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PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN
Approved By:
City Council — Resolution No. 75-2
January 20, 1975
Planning Commission — Resolution No. 23
December 9, 1974
Prepared By Wilsey & Ham In Conjunction With
City Staff And The Citizens of Palm Desert,
Particularly The Citizen's Advisory Committee
2-2189-0103
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CITY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMISSION
Henry Clark, Mayor C. Robert Hubbard, Chairman
Noel Brush, Vice Mayor William R. Seidler, Vice Chairman
Jean Benson Ed Mullins
Chuck Aston Mary K. Van de Mark
James McPherson S. Roy Wilson
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
George Berkey, Chairman Harvey Hurlburt, City Manager
Ron Gorman Paul A. Williams, Director of
Jean Anne Hirshci Environmental Services
John Mac D. Lacky Robert Fleischman, Director of
John Luhring Management Services
Kermit Martin Freeman Rader, Associate Planner
Nelson Mills Samuel G. Freed, Assistant Planner
Ed Peck
Robert Ricciardi
John Richardson
Ted Smith
Joe Benes
Lyman Martin
Bob Solis
WILSEY & HAM OTHER CONTRIBUTORS
Larry B. Morrison, AIP,AIA University of California at Riverside
Program Director Ivan Hinderaker, Chancellor
Hunter T. Cook, Project Engineer Richard Rust, Campus Planner
William C. Reynolds, Co-Project College of the Desert
Manager F. D. Stout, President
William H. Garrett, AIP, Desert Sands Unified School District
Co-Project Manager Harold Schonfeld, Superintendent
Paul Secord, Environmental Roger Harlow, Assistant to the
Resources Planner Superintendent
Living Desert Reserve
CONSULTANTS TO WILSEY & HAM Ms. Karen Fowler
Soil Conservation Service
Russell/Speicher & Associates, Deep Canyon Research Center
Economics Bureau of Land Management
Envicom, Seismic and Geology Coachella Valley County Water District
Archaeological Research Unit, Coachella Valley Association of
Dry Lands Research Institute, Governments
University of California at Southern Pacific Railroad
Riverside Riverside County Fire Marshall
Riverside County Sheriff
Herbert Barnes, Graphics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Nature of the General Plan
Regional and Local Context
How the Plan was Developed i .2
How to Read the Plan i .3
1 . Land Use Element l . i . l
2. Urban Design Element 2. i . 1
3. Population/Economics Element 3. i . 1
4. Housing Element 4. i . 1
5. Circulation Element 5. i . 1
6. Environmental Elements
6. 1 Transportation Noise Element 6.1 . i . 1
6.2 Safety Element 6.2. i . 1
6.3 Seismic Element 6.3. i . 1
6.4 Conservation and Open Space Element 6.4. i . 1
6.5 Scenic Highways Element 6.5. i . 1
7. Public Facilities Element - Including Recreation
and Waste Management Elements 7• i . l
8. Implementation Element 8. i . 1
9• Draft Environmental Impact Report and
Reference to Final Environmental Impact Report
Appendix A - Summary of Final Environmental
Impact Report
Appendix B - Letter of Transmittal for Public
Hearing Draft
r
PALM DESERT
LIST OF FIGURES
Section or
Element No. Page
Introduction i-1 Regional Context i . l .a
i-2 Local Context i . l .b
Land Use 1-1 Existing Land Use Inventory l .B. l .a
Element 1-2 Aerial Photograph of Existing
City Development l .B. l .b
1-3 Land Use Plan 1 .B.4.a
Urban Design 2-1 Urban Design Abstract 2.G. l .a
Element 2-2 Streetscape Abstract 2.G.2.b
2-3 Residential Neighborhood Structure 2.G.2.c
Population/ 3-1 Population Trends: 1950-1972 3.B. l .a
Economics 3-2 Population Projections : Riverside County
Element a and Coachella Valley 3.B. l .b
3-3 Population Projections : Palm Desert 3.B.2.a
3-4 Percent Population Distribution by Age 3.B.2.b
3-5 Distribution of Family Incomes in 1970 3.B.3.a
3-6 Total Employment by Industry in 1960
and 1970 3.B.3.b
3-7 Percent Distribution of Employment by
Industry in 1960 and 1970 3.B.4.a
3-8 Percent Change in Employment by Industry
in 1960 and 1970 3.B.4.b
3-9 Total Employment by Occupation in 1970
- Percent Distribution 3.B.4.c
3-10 Selected Industrial Areas in Coachella
Valley 3.B.8.a
3-11 Hotels in Palm Desert 3.B. 10.a
Housing 4-1 Historical Building Activity 4.B. l .a
Element 4-2 Existing Residential Developments
- Palm Desert area 4.B. l .b
4-3 Number of Residential Building Permits
Issued - Coachella Valley 4.B. l .c
4-4 Housing Types : 1974 and 1980 4.B.2.a
4-5 Household Size for Existing Population 4.B.2.b
4-6 Existing and Projected Residential
Development 4.B.3.a
Circulation 5-1 Highway Network 5.P. l .a
Element 5-2 General Guidelines for Highway Cross
Sections 5.P. l .b
5-3 Non-Automotive Circulation Network 5.P. l .c
r
Environmental 6. 1 -1 Noise Levels and Land Use Suitability 6. 1 .B. l .a
Element 6. 1-2 Traffic Speed/Volume Related to
Noise Impact 6. 1 . B. l .b
6. 1-3 Railroad Noise Impacts 6. 1 .B.2
6. 1-4 Existing Noise Contours 6. 1 .B.2.a
6. 1-5 Noise Abatement Strategies 6. 1 .B.2.b
6.2-1 Flood Plains and Drainage 6.2.B. l .a
6.2-2 Wind Erosion Hazard and Severe Slopes 6.2.B. l .b
6.3-1 Distribution of Responsibility for Evaluation
of Seismic/Geologic Hazards 6.3.B.2 .a
6.3-2 Seismic Faults 6.3•B• 3•a
6. 3-3 Taxonomy of Critical Facilities 6 .3•B•5•a
6.3-4 Seismic Response Zones 6.3.B.5.b
6.3-5 Seismic Response Zones - Relative
Sensitivity 6•3 •B•5•c
6.4-1 Geographic Context 6.4.B.2.a
6. 4-2 Wildlife and Vegetation 6.4.B.2.b
6.4-3 Conservation and Open Space Plan 6.4.B. 4.a
6. 5-1 Regional Scenic Highways 6.5. B. l .a
6. 5-2 Scenic Highways in the Palm Desert
Planning Area 6.5.B. l .b
Public 7-1 Comprehensive Public Facilities Guidelines 7.B. 3.a
Facilities 7-2 Park Acreage Needs by Neighborhood 7.P.2.a
Element
Implementation 8-1 General Plan/Implementation Program
Element Relationship 8.B. I .a
8-2 Implementation Matrix 8.B.4.a
Environmental 9-1 Air Monitoring Data: Southeast Desert Air
Impact Report Basin E•5•a
9-2 Palm Desert Daily Vehicular Emissions E .8.a
9-3 Impact on Urban Infrastructure E . 12.a
9-4 Infrastructure Demand Generation Factors E. 12.c
I
Introduction
City of Palm Desert General Plan
INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Nature of the General Plan
The General Plan provides a broad outline for the future physical ,
social and economic development of the City of Palm Desert. The
General Plan report is designed to serve as:
A definition of City policies to assist public and private
decision making;
A description of the vision of the citizens of Palm Desert for
the future character of their City; and
A documentation of the processes, assumptions and data leading
to this vision,
The General Plan describes a broad physical and policy framework for
the future which reflects the extensive work done by the citizens of
Palm Desert and their consultants as documented in this report.
In addition to the broad purposes of the General Plan outlined above,
the General Plan has been designed to meet the specific requirements
of the California Planning and Zoning Law. These requirements
include the definition of land use, circulation, housing, conservation
and open space, transportation noise, seismic, safety, scenic highways,
and waste management elements within all California city General Plans.
Urban design, population/economics, public facilities and implementa-
tion have been added to these required elements to meet the objectives
of the Palm Desert General Plan program.
Regional and Local Context
The City of Palm Desert is located in the west central portion of the
Coachella Valley between Palm Springs and Indio, as indicated in
Figure i-1 . The Coachella Valley can be roughly divided into two
major zones with the City of Palm Desert placed between these zones:
The northern portion of the valley is characterized by resort
and retirement communities with a focal point being the City of
Palm Springs,
The southern portion of the valley is predominantly agriculture
in nature. Indio represents the major center in this area.
Palm Desert is generally associated more with the northern portion
of the valley. However, the City still retains significant groves
of date palms which are common throughout the southern area.
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FIGURE i-2
LOCAL CONTEXT N
0 6 2
SCALE IN MILES
WILSEY&HAM
i .1.b
Figure i-2 indicates the planning area which includes the incor-
porated boundaries of Palm Desert and the general area proposed
by the City for its Sphere of Influence. The selection of this
area as the planning area has been based on a variety of factors.
They include:
• Natural/Environmental Determinants
Growth Trends in Population
• Fiscal Analysis
The City's incorporated area represents the area of greatest
influence on future development. Within this area the City can
exercise a full range of zoning and police powers. The Sphere of
Influence is the area over which the City has the next degree of
influence since it represents the potential boundaries of the City.
How the Plan was Developed
The Palm Desert General Plan was developed through a planning
process involving:
the City Council , Planning Commission and staff
• the Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC)
various public entities or agencies outside the City
Wilsey & Ham personnel
• the citizens of Palm Desert
The planning process began in April of 1974 with a series of
neighborhood meetings sponsored by the Citizen ' s Advisory Commit-
tee. The result of these meetings was a preliminary definition
of goals and objectives by the CAC.
This initial meeting was followed by a series of meetings throughout
the months between April and December 1974. Early meetings focused
on the Highway III Area and Sphere of Influence studies with both
of these providing valuable inputs into the General Plan. More
intensive meetings were resumed in the fall and culminated with the
presentation of the Preliminary Draft of the General Plan on
October 3.
Following CAC, Council , Commission, City Staff and public comments
about the Preliminary Plan at public meetings on October 3,
extensive written and mapped comments were also prepared by the
CAC and City Staff as inputs to Wilsey & Ham.
These comments were generally incorporated into a Public Hearing
Draft which was presented to the City on November 12. Comments
not incorporated were explained by Wilsey & Ham. Finally, some
additional changes were incorporated into the Plan as a result of
the December Commission and January Council hearings.
i .2
How to Read the Plan
The Plan has been divided into eight individual elements. Each
element has four sections:
• Introduction
Goals and Objectives
Background
Implementation Policies
The Introduction sections explain the purpose of each element.
The Goals and Objectives sections represent City policies regarding
what ends are to be achieved by the plans and implementation
policies. The Background sections provide necessary inventory
information and describe problems and opportunities related to
realizing the goals and objectives of each element. The fourth
section, the Implementation Policies, represents the actions
recommended by the General Plan to achieve the goals and objectives
of the element. The officially adopted portions of the Plan are
the Goals and Objectives and the Implementation Policies sections
including any maps or figures which are referenced within these
policies.
The Waste Management and Recreation Elements of the Plan are
included within the Public Facilities Element for purposes of
organization and clarity.
i .3
1 . Land Use Element
City of Palm Desert General Plan
I LAND USE ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The Land Use Element of the City of Palm Desert General Plan
represents a composite of other General Plan Elements in physical
form. As a composite, the Land Use Element includes recommenda-
tions for the physical structuring of the community based on the
population and land allocation data included in the Population/
Economics Element and the residential density proposals included
in the Housing Element .
The actual physical structure of the Plan takes into account the
existing development patterns within the City and Sphere of Influ-
ence and anticipated development trends. It is based, in part ,
on the assumption that the major structuring elements of the City
of Palm Desert, such as the Highway Ill commercial areas, the
College of the Desert, Eisenhower Medical Center, the University
of California Deep Canyon Research Center, and the Living Desert
Reserve are now established and will retain their prominence as
major focal points within the community.
Of particular concern in the Land Use Element are the relation-
ships between various uses of land and the relationship between
the land use pattern and the various systems and facilities that
will ultimately define the City' s structure.
1 i 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAND USES WITHIN THE CITY THAT
WILL MEET THE BASIC HUMAN NEEDS OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT
AND THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE.
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAND USES WITHIN THE CITY THAT
WILL BRING CITY COSTS AND REVENUES INTO BALANCE OVER TIME.
DEVELOP A LAND USE PATTERN THAT TAKES OPTIMUM ADVANTAGE OF
THE CITY'S NATURAL ASSETS INCLUDING VIEWS, MOUNTAIN AREAS AND
THE DESERT FLOOR.
Objectives
• MINIMIZE CONFLICTS BETWEEN LAND USES CREATED BY DRASTIC
VARIATIONS IN INTENSITIES OF USE , DENSITIES AND ACCESS
REQUIREMENTS.
• DEVELOP LAND USE RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE EFFICIENT AND
COMPATIBLE, YET ALLOW THE FLEXIBILITY THAT IS NECESSARY
TO RESPOND TO CHANGES IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS.
• MINIMIZE PREMATURE PUBLIC COST THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF A
COMPACT NON-SPRAWLING LAND USE PATTERN.
• MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF PALM DESERT AND CREATE THE BEST
POSSIBLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR RESIDENTS.
1 •G' 1
BACKGROUND
Regional Context
The framework for the Palm Desert Land Use pattern is regional in
nature; it has been generated by environmental factors , population
trends, economic factors and locational decisions that, in many
cases, are external to the City or result from regional circula-
tion patterns.
As Palm Desert continues to develop, Valley serving uses and
regional environmental factors such as blowsand, hillside preserva-
tion and natural reserves will continue to exert strong pressures
on the local land use pattern. Dealing with many of the regional
issues that will confront the Coachella Valley over the planning
period will require a creative and cooperative approach by the
various public agencies serving the area.
While Palm Desert will necessarily play an increasingly important
role in the development of the Valley, it should be noted that much
of the new residential development will occur outside the existing
corporate limits where large tracts of vacant land are readily
available. As these tracts are developed, they will have a strong
influence on the desirability of the City and its image as a
quality community.
Existing Land Use
Palm Desert' s 8.86 square miles contain a variety of land uses that
have developed in response to socially determined decisions ,
economic growth, and technological change. The patterns that exist
within the City are not random. They have been generated by the
comparative advantages of certain areas for various uses , and the
existing patterns will necessarily have a large impact on the
City' s policies for future land uses.
The table on page l ,B. l .a (Figure 1 -1) identifies the City' s current
land use inventory, while the air photo (Figure 1-2) illustrates
the development pattern associated with the current inventory.
1 •B• 1
FIGURE 1-1
EXISTING LAND USE INVENTORY
USE ACRES
Residential
Very Low Density 145. 1 2.6
Low Density 428.8 7.6
Medium Density 390.3 6.9
High Density 59.0 1 .0
Commercial 68.9 1 .2
Industrial -- --
Institutional 216.5 3.8
Agriculture 232.6 4. 1
Open Space
Public 86. 1 1 .5
Private 176.3 3. 1
Vacant (includes roads) 3866.7 68.2
TOTAL CITY 5670.3 100.0
l .B. l .a
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FIGURE 1-2
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF EXISTING CITY DEVELOPMENT
Palm
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Desert City Limits
Palm Desert Planning Area
Major factors evident within the existing land use pattern include:
1 . The low density character of the residential areas. Palm
Desert residential areas are developing at densities averaging
from approximately 4.5 to 6 living units per residential
acre. Densities in this range create a development pattern
that is land intensive. Residential areas occupy approximately
1023 acres or 18. 1 percent of the total City area. While
densities similar to those of Palm Desert are not unusual ,
they tend to result in a sprawling residential pattern that
increases public service cost.
2. Commercial areas within the City are dispersed along Highway
III and El Paseo. The pattern of development in this area
is similar to commercial strip areas found throughout other
portions of the Coachella Valley. Recently the pattern of
development along the Highway III/El Paseo area solidified
with: (1) E1 Paseo developing as a major specialty retail
and office area; (2) the western portions of the Highway III
area becoming the primary shopping area anchored by Palms
to Pines Center; and (3) the north side of Highway III
becoming oriented toward service, automotive related and
office commercial uses.
3. Public uses, with the exception of the College of the Desert
and other educational uses, are currently clustered at the
eastern end of El Paseo with the Post Office, Library, tempo-
rary City Hall , and CVAG Offices as the primary uses. While
this area is developing as the principal civic area it should
be noted that the primary public office space is within
private structures and the expansion potential for public uses
is limited.
4. Educational uses within the planning area include the College
of the Desert, Washington and Lincoln Schools and the Palm
Desert Middle School . These facilities and facilities cur-
rently under study by the Desert Sands Unified School District
represent potential structuring elements for the residential
areas. The College of the Desert, an existing facility, and
the proposed cultural center may provide a citywide focal
point and represent the nucleus for the City's major civic
area.
5. Open spaces within the City and the Sphere of Influence
include the Living Desert Reserve, University of California
at Riverside's Deep Canyon Research Center, existing date
groves, the Big Horn Sheep Reserve and Sand Dune areas to
the north of the Whitewater Flood Control Channel .
1.B.2
These existing open space areas provide a major structuring element
to the City and Sphere of Influence, and if integrated into the
City 's development pattern will provide strong community identity
and direction to the nature and type of growth that will occur.
Problems
Problems identified within the existing development context include:
The regional nature of the urbanization process impacting
Palm Desert and the lack of clearly defined responsibilities
for guiding regional growth as it relates to the City of Palm
Desert.
The nature of the development process which may generate
development of large residential areas outside the current
corporate limits of Palm Desert and result in urban sprawl
with its resultant increases in service costs .
The scattered development pattern within the existing cor-
porate limits which makes development of some of the
individual parcels uneconomic at current densities.
The nature of the existing commercial development that has
dispersed retail facilities over an extensive area and could
ultimately limit the development of a viable downtown
retail core.
Opportunities
Opportunities evident in the existing development context include:
The potential to preserve major open space areas that will
give form and structure to the development pattern.
The potential to provide major focal points within the
community based on existing and proposed developments such
as the College of the Desert and Eisenhower Medical Center.
The potential to structure residental areas as distinct
communities related to schools and other public facilities .
The potential to develop innovative residential areas due
to the undeveloped status of major land holdings within
the City and Sphere of Influence.
The potential to strengthen the existing commercial core
through addition of a major retail complex and associated
specialty retail facilities .
1 .B.3
The Land Use Plan
The Land Use Plan (Figure 1-3) includes recommendations for each of
the major land uses represented within the City and the Sphere of
Influence. The basic structuring elements included in the Plan are:
1 . University of California Deep Canyon Research Center
2. The mountainous and foothill areas to the south of the
existing corporate boundaries .
3. The Highway 111/E1 Paseo Commercial Areas
4. The College of the Desert
5. Eisenhower Medical Center
6. The Whitewater Wash
7. The Sand Dune areas north of the Whitewater Wash
8. Interstate 10
I
9. The Living Desert Reserve
Each of these elements represent dominant factors within the exist-
ing land use context that offer identity and physical structure
to the community.
Commercial Areas
Commercial areas recommended in the Plan include a variety of
commercial uses clustered into series of regional , convenience
and specialized activity centers.
Regional Commercial/Core Area Commercial
Regional and Core Commercial areas are recommended adjacent to
Highway 111 and E1 Paseo, extending from the westerly intersection
of E1 Paseo/Highway 111 and Highway 74 on the west to the corporate
limits on the east.
Commercial uses within this area provide the primary retail and
office space for Palm Desert and the Sphere of Influence. Develop-
ments will consist of:
1 . Full line retail outlets serving the entire Coachella Valley•
2. Speciality retail uses located within shopping centers and
individual shops along Highway 111 and El Paseo.
3. Office uses oriented toward the professional and financial
community.
4. Eating, drinking and entertainment uses including a variety
of restaurants and hotel facilities.
5. Service and Automotive related commercial uses .
1 .B.4
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- Planning Area Boundary COMMERCIAL OPEN SPACE
Drainage Channel CIRCULATION
No= City Limits-December 1974 Core Area Commercial
Elementary School Sand Dune Preserve ��� Freeway
RESIDENTIAL And Related Uses •
•High Density 7-18 du/ac District Commercial UCR City Park — Arterial Highway
•
•
Medium Density5-7 du/ac BLM— UCR Cooperative Major Highway
Specialty • p County Park
*with preservation of Research Programs •
• date palm character �� Secondary Highway
Regional • Civic Center Major Private
Low Density 3-5 du/ac • Recreation Facilities
® � Collector
INSTITUTIONAL Police/Fire
Municipal Golf Course
O Very Low Density 1-3 du/ac Interchange
• General
INDUSTRIAL • Library Wildlife Preserve 14 H f I ii„fiiiit4 Railroad
Research And Development, • High School
•
• Light Manufacturing Equestrian Center Date Palm Preservation City& Regional Trails
Middle School
• Service Desert Corridors .................« Windbreak
Page 1.6.4.a
•
Within the Central or Core Commercial area it is anticipated that
approximately 73.5 acres will be devoted to mini or sub-regional
commercial uses developed within largely self-contained shopping
centers, and the remaining 159.5 acres will be developed with office,
specialty eating, drinking, entertainment and service uses.
Convenience commercial areas are distributed throughout the northern
and southern residential neighborhoods and will provide a variety of
personal services and retail uses required on a daily basis by
village residents .
District Commercial areas are recommended in five locations including:
1 . Cook Street and the diagonal street south-east of Monterey;
2. Southeast of Portola Avenue (southerly) extended;
3. Country Club Road southeast of Monterey;
4. Country Club Road northwest of Cook Street. ,
5. South side of 42nd Avenue west of Washington.
Each of these five developments are recommended as commercial centers
occupying 5-15 acres with a neighborhood grocery and/or drug/variety
store as the primary tenant._
Specialized Commercial
Specialized Commercial areas are recommended adjacent to the Country
Club and Bob Hope Drive, at Interstate 10 and at the eastern entrance
to the City along Highway III . These include properties directly
associated with Eisenhower Medical Center and would consist of a
variety of uses including:
Medical related offices and research facilties;
Hotel facilities ; and
Convenience commercial uses .
Uses in this area could best be developed as a business/commercial
park with identity and image provided by proximity to Eisenhower
Medical Center.
As Palm Desert continues to develop, largely as a series of planned
residential units or neighborhoods, the opportunities may be present to
integrate certain commercial elements recommended for the district
commercial centers into the residential developments along with
eating and drinking establishments and other specialized uses
(golf and tennis pro-shops) . While not indicated specifically in the
Land Use Plan, the integration of small scale commercial uses into
residental planned developments is recommended as desirable both
1 .B.5
in relation to providing a distinct identity to the residential
areas and increasing the convenience of neighborhood commercial
facilities to the market they most directly serve.
Residential Neighborhoods
Residential uses within the City and Sphere of Influence are in-
corporated into a series of twenty-five neighborhoods with densities
ranging from an average of 1 to 18 units per acre. Development
within each density range indicated below may exceed the density
for each range only if a development of sufficient lesser density
is provided to bring the overall density into the range.
Density shall be defined on gross acre basis with gross acres being
defined as land exclusive of General Plan rights-of-way.
The various neighborhood structures are indicated as follows:
High Density Neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the Eisen-
hower Medical Center and the College of the Desert. These
neighborhoods include 68.9 acres of land and would be developed
at densities ranging from 7-13 units/acre. Development within
the High Density Neighborhoods could consist of a mixture of
apartments, condominiums and conventional detached housing
developed under specific development plans.
Medium Density Neighborhoods include the areas north of the
Whitewater Flood Control Channel extending south of Country
Club and surrounding the Eisenhower Medical Center. In the
south Medium Density Neighborhoods include the areas north of the
Core Commercial area, west of Highway 74, east of Portola Avenue
south of Highway 111 and south of Mesa View Drive between Portola
Avenue and Highway 74. These neighborhoods are to be developed
at densities ranging from 5 to 7 units per acre.
Low Density Residential Neighborhoods are recommended for the
southern portions of the existing City and the areas north
of the Whitewater Flood Control Channel between Cook and
Portola, and south of Country Club. In the south low density
areas occupy the area between Shadow Mountain Drive and Haystack
between Portola Avenue and Highway 74. These areas include
approximately 2,528.8 acres to be developed at densities rang-
ing from 3 to 5 units per acre.
Very Low Density Residential Areas are located north at the
proposed Cook Street alignment and Country Club Drive in the
north and in the foothills area in the southern district.
These areas are proposed for residential development at 1 to 3
units per acre.
1 .6.6
Industrial Areas
Industrial areas are located in 2 groupings including:
• 1187.6 acres adjacent to the Southern Pacific right-of-way
and Interstate 10 in the northern portion of the planning
area.
• 142.2 acres west and east of Cook Street and north of the
Whitewater Flood Control Channel .
These areas are proposed as industrial/business parks with uses
oriented toward storage, distribution, assembly, service commer-
cial , and research and office facilities.
Public/Institutional Uses
Public uses are discussed fully in the Public Facilities Element
of the General Plan and include a variety of uses that are to be
interspersed within the residential neighborhoods. Major focal
points within the public facility network include:
• Eisenhower Medical Center;
• College of the Desert and the associated Cultural and Civic
Center areas; and
• Living Desert Reserve.
Open Space
The Open Space network is discussed fully in the Urban Design
Element, Public Facilities Element and the Open Space Element.
Generally the system includes:
• A system of recreational parks located throughout the resi-
dential neighborhoods.
• Natural Reserves including:
The Big Horn Sheep Reservation
The Deep Canyon Research Center
The Living Desert Reserve.
• The Whitwater Flood Control Channel .
• The Date Palm Preservation Area.
• Hillside and mountain areas in the southern portion of the
Plan's sphere.
1 .B.7
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
While implementation policies are covered fully in the Implementa-
tion Element of the Plan, the general policies for land use are:
DEVELOPMENT OF LAND USE REGULATIONS THAT WILL ENCOURAGE INFILL
HOUSING IN DEVELOPED SECTIONS OF THE CITY AND PROVIDE FOR
INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN UNDEVELOPED AREAS .
ENSURE DEVELOPMENT IS ADEQUATELY SERVED BY UTILITIES AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES AT THE TIME OF OCCUPANCY.
BALANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS WITH THE DEVELOP-
MENT OF REVENUE GENERATING USES .
• TIME THE ZONING FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS WITH LAND
ABSORPTION TRENDS FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES WITHIN
THE COACHELLA VALLEY
AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE A PROGRAM FOR THE UNIFICATION AND INTE-
GRATION OF THE CORE COMMERCIAL AREA TO INSURE ITS VIABILITY
AS THE MAJOR SHOPPING COMPLEX.
DEVELOP PROGRAMS FOR OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION BASED ON
ACQUISITION OF FEE TITLE AS WELL AS OTHER CONSERVATION
TECHNIQUES.
ACTIVELY PROMOTE A PROGRAM FOR THE CONTINUED COOPERATION
OF ALL LAND PLANNING AGENCIES WITHIN THE PALM DESERT SPHERE
OF INFLUENCE.
EXAMINE ALL DEVELOPMENT IN LIGHT OF THE EFFECT ON AIR QUALITY,
WATER, AND ENERGY.
l .P. l
2 . Urban Design Element
City of Palm Desert General Plan
2 URBAN DESIGN ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Urban design may be defined as the development of an efficient,
convenient and aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional city form
which is responsive to:
The human need for orientation by means of a structured
environment;
• The opportunities and constraints of existing natural and
man-made elements;
The technological potentials of circulation, transit and
communication networks; and
Existing institutional requirements.
Urban design, at the general plan scale, may be defined as the
development of an overall city form which:
• Creates logical and efficient two-dimensional patterns of
land use activities;
Provides appropriate levels of access to varying types and
intensities of land uses;
Preserves and enhances natural features such as vegetation,
wildlife or topographic features ;
Preserves and enhances man-made features of historical or
archaeological significance;
• Responds to emerging technological potentials in areas
such as communication, transportation and construction;
• Articulates and unifies subareas of appropriate size and
scale such as districts or neighborhoods;
Responds to the realities of economic relationships as
defined in the marketplace and the needs of public institu-
tions as defined by the public sector; and
• Structures circulation, open space and land use patterns so
as to create a perceptual structure of appropriate city entry
points, edges, focal areas and landmarks.
2. i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
DEVELOP A CITY THAT IS VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE, EFFICIENTLY AND
CONVENIENTLY ORGANIZED, AND PERCEIVABLE BOTH FUNCTIONALLY
AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY.
PRESERVE ELEMENTS OF THE DESERT AND HILLSIDE ENVIRONMENTS
TO BALANCE AND COMPLEMENT THE DEVELOPED PORTIONS OF PALM
DESERT.
Objectives
DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF CITY EDGES, ENTRY POINTS, FOCAL AREAS
AND LANDMARKS THAT WILL SERVE TO DISTINGUISH PALM DESERT
FROM THE SURROUNDING COVE COMMUNITIES AS SUGGESTED IN FIGURE
2-1 .
UTILIZE BUILDING MASSES, ARCHITECTUAL, COLOR AND FACADE
TREATMENTS TO CREATE UNITY AND IDENTITY IN THE VARIOUS
COMPONENTS OF THE CITY (RESIDENTIAL AREAS, CIVIC AREAS,
COMMERCIAL AREAS, ETC. ) .
ESTABLISH A DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS WHICH PROVIDES A MECHANISM
AND GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS IN RELATION
TO GENERAL PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS.
DEVELOP A PROGRAM THAT WILL MAINTAIN THE VISUAL QUALITY OF
THE HILLSIDES AND SAND DUNES SURROUNDING OR WITHIN PALM DESERT
THROUGH HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND ORDINANCES.
DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF LANDSCAPING FOR ALL MAJOR STREETS AND
INTERSECTIONS AS SUGGESTED IN FIGURE 2-2.
2.G. 1
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FIGURE 2-I
,, �„ ♦ _•. URBAN DESIGN ABSTRACT
.. Districts
,~,� y 4• ` ;:Neighborhoods
Entry Points
'K. kip, dh ,'a°� �' , 4 '~ • Focal Points
—--— Major Trail System
Components
Core Area
College of Desert/
4 r
Civic Center Linkage
Hillside & Wildlife
Preserve
4 1 r' ■ Landmark
Major Open Spaces
Windbreak
�a Commercial Subareas
1,4
Industrial Subareas
• . ; - � Institutional Subareas
Desert Corridors
.alp, 1
v NORTH
0 1 2 Miles 3
WI LSEY & HAM
2.G.I.a
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47
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FIGURE 2-2
STREETSCAPE ABSTRACT
Landscaping at
Major Intersections
Landscaping along
Major Streets
NORTH 4&
0 1 2 Miles 3
WILSEY & HAM
Z.G.Z1�
23
20
21
17 24
18
14 15 25
19 22
9 11
10 16
12
1 13
3 \
2
4
---- 6
5 ..
FIGURE 2-3
RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD
STRUCTURE
1-25 Neighborhood
Numbers as
Referred to in
Figure 4-6
Palm Desert
City Limits
Planning Area
Sphere of Influence
I
2.G.2.c
r- BACKGROUND
Elements of the Urban Design Approach
Two-Dimensional Land Use Patterns
The spatial organization of a planning area and the relationships
between various functional elements within a planning area are
defined within the context of a two-dimensional land use pattern.
The patterns which evolve must define physical parameters for
urban design activities and respond to:
Economic opportunities and constraints including the nature
of demand for various land uses, land absorption rates, the
intensity of development that is anticipated and resultant
land requirements;
Natural factors such as open space, soils, wildlife habitat
and geologic conditions;
Existing development and the existing development patterns;
Circulation, parking and transit requirements; and
Urban infra-structure requirements.
Three-Dimensional Elements
The urban design framework for a planning area ultimately evolves
from the integration of two-dimensional physical plans with the
elements that create three-dimensional form. The urban design
process includes :
Analysis and identification of functional and aesthetic sub-
areas within an overall planning area;
Analysis of the mix of activities and structural relationships
existing within each sub-area to identify elements which should
be changed or reinforced ;
Definition of the existing edge, barrier and linkage conditions
that either separate or join sub-areas and/or specific develop-
ment units within sub-areas;
Analysis of the "grain" of building masses within sub-areas to
see if it reflects economic potentials, the capabilities of
supporting infrastructure including items such as streets,
pedestrian ways and transit and relationships to existing
natural or man-made features;
2.B. 1
Analysis of the availability of and needs for "connectors"
between and within sub-areas such as pedestrian ways and
transit systems ;
Analysis of the structure of existing "focal points" in
terms of activity, architectural character or mass,
historical significance and relationships to transporta-
tion on open space systems; and
Recommendations for a new urban design structure which
joins the analysis of existing conditions outlined above
with definition of potentials for change--defined in terms
of land utilization, access , and economic/market factors .
Recommended Urban Design Structure
The recommended urban design structure is a composite of networks
and systems which each respond to varied citizen objectives and
planning area constraints and opportunities of the type described
above. Major aspects of the recommended structure include:
Districts
The planning area is conceived of having three distinct districts .
The Central District is composed of two major subareas north and
south of the Core Area and is generally defined by the Whitewater
Flood Control Channel on the north, flood control levees on the
south and by the bases of adjacent mountains to the east and west.
It approximates in the area of the existing City of Palm Desert
and is located on the relatively flat and sheltered portion of the
desert floor.
The Southern District is characterized by mountainous areas
extending southward to the San Bernardino National Forest and
includes several areas suitable for urbanization in the alluvial
fans extending into major canyons from the desert floor.
The Northern District is generally defined on the south by White-
water Flood Control Channel , by Interstate 10 on the north and
by adjacent jurisdictions on the east and west. It is an area
characterized by blowsand conditions and some beautiful sand dunes.
Neighborhoods
The planning area consists of 25 neighborhoods tied into the
district structure. Neighborhoods are defined wherever possible
by either natural edges, such as the base of the mountains, or
by man-made elements such as roads.
2.6.2
Neighborhoods are conceived as basic residential and identification
units varying in population from 400 to 9000 people.
Focal Points
Within the various districts of the planning area are focal points
related to either major institutions or natural features .
Key focal points include:
Eisenhower Medical Center
Sand Dune Park
College of the Desert
Civic Center
Cultural Center
Living Desert Reserve
Boyd Research Center - University of California at Riverside
The Core Commerical area
The focal points are important in providing a special sense of
identity for Palm Desert and in reflecting the City 's role as a
central place in the Coachella Valley.
Entry Points
The planning area has a number of entry points from adjacent juris-
dictions or areas . These include:
The freeway interchanges;
The transition areas from the adjacent jurisdictions of Rancho
Mirage and Indian Wells; and
The transition from the mountains to the alluvial fans on
Highway 74.
Landmarks
Within the various districts there are a number of potential orienta-
tion points. Potential landmarks are often located at the natural
focal points discussed above. These are areas where buildings of
special height, size or architectural character would be appropriate
to give a sense of orientation or direction; or areas of an unusual
natural character combined with a key position in the circulation
system. Key existing or potential landmarks areas include:
Areas related to the approaches from the Interstate system;
Areas related to the approaches to the Commerical Core Area
from Highway 111 , Highway 74 and San Pablo; and
The potential axial relationships between the Core Area,
College of the Desert, Civic Complex and Cultural Center.
2.B.3
District Linkages
Each of the circulation systems performs a linking function. Palm
Desert has the potential of being a City whose districts are linked
not only by roads but also by open space elements , bicycle trails
hiking and equestrian trails and public transit.
Key District linkages include:
Bob Hope Drive;
Monterey/Highway 74;
The Eisenhower Medical Center/College of the Desert linkages
formed by Frank Sinatra Drive and Cook Street;
The hiking/equestrian trail and flood control open space
networks;
The bicycle and golf cart trail system linking all community
parks and all 25 neighborhoods ;
The Core Area to Civic/Cultural Complex tram system; and
The windrow systems which will provide a strong unifying element
in the northern district.
Problems
The general public, while perhaps desiring the objectives of
an efficient, beautiful , diverse and unified City, has had
little exposure to the types of urban design processes and
theories which can achieve these desired objectives.
The 82 square mile size of the planning area makes comprehen-
sion of the potential for a unified urban design difficult
for many to perceive.
The existing City has generally developed as a piecemeal com-
posite of individual projects rather than in relationship to
any established structure of districts or neighborhoods.
The three districts of the planning area are diverse in
character and represent a challenge to unify in terms of an
overall city character.
The central location of the planning area in the Coachella
Valley, combined with a desirable climate and setting, create
development pressures that represent potential environmental
problems if not properly managed.
Highway III and the Whitewater Flood Control Channel represents
a potential barrier to interaction between residents of various
neighborhoods or districts.
2.13.4
Opportunities
The planning area possesses an abundance of natural features
that can lend variety, distinction and unity to the develop-
ment of a city.
The planning area has a large percentage of undeveloped land
that can be developed with improved concepts in environmental
planning.
The planning area possesses some distinctive institutions and
areas, such as the College of the Desert, the Core Area,
Eisenhower Medical Center and the Living Desert Reserve which
can serve as focal points in an overall design structure.
Property owners , both in the City and the northern district,
have demonstrated an interest in the process of planning for
a quality city.
The City is involving its citizens in all aspects of city
planning which should lead to a continuing level of citizen
awareness about the potentials for good design at citywide
and neighborhood, as well as individual project, scales.
2.B.5
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall :
CONTINUE TO COORDINATE ITS PLANNING WITH INTERESTED AGENCIES,
PROPERTY OWNERS AND INSTITUTIONS IN ALL DISTRICTS.
DEVELOP A CITY OF VARIED LIVING UNITS COMPOSED OF DISTRICTS,
NEIGHBORHOODS AND PROJECTS.
ESTABLISH A PLANNING PROCESS FOR CREATING GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD
DESIGN.
Such a process might be done by private planners of the land
owners controlling the development within a particular neigh-
borhood; or, it might be done by the City in cooperation
with developers.
• UTILIZE PROVISIONS OF ITS ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE GUIDE-
LINES IN AREAS SUCH AS HILLSIDES, CIVIC AREAS AND OTHER
SPECIAL AREAS.
CONTINUE TO DEVELOP MORE DETAILED PLANS FOR SPECIAL AREAS,
SUCH AS THE CORE AREA AND CIVIC CENTER, AS THE NEED FOR MORE
SPECIFIC PLANNING BECOMES APPARENT.
PROVIDE ATTRACTIVE AND SUITABLE LANDSCAPING ON ALL MAJOR
STREETS AND GATEWAYS TO THE CITY.
DEVELOP PARKS FOR RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
WHICH MAINTAIN THE NATURAL DESERT ENVIRONMENT.
UTILIZE THE PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING AND DESIGN REVIEW
ORDINANCES TO MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY OF THE MOUNTAIN AREAS
SURROUNDING PALM DESERT.
ESTABLISH AN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS TO MAKE LOCAL CITIZENS
AWARE OF THE CONTINUING NEED TO UPGRADE THE VISUAL QUALITIES
OF THE CITY BY PRESERVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND BY
REQUIRING HIGH QUALITY IN MAN-MADE DEVELOPMENT.
ESTABLISH A PLANNING PROCESS TO STUDY NIGHT LIGHTING PROBLEMS.
MAKE ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR SHADE WHEN PLANNING FOR PARKS,
PEDESTRIAN AREAS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARKING LOTS, A14D TRANSIT
CORRIDORS IN THE CITY.
UTILIZE INDIGENOUS PLANTS IN LANDSCAPING WHENEVER APPROPRIATE.
2.P. 1
3 . Population
/ Economics Element
City of Palm Desert General Plan
3 POPULATION/ECONOMIC ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Population and economic information provides a general background
for development of other General Plan elements. Population density,
distribution, age and income structure and other characteristics
determine needs for a wide range of public and private facilities.
Economic development in the local area and region provides the
impetus for development and population growth. Public policy can
effect population and economic factors to change the pattern of
development in directions established by the community.
3. i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
ENSURE VIABILITY OF THE ECONOMY OF PALM DESERT OVER TIME TO
PREVENT LARGE PUBLIC EXPENDITURES FOR RENEWAL IN THE FUTURE.
ENSURE THAT CITY REVENUES WILL BE ABLE TO MEET EXPENDITURES
TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF SERVICES WITHOUT A BURDENSOME LEVEL
OF TAXATION.
PROVIDE FOR ''LIFE CYCLE'' POSSIBILITY IN HOUSING, SERVICES, ETC . ,
SO ALL PERSONS IN THE COMMUNITY WILL HAVE A FULL RANGE OF
SOCIAL CONTACTS.
ESTABLISH COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES AS ECONOMICALLY VIABLE,
ATTRACTIVE, INTERESTING, AND WELL RELATED TO OTHER LAND USES.
Objectives
PROVIDE A VARIETY OF HOUSING TYPES MEETING THE NEEDS OF DIFF-
ERENT FAMILY TYPES, INCOMES, ETC.
ENSURE A STABLE ECONOMIC BASE.
ESTABLISH A BALANCE OF LAND USES THAT ENSURES THE CITY WILL BE
ABLE TO PROVIDE NECESSARY MUNICIPAL SERVICES.
PHASE DEVELOPMENT IN A WAY THAT MINIMIZES THE EXTENSION OF
PUBLIC FACILITES AND SERVICES OVER LARGE AREAS BEFORE FULL
DEVELOPMENT.
ENCOURAGE COMMERCIAL CENTERS AS INTERESTING CENTERS OF ACTIVITY.
ENSURE THAT INDUSTRIAL USES DO NOT HAVE UNDESIRABLE EXTERNAL
EFFECTS ON OTHER LAND USES OR THE ENVIRONMENT.
ENCOURAGE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE COLLEGE
AND THE COMMUNITY.
3 .G. 1
BACKGROUND
Palm Desert exists because of the Coachella Valley. This growth has
occurred because of a variety of factors making the area an important
resort and residential community. The economics of resort and re-
tirement living, as well as the resultant service and commerical
consolidations, has led to residential development in various centers
in the Coachella Valley. The arid climate, attractive natural en-
vironment and the desert attracts residents . These factors lead to
continuing anticipated growth in Coachella Valley to the extent that
land remains available for development of residential and supportive
uses .
Population Trends and Projections for Palm Desert
As background for determining the future population of Palm Desert, the
historical population growth of Riverside County, Coachella Valley and
Palm Desert was analyzed. These population trends are shown in Figure
3-1 . The Palm Desert Census Division grew at a faster rate (377 per-
cent) than either the County (49.9 percent) or the Coachella Valley
(61 . 1 percent) .
State Department of Finance Projections are used by the Riverside
County Department of Development as a baseline for development in
Riverside County. These projections used Bureau of Census Series D
projections for natural increase (2.45 births per woman in her life-
time) . Series D projections assumed that net in-migration into
California would increase from its low of 26,000 in 1970-71 to
100,000 by 1975 and stabilize at 150,000 per year in 1979-80 and
thereafter. (In-migration exceeded 150,000 per year for the fifties
and most of the sixties .) Once these figures provide a control
figure for statewide population, counties are allocated a portion
of the statewide growth figure. Projections for Riverside County
are shown in Figure 3-2.
Population projections for Coachella Valley are based upon Riverside
County Population Projections, 1970 to 1990, prepared by Urbanomics
Research Associates. The Coachella Valley, as defined for these
projections, included the census division of Desert Hot Springs,
Palm Desert - Cathedral City, Palm Springs and Coachella (includes
City of Indio) . In each of the census divisions, low, middle and
high population projections were made. These projections took into
account historical growth trends, past and future economic develop-
ments, as well as considerations regarding in-migration and the
lower birth rates . In order to take into account for the recent
growth experienced between 1970 and 1974, as well. as the seasonal
population, the high projection for Coachella Valley was utilized.
3.B . 1
FIGURE 3-1
POPULATION TRENDS
1950 - 1960 - 1970 - 1972
% Increase % Increase
1950 1960 1970 1972 1950 - 1g6o 196o - 1970
Riverside County 170,046 306, 191 459,074 506,031 73.5% 49.9%
Coachella Valley 27,000 (1) 53,988 86,999 94,688 100.0% 61 .1%
Palm Desert N.A. 1 ,295 (2) 6, 171 (2) 9,022 (2) -- 377.0%
w
W
d
(1) Roos and Others, Environmental Impact Report for the Proposed Changes in the Palm Springs
General Plan, Palm Springs Department of Community Development, June 1973.
(2) Population for Palm Desert Census Division which is slightly larger than incorporated
city limits.
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census
FIGURE 3-2
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Riverside County & Coachella Valley
AREA 1974 1980 1985 1990 1995
Riverside County 509,600 (1 ) 596,900 (2) 676,700 (2) 755, 500 (2) 825,800 (2)
Coachella Valley 105,845 (3) 123,450 (4) 143,900 (5) 164,400 (4) 177,500 (5)
w
W
1 . Estimated by County of Riverside, Department of Development, July 1 , 1974'.
2. Projected by State Department of Finance: assume 2.45 births per woman in a lifetime and
100,000 net in-migration to the state annually.
3. Estimated for January, 1973 by the Riverside County Planning Department, including the
census division of Desert Hot Spings, Palm Springs, Cathedral City -Palm Desert, Coachella
Valley.
4. Riverside County Population Projections: 1970 - 1990, Urbanomics Research Associates .
5. Interpolation of Riverside County Population Projections : 1970 - 1990, Urbanomics Research
Associates .
SOURCES: State Department of Finance
Riverside County, Department of Development
Riverside County Planning Department
Urbanomics Research Associates
Russell/Speicher and Associates
The high range projection for Coachella Valley reflects the increasing
population growth rate that occurred throughout most of the Valley
between 1950 and 1970. This projection is shown in Figure 3-2. There
has been a number of population estimates for Palm Desert. After
reviewing all available secondary data, discussions with City and
County officials, and field surveys of existing units, it is
estimated that Palm Desert's population will be 14, 165. Of this total
population 10, 100 persons are permanent residents and 4,065 are
seasonal residents . Within the Sphere of Influence, the population
is estimated to be 5,345• Thus, the population within the existing
City limits and the Sphere of Influence is 19,510. This represents
18.4 percent of Coachella Valley.
Population projections for the City of Palm Desert and the Sphere of
Influence are based upon historical growth trends : existing and planned
development; present and future economic conditions ; and patterns
of in-migration and birth rates . These projections are shown in
Figure 3-3.
In 1974, Palm Desert represented 13.4 percent of Coachella Valley.
This is expected to increase to 16. 3 percent by 1980; Palm Desert
and the Sphere of Influence are expected to grow at an annual growth
rate of approximately 5.4 percent. Between 1980 and 1995, Palm
Desert will be approaching full development capacity. Population
between 1980 and 1995, will increase 9,900, at an annual growth
rate of 2.71 percent. By 1995, the population of 30,000 represents
near capacity for the City of Palm Desert. At that time Palm Desert
will represent 16.9 percent of Coachella Valley. The Sphere of
Influence, between 1980 and 1995, will increase from a population
of 6,600 to 15,800, at an annual growth rate of approximately 6 per-
cent. Greater land availability at lower prices will account
for the increased growth rate in the Sphere of Influence area.
The combined population of Palm Desert and its Sphere of Influence
will increase from 19,510 or 18.4 percent of Coachella Valley in
1974 to 45,800 or 25.8 percent by 1995. The average annual growth
rate will be 4. 15 percent
Age Structure of the Population
The age structure of an area 's population has an important bearing
on the future population changes in the area. For instance, if a
larger than average percentage of the population is in the older
age groups, the death rate is likely to be high. Also, the age
distribution of the population determines the potential size of the
labor force, and is indicative of the type and magnitude of services
that the area will require.
Figure 3-4 shows the age distribution of Palm Desert population
relative to Palm Springs and Riverside County in 1970. It is seen
3.6.2
FIGURE 3-3
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Palm Desert
AREA 1974 1980 1985 1990 1995
Existing Palm Desert
City Limits 14, 165 20, 100 23,000 26,000 30,000
Sphere of Influence 5,345 6,600 8,800 11 ,800 15,800
Total 19,510 26,700 31 ,800 37,800 45,800
N
N
FIGURE 3-4
PERCENT POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY AGE
Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Riverside County, 1970
Age Intervals (Years) Palm Desert Palm Springs Riverside County
O - 4 6.0% 3.80/. 8.2%
5 - 9 7.3% 5.0% 9.90/.
10 - 14 3.0% 6.5% 10.2%
W
15 - 19 6.40A 6.0% 8.80X
N
20 - 24 5.9% 3.5% 7.40/.
25 - 34 10.2% 7.90/. 11 .8%
35 - 59 27.90/. 37.9% 25.8%
60 and over 28.3% 29.47, 17.90/.
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Median Age 37. 16 45. 1
SOURCES: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Riverside County Planning Department
that the percentage of the population 34 years and younger represents
a smaller proportion in Palm Desert (43.8 percent) than in Riverside
County (56.4 percent) . However, this share is greater in Palm Desert
than in Palm Springs (32.7 percent), Correspondingly, the percentage
of the population 34 years and over is greater in Palm Desert (56.2
percent) than in Riverside County (43.7 percent) but is less than
that of Palm Springs (67.2 percent) .
This is further supported by the median age of Palm Desert (37. 16
years) compared with that of Palm Springs (48. 1 years) and Riverside
County (28.3 years) .
Income
According to the 1970 U.S. Census, the median family income in Palm
Desert was $10, 546, or 17 percent higher than the comparative figure
of $8,997 for the County of Riverside. As is shown in Figure 3-5 ,
7 percent of the families in Palm Desert and 7. 5 percent of the
families in the Coachella Valley, as a whole, had annual incomes of
$25,000 or more in 1970 compared to 3.8 percent for the remainder
of the County. It is important to note that in a community with a
high rate of retirement such as Palm Desert, income data is not as
indicative of net worth as it is in non-retirement oriented com-
munities where accumulated wealth is not a factor.
The above income information is for families, which numbered 1738 in
Palm Desert in 1970, representing 71 percent of the total house-
holds. The other 29 percent of the households are classified as
"unrelated individuals''. According to the 1970 census, the median
annual income of these households was only $4423 or less than half
as much as the family income.
Employment
Total employment by industry for the Coachella Valley and the re-
mainder of Riverside County for 1960 and 1970 is shown in Figure 3-6 .
While trade and service ranked about equal in the Coachella Valley in
1960 as the largest two industries (5047 and 5504 employees respect-
ively) , the service industry grew substantially faster in the
following decade reaching 11 , 180 employees by 1970 compared to 8,509
in trade, the second highest ranking industry . The remaining
primary industries of construction, manufacturing, transportation,
communication, and public administration have substantially fewer
employees in the Coachella Valley compared to the remainder of
Riverside County where manufacturing ranks very high with services
and trade (14, 535 employees , 19,551 employees and 15,850 employees
respectively) .
3. g•3
FIGURE 3--5
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILY INCOMES - 1970
PALM DESERT, COACHELLA VALLEY & RIVERSIDE COUNTY*
PALM DESERT COACHELLA VALLEY RIVERSIDE COUNTY`
$ 0- 999 3.4% 2.5% 2.60
1 ,000 1 ,999 2. 1 3.7 3. 1
27000- 21999 5. 1 5.9 5.5
3,000- 3,999 4 A 6.3 6.3
4,000- 4,999 4.9 6.7 6.2
5,000- 5,999 4.0 6.2 6, 1
6,000- 6,999 5.0 6.0 6.5
7,000- 7,999 5.8 6.5 6.6
8,000- 8,999 5.0 6.0 6.9
91000- 91999 7.0 5.4 6.6
10,000-14,999 28.0 22.3 25.2
15,000-24,999 18.4 15.4 14.6
25,000 & over 7.0 7.5 3.8
-Excluding the Coachella Valley
Source: 1970 U.S. Census
3.B.3.a
TABLE 3-6
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY IN 1960 AND 1970
The Coachella Valley and Riverside County-'
Coachella Valley Riverside County-
1960 1970 1960 1970
Construction 2,090 2, 153 6,223 7,386
Manufacturing 843 1 ,417 14,535 22,572
Durable goods 366 727 10,539 17,553
Non-durable goods 477 690 3,996 5,019
Transportation 531 839 1 ,489 2, 184
w
W Communications, utilities,
w and sanitary services 871 1 ,421 2,833 3,919
Trade 5,047 8,509 15,850 24,496
Retail trade 4,098 7,228 12,795 20,291
Wholesale trade 949 1 ,281 3,055 4,205
Services 5,504 11 , 180 19,551 40,480
Business and repair services 651 1 , 149 2, 188 4,011
Personal services 2,983 3,738 6, 139 5,778
Professional and related
services* 1 ,870 6,293 11 ,224 30,691
Public administration 787 1 ,497 6,076 8,747
Other industries 7,380 5,838 15,069 9, 122
Total 23,053 32,854 81 ,626 118,906
-Excluding the Coachella Valley :.':Includes finance, insurance, and real estate industry
SOURCE : U.S. Bureau of the Census
The percentage distribution of employment by industry in 1960 and
1970 for the Coachella Valley and the remainder of Riverside County
is shown in Figure 3-7. As can be seen, in 1960 the service industry
represented 23.9 percent of total employment with trade at 21 .9
percent. While trade increased to 25.9'/ by 1970, services had
increased significantly more to 34.0 percent. Within the service
industry itself, the professional and related services category
accounted for nearly 20 percent of total employment in 1970,
while the comparable 1960 figure was only 8 percent. A review of
the figure shows a similar growth pattern in the remainder of
Riverside County.
Percentage change in employment by industry from 1960 to 1970 for
the Coachella Valley and the remainder of Riverside County is
shown on Figure 3-8. The rate of increase in total employment from
1960 to 1970 was about the same for the Valley (42.5%) as it was
for the remainder of Riverside County (45.7%) . Again, the service
industry experienced the largest increase in both the Valley
(103. 1%) and the remainder of the County (107.0%) . Within the
service industry employment in the professional and related services
category more than tripled in the Valley while it increased about
two and a half times in the remainder of the County.
The percentage distribution of total employment by occupation in
1970 for Palm Desert, the Coachella Valley and the remainder of
Riverside County is shown in Figure 3-9. Professional and managerial
occupations account for more than 36 percent of total employment
in Palm Desert, significantly higher than the Coachella Valley
as a whole at 22 percent and the remainder of Riverside County
(excluding Coachella Valley) at 24.8 percent.
Commercial Retail
An analysis of retail sales provides one measure of determining the
strength of commercial retail development. In 1973 the City of
Palm Desert had total retail sales of $17,980,000 compared to the
1966 level of $6,787,000, which represents an increase of 99.2
percent analyzed in 1973 dollars and net of inflation. The
Coachella Valley had total retail sales of $231 , 147,000 in 1973,
an increase of 59.1 percent (net of inflation) over the 1966
total of $109,257,000.
Available information indicates that in total retail sales
(excluding "service stations") Palm Desert has grown at a slightly
faster rate than the Valley as a whole. In 1966 total retail
sales in Palm Desert accounted for 6.2 percent of the total sales
in the Valley; in 1973 the comparable figure was 7.8 percent.
3.B.4
FIGURE 3-7
PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY IN 1960 AND 1970
The Coachella Valley and Riverside County-
Coachella Valley Riverside County--;
1960 1970 1960 1970
Construction 9. 1% 6.60/. 7.60% 6.2%
Manufacturing 3.6% 4.3% 17.8% 19.0%
Durable goods 1 .600 2.2% 12.9% 14.80,
Non-durable goods 2. 1% 2. 1% 4.9% 4.2%
Transportation 2.3% 2.6% 1 .8% 1 .8%
Communication 3.80/. 4.3% 3.5% 3.3%
w
07 Trade 21 .9% 25.90/. 19.40/. 20.6%
-r- Retail trade 17.8% 22.0% 15.7% 17. 1%
o, Wholesale trade 4. 1% 3.9% 3.71. 3.5%
Services 23.90/. 34.0% 24.0% 34. 1%
Business and repair services 2.8% 3.5% 2.7% 3.40%
Personal services 12.9% 11 .4% 7.5% 4.9%
Professional and related
services-;;; 8. 1/0 19.20/. 13.8°/ 25.8°j
0 0
Public Administration 3.40/. 4.60/. 7.40/. 7.3%
Other industries 32.0% 17.8% 18.5% 7.7%
;Excluding the Coachella Valley -;-',Including finance, insurance, and real estate
industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census
we
FIGURE 3-8
PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY FROM 1960 TO 1970
The Coachella Valley and Riverside County-,
Coachella Valley Riverside County--;
Construction 3.0% 18.70X
Manufacturing 68. 1% 55.3%
Durable goods 98.6% 66.60/.
Non-durable goods 44.7% 25.60/.
Transportation 58.00/. 46.7%
Communication 63. 1% 38.3%
Trade 68.60/. 54.6%
W Retail trade 76.40/. 58.67o
0o Wholesale trade 35.0% 37.60/.
Services 103. 1% 107.0%
Business and repair services 76.5% 83.30/.
Personal services 25.3% 94. 1%
Professional and related services* 236.5% 173.40/.
Public Administration 90.2% 44.00/.
Other industries -20.9% -39.5%
Total 42.5% 45.7u/o
-'Excluding the Coachella Valley -'-',Including finance, insurance, and real
estate industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census
FIGURE 3-9
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION IN 1970 - PERCENT DISTRIBUTION
The Coachella Valley and Riverside County-
Coachella Valley Palm Desert Riverside County*
Professional , technical , and
kindred workers 11 .30% 20.3% 16.3%
Managers and administrators,
except farm 10.7% 16. 1% 8.5%
Sales Workers 8.9% 11 .0% 7.47.
Retail and Wholesale trade
Clerical and kindred workers 14.0% 16.7% 16.2%
Craftsmen, foremen, and kindred
W workers 10.8% 12.5% 14.7%
Operatives, transportation
equipment operatives 9.40/. 3,90/.
o
14.3/0
Laborers, except farm 5.40/. 3.3% 4.7o%
Farm Workers 11 .6% 2.6% _ 3.80/.
Service workers 16.0% 13.6% 12.7%
Private household workers 1 .90/1 1 .4%
Excluding the Coachella Valley
SOURCE : 1970 Federal Census
Existing Major Retail Service Centers - Palm Desert and Vicinity
Retail development along Highway III began in the late 1940s and
early 1950s. The majority of this retail development was located
along the north side of Highway III . Approximately ten years
ago retail space was being developed along the south side of
Highway III . This development was concentrated in the block between
San Luis Rey and Portola.
During the past ten years, significant retail and office development
has taken place up and down Highway III , primarily on the south
side. (There are now approximately 125 retail establishments in
Palm Desert.) This new development is anchored by the Palms to
Pines Shopping Center located at the intersection of Highway 74
and Highway III . Within the last three to four years , retail and
office development has shifted to El Paseo -- on both sides of
the street. The commercial development of El Paseo and Highway
III , at the westerly edge of the City, will continue in the future.
At the present time, the Smith Food King Shopping Center, which will
contain approximately 60,000 square feet of commercial space
(supermarket, shops and offices) , is under construction. Two
additional commercial developments are proposed for Highway III .
In Palm Springs, there are three existing major retail centers :
Desert Inn Fashion Center, Palm Springs Central Business District
and Palm Springs Mall . The Desert Inn Fashion Center contains
three major tenants (Joseph Magnin, I . Magnin and Silverwoods)
which alone occupy over 70,000 square feet of space. Palm Springs'
Central Business District is anchored by Bullock' s Wilshire,
Robinson 's, Sak' s Fifth Avenue, Desmond 's and Drapery' s which
together account for over 100,000 square feet of retail space.
The newest of the retail centers, Palm Springs Mall , contains
two major tenants, J.C. Penney and Walker Scott, which together
provide over 120,000 square feet of retail space.
Indio has approximately 120,000 square feet of existing retail
space; the major tenant is Sears. A newly opened Gemco Store
adds another 100,000 square feet and the Indio Fashion Mall , now
under construction adjoining the existing Sears store, will add
approximately 220,000 square feet of retail space. When completed
in early 1975, the Fashion Mall will contain 43 mall shops.
Department Store and Specialty Retail Demand
The demand for department store and specialty retail demand is
determined by the following methods : (1) delineation of a trade
area; (2) determination of population growth and retail expenditures ;
(3) analysis of existing and proposed facilities ; and (4) deter-
mination of retail potential .
3.B.5
The total trade area (primary and secondary) for the department
and specialty retail stores located in Palm Desert is the area
from and including Palm Springs south to and including Indio.
The primary trade area would include only the Cities of Palm
Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Cathedral City. Some
additional demand will be generated by the secondary trade area
which includes Palm Springs, Coachella and Indio.
The growth of the permanent and seasonal population in the total
trade area, along with per capita expenditures, yield a retail
expenditure potential of approximately $27 million by 1975,
increasing to $36 million by 1980.
Of the nearly 510,000 square feet of department store and specialty
retail space that exists in the total trade area, only 8 percent
is located in the Cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian
Wells, and Cathedral City, the primary trade area. There are no
existing retail centers, with department store and specialty
retail space, in the primary trade area.
Based upon the retail sales expenditures indicated above, the
primary cities can support, by 1985, approximately 540,000 square
feet of department store and specialty retail space,
The location of this department store and specialty retail space
in Palm Desert is based upon the following factors:
• Growing permanent and seasonal population base.
Excellent access provided by Highway III .
The central location of Palm Desert in relation to other
cities in the Coachella Valley.
The availability of large parcels of land.
Convenience Commercial
Convenience commercial shopping centers are made up of the follow-
ing types of retail and service outlets: food, packaged liquor,
drug and personal service (barber, beauty salon) , as well as eating
and drinking facilities.
Five district commercial centers (to include the district facilities
within the Core Area) are planned for the City of Palm Desert and
Sphere of Influence area. These centers will serve populations
ranging from 10 - 20,000 people and will serve as focal points
for groups of neighborhoods within each district. Each center
will provide convenience goods and are planned at a standard of
1 °4 acres per 1 ,000 population.
3.B.6
Office Development
During the last ten years, office development like retail develop-
ment, has taken place up and down Highway III , primarily on the
south side. Within the past three to four years, new office
construction has shifted to E1 Paseo -- on both sides of the street.
A major stimulus to the continued development of this area will
be the construction of new branch banks, including Bank of America,
Security Pacific, National Bank and City National Bank. Other
major office developments along El Paseo, include Ocotillo Plaza,
Adobe Plaza, Prickly Pear Plaza and the U.S. Post Office.
Office tenants in this area include lawyers, accountants, realtors,
architects, investment counselors, doctors, dentists, etc. There
is a sufficient number of large parcels to accommodate future
expansion of office development. Demand for this space in this
area will be generated by the potential shift of banks away from
Highway III as well as the increased growth in Palm Desert and Coa-
chella Valley. This strip represents one of the few opportunities
in the Valley for a unified office area.
Future demand for office space is a function of population and
employment growth. The City and the developed portions of the
Sphere of Influence will increase approximately 40,000 persons
by 1995. Based upon an analysis of existing office space in Palm
Desert and the Coachella Valley, it is estimated that each addi-
tional person will support 8 square feet of office space, for a
total of 320,000 square feet of office space.
The employment approach to projecting increased demand is also
based upon incremental changes in employment. In 1973, it was
estimated that Palm Desert had 38.6 percent of the population em-
ployed. Of this work force, approximately 10 percent were employed
in the fields of finance, insurance and real estate (F. I .R.E.)
and 13.6 percent in service categories. These categories account
for the majority of office space requirements.
If the employment participation rate remains the same for the
additional 40,000 persons, this will represent an incremental work
force of 15,440. Based upon ten percent of the work force devoted
to F. I .R.E. employment, this is equivalent to 1544. Service
employment will represent 2, 100 employees. Based on similar
studies, 25 percent or 525 employees will require office space.
Thus, a total of 2069 employees from Palm Desert will generate a
demand for office space. With Palm Desert emerging as an office
node in the Coachella Valley, 60 percent or 1241 of these em-
ployees are expected to be located in Palm Desert. Based upon a
3.B.7
factor of 250 square feet per employee, this represents a total
demand of 310,350 square feet of office space.
Thus, the population and employment approach yields an incremental
office space requirement of 310,000 to 320,000 square feet.
Industrial
Most of the recent industrial development in the Coachella Valley
has taken place in Cathedral City. Coca Cola and Orowheat are
two major firms which recently located plants there. A list of
the major industrial areas in the Valley is shown in Figure 3-10.
Although industrial parks represent only a portion of industrially
zoned land in Coachella Valley, in these seven industrial parks
there were 488 acres.
As a means of determining demand for industrial uses in palm
Desert and the Coachella Valley, the demand for industrial land
in the five-county (Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside and
San Bernardino) region was briefly analyzed.
During the past ten years, total five-county regional industrial
land absorbed is estimated to have been approximately 25,000 acres.
The great bulk of industrial land absorption has occurred in Los
Angeles and Orange Counties. During the above period these two
counties have accounted for approximately 23,600 acres; or over
90 percent of the total regional industrial absorption.
San Bernardino and Riverside Counties accounted for approximately
140 acres per year of the total during the last 10 years. Most of
this growth has occurred in the western section of San Bernardino
County near Ontario, around the Norton Air Force Base complex,
in western San Bernardino County and in the northwestern part of
the City of Riverside.
Regional industrial land absorption is projected to remain relatively
constant during the next ten years. However, the industrial commu-
nity will be forced to redirect its land requirements from the
central to the more outlying areas. In numerical terms, absorption
will decrease somewhat from the 1960-1970 figure of 2,500 acres
per year to 2,330 acres per year during the 1970 to 1975 period.
This slight decrease reflects in part the present slow down in
the national and local economy, lending rates and funds availa-
bility, but more importantly it reflects the rapidly decreasing
supply of industrial land in the more centrally located areas.
3.B.8
FIGURE 3-10
SELECTED INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN COACHELLA VALLEY
Name/Location Number of Acres Percent Occupied Primary Uses
Cathedral Canyon Commercial Light Manufacturing Dis-
Center/Cathedral City 15 80% tribution R & D
Sunair Industrial Tract/ Light Manufacturing Dis-
Cathedral City 40 90% tribution R & D
Palm Springs Airport Light Manufacturing Dis-
District Park/Palm Springs 100 NA tribution R & D Commercial
Coachella Industrial Park/ Light and Heavy Manufacturing
Coachella 147 NA Distribution R & D
Monroe Industrial Center/ Light Manufacturing Dis-
Indio 72 15% tribution, Commercial
Indio City Industrial Park/ Light and Heavy Manufacturing
Indio 32 66%
Indio Industrial Park/Indio 82 10% Light and Heavy Manufacturing
Distribution, Commercial
Total 488
SOURCE : Russell/Speicher & Associates
Until 1972, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties had not benefited
appreciably from the in-migration of industrial firms leaving the
central Los Angeles area. Within the past year, however, there
has been a great deal of industrial activity in the two counties.
Over 400 acres has been purchased for industrial development in
the last year.
With this infusion of new firms, industrial land absorption in
the two counties will average 200 acres per year from 1970 to
1975; up to 300 acres from 1975 to 1980; and up to 250 acres per
year from 1980 to 1990. This rate of absorption represents a
significant increase over past absorption (estimated to have been
only 140 acres per year during the past ten year period, only
5.4 percent of the total region ' s ten-year absorption) .
Future industrial development in the Coachella Valley will come
from four basic market segments :
• Expansion of firms within the San Bernardino and Riverside
Counties.
• In-migration of firms from Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
• In-migration of firms from outside of the state.
In-migration of firms from outside the county.
The bulk of these firms will be distributive in nature, serving
both the San Bernardino-Riverside Counties, as well as the region.
The potential of the industrial zoned acres indicated on the Land
Use Map for Palm Desert is dependent on:
• Land price and availability pressure in Los Angeles and
Orange Counties, as well as San Diego County, continuing.
• Foreign companies continuing to develop large factories in
the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
• City policies and attitudes being conducive to industrial
development.
The primary near term demand for industrial space in Palm Desert
will be from:
l
3.B.9
• Heavy service commercial (e.g. , building materials, heating
and air conditioning, carpeting, glass, etc.) .
• Research and Development (e.g. , electronics) .
• Warehousing and distribution services (e.g. , soft drink
bottling plants) .
• Mini-warehouses; back-up storage for retail outlets as well
as for personal storage.
Hotels
Hotels, restaurants and related service facilities are the largest
employers in the Palm Springs area. The tourist trade is seasonal
in nature and has been experiencing steady growth with a signifi -
cant increase in convention delegates. There are over 350 hotels
in the Palm Springs area with total rooms in excess of 7200.
While there continues to be a steady increase in demand for hotel
space, there has not been a consistent ongoing hotel/motel
building program in the area.
At the present time there are 416 hotel/motel rooms in Palm Desert.
Shadow Mountain Hotel , with 80 rooms, is the largest facility in
Palm Desert. As can be seen from Figure 3-11 , the average facility
in the City is small , with about 20 units.
Over 75 percent of the people staying at hotels/motels in Palm
Desert are there for pleasure and vacationing as opposed to
business. While the average length of stay is four nights,
many visitors spend the season; thus the hotel/motels have
kitchen facilities with many of their units. The hotels/motels
are currently concentrated in two areas of Palm Desert ; one area
is in the vicinity of the intersection of Highway III and Highway
74 at the western edge of the City and the other is in the vicinity
of Highway III and Deep Canyon Road, near the eastern edge of the
City.
There has been an average annual demand for approximately 200 new
rooms over the last 10 year period in the Palm Springs area, and
this trend can be expected to continue through 1980. Although
there is sufficient land available for general development in
Palm Springs, hotel sites are more difficult to locate. As sites
become more difficult to obtain in Palm Springs, hotel develop-
ment is expected to shift to Highway III , particularly in
Palm Desert. With commercial land available along the Highway III/
El Paseo corridor, Palm Desert could capture a small segment of
this new hotel demand. However, it must be noted that the realign-
ment of this hotel development is as much a matter of public
policy, as it is market demand.
1
3.B. 10
FIGURE 3-11
HOTELS IN PALM DESERT
Name Number of Units
Shadow Mountain Hotel 80
International Lodge 52
Adobe Inn 47
Palm Desert Lodge 32
Carousel 29
Firecliff Lodge 29
Esquire Motel 22
Sandra-La Lodge 22
Gala Villa 20
Biltmore Motel 16
Shadow Mountain Terrace 15
Desert Patch 12
Gates of the Desert 12
Sun and Shadows 11
Palm Villa Motel 10
Alad- Inn 7
Total 416 Units
3. B. 10.a
There is an estimated total future demand of 300 to 400 new
hotel rooms in the Highway 111/E1 Paseo corridor. It is recom-
mended that approximately 200 to 250 of these units be built at
the western edge of Palm Desert, along Highway 111 ; the remaining
units to be built in small clusters in the area of existing
hotel development. Hotel development along Highway 111 should
be low-rise in character, possibly some cottages, with meeting, ban-
quet and eating facilities. Recreational amenities such as swimming
pools and tennis courts should be a part of the development. Well
planned hotel development can provide an attractive entrance to
Palm Desert; maintain the present community feel , without becoming
tourist oriented; allow existing hotel units to achieve present
occupancies; provide for executive seminars , local meetings , as well
as provide accommodations for friends visiting Palm Desert residents;
and provide eating and drinking facilities for local residents. As
long as overall hotel demand continues to outstrip supply, Palm
Desert is in an especially good position to achieve these goals.
Problems
Since Palm Desert is a small portion of a large region, its
growth rate will be strongly influenced by external factors,
and may vary radically in a somewhat unpredictable manner
in the short term (though long term trends may be more
reliable) .
• Meeting a population goal involving a broad mix of population
will be difficult with. new housing construction. (Planning
for a balanced supply once the ''filtering'' process has begun
may be an alternative.)
• Rapid growth could burden public facilities and services
faster than tax base expands to support them.
• High housing construction costs make the objectives of a balance
between employment profile and residential profile difficult
to achieve in the short term.
Opportunities
• Relatively undeveloped status makes it possible for the
City to choose among varying options.
• Recent environmental legislation gives cities more ability
to direct growth and control its impact.
3.B. 11
The economic base of Riverside County is becoming more
balanced and dependable.
• The demand for a variety of land uses (residential , retail ,
office and hotel ) remains strong.
3.B. 12
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall :
• GUIDE POPULATION AT EACH PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH
ENCOURAGES ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GOALS OF PROVIDING HOUSING FOR
THOSE LIVING AND WORKING IN PALM DESERT, MEETING MUNICIPAL
COSTS, AND MAINTAINING A HIGH QUALITY OF RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT.
PHASE DEVELOPMENT IN AN ORDERLY MANNER IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
-- MAINTAIN A COMPACT DEVELOPMENT PATTERN AT ALL STAGES OF
DEVELOPMENT, REDUCING EARLY PUBLIC INVESTMENT FOR EXTENSION
OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICE AREAS.
-- AVOID EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTED AREAS OF PRIME NATURAL
AREAS.
-- DEVELOP INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL USES TO PROVIDE TAX
INCOME FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT OF FACILITIES SERVING
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
-- MONITOR EXPENDITURES FOR FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO
IDENTIFY MARGINAL COSTS OF NEW DEVELOPMENT OF VARIOUS
TYPES, AND MODIFY DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS AND PHASING IF
REQUIRED TO REDUCE MUNICIPAL COSTS.
• MONITOR A VARIETY OF FACTORS RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT DEMAND,
COSTS AND REVENUES, AND USE INFORMATION TO REFINE IMPLEMENTA-
TION TECHNIQUES AND PROGRAMS.
Because of the difficulty of developing accurate information
relating to marginal costs of additional development of
various types, it is recommended that a monitoring program
for such costs be established to provide information for
later development. Early development of commercial and
industrial areas will provide significant tax income through
sales and property taxes, while not requiring equivalent
expenditures for public facilities and services. Once a
more balanced pattern of land uses is reached, marginal
cost/revenue ratios of new developments will become more
important in balancing the City budget. Because of the
large commercial and industrial base in relation to popu-
lation, cost/revenue ratios should be more favorable than
in many other cities in the region.
GUIDE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TWO MAJOR INDUSTRIAL/
COMMERCIAL CENTERS.
3.P. 1
One center is proposed at Cook Road north of the Whitewater
Flood Control Channel . The second area will run along
Interstate Highway 10. These centers will contain a broad
range of warehousing, manufacturing and service industrial
uses which will support future industrial employment.
GUIDE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT USES IN A NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL
CENTERS OF VARIOUS TYPES.
These developments include:
-- Core Area Commercial Center: A regional and community
shopping complex, located along Highway, 111 , between
Highway 74 and the western boundary of the City, is
proposed to serve the surrounding communities of Palm
Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells
and La Quinta. The shopping uses within the Core Area
should be designed to fit into the general atmosphere of
Palm Desert. This means that buildings and groups of
buildings should relate to the desert environment and to
adjacent building and landscape materials -- thus
avoiding a monumental scale or appearance. The regional
uses should serve a trade area larger than Palm Desert
extending east and west within the Coachella Valley but
not attempting to replace the functions of the regional
shopping facilities located in Palm Springs and Indio.
-- Specialty Commercial Centers: Commercial centers having
regional market areas and strong specialty orientation,
such as medical facilities related to Eisenhower Medical
Center; truck services; motels; and restaurants oriented
to Interstate 10 and its related industrial areas.
-- District Commercial Centers: Convenience centers serving
10,000 to 20,000 people, helping to serve as focal points
of neighborhoods. These centers provide convenience goods
and are planned at a standard of 1 .4 acres per 1 ,000 people.
3 .P.2
4. Housing Element
City of Palm Desert General Plan
4 HOUSING ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Since Palm Desert is a relatively new community, the quality of
the residential environment is especially important. The City
has an opportunity to learn from the programs attempted in other
communities and to adjust such programs to fit Palm Desert ' s
special needs as well as developing programs of its own. At
the federal level the government has been concerned about the
quality of housing for the American citizen since 1949 when it
enacted into law the policy:
''The realization as soon as feasible of
the goal of a decent home and a suitable
living environment for every American
family."
Federal action alone, however, is not enough. Commitment as well
as action on the local level must become an integral part of the
solution of the housing problem. The City of Palm Desert is the
local jurisdiction most closely related to the housing situation
for Palm Desert residents. It is recognized that the Palm Desert
housing market is much broader than even the anticipated City
limits and that City actions are affected by other cities and
governmental agencies within the market area. The City does,
however, have the day to day responsibilities for reviewing
development proposals; the authority for establishing and en-
forcing zoning, subdivision, and building regulations; and the
responsibility for providing municipal services in the community.
Because of the close relationship between housing, as described
in this element, and population and economic factors, as described
in Element 3, it is suggested that both these sections be read
when considering housing policies.
4. i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING FOR VARYING INCOME RANGES AND LIFE
STYLES THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE BY MAKING HOUSING AREAS CONVENIENT TO
WORK AREAS.
PROVIDE HOUSING WHICH IS SAFE, OF HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION,
AND UTILIZES ENERGY SAVING MECHANISMS,
ENCOURAGE NEW CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND NEW HOUSING TYPES IN
ORDER TO INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY FOR ALL ECONOMIC SEGMENTS OF
THE COMMUNITY.
Objectives
PROVIDE A RANGE OF DENSITIES, HOUSING TYPES AND PRICE RANGES
THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY WHICH WILL ENHANCE A VARIETY OF LIFE
STYLES FOR VARYING INCOME LEVELS.
ACCOMMODATE THE SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY, HANDI-
CAPPED AND DISADVANTAGED.
MINIMIZE SALE OR RENTAL PRICE OF HOUSING, WITHOUT SACRIFICE TO
HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.
ENCOURAGE THE INTEGRATION OF VARIOUS HOUSING TYPES WITH COMMER-
CIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS TO PROVIDE HOUSING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
TO COMMERCIAL AND EMPLOYMENT CENTERS.
ENCOURAGE THE MAINTENANCE OF VIABLE RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
AND INCREASED REHABILITATION OF DECLINING NEIGHBORHOODS AS WELL
AS WORK WITH TAXING AGENCIES TO DEVELOP A POSITIVE TAXING
PROGRAM THAT WILL ENCOURAGE THE UPKEEP OF PROPERTY.
ASSURE THE ADEQUATE DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICES TO ALL
RESIDENTS WHILE PROPERLY CONSIDERING THE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL
BURDENS PLACED ON THE PUBLIC SERVICE JURISDICTIONS.
THIS MAY INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING
PUBLIC SERVICES RELATING TO THE HOUSING EFFORTS OF PALM DESERT.
4.G. 1
BACKGROUND
It is very important for the City of Palm Desert to have back-
ground information in order to develop housing programs and
policies for the City. This portion of the Housing Element
describes the existing housing situation in Palm Desert and
anticipated demand for housing within the foreseeable future.
Housing Characteristics and Residential Trends
The Cove Communities (Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Cathedral
City) represented the fastest growing portion of the Coachella
Valley from 1960 to 1970. The number of dwelling units in the
Cove Communities increased by 88 percent from 6226 to 11 ,717
during the last decade compared to a growth of 53 percent in
Palm Springs. From 1970 to 1973, the Cove Communities increased
by another 3,483 units for a growth rate of 30 percent during
that period compared to a 50 percent growth for Palm Springs,
as is shown in Figure 4-1 . According to the 1970 U.S. Census,
3419, or 29 percent of the dwelling units in the Cove Communities
were in Palm Desert. According to a field survey by Wilsey &
Ham, the current number of dwelling units in Palm Desert is 6330,
an increase of 728 units annually since 1970.
Figure 4-2 lists the existing and currently residential develop-
ments within the Palm Desert City limits and Sphere of Influence
area including mobile homes. These developments will provide a
total of 10,965 dwelling units. Approximately 3719 or 34 percent
of these units have been completed, another 320 units are under
construction and 6926 or 63 percent are planned. Since the total
of the unsold, under construction and planned units, represents
the major part of the new housing stock for the next five to
six years, approximately 600 dwelling units per year will be
added to the Palm Desert area through 1980. As can be seen from
Figure 4-2, the overwhelming majority of these new developments
are condominiums.
Only 52 residential building permits were issued in the City of
Palm Desert during the first 7 months of its incorporation, as
is shown in Figure 4-3. Residential building activity for the
Coachella Valley as shown in Figure 4-3, and as can be seen,
peaked in 1972 with a total of 4263 building permits issued.
4.B. 1
FIGURE 4-1
HISTORICAL BUILDING ACTIVITY
Cove Communities (Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage,
Cathedral City) & Palm Springs
Cove Communities Palm Springs
Total Dwelling Units
1960 6,226 7,486
1970 11 ,725 12,433
1973 15,207 23,338
Change in D.U. 's-Number
1960-1970 5,499 3,969
1970-1973 3,482 8,931
Change in D.U. 's-Percent
1960-1970 88% 53%
1970-1973 30% 50%
Source: Riverside County Building Department
4.B. l .a
FIGURE 4-2
EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS - PALM DESERT AREA
DWELLING UNITS ADD. TOTAL
AREA UNITS UNDER UNITS DWELLING
NAME OF PROJECT TYPE STATUS COMPLETED CONST. PLANNED UNITS
PALM DESERT
Silver Spur Mobile Compl . 193 0 0 193
Indian Springs Mobile Compl . 190 0 0 190
Sun King Mobile Active 289 0 361 650
Mountainback Condo Active 101 0 209 310
Indian Hills Condo Active 66 53 0 119
Kings Point Condo Active 18 18 192 228
Montecito Condo Active 32 0 0 32
Deep Canyon Tennis Club Condo Active 180 0 170 350
Shadow Mountain Condo Active 0 0 108 108
Marrakesh Country Club Condo Active 226 34 100 360
Corsican Villas Condo Active 80 0 50 130
Ironwood Country Club Condo Active 146 74 2496 2716
W Sandroc Condo Active 38 0 46 84
Sandpiper Condo Compl . 306 0 0 306
Palm Desert Racquet Condo Compl . 100 0 0 100
Villa Paseo Condo Compl . 16 0 0 16
Shardon Condo Compl . 12 0 0 12
Sun Lodge Condo Compl . 52 0 0 52
La Rocca Condo Active 0 0 68 68
Feature Homes Single Active 0 24 150 174
Carriage Estates Single Active 10 5 200 215
SUB-TOTAL 2055 208 4150 T 13
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AREA
Palm Desert Greens Mobile Active 700 0 1200 1900
Del Safari Country Club Single Active 64 0 146 210
Palm Desert Country Club Single Active 900 112 1430 2442
SUB-TOTAL 1664 112 2776 4552
TOTAL 3719 320 6926 10,965
FIGURE 4-2 (Cont. )
DWELLING UNITS ADD. TOTAL
AREA UNITS UNDER UNITS DWELLING
NAME OF PROJECT TYPE STATUS COMPLETED CONST. PLANNED UNITS
RANCHO MIRAGE
The Colony Mobile Active 30 412 0 442
Mission Hills Condo Active 250 30 1070 1350
Desert Island Condo Active 80 82 158 320
The Springs Country Club Condo Planned 0 N.A. N.A. 370
Sunrise Country Club Single Active N.A. N.A. N.A. 768
Thunderbird Villas Single Active 79 16 10 105
SUB-TOTAL 439 540 1238 3355
CATHEDRAL CITY
Palm Springs Mobile Cntry Club Mobile Compl . 310 0 0 310
O° SUB-TOTAL 310 0 0 310
INDIAN WELLS
Balboa Bay Club Condo Active 190 30
_ 70 290
SUB-TOTAL 190 30 70 290
LA QUINTA
La Quinta Palms Estates Single Compl . 46 0 0 46
SUB-TOTAL — +T6 0 0 -T6
INDIO
Indian Palms Condo Active 98 30 2792 2920
SUB-TOTAL 98 30 2792 2920
FIGURE 4-2 (Cont.)
DWELLING UNITS ADD. TOTAL
AREA UNITS UNDER UNITS DWELLING
NAME OF PROJECT TYPE STATUS COMPLETED CONST. PLANNED UNITS
TOTAL 4802 920 11 ,026 17,886
Notes: N.A. - Not Available
Sources: Riverside County Department of Development
City of Palm Desert
Developers
Los Angeles Times
The Desert Sun
Russell/Speicher & Associates
a
FIGURE 4-3
NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED
IN COACHELLA VALLEY SINCE 1970
SINGLES MULTIPLES TOTAL
1970 946 554 1500
1971 952 1552 2504
1972 1566 2697 4263
1973 1727 1879 3606
Jan.- July 1974 801 258 1059
PALM DESERT
SINGLES MULTIPLES TOTAL
11/26/73 - 6/74 50 2 52
(Since incorporation)
Source: Riverside County Department of Development
4.B. 1 .e
Housing Types
Figure 4-4 indicates the breakdown of housing types in the City
in 1974 and the projected breakdown by 1980. To date, the largest
percentage of the housing units within Palm Desert are single family
(46 percent) . It is projected that by 1980, single family units
will comprise 36.7 percent of the total units. Condominiums, which
are growing in popularity, now represent 21 .6 percent of the units
in the City. This is expected to increase to 36.6 percent by 1980.
Apartments account for 17.6 percent and 14.8 percent are mobile homes.
Household Size
As a means of determining present and future populations, neighborhood
breakdown and household mix, household size (number of persons per
unit for each type of unit: single family, condominium, apartments
and mobile homes) has been analyzed. The basis for this analysis
was a recent study: Housing Development and Municipal Costs,
Center for Urban Policy Research, Rutgers University, (1973) .
Other supplementary data was provided by the Riverside County Dept-
,ments of Development and Planning. The results of the analysis for
Palm Desert are shown in Figure 4-5.
Housing Values and Rents
The median value of owner occupied units is $24,792. The median
rent is $146 per month. Within the City limits, the majority of
new condominiums are selling in the $25,000 to $55,000 range. A small
number of units are selling in the $60,000 to $100,000 range. In
one project within the Sphere of Influence, prices are as high as
$120,000. Leases in mobile home parks range from $74 and $155 per
month.
4.B.2
FIGURE 4-4
HOUSING TYPES 1974 AND 1980
1974 1980
TYPE NUMBER % NUMBER %
Single Family 2911 46.00/,, 3182 36.70/.
Condominiums 1370 21 .6% 3176 36.60/.
Apartments 1114 17.6% 11 %�, 12.90%
Mobile Homes 935 14.8% 1196 13.8%
TOTAL 6330 100.00/. 8668 100.00/1
Source: City of Palm Desert
Wilsey & Ham
Russell/Speicher & Associates
i
4.B.2.a
FIGURE 4-5
HOUSEHOLD SIZE FOR EXISTING POPULATION
NUMBER OF PERSON PER TOTAL PERSONS
TYPE OF UNIT UNITS HOUSEHOLD (1) PER TYPE
Single Family 2,911 2.6 7,569
Condominium 1 ,370 2.6 3,562
Apartment 675 1 .9 1 ,283
Mobile Home 935 1 .9 1 ,776
TOTAL 6,330 14, 1go (2)
(1) Based upon information in Housing Development and Municipal
Costs, Center for Urban Policy Research, Rutgers University,
(1973) ; Riverside County Departments of Development and
Planning.
(2) Greater than estimated City population of 14, 165, due to rounding.
Source: Russell/Speicher & Associates
4.B.2.b
Housing Demand
The number of dwelling units in Palm Desert now represents a little
more than 50 percent of the ultimate number of housing units expected
to be constructed within the City limits, and a small portion of
the units to be constructed in the Sphere of Influence. Figure 4-6
indicates the number of units and various density levels that have
been projected for each neighborhood. These projections are based
upon various density patterns and housing mixes. Economic consider-
ations as well as the policy decisions the City chooses to follow
with regard to population size, neighborhood lifestyles, environ-
mental considerations, and the amount of open space within the City
will have a very strong impact upon the final number of units to
be built in Palm Desert. As also indicated in this figure, there
is considerable variation between sizes of population and housing
units between the various neighborhoods. This is, in part, due
to the different sizes of land areas comprising each neighborhood.
Even more important, however, is the realization that the various
neighborhoods have differing physical characteristics, as well as
relative locational differences which can be accentuated.
Due to national economic conditions and the recent building mora-
torium in Palm Desert, the City will experience an average annual
demand of 390 units, between 1974 and 1980. For this same period,
the City and the Sphere of Influence will account for an average
annual demand of 550 units.
There are 1066 acres of vacant land (exclusive of streets and public
facilities) in Palm Desert. As development activity continues, the
availability of land will diminish and land prices will increase.
Thus, between 1974 and 1995, average annual demand, within the City,
will be approximately 300 units. This will shift some of the demand
to the Sphere of Influence. The City and the Sphere of Influence
will experience an average annual demand of 575 units, from 1974 to
1995.
Problems
There is a lack of a mix of housing price ranges .
The fact that the housing in Palm Desert is basically of an
upper middle to high price range brings about two interrelated
problems. First, there is a large number of people who cannot
afford to live within Palm Desert ; and secondly, since the City's
residents are basically of one economic class the City lacks
much of the diversity which comes from a mixture of economic
levels within a community.
4.8.3
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FIGURE 4-6
EXISTING AND PROJECTED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
GROSS NET NUMBER OF
NEIGH- VACANT VACANT TYPE DWELLING
BORHOOD ACRES ACRES DENSITY UNITS POPULATION
3 1 268.5 174.5 M 1222 3177
UJ z z 2 130.0 89.7 M 628 1624
J � 3 163.0 105.9 M 741 1927
Q o z 4 300.6 195.4 L,M 1296 3360
z w = 5 272.7 177.3 L,M 813 2114
w �_ 6 110.2 71 .6 M 501 1303
3 7 648.4 421 .4 L,M 2377 6104
8 10.2 6.6 V1 7 13
11 124.4 80.9 M 566 1472
POTENTIAL
DEVEL.
(CITY) 2028.0 1323.3 8151 21094
EXISTING
DEVEL. VL,L
(CITY) M,H 6330 14165
SUB TOTAL
(CITY) 1971 . 1 1286.3 14229 34604
8 789.8 513.4 VL,L 979 2233
g 422.4 274.6 M 1922 4997
10 438.3 284.9 M 1994 5184
z 11 794.4 516.4 M 3615 9399
UJ
12 905.5 588.6 L,M 3375 7814
0 13 410.5 266.8 M 1868 4857
w � 14 338.8 220.2 M,H 1762 3876
w = 15 0 0 -- 0 0
V) 16 1340.7 871 .5 VL 872 1657
w Z 17 578.5 376.0 L 1504 3760
Z = 18 654.7 425.6 L 1702 41g0
d `- 19 739.2 480.5 L 1922 4790
�= 3 20 573.9 373.0 VL 373 709
w 21 716.8 465.9 VL 466 885
0 22 1206. 1 783.9 VL,L 1064 2022
0- 23 716.3 465.6 VL 466 885
24 1088.2 707.3 VL 707 1343
25 602.4 391 .6 VL 392 745
POTENTIAL
DEVEL.
(SPHERE) 12316.5 8005.8 24985 59346
EXISTING
DEVEL. VL,L,
(SPHERE) M,H 2159 5345
SUBTOTAL
(SPHERE) 12316.2 8005.8 27144 64691
TOTAL 14344.5 9329. 1 41625 99950
-;The dwelling unit density within each density category (H,M,L,VL) was
selected on the basis of adjacent development patterns and/or environ-
mental factors.
4.B.3.a
Since little of the housing in Palm Desert sells for less than
$25,000 today, families with an income of less than $10,000
(assuming that a person can afford to buy a house which is 2.5
times his annual income) cannot afford to live in Palm Desert.
This effectively excludes a great number of people who are
expected to be working in Palm Desert in the foreseeable future.
Those people who earn an income of less than this amount and
desire to live in Palm Desert are forced to spend an inordinate
proportion of their income on housing costs.
The demand for housing keeps prices at a high level .
While the current demand for high cost homes continues at the
present level and the resale value of homes continues to climb,
it is unlikely that the private market alone is going to provide
lower priced homes in Palm Desert. It will thus take an effec-
tive action program on the part of the City to see that this
,lower priced housing is built.
The City, however, cannot be expected to implement these
programs by itself. It will take a multi-faceted attack which
includes the cooperation and support of governmental agencies
(local , regional , state and federal ) as well as the private
sector.
• Significant cost reduction for housing at the neighborhood
scale is difficult.
While many people within the Palm Desert community express
the need for providing housing for people of low ($4-8000)
to moderate ($8-15000) income, there is a community preference
that such housing should not be grouped in any one area which
could become known as ''Palm Desert ' s low income housing'' area.
At the present time, however, no programs on building techniques
are known which can develop such homes on an individual basis.
To effectively realize cost reductions the housing must be
grouped to some degree. The question of how large this group
should be must be the subject of further detailed planning.
• The City does not have an information system to monitor housing
development.
The need to provide information regarding housing to both public
and private decision-makers is a real one and is something the
City needs to consider. The lack of current , accurate infor-
mation is one obstacle which can be dealt with at the local
level through the creation of an efficient system within the
City's Department of Environmental Services.
4. 13.4
• Housing costs continue to increase at a fast rate .
Housing costs within the past decade have escalated to a
point that it has become very difficult for a large portion of
the country's population to purchase new housing.
Based on information available from the 1970 Census of Housing,
a home which sold for $20,000 in 1960 could not be reproduced
in 1970 for less than $29,000. Similarly, rental housing which
was renting for $150 a month in 1960 would now rent for $175.
In 1971 , the average value of the new home in Riverside County
exceeded $30,000. Interest rates within the recent months have
climbed at an increasingly fast pace with interest rates on
conventional mortgages up to 10 percent and typical down payment
requirements approaching 20 percent. Loan executives estimate
that a 1 percent interest rate change upward adds $4,000 to
the cost of a $30,000 dwelling on a 25-year mortgage.
These increases play a major role in acting as a barrier to
those who need to change their place of residence because of
space needs and other families who want to change their tenure
from renting to home ownership.
At the same time these cost increases affect the ability of home
builders to reach significant markets. As the dollar signs
attached to new homes increase, more and more households are
priced out of the new home market while homebuilders trim
profits, overhead, sales and advertising expenses in an attempt
to hold home prices from increasing even further.
There have been no significant cost reduction breakthroughs in
housing technology.
Since there is only so far a developer can go to reduce
housing costs and at the same time construct decent, safe
housing, a breakthrough in homebuilding technology has been
considered as a means to reduce costs and increase the supply of
lower cost housing. Experimental programs, such as the federal
government ' s Operation Breakthrough have been attempted.
Unfortunately, while some advances have been made to increase
the quality of some construction while holding prices at the
same level , little progress has been made in actually reducing
the cost of housing.
Housing for low income groups in Palm Desert is limited.
Although implied but not stated in many of the problems listed,
housing for low income groups within Palm Desert is presently
very limited. The effective exclusion of these people within
4.6.5
Palm Desert is a major problem in that such an exclusion
prohibits the City from meeting its stated goal of providing
a range of housing for varying income ranges and lifestyles
throughout the community.
Opportunities
• The City of Palm Desert is a newly incorporated community.
The major opportunity that Palm Desert has is to avoid many
of the housing problems that the majority of our urban areas
are presently facing. This can, however, only be accomplished
through an understanding of what has caused the problems in
existing cities and the relationship of housing to the City's
economic mix which results when employment and housing oppor-
tunities are balanced.
• The City can phase the location of housing in relation to
community facilities and services.
As a new community which is just in the beginning stages of its
development, the City of Palm Desert has the opportunity to
plan for the logical relationship of land uses to assure that
residential areas are developed in conjunction with the
establishment of major employment centers, located along a
public transit system and adjacent to the City's open space
network and other public facilities.
The City will be establishing development guidelines.
There is a fine line to be drawn between development guidelines
which act in the best interests of all the people and those which
by their nature are exclusionary. The City has the opportunity
to make its development guidelines--zoning ordinance, subdivision
regulations, housing and building codes--strong enough to bring
about the high quality community it wants but also flexible
enough to respond to the special needs of different types of
developments.
Community and homeowner associations have been established in
various areas of the City.
Various developments within the City of Palm Desert have
established their own community associations. These various
associations can act as an effective means of helping to maintain
much of the visual quality within each development. Some activ-
ities these groups are presently undertaking include the main-
tenance of open space systems; some forms of design review;
guidelines for home improvements; and activation of group
insurance policies for homeowners.
4. B.6
New Federal Community Development Act has been enacted.
The federal government has enacted within the last few months
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974• This act
combines most community development programs, including
housing, into a block grant program. While the Department of
Housing and Urban Development has not determined all the
guidelines at this time it is anticipated that Palm Desert will
become eligible for funding for a variety of activities which
can improve housing conditions in the City.
4.B.7
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall
IMPLEMENT A HOUSING PROGRAM BASED ON THE ASSUMPTIONS THAT:
- EVERY HOUSEHOLD NEEDS SHELTER WHICH IS SAFE, SANITARY, AND
DURABLE
- EVERY HOUSEHOLD NEEDS A DWELLING UNIT WITH ENOUGH ROOMS AND
OF SUFFICIENT SIZE
- EVERY HOUSEHOLD NEEDS HOUSING WHICH IT CAN AFFORD
- EVERY HOUSEHOLDER NEEDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY AND TO HAVE A CHOICE AMONG DIFFERENT TYPES AND PRICES
OF HOUSING
- EVERY HOUSEHOLD NEEDS HOUSING CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO WORK-
PLACE, SHOPPING, SCHOOLS, RECREATION AND OTHER DESIRABLE
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
- EVERY HOUSEHOLD NEEDS CERTAIN TYPES AND LEVELS OF URBAN
SERVICES IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, SUCH AS PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS,
SCHOOLS, WATER AND SEWER, FIRE AND POLICE PROTECTION
DEVELOP A PROGRAM TO BROADEN THE HOUSING PRICE RANGES AVAILABLE
WITHIN THE CITY
The City has established a primary goal for housing of ''providing
a range of housing for varying income ranges and lifestyles
throughout the community''. The major problem within this area
is to provide housing for persons of low and moderate incomes.
It thus becomes very important to determine a set of guidelines
to assure that such housing develops in appropriate locations--
locations chosen both to deliberately foster economic and social
mix and also to prevent an over concentration of such housing in
any one area. Within the policies already delineated within the
report, locational criteria have been indicated in an attempt to
'' locate housing for different socio-economic groups in housing
types and densities which serve their needs''. In addition,
other locational criteria may include:
- Comparative school factor -- a measure of relative ability to
provide education services for increased numbers of school
age children.
- Low/moderate income families factor -- a comparison of the
number of low income families in any one area with the city-
wide number of low/moderate families, in proportion to the
total number of families living in each census tract.
4.P. 1
- Minority population factor -- a comparison of each area's
minority population percentage with the citywide average, in
proportion to area population.
The combined effect of these three additional criteria is to
suggest the location of housing for families of low and moderate
means in areas which would not result in an over concentration
of minorities, an over concentration of low/moderate income
families, or an overcrowding of school facilities. This is not
to determine quotas for each area for such housing, but, rather,
as a guideline to be used as location indicators of target areas.
A most important aspect of the criteria is to show that assisted
housing should be dispersed throughout the City.
CLOSELY MONITOR THE VARIOUS FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAMS WHICH MAY BE
AVAILABLE TO THE CITY
As indicated earlier, the Community Development Act of 1974 has
recently been enacted. The City should follow developments
regarding this act closely to assure itself of taking the appro-
priate action to gain funding available to it under this legis-
lation for community development programs and housing assistance
for low and moderate incomes.
DEVELOP A "QUARTERLY INFORMATION BULLETIN" ON HOUSING WITHIN
PALM DESERT
The City can take effective action to assist the decision-makers,
both public and private, by improving the flow of information
about housing. A system such as a "Quarterly Information
Bulletin" which indicates housing starts by type, price and
location, occupancy status to include vacancy rates and sales
data (numbers, location, price, time on market, characteristics,
and Department of Environmental Services data such as applica-
tions for zone changes and variances, subdivision activity, and
land use changes) will be of considerable benefit to the community.
DEVELOP AN ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE WORK FORCE IN THE COMMUNITY
The development of such an economic profile will be of considerable
use to the City in an effort to monitor the existing housing
developments with the housing needs of the people working in the
community. A cross referencing between the economic profile and
the Quarterly Information Bulletin will let the City know how
well it is meeting its goal of giving people who work in Palm
Desert the opportunity to live in Palm Desert.
4.P.2
COORDINATE WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY AND ITS EFFORTS TO MEET THE
HOUSING NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE COUNTY
Riverside County has been actively involved in developing housing
programs for the unincorporated and incorporated portions of the
County and its actions will have an important impact on Palm
Desert 's housing program.
PROMOTE THE CONTINUED UTILIZATION OF HOMEOWNER AND COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATIONS TO MAINTAIN HOUSING QUALITY AT THE INDIVIDUAL
DEVELOPMENT LEVEL
The City can rely upon the homeowner and community associations
to take on the role that the City might normally have to do
through a code enforcement program.
4.P.3
5 . Circulation Element
City of Palm Desert General Plan
5 CIRCULATION
INTRODUCTION
The circulation system of a city is composed of the various modes
of moving people and goods . To date cities throughout the Coachella
Valley, like their counterparts in other portions of California and
the United States , have developed a high level of auto dependency
with little provision for alternative modes.
The Circulation Element of Palm Desert General Plan, in response
to concerns expressed by the Citizen' s Advisory Committee, will
address the potential for a variety of modes including the auto-
mobile, public transit, bicycle, hiking and horseback riding.
Increasing awareness of the impacts of transportation on other
urban systems is reflected in the requirements for noise elements
in general plans and emerging Environmental Protection Agency
guidelines for parking in relation to air quality. In addition,
circulation systems influence the land use element of a general
plan by suggesting the levels of access which make the develop-
ment of certain types of uses feasible. Also, circulation elements
are major components of a city' s edges and visual pathways as
described in the Urban Design and Scenic Highway Elements.
5' i 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
DEVELOP AN EFFICIENT, BALANCED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DESIGNED
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PALM DESERT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
MINIMIZE THE POTENTIALLY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TRANSPORTATION,
SUCH AS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, NOISE OR AIR POLLUTION, UPON THE
SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT.
UTILIZE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AS A POSITIVE ELEMENT OF
COMMUNITY DESIGN.
Objectives
DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A HIGHWAY NETWORK THAT PROVIDES
EFFICIENT REGIONAL ACCESS VIA THE FREEWAY SYSTEM, INTER-CITY
ACCESS VIA ARTERIALS AND 1NTRA-CITY ACCESS VIA APPROPRIATE
TYPES OF ROADS.
DEVELOP A SERIES OF BICYCLE, HIKING, EQUESTRIAN AND
PEDESTRIAN TRAILS AND AREAS THAT WILL OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE TO
THE AUTOMOBILE IN SELECTED AREAS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
COOPERATE WITH ADJACENT JURISDICTIONS AND THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE TO DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE, VALLEY-WIDE PUBLIC TRANSIT
SYSTEM TO SERVE THE COACHELLA VALLEY.
EXPLORE POTENTIALS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY
INTRA-CITY PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS INCLUDING A TRAMWAY FOR
THE CORE AREA AND A DIAL-A-BUS OR FIXED-ROUTE-WITH-VARIATIONS
BUS SYSTEM PROVIDING SERVICE TO EACH OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS.
UTILIZE TRANSPORTATION ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY BICYCLE, HIKING
AND EQUESTRIAN TRAILS, AS A MEANS OF PROVIDING RECREATIONAL
AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES BY LINKING UP THE VARIOUS PARK
AND PUBLIC FACILITIES IN THE PLANNING AREA.
5•G' 1
BACKGROUND
Palm Desert is currently served by automobile and railroad facilities
within its planning areas. While golf carts, bicycles and horses
are used by some residents there is not yet a system of specially
designated rights-of-way for these modes. In addition, Palm
Desert, like the rest of the Coachella Valley, is served by three
air facilities. Following is an explanation of the planning or
development status of the various systems.
Air Systems
The Cove Communities are served by the Palm Springs Municipal ,
Thermal and Bermuda Dunes airports. Palm Springs Municipal pro-
vides connections to many key points throughout California and the
United States. According to the Riverside County Aeronautical
Master Plan of 1970 (RIVCAMP) , it will be able to grow ahead of
anticipated demand for a number of years. Should unforeseen
demand or other problems strain the capacity of the airport, it is
anticipated that the Thermal Airport could handle some of the
traffic overflow.
Present air freight shipments are handled at Palm Springs. The
RIVCAMP report indicates that freight operations will probably be
shifted to Thermal at some time in the future.
The Bermuda Dunes Airport provides for personal business, flying
instructions and recreational flying.
The RIVCAMP report indicates that future demand may necessitate a
study of the potentials for a new Coachella Valley jetport to help
handle total Southern California passenger requirements.
Ground Systems
Automobile
Palm Desert's planning area is currently served by the following
major roads. Current County right-of-way classifications are
noted in parentheses.
-- Interstate 10 (freeway)
--Highway 111 (major)
--Highway 74 (major)
--Cook Street (arterial)
--Country Club (arterial )
--42nd Avenue (major)
--44th Avenue (major)
--Portola (secondary)
5•B• 1
--Haystack (secondary)
--Canyon Road (secondary)
Current roads are capable of handling existing traffic although
there are substantial congestion and traffic safety problems along
Highway 111 . Highway 111 has the highest rate of accidents of any
road in the Valley at 3.34 accidents per million vehicle miles.
Off-street parking is a problem for the commercial sections of the
Core Area (see Interim Core Area Plan for full discussion) and
changes in on-street parking provisions will be needed to imple-
ment the recommended highway network.
Public Transit
No public transit facilities exist in either Palm Desert or the
Coachella Valley at this time. The only inter-city system currently
available is private -- the Greyhound bus system which stops at each
of the cities along Highway 111 . Greyhound transcontinental routes
are available by transferring in Indio.
The County and the incorporated cities are currently involved in a
study of the potentials for short-range transit improvements. In
surveys conducted at meetings with residents of Coachella Valley,
a series of goals and objectives were developed which are compati-
ble with those of the CAC.
Three alternative levels of service, with accompanying price tags,
are identified as means of realizing Coachella Valley goals. Fur-
ther discussion of means for coordination with implementation of
Valley-wide programs follows.
Bicycle, Hiking and Equestrian Systems
The Cove Communities General Plan does not contain recommendations
for Valley-wide bicycle, hiking or equestrian systems at this time.
However, discussions with adjacent jurisdictions and several
private organizations indicate there is a desire to develop Valley-
wide systems. The Whitewater River seems to provide the major po-
tential for linking together various city systems. Further
discussion of this and other potentials follows.
Railways
The planning area is currently not directly served by any rail
passenger facilities. However, the Amtrak system does run along
the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks adjacent to Interstate 10
and has a stop in Indio three times each week. The Southern
Pacific Railroad is an active carrier of freight as discussed in
the Transportation Noise Element.
5-B-2
Other Modes
Because of the popularity of golf in the Valley, many people have
electric golf carts. The Plan recommendations that follow suggest
that consideration be given to the potential for this non-polluting
form of movement.
Basic Circulation Needs
Surveys taken as part of the Riverside County Transit study provide
some insights on travelers, trip purposes and origins and destina-
tions that are useful for all modes of circulation planning and
especially for transit and auto networks.
According to the Short-Range Transit Study, the Palm Desert
vicinity has a higher percentage of elderly than the rest of
Riverside County -- 28% in Palm Desert, 30% in Palm Springs and
34% in Rancho Mirage -- as opposed to the County-wide average of
17.9%.
Also, Palm Desert is in a subregion where 6-10% of the people are
below the poverty level .
Twenty-four percent of trips made in the Coachella Valley are home-
based, compared to twenty-two percent for the Los Angeles metropolitan
area. Most significantly over half of the trips made by Coachella
residents are between communities and 76% travel to one of three
communities: Palm Springs, Palm Desert or Indio.
PROBLEMS
The traveling public is accustomed to the flexibility and
convenience of the automobile.
At least several years of lead time are required for the
planning and implementation of most transit systems --
especially those employing advanced technologies.
Existing areas in Palm Desert generally have not been
planned with alternatives to the automobile in mind for trips
beyond each particular development.
Blowing sand makes maintenance of roads costly in the north-
ern district and occasionally provides for dangerous motoring
conditions.
Public transit within the Coachella Valley is presently non-
existent.
5' B'3
The economic characteristics of a large segment of the Palm
Desert population allow for nearly complete reliance on the
automobile.
Many persons, such as the very elderly, young or handicapped,
cannot readily utilize automobiles as a basic means of
transportation.
Existing streets in many cases do not reflect the limitations
on access and parking required for the recommended circula-
tion hierarchy to function efficiently.
The Whitewater River is a substantial divider to be crossed
by north-south circulation elements.
OPPORTUNITIES
There is a changing public attitude towards the desirability
of a wholly auto-oriented circulation system.
Large areas of undeveloped land, particularly in the northern
district, allow for imaginative planning and relative ease
of right-of-way acquisition.
Changing federal and state legislation and policies tends to
favor the development of public transit.
Circulation systems can respond to natural factors.
Examples of this include the relationships of proposed
circulation elements. to drainage ways, prevailing wind
conditions and preservation of rare natural areas.
Transportation planning in a newly developing city can
realize a multi-modal system which provides attractive options
with a high degree of efficiency.
The existing system of drainage control elements provide an
opportunity for linking bicycle, hiking and equestrian systems.
5•B•4
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
WORK WITH APPROPRIATE COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES
AND PROGRAMS TO REFINE AND IMPLEMENT THE HIGHWAY NETWORK
ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURE 5-1 .
This will include coordination with County officials in terms
of the County' s Circulation Element. Also, road improvements
and maintenance should be scheduled in the City' s Capital and
Operating Programs and Budgets.
RELATE HIGHWAY NETWORK PLANNING TO THE FOLLOWING CLASSIFICA-
TIONS OF ROADS USED IN THE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN.
Collector - a street, usually of two lanes, but occasionally
four lanes , designed to provide access to and from one area
of the community to an arterial or major highway. It is
intended to provide a means for movement from within a living,
working or shopping area to the periphery of that area.
Secondary - collects and distributes traffic from major
arterials to local streets or to traffic destinations. It
also serves secondary traffic generators, such as small
business centers, high schools, major parks and multiple
family residence areas.
Major - a high capacity street of four or more lanes with a
landscaped median, a limited number of cross streets,
stacking and turning lanes and restricted parking, intended
to move people through and within the community.
Arterial - a four lane street or more, designed to move
people from one part of the community to another, containing
a very limited number of cross streets.
Freeway - a high capacity, divided highway of limited access
with grade separated crossings, intended to move people
through the community or region.
UTILIZE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY STANDARDS INDICATED IN FIGURE 5-2
AS GENERAL PLANNING GUIDELINES.
SUPPLEMENT THE GENERAL GUIDELINES IN FIGURE 5-2 WITH A MORE
DETAILED SET OF STREETSCAPE SPECIFICATIONS INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE STREETS NOTED IN THE SCENIC HIGHWAYS ELEMENT.
WORK WITH APPROPRIATE COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES TO
REFINE AND IMPLEMENT THE NON-AUTOMOTIVE CIRCULATION NETWORK
ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURE 5-3•
5P1
INTERSTATE 10
1°
COOK ■ \ \ .
J�
FRANK SINATRA �•♦�: 1
COUNTRY CLUB ------ ---
----
a
♦♦■ ( 42ND AVE.
211
.....
mannowman
■ NI
■ — ndro y
On no
777,17
.C�_'•r'(+t^�f "\„ p, HIGHWAY III
y
FIGURE 5.1
HIGHWAY NETWORK
N
c ■ENEM Freeway
w----Arterial Highway
---—Maior Highway
° -----Secondary Highway
--Collector
o mom--Indicates E,i;,ing Road
� r Indicate; Proposed Road
/t. o Existing Interchange
T ',, Proposed Interchange
� F,••„..,_, Li i i i i Railroad
Whitewater Flood
Control Channel
0 Bridge
.� NORTH
2 Miles 3
l
'- ,�' 7; $ ,K u,. tl a•._ :
r, r
rm
60'-68' R/W
48'
10' 12' 12' ITT 12' 10'
(8') (8')
I
COLLECTOR HIGHWAY
88' R/W
64'
12' 8' 12' 12'---♦--12' 12' 8' 12'
I
I
SECONDARY HIGHWAY
100'-110' R/W
76'
10' 8' 12' 12' * 12' 12' 8' 10'
I
i
i
*Variable (0 ft. to 10 ft.) MAJOR HIGHWAYS
110'-126' R/W
106'
10' 8' 12' 12' * ITT 12'
8, 8,
i
*Variable (0 ft. to 16 ft.) ARTERIAL HIGHWAY
FIGURE 5-2
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR HIGHWAY CROSS SECTIONS
Source: Adapted from Cove Communities General Plan by Wilsey & Ham
5.P.l.b
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.,� FIGURE 5-3
NON-AUTOMOTIVE
CIRCULATION NETWORK
�Citywide Bicycle/
�rci � a ei Golf cart Trails
y7 Citywide Hiking/
Equestrian Trails
�...Core Area Tram System
----Example of Neighborhood
Bicycle/Golf Cart
Connection
...«« Regional Trail System
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5.P.I.c
The bicycle system provides a Citywide framework connecting
all major parks, public facilities and the Core Area with all
of the neighborhoods. Rights.-of-way of 10-12 feet are suggested
to allow for use by electric golf carts as well .
The hiking/equestrian system connects the major open space
features of the planning area from the sand dunes on the
north to the mountains in the south.
The dial-ride-system provides service to all neighborhoods
via the highway network.
The tram system connects the subareas of the Core Area (see
Interim Core Area Plan) as well as the Core Area with the
College of the Desert and Civic and Cultural complexes.
Pedestrian areas are to be emphasized through site planning
guidelines developed at the Specific Plan or neighborhood
planning scale (see Prototype Block of Interim Core Area Plan) .
The first step in the implementation of the above concepts
is the development of Specific Area Plans or precise system
plans which will deal with the localized aspects of route
design.
DEVELOP PROTOTYPE SEGMENTS OF THE PROPOSED OVERALL SYSTEMS AS
A MEANS OF EVALUATING CITIZEN RESPONSE.
Because of the more detailed planning being done and the
immediate needs, the Core Area may be an appropriate place to
test selected systems.
• REQUIRE INTEGRATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD LEVEL BICYCLE/GOLF CART
AND PEDESTRIAN SYSTEMS WITH THE CITYWIDE STRUCTURE THROUGH
THE PROCESS OF SITE PLAN REVIEW.
5•P•2
i
6. Environmental
Elements
City of Palm Desert General Plan
6. 1 TRANSPORTATION NOISE ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Noise created by transportation systems has a significant impact
on the urban environment. Unshielded railroad mainlines and
freeways can adversely impact residential areas up to one half
mile away. Motorcycles may disrupt a residential neighborhood
at any hour. Traffic on major and even local streets can produce
enough noise to be unpleasant in and around many residential
areas. The combined impact of these noise sources even in a quiet
urban area makes the normal ''background'' noise level -- the noise
you cannot get away from, that you hear in the background as a
whish, a hum, or a dull roar -- many times louder than that in a
rural area. This background level has historically been increasing,
and if the trend continues, may within the next decades reach levels
now found only near busy streets, freeways and airports. These
are levels that have been demonstrated to cause physiological
changes with prolonged exposure. The effects of lower levels of
continuous exposure are more difficult to determine, but evidence
is accumulating to indicate psychological and sociological changes
do occur with noise levels now found in most areas of cities.
6. 1 . i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
• CONTRIBUTE TO THE PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH
LEVEL NATURAL AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT.
Objectives
• MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE EXISTING QUALITY OF THE NOISE EN-
VIRONMENT IN PALM DESERT.
• MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF ANY EXISTING NOISE SOURCES WHICH
COULD RESULT IN POTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND/OR SOCIOLOGICAL
CHANGES.
LESSEN THE ADVERSE INDIRECT EFFECTS OF NOISE ON THE PHYSICAL
AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.
EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY TO THE NATURE AND RESULTS OF THE
NOISE POLLUTION PROBLEM.
6. 1 .G. 1
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BACKGROUND
Noise is a complex phenomenon, and its impact on human activities
depends on many different aspects of a single noise event or a
series of noise events over a period of time. Different noise
measurements have been developed over a period of time to measure
different aspects of noise from different noise sources. The
noise measurements defined below are presently the most commonly
used in identifying noise conflicts and establishing noise stand-
ards . Because the science of noise impact is changing rapidly,
particularly with regard to over-all measurements of noise
exposure, the City should remain alert to developments in this
field, and adopt improved measures in its standards as they
become available.
Noise Measures
Decibels (dB) : The simplest measurement, related directly
to the amount of sound energy in the sound signal . The
relation is logarithmic, so, an increase of 10 times in
sound energy increases. the noise levels in decibels by 10
units, and doubling the sound energy increases the noise
level in decibels by about 3 units .
Decibels A-Scale dB(A) : The basic measurement in decibels
modified to better relate to the sensitivity of the human
ear. Higher frequency sound signals are accentuated in this
measurement. A sound 10 decibels higher on the A-scale
than a given sound is perceived as approximately twice as
loud as the first sound. This noise level is simple to
measure with inexpensive instruments and is commonly used in
establishing standards for maximum noise levels of equipment,
noise standards for industry, etc. It is the basic measure
used in California noise standards .
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has recently adopted
standards for noise in residential areas. These standards establish
four zones: (1) Clearly unacceptable, (2) Discretionary - Nor-
mally unacceptable, (3) Discretionary - Normally acceptable and
(4) Clearly acceptable. Figure 6. 1-1 defines the zones in terms
of the noise environment and its impact on various uses by
relating common sounds to the noise standards. Figure 6. 1-2
illustrates the effect of changing traffic speed and volume on
freeways and arterials on noise impacts. The effect of noise
from 10 or more night time railroad operations is shown in
Figure 6. 1-3. This applies directly to operations on the Southern
Pacific Mainline which runs through the northern end of the City' s
Sphere of Influence.
6. 1 .6. 1
Community Noise Equivalent Level
55 60 65 70 75 80
LAND USE INTERPRETATION
Residential- Single Family,
Duplex, Mobile.Homes
Residential- CLEARLY ACCEPTABLE
Multiple Family The noise exposure is such
that the activities associated
Transient with the land use may be
Lodging { carried out with essentially
X no interference from aircraft
School Classrooms, noise. (Residential areas:
Libraries, Churches both indoor and outdoor
noise environments are
Hospitals, pleasant.)
Nursing Homes
Auditoriums, Concert Halls, NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE
Music Shells The noise exposure is great
enough to be of some concern,
Sports Arenas, but common building con-
Outdoor Spectator Sports struction will make the indoor
environment acceptable,
Playgrounds, even for sleeping quarters.
Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding Stables, NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE
Water Recreation, Cemeteries The noise exposure is signifi-
cantly more severe so that
Office Buildings, Personal, unusual and costly building
Business and Professional construction is necessary to
insure adequate performance
Commercial- Retail, of activities. (Residential
Movie Theaters, Restaurants areas: barriers must be erec-
ted between the site and
Commercial- Wholesale, Some
prominent noise sources to
Retail, Ind., Mfg., Utilities make the outdoor environ-
ment tolerable.)
Livestock Farming,
Animal Breeding
CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE
Agriculture (Except The noise exposure is so
Livestock), Mining, Fishing severe that construction costs
to make the indoor environ-
Public ment acceptable for performance
Right-of-way of activities would be prohibitive.
(Residential areas: the outdoor
Extensive Natural environment would be intoler-
Recreation Areas able for normal residential use.)
FIGURE 6.1-1
NOISE LEVELS AND LAND USE SUITABILITY
SOURCE: HUD, "Aircraft Noise Impact; Planning Guidelines for Local Agencies", by Wilsey & Ham
and Bolt, Beranek and Newman, 1972. Adapted to incorporate CNEL and CNR measures.
6.1.B.1 a
WIDTH OF
'NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE'
NOISE ZONE FROM
STREET CENTERLINE
2,000'
1,000•
0000
4000,
500'
000
6�
400
200'
100' OF
50'
500 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 20,000
PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC
VEHICLES PER HOUR
FIGURE 6.1-2
TRAFFIC SPEED/VOLUME RELATED
TO NOISE IMPACT
Source: Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc.
6.1.B.1 b.
FIGURE 6. 1-3
RAILROAD NOISE IMPACTS
Distance from Site to Right-of-Way Acceptability
Category
Line-of-Sight Exposure Shielded Exposure
More than 3000 ft. More than 500 ft. Clearly
Acceptable
Between 601 and 3000 ft. Between 101 and 500 ft. Normally
Acceptable
Between 101 and 600 ft. Between 51 and 100 ft. Normally
Unacceptable
Less than 100 ft. Less than 50 ft. Clearly
Unacceptable
Source: Noise Assessment Guidelines, HUD, 1971 .
Existing noise impacts created by the freeway and arterial streets
are presented in Figures 6. 1-4. As development occurs this figure
should be updated to represent increased traffic volumes. The
major method to effectively reduce noise from road and railroad
sources is through the use of physical barriers. Figure 6. 1-5
illustrates alternative roadway and structural treatments to
assist in achieving an acceptable interior and exterior noise
level .
Problems
• Significant areas of noise impact are created by the auto
circulation system in the City and Sphere of Influence.
Roadway and structural mitigation measures are expensive.
• The Southern Pacific Railroad line creates substantial noise
impacts which must be mitigated.
Opportunities
Precedents exist for local noise ordinances involving both
noise sources and sound insulation in building design, so
Palm Desert will be able to develop ordinances which are
enforceable.
6.1 .B.2
a
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r• FIGURE 6.1-4
EXISTING NOISE CONTOURS
a 1974 CNEL ZONES
? Clearly Unacceptable
/75 dB(A)for
r. ftj V 8 hrs.per 24 hrs.
a
Normally Unacceptable
\ 65 dB(A)for
8 hrs.per 24 hrs.
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PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT
FIGURE 6.1-5
NOISE ABATEMENT STRATEGIES
IMPLEMENTATION POLICES
The City shall :
DISCOURAGE ANY REGIONAL, STATE OR FEDERAL ACTIONS WHICH WOULD
INCREASE THE NOISE LEVELS IN THE CITY, AND TAKE A STRONG STAND
ON ACTIONS WHICH INCREASE THE NOISE LEVELS BEYOND ACCEPTABLE
LIMITS.
AID IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL AND STATE STANDARDS FOR NOISE-
PRODUCING EQUIPMENT INCLUDING CARS, MOTORCYCLES, TRUCKS, ETC .
DEVELOP AND ENCOURAGE THE USE OF CIRCULATION SYSTEMS WHICH DO
NOT PRODUCE HIGH NOISE LEVELS, INCLUDING BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
SYSTEMS.
REQUIRE, THROUGH THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REVIEW
PROCESS, ALL DEVELOPERS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN "DISCRETIONARY-
NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE" NOISE ZONES DEFINED BY HUD STANDARDS
TO PRESENT ALTERNATIVES FOR DEALING WITH NOISE IMPACT. SUCH
ALTERNATIVES MAY INCLUDE WALL AND WINDOW ACOUSTIC TREATMENT,
ADDITIONAL SETBACKS, SHIELDING OF OPEN SPACE AREAS FROM NOISE
SOURCES, ETC . , INCLUDING ESTIMATES OF ADDITIONAL COSTS IF NOISE
ABATEMENT ALTERNATIVES ARE NOT SELECTED.
• CONSIDER LANDS IN "DISCRETIONARY-NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO
CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE" ZONES (65 dBA, IF EXCEEDING 8 HOURS IN
24 HOURS) UNACCEPTABLE FOR SUBDIVISION DEDICATION AS OPEN
SPACE EXCEPT WHEN SHIELDED FROM NOISE SOURCES BY APPROPRIATE
NOISE BARRIERS.
ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS LOCATING IN PALM
DESERT TO CONSIDER AND MITIGATE NOISE PROBLEMS IN THEIR
OPERATIONS.
DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE NOISE ORDINANCE WHICH REFLECTS THE
LAND USE/NOISE RELATIONSHIP SHOWN IN FIGURE 6. 1 -1 AND SPECIFIES
APPROPRIATE RESTRICTIONS AND MITIGATION FEATURES FOR DEVELOP-
MENT IN NOISE IMPACT AREAS.
6. 1 .P. 1
6.2 SAFETY ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The Safety Element provides a framework by which safety considera-
tions can be introduced into the planning and development process.
Its specific focus is towards the reduction of loss of life,
injuries, property damage and dislocation due to fires, floods, and
other natural disasters .
Natural hazards cannot be localized; they must be considered within
the regional context. In light of this, the Safety Element must
consider the role of Palm Desert in relation to regional type
hazards .
6.2 . i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
MINIMIZE THE DANGER TO LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM MAN-MADE AND
NATURAL HAZARDS.
Objectives
REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF HAZARD OCCURRENCE.
REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF IMPACTS FROM THOSE HAZARDS WHICH CANNOT
BE AVOIDED.
6.2.G. 1
BACKGROUND
Fire Protection
The Riverside County Department of Fire protection provides fire
protection within Palm Desert. One fire station is located within
the City and has two 750 gallons per minute fire trucks, a volunteer
rescue squad and a volunteer fire department. In addition, fire
stations are located in Cathedral City and in Bermuda Dunes.
Flood Control
Flood control measures are under the direction of the Coachella
Valley County Water District. As indicated in Figure 6.2 -1
flooding problems are basically of two types: areas of occasional
flooding due to sheet flow conditions and areas of occasional
flooding if and when levees are breached.
A Comprehensive Plan for Surface Water Drainage for the Palm Desert
area was prepared in 1966, however, many of the proposals in that
report have yet to be implemented.
Disaster Preparedness
At the present time, the City does not have a disaster preparedness
plan but has the potential for contracting with the County Disaster
Preparedness office for disaster services.
Problems
Fire protection is inadequate for a fast growing urbanizing
area.
• No disaster preparedness plan has been developed for the City.
• Although a Drainage Reoort has been prepared, most of its
recommendations have yet to be implemented.
Opportunities
The City can contract with the County for Disaster Preparedness
planning.
The City can plan for its own system of fire protection in the
future. '
The City has the potential of implementing the Comprehensive
Plan for Surface Water Drainage.
6.2.B. 1
F
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FIGURE 6.2-1
7
-{ �• /1 FLOOD PLAINS
AND DRAINAGE
Area Of Occasional Flooding
Area Of Occasional Flooding
If Levees Are Breached
Drainage
Levees
t.
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3 �n
NORTH A&
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,Y 0 1 2 Miles 3
" A � ,l� WILSEY & HAM
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4 0 400
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FIGURE 6.2-2
WIND EROSI7HAZARD' AND SEVER
F
' ,�, �, ® Slight
Moderate
•'w '�;� .1 « :�• Severe
•;. ���� •��, 40° Wind Direction With Degree
•� Of Angle West Of True North
. . . . ' '. .
SEVERE SLOPES
,F••'' ' • . : o/ 0
9oto 30/o
SOURCE y1dT} t USDA Soil'•` .T ':r.•••i' •i ,4 'i ,5 I Conservation Service
•,..r► NORTH
y` ♦ }}}'�''''' '.''''•• ' 0 1 2 Miles 3
r + I WILSEY & HAM
I f. as
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'Oe,. f,W 1.. +'•'rt•i•i s�'`�•'r •. • 1'r ••.-�'•+J.'.�i i�.�'l:r.•''. a .'eti
- , � Q •�.�•�r�•J�'a.,.r,•�•��:;`• ,• :�P' •�� •r+a•FI.RM±a.wy. • .' • 4J...
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a.
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall :
CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO UPGRADE FIRE PROTECTION
IN THE CITY AND ESTABLISH PERIODIC REVIEW PROCESSES AND
STANDARDS TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICE REMAINS AT HIGH LEVELS.
DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF CONTRACTING WITH THE COUNTY' S
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS OFFICE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AN EMERGENCY
DISASTER PLAN.
CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM.
ENCOURAGE THE USE OF LOCAL ENERGY SOURCES AS A MEANS OF
PROVIDING A CONSTANT AND UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLY OF VITAL
POWER.
6.2.P. 1
6.3 SEISMIC ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The purposes of the Seismic Element, which was developed in con-
junction with ENVICOM Corporation, are threefold:
• To provide the City of Palm Desert with the necessary data
and interpretation to take the maximum advantage, in terms
of development and safety, of the City' s natural geologic
setting.
• To provide the City of Palm Desert with a Seismic Element
ithat meets the requirements of Section 65302 of the Govern-
ment Code and is compatible with the Guidelines for local
General Plans sponsored by the Council on Intergovernmental
Relations.
• To utilize seismic information within the General Plan
process.
This element is a summary of the information contained in the
Technical Seismic Safety Element developed by ENVICOM Corporation.
As a summary, this document is necessarily simplification
of the Technical Seismic Safety Element. Conclusions should not
be formulated without reviewing the Technical Document in detail .
6.3. i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
MINIMIZE THE DANGER TO LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM POTENTIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS.
Objectives
REDUCE TO A MINIMUM THE LOSS OF LIFE, DISRUPTION OF GOODS
AND SERVICES AS WELL AS THE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
ASSOCIATED WITH AN EARTHQUAKE.
TAKE POTENTIAL HAZARDS INTO ACCOUNT IN THE GENERAL PLAN.
6.3.G. 1
BACKGROUND
Responsibility for Seismic/Geologic Hazard Evaluation
The responsibility for the evaluation of seismic and geologic
hazards lies with both the public and private sectors. The fol-
lowing are suggested as guidelines in determining the distribution
of responsibility of the two sectors;
1 . The owner or developer of a particular site should be
responsible for, and should bear the cost of the evaluation
of those hazards that can be evaluated on or in the near
vicinity of the site.
2. Those hazards that cannot be adequately evaluated at the site
should be considered for evaluation with public funds. The
nature of the funding may vary depending on the extent of the
impact of the hazard.
3. To facilitate the administration of public safety, it may
be desirable to undertake, with public funds, a general
evaluation of site-related hazards as they exist within
an entire jurisdiction.
The application of these guidelines to geologic/seismic hazards
depends on the type of hazard and the availability of information
that can be used to evaluate the hazard. For example, faults can
be located on a particular site by the engineering geologist
during the site investigation. However, the rock formations
necessary for evaluation of the activity of the fault are normally
present only at certain critical locations, and evaluation of
activity may require a publicly funded investigation. On the
other hand, landslides can normally be evaluated as part of the
site investigation funded by the owner or developer. Public
agencies may wish to fund a general investigation of landslide
hazards to facilitate the administration of public safety, but the
final evaluation must be a part of site evaluation because additional
hazard may be introduced by proposed modification of the site.
The distribution of emphasis of this Seismic Safety Element is
based on these concepts. Those aspects of a particular hazard
that cannot be evaluated on a site-basis, or which can more
efficiently be evaluated on a regional basis, are emphasized in
this analysis. Those hazards that can be effectively evaluated
as part of site investigations are treated in a general way with
the intent that the results be used to facilitate the administration
of public safety. it should be emphasized that such generalized
6.3.B. 1
evaluations should in no way be considered a substitute for a detailed
site investigation which must consider not only existing conditions but
also any hazards that may result from proposed modifications of the site.
A key step in hazard evaluation is public involvement, through their
elected representatives, in the determination of acceptable levels of
risk. All hazards involve risk. A technical evaluation may determine
certain risk parameters , but only the public can determine the acceptable
balance between the risk of a hazard and the cost of mitigation. Because
of the extreme importance of this step, primary emphasis is placed on
the technical evaluation of available information relating to the risk
of seismic hazards. The technical analysis can provide such information,
but only the public sector can make the final determination of the
acceptability of those risks.
The relationship between the concepts discussed above and the evaluation
of specific seismic/geologic hazards is shown in Figure 6.3-1 . The
primary responsibility for evaluation of each aspect of a hazard is shown
by a ''W', and by a ''XXX'' if a determination of acceptable risk is in-
volved. Those aspects for which either sector may commonly have a
secondary responsibility are indicated by an ''X". The intent is to show
the distribution of responsibility for evaluation of a hazard; the over-
all regulatory responsibility of government is not included.
Geologic and Seismic Setting
The City of Palm Desert is located on recent (Holocene) alluvium derived
primarily from Dead Indian Creek. The alluvium is composed of unconsoli-
dated boulder and cobble gravel and sand within and near the mouths of
the canyons, grading to sand, silt and clay in the lower parts of the
Valley. These materials range in thickness from a feather edge near the
mountains to 1000 feet or more in the Valley.
The mountains to the south and west of the City are underlain by hard,
resistant granitic and metamorphic rocks that form moderately steep to
steep ridges and canyons.
Major faults located within the City limits of Palm Desert include several
within the granitic and metamorphic rocks in the western and southern part
of the City, and the South Pass fault group in the northern part of the
City. These faults were probably active during the early formation of
the San Jacinto Mountains, but there is no evidence to indicate that they
are active today.
Geologic hazard zones have been established by the State Geologist as
required by the Alquist-Priolo Act (SB 520) along the San Jacinto fault
to the southwest and along the several branches of the San Andreas fault
6.3.B.2
FIGURE 6.3-1
DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR
EVALUATION OF SEISMIC/GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Responsible Sector
Hazard Public Private
1 . Fault rupture:
a. Evaluation of fault XXX
b. Location at site XX
2. Earthquake shaking:
a. Sources of shaking XXX
b. General levels of shaking XX X
C. Effects on site XX
3. Tsunamic and seiche:
a. Risk of occurrence XXX
b. Effects on site XX
4. Dam failure:
a. Risk of occurrence XXX
b. Effects on site XX
5. Landslide:
a. Regional evaluation XX X
b. Effects on site XX
6. Liquefaction, settlement, & subsidence:
a. Regional evaluation XX(1 )
b. Effects on site XX
X Secondary responsibility
XX Primary responsibility
XXX Primary responsibility including determination of acceptable risk
(1 ) Evaluation requires determination of expected shaking.
6. 3. B. 2.a
(Garnet Hill , Banning, and Mission Creek) to the northeast. No such
zones have been established within the City limits of Palm Desert, and
none are anticipated on the basis of existing information.
Information bearing on the reoccurrence of earthquakes on the San Jacinto
and San Andreas faults has been developed in the Technical Seismic Report.
This information is pertinent to Palm Desert in that it bears on the risk
of earthquake shaking in the City. While the results of analysis using
various types of data are somewhat inconsistent, the following are con-
sidered the most important to the risk of earthquake shaking at Palm
Desert (Figure 6.3-2) .
I . The San Jacinto fault is one of, if not the, most active faults in
California. It has a well established pattern as the source of
numerous moderate sized earthquakes in the range of magnitude 6 to 7
about once every 12 years at some point along the fault and about
every 200 years at any given point. Recent activity has centered
primarily on the southern segments of the fault, but activity should
increase on the northern segments nearer Palm Desert in the near
future.
2. While an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 is considered the most probable
event on the San Jacinto fault, a larger event of about magnitude
7.5 should be considered as a possibility, particularly in the design
of the more important or critical structures .
3. The San Andreas in the Palm Desert area exhibits a relatively low
level of seismicity. The recurrence interval for a magnitude 6.5
earthquake resulting from slip along any particular part of the
fault is approximately 500 years.
4. Crustal strain (regional less San Jacinto movement) and recent and
late Pleistocene movement, however, suggest a much higher level of
activity. If these indicated rates of movement are converted to a
theoretical recurrence interval for a magnitude 6.5 earthquake, it
is only 25 years or less or one-tenth or less that from seismicity.
5. Data on movement of the San Andreas fault system along its entire
length indicates rates of movement in the range of 5 to 8 cm/yr
are likely. Only about one-third of this can be accounted for along
the San Jacinto fault, leaving the San Andreas itself about twice
as active as the San Jacinto.
6. The San Andreas fault in the Palm Desert area is generally consider-
ed to be part of an ''active area'' rather than one of the ''locked
segments'' of the fault. A ''great'' earthquake (magnitude 7.8 or
6.3.B.3
SAN \� 1 �`'. +. ,� #,�.\`� FIGURE 6.3-2 �
DESEO '11C)T \ SEISMIC FAULTS N
\ �\ SPRIN
SCALE IN MILES
t.
FIGURE 7
MAJOR FAULT ZONES
f •r•
PALM SPRINGS
.,� T BRAL• •. \ \
; yYY PLANNING
14c ,`\ •'' AREAPAL -INDI
HO
IAN WELLS
COACHELLA \\
' r
+ '.
SOURCE: S ANTA ANA SHEET
• ''•�� \\�Q� / GEOLOGICAL MAP OF
f CALIFORNIA, 1965
am
r
` `•''.� ` �,,.. .." SALTON SEA -=�
more) is, therefore, considered unlikely. A ''major'' earthquake,
however, with a magnitude of approximately 7.5, is considered
likely.
7. Recurrence data is somewhat conflicting, but ''best estimates'' for
expected earthquakes are as follows:
Fault and Earthquake Magnitude Recurrence Interval
San Jacinto fault
Magnitude 6.5 200 years
Magnitude 7.5 500 years
San Andreas fault
Magnitude 7.5 50-150 years
Seismic Hazard
The choice of a particular earthquake, for which protection is to be
provided, involves a determination of acceptable risk. In general , the
risk of occurrence decreases as the magnitude of the potential earth-
quake increases. Since the cost of providing protection increases as the
magnitude of the ''design earthquake'' is increased, there is a point at
which the cost of providing protection becomes prohibitive when consid-
ered in the light of the cost involved.
The main sources of earthquake shaking at Palm Desert are the San Andreas
fault on the northeast and the San Jacinto fault on the southwest. Infor-
mation bearing on the risk of occurrence of earthquakes of various magni-
tudes on these faults has been developed in the Technical Seismic Report.
The following are recommended for consideration as the earthquakes that
should be taken into account for various types of facilities is as
follows:
Magnitude of Earthquake
Use San Andreas Fault San Jacinto Fault
Critical Facilities 7.5 7.5
Normal Commercial Facilities 7.0 6.5
Normal Residential Facilities 6.5 6.5
6.3.B.4
The engineering characteristics of these earthquakes are developed in the
Technical Seismic Report. The above data represents the preliminary
recommendations of acceptable risk for seismic hazards and the public,
through its elected representatives, must ultimately decide on the level
of risk they deem acceptable for each type of hazard. Further, the public
must also decide upon the types of land use that would fall under the
facility classifications "normal" and "critical ."
The following taxonomy of Critical Facilities (Figure 6.3-3) , is intended
to use as a guide in evaluating the importance of each facility relative
to overall public safety.
Seismic Response Zones (Figure 6.3-4)
The derivation of the seismic zones have been documented in the Technical
Report. They are expressive of the level of ground motion that can reas-
onably be anticipated from earthquakes on the principal fault systems
affecting Palm Desert. The characteristics of each -seismic zone are
represented by response spectra which translate ground motion into dis-
placement (inches) ; velocity (inches per second) ; and acceleration
(inches per second expressed as a percent of the acceleration of gravity) .
These three factors which are derived from mathematical analysis are
essentially the descriptions of each seismic zone.
In discussing the major groupings of the seismic zones the following
general statements can be made:
1 . The seismic zones have been derived from two basic sets of criteria,
(a) distance from the source of an earthquake; and (b) geographic
differentiation of soil and bedrock conditions.
2. The seismic zone analysis is based upon the San Andreas and San
Jacinto fault systems as the principal sources of strong ground
shaking in Palm Desert.
3. Soil and bedrock conditions within the seismic zones have been
differentiated into three significant zones as follows:
Zone A - Alluvium, more than 200'
Zone B - Alluvium, 200' or less
Zone C - Bedrock (Firm to hard)
The general sensitivity of the seismic response zone is rated on a 1-10
scale in Figure 6.3-5•
6.3.B.5
FIGURE 6.3-3
TAXONOMY OF CRITICAL FACILITIES
Potential Effect Required for
Facility on Loss of Life Community Functioning
Dams X
Electrical Substation X
Schools X
Fire Stations X
Railroad Lines X
City Buildings X
Hospitals X X
Sewage Treatment Plants X
Water Works X
Radio Stations X
Television Stations X
Microwave Stations X
Sheriff/Police Offices X
Major Highways/Bridges X X
Airport X X
6.3.B.5.a
s
, a e
A F,
ti
�.yiw . — _+-. �1�aY�w .S;urh•pas .tsult
C j s
2
C
FIGURE 6.3-4
SEISMIC RESPONSE ZONES
Zone boundary and
4 I} C — II zone designation
Vc based on distance.
° A Az� Zone boundary and
zone designation
U C
based on rock or soil type.
Fault (approximate)
Y V
A b 'tns M h
iE—Fault(buried)
c �
C C.
v
SOURCE: ENVICOM Corporation
NORTH
1
0 1 2 Miles 3
a ! rc Fes»w �; _; WILSEY & HAM
6.3.B.5.b
I N Yc.
FIGURE 6.3-5
SEISMIC RESPONSE ZONES
RELATIVE SENSITIVITY -
Critical Commercial Residential
Scale/ Facilities Facilities Facilities
1 1B 1B 1B
2 1113 11B lA
3 111E ?A 11B
w
°O 4 lA 111B 111B
5 11A 11A 11A
6 111A 111A 111A
7 1C iC 1C
8 11C 11C 11C
9 1VC 111C 1VC
10 111C lVC 111C
1/ Scale runs from ''most sensitive'' 1 to ''least sensitive'' 10.
1 . Settlement
Soils in the Palm Desert area consist of the alluvium underlying the City
and thinner residual and locally derived soils in the mountainous areas.
The alluvial soils are granular to coarsely granular. The upper few feet
is often loose and poorly compacted, and may require some removal and
recompaction for heavy structures. Differential settlement , however,
should not be a problem provided normal soils engineering precautions are
taken.
The soils in the mountainous area of the City are primarily residual
(derived in place) soils with some locally derived alluvium. They are
relatively thin, and should not be a problem with respect to differential
settlement.
Regional settlement may occur as the result of groundwater withdrawal and
the lowering of the water table. Such settlement is not normally a haz-
ard to structures because it does not result in differential movement that
would cause damage. Aqueducts or other structures that require a precise
maintenance of grade may be affected, but most are not.
2. Liquefaction
Liquefaction involves a sudden loss in strength of a saturated, cohesion-
less soil (predominantly sand) which is caused by shock or strain, such
as an earthquake, and results in temporary transformation of the soil to
a fluid mass. If the liquefying layer is near the surface the effects
are much like that of quicksand on any structure located on it. If the
layer is in the subsurface, it may provide a sliding surface for the
material above it. Liquefaction typically occurs in areas where the
groundwater is less than 30 feet from the surface, and where the soils
are composed predominantly of poorly consolidated fine sand .
Review of water-well records of the Coachella Valley County Water District
and maps of the California Department of Water Resources (1964) indicates
that groundwater levels in the study are and have been at or below 100
feet for several tens of years. Considering the demand for water in the
area, it is unlikely that water levels will rise to a depth that lique-
faction would become a potential hazard at Palm Desert.
3. Landslides
Landslides should be considered a basic geologic hazard rather than one
having an unusual association with earthquakes. The shaking of an earth-
quake only provides the triggering force to initiate downslope movement
of a previously unstable earthmass. The prime factor is the unstable
6.3.B.6
condition itself. Movement could just as easily be triggered by heavy
rains, or by grading on a construction project.
The bedrock underlying slopes steep enough to be involved in landsliding
at Palm Desert is limited to relatively hard igneous and metamorphic types
that are not generally prone to landsliding. The softer sedimentary rocks
of the coastal sections of Southern California, in which landslides are
common, are not present at Palm Desert. This dominance of relatively
strong rock and the low annual rainfall make the Palm Desert area one
relatively free of landslides.
Of the several types of landslides normally encountered in Southern
California, only rockfalls are present to any significant degree. They
are common on the steeper slopes of the rocky terrain to the west and south
of the City.
A more detailed assessment of the landslide hazard at any particular site
requires detailed knowledge of the site and the nature of any proposed
modifications of the terrain. For this reason, geologic and
soils engineering investigations should be required for developments in
hilly or mountainous terrains. It is only through detailed evaluation of
existing conditions and proposed modifications that a high level of safety
can be assured.
Tsunamis and Seiches
Tsunamis are seismic sea waves, and do not present a hazard at Palm
Desert.
Seiches are standing waves produced in a body of water by the passage of
seismic waves from an earthquake. Seiches are not a hazard because of
the absence of lakes or reservoirs of significant size within the City.
Problems
While ground breakage is not expected to occur within the study area,
the area would be subjected to ground motion and other effects of
earthquakes.
In the event of a large earthquake bridge structures , particularly
in Seismic Zones I and II , may be damaged. In this event, access
to and from the City could be severely impaired.
Opportunities
On the basis of existing information none of the faults within the
City of Palm Desert can be considered ''active'' or ''potentially
6.3.B. 7
active'' as presently defined by the State Mining and Geology Board
and the State Geologist.
No Special Studies zones as required by the Alquist-Priolo Geologic
Hazards Act have been delineated within the City by the State Geo-
logist, and, based on the information developed in this study, none
are expected.
Settlement and liquefaction as a result of seismic shaking are not
considered significant hazards in Palm Desert, provided soils
engineering investigations are conducted by competent professionals
on sites considered for structures.
Soft sedimentary rocks, prone to landsliding in many other parts of
California, are not present at Palm Desert, and this hazard is
limited primarily to the rockfall types of landslide in the mountain-
ous terrain in the western and southern part of the City.
Tsunamis and seiches are not a hazard at Palm Desert.
There is the opportunity to minimize the risk of seismic hazard
through good planning, earthquake resistant design and disaster
planning.
The City is not characterized by hazardous structures.
Findings indicate that there should be no restrictions placed on
the location or type of single-family housing within the Planning
Area based on the response spectra in the Technical Report.
6.3.B.8
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall
REQUIRE A GENERAL GEOLOGIC INVESTIGATION TO BE INCLUDED IN
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR ANY PROPOSED USE IN THE
PLANNING AREA.
REQUIRE A DETAILED GEOLOGIC INVESTIGATION IF THE GENERAL GEO-
LOGIC INVESTIGATION INDICATES THE NEED FOR ONE. THIS SHOULD
TAKE PLACE PRIOR TO THE FILING OF SUBDIVISION MAPS,
REQUIRE SPECIAL EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT DESIGN FEATURES OR USE
LIMITATIONS AS ARE APPROPRIATE TO THE SPECIFIC CASE IF A
DETAILED GEOLOGIC INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS THE EXISTENCE OF A
POTENTIAL SEISMIC HAZARD.
MODIFY THE CITY OF PALM DESERT' S BUILDING CODE USING THE
SEISMIC ZONES AND ATTENDANT RESPONSE SPECTRA AS A GUIDELINE.
THIS WILL BRING THE BUILDING CODE INTO CONFORMANCE WITH
EXPECTED SEISMIC CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM FUTURE EARTHQUAKES.
ESTABLISH A PROGRAM OF BUILDING INSPECTION TO IDENTIFY ALL
STRUCTURES IN THE CITY THAT DO NOT MEET MODERN EARTHQUAKE
STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CONFORM TO DESIGN CRITERIA OF
THE MODIFIED CITY BUILDING CODE.
MAKE AVAILABLE THE TECHNICAL SECTION OF THE SEISMIC SAFETY
ELEMENT TO DEVELOPERS FOR REVIEW AND USE WHEN PROPOSING LAND
DEVELOPMENT.
REQUIRE DETAILED SITE STUDIES TO ASCERTAIN THE POTENTIAL
SEISMIC HAZARD ON FACILITIES WHICH ARE CRITICAL IN AN
EMERGENCY. THESE FACILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO:
1 . HOSPITALS
2. POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS
3. MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT CENTERS
4. TRANSPORTATION LINKAGES
5. MAJOR PUBLIC UTILITIES (ELECTRICAL, WATER FACILITIES)
6. DESIGNATED EMERGENCY CENTERS
7. BUILDINGS GREATER THAN 6 STORIES IN HEIGHT.
ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS TO ESTABLISH ''FAMILY EMERGENCY
DISASTER PLANS''
6. 3.P. 1
, -,.r-x1 •wrr l--♦ ,at. - • - ty- .,.i.K,,
All
'j4 O �.•
tOW
w
Z'.. .1 S r 7 iv
' ��:h.. !•,e< - 'l� 't; 1 `�.,r `t r.� ,. f 1 �T�.ij7 i Z. y' ... . .!.
r � t+ _ r+ TTTT� .� r r'11R•�;•+�' J f •Y:.r' \.. � I�.•. •{f, j r � 'R"t
y i+ !• . 1, t .:. T� .•f r C ',. � (l.Nil + 1 `' IA
' � ;:max ! � •r s � � �'� • ,,�.•
AV
'.:ve 3�f, :,, ;:i- •�•r , ;, � ��n •,,a(fi#� `'�t'r ;'iit��1:4 ., . :�
'7 ldlz_; P:O
ti s :�. .,�. . � �� 'r`:'j1� i• AVA
♦, `rlJi., ..ir+;�<:�: r '..� .`��•._) MJ . •'',3'� tT. �Y! ' f i,�,x > " 1 ~. ,
�� ,.t` .�4..,r��►�g. ��:o' it i',.tt+'r •�t 1�r�.i t.hi +�r�;•.•".� ;,;,'y!`+, •• *+
;A.r' i <,,is1"'1 >�i�r.4 yllr}
. 1�,.. ti i•Jw. f 1 .i{ i,�.S�}}Qr t'!�'Y"!-mil•'+[ t - - .. ` ,{ jr
14,
. .. y -.S y1� =,.�►�{ rJ ''.l+�'yi�♦�-1 Vo' i 4�ir'1 >`�qY.
�'ILrdr...,... . . _«.. .> ar ,��G�3']C•�,�:1��:.►�15.'.*.�.�, «'.�k'v�lerw.:� .- #�iihf..a,.F .r _' S'�Xft�es^:•,.�•. Ems.
ENCOURAGE STATE , FEDERAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES TO
INTENSIFY RESEARCH ON SEISMIC AND OTHER GEOLOGIC HAZARDS.
REVIEW ANNUALLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY REVISE EVERY FIVE YEARS,
OR WHENEVER SUBSTANTIALLY NEW SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE BECOMES
AVAILABLE, THE SEISMIC SAFETY ELEMENT.
6o3.Po2
6.4 CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The need for open space within and adjacent to the urban environ-
ment is greater than just for its role in providing areas with
traditional forms of recreation. Open space allows for the preser-
vation of natural assets which cannot coexist with development.
These include wildlife and their habitats, scenic vistas, unusual
land form conditions, significant vegetation, as well as significant
agriculture and mineral resources. Incorporating factors such as
those listed above into an open space system contributes to the
direct or indirect enjoyment and benefit of all . A break is
established in the urban structure which results in visual relief,
diversity, texture and pattern.
Open space can also be used to set aside those areas that have a
potential danger to man should he develop them. Dangers from
earthquake, landslide, fire, and erosion can be minimized by their
incorporation into the open space system.
6.4. i . 1
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
• MAINTAIN CONCERN FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AS A MAJOR
STRUCTURING FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY.
Objectives
DESIGNATE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE NATURAL AREAS IN THEIR
UNDEVELOPED STATE AT BOTH THE CITYWIDE AND NEIGHBORHOOD
SCALES.
ESTABLISH CRITERIA TO EVALUATE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, MAKING
SURE THAT THE CRITERIA CONTAIN THE FLEXIBILITY NECESSARY TO
RECOGNIZE DESIGN AND TERRAIN UNIQUENESS OF A PARTICULAR SITE.
DEVELOP PROGRAMS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OPEN SPACE
SYSTEM.
6.4.G. 1
BACKGROUND
State legislation defines open space land as ''any parcel of land
or water which is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open
space use''. Open space uses include production of food and fiber,
enjoyment of scenic beauty, recreation and the use of natural
resources. This legislation requires local agencies to identify
lands that qualify for open space designation under the following
guidelines:
111 . Open space for the preservation of natural resources,
including but not limited to, areas required for the
preservation of plant and animal life, including
habitat for fish and wildlife species; areas required
for ecologic and other scientific study purposes ; rivers,
streams, bays and estuaries; and coastal beaches, lake-
shores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands.
2. Open space used for the managed production of resources,
including, but not limited to, forest lands, rangeland,
agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for
the production of food or fiber; areas required for
recharge of groundwater basins; bays, estuaries, marshes,
rivers and streams which are important for the manage-
ment of commercial fisheries; and areas containing major
mineral deposits, including those in short supply.
3. Open space for outdoor recreation, including, but not
limited to, areas of outstanding scenic, historic and
cultural value; areas particularly suited for park and
recreation purposes, including access to lakeshores,
beaches, and rivers and streams; and areas which serve
as links between major recreation and open space reser-
vations, including utility easements, banks of rivers
and streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors.
4. Open space for public health and safety, including, but
not limited to, areas which require special management
or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions
such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas,
flood plains, watersheds, areas presenting high fire
risks, areas required for the protection of water quality
and water reservoirs and areas required for the pro-
tection and enhancement of air quality.111
State of California, Government Codes, Sec. 65560(b) .
6.4.B. 1
The Natural Context For Open Space In Palm Desert
The Palm Desert area can be roughly divided into two major zones
(see Figure 6.4-1) :
1 . The Valley floor consisting primarily of cresote scrub
and sand dunes; this zone also includes the bajada, a nearly
flat surface of joined erosional deposits along the base of
the San Jacinto Mountain range. The present urban area is
located at the boundary between the desert floor and the
bajada.
2. The San Jacinto Mountains which rise sharply just south
of the City limits. The mountain environment consists of
four basic life zones :
(a) permanent and seasonal water, i .e. , the bottoms of
canyons which form this zone 's drainage pattern,
(b) the low desert which starts at the edge of the foot-
hills and rises to about 1000 feet,
(c) the high desert between 1000 feet and 3000 feet, and
(d) pinyon scrub with some juniper from 3000 feet to 5141
feet (the top of Sheep Mountain which is the highest
point in the planning area) .
Criteria For The Establishment of Open Space
Consideration of areas for open space was based on a number of
natural and cultural factors which are listed below:
1 . Natural Factors
• The various biotic provinces (those areas which have
basically the same flora and fauna (Figure 6.4-2) .
There are no unique or rare plants in the planning area.
• Unique wildlife is of special concern in the planning
area (Figure 6.4-2) . There is one endangered and one
rare species of animal , as defined by the California
Department of Fish and Game, within the City' s Sphere
of Influence.
Designated a rare species the California Bighorn Sheep
(ovis canadensis californiana) occupies virtually the
entire mountain zone from about 1000 feet to the top of
Sheep Mountain (5141 feet) . This animal is a fully
protected mammal under State law.
6.4.B.2
• rri� 1 f �/���.' � ti/�,'�'�(P:,,r wa i{6:i, ,�' $ ��tA��J ���'��i
., -ah4#. t. �.l!. �i :" 1!'.' r!.!-,idt1•`r '�t.),,f"I� tt'�'�1Li'�' 4r.t ! �
•'� ,'fT� `4T•'t"+,� �"l•� 3ft ' `'•:}h'7�,:; Y1 i+)`:' JL: '�'�� ,!?�. '-- :� A ,•�.' � •- 'f
�. Y �. ' ' j lJl'•:. r,' �3 �,�r'y1: ,aE. it'„ -41
.y.7 •
:1 10 Ill of
It *64
7 'teT
Sill
` I w, I - ,ar. ... Tw..'..w:,t.�...,-.. ......�:A......� r. .;. 7 �,. +ria:� •,i � � ` a
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ate '' t e ;• � f
'. r. cs•j Zsf" � .t .. •.r -(4�r:� w � f.:.:j�(�t-�' ♦ w *�...
�, ,_ 'r�i�7 -r .} ♦';l 't Aji„�;:j'�T r+ .^., ) t j W }'. 'fib' .s ar. y s. `. f �•a
•�1 .. . �'L' ��4 •i`. .��1 t".: to t. �•'}.r�4 i, .F rt � �` � �. � �' �•
't >'... '_{� ,s. `''r'. 'if .t;Jr1.-ssi,' �+;'�V.'}� r4i.+.'.r.'4.� •^.{h'� �:4 n, 'y�•:� k� "�3.
..rY }. pia '�2 ,-. '"'- �}r _, � • � I` rr .�
t 't h•i. a �,f u.T!. - i r. '< rf:.f t77�:; i S ti' 'tf3� 11V 1�r y l t ;•tr. 4� + '♦ !.
.K. 4 .. ' t.;Tr`�..�.T' '" ° ..l�..�;..t. 1�>'°7"�'�!;Sj1�►, iiT �Mry�,, '► 7�":��7!'s � 4�ar'Ti, #, j ,mow '`-
mat
- 'z#%•.f.�li7Glii` ,- x. ..!'A .''/A.4 + a z„ xrd+�.►�-"+K• .. ga l: r. - ��.. '.�# .mr s,; 1�, `^t -
1
Send Dunes
')its, Rwer
.?s O
FIGURE 6.4-1
}'Cehvilla Hills.}•. GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT
a:
1. Valley Floor& Bajada
(f
rom Whi e t water River
t
to mountains)
+,• z __ 2. San Jacinto Mountains
r r r r
r
{ .ti
!k
I �
r
crux
NORTH
0 1.� 2 Miles 3
Sheep Mt
w r e5141
p
.. '
WIL EY & A S HAM
6.4.RM
Y ,
6q _
�L .....w.. FRS,
r l LJ rqr�
a7 e y �O
j r
4 �
ll1VY;"ti(
J.
z^2-A
FIGURE 6.4-2
WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION
r 3;
VEGETATION:
s [I.. Sand dunes and
n creosote scrub
Bajada
3. Riparian
4. Low desert
t n 5. High desert
6. Pinyon scrub and juniper
a J t UNIQUE WILDLIFE:
A. Kit Fox
s - 2 B. Coachella Valley
! g _ Fringed-Toad Lizard
f C. Flat-tailed Horned Lizard
SSE z .� D.California Big-Horn Sheep
f p
(A rare species)
{` s—D E. Desert Slender Salamander
(An endangered species)
<� I
SOURCE: Living Desert Museum
L
Ovaf„r` s NORTH A&
z i 0 1 2 Miles 3
! r saeze
A R. Dg`-tA I -
y
Y
1
• . �Y', 'Its i s�.
• I
. �F ♦♦i � � �'r \,�//j ,' \'.. -,'.. +.f� �. * =` ELM..�.
? .. ' 4 j s'1,., ^rfl4 • _ r •`.. ♦-.ram r ,�.' J
i.. ..w. ... .':`ter-..._.. :«•"?'y., ,�, `' ,;,� � #•.
j} fig •c,•� •. � ,,•"� �r� t„}►� •� � � ^/'.
(' w � •y
Vil
Ile
.
i Ova
Alf
P�3 f"' • a
�.d ► C`:'
..,:,` .tt - .f � pry � 1. .4 . � �y 4.'• � , '
•At- — ,-.FwAa;... �.� -��� .�s .•�,..�,.«-t�...(.i � •►,w .'T•w•- -F
The Desert Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps aridus) is con-
sidered a Federal and State endangered species. This sala-
mander, first discovered in 1969, is known to exist only in
Hidden Palm Canyon, a tributary of Deep Canyon, about 10 miles
south of Highway 111 . The habitat is on private proper-
ty, however , the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has been
requested to consider acquiring the quarter-section
where this animal occurs. Remainder of this section is
owned by the Bureau of Land Management.
There are three species of animals which, while not
listed in the California Fish and Game Department's
reports on endangered and rare fish and wildlife, l
can nevertheless be considered unique to the Palm
Desert area. The rarest animal in the category is
the Coachella Valley Fringed-Toed Lizard (Uma inornata)
which exists only in certain sand dune regions of the
western Coachella Valley. It is now threatened with
extinction as its habitat is rapidly being destroyed
by man. Another reptile, the Flattailed Horned Lizard
has been reported in sand dune areas and kit foxes
are sometimes seen on the Valley floor. Both of these
animals are quite rare in the Coachella Valley.
The topography and geomorphology (surface characteris-
tics of the earth) were a significant consideration for
three reasons: (1) the aesthetically pleasing contrast
between the Valley and the mountains; (2) the sand dune
environment, a rare and unique feature in deserts; (3)
the severe development limitations in the mountainous
areas resulting from steep slopes (see maps of non-
seismic hazards in Element 6.2, Public Safety) .
Natural hazards include consideration of areas affected
by both seismic and other hazards which could be of
potential danger to the public. These include flooding
and blowsand. (See maps of non-seismic hazards in
Element 6.2, Public Safety, and seismic response zones
in Element 6.4, Seismic Safety.)
2. Cultural Factors
Special attention was given to existing and proposed
public and private facilities (i .e. , parks, desert
corridors and golf courses) which appear in the Land
At the Crossroads, January 1972.
6.4.B.3
P
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••n l). a r'L «Ilm'r 4AAW
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Use and Public Facilities Elements. Bicycle, hiking,
and equestrian trails were also reviewed to determine
how they should tie into the proposed open space
system.
• Areas currently committed to open space have been
recognized as integral to the open space system.
These consist of the 14,000 acre Philip L. Boyd Deep
Canyon Research Center, the 360-acre Living Desert
Reserve, and the Big Horn Sheep Refuge which encom-
passes most of the mountain zone.
• Archaeologic materials which are likely to be jeopardized
by increased development are a significant concern.
The Archaeological Research Unit , Dry Lands Research
Institute of the University of California, Riverside,
conducted a literature search and identified two areas
of major archaeologic importance. Their summary stated
that,
". . .the high archaeological sensitivity of this
portion of the Coachella Valley cannot be over-
emphasized. The sites in the vicinity of Indian
Wells and Point Happy are significant in terms of
the materials that could be recovered and their
ramifications for reconstructing past subsis-
tence technologies, as well as the sites ' geo-
graphical situation on the edge of the Valley.
The latter is an important consideration in the
analysis of settlement patterns in this area of
the desert.''
Date Palm agricultural areas are rapidly disappearing
in the wake of urban expansion. They provide an
attractive unique character to the urban planning area.
The natural and cultural factors were compiled on one map which
identifies those areas most appropriate for open space and con-
servation (Figure 6.4-3) . They correspond to areas proposed for
open space and conservation in the Land Use Element.
6.4.B.4
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5. 4 FIGURE 6.43
CONSERVATION &
OPEN SPACE
1
2 t x 4 z c City Park
cD County Park
Windbreak
---- Drainage Channel
Desert Corridors
{ i 5D Sand Dune Preserve
i l
Hillside&Wildlife
,� ,� ,3 s �; Preserve 3
s , s, Srll.' Salamander Preserve
s
Institutional Use
° with Special open space character
ti School
fi~3i Palm Desert Unified School District
g
Core Area
Special treatment of
Streetscapes&pedestrian spaces
Date Palm Preserve
J
NORTH
" 0 1 2 Miles 3
WILSEY & HAM
6.4.B.4.a
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall
SUPPORT THE CONTINUED MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE
LIVING DESERT RESERVE AS A WILDLIFE PRESERVE AND MUSEUM OF
THE DESERTS NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT.
SUPPORT THE CONTINUED MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE
PHILIP L. BOYD DEEP CANYON RESEARCH CENTER AS A WILDLIFE
PRESERVE AND NATURAL LABORATORY.
SUPPORT THE MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIG HORN SHEEP
REFUGE MANAGED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE,
AND THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME AS AN ENCLO-
SURE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS OF THIS
RARE SPECIES.
SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF THE DESERT SLENDER SALAMANDER,
AN ENDANGERED SPECIES.
DESIGNATE THE SAND DUNE PARK SHOWN IN THE LAND USE ELEMENT AS
A WILDLIFE AND NATURAL PRESERVE, AND ESTABLISH THE FOLLOWING
CRITERIA FOR THIS AREA:
-- NO DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ALLOWED EXCEPT FOR NON- INTENSIVE
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS HIKING TRAILS AND
PICNICKING AREAS.
-- THE AREA SHOULD BE USED FOR EDUCATION PURPOSES WHICH
DEAL WITH THE UNIQUE SAND DUNE GEOMORPHOLOGY, FLORA AND
FAUNA.
DEVELOP NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY PARKS AS WELL AS EQUESTRIAN/
BICYCLE/HIKING TRAILS ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS AUTHORIZED IN
ELEMENT 7 - PUBLIC FACILITIES.
RETAIN THE ARCHAEOLOGIC SITES AT INDIAN WELLS, POINT HAPPY,
AND IN ANY AREAS WHERE POTENTIAL ARCHAEOLOGIC RESOURCES MAY
EXIST. CONSIDER THE PROTECTION OF THESE RESOURCES WHEN
DEVELOPMENT IS LIKELY TO OCCUR AS EITHER TEMPORARY OR PER-
MANENT OPEN SPACE .
-- THE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER A SITE, OR PORTION OF A
SITE , IS TO BE PERMANENTLY PRESERVED AS OPEN SPACE
SHOULD BE BASED ON EVIDENCE PROVIDED BY A PROFESSIONAL
ARCHAEOLOGIST. THIS EVIDENCE SHOULD BE COMPILED FROM A
THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE SITE IN QUESTION.
6.4.P. 1
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• STUDY THE PRESERVATION OF ALL EXISTING DATE PALM GROVES
DESIGNATED IN THE LAND USE ELEMENT AS BOTH AGRICULTURAL
RESERVES, AND/OR COMMUNITY PARKS. THE FEASIBILITY OF
DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SELECT GROVES SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED,
AS LONG AS PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT MAINTAINS THE CHARACTER OF
THE GROVES.
• DEVELOP A ''DESERT CORRIDOR'' SYSTEM (SEE FIGURE 6.4-3) UNDER
THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
-- DESIGN CORRIDORS AT SELECTED ENTRY POINTS (SEE FIGURE
2. 1 , URBAN DESIGN ABSTRACT) TO PROVIDE ''DESERT IMAGE''
FOR CITY AND TO ESTABLISH LINES BETWEEN MAJOR PARKS -
INCLUDING THE SAND DUNES.
-- SPECIFIC DESIGN FACTORS ARE TO BE DETERMINED BY FUTURE
STUDY.
-- THE AESTHETIC QUALITIES OF DESERT TOPOGRAPHY AND FLORA
ARE TO BE PRIMARY CONCERNS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
CORRIDOR SYSTEM.
-- CORRIDORS SHOULD BE WIDE ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN NATIVE
DESERT FLORA.
6.4.P•2
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44
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6.5 SCENIC HIGHWAYS ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Man' s increasing concern over the pollution of his surroundings has
led to an interest in developing highways which serve trans-
portation needs , as well as facilitate protection and awareness of
the environment. State law has now placed the responsibility on
local government to provide a Scenic Highways Element for the
preservation of visual amenities in both urban and rural areas.
This is an especially valuable tool in Palm Desert since it provides
an aid in preservation of the area ' s spectacular natural environment.
The Scenic Highway Element encompasses two primary divisions:
(1 ) the road and its right-of-way; and (2) the scenic corridor
extending out to variable distances beyond the right-of-way. The
scenic corridor completes the appearance or total composition of
the scenic highway.
The boundaries of the scenic corridor are usually delineated by the
range of visibility the motorist has from the highway.
6.5. i . i
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141
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44
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE VISUAL ASPECTS OF URBAN AND RURAL HIGH-
WAY TRAVEL.
Objective
DESIGNATE SCENIC HIGHWAYS WHERE COMPONENTS OF THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
RELATE TO SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT.
6.5.G. 1
BACKGROUND
The element deals with two classifications of scenic highways.
These are defined as;
• Rural scenic highways - routes that traverse defined visual
corridors within which natural scenic resources are found.
Such areas provide recreational value resulting from their
scenic beauty.
Urban scenic highways - routes that traverse an urban area
within a defined visual corridor. They offer a view of
attractive and exciting urban scenes.
The designation of scenic highways within Palm Desert and its
Sphere of influence has been based on the goals and objectives.
(Figure 6.5-1 , Regional Scenic Highways and Figure 6.5-2, Scenic
Highways in the Palm Desert Planning Area.) Consideration was
also given to the Scenic Corridor Elements of the City of Palm
Springs General Plan. This element proposes scenic highways far
outside the range of Palm Springs planning area. To be successfully
implemented it requires the cooperation of the County of Riverside
and all the cities within the Coachella Valley.
Legislation to eliminate the State's responsibility for the desig-
nation of scenic highways will be presented during the next session
of the State legislature (January 1 , 1975) . The California Depart-
ment of Transportation anticipates that this legislation will be
passed and approved within the first six months of 1975.
Problems
County scenic highway programs do not provide funding to
achieve program objectives.
Control of the visual quality of all areas within appropriate
scenic corridors will involve the commitment of City Staff
resources to a design guideline and review process.
• Designation of the specific limits of each recommended scenic
highway corridor was beyond the scope of resources available
during preparation of the City's initial General Plan.
• Definitions of ''rural'' versus ''urban'' character require
definitions related to specific standards as well as philo-
sophical intent.
6.5.B. 1
• TWENTYNINE
PALMS
••• HWY 62
•
••�j
•
•
Z
•
•
•
•NN N
ti ••
�y
�1J PALM
SPRINGS
IL
INDIO
IL
PALM
'sue b DESERT 11 •
COACHELLA HERMAL 5 INTERSTATE 10
19
Z MECCA
HWY 71 ��� • Y 111
IPT oft
PLANNING
AREA
'y�yy SALTON SEA
�9
FIGURE 6.5-1
REGIONAL SCENIC HIGHWAYS
Existing official scenic routes
Proposed official scenic routes in the
NNN•N State Master Plan of Scenic Highways
Proposed official scenic routes by the
Palm Springs Scenic Corridor Element
Scale: 0 1 2 3 Miles Source: City of Palm Springs
6.5_B.1 a
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HIGHWAY / ELPASEO COKKIUUR
FIGURE 6.5-2
SCENIC HIGHWAYS IN THE
PALM DESERT PLANNING AREA
Regional
Scenic Highway
Local
Scenic Highway
NORTH
0 1 2 Miles 3
WILSEY & HAM
6.5.B.1.b
Opportunities
Because of the extent of undeveloped land the City can pre-
serve the visual qualities of its scenic highway corridors
through appropriate design guidelines and review processes.
• Palm Desert can establish and maintain appropriate liaison
with the County, City of Palm Springs, and other cities in
the Coachella Valley so that the roads it wishes to develop as
scenic highways can fit into areawide plans and potential
funding programs.
6.5.B.2
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IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The City shall :
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ROADS (SEE FIGURE 6.5-2) AS THE KEY
ELEMENTS OF THE REGIONAL SCENIC HIGHWAY SYSTEM.
-- Interstate 10: This road provides unique views of both
mountains and desert vistas.
-- Bob Hope Drive : This highway is the major link between
Highway 111 and the City' s Core Area , Eisenhower Medical
Center and Interstate 10. The highway will become a
major factor in the City' s continued urban expansion.
-- Highway 111 : A section of Highway 111 ties Bob Hope
Drive with access to the San Jacinto Mountains from
Highway 74. It can provide an impressive contrast
between the mountains to the south and urban areas in
the Valley floor to the north.
-- Highway 74: This highway is a major entrance to scenic
and recreation areas in the San Jacinto Mountains.
Successive biotic provinces are viewed as the road
progresses from the desert floor to pine forests.
-- Monterey Avenue from Interstate 10 to Highway 111 : this
road forms a continuous link from Highway 74 to
Interstate 10,
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ROADS (SEE FIGURE 6.5-2) AS KEY
ELEMENTS OF THE LOCAL SCENIC HIGHWAYS SYSTEM.
-- Highway 44
-- Country Club Drive
-- Frank Sinatra/Portola
-- Cook Street
DEFINE SPECIFIC VISUAL LIMITS TO THE IDENTIFIED SCENIC HIGHWAY
CORRIDORS BASED ON, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
-- TOPOGRAPHIC LIMITS OF SIGNIFICANT VIEW
-- EXTENT OF VIEW TO SIGNIFICANT LANDMARKS
-- EXTENT OF VIEW TO EDGES OF LAND USES WHICH MAY DEFINE A
CORRIDOR EDGE.
DEVELOP SPECIFIC DESIGN GUIDELINE AND REVIEW POLICIES RELATED
TO THE EXTENT, HEIGHT, CHARACTER AND QUALITY OF DEVELOPMENT
WITHIN VISUAL CORRIDORS.
6.5.P. 1
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COORDINATE SCENIC HIGHWAY PLANNING WITH THE CONSERVATION AND
OPEN SPACE PLAN AND THE CIRCULATION PLAN.
COORDINATE SCENIC HIGHWAY PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION WITH
THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND CITIES IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY.
6.5.P.2
7. Public Facilities
Element
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City of Palm Desert General Plan
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7 PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Public facilities form a vital part of a city 's quality of life for
both individuals and groups. A society 's basic needs for health,
education, welfare, safety, and recreation are met in large part
by the community 's public facilities . The types of such facilities,
their relationship to one another, and appropriate patterns of
location are a response to the desires and needs of the people
they serve as well as a reflection of the technological and organi-
zation resources available.
For the most part, public facilities, as a service to be provided to
the residents, follow rather than lead development. Since the City
is highly involved in the location and timing of development it must
also concern itself with the provision of services for these develop-
ments even though many of these services are not provided by the
City. itself:.
Thus , in developing a general plan for a community it is important
that public facilities be developed in a manner which both fulfill
the needs and desires of the residents and responds to the pace and
location of residential development according to the city's financial
resources and funding policies. In this context , the Public Facilities
Element suggests standards and policies for various public facilities.
Note that Waste Management and Recreation Elements are included as
subsections of this element.
7. i . 1
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iir:;'. •'ala ;4:._ �'' :r.._ Adkm . +. „Luz;, .:. . •: .;,•r �•.r� -t .:M R s. . .#IIY�..� dMs'l;.AL
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES THAT ARE
RELATED TO CITIZEN NEEDS , ARE ECONOMICAL, AND ARE CONVENIENT.
Objectives
COORDINATE THE PLANNING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND UTILITIES
WITH ALL SPECIAL DISTRICTS TO ENSURE THAT DUPLICATION IS
AVOIDED SO THAT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH CAN BE ADEQUATELY
SERVED.
ENCOURAGE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ON A CONTINUING BASIS AS A MEANS
OF IDENTIFYING PUBLIC FACILITY NEEDS AND STANDARDS FOR FACILITIES .
DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR THE PROVISION OF PARKS AND OTHER PUBLIC
FACILITIES.
AS THE CITY DEVELOPS, CREATE AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE BETWEEN CITY-
PROVIDED AND CONTRACT SERVICES.
ENSURE THAT PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT OVERLOAD EXISTING PUBLIC
FACILITIES OR CREATE THE NEED FOR PREMATURE UNPLANNED INVESTMENTS
IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CITY AND DISTRICTS SERVICING THE
CITY.
DISTRIBUTE FACILITIES AND SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE CITY TO PROVIDE
CONVENIENT ACCESS.
ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE COMMUNITY FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE BEFORE
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IS APPROVED SO TO ENSURE THAT FACILITIES ARE
NOT OVERLOADED AND AREAS ARE NOT LEFT UNSERVED.
7-G. I
BACKGROUND
Parks
Developed recreational areas within Palm Desert are presently at a
minimum. With the exceptions of the Living Desert Reserve, the
facilities provided at the local schools, and the City Park on Painter' s
Path, no public recreational facilities exist within the City.
Libraries
The Palm Desert Library, constructed in 1962, is a branch of the
Riverside Public Library/Riverside County Free Library system. The
library contains a book collection of approximately 20,000 volumes
and provides, in addition to its regular book lending services,
regularly scheduled programs, films, circulating phonograph records,
photocopy service, and school visits.
Hospitals
Health facilities within the region are numerous with the Eisenhower
Medical Center and Palm Springs Hospital providing the most extensive
service at the local level .
Water
Water is supplied to Palm Desert by the Coachella Valley County
Water District (CVCWD) and Palm Desert Community Service District
from its various wells scattered throughout the area. The District
has started a recharge program utilizing water obtained from the Metro-
politan Water District which is released into the Whitewater Channel and
allowed to percolate into the soil and thus add to the water table.
Major additions to the Palm Desert water system during recent years
have included construction of the million gallon Sandpiper Reservoir
at Salt Cedar and Desert Lily, a one million gallon reservoir in the
Thunderbird Country Club, together with a 2.5 million gallon reservoir
to be constructed nearby in December 1975, and 2.5 million gallon
reservoir on Alamo south of Homestead with an accompanying major
pumping facility.
Sewage System
The CVCWD also has responsibility for waste water treatment within the
Palm Desert area. While a large portion of the area continues to util-
ize septic tanks , a system of treatment plants and their collector sys-
tems is being developed. At present, the Palm Desert Country Club
treatment plant is the only district-owned plant in operation. A new
activated sludge treatment plant is nearing completion north of Cook
Street above the stormwater channel . Regional wastewater collection
lines have been installed to serve the City. This plant has an
7.B. 1
initial capacity of 2.5 million gallons per day with an
ultimate capacity of 20 mgd. This plant is expected to serve the
urbanized area between Indian Wells and Cathedral City.
Schools
Public schools in Palm Desert are under the jurisdiction of the Desert
Sands Unified School District. Three schools are presently operating
within the City; Washington (grades K-2) ; Lincoln (grades 3-5) ; and
the Palm Desert Middle School (grades 6-8) . High school students
attend school in Indio. A high school site has been selected at the
northwest corner of Cook Street and Avenue 44 but construction is not
anticipated for at least another five years .
Solid Waste Disposal
The Palm Desert Disposal Service provides solid waste pick-up service
in the Palm Desert area for both residential and commercial users .
Solid waste is transported to the land fill site five miles
southeast of Desert Hot Springs which is operated by Riverside
County. No new sites are anticipated as being necessary for the
expected population growth of the area although the company does
desire to set up a transfer station in the Palm Desert area to reduce
transportation costs.
Cultural Center
The College of the Desert has begun a program to develop a cultural
center which will hopefully lead to a center for the performing arts .
The center, which is presently estimated to be a 6. 5 million dollar
project, will have, as its first phase, the construction of a 2,500
seat auditorium with services for performing groups . The second
phase will concentrate on both music and the visual arts .
Police Protection
Police protection is provided by the Riverside County Sheriff' s
Department. The Sheriff's Department provides response service
to requests for service and investigatory services in criminal
cases.
The initial agreement between the City and the Sheriff' s Depart-
ment for law enforcement services was to start with the minimum
level of service that was provided to the area prior to incorpora-
tion by the Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol .
This is the present staffing pattern.
The Sheriff's Department has the capability of providing, through
contract, any level of law enforcement desired by the City.
7.6.2
A contract for law enforcement services can be written for any
level desired by the City which would provide for proper con-
trols by both parties. Constant review of the service is an admin-
istrative function which is accomplished. The results of the review
is the subject of discussion with the City and the basis for action
of upgrading.
A number of private developments additionally provide internal
security services for their residents.
Problems
Lack of adequate facilities for civic and cultural activities .
Need area for group meetings, theatrical productions, etc.
Lack of space for governmental services .
Need for adequate local parks .
Need to reduce transportation costs of solid waste disposal .
Opportunities
Potential for recreational activities at Living Desert preserve
and a sand dunes park.
Great latitude in the location of public facility sites and the
possibilities for achieving optimum locations .
Public services may be utilized not only to provide convenient
and efficient service but also a framework for developing the
City 's "image".
Public Facilities Concepts
The major focus within the Public Facilities Element is to develop
a well integrated system of public services throughout the City.
Rather than attempt to develop a single centered system, the emphasis
is, whenever feasible, on a localized program through a multi-centered
approach. The intent is to bring the services to the people instead
of requiring the people to go to the services . As cities grow at the
rapid pace that Palm Desert has, there is a frequent concern on the
part of the residents that the pending "bigness" of the community
will no longer allow them ready and easy access to their public
servants. The policies within this element address this concern.
Inherent as well within the concept of Public Facilities in Palm Desert
is the development of a program of public services that will be economi -
cal and at the same time reflect the service needs and desires of the
City's residents. Figure 7-1 indicates a variety of public facilities
which may be either publicly or privately provided within the City
as well as provide a reference for facilities which could be con-
sidered within the design of the individual neighborhoods in Palm
Desert.
7.13.3
i
PUBLIC FACILITY STANDARDS
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IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
GENERAL ELEMENT POLICIES
The City shall :
PROVIDE FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF REGION SERVING COUNTY, STATE
AND FEDERAL FACILITIES ADJACENT TO PALM DESERT CIVIC CENTER.
WORK CLOSELY WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE THE JOINT USE
OF FACILITIES AS NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SERVICE CENTERS FOR INFOR-
MATION, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF JOINT FACILITIES FOR POLICE AND FIRE
SERVICE WHERE ACTIVITIES CAN OCCUR ON A NONINTERFERING BASIS.
WORK WITH OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES AND LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO
DEVELOP MULTIFUNCTIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE CENTERS IN KEY LOCATIONS
THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
PERIODICALLY SURVEY RESIDENTS TO DETERMINE PERCEIVED LEVELS OF
SERVICE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO IDENTIFY SHORT-
COMINGS.
AWARD CONTRACTS TO PUBLIC AGENCIES OR PRIVATE CONTRACTORS IN ORDER
TO REDUCE COSTS AND ENCOURAGE INNOVATION IN PROVISION OF COMMUNITY
FACILITIES AND SERVICES.
CONTRACT WITH OTHER ENTITIES, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, WHEN APPROPRIATE,
FOR THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES WHEN THE SERVICES
PROVIDED ARE MORE ECONOMICAL OR SUPERIOR QUALITY, MORE AVAILABLE
OR ACCESSIBLE, OR WILL GENERALLY SERVE THE NEEDS OF ALL OR PORTIONS
OF PALM DESERT.
REQUIRE THAT ALL DEVELOPMENT BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH OTHER CITY PLANS
AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS; PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE
NECESSARY SERVICES TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THAT DEVELOPMENT. ANY
DEVELOPMENT THAT IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CITY PLANS WILL ADDI -
TIONALLY PROVIDE FOR THE NECESSARY MODIFICATION OF SERVICES TO
ACCOMMODATE THAT UNPLANNED NEED .
NOT ALLOW DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT ENSURING THAT COMMUNITY FACILITIES SUCH
AS SCHOOLS, POLICE PROTECTION, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, WILL BE AVAIL-
ABLE FOR THAT DEVELOPMENT AT A LEVEL REQUIRED FOR THAT DEVELOPMENT.
RECREATION ELEMENT POLICIES
UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS IN GUIDING PARK AND RECREATION
PLANNING:
-- THE TERM ''NEIGHBORHOOD PARK'' SHALL MEAN ANY AREA OF LAND SET
ASIDE AND IMPROVED SPECIFICALLY AS A HIGH ACTIVITY AREA, THE
PRIMARY USE BEING FOR CHILDREN FIVE AND OVER WITHIN IMMEDIATE
WALKING DISTANCE OF RELATED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
7.P. 1
-- THE TERM "SMALL PLAY AREA" SHALL MEAN ANY AREA OF LAND THAT
HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR RECREATIONAL USE, SPECIFICALLY FOR
PRE-TEEN CHILDREN.
-- THE TERM "REST AREA" SHALL MEAN ANY AREA OF LAND THAT HAS
BEEN SPECIFICALLY SET ASIDE AND IMPROVED TO PROVIDE REST
AND RELAXATION TO PEDESTRIAN OR NON MOTOR TRAFFIC . REST
AREAS CONSIST OF PERMANENT FACILITIES IN HARMONY WITH THEIR
CONTIGUOUS ENVIRONMENT.
-- THE TERM "DESERTBELT" SHALL MEAN ANY CONTIGUOUS AREA OF LAND
THAT HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY SET ASIDE AND IMPROVED TO PROVIDE
FOR PEDESTRIAN AND NON-VEHICULAR PATHS AND TRAILS OR AS
PASSIVE LANDSCAPED SPACE.
-- THE TERM "COMMUNITY RECREATION PARK" IS AN AREA SERVING A
COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING OUTDOOR AND INDOOR FACILITIES TO
MEET A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF RECREATION INTERESTS THAN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION PARK AND IS PRIMARILY AN AREA FOR
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS .
-- THE TERM "REGIONAL PARK" SHALL MEAN ANY LARGE OPEN SPACE
AREA WHICH MAKES PROVISION FOR RECREATIONAL AND LESISURE
TIME ACTIVITIES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY
AS WELL AS THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
REQUIRE DEVELOPER DEDICATION OF PARK SPACE OR FEE IN LIEU AT THE
RATE OF 4. 5 ACRES PER 1 ,000 POPULATION FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS .
(SEE FIGURE 7-2 ) .
PURCHASE ADDITIONAL ACREAGES AT THE RATE OF 2 .0 ACRES PER 1 ,000
POPULATION FOR COMMUNITY PARKS . (SEE FIGURE 7-2)
ALLOW FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THE HEREIN MENTIONED STANDARDS TO REFLECT
THE VARYING NEEDS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WHEN DETERMINING PARK
ACREAGE AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH NEIGHBORHOOD.
UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR NEIGHBOR-
HOOD RECREATIONAL PARKS:
-- LAND DEDICATED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION PARK PURPOSES MAY
BE DEDICATED TO A COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION FOR PRIVATE MAINTEN-
ANCE OR TO THE CITY FOR PUBLIC MAINTENANCE , AT THE OPTION
OF THE CITY. WHEN SAID NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ARE PRIVATELY
OWNED AND MAINTAINED, STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC NEIGH-
BORHOOD PARKS SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO PRIVATE OWNED AND
MAINTAINED NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS. DETERMINATION AS TO THE
QUALITY OF MAINTENANCE SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT SERVICES .
7.P.2
FIGURE 7 - 2
PARK NEEDS
NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN COMMUNITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
CITY LIMITS ACREAGE ACREAGE
1 6.4 14.3
2 3.2 7.3
3 3.9 8.7
4 6.7 15. 1
5 2.9 6.6
6 2.6 5.9
7 12.2 27.5
8 -- --
11 2.9 6.6
WITHIN SPHERE OF
INFLUENCE
7 --
8 4.5 10. 1
9 10.0 22.5
10 10.4 23.3
11 18.8 42.3
12 15.6 35.2
13 9.7 21 .9
14 7.8 17.4
15 -- --
16 3.3 7.5
17 7.5 16.9
18 8.4 18.9
19 9.6 21 .6
20 1 .4 3.2
21 1 .8 4.0
22 4.0 9.1
23 1 .8 4.o
24 2.7 6.o
25 1 .5 3.4
Total : 159.6 359.3
NOTE: The park needs are developed on the basis of projected populations
and may be revised as a result of development of neighborhood
specific plans.
7.P.2.a
-- ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND FACILITIES SHALL BE MADE AND CONSTRUCTED
BY THE DEVELOPER, OR WHEN A FEE IS PAID IN LIEU OF DEDICATION,
BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET AND PROVIDE THE SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS.
-- ENTIRE PARK AREAS SHALL BE GRADED AND IMPROVEMENTS SHALL
INCLUDE ADEQUATE DRAINAGE, LAWN, SHRUBS, TREES, AUTOMATIC
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS , CONCRETE WALKWAYS AND WALKWAY LIGHTS .
-- FURTHER, THE DETAILED LANDSCAPE AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION
EMPLOYED BY THE CITY SHALL BE INCORPORATED.
-- NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS SHALL BE LOCATED CENTRALLY TO THE RESID-
ENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVED.
-- WHEN CENTRALIZATION CAN BE ACHIEVED, NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
SHOULD ADJOIN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OR SCHOOL SITE. SUCH
PARKS SHALL BE A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF THE SCHOOL GROUND.
-- MINIMUM SIZE OF EACH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SHALL BE SIX (6)
ACRES AND NOT EXCEED TWELVE (12) ACRES, EXCLUDING TOT LOTS
AND DESERTBELTS.
-- SERVICE AREA OF NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS SHALL BE ONE QUARTER TO
ONE HALF MILE; IN NO CASE SHALL THE FARTHEST DWELLING UNIT
SERVED BE A GREATER DISTANCE THAN THREE QUARTERS OF A MILE.
-- ALL IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THE DIRECTOR OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ACCORDING TO THESE ADOPTED CRITERIA.
-- MINIMUM IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT NECESSARILY BE
LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
--- ENTIRE AREA SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROPOSED
CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND SHALL INCLUDE GRADING,
LANDSCAPING AND PROVISIONS FOR ADEQUATE DRAINAGE
--- FOOT PATHS SHALL BE OF CONDITIONED LOCAL MATERIALS
--- ONE TWO-ACRE SITE WHICH SHALL BE PLANTED AND MAIN-
TAINED AS A GRASSY AREA
--- TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:
CHILDREN' S PLAY AREA IN ADDITION TO TOT LOTS
SWIMMING POOL (AT THE RATE OF 1 /2 SQ. FT. PER PERSON
FOR AREA SERVED)
TENNIS COURTS (AT THE RATE OF 1 FOR EACH 2O00 PERSONS)
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL, FOOTBALL AREA (AT THE RATE OF 1
BASEBALL DIAMOND PER 6000 PEOPLE; 1 SOFTBALL DIAMOND FOR
EACH 6000 PEOPLE; 1 FOOTBALL/SOCCER FIELD FOR EACH
1500 PEOPLE)
BASKETBALL/VOLLEYBALL AREAS
--- WHEN A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SERVES A PREDOMINANTLY RETIRE-
MENT COMMUNITY, A MULTI PURPOSE COMMUNITY CENTER
7.P.3
BUILDING MAY BE PROVIDED IN LIEU OF THE RECREATIONAL
IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED IN THE ABOVE ITEM.
-- IN PRIVATELY OWNED NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, PUBLIC ACCESS
SHALL BE LIMITED TO GREENBELTS , PATHS AND TRAILS, AND
ACCESS RESTRICTED TO HOMEOWNERS AND THEIR GUESTS .
UNDER AGREEMENT WITH THE HOMEOWNERS ' ASSOCIATION,
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO
CLUBHOUSES, CHANGING ROOMS, POOLS, TENNIS COURTS ,
BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COURTS AND OPEN PLAYFIELD
ACTIVITIES MAY BE USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC .
-- WHEN DEVELOPMENT IS IMPENDING AND FEES WILL BE PAID
IN LIEU OF DEDICATION, THE CITY SHALL, WHENEVER
POSSIBLE, OBTAIN FIXED PRICE OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE
THE LAND TO BE DEVELOPED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK.
SA-ID OPTIONS SHALL BE EXERCISED WHEN FEES ARE COL-
LECTED. WHEN SUCH OPTIONS ARE HELD BY THE CITY,
THE FEES IN LIEU OF DEDICATION MAY BE DETERMINED
BY A PRORATED SHARE OF THE TOTAL OPTION PRICE .
-- ADEQUATE PARKING FACILITIES SHALL BE PROVIDED.
UTILIZE, THE FOLLOWING GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR COM-
MUNITY PARKS .
-- SERVICE AREAS OF COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL BE ONE HALF TO
THREE MILES OR A MAXIMUM OF FOUR SQUARE MILES WITHIN THE
CITY.
-- WHENEVER POSSIBLE, COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL BE ORIENTED
TOWARDS SERVING THE NEEDS OF ONE OR MORE NEIGHBORHOODS .
-- COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL PROVIDE SUCH FACILITIES AS, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, COMPETITION SIZE SWIMMING POOLS, TENNIS COURTS,
FIELD ORIENTED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BASEBALL, FOOTBALL,
SOCCER AND OTHER COMPARABLE ACTIVE SPORTS.
-- SUCH PARKS MAY INCLUDE SPECIAL PURPOSE AREAS SUCH AS, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ECOLOGICAL PRESERVES, MUNICIPAL GOLF
COURSES, PICNIC AREAS AND GARDENS, PROVIDING THAT THE
PARK AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL, IN
THE EVALUATION OF DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES,
HAVE BEEN MET.
-- COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL PROVIDE A RECREATION CENTER, THE
FACILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MULTI PURPOSE CLASS
AND ASSEMBLY ROOMS, FOOD PREPARATION FACILITIES, GENERAL
STORAGE SPACES, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SPACES, REST ROOMS.
7.P.4
AND CHANGE FACILITIES AND/OR GYMNASIUM.
-- ADEQUATE PARKING SHALL BE PROVIDED.
ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOT LOTS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS
ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING GENERAL STANDARDS:
-- ONE MULTI PURPOSE PLAN STRUCTURE SHALL BE INSTALLED IN
EACH TOT LOT,
-- TOT LOTS ARE TO BE INTEGRATED INTO DESERTBELTS OR NEIGHBOR-
HOOD PARKS .
-- WHEN TOT-.LOTS ARE LOCATED NEXT TO A PUBLIC STREET, A FENCE
WITH VERTICAL MEMBERS NOT MORE THAN TWELVE INCHES APART
SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED.
-- PLAY AREAS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF DRAINED SAND AND/OR
GRASS . ALL SAND AREAS SHALL BE AT LEAST 18 INCHES DEEP.
-- PLAY AREAS SHALL BE ADEQUATELY LANDSCAPED TO PROVIDE SHADE
AND RELIEF FROM THE SUN, AND BE IN THE SPIRIT AND INTENT
OF THIS SECTION.
-- A WATERING SYSTEM SHALL BE PROVIDED TO WET THE SAND AND
PLANTINGS.
-- A MINIMUM OF TWO BENCHES SHALL BE PROVIDED AND PLACED IN
SUCH A MANNER AS TO FACILIATE SUPERVISION OF PLAY WITHIN
THE TOT LOT SITE .
ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF REST AREAS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS
ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING GENERAL STANDARDS :
-- MINIMUM SIZE OF EACH AREA SHALL BE ONE QUARTER ACRE.
-- REST AREAS ARE TO BE LOCATED AT THREE QUARTER MILE INTERVALS
ACCESSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
-- IMPROVEMENTS SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO THE
FOLLOWING:
--- BENCHES AT LEAST TWO IN NUMBER
--- LANDSCAPING, CONGRUENT WITH THE SPIRIT AND INTENT
OF THIS SECTION
--- WATER FOUNTAIN FACILITIES
--- SHADE PRODUCING FACILITIES OR LANDSCAPING
7. P. 5
CULTURAL AND CIVIC FACILITIES
• ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONALLY ORIENTED CULTURAL
CENTER IN COOPERATION WITH THE COLLEGE OF THE DESERT,
CONTINUE WORK TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CIVIC CENTER IN
PALM DESERT WHICH WILL SERVE RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND
GOVERNMENTAL SERVICE NEEDS.
SCHOOLS
CONTINUE TO COORDINATE NEIGHBORHOOD AND DISTRICT PLANNING
WITH THE DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SO THAT
SCHOOL SITES MAY BE RESERVED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS IN
PHASE WITH NEW DEVELOPMENT.
LIBRARIES
• PROVIDE LIBRARY SPACE AT THE RATE OF ONE SQUARE FOOT PER 5
RESIDENTS BY MEANS OF EITHER A COUNTY OR CITY LIBRARY SYSTEM.
SEWAGE SYSTEM
ESTABLISH A CALENDAR FOR CONVERTING EACH AREA FROM SEPTIC
TANKS TO A SEWER SYSTEM.
REQUIRE ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION TO PROVIDE SEWER SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
TO STREET.
ALLOW NEW DEVELOPMENTS ONLY WHERE SEWAGE SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING SOLID WASTE
COLLECTIONS AS A CITY SERVICE.
• COORDINATE THE LOCATION FOR LANDFILL OPERATIONS WITH THE
COUNTY TO EXCLUDE THOSE AREAS WHICH WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO
EITHER DEVELOPED OR OPEN SPACE AREAS.
DEVELOP DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION STUDIES REGARDING THE NEED,
TIMING, AND LOCATIONAL CRITERIA FOR TRANSFER STATIONS WITHIN
THE PLANNING AREA.
WATER
ALLOW NEW DEVELOPMENT ONLY WHEN SUFFICIENT WATER IS AVAILABLE
TO MEET DOMESTIC USE A'S WELL AS FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS.
7.P.6
REQUIRE THE COACHELLA VALLEY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT TO MEET
ALL CODE REGULATIONS REGARDING WATER PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
FOR DOMESTIC USE AND FIRE PROTECTION.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
DEVELOP A DRAINAGE SYSTEM PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE BY
UPDATING AND IMPROVING ON THE ''REPORT ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FOR SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE FOR THE PALM DESERT AREA'' PREPARED
IN 1968.
REQUIRE NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO HANDLE DRAINAGE PROBLEMS WITHIN
THEIR OWN PROPERTY.
POLICE PROTECTION
ESTABLISH LOCAL REPRESENTATION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
IN THE CITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE AND PURSUE THOSE ACTIONS WHICH WOULD LEAD
TO GREATER COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE LOCAL
CITIZENRY AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL OF THE CITY.
7.P.7
8. Implementation
Element
,
City of Palm Desert General Plan
8 IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The General Plan provides both a physical and policy framework for the
development of the City of Palm Desert. Each element of the plan re-
commends a series of action policies that should guide the City' s de-
lopment decisions. These policies are based on two major assumptions
including:
1 . The assumption that certain aspects of the existing
development pattern should either be strengthened or
changed to create a development pattern consistent with
the stated goals and objectives.
2. The assumption that the City must exercise certain options
regarding public and private development within the unde-
veloped portions of the City and Sphere to move toward
achievement of stated goals and objectives.
The purpose of the Implementation Element is to provide a context for
the necessary planning and programming that must take place to achieve the
action policies. More importantly the Implementation Element indicates
the interrelationships required between the various implementation pro-
grams and the General Plan.
8. i . 1
BACKGROUND
General Plan/Program Relationships
Figure 8-1 illustrates the basic relationships between the General
Plan and key short term implementation tools . It should be noted
that the relationship illustrated in the diagram is cyclical . This
is due to the difference in the time frame and level of detail
between the eneral lan and its implementation programs . The
General Plan is a long range plan (time frame 2020) and the implemen-
tation programs are short term programs with specific objectives .
Studies conducted for short term programs may suggest modifications
to the General Plan which may in turn suggest adjustments within the
implementation programs and short term programs with specific
objectives . The key relationships in the diagram include:
1 . The relationship between the General Plan, capital
budgets, and operating budgets .
2. The relationship of the General Plan to specific
plans.
3. The relationship between the General Plan, specific
plans, the capital improvements program, zoning,
and subdivision regulations .
Major Plan Proposals Requiring Action
The major proposals included in the Plan that will require public
action include:
1 . Public facilities development.
2. Modifications to the circulation network.
3. Open space conservation and park development.
4. Strengthening the Core Area.
5. Development of a land use regulation system.
6. Development of an overall community housing program.
Alternative Courses of Action
There are a series of alternative programs that must be analyzed
and ultimately carried out to implement the action policies recom-
mended in the General Plan Elements and summarized above. These
include:
1 . Detailed System Plans for specific program elements
including parks, open space, circulation and public
facilities .
8.6. 1
IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
DETAILED SYSTEM PLANS
GENERALPLAN
GOALS
OBJECTIVES
ACTION POLICIES
STANDARDS SHORT-RANGE PHASING
ADOPTED PROGRAMS
GENERAL
SYSTEM
PLANS CAPITAL
LONG-RANGE PROGRAM/ OPERATING
PHASING BUDGET PROGRAM/
BUDGET
POTENTIAL
IMPLEMENTATION
TECHNIQUES&
PROGRAMS
REDEVEL-
ZONING/ OPMENT
SUBDIVISION SPECIFIC
ORDINANCES PLANS
FIGURE 8-1
GENERAL PLAN / IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM RELATIONSHIP
WILSEY & HAM
8.B.1.a
2. Specific Area Plans for selected portions of the City.
3. Capital Improvement (Investment) Programs , for the
extension of the circulation network and other public
facilities.
4. Redevelopment in selected areas such as the Core Area.
5. Assessment Districts for various types of public
improvements.
6. Land Development Regulations.
7. Timing and phasing procedures for land development to
ensure that private development is coordinated with
major public investments .
Each of these elements and the required areas for action arc
identified below.
System Plans
The General Plan provides a framework for each of the major physical
systems within the City and Sphere. Detailed system plans are
required to respond to the more fine grain aspects of these public
systems . System plans should be developed for.
The highway network.
The network of Nature Preserves
The park system.
The bike path/golf cart path network.
The hiking and equestrian trail network.
The streetscape and street landscaping network including the
desert corridors .
Specific Area Plans
Specific area plans illustrate how the principals of the General
Plan may be realized at the development and site planning scale.
Specific Plans should be developed for:
The area surrounding the College of the Desert.
The northern blowsand/sand dune areas.
8.13.2
The southern hill and mountain areas.
Each. of the City 's neighborhoods .
Capital Improvement Programs
The Capital Improvement Program is a short term statement of public
development policy. It outlines the City' s investment strategy in
relation to the physical components of the General Plan, and
places fiscal priorities on the recommended General Plan programs.
The Capital Improvement Program for Palm Desert should include:
A summary of projects complete.
A summary of proposed projects.
A financial analysis of the program including funding sources
for program recommendations and the capabilities of the City
to fund the various programs.
A year by year description of the projects and their resul -
tant financial requirements.
A summary of progress toward realization of General Plan
Objectives .
Community Development/Redevelopment
Selected areas of Palm Desert exhibit problems that currently have
a negative influence on the area's development to its full potential .
Problems that may limit the development of an area include items
such as parcelization, circulation and flooding. Redevelopment
Programs represent a potential tool for solution of these negative
factors in locations such as the Core Area .
Assessment Districts
Assessment Districts formed by the City provide an opportunity to
add a variety of public improvements in selected areas . The
various types of improvement districts available are discussed in
the Interim Core Area Plan.
Land Development Regulations
The most common legal mechanism for the regulation of land use
include zoning and subdivision controls . In the case of both
types of regulations the purpose must be to provide standards
for development of private land that is consistent with the
General Plan.
8.B.3
Timing and Development Phasing
As Palm Desert begins to accept a large share of the Coachella
Valley population growth, it will be essential to relate antici-
pated development to the ability of all impacted governmental
agencies to provide essential services and facilities . The
relationship established must provide a method to relate devel-
opment that occurs or is proposed to public investment programs
without creating premature or unplanned public expenditures.
Potentials for phasing General Plan development include:
Creating a logical pattern for the extension of major
public facilities„
Creating a compact urban form that discourages premature
development of outlying areas .
Tying Programs to Action
This section of the Implementation Element illustrates a
program for matching the major Plan recommendations to
potentially available implementation techniques. In short,
it combines the sections of this Element concerning ''Pro-
posals Requiring Action" and "Alternative Courses of Action."
In addition to combining programs and actions, the matrix
included in Figure 8-2 indicates a framework for funding the
proposed actions. Thus, the matrix represents the framework
for City implementation programs, consisting of a pattern
of recommended public programs and expenditures based on
the physical expression of major Plan objectives.
8.B.4
' - I
C C
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u p
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X a a
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E a E x E X E.u 3 w u v - w E u a, u ¢ u % H w m•- C O
p O N L 01 - Y >•- 0/ 01 M > N > 01 N Of 0I T�- N d a m a E a a N pOp
u
c� F N L p L �L > O L ._^ u c— u¢ 3 N O c u 0) L o 01
01 M pf 0/ u C L u 1 01 - O� V ._ - C L (.� C L 0) C L W U O W a
PLAN o > o m o N N N 3 a N c v a a o a o+v •C M L M ¢ o > •- t c
0) N •- O E•- O N N E 0) 01 O N O O•- > 0 O •- N O Ot u
PROPOSALS x o aL v�aL co ¢o a—o z u—a ut z o ri¢ u�-x u o u¢ '¢ o i o3 c
Arterial Streets • • •
Local Streets • • •
Streetscape • • • •
Core Area Parking • • • • • •
Core Area Plazas • • •
Core Area Streetscapes • • • • •
Local Tram System •
Transit System • •
Open Space System • •
W Park Proposals • • • •
d Civic Center • •
Public Facilities • • •
Core Area Revitalization • • • •
Housing Maintenance • •
Moderate Income Housing •
Desert Corridors • • •
Density Control • •
Bicycle b Golf Cart Paths • • •
Annexation • • •
Drainage Improvements • • •
Scenic Highways • • • •
FIGURE 8-2 (The matrix indicates the major
options available for tying the
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX various physical development
programs recommended in the Plan
to various implementation programs.)
9. Environmental
Impact Report
City of Palm Desert General Plan
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
AND SUMMARY OF
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I . INTRODUCTION E, 1
II . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT E.3
III . EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING E.4
A. Natural Environment
1 , Climate
2, Air Quality
3. Hydrology
4, Mineral Resources
B. Man-Made Environment
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS E, 7
A. Natural Environment E,7
1 . Topography
2, Seismic and Non-Seismic Geology
3. Vegetation and Wildlife
4, Open Space
5. Air Quality
6, Climate
B. Man-Made Environment E, 10
1 . Social Impact
2. Economic Impacts
3, Transportation
4. Aesthetic Impact
5 . Urban Infrastructure
(water, power, waste)
6. Noise
7. Archaeologic Sites
V. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT
BE AVOIDED E. 14
Vi . MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE
ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT E. 15
VII . ALTERNATIVES TO THE GENERAL PLAN E. 16
VIII . THE BALANCE BETWEEN SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM
EFFECTS OF THE GENERAL PLAN E, 17
IX, IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES E, 18
X. GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACT OF THE GENERAL PLAN E, 19
APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL A-1
IMPACT REPORT
I . INTRODUCTION
This report is designed to fulfill the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) which calls for
Environmental Impact Reports (EIR's) for general plans and/or
their elements. The purpose of this EIR is to aid the Palm
Desert City Council a-nd Planning Commission in making policy
decisions regarding the adoption of a long-range General Plan for
the City. In contrast, the state guidelines for the content of an
EIR are directed toward specific projects at a level of detail far
greater than that of a general plan.
Recent amendments to the CEQA allow for a general plan EIR to
focus on secondary effects rather than attempt to address primary
impacts required for EIR's on specific developments. Consequently,
this EIR will provide a generalized overall analysis of potential
environmental impacts as a result of the adoption of the General
Plan. Supplementary detailed EIR's will be required at later
stages as implementation of the General Plan takes place; e.g. ,
the adoption of site plans for specific projects within
developable areas.
This EIR is not intended to be used as a justification for a
categorical exemption and/or negative declaration for any project
undertaken within the parameters of the General Plan. The
generalized approach of this EIR is not a sufficient replacement
for the specific environmental review inherent in the impact
analysis procedure.
The Palm Desert General Plan consists of the following elements,
all of which are considered in this EIR.
1 . Land Use
2. Urban Design
3. Population/Economics
4. Housing
5. Circulation
6. Environmental
6. 1 Transportation Noise
6.2 Public Safety
6.3 Waste Management
6.4 Seismic
6.5 Conservation and Open Space
6.6 Scenic Highways
7. Public Facilities
8. Implementation
E. 1
It is important to emphasize that the development of a General
Plan is an extension of the EIR process. Consideration of environ-
mental factors was a major part of the General Plan' s development,
An attempt to minimize potentially adverse environmental effects
within the planning area was a primary concern of the General
Plan.
The materials that follow, up to Appendix A, plus the General Plan
Elements constitute the Draft Environmental Impact Report.
Appendix A is a Summary of the Final Environmental Impact Report.
Eel
II . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The project on which this evaluation is being conducted involves
the development of the first General Plan for the recently incor-
porated City of Palm Desert. The overall planning area, of
approximately 82 square miles, includes the existing City limits
and the proposed Sphere of Influence of Palm Desert .
A detailed description of the Plan's purpose is found in its
introduction. In the Land Use Element a summary of the concepts
presented throughout the rest of the Plan is found. Described in
general terms, the Plan is:
. A definition of City policies to assist public and
private decision making;
. A description of the Palm Desert citizens' view as
to the future character of their City; and
. A documentation of the processes, assumptions and
data leading to the realization of future plans.
E.3
i
III . EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
A. Natural Environment
The primary features of the physical environment are described
in various sections throughout the General Plan document. In
Section 6, Environmental Elements, the various physical char-
acteristics of the planning area's natural environment are
detailed. Included is a discussion of the following:
topography and geography
geology and soils
seismic and non-seismic geologic hazards
flooding
vegetation and wildlife
Those features of the physical environment not specifically
dealt with by the General Plan are described in more detail
below:
1 . Climate
The Coachella Valley has an arid desert climate. Water
laden marine storms deposit most of their precipitation
in the San Jacinto, San Gorgonio and Santa Rosa Mountains.
Frequently the annual rainfall in the mountains exceeds
40 inches while on the Valley floor less than 5 inches is
normal . Most rain falls as a result of infrequent and
short winter storms. On rare occasions there are high
intensity summer storms which can create runoff problems
in the form of flash flooding. Street flooding is also
common under these conditions.
The climatic attractions of the Coachella Valley are its
normally clear skies and pleasant winter temperatures.
The area within the Palm Desert City Limits and that por-
tion of the Sphere of Influence south of the City experi-
ences temperatures similar to those at Palm Springs. In
Palm Springs the annual average maximum is 880 F. and the
annual average minimum is 56' F. Summer highs commonly
exceed 1000 F. and occasionally exceed 1200 F. Winter
lows are in the 40's but sometimes dip below 200 F. At
higher elevations, in the northern portion of the planning
area, the temperatures are lower and precipitation greater.
The daytime temperature difference between the 950-foot
level and the 2,750-foot level averages 9.8 degrees.
E.4
2. Air Quality
The air quality of the Coachella Valley has been steadily
deteriorating during the past few years. The problem is
two-fold: dust and oxidants. The dust problem is most
acute in the lower Valley and results from human activity;
e.g. , burning dumps, vehicle movement on unpaved roads,
sand and gravel operations, and agricultural burns.
Figure 9-1 summarizes air quality in the Southeast
Desert Air Basin. The high oxidant levels are believed
to be the result of pollutants from the Los Angeles Basin
which have been carried through the San Gorgonio Pass.
Local automobile sources undoubtedly contribute to the
problem, but to what degree is unknown. Findings by the
Riverside County Air Pollution Control District indicate
that local vehicular emissions are not of sufficient
amounts to explain the existing high levels of Valley
pollutants.
The pollution problem is accentuated by the Valley
physiography. With mountains to the north, south, and
west, air commonly becomes trapped and moves up and down
the long narrow depression of the Valley. In addition,
stable air masses often confine pollutants closer to
ground elevation than usual .
3. Hydrology
A groundwater level of between 80 to 200 or more feet
below the surface is the normal condition for the City
and Valley floor. The water level in this region of the
Coachella Valley is dropping 2 to 3 feet per year. How-
ever, the CVCWD (Coachella Valley County Water District)
is currently involved in a program to recharge the ground-
water basin. Using water from the Colorado River the
CVCWD expects to raise the groundwater to its 1945 level
by the year 2000.
The quality of groundwater in the Valley is considered to
be quite good and is used for domestic as well as agri-
cultural purposes. Total dissolved solids average 175 ppm
although this figure varies greatly. In the southern
portion of the planning area the water is rather hard
while in the northern area it is very soft. Well water is
generally not used directly from individual wells, but is
piped to holding tanks in the northern portion of the City.
This creates a blending of water from various areas having
a wide range of dissolved solids. The following table
summarizes the water quality of the planning area .
E.5
Figure 9-1
AIR MONITORING DATA
SOUTHEAST DESERT AIR BASIN
RIVERSIDE COUNTY PORTION - 1970 -`
Number of Days
California State Standards Maximum Average
Contaminant State Standard Exceeded Concentration
Oxidant 0. 10 ppm, 1-hour 49 0.48 ppm
Carbon 40 ppm, 1-hour or
Monoxide 10 ppm, 12-hours 0 0 ppm
Sulfur 0.5 ppm, I-hour or 0 0 ppm
Dioxide 0.04 ppm, 24-hours
Nitrogen 0.25 ppm, 1-hour 0 0 ppm
Dioxide
Particulate 100 f� g/m3, 24-hours or 35* 471-;
Matter 60 �k g/m3, annual
geometric mean
Hydrocarbons None ND ND
Visibility Sufficient to reduce ND ND
Reducing prevailing visibility
Particles to 10 miles when relative
humidity is less than 70%
Lead 1 .5 µ 9/m3, 30-days ND ND
(Particulate)
Hydrogen 0.03 ppm, 1-hour ND ND
Sulfide
ND = No Data
-; Random high-volume sampling every 6 days
AISI tape sampling in COH units
-; Source: Southeast Desert Basin Implementation Plan, 1971 .
E.5a
SUMMARY OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY
FACTOR AVERAGE RANGE
Total Dissolved Solids 175 ppm 100 - 250 ppm
Hardness 110 ppm 100 - 250 ppm
Fluorides 0.4 ppm 0.2 - 0.8 ppm
4. Mineral Resources
There are no mineral resources of economic value within
the planning area.
B. Man-Made Environment
The analysis of the existing man-made environment is dealt
with in some detail throughout a number of the General Plan
Elements. A discussion of existing land uses is presented in
Section 1 , population and economics data in Section 3, housing
conditions in Section 4, the circulation system in Section 5,
and public facilities in Section 7. An evaluation of archaeology
is found in Section 6.4.
E.6
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
Environmental impact is not limited to the effects on plants and
animals but includes the effects that the General Plan may have on
a wide range of physical , biological , economic and social issues.
The General Plan considers the effect of various development alter-
natives on the physical and social environment during the Plan's
formation stages. Because of this the following sections will
deal with secondary effects only and be of a generalized nature.
Only those impacts which the General Plan itself does not detail
are elaborated on in the following analysis.
A. Natural Environment
1 . Topography
The implementation of the General Plan will necessarily
alter the topography. Development of golf courses,
grading for structures, etc. will change existing land
contours. This is not seen as detrimental , as most of the
existing topography in proposed development areas is of
little intrinsic value to man.
Provisions have been made in the General Plan to preserve
the two significant topographic portions of the project
area;" i .e. , the sand dunes and mountain areas.
2. Seismic and Non-Seismic Geology
The probability of a severe earthquake being experienced
in the planning area is not high but the possibility
always exists. All that can be done is to minimize seismic
hazard through development controls in earthquake zones;
e.g. , zoning ordinances and building code regulations.
Background data necessary for the evaluation of various
strategies with which to minimize seismic hazards is
provided in the Seismic Element 6.4.
The same basic type of information required in seismic
safety evaluations is needed for other types of geologic
hazards. Data on non-seismic hazards is presented in the
Public Safety Element, 6.2. This includes identification
of blowsand, severe slope, and flood hazard areas.
Wind erosion is one of the major problems in areas where
future development is proposed. Double rows of tamarisk
trees should aid in abating the problem once they are full
grown. However, during development stages and until the
E. 7
tamarisks take hold, sand storms and extensive sand
accumulation on roads can be expected to occur. The
chances for sandblow are highest once vegetation has been
removed during construction projects. Riverside County
Ordinance 484. 1 or future ordinances developed by the
City will have to be adhered to in order to minimize the
hazard.
3. Vegetation and Wildlife
Detailed descriptions of the vegetation and various
wildlife habitats are presented in Element 6.5. Provisions
in the General Plan protect all rare and endangered species
in the planning area, as well as provide suitable environ-
ments for more common flora and fauna types.
As development of the Valley floor takes place, most of
the native plant and animal habitats will be destroyed.
However, some species including most rodents and birds
can be expected to increase their existing population as
a result of landscaping.
Severe topographic conditions coupled with existing
wildlife reserves will prevent development in mountain
areas. Flora and fauna will be preserved in its native
state in these areas.
4. Open Space
As vacant land continues to be developed, its use as open
space is obviated. Retention of desired open space
necessitates action prior to the development of the land
for other uses. The Open Space and Conservation Element
6.4 in conjunction with the other components of the
Environmental Element 6 outlines various reasons why
specific areas should be preserved as open space.
5. Air Quality
The issue of air quality is a major concern throughout
the nation and particularly in the Southern California
region. While it is possible to determine the amounts and
types of pollutants by source type, their effect on overall
air quality is difficult to measure. Such a determination
would involve a regional air pollution study, a task
beyond the scope of this report.
Figure 9-2 shows the projected tons per day of various
air pollutants for mobile sources. The analysis is broken
E.8
Figure 9-2
PALM DESERT DAILY VEHICULAR EMISSIONS]
TONS PER DAY
HYDROCARBONS &
RESIDENTIAL # TRIPS MILES ORGANIC GASES CARBON MONOXIDE NITROGEN OXIDES SULFUR PARTICULATE
NEIGHBORHOOD TRIPS/DAY VMT CVS 7-MODE CVS 7-MODE CVS 7-MODE OXIDES2 MATTER2
1 8,554 85,540 .773 .434 6.629 3.413 .585 .377 .019 .ol6
Ln 2 4, 137 41 ,370 .374 .210 3.206 1 .651 .283 . 182 .009 .008
3 5, 187 51 ,870 .469 .263 4.o19 2.070 .354 .229 .011 .010
4 3,010 30, 100 .272 . 153 2.332 1 .201 .2o6 . 132 .007 .006
5 7,686 76,860 .695 .390 5 .956 3.067 .525 .339 .017 .o14
6 3,507 35,070 .317 . 178 2.718 1 .310 .24o . 155 .007 .007
7 16,8io 168, ioo 1 .519 .852 13.026 6.7o8 1 . 149 .741 .037 .032
8 70 700 .006 .004 .054 .028 .005 .003 n n
11
Subtotal 48,961 489,610 4.425 2.484 37.94o 19.412 3.347 2. 158 . 107 .093
7 2,94o 29,400 .266 . 149 2.275 1 . 173 .201 . 130 ,006 ,006
8 2,430 24,300 .220 . 123 1 .883 .970 . 166 . 107 0005 .004
m 9 13,454 134,54o 1 .216 .682 10,426 5.369 .919 .593 .030 .025
10 13,958 139,580 1 .262 .7o8 10.816 5.570 .954 .615 .031 .026
Q° 11 25,942 259,420 2.345 1 .315 20. 103 10.352 1 .773 1 .805 .057 .o49
12 23,625 236,250 2. 135 1 . 198 18.307 9.427 1 .615 1 .040 .052 .044
w 13 13,076 130,760 1 . 182 .663 10. 133 5.218 .894 .577 .029 .025
J 14 10,822 108,220 .978 .549 8.386 4.318 .74o .477 .024 .020
Z 15 - - -
16 8,720 87,200 .788 .442 6.76 3.480 .596 .384 �019 .o16
0 17 10,500 105 ,000 .949 .532 8. 137 4. 190 .718 .463 .023 .020
Of
w 18 17,020 170,200 1 .538 .863 13. 189 6.792 1 . 163 .750 .038 .032
Li
am_ 20 19,220 192,200 1 .737 .975 14.894 7.670 1 .314 .847 .o42 .036
N 3,730 37,300 .403 . 189 2.850 1 .488 .255 . 164 0008 .007
21 4,66o 46,600 .421 .236 3.611 1 .855 .318 .205 .010 .008
22 lo,64o lo6,400 a962 .54o 8.245 4.246 .727 ,470 .023 .020
23 4,66o 46,600 .421 .236 3.611 1 .859 .318 .205 .010 .009
24 7,070 70,700 .639 .358 5.479 2.820 .483 .312 .016 .013
25 3,920 39,200 .354 .202 3.038 1 .564 .268 . 173 .008 .007
Subtotal 196,387 1 ,963,870 17.816 9.960 152. 183 78.365 13.392 9.317 .431 .367
Total 245,348 2,453,480 22.241 12.444 190. 123 97.777 16.739 11 .475 .538 .46o
Figure 9-2 (Cont 'd)
PALM DESERT DAILY VEHICULAR EMISSIONS '
TONS PER DAY
HYDROCARBONS &
# TRIPS MILES ORGANIC GASES CARBON MONOXIDE NITROGEN OXIDES SULFUR PARTICULATE
TRIPS/DAY VMT CVS 7-MODE CVS 7-MODE CVS 7-MODE OXIDES2 MATTER2
COMMERCIAL
Core Area 2, 117 16,936 . 153 .086 1 .312 .676 . 116 .075 .004 .003
Regional 6,248 49,984 .452 .237 3.873 1 .995 .342 .220 .011 .009
Specialty 22,245 177,960 1 .609 .902 13.796 7. 101 1 .216 .785 .039 .033
Village 11 ,705 93,640 .846 .475 7.256 3.737 .640 .413 .021 .018
Total 42,315 338,520 3.060 1 .700 26.237 13.509 2.314 1 .493 .075 .063
INDUSTRIAL
Res. & Dev. 150,825 3,016,500 27.266 15.295 233.754 120.368 20.616 13.300 .665 .565
Service 52, 140 1 ,042,800 9.426 5 .288 80.808 41 .611 7. 127 4.598 .230 . 195
Total 202,965 4,059,300 360692 20.583 314.562 161 .979 27.743 17.898 .895 .760
M TOTAL Res. ,
Comm. , Ind. 490,628 6,851 ,300 61 .993 34.727 530.922 273,265 46.796 30.866 1 .508 1 .283
Cr00
' Assumes worst case at full development. Emission factors obtained from the Los Angeles APCD are for the
average gas-powered vehicle on the road at the end of 1974, as estimated by both Federal (CVS) and California
(7-Mode) test procedures,
2 Same for both.
down by residential neighborhood, commercial type and industrial
use. It was developed from the following assumptions.
Using figures collected by the California Division
of Highways and making adjustments based on the
proposed circulation system for Palm Desert, the
number of vehicle trips per day by gross land use
type was determined.
VEHICLE TRIPS PER DAY
Development Type Trips/Day
Residential - Trips/Day/DU
Very low density 10
Low density 10
Medium density 7
High density 7
Commercial - Trips/Day/Net Acre
All types 85
Industrial - Trips/Day/Net Acre
Research and Development 127
Service 200
Using figures developed by the Southern California
Association of Governments the average trip length
for major development types was determined.
AVERAGE TRIP LENGTH
Residential 10 miles
Commercial 8 miles
Industrial 20 miles
Figure 9-2 represents a "worst case" situation. Emission
factors for 1974 were used rather than 1990 factors which
assume that all vehicles will meet state and federal
standards currently proposed for that year. Assuming
proposed emission standards are met in the future, an
adjustment of total emissions shown in Figure 9-2 could
easily be made.
Total emissions are presented by proposed neighborhood so that
as development of individual neighborhoods occurs and phasing
for future neighborhood development is established estimates
of daily vehicular emissions can be determined.
E.9
The air pollution analysis is limited to mobile sources since
the impact created by stationary sources (industry, power
plants, etc.) is expected to be minimal . There are no
areas of heavy industry proposed for the planning area.
6. Climate
The major concern with the planning area 's climate is
humidity. New golf courses and extensive landscaping,
which has characterized the increased urbanization of the
Coachella Valley, is resulting in a marked increase in
humidity levels. The maintenance of low humidity is
important in Palm Desert. High humidity can make high
summer temperatures extremely uncomfortable and deter
people moving into the area for health reasons.
B. Man-Made Environment
1 . Social Impact
Changes in the social makeup of Palm Desert will be
extreme as a result of the General Plan. The impact on
the stability and characteristics of the existing popula-
tion as well as data on projected populations is presented
in the Population and Economics Element 3. Analysis of
population density, distribution, age and income is also
included in this element.
The changes created by urbanization of the planning area
will doubtlessly be viewed as detrimental by some of the
current residents of Palm Desert. This will be particularly
true with individuals who moved to the desert to get away
from built-up areas. However, one of the primary goals of
the General Plan is to create an organized social environ-
ment which will meet the needs of different family types
and incomes. The implementation of policies presented in
the Urban Design Element 2, Population and Economics
Element 3, and Housing Element 4 should produce beneficial
effects on the social fabric of the City.
2. Economic Impacts
As with social impacts, the economic impact of the General
Plan will be extensive. Before land use planning was
undertaken it was necessary to collect and generate a
large amount of data on the planning area 's economic
aspects. An assessment of a wide range of current and
projected economic factors was made. The data gathered
provided a general background for the preparation of those
E. 10
General Plan elements which deal with urban design. This
data is included in the Population and Economics Element 3.
The intent of this element is to ensure a stable economic
base for the planning area. It proposes to achieve this
goal through a variety of housing, commercial , and indus-
trial types. The establishment of balanced land uses
that ensure the City of its ability to provide necessary
municipal services was a major objective of the Population/
Economics Element. Results of the economic analysis show this
objective to be feasible under the proposed Land Use Plan.
Marked changes in property values and tax rates over the
present situation will also result from the Ceneral Plan.
These changes are itemized and discussed in detail in the
Population/Economics Element. This study shows that City
revenues will be able to meet expenditures and provide a
high level of services without a burdensome level of taxation.
A major problem in the development pattern of many areas
is the expenditure of large amounts of public funds for
urban renewal . The Population/Economics Element shows how
the economy of Palm Desert can be maintained at a high level
so as to prevent this from happening.
3. Transportation
Composed of various methods for moving goods and people,
the proposed circulation systems in Element 5 form a
framework upon which other elements of the General Plan
are constructed. During the development of the General
Plan various alternative circulation systems were designed
and refined until the systems presented in the Circulation
Element were finalized.
Element 5 discusses existing air and ground systems and
establishes plans and criteria for the development of
future circulation systems which will effectively serve
future development.
4. Aesthetic Impact
Increased development will have a marked effect on the
aesthetic quality of the planning area. An attempt to
minimize any adverse impacts to the visual quality of the
area was a primary concern in the development of the
General Plan.
E. 11
The planting of extensive tamarisk windrows will tend
to block views of the mountains and lessen the contrast
between valley and mountain areas. The Plan has considered
this problem and it will be partially eliminated by the
proposed sand dune park and desert corridors.
Another problem with increased urbanization in the planning
area will be the effect of City lighting on views of the
nighttime sky.
While the planned and controlled urbanization of the
planning area will certainly not blight the environment,
whether or not it is a positive or a negative impact is a
personal and aesthetic judgement, not a technical assessment.
5. Urban Infrastructure
The implementation of the General Plan will require a
variety of supporting infrastructure. Elements 7 and 3
discuss the amounts and distribution of various public
facilities as well as the estimated total population for
each proposed neighborhood at full development. From this
data Figure 9-3 was developed. It illustrates the break-
down of demand for water, electricity, and gas as well as
showing projected amounts of sewage and solid waste.
Through meetings and telephone conversations the various
public utilities expressed their ability to meet increased
demands. However, there is a potential problem in supply-
ing the extensive amount of water which will be needed at
full development. As much as 31 .0 acre feet per day of
water over existing demand will have to be provided if
total development is realized. In order to meet this
increase it may be necessary to develop new sources of
water.
As the General Plan is implemented and updated, it will be
important for public utilities to review future needs and
specifically for the CUCWD to make a determination of the
possible establishment of new water sources.
The economic analysis in Element 3 presents a series of
tables which show how funds created by future revenue
sources will be sufficient for the development of both
new infrastructure and public facility needs at complete
development.
The Desert Sands Unified School District has indicated '
that, through a program of continued coordination with the
City, adequate education facilities will be provided.
E. 12
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Figure 9-3 (Cont 'd)
IMPACT ON URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
Sewage Elect. Solid Waste
Water ) million million million
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL: Acres 1000 gal/day gal/day watts/day lbs/day Gas3
Core Area 124.9 86.8 .35 8.7 1 . 1
Regional 73.5 256. 1 .64 25.6 3.2
Specialty 261 .7 912.0 .36 91 .2 11 .4
Village 137.7 479.9 1 .03 48.0 6,0
Total 497.8 1 ,734.8 2.38 173.5 21 .7
million million million million 1000 ft3/
PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL2: gal/day yd/day watts/day lbs/day day
Research & Dev, 1 , 187.6 23.8 16.6 155. 1 .221 3, 190. 1
Service 260.7 5.2 3.6 34.2 ,048 1 ,302.5
m Total 1 ,448.3 29.0 19,2 189.3 .269 4,492.6
N
Water Sewage Elect . Solid Waste Gas
Gross million million million million 1000 ft3/
TOTAL PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Acres gal/day gal/day watts/day lbs/day day
RESIDENTIAL 12,036.8 8.3 5.8 423.3 .285 9.7
COMMERCIAL 497.8 1 .7 2.4 173.5 ,002 -
INDUSTRIAL 1 ,448.3 29.0 1902 189.3 ,269 4.5
TOTALS 13,98209 39.0 27.4 786. 1 .556 14.2
1 Includes existing development.
2 Assumes 30,000 square feet average size of industrial building.
3 No generation factors available for commercial .
Figure 9-4
INFRASTRUCTURE DEMAND
GENERATION FACTORS
COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY
LAND USE TYPE WATER SEWAGE ELECTRICITY SOLID WASTE GAS PARK PARK VOLUMES
Average
ft3/
Average Average Average Average customer/ Ac/1000 Ac/1000 Volumes
RESIDENTIAL: gal/day/du gal/day/du kw/du lbs/cap/day day persons persons per capita
Very low density 335 200
Low density 335 200
Medium density 230 160 1 .4 4.2 320 2.0 4.5 2
High density 230 160
Average
Average Average Average lbs/day/
n COMMERCIAL: gal/day/ft2 gal/day/ac watts/ft2 100 ft
General ,080 .055 10 10 - - - -
Regional .300 a275 8 15
Average
ft/3
Average Average Average Average customer/
INDUSTRIAL: gal/ac/day gal/ac/day watts/ft2 lbs/ac/day day
Research &
Development 14,000 20,000 3.0 1860 1850 - - -
Service 15,000 21 ,500 .375 13 1850
Proposed parks shown in the Conservation and Open Space
Element more than adequately meet demand indicated in
Figure 9-3.
6. Noise
Element 6. 1 , Transportation Noise, evaluates the impacts
created by highway and railroad noise. Figures presented
in Element 6. 1 define noise zones in terms of the noise
environment and its impact on residential uses as well as
illustrating the effect of changing traffic speed and
volume on noise impacts.
7, Archaeologic Sites
Element 6.4, Conservation and Open Space, presents a
general description of the archaeologic significance of
the planning area and the impact of urban development on
archaeologic material . Background information was obtained
from the University of California, Riverside; their report
is on file with the City of Palm Desert.
E. 13
V. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED
The conversion of open areas to urban uses in those portions of
the planning area designated for urban expansion will create
adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided. The impacts
will be the direct result of population increases, The following
is a summary of unavoidable adverse impacts to the environment of
Palm Desert .
Increased traffic will create higher air and noise
pollution levels.
Increased utility needs, especially water, which will create
a burden on the CVCWD to meet demands at full development ,
Tamarisk rows planted to control blowsand will tend to
eliminate views from the Valley floor.
Humidity levels will rise as landscaping associated with
increased development becomes more pronounced.
Development will remove large amounts of open space
between the Whitewater Flood Control Channel and the
northern boundary of the City's Sphere of Influence.
Views of the night sky will be reduced.
E.14
VI . MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE
THE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL. IMPACT
The nature of the General Plan and its associated elements
establishes as a principal criteria the mitigation of detrimental
environmental impacts. Mitigation measures are outlined for each
element in the various elements ' policy statements,
The degree to which mitigation measures reduce adverse impacts is
partially dependent upon policy statements in the General Plan
and further by specific actions taken at the time of the plan 's
implementation. The mitigation measures are not clearly identified
at this time other than to say that it is the basic formative
procedure of the General Plan to accomplish this task.
Eo15
VII . ALTERNATIVES TO THE GENERAL PLAN
No Project Alternative
This alternative is not viable in that the City of Palm Desert
has no choice as to whether to do a General Plan or not . State
law requires the development of a General Plan and the City could,
therefore, be subject to suit if one is not completed.
Status Quo Alternative
The possibility of developing the planning area in its present
configuration is one alternative. However, the policies of the
major land owners and the City, as illustrated in the General Plan,
tend to preclude this alternative.
Other Alternatives
In the course of developing the General Plan, a number of alterna-
tives were considered before the final urbanization plan was
delineated. Most of these alternatives were simple variations in
organizational concepts. They dealt with the structure and detail-
ing of varied land uses throughout the planning area .
The alternatives mentioned above were all variations of a maximum
development strategy. It was felt necessary to apply this
development plan in order to provide all necessary community
services without creating detrimental tax levels in the long term.
Proposed industrial development is far from existing urbanized
areas. The cost/revenue study indicates that development of
these areas is probably necessary to provide a sufficient tax
base for future development.
E. M
VIII . THE BALANCE BETWEEN SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM
EFFECTS OF THE GENERAL PLAN
It is inevitable that as the General Plan is implemented there
will be a number of impacts on the City' s environment. These
impacts can be considered short-term since they are felt at the
first stages of the Plan ' s implementation, even though some por-
tions of the Plan will not be implemented for many years. Adverse
impact will be most apparent during the short term,
In the long-term the Plan's positive effects will become more
evident. The development of a well-planned community will create
an attractive and desirable environment in the planning area.
The Plan, as it is proposed, maintains a balance between short-
term effects and long-term uses.
E. 17
IX. IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
It is generally considered that urbanization of those portions of
the planning area designated for urban expansion is an irreversible
environmental change. The acquisition, development , and/or
maintenance of parks and open space areas along with provisions
of adequate levels of public services will help to minimize
adverse changes, They will also provide the opportunity for
offsetting social benefits,
E. 18
X. GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
Implementation of any of the options of the General Plan will have
considerable growth-inducing impact, although most of the factors
which encourage growth are already present. Implementation of the
Plan will tend to expand on and organize many of the existing
factors which will result in increased development.
The rate of development is the key factor to the General Plan 's
effect as a growth-inducing agent. The background for this is
found in the Population and Economics Element, and the final result
is seen in the Land Use Element.
E,19
ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS CONTACTED DURING
PREPARATION OF THE E. I .R.
Living Desert Museum, Ms. Karen Fowler
Deep Canyon Research Center
University of California, Riverside, Mr. Pat Barker
Bureau of Land Management
Coachella Valley Water District, Mr, Warner Norried
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Southern Pacific Railroad
CALTRANS , Mr, Don Weaver
Riverside County Fire Marshall
Desert Sand Unified School District, Mr, Harlow
Riverside County Air Pollution Control District
U. S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service,
Mr. Norman Elam
City of Palm Desert, Mr. Paul Williams
Riverside County Planning Department
City of Palm Springs, Mr. Richard Service
College of the Desert, Dr. F. D. Stout
INFRASTRUCTURE DEMAND
Solid Waste: Salvato, E. , Environmental Engineering &
-' Sanitation - 2nd Edition, Wiley, N.Y. , N.Y. , 1972.
California State Department of Public Health,
Status of Solid Waste Management in California,
Berkeley, California, 1968.
Electrical : McGuinness, Stein, Gay, Fawcett, Mechanical &
Electrical Equipment for Building - 4th Edition,
Wiley, 1964.
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
HUD Research Bulletin February, 1974, No. 1 ,
(Housing, Urban Development and the Energy Crisis) ,
Washington, D. C. , 1974.
Gas: American Gas Association - Department of
Statistics, Gas Facts: 1971 Data, Arlington,
Virginia, 1972, HUD Research Bulletin,
Water: Public Works Journal Corporation, Public Works:
February 1972, (Countywide Study Forecasts Water
Use) , E. Strasberg, Pennsylvania, 1972.
Clark & Viessman, Water Supply & Pollution Control ,
Intl ] Textbook Co. , Scranton, Pennsylvania, 1969.
Sewer: Clark & Viessman, U. S. Public Health Service,
Manual of Septic Tank Practice,
Water Pollution Control Federation, Manual No. 9:
Design and Construction of Sanitary & Storm
Sewers.
APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
_ The final Environmental Impact Report on this project includes :
1 . The Draft E. I .R. including the General Plan elements.
2. Comments and recommendations received on the Draft E. I .R.
in writing or as a part of the public hearings before the
Planning Commission on December 9, 1974, and City Council
on January 6 and 20, 1975•
3. The original and supplemental Staff reports prepared on the
E. I .R.
4. The comments received from Mr. Burrell dated December 16,
1974 and the Staff' s response to these comments.
5. Report entitled ''Floristic List for Deep Canyon Watershed
Oct. 1973'' adopted by reference.
6. Report entitled , ''Bird List for Boyd Center and Deep Canyon
Transect Aug. 1974'' adopted by reference.
7. Report entitled ''Annual Report 1973-1974 - Philip L. Boyd
Deep Canyon Desert Research Center'' included by reference.
8. Report entitled ''Supplement to the Palm Desert Sphere of
Influence Study'' including economic analysis prepared by
Wilsey & Ham.
9. Report entitled ''Supplemental ,#2, including Economic Analysis
on the Sphere of Influence and adopted by reference.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Just as State law (Government Code Section 65000 et. seq. ) mandates
that all municipalities prepare and adopt a General Plan , so too does
it require that reports on the environmental impact of the plan
(EIR' s) be prepared (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.) .
These reports are designed to provide the official decision-making
bodies of the City and the general public with sufficient pertinent
information on the expected environmental , social , and economic
impacts of the proposed long-range General Plan for the City.
Because of the non-specific nature of the Plan and the extensive
research which went into the preparation of its twelve elements ,
much of the data that would normally be included in a separate
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environmental document is found in the General Plan itself. Therefore,
a summary of the EIR process as it relates to this project should begin
on October 3, 1974, when the City received the Preliminary Draft of
the General Plan from its planning consultants. This first draft was
studied by City administrative personnel and members of the Citizen ' s
Advisory Committee (CAC) during an intensive 3-week review period . At
the end of this time, the Preliminary Draft was returned to the con-
sultants so that the modifications recommended by the CAC could be
incorporated into the Plan.
The resulting document was the Public Hearing Draft of November 12,
1974, which, in addition to the twelve General Plan elements, also
contained a specific section dealing with the Plan 's environmental
impacts. However, as in the previous draft, much of the environmental
information was scattered throughout the General Plan elements . This
document not only included the City-related input, but also included
the input from all the other affected public agencies .
AGENCIES RECEIVING COPIES
As soon as the Public Hearing Draft was received , a Notice of Completion
was sent to the Secretary of the State Resources Agency in Sacramento
indicating that the City was preparing to circulate the General Plan/
EIR document to other agencies for their review and comments . The
following have received copies:
1 . Riverside County Air Pollution Control District
2. Riverside County Office of Road Commissioner and County Surveyor
3. Riverside County Planning Commission, Indio and Riverside offices
4. Riverside County Sheriff's Office
5. Riverside County Airports Director
6. Riverside County Health Department
7. Riverside County Fire Protection Planning and Engineering Officer
8. Coachella Valley County Water District
9. California Department of Transportation
10. California Department of Parks and Recreation
11 . University of California at Riverside
12. California History Preservation Department
13. U.S . Post Office
14. Bureau of Land Management
15. Coachella Valley Television
16. Coachella Valley Soil Conservation District
17. Coachella Valley Association of Governments
18. Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District
19. Desert Sands Unified School District
20. Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce
21 . College of the Desert
22. Riverside Museum Associates
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23. City of Palm Springs
24. City of Indio
25. City of Rancho Mirage
26. City of Indian Wells
27. Southern California Gas
28. Palm Desert Disposal Services, Inc.
29. Palm Desert Community Service District
30. Southern California Edison
31 . General Telephone
32. Living Desert Reserve
33• Regional Water Quality Control Board, Colorado River Basin Region
The draft EIR, comments from other agencies, private individuals, and
organizations who have reviewed the draft, the Staff' s responses to
those comments, and any input from local citizens at public hearings
are then combined into a single document which is called the Final
E. I .R. It is this final report which must be certified as complete
by the Planning Commission and City Council .
SUBSTANTIVE ASPECTS OF THE E. I .R.
The heart of any EIR is determined by its substantive aspects. Sending
out the proper notices and forms will not help an EIR if its authors
have overlooked a serious , adverse impact or have recommended ineffective
mitigation measures. Because of its generalized content, the EIR for the
Palm Desert General Plan provides for an overall analysis of long-range
effects that would result from the adoption of the General Plan rather
than those short-range impacts created by the plan 's more specific
proposals. These impacts will be assessed in future EIR's as imple-
mentation takes place.
SUMMARY OF E. I .R.
The early sections of the report outline the planning area and describe
the primary features of the physical environment. Section 6 of the
General Plan contains data on topography, geography, soils, seismic
and other geologic hazards, flooding, vegetation, and wildlife. This
is supplemented with discussions on the climate, air quality, hydrology,
and mineral resources found in the planning area. The existing man-
made physical environment is dealt with in detail in the General Plan
elements on population and economics , housing conditions, circulation
systems, public facilities and archaeology.
The next section describes how the implementation of the General Plan
would affect the previously-described environment and what has been
proposed to minimize negative impacts.
A-3
- although topography would be altered as development occurs ,
most land is of little intrinsic value to man, except for
those significant topographic areas such as the sand dunes
and mountain areas which would be preserved.
- exposure to earthquake, blowsand , and flood hazard areas can
be minimized through the proper use of zoning ordinances and
development controls.
loss of most of the native plant and animal habitats due to
development of the valley floor is minimized by provisions
in the General Plan which protect all rare and endangered
species in the planning area, as well as provide a suitable
environment for more common flora and fauna types .
- provisions for the conservation of unique natural areas in
the Conservation and Open Space Element, the preservation of
scenic vistas in the Scenic Highways Element, and the increased
acquisition of public parks in the Public Facilities Element
all serve to offset the loss of existing open space as vacant
land is developed.
as development occurs , air quality is expected to decline -
primarily as a result of the increased number and distance
of automobile trips. Although emission control standards
are not in local hands, implementation policies in the Land
Use and Urban Design Elements could reduce the amount of
increase of pollutants by encouraging cluster rather than
sprawl development, thus enabling the eventual use of circu-
lation systems other than the private car.
controls on future growth will help to minimize the increase
in humidity caused by additional development.
- although an increase in population is expected to alter the
social stability and characteristics of the present popula-
tion of Palm Desert, implementation of policies presented in
the Urban Design Element, Population and Economics Element ,
and Housing Element should produce beneficial effects on the
social fabric of the City.
the overall economic impact of the Plan should have desirable
consequences for Palm Desert by insuring a stable economic
base, thus allowing the City to meet expenditures and provide
a high level of services without a burdensome level of taxa-
tion.
transportation will be affected by the Circulation Element
which contains recommendations for improving existing modes
of travel and for the creation of alternative systems.
A-4
- developmental and architectural controls should greatly
improve the aesthetic quality of the planning area.
the General Plan will require an extensive increase in new
urban infrastructure and public facility needs at complete
development. Funds for these improvements can be generated
by a variety of revenue sources and without placing a burden-
some tax load on the existing residents.
- additional highway and railroad noise is anticipated. Correct-
ive and mitigating measures have been recommended in the Urban
Design Element and Transportation Noise Element.
impacts on existing and potential archaeological sites have
been evaluated in the Conservation and Open Space Element.
The next section of the EIR Element lists those adverse environmental
effects which cannot be avoided. These include:
- increased traffic which will create higher air and noise
pollution levels .
- increased utility needs, especially water, which will create
a burden on the Coachella Valley County Water District to meet
demands at full development.
- Tamarisk rows planted to control blowsand will tend to eliminate
views from the valley floor.
- humidity levels will rise as landscaping associated with
increased development becomes more pronounced.
- development will remove large amounts of open space between
the Whitewater Flood Control Channel and the northern boundary
of the City' s Sphere of Influence.
- views of the night sky will be eliminated.
The following section addresses itself to mitigation measures which
have been proposed to minimize adverse environmental impact . In this
case, the elements of the General Plan have been prepared with mitiga-
tion measures as one of their principal design criterions .
Alternatives to the General Plan proposal are examined in the EIR
Element and will be further discussed in the section on Staff response
to EIR comments. In addition, as a part of the development of the
City' s Sphere of Influence, seven alternative planning areas were analyzed
with input from the public, Citizen ' s Advisory Committee, Planning
Commission and City Council . The approved planning area was established
on the basis of Environmental Impacts, ability to serve, etc. Subse-
quently as a part of the preliminary General Plan analysis, at least
A-5
three alternatives were developed and evaluated. Therefore, a number
of alternatives were developed and evaluated. Therefore, a number of
alternatives were analyzed before the proposed General Plan was
presented.
The balance between short-term and long-term effects of the General
Plan are also discussed. In the long term, the Plan ' s positive
effects will become more evident as an attractive and desirable environ-
ment is created.
Finally, the EIR summarizes the irreversible or irretrievable environ-
mental changes. For this project, urbanization and urban expansion are
reviewed as the major irreversible changes.
RESPONSE TO EIR COMMENTS
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Palm Desert General
Plan has been circulated to various public agencies that may be affected
by the proposed plan as it is implemented. The following responses
to the comments of the reviewing agencies are included as information
that should be considered in conjunction with the Draft EIR and the
comments of the public agencies.
Comments on the Draft EIR have been received from the following agencies :
1 . Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) - informal
staff comments
2. Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District
3. Coachella Valley County Water District
4. Palm Desert Property Owners Association
5. United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management
6. State of California Resources Agency, Department of Parks and
Recreation
7. Riverside County Air Pollution Control District
8. Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District
9. Southern California Gas Company
Responses to the comments relative to the content of the Draft EIR
are as follows :
A-6
1 . C-VAG: C-VAG comments were presented at an informal staff meeting
on November 27, 1974 and related to the need to include additional
information on the growth-inducing impacts of the Plan, alternatives
to the Plan, and economic analysis.
Response: In general , C-VAG comments relate to the need to docu-
ment the planning process utilized in development of the General
Plan. It is recommended that the following be incorporated into
the final EIR.
A. Growth Inducing Impact of the General Plan
Implementation of the proposed General Plan will have a
considerable growth-inducing impact on the City of Palm Desert.
However, it should be noted that the land use proposals includ-
ed in the Plan are based on regional and local market factors
as well as economic base studies for the City and its sphere
of influence. (See Section 3 of the General Plan Public Hearing
Draft.) Population in the City and the sphere of influence
is projected to increase from approximately 19,510 in 1974
to approximately 45,800 in 1995. This represents an annual
average growth rate of 4. 15 percent. As this growth occurs,
Palm Desert will increase from approximately 18.4 percent of
the Coachella Valley population to approximately 25.8 percent
of the Coachella Valley population.
The growth projected in the City and the sphere of influence
is growth that can be anticipated due to planned developments
in the near future (1975-1980) and regional trends. Thus ,
while the Plan projects a substantial growth in population,
the growth that is planned is a result of on-going regional
trends. The proposed plan will provide the City with the
opportunity to control the manner in which the anticipated
growth will occur.
Impacts on Growth Policy
Population growth within the Coachella Valley has been rapid
(100 percent increase 1950-1960; and 61 . 1 percent increase
1960-1970) . While individual cities have been able to control
growth and the manner in which growth occurs , this has resulted
in a shift in development to unincorporated areas and other
cities within the Valley and the net increase in population
has remained at a high level . Thus, it appears that any
alteration to the rate at which growth occurs must come through
the efforts and growth policies of regional agencies rather
than individual cities.
B. Alternatives to the General Plan
In addition to the alternatives to the Plan discussed on page 16
of the Draft EIR, several plan alternatives were discussed at
various stages in the planning process. These included :
A-7
i
1 . Development of the residential areas at different densities
than those recommended in the proposed plan: Alternatives
included discussions regarding both higher and lower densi-
ties in portions of the planning area, and the current
recommendations were arrived at through a series of staff,
town forum and citizen meetings.
2. Development of different land use structures: Alternatives
included variations on the location, intensity and types of
use indicated in the proposed plan. The recommended plan
represents a refinement of all previous alternatives as well
as a land use pattern that balances the various fiscal and
service impacts of the plan.
3. Alternative to the circulation network: Alternatives
considered related to development of a section line grid
system. This alternative was rejected due to current travel
desire lines , and the desire of the community to develop a
circulation network that would strengthen its unique identity.
The recommended plan is a synthesis of the various alternatives
and provides a balance of fiscal factors and community objectives.
(For details of the fiscal aspects of the plan, see the Palm
Desert Sphere of Influence Study.)
C. SB 938 requires general plans to consider energy conservation
in their development
The policies of the proposed general plan recommend the examina-
tion of all development in light of energy needs. (see page
1 .P. 1 in the Land Use Element.)
2. Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District: Comments related to
the need to reference various community facilities in the proposed
general plan.
Response: The major recreational , institutional , and public facili-
ties are referenced on the land use map and the open space and
conservation map.
3. Coachella Valley County Water District: Comments from the Coachella
Valley County Water District concern recommended changes to Figure
9-4, Infrastructure Demand and Generation Factors, on page E. 12c.
They offer this data:
Response: Changes noted and recommendation for inclusion
Final EIR.
A-8
I
/ z/ 3/
Residential People/DU Water Sewage
Very low density 2.6 700 340
Low density 2.6 700 340
Medium density 2.6 700 340
High density 1 .9 510 250
1/ Figure 4-5, page 4.B.2.b.
2/ Based on 270 gpcd, Table IV-1 Riverside County Compre-
hensive Water and Sewerage Plan, December 1972.
3/ Based on 130 gpcd, Table IV-2 Riverside County Compre-
hensive Water and Sewerage Plan, December 1972.
A-8a
4. Palm Desert Property Owners Association: Comments from the
Association concern: (a) The EIR will not withstand future attack
by developers , land owners or other groups seeking changes or
relief; (b) data used throughout the EIR is out of date and that
projections based on this data are understated; (c) disagreement
over the future availability of sufficient water supplies; (d)
relationship between increased density and increased air pollu-
tion and humidity; (e) social changes in the population of Palm
Desert; (f) high density promotes the uncontrolled increase of
property values, resulting in demands for even higher density;
(g) adverse impacts from solid waste, noise, and light pollution.
Response: (a) the EIR is an informational document only. It cannot
be used to approve or deny a project, which in this case is the
General Plan. The General Plan is only one of a series of regula-
tory devices, along with specific plans, the 'Zoning Ordinance,
Subdivision Regulations, etc. , that will be used to evaluate future
development requests. Simply conforming to the land-use designa-
tion does not guarantee that the development will be permitted.
In no case should the General Plan be interpreted as being so
inflexible as to prevent equitable relief for members of the
community.
(b) Every attempt has been made to use the most current
information available for this EIR. In some cases, the figures
have been adjusted to reflect change in the method of data collec-
tion. Data which cannot be revised is presented in the form in
which it has been received and clearly labeled as such. To insure
that more current information has not been overlooked, the Draft
EIR is circulated to all agencies which may be affected , request-
ing their review and comments. Finally, the General Plan is not
a static document; it is updated each year and undergoes a major
revision every five years .
(c) The Draft EIR makes no attempt to ignore the poten-
tial problem of adequate future water supplies. Page E. 12 addres-
ses this issue and provides that ''as the General Plan is imple-
mented and updated, it will be important for public utilities to
review future needs and specifically for the Coachella Valley
County Water District to make a determination of the possible
establishment of new water sources.''
(d) The statement that higher density will lead to higher
levels of air pollution and humidity is misleading and incorrect.
Numerous studies have shown that urban areas with high to moderate
densities have lower per capita service costs than equivalent size
cities developed at very low densities. Figure 9-4 on page E. 12c
points out that water consumption and sewage output are lower per
dwelling unit for medium and high density than for low or very low
density. Cluster development enables the use of alternatives to
the automobile which would not be feasible in an area developed
exclusively at a low density level .
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(e) As stated in the report, ''the changes created by
urbanization of the planning area will doubtlessly be viewed as
deterimental by some of the current residents of Palm Desert.''
The Plan recommends changes that would improve the social environ-
ment of the City for many family types and income levels.
(f) As the cost of land, construction labor, and
materials continues to climb, developers have been forced to build
more units per acre so that the cost of the individual new dwell -
ing unit does not rise beyond the means of the average family.
(g) Environmental impacts regarding solid waste, noise,
and light pollution have been adequately addressed throughout the
elements of the General Plan.
5• United States Department of Interior (BLM)
(comments) : The Bureau of Land Management commented favorably
on the EIR, indicated some of their current plans and activities,
and made some clarifications regarding BLM property as it relates
to the General Plan.
Response: No response requested or required.
6. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation
(comments) : The Department expressed appreciation for having the
opportunity to review the EIR and indicated that the General Plan
will have no detrimental affects on the State Park System.
Response: No response requested or required.
7. Riverside County Air Pollution Control District
(comments) : The District commented in general on pollution problems
and indicated their inability to conduct any studies on ambient air
quality at this time.
Response: No response requested or required.
8. Southern California Gas Company
(comments) : The Firm stated its willingness to continue to provide
utility services to the best of its ability to meet all existing and
future requirements of the City.
Response: No response requested or required.
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RESPONSE TO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT PREPARED FOR THE PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN
A. BACKGROUND
At the public hearing on the General Plan on January 6, a response
was received from Mr. Tim Burrell of the firm of Young, Henry &
McCarthy, Attorneys, with regards to the content of the Environ-
mental Impact Report for the Palm Desert General Plan. This report
is being prepared to respond to the comments received and to elab-
orate on any areas that merit additional data, as a result of
these comments. The appropriate action if these comments are
considered adequate, would be to incorporate them into the final
E. I .R. to be certified by the City Council . These comments are
the accumulation of the responses of the representatives of the
firm of Wilsey S Ham and the City Staff.
B. RESPONSES
1 . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Mr. Burrell indicates that the State Guidelines require
certain summary information to be provided as a part of the
E. I .R. In addition, the report should summarize the environ-
mental characteristics and engineering proposals that are in
the General Plan. He states that the report must indicate
the effect this plan would have on public services. In
addition, he indicates that the E. I .R. for the General Plan
does not contain a thorough economic analysis of the effects
that should occur if the plan is implemented. Finally, he
indicates that there should be some reference for precise
location and boundaries of the General Plan planning area.
COMMENT
Mr. Burrell 's comments, in this section and in subsequent
sections of his letter regarding the E. I .R. on the General
Plan, deal in a large part, with the estimation on the part
of the City Staff and City' s Consultant firm to the amount
of specificity that should be included in the General Plan.
The ruling section with regard to specificity in the State
Guidelines is Section 15147. It states that the degree of
specificity required in any E. I .R. will correspond to the
degree of specificity involved in any underlining activity
which is described in the E. I .R. In that section under
subpoint B, it indicates that the adoption or amendment
of a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance or a local General
Plan should focus on the secondary effects that can be
expected to follow from the adoption, but the E. I .R. need
not be as detailed as an E. I .R. on the specific construc-
tion project that must follow. Under subsection C of the
same section, it indicates that the requirements for an
E. I .R. on the local General Plan or element thereof will
A-11
be satisfied by the General Plan element document -- i .e. ,
no separate E. I .R. is required if, (1 ) , the General Plan
addressess all the points required in an E. I .R. , Article 9
of these guidelines, and (2) , the document contains a special
summary Section or coversheet identifying where the General
Plan addressed each point required. The former has been
the format utilized in the E. I .R. and the General Plan
addressing each point required . In Staff 's opinion this
General Plan E. I .R. cannot be evaluated in terms of its rela-
tionship to an Environmental Impact Report on the specific
development project as proposed by Mr. Burrell .
The purpose of this section on the description of the project
as is implied , is an attempt to require an E. I .R. to begin
with the full description of the project involved, in terms
of setting the stage for the subsequent environmental evalua-
tion of said project. The State Guidelines in setting up
criteria for establishing the description of the project
attempts to require certain precise information to be
provided so the project can be accurately described . To
describe a planning document as extensive as the General
Plan can be done in a number of ways. The Consultant has
chosen to use the route of referencing the various sections
of the General Plan that fully describe the parameters
under which a project is established. Another alternative
would have been to summarize each element in terms of what
is attempted to be done by the elements and to describe
their relationship to each other. However, in the Staff' s
opinion the methodology used is in conformance with the
State Guidelines in terms of providing an adequate descrip-
tion of the project. This is particularly true since the
Guidelines under Section 15141 indicate that the information
should be limited to the amount needed for the evaluation
and review of the Environmental Impacts.
Mr. Burrell ' s statement with regards to the fact that the
report must indicate the effect of the plan on public
services does not correspond with the requirements of the
State Guidelines. However, it should be noted that through-
out the General Plan the emphasis was placed upon the rami-
fications as to the policies , goals and implementations in
relationship to their effect upon the public services. It
is stressed throughout, that the General Plan was created
upon the basis of providing adequate public service without
a requirement of a property tax. To achieve this ideal , it
was necessary, therefor, to construct the General Plan with
a considerable concern for the ramifications on public
services. It should be noted that the E. I .R. on Page E. 12
does describe the impact of the General Plan in terms of
public services in figure 9-3, which is entitled "Impact on
UrL-in Infrastructure".
A-12
Mr. Burrell ' s comment with regard to the E. I .R. having no
thorough economic analysis as to the effects would not
seem to be appropriate in the description of the project.
To make this statement with regards to the description of
the project seems to be totally unappropriate. In addition,
to the thorough economic analysis not being required by
the State Guidelines , it should be noted that Assembly
Bill No. 938 which would require such analysis was vetoed
by Governor Reagon on September 27, 1974. Also, an economic
analysis was prepared by the Consultant in conjunction with
the General Plan and is referred to in the E. I .R. on page
E. 10. Finally, Mr. Burrell ' s comment with regards to lack
of some reference to the precise location and boundaries
of the General Planning area seem to be totally incorrect
since the E. I .R. document clearly states that a detailed
description of the plans ' purpose is in the introduction
and the land use element describes the planning area.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Mr. Burrell indicates that this section is in violation of the
State Guidelines and cites as an example the information pre-
sented on the air quality. He states that this City' s con-
tribution to such problems as air pollution should be stated.
COMMENT
That State Guidelines establishes this section so that the
setting in which the project is proposed can be described
as a starting point for the evaluation of the environmental
effects of the project, in relationship to the previous
description of the actual project. Further, the descrip-
tion of the existing environment is an attempt to describe
the regional environment and the specific site environment
in a reasonably comprehensive manner, in order to give the
reader of the E. I .R. a broader perspective in which to view
the proposed project. The information provided in the E. I .R.
with regards to the description of the environmental setting
is in relationship to all the elements of the General Plan,
and in the Staff's opinion is an adequate description.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Mr. Burrell indicates in his letter a concern with regards to
the description of the Environmental Impact of the proposed
project with regards to the lack of specific facts and figures
used to describe the Environmental Impacts. He uses as an
example the statement with regards to the increase in
humidity in relationship to population, and the fact that
the Consultants failed to designate an exact figure, such
as a range of humidity levels in relationship to the popula-
tion base--in terms of a rise in humidity. Secondly, Mr.
Burrell indicates that the report fails to state the amount
of animal and plant life that exists in the various areas
A-13
of the City of Palm Desert and its sphere of influence. He
states that the information with regards to the amount
of animal and plant life that will be displaced or destroyed
due to the implementation of the General Plan should be stated.
Thirdly, he comments with regards to the levels of air pollu-
tants that are expected with regards to implementations of the
General Plan. He indicates a concern that this amount is not
stated in the General Plan.
In addition, Mr. Burrell , indicates a concern with regards
to the relationship of the General Plan with population
concentrations and distribution. He indicates that an
assumption could be gained that the General Plan has no
effect on population. He indicates that the population
calculations made seem to be without any regard to the
General Plan of the City. He states a concern with regards
to the lack or the effect of the plan with regards to con-
trolling or channeling growth either away from or into the
City of Palm Desert, and states that such figures should be
contained in the E. I .R.
He also indicates a concern with regards to noise levels;
and the fact that there is no statement made with regards
to the increases of noise that would occur because of the
implementation of the General Plan. Finally, he indicates
that the most serious deficiency of the E. I .R. is the lack
of economic data. He illustrates this concern with regards
to the lack of economics data in terms of a lack of know-
ledge with regards to the cost of various land uses
proposed in proportion to their economic benefit . He uses
as an example, industrial development adjacent to the
freeway, and questions the cost for this industrial develop-
ment in relation to the taxes returned to Palm Desert. He
goes on to illustrate potential , premature extension of
service provided for this industrial development which would
result in a burden on the City versus a benefit.
COMMENT
Mr. Burrell ' s statement on the E. I .R. with regards to the
lack of reference to specific facts and figures simply is not
true. An example would be section 4, pages E8A, E813, E9,
E12A, and E12B. With regards to his example as to humidity
levels and ranges as they relate to population increases ,
such data simply is not available and could not be given under
the existing facts. It could be truthfully stated that such
evaluation could not be qualified scientifically. Such an
exercise would be beyond the scope of an E. I .R.
In regards to Mr. Burrell ' s comment as to the statement of
the amount of animal and plant life existing which would be
displaced, as a result of the implementation of the General
Plan; the plant and animal life were analysed in some detail
A-14
in the impacts of development with regards to the form of
the Plan and was given careful consideration throughout the
preparation of the General Plan. The E. I .R. in section 4A.3
page E.8 references the description of vegetation and wild-
life that appear in the appropriate sections of the General
Plan. In relationship to the State Guidelines , it appears
that the Flora and Fauna was adequately addressed in the
General Plan and the related E. I .R. However, the City has
been provided with three documents on the Philip L. Boyd
Deep Canyon Research Center which deal extensively with the
Flora and Fauna of the area. They are the annual report
1973-1974, ''Bird List for Boyd Center and Deep Canyon
Transect'', and ''Floristic List for Deep Canyon Watershed,
Oct. 1973''. Staff recommends that these documents be
included in this final E. I .R. With regards to Mr. Burrell ' s
concern with regards to air pollutants, the E. I .R. addresses
air pollutants in as complete and detailed manner as poss-
ible on the basis of studies that have been conducted in
the valley. The E. I .R. on page E.8 clearly indicates that
there is a need for a regional air pollutant study, and the
letter received from the air pollution control district
clearly illustrates the need for this study. A more com-
plete analysis of the air pollution problem is a study that
would require analysis on the regional basis which was beyond
the General Plan.
Mr. Burrell ' s concern with regards to the lack of a strong
relationship between population projections and the General
Plan is not true. The General Plan does have a strong rela-
tionship with the population projections that exist in the
General Plan. For example, if the various densities were
modified in the General Plan, the effect would be a sub-
stantial change to the population projections. The Environ-
mental Impact Report clearly states that there will be a
change in regards to the social makeup of Palm Desert as a
result of the implementation of the General Plan which
results indirectly from the increase in population. The
E. I .R. states that the population and economics element
does have the amount of population and the effects from that
population.
With regards to Mr. Burrell ' s reference to effect on noise
levels resulting in the implementation of the General Plan,
the General Plan and the E. I .R. both discuss noise and
indicates the existing noise levels and the relationship of
noise to the land use patterns. The statement by Mr. Burrell
with regards to quantifying future noise levels which would
result from the implementation of the General Plan simply is
not possible. This would require a detail analysis of traffic
volumes and knowledge of facts which relate to the future that
would have to come from a crystal ball ; and is not possible
in terms of a quantifiable item to the Consultants or the
A-15
Staff. To provide Mr. Burrell ' s request to establish the noise
levels that will result from the implementation of the
General Plan simply is not possible. However, the Consult-
ants preparation of the plan does indicate measures to be
used in the development of the General Plan as subsequent
implementation tools to be utilized to reduce the impact of
noise levels. These techniques are accepted techniques
throughout the State and the Nation, and are to be imple-
mented only for the purpose of reducing the noise levels
which would result from the increase in traffic and popu-
lation that is proposed in the General Plan. His reference
to both population and noise again deal with the level of
specifics that exist in the General Plan. To get to the
level of detail Mr. Burrell has requested is not possible
in an E. I .R. on a General Plan and indeed, is not required
by State Guidelines.
With regards to Mr. Burrell ' s concern to the lack of econ-
omic data in the E. I .R. , again it must be stated that the
State Guidelines do not acquire an economic analysis. It
should be stated, however, that the General Plan does include
a detailed economic analysis which is referenced on page E. 10.
Mr. Burrell ' s concern with regards to premature development
of land specifically with regards to industrial development
along 1 10, it seems to Staff would be more appropriately
addressed in subsequent implementation tools to be adopted
by the City as a result of the General Plan. Therefore,
his concerns at this time are premature and do not relate
to the E. I .R. Mr. Burrell ' s desire to have the amount of
increases and certain adverse affects to be quantified
simply is not possible. Both the General Plan and the E. I .R.
related to it, deal with secondary effects and cannot poss-
ibly quantify in detail the degree of increased adversity.
It should be stated that the completion and adoption of the
General Plan will not have a direct adverse impact upon
the environment, because these are simply studies, reports
and policy documents designed to guide the future decisions
of the City in matters concerning community development.
They will , however, stimulate many secondary impacts as a
result of the actions that are likely to follow the actual
adoption of the General Plan. These affects have been ade-
quately derived and described both in the General Plan and
related E. I .R.
4. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED
Mr. Burrell in his letter states that without facts or infor-
mation it is not possible for the City to be aware of the
level of various adverse environmental effects of the General
Plan. He indicates that the state law requires that the
reason for proceeding with the project despite its adverse
environmental effects must be stated in the E. I .R. He states
A-16
that there seems to be no reasons why the General Plan has
been proposed despite its affect of eliminating the small
town character of Palm Desert, overburdening the supply of
water for the area, increasing the humidity, and providing a
great traffic problem for the highways. Finally, he states
the E. I .R. should indicate the effects on human health to
be expected from air pollution, high humidity, increases in
noise, and seismic dangers.
COMMENT
In so far as the General Plan itself is intended to inves-
tigate the impacts of urban development, it could be
argued that some of the elements of the General Plan could
contribute benefits in excess of the adverse impacts that
they promote. Mr. Burrell 's statement to the fact that
the state law requires reasons for proceeding with a
project despite adverse environmental effects is only an
inference made by Mr. Burrell by reading the State Guide-
lines. The state law, Section 15143, subsection B indicates
a permissive description with regards to why the project
is proceeding even though there are adverse effects that
cannot be alleviated. It is Staff' s and the Consultant' s
opinion that an E. I .R. should not be a justification for a
General Plan; and, in fact, it should state the impacts.
This is the attempt under the adverse Environmental effects
that cannot be avoided addressed on page E1 . As stated
at the first public hearing before the Council in the
General Plan, the wording in this section seems to be some-
what strong, particularly with regards to the view of the
night skies. It is impossible to state that they would be
eliminated. However, it can be stated that views
of the night skies could be reduced as a result
of the implementation of the General Plan. Staff believes
that Mr. Burrell is overly reacting to the wording in the
E. I .R. In addition, Staff is of the opinion that the
statement made in the E. I .R. do comply with State Guidelines.
Finally, Mr. Burrell ' s states that the E. I .R. doesn ' t indi -
cate the effects on human health to be expected from the
adverse effects. This again, gets down to the basic
concern that Mr. Burrell has regarding the E. I .R with which
the Staff has an opposite opinion, that is the degree of
specificity of the information provided. Staff must again
state that the E. I .R. for the General Plan must be as
general as the General Plan and in those terms this does
E. I .R. does comply with the State Guidelines.
5. MITIGATION MEASURES
Mr. Burrell in his letter states that the section on Mitiga-
tion measures has no mitigation measures that would lessen
the adverse environmental effects. He states that the report
should state and indicate the various tradeoffs that would
lessen the adverse consequences of implementing the General
A-17
Plan. He states that the crucial portion of this section
of the E. I .R. in terms of the General Plan would be data
that indicates a level of the environmental impacts that are
acceptable. He again states that the City must have
information to show that a particular level of humidity,
air pollutions, seismic risks or other environmental
affects are acceptable for the residents in the City of
Palm Desert. He again stresses the fact that the E. I .R.
must provide noise levels that will be curbed as the plan
is implemented in various portions of the City. He states,
in addition, that the E. I .R. must provide information that
indicates that a particular level of noise is acceptable to
the citizens of Palm Desert and to the proposed land use.
COMMENT
Mr. Burrell 's statement to the effect that the Mitigation
measures had not been indicated in the E. I .R. on the General
Plan simply are not true. The E. I .R. clearly states that
one of the basic criteria for the General Plan and its
associated elements is the Mitigation of detrimental environ-
mental impacts. Mitigation measures are stressed in each
element of the General Plan. The E. I .R. stresses that the
policies to be established by the Council and subsequent
implementation policies will have a drastic effect on
adverse effects in terms of their ultimate levels. As
stated previously, the estimated level with regards to noise,
with regards to air pollution and humidity, have been
indicated throughout the entire E. I .R. and the General Plan
to the degree of specifics as possible with this type of
planning document. Mr. Burrell ' s statement as to the lack
of specific data does not relate to the document that he is
reviewing.
6. ALTERNATIVES
Mr. Burrell in his letter indicates that the E. I .R. does not
analyze in detail the various alternatives to the General
Plan. He states that the alternatives are absolutely
essential so that the citizens and the City may point out
the different proposals that may be more beneficial to the
City than the proposed plan.
COMMENT
It should be noted that the Staff report prepared on the
Final E. I .R. indicates the several alternatives that were
discussed which Mr. Burrell was not able to review as a
part of the final environmental impact report. Therefore,
in this area he was not able to see the alternatives.
Under this section the possibility of a no project alternative
does not exist since the state requires a General Plan be
adopted and the City has no alternative but to adopt a
A-18
General Plan. Another alternative that is not available
to the City in this project is to delay the project. Since
the General Plan is mandated by state law, it is not
possible to delay the project beyond the specific deadlines
established by the state for this City which is June 30,
1975. The third alternative, therefore,and the acceptable
one is to allow the project. The Staff report as indicated
above does address the various alternatives that were review-
ed in establishing the public hearing draft on the General
Plan and related E. I .R.
7. RELATIONSHIP TO SHORT TERM USES AND LONG TERM PRODUCTIVITY
Mr. Burrell in his letter indicates a concern to the effect
that the guidelines in the state sections that established
the criteria for this section of an E. I .R. is longer than
the information provided within the E. I .R. on the General
Plan. He states that the E. I .R. should indicate the short-
term losses that will occur after the implementation of the
General Plan. In addition, this section should provide
facts and figures to justify the conclusion that the General
Plan will be a long-term benefit to the City of Palm Desert.
COMMENT
Throughout the General Plan and the E. I .R. this relationship
was considered. It is Staff's opinion that the accumulative
effect of all the General Plan Elements are that they regu-
late, eliminate, and shape the development of the community
so as to promote the greatest efficiency with the least
amount of conflict. The role of the subject elements is to
furthur decrease conflicts between the City and the environ-
ment by officially making the various qualities specified
in the General Plan, a part of the required planning process.
If this is accomplished , then the short-term effects of the
implementation of the General Plan will be drastically
reduced with the long-term effect of the General Plan being
a positive effect. In the end there will be developed a
well-planned community which will create an attractive and
desirable environment within the area. It is, therefor,
the opinion of the Staff that the General Plan as it is
proposed maintains a balance of the short-term effects and
the long-term uses. It is on this basis, therefor, that
Mr. Burrell ' s statements with regards to this section do not
apply.
8. IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
Mr. Burrell in his letter indicates the irreversible envir-
onmental effects should be described in detail so that the
City is aware of how much each of the resources will be af-
fected in implementing the General Plan.
A-19
COMMENT
The irreversible or irretrievable environmental changes are
indicated throughout the General Plan and Mr. Burrell ' s
statement is simply not true. On page E18 the E. I .R.
clearly indicates that these environmental changes are offset
through the acquisition, development and/or maintenance of
parks, open space, along with adequate levels of public
service which will minimize these adverse changes. The
specific analysis of these areas for changes would have to
be done on the project basis at which time the specific
quantified amounts can be evaluated with regards to each
project. An attempt to do this at this stage is not
possible; and , if the attempt was made, it v,ould not be
of any value since the specific implementatic tools such
as the zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, etc. ,
are the documents that will specify the specific environ-
mental changes that are irreversible or irretrievable. On
this basis, therefor, it could be stated that the adoption
of the General Plan would not have substantial irreversible
or irretrievable changes which are contrary to Mr. Burrell ' s
statements.
9• GROWTH INDUCING IMPACTS
Mr. Burrell in his letter states that by providing improve-
ments of public services, the General Plan would encourage
growth within the City of Palm Desert. He states the effects
of this General Plan will be enticing additional develop-
ment within the City, and this should be described , but is
not in the General Plan.
COMMENT
Again it must be stated that the growth inducing impacts
are discussed in various sections of the General Plan. Mr.
Burrell ' s statement with regards to adoption of a General
Plan enticing development cannot be considered true in that
the present adopted General Plan known as the Cove Communi-
ties General Plan, in essence is doing the same thing; and
it is hoped that the new General Plan as adopted would reduce
this element and is an improvement in terms of planned
growth with regards to the City of Palm Desert. In addi -
tion, the Staff report on the E. I .R. stresses that fact that
the General Plan will provide the City with an opportunity
to control the growth.
A-20
10. ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS CONSULTED
Mr. Burrell in his letter states that the City must consult
with an agency which would be responsible for providing
services within the area covered by the General Plan and he
questions why the various agencies that are affected by this
General Plan were not contacted.
COMMENT
The list of those agencies contacted is in the E. I .R. In
addition, the City Staff upon receipt of the E. I .R. on the
General Plan did forward it to some 33 different agencies
and their response has been outlined in the Staff report
on the General Plan and the E. I .R. On this basis, therefor,
Mr. Burrell ' s comments to this section do not have merit.
The reason that the City did not notify the State Planning
Agency was on the basis of the belief that the affects of
this General Plan was more localized ir nature than the
statewide concerns. On that basis, therefor, the various
cities in the valley and the local regional agencies,
C-VAG, were the agencies to which the City circulated the
General Plan document. The State Department of Resources
did receive a notice of the completion of the General Plan
by the C°ty and a copy of the actual General Plan.
11 . A TIME FOR REVIEW
Mr. Burrell 's letter indicates that the period of review
for the City's E. I .R. on the General Plan was from
November 12 to December 9. He states that state guidelines
indicate that there should be a 90 day review for the review
of the E. I .R. and that another 30 days should be allowed for
the review of the final E. I .R.
COMMENT
Under section 15160 of the State Guidelines on environmental
impact reports, the State Guidelines state that the public
agencies may establish time periods for review in their imple-
menting procedures for reviewing agencies. The City Council
in their adoption of their Resolution No. 73-14 which is the
City's guidelines did establish specific review periods.
Under section 23 of this resolution the time for review of
the draft E. I .R. was established for 20 days. In that the
State Guidelines, with regards to review periods , only
suggests certain time periods, this time for review does
comply with these guidelines. Since the document was review-
ed by other agencies within the time specified by Resolution
73-14, it would appear that this E. I .R. does comply with
City guidelines and therefor, State guidelines. Upon com-
pletion of the review period the Staff did prepare a final
A-21
E. I .R. This was forwarded to the Planning Commission as a
part of their consideration of the General Plan and was
acted upon then as their part of their evaluation of the
General Plan.
Mr. Burrell 's statements do conform with the state guidelines
in that the permissive wording is utilized throughout the
guidelines. With regards to review periods, in Staff's
opinion the processing of this E. I .R. does comply with the
City's guidelines and the State' s Guidelines.
12. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Burrell states that the E. I .R. must contain certain
basic information, the comments by governmental entities,
the public and the City's replies to these comments. He
states that the Environmental Impact Report has no replies
with regards to the environmental issues raised in the
process of the E. I .R. He further states , that while the
City held a public hearing on the plan that the members of
the public were limited to three minutes apiece.
COMMENT
Mr. Burrell 's statement as to the requirement that the
E. I .R. must contain certain basic information is true and
the Staff's prepared Final E. I .R. does contain all this
information which was not available to Mr. Burrell in his
review of the draft E. I .R. This information as required
by the City's Environmental guidelines was available in
the City's offices prior to the hearing on the General
Plan. In addition, the report by the Staff on the Final
E. I .R. did include all the letters received on the E. I .R.
responses to each letter.
Mr. Burrell ' s statement that the public was limited to three
minutes with regards to the General Plan before the Planning
Commission was simply not true and should be noted that the
Chairman prior to the hearings on both the E. I .R. and on
the General Plan requested that statements be limited since
there was a great amount of detail with regards to both
the E. I .R. and the General Plan. Also, that specifically
on the General Plan, the public was to be allowed to speak
on each element of the General Plan, which would have allowed
up to 27 minutes by each person on the General Plan. On
that basis, therefor, Mr. Burrell 's comments with regard to
the public hearing do not have merit.
13. SUMMARY OF AN ENVIRONMENT IMPACT REPORT
Mr. Burrell in his letter completes the evaluation of the
E. I .R. with two sections. The first section deals with the
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1
summary of the E. I .R. He restates that the letter that he
has written is not intended to describe in detail each and
every deficiency of the E. I .R. It merely sites examples that
indicate the report violates each of the critical sections
contained in the State Guidelines. He states that since the
E. I .R. is considered inadequate by him that this would
open the General Plan to an act by any land developer who
is not entirely pleased with what the General Plan does to
his property. He feels that the City should, therefor,
require the Consultants to revise the E. I .R. so that the
wishes of the citizens of Palm Desert cannot be affected
by a squawk of a land owner.
COMMENT
Mr. Burrell 's statements do not seem to hold water with
regards to the E. I .R. and the General Plan. What Mr. Burrell
fails to realize is the real purpose of the State Guidelines
which is to establish criteria on which to evaluate the
environmental effects of any project that is being considered.
The purpose of the Guidelines is to provide public agencies
with principals, objectives, criteria, and definitions for
the statewide application of the California Environmental
Quality Act of 1970. Contrary to Mr. Burrell ' s concern it is
not a collection of specific data that describes in every
detail the total environmental effects of a project that
eoncompasses 82 square miles; and, in fact, is a planning
document whose purpose is to improve the environmental
quality of development, that will inform the public decision-
makers, the Council , and the General Public of the effects
of the project that is proposed. An E. I .R. may not be
used as an instrument to rationalize an approval of a
project or to indicate adverse impacts and require that a
project be dissapproved. While the guidelines require that
major considerations be given to preventing environmental
damage, it is recognized that public agencies have obliga-
tions to balance other public objectives including economic
and social factors in determining whether and how a project
should be approved.
Mr. Burrell ' s approach as to reviewing this document has been
typical of a review of a specific, precise project that can
be quantifiably evaluated from the standpoint of its environ-
mental effects. Mr. Burrell in reviewing of this project
has failed to consider that the General Plan is a planning
document which tends to guide the orderly development of
the community with particular emphasis placed upon the pre-
servation of the environment, where possible. In addition,
the document attempts to evaluate the social and economic
factors in relationship to the environment with the result
being the optimum community possible under the present plan-
ning criteria available to the City. It is on this basis,
therefor, the Staff must reject a majority of Mr. Burrell ' s
comments as not factual and incorrect, with the reasons
stated above.
A-23
`� APPENDIX B
`�'ILE l� & HANJ Earl P.Wilsey(1892-1957)
1631 HUNTINGTON DRIVE • P.O. BOX 430 • SOUTH PASADENA,CALIF. 91030 •Telephone (213) 799-9181 • Cable "WHINT"
November 7, 1974
Mayor Henry Clark
Chairman C. Robert Hubbard
City of Palm Desert
45-275 Prickly Pear Lane
Palm Desert, California 92260
Dear Mayor Clark and Chairman Hubbard:
Wilsey 6 Ham is pleased to transmit this Public Hearing Draft of the
Palm Desert General Plan. The Plan reflects the culmination of an
extensive effort by the Citizen 's Advisory Committee (CAC) , City
Council , Planning Commission, City staff, Citizens of Palm Desert ,
outside agencies and Wilsey b Ham.
During the process it has been our intention to have the Plan re-
present the aspirations of Palm Desert citizens as expressed through
the Citizens Advisory Committee, by other citizens at the various
Town Forums and by Council and Commission at our various study sessions.
The Public Hearing Draft reflects the intensive review made by sub-
committees of the Citizens Advisory Committee and City Staff of the
Preliminary Draft which was presented to the City on October 3rd. Most
of the CAC recommendations have been incorporated into this draft.
The purpose of the Preliminary Draft review was to obtain comments so
that the Public Hearing Draft would come as close as possible to re-
flecting citizen, Staff and Wilsey & Ham consensus . Inasmuch as the
purpose of the public hearings is to obtain final citizen input regarding
the Plan we anticipate that a few changes to the Plan may still be re-
quired. All requests for changes by the CAC, City Staff or citizens at
this time should be addressed at the time of Commission and Council hear-
ings. The Commission and Council upon receipt of written or verbal
requests for changes at the hearings should then ask for Staff and Wilsey
& Ham comments, discuss the merits of the proposed changes , and request
that Wilsey & Ham incorporate those changes they consider appropriate
into the adopted and printed document.
Commission recommendations for changes to the Public Hearing draft should
be made in the context of the resolution approving the Plan - subject to
the recommended additions , deletions or changes. Council should act on
the Commission recommendations as part of their deliberations .
planning • engineering • architecture • landscape architecture • surveying • mapping • systems
Mayor Henry Clark November 7, 1974
Chairman C. Robert Hubbard Page 2
City of Palm Desert
We wish to express our thanks to the Citizen's Advisory Committee
and Chairman George Berkey as well as City Manager Harvey Hurlburt,
Director of Environmental Services Paul Williams, Director of Finance
Bob Fleischman and planner Sam Freed, as well as the Council and Com-
mission for their help in preparing this Plan.
Sincerely,
WILSEY & HAM
Larryi / orrison, AIP
Progr . irector
Hunter T. Cook
Wi liam C. Reyno s
William H. Garrett; A
Paul R. Secord
Enclosure
LBM:sj b