HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Reso 2014-03 CITY COUNCIL OF CATHEDRAL CITY
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, 1) CERTIFYING THE FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, 2) APPROVING THE
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND 3)
AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP TO
ESTABLISH LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR APPROXIMATELY
591 ACRES TO FACILITATE ADOPTION OF THE NORTH CITY
EXTENDED SPECIFIC PLAN (GPA 12-001) TO BE EFFECTIVE
UPON ANNEXATION OF THE PROJECT AREA INTO THE CITY
OF CATHEDRAL CITY
WHEREAS, an application was submitted by SDC Ventura, LLC
("Applicant") to the City of Cathedral City, California ("City"), for the approval of a
General Plan Amendment, under the provisions of the Cathedral City Municipal
Code; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council
1) certify the Final Environmental Impact Report for the North City Extended
Specific Plan, 2) approve the statement of overriding considerations and 3)
amend the General Plan land use map to establish land use designations for
approximately 591 acres ("Actions") after public hearings held on November 20,
2013, and December 4, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant requests a change to the General Plan Land
Use Map to add approximately 591 acres to establish Land Use Designations for
the North City Extended Specific Plan area located in part between Interstate 10
and Varner Road, extending northwesterly from Bob Hope Drive ("Project Area").
Approximately 104 acres of the Project Area (Planning Area 3) lies north of
Varner Road and approximately 9 acres lies on the east side of Bob Hope Drive
(Planning Area 2). The balance of the Project Area (Planning Areas 1, 4, and 5)
lies between Varner Road and Interstate 10 from Bob Hope Drive to the City
limits of Cathedral City. The project area consists of the following Assessor
Parcels:
670-240-011, 670-240-012, 670-240-013, 670-240-014, 670-240-015,
670-240-016, 670-240-017, 670-250-013, 670-070-001, 670-080-007; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City, acting as Lead Agency, has
determined that the requested General Plan Amendment will have a significant
impact on the environment and a Final Environmental Impact Report should be
certified with a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and
WHEREAS, the City has circulated the proposed General Plan
Amendment in accordance with SB 18.
1
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
The City Council has considered all of the evidence submitted into the
administrative record adopting the General Plan Amendment for the Project
Area, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Cathedral City General Plan and Cathedral City Municipal Code;
(b) North City Extended Specific Plan;
(c) Final Environmental Impact Report for North City Extended Specific
Plan;
(d) City Council Staff Report;
(e) Staff presentation at the public hearings conducted at the Cathedral
City Planning Commission on November 20 and December 4, 2013;
(t) The record, testimony and/or comments from interested parties
submitted to the City in both written and oral form at, or prior to, the
public hearing conducted at the Planning Commission hearings on
November 20 and December 4, 2013; and
(g) Public comments, both written and oral, received and/or submitted at,
or prior to, the public hearing conducted by the City Council hearing
held on January 15, 2014.
Section 2 ENVIRONMENTAL
A. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), the City Council makes the following findings:
(a) As required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15090, the City Council
hereby certifies that, as the decision-making body of the Lead
Agency, it has reviewed and considered the information contained in
the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) prior to approving the
Project.
(b) The City Council finds that its review of the FEIR reflects the Lead
Agency's independent review and judgment as required by CEQA.
(c) The additional environmental impacts identified in the FEIR are
potentially significant, but the City finds Biological Resources,
Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gasses, Hydrology and Water
Quality, Noise, Recreation, Transportation and Traffic, and Utilities
impacts can be mitigated to a level of less than significant through
the imposition of standards conditions and mitigation measures
identified in the FEIR.
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(d) The City Council hereby adopts the Mitigation Monitoring Program
contained in the North City Extended Specific Plan FEIR as required
in Section 15091(d) of CEQA.
(e) The City Council finds that the Mitigation Monitoring Program
contained in the FEIR of the North City Extended Specific Plan
complies with the requirements of Section 21081.6 of the Public
Resources Code and the Mitigation Monitoring Program meets the
following findings:
I. The Mitigation Monitoring Program has been designed to
ensure compliance with the changes in the Project and
mitigation measures imposed on the Project during project
review and implementation; and
II. Measures to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the
environment are fully enforceable through permit conditions,
agreements, and other measures.
B. Pursuant to the provisions of the CEQA, the City Council hereby
certifies the Final Environmental Impact Report.
Based on the FEIR, the comments received thereon, and the record
before the City Council, the City Council hereby certifies the FEIR
prepared for the North City Extended Specific Plan and represents the
independent judgment of the City and that, based upon the analysis and
mitigation measures referenced therein, the Proposed Project may have a
significant impact upon the environment resulting from air emissions
during construction activities and a Statement of Overriding
Considerations is required. The documents and other material that
constitute the record on which this decision is based are located in the
Community Development Department in the custody of the City. In
compliance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15074(d) of the California
Code of Regulations, the Planning Commission hereby recommends to
the City Council that it adopt the Mitigation Monitoring Plan, which has
been included in the Final Environmental Impact Report, for reporting on
and monitoring the conditions of the project required to minimize
significant environmental effects.
C. The City Council hereby adopts the Statement of Overriding
Considerations.
(a) The following significant environmental impact has been identified in
the FEIR and, although subject to all applicable and feasible Project
Design Features, Standard Conditions, and mitigation measures, the
impact cannot be mitigated to a level less than significant.
3
I. Construction Emissions: Implementation of the proposed
NCESP would result in the generation of air pollutant
emissions both locally and regionally. Emissions are expected
to modestly add to an increase in potential air quality
degradation in the Coachella Valley. Most significant impacts
are expected to result from site disturbance, excavation, and
construction activities associated with the development of the
mixed use project and storm water detention basins. Site
grading will be phased and minimized to the greatest extent
practical. All construction activities will abide by the City's
Municipal Code, which addresses the hours per day within
which these activities are permitted. The FEIR provides for the
review and approval of all grading and development permits,
and the provisions of all reasonably available methods and
technologies to assure the minimal emission of pollutants
generated by the project. The FEIR also directs the City to
assure the implementation of federal, state, regional, and local
programs that reduce construction emissions, and monitor
grading and construction activities. Although implementation of
Standard Conditions (SC) SC 3.3-1 through SC 3.3-11 and
Mitigation Measures (MM) MM 3.3-1 through MM 3.3-10 would
partially mitigate the impact, the volume of emissions
generated cannot be feasibly reduced below adopted
significance thresholds. Therefore, impacts remain significant
and not fully mitigated.
(b) Having reduced the adverse significant environmental effects of the
proposed project to the extent feasible by adopting the standard
conditions and mitigation measures contained in the Final EIR;
having considered the entire administrative record on the project; and
having weighed the benefits of the project against its unavoidable
adverse impacts after mitigation, the City Council finds that the
social, economic, and environmental benefits of the project outweigh
the potential unavoidable adverse and render those potential adverse
environmental impacts acceptable based on the overriding
considerations found in Exhibit 'B' and in making this finding, the City
has balanced the benefits of the Project against its unavoidable
environmental impacts and has indicated its willingness to accept
those risks.
Section 3. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
A. The Cathedral City General Plan is hereby amended to designate the
591-acre Project Area, that includes an approximate 104-acre portion of the
project (Planning Area 3) north of Varner Road, the approximate 9 acres on the
east side of Bob Hope Drive (Planning Area 2), and the balance of the Project
Area (Planning Areas 1, 4, and 5) located between Varner Road and Interstate
10 from Bob Hope Drive to the City limits. The Project Area consists of the
following Assessor Parcels:
4
670-240-011, 670-240-012, 670-240-013, 670-240-014, 670-240-015,
670-240-016, 670-240-017, 670-250-013, 670-070-001, 670-080-007
B. Attached as Exhibit 'C' is the General Plan text amendment.
Section 4. GENERAL PLAN FINDINGS
The City Council finds as follows:
(a) The proposed General Plan Amendment, which consists of
modifying the General Plan Land Use Map for the North City
Extended Specific Plan, includes policies and objectives to:
i. Establish a unique community identity within the Coachella
Valley;
ii. Create a thriving mixed-use area that strengthens Cathedral
City's economic base;
iii. Create compact, walkable neighborhoods and mixed use
districts that support healthy living and multiple
transportation options;
iv. Provide a signature open space framework that compliments
and enhances the natural environment; and
v. Encourage sustainable energy-efficient development.
(b) The proposed General Plan Amendment will establish a unique and
successful development area of Cathedral City and the Coachella
Valley;
(c) The proposed General Plan Amendment is consistent with the
established goals, policies, and objectives in the General Plan;
(d) The proposed land use changes will provide a blueprint for
development of the future of the area indentified in Exhibit 'A'
known as the North City Extended Specific Plan;
(e) The proposed General Plan Amendment is necessary and proper
at this time, and is not likely to be detrimental to the adjacent
properties or residents;
(e) The proposed General Plan Amendment was circulated in
compliance with SB18 and no significant issues were identified; and
(f) Any and all other findings contained in the Staff Report, during
testimony, and orally made at the hearing on the General Plan
Amendment.
Section 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This resolution shall not become effective until completion of the Project
Area's annexation into the City of Cathedral City.
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Section 6. CERTIFICATION
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution;
shall enter the same in the book of original Resolutions of the City; and shall
make a minute of passage and adoption thereof in the records of the
proceedings of the City Council, in the minutes of the meeting at which
Resolution is passed and adopted.
Ayes: 4 R , ∎irot5S1 L1 Z I-ic rwy , Toles
Noes: 9'
Abstain:0
Absent: I Ve"H15
APPROVED and ADOPTED this 15th day of January 2014.
i
t!■•••-∎aaf4.'
a hleen J. �• -Rosa. Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
fit■_... _ ..4..A■ , td./L. 41.1
Gary Ho -II ' Lei Lukes
City Clerk Business Development Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Charles R. Green
City Attorney
REVIEWED BY:
14-4-6 Ar/
Roderick J. T .d
In erim ' y Man= •er
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EXHIBIT `B'
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081(b) and the Guidelines
Sections 15093 and 15043, the City has balanced the economic, legal, social,
technological, and other benefits of the Project, including the provision of
employment opportunities for highly trained workers, against the unavoidable
adverse impact associated with air quality impacts derived from construction
emissions. The City also has examined alternatives to the Project, none of which
meet both the Project objectives and is environmentally superior to the Project.
The City, after balancing the specific economic, legal, social, technological, and
other benefits of the Project, has determined that the unavoidable adverse
environmental impact upon air quality may be considered "acceptable" due to the
following specific considerations that outweigh the unavoidable, adverse
environmental impacts of the Project. Each of the separate benefits of the
Project, as stated herein, is determined to be, unto itself and independent of the
other Project benefits, a basis for overriding the unavoidable adverse
environmental impact identified in these Findings. Each benefit set forth below
constitutes an overriding consideration warranting approval of the Project,
independent of other benefits, despite each and every unavoidable impact.
Project benefits include:
• The Objectives of the Project serve to implement the Goals and Policies
of the City of Cathedral City General Plan by providing a well-balanced mix of
residential, commercial, and open space to meet the demand of the City's
growing population. (DEIR, p. 2-1 to 2-3)
• The Project includes an average 75-foot wide linear park and multi-use
trail system along the north side of Interstate 10 that, while providing a local and
regional recreational feature, will also serve to create a desirable image for the
City of Cathedral City through the form of highly visible open space that can be
continued through other properties along the north side of Interstate 10. (DEIR,
p. 3.15-6)
• The Project provides an approximate 49.7-acre freeway buffer linear
park and multi-use trail, a 7.0-acre community park, and four neighborhood parks
that total 8.6 acres. (DEIR, p 3.15-5.)
• The Project provides for the establishment of housing within the City of
Cathedral City in accordance with projected population increases and consistent
with the scale and character of the adjoining North City Specific Plan area. The
Project will implement housing-type diversity by providing a variety of detached
single-family lot sizes in traditional and non-traditional subdivision layouts,
multiple forms of mixed use residential housing intermixed with non-residential
uses that offer a wide range of sales prices to meet the changing economic and
demographic profile of the City of Cathedral City. (DEIR, p. 3.10-10 to 3.10-11)
8
• The Project will develop a sustainable environment that minimizes use of
energy resources, is visually attractive, efficient, and effectively organized,
includes an appropriate landscape palette, irrigation system design, surface
water management, efficient lighting, and a walkable community that will be
integrated with the character of the surrounding community and establish
development that results in logical, coordinated growth. (DEIR p. 3.7-13)
• The Project will support existing and planned local businesses by
providing an increased customer base for local businesses. The increased
customer base will also provide increased sales tax revenues.
• The Project will provide meaningful and gainful employment during its
construction. During the projected 20-plus year build-out, the Project will
increase employment through construction, landscaping and sales-related jobs.
Longer term employment will increase from such jobs for maintenance, security,
management and increased retail sales of goods and services in the City of
Cathedral City/Thousand Palms area.
• The Project will include the payment of development-related fees for
infrastructure and increase revenues in the form of assessments, utility taxes,
and sales taxes from purchases by Project residents.
The City Council hereby declares that the Final Environmental Impact Report
(FEIR) has identified and discussed significant effects that may occur as a result
of the Project. With the implementation of the mitigation measures discussed in
the FEIR, these effects can be mitigated to a level of less than significant except
for unavoidable significant impact discussed in these Findings. The City Council
hereby declares that it has made a reasonable and good faith effort to eliminate
or substantially mitigate the potential impacts resulting from the Project. The City
Council further finds that, except for the Project, all other alternatives set forth in
the FEIR are infeasible because they would prohibit the realization of Project
objectives and/or specific economic, social, and other benefits that this City
Council finds outweigh any environmental benefits of the alternatives.
For the foregoing reasons, the City Council hereby declares that the benefits
provided to the public through approval and implementation of the Specific Plan
outweigh any significant adverse environmental impacts of the Project, and
therefore finds those impacts to be acceptable. The substantial evidence
demonstrating the benefits of the Project are found in these Findings and in the
documents found in the record of proceedings. Therefore, the City has adopted
this Statement of Overriding Considerations.
9
EXHIBIT `C'
GENERAL PLAN TEXT AMENDMENTS
10
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Introduction
INTRODUCTION
The City of Cathedral City General Plan has been prepared in compliance with California law,
which requires that all cities and counties adopt a General Plan. The General Plan is the primary
land use tool use by the City in assisting in the development and redevelopment of the City. This
General Plan includes the goals,policies and programs which the City will utilize in making land
use decisions in the future. In addition,each Element includes diagrams,historic and current data
and information,and projections for the future.
BACKGROUND
The City of Cathedral City is located in the Coachella Valley, in eastern Riverside County. The
City is bordered on the west by the City of Palm Springs, and on the east by the City of Rancho
Mirage and the unincorporated Thousand Palms community. The City currently includes 22.5 23
square miles of land, extending from the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, to Edom Hill on
the north.
Public Participation
The General Plan was developed through a series of public meetings over a period of several
years. This public participation process culminated in several public workshops held by the
Planning Commission and City Council, meeting jointly, in 2001 and 2002. The input provided
by residents at these meetings was incorporated into the General. Following the required public
comment period, public hearings were held by both the Planning Commission and City Council,
to receive further input from the public on the contents of this document.
General Plan Format
The City of Cathedral City General Plan includes two documents: This General Plan and the
General Plan Environmental Impact Report. These documents together are the framework for
land use decisions in the City, including residential density, commercial and industrial intensity,
and open space and park areas. The General Plan includes summaries of background information
which is provided in greater detail in the Environmental Impact Report.
Each Element includes one or more goals, and the policies and programs necessary to reach that
goal. The goal is the most general statement in the policy-making process. The policies provide
decision-makers with direction as they consider development in the City. Finally, the programs
provide implementation mechanisms for the policies, including funding priorities, major
development standards, and staffing responsibilities. The programs also include mechanisms to
allow the City to respond to changes in market and environmental conditions as time passes.
The General Plan also includes maps and graphics which illustrate and support policies and
programs,and as such are integral to the General Plan document.
Adopted July 31,2002 Introduction
Amended June 24,2009 I-1
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Administration Element
Amendments To The General Plan
The General Plan can and should be viewed as a dynamic and multi-faceted document, defining
and addressing the changing needs of the community. General Plan issues require on-going -
assessment and an understanding of existing and projected community needs. Short-term
programs and policies should be reviewed annually to reflect compatibility with budgetary
priorities, and to assure that the General Plan is kept current with changing conditions and
circumstances. Long-term programs must also be given forward planning consideration to assure
timely funding and development of critical infrastructure and public services and facilities.
Annual Review
California Government Code requires that the planning agency "render an annual report to the
legislative body (City Council) on the status of the Plan and the progress in its implementation"
(Section 65400(b)). State law further requires that the Housing Element be reviewed and updated
at least once every five(5)years.
Mandatory elements of the General Plan may be amended up to four (4) times in each calendar
year. The City Council or any citizen may initiate a General Plan Amendment. It is left to the
discretion of the local jurisdiction to establish an amendment schedule.
u se.
Application Procedures To Amend The General Plan
The General Plan or any portion thereof may be amended by filing an application and the
appropriate fees are filed with the City Planning Department. An amendment to the General Plan
constitutes a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and therefore is
evaluated for its environmental effects and consistency with other elements of the General Plan.
Final approval of General Plan amendments is the responsibility of the City Council.
Exemptions Applicable To General Plan Amendments
The State Legislature has recognized that occasions arise which require the local jurisdiction to
have some flexibility in amending the General Plan. As set forth in the California Government
Code,the following are exempt from the General Plan amendment schedule.
(1) Amendments requested and determined necessary for the development of a residential
project, of which at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its units will be available to persons of
low or moderate income(Sections 65361(b)and 65358(d)).
(2)Any amendment necessary to comply with a court decision in a case involving the legal
adequacy of the General Plan(Sections 65361 and 65358 (d) (1)).
Community Plans,Area Plans,Specific Plans and Precise Plans
The State General Plan Guidelines recognize three types of sub-plans, including the Community
Plan, Area Plan and Specific Plan. Community and Area Plans focus on a particular region or
Adopted July 31,2002 Administration Element
Amended January 15,2014 11_6
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
LAND USE ELEMENT
PURPOSE
The Land Use Element defines the various land use categories assigned to lands within the City
and its Sphere-of-Influence. The element also crystallizes technical discussions and analyses
from other General Plan elements and the Plan's Program EIR, and provides appropriate goals,
policies and programs to help direct further development and ultimate buildout of the
community. The Land Use Element is the broadest and most far-reaching of all General Plan
elements and, in conjunction with General Plan EIR, serves as the foundation for land use policy
development.
BACKGROUND
California Government Code Section 65300 requires cities and counties to prepare and adopt "a
comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development" of the community. The
General Plan must also designate lands for housing, business, industry, open space, as well as
other uses deemed appropriate by the City (Government Code Sections 65302(a). The Element
also incorporates designations reflecting physical development and land use, consistent with
Government Code Section 65303. It incorporates mapping of the General Plan land use
distributions and provides statements relating to standards of development, intensity and
population density. Policies and programs associated with each of the major land use categories
are set forth in the Land Use Element and reflect the compatible and integrally planned
distribution of land uses reflected in the Plan.
On December 23, 2007, approximately 1,400 acres of land north of Interstate 10 were annexed
into the City ("2007 Annexed Area"). State law requires that the City pre-zone property to be
annexed and denies the City the ability to rezone any property within newly-annexed area for
two (2) years after annexation. On July 8, 2009, the City adopted the North City Specific Plan,
establishing land uses and development standards, among other things, for North City, which
includes the 2007 Annexed Area. Therefore, the Land Use Categories established by the pre-
zoning of the 2007 Annexed Area will remain unchanged until December 23, 2009, at which
time they will become consistent with the North City Specific Plan land use designations.
On December 3, 2009, approximately 4100 acres of uninhabited land, inclusive of Tribal lands.,
was added to the Cathedral City Sphere of Influence, (SOI). (LAFCO Case 2008-09-4) On
January 15, 2014, the City adopted the North City Extended Specific Plan, establishing pre-
zoning, land uses, design guidelines, and development standards for the North City Extended
Specific Plan, which includes the southerly 591 acres of the 2009 SOI area. On
2014, the 591 acres comprising the North City Extended Specific Plan was
annexed into the City, at which time the provisions of the North City Extended Specific Plan
became effective.
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended June 24,2009 III-1
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
(DTC)Downtown Commercial This designation is assigned to a limited area in the
Downtown core (as defined by the Downtown
Precise Plan) and takes advantage of the convenient
access of the East Palm Canyon Drive corridor.
Land use, zoning policies and design criteria for the
area are established by the Downtown Precise Plan.
Permitted land uses include Downtown Residential
Neighborhood and Mixed Use Commercial. This
designation also provides for a variety of
commercial centers, ranging from storefront scale
buildings and office space, to lodging and
entertainment establishments. The Civic Center and
associated civic facilities are also appropriately
located within this area.
Mixed-Use
(MU-N)Mixed-Use Neighborhood This designation is assigned to limited areas in
Nefth-City north of Interstate 10, (as defined in the
North City Specific Plan and the North City
Extended Specific Plan) and takes advantage of
proximity to the Interstate 10 freeway while
acknowledging adjacency to the Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan area. Land use, zoning
policies and design criteria for the area are
contained in the respective North City Specific Plan
or North City Extended Specific Plan. Permitted
land uses include a mix of residential, up to 25
dwelling units per acre, commercial retail, office
and public gathering spaces. Uses may be mixed
either horizontally or vertically, with an emphasis
on residential with neighborhood-serving
commercial.
(MU-U)Mixed Use Urban This designation is assigned to limited areas north
of Interstate 10, (as defined in the North City and
North City Extended Specific Plan) and takes
advantage of proximity to Interstate 10 freeway
access points. Land use, zoning policies and design
criteria for the area are contained in the respective
North City Specific Plan or North City Extended
Specific Plan. Permitted land uses include a mix of
residential, up to 45 dwelling units per acre,
commercial retail, office and public gathering
spaces. Uses may be mixed either horizontally or
vertically to create an urban village community,
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended January 15,2014 111-6
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
with an emphasis on walkability and multi-modal
transportation opportunities.
(MU C)Mixed Use Commercial This designation is assigned to limited areas in
North City Specific Plan. Permitted land uses
gathering spaces. Uses may be mixed either
Industrial
(BP)Business Park This designation is intended for light industrial and
related uses which are compatible with one another,
as well as with neighboring residential and
commercial uses. Other potentially appropriate uses
include professional offices, including
administrative, corporate, institutional, legal,
medical, financial, insurance, real estate, and
government offices.
(I)Industrial This designation provides for the development of
any and all industrial uses operating entirely in
enclosed buildings, and those requiring limited and
screenable outdoor storage. Examples include clean
manufacturing operations, warehousing and
distribution facilities, mini-warehouse storage, and
a variety of light manufacturing businesses. Siting
industrial lands in close proximity to major regional
highway and railroad facilities is desirable.
Preferred development includes master planned
industrial parks with integrated access and internal
circulation. Business parks may also be permitted,
provided their compatibility with other industrial
uses is assured.
This designation may also allow conditional and/or
discretionary development of more intense
industrial uses with the potential to generate
substantial levels of noise, smoke, dust, glare,
traffic,vibration, or other nuisances.
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended January 15,2014 111-7
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
Table II1-2
City of Cathedral City
Land Use Acreage Summary(Post 2014)
Land Use Category Density Acres % of City
in City Acres
HR Hillside Reserve 1 du/20ac 542 3.9%
RE Estate Residential 0-2 du/ac 463 3.4%
RL Low Den. Residential 2-4.5 du/ac 4,272 31.0%
RR Resort Residential 3-6.5 du/ac 1,387 10.0%
RM Med. Den. Residential 4.5-10 du/ac 387 2.8%
RH High Den. Residential 11-20 du/ac 22 0.2%
Residential Subtotal 7,073 51.4%
CG General Commercial 779 5.7%
CN Neighborhood Commercial 34 0.2%
DTC Downtown Commercial 155 1.1%
Commercial Subtotal 968 7.0%
Mixed-Use Neighborhood 384 500 2.8 3.5%
Mixed Use Urban 734 799 5-3 5.5%
Mixed-Use Subtotal 1118 1,299 &4-9.0%
BP Business Park 386 2.8%
I Industrial 494 568 36 3.9%
Industrial Subtotal 888 954 6A 6.7%
P Public/Quasi-Public 419 3.0%
OS-P Open Space-Public 2 2,253 15.8%
OS-PV Open Space-Private 98 0.7%
OS-W Open Space-Watercourse/Basin 758 921 6.4%
OS-O Open Space-Other 283 2.0%
Open Space Total 3,315 3,555 244 24.9%
Total 13 14,273 100%
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended January 15,2014 III-12
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
Table III-3
City of Cathedral City
Land Use Buildout Statistical Summary(Post 2014)
Land Use Total Dev. Vacant Exist Potential Bldout
Category Acres Acres Acres Units Units' Units
HR Hillside Reserve (1 du/20ac) 542 9 533 26 26
RE Estate Res. (0-2du/ac) 463 0 463 385 385
RL Low Density (2-4.5du/ac) 4,272 2,635 1,637 10,7791 5,527 16,306
RR Resort Res. (3-6.5du/ac) 1,387 942 445 2,169 2,169
RM Med. Density (4.5-10du/ac) 387 282 105 7,1372 790 7,927
RH High Density (11-20du/ac) 22 8 14 210 210
Mixed-Use Neighborhood
(7-25 du/ac) 367483 0 367483 0 8327-5 9,527 9,527
Mixed-Use Urban
(10-45 du/ac) 192257 0 192 257 .0 4,583 6,531 6,531
Residential Subtotal 7,632 7,813 3,876 3,7-56 3,937 17,916 22 066 25,266 393982
43,081
Existing Future Total
Sq.Ft.4 Sq.Ft.4 Sq.Ft.4
CG General Comm. 779 437 342 4,226,191 3,459,535 7,685,726
CN Neighborhood Comm. 34 1 33 9,583 344,955 354,538
DTC Downtown Comm. 155 145 10 1,389,564 57,499 1,447,063
Mixed-Use Neighborhood 4.7 133 0 1-7 133 0 629,112 629,112
4,924,458 4,924,458
Mixed-Use Urban 542 607 0 542 607 0 14,373,193 11,373,493
16,067,594 16,067,594
Commercial Subtotal 1,527 1,708 583 944 1,125 5,625,338 4838643924-243490462
24,854,041 30,479,379
BP Business Park 386 88 298 1,229,263 5,465,038 6,694,301
I Industrial 491 568 134 208 360 434 1,984,593 12,635,193 15,153,261
12,824,259 17,423,173
Industrial Subtotal 880 954 222 296 658 732 3,213,856 4831903534-21384-75-562
18,289,297 24,117,474
P Public/Quasi-Public 419 419 0 --- --- ---
OS-P Open Space-Public 2,2 176 2,253 2531,923 2000 --- --- ---
OS-PV Open Space-Private 98 0 98 --- --- ---
OS-W Open Space-Watercourse758 921 366 392 555 --- --- ---
OS-0 Open Space-Other 283 283 0 --- --- ---
Open Space Subtotal 3,315 3,555 902 2,413 2,653 -- -- ---
Total 13,773 14,273 6,002 7,771 8,447 --- --- ---
'Includes attached and detached single family housing units,as categorized by CA.Dept.of Finance,2000
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended January 15,2014 1I1-13
i
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
The City's 2000 average household size is comparable to that of the Riverside County average of
2.98 persons per household, but is substantially larger than that of neighboring Palm Springs
(2.05)and Rancho Mirage(1.92).
The General Plan provides for a wide range of residential unit types and densities, ranging up to
forty-five (45) dwelling units per acre within seven basic residential land use categories,
including Hillside Reserve (1 du/20 ac), High Density (11-20 du/ac), Mixed-Use Neighborhood
(10-25 du/ac), and Mixed Use Urban (Max. 40 du/ac.). Upon buildout of the General Plan
planning area, the City could have a total of up to 39,982 43,081 dwelling units and a permanent
population of up to -,-145 130,492 This projected population assumes current (2000)
household densities and a 25%reduction in acreage for streets and parkways in each category.
The City and all other jurisdictions in California are required by law to assure the provision and
availability of decent housing and a suitable living environment for all economic segments of the
community, with special attention to very low, low and moderate income groups. The elderly,
those paying too much for rent/mortgages and those living in overcrowded conditions are
identified special groups that require special attention when providing for the community's
housing needs. Each of these groups has found acceptable housing opportunities in Cathedral
City. For additional information addressing these and other related issues associated with
community housing stock,please refer to the Housing Element.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE GOALS,POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
Goal 1
Residential neighborhoods and developments that provide safe, wholesome and enhancing
environments for living, enjoyment, growth and development of all residents, including the
community's children and seniors.
Goal 2
Residential developments of distinctive character that provide a full range of housing types,
products and costs to accommodate the needs of existing and future residents of the community.
Policy 1
Existing residential neighborhoods and vacant residential lands shall be managed and regulated
to enhance the distinct character of each, while assuring compatibility between existing and
future development.
Policy 2
In-fill development shall be encouraged on partially built-out subdivided lands, where major
investments in streets and infrastructure have already been made, while ensuring the
maintenance of the integrity of the neighborhood.
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended January 15,2014 111-18
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Land Use Element
Program 6.A
The City shall require the preparation of Specific and/or Precise Plans in areas where the
integration of a mix of land uses is desirable or is to be encouraged, and where development
plans can integrate the Ahwahnee Principles to enhance land use efficiencies and quality of life.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department, Redevelopment Agency, Planning Commission,
City Council
Schedule: On-going
Policy 7
Development densities set forth in the General Plan represent a range of development densities
that may be approved by the City, based upon the carrying capacity of lands, the availability of
services and infrastructure, and the compatibility of proposed development with existing land
use.
Program 7.A
Development proposals shall be analyzed by City staff to determine the appropriate density for
each development, independent of the proposed development density. Criteria to be considered
shall include land carrying capacity, the quality of proposed development, the availability of
services and infrastructure, the compatibility of proposed development with existing land uses,
and other appropriate criteria.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department,Planning Commission,City Council
Schedule: On-going
Policy 8
The City shall encourage the use of Specific Plans and Precise Plans to master plan complex
mixes of land uses, to assure the appropriate mix and distribution of uses, support facilities and
open space areas, and for projects which have environmental or geophysical issues associated
with them.
Policy 9
All residential development shall be subject to review by the City Architectural Review
Committee/Planning Commission and/or the City Planning staff for compliance with City
architectural standards and guidelines.
Program 9.A
Residential subdivision applications, which include models of residential product to be
developed, shall be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Committee/Planning
Commission. All other residential development applications shall be reviewed by Planning staff
for compliance with applicable architectural design standards and guidelines.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Schedule: On-going
COMMERCIAL LAND USE BACKGROUND
Since its incorporation, Cathedral City has emerged as a significant player in commercial activity
and retail development. As an essential part of the City's mix of land uses and the local
economic base, commercial lands and development generate important tax revenues and
Adopted July 31,2002 Land Use Element
Amended January 15,2014 111-20
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Circulation Element
East of Cathedral City, East Palm Canyon Drive is once again designated as"Highway 111,"and
it continues southeast to Brawley in the Imperial Valley. The Mid-Valley Parkway is an
additional intra-regional arterial that extends from the Palm Springs International Airport
entrance on Ramon Road, southeast to Cook Street. Each of these regional facilities is briefly
described below.
U.S. Interstate-l0
I-10 provides essential inter-city and inter-regional access and is a critical part of the local road
network,moving people and goods into and out of the Valley. Where it passes through Cathedral
City, U.S. Interstate-10 is built as an eight-lane divided freeway, which is accessed from a
diamond-shaped interchange at Date Palm Drive and a similar interchange at Palm Drive/Gene
Autry Trail and Bob Hope Dr. . Additional City access to I-10 is available through the Ramon
Road interchange to the east. The General Plan proposes and plans for the future construction of
an additional interchange at the northerly extension of Da Vail Drive, approximately one mile
east of the I-10/Date Palm Drive interchange, and at Landau Boulevard, approximately one mile
west of the I-10-Date Palm Drive interchange.
East Palm Canyon Drive
East Palm Canyon Drive follows the approximate route of the Old Bradshaw Trail (see the
Archaeological and Cultural Resources Element), which runs along the toe of the Santa Rosa
Mountains and the Whitewater River. This roadway again becomes the state-classified Highway
111 at the City's easterly boundary with Rancho Mirage. Its classification notwithstanding, East
Palm Canyon Drive is an important intra-regional connector serving local cities. Over the past
several years, some through-traffic appears to have moved north to I-10 in response to
congestion along this roadway.
East Palm Canyon Drive is an integral part of the Downtown Redevelopment Project and has
been improved to enhance traffic flow and better serve the adjoining commercial and
institutional land uses. Completed improvements extend from Cathedral Canyon Drive eastward
to Date Palm Drive and include two through-lanes in each direction, raised and landscaped
median islands, and parallel service or frontage roads that provide bus service parking and side-
street access outside the main flow of traffic.
Mid-Valley Parkway
The Mid-Valley Parkway was originally conceived as an east-west, inter-city arterial that would
serve as a high capacity linkage between Palm Springs and the various communities of the
Coachella Valley, and as an alternate route to Highway 111/East Palm Canyon Drive. It was
envisioned as a six-lane, high-speed,restricted access roadway,which would be located mid-way
between Highway 111 and Interstate-10 and provide access to regional transportation hubs,
including the Palm Springs International Airport.
Unfortunately, cost constraints and problems securing adequate right-of-way in adjoining cities
have reduced the size of this arterial to four lanes, divided. Today, the parkway follows a
circuitous route from Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage and provides only marginally better
performance than other regional arterials.
Adopted July 31,2002 Circulation Element
Amended June 24,2009 III-35
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Circulation Element
The CVATS model was used to determine the average number of daily trips for each land use,
and this data was modified for City-specific application. The General Plan transportation model
then estimated the number of peak season vehicle trips expected to be produced on an average
weekday within each TAZ.
Trip Distribution and Traffic Assignment
The next step in the modeling process was to directionally distribute the vehicle trips produced in
or attracted to each TAZ and assign them to specific streets. The transportation analysis uses a
"gravity distribution model," which assumes that the distribution of vehicle trips is proportional
to the "attractiveness" of the land use and the distance (or travel time) from the point of trip
production.Each type of trip or trip purpose has its own specific travel characteristics.
The model then assigned vehicle trips to specific route paths based upon the interchanges of
traffic between TAZs identified in the trip distribution process. The result is a forecast of daily
traffic volumes at General Plan buildout, with the assignment of vehicle trips to specific
roadways within the planning area. As with other aspects of the General Plan modeling effort,
traffic assignments have been adapted from procedures used in the CVATS model.
GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT
Trip Generation
The number of trips generated at buildout of the planning area is based on the land use types and
intensities assigned by the General Plan Land Use Plan. The transportation model estimates the
average number of peak season vehicle trips that will be produced on a weekday for each TAZ,
and gives special consideration to seasonal peak trips to address the increased travel demand that
occurs when visitors and seasonal residents utilize the City roadway network. Based on the land
use types and intensities established by the Land Use Plan,buildout of the General Plan planning
area is expected to generate a total of approximately 992,862 daily two-way trips.
Levels-of-Service
Buildout of the General Plan is expected to provide LOS D or better operations on a daily basis
for most (81%) roadway segments in the planning area. However, thirteen segments (15%) are
expected to operate at LOS E, and four (4%) are expected to operate at LOS F. Typically,
impacts to roadway links that are projected to operate at LOS E on a daily basis can be
adequately mitigated by providing additional turning lanes at intersections. Where roadway links
are projected to operate at LOS F,the construction of additional through lanes is usually required
to adequately reduce delays or provide alternative parallel routes.
The preservation of adequate right-of-way at major intersections is critical to improving
conditions on roadways projected to function at LOS E and F, in order to allow space for future
intersection improvements. Areas where future impacts remain unacceptable will require more
detailed and focused analysis to alleviate anticipated impacts. These areas are addressed in
subsequent sections of this element.
Anticipated average daily traffic (ADT) volumes and levels-of-service (LOS) for major roadway
segments in the planning area are described in the following table. Daily traffic volumes are
illustrated graphically in Exhibit I1I-5.
Adopted July 31,2002 Circulation Element
Amended June 24,2009 III-45
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Circulation Element
Table III-7
General Plan Buildout Traffic Impact Analysis
Buildout Daily Capacity V/Cb Level of -
Roadway Link ADT (Veh./Day) Ratio Service
Interstate-10
W of Date Palm Drive 140,200 190,000 0.74 D
E of Date Palm Drive 158,800 190,000 0.84 D
Palm Drive
S of Varner Road to Paul Road 28,035 59,000 0.48 C
S of Paul Road to I-10c 31,769 59,000 0.54 C
Mountain View Road
N of Varner Road 29,700 59,000 0.50 C
Edom Hill Road
E of Varner Road 2,600 30,000 0.09 A
Varner Road
E of Palm Drive to Mountain View' 2,572 38,000 0.07 A
E of Mountain View Road to Date
Palms 32,425 59,000 0.55 C
E of Date Palm Drive to DaValle 18,718 38,000 0.49 C
W of Da Vall Drive 11,600 38,000 0.31 B
E of Da Vall Drive 21,200 38,000 0.56 C
Valley Center Boulevard
E of Palm Drive 18,400 38,000 0.48 C
W of City Limit 19,000 38,000 0.50 C
W of Date Palm Drive 32,300 38,000 0.85 E
E of Date Palm Drive 25,900 38,000 0.68 D
W of Da Vall Drive 30,000 38,000 0.79 D
Date Palm Drive
S of Varner Roadto I-10c 26,872 59,000 0.46 B
N of Vista Chino 79,500 59,000 1.35 F
S of Vista Chino 40,600 59,000 0.69 D
N of 30th Avenue 39,500 59,000 0.67 D
S of 30th Avenue 33,500 59,000 0.57 C
N of Ramon Road 33,800 59,000 0.57 C
S of Ramon Road 33,600 59,000 0.57 C
N of Dinah Shore Drive 32,800 59,000 0.56 C
S of Dinah Shore Drive 37,200 59,000 0.63 C
N of Gerald Ford Drive 33,300 59,000 0.56 C
N of Perez Road 39,800 59,000 0.67 D
S of Perez Road 33,000 59,000 0.56 C
N of East Palm Canyon Drive 33,000 59,000 0.56 C
S of East Palm Canyon Drive 14,000 18,000 0.78 D
Adopted July 31,2002 Circulation Element
Amended June 24,2009 111-46
1
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Circulation Element
• Date Palm Drive,north of Vista Chino(V/C ratio= 1.35)
• East Palm Canyon Drive, east of Date Palm Drive(V/C ratio= 1.09)
Where roadway links are projected to operate at LOS F, the construction of additional through
lanes and/or approach lanes is usually required to adequately reduce delays or provide alternative
parallel routes. The preservation of sufficient right-of-way along these segments and at nearby
intersections is critical to allow physical space for future improvements.
Interstate-10 Interchanges
A significant portion of buildout traffic in the planning area will utilize Interstate-10. The
existing 1-10 interchanges providing direct access to the City are located at Date Palm Drive, and
at Palm Drive, and Bob Hope Dr.. Buildout traffic projections are nearly twice the master
planned roadway capacity for Date Palm Drive. To accommodate future traffic volumes in this
vicinity, a second freeway interchange is proposed at the extension of Da Vall Drive. Such an
interchange would effectively reduce future traffic volumes on Date Palm Drive. However,
between Vista Chino and Valley Center Boulevard, Date Palm and Da Vall Drives are still
expected to operate at LOS E or F on a daily basis. Additional capacity enhancements, such as
the Landau overpass and the improvements to the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Drive interchange,
will be necessary to assure acceptable levels-of-service at these gateways to Cathedral City.
Therefore, Date Palm and Da Vall Drives, from Vista Chino to Valley Center Boulevard, are
designated "Special Study Zones." Such a designation is intended to insure that the roadway
segments are designed and improved to provide additional capacity in the future. Specific design
and development enhancements should be able to improve both the V/C ratio and LOS and help
relieve projected congestion on these roadway segments. The Interstate-10/Bob Hope Dr.
interchange was upgraded in 2012 to operate at an acceptable level of service.
East Palm Canyon Drive
The buildout traffic projections suggest that capacity constraints may occur on East Palm
Canyon Drive, east of Cathedral Canyon Drive to the city limits. However, the 1998 traffic
impact analysis prepared for the Downtown Precise Plan includes a detailed peak hour
evaluation that demonstrates that the intersections would operate at acceptable levels-of-service.
While the assumptions used for the Precise Plan study were not identical to those used for this
General Plan traffic analysis, they were quite similar, and future daily traffic projections were
consistent for both projects. Access along East Palm Canyon Drive at the easterly city limit is
physically constrained by the Whitewater River and Santa Rosa Mountains. Should delays along
East Palm Canyon Drive become excessive in the future, the Mid-Valley Parkway can function
as a parallel bypass by carrying traffic around the Downtown area.
Ramon Road
The General Plan traffic analysis assumes Ramon Road ultimately would be improved to a six-
lane arterial highway. However, the buildout data indicate that, west of Landau Boulevard.
Ramon Road is projected to carry future daily traffic volumes that exceed the capacity of a six-
lane cross section.
Additionally, the existing four-lane bridge over the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel may
not be improved beyond six lanes in the foreseeable future, given the high costs of widening the
bridge. Ramon Road's status as a Congestion Management Plan (CMP) roadway means that
Adopted July 31,2002 Circulation Element
Amended June 24,2009 111-54
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Housing Element
providing financial assistance to low-income homeowners. In the 1998-
2006 planning period, this included assistance to 40 homes in the Dream
Homes, South Panorama, and Whitewater neighborhoods. The City
authorized$630,000 to establish graffiti abatement/prevention programs -
for the 2006-2014 planning cycle and another $600,000 for the
implementation of these programs.
Policy 2.1 Ensure that sufficient residentially designated lands and appropriate
zoning exist to meet the City's future housing needs.
Program 2.A Maintain the inventory of all land suitable for residential development in
the Land Use Element.
Assessment: A number of new affordable units were constructed during the previous
planning period, which fulfilled the requirements of the RHNA. This was
made possible, in part, to the sufficient lands available for development.
The Planning Department has compiled a land inventory for additional
potential residential development. This process is ongoing and will
require further investigation and inventory in order to establish a
representative list of available lands within the City. Please also see the
Land Inventory provided in this Housing Element.
Program 2.B Maintain land use and zoning designations in the General Plan and
zoning maps, respectively, that allow for diversity of housing types and
densities.
Assessment: As demonstrated throughout this evaluation, the number of affordable
units built in Cathedral City in the last planning period exceeded the
RIINA allocation. As such, there were appropriately zoned lands
sufficient for construction of these units. The City has also conducted an
inventory based on zoning designations of land for the 2006-2014
planning period as part of the preparation of the Housing Element
update, data collected is presented in Table III-1 S:Inventory of Available
Vacant Land.
Program 2.0 Maintain a Planned Unit Development (PUD) permit ordinance which
shall allow flexibility in development standards to encourage housing
construction while preserving natural resources.
Assessment: A PUD permit ordinance has been maintained and does allow flexibility
in design standards to encourage innovative housing development. The
Canyon Vista project, which provides 81 affordable housing units, was
entitled through the PUD process in the previous planning period.
Program 2.D Specific Plans with residential components, PUDs and Tentative Tract
Maps shall provide for affordable housing within the project, or shall
Adopted November 18,2009 Housing Element
III-67
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Housing Element
contribute an in-lieu fee toward the provision of off-site affordable
housing. The standards shall be included in the City's Zoning Ordinance.
Assessment: This objective has not been fulfilled. An inclusionary ordinance was -
proposed and submitted to the City Council, but was not adopted.
Program 2.E Encourage infill development and the remodeling or addition to existing
homes wherever possible, to lower the costs of extending infrastructure,
through the use of incentives such as Community Home Improvement
Program grants.
Assessment: The RDA has been working to encourage development of infill lots within
the City. The City assembled ten (10) oddly-shaped parcels in the Dream
Homes neighborhood, which are being reconfigured to support as many
as 33 affordable units. In addition, 25 single family lots have been
assembled throughout the City and are being investigated to determine
the best use for infill development. This program will continue to
encourage infill development where feasible.
Program 2.F Ensure that in-fill development occurs in areas with adequate
infrastructure, including streets and water and sewer lines, to support
build-out of the neighborhood.
Assessment: As part of the approval process for infill development, the Planning
Department reviews the project site for available infrastructure and
determines if the existing infrastructure is adequate to serve the proposed
infill development. Generally, however, with the addition of sanitary
sewers to several existing neighborhoods, as described above. all
services are available within the core of the City.
Program 2.G Develop innovative housing solutions for very low and low income
households and the elderly.
Assessment: The Planning Division and Redevelopment Agency staff have worked
together to meet this objective. Programs were initiated in the previous
planning cycle which generated 830 new low and very low income units,
or 480 more units than identified in those income categories under RHNA
(please see Table 111-1, RHNA Needs 1998-2005 and Total Units Built,
below). The Redevelopment Agency's requirement to meet the State
inclusionary and replacement housing mandates helped to establish
effective programs and assure development of affordable housing for
seniors.
Policy 3.1 Provide a sufficient variety of housing types to meet the housing needs of
all residents, regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry,
sexual orientation,national origin or color.
Adopted November 18,2009 Housing Element
III-68
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
Parks Planning
A fundamental component to parks planning is to assess the needs of community. A local needs
analysis should take into account the particular demographic characteristics of Cathedral City
residents and visitors, and should be adjusted for any opportunities or limitations that exist or
may occur in the future. The main objective is to identify areas where parks are needed and to
develop definitive standards and policies for meeting the desired conditions. Quimby Act
standards are frequently used to determine the adequacy of parkland provided in a community.
The Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477), a section within the Subdivision Map Act,
allows local governments to adopt an ordinance to require the dedication of land or payment of
fees for park and recreational purposes. However,before such a condition can be validly attached
to the approval of a map the following criteria must be met:
• The ordinance must be in effect for a period of thirty days before filing tentative or parcel
map
• The ordinance must include definitive standards for determining the proportion of the
subdivision to be dedicated or the amount of the fee to be paid. The dedication or
payment shall not exceed a proportionate amount necessary to provide three acres of park
per 1,000 subdivision residents.
• The land or fees are to be used only for the purpose of developing new or rehabilitating
existing park or recreational facilities to serve the subdivision.
• The city must have a general plan or specific plan containing policies and standards for
park and recreational facilities in accordance with definite principles and standards.
• The city shall develop a schedule specifying how, when and where it will use the land or
fees to develop park and recreational facilities.
• Only the payment of fees may be required for subdivisions containing fifty parcels or
fewer.
Based on the City's current population,which the 2000 census estimates at 42,647, and using the
Quimby Act recommendation of three acres per thousand population, the City currently needs a
total of 128 acres of parks, and has 28 acres. At buildout utilizing this recommended standard,
with a total population of 93,345,the City will need 280 acres of parkland.
As a guide for implementation of the Plan's park proposals, specific standards are established for
distribution, size and service radii for neighborhood, community and mini parks (See Table IlI-
32). The City does not currently (2001) have an established standard, but instead relies on
individual development agreements with developers as projects are proposed in the City.
Adopted July 31,2002 Parks and Recreation Element
Amended June 24,2009 I1I-129
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
Currently, the only bikeways in the City are the portion of a regional Class I route that is located
in the Whitewater River and the Class II bikeway along Palm Drive. A modified Class I bike trail
is scheduled for construction on the south side of Dinah Shore, from the western to the eastern
City limits. A Class II bikeway is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2001 on 30th Avenue,
from the western to the eastern City limits. Several bikeways and multi-use trails are planned for
the North City Specific Plan and the North City Extended Specific Plan. They-inelude: a A
Class I bikeway is planned parallel and just north of Interstate-10,from the western to the eastern
City limits; a Class I bikeway parallel to and just east of Palm Drive, from the planned east-west
Class I bikeway just described to Varner Road; a Class II bikeway along Valley Center
Boulevard from the western to the eastern City limits; a Class II bikeway along Varner Road
from the western to the eastern City limits; a Class II bikeway on Date Palm Drive from
Interstate 10 to Varner Road; a Class II bikeway along Landau Boulevard over Interstate 10 to
Valley Center Boulevard; and a Class II bikeway along Mountain View Road from Varner Road
to the northern City limits. Development of Class I and II bikeways along major streets within
the City should be a top priority for meeting the recreational needs of the City. Planning for these
facilities will help to create a more livable and healthy community.
Hiking Trails
The Valley is surrounded by a complex regional trail system which occurs primarily in the San
Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Trails beginning on the Valley floor connect to mountain
trails which can lead the hiker to Idyllwild, the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and
beyond. The discussion below includes trails located in and around the City and its planning
area.
The Art Smith Trail is a 16-mile long trail that extends from Palm Canyon's trails to the Palm
Desert's portion of the Santa Rosa Mountains. This is a strenuous hike with a 1,200-foot
elevation gain. The trail traverses the entire ridgeline of the Santa Rosa Mountains, which
exhibits abundant plant and animal life. The Art Smith Trail accommodates hiking, mountain
biking and equestrian use.
The Murray Hill Trail is located in the eastern portion of Palm Springs, and is accessed behind
the 1905 Elks Lodge on Elks Trail. The trail is a strenuous, 10-mile hike that climbs 2,100 feet to
the top of Murray Hill. This trail also offers links to other hikes around Murray Hill, including
the Clara Burgess and Wildhorse Trails, and access to the Eagle Canyon Oasis. The peak of
Murray Hill offers views of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Canyon and the San Jacinto
Mountains.
The Araby Trail, also called the "trail to the stars", climbs above the Bob Hope Estate and the
home of the late Steve McQueen. The trail is accessed off of Rimcrest/Southridge Road in Palm
Springs. It is a moderate, 6-mile hike, with an 800-foot elevation gain. The trail also connects
with the Berns/Garstin/Henderson Trails and many other smaller trails found in the foothills. The
Earl Henderson Trail and Shannon Trail Loop are two hiking trails that are located on the
ridges and plateaus surrounding Murray Hill, east of Palm Canyon. The trails offer scenic views
of south Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains. The Earl Henderson Trail is an easy 4
mile hike, with an elevation gain of 400 feet. The Shannon Trail Loop is a moderate hike that is
Adopted July 31,2002 Parks and Recreation Element
Amended June 24,2009 II1-132
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
Program 10.0
Aggressively pursue all funding sources available for parks and trails, including grants,
developer contributions,donations and dedications.
Responsible Agency: Parks and Recreation Division; City Manager's Office
Schedule: Immediate; Ongoing
Policy 11
The City shall develop and implement plans for a coordinated and connected bicycle lane
network in the community that allows for safe use of bicycles on City streets.
Program 11.A
The City shall inventory all existing major arterial streets for potential Class I and Class II
bikeways, and shall program their installation.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department; Engineering Division, Public Works Department;
Planning Commission; City Council
Schedule: 2004-2005
Program 11.B
Class I bikeways and sidewalks should be installed just north of and parallel to the Interstate-10
freeway as described in the North City Specific Plan and the North City Extended Specific Plan,
on both sides of East Palm Canyon Drive, Date Palm Drive, Ramon Road and other major
arterial streets where sufficient right-of-way is available.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department,Engineering Division,Public Works Department
Schedule: 2005-2006
Program 11.0
Class II bikeways should be designated on all existing and proposed arterial streets that have
sufficient width to safely accommodate bicycle travel lanes.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department; Engineering Division,Public Works Department
Schedule: 2004-2005
Program 11.1)
The City should designate Class III bicycles only where Class I and II facilities are infeasible.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department;Public Works Department
Schedule: Continuous
Program 11.E
The City shall continue to work with Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the Agua
Caliente Band of Indians and its neighboring cities to create a valley wide bicycle and pedestrian
network.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department; CVAG
Schedule: Ongoing
Policy 12
Where feasible, the City shall pursue opportunities to acquire public use privileges that permit
access to multi-use trail corridors along the Whitewater and Palm Canyon Washes, or require
new development to provide access easements to these facilities.
Adopted July 31,2002 Parks and Recreation Element
Amended June 24,2009 1I1-137
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Community Image and Urban Design
community. Landmarks or focal points may include natural, historic, architectural, or
cultural areas of interest.
Some of the most important community assets are the scenic resources of the Coachella
Valley, including the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, San Bernardino and other mountain ranges
surrounding and encompassing the City, Flat Top Mountain, Edom Hill and the desert
floor. Preservation of these scenic vistas has been an important goal of the community.
However, various types of land development, the construction of buildings and walls,
landscaping, roads and the extension of utility lines and other facilities have all impacted
and threatened to degrade the scenic resources of the community.
The City's natural scenic beauty, as viewed from public thoroughfares and private lands,
provides residents and visitors with a direct experience of the breathtaking landforms that
define the character of the community. The protection and enhancement of the City's
viewsheds is critical to promoting a quality image of Cathedral City. An essential part of
this effort is the identification of important areas of significant natural scenic value and
setting standards to preserve these resources with continued urban development.
The scenic resources of Cathedral City are most apparent to the traveling public. The
natural vistas visible from City streets cannot be properly viewed or appreciated if
screened by buildings, walls and landscaping. or the indiscriminate placement of signage.
The City, County and State all play active roles in scenic resource preservation.
Cathedral City has a variety of important entry and focus points, which provide
opportunities to reinforce the City's identity and scenic viewsheds. The integration of
monuments and appropriate signage, as well as special streetscape and landscape
treatments, can be used to reflect the community's unique character. Focal points can be
located anywhere along major routes, including important street corners,within parks and
other public open space, civic buildings, schools and historic areas. Adequate areas for
significant landscape or architectural treatment, City entry signage, special paving, and
other identifiable treatments all lend character and identity to City entry and other focus
points (also see Scenic Highways discussion in this element).
Examples of developed landscape architectural elements include the median on East
Palm Canyon Drive through the City, which provides a welcoming experience to
motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians as they travel through town. The landscaped median
also provides a sense of place and vitality to the City. Landscaping elements,
monumentation, signage, site furnishings, and open space areas should all be considered
in the development standard and policies for landmark or focal point enhancement.
Other corridors that exist in the city are Ramon Road, Date Palm Drive, Landau
Boulevard, Cathedral Canyon Drive, Varner Road, Palm Drive and Perez Road.
Crossroads, or major intersections, in Cathedral City are at Vista Chino Road/I-10/Date
Palm Drive, Ramon Road/Date Palm Drive, Dinah Shore/Date Palm Drive, Date Palm
Drive/East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Drive/I-10, Palm Drive/Varner Road. Varner
Road/Mountain View Road,Varner Rd./Bob Hope Dr, and Gerald Ford/Date Palm Drive.
Adopted July 31,2002 Community Image and Urban Design Element
111-147
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Economic&Fiscal Element
Table II1-41
Jobs vs. Residents in the Coachella Valley,2000
%of Regional %of Regional
City Jobs Residents
Cathedral City 5.4% 15.3%
Coachella 8.7% 7.3%
Desert Hot Springs 3.7% 10.2%
Indian Wells 1.2% 5.5%
Indio 17.8% 21.0%
La Quinta 5.8% 6.5%
Palm Desert 24.8% 11.3%
Palm Springs 16.1% 12.3%
Rancho Mirage 8.7% 3.7%
Unincorporated/Other 7.8% 6.9%
Total 100% 100%
Source:Exhibit 42,"Coachella Valley Economic Review,"
prepared for the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership by
Economics&Politics,Inc.and The Resource Group,July 22,
2000.
Housing Market
Among Cathedral City's economic strengths is its ability to provide a variety of affordable
residential products,ranging from apartments to newer master planned residential developments,
at competitive prices that are typically lower than those found in other Coachella Valley
communities. According to the California Association of Realtors, during the fourth quarter of
1998, the median sales price for new and existing homes in Cathedral City was $96,000. More
recent data indicates that home values are increasing throughout the Coachella Valley, but
Cathedral City continues to offer some of the most competitive prices. The Inland Empire
Quarterly Economic Report shows that,during the first quarter of 2000,median housing prices in
Cathedral City were$117,750 for existing homes, and$165,700 for new homes.
The City's housing stock increased from 15,229 units in 1990 to 17,916 units in 2000, which
represents a ten-year increase of about 17%. As shown in the following table, the majority of
new structures are single-family, detached dwellings,which is typical of a low-density, suburban
community. Much of this new development has occurred in the northern portion of the City,
between 30th Avenue and Interstate-10. The percentage of attached single-family units and
mobile homes in the City's housing mix has decreased since 1990,while the percentage of multi-
family units has remained relatively unchanged.
Adopted July 31,2002 Economic&Fiscal Element
Amended June 24,2009 111-164
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Economic&Fiscal Element
Commercial Development
Commercial development is a critical component of most communities, as the sale of goods and
services can generate significant sales tax revenue and employment opportunities. Over the past -
decade, the City of Palm Desert has established itself as the retail powerhouse of the Coachella
Valley, with the City of La Quinta emerging as a strong competitor. Their dominance in the
regional retail market is partly due to their central location within the Coachella Valley,
relatively high resident income levels, and the ability to offer a wide range of retail facilities,
including exclusive specialty shops, large department stores, chain restaurants, and large-volume
home improvement warehouses.
Commercial development in Cathedral City has been traditionally comprised of smaller-scale
neighborhood and community shopping centers, which serve City residents but are not able to
attract a larger consumer base. An exception is the automobile dealer industry in the Cathedral
City Auto Center on East Palm Canyon Drive, which, given its specialty, is able to attract
consumers from throughout the Coachella Valley and other desert communities. Other major
retailers are also auto-related and include auto parts stores and repair shops.
Revitalization of the City's downtown core has afforded the City with tremendous opportunities
to further define and expand its role in the regional retail market. Consistent with the downtown
district's marketed image as a festival marketplace, existing commercial development includes
an IMAX theater, the Mary Pickford Theater(multiplex cinema),and small-scale restaurants and
retail shops. However, the Downtown district has not yet reached its full retail potential, and
additional development opportunities exist.
Taxable Sales and Sales Tax Revenues
The table below describes taxable sales trends in the City from 1995 through 1999, as recorded
by the California Board of Equalization. The data indicate that the City's taxable sales increased
steadily by nearly 53% during this five-year period. This is a substantial increase due, in part, to
tremendous sales tax revenue gains generated by automobile-related sales, which increased
nearly 73%. Other growing markets included home furnishings/appliances, for which taxable
sales more than doubled from 1995 to 1999, and eating/drinking establishments, for which sales
tax revenues increased by about 29%. In 1995, there were approximately 1,070 taxable sales
generators/outlets in the City, but by 1999, the number had decreased to 993. It is interesting to
note that,during this five-year period,the increase in total taxable sales occurred despite a loss of
77 taxable sales generators/outlets in the City.
The latest taxable sales data, provided by the City, indicate that taxable sales during year 2000
were $684,864,500. This represents an increase of about$75,035,500 over 1999 taxable sales,or
a one-year increase of about 12.3%.
Adopted July 31,2002 Economic&Fiscal Element
Amended June 24,2009 II1-166
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Economic&Fiscal Element
Tribal lands comprise a substantial portion of the City and occur in strategic locations, including
immediately adjacent to the Interstate-l0 and Date Palm Drive corridors, and within walking
distance of the Downtown Redevelopment Area. If the full development potential of these lands -
is to be realized, development agreements will need to be secured and negotiations undertaken
between private developers, utility providers, realtors, the Agua Caliente, Bureau of Indian
Affairs, City of Cathedral City, and other parties. The cultivation of a cooperative relationship
between the Agua Caliente, BIA, and City is essential to the implementation of the City's long-
range economic development goals and should be continually pursued.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Although the City has generally recovered from the economic recession that impacted Southern
California during the early 1990s, its economy has not fully regained the vigor it enjoyed during
the 1980s. The City has responded with aggressive action and innovative planning, namely its
Downtown Redevelopment project, which serves as a physical focal point and community
gathering place, defines a centralized shopping and entertainment district, and is expected to
provide the impetus for new capital investment and redevelopment along the East Palm Canyon
corridor. The role of the Redevelopment Area in the local and regional retail market is still being
defined, and its ability to meet the needs of the shopping public need to be continually re-
evaluated.
The City must also exploit other opportunities for economic development. In particular, it must
develop and implement strategies to effectively compete with the retail industry boom that has
occurred in the central/eastern Coachella Valley in recent years. Economic policies and programs
should be directed at attracting employment-generating businesses, which may include high-
quality visitor accommodations (hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts), light industrial development,
and a broader menu of commercial establishments. This will help the City balance the ratio of
housing to jobs and encourage residents to work and spend within the City limits. The City can
capture a share of the tourist drive-by market by expanding highway-serving commercial
development at the I-10/Date Palm Drive interchange and at the I-10/Palm Drive interchange.
Revitalization of the Downtown provides the City with new opportunities to attract vacationing
homebuyers and retirees, by facilitating the development of second homes and non-resident
condominiums.
The City has adopted the North City Specific Plan, (a planning tool for the development of the
area of the City north of Interstate 10, including the Interstate-10/Date Palm Drive and Interstate-
10/Palm Drive interchanges), and the North City Extended Specific Plan (a guide for
development north of Interstate 10 from DaVall Rd. to the Interstate 10Bob Hope Dr.
interchange). The Specific Plans lays out the zoning, development, performance and design
standards, "backbone" infrastructure and an infrastructure financing plan. Since these Specific
Plans have received environmental clearance and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan is in place, comprehensive planning for future development has already been
accomplished. This gives Nty both specific plans a competitive advantage over other
Interstate-adjacent development sites.
Adopted July 31,2002 Economic&Fiscal Element
Amended June 24,2009 111-174
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Economic&Fiscal Element
decrease the costs, and increase the efficiency of new utilities, infrastructure,and public services.
Program 4.A
The City shall consider developing a package of economic incentive programs which benefit -
developers of infill projects.
Responsible Agency: Redevelopment Agency, Finance Department, Economic Development
Department
Schedule: Immediate; Continuous
Policy 5
Attract a greater number of visitors, retirees, and seasonal residents by facilitating the
development of high-quality second homes, hotels/motels, condominiums, and/or bed and
breakfast facilities in close proximity to shopping and entertainment venues.
Program 5.A
The Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance shall facilitate the development of high-density
dwellings in the Downtown Redevelopment Area and other appropriate locations.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department, Redevelopment Agency
Schedule: Immediate
Policy 6
Encourage and facilitate highway-serving commercial development at the Interstate-l0/Date
Palm Drive, Interstate-10.Bob Hope Dr„ and Interstate 10/Palm Drive interchanges within the
City limits.
Program 6.A
Implement the North City Specific Plan and North City Extended Specific Plan, which provides
strategies that gain and/or expand City access to the I-10 corridor and actively promote the
development of attractive, functionally-planned commercial service facilities to capture a share
of these drive-by markets.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Schedule: Immediate; Continuous
Policy 7
In order to maintain existing economic activities and attract new commercial and industrial
development, the City should assure the provision of adequate utilities, infrastructure, and other
capital facilities.
Program 7.A
Plan and coordinate the provision of major infrastructure through the development,
implementation, and updating of master capital improvement programs that address commercial
and industrial development needs.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department, City Engineer, Public Works Department,
Coachella Valley Water District,Desert Water Agency, CalTrans
Schedule: Immediate; Continuous
Adopted July 31,2002 Economic&Fiscal Element
Amended June 24,2009 I1I-176
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Flooding and Hydrology
significant challenges and important opportunities. Methods of flood controls and their
costs are weighed against the economic impacts likely to result from major flooding, in
some areas, flood control improvements are frequently necessitated by development
itself,which creates its own runoff management problems.
Whitewater River Channel
The Whitewater River Channel is the main drainage facility in the city and the Coachella
Valley. At Cathedral City, the Whitewater River drains approximately 720 square miles,
and generates a 100-year storm discharge of approximately 37,000 cfs and a standard
project discharge of approximately 78,000 cfs. The Coachella Valley Water District is
continuing its program of channel revetment (concrete armoring of channel walls) to
protect the channel from stormwater erosion.
Cathedral Canyon Channel
The Cathedral Canyon Channel originates at the City's western corporate limit, near Golf
Club Drive, and flows from west to east, draining into the Whitewater River at the City's
eastern City limit.
East Cathedral Canyon Channel
The East Cathedral Canyon Channel flows eastbound along the Cove area directly into
the Whitewater River. Portions of the channel, which were originally lined by the County
prior the City's incorporation, have recently (1999) been revetted by the City at East
Palm Canyon Drive.
West Cathedral Canyon Channel
The West Cathedral Canyon Channel flows along the west boundary of the Cove area,
slowing from south to north and feeds into the Cathedral Canyon Channel. The Channel
is under the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Flood Control District.
Thousand Palms Riverene Drainage Area Corridor(RDAC)
The Thousand Palms Riverene Drainage Area Corridor is found between Varner Rd. and
Interstate-10 and is formed by, or relates to, a river flow following rainstorms. Flood
prevention facilities are planned as part of the North City Extended Specific Plan to
manage flows through the RDAC.
Areas in the City that have received flood control improvements are those subject to
potentially destructive floods with a probable frequency of at least once every 100 years
(100-year flood). Significant capital investments have been made in the community
where these threats occur, including the revetment discussed above. Improvements have
been completed over a long period of time, and in the case of the West and East
Cathedral Canyon Channels,date back to 1950.
Mid-Valley Stormwater Channel
The Mid-Valley Channel is a regional flood control facility, planned as a concrete-lined
trapezoidal channel along the foot of the northeastern facing slopes of the Palm Springs
Adopted July 31,2002 Flooding and Hydrology
V-31
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Noise Element
Table V-3 (Continued)
1999 and General Plan Buildout Projected Noise Contours On Major Roadways
(Distance To CNEL Contours in Feet from Centerline)
1999 Traffic General Plan Buildout
Roadway Link 60 65 70 60 65 70
Date Palm Drive(cont'd)
S/O Dinah Shore Drive 372 176 88 460 216 105
N/O Gerald Ford Drive 337 158 76 426 201 99
N/O Perez Road 348 163 79 482 226 110
S/O Perez Road N/A N/A N/A 426 201 99
N/O E. Palm Canyon Drive 260 123 61 366 173 87
S/O E. Palm Canyon Drive 142 67 33
Da Vall Drive
S/O Varner Road N/A N/A N/A 332 156 75
N/0 Interstate 10 N/A N/A N/A 654 305 145
S/O Interstate 10 N/A N/A N/A 634 296 141
N/O 30th Avenue N/A N/A N/A 561 262 126
S/O 30th Avenue N/A N/A N/A 327 153 74
N/0 Ramon Road RW RW RW 299 140 68
S/O Ramon Road RW RW RW 290 136 67
S/O Dinah Shore Drive N/A N/A N/A 313 147 71
S/O Gerald Ford Drive N/A N/A N/A 353 165 80
Varner Road
E/0 Palm Drive N/A N/A N/A 339 161 82
E/0 Date Palm Drive 110 51 RW 227 108 54
W/0 Da Vall Drive N/A N/A N/A 211 100 51
E/0 Da Vail Drive N/A N/A N/A 317 149 72
Vista Chino
E/0 City Limit 460 216 105
W/O Landau Boulevard 387 181 87 420 198 97
W/0 Date Palm Drive 317 149 72 596 279 133
E/0 Date Palm Drive N/A N/A N/A 187 89 R/W
W/O Da Vall Drive N/A N/A N/A 207 99 50
30th Avenue
W/0 Date Palm Drive 78 RW RW 183 86 RW
E/0 Date Palm Drive 80 RW RW 289 135 65
W/0 Da Vall Drive N/A N/A N/A 302 141 67
Ramon Road
W/O Landau Boulevard 412 192 92 544 255 123
W/0 Cathedral Canyon Drive 474 223 108 536 251 121
W/0 Date Palm Drive 433 204 100 561 262 126
E/O Date Palm Drive 332 156 75 496 233 113
Adopted July 31,2002 Noise Element
Amended June 24,2009 V-52
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Noise Element
Program 2.A
The City zoning ordinance and development review standards shall be used to limit land
use patterns and project designs to those that are noise compatible.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Schedule: Continuous
Program 2.B
Develop guidelines and minimal criteria requirements for noise analyses for future
development projects. Studies shall evaluate project impacts and the effectiveness of
proposed mitigation measures.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department; Public Works Department
Schedule: 2003-04; Every five years.
Program 2.0
Periodically review and amend the Land Use map as appropriate to assure reasonable
land use/noise level compatibility.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department
Schedule: Annually.
Policy 3
Private sector project proposals shall include measures that assure that noise exposures
levels comply with State of California noise insulation standards as defined in Title 25
(California Noise Insulation Standards).
Policy 4
Maintain a circulation map which maintains low levels of traffic within neighborhoods,
and assigns truck routes to major roadways only.
Program 4.A
Designate primary truck routes and ensure that they are clearly marked throughout the
community. Except for traffic providing location-specific services and deliveries,
construction trucks and delivery trucks shall be limited to East Palm Canyon Drive,
Interstate-10, Date Palm Drive, Palm Drive, Varner Road, Edom Hill Road, Dinah Shore
Drive, Ramon Road,Bob Hope Dr. and Vista Chino.
Responsible Agency: Public Works Department, City Engineer
Schedule: 2001-2002
Program 4.B
Development projects which result in through-traffic in residential neighborhoods shall
be discouraged through the development review process.
Responsible Agency: Planning Department,Public Works Department, City Engineer
Schedule: Ongoing
Policy 5
Maintain an ongoing contact with the Palm Springs Airport to ensure that flight paths and
airport improvements do not impact or extend noise contours into the City.
Adopted July 31,2002 Noise Element
Amended June 24,2009 V-56
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
The hydrological and geophysical characteristics of these subareas are discussed in greater detail
in the Water Resources Element of the General Plan, as are methods of groundwater
replenishment and consumption rates in the Coachella Valley.
Coachella Valley Water District
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) provides domestic water to development north
and east of the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel. CVWD utilizes deep wells to extract
groundwater from the Whitewater River Subbasin. Within the planning area, CV WD's domestic
water system includes 12 well sites, 2 booster stations, 3 water storage reservoirs, and water
mains up to 30 inches in diameter. Major water trunk lines serving the planning area include
those beneath Date Palm Drive, Vista Chino, 30th Avenue, Ramon Road, Dinah Shore Drive and
Gerald Ford Drive. Nearly all development in CVWD's service area, south of I-10, is connected
to its water delivery system.
Land north of Interstate-10 in the planning area is also located within CVWD's service area.
However, given that development in this vicinity is sparse and largely limited to scattered
residences, CVWD's domestic water infrastructure in this area is minimal. With the adoption of
the North City Specific Plan in 2009, and the North City Extended Specific Plan in 2014, timing
for construction of domestic water infrastructure will need to be moved forward to accommodate
anticipated development. Serving the North City Specific Plan project area are two water storage
reservoirs are located off Varner Road, approximately one-half mile west of Date Palm Drive.
The reservoirs are connected to development south of I-10 by a 30-inch water main, which
extends south along Varner Road and Date Palm Drive,then crosses beneath the interstate. Other
water mains north of I-10 are limited to those at the north of the planning area, on 20th Avenue
west of Mountain View Road. The North City Extended Specific Plan will be served by future
reservoirs to be located north of Vista Chino and Rio del Sol Rd. A 30-inch water main will be
extended from the future reservoir to the intersection of Bob Hope Dr. CVWD has indicated that
it will be able to expand its water delivery system to serve future development in this area,
should the demand for such facilities warrant it.
Desert Water Agency
The Desert Water Agency(DWA)provides domestic water to development south and west of the
Whitewater River Stormwater Channel. Nearly all development in DWA's service area,
including development in the Cove and the downtown district, is connected to its water delivery
system. Within the planning area, DWA's water delivery system includes 3 wells, 2 booster
stations, 4 water storage reservoirs, and water mains ranging in size from 2 to 24 inches in
diameter. Two of the wells are located at the Whitewater River and Ramon Roads, and the other
is located at Cathedral Canyon and Kieley Roads. Each is capable of producing between 1,800
and 2,400 gallons of water per minute. The booster stations are located in the Cove and are
capable of pumping between 200 and 400 gallons per minute. The reservoirs are located in the
immediate vicinity of the Cove, and their capacities range from 100,000 to 500,000 gallons.
Major trunk lines include those under East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral Canyon Drive, and
Perez Road.
Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Adopted July 31,2002 Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
VI-2
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
Coachella Valley Water District
The Coachella Valley Water District provides wastewater collection and treatment services to
lands north and east of the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel. Wastewater is conveyed
through sewer lines ranging from 4 to 24 inches in diameter.
The major wastewater conveyance facilities in the planning area include 15-inch and 24-inch
sewer trunk lines, which extend along Date Palm Drive. From Date Palm Drive, the 15-inch line
continues east on Gerald Ford Drive, and the 24-inch line continues east along the Whitewater
River Stormwater Channel, where it feeds into the Cook Street Wastewater Reclamation Plant in
Palm Desert. The Cook Street Wastewater Reclamation Plant currently has a capacity of 20
million gallons per day (mgd). CVWD continually increases the capacity of its wastewater
reclamation facilities by constructing new treatment ponds,aeration plants and other structures.
Land north of Interstate-10 also occurs within CVWD's service area. Development in this area is
sparse. All wastewater disposal in this area is currently accommodated through private septic
systems. However, with the adoption of the North City Specific Plan in 2009, and the North City
Extended Specific Plan in 2014. timing for construction of wastewater collection and treatment
facilities will need to be moved forward to accommodate anticipated development. CVWD
operates wastewater collection and treatment facilities in Thousand Palms,to the east of the City.
Desert Water Agency
DWA's service area encompasses lands south and west of the Whitewater River Stormwater
Channel. DWA's wastewater collection system utilizes sewer mains ranging in size from 8 to 18
inches in diameter. DWA does not operate a wastewater treatment plant. Instead, its wastewater
collection system is connected to CVWD's sewer system by two lift stations at the following
locations: 1) Date Palm Drive and Buddy Rogers Drive, and 2) Cathedral Canyon Drive near
Kieley Road. Wastewater collected by DWA is gravity-fed to these lift stations, where it joins
CVWD's sewer system and is conveyed to the Cook Street wastewater treatment plant in Palm
Desert.
All residential development in the Cove continues to rely on individual septic systems for
wastewater disposal. DWA has indicated that it has enough capacity available in its existing
sewer conveyance system to manage waste generated in the Cove, and limited development in
the area, including the recently restored St. Louis Church, has been connected to DWA's sewer
conveyance system. The City and DWA are actively involved in planning future sewer
connections in the Cove and the Downtown Redevelopment Area, and are evaluating methods of
financing these improvements.
Septic Usage in the Planning Area
Although much development in the planning area is connected to the CVWD and DWA systems,
some development continues to rely on septic systems for wastewater disposal. Homes in the
Pioneer Ranch, Dream Homes and Cove neighborhoods, for example, are currently without
sewer service. Efforts are underway to connect older neighborhoods and other developed areas
that are currently served by septic systems. As mentioned above,the St. Louis Church, located in
the Cove, was recently connected to DWA's wastewater collection system, and DWA has
indicated that it has sufficient capacity to serve other development in the Cove.
Adopted July 31,2002 Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
VI-3
...__...... .
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
The greatest impacts to groundwater quality are expected to occur where poorly maintained
septic systems serve large populations in high densities. Community sewer systems provide
excellent protection of groundwater resources, since they provide for the swift removal of raw
sewage materials.
Tertiary Treated Water
In response to increasing demands for groundwater supplies in the Coachella Valley, CVWD has
implemented the use of tertiary (third-stage) treated wastewater for the irrigation of golf courses
and other landscaped areas. Traditionally, wastewater is treated to secondary levels and
reintroduced into the groundwater table through percolation ponds.
With tertiary treatment techniques, wastewater undergoes an additional stage of treatment, which
renders it suitable for irrigation and contributes to water conservation efforts. The Cook Street
wastewater treatment plant has a tertiary water capacity of 10 mgd, which is expected to be
expanded to 15 mgd in the next few years.
Other Utilities
Electricity
Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to much of coastal, central, and southern
California, including the Cathedral City General Plan planning area. SCE derives its power from
a number of sources, including cogeneration, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind sources.
Its most important generating facilities is ., ... ! ` . _ _ .. , ..
Anaheim, and 2) the Big Creek hydroelectric system, a complex of hydroelectric facilities
located on the western slope of the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, which comprises
approximately 90%of SCE's hydroelectric generation capacity.
SCE offers a wide range of programs which promote energy conservation and help residential
and business consumers reduce their electricity costs. These include rebates for customers who
install energy-efficient home appliances, air conditioners, insulation, and insulated windows.
SCE's Design and Engineering Services department conducts technical analyses to encourage
and facilitate the creation and use of new energy-
efficient technologies. The company showcases a
variety of residential, business, industrial andx �: �x
agricultural energy solutions at seven technology ;`x s�
centers, and offers training courses and special events
to present these solutions to the public. SCE also
provides a number of tools to analyze and improve .
energy usage habits, such as home and small business
energy surveys, which evaluate energy usage and
recommend methods for reducing energy costs and
consumption. A series of low-income programs
provides qualified customers with energy-efficient __
Adopted July 31,2002 Water, Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
VI-4
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
The Edom Hill Landfill closed in 2004. With the closure of this landfill, a transfer station has
been built and is operating. Solid waste is collected with automated compacter trucks, deposited
at the transfer station where it is sorted for recyclables, and then transported to the Lambs
Canyon or Badlands landfill. This landfill is prepared to accept solid waste from the Coachella
Valley immediately and is permitted to receive up to 4,000 tons of waste per day.
The Eagle Mountain Landfill and Recycling Center is planned for construction east of the
Coachella Valley, was approved by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in 1997, and was
purchased by Los Angeles County. It is expected to have a total capacity of 708 million tons and
a life expectancy of 100 years; however, on-going litigation has delayed its opening. The
proposed Mesquite Landfill in Imperial County is expected to have a capacity similar to that of
the Eagle Mountain Landfill, but has also been delayed by litigation. Although both of these
landfills would be located in relatively close proximity to Cathedral City and may be available to
the City in the long-term,their futures remain unclear. A more viable, near-term alternative is the
Badlands Landfill, located northeast of the City of Moreno Valley off Highway 60.
Recycling
The City's recycling program, mandated by AB 939, has proven beneficial in the preservation of
landfill space for non-recyclable materials. During 2000, a total of 3,590 tons of recyclable
materials were collected in Cathedral City. This includes 1,532 tons from residential curb-side
sources; 570 tons from commercial sources; and 1,488 tons of concrete and other debris from
construction sites. Green waste is recycled at BioMass in Thermal. Other recyclables, including
glass, plastic and newspaper are transported by a third party hauler to a recycling company in
Los Angeles.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
The logical extension of public services is an integral component of land use planning. The
availability of high-quality services is also an important aspect of economic development, and
plays an important role in attracting commercial, industrial, hotel/motel, and other revenue-
generating development. To assure that public services and utilities meet the needs of the
community at buildout, it is essential that the City be actively involved in long-range facilities
planning, and routinely consult and coordinate with appropriate public and quasi-public agencies
and service providers.
In the near-term, the City will need to concentrate its efforts on pending service issues, including
the state-wide energy crisis and the potential connection of unsewered development to the sewer
system. The City recently adopted the North City Specific Plan and the North City Extended
Specific Plan, which, when implemented, will guide the logical and cost-effective extension of
water, sewer, and other utilities north of Interstate 10. The City will need to keep abreast of
technological advances, particularly in the realm of digital and high-speed data transmissions, to
assure that City residents and businesses are offered the most state-of-the-art technologies.
GOALS,POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
Adopted July 3 I,2002 Water,Sewer-&-Utilities-Element
VI-8
City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Fire&Police Protection Element
Current staffing levels represent a ratio of about 0.77 firefighters to every 1,000 residents. The
International City/County Management Association (ICMA) recommends a target ratio of 1.89
firefighters per 1,000 residents. Because development in Cathedral City is predominantly low- -
density residential, with limited light manufacturing facilities, the City has a relatively low fire
hazard risk. A ratio of 1.0 firefighters to every 1,000 residents would be adequate at this time;
however, the City should strive to increase its staffing level to approximately 1.5 staff members
to every 1,000 residents over the next 5 to 10 years. As development occurs north of Interstate-
10, the City can reallocate its firefighting staff, as necessary, based on demand for fire services
and an assessment of the population and risk hazards in the area.
Three fire stations are located within the City, including: 1) Station No. 411, at 36-913 Date
Palm Drive, 2) Station 412, at 32-100 Desert Vista Road, and 3) Station No. 413, at 27-610
Landau Boulevard. The stations contain a wide range of firefighting equipment and vehicles,
including three front-line engines, two reserve engines, one state Office of Emergency Services
(OES) vehicle, one water tender, four ambulances, and one hazardous materials (HAZMAT)
vehicle. One of the front-line engines is a 65-foot telesquirt, and one of the reserve engines is a
50-foot telesquirt. Cathedral City Station No. 412 would be the first responder to the North City
Extended Specific Plan project area.The Department maintains an automatic mutual aid
agreement with the City of Palm Springs and a county-wide agreement with the Riverside
County Fire Department for additional fire support, as necessary.
National Fire Insurance Organizations and the National Fire Protection Association formally
recommend a maximum emergency response time of five minutes. The City Fire Department
currently meets this standard. Within the last two years, the Cathedral City Fire Department has
been re-certified by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) as a Class 3 Department (Class 1 being
the top rating and Class 10 being the worst). The rating recognizes the department's outstanding
communications system, the City's high-quality water distribution system, an acceptable staffing
model, an excellent emergency response fleet,and the department's ability to respond in a timely
and efficient manner. The last rating improved by one point, from a Class 4 to a Class 3. In order
to achieve an even better classification, the City will need to build a dedicated Fire Training
Center and increase staffing. If development occurs north of Interstate-10 without the
construction of a new fire station, the Class 3 rating would be potentially at risk due to longer
response times, inadequate staffing based on population, and potential risk hazards associated
with the area.
In addition to fighting fires, the Fire Department provides advanced life support and emergency
ambulance services, has code enforcement responsibilities, reviews development plans, and
performs construction inspections and fire investigations. It also sponsors community fire
prevention and public education programs, such as the installation and inspection of fire
detectors, and CPR and First Aid courses.
The Fire Department plays a key role in disaster preparedness and is responsible for
coordinating, in conjunction with other City departments, the City's response to a wide range of
hazards and threats (please refer to the Emergency Preparedness Element for more information
about disaster preparedness).
Adopted July 31,2002 Fire-&-Police Protection Element
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City of Cathedral City
General Plan/Fire&Police Protection Element
to the time the officer arrived at the scene, was approximately 4.2 minutes. The average response
time to an incident that"just occurred"was also 4.2 minutes.
Community-Based Policing
The Police Department sponsors and supports a variety of community-based policing programs
and other special community events. The Neighborhood Watch program educates residents about
implementing crime prevention strategies in their neighborhoods. Racing for Kids uses
motorcross racing to provides important activities for teenagers, while also serving as a forum
for educating vulnerable youth about alternatives to drugs and gangs.
The Police Explorers Program allows teenagers and adults ages 14 to 21 to learn about and
participate in a variety of law enforcement functions, including crime prevention support and
ride-along programs with officers. One officer is assigned to the D.A.R.E. program and brings a
message of drug resistance to school children. The Department also has assigned a School
Resource Officer.
The Citizens-on-Patrol (COP) program consists of volunteers who serve as the eyes and ears of
the police department and provide two patrols per day. Responsibilities include facilitating
towing abandoned vehicles, directing traffic at collision sites, looking for graffiti, and alerting
police to potential criminal activity. COPS volunteers also provide support to the Community
Police Service Offices and Community Alliance Officers. Volunteers are trained by sworn police
officers and attend monthly meetings. The program currently (2001) includes approximately 50
volunteers.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
As the City continues to grow, so will the need for additional police and fire protection. It is
difficult to predict exactly where and when new police and fire facilities will need to be
constructed, as this will depend upon the type, location and intensity of future development.
Nonetheless, the City will be responsible for monitoring growth patterns and responding to the
demand for additional public safety facilities and services. Considerations will include land use
and circulation patterns, the provision of water for adequate fire flows, the financing of future
fire and police stations, and the adequacy of emergency response times. A 'Public Safety' site
has been reserved within the North City Extended Specific Plan for development as a fire station
or police substation to serve the expanding city limits. The type, size and funding for a facility at
this location will be based on emerging development patterns, land use type, and land use
intensity.
GOALS,POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
Goal 1
Protection of the community from the threat of loss of life and property from fire and
environmental hazards.
Adopted July 31,2002 Fire-&-Police Protection Element
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