ORD 539ORDINANCE NO. 539
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SEVERAL CHAPTERS OF
TITLE 13 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California did, on the 51h day
of April 2016, hold a duly noticed public hearing for.review of a City -initiated request
of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to modify Title 13 (Subdivision Regulations) of the
La Quinta Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did on
the 8th day of March 8, 2016, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing for review of a Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to amend Title 13 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, as
identified by Title of this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to said Public Hearing, the Planning Commission of the
City of La Quinta did adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2016-005 to recommend
to the City Council adoption of said Zone Ordinance Amendment; and,
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing
notice for this request in The Desert Sun newspaper on March 25, 2016, as prescribed
by the -Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, Title 13 of the Municipal Code contains the chapters that address
landscaping improvements and grading; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive review of Title 13 was undertaken to examine
each chapter for streamlining of the development review process; and
WHEREAS, amendments to several chapters of Title 13 are needed as a result
of the comprehensive review for the Development Code Tune Up; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony
and arguments, if any, of all interested persons wanting to be heard, the City Council
did make the following mandatory findings to justify adoption of said Zoning
Ordinance Amendment:
1. Consistency with General Plan
The code amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the
General Plan. The proposed amendments are supported by Program LU-3.3.a,
to provide incentives in the Zoning Ordinance for creative and high quality
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 2
development; Policy LU-5.2, Consider changes in market demand in residential
product type to meet the needs of current and future residents.
2. Public Welfare
Approval of the code amendment will not create conditions materially
detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare. The amendment
streamlines the development review process and does not incorporate any
changes that affect the regulation and/or provision of public services, utility
systems, or other foreseeable health, safety and welfare considerations
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of La Quinta does ordain as
follows:
SECTION 1. CHAPTER 13.04 BASIC PROVISIONS shall be amended as written in
Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 2. CHAPTER 13.08 LA QUINTA SUBDIVISION PROCESS shall be deleted in its
entirety.
SECTION 3.. CHAPTER 13.12 TENTATIVE SUBIDIVISION MAPS .shall be amended as
written in Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 4. CHAPTER 13.20 FINAL MAPS AND PARCEL MAPS shall be amended as
written in Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 5. CHAPTER 13.24 IMPROVEMENTS shall be amended as written in Exhibit A
attached hereto.
SECTION 6. CHAPTER 13.32 LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS shall be amended as written in
Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 7. The proposed zone text amendment is exempt from environmental review
under CEQA, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions — General Rule,
in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this action to have a
significant effect on the environment, and individual development plans will be
reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed.
SECTION 8. That the City Council does hereby approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment
2016-0001, as set forth in attached Exhibit "A," for the reasons set forth in this
Ordinance.
SECTION 9. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its
adoption.
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 3
SECTION 10. The City Clerk shall, within 15 days after passage of this Ordinance, cause
it to be posted in at least three public places designated by resolution of the City
Council, shall certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance, and shall cause
this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting to be entered into
the Book of Ordinances of the City of La Quinta.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, at a regular meeting of the La Quinta City
Council held this 19th of April 2016 by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Franklin, Osborne, Pena, Radi, Mayor Evans
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
LINDA EVANS, Mayor
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
SUSAN MAYSELS, City Cler
City of La Quinta, California
(CITY SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WILLIAM H. IHRKE, City Attorney
City of La Quinta, California
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 4
EXHIBIT A
CHAPTER 13.04 BASIC PROVISIONS
13.04.060 Review and approval authority.
The authority for review and approval of subdivisions and related land actions is set
forth in Table 13-1, as follows:
Table 13-1 Review and Approval Authority
PH = Decision -making body (public hearing required)
R(PH) = Recommending review body (public hearing required)
A = Administrative review by City Manager or his/her designee (no PH)
CC = Decision -making body (City Council as consent calendar item)
Type of Application
Decision -Making Authority
Staff
Planning
Commission
City
Council
Vesting Tentative maps
R(PH) PH
PH
PH
A*
Al
CC
PH
PH
A
A
PH
A**
Per city environmental review
procedures
Tentative maps
Revised Tentative maps
Tentative Parcel maps
Tentative map extensions
Final and Parcel maps
Waiver of Parcel map
Reversion to Acreage
Lot Line Adjustments
Parcel Mergers
Amending Final maps
Substantial Conformance - Tentative maps
Environmental review
* By city manager or his/her designee. Map can be referred to planning commission at
director's discretion.
** By city manager or his/her designee
City manager or his/her designee may only consider extensions if there are no
proposed changes to the tentative map.
(Ord. 394 § 2, 2003; Ord. 356 § 1, 2001; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 5
13.04.070 Definitions.
As used in this title:
"Revised tentative map" means a revision to a valid approved tentative map and/or its
approval conditions, wherein the design and/or improvements of the tentative map
are modified from that of said approved tentative map, but with no substantial
change in concept from the approved tentative map, as determined by the city
manager or his/her designee.
"Right-of-way" means the entire width of property ,used for highways, flood and
drainage works, overhead and underground utilities, or any related improvements.
"Shall" means that which is obligatory, necessary or mandatory.
"Slope" means land gradient described as the vertical rise divided by the horizontal
run, and expressed in percent.
"Specific plan" means a plan adopted by the city council that is based upon the City of
La Quinta General Plan and is consistent with Section 65450 et seq. of the Government
Code.
"Storm runoff' means surplus surface water generated by rainfall that does not seep
into the earth but flows overland to lower elevations.
Street, Collector. "Collector street" means a two-lane street improvement within a
right-of-way width as specified in Exhibit II-3 of the 2035 General Plan circulation
element, as may be amended from time to time. Collector streets are designed for
both mobility and access to adjacent property and often provide on -street parking.
Collector streets generally serve shorter trips within neighborhoods and access to
higher -level streets. Designation of collector streets in the City of La Quinta are set
forth in Exhibit II-2 of the 2035 General Plan circulation element, as may be amended
from time to time.
Street Improvements, Full -Width. "Full -width street improvements" means pavement,
curbs, gutters, sidewalks, medians, traffic -control devices, pavement markings, and
other improvements required by Chapter 13.24, the 2035 General Plan circulation
element (as may be amended from time to time) and the city engineer.
Street, Local. "Local street" means a two-lane street within a sixty foot right-of-way
with a variable width of thirty-six to forty feet between curb faces. All other roadways
which do not fit within the arterial or collector classifications are local streets. The
local street system is designed for access to abutting properties and the movement of
traffic is of secondary importance.
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Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 6
Street, Major Arterial. "Major arterial street" means a six -lane street improvement
within a right-of-way width as specified in Exhibit II-3 of the 2035 General Plan
circulation element, as may be amended from time to time, and includes a raised
center median to separate opposing traffic flows and restrict access to adjacent
properties. Major arterial streets are designed to provide a high level of mobility for
very large traffic volumes and generally serve trips of several miles or more, including
pass -through traffic. Major arterial streets link major activity centers within the
community and provide direct connections to the regional roadway system
designation of major arterial streets in the City of La Quinta are set forth in Exhibit II-2
of the 2035 General Plan circulation element, as may be amended from time to time.
Highway 111 is classified as a major arterial, but has variable right-of-way and
improvement widths as set forth in the 2035 General Plan circulation element, as may
be amended from time to time.
Street, Primary Arterial. "Primary arterial street" means a four -lane street
improvement within a right-of-way width as specified in Exhibit II-3 of the 2035
General Plan circulation element (as may be amended from time to time), seventy-six
to eighty-six feet in width between curb faces, and includes a raised center median to
separate opposing traffic flows and restrict access to adjacent properties. The primary
arterial is designed to provide mobility for high traffic volumes, to provide continuity
through the city, and generally serve trip lengths of one or more miles. Designation of
primary arterial streets in the. City of La Quinta is set forth in Exhibit II-2 of the 2035
General Plan circulation element (as may be amended from time to time).
Street, Private. "Private street" means a privately maintained street within a private
development or a planned residential development.
Street, Secondary Arterial. "Secondary arterial street" means a four -lane street
improvement within a right-of-way width as specified in Exhibit II-3 of the 2035
General Plan circulation element, as may be amended from time to time. The
secondary arterial is designed for mobility, to provide continuity through the
community, and generally serves trips of a mile or more. Secondary arterial streets
generally border neighborhoods and offer access as a secondary consideration.
Designation of secondary arterial streets in the City of La Quinta is set forth in Exhibit
II-2 of the 2035 General Plan circulation element, as may be amended from time to
time.
"Subdivision" means the division of any unit or units of improved or unimproved land,
or any portion thereof, shown on the latest equalized county assessment roll as a unit
or as contiguous units. Property shall be considered as contiguous, even if it is
separated by roads, streets, utility easements or railroad rights -of -way. This definition
also refers to a condominium project, a community apartment project, or the
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 7
conversion of five or more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative, as defined in
subdivisions (f), (d) and (m) of Section 1351 of the Civil Code.
"Subdivision Map Act" means Sections 66410 et seq. of the Government Code of the
state of California as may be revised from time to time.
"Substantial Conformance" means conformance with a valid and approved tentative
map with minor modifications to that map, which include changes to map
characteristics such as lot lines, shapes, dimensions, and size; changes to street
widths or grades, grading criteria, or pad elevations; and other similar minor changes
to map characteristics that do not change the basic design and improvements
required pursuant to a valid and approved tentative map and the conditions thereof.
"Tentative map" and "tentative parcel map"
concept of a proposed subdivision and how ii
surrounding uses. Tentative maps need not
field survey of the property.
mean a map designed to illustrate the
interfaces with existing conditions and
le based upon an accurate or detailed
Chapter 13.12 TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAPS
13.12.040 Filing of tentative maps. -
Tentative maps shall be filed with the design and development department. The city
may by resolution establish a filing fee schedule for the processing of final maps. (Ord.
272 § 1,1995)
13.12.050 Application materials.
The following application materials shall be submitted with each proposed
subdivision:
A. The city tentative subdivision map application form;
B. A public notification package must be submitted to the planning division and
shall include a scaled map or county assessor's map showing all properties
within a minimum 500-foot radius of subject property, a typed list of all
property owners and their mailing address within a 500-foot radius, and all
residents/tenants of said properties, and a typed list of the residents that reside
contiguous to the subject property. The package shall include 3 sets of typed,
self-adhesive, address labels for the above property owners and residents, as
well as application contact persons. The list and map must be prepared with a
wet signed or notarized certification by a title company, the Riverside County
Assessor, or a licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor.
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Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 8
C. A completed copy of the city environmental information form and
environmental filing fee, if the tentative map is determined to be subject to
CEQA.
D. The requisite number of copies of the tentative map (as stated in the
application requirements form), folded appropriately to a size not exceeding
eight and one-half inches by eleven inches, with two reduced reproducible
originals not exceeding eight and one-half inches by eleven inches in size;
E. A preliminary title report prepared and dated no more than ninety days prior to
submission of the application;
F. A drainage report describing the on- and off -site drainage characteristics, the
amount of stormwater falling within the development and the proposed
method of retaining that stormwater, and the amount and nature of historic
inflow from other properties and the proposed method of retaining or passing
through the inflow;
G. The following additional documentation and special studies may be required:
1. *Historical, paleontological and/or archaeological study
2. Biological study
3. Traffic study
4. Geologic and/or soils study,
5. Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP)
This list is not all inclusive, and any other special studies required will be
determined by city staff on a case -by -case basis. (Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord. 272 §
1, 1995)
13.12.100 Public notice procedure.
A. Public Notice. Public hearings shall be held on tentative maps as set forth in
Table 13-1. Notice of such hearings shall be published at least one time not less
than ten days before the date of the public hearing (twenty days if the tentative
map is not exempt from CEQA action). The notice shall include the following
information:
1. The time and place of the public hearing;
2. The hearing body or officer;
3. A general explanation of the matter to be considered;
4. A general description of the property in text or diagrammatic form;
5. Map preparer/subdivider representative.
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 9
13.12.120 Revised tentative maps
A revised tentative map may be filed for an approved tentative map, where the design
and/or improvements of the tentative map are modified from that of said approved
tentative map, but with no substantial change in concept from the approved tentative
map.
A. The city manager or his/her designee shall determine whether the proposed
revisions to the tentative map substantially conform to the original concept of
the approved tentative map.
B. A revised tentative map shall comply with the provisions of the Subdivision Map
Act and all applicable provisions of the La Quinta Municipal Code in effect at the
time of approval of the revised tentative map.
C. A revised tentative map shall be processed in the same manner as an initial
tentative map proposal, with the exception of any procedures determined to be
inapplicable.
D. The.approval or conditional approval of a revised tentative map shall terminate
approval of the original tentative map. However, the revised tentative map
approval or conditional approval shall not extend the original time period within
which the final map may be filed.
13.12.140 Appeals.
A. Persons Who May Appeal. A subdivider or any other interested party may appeal a
decision of the city manager or his/her designee, or a decision of the planning
commission, by using the following procedures:
1. Appeal of Approval Authority Decision. Within fifteen calendar days after the
date of any decision by the city manager or his/her designee, a written appeal,
accompanied by the appropriate filing fee, may be submitted to the design and
development department. The "date of decision" shall be either the time a
formal noticed hearing is held or the date noted on correspondence mailed to
the subdivider indicating the decision. The appeal shall state the item to be
appealed and the reason for the request. The city manager or his/her designee
shall set the matter for hearing before the planning commission within thirty
days after the date of filing the appeal. Written notice of the hearing shall be
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 10
provided by mail to the. subdivider, the property owner and those property
owners or individuals originally noticed at the time of the first public hearing.
2. Appeal of the Planning Commission Decision. Within fifteen calendar days after
the date of the decision by the planning commission, a written appeal,
accompanied by the appropriate filing fee, may be submitted to the design and
development department. The city clerk shall set the matter for hearing before
the city council. The hearing on the appeal shall be held not more than thirty
days from the date of receipt of the appeal and shall give written notice of the
hearing to the subdivider, property owner, and those property owners or
individuals originally noticed at the first public hearing.
B. Call -Up Review. The board of appeals (either the planning commission or city
council), on its own motion adopted by a majority vote of its total membership,
may elect to call up and review any decision of the city manager or his/her
designee or a decision of the planning commission regarding the action taken on a
subdivision. A request for call-up review shall be initiated by a member of a board
of appeals (either the planning commission or city council) delivering written
request for call-up review to the city manager or his/her designee within fifteen
calendar days of the date on. which the decision of the city manager or his/her
designee or the planning commission (as applicable) was rendered. Upon timely
receipt of the request for call-up review, the city manager or his/her designee shall
schedule as an agenda item at the next regular meeting of the board of appeals,
on which the member calling up review is seated, the question whether an appeal
shall be considered for the decision subject to call-up review. If the next regular
meeting of the board of appeals is cancelled, the city manager or his/her designee
shall reschedule the question whether an appeal shall be considered at the next
regular meeting that is not cancelled. No appeal may be heard on a decision
subject to call-up review unless a majority of the membership of the board of
appeals votes to approve the consideration of the appeal. The board of appeals
shall consider the appeal that was subject to call-up review not later than forty-
five days after the board of appeals votes to approve consideration of the appeal.
An appeal may be heard and decided at the same meeting at which the majority of
the membership voted to approve the call-up review, provided no applicable law
would be violated if the hearing of an appeal occurs at the same meeting. A
member of the city council may initiate the call-up review process for a decision by
the city manager or his/her designee, without the need for review of that decision
by the planning commission, in which case an appeal of the decision subject to
call-up review may be considered directly by the city council if a majority of the
membership of the city council vote to approve the consideration of the appeal
pursuant to this section. For purposes of this section, the "board of appeals" shall
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 11
be the planning commission for decisions appealed to the planning commission
and shall be the city council for decisions appealed to the city council.
C. Concurrent Appeals. An appeal of a decision, including call-up review, pursuant to
this section may be processed concurrently with any appeal of a decision brought
pursuant to Section 9.200.120, as may be amended from time to time. In the event
of an inconsistency between the appeal process under this section and the appeal
process in Section 9.200.120, the process in Section 9.200.120 shall apply to the
processing of an appeal for an action taken on a subdivision.
13.12.150 Term of tentative maps.
Pursuant to Section 66452.6(a)(1) of the California Government Code, the approval or
conditional approval of a tentative map by the City Council shall expire thirty-six
months after such approval. (Ord. 295 § 1,1997; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
13.12.160 Extensions of time for tentative maps.
The expiration of .an approved -tentative map shall terminate all proceedings and no
final map or parcel map of all or any portion of the real property included within the
tentative map shall be filed with the city council without first processing a new
tentative map. The initial three-year term of tentative maps may be extended as
follows:
A. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude or otherwise disallow any automatic time
extension which may be granted by the state of California, for any approved
tentative map meeting the criteria for such an extension. Any automatic
extension shall run from the expiration date of the qualifying map, and shall be
in addition to any remaining extensions available under this chapter.
B. Request by the Subdivider. Before the expiration of the tentative map, the
subdivider may apply for an extension of time. Applications for extensions of
time shall be filed with the design and development department. All requests
for extensions of time shall include:
1. A completed application form;
2. An identification of the length of time requested and reason(s) for the request;
3. The current processing fee as charged by the city for tentative map time
extensions;
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Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 12
4. The requisite number of copies of the tentative map as required by the
application. The tentative map shall be as approved by the approval authority.
Additional copies may be requested subsequent to the application submittal.
Extensions of time may be granted by the city manager or his/her designee if there
are no changes to the approved tentative map. The city manager or his/her designee
may waive some or all submittal material as noted in subsections (B)(1) through (4) of
this section. Extensions of time that include changes to the approved tentative map
are subject to the public notification procedure provided for in Section 13.12.090 and
will be considered at a public hearing, to be held by the designated approval authority
as set forth in Section 13.04.060. A time extension granted by the city manager or
his/her designee may not exceed two years.
The approval authority may grant a maximum of six one-year time extensions. The
extension may be granted for any.period of time, from one year up to the maximum
of six years. The approval authority shall impose additional conditions of approval if
such conditions are intended to maintain the public health, safety and welfare and/or
to comply with current city, state or federal requirements.
If, as part of the request for extension of the term of a tentative map, the subdivider
requests changes or amendments to the tentative map or the conditions of approval
for that map, the approval authority may impose other conditions or amendments to
.the tentative map or the conditions of approval including the then -current standards
and requirements for approval of tentative maps.
C. Filing of Final Maps/Off-site Improvements. If a subdivider is required to expend
the amount specified in Section 66453.6 of the Government Code to construct,
improve or finance the construction or improvement of public improvements
outside the property boundaries of the tentative map, excluding improvements
of public rights -of -way which abut the boundary of the property to be
subdivided and which are reasonably related to the development of that
property, each filing of a final map authorized by Section 66456.1 of the
Government Code shall extend the expiration of the approved tentative map by
thirty-six months from the date of its expiration or the date of a previously filed
final map, whichever is later. The extensions shall not extend the term of the
tentative map more than ten years from its approval.
D. Development Agreements, Moratoriums, Lawsuits, Etc. Additional factors
affecting the term of approved tentative maps, and information for the proper
construction of the provisions of subsections A through C of this section shall
be as specified in Section 66452.6 of the Government Code. (Ord. 394 § 2, 2003;
Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 13
13.12.170 Substantial conformance with tentative map
The process and criteria for substantial conformance determinations with an
approved tentative map are at the discretion of the city manager or his/her designee,
based on the definition set forth in Section 13.04.070. Requests for substantial
conformance determinations shall be filed with the design and development
department in the format and with the information as may be required by the city
manager or his/her designee in order to adequately review and decide on the request.
As part of the review, the city manager or his/her designee shall transmit a copy of the
request to the planning division for comment, as to zoning conformance with the
approved tentative map.
Chapter 13.20 FINAL MAPS AND PARCEL MAPS
13.20.010 Purpose.
This chapter establishes requirements for the preparation and processing of final
maps, parcel maps and waivers of parcel maps. (Ord. 272 § 1,1995)
13.20.020 Applicability.
A final map shall be required for all subdivisions creating five or more parcels, five or
more condominiums as defined in Section 783 of the Civil Code, a community
apartment project containing five or more parcels, or for the conversion of a dwelling
to a stock cooperative containing five or more dwelling units, except as specified
herein below.
A parcel map shall be required for all subdivisions creating four or less parcels, four or
less condominiums as defined in Section 783 of the Civil Code, a community
apartment project containing four or less parcels, or for the conversion of a dwelling
to a stock cooperative containing four or less dwelling units, with exception of land
and parcels with the following characteristics:
A. The land consists of a parcel or parcels of land having approved access to a
public street or highway which comprises part of a tract of land zoned for
industrial or commercial development, and which has the approval of the
governing body as to street alignments and widths; or
B. The land before division contains less than five acres, each parcel created by
the division abuts upon a maintained public street or highway and no
dedications or improvements are required by the legislative body; or
C. Each parcel created by the division has a gross area of twenty or more acres
and has an approved access to a maintained public street or highway; or
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Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
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Page 14
D. Each parcel created by the division has a gross area of not less than forty acres
or is not less than a quarter or a quarter section. (Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
13.20.130 Appeals.
Appeals concerning final maps, amending final maps, parcel maps and waivers of
parcel maps shall be processed as provided in Section 13.12.140, Appeals. (Ord. 356 §
1, 2000; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
Chapter 13.24 IMPROVEMENTS
13.24.070 Street design —Generally.
The design of street improvements shall conform with the following:
A. Full -width street improvements shall be required for all internal subdivision
streets and alleys.
B. -Subdivisions bordering a- public street shall provide half -width right-of-way
improvements, plus one additional travel lane on the opposite side of the
centerline if it does not already exist.
C. The street system in a proposed subdivision shall relate to and be compatible
with existing or proposed streets in adjacent subdivisions and/ specific plans
and shall, where applicable, provide for future development of adjoining
property.
D. Street connections shall be at ninety -degree angles unless approved by the city
engineer.
E. Alleys shall be at least twenty feet in width. Dead-end alleys shall provide
adequate area for a turnaround.
F. Cut -de -sacs shall not exceed a distance of one thousand three hundred twenty
feet in length (measured from the centerline of the intersection to the center of
the cul-de-sac) unless provided with improved emergency access/outlet routes
no more than one thousand three hundred twenty feet from the end of the cut -
de -sac.
G. Minimum street grades shall be 0.5 percent longitudinally, 2.0 percent laterally.
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Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 15
H. Additional rights -of -way or easements shall be provided, where necessary, to
accommodate roadway slopes, drainage structures, bicycle or equestrian paths
and trails, and other facilities related to subdivision development.
The size and configuration of streets shall comply with the Circulation Element of the
2035 La Quinta General Plan, Exhibits II-2 and II-3, as may be amended from time to
time.
I. The right-of-way radius for cul-de-sac bulbs shall be a minimum of forty-five
feet. The minimum curb radius shall be forty-five feet for private streets and
thirty-eight feet for public streets. (Ord. 490 § 1, 2011; Ord. 275 § 1, 1997; Ord.
272 § 1, 1995)
13.24.080 Street design —Private streets.
Private streets, permitted only when there is adequate provision for their construction
and maintenance, shall be in conformance with the standards listed in Table
13.24.070 except as follows:
Width
Permitted Use
28 feet
No on -street parking
32 feet
Parking on only one side of street
36 feet
Parking on both sides of the street
40 feet
j Entry and primary circulation streets
(Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
13.24.090 Image corridors
The circulation element of the 2035 La Quinta General Plan establishes image
corridors which warrant special improvements. Improvements constructed along
image corridors shall comply with the improvement standards identified in the 2035
General Plan, as may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord. 272 § 1,
1995)
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Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 16
13.24.130 Landscape setbacks.
Landscape setbacks are required along public street rights -of -way. Buildings, walls,
parking lots, and other improvements associated with the subdivision shall not be
constructed within setbacks except as allowed herein. Retention basins, public
sidewalks and equestrian trails may be located in setbacks if approved by the city as
compatible with the landscape and design theme desired within the setbacks.
Landscape setbacks for residential subdivisions shall be created on the final map as
lettered lots. If the subdivision streets are to be ungated and publicly maintained,
landscape setback lots shall be dedicated to the city. If the subdivision streets are to
be gated and privately maintained, landscape setback lots shall be dedicated to the
homeowners' or landowners' association.
Landscape setback widths, as measured perpendicular to the ultimate right -of way
line, shall generally be as follows:
Street
Setback
Highway 111
50 feet
Other major arterial streets
20 feet
Primary arterial streets
20 feet
Secondary arterial streets
10 feet
Collector streets
10 feet
13.24.140 Landscaping plans.
Landscape and irrigation plans for landscaped lots, landscape setback areas, medians,
common retention basins and park facilities shall be prepared by a licensed landscape
architect. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted for review and approval of
the city manager or his/her designee and the city engineer. (Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord.
272 § 1, 1995)
13.24.150 Special improvements.
Bicycle lanes shall be designed and improved consistent with the bikeway corridor
policy diagram contained within the La Quinta general plan, and the comprehensive
trails system master plan.
Hiking and equestrian trails shall be designed and improved consistent with the park
recreation policy diagram of the La Quinta general plan, or if adopted, the
comprehensive trails system master plan. The trails shall be deeded to the city either
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 17
in fee or as easements as determined by the city engineer. (Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord.
272 § 1, 1995)
13.24.160 Maintenance.
Subdividers shall make provisions for maintenance of improvements until final
acceptance, by the city council, of all improvements required as conditions of
approval.
For privately maintained street and drainage improvements, the entity responsible for
maintenance shall comply with all applicable provisions of the most current
stormwater discharge permit (SDP) issued for the Colorado River Basin under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), including the city's
stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and the drainage area master plan
(DAMP). (Ord. 295 § 1, 1997; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
13.24.170 Clean air/clean water.
The subdivider shall comply with applicable provisions of the NPDES. In the absence of
an NPDES permit specific to the subdivision, the subdivider shall comply with the
SWPPP and DAMP as approved for the city under the city's SDP.
Graded land shall be protected from wind and water erosion through the use of
various materials and methods such as, but not limited to, active irrigation,
establishment of vegetative root structure to anchor soil, or surface barriers such as
straw, wood chips or anchored plastic sheeting.
Prior to grading operations, the subdivider shall submit and receive approval of a
fugitive dust control plan prepared in accordance with Chapter 6.16 of this code. (Ord.
295 § 1, 1997; Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
Chapter 13.32 LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS
13.32.010 Purpose.
This chapter establishes procedures for adjusting the boundary lines between two or
more existing parcels. (Ord. 272 § 1, 1995)
13.32.020 Applicability.
Lot line adjustment may be utilized to reconfigure the size or shape of one lot
provided that:
A. All property line segments adjusted are boundary lines of the subject lot (though
the extensions of the adjusted segments may affect several lots);
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 18
B. The lot line adjustment does not alter the number of lots; and
C. The applicant and/or owner of the property has not received approval of a lot
line adjustment affecting any of the lots to be altered, or lots abutting any of the
lots to be altered, for a period of six months immediately preceding the date of
the current application, unless the property is zoned Neighborhood Commercial,
Community Commercial, Regional Commercial, Office Commercial, Commercial
Park, Village Commercial or Major Community Facilities in which case there shall
be no time restriction between lot line adjustments. (Ord. 444 § 1, 2007; Ord.
326 § 3,1998; Ord. 272 § 1,1995)
Ordinance No. 539
Amendment to Title 13 Subdivision Regulations
Adopted: April 19, 2016
Page 19
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF LA QUINTA )
I, SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk of the City of La Quinta, California, do hereby certify the
foregoing to be a full, true, and correct copy of Ordinance No. 539 which was
introduced at a regular meeting on the 5th day of April, 2016, and was adopted at a
regular meeting held on the 19th day of April 2016 not being less than 5 days after
the date of introduction thereof.
I further certify that the foregoing Ordinance was posted in three places within the
City of La Quinta as specified in the Rules of Procedure adopted by City Council
Resolution No. 2014-013.
SUSAN MAYSELS, City ClerkV
City of La Quinta, California
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, SUSAN MAYSELS, City Clerk of the City of La Quinta, California, do hereby certify that
the foregoing ordinance was posted on April Z-; 2016, pursuant to Council Resolution.
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SUSAN MAYSELS, City Cl
City of La Quinta, California