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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 06-138RESOLUTION NO. 06-138 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS WITH RESPECT THERETO AND TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH RECITALS: WHEREAS, the owners of certain property located within the City of Palm Desert, as shown on Exhibit A, attached hereto, have requested the City Council to initiate proceedings pursuant to the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 (Division 12 of the Streets and Highways Code, commencing with Section 10,000) (the "1913 Act") to form an assessment district to be known as the "Section 29 Assessment District" for the purpose of acquiring, constructing and installing certain public infrastructure improvements (sewer and water lines, street improvements, storm drainage) of special benefit to the properties in the Assessment District; and WHEREAS, City staff has prepared an initial study (the "Initial Study") for the project, as defined in paragraph 8, and Exhibit A of the Initial Study (the "Project"), including formation of the Assessment District and financing the facilities described therein, as required by the Califomia Environmental Quality Act, commencing with Section 21000 of the California Public Resources Code and the Califomia Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, (collectively "CEQA"). The Initial Study concluded that the Project would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts with the implementation of certain mitigation measures. Therefore a Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared and circulated for a 30-day public review and comment period, during which the City received comment letters from the Coachella Valley Water District, the Native American Heritage Commission, the State of California Public Utilities Commission, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, and the Southern California Association of Governments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT: 1. Recitals. The above recitals are all true and correct. 2. CEQA. a. The City Council of the City, the lead agency for the Project, has considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration and comment letters from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), the Native American Heritage Commission, the State of California Public Utilities RESOLUTION NO. 06- 138 Commission, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). b. The CVWD and the SCAG letters raised no environmental issues c. Responses to the environmental issues raised by Native American Heritage Commission, the State of Califomia Public Utilities Commission, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District were provided in the staff report to the City Council. Those responses, in addition to other documentation in the administrative record, provide substantial evidence to support the conclusion that the project will not have the potential for significant impacts provided that certain mitigation measures are implemented. d. The City Council hereby finds, in its independent judgment after considering all relevant evidence in the record of proceedings for the Project, including without limitation the information set forth in the Mitigated Negative Declaration, the Initial Study and the staff report, that there is not substantial evidence supporting a fair argument that the Project may actually produce any significant environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level through implementation of those mitigation measures identified in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Therefore, the City Council finds that the Project will not have a significant environmental effect. e. The City Council finds that the Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the City Council's independent judgment and analysis. f. The City Council hereby adopts the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Plan for the proposed Project, attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and incorporated herein by reference. 3. Notice of Determination. The City Council hereby directs staff to prepare a Notice of Determination, to file that Notice with the County Clerk in accordance with Section 15075(d) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, and to pay the applicable Fish and Game filing fee within five (5) days of the adoption of this Resolution. 4. Other Acts. The officers of the City are hereby authorized and directed, jointly and severally, to do any and all things, and to execute and deliver any and all documents which they may deem necessary or advisable, in order to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution, and any such actions previously taken by such officers are hereby ratified and confirmed. P6401\1033\921581v1 2 RESOLUTION NO. 06-138 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, on thel2th day of October , 2006, by the following vote: AYES: sENsoN, KELLY, SPIEGEL, and FERGUSON NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSE , City Clerk City of Palm Desert, California P6401\1033\921581v1 3 RESOLUTION NO. 06-138 EXHIBIT "A" P6401\1033\921581v1 A-1 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM 1. Project Title: Section 29 Master Plan of Infrastructure, Assessment District 2004-02 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Philip Drell (760) 346-0611 ext. 481 4. Project Location: Area generally bounded by Gerald Ford Drive. Portola Avenue. Monterey Avenue. 35th Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive (see attached map). 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 6. General Plan Designation: R-L, R-M/R-HO, C-R 7. Zoning: PR-5, PCD, SI 8. Description of Project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off -site features necessary for its implementation. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary.) Formation of an assessment district to finance public infrastructure improvements described in Exhibit A. 9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: (Briefly describe the project's surroundings.) The area is surrounded by commercial, residential. resort and industrial land uses. 10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement): Palm Springs Unified School District Coachella Valley Water District California Department of Transportation 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 El Biological Resources • Hazards & Hazardous Materials • Mineral Resources ▪ Public Services Utilities / Service Systems • Agriculture Resources • Cultural Resources El Hydrology / Water Quality Noise • Recreation EI Mandatory Findings of Significance ▪ Air Quality ▪ Geology / Soils lj Land Use / Planning • Population / Housing Transportation / Traffic CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2005\22628.1 Page 1 of 15 FORM "J" 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" 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. gssi— 4/.1.10 Signature Date Philip Drell Printed Name For EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 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). 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. 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 is significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. "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 (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced). CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTI312005\22628.1 Page2of15 FORM"J" Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analyses 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. 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. Supporting Information Sources. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 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 projects environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 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. SAMPLE QUESTION Issues: AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, tress, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? 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? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact CITY (STANDARD)\SACVTB\2005\22628.1 Page 3 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: 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) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non- agricultural use? AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: 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 nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ® ❑ ❑ Cr CITY (STANDARD)\SACVTB\2005122628.1 Page 4 of 15 FORM "J" Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Issues: Impact Incorporated Impact Impact d) Expose sensitive receptors to ❑ ❑ ❑ substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting ❑ ❑ ❑ �/ a substantial number of people? BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: 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 Game 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 Game or U.S. 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 preservation policy or ordinance? CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2005\22628.1 Page 5 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: 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? GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: 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. Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact o O ❑ ❑ C/ ❑ CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2005122628.1 Page 6 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: 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 waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: 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? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ r� ❑ ❑ 0 Er ❑ 0 0 2 ❑ 0 0 d ❑ ❑ ❑ d CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2005\22628.1 Page 7 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: 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? HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: 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? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ LV 0 V ❑ ❑ ❑ 2' o ❑ d ❑ CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2005\22628.1 Page 8 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: 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 storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 0 g) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 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? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? j) 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? Expose people or structures to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ CITY (STANDARD)\SACVTB\2005\22628.1 Page 9 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: 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? MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: 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 use plan? NOISE. Would the project result in: 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? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact o ❑ ❑ ❑ ra' ❑ ❑ ❑ o/ ❑ ❑ ❑ l� CITY (STANDARD)\SACU'IB\2005\22628.1 Page 10 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: 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? POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: 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 road 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? PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project: a) 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? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2.005\22628.1 Page 11 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: Police protection? Schools? Parks? Other public facilities? RECREATION. Would the project: a) 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 have an adverse physical effect on the environment? TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? 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)? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ CY CITY (STANDARD)\SACUTB\2005\22628.1 Page 12 of 15 FORM "J" Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Issues: Impact Incorporated Impact Impact e) Result in inadequate emergency ❑ ❑ access? f) Result in inadequate parking ❑ ❑ ❑ Err capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, ❑ (� plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project 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 of 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? In making this determination, the City shall consider whether the project is subject to the water supply assessment requirements of Water Code Section 10910, et. seq. (SB 610), and the requirements of Government Code Section 664737 (SB 221). ❑ ❑ ❑ 13" ❑ ❑ ❑ co/ ❑ ❑ O C� ❑ ❑ ❑Gar CITY (STANDARD)\SACVTB\2005\22628.1 Page 13of15 FORM"T' Issues: 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 project's projected demand in addition to the provider's 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 statutes and regulations related to solid waste? MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to substantially 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; substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare or threatened species; or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long- term environmental goals? c) 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.) Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ et ❑ ❑ ❑ CITY (STANDARD)\SACVTB12005\22623.1 Page 14 of 15 FORM "J" Issues: d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Less Than Significant Potentially With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ cV CITY (STANDARD)\SACVTB\2005\22628.1 Page 15 of 15 FORM "J" Cu D El 7 ASSESSMIiN i BOUNDARIES !-RUPDSL D / / i/ \\ /'\ ,� j loltrOmm / r / 7 L r ASSESSMCNT DISTRICT BUur,Devo SUBt1IV!SIIJN I INE a EXHIBIT A Monterey Avenue (South of 35th Avenue to "A" Street): • Additional Right of Way dedication on east side • East side Street Improvements include: o Lane widening o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping o Street Median and landscaping o Meandering Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvements include o 18-inch water main • Power Pole relocation • SCE Easement relocation Gerald Ford Drive (East of Gateway Drive to Portola Avenue): • Additional Right of Way dedication on north side (East of Dolce Development) • North side Street Improvement o Lane widening o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping o Street Median and landscaping o Median turn pocket to Gateway Drive o Median turn pocket to The Gallery Development o Meandering Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvement o 18-inch water main 0 • Power Pole relocation • SCE Easement relocation • Traffic Signal at Gerald Ford Drive and Portola Avenue • Traffic Signal at Gerald Ford Drive and Gateway Drive Portola Avenue (North of Gateway Drive to Dinah Shore Drive): • Full Right of Way dedication • Full Street Improvements o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping o Street Median and landscaping o Meandering Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvement o 18-inch water main • Sewer Improvement o 10-inch sewer main North of Dinah Shore to 1-10 • Storm Drain Improvements o Extension of existing 42-inch storm drain pipe from Gerald Ford to Dinah Shore o Install 96-inch storm drain pipe north from Dinah Shore to the Retention basin • Power Pole relocation • SCE Easement relocation • Traffic Signal at Portola Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive Gateway Drive (North of Gerald Ford Drive to 35th Avenue): • Full Right of Way dedication (North of "A" Street) • Full Street Improvements o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping o Meandering Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvement O 12-inch water main • Sewer Improvement O 8-inch sewer main North of "A" street to 35th Avenue • Storm Drain Improvements o Install 36-inch storm drain pipe north of "A" street to 35th Avenue. • Traffic Signal at Gateway Drive and 35'h Avenue 35th Avenue (West of Monterey Avenue to Dinah Shore Drive): • Full Right of Way dedication (from Gateway to Dinah Shore, South half West of Gateway drive to Monterey ) • Full Street Improvements (from Gateway to Dinah Shore, South half West of Gateway drive to Monterey ) o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping o Meandering Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvement o 12-inch water main • Sewer Improvement o 8-inch sewer main East of Gateway Drive to Dinah Shore • Storm Drain Improvements o Install 54-inch thru 66-inch storm drain pipe East of Gateway Drive to Dinah Shore • Traffic Signal at 35th Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive Dinah Shore Drive (south of 35'h Avenue to Portola Avenue): • Full Right of Way dedication • Full Street Improvements o Curb and Gutter o Street median and landscaping o Signing and Striping o Meandering Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvement O 18-inch water main • Sewer Improvement O 10-inch sewer main from 35th Avenue to Portola Avenue • Storm Drain Improvements o Install 84-inch thru 96-inch storm drain pipe from 35'h Avenue to Portola Avenue "A" Street (West of Monterey Avenue to Gateway Drive): • North Right of Way dedication • North Street Improvements o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping o Sidewalk o Street Lights (at intersections) • Water Improvement O 12-inch water main • Sewer Improvement o 8-inch sewer main from Lowes east property line to Gateway Drive • Storm Drain Improvements o Install 30-inch storm drain pipe from Lowes east property line to Gateway Drive "B" Street (Dolce Avenue) (West of Gateway Drive to "C" Street): • Street Improvements o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping • Water Improvement O 12-inch water main "C" Street (South of 351h Avenue to "B" Street): • Full Right of Way dedication • Full Street Improvements o Curb and Gutter o Signing and Striping • Water Improvement O 12-inch water main • Sewer Improvement O 8-inch sewer main from "B" Street to 35th Avenue • Storm Drain Improvements o Install 36-inch storm drain pipe "1-10" Crossing (Sewer main upgrade of from 12-inch VCP to 18-inch Stainless Steel): • Sewer Improvement o Replace existing 12-inch VCP sewer main with 18-inch Stainless Steel pipe Retention Basin • Acquisition of Retention Basin • Retention Basin Modification o Reshape retention basin o Add slope protection o Construct pipe outlet structure INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 GENERAL COMMENTS The public improvements identified in the project description attached hereto as Exhibit A, along with the future commercial and residential projects that will be served by those improvements, were substantially identified and discussed in the General Plan and Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2003051103). Many of the mitigation measures identified in the General Plan Final EIR, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, will be applicable to the Project and future associated developments. The General Plan mitigation measures are identified in the attached Exhibit B, and are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that each applies to this Project. 1. AESTHETICS The project site elevation falls southwest to northwest by approximately 80 feet. The combination of grading design, landscaping and low profile architecture for future development will preserve views of the regions scenic mountains from surrounding properties. The Project will involve installation of street lighting and incidental lighting associated with future residential and commercial development. MITIGATION Mitigation Measure AES-1. The lighting funded and constructed by this Project shall comply with the City's Municipal Code Chapter 24.16 regulations regarding lighting levels and horizontal and vertical light trespass. 2. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES The Project site does not contain any agricultural resources, therefore no significant impacts will occur. 3. AIR QUALITY The undeveloped site is currently covered by large sand dunes which, in conjunction with other such landforms located in the general area, are the primary source of blow sand contributing to periodic violations of PM10 standards in the area. Construction activities associated with installation of the improvements to be funded and constructed through the Project have the potential to increase the amount of blow sand and PM10. The INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 strict compliance with the City's Fugitive Dust Ordinance Chapter 24.12 and the 2002 Coachella Valley State Implementation Plan prepared by AQMD during construction and the ultimate stabilization of the sand dunes resulting from future development will reduce potential impacts on the site and areas downwind. Further, upon completion of the future developments planned for the area, increases in landscaped and otherwise covered ground will reduce the amount of blow sand generated by winds over the site. The potential impact of construction of the improvements contemplated by the Project can be mitigated to a less than significant level by adherence to the following mitigation. MITIGATION Mitigation Measure AQ-1. During stabilization of the sand dunes and construction activity, all contractors shall comply with the City's Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance, set forth in Chapter 24.12 of the Municipal Code and the 2002 Coachella State Implementation Plan prepared by the Air Quality Management District. 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The project site is within the development fee area designated by the Coachella Valley Fringe -Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan and HCP designed to protect critical sand dune habitat for the Fringe -Toed Lizard and associated dune flora and fauna. The General Plan EIR acknowledges that, in 1985, ten Coachella Valley cities, including the City of Palm Desert, adopted the Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which established a preserve for the species of approximately 18,038 acres. (General Plan EIR at p. III, 105-106.) Further, the biological study completed for the General Plan concludes that "[s]and sheets, dunes and hummocks within the boundaries of the Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard Habitat Conservation Plan do not need surveys to detect the presence of the fringe -toed lizard." And that "payment of the mitigation fee of $600/acre will satisfy requirements of the federal Habitat Conservation Plan." (Palm Desert General Plan Update Biological Report, Lawrence F. Lapre, PhD, June 29, 2001, at p. 23.) MITIGATION Mitigation Measure BIO-1. The $600.00 per acre mitigation fee required by the Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan shall be paid before lands to which the fee applies are disturbed. 2 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES The project site is located on a large, dry sand dune ridge, and the site contains no evidence of cultural resources. Based on the Palm Desert General Plan EIR cultural resources survey, the area is not within areas designated as "high sensitivity for prehistoric or archaeological resources" or "relatively high sensitivity for historic structures or archaeological resources from pre-1940 era." (See General Plan Draft EIR, Exhibit III- 14.) Therefore, no significant impacts in this regard are expected. 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS The project site is four miles from the San Andreas fault, therefore, like all other property in the region, it is subject to the potential for ground shaking. The General Plan EIR identifies the site as low risk for liquefaction. (See General Plan EIR, Exhibit III-10.) Compliance with mitigation measures set for in the General Plan will mitigate any impacts to Tess than significant levels. MITIGATION Mitigation Measure GEO-1. The proposed Project and future development will comply with the City's grading and building codes and implement the following mitigation measures listed in the General Plan EIR as applicable to the Project or components thereof: A. The City shall establish and maintain an information database containing maps and other information which describe seismic and other geotechnical hazards occurring within the City boundaries, sphere -of -influence and planning area. B. Proper structural engineering, which takes into account the forces that will be applied to structures by anticipated ground motions, shall provide mitigation for ground shaking hazards. Seismic design shall be in accordance with the most recently adopted editions of the Uniform Building Code and/or International Building Code, and the seismic design parameters of the Structural Engineers' Association of Califomia. C. Proposals for development on wind or stream -deposited sediment on the valley floor shall include site -specific subsurface geotechnical investigations that address settlement, liquefaction, and collapsible soils. These hazards can generally be mitigated by proper excavation, compaction and foundation design. 3 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 D. The City shall continue to require expansive soils testing as part of its grading and building codes, and shall assure the implementation of mitigation measures which minimize these hazards, such as the use of reinforcing steel in foundations, drainage control devices, overexcavation and backfilling with non -expansive soils. E. The City shall continue to support and encourage local and regional groundwater conservation measures in an effort to mitigate potential subsidence resulting from groundwater overdraft (see also Water Resources discussion in Section III-F). F. All grading permit requests shall include a PM10 Management Plan in conformance with the latest approved Coachella Valley PM10 requirements in place at the time construction occurs. Blowing dust and sand during grading operations shall be mitigated by adequate watering of soils prior to and during grading, and limiting the area of dry, exposed soils during grading (see also Air Quality discussion in Section III-H). G. Where development is proposed adjacent to or in close proximity to steep slopes, site -specific geotechnical studies shall be conducted to evaluate the potential for rock falls and/or slope failure, and to establish mitigation measures which minimize these hazards. H-1. All development proposed within Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Zones shall comply with State requirements for site -specific study, including trenching to locate fault traces, and to submit this analysis prior to any development approval for the property. H-2. During site grading, all existing vegetation and debris shall be removed from areas that are to receive compacted fill. Any trees to be removed shall have a minimum of 95% of the root systems extracted. Man-made objects shall be overexcavated and exported from the site. Removal of unsuitable materials may require excavation to depths ranging from 2 to 4 feet or more below the existing site grade. I. All fill soil, whether on site or imported, shall be approved by the individual project soils engineer prior to placement as compaction fill. All fill soil shall be free from vegetation, organic material, cobbles and boulders greater than 6 inches in diameter, and other debris. Approved soil shall be placed in horizontal lifts of appropriate thickness as prescribed by the soils engineer and watered or aerated as necessary to obtain near -optimum moisture content. 4 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 J. Fill materials shall be completely and uniformly compacted to not less than 90% of the laboratory maximum density as determined by ASTM test method D-1557-78. The project soils engineer shall observe the placement of fill and take sufficient tests to verify the moisture content, uniformity, and degree of compaction obtained. In -place soil density should be determined by the sand -cone method, in accordance with ASTM Test Method D-1556-64 (74), or equivalent test method acceptable to the City Building and Safety Department. K. Finish cut slopes generally shall not be inclined steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical). Attempts to excavate near -vertical temporary cuts for retaining walls or utility installations in excess of 5 feet may result in gross failure of the cut and may possibly damage equipment and injure workers. All cut slopes must be inspected during grading to provide additional recommendations for safe construction. L. Finish fill slopes shall not be inclined steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical). Fill slope surfaces shall be compacted to 90% of the laboratory maximum density by either over -filling and cutting back to expose a compacted core or by approved mechanical methods. M. Foundation systems that utilize continuous and spread footings are recommended for the support of one and two-story structures. Foundations for higher structures must be evaluated based on structure design and on -site soil conditions. N. Positive site drainage shall be established during finish grading. Finish lot grading shall include a minimum positive gradient of 2% away from structures for a minimum distance of three (3) feet and a minimum gradient of 1 % to the street or other approved drainage course. O. An adequate subdrain system shall be constructed behind and at the base of all retaining walls to allow for adequate drainage and to prevent excessive hydrostatic pressure. P. Utility trench excavations in slope areas or within the zone of influence of structures should be properly backfilled in accordance with the following recommendations: a) Pipes shall be bedded with a minimum of 6 inches of pea gravel or approved granular soil. Similar material shall be used to provide a cover of at least 1 foot over the pipe. This 5 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 backfill shall then be uniformly compacted by mechanical means or jetted to a firm and unyielding condition. b) Remaining backfill may be fine-grained soil. It shall be placed in lifts not exceeding 6 inches in thickness or as determined appropriate, watered or aerated to near optimum moisture content, and mechanically compacted to a minimum of 90% of the laboratory maximum density. c) Pipes in trenches within 5 feet of the top of slopes or on the face of slopes shall be bedded and backfilled with pea gravel or approved granular soils as described above. The remainder of the trench backfill comprise typical on -site fill soil mechanically compacted as described in the previous paragraph. 8. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS The Project site is vacant land, and there is no evidence to suggest that hazardous materials are or have been present on the site. Further, the types of uses contemplated for the site, and specifically the improvements to be undertaken by the Project, do not have the potential to have any significant impacts in this regard. 9. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY The Project will result in, and enable, creation of impervious surfaces and which would reduce the amount of percolation and change the site's drainage conditions. The Project envisions the construction of a number of drainage improvements so that the drainage needs of future development of the site are met. The Project contemplates construction of drainage facilities and retention basins that will accommodate a 100-year storm. Because the Project involves these drainage improvements that will accommodate future service needs, no significant impact will result, and there is no need for further mitigation. 10. LAND USE PLANNING The Project's improvements, as well as the future residential/commercial uses which they will serve, are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan, and will assist in the General Plan's implementation. 11. MINERAL RESOURCES There are no known mineral resources in the vicinity of the Project, therefore no significant impact is expected to occur. 6 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 12. NOISE The improvements contemplated by the Project are generally not noise producing, and therefore, no significant impacts are expected in that respect. Construction activities associated with the improvements will generate noise, but due to the general lack of sensitive receptors in the area, and the fact that construction noise will be temporary, the impacts will not be significant. The project will be subject to City ordinances controlling construction hours. 13. POPULATION AND HOUSING The Project improvements are designed to serve a mix of residential and commercial uses which will help balance employment and housing demands in the University Park area. Further, the improvements will enable growth and development consistent with the General Plan for the area. Therefore, the growth accommodated by the improvements has already been accounted for in regional models that rely on the City's General Plan, and no impacts beyond those already considered by the General Plan EIR will occur. 14. PUBLIC SERVICES The future development served by the project will incrementally increase demand on public services, however many of the improvements contemplated by the Project are being undertaken to ensure that adequate service levels will exist for the development. Further, the current system of mitigation fees, including fire facility, school, park, child care, transportation, drainage, etc., in addition to general fund and Redevelopment Agency revenues, are adequate to maintain the current level of public services without significant environmental impacts. 15. RECREATION Future residential development that will be served by the Project improvements will increase public recreation demand. However, the improvements include a number of recreational facilities that will serve these future residents as well as customers and employees at the commercial and other non-residential land uses. MITIGATION Mitigation Measure REC-1. Construction of a 10-acre neighborhood park developed in conjunction with a Palm Springs Unified School District elementary/middle school meets the General Plan goal of five acres per 7 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 1,000 projected population and will address potential impacts of the future development enabled through the Project Improvements. 16. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC Commercial and residential development facilitated by the project will generate significant new vehicle trips onto the regional system, however many of the improvements contemplated by the Project are being undertaken to ensure that adequate service levels will exist for the future development. The Project includes the completion of all necessary Tong -term General Plan Circulation Element street improvements to insure that traffic is distributed in a safe and efficient manner with Level of Service D or better as specified in the General Plan EIR. Further, the future development has the potential to impact regional transportation systems. However, those impacts will be mitigated to less than significant impacts through payment of the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF). During construction of the improvements contemplated by the Project, there is the potential for short term impacts to transportation and traffic due to street closure needs, including the potential for detours. This short term impact will be mitigated to less than significance through preparation of street closure and traffic plans which shall be reviewed and approved by the City's Public Works Department prior to commencement of any activities within a public right-of-way. Project will include installation of a sewer line under Interstate 10. The construction process will ensure the structural integrity of the roadway and not impact traffic flow. MITIGATION Mitigation Measure TRANS-1. Future development shall pay Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) as required by that program to mitigate project impacts throughout the region. Mitigation Measure TRANS-2. Prior to commencement of any improvement project within a public right-of-way, a traffic control and safety plan shall be prepared and submitted to the City's Public Works Department (or Califomia Department of Transportation, if applicable) for review and approval. The traffic control and safety plan shall strive to enable efficient circulation in the vicinity of the Project to the extent possible. 17. UTILITIES The future development served by the project will incrementally increase demand on some utility services, however many of the improvements 8 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST DISCUSSION SECTION 29 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2004-02 contemplated by the Project are being undertaken to ensure that adequate service levels will exist for the development. Further, the applicants for future development will pay the necessary connection and service fees which will offset demand impacts. 18. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE // a) The improvement Project has the potential to degrade habitat for the Fringe -toed lizard, however, through mitigation fees that fund and establishment and maintenance of a permanent preserve through and approved Habitat Conservation Plan, the does not rise to the level of significance. Further, the improvements associated with the Project do not have the potential to substantially degrade the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species or cause such species to drop below self-sustaining levels. For the reasons stated above there is no evidence in support of finding this significance threshold met for this Project. b) The Project will assist in implementation of the City's long-term General Plan for the area, therefore the Project does not achieve short- term goals to the detriment of long term goals. c) The improvements proposed by the Project, when considered in conjunction with the future planned development, will not have a cumulatively significant effect. The Project and future developments are consistent with the General Plan which contemplates this growth. Therefore, the impacts of the Project have already been contemplated by the City's General Plan, as well as the regional plans which rely on the projections of the General Plan, such as transportation plans and air quality plans. Cumulative impacts of this Project together with other projects, will not be cumulatively significant. 9 Land Use Compatibility -Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Summary of Impacts Impacts to the City of Palm Desert and adjacent land uses associated with the adoption and implementation of the proposed General Plan are not anticipated to be significant. The proposed land use plan incorporates a mix of land uses thoughtfully developed to be compatible with one another and with the surrounding environment. Spatial organization of the lands within the General Plan study area involved logical transition of adjoining residential densities from areas of lower to higher densities. The proposed land use plan recognizes the need to insulate sensitive land uses (residences, schools, etc.) from areas of transportation noise by establishing a buffer of less sensitive uses, such as the business park buffer between residential areas and the Interstate-10/Union Pacific corridor. High -density residential areas occur in close proximity to commercial developments and major roads for convenient transportation access. The University Park planning area provides complimentary land uses located close to commercial and business park development that can provide convenient shopping and employment opportunities, but buffer local residents from noise and traffic associated with nearby arterial roads and the Union Pacific Railroad. The Plan is also responsive to the need to preserve the Santa Rosa Mountains and other conservation areas as undeveloped open spaces. In general, the proposed General Plan will increase the number of housing units in the City, by providing additional lands for high and medium residential density development. The housing increase is expected to be primarily generated in the University Park planning area. The proposed General Plan also demonstrates increases in industrial, open space, and public/quasi-public acreages and shows a reduction in commercial acreages. the proposed General Plan constitutes a considerable increase in the number of housing structures in the planning area. Additional homes will result from conversion of Open Space -Rural (1 du/40 acre), under the existing General Plan, to Desert Estates (1 du/10 acre) in the proposed General Plan. Other residential increases will result from proposed lands for medium to high density development, primarily located north of the I-10 freeway. The proposed General Plan also results in the decrease of commercial, industrial and open space acreages. However, it will slightly increase public/quasi-public acreages. 3. Mitigation Measures No significant land use incompatibilities are anticipated to result from the adoption and implementation of the proposed Palm Desert General Plan, and mitigation measures are not necessary to address this area of concern. The General Plan incorporates a wide range of policies and programs, implementation of which will address land use compatibility issues as they arise. However, in order to assure that potential changes in land use are adequately assessed, the following mitigation measures shall be implemented. A. Individual proposed projects, especially those involving a mix of residential and other uses, as well as those located nearby or adjacent to sensitive lands or uses, shall be fully evaluated during the project review process to assure that all land use compatibility issues are addressed and mitigated. III-17 Land Use Compatibility-Traffic/Circulation TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section ID — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures B. The City shall require a noise impact assessment and mitigation plan which minimizes impacts to outdoor living space and assures a maximum interior noise level of 45 CNEL, from all future residential development occurring on lands within an existing 65 dBA or higher noise contour. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City shall identify potential adverse of unacceptable noise exposures, evaluate and assure the effectiveness of proposed mitigation programs, and assure construction is in accordance with approved noise mitigation plans. Said plan shall be approved by the Community Development Department as part of its review, and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation program shall be demonstrated as part of the Building Department's inspection process. Results shall be recorded and maintained with building inspection records. Responsible Parties: City Community Development and Building Departments B. Traffic/Circulation Introduction In conjunction with the preparation of the Draft General Plan, a region -based, City/study area -focused traffic study was also prepared? A wide variety of data were assembled to measure existing traffic conditions on the various roadways studied. A focused version of the CVATS Traffic Model was used to analyse existing conditions and to project future conditions for the Preferred Alternative General Plan, as well as for the current General Plan and two other alternative plans. The following discussion provides some essential background information to facilitate a better understanding of the analysis, which follows. Levels of Service The capacity of a segment of roadway or an intersection is typically characterized as "Level- of - Service". As gauged for mid -block travel, Level -of -Service (LOS) is a qualitative measure describing the character and efficiency of the flow of traffic. For intersections, the LOS is defined quantitatively, as the number of seconds the vehicle is delayed in passing through the intersection. LOS includes a range of alphabetical connotations "A" through "F', used to characterize roadway operating conditions. LOS A represents the best/free-flow conditions and LOS F indicates the worst/system failure. Intersections represent the most constrained portion of the roadway network. The Highway Capacity Manual expresses the Level of Service at an intersection in terms of delay or waiting time to get through the various intersection approaches. For signalized intersections, average total delay per vehicle is used to determine the LOS. Intersection LOS is defined quantitatively in Table III-7 below. A more detailed discussion of LOS values can be found in the General Plan Traffic Study in the EIR Technical Appendices. Mid -block Levels of Service are represented as volume to capacity ratios, or vehicle demand divided by roadway capacity. In general terms, as the ratio approaches 1.00 or maximum capacity, the roadway approaches LOS F. However, it is important to keep in mind that for mid -block, the LOS is meant to 2 Palm Desert General Plan Update Traffic Study. Prepared by Urban Crossroads, Inc. September 5, 2003. III-18 OM. Land Use Compatibility-Traffic/Circulation Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures All -Weather Access Major drainages that affect roadway access both within the City and the planning area include the Whitewater River, Palm Valley Stormwater Channel, Deep Canyon Stormwater Channel, San Pascual Channel, Mid -Valley Stormwater Channel, Thousand Palms Flood Control Project and Thousand Palms Canyon Wash, cove neighborhoods and in areas north of Highway 111. Whitewater River The Whitewater River is the principal drainage affecting all-weather access in the City, with currently all-weather crossings existing at only Monterey Avenue. Crossings of the Whitewater River at Portola Avenue and Cook Street are currently improved to pass through lower (less than 100-year) storm flows. The Whitewater River Crossing at Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage is also all-weather. In addition, all-weather access is also available across the Whitewater River at Washington Street and Miles Avenue, in La Quinta and Indian Wells, respectively. The City of Palm Desert has plans to design and build all-weather crossing across the Whitewater River at both Portola Avenue and Cook Street as funding becomes available. Based upon the availability of existing all- weather crossings along the Whitewater River, improvements at Portola Avenue and Cook Street are warranted. Mid -Valley Stormwater Channels In the planning area, this drainage facility is designed to run along the south side of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. Existing and planned improvements will convey flows under elevated roadways/approaches to I-10 interchanges. No significant access issues are associated with this drainage facility either now or in the future. Thousand Palms: The community of Thousand Palms and the area generally north of I-10 is subject to both sheetflow and channelized flooding from drainage originating in the Indio Hills. The Thousand Palms Canyon Wash conveys flows, which originate north of the Indio Hills and along the south -facing slopes of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Coachella Valley Water District recently completed design analysis and project approvals for an area -wide flood control project, which will protect the vast majority of homes and businesses in the community of Thousand Palms from upstream flooding. 3. Mitigation Measures As discussed above, intersections constitute the most constrained portion of the roadway network in the City and balance of the planning area. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the improvements (mitigation measures), both those already programmed and new/additional improvements that are needed to provide acceptable levels of service. It should be noted that although improvements are cited that will bring some intersections to LOS C, these improvements are not needed in most instances in order to achieve acceptable levels of service. r or - ANN MB JIM AIM all in 11111 III II III Land Use Compatibility -Traffic Circulation Mitigation Measures INTERSECTION ;.Bob Hope Dr. (NS) at: I-10 WB Ramps (EW) - With LOS "D" Improvements With LOS "C"Improvements I-10 EB Ramps (EW) With LOS "D" Improvements ;'- With LOS "C" Improvements Park View Dr./Painters Path (NS) at: SR-111 (EW) :SR-111 (NS) at: ;= Fred Waring Dr. (EW) With LOS "D" Improvements With LOS "C" Improvements Desert Crossing (NS) at: SR-111 (EW) 'El Paseo/Town Center Way (NS) at: = SR-111 (EW) Plaza Way (NS) at: - SR-111 (EW) Monterey Av. (NS) at: 1-10 EB Ramps (EW) Dinah Shore Dr. (EW) - With LOS "C" Improvements (Altl ) With LOS "C" Improvements (Alt2) r Gerald Ford Dr. (EW) L Frank Sinatra Dr. (EW) TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Table III-15 Intersection Mitigation Improvements and Resulting Levels of Service City and Unincorporated Planning Area ! Post 2020 Period INTERSECTION APPROACH LANES2 TRAFFIC BOA 1 BOUND EAST- WEST- I CONTROL L T R I. T R L T R L T R TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS 1 3 0 0 3 1» 2 3 0 0 3 1» 2 3 0 0 3 1» 0 3 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.5 DELAYS (SECS.) AM 2 0 1 -4 2 0 2 19.9 2 0 1» 20.7 0 0 0 34.4 LEVEL OF SERVICE PM AM PM 4 35.5 33.9 F B C C F D C F No Intermediate LCS "D" Improvements 0 3 1 2 3 0 1.5 0 1.5 0 0 0 21.3 32.2 C C 0.5 0.5 1 0.5 0.5 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 0 1 3 1 26.5 28.3 C C 2 3 0 2 3 0 2 3 0 2 2 1> 2 3 0 2 2 1» 48.6 28.9 29.3 4 36.2 34.3 D C C F D C 1.5 0.5 1 0.5 0.5 0 1 3 1 2 3 0 34.3 34.9 C C 1.5 1.5 1 1.5 1.5 1 1 3 0 1 3 01 33.5 35.0 C C 1 1 1 1 0, 5 1.5 2 3 0 1 3 1 19.8 29.9 B C 0 3 1 2 2 0 2 3 1 2 3 1» 2 3 1 2 3 1» 2 3 1 26 361»6 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 III-47 2 0 1» 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 2 1» 2 3 1> 16 361»6 3 2 1> 1 3 1» 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1» 2 3 1» 24.4 35.0 31.6 29.2 33.5 24.5 31.7 43.8 34.6 34.7 29.7 26.3 it UUUU aa U UU V V UUUUUUU CO U L5 UU V oaw c0•o UUUU U 0 00 U asUUUUUUV CC) 0 00 U caw V cn N . C P d d O+ t2 00 O O 00 f: -Q t•1 -+ N O. 00 •-, d et 0— ad �r A M, - ri N M M �} M .r M M N O N Noicr: - cM+1 M M N - i • M M M N N M M M N M N N OS Y) N -- e er N V'1 --- O o0 M Q O N o V1 o0 N V7 ' O: qO 'O ,. .. 0, -r ,p M v1 [� N O C 00 \O {n Q• O ,t vl e+1 M N M N 00 --+ i y N N N M N N NM M — N N N N M N M .-+ N M M N �-+ G O lan O -� -" 0 0 .�. .r .-+ O A --• --+ -+ O� -+ O O ^� -+ O --� O 0 U M -+ M M N M M M N O M M M O N N M N M M M M 00 G a 0 (� ''' N ^• N N 0 + N N --- O N N N N --- N N 0 --, N* ^' �-+ W 6 AO --- --, 0 0 4 -. --, —---00-- --I 0 0 *0 0 O --1 .4 g M ---- M M N M M M N OMMMONMM N M M M M 0 NNNN 0 * N N ^- -- N N N O --• N N 0 -+ -+ N -■ 0.4.4 S G O .-- O '-1-"4 ^ 0 -- n -. O A-.-.00 A .., 0 ^- 00 -� 00 z ( 0 C N N C M M N N N N N N 0 -- N N O M M -+ --- N N O — M N 0— NNNN 0 O N 0 ... O -- ... .-. O O -r O n ^+ • N n 0 --- A O -y 0 .r ... M M M N 0 O N N G M N N N N N N N 0 --- N N C M M O . O • ...O ON.-.N... O .r O r-1 O v N wi CI W W WWWW W W WO Gn y P V) y C Z P rPr� P 0 00 0 000 O E- E E-- E- E- E. I-. F H E-- E+ E-+ E-- H E- E- F E-- E-- HH E- E-- E-- E- E� 44 r-I W A .1.4 u 4 C 4 iii m eV ). V) il R U1h 3, a g a O Wn4 oc a a ° U a a ilTtgi m ,1,• 1 O g a!a!a P4 o c c /p4o a.oG ''� Urs.wrn--> aR. cf,wv) v� 0.:. wU= wv)-r> v) - am AM ;ice as a i � a III /111 g � Land Use Compatibility-Traffic/Circulation Mitigation Measures With LOS "C" Improvements Gerald Ford Dr. (EW) With LOS "C" Improvements Frank Sinatra Dr. (EW) L With LOS "C" Improvements Country Club Dr. (EW) Hovley Ln. E. (EW) With LOS "C" Improvements Fred Waring Dr. (EW) - With LOS "C" Improvements SR-111(EW) L With LOS "C" Improvements 3erald Ford Dr. (NS) at: = Frank Sinatra Dr. (EW) Eldorado Dr. (NS) at: Country Club Dr. (EW) Frank Sinatra Dr. (EW) Hovley Ln. E. (EW) SR-111(EW) "Oasis Club Dr. (NS) at: Country Club Dr. (EW) With LOS "C" Improvements Hovley Ln. E. (EW) :Washington St. (NS) at: Varner Rd. (EW) With LOS "C" Improvements I-10 EB Ramps (EW) With LOS "D" Improvements With LOS "C" Improvements Country Club Dr. (EW) With LOS "C" Improvements := Fred Waring Dr. (EW) !- With LOS "D" Improvements • With LOS "C" Improvements Hovley Ln. E. (EW) TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures TS 0 3 0 1 3 0 1.5 0.5 1» 0 0 0 19.5 28.8 B C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1» 2 2 1 435 50.1 D D TS 2 3 1 2 3 1> 2 3 1» 26 26 1>6 33.3 31.2 C C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 34.8 40.3 C D TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 26 36 16 27.8 34.4 C C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 26.5 30.3 C C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 38.4 49.4 D D TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 1> 31.6 34.0 C C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1» 2 3 1 2 3 1» 33.9 44.8 C D TS 24 34 14 2 3 1» 2 3 1 2 4 1» 30.1 32.7 C C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 37.9 34.7 D C TS 26 36 16 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1, 34.6 33.5 C C TS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 3 0 10.5 15.8 B B5 TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 31.1 33.7 C C TS 1 1 1 0.5 0.5 1 1 3 1 1 3 0 17.6 19.1 B B TS 0.5 0.5 0 1.5 0.5 1 1 2 0 0.5 1.5 0 12.3 23.0 B C TS 1 2 1 1 2 0 1 3 1 1 3 1 32.3 28.3 C C TS 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 31.7 37.4 C D TS 16 26 16 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 31.7 31.2 C C TS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 31.9 31.5 C C TS 2 3 1> 2 3 1 1 2 1 2 1.5 1.5 33.1 -4 C F' TS 2 3 1> 2 3 1 1 2 1> 2 1.5 1.5 32.5 34.7 C C5 TS 0 3 1 2 3 0 1.5 0.5 2 0 0 0 29.8 -4 C F TS 0 3 1 2 3 0 1.5 0.51» 0 0 0 19.6 40.3 B D TS 0 3.5 1.5 2 3 0 1.5 0.5 1» 0 0 0 17.8 30.9 B C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1» 3 2 1 26 36 16 36.3 48.3 D D TS 2 3 1 2 4 1» 3 2 1 2 3 1> 33.1 32.7 C C TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 34.1 -4 C F TS 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1> 2 3 1 27.7 54.7 C D TS 3 3 1 26 36 16 2 3 1» 2 3 1 28.3 33.2 C C TS 2 3 1. 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 31.1 34.8 C C5 III-49 Land Use Compatibility—Traffic/Circula*{^^1 Mitigation Measures 1 TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures 1arner Rd. (NS) at: I-10 WB Ramps at Washington St. (EW) I TS 2 2 0 0 3 1 2 0 1 ' TS - Traffic Signal; AWS - All Way Stop* CSS - Cross Street Stop. 2 When a right turn is designated, the lane can either be striped or unstriped. To function as a right turn lane there must be sufficient width for right turning vehicles to travel outside the through lanes. L = Left; T = Through; R = Right; > = Right Turn Overlap; » = Free Right Turn 3 Delay and level of service calculated using the following analysis software: Traffix, Version 7.5 R1 (2001). 4 -- = Delay High, Intersection Unstable, Level of Service "F". s Pedestrians assumed not to occur on every cycle. 6 Remove pedestrian minimum green (no pod crossing), WB Approach = North Leg, EB Approach = South Leg, NB Approach = East Leg, SB Approach = West Leg III-50 0 0 0 13.5 11.8 JUR ur MP 1111P II! gm MI MI am Land Use Compatibility—Traffic/Circulation Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Mitigation via Roadway/Intersection Improvements As set forth in the Circulation Element of the Draft Comprehensive General Plan, the City shall make a good faith effort to assure that intersections operate at LOS D or better. The improvements set forth in Table III-15, above, are mitigation measures designed to reduce Post 2020 (buildout) traffic impacts to levels of insignificance (LOS D). The improvements include the provision of new or additional turn lanes and through lanes, and in a few instances limitations on pedestrian green -time or access on certain legs of intersections. None of the prescribed limitations on pedestrian access are a significant impediment to pedestrian use and are located at intersections with the highest volumes and widest cross sections. On -Going Monitoring and Analysis The programmatic level of the General Plan study suggests that on -going and project -specific traffic monitoring is required to assure adequate levels of service in the long-term. The City shall periodically monitor conditions along roadway segments where General Plan level analysis indicates high levels of traffic congestion. In these areas of the roadway network intersection and progression analysis shall also be conducted to advance infrastructure planning to address areas of existing and anticipated traffic congestion. Mitigation via Alternative Modes of Transportation With the limited exception of the consideration of busing of students to schools, the traffic impact analysis conducted for the General Plan update does not consider the effects of the use of mass transit, biking or pedestrian -accessible land use planning on traffic volumes or roadway operations. As noted in the General Plan Traffic Study: "While the model is not intended to reflect vehicle trip reduction characteristics associated with the benefits of such a system combined with the proper mix of land uses, an especially well developed non -motorized transportation system could potentially reduce vehicle traffic substantially.i4 The General Plan Traffic Study also cites the continuing imbalance between the production and attraction of trips in the University Park planning area, caused by an abundance of commercial, institutional and industrial trip attractors and the limited number of sources of home -based production (residences). The study cites the unquantifiable but substantial potential for vehicle trip reduction from the compact mix of land uses, which promotes the use of buses, bike paths and pedestrian access. Bus Access As set forth in the general Plan Circulation Element, the City shall continue to coordinate and cooperate with the Sunline Transit Authority to expand and optimize the use of bus transit through the expansion of bus routes, the construction of user-friendly bus stops and shelters, and through joint ventures between Sunline and major potential users, including the colleges, retail and employment centers. 4 City of Palm Desert General Plan Traffic Study. Prepared by Urban Crossroads, Inc. September 5, 2003. III-51 Land Use Compatibility-Traffic/Circulation Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Golf Cart and Bike Paths The City golf cart path network is also a potentially significant alternative mode of transportation. The City shall continue to enhance the accessibility to and use of the golf cart and bicycle path network to the greatest extent practicable. Mitigation via Implementation of General Plan Policies and Programs The Circulation Element of the Draft Comprehensive General Plan includes fourteen (14) policies and twenty-nine (29) programs, which are designed to enhance the operation and efficiency of all aspects of the transportation system serving the planning area. Policies and programs address the on -going monitoring and management of traffic volumes and operating conditions, and the timing of required improvements to maintain acceptable levels of service. Summary of Mitigation The Draft General Plan, this EIR and the general Plan Traffic Study provide both programmatic and concrete/prescriptive actions and measures that are expected to reduce transportation impacts associated with the implementation of the proposed General Plan below levels of significance. In conjunction with the existing various regional transportation initiatives coordinated through the City and CVAG, the performance of transportation systems serving the City and planning area can be further enhanced. The continued thoughtful integration of land uses will also increase opportunities for mass transit and non - motorized means of transportation. Controlling access onto major arterial roadways will also serve to preserve capacity and limit the costs associated with expanded roadway infrastructure. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City shall review and update the master plan of roads, including standards for ultimate rights -of -way and pavement width, and provide a schedule for securing right-of-way and constructing improvements consistent with the projected needs and standards set forth in the Circulation Element and Program EIR. Responsible Parties: City Council, Community Development Department, Public Works Department B. The City shall establish and maintain ongoing consultation and coordination with adjoining planning and engineering staffs of adjoining cities and transportation planning agencies to study and implement effective means of preserving and improving capacity along major roadways. Coordination efforts may include synchronized signalization, consolidation of access drives and restriction of access, construction of additional travel and turning lanes, raised median islands, and improvements to critical intersections. Responsible Parties: Public Works Department, Community Development Department, Adjoining Cities, CVAG, Riverside County, CalTrans C. The City shall periodically evaluate the operating conditions at each of the Interstate-10 interchanges serving the City, including Monterey Avenue, Cook Street, future Portola Avenue and Washington Street, and shall make recommendations to responsible agencies regarding needed improvements. Responsible Parties: Public Works Department, Community development Department, CalTrans, Riverside County, CVAG III-52 D. Land Use Compatibility-Traffic/Circulation Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures The City shall pro -actively consult and coordinate with CVAG, SCAG and CalTrans and represent the City in transportation planning meetings to assure that City policies, programs and strategies are given full consideration in resolving regional transportation issues affecting the community. Responsible Agency: City Council, Community Development Department, Public Works Department, CVAG, SCAG, CalTrans E. The City shall continue to pro -actively promote the mass transit system expansion and innovation through ongoing consultation and coordination with the SunLine Transit Agency and CVAG. Responsible Parties: City Council, Community Development Department, SunLine Transit Agency, CVAG F. The City shall continue to consult and coordinate with the SunLine Transit Agency and encourage the development of rideshare and other alternative, high occupancy transit programs I for employers with sufficient numbers of employees, and for individuals seeking to locate potential rideshare partners. Responsible Parties: City Council, Community Development Department, SunLine Transit Agency G. The City monitor the effectiveness of land use planning proposals that integrate the assemblage of land uses, optimizes nearby interactions, reduces the need for travel outside the neighborhood, and shortens trips to work, shopping, public services and public park facilities. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Redevelopment Agency, Chamber of Commerce H. The City monitor the effectiveness of its master plan of bicycle -ways and multi -use trails, including secure bicycle and golf cart storage facilities, and other support facilities which increase bicycle and golf cart use. Responsible Parties: Community Development Departments, Public Works Department I. The Cityshall monitor the planningand development of all-weather crossings as part of the P g community's Master Drainage Plan and its implementation. • Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Public Works Department, Coachella Valley Water District J. The City shall periodically review roadway design specifications, design standards and guidelines for public and private streets, and their effectiveness at meeting existing and anticipated demand, reducing traffic speeds in neighborhoods, and facilitating safe and efficient use of bicycles and other alternative modes of transportation. Responsible Parties: Community development department, Public Works Department, Planning Commission, City Council III-53 Soils and Geology Project Impacts TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures 2. Project Impacts The buildout of the General Plan will increase the potential for a number of geologic and seismic hazards within the General Plan study area. The construction of all types of structures in varying terrain could expose persons and property to hazards relating to subsidence, slope instability and rock fall, and seismic hazards. Soils The General Plan study area includes lands adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Indio Hills and the Little San Bernardino Mountains, where slope failure and rock fall could occur. Limited development potential exists for the southern portion of the City, which is generally designated for Open Space land uses. In the northern portion of the planning area, residential development could occur in close proximity to slopes. Development in these areas should include the preparation of site specific analysis to assess the potential impacts of rock fall and slope stability prior to construction of structures for projects which might be down -gradient from such hazard areas, as shown in Exhibit III-12. Alluvial fan deposits and blowing sand deposits throughout the General Plan study area are vulnerable to collapse and/or hydrocompaction. When saturated, these soils could lose cementation and cause damage to structures and foundations that are built upon them. In areas proposed for development, site - specific studies must be conducted to evaluate the collapse potential. Subsidence in the Coachella Valley is closely associated with groundwater overdraft. Structures sensitive to slight changes in elevation, such as canals, sewers and drainage improvements are generally sensitive to the effects of subsidence and may be damaged if subsidence occurs. Mitigation of subsidence and its potential impacts will require a regional approach to groundwater conservation and recharge. The northern portion of the planning area is highly susceptible to wind erosion. Increased development and surface disruption resulting from grading and construction loosens soils and increases the amount of dust and other small particles in the air. However, in the long-term, the installation of landscaping associated with new development will contribute to the stabilization of drifting sand. The City currently requires the preparation of erosion control plans as part of the grading permit process, providing site - specific mitigation for this hazard with each development. Project -specific erosion control measures must continue to be implemented to protect on -site soils. The potentially adverse health impacts associated with suspended dust and blowsand are further discussed in Section III-H, Air Quality. Seismicity Two Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones occur within the General Plan study area. In addition, the area will be subject to significant ground acceleration and potential damage from significant earthquakes within the next 50 years. Earthquakes can trigger slope instability, liquefaction, settlement and flood inundation, and can cause a variety of localized, but no less destructive hazards such as urban fires, dam failures, and toxic chemical releases. Smaller structures could be shifted from their foundations and cause gas leeks and fires. III-69 Soils and Geology Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures The greatest hazard with smaller structures is that of unreinforced masonry buildings. The City has identified and caused to be retrofitted four such structures. The City Department of Building and Safety adopted the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). New development in the City will be subject to this, or later versions of the UBC and/or International Building Code, and should be able to resist major earthquakes without collapsing, although structural damage could occur. Liquefaction Liquefaction hazards in the City and planning areas are considered generally low, except in the northern portion of the planning area, in a small area between the Indio Hills and the Little San Bernardino Mountains. This area could develop with limited residential development with buildout of the General Plan. The City should require site specific liquefaction studies as development is proposed in these areas. The analysis will include mitigation measures should liquefaction be considered likely on these properties. 3. Mitigation Measures A. The City shall establish and maintain an information database containing maps and other information which describe seismic and other geotechnical hazards occurring within the City boundaries, sphere -of -influence and planning area. B. Proper structural engineering, which takes into account the forces that will be applied to structures by anticipated ground motions, shall provide mitigation for ground shaking hazards. Seismic design shall be in accordance with the most recently adopted editions of the Uniform Building Code and/or International Building Code, and the seismic design parameters of the Structural Engineers' Association of California. C. Proposals for development on wind or stream -deposited sediment on the valley floor shall include site -specific subsurface geotechnical investigations that address settlement, liquefaction, and collapsible soils. These hazards can generally be mitigated by proper excavation, compaction and foundation design. D. The City shall continue to require expansive soils testing as part of its grading and building codes, and shall assure the implementation of mitigation measures which minimize these hazards, such as the use of reinforcing steel in foundations, drainage control devices, overexcavation and backfilling with non -expansive soils. E. The City shall continue to support and encourage local and regional groundwater conservation measures in an effort to mitigate potential subsidence resulting from groundwater overdraft (see also Water Resources discussion in Section lII-F). F. All grading permit requests shall include a PM10 Management Plan in conformance with the latest approved Coachella Valley PM10 requirements in place at the time construction occurs. Blowing dust and sand during grading operations shall be mitigated by adequate watering of soils prior to and during grading, and limiting the area of dry, exposed soils during grading (see also Air Quality discussion in Section III-H). III-70 ■ ■ ■ w w r r i i G. H. Soils and Geology Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Where development is proposed adjacent to or in close proximity to steep slopes, site -specific geotechnical studies shall be conducted to evaluate the potential for rock falls and/or slope failure, and to establish mitigation measures which minimize these hazards. All development proposed within Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Zones shall comply with State requirements for site -specific study, including trenching to locate fault traces, and to submit this analysis prior to any development approval for the property. H. During site grading, all existing vegetation and debris shall be removed from areas that are to receive compacted fill. Any trees to be removed shall have a minimum of 95% of the root systems extracted. Man-made objects shall be overexcavated and exported from the site. Removal of unsuitable materials may require excavation to depths ranging from 2 to 4 feet or more below the existing site grade. I. All fill soil, whether on site or imported, shall be approved by the individual project soils engineer prior to placement as compaction fill. All fill soil shall be free from vegetation, organic material, cobbles and boulders greater than 6 inches in diameter, and other debris. Approved soil shall be placed in horizontal lifts of appropriate thickness as prescribed by the soils engineer and watered or aerated as necessary to obtain near -optimum moisture content. J. Fill materials shall be completely and uniformly compacted to not less than 90% of the laboratory maximum density as determined by ASTM test method D-1557-78. The project soils engineer shall observe the placement of fill and take sufficient tests to verify the moisture content, uniformity, and degree of compaction obtained. In -place soil density should be determined by the sand -cone method, in accordance with ASTM Test Method D-1556-64 (74), or equivalent test method acceptable to the City Building and Safety Department. K. Finish cut slopes generally shall not be inclined steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical). Attempts to excavate near -vertical temporary cuts for retaining walls or utility installations in excess of 5 feet may result in gross failure of the cut and may possibly damage equipment and injure workers. All cut slopes must be inspected during grading to provide additional recommendations for safe construction. L. Finish fill slopes shall not be inclined steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical). Fill slope surfaces shall be compacted to 90% of the laboratory maximum density by either over -filling and cutting back to expose a compacted core or by approved mechanical methods. M. Foundation systems that utilize continuous and spread footings are recommended for the support of one and two-story structures. Foundations for higher structures must be evaluated based on structure design and on -site soil conditions. N. Positive site drainage shall be established during finish grading. Finish lot grading shall include a minimum positive gradient of 2% away from structures for a minimum distance of three (3) feet and a minimum gradient of 1% to the street or other approved drainage course. III-71 Soils and Geology Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures O. An adequate subdrain system shall be constructed behind and at the base of all retaining walls to allow for adequate drainage and to prevent excessive hydrostatic pressure. P. Utility trench excavations in slope areas or within the zone of influence of structures should be properly backfilled in accordance with the following recommendations: a) Pipes shall be bedded with a minimum of 6 inches of pea gravel or approved granular soil. Similar material shall be used to provide a cover of at least 1 foot over the pipe. This backfill shall then be uniformly compacted by mechanical means or jetted to a firm and unyielding condition. b) Remaining backfill may be fine-grained soil. It shall be placed in lifts not exceeding 6 inches in thickness or as determined appropriate, watered or aerated to near optimum moisture content, and mechanically compacted to a minimum of 90% of the laboratory maximum density. c) Pipes in trenches within 5 feet of the top of slopes or on the face of slopes shall be bedded and backfilled with pea gravel or approved granular soils as described above. The remainder of the trench backfill shall comprise typical on -site fill soil mechanically compacted as described in the previous paragraph. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting A. During any project site preparation, the City Engineer and Building Department staff shall conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances and conditions of approval, as well as any additional erosion control mitigation measures specified in this document. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Building Department, developer, grading contractor. B. Subsequent to preparation of final development plans and specifications, but prior to grading and construction, the foundation plans should be reviewed by the City Engineer to verify compatibility with site geotechnical conditions and conformance with recommendations contained herein. The need for additional subsurface exploration will be determined on a project by project basis. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, geotechnical consultant. C. When appropriate, rough grading of a project site shall be performed under geological and engineering observation of the geological consultant and/or the City Engineer. Rough grading includes, but is not limited to, grading of overexcavation cuts, fill placement, and excavation of temporary and permanent cut slopes. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, geotechnical consultant. D. As determined appropriate by the City Engineer and consulting geologist, the geotechnical consultant and/or the City Engineer shall perform the following observations during site grading and construction of foundations to verify or modify, if necessary, conclusions and recommendations in the project's geotechnical report: III-72 Hydrology TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures 1. Observation of all grading operations. 2. Geologic observation of all cut slopes. 3. Observation of all key cuts and fill benching. 4. Observation of all retaining wall back cuts, during and following completion or excavation. 5. Observation of all surface and subsurface drainage systems. 6. Observation of backfill wedges and subdrains for retaining walls. 7. Observation of pre -moistening of subgrade soils and placement of sand cushion and vapor barrier beneath the slab. 8. Observation of all foundation excavations for the structure or retaining walls prior to placing forms and reinforcing steel. 9. Observation of compaction of all utility trench backfill. Responsible Parties: City Engineer and/or geotechnical consultant. D. Hydrology 1. Existing Conditions Hydrology is significantly influenced by the geography and climate of a particular locale. The Coachella Valley and the City of Palm Desert occur in a low desert basin, flanked by local mountain ranges that isolate the region from moist and cool maritime air masses coming on shore to the west, creating a subtropical desert climate. The desert floor receives a very low mean annual rainfall, ranging from 4 to 6 inches per year. In some years, no measurable rainfall has been reported. In general, precipitation occurs during the winter months, between December and March. The surrounding mountain slopes generally receive rainfall that increase with elevation. The mountains and upper elevations of the General Plan study area are generally cooler, with about a 5°F drop in temperature with every 1,000-foot increase in elevation. Daytime temperatures in the valley reach up to 125°F occasionally during the summer season and winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Although the Coachella Valley has a low mean average rainfall, the region is susceptible to flash floods generated by occasional high -intensity thunderstorms and tropical storms, occurring primarily during late summer and early fall. Dry ground surfaces can become saturated by intense and excessive rainfall, resulting in substantial reduction of percolation rates and increasing runoff. Permeable soils covered by asphalt and other impervious surfaces associated with development also contribute to rainwater runoff. Potential landslides, and debris or mudflows can occur in hilly or mountainous areas when saturated soils are weighed down by water. Flash flooding in the Coachella Valley is generally limited to washes extending from mountain canyons, floodways and floodplains adjacent to rivers and low-lying drainages. Flooding on alluvial fans can be particularly damaging because floodwaters move at high velocities and spread across wide unchannelized areas. Given that most of the City is situated on alluvial fans, the hazard posed by flooding is significant if not mitigated. Flooding can also be an attribute of unusually warm conditions occurring in early spring, which cause the snow pack on adjacent mountains to melt rapidly. In fact, nearly all of the surface water in the Coachella Valley originates from snow melting off the slopes of the San Bernardino, Little San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. The water is usually absorbed by porous sands and gravels on III-73 N Hydrology Project Impacts TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures 2. Project Impacts Potential flooding problems in the City of Palm Desert, its sphere -of -influence and planning area are associated with storm flows in the Whitewater River and its tributaries, flooding on the alluvial fans, and to runoff associated with the Indio Hills and the foothills of the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains. Ongoing growth and urbanization in the General Plan study area will result in the creation of additional impervious surfaces such as paved roads, parking lots, and sidewalks which can cause an increase in the amount of runoff generated. Since the bedrock formation of the hills and mountains surrounding and occurring in the General Plan study area have low permeability, heavy runoff from these areas during intense storms may be inevitable. Future development facilitated by the proposed General Plan could also potentially alter and/or disturb existing drainage patterns, which can result in the accumulation of considerable amounts of debris in the event of a major storm. Large developments may incorporate a network of channels which can include golf courses, greenbelts and other open space areas to convey and collect on -site runoff. The proposed General Plan utilizes land use planning as an effective strategy to manage potential flood hazards and protect lives and properties in areas subject to flooding. The adoption and implementation of the proposed General Plan will facilitate the regulated development of various land uses and roadways, and will put in effect policies, programs and mitigation measures which directly address the flood hazards facing the City. The foremost goal of the proposed General Plan is to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the community from potential flood and associated hazards. Its focus includes the evaluation of the potential for and extent of major future flooding. The City will coordinate with FEMA in the redesignation of the 100-year flood plains within the General Plan study area. The Plan also calls for the protection of groundwater resources from polluted runoff by implementing the NPDES permitting process. The proposed Plan acknowledges and addresses the need for and availability of adequate access and evacuation routes in the event of a major community disaster or threat. While the proposed General Plan aims to protect the community for flood hazards, it has also recognized that there are opportunities for the provision of open space and multiple uses, wildlife, pedestrian and equestrian corridors within major drainages. In general, the implementation and adoption of the proposed General Plan is not anticipated to result in substantial adverse hydrological impacts. Through thoughtful planning and coordination land use development intensities are regulated and improvements and construction of new storm water facilities are identified. Moreover, the policies and plans of the proposed General Plan seek to establish and enhance inter -agency planning cooperation, and facilitate the development of effective and cost- effective local and regional drainage facilities. 3. Mitigation Measures The City will continue to review and assess hydrology analyses on a project -by project basis. The findings of these studies will be integrated into the project master drainage plans appropriately, and the City will have the opportunity to require additional on -site flood control facilities as necessary. III-81 Hydrology Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures The proposed General Plan intends to provide a comprehensive assessment of flooding and other hydraulic hazards in the community, and complete facilities and services effectively protecting lives and property. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented to reduce potential impacts associated with flooding and hydrology to less than significant levels: A. The City shall continue to update hydrologic conditions in the General Plan study area, and plan and pro -actively coordinate with other responsible agencies in upgrading the City's local and regional drainage system. B. The City shall implement the recommendations of the 1993 Master Drainage Plan study. Local regulations and guidelines shall be established which are consistent with the Master Plan of Drainage, direct the management of runoff, and provide for local drainage facilities support the effective use of regional drainage facilities. C. The City shall monitor and periodically update the Master Plan of Drainage to reflect changes in local and regional drainage and flood conditions. D . The City shall develop, update and maintain Capital Improvement Plans for drainage management based upon the Master Drainage Plan project descriptions. E. The City shall place the highest priority for improvements to be implemented through the Master Drainage Plan on the following stormwater facilities: Whitewater River Channel, the Palm Valley Channel, the Deep Canyon Channel, and City of Indian Wells drainages located to the east of the City. F. The City shall evaluate the need for requiring an upgrade from a 25-year on -site retention to a 100-year on -site retention in crucial locations of the General Plan, as described by the Master Drainage Plan. G. The City shall coordinate and cooperate with responsible regional agencies in achieving multi- use agreements of major drainage facilities, including debris basins and flood control channes and designing safe and attractive recreational facilities, which are consistent with the functional requirements of these facilities. H. The City shall require all new development to incorporate adequate flood mitigation measures, such as grading that prevents adverse drainage impacts to adjacent properties, on -site retention of runoff, and the adequate siting of structures located within flood plains. I. The City will ensure that adequate, safe, all-weather crossings over drainage facilities and flood control channels are provided where necessary, and are maintained for access during major storm events. J. The City shall investigate the possibility of participating in the nationwide inventory and evaluation of bridges to address the potential impacts of bridge scour during major flood events. III-82 Water Quality/Resources TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section IR — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City Engineer shall regularly, and at least once a year, report to the City Council on progress made in developing local drainage plans and implementing drainage control projects. The status of regional drainage plans and facilities affecting flood control in the City shall also be reported upon. Responsible Agencies: City Engineer, City Council, CVWD B. The City Engineer shall review and approve project -specific hydrology studies and mitigation plans for development proposals, and assure their adequacy with regard to stormwater management and pollution control. Responsible Agencies: City Engineer E. Water Quality/Resources 1. Existing Conditions Complex tectonic forces have created the unique physiographic form of the Coachella Valley. The region is characterized as a deep trough which has been progressively filled with sands and gravel that have eroded from the surrounding mountains and hills. Over millions of years, this sediment -filled basin has functioned as a repository for rainfall, mountain runoff and occasional inundation from the Colorado River. Although considered as one of the driest regions in the United States, the Coachella Valley is underlain by a large groundwater basin that stores fresh water. This basin is identified by the Department of Water Resources as the Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin. The Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin extends from the surface drainage divide at the west end of San Gorgonio Pass to the Salton Sea on the southeast and includes over 690 square miles.10 The Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin is divided into distinct subbasins and subareas. The subbasins are the San Gorgonio Pass, Mission Creek, Whitewater River, and Desert Hot Springs. Subbasin boundaries are generally defined by seismic faults that restrict the lateral movement of groundwater, including the Mission Creek and Banning strands of the San Andreas Fault Zone. It is estimated that between the high ground water elevations that occurred during the 1935-1936 season and a depth of 1,000 feet below the ground surface, the Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin has a capacity for storing about 39,000,000 acre-feet of ground water." Whitewater River Subbasin The Whitewater River subbasin, the largest groundwater repository for the Coachella Valley, underlies the City of Palm Desert and a substantial portion of the valley floor. It is the primary groundwater repository serving the Palm Desert General Plan study area. In general, the Whitewater River subbasin extends from the junction of Interstate-10 and Highway 111, to the Salton Sea approximately 70 miles to the east and encompasses approximately 400 square miles. The subbasin is bounded on the north and io "Coachella Valley Investigation, Bulletin 108," Department of Water Resources, July 1964. Ibid. III-83 Water Quality/Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Based on CVWD's usage factors, the buildout of the General Plan will result in usage of 312,562 acre feet of water annually. This analysis assumes maximum buildout of all land uses, and is therefore expected to be conservative. Development of new projects in the General Plan study area will result in gradual increases in water consumption. Implementation and buildout of the proposed General Plan will contribute to the cumulative impacts of urban development on groundwater resources in the Coachella Valley, including the continued reduction in the amount of potable groundwater in storage. As CVWD develops and implements the mitigation measures included in their Water Management Plan, a number of conservation methods are likely to be implemented which will reduce the total consumption in the District's service area. The Management Plan's Preferred Alternative results in the reversal of current overdraft conditions in the long term, and the accommodation of city buildouts throughout the Valley. Impacts to water quality resulting from the adoption and implementation of the proposed General Plan are anticipated to be comparable to, or slightly greater than those resulting from the buildout of the current General Plan. Groundwater contamination could also potentially result from the additional development facilitated by the proposed General Plan. The policies and programs of the proposed General Plan aim to reduce impacts to water resources to less than significant levels and assure the continued implementation of federal, state, local and other applicable pollution control standards. 3. Mitigation Measures Water Conservation With increasing demands on limited water supplies in the Coachella Valley, efforts to reduce per capita consumption are a priority. One of the best opportunities for water conservation is the implementation of water -efficient landscaping design and management. The City has adopted a Water -Efficient Landscape Ordinance, as required by the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 1990 (Section 24.04 of Palm Desert Municipal Code). The ordinance establishes minimum water -efficient landscape requirements for all new and rehabilitated public and private landscape projects. The ordinance also requires development project proponents to submit -landscape construction plans, grading plans, irrigation design plans and landscape maintenance schedules for review and approval by the Public Works Department. In some cases, landscape irrigation audits and soils analyses are required. The City is also in the process of preparing a Parking Lot Tree Ordinance, which will identify specific landscaping requirements for parking lots that will also be responsive to water conservation goals. The Public Works Department will be responsible for reviewing proposed parking lot landscaping plans for their conformance with this ordinance. The City also complies with State law which, since 1992, has mandated the installation of low -flush toilets and low -flow showerheads and faucets in new construction. The Coachella Valley Water District has been instrumental in developing and implementing regional water conservation programs. CVWD offers water audits to farms, golf courses and homeowner's associations in an effort to identify wasteful water usage and improve efficiency. It also reviews III-92 Water Quality/Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palrn Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures landscape plans for major housing and commercial developments, and offers landscape workshops and other educational programs to homeowners associations and students. CVWD maintains two xeriscape gardens to demonstrate the effective use of native plants and efficient irrigation systems. The treatment and use of reclaimed and recycled water has further reduced the adverse impacts of development on groundwater resources. General Mitigation Measures Groundwater subbasins do not respect jurisdictional boundaries, and the threat of groundwater depletion or contamination must be viewed from both a regional and local perspective. Effective storm water management helps to protect groundwater quality, and protection of the region's major mountain watersheds will help assure and optimize long-term natural recharge to the Whitewater River and other groundwater repositories. The conservation and wise use of water resources will continue to be a central theme of community development planning in Southern California. The City of Palm Desert has developed policies and programs that encourage and/or require water -efficient landscaping and irrigation design, as well as water -conserving home appliances and fixtures. The City plays an important role in the long-term protection of this essential, finite and valuable resource. The goals, policies and programs of the proposed Palm Desert General Plan update aim to provide and maintain a dependable supply of safe, high -quality domestic water to meet the needs of all segments of the General Plan study area. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented to reduce potential impacts to water resources, associated with the implementation of the proposed General Plan, to less than significant levels. A. The City shall continue to implement it's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to optimize conservation and comply with State Assembly Bill 325 (AB 325), by requiring the use of native and other drought -tolerant planting materials and efficient irrigation systems. B. The City shall coordinate and cooperate with the Coachella Valley Water District to expand and strengthen educational/public relations programs regarding the importance of water conservation and water -efficient landscaping. C. The City shall require the use of water conserving appliances and fixtures such as low -flush toilets, and low -flow showerheads and faucets, and require the application of water -conserving technologies in conformance with Section 17921.3 of the Health and Safety Code, Title 20, California Administrative Code Section 1601(b), and applicable sections of Title 24 of the State Code in all new developments. D. The City shall support CVWD's continuation and expansion of groundwater recharge efforts and use of tertiary treated wastewater as a means of reducing demand for groundwater resources. E. The City shall coordinate with the CVWD regarding the continued use and future expansion of tertiary treated wastewater treatment and distribution facilities to serve existing and new development projects in the City. III-93 Biological Resources Existing Conditions TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures F. The City shall consult and coordinate with CVWD regarding the expansion and funding of sewer service to unconnected areas, and consider approaches and mechanisms that facilitate financing and construction of these facilities. G. The City shall require that all existing and new development be connected to the sewage treatment system of the Coachella Valley Water District. H. The City shall establish and enforce regulations and guidelines for the development and maintenance of project -specific on -site retention/detention basins, which implement the NPDES program, enhance groundwater recharge, complement regional flood control facilities, and address applicable community design policies. I. The City shall evaluate all proposed land use and development plans for their potential to create groundwater contamination hazards from point and non -point sources, and shall confer with other appropriate agencies, as necessary, to assure adequate review. J. The City shall actively encourage and shall participate in the development of water management and conservation strategies, coordinating with CVAG and its member jurisdictions, the Coachella Valley Water District, Desert Water Agency and Mission Springs Water District on water supply and conservation programs. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. All development proposals shall be reviewed by the Community Development Department and City Engineer to assess potential adverse impacts on water quality and quantity. All developments shall be required to mitigate any significant impacts. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, City Engineer, Developers, Coachella Valley Water District, Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company. B . The Coachella Valley Water District and Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company shall coordinate and cooperate with local, state and federal agencies to assure the protection of groundwater aquifer from excessive extraction. Responsible Parties: Coachella Valley Water District, Myoma Dunes Mutual Water District F. Biological Resources 1. Existing Conditions The biological resources within and surrounding the City of Palm Desert were assessed in a comprehensive study prepared for the Palm Desert General Plan Update." Preparation of the said biological resources study involved literature review which included the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB), the Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard Habitat Conservation Plan, Administrative Draft Coachella Valley Multi -Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), botanical and wildlife 19 "Palm Desert General Plan Update, Biological Report," prepared by Dr. Lawrence F. LaPr6, June 29, 2001. III-94 U Biological Resources Project Impacts TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures 11 The goals of the Plan include standardized mitigation and compensation measures for species of concern on a regional basis, and meeting the requirements of federal and state protection laws for endangered species. Adoption of the MSCHP is anticipated to limit the need for individual project review of the potential effects of development activities on species of concern. 2. Project Impacts Potential Impacts to Plant Communities Grading and development of lands within the General Plan study area could potentially result in the destruction of entire populations of common and sensitive plant species. Elimination, depletion and modification of natural communities such as sand dunes and sand fields could result in significant impacts to species with extreme limited distribution such as the Coachella Valley milk vetch. Introduction of non-native plant species associated with landscaping could result in native plant species competing for water, nutrients and space. Adverse impacts to Glandular ditaxis plant species could occur with development projects at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Potential Impacts to Invertebrates and Reptiles Potential impacts to invertebrates and reptiles are associated with continued urbanization in the General Plan study area. The Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, flat -tailed horned lizard, and the Coachella giant sand treader cricket are known to inhabit desert sand dunes and sandy flats. Urban development may lead to disruption, fragmentation and even permanent loss of habitat which will substantially affect individuals or an entire animal population. These species are also subject to impacts from traffic and off- highway vehicles and crushing from grading and construction activities. Potential Impacts to Birds Increased urbanization will result in significant impacts to both common and sensitive bird species in the General Plan study area. Bird species are susceptible to domestic pet predation, shooting and capture by humans and electrocution from high voltage power lines. Disturbances to breeding seasons, ingestion of pesticides which causes the thinning of egg shells, and introduction of parasites contribute to the decline of bird population. Habitat for the Burrowing Owl is destroyed or becomes fragmented when development occurs in lands containing sand dunes and sand fields. Bird species that inhabit cliffs and hilly or mountainous terrain are subject to impacts associated with development within or adjacent to the slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Flood control could affect migratory riparian birds such as the ' Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Least Bell's Vireo and Yellow -Breasted Chat. Potential Impacts to Mammals Development activities include the clearing of lands of all vegetation and wildlife. The General Plan ' study area supports a diverse range common and sensitive mammals which are subject to adverse impacts resulting from urbanization ofIhe surrounding environment. Studies have supported that habitat encroachment on the hillsides of the Santa Rosa Mountains has already resulted in bighorn sheep acquiring food and water from project developments. Animal and plant species inhabiting the Santa ` Rosa Mountains are also susceptible to human disturbances including shooting, capture or collection. 1 The loss of sand dunes and sand field habitats will affect the Palm Springs Pocket Mouse and the Palm Springs Round -tailed Ground Squirrel. Small mammals become predatory targets for domestic pets and off -road vehicles and highway vehicles also contribute to the decline of small mammal population. III-109 Biological Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section 1II — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Landscaping of project development may include plants that are toxic to mammals through contact or ingestion. 3. Mitigation Measures A. The City shall continue to support and participate in the development of the Coachella Valley Multi -Species Habitat Conservation Plan. B. The City shall designate all mountainous areas of the Santa Rosa Mountains, generally following the toe of slope, as Open Space for the protection of bighorn sheep and other species occurring in these habitats. C. Undeveloped lands that have not been graded, cleared or farmed at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains should be surveyed at the appropriate season for the presence of Glandular Ditaxis and the desert tortoise. D. The City shall not require fringe -toed lizard surveys for proposed projects on sand sheets, dunes and hummocks within the boundaries of the Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard Habitat Conservation Plan. The payment of the mitigation fee of $600 per acre will satisfy requirements of the federal Habitat Conservation Plan. E. Proposed projects within sand deposits throughout the northern General Plan study area should be surveyed at the appropriate season for potential presence of blowsand endemics, including the flat -tailed homed lizard, giant sand -treader cricket, and the Coachella Valley milk vetch. F. The City should require surveys for the gray vireo during the spring nesting season to evaluate potential impacts to this restricted -range bird species. Surveys for the dotted blue should also be required for evaluation of discretionary permits. Surveys for these particular bird species are applicable to development proposals within Section 36, T6S, R6E. G. Developments such as country clubs should be encouraged to establish grove plantings of untrimmed palm trees, which could provide roost sites for the southern yellow bat. H. Biological surveys for bats should be performed on projects involving reconstruction of bridges to determine if significant roost are present. I. The City should require water conservation and recycling for the Royal Carrizo, Pinyon Crest, and Chapman Ranch areas, in order to ensure adequate water supply for the endangered desert slender salamander. J. The City should consider the requirement that a barrier be constructed around the perimeter of any new project where the toe of slope of the Santa Rosa Mountains meets the valley floor. This would protect bighorn sheep and prevent additional habituation and reliance on food and water from developed areas. Informal consultation or review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game should be completed prior to imposition of this III-110 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ K. L. Biological Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures recommendation. This barrier is one of the recommended conservation actions in the bighorn sheep recovery plan. The City shall encourage and cooperate in the establishment of multiple use corridors that use drainage channels and utility easements to provide wildlife corridors and public access interconnections between open space areas. The City shall prepare and maintain a comprehensive list of plant materials, which shall include native and non-native, drought tolerant trees, shrubs and groundcover that complement the local environment. A list of prohibited plant materials shall also be prepared. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City shall review information database and mapping system of sensitive plants, animals and habitats occurring within the General Plan study area, which shall be accurately and regularly updated. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, GIS Staff B. The Initial Study review process will be utilized to assess potential impacts of development projects on biological resources. Impacts shall be clearly documented and mitigation measures recommended where appropriate. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Developer/Consulting Biologist C. The City shall assure that all required biological resource mitigation actions, including but not limited to off -site mitigations and/or the payment of impact fees are satisfied, prior to issuance of building permits. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Developer/Consulting Biologist D. Inspection during development and grading shall monitor compliance with grading limits, and assure the preservation and incorporation of native and other appropriate desert landscape materials into all areas of the project according to the approved landscape plan. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Developer/Consulting Biologist TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures G. Cultural Resources Analysis of cultural resources within the Palm Desert General Plan study area involved the preparation of a cultural resources study for the City by CRM Tech. The study is included in Appendix C of this document. 1. Existing Conditions The Palm Desert General Plan is part of a region that has witnessed human occupation for thousands of years. Cultural resources in the General Plan study area consist of Native American settlements that were established before and after the arrival of European -Americans, as well as historical structures and features that were built and used as early as the 1700's by European settlers. Pre -Historic Settlement in the Study Area The "pre -historic" period represents the time prior to the arrival of non -Native American peoples. The pre -historic period in Coachella Valley is generally divided into the Archaic Period and Late Prehistoric Period. The Archaic Period occurred before 1,000 A.D. while the Late Prehistoric Period is defined as occurring after 1000 A.D. until around the late 1700s. The introduction of pottery by the Colorado River tribes to the region, around 1000 A.D., established the transition point between the Archaic and Late Prehistoric Periods and also indicates interaction between the Coachella Valley tribes and the Colorado River tribes. The Cahuilla, a Takic-speaking people of hunters and gatherers, is the most recent identifiable native culture to evolve in the Coachella Valley region. Anthropologists have divided the Cahuilla into three groups according to their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass/Palm Springs area; the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains; and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley, as, far south as today's Salton Sea. Each lineage had its own food harvesting areas, ceremonial house and chief. However, a number of lineages are known to have cooperated with one another for trade, intermarriage, and ceremonies. During the prehistoric period, important cultural developments include the change from burial practices to cremations around 500 B.C. and the introduction of the bow and arrow, probably around 500 A.D. Historical linguistic studies suggest that between 1000 BC and 500 AD, a migration of Takic speakers from the Great Basin region of Nevada, Utah, and eastern California into southern California took place. The first official land survey of the Coachella Valley was conducted by Deputy U.S. Surveyors Henry Washington, James McDonald, and John LaCroze in 1855-1856. The surveyors noted a number of man- made features in the study area, including the ruins of an Indian village near today's Thousand Palms Oasis. They also identified several trails, one of which crossed the middle portion of the study area along the Whitewater River, close to the city center of present-day Palm Desert. The trail was part of the Cocomaricopa Trail, which was later "discovered" by Euro-Americans as the Bradshaw Trail. The 1855-1856 surveys, also indicates that there were no active native or non-native settlements in the study area. The nearest settlement to the study area was the Palma Seca well, an Indian rancheria, which served as an important stop on the Bradshaw Trail during the 1860s and 1870s and is located in the present-day city of Indian Wells. III-112 TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIB Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures During the 1770's, the Spaniards crossed through Cahuilla territory as they explored for new land routes between Mexico and northern California. It is considered that initial contact between the Cahuilla and Europeans took place during this period. Over time, conflicts over land ownership, religious and cultural practices and exploitation led to the deterioration of the relationship between the Cahulla and Europeans. In the early 1860s, a smallpox epidemic, to which the Cahuilla had no immunity, decimated the Cahuilla population, which declined to about 2,500 individuals. Today, Native Americans of the Pass and Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in the Coachella Valley, including the Torres Martinez, Augustine, Agua Caliente, Cabazon, and Morongo, most of which are in close proximity to the City of Palm Desert. Historic Settlement in the Study Area During the late 18th century, Spain was determined to colonize California before other European nations. Along the coast of California, religious missions and military strongholds were established by Spanish explorers. By 1700's, Spanish and Mexican explorers crossed through the Coachella Valley as they searched for easily passable supply routes from Mexico to colonies on the northern Monterey Peninsula of California. In 1822, Mexico secured its independence from Spain under the Treaty of Cordova, and Spanish forces were driven out of Mexico and California. In 1823-1825, Jose Romero, Jose Maria Estudillo, and Romualdo Pacheco led an expedition in search of a route to Yuma, Arizona and became the first noted European explorers to travel through the Coachella Valley. In 1848, the United States defeated Mexico in the Mexican -American War and gained control of California. At the same time, the discovery of gold and the appeal of cattle ranching led to an influx of new settlers to the state. California was admitted to the Union in 1850. The first U.S. Government surveys were conducted in the Coachella Valley in 1855-56 by Henry Washington, John La Craze and James G. McDonald, who observed a number of trails and roads crossing the Valley. The Cocomaricopa Trail passed through the Coachella Valley along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and connected the .coastal region of California with the Colorado River. The trail was originally an Indian trade route and was revealed by the Maricopa Indians to the Europeans in 1821. In 1862, the trail was "rediscovered" by William David Bradshaw as the shortest route between the California coast and gold mines near the Colorado River, and it became known as the Bradshaw Trail. The trail served as the primary thoroughfare for stagecoaches traveling between coastal southern California and the gold fields near present-day Ehrenberg, Arizona. It also became part of the U.S. Mail route between Los Angeles and Santa Fe, New Mexico. By the late 1876-77, however, the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the depletion of the La Paz gold mines brought an end to the heyday of this historic wagon road. Traffic declined to nearly nothing by 1880, but ranchers and miners continued to use it for local transport. In the early twentieth century, with the coming of the automobile age, the role of the Bradshaw Trail was revived in the form of the Ocean -to -Ocean Highway. Today, State Highway 111 closely follows the course of the Bradshaw Trail . III-113 TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Non -Indian settlement in the Coachella Valley expanded during the 1870s and 1880s, with the establishment of railroad stations along the Southern Pacific line and the implementation of the Homestead Act and Desert Land Act, which opened public land for claims. With the utilization of underground water sources, farming became the dominant economic activity in the Coachella Valley. The date palm, the region's main agricultural staple, was first introduced around 1900, and by the late 1910s the date palm industry had firmly established itself in the region. Starting in the 1920s, however, a new industry featuring equestrian camps, resort hotels and eventually country clubs began spreading throughout the Valley. The General Plan study area remained unsettled and devoid of any evidence of land development until the turn of the twentieth century. The only features recorded during that time were the Southern Pacific Railroad, Bradshaw Trail, and another trail near the northern tip of the Planning Area at the mouth of West Wide Canyon. Several railroad construction workers' camps were present by the early 1900s. In 1910, improvements to the Bradshaw Trail (the forerunner of today's Highway 111) further paved the way for settlement and growth in the "cove communities" region of the Coachella Valley. By 1914, a railroad station named Edom, which contained a post office, was established in the General Plan Planning Area. The construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct by the Metropolitan Water District, between 1933 and 1939 brought a number of permanent and temporary features to the northernmost portion of the Planning Area. Among these were roads, power transmission lines, waterlines, and construction camps. The remains of one of eight construction camps, Camp Thousand Palms, have been discovered at the mouth of East Deception Canyon in the foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. By 1941, several rural settlements had been established in the area between the Southern Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific) and the Indio Hills. Among these were Thousand Palms, Edom, Myoma, the Ferguson Ranch, the Thousand Palms Oasis, the Bar Bell Ranch, the Chuckwalla Ranch, and the Hunter Palms Ranch. The small community of Palm Village was established south of the railroad, on the north side of Highway 111. The Foundingof the City of Palm Desert The City of Palm Desert was founded on the south side of Highway 111 in 1945-1946 by the four Henderson brothers, Randall, Carl, Clifford, and Phil. The Henderson brothers were involved in early development, and organized the Palm Desert Corporation to promote their new desert town, and by 1947, the population was sufficient to establish a post office. In 1951, Palm Village and Palm Desert merged into a single community, forming the present urban core of the city. Around that time, the community of Cahuilla Hills emerged on the west side of Highway 74, just southwest of Palm Desert. In addition, several tracts of land south of the railroad and in the area between the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the Indio Hills were settled. After four unsuccessful attempts, the City of Palm Desert was incorporated in 1973 and became the 171° incorporated city in Riverside County. III-114 1 r i 23 24 26 25 3 36 5 Palm Desert (North) • :w • Ihm a a• tea u Map %edam Ma:1 Presumed Ora Amount07. 2001 Prepaid ARM tni.rntai.n system. t — — - Road. Legend Township/Range Sections Rsioade City Limit. General Plan Planning Area . • 4 TEXI•nwp• I C®g3 ... • City Spheral of influence High semitivity for prehistoric archaeological ra.arna. Relatively high sensitivity for historic structure or arehasolopieel resources from pre-1940-era Palm Desert General Plan Cultural Resources Sensitivity Assessment North Planning Area Exhibit 10-14 14 23 24 4 116- YL-44- .4.1110 26 ; 25 33 ; 34 ; 35 4 ; 2 ; +.____ 11 It 14 ; 4 7 8 18 „ ; 2g 23 ; 24 r, 19 1 • 1 • 1 1 1 28 . : 26 : 25 ' 30 1 1 1 32 ; 33 ; 35 ; 36 ; 31 ; 32 . . . ; 5 •3 1 6 5 , • • • al. • • 0-• Ai -a. • +a. s-e. • • a •Fa. . • -• .• • 401..•-• -• • • 40'1- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Paim Desert (South) Bub 1010.100 0 GB 1.0 1.4 kla. Varian Mu 1 Map Prawn/ Om "WIN 07, 2001 Map Pesprod Inlennolen 0.112•1111 Legend lbuinghipsima. &lawns I-4-4-1-1 Mhos& aty tholes Cionsial Run Moaning Arm • • • OXY OPItsto at Maumee Reads • • 4 1120A Peree High sonsilivity for prehistoric wchasologIcei resources Itsistively high esnsithrity for historic Outages or Immures* from pre-1940ore Highest concentration or historic structures from 10408-1950s Palm Desert General Plan Cultural Resources Sensitivity Assessment South Planning Area Exhibit M-15 TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Archaeological Resources in the Study Area Historical maps, previous cultural resource surveys, aerial photographs, topographic maps and other cultural records were consulted to determine the presence of known archaeological resources in the General Plan study area. A total of 138 archaeological sites have been identified and recorded in the General Plan study area, 125 of which are prehistoric (Native American) sites. Several isolated artifacts have also been identified. The majority of prehistoric sites in the General Plan study area represent Native American habitation activities, including ceramic and lithic scatters, bedrock milling features, rock cairns, trails, roasting pits, and fire hearths. One quarry site has also been identified. Most of these sites are located along the sides of canyons at the edge of the Santa Rosa Mountains, such as Coyote Creek and Deep Canyon, or in the Indio Hills. These areas would have offered Native Americans access to water and other important mountain and desert resources. Archaeological Resources Sensitivity Assessment Anthropologists and Cahuilla cultural authorities have identified nine locations within or partially within the General Plan study area that are of potential Native American cultural significance. Six of these areas occur within the Santa Rosa Mountains in the southern portion of the City's sphere -of -influence, and three are situated in the Indio Hills in northern portion of the General Plan study area. Most of them are associated with canyons, which offered water on at least a seasonal basis. These findings suggest that the various canyons in the Santa Rosa Mountains and Indio Hills, and the alluvial fans at the canyon mouths, should be regarded as highly sensitive for prehistoric archaeological resources. Potentially sensitive areas are shown in Exhibits III-114 and III-15. Historic Resources in the Study Area Historically significant sites are generally more than forty-five to fifty years of age, but range from the period of the earliest European contact (around the late 1770s in the Coachella Valley) to about the end of World War II. Potentially significant historic sites range from permanent trails and highways to living areas and small-scale remains of single activities. Analysis of previous cultural resources studies indicates that, of the 138 archaeological sites recorded in the General Plan study area, 13 are historic -era sites. These are primarily comprised of trash scatters, although structural foundations, a road, and a water conveyance system have also been recorded. Among the historic sites are the Southern Pacific Railroad and other nearby features associated with the railroad. Several sites associated with the construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct in the 1930s have been recorded in the vicinity of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. From 1981 to 1983, the Riverside County Historical Commission coordinated a countywide historical resources reconnaissance, which led to the recordation of 30 historic sites in the General Plan study area. These include a well site that dates back to 1912, the Cavanagh Adobe building that was built in the 1920s, and single-family residences constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. Most of these sites are located near the city center of Palm Desert, although several are near the community of Thousand Palms. Although the City of Palm Desert does not maintain a list of officially recognized or designated local historical landmarks, the Historical Society of Palm Desert has compiled a list of 21 sites of local historical significance. The list includes sites ranging from early homesteads to mid -twentieth century III-117 TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section lII — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures urban development. They are concentrated in the central urban core of the City, and only a few are located in outlying areas. The majority of the sites were recorded on the California Historical Resource Information System during the countywide survey in the 1980s. Ejistoric Resources Sensitivity Assessment Historic structures dating from the late 1940s and early 1950s are concentrated around the urban core of the City, and structures of similar vintage are likely to be found in outlying communities, such as Thousand Palms and Cahuilla Hills. For historic structures, or historic -period archaeological remains dating before 1940, the most sensitive areas in the planning area are along the Colorado River Aqueduct, between the Indio Hills and the Southern Pacific Railroad, and around the original connmunity of Palm Village north of Highway 111. Nonetheless, the possibility of finding historic resources in other areas cannot be ruled out. Potentially sensitive areas are identified in Exhibits III-14 and III-15. Programs Administered by the City of Pahn Desert The City of Palm Desert is an active participant in the preservation of its cultural resources. In 1978, the City formed the Historical Commission and appointed four members to carry out the responsibilities of coordinating and preserving memorabilia associated with the founding and development of the City. This led to the incorporation of the Historical Society of Palm Desert in March 1979, which has played an important role in the City's historic preservation efforts since then. Today, the Historical Society maintains numerous archival records pertaining to the City's development, which is housed in the City's historic fire station located at 72-861 El Paseo and is staffed by about 38 volunteers. historic Preservation Ordinance in 1984, the Palm Desert City Council formally adopted Ordinance 401, a historic preservation ordinance which outlines the definitions and criteria of "historic site" and "historic district." The ordinance requires the maintenance of a seven -member Historic Site Preservation Board to identify and protect properties meeting these definitions and criteria. The Board also has the authority and the responsibility to initiate the designation of historic sites or districts, review projects that may affect such sites, and issue temporary stays on demolition or exterior alterations of potentially historic structures. 2. Project Impacts Historically significant sites and structures are those that are 45 years of age or older and provide evidence of past human activities. Based on California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) Guidelines, Appendix K, cultural resources must be evaluated for their importance or significance.' " An important archaeological resource" is defined by CEQA as one which: A. Is associated with an event or person of: 1. Recognized significance in California or American history, or 2. Recognized scientific importance in prehistory; B. Can provide information which is both of demonstrable public interest and useful in addressing -- scientifically consequential and reasonable or archaeological research questions; ' "California Environmental Quality Act — Statutes and Guidelines." Prepared by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, State of California, June 1992. Appendix K: Archaeological Impacts. II1-118 Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures C. Has a special or particular quality such as oldest, best example, largest, or last surviving example of its kind; D. Is at least 100 years old and possesses substantial stratigraphic integrity; or, E. Involves important research questions that historical research has shown can be answered only with archaeological methods. Based on the findings of the cultural resources study for the proposed General Plan update, the Palm Desert General Plan study area includes lands of high sensitivity for prehistoric and archaeological artifacts, as well as historic structures or historic -period archaeological remains. The study identifies that areas of high sensitivity for prehistoric and archaeological remains occur in the various canyons in the Santa Rosa Mountains and Indio Hills and the alluvial fans at the canyon mouths, which would have provided the Native populations access to mountain and desert resources, as well as water sources in the canyons. However, it should be noted that the proposed General Plan Update designates the majority of these lands for conservation, and limited lands designated for development are assigned very low densities. Areas particularly sensitive for historic structures or historic -period archaeological remains dating before 1940 are located along the Colorado River Aqueduct, between the Indio Hills and the Southern Pacific Railroad, and around the original community of Palm Village. Historic structures from the late 1940s and early 1950s most likely occur in the urban core of the city, along with outlying communities such as Thousand Palms, Cahuilla Hills and the Sky Valley area. As mentioned above, the City continues to participate in the preservation of cultural resources by implementing Historic Preservation Ordinance 401 and by establishing the Historic Site Preservation Board. The Historical Society of Palm Desert has also played an important role in the City's historic preservation efforts. Future development projects in the General Plan study area could potentially result in direct and/or indirect disturbance or destruction of sensitive archaeological and historic resources. Site surveys should be conducted on all future development projects, if deemed necessary, to determine the presence and significance of archaeological and historic resources. 3. Mitigation Measures Continued development and urbanization of the proposed Palm Desert General Plan planning area will decrease the opportunities for documenting and preserving archaeological and historic sites and artifacts. The City of Palm Desert has the responsibility to assure that every reasonable effort is made to manage cultural resources properly and creatively within its jurisdiction. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) identifies the manner in which the City must review and address issues related to archaeological and historic resources. Projects involving a federal agency, federal funding or other federal assistance must conform to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966. In addition, the following mitigation measures are recommended to reduce potential impacts to cultural resources to less than significant levels. III-119 Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures A. All development or land use proposals, which have the potential to disturb or destroy sensitive cultural resources, shall be evaluated by a qualified professional and, if necessary, comprehensive Phase I studies and appropriate mitigation measures shall be incorporated into project approvals. B. The City should establish a transmittal system with the Eastern Information Center (EIC) in which the City may send a location map to the EIC for a transmittal -level records search when a development proposal is in its initial review phase. The transmittal shall. identify the presence or absence of known cultural resources and/or previously performed studies in and near the project area. The EIC shall also offer recommendations regarding the need for additional studies, where necessary. C. The City shall expand and enhance its historic preservation efforts by preparing a historic preservation plan and by considering participation in the Certified Local Government program. D. The City shall also incorporate historic preservation concerns into its zoning ordinance. E. The City shall establish and maintain an inventory of archaeological and historical resources within its jurisdiction, including those identified by the Eastern Information Center (EIC) at the University of California, Riverside and in focused cultural resources studies. F. The City shall protect sensitive archaeological and historic resources from vandalism and illegal collection to the greatest extent possible. The City shall maintain mapping and similar information, which identifies specific locations of sensitive cultural resources, in a confidential manner, and access to such information shall be provided only to those with appropriate professional or organizational ties. G. The City shall support the listing of eligible structures or sites as potential historic landmarks and their inclusion in the National Register of Historic Place. The City will consult and cooperate with the Palm Desert Historical Society and other appropriate cultural organizations in identifying and prioritizing sites which are eligible for listing as a historic landmark or inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. H. The City shall develop an application process for City -sponsored incentives to maintain and enhance significant buildings and sites, and provide property owners with information and guidance on eligibility requirements. J. In the event that archaeological resources are unexpectedly discovered during construction, the City shall require that development cease, and a professional archaeologist shall be employed to examine and document the site to determine subsequent activities and appropriate mitigation measures. III-120 Air Quality Existing Conditions TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring /Reporting Program A. B. Potential impacts of development projects on cultural resources shall be evaluated through the Initial Study review process. Impacts shall be clearly documented and mitigation measures recommended where appropriate. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Developer/Consulting Archaeologist, UC-Riverside Eastern Information Center. City Staff shall review cultural resources reference materials and update City records and inventories on an annual basis to assure timely and adequate maintenance of the database. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, and UC-Riverside Eastern Information Center. H. Air Quality The air quality of a particular locale is a significant factor to public health and welfare. Over the past two decades, air quality improvements have occurred in Southern California and the Coachella Valley. However, the region continues to experience significant air pollution problems, particularly those associated with suspended particulates. The City of Palm Desert and other surrounding communities demonstrate their commitment to improving air quality in the region by implementing air quality management programs. 1. Existing Conditions The Coachella Valley is located within a meteorologically and geographically unique area. The surrounding mountains shield the valley from coastal influences from the west, and create a hot, low- lying desert environment. The valley is also prone to air inversions, in which a layer of stagnant air is trapped near the ground where it is further loaded with pollutants. This process, when combined with chemical aerosols and other pollutants emitted by automobiles, furnaces and other sources, can result in considerable haziness and increased pollutant levels. The Coachella Valley is also subject to strong and sustained winds that pick up and transport large quantities of sand and dust, depositing these materials on buildings, fabrics and automobiles, thereby reducing visibility and damaging property. Extensive wind-borne soil can dirty streets, pit windshields and damage landscaping. Dust on vegetation can interfere with plant respiration and stunt growth. The adverse health effects in humans can be severe and include reduced lung capacity and functioning. Air Quality Management and Regulation Air quality management in the proposed General Plan study area is governed by federal and state air quality standards and regulations pertaining to a variety of air pollutants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), which is intended to ensure that all Americans have the basic health and environmental protections with regard to air quality. The CAA establishes minimum air pollution standards, but allows states to enact and III-121 11 OIL Air Quality Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures I project emissions should be compared to the projected future baseline (without mitigation) for the years corresponding to project phasing and/or buildout year."' The projected future baseline for the Coachella Valley will be affected less by future growth in the Palm Desert General Plan area and more from growth in other valley communities with large amounts of affordable land available for development, including the aforementioned cities of Desert Hot Springs, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and the unincorporated areas. FA3. Mitigation Measures The South Coast Air Quality Management District, CVAG and the City of Palm Desert share responsibility for monitoring air pollutant levels and regulating air pollution sources. Preservation of the environment and protection of the general public from harmful air pollutants involves monitoring and mitigating activities, which contribute to the degradation of local and regional air quality. A range of mitigation measures developed by federal, state and local agencies can be put into effect throughout the life of the General Plan to reduce pollutant emissions associated with General Plan buildout. The ongoing implementation and updating of California Title 24 Building Codes, combined with more efficient use of energy, can contribute to the reduction of impacts of pollutant emissions from heating, cooling, power plants and the consumption of natural gas. Alternative methods of electrical power generation have and will continue to replace the need for additional fossil fuel -based generating capacity. In the State of California automobile smog checks are mandatory and are designed to ensure vehicle compliance with existing emissions standards. It is feasible that improvements to combustion technology and an overall decline in air pollutant will occur in the future. Cleaner fuels and more efficient transportation vehicles are expected to continue to evolve. Impacts to air quality associated with the adoption and implementation of the proposed General Plan are potentially significant if left unmitigated. Within the context of the anticipated future baseline, mitigation measures set forth below are provided to reduce General Plan air quality impacts to less than significant levels: A. The City shall coordinate and cooperate with CVAG and SCAQMD in the ongoing monitoring and management of major pollutants affecting the City and region, with particular focus on PM10, and shall provide all required reporting to be ultimately included in SCAQMD's annual report. B . The City shall develop and maintain its General Plan Land Use Element to assure that air pollution point sources, such as manufacturing facilities, are located at an appropriate distance ' from residential areas and other sensitive land uses and receptors. C. The City shall encourage project developers to develop site plans that integrate buffer zones Ibetween sensitive receptors and point source emitters such as highways and industrial sources. f 3 "CEQA Air Quality Handbook," prepared by South Coast Air Quality Management District, April 1993. g 1 I1I-137 Air Quality Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures D. The City shall review all development proposals for potential adverse effects on air quality and as appropriate, require detailed air quality analyses and mitigation measures to address any potentially significant impacts. Mitigation measures and dust control plans shall be approved by the City prior to the issuance of grading, construction, demolition or other permits. E. The City shall encourage the incorporation of energy -efficient design measures in site plans, including appropriate site orientation to assure solar access, and the use of shade and windbreak trees to enhance the use of alternative energy systems and to reduce the need for excessive heating and cooling. F. The City shall develop and maintain a diversified transportation system that maximizes system efficiencies, minimizes vehicle miles traveled, and reduces the impact of motor vehicles on local air quality. G. The City shall continue to promote the development and use of pedestrian -oriented retail centers, as well as community -wide multi -use trails, dedicated bike lanes, golf cart paths, and other desirable alternatives to motor vehicle traffic. These components shall be integrated and periodically updated in the General Plan Circulation Element. H. The City shall implement and coordinate with the SCAQMD and CVAG to assure adequate monitoring of the effectiveness of transportation management programs of employers, including use of Sunline and other public transportation, coordinated carpooling, off-peak shift times, employee flex -time and other components. As future demand warrants, the City shall promote and support the development of a Park -and -Ride program to decrease existing and future traffic levels within the community. The City shall encourage the use of clean alternative energy sources for transportation, heating, cooling and electrical generation, to the greatest extent practical and shall encourage and coordinate with its franchise service providers and other public and private service providers to do same. J. The City shall continue to implement the Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance applicable to construction, grading and demolition activities, on -going land uses, and off -road vehicle use to reduce PM10 emissions to the greatest extent practical. K. The City shall continue to provide an effective street sweeping program that combats the cumulative impacts of blowsand, transportation -related dust generation, and nuisance dust that result from natural windstorm events. L. The City shall require the implementation of air quality control measures identified in the most current Coachella Valley PMI() State Implementation Plan. M. A PKo Management Plan for construction operations shall be submitted with all development proposals. The plan shall include dust management controls such as: • watering the site and equipment morning and evening III-I38 i N. • • • • Air Quality Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing, Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures spreading soil binders on disturbed areas, unpaved roads, and parking areas operating street -sweepers on paved roads adjacent to site re-establishing ground cover on construction site through seeding and watering paving construction access roads, as appropriate To minimize construction equipment emissions, the City shall assure that developers and contractors shall, as appropriate, implement the following: • wash off trucks leaving the site • require trucks to maintain two -feet of freeboard • properly tune and maintain construction equipment • use low sulphur fuel for construction equipment 0. To reduce construction -related traffic congestion, developers and contractors shall, as appropriate, implement the following: • encourage rideshare incentives for construction personnel • configure construction parking to minimize traffic interference • minimize obstruction of through -traffic lanes • provide a flag person to ensure safety at construction sites, as necessary • schedule operations affecting roadways for off-peak hours, as practical P. To minimize indirect -source emissions, developers may also: • implement energy conservation measures beyond state and local requirements • install low -polluting and high -efficiency appliances • install solar water heaters, to the greatest extent feasible • install energy -efficient street, landscape and parking lot lighting • include energy costs and design efficiency into capital expenditure analyses • landscape with native and other appropriate drought -resistant species to reduce water consumption and to provide passive solar benefits Q. To minimize building energy requirements, developers shall implement the following: • assure the thermal integrity of buildings and, as appropriate, reduce the thermal load with automated time clock or occupant sensors • use efficient window glazing, wall insulation and ventilation methods • use most efficient heating and other appliances, such as water heaters cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces and boiler units • incorporate appropriate passive solar design and solar heaters • use devices that minimize the combustion of fossil fuels • capture waste heat and re-employ this heat, to the greatest extent practicable Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program The City Community Development Department shall coordinate with South Coast Air Quality Management District and CVAG to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of the Coachella Valley's existing air quality monitoring equipment. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, SCAQMD, CVAG I1I-139 Air Quality Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures B. The appropriate code enforcement division shall record, consolidate and retain all complaints it receives concerning air quality degradation from construction sites, vehicle emissions, industrial generators, and other sources of air quality impacts. A report on air quality complaints and identified problems shall be provided in the annual review of the General Plan. In addition, development may be temporarily halted until inadequate controls or unacceptable conditions are corrected to the satisfaction of the City and/or SCAQMD. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, SCAQMD, CVAG C. The City Public Works Department shall monitor the performance of the City's roadways system, identify areas of congestion and inefficient traffic movement, and develop recommendations to enhance the performance of all components of the City transportation system. Responsible Parties: City Public Works Department, SCAQMD, CVAG I. Noise The noise environment can have a significant influence on the health and comfort of a community. Assessment of the noise environment in the General Plan study area involved the preparation of a noise study by Urban Crossroads. The study examines the existing noise environment in the General Plan study area and projects the future noise impacts associated with General Plan buildout. This study is included in its entirety in Appendix E of this document. 1. Existing Conditions Noise is simply defined as unwanted sound. Excessive noise affects physical health, psychological well being, social cohesion, property values and economic productivity. The effects of noise on people include subjective effects, such as annoyance and nuisance; interference with activities such as conversation and sleep; and psychological effects, ranging from startle to hearing loss. Noise generators include components of urbanization such as construction equipment and activities, motor vehicles, air and rail traffic, mechanical equipment, household appliances and other sources. Generally, the City of Palm Desert enjoys a quiet noise environment, with existing community noise being dominated primarily by constant motor vehicle traffic on highways and major arterials. The noise environment of the General Plan study area is also affected by local airport operations. Given its location, the Bermuda Dunes Airport has the greatest impact in the General Plan study area. Commercial aviation at the Palm Springs Regional Airport occasionally has an intrusive but intermittent impact on the community's noise environment. However, current airport master plan improvements are projected to further reduce airport noise exposure in Palm Desert. Freight rail service along the Union Pacific Railroad lines located immediately south of and parallel to I- 10 are also responsible for generating substantial noise levels in the community. Other community noise generators include industrial operations, construction activities, special event noise, live music, home III-140 I I Noise Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Commercial and Industrial Noise Commercial and industrial activities generate noise resulting from loading and docking operations, truck operations, and mechanical equipment installed both outside and inside buildings. Sensitive noise receptors adjacent to commercial and industrial land uses are anticipated to experience the significant impacts of noise associated with commercial and industrial activities. The review of commercial and industrial projects, particularly those in close proximity to sensitive receptors, for land use and noise compatibility issues is critical as the General Plan study area continues to expand. The use of new technologies, combined with the design requirements imposed by the City, including screening and enclosures for stationary equipment, will help to mitigate potential impacts associated with General Plan buildout. Construction Noise Construction noise constitutes a short-term impact on adjacent land uses. However, significant noise impacts could result from construction activities such as heavy construction equipment, that can generate noise levels ranging from 68 dBA to 100 dBA when measured at 50 feet from the noise source. 3. Mitigation Measures Continued growth and development in the General Plan study area will result in significant impacts associated with noise. Strategic land use and transportation planning, project design mitigation, and acoustical barriers contribute highly to the management of the City's noise environment. Noise Ordinance In 1985, the City of Palm Desert adopted Title 9, Chapter 9.24 of its Municipal Code, which established community -wide noise standards to emphasize the value of an acceptable noise environment. The City Noise Control Ordinance provides regulations for noise measurement and monitoring and cites special provisions of, and exemptions to, the ordinance. It is intended to regulate excessive noise from existing uses and associated activities, and to serve as a reference guide for identifying other pertinent noise regulations. The Palm Desert Noise Control Ordinance provides definitions of key terms and establishes exterior noise level standards on a time -of -day basis along with adjustments for intensity and duration. According to the City Noise Ordinance, the exterior noise one -hour standard for residential land uses is 55 dB between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dB between 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Violations of the Noise Control Ordinance are considered as a nuisance and subject to the procedures, remedies and penalties set forth in the City's Violations/Infractions Ordinance. Noise Barriers Because of the linear qualities of noise, barriers, such as walls, can be effective in reducing its impacts. It is important to note, however, that noise barriers must be of sufficient height and length to obstruct the noise source entirely (generally in Palm Desert this noise source will be the City's roadways). Reductions of 10 to 15 dB can be achieved with effective, solid walls which block the line of site from a home to the adjacent roadway. The noise standards in the General Plan are intended to guide the location of future noise generators and sensitive land uses. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented to reduce impacts associated with noise to less than significant level: Noise Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Categorical Mitigation Measures The following discussion describes the specific mitigation measures, which are stated on a categorical basis to address identified impacts. Construction Noise A . The City shall restrict grading and construction activities that may affect residential neighborhoods and other sensitive land uses to specified days of the week and times of the day. B . All construction equipment operating in the General Plan study area shall be fitted with well maintained functional mufflers to limit noise emissions. C. To the greatest extent feasible, earth moving and hauling routes shall be located away from nearby existing residences. D. Any portion of development in the General Plan study area involving blasting or pile driving operations shall have a focused acoustical study conducted, to establish the level and duration of off -site noise and vibration impacts and appropriate mitigation measures. On -Site Stationary Noise Sources, E. The design, selection and placement of the mechanical equipment for various buildings within the General Plan study area shall include consideration of the potential noise impact on nearby residences, both within the any development and in the surrounding community. F. Silencers and/or barriers shall be provided where necessary at outdoor equipment, such as cooling towers, air cooled condensers and refrigeration compressors/condenser units, and at the air intake and discharge openings for building ventilation systems. G. Appropriate sound barriers shall be provided surrounding any and all public facilities capable of generating disturbing levels of noise, such as water pumping stations. Off -Site Traffic Noise H. Potential noise impacts shall be considered in the final site plans for all proposed projects within the General Plan study area. Factors to be considered shall include the strategic arrangement of housing to provide necessary shielding of outdoor living areas, the incorporation of additional setbacks from roadways, and/or the construction of additional noise barriers. I. Project designs shall be required to include measures which assure that interior noise levels for residential development do not exceed 45 CNEL, as required by Title 25, California Noise Insulation Standards. J. Land uses that are compatible with higher noise levels shall be located adjacent to the City's major arterial roads and highways, including the Interstate-10 corridor, to maximize noise related land use compatibility. III-152 Noise Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures K. The City shall require the preparation of a noise impact analysis for all commercial and industrial projects which are to be located adjacent to residential land uses or other sensitive land use designations. The required noise impact analysis shall evaluate potential impacts of the project and provide for adequate mitigation measures to assure that City standards for residential and/or other sensitive land uses are maintained. L. The City shall encourage a City-wide circulation pattern which places primary traffic loads on major arterials and preserves local neighborhood noise environments by limiting roadways to local traffic to the greatest extent practical. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. Establish and periodically update an inventory of existing significant noise sources and incompatible areas, and develop procedures to reduce the noise effects on these areas, where economically and aesthetically feasible. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department B. Periodically review land use patterns and the community noise environment, and amend the land use map as appropriate to assure reasonable and use/noise compatibility. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City Council C. In areas subject to potentially significant noise impacts, the City shall require new development to monitor and document compliance with all applicable noise level limits. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department Pre -Construction D. During project -specific site planning and building design, ensure acoustical analysis takes into consideration the following: • selection and placement of mechanical equipment for all buildings, • shielding and buffering of mechanical equipment for all buildings, • strategic location of attached residences to provide shielding of outdoor living spaces, • theme wall is constructed to noise barrier specifications, • designate acceptable truck/construction equipment route(s), as appropriate, • construction drawings shall include exact acoustical specifications for window glass in buildings with unshielded first and second floor windows which experience noise exposures above CNEL 65 and, • verify that design plans of specific projects within the General Plan study area comply with State Code requirements of unit -to -unit airborne sound isolation Responsible Parties: Developer, General Contractor and City Community Development Departmen t III-153 Noise Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures During Construction E. Ensure functional mufflers on all construction equipment. Responsible Parties: Developer, General Contractor, Building Department F. Ensure that designated truck/construction equipment routes are being utilized. Responsible Parties: General and Grading Contractor, Building Department G. Ensure construction equipment operates during the hours set in the Noise Ordinance, except in emergencies. Responsible Parties: General Contractor, Building Department J. Visual Resources 1. Existing Conditions Regional Setting The City of Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley benefit from significant viewsheds created by the area's geology. On the north, the Valley is bordered by the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains, as well as the Indio Hills. Much of this land, which borders the General Plan study area, has been protected as open space in perpetuity by the creation of the Joshua Tree National Monument. The Indio Hills are south of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Edom Hill rises to an elevation of 1,614 feet. The Indio Hills are upgradient from the planning area, and can be seen from many parts of the General Plan study area. Edom Hill, located easterly of the planning area, rises to an elevation of just over 1,600 feet above sea level. The San Jacinto Mountains comprise the western boundary of the Coachella Valley, along with the significant peak of San Gorgonio. The San Jacinto Mountains rise sharply from the Valley floor, and represent the steepest gradient in North America. The San Jacinto range, although clearly visible from most parts of the City, is not inunediately adjacent to the General Plan study area. The General Plan study area is bordered on the south by the Santa Rosa Mountains. The highest peaks in this range include Toro Peak, at 8,717 feet above sea level, and Santa Rosa Peak at 8,000 feet above sea level. Through the City, Highway 111 follows roughly the toe of slope of this range, which provides a stunning backdrop to the City's built environment. The San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains were designated a National Monument by Congress in 2000, ensuring their preservation as a valuable scenic resource for the long term. Local Setting The majority of the City and planning area are located on the Valley floor, at elevations close to sea level. Only the southern part of the City, located east and west of Highway 74, occurs at more significant elevations, in the Santa Rosa mountains. Development in south Palm Desert, from El Paseo to Bighorn Country Club, occurs on the alluvial fan which falls from the Santa Rosa foothills to the III-154 Visual Resources Project Impacts TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Valley floor. The balance of the City and planning area, further south, is designated for open space land uses, and will not experience development. The development which has occurred in the City and in adjacent communities abuts the Santa Rosa mountains, and has created a striking contrast visible from most of the Valley, and therefore its most significant visual resource. In the northern portion of the study area, development to date has been limited beyond Interstate 10. This area is characteristic of the wind-blown sand dunes created by climatic conditions in the area, and has limited visual value. 2. Project Impacts Buildout of the Preferred Alternative is expected to result in the continuation of development as currently occurs in the City. The generally suburban and resort -oriented nature of residential and commercial development will not change significantly with buildout of the General Plan. The General Plan also does not propose to significantly change the generally low-rise, and thus low density, types of structures which have been built in the past. All development, however, will continue to change the appearance of the Valley floor, and has the potential to significantly impact the City's scenic viewsheds. This is particularly true in areas of the study area which have been traditionally under- or undeveloped, in the area north of Interstate 10 to the San Bernardino Mountains. Careful consideration of the character of this area is important to its future integration into the built environment of the City. The proposed General Plan includes a number of policies and programs, located in the Community Design Element, which ensure that the construction of all types of structures in the future will be sensitive to scenic viewsheds, surrounding development, and the City's character. The Plan either regulates development, or requires that the zoning ordinance and municipal code be amended to include standards for development. The northern portion of the study area is also particularly susceptible to the impacts associated with light and glare. Since this area is currently under -developed, night time lighting is limited, and generally consists primarily of car headlights and outdoor security lighting. As this area develops, the night time lighting levels are likely to increase, and change its visual character. The General Plan includes provisions for limited lighting, and policies and programs provided in the Community Design Element specifically require that outdoor lighting be sensitive to dark sky principles. The proposed General Plan Land Use Map designates the Santa Rosa Mountains as Open Space. This designation significantly restricts the potential for development. These measures will limit development to the valley floor and preserve the high visual quality of the Santa Rosa Mountains. 3. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures further assure that buildout of the General Plan will have limited impacts n the City's visual resources. 111-155 Visual Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures A. Overhead utility lines shall be undergrounded to the greatest extent possible through the establishment of an undergrounding program and guidelines. B. The City shall coordinate with utility providers, including but not limited to Southern California Edison, the Imperial Irrigation District, The Gas Company, and Verizon to assure that utility infrastructure, including water wells, substations, and switching/control facilities are effectively screened to preserve scenic viewsheds and limit visual clutter. C. Outdoor lighting shall be limited to the minimum height, number of fixtures, and intensity needed to provide sufficient security and identification in each development, making every reasonable effort to protect the community's night skies. D. Signage shall be limited to the locations, sizes, and maintenance requirements necessary to provide functional identification. E. Commercial and mixed use development projects shall incorporate safe, convenient vehicular and pedestrian circulation, screened outdoor storage/loading and other unsightly areas, protected and enhanced outdoor seating areas, appropriate lighting levels, limited signage, and landscaping designs that preserve and enhance visual resources. F. Commercial and mixed use development shall be designed with particular attention to limiting the lighting impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods. G. All grading and development proposed within scenic viewsheds, including hillsides, shall be regulated to minimize adverse impacts to these viewsheds. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City shall maintain and amend the Municipal Code as necessary to assure the design parameters to which public and private development projects must conform are clearly defined. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City Council. K. Public Services and Facilities Schools 1. Existing Conditions Public education services and facilities are provided to the General Plan study area by two school districts: Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD). DSUSD serves most of the developed portion of the study area, including lands south of Frank Sinatra Drive, and lands located north of Interstate-10 and east of Washington Street. The PSUSD district includes the remainder of the study area, including northwestern Palm Desert and the Thousand Palms and Sky Valley communities. III-156 r w ■ Public Services and Facilities Schools 3. Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures A. Developers will continue to be assessed the statutory school mitigation fees for residential and commercial development. B. In the event that developers in the planning area attempt to utilize Mello -Roos or other types of public facilities financing districts, both school districts shall be included in discussions to determine whether funding streams may be used for school facilities. The Districts have the following alternatives available to mitigate significant impacts to area schools: Leroy F. Greene State School Building Lease -Purchase Law - This act is an agreement between school districts and the state to provide for the construction, reconstruction, or replacement of school facilities by the State Allocation Board. First priority for future state funding will go to districts with 1) a substantial enrollment in year- round schools, 2) the ability to raise 50 percent of project costs, and 3) the opening of a new facility as a year-round school. Lease -Purchase Arrangements - Many districts may enter into lease -purchase arrangements with private builders of portable classrooms (Section 39240 and 39290 of the State Education Code). This method can also be used to finance capital outlay. An additional advantage of lease -purchase agreements is that they offer the benefits of long-term debt financing without obtaining voter approval of special taxes or benefit assessments. Melo-Roos Community Facilities Act - Provisions for this funding option are located in Government Code Section 55311 et. seq. A school district must initiate proceedings to declare itself a community facilities district to benefit from this Act. A community facilities district is defined as a governmental entity established to carry out specific activities within specifically defined boundaries. Such a district may engage in the purchase, construction or rehabilitation of any real or tangible property with an estimated useful life of five years or longer. Mitigation Monitoring/ Reporting Program A. The City of Palm Desert will consult and cooperate with the Desert Sands and Palm Springs Unified School Districts to continue to monitor public schools in the General Plan study area, and to determine the extent of overcrowding, security issues, low performance on standardized tests, and other adverse impacts on area schools. Responsible Parties: Community Development Department, City Council, Desert Sands Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District 1II-l59 Libraries Public Services and Facilities Library 1. Existing Conditions TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Palm Desert Public Library The Palm Desert Public Library is a branch of the Riverside County Library System and is located at 73- 300 Fred Waring Drive. The library encompasses approximately 20,000 square feet of a 40,000 square foot facility, which it shares with the College of the Desert Library. Although their books and resources are physically separated, the two libraries have a reciprocity agreement and also share an online research database and checkout desk. The Palm Desert Public Library contains approximately 75,000 volumes and is staffed by five full -lime employees, 15 part-time employees, and approximately 35 volunteers. The library operates a youth story -time program and adult computer classes, and supports the County- wide Literacy Program, which is managed from the Indio Public Library. The Palm Desert Public Library is a multi -agency facility, which is part of the Riverside County Library System. Each year, approximately 2.7% of the City's 1% property tax revenue is paid to Riverside County for basic library operations and services. The City also allocates General Fund revenues to pay for additional library services, which are above and beyond those provided under the County contract. Specifically, these funds cover expenses for three additional hours of operation on Thursdays, a volunteer program and coordinator, special events programs, and a special events coordinator. College of the Desert Library The College of the Desert (COD) opened its on -campus library concurrent with the aforementioned community library in January, 1996. As described above, the library shares a building and reciprocity agreement with the Palm Desert Public Library. All library services are available to COD students and the general public. The COD Library contains more than 50,000 volumes. Other features include a computer lab, local history room, children's story room, community meeting room and seminar rooms. The City is responsible for funding a portion of ongoing maintenance and structural improvements to the library. Thousand Palms Public Library The Thousand Palms Branch of the Riverside County Library is located at 72-715 La Canada Way. The library is staffed by one full-time branch manager, two part-time employees, and eight volunteers. Special community programs include children's story -time, crafts and reading clubs. The County and residents of Thousand Palms are raising funds and applying for grants with hope of constructing a permanent library facility in about 2005 or 2006. The new facility would be located on a donated parcel of land on Robert Road. 2. Project Impacts The County of Riverside seeks to maintain an unadopted standard of 2 volumes and 0.5 square feet of library space per capita.' Buildout of the General Plan is anticipated to generate approximately 148,387 5 Gary Christmas, Riverside County Librarian, personal communication March, 2000. 1II-160 1111 Public Services and Facilities Police TNICity of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures residents6. Based on this projected population and the County's unadopted level of service standards, the General Plan study area will require about 74,194 square feet of library space and about 296,774 volumes at buildout. It should be noted that, General Plan buildout population is dependent upon actual levels of development in the General Plan study area. 3. Mitigation Measures 11111 A. The City and County shall continue to monitor and evaluate the existing usage rate and level of services provided at the libraries in the General Plan study area to determine the need for additional services and facilities. B. The City shall consult and coordinate with Riverside County to determine appropriate mitigation /11111 fees necessary to provide adequate library services. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City and County shall continue to monitor library needs and utilization to provide essential library services to the residents of the General Plan study area. Responsible Parties: City Manage, County Librarian rPolice Protection 1. Existing Conditions 11/ The City of Palm Desert contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for police protection services. The City Police Department operates out of the Palm Desert Station located at 73-520 Fred Waring Drive. The Palm Desert Station also functions as the Sheriff's base of operations for the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells, and unincorporated County lands west of Washington Street, including the Thousand Palms and Sky Valley communities. Lands east of Washington Street, including the Bermuda Dunes community, are served by staff based at the Indio Station of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. I Police protection services are provided to the City on a 24-hour daily basis. The Palm Desert police force comprises a total of 70 sworn officers and provides about 1.75 sworn officers for every 1,000 residents, which is comparable to the regional average and provides an effective level of police Iprotection. The average response time for the highest priority emergency calls (code 1) is 4.6 minutes. 2. Project Impacts Adoption and implementation of the proposed General Plan could generate a buildout potentially population of approximately 148,387 residents.' The proposed General Plan intends to provide a police- ",.,. staffing ratio of at least 1.5 sworn officers per 1,000 residents. In order to meet this preferred ratio at 6 Based on exiting and potential new dwelling units associated with proposed General Plan buildout, and 2.43 persons per household, added to the existing City population of 43,917 and Planning area population of 22,756. Ibid. III-161 Public Services and Facilities Fire TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Proposed Fire Stations The City has begun setting aside funds for a new fire station to be constructed in the vicinity of Cook Street and Interstate-10. The station will provide additional fire protection coverage to development in this vicinity, including the Coachella Valley Campus of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). It is anticipated that the station would be constructed within the next five years, however the actual construction schedule will depend upon future levels of development. Fire Marshall Services One of the most important services provided by the Fire Department to the City is that of the Fire Marshal, who is responsible for providing project review services for adequate access, building siting and internal circulation for fire and other emergency vehicles, the need for sprinklers and minimum fire flows from hydrants, and other design issues associated with fire protection. The Fire Marshal also coordinates department fire inspectors, who inspect each commercial building in the City at least once each year. The Fire Marshal and inspection staff are provided office space at Station 50 in Rancho Mirage and serve the three contract cities. 2. Project Impacts Continued development and population growth in the General Plan study area is anticipated to increase demand for fire protection services. Additional fire protection services will include increase in staffing, firefighters, fire stations, fire trucks, and rescue vehicles. Increased demand for fire protection services associated with development in rural areas of the General Plan study area will also involve expansion of water mains and the provision of new fire hydrants. Additional fire protection services could result in significant costs to the City. As with police department costs, increases in property and sales tax revenues will provide funding sources for increased service. As the General Plan study area builds out, it will be necessary to evaluate these impacts to fire protection services. 3. Mitigation Measures A. The City shall continue to promote close coordination with the Fire Department for the timely expansion of services and facilities. B. The Fire Department shall continue to maintain mutual aid agreements with the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells for additional fire protection support. C. The Fire Department shall continue to review new development proposals and assess the Department's capacity to provide sufficient fire protection services. This shall include, but is not limited to, review of internal circulation patterns, street names and numbering systems. D. The City and the Fire Department shall continue to enforce fire codes and other applicable standards and regulations during review of building plans and conducting building inspections. III-I65 Public Services and Facilities Fire TTI/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures E. The siting of industrial facilities which involve storage of hazardous, flammable or explosive materials shall be conducted in a manner that will ensure the highest level of safety in strict conformance with the Uniform Fire Code and other applicable regulations. F. Coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District and Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company to assure adequate water supplies and pressure for existing and proposed development. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The Riverside County Fire Department shall inspect all detailed project plans for conformance with all applicable fire protection requirements. Responsible Parties: Riverside County Fire Department Health Care Facilities and Services 1. Existing Conditions In addition to a number of local physicians' offices and urgent care facilities, several large health care facilities are located in the vicinity of the General Plan study area. A discussion of major health care facilities is provided below. The Eisenhower Medical Center on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage is the closest medical facility to the subject property. The medical center complex encompasses 98± acres consisting of several facilities, which include the Eisenhower Medical Center, the Annenberg Center for World Health Sciences, the Betty Ford Center for Chemical Dependency, the Dolores Hope Outpatient Care Center and the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. The medical center currently has 261 beds, an intensive care unit and emergency room. The complex also includes the Community Blood Bank and other office and research buildings. The Andrew Allen Surgical Pavilion is a state-of-the-art medical surgical facility with ten operating rooms. Desert Regional Medical Center is located at 1150 N. Indian Avenue in Palm Springs. It is a private, non-profit hospital that is licensed for 388 beds and has a 24-hour emergency room and Level II Trauma Care facility. The hospital has a Home Health Care department that provides in -home nursing care and household maintenance services. It also includes the Hospice of the Desert Communities, which offers services for the terminally ill. The Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Desert is a department of the Desert Regional Medical Center, which provides services to cancer -diagnosed individuals. John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital islocated at 47-111 Monroe Street in Indio. In addition to the many medical and health services offered at JFK, a 24-hour emergency room and a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient services are also available. The hospital, with its recent building addition, is currently licensed for 162 beds and includes 16 beds in the ICU unit and 24 beds in the medical/surgical unit. 1I1-166 Public Services and Facilities Health care 2. Project Impacts TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Builout of the proposed General Plan is not expected to have any significant adverse impacts on the medical facilities in the area. As independent facilities, Valley hospitals will continue to plan for growth in order to accommodate population increases associated with the implementation of the proposed General Plan. It is expected that all three of the Valley hospitals will expand as needs are identified and that regional health care facilities will be able to adequately service the future population. 3. Mitigation Measures Regional and local medical health care facilities will continue to plan for growth, and therefore no mitigation measures are necessary. Solid Waste Management 1. Existing Conditions Solid waste collection and disposal services are provided by Waste Management of the Desert through an exclusive franchise agreement with the City of Palm Desert. Waste Management also serves the Thousand Palms, Bermuda Dunes and Sky Valley communities, which are within the General Plan study area. Commercial pick-up is offered up to six days per week, and residential pick-up is typically once per week. Waste Management offers additional services to large waste generators, including restaurants, retailers, hotels and resorts. Trash collected in the City and planning area is disposed at the Edom Hill Landfill, approximately four miles northwest of the Palm Desert city limits. The landfill is owned and operated by Riverside County, and accepts waste from most Coachella Valley communities. The current operating permit allows for a maximum of 2,651 tons of waste per day. During 2000, the landfill received an average of 1,295 tons per day. In March 2000, the remaining capacity of the landfill was approximately 4.5 million cubic yards. The landfill is nearing its maximum capacity and is expected to close in 2004. The City of Palm Desert and other Coachella Valley communities are actively planning for and selecting viable alternative landfill sites. Alternatives considered include Eagle Mountain Landfill, Mesquite Landfill, Badlands Landfill, Lamb Canyon and the El Sobrante Landfills. In 1997, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the Eagle Mountain Landfill and Recycling Center. The landfill will encompass 2,164 acres and a total capacity of 708 million tons with a life expectancy of 100 years. Litigation has delayed construction of the Eagle Mountain Landfill and Recycling Center, therefore, the City must continue to pursue other options for the immediate future. The Mesquite Landfill in Imperial County is also being purchased by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District and is expected to have a capacity similar to that of the Eagle Mountain Landfill. Its construction is also being delayed by litigation, and the future of both these landfills remains unclear. 11I- l67 Public Services and Facilities Wastewater TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The City Community Development Department shall maintain close contact with project developers to assure the provision and maintenance of recycling containers that correspond with current City programs and those planned in the future. Responsible Parties: City Community Development Department, Waste Management of the Desert Wastewater Collection and Treatment 1. Existing Conditions Wastewater collection and treatment services are provided by the Coachella Valley Water District to the City of Palm Desert, and majority of the General Plan study area. Wastewater is transmitted through sewer trunk lines generally ranging in size from 4 to 24 inches, relying primarily on gravity flow. Effluent from the City is conveyed to CVWD's Cook Street treatment plant (Water Reclamation Plant No. 10), which has a current capacity of 18 million gallons per day. Effluent from Bermuda Dunes, Del Webb's Sun City and other development north of Miles Avenue is conveyed to the treatment plant located at Madison Street and Avenue 38 (Water Reclamation Plant No. 7). This plant treats approximately 2.4 million gallons of wastewater per day, and has a capacity of 5 million gallons per day. CVWD continually increases the capacity of its plants by constructing new treatment ponds, aeration plants and other structures. While much of the General Plan study area is connected to CVWD's sewer system, several areas still rely on septic systems for wastewater disposal. These areas include Sky Valley and scattered residential development in the Thousand Palms area. Wastewater contains contaminants, such as nitrogen, bacteria and organic chemicals that have the potential to degrade the quality of groundwater and render it unsuitable for human consumption. The long-term use of septic tanks has been associated with contamination of groundwater supplies in limited areas of the Coachella Valley. In 1994., the City adopted Chapter 8.60 of the Municipal Code, an ordinance which requires all properties, buildings and structures to abandon existing septic tanks, seepage pits and/or cesspools and to connect to the available public sewer system prior to the sale or transfer of ownership. The sewer connection ordinance also establishes a certificate of compliance process to document abandoning of the on -lot system and connection to the community sewer system. Tertiary Treated Water In an effort to alleviate the impacts of development on groundwater supplies, CVWD has implemented the use of tertiary (third stage) treated wastewater for use in golf course, landscape and other irrigation. Wastewater is typically treated to secondary levels and reintroduced into the groundwater table through percolation ponds, with passage through sands and soils providing a final stage of filtration. Tertiary treated water undergoes an additional stage of treatment, making it immediately suitable for irrigation purposes and decreasing, to some extent, the demand for groundwater resources. III-170 ■ N ■ t 1 1 Public Services and Facilities Wastewater TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures The Cook Street wastewater treatment plant has a tertiary water capacity of 15 million gallons per day (mgd). The Cook Street plant generates from 1.2 to 7.8 mgd of tertiary treated water, with the average being approximately 4.4 mgd. The treatment plant at Madison Street and Avenue 38 generates from 0.8 to 2.5 mgd of tertiary treated water, and has a maximum current capacity of 2.5. This plant is planned for expansion to treat 5 mgd within the next few years. 2. Project Impacts Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in an increased demand on existing wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Domestic wastewater flows average about 100 gallons per capita per day.9 Based on this factor and the estimated buildout population of 148,387 residents, the General Plan study area has the potential to generate approximately 14,838,700 gallons of wastewater per day. Actual wastewater generation rates will be dependent upon future levels of development. The increase in demand for wastewater collection and treatment services at General Plan buildout may represent a potential significant increase over the current level of service provided. However, buildout of the General Plan study area is anticipated to occur gradually, therefore it is safe to assume that the increase in demand to wastewater collection and treatment services will not be experienced at one time. Nonetheless, it is necessary that the City and the Coachella Valley Water District continue to monitor growth trends in the General Plan study area to assure that wastewater services are adequate, as well as to determine the need and funding for additional facilities. 3. Mitigation Measures A. All development shall be connected to the city-wide sewer system, to the greatest extent possible. Septic systems shall be prohibited where soil conditions do not permit percolation. B. The City shall investigate and evaluate alternative methods of financing a city-wide sewer system and converting existing septic systems to sewer, including redevelopment funds, assessments and other funding mechanisms. C. The City shall cooperate and coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District to assure that adequate wastewater collection and treatment facilities ate provided to serve development in the General Plan study area. D. The City shall coordinate with Coachella Valley Water District to monitor the demand for tertiary treated water within the General Plan study area, and shall investigate the feasibility of providing tertiary treated water as demand warrants. Environmental Impact Analysis Handbook," prepared by John G. Rau and David C. Wooten, 1980. R III-171 Public Services and Facilities Wastewater Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section I1I - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures A. The City Community Development Department and Public Works shall confer and coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District to develop plans for implementing city-wide sewer service. Responsible Parties: City Community Development Department, City Public Works Department, Coachella Valley Water District Domestic Water Services 1. Existing Conditions Coachella Valley Water District The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) provides domestic water services to the majority of the City of Palm Desert, including Thousand Palms, and Del Webb's Sun City. CVWD utilizes deep wells to extract groundwater from the Whitewater River Subbasin. CVWD's domestic water system, which serves the City, includes 50 wells with an average depth of 900 feet. CVWD also has a total of 27 reservoirs serving the General Plan study area, with an average capacity of 1.8 million gallons. Some of these reservoirs may also serve pressure zones which extend beyond the study area. The largest (i.e., main or trunk) water lines are generally located along section lines, with smaller lines branching into individual sections. The Coachella Valley Water District also provides domestic water services to the Sky Valley community, in the northern portion of the General Plan planning area. Due to high concentrations of undesirable minerals, CVWD does not extract water for domestic use from the Desert Hot Springs Subbasin, which underlies the community of Sky Valley. Rather, water delivery infrastructure in this area includes main lines that transmit water from CVWD wells located in the Mission Creek Subbasin west of Palm Drive. Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company The Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company provides domestic water services to the Bermuda Dunes community, except for development along Washington Street, which is served by CVWD. Its five active wells, drilled to depths of 750 to 800 feet, can each produce 1,700 to 3,200 gallons of potable water per minute. Three of the production wells discharge water directly into the water distribution system, which conveys water through distribution water mains ranging in size from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. The two other wells deliver water directly into a water reservoir near the intersection of 41" Avenue and Hermitage Drive. The reservoir has a capacity of one million gallons. Myoma Dunes operates a sixth well, which is used solely by the Bermuda Dunes Airport and is not connected to the water delivery system. 2. Project Impacts Continued increases in water demand generated by development in the Coachella Valley, including the General Plan study area, could have significant cumulative impacts on the region's groundwater supply. The Coachella Valley Water District has developed water usage factors for a variety of land uses, based 1 i i 1 i i III-172 Public Services and Facilities Domestic Water TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures on usage per acre. Table III-46 illustrates these factors, and the associated acreages within the General Plan study area. Table III-46 General Plan Buildout Water Consumption Annual Consumption Factor (ac- Development Type ft/ac/yr) Golf Course Developments and Large Residential Lots (_ 0.5 ac) Apartments and Condominiums Residential (Lots < 0.5 ac) Hotels and Motels Business Offices Gasoline Stations Supermarket Shopping Centers Public Schools Retail Shopping Areas Industrial Parks & Auto Dealers Total Total Annual Consumption Acres (ac-ftlyr) 7.36 24,504 6.36 3,795 6.09 14,698 8.76 329 5.85 919 5.12 4.81 186 4.34 521 3.05 1,454 2.47 1,100 47,506 180,349 24,136 89,511 2,882 5,376 895 2,261 4,435 2,717 312,562 According to CVWD's usage factors, the buildout of the General Plan will result in usage of 312,562 acre feet of water annually. This analysis assumes maximum buildout of all land uses, and is therefore expected to be conservative. It should be noted that increases in water consumption will occur gradually, over the life of the General Plan study area. Actual impacts to domestic water services are dependent upon the levels and types of development that will occur in the General Plan study area. Section III-E provides a comprehensive discussion regarding impacts to water resources and quality in the General Plan study area. 3. Mitigation Measures A. All future development projects shall be reviewed by the City, Coachella Valley Water District or Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company to evaluate potential impacts of development activities on local groundwater resources. B. The City shall require the development of on -site stormwater retention/detention basins to enhance infiltration of runoff and the replenishment of groundwater subbasins. C. The City, Coachella Valley Water District, and Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company shall encourage the use of drought tolerant landscaping in public and private development as a means of water conservation. All development plans shall be required to adhere to the City's landscape ordinance. III-173 Public Services and Facilities Domestic Water TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures D. The City shall encourage and/or require the installation of low -flush toilets, low -flow showerheads and faucets in all new construction, in conformance with Section 17921.3 of the Health and Safety Code, Title 20, California Administrative Code Section 1601(b), and applicable sections of Title 24 of the State Code. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The Community Development Department shall review all development proposals to assess the potential for adverse effects on water quality and quantity. All development proposals shall be required to mitigate any significant impacts. Responsible Parties: City Community Development Department, Coachella Valley Water District, Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company, Developers Electricity 1. Existing Conditions Southern California Edison Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to the majority of the Palm Desert General Plan study area. Its service area includes most of the City of Palm Desert, excluding a portion of the California State University/San Bernardino (CSSB) Coachella Valley Campus site, Avondale Country Club and other limited areas south of US Interstate-10 (see Imperial Irrigation District discussion below), and lands west of Ford Avenue in Sky Valley. SCE's electric power is primarily generated outside the Coachella Valley, however, it does purchase wind -generated power from local producers. SCE's facilities include high -voltage transmission lines, which range up to 115 kilovolts (kv) in the City of Palm Desert and up to 500 kv in the northern portion of the General Plan planning area. Lower - voltage distribution lines, which are typically gauged at about 12 kv in the study area, provide electricity to individual residences and other users. Three substations are located within the City of Palm Desert and are used to step down voltage for local distribution. The substations include: 1) Silver Spur Substation, located south of Haystack Road and west of Portola Avenue; 2) Palm Village Substation, located south of Highway 111 and east of Deep Canyon Road; and 3) Concho Substation, located south of Country Club Drive and east of Cook Street, near the Indian Ridge Country Club. In addition, some circuits from the Santa Rosa Substation, located west of Monterey Avenue and north of Clancy Lane in Rancho Mirage, feed into the City of Palm Desert. Imperial Irrigation District Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is a non-profit, community -owned utility district that serves customers in Imperial County and parts of Riverside and San Diego counties. IID provides electric service to a limited portion of the Palm Desert General Plan study area, including the Avondale Country Club, most of the CSSB Coachella Valley Campus, Sun City, Thousand Palms, Bermuda Dunes and the eastern portion of Sky Valley. IID obtains its power from a combination of hydroelectric, thermal, diesel, and 111-174 Public Services and Facilities Electricity 3. Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Nan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures A. Developers shall coordinate and cooperate with Southern California Edison and Imperial Irrigation District in implementing load management programs which level the demand load on generating capacities. Every effort shall be made to assure the highest level of energy conservation available. B. Any proposed development in the General Plan study area shall be subject to the requirements of the Uniform Building Code and Title 24 of the California Administrative Code. C. Project developers shall be required to utilize energy efficient design to minimize summer time solar gains and reduce air conditioning loads. D. The use of energy efficient lighting fixtures in developments within the General Plan study area shall be required. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The Community Development Department, Public Works Department, and Building Department shall inspect all detailed project plans for conformance with Title 24 energy conservation code requirements. Southern California Edison, Imperial Irrigation District and the City Community Development Department shall provide developers with rdferences for energy efficient design. Responsible Parties: City Community Development Department, Public Works Department, Building Department, Southern California Edison, Imperial Irrigation District B. Prior to the undergrounding of utility lines, all affected utility companies shall be contacted for detailed information about system restrictions, district boundaries, and scheduling. Responsible Parties: Southern California Edison, Imperial Irrigation District, Verizon California, The Gas Company, Coachella Valley Water District, Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company Natural Gas 1. Existing Conditions The Southern Califomia Gas (SCG) Company provides natural gas services and facilities to the City of Palm Desert and its General Plan study area. Locally used natural gas originates in Texas and is transported to the Coachella Valley via three east -west trending high pressure gas transmission lines, which cross the valley just north of Interstate-10 and continue west to Los Angeles. The lines include one 30-inch line and two 24-inch lines, with pressures of 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Within the General Plan study area, high pressure gas lines are located beneath Washington Street, Highway 111, Sierra del Sol (serving Thousand Palms), and Dillon Road (serving Sky Valley). These are typically steel lines with pressures of 300 psi. The Washington Street and Sierra del Sol lines tap directly into the major transmission lines north of I-10. Medium pressure distribution lines are located III-176 Public Services and Facilities Natural Gas TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures within the rights -of -way of Country Club Drive, Fred Waring Drive, Monterey Avenue, Cook Street, and Highway 74. These lines range from 38 to 42 psi, and are typically constructed of 4-inch plastic, although older lines may be made of steel. Although most of the City of Palm Desert is connected to the natural gas system, lands west of the Palm Valley Stormwater Channel, parallel to Highway 74, are not served. Residents in this area use propane gas as an alternative fuel source. The Gas Company estimates the average household in its service area consumes 6,600 cubic feet of natural gas per month. Table III-48 illustrates natural gas consumption factors established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Table III-48 • Natural Gas Consumption Factors Land Use Monthly Consumption Rate Single Family Residential 6,665.0 cf/unit/month Multiple Family Residential 4,011.5 cf/sq.ftimonth Retail/Shopping Center 2.9 cf/ sq.ft /month Office 2.0 cf/ sq.ft /month Hotel/Motel 4.8 cf/ sq.ft /month Industrial 4.8 cf/ sq.ft /month Note: Industrial usage factor used is equivalent to the highest commercial usage factor provided by SCAQMD. Source: SCAQMD Air Quality Handbook, Appendix to Chapter 9, April 1993 2. Project Impacts An increase in demand for natural gas services is anticipated as the General Plan study area builds out. Natural gas consumption is estimated at 614,046,131 cubic feet per month at General Plan buildout. This figure represents both existing and future developments in the General Plan study area, and assumes buildout at moderate densities. Actual natural gas consumption will be determined by future levels of development, individual project designs, and the effectiveness of energy -conserving measures. Development facilitated by the proposed General Plan will increase the rate of consumption of this non- renewable source and will contribute to cumulative impacts on the long-term availability of natural gas. However, General Plan buildout, in and of itself, is not expected to significantly impact natural gas supplies or the provider's ability to deliver it. 3. Mitigation Measures A. The City shall strictly enforce Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, which addresses energy conservation in new developments. B. Developers shall install the most efficient furnaces, water heaters, pool heaters and other equipment that use natural gas. Developers shall also encourage the use of kitchen appliances I11-177 Public Services and Facilities Natural Gas TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures that utilize natural gas and shall investigate the possibility of using alternative energy, sources, including solar and co -generation technologies. Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program A. The Community Development and Public Works Department shall inspect all detailed project plans to assure conformance with Title 24 energy conservation code requirements. The Community Development Department shall coordinate with The Gas Company to provide developers with references for energy efficient design. Responsible Parties: City Community Development Department, Public Works Department, The Gas Company Telephone Service 1. Existing Conditions Verizon California provides local residential and business telephone services to the General Plan study area. The Verizon California headquarter is in Thousand Oaks, however local customer service facilities are located in the cities of Palm Springs and Indio. Verizon services include a variety of basic and special features, including local and long distance services, calling cards, business 800 numbers, and voicemail, as well as state-of-the-art data services such as Internet and high-speed DSL connections. The General Plan study area includes three central switching offices, which function as the backbone of the communications system and are responsible for the connection of telephone and data transmissions. Central offices are located in Palm Desert, on the north side of Highway 111, between San Jose and San Juan Avenues; in Bermuda Dunes, on the east side of Washington Street at Avenue of the States; and in Thousand Palms, on the west side of Arbol Real, between La Canada Way and Ramon Road. Calls to the Sky Valley area are handled out of a central switching office in Desert Hot Springs. 2. Project Impacts Growth facilitated by the proposed General Plan will generate additional demands on existing infrastructure and will require the expansion of telephone services to areas not currently served. However, no significant impacts are anticipated with the implementation of the proposed General Plan that will affect the ability of Verizon, California to provide telecommunication services in the General Plan study area. 3. Mitigation Measures A. Developers shall provide required right-of-way for new Verizon conduit systems to provide telephone services to their sites. III-178 Socio-Economic Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III — Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures persons are likely to purchase their homes, and will occupy units built on lands designated Low Density residential, which will generate an additional 24,905 units in the City, and 14,261 units in the Sphere and planning area. In comparison with the Current General Plan, which has the potential to generate 9,663 medium and high density units within the City limits, and 15,570 medium and high density units in the Sphere and planning area, the Preferred Alternative land use plan represents an increase of 47% in the potential for the City to house its employees in the Medium and High Density Residential land use categories alone. 3. Mitigation Measures The Draft General Plan includes a number of policies which will serve to guide the City's economic health in the next several years. The City's aggressive economic development policy will continue to facilitate the creation of jobs and associated revenues. A. The City shall monitor the employment generated by its commercial and industrial land uses, and periodically analyse this generation in comparison to the residential land use allocations to encourage the provision of adequate housing for as many of its workers as practical. B . The City shall evaluate new development or redevelopment to assure that these uses complement, support and are compatible with the City's core economic assets. C. The City shall consider economic implications of annexations as part of the approval process for annexation requests. D. The City shall continue to encourage the development of hotels, resort hotels and timeshare projects in the City. E. The City shall continue to encourage the development of new and expanded educational facilities of all levels in the City. F. The City shall be aggressive in its retention of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses that complement the City's core economic assets. G. The City shall coordinate its Capital Improvement plans to assure the provision of adequate infrastructure to support and facilitate development of commercial and light industrial projects which expand the City's economic base. H. All projects shall contribute their fair share of on- and off -site improvements required to support their site. I. The City shall routinely review and revise, as necessary, the allocation of revenues required to mitigate the impacts of growth. III-203 Socio-Economic Resources Mitigation Measures TN/City of Palm Desert Draft General Plan EIR Section III - Existing Conditions, Impacts and Mitigation Measures J. Prior to any annexation effort, the City shall evaluate the feasibility of annexing land to assure its economic and fiscal viability. K. The City Zoning Ordinance and Development Code shall be updated, revised and expanded to assure analysis regimes and standards and guidelines that assure adequate protection of the City's core economic interests and especially the preservation of the natural environment. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program A. The City shall continue to monitor economic growth and focus its Economic Development efforts in areas of retail, resort and educational services. Responsible Parties: City Council, Redevelopment Agency, City Manager. B. The City shall analyse land use development patterns annually, and determine whether amendments to the land use map are required to encourage a balance of housing and jobs. Responsible Parties: City Council, Community Development Department C. The City shall prepare economic feasibility analyses for all potential annexation efforts, as part of the decision -making process for annexations. Responsible Parties: City Council, City Manager, Community Development Department. III-204 RESOLUTION NO. 06-138 EXHIBIT "B" MITIGATION, MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN [see attached] P6401\1033\921581v1 B-1 Environmental Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for Section 29 Master Plan of Infrastructure, Assessment District 2004-02 AUTHORITY This Environmental Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has been prepared pursuant to Section 21081.6 of the California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.), to provide for the monitoring of mitigation measures required of the University Park CFD 2005-1 Project, as set forth in the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the project. This report will be kept on file in the offices of the City of Palm Desert, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260. MONITORING SCHEDULE Prior to the issuance of permits, while detailed development plans are being prepared for approval by City staff, City staff will be responsible for ensuring compliance with mitigation monitoring applicable to the project design phase. City staff will prepare or cause to be prepared reports identifying compliance with mitigation measures. Once construction has begun and is underway, monitoring of the mitigation measures associated with construction will be included in the responsibilities of designated City staff, who shall prepare or cause to be prepared reports of such monitoring periodically until construction has been completed. Once construction has been completed, the City will monitor the project as appropriate and provided in the monitoring plan. FORMAT OF MITIGATION MONITORING MATRIX The mitigation monitoring matrix on the following pages identifies the environmental issue areas for which monitoring is required, the required mitigation measures, the time frame for monitoring, and the responsible monitoring agencies. P6401.1032\864795.4 W O m c o a)m Er tr. 7i° �u y+O m ,. \ \ \11.1. E EO Y _O 0. cm° �tv t d ' w°D.�_- O t VEmteE E m C r.• ty°p u o o u�!7m m m m m daa yQa '0' Cli co CI 1 t °. a. 00 >d cO? O c = C ° .8 t O o .•r.• ii) Cs) r a o c t D cO c'°a) ;pja $ t.. O DGdri° °pFr r ' 0 m C n V° O °0 c 0)U. 7- mO N a. OOs tC m VV 0 7° "El O. n. c ? 'a° o O oN uvi 0 o d c u; jr a * r 1-1; 0 r a d N V o . cG 'V V10 =�V NC ;, j3:0),dt<L mya) HG_ 0 0 m • rnE ° u a�C' co o0 a O aaO O °10d t E0G G CHm° o a Op '"rN ip e. r -0 VP '" C I o c le V_ad O 7IVtomV W2/ g d m am Ea -a c N c D O• >° Cr. r c mu+ C ?Co p 1p'; a - I-) a 3 o-5 a .. Ts °�'a co c N ato ' N •° _D fl. c c. 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