HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-15 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
AGENDA
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 — 6:00 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Any person wishing to discuss any item not scheduled for public hearing may address
the Planning Commission at this point by stepping to the lectern and giving his/her
name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three
minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Planning Commission. Because
the Brown Act does not allow the Planning Commission to take action on items not on
the Agenda, Commissioners will not enter into discussion with speakers but may
briefly respond or instead refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a
future Planning Commission meeting.
Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the
agenda, including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in
the Office of the Department of Community Development and are available for
public inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00
p.m., 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-
0611, Extension 484.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE
ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE
NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION OR AUDIENCE REQUEST SPECIFIC ITEMS BE
REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
AND ACTION UNDER SECTION VII, CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER OF THE
AGENDA.
AGENDA
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 15, 2019
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 4, 2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Action:
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
Vill. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 20, 2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Action:
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only
those issues he or she raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written
correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public
hearing. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three minutes unless additional
time is authorized by the Planning Commission.
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for
approval of a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a 7.7-acre parcel into four
residential lots that will be part of the Stone Eagle Development, and a third
amendment to Development Agreement No. 02-01 (Stone Eagle Development)
located west of the Palm Valley Storm Channel at the termination of Old Stone
Trail (APN: 652-090-002); and adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case Nos.
TPM 37336 & DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3 (Eagles 605, LLC, Indian Wells,
California, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No.
2746, recommending approval to the City Council for Case Nos. TPM
37336 & DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3, subject to the conditions of approval.
Action:
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
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AGENDA
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 15, 2019
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
B. PARKS & RECREATION
XIII. COMMENTS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the
foregoing agenda for the Planning Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not
less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 101h day of January 2018.
Monica O'Reilly, Recording cretary
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
' TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2018 — 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Ilo
Chair Joseph Pradetto called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.'''_I�!p�
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto
Commissioner John Greenwood
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna
Vice-Chair Lindsay Holt
Chair Ron Gregory
Staff Present:
Jill Tremblay, Assistant City Attorney
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Tom Garcia, Director of Public Works
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Janine Judy, Management Specialist I
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
None
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 4, 2018
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 20, 2018.
Rec: Continue to the next regular meeting.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Greenwood, second by Commissioner DeLuna, and
a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and
Pradetto; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. SELECTION of a Chair and Vice-Chair.
Chair Pradetto moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Vice-Chair Gregory to Chair. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna,
Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
Commissioner Greenwood moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Commissioner Holt
to Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote
(AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
B. SELECTION of Commission Liaisons for Art in Public Places and Parks and
Recreation Commissions.
Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell commented that both
Commissions have not met much in the past year. For continuity purposes, he
recommended that the current liaisons for both Commissions remain the same.
Commissioner DeLuna moved to, by Minute motion, reappoint Commissioner
Greenwood to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Vice-Chair Holt to the Art in Public
Places Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by 5-
0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 4, 2018
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
A. REQUEST to receive and file information related to improvements to the San
Pablo Avenue corridor.
Director of Public Works Tom Garcia presented the improvement plans for the San
Pablo Avenue project.
City staff anticipated construction to begin in the summer of 2019, subject to the bids.
The project should take six to eight months to complete.
The Planning Commission expressed their excitement to see the project move forward
and had an impassioned conversation concerning the ultimate build-out and the
importance of the project. The Commission felt the priority for this project is to focus
on the Commercial Core area between Highway 111 and San Gorgonio Way and
made the following recommendations for the core area:
• Materials: The Commission expressed concern over the value engineering
decisions for this project, and asked the staff to ensure the City Council
considers the original design alternatives. The two specific areas addressed
were pavers in the center parking area and concrete finishes along the
sidewalks.
• Lighting: The Commission expressed that lighting is of critical concern for the
success of this district. The Commission recommended that lighting is a high
priority to ensure that the core is appropriately lit, safe, and comfortable for
nighttime use.
• Landscaping: The Commission agreed to two specific recommendations
related to landscaping: 1) the box size of trees installed should be between 36
inches to 48 inches; and 2) maximize the tree planter box sizes within the main
Commercial Core area to provide additional opportunities for landscaping.
• Signage: Vice-Chair Holt indicated that signage and branding could be
important for the success of the San Pablo Avenue project. The Commission
agreed signage is important; however, the street should function for a period
prior to locating the signs. Staff noted that the branded name for the area could
be Palma Village, which is the historic name of the area.
The Planning Commission believed the elimination of the right-turn lane on San Pablo
Avenue and Highway 111 was a strong improvement by providing additional spaces
for activities and landscaping. The Commission also recommended that the staff
continually review the need for additional mid-block crossing north of San Gorgonio
Way. Additionally, the Commission was happy that the City made a conscious decision
to favor pedestrians and people in the area. In conclusion, the Planning Commission
expressed enthusiasm with the progression of the San Pablo Avenue project and
excitement in bringing the project to reality.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 4, 2018
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
None
B. PARKS & RECREATION
Commissioner John Greenwood reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission
reviewed the outdoor fitness equipment for the Civic Center Park and possibly at some
trails. The Palm Desert Aquatic Center and the Family YMCA of the Desert are doing
well and both are providing programs for the community. He announced that the
annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival is Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Mr. Stendell commented that the Palm Desert Aquatic Center has had over 700,000
people go through the gates in the past five years.
XIII. COMMENTS
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna thanked City staff for preparing the San Pablo Avenue
project. The Commission appreciated the attention to detail and the amount of work
done on the project.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Gregory adjourned the meeting at
7:15 p.m.
RON GREGORY, CHAIR
ATTEST:
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY
JANINE JUDY, RECORDING SECRETARY
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 — 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Joseph Pradetto called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL pi'
.������;,,,
�i
Present: i, �,� ,1 I;lGii �I ,iill
Commissioner Lindsay Holt IIIi{`;'JE11f',ry{!!I'INhI
Commissioner John Greenwood
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna
Vice-Chairman Ron Gregory
Chairman Joseph Pradetto
q
Staff Present:
R
obert Hargreaves, City Attorney G;�'�lllllh
Tom Garcia, Director of Public Works
Eric Ce'a, Principal Planner
Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Principal Planner Eric Ceja summarized pertinent November 15, 2018, City council
actions.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 20, 2018
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 6, 2018.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Gregory, second by Commissioner Greenwood, and
a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Del-una, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and
Pradetto; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS %vii
None ,
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS "Jill,
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a Tentative Parcel Map (TPM)
for JCPenny to create a new lot within the existing parking lot for financing
purposes located at 72-900 Highway 111; and adoption of a Notice of Exemption in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case No. TPM
37436/18-0004 (Seaboard Engineering Company, Glendale, California,
Applicant).
Principal Planner Eric Ceja presented the staff report (staff reports are available at
www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He noted there is not a proposal to develop the parcel at
this time; the subdivision is only for financing purposes. If in the future there were a
proposal to develop the parcel, the application would go before the Planning
Commission for review and approval. He offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner John Greenwood inquired if it is advantageous for the Planning
Commission to consider the TPM at this time since a development application is not
part of the request. He said the City might not be in favor of future development on the
subdivided parcel.
Mr. Ceja responded that the applicant has not expressed any desire to develop the
pad. If they choose to develop the pad, the applicant would need to work with the
Planning and Public Works Departments on the orientation of the building, the
placement of the building, and the reconfiguration of parking areas. He noted that the
Planning Commission would need to review and approve any new development on
the pad.
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If the applicant submitted a development application, Commissioner Greenwood
inquired if the Planning Commission would be asked why they are challenging an
existing approved parcel.
Mr. Ceja said he did not believe so. He explained that land configuration is part of the
review process.
Commissioner Lindsay Holt referred to a picture of the site and asked if the area
shaded in red is the proposed subdivided parcel.
Mr. Ceja replied that is correct.
Commissioner Holt commented that the parcel has an interesting lot configuration.
She asked if there is an explanation for the exact dimensions and location of the
parcel.
Mr. Ceja deferred the question to the applicant.
Commissioner Holt pointed to an area shaded in blue and asked if that area is also
part of the subdivision of the parcel.
Mr. Ceja replied no and noted staff made an error on the map.
Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
MS. MARITES DIZON, Seaboard Engineering Company, stated that the subdivision
of the parcel is only for financing purposes. At this time, they do not have any specific
details for the parcel.
With no further testimony offered, Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing closed.
Vice Chairman Gregory commented that it seems fairly obvious why the parcel might
be a developable piece at a later date and it is fine with him. He said it is all pursuant
to what the City has dictated and he does not see a problem with the request.
Commissioner DeLuna moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2741 approving Case No. TPM 37436/18-0004, subject to the
conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Gregory and carried by
a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a Conditional Use Permit and
Cannabis Regulatory Permit for the operation of a 28,500-square-foot cannabis
cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and delivery facility with a retail micro-
business for West Coast Cannabis Club, located at 42-650 Melanie Place; and
adoption of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act. Case No. CUP 17-0018(West Coast Cannabis Club, Cathedral CitV,
California, Applicant).
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Commissioner Greenwood stated the architectural firm he works for was involved with
the said project and recused himself from this item.
Mr. Ceja outlined the salient points from the staff report. He noted that staff did not
receive comments in favor or in opposition to the proposed use. He also noted that
the request includes a retail micro-business; allowed by the state and the City's
Cannabis Ordinance. He offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked what the proximity to the First Tee is.
Mr. Ceja replied that it is approximately 1,200 lineal feet away from the proposed
business.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if it is 200 feet over the minimum requirement.
Mr. Ceja replied yes.
Commissioner DeLuna asked what the proximity to the Palm Desert High School is.
Mr. Ceja replied that it is approximately 2,000 lineal feet away from the proposed
business.
Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
MR. KENNETH CHURCHILL, CEO of West Coast Cannabis Club, Palm Springs,
California, thanked the Planning Commission and City staff for their patience and
getting them through the process. He looked forward to contributing to the community
and offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner DeLuna voiced her concern with the proposed business being in close
proximity to a youth center and less than 2,000 square feet of a high school. She asked
the applicant if they would have security guards.
MR. CHURCHILL responded that they would have security guards roaming outside of
the property during business hours and a security station inside the facility, with a
security guard monitoring the cameras 24 hours a day.
Concerning the retail business, Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there is a check-in
area to check customer's identification and then taken into the retail area one or two
at a time.
MR. CHURCHILL responded that the retail business would have a separate entrance,
with a waiting room to screen customers.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if they would be selling edibles.
MR. CHURCHILL replied yes.
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Commissioner DeLuna asked if they would have 24-hour delivery available.
MR. CHURCHILL responded that they would not have 24-hour delivery available at
this site.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if all retail products would be prepackaged and sealed.
MR. CHURCHILL replied yes.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there is exterior lighting for security purposes.
MR. CHURCHILL replied yes and noted they will have a well-lit parking lot.
Commissioner Holt asked if the main entrance gate would be open during the retail
business hours.
MR. CHURCHILL said that is correct. The main gate entrance would only be open
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He mentioned there is another gate entrance for
employees only.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the employee entrance would have limited access.
MR. CHURCHILL replied yes. ��if
With no further testimony offered, Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing closed.
Vice Chairman Gregory commented that the project is one of the better-prepared
cannabis facilities he has seen so far and it is interesting to see a multiple-use facility.
He said he is in favor of the proposed use.
Commissioner DeLuna voiced her concern with the proposed use being in close
proximity to 3,000 kids. However, the applicant has met the requirements set forth by
the City's Cannabis Ordinance. Therefore, she felt confident that the applicant has
addressed all security measures to discourage underage kids from entering the
facility.
Chairman Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission
Resolution No. 2742 approving Case No. CUP 17-0018, subject to the conditions of approval.
The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Gregory and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES:
DeLuna, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood).
C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a Precise Plan application to
demolish an existing vacant restaurant and construct a 4,375-square-foot bank
building with a remote drive-through ATM at 72-950 Highway 111; and adoption of
a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Case No. PP 18-0008 (111 Monterey Palm, LLC, Newport Beach, California,
Applicant).
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Assistant Planner Nick Melloni reviewed the staff report. He received one neutral
comment regarding access to adjacent properties, which staff addressed. He offered
to answer any questions.
Commissioner DeLuna asked what the distance is from Monterey Avenue and to the
access along Highway 111.
Mr. Melloni believed the distance exceeds 150 feet. He noted the Public Works
Department reviewed the plans and they did not see any issues with the design as
shown.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the staff does not have a concern with cars stacking
on Highway 111.
Director of Public Works Tom Garcia responded that there is a right-turn pocket into
the driveway so stacking would be minimal.
Commissioner Greenwood inquired if comments made by the Architectural Review
Commission (ARC) shown on the exhibits given to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Melloni replied no. He explained that the ARC added conditions and the plans
would need to go back to the ARC for a final design review. City staff would make sure
the applicant meets all the conditions.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if staff was involved in any discussion between the
applicant and the adjacent parcel owner to take advantage of the prominent corner of
Monterey Avenue.
Mr. Melloni said no. He stated the corner parcel has a separate owner and no longer
owned by the City.
Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
MR. TOM CARPENTER, Frontier Real Estate Investments, Newport Beach,
California, thanked the Planning Commission and City staff for their time and
consideration. He shared that they bought the property earlier this year and they have
been working with Chase Bank for a new bank building. He clarified that they are
adding a deceleration lane on Highway 111 to ease traffic flow. They are also
demolishing the current building, replacing the parking lot and landscaping. He offered
to answer any questions.
With no further testimony offered, Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Holt felt happy that the project is going to be a new build.
Vice Chairman Gregory agreed with Commissioner Holt and said he was afraid it was
going to be a rebuild.
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Commissioner Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2743 approving Case No. PP 18-0008, subject to the conditions
of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Holt and carried by a 5-0 vote
(AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a Precise Plan and Conditional
Use Permit to demolish an existing vacant restaurant and construct a 12,375-
square-foot shopping center with up to 8,800 square feet of restaurant space
located at the southwest corner of Washington Street and Avenue of the States;
and adoption of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act. Case No. PP/CUP 16-303 (Lumar Devco LLC
Newport Beach, California, Applicant).
Mr. Melloni presented his report and recommended approval. He offered to answer
any questions.
Commissioner Greenwood inquired what the proposed use of the building on Pad C
is.
Mr. Melloni responded he did not know the proposed use for Pad C. The allowed use
of Pad C could be any use permitted by the zoning designation and could be retail,
medical offices, and potentially a restaurant.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if there are any concerns if a restaurant was
proposed and there would be potential impacts to the Carlos Ortega Villas.
Mr. Melloni replied that staff does not anticipate any impacts. However, there could be
an impact if a future restaurant proposed outdoor dining. A request for outdoor dining
would require an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
If a future restaurant required a grease trap, Commissioner Greenwood asked if there
would be any impacts to Carlos Ortega Villas.
Mr. Melloni responded that the applicant is required to have a four-foot parapet, which
staff believed it is sufficient to screen future mechanical rooftop equipment.
Commissioner Holt noted that Site Plan 5 shows both right- and left-hand turns out of
the site onto Washington Street. She asked if that is correct.
Mr. Melloni believed it is a drafting error and pointed out that there is a median on
Washington Street.
Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
MR. MICHAEL LUNDIN, Lumar Devco, LLC, Newport Beach, California, offered to
answer any questions.
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Commissioner Greenwood mentioned his concern regarding a future restaurant
adjacent to Carlos Ortega Villas. He asked Mr. Lundin if they would be open to a
condition to limit Pad C for retail or office use only.
MR. LUNDIN responded that ideally, they would potentially like to have a food or
restaurant component because Denny's is 4,500 square feet on Pad A. They do not
plan on developing another large restaurant; however, they would want to possibly
have a small restaurant on Pad C.
Commissioner Greenwood voiced his concern with small eateries or fast food that
have rows of exhaust stacks adjacent to residential.
MR. LUNDIN understood Commissioner Greenwood's concern. He commented that
there are a lot of entrepreneurial people in the community that would like to open a
small restaurant to call their own.
Commissioner DeLuna shared Commissioner Greenwood's concern. She asked what
is minimum setback required by the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Melloni responded 26 feet.
Chairman Pradetto asked if 20 feet going to be substantially better than five feet in
terms of traveling grease particles, especially in high winds.
Commissioner Gregory divulged that his office is directly above a restaurant so the
first thing he looked at on the proposed project is the location of the dumpsters, which
could be a problem. If a restaurant were to go on Pad C, he suggested having a
requirement for the grease trap be located away from the narrow setback.
Commissioner Greenwood asked the staff if a condition could be crafted to address
his concern.
Mr. Ceja responded that the Planning Commission could craft a condition to limit the
restaurant operations on Pad C, possibly a specific restaurant that would have a
limited impact or not have a restaurant on Pad C.
Commissioner Greenwood stated he would not want to limit the applicant. He
preferred a restaurant that would not adversely impact the adjacent residential
neighborhood.
Commissioner DeLuna asked what the options are to locate the exhaust equipment
away from the residential neighborhood.
Commissioner Holt asked if space could be limited based on odor issues. She
commented she would not mind living next to a bakery.
Mr. Ceja conveyed that the Planning Commission's main concern is exhaust odor or
a grease trap coming from potentially a future restaurant on Pad C, which is adjacent
to residential development. He informed the Commission that City staff could work
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with a future applicant for the restaurant space and keep the mechanical equipment
away from the residential development and/or limit the type of restaurant that is not
grease intensive.
Vice Chairman Gregory said that the Commission has been doing well dealing with
the possible odor coming from cannabis facilities. He said there might be some type
of equipment available to address odors coming from a restaurant. He stated he would
not be in favor of voting on what type of restaurant could be allowed on Pad C.
Mr. Ceja agreed with Vice Chairman Gregory and suggested that the Planning
Commission add a condition for City staff to evaluate odor control methods for any
future restaurant(s) on Pad C to limit any impacts to the residential community.
Commissioner Greenwood asked the applicant if they are agreeable to the condition.
MR. LUNDIN believed they are agreeable to the condition. He mentioned that his
architect informed him there are measures to adjust exhaust in the building. He stated
that they want their project to be a great project for the residents as well.
With no further testimony offered, Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Greenwood commented it is a great project for the site, which warrants
new development. The project is also a great addition and great to see new business
come to the City.
Commissioner Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2744 approving Case No. PP/CUP 16-303, with the addition of
the following conditions of approval: City staff is to consider Pad C when the applicant submits
an application for a restaurant to mitigate restaurant odors.
Chairman Pradetto asked Commissioner Greenwood to amend his motion to apply
odor control for the entire project site.
Commissioner Greenwood agreed to the amendment.
The condition of approval was amended to the following: City staff is to consider the
entire site for odor control measures. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Gregory
and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES:
None).
Chairman Pradetto called a recess at 6:54 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 6:58
p.m.
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E. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of Tentative Tract Map 37506 and
a Precise Plan application to subdivide approximately 174+ acres of vacant land
and establish master architectural and landscape design guidance for 1,069
dwelling units within the University Neighborhood Specific Plan; and adoption of
an addendum to the General Plan and University Neighborhood Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act. Case Nos. TTM 37056 & PP 18-0005 (University Park Investors
LLC, Pleasanton, California, Applicant).
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Ceja summarized his staff report. He
stated that the Planning Commission received a memorandum with updated
conditions for approval. If the Commission recommends approval of the said project,
City staff asked that the updated conditions listed in the memorandum are included in
the motion. He offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Holt inquired if there is a phasing plan for the proposed project.
Mr. Ceja deferred the question to the applicant.
Commissioner Holt asked who would be responsible for the maintenance of the
alleyways. She also asked if trash pickup would be in the alleyways.
Mr. Ceja responded that the trash would collected from the alleyways. He understood
that the alleyways would be private and maintained by a homeowners' association
(HOA).
Commissioner Holt liked that the project is a non-gated development. She asked if
there was any consideration for a commercial pad so that the project could be a more
walkable community.
Mr. Ceja explained that the University Neighborhood Specific Plan (UNSP) includes
adding commercial space in the community located off Frank Sinatra Drive. He pointed
to a 10-acre parcel identified in the UNSP for commercial development. However, it is
not part of the proposed project.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there was an attempt by the applicant to have a
gated community.
Mr. Ceja responded that staff has been working with the applicant to ensure the
community remains non-gated by adding a condition of approval. He noted it was an
idea promoted as a goal and policy in the City's General Plan. He mentioned the
applicant is interested in gating the apartment site; however, staff recommended that
the entire community remains non-gated.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the condition was acceptable to the applicant.
Mr. Ceja deferred the question to the applicant.
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Commissioner Greenwood inquired if the main infrastructure, road systems, and
retaining walls would be built at once for consistency.
Mr. Ceja understood that the applicant has plans to grade the site and install
infrastructure so pads are ready for development. He forgot to mention during his
presentation that the applicant could subdivide the tentative tract map and establish
the lots where the roadways would be built. He said with the anticipation of several
phases to be sold to different developers, City staff would use the design packets
moving forward to ensure the different housing product types are built on the lots. If a
developer wants to make a change to the product type, the developer would need to
go before the Planning Commission for approval. Additionally, there are refined design
standards that could be incorporated into the product types. He noted the ARC
reviewed the design standards.
Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
MR. JOHN GAMLIN, the representative for University Park Investors, presented the
Planning Commission with a brief presentation on their vision for University Park and
the plans they developed. Mr. Gamlin said they are in support of not gating the
development. However, the proposed apartments are located near the commercial
and the university. They felt the apartments are different in terms of security, the
product is differentiated from the rest of the housing products, and the apartments are
their own private amenity. Therefore, they proposed to provide gated access for only
the apartment complex and hoped that the Planning Commission would consider
looking at their request. He said it is their intent to commence the first phase of the
interactive improvements and the amenity program in 2019. Concerning phasing the
project, he stated the site does work as a single unit in terms of the grading and
balance. He pointed to the plan and indicated where they would start construction in
the northwest area and work down toward the existing commercial. He mentioned the
development and design team are available to answer any questions about the
project. They appreciated the Planning Commission's consideration and they look
forward to moving ahead in 2019.
Vice Chairman Gregory commented that there is an effort in the design to achieve
narrower street widths that are typically forced on the developers by cities and fire
departments. He asked the applicant if they were successful in achieving traffic
calming by getting streets as narrow as they could within reason.
MR. GAMLIN responded that they did as well as they could in terms of narrow streets
that would allow for parking on the street and maneuverability around corners for
emergency vehicles. From a traffic calming perspective, the block lengths are shorter.
Vice Chairman Gregory asked what efforts were made to make the alleyways
somewhat attractive.
MR. GAMLIN replied that there are pockets with landscaping in the alleyways. He said
they attempted to place interfaces with green space along the alleys. They also tried
to budget their space well, so that they do not have conflicts with the utilities.
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Vice Chairman Gregory asked if the street trees have sufficient width in an effort to
have a parkway system. Is there sufficient room afforded to trees so that large trees
could be used as opposed to smaller trees that would not rip up paving? He voiced
his concern with the neighborhood quality, the shade opportunity the trees would
provide, and the sustainability of the trees.
MR. CHRIS HERMANN, Hermann Design Group, responded that the packet has the
details of the trees. The planters would have a width of five feet and the trees would
have some form of root barrier, with a deep watering system. He noted that the packet
outlines the type of tree species.
Commissioner Holt asked what the landscape enhancements include.
MR. GAMLIN replied that anywhere where they had a corner condition on elevation,
there were enhancements made. The ARC reviewed and approved the
enhancements.
Commissioner Holt asked if they were architectural enhancements.
MR. GAMLIN replied that is correct.
MR. HERMANN briefly described the landscape design for the development and trail
system.
Vice Chairman Gregory asked how wide the corridors for the trail system are.
MR. HERMANN responded that the widths vary because the system meanders and
they have the ability to grab more space; widths are approximately 15 to 25 feet. He
said the Grand Paseo is much larger, with widths approximately 50 to 60 feet.
Commissioner Greenwood echoed Commissioner Holt's comment about integrating
commercial or retail into the plan. He felt the connectivity of the trail system and other
amenities were well executed within the development. However, the trail system does
not integrate or connect with the university or the commercial and mixed-use
development on Frank Sinatra Drive. He asked for the applicant's thoughts.
MR. GAMLIN answered that they spent a lot of time on what could happen on the City-
owned property, and they ended up with six connections that would allow connectivity
to the City's property.
Commissioner Greenwood inquired if there are any nodes or areas within the plan that
could include a unique little coffee shop or something that could add to the walkability
of the community.
MR. GAMLIN replied that they could look into any opportunities for commercial space.
He was not sure how much commercial space would be needed. He explained that
they tried to program the open space with a diversity of uses. He pointed out that they
have the community garden, The Grove, and an interpretive nature walk.
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Vice Chairman Gregory felt that The Grove would be a logical place; however, he
would not suggest and force the developer to add a coffee shop. He commented that
he has never seen a development where a developer offered homebuyers a place to
get the newspaper or get a cup of coffee.
MR. GAMLIN said that The Grove is contemplated as a gathering area for the
community, and there might be an opportunity to have a coffee cart at The Grove.
Vice Chairman Gregory referred to the apartments and applauded the four-story
approach. However, he felt more of an effort could be made towards providing a
passive solar design. He noted it might be hot for people living in the building so he
would like to know the architect's thoughts.
MR. BOB WILHELM, the Architect, stated that they are in the middle of reviewing the
apartments and upgrading its overall philosophy. He mentioned that comments made
by the ARC were relative to recessing some of the windows and adding more interest
to the elevations.
Vice Chairman Gregory commented that it is important that the apartments be built
well because they will establish a precedent.
MR. GAMLIN noted that The Grove has a kitchen for gatherings.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if elevation changes would go back to the ARC for
review and approval.
Mr. Ceja replied yes. He mentioned that one of the packets allows for minor
modifications.
Commissioner DeLuna asked Mr. Gamlin why they would want to gate and segregate
the apartments.
MR. GAMLIN responded that it is not an effort to segregate the apartments. They want
to provide something that is an expectation in the marketplace for a rental product. He
said there would be 336 units and having the apartments gated is an effort to control
who is going in and out of the facility. He mentioned that the apartments have other
connectivity to the community through the trail system. He made clear that gating the
apartments is not an attempt to isolate or restrict access. He said the apartments
would be located at the very east end of the community and close to commercial. The
intent to gate the apartments were for security purposes.
Commissioner DeLuna commented that she did not see anything pertaining to
affordable housing. She inquired what the price point of the homes is.
MR. GAMLIN answered that the price point has not been determined. They are hoping
the price point would be $300,000 to $700,000. He mentioned the Federal Housing
Administration (FHA) price point would be slightly above $400,000.
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Commissioner DeLuna stated that the average median income (AMI) in Riverside
County or the Inland Empire is in the high $60,000; therefore, she does not know how
people would be able to afford some of the "for sale" product. However, the people
could conceivably live in a townhome or the apartments. She stated it is a wonderful
project; however, she does not see any provision for an affordable component.
MR. GAMLIN remarked that there was not an intent to provide affordable housing
within the project.
Mr. Ceja disclosed there a few things within the City's policy that would initiate an
affordable housing requirement. The applicant did not make a request that would
initiate the requirement. Secondly, the City's Housing Element has identified sites
throughout the City to accommodate affordable housing and the proposed project is
not one of the identified sites. Lastly, the UNSP did not address or require any on-site
affordable housing requirements. City staff did emphasize to the applicant that they
provide product variation and housing that would be attainable.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if a family that makes 80 percent of the AMI would be
able to qualify for the lower end of the proposed product.
Based on the math, MR. GAMLIN responded the FHA price point could be $410,000
to $415,000. He believed the detached product or the alleyway product could be
accommodating.
Commissioner Greenwood referred to the walls along Portola Avenue, between the
residential on Portola Avenue and Gerald Ford Drive. He asked where in the packet
is the aesthetic and the design of the wall shown.
MR. HERMANN indicated that the wall details are included in the packet (L2.7 Wall
and Face Details).
Commissioner Greenwood clarified that there would be a split face block wall along
Portola Avenue on the outside of the residential.
MR. HERMANN replied that is correct.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the wall carries through the interior side of the
development for all retaining walls.
MR. HERMAN replied that it depended on the location of the wall. He recalled that the
interior walls separating the properties would be precision blocked colored walls, and
split face walls would be on public viewed areas.
Commissioner DeLuna asked Mr. Gamlin what income level they would be targeting.
MR. GAMLIN responded that they are not targeting specific income levels. They are
providing a price point that they feel is attainable to a primary housing market in the
Coachella Valley.
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Commissioner DeLuna asked what the market is.
MR. GAMLIN replied $300,000 to $700,000.
Commissioner Holt inquired if the applicant met with the Art in Public Places (AIPP)
Commission.
MR. GAMLIN responded that they did not meet with AIPP Commission. They had
discussions with staff regarding their program and identifying artwork within the public
spaces.
Commissioner Holt commented that she is the Planning Commission liaison to the
AIPP Commission and said the Commission is very particular. She suggested they
meet with the Commission for the art in public places.
Vice Chairman Gregory asked when an area of the development has been sold to a
builder would they use the same plans approved by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Ceja replied that the builder would use near the same plans. As he mentioned
earlier, the builder could use the refined design standards. Any dramatic changes to
the plans would need to go back to the Planning Commission for approval.
Vice Chairman Gregory asked if staff would determine dramatic changes.
Mr. Ceja replied yes. He noted that the dramatic changes would also need to go before
the ARC.
Vice Chairman Gregory inquired if the apartments would go back to the Planning
Commission or ARC.
Mr. Ceja responded that the only ARC would review the plans for the apartments.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the infrastructure, sidewalks, walls, and
landscaping on Portola Avenue and Gerald Ford Drive would be completed in Phase
1.
MR. GAMLIN responded that they are going to phase the improvements and
incrementally.
Commissioner Greenwood inquired if Phase 1 did not include east of Pacific Avenue.
MR. GAMLIN replied that is correct.
Commissioner Holt noted with the exception of The Grove, which may be included in
Phase 1.
MR. GAMLIN replied that is correct. He believed there was going to be an expectation
to bring the amenities online to create the market buzz.
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Vice Chairman Gregory referred to the memorandum and the added condition
regarding gating all product types. He asked how the Planning Commission should
handle the condition since the applicant requested that the Commission consider
gating the apartments.
Mr. Ceja replied that City staff's recommendation is all product types remain non-
gated, including the apartments.
Vice Chairman Gregory commented that the applicant felt gating the apartments would
be driven by the market. He asked if the City is inadvertently creating a problem if
people are hoping to move into a gated apartment complex.
Chairman Pradetto made clear that staff have given their recommendation. It is up to
the Planning Commission to decide if they are going to accommodate the applicant or
agree with staff's recommendation.
Commissioner Holt commented that she would not mind living in a gated community.
Vice Chairman Gregory added that he recently visited his daughter that lives in a gated
apartment complex in Los Angeles and she really liked it because she feels secure.
Commissioner Holt felt the market should dictate if the apartments should be gated or
non-gated.
Vice Chairman Gregory agreed.
Commissioner DeLuna asked why someone would feel less secure in a non-gated
apartment complex than a non-gated condominium complex or single-family home.
Vice Chairman Gregory remarked that it is the density, people might have more of a
transient lifestyle, and there are more people coming and going.
Commissioner DeLuna asked staff if there is a specific reason for having a non-gated
apartment complex.
Mr. Ceja said the reason is based on a policy in the City's General Plan. The policy
states residential communities, unless it is a resort-style community, remain non-
gated.
With recent fires, Commissioner DeLuna commented that gated communities are a lot
more difficult to evacuate quickly.
Vice Chairman Gregory commented he would be more concerned with a sandstorm
than a fire.
With no further testimony offered, Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing closed.
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Commissioner Greenwood commented that he is not opposed to gating the apartment.
complex. He felt it is consistent with housing types and he is cognizant of the density.
He also felt the overall project meets the intent of the specific plan, the project is
unique, it is adjacent to the university, and he sees the need for gating the apartments.
He said gating the apartments does not deter away from what the specific plan
intended.
Commissioner DeLuna said if they decide to allow gating the apartments, she would
not want to see a block wall. She would prefer to see wrought iron or something else,
so the apartments do not look like a fortress, isolated, or segregated.
Commissioner Greenwood states he is in favor of amending the condition to allow
gating the apartment complex.
Chairman Pradetto recommended changing Condition No. 3 of the memorandum to
reflect that the Planning Commission would allow the applicant to gate the multi-family
apartment complex and give direction on the type of fencing.
Commissioner Greenwood mentioned he was part of the General Plan process and it
was exciting to be part of the process. He said it is exciting to see the General Plan
move forward and into fruition. The proposed project was well done and he is excited
to see it go forward.
Commissioner DeLuna thanked the applicant for all the time and effort they have taken
and the wonderful job done on addressing all the different areas that the City felt was
important in the General Plan.
MR. GAMLIN thanked City staff.
Chairman Pradetto conveyed that he liked the project and the aspect of the different
housing product types. He said some of the best neighborhoods that people desire to
live in reflect this type of planning. The only difference that he sees is some of the
most desirable neighborhoods have developed organically, and the project is
replicating some of the old school designs where everything happens incrementally.
He commented that the danger is, and there is no way around it, the project is built all
at once and it is great. However, in three decades, it all deteriorates at the same rate
of pace. In an incremental design, there might be more of mixed-use and commercial
going into the area. He said as far as getting to a point where they are developing a
beautiful neighborhood, the proposed project is about as close as they can get without
decades of investment from individuals.
Commissioner Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2745 approving Case No. TTM 37056 & PP 18-0005 as
presented. In addition to the conditions of approval, incorporate the amended and additional
conditions from the memorandum dated November 20, 2018; and adjust Condition No. 3 to
allow gating the multi-family apartment complex and consideration is taken into not having
block walls and there is a design to have openness in the wall. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Holt and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt,
and Pradetto; NOES: None).
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XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
None
B. PARKS & RECREATIONi��;,i
Al
None ilalllil� i
XIII. COMMENTS ylijll�
I iiih `'i I
Commissioner DeLuna wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT ��,
With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chairman Pradetto adjourned the
meeting at 8:15 p.m.
JOSEPH PRADETTO, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
' i
ii i(�ra
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY
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PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: January 15, 2018
PREPARED BY: Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
REQUEST: Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council for approval of
a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a 7.7-acre parcel into four
residential lots that will be part of the Stone Eagle Development, and a
third amendment to Development Agreement No. 02-01 (Stone Eagle
Development) located west of the Palm Valley Storm Channel at the
termination of Old Stone Trail (APN: 652-090-002); and adoption of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Recommendation
Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2746,
recommending approval to the City Council of the above-noted, subject to the
conditions of approval.
Executive Summary
Approval of the staff's recommendation will allow the development of four residential estate lots
on 7.7 acres that will be incorporated into the Stone Eagle Development Agreement No. 02-01
(DA No. 02-01). Staff's recommendation for approval of this project is based on reducing the
overall number of dwelling units, which is achieved by an amendment to the existing DA. Staff
believes that this project reduces the overall number of Stone Eagle units, and meets the
General Plan goals of preserving and reducing development within all hillside areas.
Background Analysis
A. Property Description:
The subject property is located immediately south, of and contiguous to, the existing Stone
Eagle community, and immediately west of the Palm Valley Storm Channel. It will utilize the
same roadway network and infrastructure. The project will utilize and improve an existing
channel maintenance easement held by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to
connect the project to the original Crest/Stone Eagle project.
Access to the subject property will be from the southerly extension of Old Stone Trail, a
private road located within the existing Stone Eagle Development.
The purpose of the hillside planned residential district is to encourage minimal grading as it
relates to the natural contours of the land, while avoiding extensive cut and fill slopes in the
January 15, 2018 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case Nos. TPM 37336 and DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
Page 2 of 6
hillside area. The project area in regards to pad elevations will preserve as much natural
terrain as possible. Additionally, the majority of the rock outcroppings will remain so that the
future homes will blend with the natural terrain, and protect undisturbed viewsheds and
natural landmarks and features, including vistas and the natural skyline.
B. General Plan and Zoning:
Zone: Hillside Planned Residential (HPR)
General Plan: Rural Neighborhood (RH)
C. Adjacent Zoning and Land Use:
North: Hillside Planned Residential/Stone Eagle
South: Hillside Planned Residential/Vacant
East: Planned Residential/Sommerset Community
West: Hillside Planned Residential/Vacant
D. Hillside Planned Residential Zone:
The ordinance regulating the HPR Zone was amended in April of 2007 to include the
following Development Standards:
• Density: Each lot shall be limited to a maximum of one unit per five acres.
• Building Pad Area: The maximum area permanently disturbed by grading shall not
exceed 10,000 square feet.
• Access Road: Maximum permanent grading disturbance of natural terrain for
development of access to the approved building pad shall be 3,000 square feet.
• Maximum Dwelling Size: Total dwelling unit, garage, and accessory building size on
any one lot shall not exceed 4,000 square feet.
• Ridgeline Development: Development on or across ridges is prohibited.
E. Stone Eagle Development:
On October 24, 2002, the City Council approved a series of applications and a development
agreement for a project known as"The Crest'and now known as"Stone Eagle." Stone Eagle
is an exclusive gated residential community with 43 existing single-family lots, one lot with
three condominium units available for timeshare use, a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, and
an 18-hole golf course located west of Highway 74 with an access road across the Palm
Valley Storm Channel opposite of Homestead Road. The project is zoned HPR; however,
the development agreement approved different development standards.
The original approved development agreement allowed for 61 total residential dwelling units
on the site. The agreement also allowed the developer, if they choose, to sell units as
fractional ownership with up to a 1/4 share. There have been two amendments since the
original approval of the agreement.
GAPlanning\Kevin Swartz\Word\TPM 37336 Stone Eagle\PC Staff Report-Stone Eagle.docx
January 15, 2018 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case Nos. TPM 37336 and DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
Page 3 of 6
The amendments are as follows:
• Amendment No. 1: Approved in September of 2007, this amendment allowed the
developer to sell 20 homes within Stone Eagle with up to nine fractional interests. In
exchange, Stone Eagle agreed to designate the remaining 41 units as single
ownership.
• Amendment No. 2: Approved in March of 2008, this amendment allowed the
developer to increase the roof height of 19 residential units within Stone Eagle to 25'-
2".
F. Previously Denied Project:
On May 11 , 2011, the City Council denied the applicant's request for a similar project. At the
time, the applicant proposed to subdivide the 7.7-acre parcel into six (6) residential lots.
Several of the proposed pads intersected ridgelines, which is prohibited within the Hillside
Development. The applicant contended that the City's Ridgeline Map was inaccurate, and
proposed a new ridgeline map that they believed to be true ridgelines. City staff, at the time,
concurred with the applicant and recommended approval of the project request. Ultimately,
both the Planning Commission and the City Council denied the applicant's request stating
that the proposed project is not consistent with the HPR zone development standard of one
dwelling unit per five acres.
Project Description
The proposed Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) will allow the developer to subdivide 7.7 acres within
the HPR zone into four residential lots and incorporate them into the Stone Eagle Development.
The proposed lots range in size from 49,687 to 141,705 square feet. Pad sizes range from 6,825
to 15,239 square feet. There are no homes proposed on the property at this time. The owner
anticipates selling these lots as custom estate lots. Homes will be designed independent of each
other and will conform to the approved Stone Eagle design guidelines to ensure continuity.
A. Site Plan Access:
The access to this site is through the main entrance of Stone Eagle via Old Stone Trail. Old
Stone Trail currently dead ends at the northern boundary of this project. The TPM proposes
access to the site on the eastern boundary by extending Old Stone Trail, which is identified
as "Lot A" on TPM 37336.
,An
The developer has tailored this application as an amendment to the approved development
agreement, which would expand the buildable area within the Stone Eagle Development. Staff
believes that there are intrinsically two ways to analyze this application, by using the current
approach of this application, or the strict and literal interpretation of the HPR zone.
G\Planning\Kevin Swartz\Word\TPM 37336 Stone Eagle\PC Staff Report-Stone Eagle.docx
January 15, 2018 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case Nos. TPM 37336 and DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
Page 4 of 6
A. Land Use Compatibility/Density:
Density:
The density is arguably the most complex portion of this project. Two scenarios exist: 1)The
density allowed by expansion of DA 02-01; and 2)The density allowed under the HPR zone.
Density Allowed by Expansion of DA 02-01:
The proposal by the applicant is to subdivide a 7.7-acre parcel into four residential lots. The
original approved development agreement for Stone Eagle allowed for 61 total dwelling
units. However, only 44 units have been developed, leaving 17 lots undeveloped. All lots
built-upon today are single-family residential, except for one parcel,which has three separate
condominium units with the option of fractional timeshare use.
Whenever an amendment to a development agreement is proposed, it should be mutually
beneficial for the applicant and the City. That said, the applicant is willing to sacrifice some
of the total allowable number of lots for the project in return for granting approval of these
four lots. The applicant proposes to use four lots of the remaining 17 lots from the
development agreement by annexing this land into the Stone Eagle Development. If
approved, Stone Eagle Development will have 13 remaining undeveloped lots.
From a density perspective, the original Stone Eagle project occupied 703 acres. Sixty-One
(61) units on 703 acres equate to a density of one dwelling unit per 11.5 acres. If the 7.7
acres of proposed land is added to the development and the unit count is reduced, the total
density will stay the same at one dwelling unit per 11.5 acres. If approved, this proposal
reduces the amount of development possible within the lower hillsides of Cahuilla Hills.
Additionally, during the initial planning of Stone Eagle Development, there were discussions
regarding the accommodation of a bicycle/golf cart path along the access roads adjacent to
the Palm Valley Storm Channel. Because no plan existed at the time for this path, Stone
Eagle was conditioned to accommodate the future path. Both the Planning and Public Works
Departments believe this to be an opportune time to further develop this plan. A condition of
approval has been added that applicant must use their best effort to obtain the necessary
easement/right-of-way to install a 10' wide decomposed granite multi-use path along the
east side of the Palm Valley Channel.
Density Allowed Under the HPR Zone:
The HPR zone allows for one unit per five acres of land. The 7.7 acres of land would be
entitled to one unit if it were being developed as a standalone project. Section 25.15.030 (D)
allows property owners to apply for exceptions to the density standard. Under previous City
Councils, staff generally discouraged these types of exceptions as they were viewed as
inconsistent with the long-range vision of minimizing development on the hillsides.
GAPlanning\Kevin Swartz\Word\TPM 37336 Stone Eagle\PC Staff Report-Stone Eagle.docx
January 15, 2018 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case Nos. TPM 37336 and DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
Page 5 of 6
Within the last three years, the City Council has approved two new homes within the HPR
zone and seem open to smaller developments similar to the project request.
Staff is very cognizant of the sensitivity of developing within the hillside. The applicant has
made the necessary modifications to the project request from the originally 2011 project that
was denied. The applicant has reduced the number of lots from six (6) to four (4), and
positioned the building pads so they are no longer located on ridgelines. The building pads
have also been designed to blend into the natural terrain and protect rock cropping's on the
parcel. When the future homes are constructed, all disturbed areas will be re-naturalized
with native landscaping that will also blend into the natural terrain.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission and ultimately the City Council apply the
"Density allowed by the expansion of DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3., as this proposal protects
open space and will reduce the total number of lots within Stone Eagle. Furthermore, the
project does not physically divide an existing community and does not conflict with any
applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation outlined in the General Plan.
B. Development Standards:
The applicant is proposing to use the same development standards as Stone Eagle
Development; staff is in favor. Below is the development standards table:
STANDARD HPR ZONE ALLOWED W/DA PROPOSED
02-01 PROJECT
Coverage 35-50%* Not limited under DA No change from DA
02-01 02-01
Height as approved 25-2" 25-2"
Front Setback as approved 15' 15'
Rear Setback as approved 10, 10,
Interior Side Setbacks as approved 5' S'
Re-naturalization Addressed as Required as
Landscaping required mitigation measure in mitigation
CEQA measures in CEQA
*40% based on the HPR Zone allowable 10,000 sq. ft. pad and 4,000 sq. ft. maximum
dwelling size.
-Previously approved existing building pads are limited to 35% lot coverage, but may be
increased to 50% with Architectural Review Commission approval.
C. Findings for Approval:
Findings can be made in support of the project, and in accordance with the City's
Municipal Code. Findings in support of this project are contained in the Planning
G\Planning\Kevin Swartz\Word\TPM 37336 Stone Eagle\PC Staff Report-Stone Eagle.docx
January 15, 2018 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case Nos. TPM 37336 and DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
Page 6 of 6
Commission Resolution attached to this staff report.
Environmental Review
For the purposes of CEQA, the Director of Community Development has determined that the
proposed project will not have a significant negative impact on the environment and staff has
prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) of Environmental Impact. The MND is attached
as part of this report and filing of the MND has occurred in accordance with CEQA Guidelines.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEV CITY MANAGER
N/A 1'Dw" N/A N/A
Ryan Stendell
Robert W. Hargreaves Director of Community Janet Moore Lauri Aylaian
City Attorney Development Director of Finance City Manager
APPLICANT: Eagle 605, LLC
74-001 Reserve Drive
Indian Wells, CA 92210
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. 2746
2. Draft Development Agreement 02-01 Amendment No. 3
3. Legal Notice
4. Mitigated Negative Declaration
5. Exhibits Provided by the Applicant
GAPlanning\Kevin Swartz\Word\TPM 37336 Stone Eagle\PC Staff Report-Stone Eagle.docx
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, CONSIDERING A RECOMMENDATION TO THE
CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL OF A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP TO
SUBDIVIDE A 7.7-ACRE PARCEL INTO FOUR RESIDENTIAL LOTS THAT
WILL BE PART OF STONE EAGLE DEVELOPMENT, AND A THIRD
AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 02-01 (STONE EAGLE
DEVELOPMENT) LOCATED WEST OF THE PALM VALLEY STORM
CHANNEL AT THE TERMINATION OF OLD STONE TRAIL (APN: 652-090-
002); AND ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA)
CASE NOS: TPM 37336 and DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on
the 151" day of January 2019, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by
Eagle 605, LLC, for a recommendation to the City Council for approval of the above-noted
project request; and
WHEREAS, according to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City
must determine whether a proposed activity is a project subject to CEQA. If the project is
subject to CEQA, staff must conduct a preliminary assessment of the project to determine
whether the project is exempt from CEQA review. If a project is not exempt, a further
environmental review is necessary. The application has complied with the requirements of
the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality
Act," Resolution No. 2015-75, in the Director of Community Development has determined that
the project will not have a negative impact on th.e environment and that a Mitigated Negative
Declaration can be adopted; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project conforms to the Subdivision Map Act; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the Planning Commission
did find the following facts and reasons, which are outlined in staff report, exist to justify the
recommendation to the City Council for approval of said request..
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL:
1 . That the density of the proposed subdivision is consistent with applicable general and
specific plans.
The proposed parcel map falls within the Rural Neighborhood (R-H) designation of the
General Plan. The intent of R-H designation is to provide reasonable development
opportunities while protecting natural and scenic resources. The R-H allows for zero to
one unit per five acres. The gross project encompasses 710 acres and as proposed will
be allowed 61 total units, including the proposed four (4) lots which equates to a total
density of one dwelling per 11.5 acres of gross land. There is no specific plan for this
area.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
2. That the design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is consistent with applicable
general and specific plans.
Limiting grading and protecting natural resources are goals of both the City's R-H General
Plan Designation and the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) zoning district. As
proposed, this project accomplishes two goals by reducing the overall number of units
within the Stone Eagle Development, and by designing the proposed development into
the existing terrain of the hillside such that grading is minimized. There is no specific plan
for this area.
3. That the site is physically suitable for the type of development.
The vacant property is located within the City of Palm Desert and located adjacent to the
existing Stone Eagle Development. The site has vehicle access points via Old Stone Trail.
The pads have been located to blend with the natural terrain of the property to the greatest
extent feasible. Similar sites have been successfully developed as single-family homes
as is proposed here, demonstrating that these sites are physically suitable for the
proposed development
4. That the site is physically suitable for the proposed density of development.
The proposed T 7 acres is physically suitable forresidential development with accessibility
through Stone Eagle Development and proposed access roads. Utilities are available in
the vicinity, and the small footprint of these residential units it,*asily into the rugged terrain
of the hills, tucked under the elevation of adjacent ridgelines.
5. That the design of the subdivision and the proposed improvements are not likely to cause
substantial environmental damage or substantially and unavoidably injury to fish or wildlife
or their habitat
For purposes of CEQA, a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact has been
prepared. The design of the project will not cause substantial environmental damage or
injure fish or wildlife or their habitat since the surrounding area has been developed with
similar land uses and a golf course. Environmental studies performed at the site did not
identify any endangered or sensitive species. In addition, the project will pay into the
Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation fund for the development of raw land.
6. That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements is not likely to cause
serious public health problems.
The design and layout of the parcel map and four residential lots are in compliance with
all grading requirements, and the properties will be developed in accordance with the
Uniform California Building Code. Grade changes in the community are accommodated
by the street layout and open space provided throughout the subdivision.
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
7. That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not conflict with
easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of, property within
the proposed subdivision.
The proposed project will construct retention basins for the project. The parcel map
identifies the use of this area, and the applicant is responsible for the maintenance of the
retention. Surrounding perimeter City streets are built-out to the General Plan designation
and the developer will complete minor improvements along Old Stone Trail.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the
Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council approval
of the project as proposed.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 151" day of January 2019, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RON GREGORY, CHAIR
ATTEST:
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NOS: TPM 37336, DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
1. The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file with the
Department of Community Development, as modified by the following conditions.
2. That all conditions of approval as part of Development Agreement 02-01 (as amended)
shall apply to this application.
3. The applicant shall record Parcel Map 37336 within two (2) years of project approval,
unless a time extension is granted; otherwise, said approval shall become null, void and
of no effect whatsoever. ...
4. The development of the property described hereinshall be subject to the restrictions and
limitations set forth herein which are in addition to the approved project and all Palm Desert
Municipal ordinances and state and federal statutes now in force, or which hereafter may
be in force.
5. Prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of any use or structure
contemplated by this approval, the applicant shall first obtain permits and/or clearance
from the following agencies: . ;
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)� s
Public Works Department
Fire Department
Evidence of said permit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented to the
Department of Building & Safety at the time of issuance of a building permit for the use
contemplated herewith.
6. A cultural resources inventory shall be completed by a qualified archeologist prior to any
development activities within the project area.
7. If the presence of cultural resources is identified in the cultural resources inventory, an
approved Native Cultural Resource Monitor shall be on site during ground disturbing
activities.
8. Should human remains be discovered during the construction of the proposed project,
the project coordinator will be subject to either the state Law regarding the discovery and
disturbance of human remains or the Tribal burial protocol. In either circumstance, all
destructive activity in the immediate vicinity shall halt and the County Coroner shall be
contacted pursuant to State Health and Safety Code 7050.5. If the remains are
determined to be of Native American origin, the Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC) shall be contacted. The NAHC will make a determination of the Most Likely
Descendent (MILD). The City and Developer will work with the designated MLD to
determine the final disposition of the remains.
4
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
9. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City against any third party
legal challenge to these approvals, with counsel chosen by the City at applicant's
expense.
10. The project shall be subject to all applicable fees at the time of issuance of building
permits including, but not limited to, Art in Public Places, Multi-Species Habitat
Conservation Plan, TUMF, School Mitigation fees, and Housing Mitigation fees.
11 . The applicant shall re-naturalize to the satisfaction of the Director of Community
Development any and all disturbed hillside area of the project with native landscaping
and materials to blend the project into the natural terrain.
12. Lighting plans shall be submitted in accordance with Palm Desert Municipal Code
(PDMC) Section 24.16 for any landscape, architectural, street, or other lighting types
within the project area.
13. The findings in the CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Assessment
shall be incorporated into the planning, design, development, and operation of the
project.
14. Final landscape plans shall be submitted to the City's Department of Community
Development and the CVWD for review and approval. The landscape plan shall conform
to the landscape palate contained in the preliminary landscape plans prepared as part of
this application, and shall include dense plantings of landscape material. All plants shall
be a minimum of five gallons in size, and trees shall be a minimum of 15- and 24-inch
box sizes.
15. The applicant shall use their best effort to obtain the necessary easement/right-of-way
for the construction of the 10-foot wide decomposed granite bike path from Calle De Los
Campesinos to Cholla Way. The applicant shall also assist the City to obtain a necessary
easement from appropriate owners by providing the City with legal description and plat
by a registered land surveyor/civil engineer.
16. Before the parcel map records, the applicant shall execute the annexation agreement
between them and Stone Eagle Development.
17. The future homes will be subject to the development standards established with
Development Agreement 02-01 .
18. The applicant shall record Development Agreement 02-01 Amendment No. 3 prior to, or
concurrent with recording of the parcel map.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Prior to recordation of the parcel map:
19. The parcel map shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval.
5
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
20. Easements for drainage, pedestrian, and public utility purposes shall be provided as
needed on the final parcel map.
21 . Pad elevations, as shown on the tentative map, are subject to review and modification in
accordance with Chapter 27 of the PDMC.
22. The applicant shall pay the appropriate signalization fee in accordance with City of Palm
Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17 and 79-55 and drainage fee in accordance with Section
26.49 of PDMC and Palm Desert Ordinance Number 653.
23. Park fees in accordance with PDMC Section 26.48.060 shall be paid prior to the
recordation of the parcel map.
Prior to the issuance of a grading permit: 4.0
24. The applicant shall submit a grading plan to the Department of Public Works for review
and approval. Any changes to the approved civil or landscape plans must be reviewed for
approval prior to work commencing.
25. The applicant shall submit a PM10 application for approval. The applicant shall comply
with all provisions of PDMC Section 24.12 regarding Fugitive Dust Control.
26. The applicant shall abide by all provisions of the City of Palm Desert Ordinance 843,
Section 24.20 Stormwater Management and Discharge Ordinance.
27. The applicant shall submit a final Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) for review
and approval. The WQMP shall identify the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will
be used on the site to control predictable pollutant runoff. Prior to the issuance of a
grading permit, the Operation and Maintenance Section of the approved final WQMP
shall be recorded with County's Recorder Office and a conformed copy shall be provided
to the Public Works Department.
28. Pad elevations, as shown on the tentative parcel map, are subject to review and
modification in accordance with Chapter 27 of the PDMC.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT:
29. This project shall comply with the latest adopted edition of the following codes.
A. 2016 California Building Code and its appendices and standards.
B. 2016 California Residential Code and its appendices and standards.
C. 2016 California Plumbing Code and its appendices and standards.
D. 2016 California Mechanical Code and its appendices and standards.
E. 2016 California Electrical Code.
F. 2016 California Energy Code.
G. 2016 California Green Building Standards Code.
H. Title 24 California Code of Regulations.
I. 2016 California Fire Code and its appendices and standards.
6
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2746
30. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed as required per the City of
Palm Desert Code Adoption Ordinance 1265.
31 . An accessible access overlay of the precise grading plan is required to be submitted to
the Department of Building and Safety for plan review of the site accessibility
requirements as per 2013 CBC Chapters 11A & B (as applicable) and Chapter 10.
32. Detectable warnings shall be provided where required per CBC 11 B-705.1.2.5 and 11 B-
705.1.2.2. The designer is also required to meet all ADA requirements. Where an ADA
requirement is more restrictive than the State of California, the ADA requirement shall
supersede the State requirement.
33. Public pools and spas must be first approved by the Riverside County Department of
Environmental Health and then submitted to Department of Building and Safety. Pools
and Spas for public use are required to be accessible.
,a
34. All contractors and subcontractors shall have a current City of Palm Desert Business
License prior to permit issuance per PDMC, Title 5.
35. All contractors and/or owner-builders must submit a valid Certificate of Workers'
Compensation Insurance coverage prior to the issuance of a building permit per
California Labor Code, Section 3700. ''`
FIRE DEPARTMENT: w �;
36. Fire Department Plan Review. Final fire and life safety conditions will be addressed when
building plans are reviewed by the Fire Prevention Bureau. These conditions will be
based on occupancy, use, the California Building Code (CBC), California Fire Code
(CFC), and related codes which are in force at the time of building plan submittal.
37. The project may have a cumulative adverse impact on the Fire Department's ability to
provide an acceptable level of service. These impacts include an increased number of
emergency and public service calls due to the increased presence of structures, traffic,
and population. The project proponents/developers will be expected to provide for a
proportional mitigation to these impacts via capital improvements and/or impact fees.
38. Fire Department emergency vehicle apparatus access road locations and design shall
be in accordance with the California Fire Code, City of Palm Desert Municipal Code, and
Riverside County Fire Department Standards. Plans must be submitted to the Fire
Department for review and approval prior to building permit issuance.
39. Fire Department water system(s) for fire protection shall be in accordance with the
California Fire Code, City of Palm Desert Municipal Code, and Riverside County Fire
Department Standards. Plans must be submitted to the Fire Department for review and
approval prior to building permit issuance.
7
RECORDING REQUESTED BY, AND
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City of Palm Desert
Attn: City Clerk
73-5 10 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT
-NO FEE-
6103 OF THE GOVT. CODE
Space Above This Line For Recorder's Use
Third Amendment to Development Agreement
This Third Amendment to Development Agreement(this"Amendment") is made and
entered into as of this_day of , 2019, by and between the CITY OF PALM
DESERT, a California municipal corporation("City"), and STONE EAGLE, LLC
("Developer") as successor-in interest to DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,
a California corporation("DDC"), and Eagle 6.5, LLC ("Eagle"),the owner in fee of the
Additional Property (as hereinafter defined) (City and Developer and Eagle are, collectively,
"the Parties"), pursuant to the authority of Section 65864 et seq. of the Government Code of the
State of California.
RECITALS
A. City and DDC entered into that certain Development Agreement, dated as of
November 14, 2002, and recorded on March 11, 2003, as Document No. 2003-
172463, in the Official Records of Riverside County, California(the
"Agreement"). The Agreement was entered into to facilitate the development of
certain real property("Site") more particularly described in the Agreement.
B. Subsequently, City and Developer entered into "First Amendment to the
Development Agreement 02-01" dated September 27, 2007 (Riverside County
Document#2007-0663645,recorded October 29, 2007), and "Second
Amendment to the Development Agreement 02-01" dated March 27, 2008
(Riverside County Document# 2008-0404071, recorded July 24, 2008).
The Developer now desires to make an additional approximately 7.7t acres
("Additional Property") subject to the Agreement as amended by this
Amendment. All 7.7f acres of the Additional Property are located within the City.
The Additional Property is described as Tentative Parcel Map No. 37331 and is
shown on Exhibit A-7 attached hereto. The Agreement(as amended) sets forth
the maximum number of residential dwelling units (each a"DU") which is
321147626. 21
permitted on the Site. Of the maximum number of 60 DUs (plus one caretaker
residence)permitted on the Site, 44 have been developed, leaving 16 DUs plus
the caretaker residence not yet developed. The Additional Property will be
allocated and entitled to use four(4) of the remaining 16 DUs, one for.each lot in
the Additional Property. The Site will have twelve (12) DUs plus the caretaker
residence remaining for development after(and in addition to)the allocation of
the four(4) DUs to the Additional Property.
D. Eagle holds fee title to all of the Additional Property.
E. The Additional Property was annexed into the Site and the Stone Eagle Owners'
Association on by recordation of instrument number
F. City and Developer also now desire to extend the term of the Agreement by ten
(10) years to February 27, 2029.
G. City and Developer now desire to amend the Agreement in the manner set forth
herein pursuant to Section 1000 of the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and promises of the
Parties, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Effective Date. This Amendment shall become effective on the date which is two
(2) business days after the date which is thirty (30) days after date of final adoption by the City
of the ordinance approving this Amendment("Effective Date"). From and after the Effective
Date, all references to the Agreement shall automatically be deemed to mean the Agreement as
amended by this Amendment.
2. Defined Terms. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meaning set forth in the Agreement.
3. Effect on Additional Property. This amendment will bind the Additional Property
upon the effective date since Eagle is a party hereto. In addition, the Additional Property shall
be subject to and bound by the Original Agreement set forth in Recital A and the First and
Second Amendments set forth in Recital B.
4. Expansion of Site. From and after the Effective Date, the Site will be expanded
to add thereto the Additional Property, consisting of an additional approximately 7.7± acres
within the City, and thereafter the term"Site"as used in the Agreement shall be deemed to
include both the original Site as defined in the Agreement as originally entered into, and the
Additional Property.
5. Revised Exhibits. On the Effective Date: (i) Exhibit A-7 attached to this
Amendment shall be included with Exhibit A attached to the Agreement; (ii) Exhibit C
attached to this Amendment shall be substituted for the Exhibit C attached to the Agreement;
321147626. 22
and (iii) Exhibit D attached to this Amendment shall be substituted for the Exhibit D attached to
the Agreement.
6. Extension of Term. The Term of the Agreement currently expires on February
27, 2019. The Parties hereto hereby agree to extend the Term for an additional period of ten(10)
years to February 27, 2029.
7. Covenants Run With Land. It is specifically understood and agreed by and
between the Parties hereto that the Agreement and this Amendment shall not be severable from
Developer's interest in the Additional Property, and the provisions of the Agreement as amended
by this Amendment shall constitute covenants which shall run with the Site or any portion
thereof upon the recordation against the Additional Property of the Agreement and this
Amendment, and that thereafter the benefits and burdens of the Agreement as amended by this
Amendment shall bind and inure to all successors in interest to the Parties.
8. Interpretation. This Amendment shall be interpreted to give each of the
provisions their plain meaning. The Recitals are incorporated into this Amendment.
9. Entire Agreement. This Amendment is executed in duplicate originals, each of
which is deemed to be an original. This Amendment consists of seven(7) pages and three (3)
exhibits, which constitute the entire understanding of the Parties as to the matters set forth in this
Amendment.
10. Status of Agreement. Except as modified by this Amendment,the terms and
provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
321147626. 23
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment as of the date and
year first above written.
"CITY" CITY OF PALM DESERT, a California
Municipal Corporation
Effective Date: By:
(Mayor, City of Palm Desert)
, 2019
Attest:
City Manager
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
"DEVELOPER" STONE EAGLE, LLC
a Delaware limited liability company
Date of Submission by Developer: By:
, 2019
"EAGLE" EAGLE 6.5, LLC
By:
Robert J. Lowe, its
52019
321147626. 24
F----
A notary public or other officer completing
this certificate verifies only the identity of the
individual who signed the document to which
this certificate is attached, and not the
truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that
document.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
SS.
COUNTY OF )
On , before me, , a Notary Public,personally
appeared who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the
person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that
he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their
signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal)
Notary Public
321147626. 25
A notary public or other officer completing
this certificate verifies only the identity of the
individual who signed the document to which
this certificate is attached,and not the
truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that
document.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
ss.
COUNTY OF )
On , before me, , a Notary Public, personally
appeared who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the
person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that
he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their
signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal)
Notary Public
321147626.2 6
A notary public or other officer completing
this certificate verifies only the identity of the
individual who signed the document to which
this certificate is attached, and not the
truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that
document.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
SS.
COUNTY OF )
On , before me, , a Notary Public, personally
appeared who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the
person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that
he/she/th.ey executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their
signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal)
Notary Public
321147626. 27
Exhibit A-7
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 37336
THE LAND REFERRED TO IN THIS REPORT IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, IN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
The Southeast quarter of Government Lot 2 in the Northwest quarter of Section 31,
Township 5 South, Range 6 East, San Bernardino Meridian according to the official plat
thereof.
Excepting therefrom that portion lying North of the South line of and its Easterly
extension of Tract No. 20024, in the City of Palm Desert, as shown by Map on file in
Book 211, Page(s) 90 through 94, inclusive of Maps, in the Office of the County
Recorder of Riverside County, California.
Excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to the Coachella Valley County Water
District by deed recorded August 23, 1971 as Instrument/File No. 94950 of Official
Records.
APN: 652-090-002
321147626.2 8
EXHIBIT D
BUILDING HEIGHTS AND SETBACKS
The following development standards shall apply for TPM 37336:
Minimum Building Setbacks:
All custom lot setbacks will be reviewed on the individual merits of the submitted site
plan. At a minimum, the following setbacks shall be maintained.
Front Yard Setbacks: Fifteen (15) Feet
Rear Yard Setbacks: Ten (10) Feet
Interior Side Yard Setbacks: Five (5) Feet
Building Heights:
Residential buildings or structures shall not have a height exceeding twenty-six (26) feet
from the approved finished pad elevation. Roof mounted equipment must be placed
within said height limitations and shall be screened from view. Chimney height and
other projections required by building codes will be examined on a case by case basis.
Visual impacts and privacy views to or from adjacent structures will be considered.
321147626.2 9
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO. TPM 37336, DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR TENTATIVE
PARCEL MAP 37336 TO SUBDIVIDE AN EXISTING 7.7-ACRE PARCEL INTO FOUR
RESIDENTIAL LOTS THAT WILL BE PART OF STONE EAGLE DEVELOPMENT UP HIGHWAY
74.
The City of Palm Desert (City), in its capacity as the Lead Agency for this project under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has reviewed and considered the proposed
project and has determined that any potentially significant impacts can be mitigated to a less
than significant level and a mitigated negative declaration has been prepared for this project.
Project Location: Stone Eagle Development. APN: 652-090-002
Project Description: The applicant is proposing to subdivide 7.7-acres into four residential lots.
Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval of the project request.
Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on January
15, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. with a City Council meeting to follow.
Comment Period: Based on the time limits defined by CEQA, your response should be sent at
the earliest possible date. The public comment period on this project is from December 26, 2018
to January 30, 2019.
Public Review: The project plans are available for public review daily at City Hall. Please
submit written comments to the Planning Department. If any group challenges the action in
court, issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in
this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to, the Planning Commission hearing. All
comments and any questions should be directed to:
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-0611
kswartz@cityofpalmdesert.org
PUBLISH: DESERT SUN RYAN STENDELL, Secretary
December 26, 2018 Palm Desert Planning Commission
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page I
T
CITY OF PALM DESERT
73-5 10 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
Phone: (760) 346-0611
Fax: (760) 341-7098
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY
Project Title: Tentative Parcel Map and Stone Eagle Development Agreement
Amendment
Case No: TPM 37336, DA 02-01 Amendment No. 3
Lead Agency
Name and Address: City of Palm Desert
73-5 10 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
Phone: (760) 346-0611 Fax: (760) 341-7098
Applicant: EAGLE 6.5, LLC, c/o Ted Lennon
74-001 Reserve Drive
Indian, Wells, CA 92210
Representative: John D. Criste, AICP
Terra Nova Planning &Research, Inc.
42-635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: 760-341-4800
Contact Person: Kevin Swartz, Planner, City of Palm Desert
And Phone Number: 760-346-0611 (7.7f acres)
Project Location: South extension of Old Stone Trail and Stone Eagle
Palm Desert, CA 92260
APN: 652-090-002
General Plan Designation: Rural Neighborhood(0.05 to 1.0 Du/AC)
Zoning Designation: HPR.,D (Hillside Planned Residential; 1 DU/5 Ac)
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Location and Limits
The subject property is located immediately south of and contiguous to the existing Stone Eagle
community and immediately west of the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. It will utilize the same
roadway network and infrastructure.The Project will utilize and improve an existing channel maintenance
easement held by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to connect the Project to the original
Crest/Stone Eagle project.
The project primarily involves a single, 7.7t acre parcel (APN: 652-090-002), and is contiguous to, will
take access from and will become a part of the Stone Eagle to the immediate south. Access to the subject
property will be from the southerly extension of Old Stone Trail,a private road located within the existing
Stone Eagle development. The subject property.is a subdivision of a portion of the Southeast 1/4 of
Government Lot 2 in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 31, Township 5 South, Range 6 East, SBB&M.
Project Description
Development of the proposed addition to the Project(Tentative Parcel Map 37336;Exhibit 5)will involve
the southerly extension of the existing Old Stone Trail within the aforementioned Stone Eagle
development. The Project will include the grading of one access road,which will branch into two shorter
segments to serve four (4) proposed residential lots. The proposed residential lots will provide buildable
pads ranging from 12,802 sq. ft. (0.29 acres) to15,239 sq. ft. (0.35 acres). For purposes of this analysis,
completed residential structures are assumed to total 28,000± square feet. Lot A is the extension of the
private Old Stone Trail that will provide access to the four new residential lots, and will provide a
minimum 20-foot paved cross section plus 2-foot gutter on each side in a 24-foor right-of-way. The total
disturbed area, including the extension of the private Old Stone Trail, will be 2.17t acres.
The Project also includes the 3`d Amendment to the Stone Eagle Development Agreement (DA), which
will bind the subject property to the Stone Eagle development. The DA will thereby expand Stone Eagle
by the 7.7f acres and shall not be thereafter severable from the larger interest of Stone Eagle or the
provisions of the DA. The DA and the incorporation of the subject TPM into Stone Eagle allows for the
transfer of development densities remaining available under the original Stone Eagle Development
Agreement. Also please see Development Agreement Amendment No. 3.
Surrounding Land Uses & Setting
North: Stone Eagle residential lots and open space; scattered single family residential in Cahuilla Hills
beyond
South: Vacant open desert slopes and washes; scattered single family residential in Cahuilla Hills
East: CVWD Palm Valley Stormwater Channel; Indian Springs MHP and Sommerset condominium
development beyond channel; State Highway 74 east of aforementioned residential lands
West: Vacant raising terrain of foothills; scattered single family residential in Cahuilla Hills
General Plan Designation
The subject property is designated Rural Neighborhood on the City General Plan, which states that the
intent of this designation is:
"To conserve nature while providing the lowest intensity and amount of
neighborhood development."
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 3
This designation allows low density residential development at density ranging from 0.05 to 1.0
dwelling unit per acre. The Rural Neighborhood designation also allows for the:
"Limited commercial activity may be allowed in the form of focused specialty
lodging such as a bed& breakfast inn with minor commercial/retail."
As well as:
"Uses such as guest houses, churches, schools, family day care homes, public
facilities, and others which are determined to be compatible with and oriented toward
serving the needs of rural, low-density neighborhoods may also be allowed."
Zoning Designation
The subject property is designated HPR (Hillside Planned Residential; 1 DU/5 Ac. The purpose of the
hillside planned residential district is to provide for the lowest intensity (0.2 du/ac) of residential
development by minimizing the grading of hillside areas and to preserve the natural contours of the land
by avoiding extensive cut and fill of slopes that result in a padding or staircase effect within the
development.This district is characterized by the preservation of natural features and protected viewsheds,
architecture and landscape design that blends with the natural terrain,and informal and natural streetscapes
that follow the topography of the land.
Other Required Public Agency Approvals
None required.
Summary of CEQA Findings:
This Initial Study has been prepared in conformance with Section 15063 and other applicable sections of
the CEQA Guidelines, including the City Rules to Implement CEQA, to determine if the project, as
proposed, may have a significant effect upon the environment. Based upon the findings contained within
this report,the Initial Study will be used in support of the preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration.
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8
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 12
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at
least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following
pages.
❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture and ❑ Air Quality
Forestry Resources
❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils
❑ Greenhouse Gas ❑ Hazards & ❑ Hydrology/Water Quality
Emissions Hazardous Materials
❑ Land Use/Planning ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise
❑ Population/Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation
❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑ Utilities/Service ❑ Mandatory Findings of
Systems Significance
® Tribal Cultural Resources
The Project has been evaluated to determine if there is any substantial evidence, based upon this
environmental assessments, studies and reports evaluated for the Project,as were supplemental biological'
and cultural resources reports and line-of-sight analyses. All of the potential environmental impacts were
evaluated for the proposed project. In addition to the proposed TPM 37336, the Project includes an
amendment to the Stone Eagle Development Agreement, which places the proposed subdivision within
the overall development thresholds set by the original Stone Eagle approval. Its potential physical impacts
on the environment are comparable to those identified for the original Stone Eagle development and is
subject to the application of the Conditions of Approval and mitigation measures set forth in the certified
Stone Eagle SEIR and this IS/MND.
' 'Biological Assessment and Impact Analysis of the proposed Lowe Enterprises 6.5-Acre Residential Site",prepared
by James W.Cornett. July 28,2006.
z "Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report-Assessor's Parcel No.652-090-002",prepared by CRM Tech.
August 16,2006.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 13
DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
❑ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
® I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been
made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1)has been
adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2)
has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on
attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must
analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier
EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b)have been
avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION,
including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project,
nothing further is required.
Signature: Ryan Stendell Date:
Community Development Director
City of Palm Desert
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 14
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except"No Impact" answers that are adequately
supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each
question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources
show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project
falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based
on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g.,the project will not expose sensitive
receptors to pollutants,based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site,
cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as
operational impacts.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur,then the checklist
answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with
mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is
substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially
Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the
incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact"
to a"Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and
briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiring, program EIR or EIS, or other CEQA
or NEPA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or EIS or negative
declaration or FONSI. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the
following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were
within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable
legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures
based on the earlier analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures
Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from
the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the
project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources
for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared
or outside document should,where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the
statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used, or
individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead
agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's
environmental effects in whatever format is selected.
9) The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance
c) minimization measures, if any, if mitigation measures are not required
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 15
Environmental Checklist and Discussion:
The following checklist evaluates the proposed project's potential adverse impacts. For those
environmental topics for which a potential adverse impact may exist, a discussion of the existing site
environment related to the topic is presented followed by an analysis of the project's potential adverse
impacts. When the project does not have any potential for adverse impacts for an environmental topic,the
reasons why there are no potential adverse impacts are described.
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
1.AESTHETICS-- Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
b)Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings,and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway? El ❑ ® ❑
c)Substantially degrade the existing visual character
or quality of the site and its surroundings? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
d)Create a new source of substantial light or glare,
which would adversely affect day or nighttime ❑ ® ❑ ❑
views in the area?
Source: TPM 37336 and Cross Section,Feiro Engineering,2018; Site surveys;City of Palm Desert Municipal Code
Background: The subject property is located in the southwest quadrant of the City of Palm Desert in the
Coachella Valley area of Riverside County. The property is situated on east-facing sloping terrain
immediately west of the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. The site is approximately 900 feet west of
State Highway 74 and is separated from this roadway by intervening residential development. Terrain
continues to raise behind (to the west of) the subject property and the proposed residential home sites
(pads) to an elevation of 800 feet. Proposed residential pads vary in elevation from 732 feet to 767 feet
above mean sea level. The terrain rises to the west of each of the four proposed development sites.
The areas scenic resources of the area are dominated by the rapidly rising terrain of the Santa Rosa
Mountains foothills to the west and south, as well as the rocky spurs to the east. These dramatic rocky
mountain backdrop rise to over 3,600 feet to the southwest and to over 9,600 feet to the south. In addition
to the Santa Rosa Mountains,the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north and northeast also enhance
those viewsheds. The Palm Valley Stormwater Channel passes north-south along the east boundary of the
subject property.
For purposes of this analysis,a number of cross sections were plotted to allow the analysis of the potential
impacts of the proposed residential lots and future homes on the public viewsheds, including those of
residents closest to the property. The cross sections show that even for the highest proposed lots there will
be a backdrop of rocky slopes and elevated terrain behind(west of)each lot. Please see Exhibits 5 through
8.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) Less Than Significant. The Project will result in the grading of an extension of Old Stone Trail
southerly and into the property, where it will split into two forks that serve each of the four
residential lots. The road grading plan limits the exposed fill area that would be generated near the
end of the south fork. Retaining walls are planned at several locations to limit cut and is visibility
from below. The minimum vertical separate between the proposed four lots and the raising terrain
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 16
ranges from 33 feet to 68 feet. Single family residences are planned, which will ensure that
structures do not break the ridgeline to the west. Therefore, impacts to scenic vistas, which arise
in all directions as viewed from surrounding lands, will be less than significant.
b) Less Than Significant. Highway 74 is "state-eligible" to be designated as a scenic highway but
is not currently so designated. As noted above, the Project site is located 900 feet from the closest
approach of this roadway and is separated from it by residential development and the Palm Valley
Stormwater Channel. Views into the developed portion of the subject property that might be
momentarily visible from Highway I I I will also view homes in front of the rocky slope backdrop
to the west. Therefore, potential impacts to Highway 74 viewshed are expected to be less than
significant.
There is very little vegetation on or surrounding the subject property. However, there are
substantial landscaping elements, including trees and shrubs, within the residential developments
to the east, which serve to soften and buffer the views of the rocky slopes to the west, including
the subject property. Pose-development fill slopes will be limited and retaining walls will be used
extensively to limit the effect of road and lot grading. Extensive portions of the site's rocky
outcroppings will remain unaffected by the Project. Therefore, impacts to these visual resources
will be less than significant.
c) Less Than Significant.The proposed project will result in the incremental development of single-
family homes within the Cahuilla Hills area of the City and surrounding unincorporated area. The
project will result in limited site grading and the maintenance of the overall look and feel of the
site and the Stone Eagle development to which it will become a part through the approval of the
proposed DA amendment. The proposed subdivision will not significantly degrade the existing
visual character or quality of the site or its surroundings. The rising terrain above the site and the
planned use of desert vegetation, gravel and boulders in the project landscaping (see landscape
plan ref subst conform w/ Stone Eagle) will further reinforce the existing visual character and
quality of the site by emulating the natural rocky outcroppings in the distance and native vegetation
within and surrounding the community.
d) Less Than Significant With Mitigation. Increased light and glare from outdoor structural and
landscape lighting,and from reflective surfaces such as windows,automobiles and other reflective
surfaces can be expected to result from the project. Excessive lighting can adversely impact
enjoyment of the night sky and can intrude onto adjoining properties. Lighting from the future
home sites may also be evident from the vicinity during evening and nighttime hours. These
impacts are expected to be adequately minimized and mitigated (see Mitigation Measures
discussion below) and are not expected to substantially alter the existing environment
Mitigation Measures
While the proposed subdivision and DA amendment will have limited adverse impacts to surrounding
viewsheds, a variety of measures can be applied to the project design to further limit the visual impacts of
new development. These are consistent with those that were applied to the potential development impacts
associated with the approved Stone Eagle development, and include the following:
1. Building materials used in development of residences other potentially visible structures shall
include those which tend to blend and harmonize with the textures and tones of the surrounding
foothills into which they will be integrated. Earth tones are encouraged, as is the use of stone and
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 17
similar materials, which emulate surrounding natural materials and colors. Exposed roofing
materials should also complement the surrounding environment to reduce or minimize the contrast
of the built with the natural environment.
2. Landscaping plans shall serve to integrate a harmonious transition between the natural and the
built environment. Native and appropriate non-invasive non-native plants shall be applied in a
manner that emulates the natural vegetation pattern of the washes and foothills. Boulders and rock
walls should also be considered to lend rhythm and massing and to help smooth the landscaped
edge.
3. Boundary walls and fences shall be constructed so as to blend with surrounding unaltered and re-
naturalized areas. Construction materials may include stone and stucco, wrought iron and steel
fencing, which quickly acquire a patina or are painted, stained or coated to blend and harmonize
with the surrounding environment.
4. All development plans, including grading and site plans, building elevations and landscape plans
shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the issuance of building permits.
5. Final home site plans, privacy walls, and private and common open space areas shall be designed
in such a manner as to preserve individual viewsheds to the greatest extent practical, while
preserving privacy.
6. All outdoor lighting shall be in compliance with the City lighting ordinance. Outdoor lighting shall
be limited to the minimum height, number and intensity of fixtures needed to provide security and
identification, taking every reasonable effort to preserve the community's night skies.
7. Water pumps, utility transformers and boxes and other related facilities shall be screened with
walls or other appropriate treatment to preserve scenic viewsheds and limit visual clutter.
Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program
l. The final subdivision map shall be reviewed to assure substantial compliance with the basic design
parameters set forth in the above mitigation measures and as conditioned by City approvals.
Responsible Party: Community Development Department and City Engineer.
2. Structural design elements, including residences, garages, utility buildings, and walls and fences
shall be reviewed for their responsiveness to the design criteria set forth in the above mitigation
measures and as otherwise required by City.
Responsible Party: Community Development Department
3. Landscaping palette and design, as well as lighting elements for each home, shall be reviewed for
their responsiveness to design and mitigation issues addressed in the above mitigation measures,
and as elsewhere required by other mitigation measures and conditions set forth by the City.
Responsible Party: Community Development Department
2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
RESOURCES--In determining whether impacts to Potentially Less Than Less Than No
agricultural resources are significant environmental Significant Significant Significant Impact
effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Impact with Mitigation Impact
Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Incorporation
Model(1997)prepared by the California Dept. of
Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 18
impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining
whether impacts to forest resources, including
timberland,are significant environmental effects, lead
agencies may refer to information compiled by the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including
the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the
Forest Legacy Assessment project;and forest carbon
measurement methodology provided in Forest
Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources
Board. Would theproject:
a)Convert Prime Farmland,Unique Farmland,or
Farmland of Statewide Importance(Farmland),as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California ❑ ❑ ❑
Resources Agency,to non-agricultural use?
b)Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,or
a Williamson Act contract? ❑ ❑ ❑
c)Conflict with existing zoning for,or cause rezoning
of,forestland(as defined in Public Resources Code ❑ ❑ ❑
Section 12220(g)),timberland(as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526),or timberland zoned
Timberland Production(as defined by Government
Code section 51104 ?
d)Result in the loss of forestland or conversion of
forestland to non-forest use? ❑ ❑ ❑
e)Involve other changes in the existing environment,
which,due to their location or nature,could result in
conversion of Farmland,to non-agricultural use? ❑ ❑ ❑
Source: City of Palm Desert 2017 General Plan; California Department of Conservation; Farmland Mapping& Monitoring
Program.2001.
Background: The City of Palm Desert is located in a desert environment containing soils that are
characterized as sandy and rocky. The project site is located on course alluvium and rocky slopes of
decomposed granitic rock with areas of limited, shallow soils, being the extension of the Santa Rosa
Mountains foothills. No agricultural activities occur in proximity to the project site nor are there any
identified agricultural lands in the City or the vicinity, the closest such lands being located in the eastern
portion of the valley.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) No Impact. The subject property is not designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance, according to the California Department of Conservation, nor
is it used for agricultural purposes. Additionally, there are no properties in the immediate area
designated as Farmland of Statewide Importance. The project area is designated as "Urban and
Built-Up Land" by the State, and has a General Plan designation of "Low Density Residential".
The proposed project will have no impact on farmlands.
b) No Impact. There are no Williamson Act contracts on the subject property or properties in the
immediate vicinity. The subject property is currently designated " Rural Neighborhood' and is
also surrounded by scattered low-density residential development of Cahuilla Hills. The Palm
Valley Stormwater Channel and planned residential developments are located to the immediate
east. The proposed project is consistent with this designation and the surrounding land use pattern.
The proposed project will not conflict with surrounding zoning designations.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 19
c,d) No Impact. The subject property is not located in an area designated as forest land and will not
conflict with forestland zoning. The project will not result in the loss of forestland.
e) No Impact. As described above, the proposed project is not designated as farmland, or located
near areas of existing farmland; therefore, the project will not result in the direct conversion of
existing farmland to non-agricultural uses.
Minimization Measures (If any):
Mitigation: None required
Monitoring: None required
3.AIR QUALITY—Where available,the
significance criteria established by the applicable Potentially Less Than Less Than No
air quality management or air pollution control Significant Significant Significant Impact
district may be relied upon to make the following Impact with Mitigation Impact
determinations. Would theproject: Incorporation
a)Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan? ❑ ❑ ❑
b)Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality ❑ ❑ ® ❑
standard(including releasing emissions,which
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
d)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
e)Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Sources: CaIEEMod Version 2013.2.2;Project grading plans; SCAQMD AQMP,2016;Coachella Valley PM,o SIP,2003.
Background: The City of Palm Desert is located in the Coachella Valley, which is a low elevation desert
environment characterized by low annual rainfall (2 to 6 inches per year) and low humidity, with
temperatures ranging from 800 F to 108 °F in July and 40'F to 57'F in January. The Coachella Valley is
located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air
Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All development within the SSAB is subject to SCAQMD's
2016 Air Quality Management Plan (2016 AQMP) and the 2003 Coachella Valley PMio State
Implementation Plan (2003 CV PMio SIP). The SCAQMD operates and maintains regional air quality
monitoring stations at numerous locations throughout its jurisdiction. The proposed site is located within
Source Receptor Area(SRA)30,which includes monitoring stations in Palm Springs and Indio. The Indio
site has been operational since 1985 and the Palm Springs site since 1987.
Historically, the Coachella Valley has been classified as being in non-attainment for both ozone (03) and
PMio. Under the Federal Clean Air Act, the Coachella Valley portion of the SSAB is classified as a
"severe-15" 03 non-attainment area for the 8-hour state standard, which means that the region must come
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 20
into compliance with Federal ozone standards by December 31, 2027. With future emission controls, the
Coachella Valley will achieve the 2008 8-hour federal 03 standard by 2024.3
With regard to PM1o,the California Air Resources Board(ARB)approved the Coachella Valley PMto Re-
designation Request on February 25, 2010. SCAQMD requested re-designation by the US EPA from
serious nonattainment to attainment for the PMio National Ambient Air Quality Standard. As of January
30, 2015 the Environmental Protection Agency has not re-designated the PMio classification for the
Coachella Valley'. The Coachella Valley continues to exceed the state standard and is in a serious non-
attainment area for PMio.
The Project will involve the grading and paving of an extension of Old Stone Trail south of its current
terminus in the south end of the Stone Eagle development. Site grading will also include creation of four
(4) residential lots comprised of five pads (1.24 acres), small terraces confined by retaining walls (0.12
acres), and the on-lot street(0.81 acres). Total site disturbance will be 2.17± acres or approximately 28%
of the site. Earthwork quantities include 4,300 cubic yards of cut and 6,100 cubic yards of fill, meaning
that there will be a net import of approximately 1,800 cubic yards brought onto the site. The residential
square footage at buildout is unknow but has been assumed to average 7,000 square foot per unit or 28,000
square feet of residential space.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) No Impacts. The project will be developed in accordance with all applicable air quality
management plans. The subject property is located within the SSAB, which is governed by the
SCAQMD. SCAQMD is responsible for monitoring criteria air pollutant concentrations and
establishing management policies for the SSAB. As previously mentioned, all development within
the SSAB, including the proposed project, is subject to the 2016 AQMP and the 2003 CVPM10
SIP.
The 2016 AQMP is a comprehensive plan that establishes control strategies and guidance on
regional emission reductions for air pollutants. It was based, in part, on the land use plans of the
jurisdictions in the region. The proposed project is consistent with the City of Palm Desert's land
use designations assigned to the subject property, and therefore, is consistent with the intent of the
2016 AQMP.
b-c) Less than Significant Impacts. Both construction and operational phases of the proposed
subdivision will result in the release of criteria air pollutants. The California Emissions Estimator
Model(CaIEEMod)was used to project air quality emissions that will be generated by construction
and operation of the proposed residences.
Construction Emissions
As discussed above, construction activities result in the emission of air quality pollutants from
grading, building construction, and off gassing from paving and architectural coating. The site is
vacant. For analysis purposes, data from the TPM 37336 were used and it is also assumed that
future residential construction will encompasses 28,000± square feet of building space that will
occur over approximately a 5-year period extending from about May 2019 to April 2024. Criteria
pollutant emissions from construction activities are short-term, and will end once construction is
complete.
3 "Final 2016 Air Quality Management Plan,"prepared by South Coast Air Quality Management District,March 3,
2017.
4 "EPA Green Book Designated Non-attainment Areas for All Criteria Pollutants,"as of July 2,2014.Accessed June 18,
2015.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 21
As shown in Table 1, emissions generated by construction activities will not exceed SCAQMD
thresholds of significance for criteria air pollutants. The data reflect average daily emissions over
the 5-year construction period. It should be mentioned that the table below shows the worst-case
emission scenario and projected unmitigated emissions.
Table 1
Construction Emissions for TPM 37336 Buildout
(lbs per day)
Construction Emissions CO NOx ROG Sox PM10 PM2.5
Maximum Daily 16.23 32.27 36.99 0.05 6.12 3.49
Emissions
SCAQMD Threshold 550.00 100.00 75.00 150.00 150.00 55.00
Exceeds Threshold? No No No No No No
Source: CalEEMod Version 2016.3.2 Value shown represents the average emissions from summer and winter. Emissions
reflect adherence to standard dust control measures per SCAQMD Rule 403.1.See Appendix A.
Implementation of standard reduction measures during construction will further reduce emission
levels. Applicable reduction measures include, but are not limited to, the implementation of dust
control practices in conformance with SCQAMD Rule 403 and proper maintenance and limited
idling of heavy equipment. Impacts to air quality from construction of the proposed project for
criteria pollutants, therefore, will be less than significant.
Operational Emissions
Operational emissions are ongoing that will occur over the life of the occupancy of the four
residences. Operational emissions will be associated with the use of electricity for lighting,HVAC,
space heating and other uses. As shown in Table 2 below, SCAQMD thresholds will not be
exceeded during operation of the proposed residential units. The table below sets forth the
operational emissions associated with the four residences.
Table 2
Operational Emissions at TPM 37336 Buildout
(lbs per day)
CO NOx ROG Sox PM10 PM2.5
Operation Emissions 1.36 0.89 0.83 0.00 0.20 0.06
SCAQMD Threshold 550.00 100.00 75.00 150.00 150.00 55.00
Exceeds Threshold? No No No No No No
Source: CalEEMod Version 2016.3.2.Value shown represents the average emissions from summer and winter. See
Appendix A.
Non-Attainment
Historically,the Coachella Valley, which includes the proposed project site,has been classified as
a"non-attainment" area for PMio and Ozone. The proposed project will contribute a very modest
incremental increase in regional ozone and PMio emissions. However, this impact is not expected
to be cumulatively considerable. Project construction and operation emissions will not exceed
SCAQMD thresholds for PMio or ozone precursors (NO.), and appropriate standard reduction
measures will be implemented that will further reduce emissions. The project will not conflict with
any attainment plans and will result in less than significant impacts.
d) Less than Significant Impacts. The nearest sensitive receptors to the subject property are single-
family and multi-family homes located to the immediately east and beyond the Palm Valley
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 22
Stormwater Channel. The mass rate LST Look-Up Table was used to determine if the proposed
project has the potential to generate significant adverse localized air quality impacts. LST for SRA
30 (Coachella Valley)are summarized in the table below for sensitive receptors located 50 meters
from the emission source (single-family homes located immediately northwest). For analysis
purposes, it is assumed that the daily area of disturbance onsite will be approximately 2.1 acres.
As shown below in the table below, LST thresholds will not be exceeded during construction of
the proposed project. Distance from site disturbance to the closest home is 146± feet.
Table 3
Localized Significance Thresholds
(lbs/day)
CO NOx PM10 PM2.5
Construction 16.23 32.27 6.12 3.49
LST 1,931 225 22 7
Exceed? No No No No
Operation 1.36 0.89 0.20 0.06
LST 1,931 225 6 2
Exceed? No No No No
Emission Source: Cal EEMod.Version 2016.3.2 Value shown represents the average
emissions from summer and winter,after application of standard dust control measures
(See Minimization Measures below)
Source: Mass Rate Look-up Table, SCAQMD, Area Source Receptor 30(Coachella
Valley)for a 2-acre project,sensitive receptor at 50 meters.
Note: Construction emissions show the max. daily emission for the highest emitting
year of construction.
Potential effects to sensitive receptors will be further reduced through the implementation of
effective dust control practices in conformance with SCAQMD Rule 403. These include, but are
not limited to,the use of soil stabilizers,routine watering of unpaved roads and disturbed surfaces,
reduced vehicle speeds on unpaved roads,routine cleaning of roads,and covering of import/export
soils during transport. Air quality impacts to nearby sensitive receptors will be less than significant.
e) Less than Significant Impacts. The proposed project is not expected to generate objectionable
odors at project buildout. The proposed project has the potential to result in short-term odors
associated with asphalt paving and heavy equipment; however, any such odors would be quickly
dispersed below detectable thresholds as distance from the construction site increases. Therefore,
impacts from objectionable odors are expected to be less than significant.
Minimization Measures
Standard Air Quality Regulations
The project will adhere to all established air quality standards and regulations including the following:
1. SCAQMD Rule 402: The project shall adhere to nuisance odor requirement.
2. SCAQMD Rule 1113: The project shall use low VOC content architectural coatings and paints per
the requirements of this Rule.
Additional Control Measures
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 23
The following control measures are recommended to further limit air quality emissions:
l. To reduce particulate matter and NOx emissions construction equipment should utilize aqueous diesel
fuels, diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst during all construction activities.
2. All construction equipment should be properly serviced and maintained in optimal operating
condition.
3. Construction equipment should not be left idling for more than five minutes.
4. Diesel-powered construction equipment shall utilize aqueous diesel fuels, and be equipped with diesel
oxidation catalysts.
5. Onsite landscaping, if any, should be equipped with efficient irrigation and a low water demanding
plant pallet to minimize water use onsite, which also reduces onsite energy expenditures and any air
quality emissions associated with the production of energy.
6. Onsite lighting should utilize energy efficient technology such as sensors, timers, and LED to
minimize energy demand from lighting.
7. As feasible, construction waste should be recycling to reroute waste from landfills and minimize the
project's contribution to the landfill.
8. The contractor shall notify the City of the start and end of grading and construction activities in
conformance and within the time frames established in the 2003 PMIo State Implementation Plan.
9. Construction staging and management plans shall be reviewed and conditioned to require the
application of all reasonably available methods and technologies to assure the minimal emissions of
pollutants from the development. The City Engineer shall review grading plan applications to ensure
compliance with the mitigation measures set forth in this document and as otherwise conditioned by
the City.
10. As part of the construction staging and management plans, the contractor shall concurrently submit a
dust control plan consistent with the City's Air Quality Management Plan. Mitigation measures to be
implemented through this plan include but are not limited to the use of water trucks and temporary
irrigation systems, post-grading soil stabilization, phased roadway preparation and paving, as well as
other measures which will effectively limit fugitive dust and other emissions.
11. Construction equipment and materials shall be sited as far away from residential uses as practicable.
Mitigation
None
Monitoring
None
4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES--Would the Potentially Less Than Less Than No
project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 24
a)Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly or
through habitat modifications,on any species identified
as a candidate,sensitive,or special status species in ❑ ❑ ❑
local or regional plans,policies,or regulations,or by
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service?
b)Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community identified
in local or regional plans,policies,regulations or by the ❑ ❑ ❑
California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish
and Wildlife Service?
c)Have a substantial adverse effect on federally
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act(including,but not limited to,marsh, ❑ ❑ ❑
vernal pool,coastal,etc.)through direct removal,
filling,hydrological interruption,or other means?
d)Interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or migratory wildlife ❑ ❑ ❑
corridors,or impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree ❑ ❑ ❑
reservation policy or ordinance?
f)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation
Plan,or other approved local,regional,or state habitat ❑ ❑ ❑
conservationplan?
Sources: Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan,and CEQA/NEPA EIR/EIS,2007;Palm Desert
General Plan&EIR,2017;Biological Assessment and Impact Analysis for Lowe Enterprises 6.5-Acre Residential Site,
Cornett. July 28,2006.
Background: The project site is located adjacent to lands that have already been urbanized at levels
varying from medium density residential to scattered low density residential. The subject property is also
bounded on the east by the fully-lined Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. Located on a spur of the Santa
Rosa Mountains foothills,the subject property has been impacted over several decades beginning with the
introduction of dirt and paved roadways in the vicinity, followed by scattered residential development
west of the channel and more dense residential development between the channel and State Highway 74.
Area disturbance and development has introduced non-native plant species, single-family and multi-
family residences and golf course development. The subject property is located on shallow soils and rocky
terrain along the edge of the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and is relatively undisturbed.
The nearest Conservation Area as established by the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) is the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area, which
is located approximately 0.5 miles west of the site. Three days of on-foot plant and animal site surveys
were conducted to evaluate the existing habitat of the site and how it will be modified by the proposed
subdivision (Cornett 2006). Surveys were conducted on the subject property and a 100-yeard buffer area
where access was available. Biological assessments prepared for the adjoining Stone Eagle property were
also again reviewed (AMEC 2002).
The subject property is dominated by the Sonoran creosote bush scrub community common across the
Colorado subunit of the Sonoran desert. Common plants found on site include creosote, brittlebush or
encilia, burrobush and indigo bush. Other common perennials included sweetbush and cheesebush.
Sensitive plant species with some possibility to occur on site include California ditaxis,flat-seeded spurge,
ribbed cryptantha, winged cryptantha, foxtail cactus, spearleft (M.. paravifolia), slender-lobed four-
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 25
o'clock, Thurber's beardtongue, and Cove's cassia. None of these plant species was detected and could
be undetectable due to the hot summer(July) field surveys. No state or federal candidate or listed species
was detected nor are any expected to occur on site.
Common invertebrates detected during field surveys included eleodes beetle, harvester ants, pallid band-
winged grasshopper, giant hairy scorpion and Southern California tarantula. Sensitive invertebrates that
could occur, but which were not found on the site, include Coachella giant sand-treader cricket, Casey's
June beetle,and the Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket.The site lies several miles southeast of the nearest
designated survey area for the federally listed Casey's June beetle.
Common vertebrates detected include ground gecko, side-blotched lizard, western whiptail, chuckwalla,
desert scaly lizard and speckled rattlesnake. A concerted effort to detect desert tortoise and burrowing owl
was unsuccessful. Observed birds were limited to mourning dove, rock wren, black-throated sparrow,
house finch,common raven and American kestrel. Detected mammals included California ground squirrel,
desert woodrat, deer mouse, and coyote.
No sign (scat, bedding areas, scrapes, etc.) of Peninsular bighorn sheep (PBS) were identified at or in the
vicinity of the site, which is consistent with the proximity of the site PBS habitat, including roads and
homes. The nearest recorded historic sheep sighting is approximately 0.5t miles to the northwest.
No state or federal candidate or listed species was detected nor are any expected to occur on site.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) No Impact. The project site is located east of identified critical habitat for the federal and state
listed Peninsular bighorn sheep (PBS), which occupy the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.
The subject property is located on rocky foothills immediately adjacent to the Palm Valley
Stormwater Channel and varying intensities of rural to urban development. The site has been
isolated from occupied sheep habitat for more than four decades.No state or federal listed plant or
animal species is expected to occur on the subject property.
b-c) No Impact. The proposed project site is not located on or near areas of riparian habitat or
wetlands. The project site is located on rocky slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains foothills. The
proposed project will have no impact on riparian species or habitat, wetlands or other sensitive
natural communities, including marshes or vernal pools, or through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption of a natural drainage.
d) No Impact. The project will have no impact on lands along the urban/wildlands interface of the
Santa Rosa Mountain foothills. The site is bounded on the east by the fully lined Palm Valley
Stormwater Channel and on the south by the Stone Eagle development. To the south and west is
the low-density residential development within Cahuilla Hills. Most of the subject property will
remain undisturbed and the four home sites will be dispersed, providing room for wildlife
movement. The proposed subdivision and associated site disturbance and improvements will not
interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites.
e- f) No Impact. The subject site lies outside the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation
Area established by the adopted Coachella Valley MSHCP. It does, however, occur within the fee
mitigation area established by the plan the applicable MSHCP development impact fee must be
paid before any site disturbance.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 26
Mitigation Measures:
None.
Minimization
While the subject property is not located adjacent to a CVMSHCP Conservation Area and is expected to
have no impact on sensitive plants or wildlife, the following minimization measures are recommended to
further avoid or minimize potential project effects. These measures will help to preclude potential impacts
to biological resources.
1. The following measures should be implemented to assure minimum impacts to sensitive plants
and wildlife.
Toxics: No improvements or product that require hazardous or toxic chemicals, or that generate
toxic or potentially toxic bioproducts, or may adversely impact native wildlife and plant species,
their habitat, or water quality, should be use.
Lighting_ Project lighting, including landscape, roadway and event lighting, shall be shielded and
directed away from adjoining lands. Landscape shielding or other appropriate methods shall be
incorporated in project designs to minimize the effects of lighting on adjacent lands. Minimal
lighting is recommended throughout the project.
Invasive Plants: Landscape plans for the project shall avoid the use of invasive, non-native plant
species. Ornamental plant species to be avoided include but are not limited to oleander(see Table
4-113 of the CVMSHCP. To the maximum extent feasible, Coachella Valley native plant species
(see Table 4-112 of the CVMSHCP) should be incorporated into the project landscape design.
Monitoring
A. Prior to the issuance of building permits,the required detailed landscaping and lighting plan shall
be reviewed and approved by the City Community Development Department for consistency with
the above mitigation measures.
Responsible Parties: Project landscape architect, project manager, City Community
Development Department.
5.CULTURAL RESOURCES--Would the Potentially Less Than Less Than No
project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as defined in ❑ ❑ ® ❑
15064.5?
b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant ❑ ❑ ® ❑
to § 15064.5?
c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic ❑ ❑ ❑
feature?
d)Disturb any human remains,including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 27
Sources: TPM 37336;Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017;Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report for
Assessor's Parcel No. 652-090-002.August 16,2006;prepared by CRM Tech,April 22,2006;Historical/Archaeological
Resources Survey Report for the Crest(Stone Eagle)Project,prepared by CRM Tech,April 22,2002.
Background: Cultural and Historic Resources-_Cultural resources in the Coachella Valley are typically
found in specific locale associated with habitation sites, lithic workshops, water sources and food
gathering and milling sites. Trails and sacred places are also sometimes identified in the valley.
The City of Palm Desert is located within the territory ethnographically associated with the Cahuilla
people. This language group is within the Cupan subgroup of the Takic family of the Uta-Aztecan stock.
The Takic family includes Cupeno, Gabrielino, and the Luiseno people. Prehistorically, a large portion of
Cahuilla territory was inundated by Lake Cahuilla, which provided the focus for settlement and resources
in the eastern portion of the Coachella Valley. The northwestern-most extension of ancient Lake Cahuilla
was at Point happy, today the intersection of Washington Street and Highway 111, approximately five
miles east of the subject property.
The first noted European explorers in the Coachella Valley were Jose Romero, Jose Maria Estudillo and
Romualdo Pacheco. They traveled through the Coachella Valley on expeditions searching for a route to
Yuma, Arizona between 1823 and 1825. In 1862, the Cocomaricopa Trail, an ancient Native American
trade route, was "discovered" by William David Bradshaw and subsequently was referred to as the
Bradshaw Trail. During the 1860s and 1870s, until the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad (now
Union Pacific), the Bradshaw Trail was the primary thoroughfare between southern California and the
Colorado River. This historic wagon road followed a path similar to present-day Highway 111, located
about 1.5 miles north of the project site. In the 1870s,with the establishment of railroad stations along the
Southern Pacific Railroad, settlement of the Coachella Valley by peoples of European decent began. The
Homestead Act,the Desert Land Act,and other federal land laws in the 1880s further expanded settlement.
Artesian wells served to establish farming as the primary economic activity in the eastern portion of the
valley and east of the City.
Area Historical/Archaeological Resource: In the project vicinity there is evidence of food gathering and
milling sites associated with the stand of mesquite found in drainages. These areas also appear to harbor
the most archaeological resources, including rock cairns, ceramic scatters, milling and lithic work sites,
and habitat debris. Most of these resources are comprised of single milling slicks and pottery shards.
Neither the project site nor immediate area indicated any current or historic sources of water. Also, there
were no ethno-botanical resources, such as honey or screw bean mesquite, or desert fan palm on the site
nor other ethno-botanical resources prior to the site's development.
An historical/archaeological resource survey (CRM TECH 2O06)was conducted on the subject property
by the same archaeologists that conducted the surveys for Stone Eagle (CRM TECH 2O02). A
comprehensive literature and records search were conducted, local Native American Tribes were
consulted, and a detailed site survey was conducted across the subject property.No historical resources as
defined by CEQA were identified within or adjacent to the subject property. The possibility remains that
previously undetected buried cultural materials might be unearthed during earthmoving activities. If this
occurs, work must be halted in the area and the potential resource examined and evaluated by a qualified
archaeologist prior to further disturbance.
Paleontological Resources: Site conditions were evaluated for their potential to harbor paleontological
resources. Fossil remains are found primarily in the geologic deposits within which they were originally
buried. Since there is a direct relationship between fossils and the types of rock formations where they can
be found, knowledge of the geology of an area can help in predicting the likelihood of the existence of
fossils.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 28
Paleontological resources are limited and nonrenewable. The west Coachella Valley has yielded a variety
of fossils in the past, but these are mainly found in the sedimentary formations typical of lower upland
areas. The valley floors in the project area are underlain by shallow alluvial, fluvial, and aeolian deposits,
mainly sand, silt, and gravel. These deposits have a low potential for yielding fossils. The site's rocky
slopes are comprised of a complex of granitic rock which do not harbor paleontological resources.
Record searches from the University of California at Riverside (UCR)revealed no known fossil localities
within the boundaries of the City of Palm Desert. However, this record also indicates that there is the
potential that fossil materials may be located in older alluvium;this does not occur on site.These potential
resources would be expected to occur east of the City near the high-water mark of ancient Lake Cahuilla
at the vicinity of Highway I I I and Washington Street, which left deposits of freshwater clams.
The granitic rock associated with the project site,which is a part of the Palm Springs Complex, has a very
low potential to yield paleontological resources and none are expected to occur there.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-c) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project site is largely undisturbed. While the
cultural survey did not identify sensitive resources, care should be taken during grading and other
site disturbance to minimize impacts to any buried resources uncovered during site development.
There are no water sources on the site and it does not appear to have harbored ethno-botanical or
other resources that might indicate prehistoric occupation or use. There are no historic structures,
archaeological resources, or unique paleontological resources on the site. Consequently,no or less
than significant impacts would occur to these resources.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed site is not located on, or within proximity to a
known cemetery or Native American burial grounds. It is not anticipated that any human remains
will be encountered during construction of the proposed subdivision. In the event of human
remains being discovered during project development, the State of California requires a coroner
be contacted and all activities cease to assure proper disposal. The proposed project is not expected
to disturb human remains and the potential for such impacts is less than significant.
Minimization Measures
None.
Mitigation
1. In the event of human remains being discovered during project development, the State of
California requires a coroner be contacted and all activities cease to assure proper disposal. The
proposed project is not expected to disturb human remains.
2. In the event cultural artifacts are uncovered during site grading or rock removal, work in this area
shall be immediately halted:and a qualified archaeologist will be called in to evaluate and, if
necessary recover and document such resources.
Monitoring: None required.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 29
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury,or death involving:
i)Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Geologist for the area or based on other substantial
evidence of a known fault?Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
ii Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ® ❑ ❑
iii)Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
iv Landslides? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
b)Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable,or that would become unstable as a result
of the project,and potentially result in on-or off- ❑ ® ❑ ❑
site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?
d)Be located on expansive soil,as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
(1994),creating substantial risks to life or
property?
e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available for ❑ ❑ ❑
the disposal of wastewater?
Sources: Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017; Soils Survey for Riverside County-Coachella Valley Area,USDA, 1980;
Geotechnical Engineering Report-Cahuilla Golf Club(Stone Eagle),Earth Systems Southwest,December 2001.
Background: The subject property is located on
Rock outcrop of the Lithic Torripsaments association, and characterized as sloping terrain that is
excessively drained to well-drained with shallow horizons of sand and gravel atop bedrock. The soils on
this site and surrounding uplands are of the Carsitas-Myoma-Carrizo soils association and are typically
characterized by sloping terrain, somewhat excessively drained soils,fine sands,gravelly sands,and stony
sands on alluvial fans and valley fills.
These soils are severely limited with regard to shallow excavations and are moderately restrictive with
regard to the construction of commercial buildings. These soils are considered good for road fill, fair as a
source of sands, and are generally unsuited as a source of gravels, especially given the very limited depth
of depositions on site. Site soils are highly permeable, has a low water storage capacity, tends toward
being alkali, have a low shrink/swell potential. These soils pose a high risk to uncoated steel and a low
risk to concrete.
The subject property and the entire Coachella Valley are susceptible to strong groundshaking from
earthquakes along major regional faults, including the San Andreas Fault Zone. The San Andreas is the
major fault in the Coachella Valley, which exposes the region and the City to high amounts of seismic
activity. The project site and vicinity are not within or adjacent to any Alquist-Priolo Fault Zones, the
closest active fault (San Andreas Fault) being located several miles to the northeast. However, this and
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 30
other regional active faults have the potential to generate strong groundshaking in the valley, including at
the subject property.
Peak ground acceleration and seismic intensity values generally decrease as distance from the causative
fault decreases.5 Other factors, including rock and soil deposit attenuations, direction of rupture and type
of fault,may cause variability in ground motion within an area. There site's slopes are comprised of highly
fractured bedrock characteristic of perched or fractured rock on steep slopes, and may be subject to
rockfalls or issues of slope stability in both the undisturbed and developed condition. Rock fall potential
shall be addressed in the project grading plan. Table 4 lists faults that have the potential to cause strong
ground motions in the City of Palm Desert, due to their proximity.
Table 4
City of Palm Desert
Potential Earthquake Sources
Fault Name Distance from Slip Rate Maximum Design
Project Site (mm/year) Earthquake (Mmax)
San Andreas-Southern 7 miles 24 7.4
Segment (combined)
San Andreas-San 9 miles 24 7.2
Bernardino Segment
San Andreas-Coachella 9 miles 24 7.0
Segment
San Jacinto-Anna 10 miles 12 7.2
Segment
Source: "Seismic,Geologic and Flooding Sections of the Technical Background Report to the Safety Element of the
General Plan for the City of Palm Desert,Riverside,County,California,"Earth Consultants International,January
2002;Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Maps,California Division of Mines&Geology, 1980.
Discussion of Impacts:
a)i. No Impact. Review of official state maps delineating earthquake fault zones indicate there are no
known faults currently mapped on or immediately adjacent to the site. No signs of fault rupture
are identified on-site; therefore, the risks of rupture are considered low.
ii. Less Than Significant With Mitigation. The site is subject to groundshaking by both local and
regional faults that traverse the region. Ground shaking from nearby active faults is expected to
produce high ground acceleration during the life of the project. The site could be subjected to
ground acceleration on the order of 0.48g(48%the force of gravity).The peak ground acceleration
at the site is judged to have a 475-year return period and a 10 percent chance of exceedance of the
maximum design quake in 50 years. As a performance standard the project shall be designed and
constructed to conform to the California Building Code (CBC) requirements for Seismic Zone 4.
The implementation of these codes will assure that grading,foundation design and code-compliant
building construction will mitigate potential impacts associated with groundshaking. Therefore,
with appropriate soils, geotechnical and structural modification, and adherence to the CBC,
potential impacts associated with seismic ground motion will be less than significant.
s "Seismic,Geologic and Flooding Sections of the Technical Background Report to the Safety Element of the General
Plan for the City of Palm Desert,Riverside,County,California,"prepared by Earth Consultants International,January,
2002.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 31
iii. Less Than Significant. The area in which the proposed site is situated has a very low liquefaction
potential.Based on the depth of groundwater(>100 feet)and relatively shallow bedrock conditions
on the site, the risk of liquefaction is considered low.
iv. Less Than Significant. No signs of slope instability/landslides were observed on or immediately
adjacent to the site; slopes are generally rocky and of moderate inclination. Retaining walls are
proposed throughout the subdivision to create adequately sized building lots and allow stepped
building designs. Proper engineering of slops and retaining walls should avoid failure due to strong
groundshaking. Therefore, the risk of landslides, slope or retaining wall failure is considered low
and less than significant.
b) Less Than Significant. Major portions of the City are highly susceptible to wind erodibility.
According to the City General Plan geotechnical report, the areas of highest hazard are located in
the extreme northern portions of the City; however, all areas within the City could be affected by
blowing sand and dust. The City will require that the applicant prepare a dust control management
plan as part of the grading permit to minimize potential impacts caused by blowing dust during
construction. Procedures set forth in said plan will ensure that potential erosion and dust is
controlled during the demolition and construction process; therefore, potential impacts would be
less than significant
c) Less Than Significant. The site is located on a rocky outcropping with moderate slopes and
highly fractured surface roach, including potentially perched boulders. These sloes could become
more unstable as a result of site grading and creation of manufactured slopes. To reduce this
potential, the project grading plan proposes the extensive use of retaining walls. Strategic
identification of rockfall hazard areas shall be identified and addressed in the project grading plan.
With proper engineering and design, potential impacts are expected to be mitigated to a level of
insignificance.
d) No Impact. The site is comprised of bedrock outcroppings and gravelly sandy soils with shallow
depositions of gravelly sands. No fissures or other surficial evidence of subsidence were observed
at or near the subject site during the site walks. Potential impacts related to subsidence, lateral
spreading or landslides are considered less than significant with proper slope and foundation
engineering.
e) No Impact. The subject subdivision will connect to the community sewer system that collects
sewerage waste in the vicinity and conveys it to the Cook Street wastewater treatment plan owned
and operated by the Coachella Valley Water District.Therefore,there will be no on-site wastewater
treatment of disposal.
Minimization Measures
None.
Mitigation
1. As a performance standard the project shall be designed and constructed to conform to the
California Building Code (CBC)requirements for Seismic Zone 4. Identified instabilities shall be
mitigated during site grading activities.
2. All fill soil, whether natural on site or imported, shall be approved by the project soils engineer
prior to placement as compacted fill. All fill soil shall be free from vegetation, organic material,
and cobbles and boulders greater than 3 inches maximum diameter, and other debris. Approved
fill soil shall be placed in horizontal lifts of appropriate thickness as prescribed by the soils
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 32
engineer, and compacted to at least 90% relative compaction (ASTM D1557) to obtain near-
optimum moisture content.
3. Utility trench excavations within road or public rights-of-way shall be placed in conformance with
the requirements of the appropriate governing agency. Utility trench excavations within private
property shall be properly backfilled with native soils compacted to a minimum of 90% relative
compaction. As necessary, backfill operations shall be observed and tested to monitor compliance
with governing agency requirements and proper backfill procedures.
Monitoring
A. Prior to the issuance of grading permits, final grading and building plans shall be submitted to and
approved by the City that assure conformance with the California Building Code for Seismic Zone
4 and other applicable development regulation.
Responsible Parties: Project engineer, City Building & Safety
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS--Would Significant Significant Significant Impact
the project: Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Generate greenhouse gas emissions,either
directly or indirectly,that may have a significant ❑ ❑ ® ❑
impact on the environment?
b)Conflict with an applicable plan,policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the ❑ ❑ ® ❑
emissions of greenhouse gases?
Source: Project development plans;CalEEMod Version 2013.2.2.
Background: State legislation, including AB32, aims for the reduction of greenhouse gases in California
to 1990 levels by 2020; however, there are currently no state or local thresholds for greenhouse gas
emissions pertaining to residential developments (such as the proposed project). Statewide programs and
standards will help reduce GHG emissions generated by the project,including new fuel-efficient standards
for cars, and increasing amounts of renewable energy, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
in the future.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-b) Less than Significant Impacts. The proposed project will generate greenhouse gas emissions
during both construction and operation (residential uses). Construction-related greenhouse gas
emissions will be temporary and will end once the project is completed. Table 5, below, sets forth
the GHG emissions associated with construction and assumed to occur over a one-year period
(worst case scenario). As prescribed by SCAQMD, operational emissions of GHGs must also
include an annualized portion of construction-related GHG emissions amortized over 30 years.
As Table 5 indicates, occupation and maintenance of the proposed residences will generate
ongoing greenhouse gases through the consumption of electricity and natural gas or propane,
moving (travel-related) sources, and transport and pumping of water. As noted, the table below
quantifies construction emissions in total, and those associated with annual operational GHG
generation.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 33
Table 5
GHG Emissions from Construction and Operation
TPM 37336
_ (metric tons per year)
CO2 `CH4 N20 CO2e
Construction Activities 215.32 0.04 0.00 216.35
Operational Activities' 74.27 0.07 0.00 83.542
Source:CaIEEMod Version 2013.2.2.
1.Operation GHG emissions include area,energy,mobile,waste,and water source
emissions and represents total construction GHG emissions.
2.Operational emissions include construction emission amortized over 30 years.216.35
CO2e construction=7.21 CO2e per year added to operational emissions.
Greenhouse gas emissions will be minimized during construction by limiting idling times of
construction machinery, adequate maintenance of heavy machinery, and efficient scheduling of
construction activities to minimize combustion emissions. GHG emissions generated by the
proposed project will not be substantial and will not directly or indirectly result in a significant
impact to the environment or conflict with applicable GHG plans, policies or regulation.
It should also be noted that the net operational GHG emissions are those associated with the new
homes, which will be constructed to stringent energy performance criteria. Renewable sources of
electric power (rooftop solar, etc.) and/or use of electric vehicles could substantially lower actual
long-term emissions. Therefore, impacts to air quality and climate change from the generation of
GHG emissions associated with construction and operation of the proposed project will be less
than significant.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: None required.
Monitoring: None required.
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
8. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-- Significant Significant Significant Impact
Would the project: Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport,use,or ❑ ❑ ❑
disposal of hazardous materials?
b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous ❑ ❑ ❑
materials into the environment?
c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials,substances,or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed ❑ ❑ ❑
school?
d)Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and,as a result, ❑ ❑ ❑
would it create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 34
e)For a project located within an airport land use plan
or,where such a plan has not been adopted,within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport,would the ❑ ❑ ❑
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f)For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people ❑ ❑ ❑
residing or working in the project area?
g)Impair implementation of or physically interfere with
an adopted emergency response plan or emergency ❑ ❑ ❑
evacuation plan?
h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including
where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or ❑ ❑ ❑
where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
Source: Site field surveys;Project development plans;Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017;Riverside County General
Plan,2015.
Background: While a Phase I environmental site assessment(ESA) has not been conducted on this site,
the on-foot survey conducted did not uncover any sign of dumping or discharge of hazardous or toxic
materials. There were no signs of soil staining that might be associated with the dumping of oil or other
petroleum product. Neither were there any signs of dumping of construction materials or domestic trash.
In summary, the site does not appear to harbor any potentially hazardous chemicals or other materials.
No known chemical or hazardous waste disposal has been known to occur on the site. There are no known
underground tanks or buried materials on site or in the area. While heavy equipment will be involved in
grading, materials removal and hauling, the potential for these activities to result in the accidental release
of toxic or hazardous materials is considered low.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-b) No Impact. Development of the proposed subdivision and four future homes will not directly
result in the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials. Upon completion, the four
residential units are expected to use limited amounts of pool chemicals, cleaning and other
"household" chemicals to be transported on site. Impacts associated with transportation, use,
storage, or the release of hazardous materials is considered negligible.
Therefore,the project will not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through
the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Neither will it create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset or accident
conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
c) No Impact. The St. Margaret's Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten is located approximately 1.25
miles north of the project site. Further, the proposed project is not expected to store or use
hazardous materials. There will be no impact to schools.
d) No Impact. The project site is not located on or near a site included on a list of hazardous materials
sites compiled by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Government
Code Section 65962.5 and, thus, will not create a significant hazard to the public or environment.
e-f) No Impact. The proposed project is not located in proximity to an airport or private airstrip. The
nearest airport is located in Bermuda Dunes, approximately 6.5 miles northeast of the project site.
Impacts would not occur.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 35
g) No Impact. The proposed project will not physically interfere with local or regional roadway
networks, or interfere with implementation of an emergency response or evacuation plan. The
proposed project is located immediately south of the Stone Eagle development and will be
accessed by the private Old Stone Trail road. Neither will the project affect internal circulation in
the development that could hinder or interfere with an emergency response or evacuation.
h) No Impact. The proposed project site is located at the base of the foothills of the Santa Rosa
Mountains; however, there is very little vegetative fuel to feed a wildfire. The City and County of
Riverside's hazardous fire area maps (2014) do not identify this area as a high risk for wildland
fires. The project will not expose people or structures to wildland hazards.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
9.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY-- Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
b)Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such
that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
lowering of the local groundwater table level(e.g.,the
production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would
drop to a level which would not support existing land
uses or planned uses for which permits have been
granted)?
c)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of
the site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a manner,which would ❑ ❑ ® ❑
result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site?
d)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of
the site or area,including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river,or substantially increase ❑ ❑ ® ❑
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner,
which would result in flooding on-or off-site?
e)Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial additional ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
sources of polluted runoff?
f)Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
g)Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area
as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard ❑ ❑ ❑
delineation map?
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 36
h)Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures,which would impede or redirect flood ❑ ❑ ❑
flows?
i)Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury or death involving flooding, including ❑ ❑ ❑
flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j)Inundation by seiche ❑ ❑ ❑
,tsunami, or mudflow?
Source: Site field surveys; TPM 37336; USGS Topographic Maps; Palm Desert General Plan & EIR, 2017; FEMA FIRM
2018; Preliminary Hydrology Study, Feiro Engineering, Inc. May 2018;Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan. Feiro
Engineering, Inc. August 2018
Background: The Coachella Valley's geographic and geophysical isolation from marine influences to the
west has created a local subtropical climate with very limited rainfall through much of the year. While
annual rainfall typically ranges from 4 to 6 inches on the desert floor, no measurable rainfall has been
recorded in some years. The surrounding San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and Little San Bernardino Mountains
are generally subject to cooler temperatures and receive more rainfall than the valley floor. Runoff is
channeled through large watersheds that drain into the valley below.
In the Coachella Valley,most rainfall occurs between November and March,but occasional high-intensity
thunderstorms may occur during late summer and early fall. Although the desert floor can be dry at the
beginning of a rainstorm, the ground can quickly become saturated when exposed to sufficient amounts
and intensities of rainfall, substantially decreasing percolation and increasing runoff. Increased runoff
produced upstream can potentially result in significant damage downstream. Urban development, which
creates large, impervious surfaces, also increases the amount of runoff produced in the valley.
The direct drainage area of the subject property is very limited, and tributary flows are limited to those
abutting and at certain locations shunted into the adjoining Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. The on-site
drainage pattern is generally west to east with steeper terrain rising and cresting a short distance to the
west and off site.
Site development associated with this project will result in the creation of approximately 2.17 of disturbed
area,-including the paved extension of Old Stone Trail through the site. It is conservatively assumed that
all of this area will be comprised of impermeable surfaces. Lots will be protected from upslope runoff by
a system of intercept drains (see Exhibit 5), which will shunt runoff tributary to the pads around each
residential pad. These intercept drains will discharge into riprap energy dissipaters from whence runoff
will flow into the natural drainage.
Individual lots will drain to the private street(extension of Old Stone Trail). The TMP indicates that"Site
will discharge to the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel";the point of this discharge into the channel is not
identified on the TPM. According to the project engineer and proponent, runoff from the subject
subdivision pads will continue north and into Stone Eagle on Old Stone Trail. Surface flows will travel in
the street approximately 315 feet and discharge into two catch basins located on either side of the street.
These flows will then be conveyed to the existing Stone Eagle lake to the north, from whence higher
volume flows discharge into the Palm Valley Channel.The project hydrology report states that the subject
lake (stormwater detention basin) has sufficient excess capacity to meet the demands generated by
proposed TMP 37336.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) Less Than Significant With Mitigation. With the application of Best Management Practices set
forth in the project Water Quality Management Plan the proposed project will not violate any water
quality standards or waste discharge requirements. Construction at the site will be subject to all
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 37
applicable water quality standards for waste discharge requirements of the City. A Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP)may required because there is more than one acre of disturbed
area. Compliance with existing regulations and requirements will result in a less than significant
impact on water quality standards and waste discharge requirements.
b) Less Than Significant. The proposed project will not generate a substantial increase in demand
for water or interfere with groundwater recharge. Water demand will be limited to that generated
by the four single-family homes that will be built on the site. The project landscaping plan will be
comprised predominantly of native and drought tolerant species. Therefore, once fully developed
water demands of the landscaping are expected to be minimal. The project will not interfere with
groundwater recharge programs or result in a lowering of the local groundwater table. Therefore,
the project will have less than significant impacts to groundwater supplies and groundwater
recharge.
c-f) Less Than Significant and No Impacts. As previously mentioned, the proposed project will
largely maintain existing drainage patterns while somewhat modifying the current management
regime to shunt upslope runoff around building pads and to drain the developed portions of the
site to and conveyed by Old Stone Trail extended. The Palm Valley Stormwater abuts the subject
property on the east and regional runoff is conveyed by this facility to the Whitewater River to the
north. The City Engineer will review the final hydrology study to assure that storm flows do not
exceed current design capacities, and are not polluted. These standard conditions of approval will
assure that impacts associated with storm flows and pollution are reduced to less than significant
levels.No local or regional flood control facilities will be significantly impacted by project runoff.
Construction and occupancy of this project will not otherwise degrade water quality.
g-h) No Impacts. The proposed project will not place housing or structures within a 100-year flood
zone. According to the General Plan, the proposed site is located outside FEMA-mapped flood
zones. No impacts would occur.
i j) No Impacts. The project site is located downstream of the Palm Valley dam and debris basin
from which storm flows are discharged into the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. During most of
the year the debris basin and channel area dry. The dam impoundment is shallow, its primary
function being to de-balk stormwater of sand, gravels and other debris before discharging into the
channel.
The project site is not located in the vicinity of a standing body of water, which could be subject
to either seiche or tsunami. While it is conceivable that an earthquake of major magnitude could
occur at the same time as a rain event fills the subject debris basin,the simultaneous occurrence of
these two events if highly unlikely.The project site is not subject to hazards associated with seiche,
tsunami, or mudflow. No impacts are expected.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
10. LAND USE AND PLANNING-Would Potentially Less Than Less Than No
the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
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a)Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑
b)Conflict with any applicable land use plan,
policy,or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project(including,but not ❑ ❑ ❑
limited to the general plan, specific plan, local
coastal program,or zoning ordinance)adopted
for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
c)Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community ❑ ❑ ❑
conservation plan?
Source: Project materials;Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017;Municipal Code Chapter 25.15;CVMSHCP.
Background: The subject property is located within the already developed Cahuilla Hills neighborhood
and is comprised of single-family development. Surrounding land uses include the full-lined Palm Valley
Stormwater Channel to the immediate east, and medium density residential developments and State
Highway 74 beyond the channel. Immediately north is the Stone Eagle development,to which the subject
property will become a part with the approval of Development Agreement Amendment No. 3, that is a
part of this project. Lands to the south and west include the aforementioned channel and low-density
single -family development throughout the Cahuilla Hills. It is important to note that the subject DA
amendment allows for the incorporation and transfer of Stone Eagle densities to and between that
development and the subject parcel map.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) No Impact. The subject property is located adjacent to the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel to
the immediate east. The proposed four residential lots would constitute an extension to the existing
Stone Eagle development. The neighborhood to the west is comprised of low and very,low density
residential in a rural setting. No established community or neighborhood will be divided by the
proposed project.
b) No Impacts. The project is consistent with the City General Plan, which in the Rural
Neighborhood designation allows up to one dwelling unit per acre. The City zoning allows one
unit per .2 acres or one lot per five acres. The joining of the subject 7.7f-acres to the Stone Eagle
development and its Development Agreement secured the transfer of development rights to allow
for the four proposed lots on this parcel.
c) The subject property is located within the fee mitigation area for the Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP), which establishes conservation areas and
development impact fee areas in the valley. The developer will be required to pay the appropriate
impact fee prior to the issuance of grading permits or other site-disturbing activity.
Minimization Measures
None required.
Mitigation: None required.
Monitoring: None required.
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11.MINERAL RESOURCES--Would the Potentially Less Than Less Than No
project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state? ❑ ❑ ❑
b)Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan,specific plan or other land ❑ ❑ ❑
useplan?
Source: Soils Survey of Riverside County,California,Coachella Valley Area,"U.S. Soil Conservation Survey, September
1980;Mineral Land Classification: Aggregate Materials in the Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region, Special
Report 159(Plate 15),"California Department of Conservation,Division of Mines and Geology, 1988; Palm Desert General
Plan&EIR,2017.
Background: The California Division of Mines and Geology determines the location of mineral resources
of statewide or regional significance. Lands in the City of Palm Desert are located in Mineral Resource
Zones 1 and 3 (MRZ-1, MRZ-3). The subject project is located in MRZ-3 and includes substantial areas
of exposed bedrock, and therefore has relatively shallow soils. Lands designated as MRZ-3 are those
containing mineral deposits the significance of which cannot be evaluated with current data. Mineral
resources in the Coachella Valley are largely limited to sand and gravels, and the lack of a fluvial regime
and deposition in the area precludes such resources in the project area. Mining of potentially viable sand
and gravel resources is also precluded by existing development.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-b) No Impact. The proposed project is located in Mineral Resource Zone 3, which is an area where
inadequate information is available to determine the significance of mineral deposits present. The
City does not consider these areas to contain deposits of significant economic value. It should also
be noted that surrounding residential development makes the reclamation of such resources
infeasible.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: None required
Monitoring: None required
12.NOISE--Would the project result in: Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
standards of other agencies?
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b)Exposure of persons to or generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or groundbome ❑ ❑ ® ❑
noise levels?
c)A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
existing without theproject?
d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without theproject? ❑ ® ❑ ❑
e)For a project located within an airport land use
plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use ❑ ❑ ❑
airport,would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
f)For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip,would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to excessive noise ❑ ❑ ❑
levels?
Source: Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017;City Noise Ordinance,Chapter 94.24 of the Municipal Code.
Background: The City of Palm Desert Noise Element of the General Plan provides guidelines for
community noise impacts per land use designation. According to City standards, residential land uses are
considered"noise sensitive"thereby restricting allowable noise levels within the planning area. The Palm
Desert Noise Ordinance(Chapter 9.24)sets limits on the days and time when noise generating construction
activities may occur. Furthermore, the allowed weekday times of construction vary with the season Oct.
1 st to April 30th and May 1 st to September 30th. Generally, construction activities are permitted between
7 AM and 5:30 PM, with an hour early start during the hot summer months. Saturday construction hours
are limited to 8 AM to 5 PM.
Section 9.24.030 establishes noise level limits in residential and other land use areas. The lands
surrounding the subject property are in residential use. The applicable 10-minute average decibel limit(A-
weighted scale) is 55 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM, and 45 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Interior noise levels
are generally not to exceed 45 dBA CNEL in all habitable rooms. Construction work is not permitted on
Sundays and major holidays.
Ambient Noise Levels
The ambient noise level in the project area is low to moderate, being impacted by normal residential
activity, including landscape maintenance and vehicular traffic from nearby Highway 74.
Construction Noise
Implementation of the project will result in temporary and intermittent noise from construction activities.
Although construction related noise will be short-term,activities are likely to produce noise levels that are
occasionally excessive and intrusive. Site grading will include the use of heavy equipment and ripping of
fractured bedrock to form the five building pads and access road. Some ground vibration may also be
occasionally felt during site grading by sensitive receptors in the area. No blasting will be required.
Noise impacts associated with other construction activities will result from clearing, grading, hauling and
deliveries, pneumatic nailers and other construction equipment, and associated activities. Earth moving
equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, and front loaders, could generate noise levels between
73 and 96 dBA at 50 feet. Rock removal equipment can generate noise levels between 79 to 89 dBA at 50
feet, with the highest noise levels generally to range from 88 to 96 dBA at 50 feet. Site excavation and
grading is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete.No blasting will be associated with this project.
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Discussion of Impacts:
a) Less Than Significant. Development of the site will result in short-term impacts associated with
grading and construction noise. These impacts are temporary and will cease when once
construction is completed. Construction noise is regulated by the Municipal Code to occur during
the least sensitive daytime hours,which helps to lower the potential impacts. The short-term nature
of construction activity assures that project noise impacts are consistent with City regulations.
b) Less Than Significant. Development of the proposed project will temporarily generate noise and
groundborne vibrations through grading and construction-related activities, but will cease once
construction is completed. Impacts are therefore expected to be short-term and less than
significant.
c) Less Than Significant. The proposed subdivision project will create outdoor activity areas and
other potential sources of outdoor operational noise. The proposed subdivision is consistent with
the City's existing land use designation for Rural Neighborhood low-density residential use and is
generally not considered a significant noise generating land use. There will be no substantial
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity when compared to the current
condition.
d) Less Than Significant With Mitigation. The construction of the project may generate a substantial
but short-term increase in ambient noise levels that would not occur if the project were not
constructed. The subject construction noise impacts are anticipated by the City Noise Ordinance. It
should be noted that post-construction ambient noise levels will be the same as existing conditions.
Measures are set forth below to ensure that noise associated with construction and operation of the
new homes will be less than significant.
e,f) No Impact. The Bermuda Dunes Airport is the nearest airport/airstrip located approximately 7.5
miles northeast of the proposed project, and does not conduct flight operations over the proposed
project. No impacts associated with aircraft operational noise levels would occur.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation Measures
1. Construction activities shall comply with the hours of operation and noise levels identified in
the City Noise Ordinance. Construction activities on-site shall be restricted to the hours
between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturday to minimize the potential for noise impacts during more sensitive time periods. No
construction will be permitted on Sundays or holidays.
2. All phases of the project shall comply with all relevant development standards and Municipal Code
requirements to ensure that demolition, grading and construction activities and site operations do
not create unnecessary adverse noise impacts beyond the site boundaries. Construction activities
shall incorporate feasible and practical techniques that minimize noise impacts on adjacent uses.
3. As a part of project grading permits, operations regulation shall include but not be limited to the
following:
a. The contractor shall comply with all local sound control and noise level rules, regulations and
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ordinances that apply to any and all work performed pursuant to the contract.
b. Internal combustion engines used onsite shall be in proper working order, maintained in a
proper state of tune, and equipped with a muffler of a type recommended by the manufacturer.
No internal combustion engine shall be operated on the project site without said muffler.
C. Stationary equipment should be placed such that emitted noise is directed away from noise-
sensitive receptors.
d. Stockpiling and vehicle staging areas should be located as far as practicable from noise-
sensitive receptors (homes). Every effort should be made to create the greatest distance
possible between noise sources and sensitive receptors during construction activities.
e. The construction operations generating the most noise shall be arranged to occur together in
the construction program to avoid continuing periods of greater annoyance.
f. Parking, refueling and servicing operations for all heavy equipment and on-site construction
vehicles shall be located as far as practical from existing homes.
Monitoring
A. Excavation and grading activities shall be monitored to assure that they are carried out in the most
sensitive and expeditious manner practicable. Monitoring shall ensure that construction operations
occur only between the allowed hours prescribed in the City Noise Ordinance.
Responsible Parties: General and grading contractors; City Building and Safety
13. POPULATION AND HOUSING— Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Induce substantial population growth in an area,
either directly(for example,by proposing new
homes and businesses)or indirectly(for example, ❑ ❑ ❑
through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
b)Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing,necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑
replacement housing elsewhere?
c)Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑
housing elsewhere?
Source: Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017;U.S.Census Bureau,2000,and 2007-2011 American Community Survey;
California Dept. of Finance.
Background: The City of Palm Desert's population increased from 41,155 people in 2000 to 48,445
people in 2011. This represents a 17.7% increase over the ten-year period. The Department of Finance
estimated City 2014 population at 50,424 and 51,053 in 2015. The total number of households in the City
in 2015 was 37,905 households in the City of which approximately 40% are single-family homes. The
City has an average household size of 2.12 persons per household. The proposed project will result in the
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construction of four single-family homes, which could add approximately nine additional persons to the
community.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-c) The proposed project will result in the construction of four single-family homes. The proposed
project will have a less than significant impact on City housing and population. The proposed
residences will not displace people or housing. There will be no meaningful impact on population
or housing.
Minimization Measures (If any):
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
14. PUBLIC SERVICES— Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities,the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios,response times
or other performance objectives for any of the
public services:
Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Police protection? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Schools? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Parks? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Source: Project development plans;Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017.
Background:
Fire Protection: The City provides fire protection and paramedic services in Palm Desert under contract
with Riverside County. First response is expected to be from Station No. 33 located on Towne Center
Way approximately five miles north of the subject property and response time should be 5 to 7 minutes.
In addition, Station 55 located on Eldorado Drive in Indian Wells and Stations 50 and 69,both in Rancho
Mirage,will also be able to respond to a call for service from this area of the City. The City has a dedicated
Fire Marshall to review projects and provide guidance. The project will generate a very modest
incremental and less than significant demand for fire protection services.
Police Protection: Riverside County Sheriff s Department provides police protection under contract with
the City. A Sheriff's substation is located on Gerald Ford Drive and a satellite station is located in the City
Civic Center complex on Fred Waring Drive. The Sheriff's Department provides protective response,
investigatory, and patrol services. A Community Services Officer is assigned to patrol the City on a 24-
hour basis. The project will generate no new demand for police/law enforcement services.
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Schools: The City of Palm Desert is part of the Desert Sands Unified School District(DSUSD). The City
is host to elementary, middle and high schools. Nearby St. Margaret's School provides (now separately
operated) both pre-school and pre-kindergarten. The project will generate a very limited or negligible
demand for additional school services.
Parks: The City provides a wide array of parks and recreational facilities in the City. It also supports
programs of the YMCA and the Coachella Valley Parks and Recreation District. In the vicinity of the
subject property is the 27-acre Cahuilla Hills Community Park and the 27-acre Homme/Adams Regional
Park located near the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. This area of the City is also rich in walking and
hiking trails, including several in proximity to the project site.
Medical
A number of physicians' offices and urgent care facilities are located within the City of Palm Desert and
in the project vicinity. In addition, there are several large health care facilities in the Coachella Valley, all
of which serve Palm Desert and are in proximity to the subject property. The 100-acre campus of
Eisenhower Medical Center, located in Rancho Mirage, is comprised of a 261-bed, general acute care
hospital, the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, the Betty Ford Center for persons with alcohol and drug
dependency, and the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences, a conference and communications facility.
The Eisenhower Comprehensive Cancer Center provides several disciplines of cancer management under
one roof, offering a comprehensive range of oncology services.
Discussion of Impacts:
a) Less Than Significant. The proposed residential project will generate a very modest and less
than significant increase in demand for fire protective services and police services. The site will
be access through the guard-gated Stone Eagle entry off of Highway 74. While the four new homes
will have a very limited impact on police and fire protection services it cannot be said that there
will be no impact; therefore, it is determined that these potential impacts will be less than
significant. These four homes will also generate an equally limited demand for medical facilities
and services, schools and parks. The project will not significantly increase demand for public
services or adversely impact the provision of government facilities.
Minimization Measures: None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
15. RECREATION— Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial physical ❑ ❑ ❑
deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b)Does the project include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities,which might have an adverse ❑ ❑ ❑
physical effect on the environment?
Sources: Development plans; Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017.
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Background: As noted above, the City provides a wide array of parks and recreational facilities in the
City. It also supports programs of the YMCA and the Coachella Valley Parks and Recreation District. In
the vicinity of the subject property is the 27-acre Cahuilla Hills Community Park and the 27-acre
Homme/Adams Regional Park located near the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel. This area of the City is
also rich in walking and hiking trails, including numerous trails in proximity to the proposed subdivision.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-b) No Impacts. The proposed residential subdivision will only very modestly increase population
and will not result in an increased demand for or use of neighborhood or regional parks and
facilities that could cause their physical deterioration. The project will not result in or the need for
addition or expansion of recreational facilities. No impact would occur.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
16. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC—Would the Potentially Less Than Less Than No
project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Conflict with an applicable plan,ordinance or
policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the
performance of the circulation system,taking into ❑ ❑ ❑
account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non-motorized travel and relevant
components of the circulation system, including but
not limited to intersections, streets,highways and
freeways,pedestrian and bicycle paths,and mass
transit?
b)Conflict with an applicable congestion management
program, including,but not limited to level of service
standards established by the county congestion ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
management agency for designated roads or
hi hwa s?
c)Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in ❑ ❑ ❑
location that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature(e.g.,sharp curves or dangerous intersections) ❑ ❑ ❑
or incompatible uses(e.g.,farm equipment)?
e Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑
Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ ❑ ❑
g)Conflict with adopted policies,plans,or programs
supporting alternative transportation(e.g.,bus ❑ ❑ ❑
turnouts,bicycle racks)?
Source: Project development plans;Palm Desert General Plan&EIR,2017; "Trip Generation, 8th Edition, ITE.
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Background: The proposed project will result in the construction of four single-family homes on 7.7±
acres and will become an extension to the existing Stone Eagle development through which these homes
will take access. Access from the public street system will remain unchanged and will not conflict with
any circulation plan, ordinance or policy. Fire Department-compliant hammerheads and turnarounds will
be provided within the subdivision. No intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and
bicycle paths, and mass transit will be affected by the proposed development.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-g) No Impact. The proposed project will only very modestly increase population and traffic, and
will not affect any transportation plans, ordinances or policies. The project will not conflict with
any applicable circulation or congestion management plan, and will not affect air traffic patterns.
The project will modestly increase the number of homes in the area. With the provision of Fire
Department-compliant hammerheads and turnarounds within the subdivision, there will be no
impact to emergency access. The project does not conflict with any City parking capacity or
alternative transportation plans and policies. There will be no adverse impacts to transportation.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
17. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES—Would Potentially Less Than Less Than No
the project cause a substantial adverse change in the Significant Significant Significant Impact
significance of a tribal cultural resource,defined in Impact with Mitigation Impact
Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, Incorporation
feature,place,cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the
landscape,sacred place,or object with cultural value
to a California Native American tribe,and that is:
a)Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources,or in a local register El ❑ ® ❑
of historical resources as defined in Public Resources
Code section 5020.1 k ,or
b)A resource determined by the lead agency,in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,to be
significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision
(c)of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1.In ® ❑
applying the criteria set forth in subdivision(c)of
Public Resources Code Section 5024.1,the lead
agency shall consider the significance of the resource
to a California Native American tribe.
Source: Palm Desert General Plan,2017 and 2004; Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report for Assessor's Parcel
No. 652-090-002. August 16, 2006; prepared by CRM Tech, April 22, 2006; Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey
Report for the Crest (Stone Eagle) Project, prepared by CRM Tech, April 22, 2002; National Register Listed Properties,
National Park Service,accessed March 2018;Listed California Historical Resources,California Office of Historic Preservation,
accessed March 2018.
Background: Over the course of assessing the potential for the subject property to harbor and have
impacts to sensitive cultural resources,the project archaeologists(CRM TECH 2O06)contacted the Native
American Heritage Commission, as well as the Agua Caliente and Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians.
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The subject and surrounding lands were declared to be within the Traditional Use Area of the Agua
Caliente Tribe, which asked that a monitor be present during site disturbance and have the ability to halt
construction activities in areas where possible resources are uncovered. The site is comprised of no
ethnobotanical resources. Neither were there any sign of a lithic workshop or other "site". Also, please
see Section 5, above.
a) Less than Significant with Mitigation. As noted above and in Section 5, the subject property
does not harbor sensitive cultural resources nor is it a site with special cultural significance for
local Native American Tribes. The proposed residential subdivision will not cause a substantial
adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code
section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in
terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a
California Native American tribe. There were no resources identified on the site or vicinity that
are listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k).
b) Less than Significant with Mitigation. At this time, it appears the development of the subject
subdivision will not result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, including a resource determined to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. Section 5 minimization and mitigation
measures will ensure that sensitive Tribal cultural resources are not impacted as a result of the
project's development.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
18. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS— Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality Control ❑ ❑ ® ❑
Board?
b)Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities,the construction of ❑ ❑ ® ❑
which could cause significant environmental
effects?
c)Require or result in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion or
existing facilities,the construction of which could ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
cause significant environmental effects?
d)Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project from existing entitlements and
resources,or are new or expanded entitlements ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
needed?
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e)Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider,which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the ❑ ❑ ❑
projects projected demand in addition to the
providers existing commitments?
f)Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs? ❑ ❑ ® ❑
g)Comply with federal, state,and local statues and
regulations related to solid waste? ❑ ❑ ❑
Source: Project development plans;General Plan&EIR,2017;Sanitary Sewer Management Plan,Coachella Valley Water
District,2010.
Background: The project site is located within the service boundaries of the following providers:
Coachella Valley Water District (water & sewer), Southern California Edison, the Southern California
Gas Company, and Burrtec (solid waste).
Sanitary Sewer
Coachella Valley Water District provides wastewater collection and treatment services to existing
residential and other development in the project vicinity. CVWD has 12-inch sewer mains located within
the Highway 74 right-of-way that connect to 8-inch sewer mains located within private streets in existing
residential Stone Eagle development, the extension of which will serve the subject property. The CVWD
sewage treatment plant which treats effluent collected in the project area is located approximately 5 miles
northeast of the site on Cook Street in the City of Palm Desert. The plant's treatment capacity is
approximately 18 million gallons per day(mgd). CVWD also delivers reclaimed wastewater for irrigation
to several projects. Current tertiary water capacity is 15 mgd. The Stone Eagle project is connected to the
CVWD sewer system.
Domestic Water
The subject property is located within the Coachella Valley Water District(CVWD) service area. CVWD
provides domestic water service to the project vicinity. CVWD has 12-inch water mains located in
Highway 74, as well as 8-inch and 12-inch mains in private streets within the Stone Eagle development.
The existing 8-inch water line will be extended into the subject property from the Stone Eagle system.
Solid Waste
The City of Palm Desert has a franchise agreement with Burrtec for solid waste collection and disposal
services. Residential pick up is generally provided once per week, and commercial pick up is offered up
to six days a week. Solid waste is hauled to the recycling and transfer center where solid waste enters the
Riverside County Waste Management waste stream,is sorted and sent to either the Lambs Canyon landfill
in Beaumont, the Badlands landfill in Moreno Valley, or the El Sobrante landfill in Corona.
The El Sobrante Landfill is permitted to receive 10,000 tons of refuse per day (tpd), of which 4,000 tpd is
reserved for waste generated within Riverside County and is expected to be in operation until
approximately 2031. The Lamb Canyon Landfill is located between the City of Beaumont and City of San
Jacinto off State Route 79 and is permitted to receive 3,000 tons per day of trash for disposal and has a
remaining disposal capacity of approximately 12.9 million tons. The landfill is expected to be in operation
until approximately 2023. Further landfill expansion potential exists at the Lamb Canyon Landfill site.
The Badlands Landfill is located northeast of the City of Moreno Valley is permitted for landfilling and
for excavation and stockpiling cover material and other ancillary activities. The landfill is owned and
operated by Riverside County,and is permitted to receive 4,000 tons per day and has an overall remaining
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 49
disposal capacity of approximately 10.2 million tons.The Badlands Landfill is projected to be in operation
until 2016. Further landfill expansion potential exists at the Badlands Landfill site.
In addition, Riverside County Waste Management also operates a successful recycling program, which
has substantially diverted recyclables from the waste stream.Landscape maintenance companies operating
in the Coachella Valley utilize composting for .the disposal of green waste. Several green waste
composting facilities are located in the area.
Discussion of Impacts:
a-d) No Impact & Less Than Significant. The proposed four residences will not generate significant
amounts of new wastewater or substantially increase water demands. Water demands will be
limited to residences, pool and landscaping improvements, and will connect to the existing Stone
Eagle water lines currently serving existing development. The project will largely retain the
existing drainage patterns and the existing drainage areas, with stormwater conveyance to the
larger Stone Eagle system, which has capacity to store the additional runoff associated with these
four new residential lots.
e-g) Less Than Significant. The proposed four lot subdivision will make a very limited contribution
to demand for existing sewerage collection and treatment facilities. The addition of these four
residences to the Stone Eagle development will not increase the overall permitted level of
residential development in this area. As noted,waste hauling and disposal facilities and capacities
are more than adequate to address the new demand for solid waste disposal associated with the
development of the four residential lots.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: Not required.
Monitoring: Not required.
19. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF Potentially Less Than Less Than No
SIGNIFICANCE Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
a)Does the project have the potential to degrade
the quality of the environment,substantially reduce
the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,cause a fish ❑ ❑ ® ❑
or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining
levels,threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community,reduce the number or restrict the range
of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b)Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited,but cumulatively
considerable?("Cumulatively considerable"means ❑ ❑ ® ❑
that the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects,the effects of other current
projects,and the effects of probable future
projects)?
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No.3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 50
c)Does the project have environmental effects,
which will cause substantial adverse effects on ❑ ❑ ❑
human beings,either directly or indirectly?
a) Less Than Significant. Biological and Cultural Resources: The proposed project will be
constructed adjacent to existing development, including the fully-lined Palm Valley Stormwater
Channel, and in an area that has been surveyed for sensitive cultural and biological resources. No
sensitive cultural or historic resources were identified during the on-site archaeological survey,
through queries with the Native American Heritage Commission or local Native American Tribes.
Neither will be the project impact any important examples of California history or prehistory.
The site is largely undisturbed. The proposed subdivision will involve the disturbance of 2.17t
acres of the 7.7±-acre site and will provide four residential lots and will incorporate new
landscaping that, in the subject context, may provide limited enhanced habitat especially for
nesting and foraging birds. There will be no substantial reduction in wildlife habitat nor will it
restrict the movement or range of any plant or animal. The project will not substantially reduce the
fish or wildlife habitat or affect the populations of any sensitive fish or wildlife species.
b) The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan and surrounding land uses. The project
involves the creation of four single-family lots on 7.7t acres and will become a part of the larger
Stone Eagle development to the immediate north. Its development will not result in cumulatively
considerable impacts in any area of category.
c) As demonstrated in this Initial Study, the project will not have adverse environmental effects on
human beings directly or indirectly.
Minimization Measures
None
Mitigation: None required
Monitoring: None required.
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APPENDICES
A. Tentative Parcel Map No. 37336, Feiro Engineering, Inc. 2018
B. Line-of-Sight Section for TPM 37336. Feiro Engineering, Inc. 2018
C. Preliminary Hydrology Study, Feiro Engineering, Inc. May 2018
D. Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan. Feiro Engineering, Inc. August 2018
LIST OF EXHIBITS
1. Regional Location Map
2. Vicinity Map
3. Area Location Map
4. Location Map
5. TPM 37336 (w/Site Cross Sections
6. TPM 37336 Cross Section A & B
7. TPM 37336 Cross Section C
8. TPM 37336 Cross Section D
LIST OF DOCUMENTS CONSULTED
• Tentative Parcel Map No. 37336, prepared by Feiro Engineering, Inc. 2018
• Preliminary Hydrology Study, Feiro Engineering, Inc. May 2018
• Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan. Feiro Engineering, Inc. August 2018
• City of Palm Desert Comprehensive General Plan, adopted 2017.
• City of Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 25.15, Noise Ordinance.
• "Mineral Land Classification: Aggregate Materials in the Palm Springs Production-Consumption
Region, Special Report 159," California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and
Geology, 1988.
• Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics, U.S. Census, 2015.
• California Scenic Highway Mapping System, 2009.
• Field and Photographic Surveys, 2015.
• Soils Survey of Riverside County, California, Coachella Valley Area," U.S. Soil Conservation
Survey, September 1980.
• California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, 2001.
• 2016 Air Quality Management Plan, SCAQMD.
0 State and Federal Ambient Air Quality Standards, California Air Resources Board, March 2008.
Eagle 6.5 TPM 37336&DA Amd No. 3
CEQA Initial Study/November 2018/Page 52
• 2016 Air Quality Significance Thresholds, SCAQMD, March 2016.
• "Final 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan," South Coast Air Quality
Management District, August 1, 2003
• "Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community
Conservation Plan and Associated Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountain Trails Plan,"prepared by
the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. As amended 2016.
• John G. Rau and David C. Wooten, "Environmental Impact Analysis Handbook," 1980.
• California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resources Protection Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program Map, 2001.