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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-14 Study Session - General Plan PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION (GENERAL PLAN) Ta Nova/City of Palm Desert City Council Staff Report/December 4, 2000 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT DATE: DECEMBER 14, 2000 TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: PLANNING DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Recommendation That the City Council review the attached materials, delineate Planning Area boundary, and complete assignments to the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). Introduction The City Council is being asked to review the attached materials, which include information on the preparation of the City's new Comprehensive General Plan and associated Environmental Impact Report. The items in this packet include the following: • General Plan Introduction & Relational Flow Chart • General Plan Planning Area Delineation & Map • Element Review Assignments & Preliminary Meeting Schedule • Project Milestone Chart • General Plan Advisory Committee Selections/Assignments The introductory materials and flowchart provide an overview of the General Plan process and the relationships of the various Plan components. Issues associated with delineating the boundaries of the Planning Area were discussed at an earlier study session and are addressed in the attached materials. A map of the prospective planning area is also included. A variety of City committees and commissions will be asked to review draft elements, and a revised meeting schedule is provided. Materials have also been provided to facilitate selection of members and alternates for the General Plan Advisory Committee. Staff has made some recommendations, however, most of these memberships still need to be filled. Finally, a revised milestone chart has been developed which sets forth the various tasks, meetings and other activities that must be completed to bring a new Comprehensive General Plan and EIR to the Council for approval. TN/City of Palm Desert Gen�,a,rlan Introduction/Tue,Dec 5, 2000 CITY OF PALM DESERT INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL PLAN This introduction to the General Plan provides the broadest overview of this important document, what it is, what information it contains and how it will be developed. The chapter also summarized the City's history and important features. The size of the planning area, the state of existing development and the community's valuable resources are also summarized and maps of the region and City boundaries are provided. The relationship of the General Plan to the Environmental Impact Report is explained. Introduction 1 TN/City of Palm Desert General li itroduction/Tue,Dec 5,2000 INTRODUCTION HDAL V I IID321I COMHDREEENEWE 127_,III - AN All incorporated towns and cities, and all counties are required by the California Government Code to prepare comprehensive, long-term general plans,which direct development of the community. As an official document of the City of Palm Desert, the General Plan provides the goals, policies and programs to guide the development of the City and to preserve its valued assets and resources. In addition to goals and policies, the General Plan includes issues discussions, diagrams and maps, tables and charts that provide direction for the prudent and conscientious management of future development. The makeup and composition of the City of Palm Desert are briefly described below. It also describes the planning area which includes the City limits, and the regional context and long-term perspective taken by the City in developing this document. Finally,this brief discussion provides an overview of the General Plan and the Environmental Impact Report, and their role as the principal development guides for community development. City of Palm Desert The City of Palm Desert is the premier business,resort and residential community in the Coachella Valley. Located in the geographic and demographic center of the valley,Palm Desert is well served by major transportation routes and is actively working to add commuter rail service to its regional access. Major recreational and educational facilities are also becoming integral parts of the range of services and facilities available in the City. Incorporated in 1973, Palm Desert has become the valley's commercial powerhouse and has led the way in the preservation of open space areas and the integration of art into the development of the community. Substantial portions of the City are already developed, and remaining vacant lands are generally located north of Frank Sinatra Drive and extend north to US Interstate-10. Major planning efforts in portions of this "North Sphere" area have been completed and development is underway or is imminent. The City has some Sphere-of-Influence lands north of Interstate-10, including Del Webb Sun City and additional lands to the west. Introduction 2 TN/City of Palm Desert Genc,u, ,Ian Introduction/Tue, Dec 5, 2000 The City of Palm Desert encompasses about 21 square miles. The City's Sphere-of-Influence (SOI), County managed lands over which the City has an advisory role,totals another 41.5 square miles. Development over the past decades has been focused along the Highway 111 corridor, the southern areas and portions of the valley floor. Within the corporate limits,remaining undeveloped but developable lands are located just south of US Interstate-10. Approval of new residential and resort development has been predominantly in this northern portion of the City and includes the new campus of Cal-State University -San Bernardino. Recently annexed lands have extended the city limits to Washington Street and LAFCO recently placed the community of Bermuda Dunes within the City's Sphere-of-Influence. The City is situated on a variety of geographic conditions, including a mid-valley alluvial plain and limited mountain foothills, as well as the desert floor. The Santa Rosa Mountains bound the City on the south. The extensive alluvial plains formed by drainage from these mountains form the alluvial plain on which portions of the City has developed. The adjoining mountains and the San Jacinto and Little San Bernardino Mountains to the west and north,respectively, also provide dramatic and valuable viewsheds. The City is a geographically and biologically important location, where significantly differing wildlife habitat,landscape and geology meet. The General Plan and Environmental Impact Report The Comprehensive General Plan and associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are being developed to serve as a framework for decision-making regarding the appropriate types, intensities and conditions by which development is to be permitted in the City. The process of preparing these documents must involve thoughtful and extensive community consultation, including the identification of issues, and the development of goals, policies, and programs. It also involves the consideration of various alternatives, the consensus selection of preferred courses of action, and finally,the development of strategies to implement the General Plan. As required by state law, each jurisdiction must prepare and adopt a General Plan and supporting documentation to provide the basis for the community's development. The Plan identifies the environmental, social and economic goals, and sets forth policies, standards and programs for existing and future development. The General Plan also provides the framework to analyse and respond to changing circumstances as the City continues to grow and evolve. The background information and issues to be summarized in the General Plan will be discussed in greater depth in the General Plan EIR. Therefore,both documents will provide City officials and the general public with vital information necessary to make informed decisions. The General Plan and the EIR also will serve as the basis for subsequent planning efforts, including the preparation of Specific Plans and special environmental and planning studies. The General Plan Process The City's previous General Plan was last comprehensively updated in the early 1980s. Since that time, there have been numerous updates to individual elements of the plan but no comprehensive update. Based upon a need to respond to recent social, economic, physical and political conditions, the City Council determined that a comprehensive update to the General Plan is necessary. Introduction 3 TN/City of Palm Desert General P itroduction/Tue,Dec 5,2000 General Plan Advisory Committee Staff is recommending the appointment of a fifteen(15)member General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to serve as the primary means of citizen involvement in the formulation of the draft General Plan. A preliminary schedule for General Plan element preparation and review has been prepared, with the GPAC process currently planned to begin shortly after the beginning of 2001. The GPAC will meet once or twice monthly to discuss and review draft General Plan elements and their goals, policies and programs. The GPAC will also take a City-wide field trip to orient GPAC members and to obtain a better understanding of community conditions, constraints and opportunities. Between January and November of 2001,the General Plan Advisory Committee will hold about 12 public meetings during which staff and consultant presentations will be made, followed by preliminary votes to accept, modify or reject proposed goals,policies and programs. The proposed land use map designations are expected to receive the most amount of citizen input and GPAC discussion during these meetings. Special newspaper notices will be published in an effort to inform the public of proposed changes to be considered in the General Plan. The recommendations of the GPAC will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council for their review and adoption. General Plan Format The General Plan will be organized into five major chapters: Administration, Community Development,Environmental Resources,Environmental Hazards, and Public Services and Facilities. Within each chapter will be the various General Plan elements and their accompanying background information, goals,policies and programs. Goals, Policies and Programs Each element will contain at least one goal statement and related policy statements and programs. A goal in the General Plan is the most general statement of community values expressed as a desirable end-state condition to be achieved in the future. The heart of the General Plan is contained within its policy statements. Policies further refine the goal statements and provide a clear direction for decision-making. Policies frequently include "shall" statements to provide unequivocal directives. Decision-making criteria, major development standards and funding priorities are best established by clear General Plan policies. General Plan programs will be included as implementation measures needed to carry out related policy statements. Programs will provide the basis for scheduling and assigning staff and other resources to specific actions which are needed to implement certain directives of the Plan. The maps and graphics which will be included in the General Plan will help to illustrate policies. For example, the land use map will represent a series of policies for the type and intensity of future development to occur at various locations throughout the City and the planning area. Introduction 4 � A TN/City of Palm Desert General Man Introduction/Tue,Dec 5,2000 Specific Plans of Land Use A Specific Plan plays an important role as a refined version of the General Plan, applicable to a specific portion of the community. Specific Plans often provide detailed design and analysis of complex mixed-use projects, and indicate precise land use locations and designs. Specific Plans contain text, exhibits, and diagrams indicating the distribution, location, and intensity of proposed land uses and the necessary public and private urban support systems,including streets,utilities and drainage facilities. The standards and criteria by which development and, where applicable,conservation will proceed on the property are also defined in the Specific Plan. Additionally, a Specific Plan provides a program of implementation measures and financing necessary to carry out the project. It must also be consistent with all facets of the General Plan and in turn, zoning, subdivision, and public works projects must be consistent with an existing Specific Plan (Government Code Section 65455). The City currently has four Specific Plans, including "Project Area 4"; "Palmas Village"; "West Hills"; and the downtown "Core Commercial". These plans are self-contained or part of larger Redevelopment Agency project areas. These Specific Plans are considered as integral parts of the City's General Plan and their land use plans and policies will be reflected in the updated Plan. Introduction 5 D I(1/IS/fHl GPAC PROJECT CITY OF PALM DESERT lt,�-s,)ty RELATIONAL FLOW CHART. City of Palm Desert L J TERRA NOVA General Plan/EIR Relational Flow Chart PLANNING&RESEARCH,INC. 400 South Farrell,Suite B-205,Palm Springs,Ca.92262 16i 9i 320 90a0 V LAND USE PATTERN •Residential CULTURAL RESOURCES •Commercial •Biology •Industrial •Drainage/Surface Water •Institutional •Topography •Public Lands •Historic Resources AIR RESOURCES •Soils I LAND •Wind USE •Traffic ALTERNATIVES CIRCULATION SYSTEM WATER RESOURCES 'Urban Emissions •Roadways •Climate •Railroads •Topography •Transmission Line •Biology VISIONING/ISSUES •Non-Motorized Transportation •Urban Consumption BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES PRELIMINARY BASELINE DATA •Quality of Life •Soils •Community Design/Development •Urban Design — •Environmental Resources i •Natural Systems 4'zo •Water/Climate •Environmental Hazards •Community Facilities/Amenities ECONOMIC RESOURCES •Drainage •Public Services/Facilities •Economic Base •Land Use •Retail Commercial DRAFT F--- •Resorts/Hotels GEOTECHNICAL HAZARDSPLAN •Redevelopment Agency •Seismic/Faulting •Employment Base •Topography/Slope Stability I. •Soils •Groundwater FLOODING HAZARDS •Climate OPEN SPACE RESOURCES •Topography •Topography •Soils •Drainage •Biology • •Community Design •Built Environment EIR •Parks&Recreation NOISE HAZARDS •Roadway Traffic •Rail Traffic •Land Use Patterns •Topography COMMUNITY TOXIC/HAZARDOUS Note: This relational flow chart provides a schematic view of the various DEVELOPMENT MATERIALS components encompassed in the General Plan and associated Environment COMPONENTS •Generators Impact Report (EIR). Sub-components related to or influencing •Drainage Patterns components are listed below each one. The schematic also reflects •Wind Patterns •Soils HEARINGS specifics of the Palm Desert General Plan process. Initial baseline data in •Groundwater the Community Profile has provided the basis for issues indentification and VISUAL RESOURCES visioning. Major components of community development are then •Topography examined within the context of the various environmental components, •Air Quality FINAL which must also be considered. This process then leads to the development •Community Design PLAN of the General Plan and land use alternatives, their reassessment, and the •Scenic Highways preparation of the final draft and EIR analysis. Public hearings and Final General Plan Adoption then follow. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS Terra Nova/City of Palm Desert General Plan Planning Area Delineation/December 4, 2000 CITY OF PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PT.ANNIN1 AREA 11)FT.TNF.ATT(1N Introduction On October 26, 2000 the City Council met in study session to consider several aspects of the recently initiated General Plan update. One of the most important, and essential for determining the scope of research, is the delineation of the planning area for the General Plan. The following information is provided to facilitate this delineation. Please mark up the attached map and prepare to discuss preferred boundaries. Corporate City Limits Within the boundaries of the existing City limits, the City has sole responsibility for regulating land use, development, and providing the full range of municipal services. With recent annexations, the City has extended its corporate limits east to Washington Street and in the southeast in the vicinity of Highway 74. With the exception of special districts, including CVWD and the school district, which act as their own Lead Agencies, the City regulates activities on incorporated lands. Sphere of Influence The City Sphere of Influence (SOI) is an area around the City's corporate limits that has been recognized by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as an area which influences and and may be influenced by activities within the City's corporate limits. The SOI also represents lands which it may be appropriate for the City to incorporate some time in the future. With regard to the City's regulatory authority within the Sphere of Influence, all non-ministerial development applications processed by the County must be submitted to the City for comment before being acted upon. The City plays an advisory role to the County and has no additional authority regarding approvals within the SOI. General Plan Planning Area The General Plan planning area ( or study area) involves those lands which occur within the City's corporate limits, its Sphere of Influence, and any additional unincorporated lands which the City would like to consider in its analysis and planning activities. The delineation of a planning area does not imply or require that non-Sphere lands eventually be annexed or even placed within the City's SOI. There are several advantages to using an expanded planning area for General Plan analysis. A. Expanded Planning Context: An expanded planning area allows the City to consider a broader land use, transportation and environmental context when considering updates to the various General Plan elements. This approach can expose relationships important to the City that might not otherwise become apparent. terra Nova/City of Palm Desert General Plan Planning Area Delineation/December 4, 2000 B. Broadened Planning Analysis: An expanded planning area allows the City to examine inn- detail the relationships of land use, transportation and other planning activity in the County and how it may affect the City in the long run. The expanded planning area also allows the City to model land use and circulation impacts and to establish and analytic basis identifying issues of concern to the City. C. Strengthening City's Influence: The use and analysis of an expanded planning area provides the City with powerful and useful analyses of conditions beyond its immediate area of control or influence. This information may become invaluable in the future when the City considers further expansions to its Sphere of Influence or corporate limits. The information and analysis gained by this approach also empowers the City when addressing development, transportation or other land use issues in the area. Conveying issues of concern to the County or other planning area jurisdictions, with meaningful documentation, will strengthen the City influence in such matters. D. Expediting SOI and Annexation Applications The delineation and analysis of an expanded General Plan planning area will provide the full range of information and land use planning required of the City in the event the City wishes to expand its Sphere of Influence or its corporate limits. SOI amendments or annexation applications can be quickly and cost-effectively developed, tiering off of the City's general Plan and associated EIR. This approach will also strengthen the City's applications and effectively address issues that arise. General Plan Study Area Analysis All portions of the General Plan study area will receive the same level of research, planning and analysis. Data and information on existing and planned land uses, major transportation systems, environmental resources and hazards, and the availability of utilities and public services will also be addressed in the General Plan update and associated environmental analysis. The GPAC and Planning Commission will also review and provide tentative approval to three alternative set of land use designations for all lands within the planning area. The feasibility of each, including existing designations,will be evaluated in the General Plan EIR. Expanded Planning Area Obligations While the City is free to extend its planning activities to cover lands beyond its current control or influence, such action in no way obligates the City to extend either its SOI or corporate limits. While empowering the City, as discussed above, an expanded planning area does not commit the City to an area of expanded responsibility. 2 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Meeting schedule,et. al./Tue, Dec 5, 2000 GPAC MEETING AND DOCUMENT PROCESSING SCHEDULE (DRAFT) PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN Amendment No. 3 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS DECEMBER 1, 2000 Introduction The drafting of the General Plan and its various elements will be undertaken with the assistance of and consultation with the many committees and commissions which advise the City. The City Council is also appointing a separate General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to be composed of 15 members and two alternates. The schedule of General Plan Element review and the committees/commissions participating in the preparation of each is set forth below. Elements to be reviewed by the various committees/commissions before going on to the GPAC are as follows: Architectural Commission(AC): • Community Design AIPP/Civic Arts/Historical Society: • Arts and Culture (ACAHS) • Archaeological &Cultural Resources Housing Commission (HC): • Housing Parks and Recreation Commission: • Parks and Recreation (PRC) • Open Space and Conservation Planning Commission (PC): • Land Use • Traffic&Circulation Public Safety Commission (PSC): • Police and Fire • Geotechnical • Flooding&Hydrology • Health Services &Emergency Preparedness • Noise • Hazardous and Toxic Materials Technology Committee(TC): • Technology-Related Elements GPAC Committee (GPAC) Only: • Introduction& Administration • Air Quality • Water Resources • Energy &Mineral Resources • Water, Sewer&Utilities • Biological Resources • Economic Development • Schools, Libraries&Public Buildings The element review process that is envisioned will involve bringing draft materials for several elements to the various City committees and commissions prior to review by the General Plan Advisory Committee. Other elements will be reviewed solely by the GPAC before being further considered by the City Planning Commission and City Council. The scheduling set forth below is tentative and will be adjusted from time to time to accommodate the scheduling needs of the various committees and commissions to be involved. 1 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Meeting...Jule,et.al./Tue,Dec 5,2000 This draft schedule tentatively establishes regular public meetings for those areas of the General Plan for which draft background and discussion materials, goals, policies and programs are prepared and reviewed by the various City committees/commissions, GPAC and staff. The schedule reflects the logical development of materials and their review and discussion. The goal is to complete the review and approval of all General Plan elements in twelve (12) community-based GPAC meetings and seven (7) committee/commission meetings, to be held over a nine month period. The early meetings will focus on the legal requirements for the General Plan, its structure and format, and its function in community planning and development regulation. Environmental Resource and Hazard elements will then be reviewed, followed by the Public Services and Facilities elements. Finally, and within the context established by the previous elements, the Community Development elements will be reviewed. These will include Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Community Design,Economic development and other elements. The following schedule includes the completion and adoption schedule for the interim Housing Element. It also sets forth all other GPAC meetings by number and target date. The element materials to be reviewed are set forth. The target dates for completion of draft materials, and transmittals to committees and commissions, and the GPAC are also set forth. 1) Jan. 17th, `01:Bus Tour/Overview of Community and Planning Area - will involve touring various parts of the city and planning area to review land use, traffic, development types,etc. and orient everyone to the planning area and issues.Will include a map and briefing paper that lists specific planning areas and associated issues to be review through subsequent GPAC meetings. (GPAC) Staff Edit Draft: 12/20/00 Commission Review: None GPAC Transmittal: 1/3/01 2) Feb. 7, `01: General Plan Introduction/Administrative Element- continue and expand upon previous brief discussion, provide introduction and overview of General Plan and basic interrelationships. Review draft Administrative Element, which will serve as introduction to element format, describe General Plan components, consistency and interpretation issues, Plan, amendment and reviews, and implementing ordinances and other instruments. Provide review of goals, policies and programs associated with Plan administration. (GPAC) Air Quality, Water Resources, Energy and Mineral Resources - discussions of background information, current trends in air and water quality, and water resource long-term availability. Energy and mineral resource discussions can also be discussed in this meeting. Applicable regional, state and federal regulations should also be discussed and opportunities for prudent resource management. Provide issues menu for discussion; review preliminary goals, policies and implementation measures. (GPAC) Staff Edit Draft: 1/10/01 Commission Review: None GPAC Transmittal: 1/24/01 2 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Meeting Schedule,et. al./Tue,Dec 5, 2000 Feb. 7, `01: Interim Housing Element - examines the interim revision to the Housing Element to be considered for adoption early in 2001. State law requires that cities and counties update their Housing Elements every five years. The City Housing Commission will first review the draft element, which will then be forwarded to the GPAC, Planning Commission and City Council for consideration and adoption. Concurrently, the draft element will be forwarded to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for review and certification. (HC) Staff Edit Draft: Done Commission Transmittal: Done Commission Review: 12/13/00 GPAC Transmittal: 1/24/01 PC Transmittal: 2/14/01/01 PC Hearing: 3/1/01 CC Hearing: 3/22/01 3) March 28, `01 Parks and Recreation - discussion with a review of background, generally accepted standards, existing park locations and ideas for siting future parks/facilities,joint-powers facilities, etc. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (PRC) Open Space and Conservation - Also relate discussion to and build off of the parks and recreation and previous environmental summary. Mountains and wildlife preservation, enhancement of flood channel habitat and similar issues may also be discussed, including MSHCP. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals,policies and implementation programs. (PRC) Biological and Archo./Hist. Resources - discussion with presentation of background information, applicable state and federal law and regulations, City, CVAG and other resource management efforts. Provide purpose and background discussion; review and approve goals, policies and programs. (GPAC) Staff Edit Draft: 2/19/01 Commission Transmittal: 2/28/01 Commission Review: Week of 3/5/01 GPAC Transmittal: 3/14/01 4) April 11, `01: Water, Sewer and Utilities - discussions of these public services should be fairly straight forward. Identify purveyors and supply/service issues. Cite mandated conservation programs and current regulation through building permits, etc. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) Schools and Libraries, Public Buildings and Facilities - these can be discussed concurrently, although they have somewhat differing focus. Schools and libraries as community assets that may affect resident location decisions, etc. 3 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Meeting ..,...,..ule,et.al./Tue,Dec 5,2000 Coordinated relationship with school district on location matters. Also discuss city hall, corporate yard, quasi-public facilities including GTE switching,power substations, etc. and their integration into community. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) Police and Fire Protection - discuss current levels of service and standards by which adequate service is measured. Describe joint-powers Cove Communities service agreements. Relationships of land use to demands for these services may also be appropriate. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals,policies and implementation programs. (PSC) Edit Draft: 3/14/01 Commission Transmittal: 3/21/01 Commission Review: Week of 3/26/01 GPAC Transmittal: 4/4/01 5) May 9, `01: Geotechnical, Seismic, Soils and Erosion - background discussion, including potential for major quakes, anticipated groundshaking, rockfall & landslide potential, soils and blowing sand and similar issues will be discussed. Requirements of state should also be made clear, as should relationships to land use and development regulation. Provide draft goals, policies and implementation programs for discussion and approval. (PSC) Flooding and Hydrology - background information on areas of flooding and potential in each area. Cite FEMA issues and show mapping, discussing flood insurance and use of stormwater retention policies to control size and cost of drainage facilities, current city programs, etc. Opportunities for wildlife habitat enhancement should also be discussed. Provide issues menu for discussion; present preliminary goals,policies and implementation programs. (PSC) Health Services and Emergency Preparedness - these can be discussed in the same meeting and are fairly interrelated. Outline city's emergency response plans and draw relationship to health facilities in immediate vicinity and elsewhere in area. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals,policies and implementation programs. (PSC) Edit Draft: 4/11/01 Commission Transmittal: 4/18/01 Commission Review: Week of 4/23/01 GPAC Transmittal: 5/2/01 6) June 13, `01: Economic Development #1 - Introduction to the economic environment of the City and the Coachella Valley in general. Provide essential economic context within which land use and other planning takes place. City conditions and long- term prospects, including relative market segment strength in City, regional competition and current tax base. Helps establish needs basis for further land use consideration/planning. Provide menu of issues for discussion and work on preliminary goals,policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) 4 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Mei wig Schedule,et.al./Tue,Dec 5,2000 Community Design discussion may be started with a slide show providing examples of the various related issues, including site planning, architectural design/styles, architectural detail, art in public places, etc. Also should address issues of streetscape, landscape treatments within all development contexts, etc. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (AC) Edit Draft: 5/16/01 Commission Transmittal: 5/23/01 Commission Review: Week of 5/28/01 GPAC Transmittal: 6/6/01 7) July 25, `01: Land Use# 1 - This will be an introduction to existing land use patterns in the City planning area and would include a quantification of the various uses, including vacant and developed lands, and how this translates into existing and potential development. Walk GPAC through the map and characterize the community as it currently is planned. Provide menu of issues for discussion and work on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (PC) Arts and Culture - for city an important matter and one that may stimulate considerable discussion, especially with the increased importance of all the city's arts for Coachella Valley communities. Should include discussion of art in public places, support for arts and cultural activities such as theaters, public concerts, fine arts fairs, etc. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (ACAHS) Edit Draft: 6/27/01 Commission Transmittal: 7/3/01 Commission Review: Week of 7/9/01 GPAC Transmittal: 7/18/01 8) September 19, `01: Economic Development#2 - Summarize economic context of City and Valley. Summarize City conditions and long-term prospects, focusing on composition of City and current tax base. Refine characterization of needs for integration in land use consideration/planning. Expand discussion and establish consensus on preliminary goals, policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) Housing - discussion, which will introduce the GPAC to the extensive state requirements for the provision of affordable housing and associated quantified goals. Presents background information, previously confronted issues in state review process and potential locations for new affordable housing. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals, policies and programs. Establish discussion and develop consensus on same. (HC) Edit Draft: 8/22/01 Commission Transmittal: 8/29/01 Commission Review: Week of 9/3/01 GPAC Transmittal: 9/12/01 5 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Meeting Jule,et. al./Tue, Dec 5, 2000 9) Oct. 10,`01: Traffic and Circulation # 1 - discussion with presentation of basic data and information on existing traffic, previous GP projections, CVAG regional analysis and systems, existing roadways, key intersections and potential for capacity enhancements, impacts of intra and intercity traffic, alternative transportation modes, etc. Provide issues menu for discussion; work on preliminary goals,policies and implementation programs. (PC) Noise, and Hazardous and Toxic Materials - these can probably be covered in one meeting. Background should include existing and projected noise environment, relevant state and federal regulations/standards and impacts on land use decisions. Haz/Toxics discussion need not be extensive. Regulation primarily done at county level. Cite state and federal responsibilities, as well as identified small quantity generators. Provide issues menu for discussion; review preliminary goals,policies and implementation measures. (PSC) Edit Draft: 9/12/01 Commission Transmittal: 9/19/01 Commission Review: Week of 9/24/01 GPAC Transmittal: 10/3/01 10) Oct. 17, `01: Land Use # 2 - Follow up meeting with greater focus on land use planning opportunities within economic context. Establish baseline understanding on goals of community land use plan and provide feedback on preliminary land use scenarios for GPAC consideration,including typical densities and City buildout population. Provide menu of issues for discussion and develop consensus on goals,policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) Edit Draft: 10/3/01 Commission Transmittal: None Commission Review: None GPAC Transmittal: 10/10/01 11) Oct. 24, `01: Land Use # 3 - continues the examination of land use issues and provides greater focus on land use planning opportunities within economic and quality of life context. Establish baseline understanding on goals of community land use plan and provides direction for staff to develop new preliminary land use scenarios for GPAC consideration, including typical densities and City buildout population. Provide menu of issues for discussion and develop consensus on goals,policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) Edit Draft: 10/10/01 Commission Transmittal: None Commission Review: None GPAC Transmittal: 10/17/01 6 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Me.�,,, Schedule,et. al./Tue,Dec 5, 2000 12) Nov. 14, '01: Land Use #4 - further examination of selected land use areas with focus on land use planning opportunities within economic context. Provide menu of land use scenarios, if any, for final vote by GPAC. Provide menu of remaining issues, if any, for discussion and approve goals,policies and implementation programs. (GPAC) Traffic and Circulation # 2 - will allow another reality check on land use impacts on city roads and intersections, and provide basis for fine tuning of land use analysis. Also will provide opportunity to decide how and to what extent inter-city through traffic can be regulated and directed to specific streets. Provide refined issues, if any, for discussion; work on refinements and approval of goals, policies and implementation programs. (GPAC Wrap-Up Meeting and Celebration- Do a general wrap up of the GPAC's work and celebrate the completion of the draft General Plan. Review remaining process of environmental review, document transmittals and Planning Commission and City Council hearings. Party! Party! Party! (GPAC et al) Edit Draft: 10/31/01 Commission Transmittal: None Commission Review: None GPAC Transmittal: 11/7/01 • TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Meeting lute, et. al/Tue, Dec 5, 2000 ■■•••E■■■N•m■■■■w■■■■■NE•m■umm•sm■■•■■■■U.UU..•■•■ CITY OFF LRAIM ID20. 11Kr PROCESSING, TRANSMITTALS AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR GENERAL PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Introduction The following scheduling information is provided to further document the timing anticipated for the drafting,processing,transmittal and adoption of the General Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The timing associated with the completion and transmittal of these documents is directly related to the GPAC schedule set forth above. Sept. 1, 2001: EIR Notice of Preparation (NOP) shall be completed on or before this date and transmitted to a wide variety of local, county, regional, state and federal public and quasi-public agencies, as well as to those explicitly requesting the NOP.The NOP must include a description of the project (preliminary land use allocation model, et. al.), maps showing the city's location and geographic context, summary of probable environmental effects, and time limits to respond to the NOR The NOP must be sent by certified mail or other method which provides a record of receipt. Responses to the NOP are required within 30 days of receipt and shall be addressed, as appropriate, in the Draft EIR. Jan. 1st, '02: Screencheck Draft EIR shall be completed and submitted for interdepartmental review on or about this date. This draft cannot be completed until the GPAC has completed its selection of a preferred land use allocation model (Land Use Map) and alternatives, and impacts associated with each have been analysed. The purpose of the screencheck review is to assure compliance with the City's Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and to assure staff concurrence with the assessment of impacts, mitigation measures, and monitoring and reporting programs. The EIR is ultimately a product of the City, hence the need for staff review prior to transmittal. Jan. 14th, `02: General Plan Transmittal Draft Distributed at the same time as the DEIR. This document shall reflect the preferred land use allocation model (Land Use Map) and the various final refinements completed during the month of May. This draft document serves as the basis for the EIR review process and is the version which will be presented to the City Planning Commission and City Council for consideration. Copies of this document will be distributed to local agencies and jurisdictions and other appropriate parties. Copies will also be placed in the public library and copies will also be available for review at City Hall. 8 TN/City of Palm Desert GPAC Mec«,ig Schedule,et. al./Tue,Dec 5, 2000 Jan. 14th, `02: Draft EIR (DEIR) Transmittal to the same agencies which received the Notice of Preparation, plus other appropriate groups or agencies shall be accomplished on or about this date. Copies of the DEIR shall also be placed in public libraries and will be available for review at City Hall. CEQA requires a minimum of 45 days for the public review of this document and the receipt of comments on this document. Based upon this schedule, we estimate that the DEIR comment period would end on or about January 30, 2002. Feb. 15th-March 15, `02: Final EIR Preparation shall be initiated during this time period and shall consist of the preparation of responses to comments received on the Draft EIR. Any additional technical information that may be needed to address or respond to comments may also be included in this document. Copies of all the comment letters are also included in the Final EIR. This document and the DEW comprise the entire environmental review documentation and must be certified by the City Council prior to the adoption of the General Plan. Feb. 15th-March. 15, `02: Presentation Materials Preparation will occur during this period and will include the development of staff reports, presentation maps, overhead projector exhibits, slides and photographs and other materials that will facilitate presentation of the project to the Planning Commission, City Council and the General Public. April. 1st.-15th, 02: GP/EIR Planning Commission and City Council Hearings & Document Adoptions involves the advertising of public notices and holding of public hearings with the two planning bodies, either separately or jointly. The number of hearings to be held will depend upon the level of consensus established prior to this stage of the process, as well as any unforeseen issues which may arise during the preparation and/or processing of the General Plan and EIR. The schedule assumes the certification of the EIR and the adoption of the General Plan by the middle of March. 9 DATE 7.24.0) • PROJECT CITY OF PALM DESERT "VSD 12.4.IN) r PROGRESS L _ diTERRA NOVA© SCHEDULE City of Palm Desert General Plan,Zoning Ordinance& EIR PLANNING&RESEARCH,INC. 4141 South Farrell,Stifle 11-2115.Palm Springs,Ca.92262 17611)3211-911411 November December January February March Aprl May June July August September October November NO. TASK 21NN1 21N111 21N11 21N11 21NI1 21M11 21N11 21N11 21M11 21011 2101 21911 21011 II/6 I/I3 1/21 1/2712/4 2/11 2/I-2/25 Ill IM I/15 I22 215 2/12 2/19 29 215 3/12 3/I 3/26 4/2 JN 4/16 1/23 52 5/14 5/21 5/23 Nl 6/11 NIX 6/25 7/2 7/9 /tO 7/23 9/6 a/13 X/21,8/27 912 9/1X 9/17 9/2J 1118 1n.1•1X.2 10.2 11.5 11.1 11.1 11.2 1 Project Org./Contract Neg. Research&Data Collection �f f /'/ r �/ f f / j� / /7/ H CEQA Initial Study and NOP e fir / r f , / 4 Data Recordation/Mapping were,- . ,e,eJa g ' �% f j fi'.//// PP g 5K, /f'/r rf #A. 5 Terra Nova/City Team Meetings ,., \\�\�� \ ,,Si.,k, ,` `\ 6 Land Use Planning:Land Use Maps imemi,,,,,,,,r���Ali �� /.{fI 1�/!• A 7 Traffic/Circulation Analysis& Tech Report Mi " 8 Geotechnical Analysis&Tech Report °. ffilli)ffid I I.4 si Air Quality Analysis 11111111111111111111 , , IIUII,.,,,..1& N"., 10 Biological&Cultural Resources&Tech Reports ,,,,,, i� /S/.+%Z./HYf/.!! // ,,,.,,,■,,,..1,,, „ ,uulIuulIl 11 Noise Environment&Tech Report , 12 Public Scoping/Visioning Workshops iiiiiiiiiki,11,1 , "„" ' 0 Xtit11 11 ® GP Document Drafting ,,,,,.,■, �`� '�� \�` ® CC/PC Visionin: Worksho 1 ..,.,.....,,,,,, .,...,,......,,,.,.fl ,..,...,... ® GPAC/Commission/Committee Worksho is ..,.,.,...1, ,,, „II. I,,.I, .IIII `,.,,I ,II 11,1 II I it�, �..N.,U. 16 GP/Zoning Ord.Screencheck Draft Review 111111111 17 GP/Zoning Ord.Draft Revisions o 1 ,,n zI II) 18 GP Transmittal/Public Review ) an.15 h • 21 )11 ` 19 EIR Document Drafting ,,. T„v,, ..\.,,,,,., . ..2,. , I 20 EIR Screencheck Draft Review (('on pie a El Revi w an.12,..,. 21 EIR Trans.Draft Revisions c n R), IS 2) 22 EIR'Transmittal/Public Review la 15 to la ch,'III2) 23 Final EIR Preparation IFel a•Ty 5 to Al rc 1; 21*121 24 Hearing Presentation&Materials _ I ( eb.l to NI rc zI zI uz) 25 GP/EIR CC/PC Joint Bearing /pr 1 15 zI uz 26 Terra Nova/City of Palm Desert General Plan Advisory Committee Selection/December 4, 2000 CITY OF PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE SELECTION OF A GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, Introduction As discussed elsewhere in the attached materials, the development of the City's new General Plan will include input, review and approval of the Plan's various elements from a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). A committee of engaged and interested members is essential. The GPAC must also be of a size that allows meaningful representation of the community while assuring a functional exchange of ideas and points of view. The following represents staffs initial recommendations for committee assignments. 1. City Council 2. Planning Commission cx �(,1 j ., w\ 3. Architectural Review Committee " 4. Parks and Recreation Commission 5. Housing Commission 6. Civic Arts/AIPP/Historical Society 7. Public Safety Commission 8. Chamber of Commerce Leo Sullivan 9. Desert Sand Unified School District 10. College of the DesertlCalState San Bernardino 11. Resort Industry Tim Sullivan 12. Commercial/Retail Industry \ u.t( tom, tEa ,. 13. Development Community Alan Levine 14. Citizen at Large Rick Post 15. Citizen at Large Alternate No. 1 Alternative No. 2