural
resources.
Program 4.1: Where possible, the City shall
negotiate inter -agency agreements with the
Coachella Valley Water District and the Riverside
County Flood Control District to acquire public use
privileges that permit access to multi -use trail
corridors. Such corridors may include the Coachella
50
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
Valley Stormwater Channel, the La Quinta
Evacuation Channel, and other utility or drainage
easements.
Program 4.2: City staff shall participate in and
encourage regional trail planning efforts in
cooperation with other responsible agencies and
cities, including the County of Riverside, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments, and
the Coachella Valley Trails Council.
Program 4.3: The City shall review applicable state,
county and regional trail system maps to determine
the feasibility of integrating regional and community
trail routes.
Program 4.4: The City shall implement its Bicycle
Transportation Plan and strive to fully improve its
dedicated system of bikeways and trails (see Exhibit
3.10).
Policy 5
The City shall coordinate with the Coachella Valley
Unified School District and the Desert Sands
Unified School District on the purchase,
improvement and/or maintenance of integrated or
adjacent park and recreation facilities to be
developed in conjunction with public school
construction.
Program 5.1: The City will work with the school
districts to assure that adjacent or integrated park
facilities remain open to the public for use during
non -school periods (i.e. weekends, afternoons, and
during the summer).
Policy 6
The City shall investigate the feasibility of utilizing
reclaimed effluent from the Coachella Valley Water
District to irrigate existing and future public parks.
Policy 7
All City parks shall provide a safe, secure
environment for La Quinta residents and visitors.
Program 7.1: Parks and recreational facilities shall
be designed to accommodate the special needs of
the City's senior population and the disabled, in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
Program 7.2: Plans for new parks, trails, and other
recreational facilities shall be thoroughly evaluated
by City staff to assure adequate lighting, parking lot
safety, and visibility. -
Policy 8
The City shall support the implementation of the
Civic Center Master Plan and its associated park
and recreation facilities.
51
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Chapter 6
NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta appreciates the value of its natural
environment, and strives to protect its air, water,
biological habitats and natural history as important
enhancements to the quality of life of its residents.
The City understands the value of regional
cooperation in preserving and enhancing the natural
environment, and will continue to work with others
in the Coachella Valley to do so.
PURPOSE
The Natural Resources Element includes those
aspects of the natural and man-made environment
which are of aesthetic, environmental or cultural
value, and which the City wishes to protect and
preserve. The components of the Natural Resources
Element include Air Quality, Energy and Mineral
Resources, Biological Resources, Paleontological
Resources, Cultural and Historic Resources, and
Water Resources. Each subject is discussed
individually below, and is followed by goals,
policies and programs specific to that topic of
discussion.
AIR QUALITY
PURPOSE
The Air Quality section of the Natural Resources
Element establishes the City's goals, policies and
programs pertaining to the maintenance of safe,
acceptable levels of air quality within the
community. The Air Quality section also
coordinates the City's actions regarding land use,
circulation, housing, employment and other issues
affecting local and regional air quality. Local and
regional planning efforts, including the policies and
programs established herein, are intended to comply
with the ambient air quality standards set forth by
the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
BACKGROUND
Air Quality issues are closely related to those
addressed in several other General Plan elements,
including the Land Use, Open Space and
Circulation Elements. The type, intensity, location
and compatibility of various land uses, as set forth
by the Land Use Element, directly impact local and
regional air quality and public health. The Open
Space Element also directly impacts air quality by
determining the amount and location of open space
planned for preservation throughout the City. The
Circulation Element is closely related to air quality
in its formulation of policies pertaining to travel
patterns, trip lengths and mass transit service.
Ambient air quality standards have been adopted by
both federal and state governments. In 1971, the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
established its National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. In 1989, the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) developed similar, but more
stringent, state standards to assure the protection of
public health and the environment throughout the
state. State Implementation Plans (SIPs) may also
be prepared to assist regional air quality districts in
attaining federal and state ambient air quality
standards.
Regional organizations have also assumed
responsibility for improving and maintaining
healthful air quality throughout the state. The South
Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) is responsible for regional air quality
planning. The City of La Quinta and the Coachella
Valley are located within the Salton Sea Air Basin
(SSAB). The SCAQMD has established
management policies and air quality measurement
criteria for the SSAB and neighboring air basins.
La Quinta is subject to the provisions of
SCAQMD's 1997 Air Quality Management Plan,
which regulates the emission of regional pollutants,
and sets forth policies designed to help the District
achieve federal and state ambient air standards.
The Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG) is also instrumental in preparing and
implementing regional air quality measures. CVAG
and its member cities, including the City of La
52
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Quinta, have been involved in the cooperative
development and implementation of the State
Implementation Plan for PM10 in the Coachella
Valley. The plan is directed at controlling and
reducing the amount of suspended particulate matter
(PM10) throughout the valley. The Coachella
Valley is designated a "nonattainment area" for
exceeding federal PM10 standards.
A thorough discussion of existing regional and local
air quality conditions is provided in the La Quinta
Master Environmental Assessment.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The proposed General Plan land use scenario is
expected to result in more intense land uses,
particularly in Planning Area No. 1 and Planning
Area No. 2. Continued urbanization is expected to
increase the level of polluting emissions generated
from grading and construction activity, vehicular
traffic and energy consumption. Such activities will
likely contribute to the degradation of air quality
throughout the Coachella Valley, unless policies
continue to be implemented to protect this resource.
The disturbance, grading and development of vacant
or undeveloped land typically results in the dispersal
of fugitive dust and sand particles into the
atmosphere. The potential for wind erosion and
dust generation is particularly high in the northern
part of the City, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning
Area No. 2, creating the potential for local public
health concerns.
Emissions associated with the daily operations of
residential, commercial and industrial facilities
include stationary emissions from regional electric
power plants and the consumption of natural gas for
heating, cooking and related activities. Power plant
emissions primarily consist of combustion
byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, oxides of
nitrogen, sulfur oxides, particulate matter and
reactive organic gases.
Moving emissions from motor vehicles can also
have substantial impacts on local and regional
ambient air quality, and are expected to increase with
buildout of the proposed General Plan.
AIR QUALITY GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Land use and development patterns which contribute
to the improvement of local and regional air quality.
GOAL 2
A reduction in pollution emissions generated within
the City.
GOAL 3
Participation in regional efforts to improve air
quality in the Coachella Valley.
Policy 1
Residential lands and other sensitive receptors,
including schools, child care centers, hospitals, and
retirement homes, shall be protected from air
pollution point sources, such as industrial facilities,
to the greatest extent practical.
Program 1.1: The General Plan Land Use Element
shall be developed and maintained to locate air
pollution point sources away from residential areas
and other sensitive receptors.
Program 1.2: Where practical, buffer zones shall
be located between sensitive receptors and point
source emitters, such as highways, industrial
facilities and hazardous material sites.
Policy 2
The City shall strive to maintain a balance between
housing and commercial and industrial growth
within the community to reduce the length of
commuter trips.
Program 2.1: The General Plan Land Use Element
shall provide for commercial and industrial lands
which support the density and location of residential
lands.
Program 2.2: The City shall identify areas attractive
for infill development to reduce commuter trips.
Policy 3
Mixed use development shall be encouraged to
reduce the number of vehicle trips and vehicle miles
generated.
53
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 3.1: Encourage the incorporation of
eating facilities, wellness centers, and child care
facilities within large commercial, office and
industrial developments.
Policy 4
The City shall encourage growth around activity
centers and arterial streets to provide more efficient
travel patterns and transit service.
Policy 5
The City shall promote the development of
alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor
vehicle emissions.
Program 5.1: The City shall support the
development of golf cart- and pedestrian -oriented
retail centers, community -wide trails, and dedicated
bike lanes.
Program 5.2: The Circulation Element of the
General Plan shall be reviewed and updated
periodically to provide for the implementation of
alternative modes of transportation.
Policy 5.3: The City shall continue to consult and
coordinate with CVAG, the Southern California
Association of Governments, and Sunline Transit
Agency in the development and coordination of
mass transit services linking residential, commercial
and resort centers within the City.
Program 5.4: Sunline Transit Agency shall
continue to review site plans for new development to
assure adequate and properly located bus turnouts,
bus lanes and other mass transit facilities, where
necessary.
Program 5.5: The City shall encourage employers
to promote programs which reduce the number of
single -occupancy vehicle trips to work, including
carpooling, telecommuting, Park and Ride, and flex
work schedules.
Policy 6
New development shall be designed and constructed
in a manner which minimizes the emission of
project related pollutants.
Program 6.1: Applicants shall submit detailed air
quality analyses for all proposed projects which
meet or exceed any of the SCAQMD pollutant
emission threshold criteria, as established by the
most recent version of the SCAQMD CEQA Air
Quality Handbook.
Program 6.2: The City shall continue to maintain
and enforce a Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance.
Projects determined to have a potentially significant
impact on ambient air quality shall be required to
propose and implement mitigation measures which
reduce impacts to insignificant levels, in accordance
with the Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance.
Program 6.3: The City shall review new
development plans to assure that the location and
design of parking lots, loading zones, and pedestrian
walkways maximize vehicular and pedestrian
efficiency to the greatest extent practical.
Program 6.4: Developers shall be encouraged to
maintain the natural topography of a site through the
use of techniques such as contour grading, to the
greatest extent possible, and to minimize the amount
of mass clearing, excavation, cut and fill operations
required for development.
Policy 7
The City shall continue to cooperate with local,
regional, state and federal efforts to monitor and
manage pollutants of regional concern.
Program 7.1: Support and participate in CVAG,
SCAG and SCAQMD efforts to monitor and
minimize regional air pollutants.
Program 7.2: Continue to support and implement
the provisions of the State Implementation Plan for
PM10 in the Coachella Valley.
Policy 8
The City shall promote the development and use of
alternative, clean energy sources for transportation,
heating, cooling and ventilation.
Program 8.1: To the greatest extent practical, new
development shall incorporate energy -efficient
design measures to reduce the need for heating and
cooling. Such measures may include the use of
trees for shade and windbreaks, and thoughtful site
orientation of buildings and other structures.
54
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
PURPOSE
Energy is essential in enabling the City of La Quinta
to provide community services and an environment
which attracts residents and businesses. The Energy
and Mineral Resources section of the Natural
Resources Element establishes the City's goals,
policies and programs pertaining to the
conservation, development, use and management of
energy and mineral resources. The element is
intended to be responsive to the community's
dependence on and demand for these resources, and
to identify opportunities for more local control over
such resources.
BACKGROUND
Energy and mineral resources are directly related to
a variety of other General Plan Elements, including
the Land Use, Open Space and Air Quality
Elements. These elements set forth policies
pertaining to land use compatibility, conservation
and preservation of open space, and the
minimization of air pollution. Policies and
programs established in the Energy and Mineral
Resources section are consistent with the policies
provided in these related elements.
A variety of state and federal regulations are
applicable to energy and mineral resources issues.
California Government Code Section 65560(b)
directs cities and counties to provide for the
preservation of energy and mineral resource areas.
Section 65302(d) requires that General Plans
include elements that address resource conservation.
Specific issues that may be addressed include
reclamation, prevention of resource degradation and
long-term preservation.
Furthermore, Government Code Section 65303
allows a local jurisdiction to address other resource
conservation and/or management subjects which
relate to the physical development of the City.
Title 24 building standards specifically address
energy conservation as it relates to the built
environment and seek to improve energy efficiency
in new or substantially remodeled construction. The
State Solar Rights Act and Solar Shade Control Act
are intended to enhance opportunities for the
development and use of solar energy.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA) provides a comprehensive evaluation of
existing energy resources, services and consumption
patterns in the City, its sphere of influence, Planning
Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2. The MEA
also defines existing mineral resource zones, as
established by the State Department of
Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Mineral Resources
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will have
minimal, if any, impacts on mineral resources within
the City, its sphere of influence, Planning Area No.
1 and Planning Area No. 2. According to maps
prepared by the California Department of
Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, the
majority of the planning area lies within Mineral
Resource Zone (MRZ) 1, where evidence indicates
that no significant mineral deposits are present.
Future development in these locations is not
expected to significantly impact any mineral
resources.
A small area located southwest of Lake Cahuilla has
been designated as MRZ-2, indicating that
significant mineral deposits are present. This site
once functioned as a sand and gravel mine, but has
since been converted to a planned residential golf
course development. Implementation of the
proposed General Plan is not expected to result in
additional construction in this area, and therefore is
not expected to further affect any mineral resources.
The Santa Rosa Mountains lie within MRZ-3,
indicating the presence of mineral resources, the
significance of which cannot be determined from
available data. The Santa Rosa Mountains will be
preserved as open space in the proposed General
Plan. Therefore, buildout is not expected to
negatively impact any potential mineral resources in
this area.
Energy Resources
New development associated with General Plan
buildout will increase the demand for electrical and
natural gas resources and services. The Program
EIR includes an estimate of potential electrical and
natural gas consumption at General Plan buildout.
55
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
The Imperial Irrigation District and The Gas
Company have indicated that they will be capable of
serving new development associated with General
Plan buildout. However, additional non-renewable
energy resources will also be required to support
buildout and its associated increases in
transportation activity.
Conservation and the thoughtful management of
non-renewable energy and mineral resources will
become increasingly important. The development
and use of energy -efficient technologies and
renewable energy resources will help conserve
limited supplies, improve air quality and reduce
energy costs to residents and local businesses.
ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
GOAL, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
The efficient use and management of valuable
energy resources.
GOAL 2
The conservation and thoughtful management of
local mineral deposits to assure the long-term
viability of limited resources.
Policy 1
The City shall encourage the incorporation of
energy conservation features in the design of all new
construction and the installation of energy -saving
devices in existing development.
Program 1.1: Planning and building standards
which minimize the consumption of non-renewable
energy resources shall be incorporated into City
codes.
Program 1.2: Passive design concepts which
increase energy efficiency, such as the use of
landscaping materials and site orientation to provide
shade and windbreaks, shall be encouraged.
Program 1.3: The City shall consult and coordinate
with the Imperial Irrigation District and The Gas
Company to provide economic incentives to
consumers who incorporate energy -saving measures
into their homes or businesses.
Policy 2
The City shall promote the development and use of
alternative, clean, renewable energy resources.
Program 2.1: Establish building setbacks such that
they do not compromise the solar access of adjacent
properties.
Program 2.2: The City shall evaluate the feasibility
of converting its vehicle fleet to vehicles which are
fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or
other alternative fuels.
Policy 3
The City shall promote energy conservation in
transportation.
Program 3.1: Support and participate in Sunline
Transit Agency's efforts to enhance energy
conservation, including its use of compressed
natural gas and the installation of bicycle racks on
its fleet of buses.
Program 3.2: The City shall support the
development of local and regional bikeways to
provide residents and visitors with non -vehicular
travel alternatives.
Program 3.3: The General Plan Circulation and
Land Use Elements shall provide for an efficient
circulation system and land use pattern which
minimize travel and facilitate the use of alternative
means of transportation.
Program 3.4: Mixed use development shall be
incorporated into the General Plan Land Use
Element to minimize travel and provide convenient
access to shopping centers, employment centers, and
medical and other professional services.
Policy 4
The City shall preserve known mineral resources as
open space to the greatest extent practical.
Program 4.1: Undeveloped areas known to contain
significant mineral deposits, as determined by the
State Department of Conservation, Division of
Mines and Geology, shall be designated as Open
Space on the General Plan Land Use map and
preserved accordingly.
56
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Policy 5
All mineral extraction activities shall be subject to
the use, development and performance standards
established in the City's Development Code.
Policy 6
Following the completion of mineral extraction
operations, the disturbed site shall be reclaimed to
its original condition, to the greatest extent practical.
57
Adopted March 20, 2002
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
PURPOSE
Biological resources are an integral part of the
Coachella Valley environment. The unique
geographic and geophysical conditions of the valley
have created an environment for many diverse and
occasionally highly specialized communities of
plants and animals. The Biological Resources
section of the Natural Resources Element
establishes the goals, policies and programs relating
to the preservation of valuable biological resources
occurring within La Quinta and the surrounding
area.
BACKGROUND
The Biological Resources section is directly related
to the Land Use and Open Space Elements, as each
of these carefully considers the location and
compatibility of various land uses. The Biological
Resources section is also related to the Parks and
Recreation section of the Public Services and
Infrastructure Element, as they both reflect the
community's enjoyment of and commitment to
wildlife resources.
California Government Code Section 65302(d)
requires that the General Plan include an element
which addresses the conservation or preservation of
wildlife resources. It also requires that the element
and supporting documentation provide inventories
of natural vegetation, fish and other wildlife,
including rare and endangered species and their
habitat.
A thorough discussion of the existing biological
resources within the City and the surrounding area,
and the City's on -going efforts to preserve them, is
provided in the La Quinta Master Environmental
Assessment (MEA).
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Development associated with buildogt of the
proposed General Plan will have the cumulative
effect of removing native animal and plant species,
as well as breeding and foraging habitat, and
introducing non-native plant species to the
ecosystem. As development continues on the valley
floor and alluvial slopes, native habitat and plant
communities will be converted to urban uses.
The City must develop specific steps to preserve and
protect the long-term viability of sensitive species
and habitat in cooperation with the Multi -Species
Habitat Conservation Plan. Land use designations
should permit development only in locations and at
intensities that are likely to be compatible with
sensitive species. Proposals for new development
must be carefully reviewed to assure that adequate
landscaping, buffer zones and open space are
incorporated into public and private projects.
The continued implementation of community
planning and development regulations, including the
Zoning, Subdivision and Hillside Conservation
Zone Ordinances, will contribute to the preservation
of important biological resources. This can also be
accomplished through the integration of biological
resources and open space/conservation principles
into public works projects, including road and
highway development, and the design and
construction of stormwater detention basins and
drainage basins.
58
Adopted March 20, 2002
•
FRED WAWNO .
MILES
487N
j
.I!
•
•
tin,
62R0
1,4TH
0
a
AIHPORT BLVD.
PP
h TH
[1Qf11. ..
82ND
13,1711
98TH
d•
r
1
0
1
City of La Quinta
General Plan
pma NNE lip
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 6.1
COACHELLA VALLEY
GIANT SAND TREADER
CRICKET
Coachella Valley Giant Sand Treader
Cricket Potential Distribution
Recommended Survey Area
•
Coachella Valley Giant
Sand Treader Cricket
Archived Locations
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
Scale
1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
N
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
r
. i
J
Map Prepared on: December 14.2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial InformatIon Systems
Map Version No.: 6
r �
-Mut l yrn n`
City of La Quinta
General Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 6.2
DESERT TORTOISE
Desert Tortoise Potential Distribution
Recommended Survey Area
• Desert Tortoise Known Locations
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
Scale
1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Map Version No.: 6
.. ,
•
t+r
•
U•
•
•FRED WARING
• MILES
17
• ol• .
•
a8T4i mI •
46TH
I
•
2
101
AIRPORT RI-VD-
68TH
•
•
•
•
•
• 00TH.
-• • • ■• 4- �— - - — -
62ND�
64TH
1-
I
rtp
' I
{
• cc
I
1 :Li
a
I o
i
ti k
•
OATH
r4
City of La Quinta
General Plan
•
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
f
EXHIBIT 6.3
COACHELLA VALLEY
FRINGE -TOED LIZARD
FEE MITIGATION AREA
Fringe -Toed Lizard Fee Area
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
Scale
1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
Riverside County Vicinity Map
r
NORTH
+44w,
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Infonna1ion Systems
Map Version No.: 6
r
I. di T11111148tWA°
•
•
•
•
•
•
51ST
52110
b41H
kart!
ODD 1
02N0
66Ty
g
4
1
.
a
5
r
PIO
d�
City of La Quinta
General Plan
I—t-HI I I !f
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 6.4
FLAT —TAILED HORNED LIZARD
•
Flat -Tailed Horned Lizard
Potential Habitat
Recommended Survey Area
Flat -Tailed Horned Lizard
Known Locations
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
0
Scale
1;72,000
5.000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
r
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Mep Version No.: 6
TI•RHAtiefVA.
MIEn
•
0 w
0
0
m a
J-
4 CF
SST a x'
-..........mow—rob 1
6360
b411I
64111
66T- I
z
a
4
y
{
•
0
City of La Quinta
General Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 6.5
PALM SPRINGS
GROUND SQUIRREL
Palm Springs Ground Squirrel
Potential Distribution
Palm Springs Ground Squirrel
Archived Locations
Palm Springs Ground Squirrel
Archived Locations
Recommended Survey Area
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
Scale
1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
l
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Infommtion Systems
Map Version No.: 6
A TERRANOVA`
- -
51s1'
• • • 4....571S0—.—.4
a
C
AIRPORT MVO.3
6TH
City of La Quinta
General Plan
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
•
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
•
EXHIBIT 6.6
PALM SPRINGS
POCKET MOUSE
Palm Springs Pocket Mouse
Potential Distribution
Recommended Survey Area
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
Scale
1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
Q
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
7
3`
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial IntonnatIan Systems
Map Version No.: 6
City of La Quinta
General Plan
LEGEND
Roads
Township/Range Sections
Railroads
City Limits
Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 6.7
PENINSULAR BIGHORN SHEEP
h
•
•
"s pi
■
•
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Critical Habitat
Approximate Peninsular Bighorn
Sheep Localities
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Observations
Source: Lawrence F. LaPre, Ph.D., June, 2001
Scale
1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside County Vicinity Map
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Map Version No.: 6
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The protection and preservation of unique and/or
valuable biological resources, including sensitive,
rare, threatened or endangered species and their
habitat.
Policy 1
The City shall continue to participate in regional
efforts to protect wildlife habitat, including suitable
habitat for rare and endangered species.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to participate
in the development of the Coachella Valley Multi -
Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CV MSHCP).
Program 1.2: Until the formal adoption of the
Coachella Valley Multi -Species Habitat
Conservation Plan, the City shall continue to
support and implement the Coachella Valley Fringe -
Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan.
Program 1.3: In cooperation with CVAG, maintain
and update a map and information database of
sensitive, rare, threatened and endangered species
and habitat within the City and its immediate
surroundings.
Policy 2
Staff shall review all development applications for
vacant land for their potential impacts to existing
wildlife and habitat. Agricultural lands shall be
exempt from this requirement, except as described
below.
Program 2.1: Until the formal adoption of the CV
MSHCP, where development isproposed on
undeveloped lands that have not been graded,
cleared or farmed at the base of the Santa Rosa
Mountains, the site shall be surveyed for the
presence of Desert tortoise.
Program 2.2: Where development is proposed on
sand deposits, the site shall be surveyed for the
presence of blowsand endemics, including
Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard, Coachella
Valley milk -vetch, flat -tailed horned lizard, giant
sand -treader cricket, and slender woolly -heads,
unless the species is covered by a Habitat
Conservation Plan.
Program 2.3: Where development is proposed on
agricultural lands, the site shall be surveyed for the
presence of burrowing owl.
Program 2.4: All biological studies shall be
performed by a qualified biologist. The City shall
prepare and adopt standards for the performance of
biological resource analyses and provide these
standards to all applicants. Standards shall include
personnel qualifications, field monitoring,
recordation, documentation, and sampling
requirements.
Program 2.5: Projects supported by federal funds
(with a federal nexus, such as a Corps of Engineers
permit or HUD funding) shall require surveys for
the Coachella Valley milkvetch because of its status
as a listed species under the Endangered Species
Act.
Policy 3
Native, drought -tolerant desert plant materials shall
be incorporated into new development to the greatest
extent practical. Invasive, non-native species shall be
discouraged.
Program 3.1: The City shall develop and distribute
to homeowners, developers and the general public, a
comprehensive listing of appropriate and desirable
landscaping plant species, as well as prohibited
species and species to be avoided.
Program 3.2: The City shall encourage developers
to salvage existing desert plant materials from
development sites and incorporate them into project
landscaping, to the greatest extent practical.
Program 3.3: Large-scale developments such as
country clubs, shall be encouraged to establish
groves or plantings of untrimmed palm trees, which
could provide roost sites for the southern yellow
bat.
Policy 4
Unique and/or valuable biological resources shall be
preserved as Open Space to the greatest extent
practical.
Program 4.1: All mountainous areas, generally
upslope of the toe of slope, shall be designated as
Open Space to allow for the protection of the
Peninsular bighorn sheep and other species
occurring in these habitats.
66
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 4.2: The two square miles at the
southwestern corner of the city limits (Sections 25
and 30, Township 6 South, Range 6 East) within the
Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness shall be
designated as open space.
Policy 5
Sensitive habitat areas shall be buffered from urban
development to the greatest extent practical.
Program 5.1: The City shall use zoning standards
and the design review process to assure that
adequate buffers are provided in environmentally
sensitive areas.
Program 5.2: Encourage and participate in the
establishment of multiple use corridors that utilize
drainage channels and utility easements as wildlife
and recreation corridors.
Program 5.3: The City shall consider requiring
barriers around the perimeter of any new project that
borders the hillsides to protect bighorn sheep if they
are demonstrated to occur on the project site.
Informal consultation and/or review by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and California
Department of Fish and Game shall be completed
prior to construction of a barrier.
Policy 6
Projects involving the reconstruction of bridges
which require biological surveys shall include bats
to determine if significant roosts are present and to
determine appropriate mitigation measures for
impacts to the species.
67
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCES
PURPOSE
Paleontologic resources (invertebrate and vertebrate
fossil species) are non-renewable, potentially
significant resources which can help to further our
knowledge of the Coachella Valley's and City's
history. As one of the few municipalities largely
located within the shoreline of ancient Lake
Cahuilla, the City is in a unique position to study
and preserve important data regarding the Valley.
The Paleontologic Resources section of the Natural
Resources Element establishes goals, policies and
programs to preserve this important resource.
BACKGROUND
The Paleontologic Resources section is directly
related to the Land Use and Open Space Elements,
since the issue of land use compatibility, and the
preservation of resources, are closely associated.
California Government Code Section 65302
requires that the General Plan include an element
which addresses the conservation or preservation of
non-renewable resources.
A thorough discussion of the existing paleontologic
resources in the City, its sphere of influence,
Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2 is
provided in the La Quinta Master Environmental
Assessment (MEA).
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Development associated with buildout of the
proposed General Plan will have the cumulative
effect of removing both invertebrate and vertebrate
fossil species from the area. Continued development
within the ancient Lake Cahuilla shoreline will
disturb, and has the potential to destroy this non-
renewable resource.
The City is responsible for the careful study,
identification and preservation of those resources
which may occur within its corporate boundaries.
New development proposals must be carefully
reviewed to assure that adequate data is collected
about the development site to determine whether
paleontologic resources occur. And should they
occur, how the impact of development to the
resource is to be mitigated.
PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCES GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The identification and preservation of significant
paleontologic resources which occur in the City.
Policy 1
The City shall require the preparation of
paleontologic resource analyses by a qualified
paleontologist for all development proposals which
occur in areas of High Sensitivity (see Exhibit 6.8).
Program 1.1: The City shall prepare and adopt
standards for the performance of paleontologic
resource analyses and provide these standards to all
applicants. Standards shall include personnel
qualifications, field monitoring, recordation and
documentation, and sampling and curation
requirements.
Program 1.2: Application forms for Specific Plans,
Development Review Permits and Tentative Maps
shall be amended to include paleontologic resource
analysis, when required, as part of the minimum
application requirements.
Program 1.3: Mitigation plans prepared as part of
paleontologic resource analyses shall be
implemented as part of mitigation monitoring and
reporting programs.
Policy 2
The City shall encourage the preservation of
paleontologic resources for their educational value.
Program 2.1: As part of the development of a local
museum, the City shall consider the establishment
of a paleontologic repository and museum facility.
Program 2.2: Encourage the teaching of
paleontology of the Coachella Valley and ancient
Lake Cahuilla as part of natural sciences curriculi.
Program 2.3: When developing interpretive trails
and trail heads in areas which demonstrate
paleontologic resources, the City shall incorporate
educational data on these resources into the
interpretive program.
68
Adopted March 20, 2002
AR1N6
0
g z
4 O
4BTH
•
615T
53RD
54TH
Al rip ORT 8LVD.
69TH
0Ti-i
626a
ir.r _:.,.!.....
0
•
9,
. R14 ....
H
0
ti
City of
General
La
Quinta
Plan
LEGEND
Roads
— - - Township/Range Sections
i Railroads
City Limits
— — — — Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 6.8
PALEONTOLOGICAL
SENSITIVITY MAP
Ancient Shoreline
Lake Beds
H High Paleontologic Sensitivity
L Low Paleontologic Sensitivity
Scale
1:72,000
N
NORTH
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
Riverside County Vicinity Map
1c:*
tq
)''
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
Map Version No.: 6
^/
:.'i Eie:4nNOVA.
deM' kn
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
WATER RESOURCES
PURPOSE
The quality and quantity of water available for
current and future needs within the City, its sphere
of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning
Area No. 2 are critical to a healthy community. The
City's continued cooperation and coordination with
the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is an
important aspect of water resource management.
The Water Resources section must be closely
coordinated with the land use, public infrastructure
and services, and natural resources elements of the
General Plan. Its availability affects the provision of
fire protection to the community and its economic
development.
BACKGROUND
Water Resources are addressed in California
Government Code Section 65302(d). The California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section
31083.2(g), mandates that the City research and
document, or cause to be researched and
documented, the potential impacts to this important
natural resource.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
includes a complete discussion of the region's water
resources, and of the efforts being made to conserve
and replenish water sources throughout the Valley.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
A total of 60,460 residential units could be
constructed in. the City, its sphere of influence,
Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2,
including both existing and future units. The plan
can also accommodate a total of 15.9 million square
feet of commercial space, and 5.6 million square feet
of business park and industrial space.
New development associated with General Plan
buildout will increase the demand for domestic
water, and can have an impact on the direction and
pollution of surface water.
Continued conservation, replenishment and the
implementation of new technology as it becomes
available, will help to preserve this important natural
resource.
WATER RESOURCES GOAL, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The careful management and conservation of the
City's water resources.
Policy 1
The City shall support the Coachella Valley Water
District in its efforts to supply adequate domestic
water to residents and businesses.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to implement
its Water Conservation Ordinance, and shall review
and update it periodically to ensure the
implementation of the most up-to-date technology in
new development.
Program 1.2: The Building Department shall
ensure that all plumbing fixtures in new
development and remodeling projects conform to
applicable California statutes and codes especially
dealing with water saving fixtures.
Program 1.3: The City shall continue to request
comments from the Coachella Valley Water District
when reviewing development projects.
Program 1.4: The City shall support public
education programs which encourage conservation
as they are implemented by the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD).
Policy 2
The City shall continue to promote groundwater
recharge efforts.
Program 2.1: The City shall cooperate with
CVWD in the location of future recharge areas.
Program 2.2: The City shall continue to implement
its on -site retention requirements for new
development proposals where possible, as a
potential way of recharging groundwater.
Program 2.3: The City shall regularly coordinate
with CVWD in implementing new or improved
recharging techniques, including golf course and
lake design, turf and agricultural irrigation methods,
and the use of tertiary treater or canal water for
irrigation.
70
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Policy 3
The City shall support the use of tertiary treated
water for irrigation in existing and new planned
communities.
Policy 4
The City shall ensure that surface water resources
are protected.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to implement
federal, regional and local standards pertaining to
the discharge and treatment of pollutants in surface
water, both on private lands and in public facilities.
Program 4.2: The City shall continue to coordinate
with CVWD in its review of projects which impact
drainage channels.
Policy 5
Development within drainage areas and stormwater
facilities shall be limited to recreational uses such as
golf courses, lakes, sports or play fields and similar
uses.
Policy 6
All development plans shall be reviewed for their
potential to create surface and ground water
contamination hazards from point and non -point
sources.
Program 6.1: The City shall seek assistance from
all appropriate agencies in reviewing potentially
significant impacts associated with surface and
ground water pollution in new development
proposals.
71
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Elemen
Chapter 7
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta must provide its citizens with exceptional
public safety and governmental services, and
encourage high standards in education and library
services. Adequate and high quality domestic water
and sanitary sewer facilities, protection against
stormwater damage, and utility services will be
available as development occurs.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Infrastructure and Public
Services Element is to identify and establish the
City's goals, policies and programs pertaining to
the provision of public utilities and municipal
facilities and services. The issues addressed in this
element include the following:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Protection
• Public Education
• Public Libraries
• Domestic Water
• Sanitary Sewer
• Stormwater Management
• Electricity
• Telephone
• Natural Gas
• Solid Waste Disposal
• Cable
• Animal Control and Shelters
The intensity and economic viability of a
community's residential, commercial and industrial
development are dependent upon the level of public
services and utilities available. The provision of
adequate potable water, wastewater treatment
facilities and other public utilities is essential to the
orderly growth and development of the community.
Similarly, adequate fire and police protection, public
education, city services and medical care are
essential components of long-term community
planning.
BACKGROUND
The Infrastructure and Public Services Element and
the Land Use Element are closely related to one
another. The location of existing utilities, schools,
fire stations, and other municipal facilities influences
the type and intensity of development that can be
supported within a given area. Likewise, existing
land use patterns provide some guidance in
determining the demand for and location of future
municipal buildings and public utility extensions.
The location of such public facilities is also an
important consideration in the Traffic and
Circulation, Park and Recreation, Environmental
Conservation, and Environmental Hazards Elements
of the Plan.
A variety of state regulations are applicable to public
utilities and infrastructure issues. California
Government Code Section 65302(d) requires that
the General Plan address the conservation,
development, and utilization of natural resources,
including water. Related to this is the provision of
wastewater treatment facilities, natural gas, and
electricity. According to Section 65103(c), the
planning agency must "annually review the capital
improvement program of the city of county and the
local public works projects of other local agencies
for their consistency with the General Plan." A
number of state government codes also apply to the
provision of public and quasi -public services and
facilities. Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that a General Plan include a Safety
Element, or its equivalent, that addresses the
protection of the community from unreasonable
risks associated with fire, crime or other threats.
According to Government Code Section 65302(a),
the General Plan must also address the location,
distribution and adequacy of local educational
facilities. This Element provides a meaningful
framework from which to comply with state law.
A comprehensive discussion and evaluation of
existing public and quasi -public services is provided
in the La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment.
72
Adopted March 20, 2002
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Element
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The current population of the City, its sphere of
influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area
No. 2 is approximately 27,936 residents. Buildout
of the General Plan land use scenario is expected to
result in an additional 132,521 residents, for a total
area population of about 160,457. Over the long
term, such growth will increase the demand for
additional public services and facilities, including
fire protection, law enforcement services, public
schools and library facilities.
Public Schools
Population growth can result in a substantial
increase in the number of students enrolling in
public schools and can strain existing school
facilities and programs. Student enrollment
associated with future development can be estimated
by applying student generation rates, as determined
by regional school districts. Student generation
rates are based upon the number of single and
multi -family housing units associated with buildout.
General Plan buildout is expected to result in 60,460
new housing units. Based on these estimates,
General Plan buildout is to result in additional
enrollment of 23,372 students (please see the
Master Environmental Assessment for detailed
analysis of student generation).
Additional public school facilities, personnel and
programs will be required to support this student
population likely.
Public Libraries
Library services are provided to the City of La
Quinta and other communities within the planning
area by the Riverside County Library System. The
County of Riverside uses an adopted standard of
0.5 square feet per capita and 1.2 volumes per capita
to determine the level of library services needed to
adequately serve the community.
Fire Protection
The Riverside County Fire Department provides fire
protection services to the City, its sphere of
influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area
No. 2. The County Board of Supervisors has
established a staffing standard of two paid
firefighters at each fire station. As the population
grows, additional fire stations and personnel will be
required to maintain adequate response times and
firefighting capabilities. Based upon a generally
accepted standard of one paid firefighter for every
1,000 residents, the buildout population may need as
many as 161 paid firefighters (61 for the City, 4 for
the sphere of influence, 34 for Planning Area No. 1
and 62 for Planning Area No. 2). City staff will
need to work closely with the Riverside County Fire
Department to carefully evaluate the need for
additional stations and personnel and to determine
where the demand for additional services is greatest.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement and crime prevention services are
provided to the planning area by the Riverside
County Sheriff's Department. Based upon a
generally accepted standard of one officer for every
1,000 residents, the planning area at buildout will
require approximately 161 officers (61 for the City,
4 for the sphere of influence, 34 for Planning Area
No. 1 and 62 for Planning Area No. 2). As the
population grows, sheriff's services and personnel
will need to be expanded to provide additional police
protection to the community.
Potable Water
The Coachella Valley Water District provides
domestic water services to the City of La Quinta, its
sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2. However, water distribution
facilities are limited in unincorporated areas south of
Avenue 56. Future development in this location will
require connection to CVWD potable water facilities
and will increase the demand for additional water
resources.
Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary sewer conveyance and treatment facilities
are provided by the Coachella Valley Water District.
However, existing sewer facilities south of Avenue
56 are limited. In addition, scattered development
within the City, its sphere of influence, Planning
73
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Element
Area No. 1 and Planning Area No. 2 continues to
rely on individual septic tanks and leach fields for
wastewater treatment. New development associated
with buildout of the General Plan will increase the
demand for wastewater conveyance and treatment
facilities and will require the extension of CVWD
services and infrastructure.
Surface Water and Storm Drainage
The Coachella Valley Water District operates and
maintains regional stormwater management facilities
within the City of La Quinta, including the
Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, the La
Quinta Evacuation Channel, and a system of storm
drainage retention and detention basins adjacent to
the Cove. These facilities are designed to
accommodate and direct regional stormwater flows
safely through the City.
The City of La Quinta maintains local storm
drainage facilities, including storm drains within the
rights -of -way of streets located in the Cove. Plans to
install street improvements in the Downtown Village
area, including curb and gutter systems and possibly
storm drains, are currently being developed;
construction is expected to occur within the next two
years. The City maintains six all-weather bridge
crossings within the City limits, and has recently
constructed a new bridge on Jefferson Street at the
Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel. The
widening of the existing Washington Street bridge
at the Evacuation Channel is also complete.
Development associated with buildout of the
General Plan will increase the amount of runoff
generated within the City. The City must continue
to require that new development install on -site
retention basins capable of managing runoff from
the 100-year flood. This will help alleviate
inundation of local and regional stormwater
maintenance facilities.
The City will need to work closely with CVWD to
monitor the adequacy of regional stormwater
drainage facilities and plan for new facilities as
necessary. The City will also need to monitor its
local storm drainage improvements, including storm
drains, curbs and gutters, and all-weather bridge
crossings to assure the safe and adequate transport
of stormwater through the City.
Solid Waste Management
Waste Management of the Desert provides solid
waste collection and disposal services to the City
through a franchise agreement. Waste is currently
disposed of at the Edom Hill and Mecca Landfills.
These landfills are capable of accommodating the
amount of solid waste currently generated by
residents and businesses. However, the Edom Hill
Landfill, which receives the majority of solid waste,
is projected to reach its capacity around year 2004,
and the closure date for the Mecca Landfill is
estimated at year 2011.
New development associated with General Plan
buildout will increase the demand for solid waste
collection and disposal services. While Waste
Management of the Desert has indicated its ability
to adequately serve the buildout population, the City
will need to work closely with affected parties to
assure that alternative disposal sites with adequate
capacity are selected and utilized.
Efforts to divert recyclable materials from the waste
stream will become increasingly important as new
development occurs. Comprehensive recycling
programs will help lessen the impacts to landfills
and assist the City in meeting the goals of AB 939.
Public Utilities
Development associated with buildout of the
General Plan will increase the demand for telephone
and cable television services, as well as the rate of
consumption of electric power and natural gas. The
impacts associated with buildout are multiple and
difficult to quantify. Each of the utility purveyors
has indicated its ability to provide adequate, high -
quality service to the buildout population. Future
growth will require the expansion of utility
infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing
population, particularly in areas currently
underserved by utilities, including lands south of
Avenue 56 and some portions of the Cove.
Animal Control and Shelters
The City maintains animal control services. City
staff consists of one full time animal control officer,
and two staff people who are responsible for both
code compliance and animal control. Unlike many
cities, La Quinta maintains an officer in the field 7
days a week from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., except
holidays, and has an officer on standby for
emergencies at all times, including holidays. The
City contracts for animal shelter services with the
County -run shelter located in the city of Indio.
Residents calling the City Animal Control offices
for information about pet adoptions are referred to
the Indio facility.
74
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Element
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC
SERVICES GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
EMERGENCY SERVICES GOAL
A high level of public safety services provided to
City residents, businesses and public and private
property.
Policy 1
The City shall continue to support a high level of
fire code enforcement as a means to identify and
remedy unsafe structural conditions, protect
property values and enhance quality of life.
Program 1.1: The City shall evaluate its adopted
Uniform Fire Code for compliance with Fire
Protection Ordinance 546, adopted by Riverside
County to determine the benefits and liabilities of
existing County policies and enforcement
procedures.
Policy 2
The City shall continue to coordinate with the
Riverside County Fire Department to forecast future
fire protection needs and to provide adequate and
timely expansion of fire protection services.
Program 2.1: The City shall coordinate with the
Riverside County Fire Department in the
construction of the new fire station in north La
Quinta and other locations, as required by existing
and future development.
Program 2.2: The City shall work with the
Riverside County Fire Department to reduce the
existing Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating in
order to improve building safety and reduce
insurance premiums for City residents and
businesses.
Policy 3
The City shall coordinate emergency preparedness
and response plans with surrounding cities and
service providers.
Program 3.1: The City shall continue to review,
publicize and update its Multi -Hazard Functional
Plan (MHFP), as appropriate, to ensure that
comprehensive emergency procedures are enacted in
response to the threat of major emergencies.
Program 3.2: The City shall coordinate the
updating of emergency procedures in the MHFP
with the Riverside County Fire Department,
paramedic services, and local and regional health
care providers.
Policy 4
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County
Sheriff's Department to provide a high level of
police protection to City residents and businesses at
full buildout.
Program 4.1: The City shall work with the
Riverside County Sheriff's Department to assure
adequate police staffing and facilities are provided to
meet the demands of existing and future
development.
Program 4.2: The City shall coordinate with the
Riverside County Sheriff's Department to promote
community involvement in crime prevention,
including neighborhood watch programs, anti -drug
campaigns, and other citizen -based efforts.
EDUCATION FACILITIES GOAL
Educational facilities and services that are adequate
and convenient to all City residents and enhance the
quality of life within the community.
Policy 1
The City shall assist and coordinate with the Desert
Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and
Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)
to assure that high quality public educational
facilities and personnel are provided to serve City
students.
Program 1.1: City staff shall review development
proposals of the DSUSD and CVUSD to ensure
that an adequate number of schools and school
personnel are provided to serve the City's existing
and future student population.
Program 1.2: The City shall work closely with
DSUSD and CVUSD to determine the location of
existing and future school facilities. School sites
shall be compatible with surrounding land uses,
convenient to the students they serve, and protected
from excessive noise and traffic conditions to the
greatest extent practical.
75
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Element
Policy 2
Where feasible and beneficial to the community, the
City shall continue to enter into joint use
development agreements with DSUSD and CVUSD
for the shared purchase, use and/or maintenance of
lands for recreational purposes.
Policy 3
The City shall support the process of securing
school impact mitigation fees from developers in
accordance with state law.
Policy 4
The City shall promote educational opportunities for
all City residents.
Program 4.1: The City shall encourage local and
regional educational institutions to provide satellite
courses in local school district facilities.
Policy 5
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County
Library System to assure that adequate library
space, volumes and services are provided to City
residents.
Program 5.1: The City, in conjunction with the
Riverside County Library System, shall promote the
development of educational programs and services,
such as bookmobiles and adult education classes to
serve the City's residents.
SURFACE WATER & STORM DRAINAGE
GOAL
Adequate defense against the potential hazards
associated with stormwater and surface water
flooding.
Policy 1
The City shall coordinate with the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD) to reevaluate the
boundaries of the unprotected 100-year floodplain
(Zone A and Zone AO).
Policy 2
All drainage facilities identified in the
Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan shall be
constructed to conform to the requirements and
standards of the City and CVWD.
Policy 3
All new development shall include on -site
retention/detention basins and other necessary
stormwater management facilities to accommodate
runoff from the 100-year storm.
Policy 4
The City shall assure that roadway stormwater
facilities are designed, constructed and maintained in
a manner which eliminates standing water and
flooding.
Policy 5
The City shall continue to review, publicize and
update, as appropriate, its Multi -Hazard Functional
Plan (MHFP) to ensure that comprehensive
emergency procedures are enacted to minimize the
threat of structural damage or loss of life from
flooding.
Program 5.1: The City shall coordinate the
updating of emergency procedures in its MHFP
with the Coachella Valley Water District and
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GOAL
Reduction of the amount of solid waste generated
by City residents and businesses.
Policy 1
The City shall assure that municipal waste is
properly collected and disposed of to minimize
associated health and environmental risks.
Program 1.1: The City shall coordinate with its
franchised waste provider to provide frequent and
adequate municipal refuse collection and disposal
services to City residents and businesses.
Program 1.2: The City shall continue to coordinate
efforts with the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG), and the Riverside County
Environmental Health Department to provide
hazardous waste collection and disposal services to
the community.
Program 1.3: The City shall work with its
franchised waste provider to discourage illegal
dumping.
76
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Elemen
Policy 2
The City shall promote programs and services
which divert and reduce the amount of solid waste
generated by the community.
Program 2.1: The City shall continue to coordinate
with its franchised waste provider to provide for the
collection of recyclable materials.
Program 2.2: Should future annexations occur, the
City shall coordinate with its franchised waste
provider to expand its curb -side recycling program
to serve residents and businesses.
DOMESTIC WATER GOAL
Domestic water facilities and services which
adequately serve the existing and long-term needs of
the City.
Policy 1
The City shall assure that adequate, high -quality
potable water supplies and facilities are provided to
all development in the community.
Program 1.1: The City shall coordinate with
CVWD to assure the provision of a safe, adequate
domestic water supply to all development.
Program 1.2: Upon annexation of any portion of
Planning Area No. 1 or Planning Area No. 2, the
City shall work closely with CVWD to identify and
prioritize areas requiring water service expansion
and upgrading.
Policy 2
The City shall assure that an adequate reserve of
potable water is maintained in local storage facilities.
Program 2.1: City staff shall confer and coordinate
with CVWD to expand the treatment, distribution
and use of tertiary treated wastewater.
Policy 3
New development projects shall be required to use
native, drought -tolerant landscaping materials to
promote and enhance water conservation efforts.
SANITARY SEWER GOAL
Sanitary sewer facilities and services which
adequately serve the existing and long-term needs of
the City.
Policy 1
The City shall assure the provision of adequate
sanitary sewer collection and treatment services and
facilities to all development in the community.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to coordinate
with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
for the provision of sufficient waste water collection
and treatment services and facilities.
Program 1.2: The City shall coordinate with
CVWD to identify and prioritize areas requiring
expansion and upgrading of sanitary sewer
facilities.
PUBLIC UTILITIES GOAL
A broad range of public utilities that provide for the
existing and long-term needs of the community.
Policy 1
New development shall finance its share of public
utilities infrastructure and improvements required to
accommodate the development.
Policy 2
The City shall provide continuous, affordable public
utilities, including telephone, electric, natural gas,
and cable services, to meet the domestic and
commercial needs of the community.
Program 2.1: The City shall continue to coordinate
planning efforts with CVWD, Verizon, Imperial
Irrigation District, The Gas Company and
TimeWarner to assure that reliable, affordable utility
services are provided to City residents and
businesses, to the greatest extent practical.
Program 2.2: The City shall continue to coordinate
with CVWD, Verizon, Imperial Irrigation District,
The Gas Company and TimeWarner to identify and
prioritize areas requiring service expansion and
upgrading.
Policy 3
All utility and electric wires up to 34.5 kilovolts
serving new development shall be installed
underground.
77
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Elemen
Policy 4
Above -ground utility facilities including but not
limited to well sites, water reservoirs, communication
facilities and utility maintenance areas, shall be
designed in a manner which minimizes potential
environmental hazards and visual impacts to
surrounding properties.
Program 4.1: To the greatest extent practical, all
new utility equipment boxes, including but not
limited to traffic signal equipment, and electrical and
telephone equipment, shall be located either under
ground, or away from street corners and effectively
shielded from public view. Undergrounding of these
facilities is preferred.
Program 4.2: The design and location of all utility
equipment, such as transformers, boxes, etc., shall
be included on development review applications.
City staff shall review plans to assure that project
design includes adequate landscaping and screening
mechanisms.
Program 4.3: Development standards pertaining to
the location and screening of utility equipment shall
be incorporated into the City Development Code.
78
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Chapter 8
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta will ensure that the most up to date
measures and techniques are employed to protect its
citizens against natural and manmade hazards,
including earthquakes, floods, hazardous materials
and high noise levels.
PURPOSE
The Environmental Hazards Element includes those
factors of the natural and man-made environment
which can pose a threat to the public health and
safety. The components of the Environmental
Hazards Element include Hazardous Materials,
Emergency Preparedness, Geologic and Seismic
Hazards, Flooding and Hydrology and Noise. Each
subject is discussed individually below, and is
followed by goals, policies and programs specific to
that topic of discussion.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PURPOSE
The Hazardous Materials section of the
Environmental Hazards Element identifies .goals,
policies and programs which are intended to safely
manage hazardous and toxic materials. The goals,
policies and programs established herein help
assure the safe use, transport, storage and disposal
of hazardous and toxic materials. The section
reinforces the City's concern for the protection of
La Quinta residents and visitors from adverse health
and other impacts resulting from the presence of
hazardous materials.
BACKGROUND
Hazardous materials issues are closely related to
those addressed in the Land Use Element, as the
location of hazardous materials storage and disposal
sites affects and may potentially undermine land use
compatibility. Policies and programs set forth in the
Natural Resources Element are also related to
hazardous materials issues, as the management of
hazardous and toxic materials has a direct effect on
the preservation of clean air and the protection of
water resources against contamination. Fire
protection policies and programs established in the
Infrastructure and Public Services Element also
support the hazardous materials section in their
effort to provide adequate protection from
environmental hazards, including spillage or upset
of hazardous and toxic materials.
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address safety issues,
including but not limited to hazardous materials.
County, state and federal agencies are largely
responsible for the control and regulation of such
materials.
Within the City of La Quinta, its sphere of
influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area
No. 2, hazardous and toxic material generators are
largely limited to households and small-scale
agricultural and commercial operations, such as
service stations, pesticide vendors and users,
automotive dealers, medical clinics and golf
courses. A variety of chemical products and
elements may be considered toxic or hazardous,
including chemical fertilizers, herbicides and
pesticides, stored fuels and waste oil, chemical
solvents, and pool related chlorine products. The
improper use and management of these products
can potentially result in accidental spills, illegal
dumping, air emissions and other uncontrolled
impacts to the environment.
A discussion of existing hazardous material
conditions is provided in the La Quinta Master
Environmental Assessment (MEA). The MEA also
describes the regulatory environment established to
safely manage such materials.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
an increase in the amount of industrial designated
lands, particularly in the vicinity of the Desert
Resorts Regional Airport. Operations occurring
within this area may potentially utilize, store and
generate toxic and hazardous materials. Existing
agricultural operations will continue to utilize and
store pesticides, herbicides and related products.
Buildout of the proposed land use scenario will also
result in additional residential development, which is
79
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
expected to increase the generation of household
hazardous wastes.
The City of La Quinta is responsible for
coordinating with the appropriate agencies,
including the Riverside County Health Department,
Riverside County Fire Department and the Regional
Water Quality Control Board, for the effective
monitoring and regulation of hazardous materials
sites. A carefully coordinated management program
between appropriate local, county and state
personnel is essential for the protection of the
community from hazardous materials.
The City must maintain current information
regarding the location and condition of hazardous
materials sites, including underground storage tanks
and septic systems. Local regulation of the transport
of hazardous materials through the community will
help assure adequate emergency response in the
event of emergency. The phased removal of septic
tanks, and the connection of existing and new
development to the Coachella Valley Water
District's sewer system, will help reduce the
potential contamination of the groundwater table.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
Protection of La Quinta residents, visitors and
property from the potential impacts associated with
the manufacture, use, storage, transport and disposal
of hazardous and toxic materials.
Policy 1
The storage, transport and disposal of hazardous
and toxic materials shall comply with all City,
County, state and federal regulations.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to cooperate
and coordinate with appropriate agencies in the
enforcement of state and federal hazardous waste
management regulations.
Program 1.2: Prepare and distribute informational
materials to households and other generators of
hazardous waste, which explain proper hazardous
waste management techniques and disposal
procedures.
Program 1.3: The City shall continue to coordinate
with the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments, Riverside County Health Department,
Waste Management of the Desert and other
appropriate agencies to provide drop-off locations
for hazardous and toxic household products.
Policy 2
When required by the Department of
Transportation, notice to the City of La Quinta,
Riverside County Fire Department, Riverside
County Sheriff's Department and other appropriate
officials shall be required prior to the transport of
commercial hazardous materials through the City.
Program 2.1: The City shall coordinate with
appropriate departments and agencies to develop a
system for alerting emergency and medical facilities
of the transport of hazardous materials through the
community.
Policy 3
To the extent empowered, the City shall regulate the
generation, delivery, use and storage of hazardous
materials.
Program 3.1: The City shall review development
applications carefully to ensure that the proposed
generation, storage and use of hazardous materials
will not jeopardize the public health or the
environment.
Program 3.2: The City Development Code shall be
amended to require special review of proposed
industrial developments in the vicinity of the Desert
Resorts Regional Airport which may potentially
generate or utilize hazardous or toxic materials.
Program 3.3: The City shall develop and maintain a
comprehensive inventory of all hazardous waste
sites within the City limits, including underground
fuel storage tanks with the potential to release
hazardous or toxic materials into the environment.
Policy 4
To reduce the potential impacts of subsurface
sewage disposal systems on human health and the
environment, the City shall encourage, to the greatest
extent practical, the connection of new development
to the Coachella Valley Water District's sewage
collection system.
Program 4.1: The City shall coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District to provide waste
water collection and treatment facilities to all
development.
80
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Policy 5
The City shall encourage the connection of existing
development to the sewage collection system of the
Coachella Valley Water District.
Program 5.1: The City shall provide assistance to
low and moderate income residents for the
connection of existing development to the Coachella
Valley Water District sewer system.
Program 5.2: The City shall help assure that all
septic systems are properly removed from service
upon completion of their use, in accordance with the
requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control
Board and other regulatory agencies.
Policy 6
If a residential dwelling is served by a septic system,
and a sanitary sewer line is located in the right-of-
way immediately adjacent to the residence, the septic
system shall be properly abandoned, and the
residence connected to the sewer system at the time
the residence is sold.
Policy 7
Facilities which involve the generation, use or
storage of hazardous or toxic materials shall be
located and constructed in a manner which assures
the highest level of safety and is consistent with
City, County, State, and Federal standards and
regulations.
Program 7.1: To the greatest extent practical, the
General Plan Land Use Map and City Development
Code shall permit the use of hazardous materials
only where compatible with surrounding land uses.
Program 7.2: All facilities which produce, utilize,
store or transport hazardous or toxic materials shall
be constructed in strict conformance with the
Uniform Fire Code, Uniform Building Code,
National Fire Protection Association standards and
other applicable regulations. Testing for compliance
of storage integrity is required, and a copy of the
report shall be given to the City.
81
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
PURPOSE
Emergency preparedness is a critical component of
the safety and welfare of the community. The
purpose of the Emergency Preparedness section of
the Environmental Hazards Element is to set forth
goals, policies and programs which help ensure the
City' s preparation for. natural and technological
emergencies.
The City's exposure to potential major seismic and
flooding events cannot be avoided, however, the City
can anticipate and prepare for such events through
effective response programs. The City must also
prepare for technological hazards, including fires,
hazardous materials spills and major traffic
accidents.
Finally, the City must also be prepared for the
potential for civil emergencies, including acts of
terrorism. The City's relationship with the Riverside
County Sheriff's Department and other public
safety agencies will be critical in protection of its
citizens in the future.
The City can best prepare for potential emergencies
by utilizing four phases of comprehensive
emergency management: Mitigation, Preparedness,
Response and Recovery. "Mitigation" refers to
activities which eliminate or reduce the chance of
occurrence or the effects of an event.
"Preparedness" refers to activities directed at
planning response and recovery efforts of both
emergency responders and citizens. "Response"
refers to those activities which follow the occurrence
of an event. They are designed to provide
emergency assistance to victims of the event and to
reduce the likelihood of secondary damage.
"Recovery" refers to those activities directed at
restoring all systems and locales to pre -event status
or better. Short-term recovery is directed at
restoring all essential services to minimum operating
standards, while long-term recovery is directed at
cost recovery and a return to the Mitigation phase.
BACKGROUND
Emergency preparedness is directly related to other
issues discussed in the Environmental Hazards
Element, including geologic, seismic, flooding and
hazardous • materials emergencies. Concern
regarding emergency preparedness is also
expressed in the Infrastructure and Public Services
Element, in that police and fire protection are critical
to the implementation of an effective emergency
response program. The Land Use and Circulation
Elements also establish policies and programs that
are relevant to emergency preparedness. The Land
Use Element determines land use compatibility and
has some bearing on the exposure of certain lands
to potential hazards and threats. The Circulation
Element defines available evacuation routes.
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address "the
protection of the community from any unreasonable
risks associated with the effects of seismically
induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground
failure...and slope instability leading to mudslides or
landslides."
The Coachella Valley is subject to significant
geologic and seismic hazards, which can result in
loss of life and substantial property damage.
Communication between a large number of public,
quasi -public and private agencies is critical to the
effectiveness of emergency preparedness planning
and response. It is imperative that involved
agencies, including cities, utility purveyors, water
districts and emergency response agencies,
participate in on -going organizational meetings to
coordinate the provision of personnel, equipment
and supplies. An effective emergency response
program will plan for such disaster response efforts
as debris removal, emergency health care, the
provision of food and shelter, and the maintenance
of critical services such as transportation, water,
sewage and electricity.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA) includes a thorough discussion of the City's
existing emergency preparedness programs and
responsibilities.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Development associated with buildout of the
proposed General Plan is expected to increase the
demand for emergency services. Buildout is
expected to result in an estimated 38,050 additional
residents in the City, 5,549 in its sphere of influence,
25,701 in Planning Area No. 1 and 48,955 in
Planning Area No. 2. The General Plan land use
scenario will allow for changes in the development
pattern in locations that are currently undeveloped.
The proposed land use plan will also accommodate
82
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
the development of industrial operations in the
vicinity of the Desert Resorts Regional Airport.
Continued urbanization will increase the potential
risk of including structural fires, traffic accidents
and hazardous materials spills.
The City will continue to coordinate emergency
response efforts with other appropriate agencies and
will also implement its own emergency avoidance
measures. Development standards set forth in the
City's Development Code will determine how
effectively emergency personnel will be able to
respond to events affecting occupied structures.
The City will be able to influence, to some extent,
the occurrence of hazardous incidents through the
distribution of land uses and location public safety
facilities.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
A comprehensive, effective, high quality emergency
response plan which provides for the safety of the
City's residents and property.
Policy 1
The City shall maintain a community emergency
response plan to assure adequate response to the
threat of a major seismic event, flood, fire or other
incident.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to review and
periodically update, as necessary, its Multi -Hazard
Functional Plan (MHFP) or Emergency Operations
Plan (EOP).
Policy 2
The City shall coordinate emergency preparedness
and response plans with neighboring cities and
other appropriate organizations, including Riverside
County, the State Office of Emergency Services, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG), local health care providers and utility
purveyors.
Policy 3
The City shall continue to use code enforcement as
a means of identifying and remedying unsafe
structural conditions.
Policy 4
Critical and other sensitive facilities, including fire
and police stations, health care facilities and schools
shall be sited in a manner which assures maximum
protection from environmental hazards.
Program 4.1: The General Plan Land Use Map and
City Development Code shall prohibit the
construction of critical facilities in close proximity
to earthquake faults, rockfall areas, floodplains or
other environmental hazards.
Policy 5
The City shall actively participate in efforts to
educate the public about fire prevention measures,
earthquake preparedness and appropriate response
to other potential hazards.
83
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
PURPOSE
The Geologic and Seismic Hazards section of the
Environmental Hazards Element is intended to
educate the public about seismic and related
geologic hazards, and to set forth goals, policies and
programs which protect the City from these hazards.
The section is also meant to satisfy the requirements
of state law, including the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Act, as amended.
BACKGROUND
The Geologic and Seismic Hazards section is.
directly related to other issues addressed in the
Environmental Hazards Element, particularly
emergency preparedness and flooding and
hydrology. Many of the concerns, plans and
programs addressed in the emergency preparedness
section are based upon the potential for geologic
hazards to occur. The Geologic and Seismic
Hazards section is also related to the Land Use,
Circulation, Housing and Public Services Elements
in its efforts to protect the public and property from
environmental hazards.
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address the protection
of the community from unreasonable risks
associated with seismic activity, including surface
rupture, ground shaking, seiching, dam failure and
inundation, subsidence and liquefaction. According
to Government Code Section 65303, the General
Plan may also address other subjects related to the
development of the community, such as flooding
and hydrology, emergency preparedness and other
issues related to seismic and geologic hazards.
The most important piece of state legislation
regarding geologic and seismic hazards is the
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, which
was adopted in 1972 (Public Resources Code
Sections 2621 et. seq.). The primary goal of the act
is to mitigate the hazards associated with fault
rupture by prohibiting the construction of structures
intended for human occupancy across the traces of
an active fault. Construction of such structures is
prohibited within special study zones, which
generally include land within 200 and 500 feet from
the trace of an active fault. In accordance with the
provisions of Title 14, California Administrative
Code Section 3603(b), the location of these study
zones must be disclosed to the general public.
An analysis of the existing geologic and seismic
conditions is included in the La Quinta Master
Environmental Assessment. Data and information in
the MEA is largely based upon the geotechnical
assessment which was prepared specifically for the
General Plan Update.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
approximately 60,460 residences, 15.9 million
square feet of commercial development and 5.6
million square feet of industrial development. To
assure the continued safety of residents and visitors,
and the protection of property from geologic and
seismic hazards, the City will need to rely upon and
enforce the guidelines established by a variety of
regulatory mechanisms. These include the Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, Uniform
Building Code, International Building Code,
Coachella Valley PM10 Implementation Plan, and
Hillside Conservation Zone ordinance.
Specifically, the Community Development
Department must assure that development proposals
include the necessary special studies, and that they
are thoroughly reviewed and assessed with regard to
seismic and geologic conditions. The Building and
Safety Department must regulate the construction of
new buildings and assure compliance with and the
implementation of mitigation measures.
84
Adopted March 20, 2002
• • i rt.
I
I•;
7
Cahuilla
Margin.of;
'Ancie t Lake Cahuilla
`t •
00000
Oat
1
Approximate Location
Pilot t;roupdwafer Recfiargei Facility
I IMDt1N Yr.,l4rAjlaw '
IW ,.•
—! r---— -, _
II,.,ra M*)UI It1
•
.
•
•
,�h.. ... _—.
•
-
Unit Descriptions
Sand Dune Deposits (Qsd):
Wind-blown sand is very common in the area, and mapped
throughout the northern portion of the city. The northern portion of
the city surrounding Highway 111 is underlain by an active
embryonic dune area. Engineering issues in areas mapped as Qs
includewind-blown sand erosion and collapsible soils.
Quaternary Alluvium (Qal):
The alluvium is primarily distributed at the mouths of drainages
debouching from the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south. These
deposits may have been rapidly laid down without being saturated.
As a result, the major engineering issue affecting this unit is
collapse potential upon introduction of irrigation (hydroconsolidation).
Interbedded Quaternary Lake and Alluvial Deposits (QI/Qal):
Deposits of ancient Lake Cahuilla and other large lakes inter-
bedded with alluvial deposits. The deposits are up to 300 feet thick.
Due to the saturation of sediments by the ancient lakes, collapse
potential is believed to be low. However, the fine-grained lake
deposits may be locally moderate to highly expansive.
Quaternary Terrace Deposits (Qt):
Stream terrace deposits are mapped along the valley margin. They
consist of thin mantles and patches capping older rocks.
These caps are up to a few feet in thickness with large boulders, and
a gravel and sand matrix. No major engineering concerns are
associated with this unit.
Quaternary Conglomerate (Qc):
Mapped along the valley margins and comprises the bulk of
the Indio Hills to the north. Boulders up to 19 feet in diameter
are documented. The primary engineering concern is the
generation of over -sized materials from this unit during construction.
This conglomerate is locally over 2,000 feet thick.
Granite (gr):
Outcrops in steep hills within the south-central and western
margins of the city. Commonly called the "Cactus Granite".
These rocks are grossly stable, however some precarious
boulders and cobbles result in a moderate rockfall hazard
for developent within the mountains, as well as to structures
adjacent to the steep slopes, such as the Coachella Canal.
i
. ,or LANAI. • 'i •rei/ I •
I .,�('••,f
I i,
7 wlr Y,I A,Y r�it
1 s:
,..,St. ihriFt1
9
I^ • _L.-I .—.
all
i
11
EXHIBIT 8.1
GEOLOGIC MAP AND ENGINEERING
PROPERTIES OF THE LA QUINTA
PLANNING AREA
Map Explanation
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
General Plan Planning Area 1
General Plan Planning Area 2
Engineering Properties
Geotechnical
Constraint
Hazard
Physiography/
Lithology
Earth Units
Affected
Wind Erosion
Active Blowing Sand
And Sand Dunes
Qsd
Wind Erosion
Qal, QI, Qt
Ground Failure
All Valley Areas
Qal, QI, Qsd
Expansive Soils
Fine-grained Sediments with
Shrink and Swell Characteristics
QI
Collapsible Soils
Alluvium and Wind Deposits
Qal, Qsd
Rockfall Hazard
Steep Terrain
gr
bedrock fault, dashed where approximate, dotted
where concealed
The geology illustrated herein is based upon regional mapping and
should not substitute for site -specific evaluation.
Source: Proctor (1968), and a compilation by Rogers (1965)
Scale: 1:72,000
5000 0 5000 10000
—tttt� tltt�
Feet
15000
La Quinta
General Plan
L .4 TERRA NOVA ®
Planning & Research, Inc.
- Earth
.t - Consultants
International
Project #:998108-001
Date: January 9, 2002
••••41:•*•ilijr••;;'4.).*
- •' • c•- ;;;;.-. • •••;47•`•
•? -
••••••••. •••'•*- , • •
• ,••
1'
,•• " ••• •-•• • •••• •
tt
, .:.„.
1- -
• fr.f.
• . . X jU
•
. .
.. ••• . , -
, •.'.(1.i,' ''c:-.7.', • :: $4,III
i'l .• ..:-Y. .
..1'.... t•
, 1.7 • - y..1:
.;.'.i.:.4.,•••••••-••i: •
iv •
.•••
Pk.0 t
-
.1 •••
•
47s., • , • -‘
•-•
N.L ‘t‘•,,
( ).•-• •
'AU
• • . . •
I
I • •
I
1
f.
, ... 1...1
• '• 'VI .. f, Er 1
,,,,. I ......I V..—y.
i . . 1 ••• .i...•':..:E. ''.''''''''''' ''.. •
0.'" •
.:
. ': . t'l ''' t . 1.
Sq.:, "I , i 1‘
. • ...., •
,„,,.. It, ....„_,,...1 il" , i,..— ..,
I
; .,;,::;—"1,#,..f.1 ' i.' • . ,' il : • .1 I
....
i•-....._
. • •
I . ''' • i: 450 c.., ,.•fi.
•• I Jur '-: ..• .
4
..4 • ' \ :•<,
,n . - , : •
/
jli'l i: -4‘-flion prelq48 .._ ko'l .....
- '
lIssuye
. ...
,?".
0 0
J11
e••"f
, Ls csitto 4 ' ' ,', ,...."/ ' • I 1 Q:,
•1 $ `•°
'',-.41,..:•,,":=1:v!'.ri ,., .1) -,.0---:'-f-
'., „....-----i •.'.-
1 . ..5; 'I),
,
•••;-_,t..,. " /
Si
6. , ; 1•••,' 1
1 11:
_-2-.1.-.0 .
• C
"- • • • v. •
• .(
• • I
•-•••
r
•
••.-7,-... !tip.
":1 ' 1'
SU
•
••• •-, 47.- :•••-•-4-7,-4,. - - 1",' '.-"•'-'• it i...1%
so . , ii-
• 1
' ' t • 1 " 0,7., '7, .•-• • •
H
• ' ,;,. - %.
• • I
II i • 1 . - •• \ , • \ •
• t. . .
• ki... Ii
, -..
•
''j .,
.. • .si
• J .1.;...I:
i 'r ? i
. •••• .....r ' ,..1
I't I • ''. ''.
/ , • t N. 1
1 .7 ..-
.' •-, , ..,, .1.1 !.. , • 1
..-.
• —
.r.,
•." i'
••• i.iid.-. - -,..
-11 ----1.
....1 4. '":dri- i-.• - - •-•
IF •-..
( • .
.1 • i — .. ll
. 1 • 1.411.11111.
.e.
. • ••••
•
.1 L,
• : •
-„.....f,__ ..... L ,-._
o i
•••
- .
••• I
,1
• .\•.
•
• r"
.s,•
1.4111.1:1.1
1
••••• ••• lor•••7•••• • •
11101.11 11C AAAAA ;OW
1 11 1•111131 11A11.1111110 I
•; ••••••-• ••••• j "•••••••t•
•
• •/111.111/1, LLLLL Tear..
!:t• - -
111
DU .. .1104
l•
1'
14
1
I
• .
1.1111111111.
it
•Y,
I
.•;"
5 "": "ri•-• •-• -, •
• •
• :••'
. a •
5
13
4.
4.
t11.1.11.
.11
t•
16.
••1
••••••••
• •••..t\
•
•
14
EXHIBIT 8.2
LIQUEFACTION SUSCEPTIBILTY
MAP OF THE
LA QUINTA PLANNING AREA
---
Map Explanation
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
General Plan Planning Area 1
General Plan Planning Area 2
Liquefaction Susceptibility
Liquefaction hazard due to coexistence
of young sediments and ground water
that may be within 30 feet of the surface.
Potential liquefaction hazard due to the
presence of young sediments, however,
ground water is generally more than 30
feet below the surface.
Not liquefiable, regions underlain by
granitic bedrock.
Scale: 1:72,000
5000 0 5000 10000
Feet
15000
La Quinta
General Plan
L .A1 TERRA NOVA®
Planning & Research, Inc.
zr_-.-mki
'7:consultants
International
Project #: 998108-001
Date: January 9, 2002
i
t?.-. ,
.
'Y. , +,wf1----L
2
I XIZ
4
2
l•
I
•
•
2
1
•• I
'... .0 • , .;:,.,..:,,.., _....1:111 •,•••:,-,‘;,‘:`,11..7., , i N '', , 1 ; 1,-
i^ 'i •t• • \. _ '.4.4.._71 .‘ .......—. ' ' ' :— ____::: ..\ , t.,..1:N.- k,....:TI.,.' ..z:::::.....-1}7...--_:'1.::::"':1..'"::..r:;::...1.1 k tt.
�. I, ;v.
• f ��C 'p : ra .I - .
_ f • 2 •t••
,, ...I',
r �Y "• Y• I.
1�II :I - ):1..
jllj ... iC b A „p
2. t —
2
; I
L.
1 •°r,u11
1‘,„;.1•'••••••T'...'.. I t"
••
i I
E IL 2.' A' '
11
-2
I u•,bn •.buret 1
•
. rb1••u.t
1•b1°r ._•
L _
ti
1
.w2111.1. •• •. rO�I
r W \\
I• -r
)NIPM.° b1-rvp2
•
•
•
•
22
• _,r,Y: • \\ .,
1
S/5.•\t t .1'
•
v +`•, y' A
I '\ I
•
,
•
1
v
1.1.11
I:
EXHIBIT 8.3
SEISMICALLY INDUCED SETTLEMENT
AND ROCKFALL SUSCEPTIBILITY
LA QUINTA PLANNING AREA
Map Explanation
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
- - General Plan Planning Area 1
General Plan Planning Area 2
Seismically Induced Settlement and
Rockfall Susceptibility
Region vulnerable to seismically induced
settlement. Differential settlement is
most likely to occur along valley margins.
Region vulnerable to seismically induced
5000
OMB
Scale: 1:72,000
0 5000 10000 15000
Feet
La Quinta
General Plan
Planning & Research. Inc.
4iiiii,
,.._„=„
., ....c__=.=___:_ Earth
Project #: 99810-001
Date: January 9, 2002
11
N
• . ,:
It w
rt U r.
•,f
rti `z1.�t>
1; ti,
t IE'ljtCt
p}xik4stiML.
TIMM
OHM
ottilVitotr
• '-�
•e,
•
•
• ..1
�. •'i `�:
•
':n
•
•'
; ,
ben ••• •.e•..-q •• 1 -i
•il.:417:::,,p
I= ---• -Z'-i'
••-.no-,
i.•,J
.lt w w \
uau+• •rnerw,a.
• ti • 1 .Y \
,. 1. l=1.. 4,
•
,•
yam.
;'.r - is •- .. .._,...��'•->,\" •.
,
L
L L l E Y
c
EXHIBIT 8.4
WIND HAZARD MAP
LA QUINTA PLANNING AREA
•
Map Explanation
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
General Plan Planning Area 1
General Plan Planning Area 2
VERY SEVERE WIND EROSION HAZARD- areas exposed to
erosive wind where soils show distinct evidence of wind
accumulation, and areas exposed to erosive winds where
soils highly to extremely erodible by wind have been
mapped.
SEVERE WIND EROSION HAZARD- areas exposed
to erosive winds where soils showing distinct
evidence of wind accumulation have not been mapped,
but where soils moderately to highly erodible by wind
have been mapped.
MODERATE WIND EROSION HAZARD- areas partially protected
from erosive winds and areas where fine-grained soils only
slightly erodible by wind have been mapped.
6 SLIGHT WIND EROSION HAZARD- bedrock areas and areas
partially to fully protected from erosive winds where the soils are
coarse -grained and show little evidence of soil removal or
accumulation.
Boundaries are approximate.
Sources:
Soil Survey of Riverside County, California, Coachella Valley Area,
(Knecht, 1980)
Progress Report on the Coachella Valley Wind Erosion Problem
(Brooks, 1967)
5000
Scale: 1:72,000
0 5000 10000
•Feet
15000
La Quinta
General Plan
L J TERRA NOVA®
Planning & Research. Inc.
Earth
Consultants
International
Project #: 998108-001
Date: January 9, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
GOAL, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
Protection of the health and safety of the community
and its property from geologic and seismic hazards.
Policy 1
The City shall maintain and periodically update an
information database and maps which identify local
and regional geologic and seismic conditions.
Program 1.1: Periodically confer with the
California Division of Mines and Geology,
neighboring communities and other appropriate
agencies to improve and update the information
database.
Policy 2
Development in areas subject to rockfall, landslide,
liquefaction and/or other associated hazards, as
depicted in the MEA, shall be required to prepare
detailed geotechnical analyses which include
mitigation measures designed to reduce potential
hazards below levels of significance.
Program 2.1: The City shall contract with a state -
certified geologist and/or geological engineer to
review and determine the adequacy of geotechnical
studies for proposed projects.
Policy 3
Development in areas subject to collapsible or
expansive soils shall be required to conduct soil
sampling and laboratory testing and to implement
mitigation measures which minimize such hazards.
Program 3.1: The Building and Safety Department
shall review and determine the adequacy of soil
studies conducted for proposed projects, and
enforce the implementation of mitigation measures.
Policy 4
The City shall coordinate and cooperate with the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG) to identify and implement methods to
reduce the hazards associated with fugitive dust and
blowing sand.
Policy 5
To minimize the hazards associated with
groundshaking and other seismic events, all new
structures shall be built in accordance with the latest
version of the Uniform Building Code (UBC)
and/or International Building Code.
Program 5.1: The Building and Safety Department
shall enforce the provisions of the UBC and/or
International Building Code.
Policy 6
The City shall continue to encourage the
rehabilitation of structures which pose a safety
threat due to inadequate seismic design or
construction.
Program 6.1: Periodically update an inventory of
potentially hazardous buildings, including those
constructed of unreinforced masonry.
Program 6.2: Establish a list of priorities by which
strengthening of hazardous buildings shall be
conducted.
Program 6.3: The Building and Safety Department
shall implement an educational program which
encourages private owners to seismically upgrade
their properties.
Policy 7
Encourage and coordinate with public and quasi -
public agencies to assure that water, electricity,
natural gas and other transmission and distribution
systems are seismically strengthened or relocated, as
necessary.
Policy 8
Identify roadways that may be susceptible to
damage during major seismic events, including
bridge crossings, elevated roadways and roads
subject to rockslide or slope failure. Establish a
program to stabilize such structures throughout the
City. Coordinate with Caltrans to stabilize these
structures along state highways.
Policy 9
All new development shall be required to minimize,
to the greatest extent practical, blowsand and other
wind erosion hazards affecting properties
downwind.
Program 9.1: Development occurring within Wind
Hazard Zones shall be required to implement
mitigation measures that reduce associated hazards
to insignificant levels.
89
Adopted March 20, 2002
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
FLOODING AND HYDROLOGY
PURPOSE
The Flooding and Hydrology section of the
Environmental Hazards Element sets forth goals,
policies and programs which address potential
flooding and drainage hoards. Specifically, this
section addresses the development of site -specific
and City-wide flood control facilities, as well as the
provision of wildlife habitat, open space and
recreational amenities within flood control channels
and basins. The policies established herein
reinforce the City's commitment to protecting
residents, visitors and property from flooding and
associated hydrological hazards.
BACKGROUND
The Flooding and Hydrology section is directly
related to other sections of the Environmental
Hazards Element, particularly the Emergency
Preparedness section, which addresses the City's
response to major environmental threats. Also
related is the Geologic and Seismic section, which
addresses liquefaction and other seismically induced
phenomena which may result in flooding. The
Hazardous Materials section is also related, as
stormwaters have the potential to transport
hazardous and toxic materials both underground
and over the ground surface. The Land Use Element
defines land use patterns and permitted uses, and
separates residential development and critical
community facilities from environmentally
hazardous areas, including floodways and
drainages. The Circulation Element defines
evacuation routes which provide safe ingress and
egress during a major flood event.
State legislation requires that a City's General Plan
identify and offer mitigation measures for existing
and potential flooding hazards. Chapter 73 of the
Statutes of California, 1939 mandates joint planning
of area -wide drainage plans affecting local
jurisdictions. California Government Code Section.
8589.5 and 65302(g) requires the mapping of areas
subject to inundation resulting from dam failure.
The Cobey-Alquist Flood Plain Management Act
establishes criteria for receiving state financial
assistance for flood control activities, and requires
that local governments plan, adopt and enforce land
use regulations for floodplain management.
Potential flooding and hydrological hazards are
discussed in more detail in the La Quinta Master
Environmental Assessment.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
General Plan buildout will result in substantial
population growth and development of facilities
needed to support an expanding population,
including buildings, roadways, utilities and other
infrastructure. The City must carefully assess
development proposals to assure that new projects
adequately accommodate run-off and 100-year
stormwater on -site, and that they are protected from
local and regional flooding hazards. In particular,
development proposals for areas within unprotected
100-year floodplain boundaries must be thoroughly
evaluated, as they will be susceptible to major flood
events. The City must work closely with the
Coachella Valley Water District to assure that
regional flood control facilities are properly
maintained, and that new improvements are
constructed as necessary to reduce the boundaries
of the unprotected 100-year floodplain. Similarly,
the City must respond to local stormwater
management needs by installing new storm drains,
curb and gutter systems, and other improvements as
necessary.
A well -designed emergency response program is
critical to the protection of City residents in the
event of a major flood. The City must assure that its
Multi -Functional Hazard Plan adequately addresses
flood conditions, is routinely updated to reflect new
development, and that appropriate agencies are
capable of implementing the program during an
emergency.
90
Adopted March 20, 2002
1B0r Creak:Chanrie
`(10.6..-year flood co•nta ned...•
,
iin.chanhel) �.•
•�
'l)pper Bear Creek
Detention BOO
Upper Bear reek
r•n.•,�II K•J1-�l
City Halls
'East ji:ar Quinta Chann&I
r I( OiJ-year :flogd `contairied
— i tchantiel),
,Tir;ainirag -Dike, Lake Cahuill
s �+
Hy
1 -
1
W
•
—
_ . 1
j
1 seLtlo MAu.CY. •�,
I IU,•IMI Y•4tL.A;lw.
I I
L rE
t,
1 I rr, . t 1•
1j,
C _.
•L 141 tNt i lift 4t0�1 •
••
1
1.
•
jl. \c - • ��
•
•
•
4I r*t �nALI,ntt (—
u
7.6
y
:;_
•
v41.Y
If
I•
I•.
;a, •
EXHIBIT 8.5
FLOOD HAZARD MAP
LA QUINTA PLANNING AREA
Map Explanation
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
General Plan Planning Area 1
General Plan Planning Area 2
Flood Hazard
Areas between limits of the 100- and 500-
year floods; or certain areas subject to
flooding with average depths Tess than
1-foot, or where the contributing drainage
area is less than 1 square mile; or areas
protected from the base flood by levees.
500-year flood zone
Mapping based on Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), 1991, Flood Insurance Rate Maps
for the City of La Quinta, Community Panels
060709-0005-B, and 060709-0010-B.
Scale: 1:72,000
5000 0 5000 10000
Feet
La Quinta
General Plan
L J TERRA NOVA
Planning & Research, Inc.
15000
Earth
consultants
In a io
Project #: 998108-001
Date: January 9, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
FLOODING AND HYDROLOGY GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The protection of the general health, safety and
welfare of the community from flooding and
associated hydrological hazards.
Policy 1
Major flood control facilities shall be designated as
Open Space/Watercourse land uses on the General
Plan Land Use map and shall be used only for flood
control, open space and recreational purposes, as
appropriate.
Policy 2
The City shall designate evacuation routes which
provide safe ingress and egress for residents and
emergency vehicles in the Cove and southern area
neighborhoods in the event of a major flood.
Program 2.1: The City shall provide maps and
other information concerning evacuation routes to
residents of the Cove, Riverside County Fire
Department, Sheriff's Department and other
appropriate agencies.
Policy 3
Encourage the use of engineering and design
techniques which minimize the potential for
seismically induced inundation to occur.
Program 3.1: The City shall coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District to monitor the
structural safety of the levees of Lake Cahuilla.
Program 3.2: Coordinate with the Coachella Valley
Water District to evaluate the structural integrity of
above -ground water tanks and reservoirs, and
implement adequate bracing techniques to minimize
potential structural damage and/or failure.
Policy 4
Implement measures which protect bridge crossings
from the scouring and erosive effects of flooding.
Program 4.1: The Public Works Department shall
inspect bridge crossings for scour damage during
and after significant flooding events.
Program 4.2: The City shall coordinate with the
appropriate state agencies to participate in the state's
bridge scour inventory and evaluation program.
Policy 5
Drainage policies and development standards shall
provide for a reduction in runoff from developed
lands and shall be consistent with local and regional
stormwater management plans.
Program 5.1: At the discretion of CVWD, new
development shall continue to be required to
construct on -site retention/detention basins and
other necessary stormwater management facilities
that are capable of managing 100-year stormwater
flows. New development immediately adjacent to the
Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel shall continue
to have the option of discharging 100-year
stormwater flows directly into the stormwater
channel.
Policy 6
Major drainage facilities, including debris basins
and flood control channels, shall provide for the
enhancement of wildlife habitat and community
open space, to the greatest extent practical, while still
maintaining their functional qualities.
Program 6.1: Coordinate with CVWD to assure
that designs which provide for enhanced wildlife
habitat and open space amenities, such as hiking and
equestrian trails, are fully explored and integrated
into major drainage facilities, to the greatest extent
practical.
Policy 7
The City shall coordinate efforts to reduce the
boundaries of the FEMA-designated 100-year
floodplain.
Program 7.1: Work closely with CVWD to
facilitate the construction of stormwater
management facilities which reduce the boundaries
of the 100-year floodplain, particularly south of the
La Quinta Evacuation Channel, between Eisenhower
Drive and Adams Street.
Policy 7.2: Coordinate and cooperate in the filing
of FEMA applications to amend the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps, as necessary.
Policy 8
New critical facilities shall not be constructed within
the boundaries of the 100-year flood plain.
Policy 9
The Multi -Functional Hazard Plan shall be routinely
updated to address flooding hazards within the City.
92
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
NOISE
PURPOSE
The Noise section of the Environmental Hazards
Element provides information on the City's Noise
environment. This section also ensures that the City
continues to coordinate land uses with existing and
future noise conditions. By providing a safe noise
environment for its residents, the City will continue
to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents
and visitors, and maintain a high quality of life.
BACKGROUND
The Noise section of the Environmental Hazards
Element is closely associated with both the Land
Use and Circulation Elements. The primary source
of noise in the City results from traffic noise, which
can impact sensitive receptors located near the
source of the noise, including residential and
institutional land uses.
Noise can cause psychological and physiological
impacts which have been studied for many years.
Not only can excessive noise cause temporary or
permanent hearing loss, it also influences the quality
of life in a community.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)
Noise is the result of a rapid change in air pressure
from the surrounding "normal" air pressure.
Sound includes a number of physical characteristics,
including frequency range, intensity or loudness,
and time -carrying aspects. The noise level caused by
all noise sources is referred to as the Ambient Noise
Level.
Noise measurement is described as a decibel. The
Community Noise Equivalent Level is a scale of
measurement which provides a 24 hour weighted
average of the intensity of sound. The weighting
scale is adjusted to compensate for lower Ambient
Noise Levels during the evening and night hours,
when noise appears louder due to the quieter
surroundings.
Noise and Land Use
The State of California has developed standards for
noise levels for different land uses. For sensitive
land uses, such as residences and schools, a
maximum exterior noise level of 65 dBA CNEL is
considered acceptable. The compatibility of land
uses relates directly to a person's sensitivity to
noise, and the ability to mitigate impacts.
Residential land uses, schools, hospitals, churches
and resort areas are particularly sensitive land uses.
Parks, golf courses and other outdoor activity areas
are also sensitive to noise disturbance. Less
sensitive land uses include commercial and
industrial uses, motels and similar land uses. Table
8.1, below illustrates the range of noise as it relates
to individual land uses.
A detailed description of current noise levels in the
City is provided in the Master Environmental
Assessment, and in the General Plan Environmental
Impact Report.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
60,460 residences, 15.9 million square feet of
commercial development and 5.6 million square feet
square feet of industrial development. The
development itself, coupled with the traffic it will
generate, will increase noise levels in the City.
Without appropriate mitigation, these noise levels
will be unacceptable, and will cause a hazard to
future residents. Table 8.2 provides a listing of
anticipated noise levels, without mitigation, along
major City streets. This Table should be used as a
guide to City staff and officials when considering
future development, and determining mitigation
measures.
93
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Table 8.1
Community Noise And Land Use Compatibility
Land Uses
CNEL (dBA)
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
Residential Land Uses: Single & Multi -Family
Dwellings, Group Quarters, Mobile Homes
Transient Lodging: Hotels & Motels
School Classrooms, Libraries, Churches, Hospitals,
Nursing Homes & Convalescent Hospitals
Recreation Land Uses: Golf Courses, Open Space (with
walking, bicycling or horseback riding trails, etc.)
"C//
/
/77
Office Building, Personal Business, and Professional
Services
Commercial Land Uses: Retail Trade, Movie Theaters,
Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment Activities, Services
Heavy Commercial/Industrial: Wholesale, Manufacturing,
Utilities, Transportation, Communications
A/////
Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphi-theaters, Music Shells
(may be sensitive receptors or generators)
f/1/.//frf/r/f//
Sports Arenas, Outdoor Spectacular Sports
'.Y}///4f?/ '//1,› / /./.7 ///f/
Source: Federal Highway Program Manual Vol. 7, Ch. 7, Sec. 3, 1982
Explanatory Notes
Normally Acceptable: With no special noise reduction requirements assuming standard construction.
;;Conditionally Acceptable: New construction or development should be underaken only after a detailed
analysis of the noise reduction requirement is made and needed noise insulation features included in the
design.
Generally Unacceptable: New construction is discouraged. If new construction does proceed, a detailed
analysis of noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in
the design.
Land Use Discouraged: New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
94
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Table 8.2
General Plan Buildout Projected Noise Contours
DISTANCE TO CONTOUR
ROADWAY AND SEGMENT CNEL @ 70 dBA 65 dBA 60 dBA
10o FT. CNEL CNEL CNEL
Washington St., north of Ave. 42 70.4 106 228 491
Washington St., south of Ave. 44 71.5 126 271 585
Washington St., south of Hwy. 111 73.3 165 356 766
Washington St., north of Ave. 50 70.4 107 230 494
Washington St., north of Ave. 52 69.0 86 185 399
Jefferson St., north of Hwy. 111 68.4 78 169 364
Jefferson St., south of Ave. 48 69.9 99 212 457
Madison St., north of Ave. 52 67.3 67 143 309
Madison St., south of Ave. 54 69.6 94 202 436
Harrison St., south of Airport Blvd. 70.5 108 233 501
Harrison St., south of Ave. 60 69.3 90 195 420
SR 111, south of Ave. 60 66.1 55 119 257
Avenue 44, west of Jefferson St. 67.8 71 153 330
Highway 111, west of Jefferson 70.0 100 216 465
Avenue 48, west of Jefferson 68.4 78 168 362
Avenue 50, west of Jefferson 67.2 65 140 302
Avenue 50, east of Jefferson 66.4 58 124 267
Avenue 52, west of Jefferson 68.0 74 159 342
Avenue 52, east of Madison 66.9 62 134 290
Avenue 52, west of Van Buren 66.2 56 121 260
Airport Blvd., east of Madison 65.7 52 111 240
Airport Blvd., west of Van Buren 67.5 68 147 316
Airport Blvd., west of SR 111 68.4 79 170 365
Avenue 60, west of Filmore 62.8 33 71 153
95
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
NOISE GOAL, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
A healthful noise environment which complements
the City's residential and resort character, and the
mix of land uses provided in the City.
Policy 1
The City shall maintain noise standards in
conformance with the Table 8.1, Community Noise
and Land Use Compatibility.
Program 1.1: The Noise Ordinance (Municipal
Code Section 9.60.230 et. seq.) shall be amended to
allow a 65 dBA CNEL outdoor noise level for
sensitive receptors such as residential and
institutional land uses.
Program 1.2: The Building Department shall
maintain Uniform Building Code standards which
ensure that interior noise levels meet or exceed the
standards in Table 8.1, Community Noise and Land
Use Compatibility.
Policy 2
New or redevelopment projects proposing sensitive
receptors and located on arterial roadways whose
CNEL levels are expected to exceed the City
standard at buildout (see Table 8.2) and who do not
propose mitigation shall be required to prepare a
noise impact analysis to mitigate noise levels to meet
or exceed City standards.
Policy 3
New or redevelopment commercial projects
proposed adjacent to existing residential
development shall be required to prepare a noise
impact analysis to mitigate noise impacts on
adjacent residential properties.
Policy 4
The City may require remedial noise control plans
for areas experiencing noise in excess of adopted
City standards.
Program 4.1: The City shall add projects which
address remedial mitigation measures required for
noise attenuation to its Capital Improvement
Program, as necessary.
Policy 5
The City shall periodically review land use patterns
and the noise environment, and amend the Land Use
Map as needed to ensure noise/land use
compatibility.
Policy 6
The City Engineer shall include noise impact
analysis in his design of road widening projects to
assure that they meet City noise standards, and shall
incorporate appropriate mitigation measures into
those designs.
Policy 7
The City Engineer shall maintain a truck route plan
which restricts truck travel to arterial roadways.
96
Adopted March 20, 2002
City of La Quinta
General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
Chapter 9
CULTURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
La Quinta has a rich and varied cultural history
which it will continue to preserve, protect and build
upon. The cultural heritage on which the City was
built is one of its most valuable assets and must be
incorporated into future growth.
PURPOSE
Cultural resources are non-renewable, potentially
significant resources (as defined in the California
Environmental Quality Act) which can help to
further our knowledge of the City's history. The
Historic Preservation section of the Natural
Resources Element establishes goals, policies and
programs to preserve this important resource.
BACKGROUND
Because of its unique geographical location
straddling the shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla, a
naturally occurring freshwater lake formed by
overflow from the Colorado River, the City of La
Quinta contains one of the most dense
concentrations of archaeological sites anywhere in
California.
In the easterly portion of the city limits, where
continuous urbanization has occurred at a rapid rate
during the last few decades, most of the acreage has
been surveyed for cultural resources. The
mountainous southwesterly portion of the city and
the portions of the planning area outside the city
limits, however, have received only limited attention.
As a result of these earlier surveys, 372
archaeological sites, both prehistoric and historic,
have been identified and recorded in and around the
City, its sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1
and Planning Area No. 2. The technical appendix in
the General Plan Environmental Impact Report
offers a complete list of these archaeological sites.
Archaeological sites can reflect past human activities
from thousands of years ago to as little as 50 years
ago, and can include evidence of ancient stone tool
making to more recent date farming. The vast
majority of archaeological sites in the City, its
sphere of influence, Planning Area No. 1 and
Planning Area No. 2 represent Native American
settlement associated with ancient Lake Cahuilla,
whose shoreline occurred at the 42-foot elevation.
Scatters of pottery, burned animal bone, grinding
stones, chipped stone, cremations, and other remains
have been recorded along the shoreline, providing
evidence of what must have been a very dense
population in the 17th and 18th centuries, prior to
the arrival of the first settlers. The last high stand of
Lake Cahuilla, a naturally occurring freshwater lake
formed by overflow from the Colorado River, is
now thought to have been around AD 1650. The
water receded rapidly after that, and the Lake is
believed to have been completely desiccated within
80 to 100 years. As the lake receded, native
settlements followed, leaving archaeological
remnants of village sites well below the 42-foot
contour. When the lake disappeared altogether,
shallow walk-in water wells were dug to expose the
easily
accessible
water table,
often just a
few feet below
the ground
surface,
allowing
communities
to continue to
survive.
While most of
La Quinta's
archaeological
sites date to
this late prehistoric period, recent research has
discovered sites dating from earlier times, especially
sites buried deep within sand dunes. One site
immediately east of the City limits, near the
intersection of Jefferson Street and Fred Waring
Drive, has proven to be 2700 years old, the oldest
site yet recorded in the Coachella Valley. Within
the city limits, sites have been dated to 1600-2300
years ago. These earlier sites were also related to
ancient Lake Cahuilla, which provided rich
resources for Native Americans.
97
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
Overview of Known Historical Resources
From 1981 to 1983, the Riverside County Historical
Commission coordinated a county -wide historical
resources reconnaissance, which led to the
recordation of 36 historic buildings or building
groups, a historic cemetery, and a historic canal
inside or within one mile of the City, its sphere of
influence, Planning Area No. 1 and Planning Area
No. 2. In 1996 and 1997, the City of La Quinta
initiated its own city-wide historical resources
survey, adding 67 properties to the inventory, mostly
historic buildings. From 1997 to 1999, 14 other
structures in County areas have been recorded
during project -related surveys. The majority of the
historic buildings, structures, and other features are
of late-1930s or 1940s vintages. These historical
resources are listed in the Master Environmental
Assessment.
In April, 1995, the City of La Quinta became a
Certified Local Government, and the city's Historic
Preservation Plan was prepared by city staff in
1996. Between 1996 and 1997, the city completed
the first city-wide historical resources survey. Most
recently, in response to development pressures in
the La Quinta area and the resulting increase in
archaeological studies, the city has adopted official
guidelines regarding the qualification requirements
for archaeological consultants, one of the few
municipalities in the state to do so. At the present
time, the city has developed programs to implement
the transfer of development rights and the
application of the State Historic Building Code, but
does not have a program of direct subsidies or tax
incentives for historic preservation. • Nor has the city
established the mechanisms to incorporate historic
preservation concerns into its zoning ordinance.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Based on its existing historic preservation programs
and the potential presented by as yet untapped
preservation tools, the City of La Quinta has
formulated goals, policies, and implementation
programs that will continue to improve the
community's efforts to preserve its past.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION GOALS,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
The identification and inventory maintenance of all
cultural resources within the City.
Policy 1.1
The city shall adopt the necessary means to identify
properties of historical significance within its
jurisdiction.
Program 1.1.1: Maintain and expand as necessary
the existing historical resources inventory to provide
a comprehensive and up-to-date register of known
cultural resources.
Program 1.1.2: Maintain and update at regular
intervals the 1996-1997 historical resources survey
to reflect current status of cultural resources and
potential cultural resources, and to include
nontraditional property types.
Program 1.1.3: Establish guidelines and
procedures to implement the landmark and district
program outlined in the Historic Preservation
Ordinance.
Program 1.1.4: Develop a long-term strategy to
promote cultural resources surveys for presently
unsurveyed portions of the City, especially areas of
higher levels of sensitivity for cultural resources.
Program 1.1.5: Encourage the nomination of
qualified properties to the city's inventory system
and/or any federal or state registers.
Policy 1.2
The city shall consider the identification of cultural
resources as an integral part of the planning
process.
Program 1.2.1: Establish and maintain channels of
routine consultation with the Eastern Information
Center at the University of California, Riverside, the
Native American tribes, and the La Quinta Historical
Society.
Program 1.2.2: Prepare and maintain a
comprehensive computerized database of known
cultural resources, including geographic information
in the form of digitized maps, to facilitate easy
reference in the planning process.
98
Adopted March 20, 2002
4
La Quints
Hotel Coniple
L____
IILIIILIIIII'
'ar." ez= Il■1■� �I
�r�1�1■� nl
'Fill FIFA 11. IIlill■r.
�
-from
n Wells
or-res
IRPORT BLVD.
1Tov's
Vil age
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Field 1•
Indian ail
—I
ndian
ell
I
City of
General
La
Quinta
Plan
LEGEND
Roads
" — Township/Range Sections
' 1 1 Railroads
City Limits
— — — —' Planning Area #1
Planning Area #2
City Sphere of Influence
EXHIBIT 9.1
CULTURAL RESOURCES
MAP
Road
Trail
• Well
_ Field
III Rancheria or Village
Other
Source: CRMTech, August 1999
Scale
QN1:72,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000
Feet
NORTH
Riverside
County Vicinity Map
`._
i;
a2
Map Prepared on: December 14, 2001
„
Map Prepared by: Aerial Information Systems
I A TERRANOVA:
t.a°^
Map Version No.: 6
General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
GOAL 2
The preservation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and/or
restoration of cultural resources and prevention of.
unnecessary destruction of or adverse effects to
such resources through city -sponsored or assisted
projects and programs.
Policy 2.1
The city shall make all reasonable efforts to protect
cultural resources under its regulatory authority.
Program 2.1.1: Adopt a proactive approach to
historic preservation in all city -sponsored or
assisted projects and programs to ensure the proper
protection of cultural resources.
Program 212• Implement the Secretary of the
Interior's standards and guidelines for the
preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic
buildings and structures, and in all city -sponsored
or assisted projects and programs that may have
impacts on cultural resources.
Program 2.1.3: Seek federal and state funding for
historic preservation projects from all available
sources, including those provided under the
Community Development Block Grant Program, the
California Heritage Fund, and various programs
sponsored by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation.
Program 2.1.4: Explore the feasibility of
establishing a historic preservation revolving fund,
to be financed by tax increments, and other
appropriate sources, for the acquisition, relocation,
renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, or
reconstruction of cultural resources.
Program 2.1.5: Consider the use of City
Redevelopment funds for historic preservation
projects.
Policy 2.2
The city shall seek to increase its control and
influence, when necessary, over cultural resources
within its jurisdiction.
Program 2.2.1: Explore the feasibility of bond
issues to fund the acquisition, relocation, renovation,
rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction of
cultural resources, as authorized.
Program 2.2.2: Explore the prospect of a standing
Memorandum of Agreement with OHP that enables
the city to exercise increased local control over the
decision -making process on cultural resources
issues arising from NHPA Section 106 compliance.
Policy 2.3
The City shall complete the construction of its
cultural resources museum and repository for
resources.
GOAL 3
A system of incentives and regulations that will
encourage the preservation, maintenance,
rehabilitation, and/or restoration of cultural
resources and prevent the unnecessary destruction
of or adverse effects to such resources by private
development projects.
Policy 3.1
The city shall support incentives, assistance, and
opportunities for historic preservation available
through federal, state, or city programs
Program 3.1.1: Develop the necessary procedures
to implement property tax reduction for owners of
cultural resources who enter into contracts to
preserve such resources, as provided by the Mills
Act.
Program 3.1.2: Encourage and assist owners of
qualified historic buildings to take advantage of
income tax credit provided in the 1986 Tax Reform
Act.
Program 3.1.3: Consider the creation of a financial
incentive program for property owners in the Cove
which provides funding for the preservation of the
architectural integrity of their homes.
Program 3.1.4: Continue to implement the existing
transfer of development rights/density bonus
program.
Program 3.1.5: Continue to implement the
application of the State Historic Building Code.
Program 3.1.6: Waive or reduce permit fees for
qualified historic preservation projects.
100
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
Program 3.1.7: Amend the city's Zoning Ordinance
to reflect historic preservation regulations and
incentives.
Program 3.1.8: Modify development standards,
including parking, setback, landscaping, and
road/driveway width to accommodate the
preservation of historic buildings and districts.
Program 3.1.9: Promote the use of seismic retrofit
tax credits, and assist citizens to take advantage of
the credits before the expiration of Revenue and
Taxation Code §74.5 in July, 2000.
Program 3.1.10: Develop materials to inform
interested parties of potential benefits provided by
the California Heritage Fund and the National Trust
for Historic Preservation, such as the National
Preservation Loan Fund, the Inner -City Ventures
Fund, the Preservation Services Fund, and the
Johanna Favrot Fund.
Policy 3.2
The city shall use its regulatory power to ensure the
proper protection of cultural resources and avoid or
minimize adverse effects on such resources from
private projects that require discretionary city
actions.
Program 3.2.1: Require all proposed project sites
to be surveyed by a qualified archaeologist,
historian, and/or architectural historian, as
appropriate, to identify any potential cultural
resources that may be affected, unless the
preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that
such survey is unnecessary.
Program 3.2.2: Maintain and enforce the city's
archaeological consultants qualification guidelines
to ensure the consistent application of professional
standards.
Program 3.2.3: Adopt procedures to prevent the
demolition of historic buildings and structures
without proper review, including existing conditions
evaluation and rehabilitation analysis.
Program 3.2.4: Establish polices and procedures in
code enforcement to prevent deterioration of historic
buildings, structures, landscapes and districts.
Program 3.2.5: Amend the zoning ordinance to
create, as appropriate, historic zoning districts and/or
historic overlay districts in the city.
Program 3.2.6: Establish interdepartmental review
procedures to ensure the uniform implementation of
historic preservation policies in the city's
decision -making process.
GOAL 4
The integration of cultural resource preservation into
the City's economic development strategy.
Policy 4.1
The city shall use its historic preservation programs
to stimulate community revitalization and
redevelopment, job creation, and investment in the
community.
Program 4.1.1: Apply incentives to encourage
compatible development and redevelopment projects
in existing residential neighborhoods and
commercial districts without sacrificing the integrity
of cultural resources.
Program 4.1.2: Develop and distribute materials
promoting historic preservation as a means to
stabilize and enhance property values in the city.
Policy 4.2
The city shall use its historic preservation programs
to promote tourism in the city, and thereby support
and stimulate its business and industry.
Program 4.2.1: Publicize the cultural heritage of
the city, and promote appropriate cultural resources
as tourist destinations.
Program 4.2.2: Explore a cooperative partnership
with the County of Riverside Economic
Development Agency in the agency's heritage
tourism program.
Program 4.2.3: Promote and protect popular film
locations in the city, and develop new ones in
consultation with the Riverside County Film
Commission and representatives of the film
industry.
Program 4.2.4: Continue the City's obelisk street
marker program as a symbol of its historic heritage.
101
Adopted March 20, 2002
General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
GOAL 5
Increased public awareness of the City's heritage.
Policy 5.1
The city shall sponsor, and encourage others to
sponsor, public education programs and other
activities to disseminate information about La
Quinta's history and its cultural heritage.
Program 5.1.1: Establish a voluntary historic
marker program for cultural resources of
distinguished significance or high visibility.
Program 5.1.2: Explore the prospect of
city -sponsored or co -sponsored publications to
publicize La Quinta's history and its cultural
resources.
Program 5.1.3: Improve availability of information
on historic buildings, structures, districts, and
objects to the general public, except in cases where it
can be demonstrated that increased public access
will compromise the integrity of these resources.
Program 5.1.4: Encourage the local school districts
to develop local history curricula in public schools.
Policy 5.2
The City will continue to work with Local tribal
councils to enhance the knowledge and
understanding of artifacts and history among the
City's residents.
Program 5.1.5: Promote the use of historic districts
and appropriate cultural resources for the education,
and enjoyment of the public, including the
development of walking, driving, or bicycling tours.
102
Adopted March 20, 2002