HomeMy WebLinkAbout101992 PC AgendaC~LL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
PUBLIC COMMENTS
AGENDA
TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
October 19, 1992 6:00 PM
VAIL ELEMF~NTARY SCHOOL
29915 Mira Loma Drive
Temeeula, CA 92390
Chairman Fahey
Blair, Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland and Fahey
A total of 15 minutes is provided so members of the public can address the commissioners on
items that are not listed on the Agenda. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each. If you
desire to speak to the Commissioners about an item not listed on the Agenda, a pink "Request
to Speak" form should be filled out and filed with the Commission Secretary.
When you are called to speak, please come forward and state your name and address.
For all other agenda items a "Request to Speak" form must be ~ed with the Planning Secre.t~'y
before Commission gets to that item. There is a three (3) minute time limit for individual
speakers.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Approval of Agenda
Minutes
2. 2.1 Approval of minutes Of September 21, 1992 Planning Commi-~|on meeting.
NON-PUBLIC HEARING
Case No:
Applicant:
Location:
Proposal:
Public Use Permit No. 5-Denial Resolution
New Community Lutheran Church
Southeast comer of Santiago Road and Ynez Road
Resolution denying the development of a church including a multi-
purpose worship center and a Sunday school building.
PUBLIC I:~ARING
Case No:
Applicant:
Location:
Planner:
General Plan
City of Temecula
City Wide
John Meyer
The Planning Commission wili consider the following Elements of
the proposed Draft General Plan on this date:
PUBLIC SAFETY
NOISE
AIR QUALITY
COMMUNITY DESIGN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH MANAGEMENT/PUBLIC FACILITIES
OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION
Next meeting: November 2, 1992, 6:00 p.m., Vail Elementary School, 29915 Mira Loma
Drive, Temecula, California.
PLANNING DIRECTOR REPORT
PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
ITEM #2
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Planning Commission was called to order Monday,
September 21, 1992, 6:00 P.M., at Vail Elementary School, 29915 Mira Loma Drive,
Temecula, California, Chairman Linda Fahay presiding.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland, Fahey
I COMMISSIONERS: Blair
Also present were Assistant City Attorney John Cavanaugh, Planning Director Gary Thornhill,
Senior Planner Debbie Ubnoske and Minute Clerk Gall Zigler.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
A~}proval of Aoenda
It was moved by Commissioner Chiniaeff, seconded by Commissioner Ford to approve
the agenda.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS:
Approval of Minutes of Auoust 17, 1992
It was moved by Commissioner Hoagland, seconded by CommisSioner Ford to approve
the minutes of August 17, 1992 as mailed.
The motion carried as follows:
Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland, Fahey
None
Blair
ABSENT:
PCMIN9/21192
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10/2192
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland, Fahey
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
1 COMMISSIONERS: Blair
NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Development Code
It was moved by Commissioner Ford, seconded by Commissioner Hoagland to appoint
Commissioner Chiniaeff as Planning Commission representative to the Development
Code Committee.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoegland, Fahey
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: I COMMISSIONERS: Blair
Commissioner Blair arrived at 6:10 P.M.
4. Noise Ordinance
John Meyer presented the staff report.
Chairman Fahey questioned where the issue of the noise ordinance originated from.
Gary Thornhill advised that it originally came as a result of problems .occurring at the
School District bus maintenance facility. Mr. Thornhill added that staff does not feel
the ordinance being presented deals with the kinds of problems it should address,
therefore staff would prefer to postpone action on this item until completion of the
noise element portion of the General Plan.
It was moved by Commissioner Hoegland, seconded by Commissioner Chiniaeff to
postpone action on this item until completion of the Noise Element portion of the
General Plan.
The motion carried as ~ollows:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Blair, Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland, Fahey
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
PCMIN9/21/92
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
5. Plot Plan No. 245
Proposed erection of one V-Type outdoor advertising display on the east side of
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
Winchester Road, approximately 1,200 feet north of the intersection of Nicholas Road
and Winchester Road.
Plot Plan No. 246
Proposed erection of one V-Type outdoor advertising display on the east side of
Winchester Road, approximately 1,850 feet north of the intersection of Nicholas Road
and Winchester Road.
Matthew Fagan presented the staff report.
Chairman Fahey opened the public hearing at 6:15 P.M.
Michelle Adams, Adams Advertising, 19081 Rocky Road, Santa Ana, stated that the
most important issue was whether or not this is a hardship case. Ms. Adams stated
the hardship is necessitated by the processing time at Riverside County. Based on
hardships incurred by the landowner, who at the time of application had a legally zoned
piece of property; the community has suffered a hardship due to the fact that several
local advertisers had expressed an interest in advertising on these signs; and Adams
has incurred a economic hardship because the signs should have been approved 2 1/2
years ago.
It was moved by Commissioner Blair, seconded by Commissioner Hoagland to close
the public hearing at 6:35 P.M. and Adoot Resolution No. 92-034 denying Plot Plan
No. 245, Amendment No. I and Plot Plan No. 246, Amendment No. I based on
findings 1 through 4, page 6 and 7 as identified in staff report
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Blair, Chiniaeff, Hoagland, Fahey
NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Ford
Commissioner Ford clarified that he voted against the motion because he did not feel
that due process was followed.
Specific Plan I (Camoos Verdes)
Change of Zone 5617
Environmental Impact RePort No. 348
Soecific Plan 263 (Temecula Regional Center)
Change of Zone 5589
Environmental linDact Reoort No. 340
Specific Plan 255 (Winchester Hills)
Change of Zone 5532
PCMINg/21/92
9/23/92
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
Environmental Impact ReDoff No. 324
Tentative Parcel MaD 25213
Vestino Tentative Tract Mao 25214
Vestino Tentative Tract MaD 25215
Vestino Tentative Parcel MaD 25321
Vestino Tentative Parcel MaD 25322
Vestino Tentative Parcel MaD 25323
Vestino Tentative Parcel MaD 24324
Vestino Tentative Parcel MaD 25464
Gary Thornhill advised that the applicant has requested this item be moved off-calendar
until November.
It was moved by Commissioner Hoaglsnd, seconded by Commissioner Chiniaeff to
continue off-calendar Specific Plan 1 (Campoe Verdes), Change of Zone 5617,
Environmental Impact Report No. 348; Specific Plan 263 (Temecula Regional Center),
Change of Zone 5589, Environmental Impact Report No. 340; Specific Plan 255
(Winchester Hills), Change of Zone 5532, Environmental Impact Report No. 324;
Tentative Parcel Map 25213; Vesting Tentative Tract Map 25214; Vesting Tentative
Tract Map 25215; Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 25321; Vesting Tentative Parcel Map
25322; Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 25323; Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 24324;
Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 25464.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Blair, Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland, Fahey
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
7. Public Use Permit No. 5
Request for approval of a church including a multi-purpose worship center building and
a Sunday School building on 2.93 acres located on the southeast corner of Santiago
Road and Ynez Road.
Saied Naaseh presented the staff report and advised that the correct name of the
applicant is New Community Lutheran Church.
Chairman Fahey opened the public hearing at 6:55 P.M.
Louis Todd, 30645 Southern Cross Road, Temecula, member of Newhope Lutheran
Church and Chairman of the construction committee requested the Commissions
support of the request.
PCMINg/21192 4- 9123/92
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
Chris Winther, 50001 September Street, San Diego, attorney for the applicant,
provided an overview of the CC&R's of the Los Ranchitos Homeowners Association.
Tim Holt, The Holt Group, 275 N. Elsehoe, Temecula, architect for the project, gave
an overview of the development.
Vince DiDonato, Alhambra Group, 27412 Enterprise Circle West, Temecula, landscape
architect for the project, provided an overview of the landscape design.
The following individuals expressed their opposition to the project:
Don Rohrabacher, 44281 Flores Drive, Temecula
Linda Campbell, 28750 Vallejo Avenue, Temecula
Nayree Davis, 28895 Vallejo Avenue, Temecula
Jack Fox, 28921 Ynez Road, Temecula
John Marshall, 43930 Flores Drive, Temecula
Jim Meyler, 29930 Santiago Road, Temecula
R. E. Neimeyer, 29962 Santiago Road, Temecula
Bobble Principe, 28960 Ynez Road, Temecula
Paul Principe, 28960 Ynez Road, Temecula
Mike Santoro, 30275 Jedediah Smith Road, Temecula
Terri Gassen, 44501 Verde Drive, Temecula
Bob Campbell, 28750 Vallejo Avenue, Temecula
John Pepe, 28980 Vallejo Avenue, Temecula
Robert Burns, 30112 & 30110 Santiago Road, Temecula
Barbara Ogle, 30052 Santiago Road, Temecula
The following concerns were expressed:
Traffic generated from development, inappropriateness of institutional facility in a rural
neighborhood, noise and lighting pollution, bells and/or music generated by the bell
tower, devaluation of property, inappropriateness of block walls and sidewalks in
"country living" atmosphere, off-site parking problems and the number of churches
already existing in this area.
Louis Todd addressed the following issues: the 1967 CC&R's set aside Lot 86 with
special conditions stating that the use potential could be commercial; property is
located on the corner of a proposed major intersection; parking requirements are
conditioned in the staff report and Condition 29 states that there will be no on street
parking on Santiago, Ynez or Vallejo; the traffic study reflects that there will be no
significant traffic impacts on the area; lighting has been conditioned under 5, 34 and
35; devaluation of property values is a subjective issue, however, the applicant can
present documentation which reflects that churches increase property values; block
walls were conditioned by staff and there will be no bells or music from the bell tower.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21. 1992
Commissioner Chiniaeff stated he feels the Los Ranchitos neighborhood is already
heavily impacted by churches and the school and the placement of another church
would be a big burden on the community,
Commissioner Blair stated she feels that the representatives of the proposed church
have cooperated in addressing the issues expressed.
Commissioner Ford stated he does not have a problem with the church in this location,
however he did express concern with traffic impacts to Vallejo. Commissioner Ford
questioned the traffic being limited to Santiago.
Robert Righetti advised that Ynez Road and Santiago Road are conditioned for 88 +
foot roadway. He added that the sidewalk along Vallejo has been eliminated.
It was moved by Commissioner Ford, seconded by Commissioner Blair to refer Public
Use Permit No. 5 back to staff with direction to prepare a study of the direct traffic
impacts to Vallejo, parking and ingress/egress for future Commission consideration.
Commissioner Chiniaeff stated he feels the issue is one of land use compatibility.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Blair, Ford
NOES:
3 COMMISSIONERS: Chiniaeff, Fahey, Hoagland.
It was moved by Commissioner Hoagland, seconded by Commissior~er Chiniaeff to
close the public hearing at 8:25 P.M. and Adopt Negative Declaration for Public Use
Permit No. 5 and direct staff to prepare a Resolution denying Public Use Permit No. 5,
based on the following: the project would be in conflict with the future General Plan;
the project may have a detrimental effect on the health, safety and general welfare of
the community due to traffic; noise and light/glare affects; the proposed project is not
compatible with the surrounding land use due to the requirement for block walls as a
buffer for this use with the single family residences and the area is already impacted
by a number of churches along Santiago Road.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
3 COMMISSIONERS: Chiniaaff, Fahey, Hoagland
NOES: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Blair, Ford
Commissioner Ford stated he was not voting for or against the project, however he
was voting against the denial because he feels that some of the issues could be
mitigated.
PCMINg/21192 -6- 9/23/92
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
8.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
Tentative Tract MaD No. 25277 and Chanoe of Zone No. 5724
Saied Naaseh presented the staff report.
Chairman Fahey opened the public hearing at 8:50 P.M.
Larry Markham, Markham & Associates, 41750 Winchester Road, Temecula,
representing the applicant, Acacia Construction, thanked staff for all their efforts. Mr.
Markham advised that the applicant would concur with all the conditions except for
Condition No. 87 and Condition No. 94. Mr. Markham suggested alternative wording
as follows, "Prior to the issuance of building permits, financing shall be in place for the
construction of the expansion, realignment or replacement of the Pale Bridge over
Temecula Creek."
Rick Snyder, Acacia Construction, 22390 Mission Hills Lane, Yorba Linda, concurred
with the statements made by Larry Markham and provided an overview of the project.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the request:
Nancy Backstrand, P.O. Box 923, Fallbrook (representing Friends of the Santa
Margarita River), expressed the following concerns: no mitigation was provided for
handling first flush pollutants; no provision for detaining excess water run-off so that
it can recharge the basin; and the effects on wildlife.
Andrew Hovanec, 31018 Shaba Circle, Temecule (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed
concerns regarding traffic, noise and light pollution.
Coralyn Knopp, 41843 Shorewood Court, Temecula (representing U.R.G.E.), expressed
concern for water run-off effects on the Murrieta Creek.
Don White, 31109 Via Gilberto, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed concern with
the grading, density, traffic volumes along Via Gilberto and Pala Road and decrease in
property values.
Carol Powell, 45884 Hopactong, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), concurred with Mr.
Whites comments and added that the safety of children who play and pick-up school
buses along Via Gilberto are concerns.
William Wilson, 45362 Tesiben Court, Temecula, expressed concern for mass grading
with no development, opposed the density and construction on the mountain side.
Fred Good, 45906 Hopactong, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), opposed the development
due to the quantity of homes presently for sale in the City and the lack of demand for
additional homes.
PCMINg/21/92 -7- 9123/92
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21,1992
Rick Tepalin, 31381 Pahuta Street, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed concern
for the safety of children along Via Gilberto and Via Eduardo, traffic and wildlife
habitat.
Bob 0 blachinski, 30154 Shaba Circle, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed concern
for the number of available homes in Temecula and the need for this developer to
increase the quantity of homes in the development.
Sharon Marshall, 31149 Via Gilberto, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed her
concerns that the local economy would not support this project.
AI Bobadilla, 31392 Via Eduardo, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed concern for
the negative impacts to the mountain (which is part of the Santa Rosa Mountain
Range) and wildlife.
Michelle Polley, 31234 Eona Circle, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed opposition
based on the noise and traffic volumes along Via Gilberto and Pala Road.
AI Cook, 30962 Shaba Circle, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), stated that it is his opinion
that the placement of a traffic signal at Via Gilberto and Pala Road is not a solution to
the problem but admission of a problem.
Bobble Hinker, 31163 Lahontan, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), expressed concern with
the traffic volumes, noise, crime and pollution.
Bernice Sarudi, Hopactong, Temecula (Wolf Valley HOA), opposed t~e development
due to the increase in noise and pollution.
Ray Crain, Mission Realty, 337 E. Mission Road, Fallbrook, questioned whether the
developer had confirmed secondary access.
Kevin Everett, representing the Querry Trust (property south of the proposed project),
acknowledged an agreement to a conceptual easement with transfer to Acacia.
Larry Markham stated that the developer is fully aware of what is being done with
Murrieta Creek and the water shed, however there is no ordinance in the City requiring
retention of first water run-off. Mr. Markham added that the project could not carry
lower end housing with its conditioned improvements.
Commissioner Chiniaeff suggested the following modifications: 1 ) that Lots 1,2, 3 and
11 be part of the open space; 2) the developer be required to plant the graded slopes
with a substantial planting.
Chairman Fahey stated she is concerned that none of the conditions addressed the
issue of traffic volumes on Via Gilberto with driveways coming out on this street.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
Commissioner Blair stated that although the developer has done a excellent job
responding to prior concerns, she is still concerned with mass grading, destruction of
the hillside and the effect of the change of zone on the residents.
Commissioner Hoagland stated he felt the developer has done a very good job of
answering the Commission's concerns.
It was moved by Commissioner Chiniaeff, seconded by Commissioner Hoagland to
close the public hearing at 10:10 P.M. and Recommend Adoption of Negative
Declaration for Change of Zone No. 5724 and Tentative Tract Map No. 25277
Amendment No. 4 and Adoot Resolution No. 92-035 recommending Approval of
Change of Zone No. 4 based on the Analysis end Findings contained in the staff report;
and subject to the attached Condition of Approval and adding conditions that delete
Lots 1,2, 3, and 11 and require the installation irrigation and large trees on the slopes
at the time of grading.
Rick Snyder, representing Acacia Construction, concurred with the additional
conditions.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Blair, Chiniaeff, Ford, Hoagland, Fahey
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
PLANNING DIRECTOR REPORT
* Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting Wednesday, September 30,
1992, 6:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Main Conference Room
* Report on Old Town Advisory Committee meeting.
PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION
None
OTHER BUSINESS
None
PCMIN9/21/92 -9- gl23/92
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21.1992
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Fahey declared the meeting adjourned to a joint meeting on Wednesday, September
30, 1992, 6:00 P.M., Temecula City Council and Temecula Planning Commission, Temecuta
City Hall Main Conference Room, 43174 Business Park Drive, Temecula..
Secretary
Chairman Linda Fahey
PCMIN9/21/92 -10- 9123192
ITEM #3
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF TIPF. PLANNING COMMISSION OF
~ CITY OF TEMECULA' DENYING PUBLIC USE
PERMIT NO. 5 PROPOSING CONSTRUCTION OF A
WORSHIP CENTER AND A SUNDAY SCHOOL LOCATED
AT TFIF. SO~ASTERLY CORNER OF YNEZ ROAD
AND SANTIAGO ROAD AND KNOWN AS ASSESSOR'S
PARCEL NO. 922-140-010
WttE. KEAS, the New Community Lutheran Church fried Public Use Penit No. 5 in
accordance with the Riverside County Land Use, Zoning, Planning and Subdivision Ordinances,
which the City has adopted by reference;
WRI~J1EAS, said Public Use Permit application was processed in the time and manner
prescribed by State and local law;
WIIF. KEAS, thc Planning Commission conducted a public hearing pertaining to said
Public Use Permit on September 21, 1992, at which time interested persons had opportunity to
testify either in support or opposition to said Public Use Permit and;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission received a copy of the Staff Report regarding the
Public Use Permit;
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the Commission hearing and after ha~ing considered
all information presented, the Planning Commission denied said Public Use Permit;
NOW, TRF-REFORE, TRE PLANNING COMMISSION OF TRF. CITY OF
TF_,MECULA DOES RESOLVE, DETEF, NIINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Findings. That' the Tcmccula planning Commission hereby makes the
following fmdings:
A. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65360, a newly incorporated city shall
adopt a general plan within thirty (30) months following incorporation. During that 30-month
period of time, the city is not subject to the requirement that a general plan be adopted or the
requirements of state law that its decisions be consistent with the general plan, ff all of the
following requirements arc met:
1. The city is proceeding in a timely fashion with the preparation of the
general plan.
S%STAFFRPT%5PUP.PC 9
2. The planning agency finds, in approving projects and taking other actions,
including the issuance of building permits, each of the following:
a. There is a reasonable probability that the land use or action
proposed will be consistent with the general plan proposal being considered or studied or which
will be studied within a reasonable time.
b. There is little or no pwbability of substantial detriment to or
interference with the future adopted general plan ff the proposed use or action is ultimately
inconsistent with the plan.
c. The proposed use or action complied with all other applicable
requirements of state hw and local ordinances.
B. The Riverside County General Plan, as mended by the Southwest Area
Community Plan, (hereinafier "SWAP") was adopted prior to the ~corporation of Temecuh as
the General Plan for the southwest portion of Riverside County, including the area now within
the boundaries of the City. At this time, the City has adopted SWAP as its General Plan
guidelines while the City is proceeding in a timely fashion with the preparation of its General
Plan.
C. Pursuant to Section 18.29(d), no public use permit may be granted unless the
proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the community.
a. The proposed use must conform to all the General plan
requirements and with all applicable requirements of state law and City ordinafices.
b. The overall development of the land is designed for the protection
of the public health, safety and general welfare; conforms to the logical development of the land
and is compatible with the present and future logical development of the surrounding property.
D. The Planning Commission, in denying the proI~sed Public Use Permit makes the
following f'mdings, to wit:
1. Under the circumstances of this particular case, the proposed project will
be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the community because:
a. The proposed project is not the proper use for the area because it
will negatively impact traffic in the area.
b. The proposed project is not compatible with the surrounding single
family dwellings because the proposed mitigation measures will not reduce the visual and noise
impacts of the development.
$~,STAFFRPT~,SP, Jp. PC 10
2. The proposed project is not consistent with SWAP since the underlying
zone that is consistent with SWAP does not allow churches with a Public Use Permit if they arc
detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of the community.
3. The proposed project does not conform to the logical development of its
proposed site, and is not compatible with the present and future development of the surrounding
propemy.
Section 2. Environmental Compliance. Not Applicable.
Section 3. Conditions. Not Applicable.
Section 4. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of October, 1992.
LINDA L. FAIlBY
CHAIR,MAN
I I~w. REBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Temecula at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 19th day of
October, 1992 by the foliowing vote of the Commission:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS:
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS:
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS:
GARY THORNI4U ,l ,
SBCRETARY
S\STAFFRPT\SP~jP.PC 11
ITEM #4
STAFF REPORT - PLANNING
CITY OF TEMECULA
PLANNING COMMISSION
October 19, 1992
Case No.: Draft General Plan
The Plsrming Center
John Meyer
David Hogan
RECOMIVlY~NDATION:
RECOMMEND the adoption of the Draft General Plan to the City
Council.
INTRODUCTION
On July 9, 1992 the City Council approved a contract with the Planning Center to assist the City
in preparing its first General Plan. The General Plan must be comprehensive, internally
consistent, and long-term. The General Plan must address land use, housing, traffic circulation,
resource conservation, open space lands, noOse and public safety. The City Council has elected
to include chapters on growth management, air quality, public facilities, economic development,
and community design.
According to State Law, the General Plan is the primary document required of.k City as a basis
for regulating land use. Consequently, the Development Code, future Specific Plans, the Parks
and Recreation Master Plan, and other development projects in the City must be consistent with
the Goals, Policies, and standards contained in the Temecula General Plan. In addition, all City
capital improvements and public works pwjects must be consistent with the General Plan.
The City' s approach to preparing the General Plan involved substantial guidance by the Planning
Commission and City Council, a Community Participation Program, and technical review and
guidance by City staff and Technical Subcommi~s. The Planning Commission and City
Council, through joint workshops, essenli31!y functioned as a general plan advisory committee
throughout the preparation process. This allowed for very meaningful direction on the Goals and
Policies of the elements, and land use, circulation, open sinice/conservation, and other issues.
The Citizen Participation Program was designed to pwvide a nigh level of communication
between City officials, citizens, landowners, and the consultant team. The Program offered
numerous opportunities for the public to attend workshops at key milestones during the
formulation of the Plan. The community outreach meetings included a series of four
Neighborhood Meetings and two Town Hall Meetings. In addition, staff met individually with
concerned citizens and landownerS throughout the process. Five Technical Subcommittees met
on two occasions during the process to provide a more detailed and technical review of the
General Plan elements.
DRAFrOP.MIP
1
The City also disseminated information on the draft components of the General Plan through a
series of newsletters, press releases, newspaper articles, and radio announcements.
A VISION FOR ~A
The General Plan expresses a vision of the future of the City and prescribes techniques to
manage growth and development so that the vision can be achieved. The challenge of the
General Plan is to establish clear and sustainable direction. The Vision for Temecula is intended
to represent the values of the community that will contribute to Temecula's future image and
physical character. The Vision Statement draws upon the City's Mission Statement which was
developed by the City Councli. The Vision Statement will enable future community leaders and
citizens to recall and endorse the meaning of the Plan and maintain diligence in carrying out its
intent.
Key aspects of the Vision Statement include:
· Maintain a safe, secure, clean, healthy and orderly community.
· B~!ance residential, commercial and industrial opportunities.
® Concentrate retail and business development within Village Centers.
· Provide a convenient and effective transportation system which includes vehicular
circulation, transit, bicycles and pedestrian modes of travel.
· Provide an outstanding open space and parks system.
® Preserve community values, neighborhood conservation and public safety.
· Support opportunities for community activities for a wide array of interests, ages and
fifestyles.
· Preserve and enhance historical and cultural resources within the community.
· Assure adequate public services are provided concurrently with development.
· Capitalize on the community 's greatest asset, its people, by encouraging community
involvement and community responsibility.
REPORT/PUBLIC HEARING FORMAT
This report is intended to provide a brief introduction and background of Temecula's Draft
General Plan Program. This report is intended for the general public, whom may or may not
have become familiar with the General Plan work program.
2
The Public Hearing for the draft General Plan has been spread over two Planning Commission
meetings, October 19, and November 2. Additional meetings will be scheduled as required.
The Commission will then forward a recommendation to the City Council. Additional Public
Hearings will be held by the Council.
The following seven draft general plan elements will be discussed on October 19, 1992:
Public Safety, Noise, Air Quality, Community Design, Economic Development, Growth
Management/Public Facilities and Open SpacedConservation Elements.
The draft Housing, Circulation and Land Use elements as well as the Draft EIR will not be
discussed until the Commission's November 2, 1992 meeting or at a subsequent meeting,
depending on the progress made during the first two meetings.
REVISIONS ADDENDUM
A Revisions Addendum has been attached for the Commission's Review. The addendum
consists of all recommended changes to the above seven elements of the Draft General Plan
dated July 22, 1992. Only those pages of the Draft General Plan where modifications are
recommended were included in the Revisions Addendure. A second attachment includes
comments received on the General Plan.
Individual Elements of the Draft General Plan contain:
· An Introduction
· A Summax~ of Issues
· Goals and Policies
· Implementation Programs
The Introduction provides the legal framework and requirements of the Element. The Summary
of Issues highlights those areas that have been identified as issues. The Goals and Policies
demonstrate how those issues will be addressed. The Implementation Programs describe how
the Goals and Policies are intended to be implemented. Individual elements contain additional
sections.
The Public Safety, Noise, and Open Space/Conservation Elements are mandated by the State
Planning And Zoning Law. The Air Quality, Community Design, Economic Development and
Growth Management/Public Safety Element are optional general plan elements. State Law
allows the City to adopt any additional element is deems necessary. An optional element, upon
adoption, has the same force and effect as the mandatory elements and therefore must be
consistent with all other elements of the general plan.
DRAFFOP.MIP
The following sections address each Element individually. Each section contains a brief
background summary, and a brief description of the key aspects of the element.
~ DRAFt PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Back ound
The purpose of a public safety element is to protect the community from the risks associated
with geologic and man-made havnrdS. A public safety element is expected to: (1) assess the
potentinl impacts and risks to the community from earthquakes, dam failure, landslides,
mudslides, floods, fires, and other ha,~rds; and (2) identify how the City will reduce the
impacts of these h-v~rds on the community. Public safety elements are classified to be one of
the "technical" elements of a general plan.
Discussion
The primary issues addressed in the Public Safety Element that affect the City of Temecula
include the following: surface rupture and ground~ak'ing; liquefaction; subsidence; slope
instability; urban and wildland files; floods; dam failure; bnvardous wastes; transportation
system havards; and emergency preparedness.
The Draft Public Safety Element has been circulated to the Division of Mines and Geology, State
Department of Conservation, as required by Sate Law. The Division of Mines and Geology
reviewed the Draft and provided a number of comments which have been addressed in the Drift
and Addendure to the Genera] Plan.
The key aspects of the Public Safety Element are:
· To protect the community from geologic haTardS;
· To protect the public from exposure to haTard0uS materials and wastes; and,
· To maintain a safe and secure community and ensure effective emergency services.
The City has received few comments regarding the Public Safety Element. As a result, only
minor modifications have been made to the final draft element.
SECTION 2. DRAFT NOISE ELEMENT
Background
The purpose of a noise element is to address the issue of community noise levels from streets,
airports, railroads and industrial activities. A noise element is expected to: (1) identify
community noise equivalent levels (CNF~L) from existing and future sources; and (2) identify
sensitive land uses within the community; and (3) identify how the City will reduce noise
impacts on the community.
4
Discusion
The primary issues addressed in the Noise Element include the following: land use compatibility
criteria; existing noise levels; significant noise sources; sensitive land uses (receptors); and
future noise levels.
The key aspects of the Noise Element are:
· To consider noise issues in the planning procen; and,
· To minimize noise impacts from transportation sources.
The City received few comments regarding the Noise Element. Callrims requested a policy be
added that requires development along major highways to provide any necessary attenuation
measures as mitigation for noise impacts. This issue is already addressed under Goal 3 in the
draft General Plan.
SECTION 3. DRAFT AIR OUALITY ELEMENT
Background
The South Coast Air Quality Management District requires that each City adopt an air quality
element. The purpose of an air quality element is to address regional and local air quality issues
as they relate to local government programs and land use planning. The air quality element is
expected to: (1) assess local air quality conditions and sources; and (2) identify how the City
can support regional efforts to maintain the quality of life by improving air quality.
Discussion
The primary issues addressed in the Air Quality Element include the following: regional and
local air quality; and maintaining a high quality of life. The Air Quality Element addresses
primary issues contained in the Air Quality Management Plan and is consistent with the Air
Quality Element guidelines of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).
WRCOG and SCAG have reviewed the Draft and provided a number of comments which have
been addressed in the Draft Element and Addendure to the General Plan.
The key aspects of the Air Quality Element are:
· To improve local and regional air quality through proper land use planning;
· To maintain mobility while reducing air poilutant emissions; and,
· To maintain a role in regional air quality improvement programs.
DRAPTOP.MIP
The City received few comments regarding the Air Quality Element. The South Coast Air
Quality District commented on the Environmental Impact Report. The general plan analysis
recommended in their letter is already included in the air quality element. No modifications
were made to the air quality element.
SECTION 4. DRAFT COMMUNITY DP-qlGN P. LRMRNT
Background
The purpose of the Community Design Element is to improve the quality of site, architectural
and landscape design for new development and major modifications to existing development.
Discussion
The City of Temecula has a rich tradition and an outstanding natoral environmental setting.
New development can enhance and strengthen the community's character or diminish it. The
image and character of the community is shaped by the features of design that can provide a
distinctive and attractive setting.
The key aspects of the Community Design Element include:
· Encouraging project design that provides visual interest and human scale.
· Implementing a citywide network of Wails, bikeways and walkways
· Establishing landscaped corridors and gateways.
· Promoting Design excellence in planning landscap~ architecture and architectural design
by establishing design guidelines and p~rformance standards.
· Reinforcing Temecula's 'Sense of Place by encouraging the development of distinctive
Village Centers with mixtom of land uses.
· Preserving areas of rural ¢harael~r by minimizing development intensity.
The City has received few comments regarding the Community Design Element. As a result,
only minor modifications have bc~n made to the final draft element.
SECTION $. DRAFf ECONOMIC BEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Background
The purpose of the Ec~nonlic Development Element is to amhieve a balance of land uses which
promote fiscal viability and economic growth.
6
Discussion
This Element has strong ~ to Land Use and Housing Elements. Balanced land use is
fundamental to economic growth and fiscal well being. The City should strive to provide a
range of housing and employment opportunities that meet the needs of both residents and
workers. In addition, the Economic Development Element provides guidance for achieving a
diversified employment base of retail, manufacturing, service activities and tourism.
The key aspects of the Economic Development Element incinde:
Recruit new businesses and sustain existing businesses that generate local tax revenues
and provide local employment oppormuities.
Promote retail businesses and sentices that provide a broad selection of high quality
goods and services to meet the shopping needs of the community and surrounding area.
Promote Temecula as a tourist destination area.
Revjtalive the Old Town to expand its role in local tourism and improve its long term
economic stability.
The City has received few comments regarding the Economic Development Element. As a
resuit, only minor modifications have been made to the final draft element.
SECTION 6. DRAFt GROWTH MANAGFJ~zNT/PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT
Background
The purpose of this element is to address regional infrastructure issues. The growth
management]public facilities element is expected to: (1) identify local and regional infrastructure
needs; and' (2) promote orderly growth development that addresses market needs while
maintaining a high quality of life.
Discussion
The primary issues addressed in the Growth Management]Public Facilities Element includes the
following: growth management strategies; public services, facilities, and utility infrasmicture and
standards.
The Growth Management]Public Facilities Element addresses primary issues contained in the
growth management programs of Riverside County and We, stem Riverside Council of
Governments (WRCOG).
DRAFTOP.MIP
7
The key aspects of the Growth Management/Public Facilities Element are:
· To work cooperatively with other local governments;
· To ensure an orderly and efficient pattern of growth; and,
· To ensure adequate public services, utiilties, and facilities.
The City did receive comments from Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
and the Temecula VaLley Unified School District CI'VUSD). SCAG's recommendation is to
promote phased development so that jobs and housing grow in a complementary manner. This
issue is already addressed under Goal 1 in the draft General Plan. Modifications to the Goals
and Policies were made in response to some of the District's concerns.
SECTION 7. DRAFF OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELElV!ENT
Background
The purpose of an open space element is to address the preservation and maintenance,
management, and use of open space. In addition, a conservation element is to address the
conservation, development and utilization of natural resources. A combined open space and
conservation element is expected to: (1) address open space needs and opportunities to protect
natural resources, agricultural and minerid production, ground water recharge, recreation, and
to protect the public health and safety; (2) address the conservation of water, soil, agricultural,
fish and wildlife, forest, mineral, and other resources; and (3) identify how the City will
address these conservation and resource issues. Open space and conservati6n elements also
address park and recreation issues.
Discussion
The primary issues addressed in the Open Space and Conservation Element include the
following: existing park and recreational facilities; riding, hiking and bicycle trails; biologic
resources; surface and ground waters; agricultural lands and resources; historic and cultural
resources; archaeologic and palenntologic resources; and, dark-sky resources for the Hale
Observatory on Palomar Mountain.
The key aspects of the Open Space and Conservation Element are:
· To provide a high quality parks and recreation system to meet local recreational needs;
· To conserve and protect local wate~ resources;
· To conserve important biological resources (habitats, plants and animals);
· To conserve energy through the use of available technology and conservation practices;
DRAFTOP.HIP
8
· To conserve open space areas to protect natural resources, and provide opportunities for
recreation and scenic enjoyment;
· To preserve significant historic and cultural resources;
· To protect prime agricultural land from premature conversion to urban uses; and,
· To pwtect local dark skies from intrusive light which may impact the Hale Observatory.
The Open Space and Conservation Element addresses the issues and concerns required by State
Law. In addition, the Element will pwvide a foundation for future park, Wail, and open space
acquisition and planning.
The City has received a number of comments and concerns on the Open Space and Conservation
Element. The most significant concerns include the following:
· Conservation of resources.
· Participation in regional water resource management.
· Preservation of historic, structures, landscape features, and roads associated with their
Los Alamos Road.
· Participation in open space resource management.
To address these issues new and revised goals, policies and implementation medsures have been
added to the Open Space and Conservation Element.
RECOMMENDATION
The General Plan Consultants and Planning Department believe the draft General Plan has been
adequately revised to respond to comments received by individuals, groups and other a~encies.
Comments on the draft General Plan document that enhanced and strengthened the General Plan
were incorporated into the General Plan. Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission review the Draft Genera] Plan Elements and Revisions Addendure, and forward a
recommendation of approval to the City Council to adopt the Draft General Plan.
Attachments: 1. Revisions Addendure - blue page 10
2. General Plan Comment Letters - blue page 11
DRAFFOP.MIP
A'ITACItMI~NT NO. 1
REVISIONS ADDENDUM
DRAFrGP.MIP
10
City of Temecula
DRAFT GENERAL PLAN
Revisions Addendum
October 14, 1992
THE PLANNING CENTER
DitAFTOP.MIP
CITY OF TEMECULA Land Use Element
INTRODUCTION
The Revisions Addendum consists of all recommended changes to seven elements of the Draft
General Plan dated July 22, 1992. These seven elements, including Open Space &
Conservation, Noise, Air Quality, Public Safety, Growth Management]Public Facilities,
Community Design, and Economic Development, will be discussed at the first Planning
Commission hearing on October 19, 1992.
The pages included in the Revisions Addendure are only those pages of the Draft General Plan
where additions or deletions to language or mapping are recommended. The additions are
shown in bold/ta//cs and deletions are show with a :~2~ 7.u:. The recommended changes are
the result of input received during Joint Planning Commission/City Council Workshops,
Technical Subcommittee Meetings and staff review, and from written comments by the public.
In essence, the changes in the Revisions Addendure are intended to supersede the Draft General
Plan.
The letters received containing General Plan comments are in Attachment A. Those
recommendations that enhance and strengthen the General Plan were incorporated in the
Revisions Addendure. Other recommendations were not incorporated for one or more of the
following reasons:
The recommendations for a particular element would have caused inconsistencies with
other elements of the General Plan;
· The recommendations confficted with specific Goals or Policies;
· The ~ecommendations were premature in light of ongoing or future planning efforts;
· The recommendations were either legally or financially infeasible; or
The recommendations are already being covered through state, federal and regional
permitting and review processes.
It is important to note that letters received pertaining to the EIR will be responded to in a
separate document as a supplement to the Draft EIR, and will be considered by the Planning
Commission at the second hearing on the General Plan/EIR.
DRAFrGP.MIP
C/u~te~ Se~n
PUBLI(~ ~AFETY
CITY OF TEMECULA Public Safety Element
I. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Public Safety Element is to provide a comprehensive planning
framework for the protection of the community fxom the threat of natural and man-made
hazards. The Public Safety Element is the primary tool for identifying hazards that must
be considered in making land use decisions. The Element also establishes goals, policies
and implementation programs to guide and direct local government decision-making in
safety-related issues.
A number of local, State and federal agencies are charged with public safety responsibilities.
The Public Safety Element accordingly focuses on coordination with these agencies.
A. Authorization and Scope
California State taw (Government Code Section 65302(g)) requires that every City
prepare and adopt a Safety Element as follows:
'~4 safety element for the protection of the community pore any
unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface
rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure;
slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides...; subsidence and other
geologic hazards known to the legislative body; flooding; and wild land and
urban fires. The safety element shall include mapping of known seismic and
other geologic hazards. It shall also address evacuation routes, peakload
water supply requirements and minimum road widths and clearahces around
structures, as those items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards."
The Public Safety Element must address the issues listed above only to the extent that
the issues they pertain to the community. In addition, because the Temecula Study
Area is located within Seismic Zone 4, the Public Safety Element must also address
hazardous buildings.
B. Related Plans and Programs
There is a complex body of State and federal legislation that relates to the protection
of the public's health and safety and protection of environmental resources. The
following section briefly summarizes legislation bears directly on City decision-making
with regard to land use and physical development.
1. Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Act
The Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Act requires the State Geologist to
delineate and map special studies zones along all potentially and recently active
fault traces. The Alquist-Priolo Zones are usually one-quarter mile in width. The
Act prohibits the location of structures for human occupancy within 50 feet of an
Alquist Priolo Zone active fault. The 50-foot set-back requirement can be
TEM-01'~07GP-PUB,SAF · Date: October 13, 1992 Page 7-1 ~ I~
CITY OF TEMECULA Public Safety Element
2. Liquefaction and Subsidence/Slope Instability
The potential for liquefaction in an area is a function of soil type and depth of
groundwater. Soils that are poorly consolidated and combine with groundwater
during an earthquake loose their shear strength and take on the properties of a
heavy liquid. Liquefaction can result in the loss of foundation support, ground
failure due to lateral spreading, and settlement of affected soils. Areas of
potential liquefaction are located along the Santa Gertrudis and Temecula Creeks,
as shown in Figure 7-2.
Subsidence is the shrinking of earth material caused by natural or artificial
removal of underlying support. This process occurs in poor, unconsolidated soils,
and poorly compacted fills. Seismically-induced groundshaking, both local and
regional, and heavy rainfall are naturally-induced causes of subsidence. The
potential for subsidence exists in Murrieta, Temecula and Wolf Valleys, as shown
on Figure 7-2.
Landslides are another geologic process that can be induced by seismic activity.
This process involves the downslope movement of geologic materials. The
stability of slopes is related to a variety of factors including, the slope's
steephess; the strength of geologic materials in terms of resistance to the
downslope stress of gravity; the characteristics of bedding planes, joints and
faults; surface water and groundwater conditions; and other factors. Potential
landslide conditions in the hillside areas of the Study Area maX-pose constraints
to development.
B. Fire Hazards
1. Natural Fire
The Temecula Study Area is surrounded by rolling foothills and mountains, and
is accordingly at risk of wildland fire. The Santa Ann Mountains are located
west of the Study Area, Located to the south are the Santa Margarita and Agua
Tibia Ranges. Figurs 7 3 is n map of firs hazard se, iority arsan in tho Study
Fire in undeveloped areas results from the ignition of accumulated brush and
vegetation. The most critical times of year for wildland fire are late summer and
fall when Santa Ana winds bring hot, dry desert air into the region. The air
temperature quickly drys vegetation, thereby increasing the amount of natural
fuel. Development pressures increase the threat of wildland fire on human
populations and property as development pushes to the fringes of major forests
and brush areas. Increased human presence in wildland areas likewise increases
the potential for man-induced wildland fire.
TEM-OINOTOP-PUB. SAF * Date: O~tob~r 1:3, 1992 Pap 7-6
CITY OF TEMECULA Public Safety Element
2. Urban Fire
The predominant land use in the Temecula Study Area is low density residential
development. The Study Area has experienced rapid development the past
decade, and this trend ks expected to continue. As the number of structural
features increase, so does the incidence of fire. Building conditions that affect
fire control include: type and use of structure; area of building; number of stories;
roof covering materials and adjacent uses.
Certain development patterns pose more difficult fire problems; These include
multi-story, wood frame, high density apartment development; large continuous
developed areas with combustible roofing materials; and facilities that use and/or
store hazardous materials. Several older residential tracts in the City feature
wood shake roofs which increase the petcntial for ignition and spread of fire. In
addition, the fire department has identified that facilities located in the Raneho
California Business Park utilize and store hazardous materials.
C. Flood Hazards
Several 100-year floodplains have been designated in the Temeeula Study Area and
are shown in Figure 7-3. A 100-year floodplain is defined as an area that has a one
percent or greater chance of experiencing flood inundation in any given year. Areas
of 100-year flooding exist adjacent to Murrieta Creek fwm Cherry Avenue, easterly
to the Santa Margarita River, along Santa Gertrudris Creek from Multieta Creek to the
San Diego Aqueduct; and along Temeeula Creek from Murrieta Creek to the San
Diego aqueduct.
Existing developed areas are located within the lO0-year floodplain areas, and these
structures are at risk in the event of a 100-year flood. The potential for flood damage
is largely confined to Murrieta Creek from Cherry Avenue to approximately one-half
mile east of First Street. In the event of a lO0-year flood (or greater), along Murrieta
Creek, there is the potential for severe flood damage to existing commercial, industrial
and retail development located along Diaz Road, Pujol Street and Front Street. The
Riverside County Flood Control district is finalizing plans for flood control
improvements to Murrieta Creek. whioh aro antioipated to bo finighed in ***. The
Growth Management/Public Facilities Element discusses these improvements in greater
detail.
D. Dam Inundation
Flooding from dam failure can result from natural and man-made causes including
earthquakes, erosion, improper siting and/or design and rapidly rising floodwater
during heavy storms. The type of failure, ranging from instantaneous to gradual, is
dependent on the building material of the dam.
TEM.011170P-PUB.SAF · Date: Oclobcr 13, 1992 Page 7-8 ]./)
NOISE
CITY OF TEMECULA Noise Element
monitored during the peak traffic hour to r~pres~nt maximum noise levels, or
during off-peak conditions and then modified to reflect peak traffic conditions.
Figure 8-2 and Table 8-1 provide noise measurement data and site descriptions
for the ninemen monitoring locations. As shown therein, noise levels exceeded
the 60 dBA criteria (established for locating sensitive land uses) in all but five
locations. Noise levels exceeded the 65 dBA criteria ( for prohibiting residential
development without adequate mitigation) at seven of the nineteen locations. Six
of these locations are noise sensitive reeeptors.
Noise
1 7/19 5:28 p.m.
2 7/1~ 5:19 p.m.
3 7/19 12:34 p.m.
Table 8-1
Existing Noise Levels
Messumt A~Justed Land
603 603 SFD
59.2 59.2 SFD
58.8 60.2 MS
4 7/19 5:00 p.m. 59.7 59.7
5 7/19 4:43 p.m. 65.0 65.0
6 7/19 12:52 p.m. 54.6 54.6
7 7/19 1:46 p.m. 66.8 66.5
8 7/18 5:51 p.m. 67.1 67.1
9 7/19 2:36 p.m. 58.1 60.1
10 7/19 2:14 p.m. 54.7 62.2
11 7/19 12:15 p.m. 59.3 61.2
12 7/19 5:50 p.m. 68.1 68.1
13 7/18 5:18 p.m. 66.9 66.9
14 7/18 5:36 p.m. 58.6 58.6
15 7/19 4:01 p.m. 66.0 66.0-
-71.0 71.0
16 7/19 3:22 p.m. 59.9 62.0
i7 7/19 3:11 p.m. 55.1 57.0
18 7/19 11:56 a,m. 64.0 65.6
19 7/19 3:40 p.m. 69.1 71.5
SFD = Single-Family Dwelling
IND = Industrial
COM = Commercial
MS = Middle School
Description
Reaid~mcc at oomcr of Roripaugh and Nioolus
Midblock noise from Calla Mndues
Noise outsidn ClaMroom at Margrim Middle
School
OS Park noise near playground and bar-b-qua area
SFD Noise from Rancho California Road; 20-25' above
~radc
ES Noise in front of classroom next to front parking
ar~a; kids playing
SFD Noise from Cosmic Dr. house 5 feet above: grade
OS Duck Lake Park; noise from RShcho California
Road
SFD Very high speeds on Pauba Rd; anmc nClse
attcnustion from vcgcmti~ and short brick wall
OS Recreational park; no~se from Children,
maintaoancc activities, mrcru~ and Off-Road
VchlClcs in distance
HS Noise at Tcrnccula Valley High School baseball
~ctd away from permanent school strocmrcs
SFD Noise at corner of Front and Main
ES Noise in front of Hillcrest Carden Schocl from 1-
15 and rnohila homes
CC Noise at La Petit Prc~:~ool child care center;
prhrmriiy from frccway, some from Santiago and
Yncz Rds.
IND/ Noise at property line between C.L. Pharris Ready
COM. Mix and offtoe/retail parking lot
SP'D Residence at oomer of Pala/Copeno and Hwy 79
SFD Midblock residence setbach from Hwy 79; adjacent
to Rancho Fruit Market
MS Noise at Tcmccuia Middle School; gardeninS and
maintenance activities on school property
SFD Corner home with high spand vehicles on Pain
Road
~ = FAcmcnmry School
HS = High School
CC = Child Care
OS = OS
TEM-OI~OSOP-NOI~E * Date: Octoba 13, 1992 Pap 8-6 ~
CITY OF TEMECULA Noise Element
the traffic volume, vehicle mix and speed, and roadway geometry, to
compute typical equivalent noise levels during daytime, evening and
nighttime hours. The re~:;:r.r.: resulting noise levels are then weighted and
summed over 24 hourly periods to determine the daily CNEL value. Noise
contours are derived through a series of computerized iterations to provide
CNELs. Table 8-2 reflects the existing CNEL Range at 100 feet from the
centerline for major roadways in the City. As shown, Interstate 15 is the
only roadway with a CNEL level in excess of 75 at 150 feet from the
roadway. Portions of Winchester Road, Raneho California Road and State
Route 79 have noise levels over 65 CNEL, and portions of Jefferson
Avenue/Front Street, Ynez Road and Pala Road have noise levels over 60
CNEL.
Table 8-2
Existing CNEL Range at 100 Feet from Centerline
Roadways ]' CNEL Range
Interstate 15 74.4 - 753
Winchester Road 62.7 - 72.4
Nicholas Road 53.2 - 53.2
Solana Way 52.0 - 57.5
Margarita Road 46.6 - 59.5
Moraga Road 56.3 - 56.3
Rancho California Road 57.5 - 65.7
Rancho Vista Road 55.8 - 59.0
Pauba Road 51.8 - 54.3
Santiago Road 51.7 - 51.7
Jedediah Sntith Road 49.9 - 49.9
SR-79 64.7 - 68.8
Diaz Route 59.8 - 59.8
Jefferson Avenue/Front Street 56.7 - 64.6
Ynez Road 52.5 - 64.9
De Portia Road 47.9 - 47.9
Rainbow Canyon Road 53.5 - 53.5
Paid Road 61.9 - 62.6
La Paz Street 505 - 50.5
Calle Medusa Road 51.1 - 51.1
La Serena Way 52.6 - 54.9
I At 150 feet from centerline,
TEM-01~)gGP-NOI.SE * Date: Octolaf 13, 1992 Page 8-9
CITY OF TE1VIECULA Noise Element
IlL GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1
Discussion
Land use planning that provides for the separation of significant noise
generators from sensitive receptor areas.
The separation of noise generatom from sensitive receptors will result in an
exterior environment that requires minimal mitigation to m~t acceptable noise
levels. Proper planning will ensure that sensitive receptors are not impacted by
noise hazards by locating these land uses distant from each other. Noise hazard
areas will be considered to include locations within the 65 CNEL contour of
master p!anned wadways, railroad corridors, aircraft flight paths, and industrial
facilities.
Policy 1.1
Policy I;2
Policy 1.3
Policy 1.4
Policy 1.5
Policy 1.6
Policy 1.7
Policy 1.8
Discourage noise sensitive land uses in noisy exterior environments unless
measures can be implemented to reduce exterior and interior noise to
acceptable levels. Alternatively, encourage less sensitive uses in areas
adjacent to major noise generators but require appropriate interior working
environments.
Limit the hours of construction activity in residential areas in order to
reduce the intrusion of noise in the early morning and late evening hours,
and on weekends and holidays.
Prepare a comprehonsivo community Noioo Ordinance or other
implomontation program that Incorporate noise standards in the
Development Code to ensure that residents am not exposed to excessive
levels of noise from stationary sources.
Require proposed industrial or commercial projects located near existing
or pinned residential areas to demonstrate that the project when
constructed, will ecruply with the City noise requirements.
Work with the school district to relocate the school bus maintenance yard
to an area that will not adversely impact sensitive reeeptors.
Ensure that current noise hazard areas in the City are identified, quantified,
and mapped in a form that is available to decision makers.
Utilize the information from the noise contour map in the General Plan in
the development review process to ensure that noise sensitive land uses are
not located near major stationary noise sources.
Minimize noise conflicts between land uses and the circulation network.
TEM4)I~)~GP-NOISE · Date: October 13, 1992 - Page 8-16
CITY OF TEMECULA Noise Element
IV. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
A. Plans and Ordinances
Incorporate measures into all development projects to attenuate exterior/interior
noise levels to acceptable levels. The City's noise standards for land use
compatibility are provided in Table 8-4. These standards shall be adhered to and
implemented during the review of all proposed development projects.
Land Use
Hillsidc Residcntial
Very Low Residential
Low Medium Residential
Medium Residential
High Residential
Neighborhood Commercial
Community Commercial
Highwayffourist Commercial
Service Commercial
Pwfessional Office
Business Park/Indust~al
Public/Institutional Facilities
Open Space/Recreation
Schools
Table 8-4
Land Use with Noise Standards
Interior Standsi'd
Exterior
Standard
45 651
-- 70
50 70
55 75
50 70
- 7o <65
50 65
2 pursuant ~o PIs,~s and Ordinances No. 2, a maximum exterior horse level up to 70 dB CNEL is allowed for
Multipie-Family Hoosing.
Where quiet is s bssis for use
Exterior living areas of multiple family uses should have a maximum
noise level of 65 CNEL. A combination of site planning techniques,
noise walls, and architecture treatments should be incorporated into the
design of a project to ensure that the 65 CNEL is achieved. In multiple
family uses where all of preceding mitigation measures have been
incorporated into the project design and the exterior living area still can
not be mitigated to 65 CNEL, a maximum exterior noise level of up to 70
CNEL may be allowed.
Enforce the Noise Ordinance for all non-emergency construction
operations.
.Require a revision to the noise contour map with every General Plan
IUpdate.
TI~-OlI08GP-NOISE · Date: October 13, 1992 Page 8-19
COMMUNITY DESIGN
CITY OF TEMECULA Community Design Element
Policy 1.1
Policy L2
Policy 1.3
Policy 1.4
Policy
Promote the development of a comprehensive system of trails and open
space areas that connect schools, public recreation areas, residential areas
and commercial centers.
Formulate a Master Plan for the Old Town Area including a detailed
action plan for implementation.
Develop design standards to enhance the visual character of commercial
centers that are located adjacent to 1-15.
Promote community identity by providing specially designed gateway
signage at the primary entrances to the City.
Maintain and incorporate natural amenities such as rock outcropping,
indigenous vegetation, stream and watercourses into development projects
to protect the environment and provide natural landscaping, protect views,
and to provide recreational opportunities in order to maintain the quality
of life.
Goal 2
Design excellence in site planning, architecture, landscape architecture and
signage in new development and modifications to existing development.
Discussion The commercial and residential areas in Temecula need strong design
coordination, improved circulation linkages, open space linkages, outdoor
pedestrian spaces, and a greater emphasis on quality architectural and landscape
design.
Policy 2.1
Establish and consistently apply design standards and guidelines for
residential and non-residential development.
Policy 2.2
Promote a cohesive and integrated pattern of development for large
undeveloped areas, by requiring the preparation of Specific Plans.
Policy 2.3
Provide development standards to ensure higher quality design that is well
integrated with the infrastructure and eireulation systems.
Policy 2.4
Formulate flexible design standards for commercial development that
enhances the special identity and visual character of the commercial
development.
Policy 2.5
Limit light/glare pollution through design standards for outdoor lighting
and the use of low codi::.':_ intensity lights.
TEM-01\t0C3P-COM,DSN · Draft Date: Oclo~er 13, 1992 2:36pm Page 10-5
CITY OF TEMBC~ Community Design Element
Policy 4.2
Policy 43
Policy 4.4
Policy 4.5
Policy 4.6
Policy 4.7
Policy 4.8
Formulate a comprehensive streetscape program for the major streets in the
City, including unified landscaping, lighting, paving patterns, and other
public improvements.
Encourage variety in the design of sidewalks and trails, with respect to
alignment and surface materials, to provide a convenient and enjoyable
experience for the users.
Establish a citywide street tree and median/slope planting program.
Where feasible, require the provision of landscaped parkways between
roads and sidewalks.
Arterial roads should be designed as landscaped parkways that serve as
unifying urban design elements.
Encourage the use of drought ~ tolerant landscape materials that are
easy to maintain and are approved by the City's Parks and Recreation
Department.
Tho City 0hould Establish and enforce weed abatement programs on
undeveloped properties and along major arterials.
Goal 5
Discussion
Protection of public views of significant natural features.
One of Temecula's most important resources is its environmental setting. Situated
in the Temecula Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and along Murrieta and
Temecula Creeks, the community desires to protect and enhance the views to, and
from, these natural features.
Policy 5.1
Policy 5.2
Policy 5.3
Work with the County of Riverside to protect the surrounding hillside
areas.
Promote the development of turn-outs on scenic roads.
Require the revegetation and maintenance of graded slope areas.
TEM-01\10CiP-COM.D~N ° Draft Date: October 13, 1992 2:36pm Page 10-7
CITY OF TEMECULA Community Design Element
Goal 6 Maintenance and enhancement of the City's public spaces and resources.
Discussion Temecula has an outstanding climate for outside activities. Pedestrian spaces,
sitting areas, plazas, outdoor restaurants should be considered as a part of
commercial development projects to take advantage of these opportunities. A
critical aspect of the provision of public spaces is the commitment to provide
necessary public services to ensure ongoing maintenance of the facilities.
Policy 6.1
Provide for street furniture in areas with high pedestrian activity and
provide for shade trees in shopping areas.
Policy 6.2
Establish improvement plans for the City's public spaces and include
these plans in the Capital Improvements Pwgram.
Policy 6.3
Assure that operating and maintenance costs are adequately provided
for public facilities.
Goal 7
Discussion
COmmunity gathering areas which provide for the social, civic, cultural and
recreational needs of the community.
The design of projects n~xs4o should encourage pedestrian activities and provide
for public plans and open spaces which promote social interaction and greater
civic identity. The concentration of commercial, office public, and recreational
uses will generate activity centers within the community that further enhance
Temecula's sense of place.
Policy 7.1
Policy 7.2
Policy 7_3
Policy 7.4
Policy 7.5
Encourage the development of public spaces and plazas within commercial
developments that can accommodate cultural and social events and
function a,s community gathering areas.
Encourage the development of multi-purpose facilities within commercial
developments that may be leased for a variety of public and private events.
Encourage the development of a range of uses within commercial
developments that provide for day and evening activities.
Encourage development of common areas and facilities within residential
developments to provide gathering areas for social and recreational
activities.
Encourage the development of employee lunch areas within the industrial/
business park facilities.
TEM-Ot\IOGP-COM.DSN · Draft Date: October 13, 1992 2:36pm Page 10-8
CITY OF TEMECULA Community Desi~m Element
Policy 7.6
Promote the provision of cultural facilities within the community
including art museums, theatres, petform ing art centers, outdoor
amphitheatres, and special cultural exhibitions.
TEM-01\IOGP-COM.DSN · Draft Date: October 13, 1992 2:36pm · PaSa 10-9
CITY OF TEMECULA Community Design Element
6. Pedestrian-Oriented Design
A significant effort should be plac. e,d upon encouraging site planning and design
in commemial and business areas that is sensitive to the needs of the pedestrian.
Typically, commercial development has emphasized the automobile rather than
the needs of pedestrians. Building design can more effectively serve pedestrian
needs through architecture that provides relief, and articulation at the first floor
level. Retail uses at this level can provide streetscape contiguity that are
amenable to the pedestrian. Continuous expanses of blank walls or sharp
unbroken vertical sudaces create a uncomfortable atmosphere for the pedestrian.
Examples of pedestrian-oriented design guidelines may include the following:
a. Pedestrian Circulation
Site PIning for commercial areas should carefully consider the relationship
between parking areas and pedestrian circulation patterns. Pedestrian areas
should be linked whenever possible to the city-wide open space and trail
system to facilitate travel by walking, biking or other non-motorized means.
b. Building Facades
The design Of building facades should be architecturally interesting and in
scale with the pedestrian. The ground floor elevations should avoid large
blank walls, and windows and entrances should be located at frequent
intervals. Large wall surfaces should be divided with offsets to GFea,qve
create distinctive shadow lines. The linear pedestrian linkage of building
facades along major streets should not be disrupted.
c. Signage
A coordinated signage plan for development can be an attractive
enhancement to the project area. If the area has an overall theme, the
signage plan should be consistent with this concept. Signage should
designed at a scale that is not overpowering from the pedestrian's
perspective. For example, small signs with a unique texture, shape, or
interesting features can be more effective than large, massive or glaring
signage.
d. Streetscape Design
The design of the streetscape is one factor that can contribute to the needs
of the pedestrian. The effective design of the streetscape along exterior
streets, as well as interior streets is essential for the creation of a convenient
pedestrian environment. Continuity in landscape design, placement of street
furniture, sitting areas, and use of interesting paving patterns, lighting are
factors to be considered in development streetscape design.
TEM.0t\10OP-COM.mZq · Draft Dam: October 13, 1992 2:36pm Page 10-17
Chapter Eleven
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF TEMECULA Community Design Element
Some cities have established a separate board to review projects from the overall
design perspective. Design Review Boards are often established for Historical
Preservation Districts. Critics of this approach are concerned about the possibility of
creating addition layers of development review besides the Planning Commission and
City Council. Design Review Boards are typically comprised of Council-appointed
individuals, with representatives from the design professions.
Another approach may be to increase staff capabilities in the review and evaluation of
the design aspects of development review, by hiring planners who have training in
landscape architecture and architecture. Also, many Cities contract with local
landscape architects, engineers, and architects to provide planning review services.
D. Potential Ordinances
In addition to the Zoning Ordinance the City may consider other potential ordinances
that can implement the goals and policies of the Community Design Element.
1. Historic Preservation Ordinance
Historic Preservation Ordinance addresses historical buildings, sites and places
in the community. The ordinance would establish the process through which the
City may identify, and designate significant structures and sites as historically
significant. The ordinance would establish guidelines and procedures for
protecting and preserving the character of the historical resources. A city-wide
survey of resources would be completed. As a part of the ordinance, the City
may consider provisions that permit zoning, and parking varianee~ provide
flexibility for zoning, parking and building code regulations to make
preservation more feasible when other alternatives are not available.
2. Enhanced Sign Ordinance
A detailed study of Sign Code provisions based upon the General Plan policies
should be eor/ducted to assure consistency. Special guidelines would be
formulated for signage within residential, commercial and industrial areas. If
comprehensive signage programs are required the sign ordinance would indicate
the minimum requirements and characteristics of the privately initiated signage
programs.
E. Art in Public Places
Consideration should be given to the establishment of an Art in Public Places Program.
Similar programs have been established in a number of California cities that require
contributions for public art based upon the building valuation for new projects. As a
part of the-establishment of the program the City, must consider the method of
administrating the program, guidelines for the selection of the artwork, locational
TEM-0P,10GP-COM.[3~N · Draft Dam: Outher 13, 1992 2:36pm Page 10-29
CITY OF TEMECULA Economic Development Element
Policy 23
Policy 2.4
Policy 2.5
Promote development of properly located and well designed commercial
centera to meet the diverse service needs of the City.
Promote retail and other suppor~ activities that provide a broader selection
of high-quality goods and services for residents, workers and tourists,
including apparel, general merchandise, home furnishings and appliances.
Use redevelopment powers and opportunities to enhance development
opportunities.
Goal 3
Maintain an economic base to provide a sound frscai foundation for the City
as well as quality community facilities and high service levels.
Discussion Prior to incorporation, the Temecula area experienced rapid growth under the
jurisdiction of Riverside County. With incorporation and the ability to capture
more local revenues, the City is now able to conduct fiscal planning in the context
of economic development. With economic development planning, Temecula has
an even greater opportunity to influence its fiscal base, resulting in a fiscal balance
across land uses.
Policy 3.1
Encourage a pattern of development that balances revenue generating land
uses in phase with other uses that have negative fiscal ira. pacts.
Policy 3.2
Encourage the growth or relocation of industries that generate local tax and
employment advantages.
Policy 3.3
Evaluate fiscal impacts of new development on an ongoing basis and
provide appropriate mitigation strategies.
Policy 3.4
Take advantage of Temecula's regional capture of taxable sales and
continue to establish Temecula as a retailing center along the Interstate 15
corridor.
Goal 4
Establishment of a diverse education and training and job placement system
which will develop and maintain a high quality work force in Temecula.
Discussion
Residents and employers have identified education as a key element in developing
the long-range economic base in Temecula. By providing superior educational
opportunities and resources, with an emphasis on practical educational programs
for the job mix required to serve the community, many residents will prefer to
work within the City. A full range of adult education, retraining, special
education, vocational/technical education and college/university level facilities and
TEM-01\11GP-EC, DEV · Date: October 13, t992 Page 11-6
CITY OF TEMECULA Economic Development Element
curriculums should be provided, aimed at responding to the educational needs of
the community through each phase of development.
Policy 4.1
Support economic development goals through a range of education and
training activities.
Policy 4.2
Establish a proactive, periodic dialogue early in the planning process
between the City and educational institutions, including school districts and
cemmunity colleges, on issues related to the phasing of development,
service standards and demands.
Policy 4.3
Explore the potential for a comprehensive extension center through UC
Riverside and/or the Cah~fornia State University system.
Goal 5
Discussion
Promote the advantages to businesses of locating in Temecula, including cost
advantages, amenities, housing, community activities and civic services.
Temecula currently has a number of favorable employment growth conditions -
including demonstrated attractiveness to industry and an ideal locational
advantages for company headquarters. The City wishes to focus future efforts on
continuing to attract high quality clean industry. However, with the current
regulatory environment and rising land prices, the City may need. to clearly define
incentives for businesses to locate in Temeeula instead of other communities.
Policy 5.1
Policy 5.2
Policy 5.3
Policy 5.4
Develop and maintain a marketing program to publicize the virtues of
relocating to Temecula.
Monitor the economic conditions in Temecula in comparison to other
locations in California and throughout the nation to determine relative
advantages.
Monitor the supply of housing in relation to the supply of jobs in terms of
to balance area-wide jobs, households, worker earnings and housing
expenses.
Monitor existing businesses in Temecula and identify the elements of a
business retention program.
TEM4)I\I1GP-EC, DEV · Da~g: Oaobcr 13, 1992 Pagc 11-7
CITY OF TEIVIECULA Economic Development Element
Goal 6
Discussion
Develop Temecula as a comprehensive, recognizable tourist destination, with
a range of attractions throughout and beyond the sphere of influence.
Because of. its wine country location and historical significance, Temecula has
become a limited tourist destination point. For tourism to play an effective role
in the local economy, however, the industry must expand beyond Old Town and
seasonal attractions and provide for year-round activities capable of generating
greater tourist interest. Community leaders have expressed the desire to expand
Temecula's tourism industry in a manner that complements established residential
areas as well as businesses.
Policy 6.1
Policy 6.2
Policy 63
Policy 6.4
Encourage and enhance cooperative efforls with the wine-making industry
in the Temeeula Valley to promote Temecula as a destination resort.
Identify commercial recreation, convention and resort activities - including
golf-oriented resorts - that can take advantage of Temecula's character and
climate, while complementing wine-making activities.
Revitalize and enhance Old Town to expand its role in local tourism and
to improve its attractiveness, accessibility, and economic vitality.
Enhance the City's image through development of cultural facilities,
including performing arts, museums and art in public places.
TEM-01\llOP-EC.DEV ° Dat=: October 13, 1992 Pag~ 11-8
CITY OF TEMECULA Economic Development Element
2. Utilize the comprehensive fiscal impact model on an ongoing basis to monitor
both General Fund and Community Service District Fund fiscal impacts as
development information becomes available.
3. Formulate land use mitigation strategies for projected deficits to incorporate a
balance of land uses that will provide sufficient revenue to cover new costs.
4. Define financing techniques that will assist in funding recurring costs in addition
to funding one-time capital improvements, allocating the impacts equitably
between new and existing development.
5. Evaluate fiscal impacts of future annexations on an ongoing basis.
6. Carefully evaluate long-term effects of proposed City sales tax rebates to large
retailers.
D. Education and Job Training
1. Explore long-range potential for locating a campus of the California State
University system within the Temecula vicinity.
2. Designate a site for a community college in Temecula.
3. Establish an education and training consortlure between the City, the school
districts and local employers.
4. Prepare information on advantages of Temecula Unified School District and Mt.
San Jacinto Community College District.
E. Attracting Business
1. Work with the Temecula/Murrieta Economic Development/Corporation to
promote the advantages of Temecula.
2. Continue to research market and demographic conditions to identify Temeeula's
relative strengths and weaknesses to firms wishing to relocate.
3. Monitor existing and projected johs/housing relationships to provide for housing
supply in balance with the labor requirements of local industry.
4. Develop commercial-oriented lodging on west side.of Interstate 15.
5. Develop program to interview businesses that leave Temecula to better understand
corporate location policy.
6. Determine the impact expansion of the French Valley Airport would have on
businesses deciding to locate in Temecula.
7. Work with local businesses to articulate and implement a business retention
program.
F. Developing Tourism
1. Determine threshold levels of golf, equestrian and related activities to provide a
viable resort environment.
2. Coordinate an annual program of events with local attractions, including Old
Town,:golf, wineries, ballooning and future planned attractions.
3. Explore linkages between Temecula attractions and other attractions in southwest
Riverside County.
TEM-01\IlGP-I~C. DEV * Date: O,',ober 13, 1992 Pag= 11-10
Chapter S~x
GROWTH MANAGEMENT/
PUBLIC FACHATIES
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
The Growth Management Strategy for the City of Temecula is comprised of the
following ingredients:
1. Level of Service Standards
Level of service standards will be established for those facilities and services that
are under the direct responsibility of the City. These include fire protection,
police protection, paramedic services, local flood control and drainage, solid
waste collection, and local government facilities (civic center). Level of service
standards are dependent upon a number of key factors, which are evolving over
time. Such factors include: the needs and desires of the citizens, laud use
patterns and type of development, and the financial ability of the City to
maintain level of service. In addition, the cost of providing and maintaining
a particular level of service inherently involves an opportunity cost or what has
been sacrificed to achieve level of service. For example, allocating additional
resources to the police force may mean the City has foregone the opportunity
to provide additional recreation facilities, day care, and other social services
that assist economically disadvantaged groups. The standards for police, fire
and paramedic services should be stated in response times and a personnel ratio.
For facilities and services such as libraries, schools, and water supply,
coordination and negotiation with the providers is required to set and maintain
standards that are adequate for the community. The GMP should develop a
system for achieving adequacy, which would include the following
considerations:
Steps to plan, finance and build the facility;
Strategies to reduce existing or projected demand; and
Modifications of standards.
2. Phasing Public Facilities/Services to Support Development
Guidelines will be established for requiring the needed public facilities and
infrastructure to be phased in relation to development. Phasing requirements
would then be tailored to individual projects prior to project approval Specific
plans should include phasing plans that specify when facilities and infrastructure
improvements will be implemented to satisfy Level of Service standards. Large
scale development projects should also define phasing requirements in relation to
regional infrastructure and facilities plans.
3. Inter-jurisdictional Agreements
Agreements will be sought as necessary with the County of Rivemide, the City
of Murrieta, and the County of San Diego to address land use, facilities and
infrastructure decisions that have cross-jurisdictional impacts. The agreements
may involve joint planning and review efforts to ensure that new development
can be adequately serviced. Additionally, the agreements may involve joint
TF, M431~0643P~CiRO.MGT · Dam: October 13, 1992 Page 6-7
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
Currently, there are two fire stations within the City of Temecula. Station 73 is
located at 27415 Enterprise Circle, and Station 12 is located at 28330 Mercedes. The
stations are staffed by paid and volunteer personnel. The following table identifies fire
facilities and staffing levels.
.¢I'ATION 73
Table 6-1
Temecula Fire Facilities and Staff'mg
Kquipment ] Personnel
Bal:b::on C:l:c!
_~ :zr::i.:.~::~ ..
4 .ce_::::':' fweJlShtet~
According to the RFCD, current contract personnel provide adequate levels of service
to the City. The fire department will monitor projected population increases and make
recommendations regarding the addition of personnel during the contract renewal
prgcess. Three new stations are proposed by the Riverside County Fire Master Plan,
which are located on Figure 6-1.
B. Police Protection Services
The City of Temccula contracts with the Riverside County Sheriffs Department for
law enforcement services. This contract provides for the nssigument of thirty-one (31)
sworn officers and seven non-sworn officers to the City. These officers are supported
by two lieutenants, seven sergeants and six investigators. Other manpower resources
such as bomb disposal, emergency services team, and internal affairs investigation are
provided through various divisions with the SherifFs Department.
The current personnel to population ratio established by the City of Temecula is one
officer per 1,000 residents. for non emergenoy 5orvioe. This LOS standard is currently
being met within the City. The City will need to review population figures
periodically and revise its contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in
order to maintain this high level of service concurrent with anticipated gwwth.
TEM-01~p43RO.MGT · Dat~: Octobsr 13, 1992 Pag= 6-11
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
IV. GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1
Discussion
Policy
Cooperative management of growth among local governments within
Riverside County.
The City's Growth Management Element supports WRCOG's effort to develop a
growth management strategy in which all Ccur.:y jurisdictions .within Riverside
County can participate. Many of the draft policies in WRCOG's strategy, which
the City has helped to shape and influence, are incorporated below. These
policies link to other General Plan policies which helps to reinforce the internal
consistency among the elements of the General Plan.
1.1
Policy 1.2
Policy 1.3
Policy 1.4
Policy 1.5
Policy 1.6
Policy 1.7
Policy 1.8
Policy 1.9
Continue to participate with the Western Rivemide Council of
Governments in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional
issues, including the Growth Management Strategy, Comprehensive
Transportation Plan, Water Resources Strategy, and School Facilities Plan.
Strive to achieve the policies of WRCOG's Growth Management Strategy
as appropriate through Temeeula's Growth Management Program.
Assist in the establishment of cooperative efforts to implement
development standards which address quality of life issuds.
Strive to achieve economic growth and prosperity, while preserving natural
beauty and the social quality of life in southwestern Riverside County.
Encourage or assist in the establishment of natural reserves for the
preservation of sensitive and endangered species, and to provide open
space for residents.
Seek to establish minimum compatibility with adjacent jurisdictions for
basic development standards related to infrastructure and engineering,
while preserving unique zoning and design standards.
Establish a joint planning process with the County to plan for future
development in the Sphere of Influence.
Establish a joint review process with the County to insure that proposed
projects in the Sphere of Influence can be adequately served in the future
by the City.
Guide the timing and provision of facilities and services to support
development and protect or enhance the quality of life.
TEM-OI~O6GP-GRO.MGT · Date: October 13, 1992 Page 6-21
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
Policy I.I0
Policy 1.11
Policy 1.12
Require development to pay its fair share of the costs of facilities and
services required to servc the resulting level of growth.
Pursue joint efforts to achieve fiscal stability for both City and County
government.
Consider options to jointly contract with other jurisdictions for the
provisions of services or facilities to achieve economies of scale.
Goal 2
Orderly and efficient patterns of growth within Temecula that enhance the
quality of life for residents.
Discussion
The Growth Management Strategy contained in this Element is intended to be the
framework for a future Growth Management Program (GMP). This GMP should
be designed to influence adequacy of public facilities and services in relation to
the location, phasing, type, quality and intensity of new development and
redevelopmont. It should also take into consideration the existing communities
and resources of Temecula, the Sphere of lnfiuence, and Environmental Study
Area. All the policies of this Element, in essence, support this goal.
Policy 2.1 Prepare and implement a Growth Management Program for Temecula.
Policy 2.2
Insure that phasing of public facilities and services occur in such a way
that new development is adequately supported as it develops.
Policy 2.3
Establish and maintain level of service standards in order to document
adequacy requirements.
Policy 2.4
Encourage development of Village Centers, as defined in the Land Use and
Community Design Elements to reduce public service costs and
environmental impacts through compatible land use relationships, and
efficient circulation and open space systems.
Policy 2.5
Encourage new development that helps to create and maintain a balance
between jobs and housing opportunities.
Policy 2.6
Establish priority growth areas within the City and Sphere of Influence
where near-term urbanization will be encouraged.
Policy 2.7
Discourage the use of assessment districts that promote urban sprawl and
premature urbanization in rural and agricultural areas.
Policy 2.8
'Coordinate the Growth Management Program with the Congestion
Management Program as necessary.
TEM-OI'~GP43RO.MOT · Dat~: October 13, 1992 Page 6-22
CITY OF TEMECLILA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
Goal 3
Effective and cost efficient sheriff, t'tre and emergency medical service within
the City.
Discussion
Adequate levels of sheriff, ~m and emergency services is essential in assuring the
security of life and property within the Study Area. Through monitoring of
service levels and projected development, the continued adequacy of these services
can be ensured.
PoUcy 3.1 Coordinate with the County of Riverside to provide sheriff service at
standard levels of service.
Policy 3.2 Coordinate with the County of Riverside to provide fire and paramedic
services at standard levels of service.
Policy 33
Require new development to address fire and police protection in a pw-
active and preventative way through street design, orientation of
entryways, siting of structures, landscaping, lighting and other security
features.
Policy 3.4
Coordinate with the County of Riverside in the location and phasing of
new sheriff facilities or fire stations to ensure that adequate service levels
are maintained.
Policy 3.5
Promote the establishment of Neighborhood Watcli Programs in
conjunction with the Sheriffs Department to increase the surveillance of
neighborhoods.
Policy 3.6
Consider the provision of police services by the City if it is more cost
effective than contracting with the County of Riverside.
Policy 3.7
Promote community awareness regarding drug use and gangs through the
Police Department, h~htio Community Service Department, and public
service organizations.
TEM-01'g)6GP-GRO.MGT · Dale: Ociober 13. 1992 Page 6-23
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
Goal 4
Discussion
Policy
A quality school system that contains adequate facilities and funding to
educate the youth of Temecula.
Additional school facilities and funding is necessary to ensure that the high quality
of education is extended to future residents of the City. Mitigating impacts of
development on the school system through the imposition of development fees,
and coordinating planning projections with the School District are the primary
mechanisms to sustain quality educational services.
4.1
Policy 4.2
Policy 43
Policy 4.4
Policy 4.5
Policy 4.6
Coordinate with the Temecula Valley Unified School District when
considering General Plan amendments, development agreements, and
annexations in order to assist the School District with information so that
the District may provide school facilities to meet the needs of the
community in a timely manner.
Promote and encourage the phasing of project development so that the
School District may plan, finance and construct school facilities intended
to serve the development.
Review proposed development in the context of the adequacy of present
and future school facilities.
Provide safe access for school children walking, bicyclin. g, or driving m
and from school sites through coordination between the school district, and
City departments of Planning, Public Works, and Engineering.
Pursue the establishment of a trade school, junior college or 4-year college
in Temecula that offers an emphasis in the education required by the
engineering, biotechnical and biomedieal industries located in Temecula.
Plan for the joint use of school/municipal facilities wherever feasible and
desirable including the joint use of school grounds, buildings, City parks,
multi-purpose buildings and recreation facilities.
Goal 5
Discussion
Public and Quasi-public facilities and services which provide for the social,
cultural, civic, religious, and recreational needs of the community.
As the City matures and new development consumes proportionately less attention
and resources, the public and quasi-public contributions to community satisfaction
and quality of life increase in importance. The intent is to establish the
acceptability and desirability of certain quasi-public uses in the City's evolving
land use pattern.
TEM-01MI6Gp-(IRO.MGT · Date: Octo~r 1:3, 1992 Pag~ 6-24
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
Policy 5.1
Policy 5.2
Policy 53
Policy 5.4
Policy 5.5
Policy 5.6
Policy 5.7
Policy 5.8
Policy 5.9
Policy 5.10
Acquire a civic center site and construct permanent City Hall facilities
when feasible.
Continue to encourage citizens to participate in community programs and
volunteer for public service positions.
Evaluate the feasibility of providing child care facilities in connection with
employment-generating uses.
Encourage the development of a senior citizens center(s).
Encourage the provision of cultural facilities within the community
including art museums, theaters, a performing arts center, special
exhibitions, an outdoor amphitheatre, and Indian Cultural Interpretlye
Center.
Encourage the provision of special recreation facilities such as a stadium,
a zoo, and an amusement park.
Encourage the sharing or combining of public facilities for educational,
cultural, and recreational purposes to more efficiently utilize public spaces
and to provide viable community gathering areas.
Encourage the availability of sites for religions institutions'and other quasi-
public uses in the City.
Cooperate with Riverside County to provide for library facilities and
services that are consistent with community needs.
Continue to assist non-profit community organizations in terms of
financial and other forms of suppport to the extent feasible.
Goal 6
Discussion
A water and wastewater infrastructure system that supports existing and
future development in the Study Area.
Water availability is a critical determinant in Southern California's future growth
and development. By working closely with the Rancho California Water District
and Eastern Municipal Water District in developing supply options; conservation
techniques, including the use of reclaimed water; and development monitoring
systems, the City can ensure that development does not outpace the long-ten
availability of water. Close coordination with Eastern Municipal Water District
in the Jim ely expansion of wastewater treatment facilities is equally important to
the community's well-being.
TEM-01~O6GP-(]RO,M~'F * Date: Octo~r 13, 1992 Pag= 6-25
CITY OF TEMECULA Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
C. Public/Quasi-Public Facilities
Identify and solicit funding from additional sources to supplement cultural,
community, and library facilities and services. Such funding sources may include
state and federal grants and loam; public and private donations; sponsorships by
local and national corporations; and other private individuals and groups.
Encourage the County to provide a range of health related facilities in the Study
Area to meet the needs of the growing population including, rehabilitation
centers, walk-in medical centers, clinics, and full-service hospitals.
3. Encourage the set-aside of land for religious institutions, where deemed necessary
or desirable, within master planned communities.
4. Coordinate with the County of Riverside in the location, facilities, and services
of new branch libraries needed to serve existing and future development.
5. Consider the establishment of a local library impact fee to offset the cost of
providing new libraries facilities to serve new development.
6. Work with the development community in the selection and dedication of land
for a future civic center.
Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a staff position for a Community
Services Officer. The Officer would coordinate and disseminate information
on public/private cultural events, volunteer opportunities, and communitiy
organizations; and assist new families in becoming familiar with the
community.
D. Water and Wastewater Facilities
1. Encourage water district programs that promote water conservation and ultimately
reduce the demand for water and wastewater capacity.
2. Require new development to use reclaimed water, when feasible, for irrigation
purposes.
3. Assist the water districts in projecting demand for water and wastewater service,
and in projecting new capacity requirements.
E. Drainage Facilities
Establish guidelines for the development of regionally compatible flood control
facilities, and include criteria for the preservation of natural watercourses or the
development of greenbelt areas.
Date: October 13, 1992 Page 6-29
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Exisxjn8 Fire S~toxx~
Proposed Fire Sxation~
Shedff'~ De~ar[rnent/
County J~tic~ Cen~r
French Valley Alton
General Plan Progra..m
~LANN~G
FIGURE 6-1
ch~r ~ive
OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
I. INTRODUCTION
The Open Space/Conservation Element contains goals, policies and implementation
programs to encourage the conservation and proper management of the community's
resources. Furthermore, the purpose of this Element is to ensure the provision of parks and
recreation opportunities fo~ the community's residents.
Open space is one of the key features that defines the character of Temecula and contributes
to the quality of life that residents want to maintain. Open space performs a multitude of
functions that are beneficial to the community. Open space functions to: provide for
outdoor recreation areas; protect viewsheds; preserve important natural resources; provide
flood control; protect public health and safety; and establish buffers between incompatible
land uses.
Approximately 8 percent of the City is presently devoted to open space uses including
parks, golf courses, passive open space and agricultural uses. Large lot subdivisions and
rural residential areas (2~-acre lots or larger) contribute to the open space character within
several areas of the City. Although approximately 42 percent of the City is currently vacant
or undeveloped, the majority of this acreage is committed through approved projects. The
City has a much greater opportunity to shape the open spaces of development annexing to
the City. The challenge facing Temecula is to create a multipurpose open space system that
does not solely consist of the unusable spaces leftover from development, but maintains
viable agriculture lands outside the City, preserves wildlife habitats, maximizes water
resources, and secures recreational, historic and cultural resources. The -~ity will benefit
from connection with the open spaces ensured through ownership by .federal and state
government, such as the Cleveland National Forest, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
and the California State University at San Diego. The goals and policies of this Element
were formulated to ensure that City benefits from the existing and future open space
resources.
The purpose of the Temeeula Open Space/Conserva*.ion Element is:
To assure the continued availability of predominantly open land for the enjoyment
of scenic beauty, for recreation, and ~.~r conserving natural resources and
agriculture;
To guide development in order to make wise and prudent use of the City's
natural, environmental and cultural resources;
To maintain and enhance the City's valuable natural resource areas necessary for
the continued survival of ~ignificant wildlife and ve~4ation establishment of a
proactively planned, coherent and connected system of open space to protect
wildlife habitat and movement corridors as part of a larger, self-sustaining
ecosystem;
TEM-0I~05GP-OPN.SPA · Date: October 13, 1992 Page S-I
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
To provide the foundation for a comprehensive open space management system
involving designated categories of open space;
To establish the basis for City collaboration with adjacent state, national, and
non-profit agencies and organizations in broader open space and environmental
resource management, including establishment of linkages with adjoining open
spaces and trail systems; and
To maintain and promote the cultural, historic, and archaeological heritage of the
City.
A. Authorization and Scope
State legislation requires the inclusion of an Open Space Element (Government Code
Sex:tion 65302(c)) and a Conscrvation Element (Government Code Section 65302(d))
in all local governmcnt gcneral plans. Due to the interrelationship of the goals and
policies of the Open Space Element and Conscrvation Element and the overlap in State
requirements, these two Elements are combined into a single all-encompassing
Elcmcnt.
The Open Space Element must contain goals and policies concerned with managing
all open space areas, including undeveloped "wilderness" lands and outdoor recreation
uses. The Government Code defines that open space should be preserved:
· For the preservation of natural resources;
· For the managed production of resources;
· For recreation; and
For public health and safety.
The intent of the Open Space Element requirements is to assure that cities and counties
recognize that open-space land is a limited valuable resource which must be conserved
wherever possible. The purpose is also to assure that every City and County will
prepare and carry out open-space plans which, along with State and regional
open-space plans, will accomplish the objectives of a comprehensive open-space
program.
Government Code Section 65302 (d) requires that all General Plans include: "...A
Conservation Element for the conservation, development and utilization of natural
resources including water and its hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters,
harbors, fishcries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources." The Conservation
Element may further cover the control of soil erosion, the conservation of watersheds,
and flood control methods to protect land in floodplains.
TEM-0B0S~P-OPN.~A · DIt~: October 13, lt)9~ Page 5-2
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
The conservation component of the General Plan overlaps with provisions found in the
open space, land use, public safety, and growth management portions of the General
Plan. It differs, however, in that it is almost exclusively oriented toward natural
resources. The conservation component contains goals and policies that further the
protection and maintenance of the State's resources in the Temecula Study Area such
us water, soils, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources, and prevents their
wasteful exploitation, degradation, and destruction.
California State law does not mandate the preparation of a Parks and Recreation
Element or Trails Element of the General Plan. However, these topics are often
included in a general plan due to the concern of providing sufficient parkland for
residents. The Open Space/Conservation Element incorporate goals, policies and
implementation programs related to parks and recreation. This section of the Element
focuses on the relationship of park spaco to a city's entire open spaco system and on
the dedication and provision of parkland, trails and recreation facilities.
B. Related Plans and Programs
There are a number of plans and programs which have been adopted or are under
preparation, that are directly applicable to the aims and objectives of the Open
Space/Conservation Element. The relevant goals and policies from these plans and
programs, where appropriate, have been adapted and incorporated into the Element to
ensure the continued preservation of local and regional open space resources. In
addition, there are State and Federal regulations including the California Endangered
Species Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Federal Clean Water Act,
and the Federal Endangered Species Act, that are applicable to proposed projects
within the Study Area. Appendix __ of tho General Plan providos n description of the
intent and provisions of the relateg:l Stato and Fodoral rogulations. In total, these plans
and regulations help form the open space system for Temecula as well as the regional
open space system for southwest Riverside County.
1. City of Temecula Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The City has prepared a Master Plan of Parks and Recreation to comprehcnsively
address long-term park and recreation needs of residents. The Master Plan
contains: current and projected recreational needs; park development and design
standards; a park and trails classification system; parks, trails and recreation
facilities improvements; target locations for acquisition of future parkland; future
trail connections to the regional trail system; a Citywide bicycle route and
recreation trails system; timing and phasing of parks, recreation facilities and
trails; cost estimates for park acquisition and development costs; and a five-year
capital improvement program that identifies funding and prioritizes the
implementation of the Master Plan. Relevant material from this document has
been incorporated into the General Plan. The Master Plan of Parks and
Recreation will support the implementation of the goals and policies contained
in the Open Space/Conservation Element.
TEM-01~DSOP-OPN.SPA * Date: October 13, 1992 Page 5-3
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
protect species which may be listed in the near future. Two of the proposed
reserve areas are within (or partially within) the Temecula Study Area. The
Skunk Hollow vernal pools are in the City's northern Sphere of Influence. The
reserve area in the Santa Rosa Plateau/Santa Margarita River area includes
Murrieta Creek and Temecula Creek which is in the City and Sphere of
Influence.
6. County of Riverside Agricultural Element
The County anticipates completion of an Agricultural Element in 1993. The
Element will contain programs and policies to ensure long-term protection in
areas where agricultural lands may be threatened by other uses and to limit the
adverse efteels of growth on areas determined appropriate for long-term
agricultural uses.
7. EPA'Advanced Identification Study of the Santa Margarita River Watershed
As part of an effort to protea and manage wetlands, the U3. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX has initiated the Advanced Identification
(ADID) process in the Santa Margarita River watershed. This process fosters
cooperation among EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and other
federal, state, and local agencies to collect information, identify and evaluate
locations, natural functions, and potential values of waters of the United States,
including their wetlands and associated riparian areas. This .ADID project will
identify waters of the U.S. in the Santa Margarita River watershed, emphasizing
their wetlands and associated riparian areas. The relative functional
importance of these areas will be evaluated, and those most threatened by
human activities in the watershed will be identified. Results will assist Regional
IX in developing and implementing useful indicators of wetlands functions.
The ADID study will also provide vulnable background and analytical
information for use int he proposed Santa Margarita River Watershed
Management Study described below.
8. Santa Margarita River Watershed Management Study
This is a proposed study to develop a comprehensive, cooperative management
program to balance the diverse functions and values of the Santa Margarita River
system, while maintaining its integrity as a unique ecosystem. The Santa
Margarita River is the only remaining free-flowing river in the coastal plain of
Southern California. The river supports an essentially unbroken riparian corridor
from the Peninsular Range to the Pacific Ocean. While the river is highly valued
as a major wildlife corridor connecting coastal and interior habitat areas, it also
provides a critical source of drinking water for Camp Pendleton and functions as
a groundwater recharge area. The purpose of undertaking a coordinated resource
management effort is to achieve the following:
TF=M-01',0SGP-OPN.SPA * Date: Ocxo~r 13, 1992 Page
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Reduction of potential conflicts among diverse projects such as flood
control, endangered species protection, groundwater recharge, and water
supply facilities;
· Enhanced protection of habitat values and biodiversity;
Cost savings through identification of potential partnerships to achieve
common goals;
· An improved approach to protecting the species of the ripafian corridor;,
Early identification of potential issues and mitigation agreement
opportunities;
Identification of opportunities to enhance cultural, scenic, and recreational
resources; and
Information to assist local governments and agencies in multiple-use
planning of the river.
The resource value of the Santa Margafita River and the need for a coordinated
management effort is recognized within the Goals and Policies of the Open Space
and Conservation Element.
9. Multi-Purpose Corridor Planning Tusk Force - Water Resource Management
The Planning Task Force is comprised of representatives of cities within
western Riverside County, the County of Riverside, and water agencies. The
Planning Tusk Force provides a forum for inter-agency collaboration to assure
the long4erm availability of resources. The goal of the Task Force is to
develop planning strategies which integrate water and environmental resources
with land use .plans, formulte programs that are cost-effective, address
environmental issues, and encourage economic development. Future guidelines
for water resource management developed by the Task Force may supplement
the resource conservation and development policies of the General Plan and
other plans of the City.
TEM-01M)SGP-OPN.SPA · Date: Oaober 13, 1992 Psge 5-6
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Establishment of ~ Equestrian, Hiking, and Bicycle Trails and
Bicycle Routes
The City presently does not provide a formal bicycle route or recreation trail system
for bicycling, walking, or homeback riding. Many informal recreation trails exist that
are used for equedrian and mountain bike riding and hiking. In order to implement
a formal trail system, the City will need to take advantage of the remaining
opportunities to obtain trail easeraents, obtain leases for trails along utility torridore,
acquire right-of-way, require dedication of land from new development, and resolve
trail conflicts.
Temeeula residents participate in hiking, walking, and bicyeling more frequently than
any other recreation activities (derived from the Community Survey results for the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 1992). In planning for future bike and recreation
trail facilities, residents express a strong desire for well-defined trails that link with
regional routes and connect neighborhoods to parks, schools and commercial uses.
Trails should be designed to provide access to key destination points within the City
and region, and serve as both recreation and transportation routes. Residents place a
high priority on the development of trails that provide loops wherever possible and
follow the creeks and utility easements where feasible.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan includes a Draft ~ Bicycle Routes map
(Figure 5-2) and a Draft Recreation Trails map (Figure 5-3). The Master Plan calls
for the preparation of a subsequent Recreation Trails Plan to refine route alignments,
provide design standards and establish implementation mechanisms to achieve a
comprehensive system of trails within the City. The recreation trails identified in
Figure 5-3 will be the basis for the final trails plan. A key to trail implementation is
the establishment of procedures with the Planning and Public Works Department to
ensure that recreation trail improvements become an integral part of new road and
infrastructure improvements. An issue that should be addressed in the Recreation
Trails Plan is the environmental impacts of trails (and resulting human intrusion) on
existing plant and animal life.
TF.M-01~SGP-OPN.SPA · Date: Oaober 13, 1992 ' Page 5-12
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
C. Conservation of Resources
Although much of the City of Temecula is comprised of urbanized and/or disturbed
areas which are expected to have low habitat value for native wildlife. a great variety
of sensitive biological resources are known to exist or potentially exist within the
remaining undeveloped areas of the Study Area. Some of these sensitive biological
resources, including wildlife corridors and certain species, still are found in the City.
The sgnsitive resources in the Study Arga are closely asso4~iat~d with coastal sage
eorub and ~parian communities (Figure 5 -l). In general, th~ roooumes idgntifiod bglow
are ~ithsr threatened, d~tg~oratod or damaged primarily du~ to th~ eftoats of
urbanization and an expanding population base. To fully understand and appreciate
the significance of the natural resource areas in the Study Area, it is necessary to
understand the ecological context within which Temecula and the larger study area
are located. Tamecult sits astride the confiuence of Murrieta and Tamecult Creeks,
downstream of which is the Santa Margarita River. This riparian system is of
tremendous importance to a much larger area, not only because of its intrinsic
habitat values, including habitat for the endangered least Bell's vireo and many
cand_;d_n. te and sensitive species such as the willow flycatcher and the southwestern
pond turtle, bat also because of its function as a wildlife movement corridor
connecting such major bioregional areas as the Cleveland National Forest, Santa
Rosa Plateau, Camp Pendleton Marine Base, and the Palamar Mountains. With the
loss of this wildlife corridor along the Santa Margarita River, Temecula Creek, and
Pechanga Creek, the bioregional areas would be fragmented and their habitat values
adversely impacted.
The fate of the Santa Margarita River, in turn, is linked to future land use and
water resource management practices in its watershed. Numerous public entities are
involved in watershed management issues including the Eastern Municipal Water
District, Rancho California Water Diar~ct, the Riverside County Flood Control
District, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, local jurisdictions
within the 750 square mile water hasin, and other. state and federal agencies.
General development policies, flood control policies, and drainage policies influence
the long-term viabllity of the Santa Margarita River habitat and bioregionally critical
wildlife movement corridor. Thus, proactive planning, including effective watershed
management policies, will be needed to protect the Santa Margarita River system and
to provide a coherent open space system for the protection of other sensitive species
and biodiversity in general Other sensitive and significant habitats, such as coastal
sage scrub, vernal pools, and grasslands, are also found in the study area (Figure
5-4).
Volume II of the General Plan describes the natural setting of the Temecula area and
the data base upon which this Element has been prepared. The following is a brief
summary of those resources and open spaces that require conservation, management
and/or enhancement in the Study Area. The Study Area also contains significant v,,aleF
resoeFr~, landforms and cultural and historic resources that require conservation. In
TEM.OtNOSCiP-OPN.S/'A · Dat~: Colebar 13, 1992 Page 5-15
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 prohibits any action that would
harm, harass, kill, or further endanger a listed species or its habitat. If the
mountain lion is listed as endangered or threatened by the USFWS, then proposed
projects within the Study Area which may affect the mountain lion or its habitat,
must enter into a formal consultation process with the USFWS (as stipulated by
the Endangered Species Act). The USFWS makes a determination of whether or
not a proposed project would impact the species or its critical habitat. The
agency also sets forth any terms and conditions necessary to fully mitigate the
impact to the species. The mountain lion's range in the Santa Ana Mountains
includes southern portions of the Study Area. If the mountain lion is listed,
development within those portions of the Study Area may be subject to the
approval of the USFWS.
Surface waters requiring conservation and management to protect quality and
quantity include, the Santa Margarita River, Temecula Creek, Murrieta Creek,
Pechanga Creek, and Santa Gertrudis Creek.
The ground water basin which requires conservation and management is the
Murrieta-Temecula Basin which is the largest groundwater basin in the San Diego
region. The basin underlies Murrieta, Pauba and Wolf Valleys. The aquifers are
recharged by underflow from the Lancaster Basin, surface flow from the creek
in the area, and by direct precipitation in the valleys.
Agricultural resources including Prime Farmlands, Farmlands of Statewide
Importance, Unique Farmlands, and Farmlands of Local Importance (see Figure
5-5). The Study Area contains areas of each of these farmland' categories. The
Sphere of Influence and Area of Interest also contain agricultural preserves as
allowed under the California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act)
(Figure 5-6). Under a Williamson Act contract, the local jurisdiction and
landowners agree to-continue agricultural activities for at least ten years. In
return, the jurisdiction agrees to assess the property at its agricultural value rather
than at market value. Termination of the contract may be initiated by either the
property owner or jurisdiction.
Eleven wineries are located adjacent to the Study Area in Temecula Valley which
are important to the City in terms of trade, tourism and the aesthetic character of
the area. In addition, one winery is located in the Environmental Study Area.
These wineries constitute the most important wine making region in Southern
California. The farmlands of the Study Area and the wine country offer the
potential for agricultural innovation and business development within the City.
TF.,M-OI~O~(}P-OPN.~A · D~m: Oaober 13, 1992 Pa~e 5-18
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Historic and Culturally Significant Resources including: 23 recorded
archaeological sites; 47 properties listed on the Historic Resources Inventory
prepared by Riverside County; four listings on the California Inventory of
Historic Resources; and several historic resources of local importance including
the Butterfield Overland Stage Route. The Temecula properties listed in the
California Inventory of Historic Resources are the Murrieta Creek Archaeological
Area, Temecula's first Post Office, Temecula Quarries, and the Little Temecula
Raneho Adobe. The archaeological sites include prehistoric sites, sites occupied
by Native Americans, and historical sites associated with the occupation of
Temecula Valley by Europeans and Euro-Americans. Figures 5-7 and 5-8
identify the sensitive archaeological and paleontologieal resources of the Study
Area. Due to the presence of reliable water sources and a fertile valley floor, the
Temeeula area has always been a desirable place to live. Temecula contains
many older structures, historic sites and districts, and archaeological evidence
which may be threatened with demolition or removal as urbanization continues.
10.
Nighttime skies within the Mt. Palomar Observatory conservation areas. The City
is within close proximity to the Palomar Observatory which requires unique
nighttime lighting restrictions. Generally, Observatory sites need to be 30 to 40
miles from large lighted areas so that the nighttime sky will not be brightened.
The County of San' Diego has adopted an ordinance which restricts nighttime
lighting for areas within a 15-mile radius of Palomar Observatory. Southeastern
portions of the Study Area are within a 15-mile radius of the Observatory and
should be subject to lighting controls to preserve nighttime skip (Figure 5-9).
The Open Space/Conservation Plan (Figure 5-10) identifies the undeveloped areas of
the Study Area which, at a minimum, should remain as open space or extremely low
density development for the conservation of resources, including water, wildlife, and
slopes. Policy guidance for the dedication of open space for public health and safety
is provided in the Public .Safety Element.
TEM-01~SOP-0PN.SPA · Date: Oaobcr 13, 1992 Page 5-21
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
III. GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1
A high quality parks and recreation system that meets the varying
recreational needs of residents.
Discussion
A quality parks and recreation system is a high priority for both the City and
Temecula residents. Implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is
a critical first step in achieving this goal. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan
strives to attain a balance between quantitative and qualitative levels of service.
This balance involves providing an acceptable amount of useable parkland, in
close proximity to residents, as well as the appropriate type and number of
facilities to meet the recreation needs and desires of residents. The City's parks
and recreation facilities are supplemented by other local and regional facilities,
which may be influenced and fostered through intergovernmental cooperation.
Policy
1.1
Apply the policies and standards contained in the City's Park and
Recreation Master Plan to acquire sufficient parkland and recreation
facilities to support new development.
Policy 1.2
Require the dedication of parkland and development of facilities to be
consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Policy
Require developers of residential projects greater than fill} dwelling units
to dedicate land based on the park acre standard of five (5) acres of usable
parkland to one thousand (1,000) population, or the payment of in lieu fees
in accordance with the Parks and Recrection Master Plan.
Polidy 1.4
Park credit for land with floodplains shall be given in accordance with the
Local Park Code Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Policy 1.5
Pursue the joint use of public lands available and suitable for recreation
purposes including lands under the jurisdiction of the Riverside County
Flood Control District, Southern California Edison, water districts and
other public agencies.
Policy 1.6
Encourage the enhancement and preservation of significant natural features
including, riparian areas, rock outcroppings, sensitive habitat areas and
viewpoints through park design and site development.
Policy 1.7
Encourage the enhancement and preservation of historic structures and
landscape features in the design, development and use of parks.
Policy 1.8
Encourage public safety and compatibility with adjacent use in park design
and development, including location of buildings, activity areas, lighting
and parking.
TEM-OI~ISGP-C)PN.SPA · Date: October 13. 1992 Page 5-26
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Policy 1.9
Policy 1.10
Policy 1.11
Policy 1.12
Coordinate long range park and open space planning with Riverside
County and the City of Murrieta. in the preparation of the County's Ten
Year Park Master Plan.
Maximize pedestrian and bicycle access to existing and new parks as an
alternative to automobile access.
Encourage joint recreational use between school and park facilities when
appropriate.
Consider the establishment of development impact fees to cover the cost
of capital improvements for parks and recreation facilities needed to serve
new development.
Goal 2
Conservation and protection of surface water, groundwater and imported
water resources.
Discussion
Policy
As the General Plan Study Area builds-out over the next 20 to 40 years, the
impact on water resources and water quality may be significant. The protection
of waterways within the community, particularly the Temecula, Pechanga and
Murrieta Creeks, and the Santa Margarita River, not only provides for recreation
and scenic enjoyment, but also ee.T."!.-~ conserves sensitive p!ant and animals
species. In addition, given Temecula's reliance on groundwater as a water supply
for the community, it is important to ensure that recharge areas are protected and
that water conservation measures are implemented to reduce the City's dependence
on imported water.
2.1
Policy 2.2
Policy 2.3
Policy 2.4
Coordinate with the Riverside County Flood Control District to design
flood control improvements for Murrieta Creek and Temecula Creek that
preserve the important natural features and resources of the local creeks
and the riparian forest of the Santa Margarita River, to the maximum
extent feasible.
Identify and protect groundwater resources from depletion and sources of
pollution in cooperation with the Rancho California Water District.
Conserve potable water by requiring water conservation techniques in all
new development.
Use reclaimed water for the irrigation of parks, golf courses, publicly
landscaped areas and other feasible applications as service becomes
available from RCWD and EMWD.
TF.M-01~SGp.OpN.~PA · Date: Oaober 13, 1992 Page 5-27
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Policy 2.5
Policy 2.6
Policy 2.7
Policy 2.8
Policy 2.9
Policy 2.10
Require the use of soil management techniques to reduce erosion, eliminate
off-site sedimentation, and prevent other soil-related problems that may
adversely affect waterways in the community.
Regulate and manage lands adjacent to or affecting watercourses as
stipulated by the Regional Water Resources Control Board.
Ensure that approved projects have filed a Notice of Intent and
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan in accordance with the Federal
Clean Water Ac~ prior to issuance of building permits.
Ensure adequate inspection and enforcement of the requirements of
General Construction Permits, particularly related to erosion control
during grading and construction.
Participate in a coordinated Watershed Planning Program for the Santa
Margarita River Watershed in conjunction with Federal, State, Regional
and local agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Participate in water resource management planning with the Multi-
Purpose Corridor Planning Task Force to facilitate the long-term
availability of water resources for westera Riverside County.
Goal 3
Discussion
Conservation of important biological habitats and protection of plant and
animal species of concern, wildlife movement corridors, and general
biodiversity.
The interrelationship between the built and natural environmenls has a strong
influence on the Character and quality of life in Temecula. The permanent
dedication of open space within the Study Area should be to conserve resources
of significance, as well as to provide recreational opportunities, and to ensure
viable ecological connections between significant natural areas. The preservation
of natural resources helps to preserve biological diversity; provide passive
recreation and educational opportunities; facilitate the maintenance of natural, life-
sustaining systems; and provide residents with the opportunity to observe wildlife
in natural environs. Wildlife corridors can exist in conjunction with recreation
trails and other open space uses. This multiple function leverages the protection
of species of concern by simultaneously providing open space and meeting
recreational needs. The intent of this goal is to identify, preserve and properly
manage natural resources within and adjacent to the community.
TEM..01X05GP..OPN.~A · Date: Octo~r 13, 1992 Page 5-28
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Policy 3.1
Policy 3.2
Policy 3.3
Policy 3.4
Policy 3.5
Policy 3.6
Policy 3.7
Require development proposals to identify significant biological resources
and provide mitigation including the use of adequate buffering; selective
preservation; the provision of replacement habitats; the use of sensitive site
planning techniques including wildlife corridor/recreational trails; and other
appropriate measures.
Work with State, regional and non-profit agencies and organizations to
preserve and enhance significant biological resources on publicly owned
lands.
Coordinate with the County of Riverside and other relevant agencies in the
adoption and implementation of the Riverside County Multi-Species
Habitat Conservation Plan.
Encourage developers to incorporate native drought-resiaant vegetation,
mature trees, and other significant vegetation on-site into the site and
landscape design for proposed projects.
Maintain an inventory of existing natural resources in the City through
periodic updates of the Master Environmental Assessment.
Limit the recreational use of designated open space areas where sensitive
biological resources are present.
Maintain and enhance the resources of the Temecula Creek, Santa
Margarita River, Pechanga Creek and other waterways (o the ensure the
long-term viability of the habitat, ~ wildlife, and wildlife movement
corridors.
Goal 4
Discussion
Policy
Policy
Conservation of energy resources through the use of available technology and
conservation practices.
As with many other communities, Temecu!a is facing increased energy costs from
an environmental and economic standpoint. The intent is to encourage the use
alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and thermal systems as they
become economically feasible. Energy efficiency in the design of buildings and
use of materials and fixtures is also important in reducing energy demand in the
near-term.
4.1
Encourage the use of site planning techniques, building orientation and
building design that reduce energy use.
4.2 :Require the use of energy efficient building materials to reduce energy use.
TEM-01%05GP-OPN.SPA" Date: October 13, 1992 Page 5-29
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Goal 5
Discussion
Policy
Conservation of open space areas for a balance of recreation, scenic
enjoyment, and protection of natural resources and features.
The natural features of the Study A~'ea provide a scenic setting for the community.
Topographical features such as the western ridgeline, hillsides in the northern
Study Area, and natural drainage courses should be protected from insensitive
development. The environmental resources of the Santa Margarita River should
also be protected from insensitive activities upstream. Public views to these areas
should also be maintained to the extent possible. The City's built environment
contains parkways and slopes along roadways which function as an open space
amenity. These corridors should be well landscaped and maintained. The linkage
of open space corridors to parks and regional recreation opportunities serves to tie
the community together, as well as encourage bicyeling, hiking, and equestrian
activities. Such linkages simultaneously encourages other environmental benefits
by using the same pathways for wildlife connections.
5.1
Policy 5.2
Policy 5.3
Policy 5.4
Policy 5.6
Policy 5.7
Policy 5.8
Policy 5.9
Pursue the conservation of the western and southern ridgelines, the Santa
Margarita River, slopes in the Sphere of Influence, and other important
landforms and historic landscape features through the development review
process and as a condition of project approval.
Identify significant viewsheds to proposed projects that may be preserved
through the dedication of open space or the use of sensitive grading, site
design and building techniques.
Encourage the use of clustered development and other site planning
techniques to maximize the preservation of open space.
Retain and improve the quality of landscaping in parkways, public slopes,
rights-of-way, parks, civic facilities and other public open areas.
Coordinate with Homeowner's Associations to maintain landscaping along
slopes adjacent to public right-of ways.
Require the dedication and improvement of parkland in accordance with
the policies and standards of the Park and Recreation Master Plan.
Require adequate open space in new development for both passive and
active recreation.
Require the revegetation of graded slopes concurrent with project
development to minimize erosion and maintain the scenic character of the
~ommunity.
Date: Oc~o~r 13, 1992 Page 5-30
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Policy 5.10
Policy 5.11
Policy 5.12
Policy 5.13
Policy 5.14
Require the connection of open space and recreation areas to adjacent
developments and publicly owned recreation areas where appropriate.
Study the feasibility of establishing a System of Transferable Development
Credits, in conjunction with the County, to conserve open space or
agricultural uses.
Incorporate seismic hazard safety zones into valley-wide open space and
park systems.
Encourage the use of native vegetation where re-vegetation and
landscaping is to occur.
Prepare a Comprehensive Open Space Plan for the Study Area that
contains measures to conserve significant habitats, including the
development of buffer standards, and contributes to the conservation of
regional biodiversity through the protection of wildlife movement
corridors.
Goal 6
Discussion
Preservation of significant historical and cultural resources.
Cultural and historical resources are defined as buildings, struc.-tures, landscape
features, roads, trails, objects and sites that represent significant contributions of
culture and history. Temecula's heritage lies in the abundance of cultural and
historical resources still remaining in the Study Area. The intent is to ensure
that these resources are preserved because they provide a link to the community's
past, as well as a frame of reference for the future. Development of an Indian
Cultural Interpretire Center, for example, would be a source of pride for the City
of Temecula and Indian community. There is also the need to take a
comprehensive approach to historic preservation that seeks to establish linkages
between historic sites or buildings via other historic features such as roads,
trails, ridges, and seasonal waterways. The intent of the goal is also to protect
and minimize disruption of the City's archaeological resources. All such resources
need active protection and preservation or they will be lost.
Policy 6.1
Policy 6.2
Maintain an inventory of areas of sensitive archaeological/paleontological
sensitivity in the planning area.
Require sites proposed for future development to be evaluated for
archaeological resources in accordance with the procedures established in
a Memorandum of Agreement with the Eastern Information Center at
~UC Riverside.
TEM-01~0J;GP-OPN,SPA · Date: Oczobcr 13, 1992 . Page 5-31
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Policy 6.3
Policy 6.4
Policy 6.5
Policy 6.6
Policy 6.7
Policy 6.8
Policy 6.9
Policy 6.10
Policy 6.11
Require sites proposed for future development that are identified in this
Element as being of high or undetermined paleontological sensitivity to be
evaluated by a qualified vertebrate paleontologist.
Require sites containing significant archaeological or paleontological
resources to either preserve identified sites or provide for the professional
retrieval of artifacts prior to development.
Require that certified archaeologist, paleontologist and Native American
observem be present on site during grading, earth moving, or demolition
of structures when these resources have been discovered during
construction, and for sites designated or potentially designated as culturally
significant in order to ensure these sites are preserved and protected.
Preserve and reuse historical buildings in accordance with the Old Town
Specific Plan.
Pursue the acquisition and preservation of historical buildings for public
facilities in accordance with the Old Town Specific Plan.
Ensure compatibility between land uses and building designs in the Old
Town Specific Plan Area and areas adjacent to the Specific Plan area.
Encourage the use of California's Historic Buildi.ng Code when
preserving/rehabilitating historic structures.
Support an integrated approach to historic preservation in coordination
with other affected jurisdictions, agencies, and organizations for areas
within the Study Area and surrounding region that seeks to establish
linkages between historic sites or buildings with other historic features
such as roads, trails, ridges, and seasonal waterways.
Encourtige the preservation and re-use of historic ~tr,,ctures, landscape
features, roads, landmark trees, and trails associated with Los Alamos
Road and its vicinity.
Goal 7 Protection of prime agricultural land from premature conversion to
urbanized uses.
Discussion Growth pressures are threatening valuable agricultural land, which is an important
component of Riverside County's economy and the agricultural lifestyle that many
residents desire. The intent is to limit the adverse effects of urbanization on areas
determined appropriate for long-term agricultural uses.
TEM-01~05GP-0PN.~A · Date: October 13, 1992 Page 5-32
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Prepare and adopt an implementation and improvement plan for a city-wide
bicycle system to ensure that bike routes are implemented or reserved concurrent
with new development.
C. Conservation of Water Resources
Work with the R: ':Ck.,?, water districts to promote water conservation and
ultimately reduce the demand for peak-hour water supply and wastewater
capacity.
Work with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Board and other state and
federal agencies to identify opportunities and techniques for maintaining or
improving water quality.
Require new developments to be monitored in compliance with AB 3180
("Mitigation Monitoring Program") and report to the City on the completion of
mitigation and resource protection measures required for each project.
Review individual development projects to ensure that adequate stormwater
detention facilities are provided to accommodate surface water runoff generated
by the project, and where needed, incorporate detention of stormwater run-off at
the point of origin.
Review the City adopted Uniform Building Code and require the use of water
conservation measures to reduce water consumption. Such measures may include,
but are not limited to, the use of plumbing fixtures that reduce water usage, low-
flow toilets, drip irrigation systems and xeriscape landscaping which maximizes
the use of droughtstolerant plant species.
Work with the County and other appwpriate ag~snoi~ on the preparation of a
Coordinated R~oumo Manag~sment Plan(s) for Temeoula Cwok, Pochanga Creek,
Santa Margarita .River and other important seelogical areas. The Coordinated
R~ouroe Management Plan would identify sensitiv~ rot;ouroo~, reflect active and
pasGiv~ recreational areas, define management r~pon~bilitias, o~tablish sits
development ~tandards, and provide for enhancement of vegetation where needed.
6. Require drought-tolerant landscaping in new development.
Where feasible, incorporate reclaimed water systems into landscape irrigation
ptans.
Begin consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game and the
Army Corps of Engineers early in the process of designing flood control
improvements to maximize the integration of resource conservation with flood
control objectives.
TEM-01~0SGP~]PN.SP^ · Date: October 13, 1992 Pag~ 5-36
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Evaluate and incorporate into the General Plan where appropriate the Water
Resource Management Guidelines drafted by the subcommittees comprised of
Eastern Municipal Water District and local jurisdictions. The water resource
management subject that should be integrated with the General Plan
development policies include:
· Water harvesting;
· Floodplain management;
· Watershed management;
· Groundwater basin management;
· NPDES requirements;
· Retention basins;
· Drainage facility design;
· Landbanking; and
· Reclamation.
D. Conservation of Biological Resources
Require development proposals in areas expected to contain important plant
communities and wildlife habitat to provide detailed biological assessments,
assess potential impacts, and to mitigate significant impacts.
Require the establishment of open space areas that contain significant water
courses, wildlife corridors, and habitats for rare or endangered .plant and animal
species.
Require appropriate resource protection measures to be prepared in conjunction
with specific plans and subsequent development proposals. Such requirements
may include the preparation of a Vegetation Management Program that addresses
landscape maintenance, fuel modification zones, management of passive open
space areas, provision of corridor connections for wildlife movement,
conservation of water courses, and rehabilitation of biological resources displaced
in the development process.
Develop Open Space zoning classifications that effectively regulate the types of
uses and activities allowed in open space areas to minimize the impacts of
grading and development in open space areas.
Require new developments to be monitored in compliance with AB 3180
("Mitigation Monitoring Program") and report to the City on the completion of
mitigation and resource protection measures required for each project.
Evaluate and pursue the acquisition of areas of high biological resource
significance. Such acquisition mechanisms may include acquiring land by
development agreement or gift; the dedication of conservation, open space and
scenic easements; joint acquisition with local agencies; the transfer of
T~M-01~05OP-OPN.SPA · Date: Oaober 13, 1992 Page 5-37
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
development rights; :':d lease purchase agreements; state and federal grants, and
impact fees.
Utilize the resources of national, regional, and local conservation organizations,
corporations, associations and benevolent entities to identify and acquire
environmentally sensitive lands, and to protect water courses and wildlife
corridors.
Conanue participation in multi-species habitat conservation :ffcr'~. planning,
watershed management planning, and water resource management planning
efforts.
Explore the potential of establishing a land mitigation hank to provide an
opportunity for off-site mitigation of development impacts. The mitigation hank
may be established jointly with the Department of Fish and Game, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, and other appropriate agencies. Development within
the City may then have the opportunity of purchasing land or purchasing
credits within the mitigation hank to offset impacts of development. The City
would also have the opportunity to require a project to mitigate impacts through
the land mitigation hank, particularly if on-site preservation of open space is
not the biologically superior approach.
E. Conservation of Energy Resources
1. Actively participate in the formation of regional siting plans and policies for
energy facilities.
Coordinate with Southern California Edison and the Southern Califomia Gas
Company to jointly determine what new energy options are appropriate as
development proceeds.
3. Implement land use and building controls that require new development to
comply with the California State Energy Regulation requirements.
4. Enforce all current residential and commercial California Energy Commission
energy conservation standards.
Ensure that schools and other public institutions are designed to benefit from high
efficiency heating and cooling systems, advanced lighting systems and passive
solar design.
6. Coordinate with utility districts in energy-related educational media programs.
Adopt-project-related energy conservation guidelines that would be incorporated
into the development approval proesss to promote and require conservation
strategies as development proceeds.
TEM-Ot~OS6P-OPN.BPA · Date: Oczober 13, 1992 Pap 5-38
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
F. Conservation of Open Space
1. Where feasible, secure permanent open space through dedication, easements or
other acquisition mechanisms as a part of the discretionary review process.
2. Impose conditions on new development within scenic corridors or viewsheds to
preserve unique visual features.
3. Require that natural landforms be respected as pan of the site planning process.
Prepare a City Hillside Grading Ordinance to provide for the preservation of
sensitive hillside and canyon areas, and require the use of proper soil
management techniques to reduce erosion, sedimentation and other soil-related
problems.
Preserve the natural open space character of the City through the development of
effective land development regulations. Such regulations may include limiting
grading of natural land forms, limiting the intensity of development in certain
areas, regulating setback.s, requiring vegetation, and conserving mature trees.
Provide for a Planned Unit Development process in the Development Code to
allow elnstering of development and the dedication of open space for conserving
natural resources, views, and providing additional recreational opportunities.
Require new developments to be monitored in compliance .With AB 3180
("Mitigation Monitoring Program") and report to the City on the completion of
mitigation and resource protection measures required for each project.
The Comprehensive Open Space Plan should identify significant habitats in the
Study Area, including wildlife movement corridors, and consult with
appropriate agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game, the US Fish
and Wildlife Service, on the establishment of buffer standards around natural
areas. Include an implementation plan that identifies strategies and actions
necessary for the development of an open space system that conserves local and
regional biological resources.
G. Preservation of Historical and Cultural Resources
Enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Eastern Information Center of
UC Riverside to establish procedures for reviewing the archaeological sensitivity
of sites proposed for development.
Utilize the development and environmental review process to ensure that
appropriate archaeological and paleontological surveying and documentation of
finding is provided prior to project approval.
TEM-OI~0$GP-OPN. SPA· Date: October 13, 1992 Page 5-39
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
3. Require effective mitigation where development may affect archaeological or
paleontological resources.
Require that an archaeologist or paleontologist be retained to obscrve grading
activities in areas where the probable presence of archaeological or
paleontological resources is identified.
Enforce the provisions outlined in Appendix K of the California Environmental
Quality Guidelines with regard to the preservation or salvage of significant
archaeological and paleontological sites discovered during constrnetion activities.
Implement a low interest loan program through the Redevelopment Agency, when
feasible, for the rehabilitation and maintenance of significant architectural,
historical, and cultural building and districts.
Consider the adoption of a Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect
arohiteoturally and historically significant building, sites, roads/trails, and other
landscape elements, aed-pt~s while encouraging their appropriate re us~. re-use
where appropriate.
Participate in county, state, and federal historic preservation programs when
deemed necessary by applying for recognition of local sites in the State Historic
Resources Inventory, as Riverside County Landmarks, as State Points of
Historic Interest, as State Landmarks, and as sites on the Natipnal Register of
Historic Places.
Require new developments to be monitored in compliance with AB 3180
("Mitigation Monitoring Program") and report to the City on the completion of
mitigation and resource protection measures required for each project.
H. Conservation of Agricultural Resources
Develop effective zoning regulations or other land use mechanisms which control
the expansion of intensive non-agriculture development onto productive or
potentially productive agriculture lands.
2. Recognize existing agriculture preserve contracts and promote the inclusion of
additional prime agriculture land.
Scenic or resource conservation easements should be evaluated as suitable means
for protecting prime farmland that is located adjacent to residential areas and
where the property does not qualify for inclusion in an agriculture preserve
program.
4. Implement a program that uses the Village Center concept to reduce urban sprawl
into agricultural areas.
TF.M-Ot~05OP-OPN.SPA · Date: October 13, 1992 PaSe 5-40
CITY OF TEMECULA Open Space/Conservation Element
Require new developments to be monitored in compliance with AB 3180
("Mitigation Monitoring Program") and report to the City on the completion of
mitigation and resource protection measures required for each project.
I. Conservation of Dark Skies/Astronomic Observation Resources
Adopt appropriate ordinanoo~ to oontrol souroo~ of light that adverr~ly aff~ot the
Palomar Ob~rv~tory, including the area with tho dark cky eon~rvation zone
deftnod by the Obsorvatory.
Ensure that the City's Light Pollution Control Ordinance is complied with
when building plans are submitted for permits and when project are field
inspected.
Ensure that Environmental Impact Reports for proposed projects address the
issue of light pollution. Coordinate with Caitech in the review of draft EIR's
for projects within 45 maes of the Palomar Observatory.
TEM-01~05GP-OPN.SPA · Date: October 13, 1992 Page 5-41
PARKS & RECREATION PLAN
0
10 · '
o~
~0
· 0
l\
General Plan Program ~
FIGURE 5-1
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
GENERAL PLAN COlVlM~NT LETFF.,RS
11
City of Temecula
DRAFT GENERAL PLAN
General Plan Comment Letters
DRAFFOP.MIP
STATE OF CALiFORNiA--BUSINESS, TRANSPC~TATION AND HOUSING AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
District 8, P.O. Box 231
~an Bernardino, CA 92402
TDD (714) 38:~1609
P~E WILSON, Go,wmer
September 23, 1992
08-Riv-15-3.4
RECEIVED
'/9 1992
Ans'd ..........
Mr. John Meyer
Senior Planner
City of Temecula
43174 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
Dear Mr. Meyer:
Draft Environmental Impact Report
for General Plan Update
We have reviewed the above-referenced document and request
consideration of the following comments:
· It is recognized that there is considerable public
concern about noise levels adjacent to heavily traveled
highways. Certain types of land use may not be
appropriate near a major highway and/or may require
special noise attenuation measures. The General Plan
should include a policy that requires development to
provide any necessary attenuation measures as
mitigation for noise impacts.
When available, ~e would like to receive the Notice of
Determination, Final Environmental Impact Report, and the date of
any public hearing on this project. Please send this information
to:
A1 Mullet
Transportation Planning, CEQA/IGR
California Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 231
San Bernardino, CA 92402
Mr. John Meyer
September 23, 1992
Page Two
If you have any questions, please contact A1 Muller at
(714) 383-4550 or FAX (714) 383-5936.
Sincerely,
Transportation Planning
CEQA/IGR
818 West Seventh Street,12th Floor · Los Angeles, California 90017-3435 [] (213) 236-1800 · FAX (213) 236-1825
September 23, 1992
Mr. John Meyer
City of Temecula
Temecula Planning Department
43174 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
RECEIVED
SEP 2 5 1992
Anti ..........
Temecula Draft General Plan
SCAG Clearinghouse # I9200089
Dear Mr. Meyer:
Thank you for submitting the City of Temecula's Draft General Ran and DEIR
to SCAG for review and comment. As Areawide Clearinghouse for regionally
significant projects, SCAG assists cities, counties, and other agencies in
reviewing projects and plans for consistency with the Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA), the Regional Mobility Plan (RMP), the Growth
Management Plan (GMP), and conformity with the Air Quality Management Plan
(AQMP), all of which are included in the State Implementation'Plan.
SCAG comments are meant to provide guidance within the context of our regional
goals and policies. These goals and policies have been adopted in the SCAG
regional plans specified above and are based, in pan, upon state and federal
mandates. While the City is not required to undertake the specific actions
recommended by SCAG or other agencies through the Inter-Governmental Review
process, there are requirements in state and federal laws for consistency and
conformity with ~egional goals and plans.
If you have any questions about the attached comments, please contact Barbara
Dove at (213) 236-1861. She will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
ARNOLD I. SHERWOOD, Ph.D.
Director, Forecasting, Analysis & Monitoring
Page 2
SCAG COMMENTS ON
THE CITY OF TEMECULA GENERAL PLAN AND FIR
PROYECT DESCRrPTION
This is Temecula's first General Plan since incorporation in 1989. The Temecula Study Area
is located in the southwestern comer of Riverside County and consists of three distinct areas:
the incorporated City of Temecula; the adopted Sphere of Influence for the City; and an adjacent
area west of Winchester Road within the County of Riverside (for General Plan purposes, this
third area is called the Area of Interest). Temecula is 85 miles southeast of Los Angeles; 60
miles north of San Diego and 40 miles south of Riverside.
The City encompasses approximately 26 square miles while the Study Area totals approximately
60 square miles. Temecula currently has about 30,000 acres of undeveloped land. Buildout is
anticipated to take forty or more years.
The General Plan offen a Vision Statement which includes the following concepts and values:
A balance of residential, commerc'ml and industrial opportunities
Retail and business development within multiple commercial centers, not necessarily
within a single Central Business District
A convenient and effective transportation system which includes vehicular circulation,
air, rail, bicycles and pedestrian modes of travel.
The General Plan also sets forth a series of goals for each of the Plan Elements. Among the
Land Use Element goals are:
A complete and integrated mix of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and
public land uses.
A Plan for Old Town Temecula that enhances economic viability, preserves historic
Structures, addresses parking and public improvement needs,...
Orderly annexation and development of unincorporated areas within Temecula's Sphere
of Influence.
A City which is compatible and coordinated with regional land use patterns.
The Air Quality Element goals include:
Improvement of air quality through proper land use planning in Temecula.
Enhanced mobility to minimize air poliutant emissions.
Incorporate energy conservation practices and recycling to reduce emissions.
Effective coordination of air quality improvement efforts in the Western Riverside area.
REGIONAL PLAN POLICIES
There are a number Of policies expressed in the Growth Management Plan (GMP) which are
P~e3
relevant to this project. Among them are policies which would:
Promote future patterns of urban development and land use which reduce costs of
infrastntcture construction and make better use of existing facilities, and to achieve a
good match between future growth and the phasing of new facilities or expansion of
existing ones.
Encourage growth to occur in and around:
- activity tenten
- transportation node corddon
- undcrutilived infr'atructure systems
- areas n_eeding recycling and redevelopmcnt
Encourage mixed-use developments and other planning techniques to make employment
centers easy to walk to or _re~_t'h by transit.
Achieve better jobs/housing balance at the subregional level through:
encouragement and provision of incentives to attract housing growth in job-rich
subregions
encouragement and provi~'on of incentives to attract job growth in housing-rich
subregions
To the degree possible, achieve a bnl~nce, by subregion of the type of jobs with the price
of housing.
GROWTHMANAGEMENT
Temecula is located in the urbanizing, housing-rich Central Riverside Subregion. SCAG's
Regional Growth Management Plan states the 2010 housing forecast for this subregion is
258,800 units, which is an addition of 168,800 units over the 1984 level. The employment
forecast of 179,500 represents 139~700 added jobs be~ 1984 and 2010. The job/housing
balance ratio of .45 in 1984 improves to .70 in the year 2010. The job/housing bnlnnce
performance ratio computed by dividing added jobs by added dwelling units from 1984 to 2010
is .83.
The Study Area is predominately a residential community with large areas of undeveloped land.
A mix of employment and housing opportunities is a major focus of the proposed General Plan
and the policies contained in the Land Use, Economic Development, Housing, and Air Quality
Elements reflect this focus. The Land Use Element discusses developing Village Centers
throughout the area, the concept being to develop mixtures of commercial and residential uses
that will minimize vehicular circulation trips and avoid sprawling of commercial development.
Statements in the implementation program which support the goals stated in the Air Quality
Element include:
Establish local-performance goals for vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction which are
P~e4
consistent with SCAG's Growth lVl~nagement Plan recommended standards for Western
Riverside County subregion.
Improve jobs/housing balance by encounging the development and expansion of
businesses, while also promoting housing, affordable to nil segments of the population,
near these job opportunities;
Develop air quality mitigation measures to be used in considering future development.
Approve development that could significan~y impact air quality, either individually or
cumulafively, only if it is conditioned with all reasonable mitigation measures to avoid,
minimize or offset the impact.
Recommendations
SCAG recommends that the City phase development so that both jobs and housing grow in a
complementary manner.
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEIV~.NT CIDIvD
The Genera] Plan contains several goals, policies, implementation programs and mitigation
strategies related to TDM. The General Plan states that the City plans to adopt a Trip Reduction
Ordinance, to promote the use of alternative work weeks and fintime among employers,
encourage the formation of Transportation Management Associations (I'MAs), and to require
operators of major ou~oor events to submit a Trip Reduction Plan (TRP).
However, to be adequate for the purposes intended by the SIP, the TDM program should
specifically address the following elements:
1) An adequately detailed description of TDM measures incorporated into the plan as
mitigation measures or features of the. plan.
2) Expected effect and VMT/VT reduction targets for each component of the TDM
3) Funding sources for eih program component.
4) Identification of the agencies or persons responsible for monitoring and administering the
TDM program.
5) An implementation schedule for each TDM program component.
Recommendations
The TDM policies and programs of the General Plan should be designed to include commitments
to specific TDM programs with clear delineation of responsibilities, trip reduction targets,
financial arrangements and specific schedules for action on each specific measure.
P~e5
SIP CONFORMITY
A project is found to be in conformance with the State Implementation Plan (SIP) when it has
satisfied the following three criteria:
1)
2)
3)
It improves the subregion's jobs/housing b~lance performance ratio or is contributing to
attainment of the appropriate subregional VlvlT target.
It reduces vehicle trips and vehicle miles travelled to the maximum extent feasible by
implementing transportation demand management strategies.
Its environmental document includes an air quality analysis which demonstrates that the
project will not have a significant negative impa~t on air quality in the long tern,,.
All mitigation measures associated with the General Plan should be monitored in accordance
with AB 3180 requirements and reported to 5CAG through the Reasonable Further Progress
Reports.
TEMECULA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN POLICIES
GENERAL POLICIES
Public services and facilities, including schools, must be available to serve the
needs created by present and future development when it occurs in the City.
Approval of subdivisions, rezones, development plans and General Plan
Amendments for new commercial and residential development should be done
only where all public services and facilities, including schools, can be provided
in an adequate and timely manner.
The objective of the plan is to insure that development be coordinated with the
provision of adequate public service facilities, including schools, and
infrastructure.
SPECIFIC POLICIES - Relating to Schools Section
New development in the plan area must, along with the State of California,
continue to provide the funding necessary to meet the demand for new school
facilities in a timely manner. If State monies are not available in a timely
manner, new development must provide up to 100% of the-cost of school
facilities.
Adequate school facilities must be shown to be available in a timely manner
before approval will be granted to new residential development including
subdivisions, rezones and General Plan Amendments.
3
Joint use of school/City facilities should be planned and financed wherever
possible. This should include joint use of school grounds/buildings and City
parks, libraries, multipurpose buildings, swimming pools, etc.
Develop criteria for designation of school sites, setting underlying zoning and
provisions for granting density bonuses for school property in exchange for land
dedication. If dedication of land is not feasible, the City shall assist the district
in obtaining school land at the best possible prices.
5. Provisions for including school's funding in future development projects.
Approved but undeveloped lots/projects (infill) which will create a future impact
upon the school districts must provide up to 100% of the cost of school
facilities.
06/05/92
~'~ Dangermond & Associates
September 25, 1992
RECEIVED
8EP 2 8 1992
City Council
City of Temecula
43174 Business Park Drive
Temeeula; CA 92590
CITY OF TEMECULA
Re: Draft General Plan and EIR
Dear Council Members:
Dangr~.,ond & Antes was recen~y retained by URGE (Union for a Rive Greenbelt
Environment), Preserve Our Plateau (POP), and Friends of the Santa Margarita River (Friends) to
review the City's draft General Plan and Environmental Impact Report and to ~ comments on
their behalf. URGE is a citizens group formed for the purpose of protecting the ecological integri
of the area, with special concern for Murrieta Creek and the larger Santa Margafita River system ~t~
which it is a part. POP is also concerned with protecting the overall ecological integrity of the area,
and has a special concern for the Santa Rosa Plateau and its connections with the Santa Margarita
River and other significant habitat areas in the region. The Friends was fuxthed in 1983 as an
organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Santa Margarita River and its resources.
The General Plan is an important document which wffi guide the City's future, and crucial decisions
with major ramifications for whether or not we adequau~ly protect biological resources and provide
for residents' enjoyment of them will be based on the Plan. The ptwpose of this letter is to point out
what URGE, POP, and the Friends believe are the strengths and weaknesses of both the draft
General Plan and the DEIR, and to offer constructive recommendations for remedying deficiencies.
The first portion of our comments will address the draft General Plan, and the second portion the
DEIR.
GENERAL PLAN COMIVrRNTS
In reviewing the General Plan for URGE, POP, and the Friends, our overall conclusion is that the
desire to protect sensitive resources is clearly evident, but the means to achieve the goal are not '
always adequately delineated. This is perhaps not surprising since protection of ecosystems and
their biological resources has become ever more difficult and complex as growth and development
have placed increased pressures on natural systems. Impacts are sometimes direct and obvious; yet
often they are subtle and insufficien~y understood, as are the ecosystems themselves. Thus, cities
and counties everywhere struggle to articulate policies, plans, and strategies adequate to protect
ecosystems. Temecula has made a good beginning, and URGE, POP, and the Friends look forward
to working cooperatively with the city to enhance the General Plan's resource protection policies to
ensure they actually achieve the stated goals.
URGE, POP, and the Friends believe that the single most important policy is to be proactive. The
protection of open space and natural resources cannot be accomplished reactively and piecemeal.
Rather it should be approached as a fu.. of infrastructure planning. Just as effective, adequate
circulation, water disUibution, and sewer systems must be laid out prior to development, so a
coherent, adequate open space system should be laid out in advance of development to ensure that
sensitive resources and habitats are protected in an integrated, connected network And just as the
City recognizes the need for a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to fund and implement needed
Main Office · 1721 2nc~ Street Suite 203 · Sacramento · California, 95814 · Tel: (916) 447-5022 · Fax: (916) 447-5099
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development infrastructure, so the City needs a CIP to fund and implement the needed open space
infrastructure. Our comments will focus on these two key areas: ( 1 ) proactive identification of the
needed open space system, and (2) development of a clear implementation plan for the establishment
of that system, including land acquisition, habitat restoration, resource management, and "preventive
care" through careful planning and buffering. We believe that taking a more proactive approach will
ensure more effective resource protection and avoid major future problems such as would
accompany the listing of additional species under the Endangered Species Act.
'For convenience, we have generally followed the format of quoting and discussing relevant General
Plan goals and recommending policy revisions and new policies which we believe will betmr achieve
the goals. In some instances we have suggested revision of the goal language itself, or have added
new goals where needed to flesh out the General Plan's protection of local ecosystems. In some
instances we discuss other aspects of the General Plan than goals and policies. Proposed new
language is shown in bold italics.
LAND USE ELEMENT GOAL 1: A COMPLETE AND INTEGRATED MIX OF
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND PUBLIC
LAND USES.
Discussion
Land use planing should be comprehensive and seek a well-balanced community as the goal
suggests. Resource conservation should be an integral ~ of that balance, and good planning
should seek to be proactive in identifying areas to be conserved in a coherefit system, just as it seeks
to locate and balance various types of developed uses; i.e. commercial, residential, industrial, etc.
1. Revise the goal statement to read as follows:
A complete and integrated mix i~f residential, commercial, industrial, recreational,
conservation, and public land uses. [Also reflect this change in the discussion text which
follows the goal statement in the General Plan.]
2. Add a policy which states:
Identify a coherent open space system for the protection of natural resources;
use this system as a guide in reviewing development proposals; and proactively
seek to ensure the permanent protection of the open system system.
LAND USE ELEMENT GOAL 4: A DEVELOPMENT PATTERN THAT
PRESERVES AND ENIIANCES THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF THE
STUDY AREA.
Discussion
This is clearly an appropriate goal for the General Plan; the discussion that follows in the General
Plan does net, however, clearly articulate that preservation and enhancement of these resources must
occur in the context of a well planned, coherent open space system.
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Recommendations
1. Strengthen the current discussion in the General Plan by revising the last sentence to read:
Although the majority of the area is anticipated to ultimately be urbanized, it is important that the
City seek to retain a well-planned, coherent and connected system of open space that
is of value for its biological, recreational, visual or aesthetic characteristics, and which
functions as pan of a larger self-sustaining ecosystem.
2. Revise Policy 4.3 to state:
Cooperate with other agencies, and condua city-initiated planning area studies as
needed, to develop Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plans in western Riverside and
northern San Diego Counties, in which the City will participate by conserving those
lands within its jurisdiction necessary to implement an overall Multi-species
Habitat Conservation Plan..
3. Revise Policy 4.5 to read:
Work with the Rivehide County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and other
responsible agencies on the design of the flood control project for Murrieta Creek to develop a
system which protects the public against flooding while maintaining the
biological resource values of the Murrieta Creek riparian areas as well as down
stream habitat along the Santa Margarita River.
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT, INTRODUCTION
Discussion
The Introduction to the Open Space/Conservation Element states a number of purposes for the
Element, including the conservation of natural resource areas. We again feel it would be appropriate
to more clearly specify the need. for a proactively planned, coherent, and connected system of open
space to protect wildlife habitat and movement corridors as part of a larger, self-sustaining
ecosystem. (Recommended wording is contained in the Recommendations sections below.) The
Introduction usefully describes a number of related planning efforts which should be considered in
Temecula's resource conservation planning efforts. One study which was not mentioned, and which
could be quite useful, is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Advanced Identification Study
of the Santa Margarita watershed. (A brief description is provided in the Recommendations
section.)
Recommendations
1. On page 5-1 of the Open Space/Conservation Element, rewrite the fourth purpose "bullet" to
To maintain and enhance the City's val-ahle natural resource areas necessary for the
establishment of a proactively planned, coherent, and connected system of open
space to protect wildlife habitat and movement corridors as part of a larger,
self-sustaining ecosystem.
2. On page 5-5 add a new number "7" (and tenumber the existing number "7" to be number "8"
as follows:
7. EPA Advanced ldent~[ication Study of the Santa Margarita River
Watershed
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As part of an effort to protect and manage wetlands, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1X has initinted the
Advanced Identification (ADID) process in the Santa Margarita River
watershed. This process fosters cooperation among I~PA, the Army Corps
of Engineers (COE), and other federal, state, and local agencies to collect
information, identify and evaluate locations, natural functions, and
potential values of waters of the United States, including their wetlands
and associated riparian areas. This ADID project will identify waters of
the U.S. in the Santa Margarita River watershed, emphasizing their
wetlands and associated riparian areas. The relative functional importance
of these areas will be evalanted, and those most threatened by human
activiaes in the watershed will be identified. Results will assist region IX
in developing and implementing useful indicators of wetlands conditions,
and aid planning and permitting activities within this watershed. These
results also should help to minimize the loss of important wetlands and
point to opportunities to enhance valuable wetlands funcaons. The ADID
study will also provide valuable background and analytical information for
use in the proposed Santa Margarita River Watershed management Study
described below.
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT, SUMMARY of OPEN
SPACE/CONSERVATION ISSUES
Discussion
While the Conservation of Resources portion of the Summary references and summarizes the more
detailed information about biological resources found in the EIR, the City's overall ecological
context is not described, and we believe that, largely as a result of this deficiency, the Element does
not take a sufficiently proactive approach to habitat conservation and fails to describe what a cohea'ent
and connected system of open space should generally consist of. What would be most helpful in the
General Plan is a characterization of the main ecological features of the area. This articulation of the
City's ecological context could then guide the City's resource conservation planning and suggest
more carefully delineated goals and policies in the General Ban.
On page 5-14, add the following text as additional paragraphs commencing after the 4th sentence of
the lstparagraph:
To fully understand and appreciate the significance of the natural resource areas
in the Study Area it is necessary to understand the ecological context within
which Temecula and the larger study area are located. Temecula sits astride the
confiuence of Murrieta and Temecula Creeks, downstream of which is the Santa
Margarita River. This riparian system is of tremendous importance to a much
larger area, not only because of its intrinsic habitat values, including habitat
for the endangered least Bel!'s vireo and many candidate and sensitive species
such as the willow flycatcher and the southwestern pond turtle, but also
because of its function as a wildlife movement corridor connecting such major
bioregional areas as the Cleveland National Forest, Santa Rosa Plateau, Camp
Pendleton Marine Base, and the Palomar Mountains. With the loss of this
wildlife corridor along the Santa Margarita River, Temecula Creek, and
Pechanga Creek, the bioregional areas would be fragmented and their habitat
values adversely impacted.
-4-
The fate of the Santa Margarita River, in turn, is linked to future land use and
management practices in its watershed. General Plan policies can have a
significant impact on the river system in terms of how they control erosion and
sedimentation, increased flows from impervious surfaces, and non-point source
pollution. Both general development and flood control policies will therefore
be of great importance for the long term viability of the Santa Margarita River
as habitat and bioregionally critical wildlife movemeat corridor. Thus,
proactive planning, including effeaive watershed management policies, will be
needed to protect the Santa Margarita River system and to provide a coherent
open space system for the protection of other sensitive species and biodiversity
in general. Other sensitive and significant habitats, such as coastal sage scrub,
vernal pools, and grasslands, are also found in the study area. In general, the
resources identified below are either threatened, deteriorated or damaged due to
the effects of urbanization and an expanding population base.
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT GOAL 2: CONSERVATION AND
PROTECTION OF StIRFACE WATER, GROUNDWATER AND IMPORTED
WATER RESOURCES.
Discussion
This is an impo~ htnt goal the impleme~La~on of which would benefit from certain additional policy
statements which we have recommended below. Additionally, the second sentence in the discussion
following the goal statement in the General Plan is syntactically incorrect; a revision is recommended
below.
Recommendation~
1. Revise the second sentence of the ~Discussion~ following Goal 2 in th~ ~..ne~tl Plan as
follows:
The protection of waterways within the community, particularly the Temecula, Pechanga and
Murrieta Creeks, and the Santa Margarita River, not only provides for recreation and scenic
enjoyment, but also conserves sensitive plant and animal species.
2. Revise Policy 2.1 to add the following to the existing language:
The design of flood control improvements should include the earliest possible
consultation with the California Department of Fish & Game, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to maximize
the integration of resource conservation with flood control objectives.
Consideration shall be given to alternative drainage systems, including
detention basins, which help achieve conservation objecaves.
3. Revise Policy 2.5 to add the following to the existing language:
At a minimum, the following requirements shall apply to new development:
(1)
The density and design of new development shall be planned to be
consistent with the characteristics and constraints of the site, including
slope, streams, and drainage courses.
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(2) Prior to issuance of a building permit, development permit or land
division, an erosion control plan indicating proposed methods for the
control of runoff, erosion, and sediment movement shall be submitted and
approved. The erosion control plan may be incorporated into other
required plans, provided it is identt~qed as such.
(3) Runoff from activities subject to a building permit, development permit, or
land division, shall be properly controlled to prevent erosion.
(4) Land clearing shah be kept to a minimum. Vegetation removal shall be
limited to that amount necessary for building, access, and construction as
shown on the approved erosion control plan.
(5) Any grading, grubbing, or clearing of vegetation in undeveloped areas
shall require a City permit, with appropriate penalties for violations.
In addition to adding this language to the General Plan, the City should, if it does not currently
have one, develop an adopt an Erosion Cenwol Ordinance to elaborate and implement this
policy.
Add a new Policy 2.7 (and renumber the existing 2.7 accordingly) as follows:
Review all development projects for potential impacts to riparian areas and
wetlands with respect to how the projea might affea groundwater recharge and
discharge, flood flow aiterotion, sediment stabilization, toxicant retention and
degradation, nutrient removal and transformation, and habitat for terrestrial
wildlife and aquatic species. The value of the benefits that the development
activity might produce should be weighed relative to the loss in services
provided by the wetlands. Projeas shall be designed and conditioned to avoid
adverse impacts to the maximum extent feasible and to mitigate impacts where
they are unavoidable.
5. Add a new Policy 2.8 (and renumber the existing 2.7 accordingly) as follows:
Ensure that project runoff and 'flood control project design do not increase
natural stream flows and velociaes or affea water quality in a manner which
would adversely affea riparian and other natural resource values downstream.
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT GOAL 2: CONSERVATION OF
IMPORTANT BIOLOGICAL HABITATS AND PROTECTION OF PLANT AND
ANIMAL SPECIES OF CONCERN.
Dir, cussion
This is certainly an important goal, and addresses the requirements of the government code sections
which delineate the content of the open space and conservation element. While the EIR notes the
importance of protecting wildlife corridors, the General Plan goal doesn't reference the importance of
this; it would be an appropriate addition to the goal statemanL Also because loss of biodiversity
eventually leads to species being listed as threatened or andangered, it would be appropriate to
include protection of biodiversity in the goal. Language to this effect is included in the
Recommendations Section below. Further, because this goal is the primary goal in the General Plan
that addresses habitat protection, it is especially important to have adequate policies to ensure that a
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proactively planned, coherent, and connected open space system is established. To this end, we
recommend adding several policy statements to amplify and complete the existing smmments.
Recommenda.~ons
1. Revise the goal statement as follows:
Conservation of important biological habitats and protection of plant and animal species of
concern,wildlife movement corridors, and general biodiversity.
2. Add a new Policy 3.1 (and renumber existing policies accordingly) as follows:
Prepare a Comprehensive Open Space Plan for the Study Area to identtfy
significant habitats, buffers, and wildlife movement corridors which comprise a
coherent and connected open space system in the context of the larger
bioregional ecosystem. Habitats containing threatened or endangered species,
or likely to be listed species should be given special emphasis. These would
include coastal sage scrub, grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian habitat. The
Plan should be developed in consultation with the California Department of
Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Riverside County
Habitat Conservation Agency, and should include an implementation section
which sets forth specific strategies and acaons to protea those lands identt~ed
in the Plan for inclusion in the open space system. Proteaion strategies may
include zoning, land dedication, density transfer, mitigation banking,
acquisition, land exchange, and cooperation with other government agencies
and non-profit conservation organizations.
Add a new Policy 3.2 (and renumber existing policies accordingly) as follows:
Protect existing natural waterways in their natural state, and, where feasible,
restore channels which have already been modified.
4. Add a new Policy 3.3 (and renumber existing policies accordingly) as follows:
Designate all perennial and intermittent waterways as Stream Conservation
Areas (SCA) within which new uses, except those specifically intended to
improve fish and wildlife habitat and enhance streamside vegetation, aesthetic,
scenic, environmental, and passive recreational benefits, are prohibited unless
because of special circumstances applicable to a subject property, including
parcel size, shape, tl~pography, and the location of streams, the strict
application of this policy is found to deprive the subject property of privileges
enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity. An SCA shall consist of the water
course and a strip of land extending laterally outward 100 feet as measured
along the surface of the ground from the shoreline or top of bank.
5. Add a new Policy 3.4 (and ranumber existing policies accordingly) as follows:
Protect wildlife movement corridors, including Pechanga Creek and others as
may be identtJ~ed in the Comprehensive Open .Space Plan, by requiring
adequate setbacks as delineated in consultation with the California Department
of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, dedication of !and,
or the acquisition of sensitive lands as necessary. Require a finding with
adequate documentation that wildlife movement corridors will not be disrupted
or negatively impacted before approving development projects in or adjacent to
wildlife movement corridors.
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ELEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
Discussion
Delineation of implementation programs is an imp~t~tnt component of the General Plan as these
programs identify how the City intends to accomplish the goals and implement the policies set forth
in the General Plan. If the goals and policies are the "what", the implementation programs are the
crucial "how". The City is to be commended, thffefore, for including specific implementation
programs in the Open Space/Corkservation Element. We would like to recommend several additional
programs to assist with the implementation of the General Plan's Conservation and open space
goals.
Recommendations
1. On page 5-33 of the General Plan, add a new implementation program as follows:
Establish an Open Space Commission to oversee the development of a
Comprehensive Open Space Plan and the conanued development and revision of
SOppen Space and Conservation policies; to monitor implementation of Open
ace policies; to set and review guidelines for specific project review of open
space; and to recommend priorities for open space acquisition, use, restoration,
and maintenance programs, on at least an annual basis.
2. On page 5-34 of the General Plan, add a new implementation program as follows:
Develop ordinances to define and protea environmentally sensitive and
constrained lands, including an Erosion Control Ordinance, a Riparian Corridor
and Wetlands Protection Ordinance, and a Watershed Management Ordinance.
On page 5-34 of the General Plan, add a new implementation program as .follows:
Develop a public participation process to aid in designing, developing, and
managing a Murrieta Creek Greenway to include habitat protection and
recreational trails, and connections with greenways along other area creeks and
streams.
4. On page 5-34 of the General Plan, add a new implementation program us follows:
Explore the potential to establish a mitigation bank with the California
Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other
appropriate agencies. Development within the city which impacts sensitive
open space resources could then, if onsite preservation through dedication in
perpetuity is not the biologically superior approach, acquire land within the
mitigation bank area or purchase credits from the mitigation bank to mitigate
the impaas of the development.
5. Revise existing implementation program 116 by adding a third sentence as follows:
Explore potential funding sources for the acquisiaon of open space, including
general obligation bonds, assessment districts, state and federal grants, and
impact fees.
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Revise exisling implementation program #8 as follows:
Participate in multi-species habitat conservation and watershed management planning
efforts.
DRAFT ENVIRONMF. NTAL IMPACT REPORT COMMENTS
Gememily, the description of biological resources and their significance is quite good in the DEIR.
An important exception, however, is the description of the regional setling. There should be greater
specificity as to the study area's relation.~ip to the biorngion with special emphasis on Temecula and
environs' proximity to a key wildlife movemunt corridor which links the Cleveland National Forest,
Santa Rosa Plateau, Santa Margarita Rive~, and Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base habitat areas
with the Palomar Mountains and other areas east of there. A "bioregional" map showing these areas
and the connection among them would be especially useful. Unfortunately, also, Figure 15, the
Sensitive Habitats map, is missing from the document.
While the DEIR disc,~s-_~es the significance of the corridor for mountain lions and the potential for
adverse impacts to this species, it fails to note the more general imtmmnce of the corridor for a great
many plant and animal species. The corridor should more accurately be described as a link between
ecosystems and thereby of general ecological value and significance rother than of value only to a
single species.
A useful discussion of the County of Rivmide Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan occurs
on page 135, and concludes with the recommendations that:
"The potential boundaries should be noted on the General Plan maps and specific req~ents
should be developed requiring detailed biological surveys for any areas within these proposed
reserve areas or within 1,000 feet of the proposed reserve boundaries. These proposed reserves
should form the core of the potential habitat reserves within the City and ~f review of other areas,
such as Pechanga Creek, requiring protection should be developed."
These recommendations, however, were not incorporated into the General Plan, and should be.
The most significant deficiency, and one which URGE, POP, and the Friends must conclude renders
the Ell legally inadequate withoutxevision and recireulation, is the lack of analysis of potential
impacts of the General Plan on the Santa Margarita River dewnsWeam of the corffluence of Murrieta
and Temecula Creeks. The DEIR fails to provide adequata description of the Santa Maz,garita River
which is a regionally significant resource containing the San Diego State Uhive~sity Ecological
Reserve, as well as Bureau of rand Management (BLM) and Nature Conservancy lands. The
BLM, in its South Coast Planning Area Draft Resource Managetaunt Plan and Environmemtal Impact
Statement, proposes designating 1,260 acres along the 3anta Margarita River as an Area of Critical
Environmental Concern and a Research Natural Area mid also identified a portion of the river as
eligible for Wild and Scenic River designafon. The BLM's Plan also identifies Santa Margarita
River as containing outstanding representative examples of the rare riparian plant communities
Southern Willow Scrub and South Coast Live Oak Riparian; also found is the r, ue Diegan Sage
Scrub community. The endangered least Bell's vireo nests along the river and the candidate species
southwestern pond turtle and willow flycatcher also have habitat along the river. Many other
sensitive species are also found along the river.
The level of development allowed under the General Plan could have significant impacts on the Santa
Margarita River as a result of changes in the hydrological regime resulting from increased flows and
conveyed downstream by way of Temecula and Murrieta Creeks, scouting and erosion from
increased velocities, sedimemtation, and increased nutrient loading and toxicants from runoff. The
-9-
DEIR made no attempt to assess the potential of these impacts and the resulting effects on the
resource values of the Santa Margarita River.
The DE1R provides an interesting project alternative in the form of Alternative Three, the
Conservation Aitemalive. While the discussion is sketchy, it is clear that the concept has
considerable merit. The Dt~R concludes that "This Altenmtive results in fewer environmental
impacts resulting from its implementation, as well as meets the project's objectives outlined in the
General Plan Vision Statement'. The Conservation Alta'native is thexefore identified as the
· environmentally superior altefflative. The DEIR, then, lmds logically to the conclusion that the
Conservation AlUnative, rather than the draft General Plan should be adopted as the City's C-eneral
Plan. Indeed, the DEIR does not explain why the agency chooses to reject the Conservation
Alternative in favor of the draft General Plan. This constitutes a failure to comply with CEQA
Guidelines section 15126, subd. (d) (4), mulling in the DEIR's being legally inadequate.
SUMMARY
URGE, POP, and the Friends would like to see a much more in depth considemtioo of the
Conseawation Alternative outlined in the DEIR. As described, it is an innovative concept which
meets the objectives of the General Plan and yet conserves critical environmental resources. That is a
powerful commendation of that Alternative, and it should certainly be explored further. We
recommend that a map and text be prepared to as pan of a revised and recirculated DEIR to assess the
Conservation Alternative in great~ depth as a realistic and superior alternative to the current draft
General Plan. Further, the revised DEIR should include a more complete description of the regional
environmental setling for the project and a specific description of the Santa Margarita Rivff and an
assessment of potential project impacts on it as well as pwposed rnitigation measures.
As the City develops, considers, adopts, and implements its General Plan, URGE, POP, and the
Friends would like to play a constructive, partnership role with the City, particularly in the critical
tasks of developing a Comprehensive Open Space Plan which protects a enher~nt, connected open
sp~e system, and in the development of a system of greenbelts with both habitat and recreational
trails along the su'eams, creeks, and rivers in the study area~
Bill Haven
Associate
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Friends of the Santa Margarita River
P.O. Box 923
Fallbrook, CA
RECE'I VED
Cl~ OF TEMECULA
September 28, 1992
John Meyer
Planning Department
City, of Temecula
Re: City ofTemeeula DraR General Plan and EIR.
The Friends of the Santa Margarita in conjunction with P.O.P. and U.ILG.E. submitted comments
regarding the above documents under separate cover. However, due to our somewhat different
areas of concern the Friends of the Santa Margaxita feel that we should also bring the
accompanying document to your attention and feel that pages I through 4 be included in your
planning document. Since it is the intention to protect all the "waters of the United States", and
particularly the wetlands. Since the City ofTemecula will likely be required to follow the
guidelines settled upon at the conclusion of this study, it seems reasonable to assume it would be
simpler for you in the long mn to incorporate these concerns into your EIR and General Plan.
Very. truly yours,
PRESERVE OUR PLATEAU
Sept. 15, 1992
RECEIVED
John Meyer, Senior Planner
City of Temecula
43174 Business Park Dr.
Temecula, CA 92590
SEP I 7 1992
Ar, s'd.......... ......
RE: Draft Temecula General Plan and EIR
Dear Mr. Meyer:
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on Temecula's draft General Plan
and EIR. Our grassroots citizens group of several hundred members is dedicated to
the preservation of the Santa Rosa Plateau and its surrounding ecosystem.
We are extraordinarily disappointed to find that watershed issues have been
given such insufficient treatment in the draft plan and EIR. Our previously submitted
comments have clearly not been given serious consideration. It would be tragic if this
historic opportunity to put in place modern watershed management policies was lost.
Failure to take steps proactively may lead to costly measures later.
The EIR gives little or no attention to adverse impacts on the Sant~ Margarita
River downstream. Deficiencies include, but are not limited to, discussions of
sedimentation, erosion, altered flows from impervious surfaces, and non-point source
pollution. There is little or no discussion of the regional significance of the watershed
and of the importance to wildlife of retaining natural flows. Groundwater management
issues are similarly neglected. The EIR is grossly inadequate for decision-makers who
need clear and accurate information about the impacts of development upon natural
resources. To defer analysis to a later date, as in the mentioning possible participation '
in a regional watershed plan; is illegal under CEQA.
Given the deficiencies in the EIR, it is not surprising that General Plan policies
for watershed management are also cursory and inadequate. Besides a vague
statement on water "quality and quantity", these issues are almost entirely neglected.
What is required are specific policies and goals which will lead to implementation
of modern, responsible flood control.
Specific policies and goals which need inclusion in the General Plan include,
but are not limited to:
1) maintenance of natural stream flows and velocities, including a
comprehensive system of detention or retention basins for all past, current and future
development, measures to control impervious surface run-off, and prohibition of
channelization;
2) control of point and non-point source pollution;
3) erosion control;
4) groundwater recharge;
5) retention and restoration of riparian habitat and adequate riparian buffer
Zones.
The General Plan should also integrate these policies into a system of
greenways and trails along the creeks which run through town. These greenways
constitute a great yet urnrealized asset for the community.
The treatment of wildlife corridor issues is better, and serious impacts are
identified in the EIR. Unfortunately, the draft General Plan again does not give
sufficiently specific policies for meaningful avoidance or mitigation.
We urge you to prepare an improved EIR and draft plan and resubmit it for
review and comment. We request written notification for all documents and hearings
pertaining to these matters at the address below.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dan Silver, MD
President
Mailing address:
1422 N. Sweetzer Ave., #401
Los Angeles, CA 90069-1528
Enclosure: Excerpts from City of Cadsbad General Plan
cc: City Council
FRIENDS OF THE ALAMOS DISTRICT
September 30, 1992 R E 0 E I V E D
Temecula City Council
City of Temecula
43174 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
SEP 0 199
CITY OF TEMECULA
Subject: Temecula Draft General Ran and EIR
Dear Members of the Council,
The Friends of the Alamos Disu'ict is a group of citizens from the Temecula and
Murrieta areas who wish to stabilize and enhance the rural community within the
former historic Alamos School District as an enduring open space resource for
Temecula and Muftieta. The District tnlces in the northern part of the Study Area of
the Project extending from Lake Skinner on the east to the Antelope Hills on the west
and from Scott Road on the north to Murrieta Hot Springs Road to the South (see
attachment). With the Santa Rosa Plateau, the foothills of Mt. Palomar, the Tucalota
Hills, and the Temecula wine country, the District helps to form a rim of open space
around the Temecula Valley and imparts to the new cities of Temecula and Murrieta
much of their special character.
The Draft General Ran and EIR make a ~ood beginning in their assessment of
the District. We find especially interesting and valuable the Community Design
Element and believe that it wilt contribute greatly to making Temecula a distinctive
City. We would like to take this opportunity to make recommendations that we believe
will enhance the resources of the Disn'ict for the benefit of both rural and urban
residents and businesses. Our recommendations will follow the order established in the
General Plan and the EIR. Underlining indicates our recommended text additions.
GENERAL PLAN
We note that the "Vision of Temecula" in the overview affirms securing open
spaces, the conservation of neighborhoods, multi-modal transportation, and the
preservation and enhancement of historic and cultural resources. The plan does not
specifically develop goalsl,4aolicies to achieve these concepts in our neighborhood. We
hope our recommendations will make the concepts a reality for our neighborhood and
its resources. Without specific policies in the General Plan, the City and the
community will be forced to confront resource and community issues piecemeal for
every development proposal submitted for the District.
I. Land Use Element
(1) II. Summary of Land Use Issues. Our area is discussed in Section D, but the
existing rural residential and agricultural land uses are ignored. We recommend the
revision of Pan D to read:
D~. Alamos District
With the Santa Rosa Plateau, the fonthills of Mr, P~omar. the Tucalota Hills,
and the wine country.. the Almos District helps to form g rim of open _space around the
Temecula Valley. The District' s historic landscape and sWuctural f¢itmres help im.tmrt
to the City its distinctive charscar Within southern ~forni~ Rural residential
~ and land use contribute to the City' s diversity.. The DistriCt buffers the City
from the neighboring cities of Mu~em and Hemet. Agricultural _operations h{~v¢
P._W_Vj.¢~[ _Dart of the econo~c base for the community and the City_ at llttgg and offer
~ econo~c lZltgv_tigk The ~ rural roads offer recreational
opportunities to residents and visitors alike. Development within this area will have a
direct impact on the surrounding community and its ~soums and on the incorporated
_tmrt of the City in terms of traffic noise, congestion. ~ the demand for community
facilities, the demand for employment and commercial activities and other impacts.
There is il need to insure that as development in the area occurs the role of t-be .~
District in the City_ and the ~ is preserved and enhan~. Leip~ development
needs to be avoided. Polici¢~ for land use. roads. site aeg ~ historic
features. water resources. wildlife. and scenic resources need to be RI in a Rural
District P_Ja!! sMped by- ti District PJgllvjig Task Force in cooperation with-'the
residents of the ~ community. community interest galBP. h the City_. the C~QUnty.
the Cities of Mumeta and Hemet. the state Department of Fish and Game. U, S. Fish
and Wildlife service. UC Cooperative EXtension. Easter0 Municipal Water District.
anti Metropolitan Water District.
(2) Goal 1. We recommend the addition of the agricultural after "recreational."
(3) Goal 1. We recommend the addition of the following policy to those under Goal I:
Polic_v 1.11 F:,aC_QIL~gg the development of ~gricultural _operations on 10qixlly
~ ~ ~ ~ and prime farmland. ~ ~ of
agricultural products, and the development of ~ related businesses within the
City.
(4) Goal 2. We recommend the addition of the following wording to the discussion:
The historical resources in the community including Old Town, the hisWric
structures and landsea_De features in the Alamos Dis~ct, and the Butterfield Stage Stop
2
(5) Goal 2. We would like to see the following policies added to those under Goal 2:
Policy 2.5 Establish rural and historic road standards for all r. xladi within rural
and historic areas,
POlicy 2.6 ~ the recreational use of rural and historic areas within the
Project Study Area b~ establishing bicycle. ~ and $ Wails avsl the u~ of
historic 8tnlctures and sites as community centers. _oarks. and _open space preserves.
(6) Goal 7. We recommend the following:
Goal 7 A Rural District P_Ial! for the Historic Alamos Dis~ct that protects the
existing rural $ communib,..m-omotes agricultural vitality.. conserves historic.
cultural. ilhi.o!Ogj_~ sceffic. and wa~r resources. addre~s ~ recreational needs.
and provides for ~ ~ armenfi~ and development.
Discussion The $ e, xj. ttiag rural community and agricultural land use in
~ City' s northern Sphex~ of Influence is l;hll:altned b,Y u~an ~ in the area. The
City has the opportunity to influence land use, phasing of development, project design,
and infrastructure improvements in the area and to tla.bilize the $ community,
enhance the District' s an~l the City' s ~ _spaces. economy. and ~ of life an~l
avoid conflict t~tween rural and urban uses bX cooperating with other jurisdictions,
agencies. and community interest $ in $ the Alamos Rural District Plan.
PoliCy 7, ! Actively _mnicipate in the preparation of the Alamos Ru/al District
Plan as part of a District ~ Task Force and use this plan in reviewing
development proposals and ~ mitigations in order to ensure the protection of the
District' s neighborhoods and resources.
Policy 7_22 Establish gtn_t!ill low land use density areas of .2 to .4 dwelling
units Ird acre and areas of .1 ~ units per acre a!.o_D.g CreekbedS north of Borel
an _d Hunter Roads within the Alamos District.
PoliCy 7.3 Establish procedural g_aj_d_.edi~ to facilitate the transfer of
development Eighl (TDRS) from locally important farmland within the District.
including the identification of ~ areas to receive TDRs within the City and the
purchase of development zigh~ (PDRsL ~ Ib.l identification of purchase areas
within the District. as ~ for the loss of locally important. stall ~
u.n. ique. ~ prime fnlands within the Pro_iect area.
POliCy 7.4 Identify a water harvesting and re4:ycling system that benefits
agricultural land use in the DisWict in cooperation with the appropriate ~ anll
community interest groups.
3
Policy 7.5 Enc__q_q.qp_~a~ the development of agricultural ~ on locally
important farmland. fd~R ~ ~ and prime ~ within the Project
area. innovative ~ of apicultural products. and the development of
agriculturally related businesses within the City..
Policy 7.6 Sup.~rt an in_ft. glit~ historic preservation approach for the
th;~t identifies ~ historic structures and ~ elements ~ roads.
trailS, ~ sites. seremerit sites, campsites. water features, ~ ~ and
topographic features and ~heir ~ and that see~ to establi~ ~ betwe0n
~ f~mres within the ~ irlcludin~ the historic and rural section of L~
_Alamos Road from the MenifW Road to the Si~e of the former Alam0s School ~ the
comer of Benton and Pourroy Roads. See Attachments.
Polic.v 7,7 Help develop. tl set of procedures and ~ for the acq_uisition
an~d development of hi~ric sites within the District as communiW Centers and _oarks.
~ the ~ place on ~ Road, the sites of the former Alamos District
School below Schoolhouse Hill. the Adobe ~ Rest Stop_. the Naive American $it~
of Toatwi. and the f.~3igriPA and ~ Trail Route.
POliCy 7,15 Participate with community interest groups including land trusts. ~1!¢
~ Department of Fish and Game and other ~ in the designation and
~ of 11 Warm ~ Preserve as ti ~ bank for the loss of llBbitat
within !]~ Study Area.
PoliCy 7,9 i the management of agricultural lands for the ~onservation
of wildlife habitats.
The new policies will necessitate the renumbering of the existing policies under
Goal 7.
We also recommend that references to the Alamos District be added to the
existing policies as follows:
Policy 7.1 as Policy 7.10. After "General Plan" add Alamos Rural District
Plan.
Policy 7.2 as Policy 7.11. After "using" add Alamo~ Rural District Plan.
Policy 7.3 as Policy 7,12. In 3 after "City" add and the Alamos Diswict.
(7) Goal 8. We recommend rewriting Policy 2.1 by adding the Alamos Dis~et, after
"the City of Murrieta."
(8) IV. Land Use Plan. In the first Inu'agraph, we would like to see the addition of the
AlamOs Rur'~l District Plan after "Land Use Element" in the third sentence.
(9) Draft Preferred Land Use Plan Map. The preferred map allows for leapfrog
development and urban inlyusions in the Alamos District. We recommend that general
low density areas of .2 to .4 dwelling units per acres and areas of .1 dwelling units per
acre along creeks bed be established in the area north of Borel and Hunter Roads along
with a density transfer program.
(10) Figure 2. Village Center Overlay. In order to avoid growth inducing
imp~ts on the existing nn-al residential neighborhood, biological, agricultural, and
water resources, and nearby historic sites including historic Los Alamos Road, we
would like to see the Village Center Overlay removed from the west side of Highway
79 northerly between Briggs and Thompson Roads.
II. Cireulation Element
The Circulation Element ignores existing circulation patterns in the Area of Interest.
Following the County Plan, roadways mapped in the Area of Interest give priority to
commuter and commercial vehicles and are at odds with the General Plan Concept of
preserving neighborhoods. The planned roads will create conflicts between commuter
and commercial vehicles and local motorists at driveways and lanes who have no other
access and between commuter and commercial vehicles and pedestrians, bicyclists,
equestrians, and school children along the roads.. The extension of Clinton Keith Road
and Hunter Road, the Auld Rd.-Briggs Rd link and the development of Menifee Road
will actually force community residents from their homes since roads are planned
through their property. The changes will also destroy the Los Alanlos Hist6ric
Roadway.
(1) Summary of Circulation Issues. We recommend the addition of the following
opposite an additional bullet on page 3~7.
* The development of roads within the ~ of Influence and the Area of
Interest have the potential to create conflicts with th~ rural ~ and agricultural
community as motorists at driveways and lanes ~bicvcliSts. equesu'ians, Im~t school
children confront commuter and cc;mmercial vehc~fes. ~o increai ~ Within the
City ~f Murrieta. to force residents from the Area of Interest from the~ homes. and to
destroy historic LOg Alamos Road.
(2) Goal 3. We recommend the following rewriting. A i multimodal
transportation system that ~ travel b~t ~ ~ ve~cles and provides
for community health. safety.. and welfare inside ~ outside the Study Area.
Discussion Current Iraffic levels within and Outside the City are at!:aining
existing facilities. air quality.. community safety.. and economic resources. Future
a_DproveAt anti g development threatens m destablilize the r.~xir~ng rural
community within the Sphere of Influence. the Area of Interest. and surrounding areas.
5
Under current t~nds travel will continue to increase between Temecula and other
population and employment centers within the region. Special efforts will be needed to
adequately and efficiently provide for regional travel demand and to reduce and avoid
existing and increased conflicts and ~ levels of service.
Policy 3, 1 Support the development of a ~ multi-modal transportation
system that establishes ~ rail. telecommuting. van. ~ bus. and Class lbicycle
commuting facilities and ~ ~ ~ vehicles facilities.
Policy 3.11 Esmb~sh i1 priority. project schedule for Light rail. telecommutin_g.
van. shuttle. bus. and Clas~ 1 bicycle i
POliCy 3.9 Divert COmmuter and commercial vehicular traffic from rural
residential comm,nities and the Alamos Dis~ct bY_ ~ rural road WiClths,
establishing vehicle _~eAgkt limits. and limiting access into rural areas from ma_ior
i and urban development projects.
Polic.v 3, 10 Provide for off-r~ commuter bic_vcle routes along ~ 79
northe~y and ~ 74 between Zcanggula and liemet. ~ Mu~em Hot ~
Road between Temecula and Mu~em. illring Jefferson Road between Temecula and
Mumeta. and ~ RainbOw Road-former ]:]igh.w~ 395-Mission between Tem~ula
and Fallbrook.
Policy 3, 11 Partici_n~te in the Creation of a g area-wide bicycle
commuting / in conjunction with other jurisdictions and local busin~ses.
POliCy 3. 1 .2. Provide for an Off-road multi-purpose trail System from Temecula
too ~ recreational areas ~ the Cleveland National Forest. M~, Palomar,
Lake Skinner ~ P_gr~ the Llgg Domenigohi area. the S~ta Rosa ~
Preserve, the T_ec_m_¢c,~ Wine County, and the Alamos District.
(3) Goal 4. We recommend the addition of the following Policy.
Policy 4.12 Require urban development pro_iecti in rural residential areas to
divert construction. commercial, and commuter vehicular traffic from the existing rur~
road network whenever possible.
(4) Circulation Plan Figure 3-1. We recommend the following alterations:
(A) Place the access-restricted urban arterial Wansit corridor in the Area of
Interest (Clinton Keith Rd.) north of historic Los Alamos Road and the existing rural
residential area along Los Alamos.
(B) Eliminate the 4-lane road johihig Briggs and Auld Roads within the Area of
Interest.
(C) Preserve and enhance the Los Alamos Historic Roadway (taking in Los
Alamos,Thompson, and Pourroy Roads from Menifee Road to the site of the former
Alamos School at the intersection of Benton and Pourroy Road) and its contributing
historic and rural features. (See Attachments).
(D) Designate Highway 79 northerly as a scenic highway and develop
appropriate design guidelines to retain the viewshed and contributing features.
(E) Designate the rural and historic roads within the Alamos District as scenic to
preserve and enhance theft current rural and recreational uses and their contributing
rural and historic features.
(~) Implementation Programs. A. Roadway Functional Design Guidelines. We
recommend the foBowing:
10, Rural and Historic Roads: Scenic Roads
This designation ~10uld be used for existing road ~ ~thin rural ~eas or
that have historit-~lly been ~ with rural areas. Scenic road~ are intended to
function as local roads with levels of service of A or B. Whenever ~ ~
allow. they are to ~tain their existing route. geometrics. ShOulders. and associated
rur~ and historic features which ~ can b~ taken to ~ each road's unique
standard.
_* Commuter and commercial traffic should ~ diverted from Scenic Roads
.thr. Qxlgh comprehensive ~
_* Recreational multi-purpose trails should be established when .oossible within
the roads' rights-of-way.
_* Recreational. agricultural. lind educational businesses ShOold 1~ encouraged
along Scenic Road~ within the h_~p..ke~r~ of Influence ~n~l Area of |nterest.
_* The designation of a network of Scenic Roads should be encouraged within
the Alamos District.
III. Open Space/Conservation Element
This element presents many valuable goals and policies. We believe, however,
that it needs to acknowledge the Alamos District, its existing rural community and
agricultural land use, and its resources. We recommend the following revisions:
(1) Introduction. Third pardgraph, fourth sentence:
The City has a much greater opportunity to shape the open space of the Alamos
District in the Sphere of ~uen~ and Area of Interest .Ll.hto. tlgh participation in
creation of an Alamos Rural Dis~et Plan and the use of the plan in the review of
development nro_iects as the_v are ~ to the City. The challenge facing Temecula
is to cream a multipurpose open space system that does not solely consist of unusable
spaces leftover from development, but ~ and restores agricultural lands.
preserves wildlife habitats. maximizes water reSOurces. and secures recreational,
historic. and cultural ~urees.
Next to the first bullet add and agricultural after "for conserving natural."
Next to the last bullet add ~ after "promote the" and of the Alamos
District after "of the City."
(2) Summary of Open Space/Conservation Issues. A. Provision of Parks and
Recreation Facilities. Figure 5-1. The proposed parks in the Sphere of Influence and
the Area of Interest appear not to be related to any significant existing community area
or resources. We recommend the following:
(A) The creation of a park and commtmity/interpretive center at the historic
Garringer Place on Briggs Road, south of Los Alamos Road.
(B) The creation of a pork and community center at the site of the former
Alamos School below Schoolhouse Hill at the intersections of Benton and Pourroy
Road accompanied by the reloeation of the school house to the site from its 'current
location in the I ~l~e. Skinner Regional Park.
(C) The creation of a park and community/interpretive center at the site of the
former Adobe Springs Rest Stop.
(D) The creation of a park and interpretive center at the site of the former
Native American settlement of Toatwi near the Warm Springs Tributary and the
intersection of Benton and Highway 79 nonhefty.
(E) The creation of a park preserve along the Warm Springs Creek.
(3) B. Establishment of Riding, Hiking, and Bicycle Trails. Figures 5-2 and 5-3.
In addition, to the proposed wails we would recommend the addition of a Class 1
bicycle path and a multi-purpose trail within the right-of-way of Los Alamos-Thompson
Road from Menifee Road to the Benton and Pourroy intersection and multi-purpose off-
road trails along Benton Road, Auld Road, Pourroy Road, and Leon Road.
(4) C. Conservation of Resources. On page 5-14 in the tirst paragraph of the
discussion after the first sentence we recommend the addition of the following reference
to the Alamos District.
8
The ri.m~an areas, agricultural fields. hill sides, and ~ of the Alamos
District ;tr, home to a number of endangered. sensitive. and candj.aatl: .species and
_species of special concern.
8. We recommend the addition of the following after "aesthetic character of the
area": One winery. is found in the Area of Interest. The following would also best be
added: c~-'}'c~.~e h,..poa~t.,
The locally impormn~_arl~ds of the AlamOS Dis~ct and the Temecula/u~%~, q~
wine country, offer ~ potential area for agricultural innovation, improvement of the ~c ~ ,,~ e,
loc43 quality of life, and stimulus to business development ~thin the Cily
9. Our understanding indicates that some of the information in this paragraph is
incorrect. We recommend the following changes:
After "23 recorded archaeological sites"; 47 properties listed on the California
State Historic Resources Inventory. available at the History_ Division of the ~
County ~ and Open S_mw.e ~ or the State Historic Preservation Office
inCludina Vail Ranch. the Little Temecula Rancho Adobe and farmsteads within ~
Alamos DiStrict; sites identified as existin_~ or potential Riverside County. Landmarks
and State Points of Historic Interest ~ Temecula's FirSt Post Qf~ce (RIV 037).
the Temecula Ouarries LRLY 038), and Los Alamos Historic Roadway; the Murrieta
Creek Archaeological 8i~ listed on the ~ ReR~lhlgx of HIstoric ~ and
several historic resources of local, state and national importance not y_CA listed with
counly, sAal~ or national p. LOg.!:i3l~ including the Butterfield Overland Stage Route, the
route of the Sonoran and ~ Trail. the site of the Temecula ~ and the
Adobe Sl~ Rest Stop, ~ on ~ State Historic Resources Inventor. indicates
th~ the Sil~ has community historic significance. Pr_~rties become .nan of ~¢
Inventory_ after an areawi(l¢ survey. in this case conducted under a state grant to
Riverside County_ in 1981. a ~ review and determination of local historic
significance ~ the ~ve~de County. Historical Commission. and final review and
determination of local significance .b..Y the State Historic Commission. Sites on the
Inventory. are often those most important to a local community. Sites like the MissiOn
Inn have national and state historic importance and are listed on ~¢ National Rtgi.s.W~
of HistOriC Places or as i! State Landmark. whereas sites on ~ Inventory_ that reflect
the past way of ~ of a community ar~ often overlooked since local history. is often not
~ adequately. The fatt!lBI Sta~ Historic Resources Inventory is not complete.
~in_ee the 1981 survey focuessed on ~ structures and ~ commercial
buildin_~s and landscane features ..... Temecula and the Aiamos District contain
many older structures, historic sites and districts, l_aR41f, a~ f~mres. roads. trails. and
ceremonial sites. and archaeological evidence which may be threatened with demolition
or removal as urbanization continues.
(5) Goal 1. We recommend the addition of historic SU'UCtures and landscape features
after "significant" in Policy 1.6.
(6) Goal 2. We recommend the addition of the following policy.
Policy 2, 8 Promote the use of recycled water and wa~r ~ nleahvj_q_u~
for agricultural areas within the Study Area,
(7) Goal 3. We recommend the following:
Policy 3, 8 Participate with community interest _m'oups including land trust. the
~ Department ~_f FiSh and Game. and other ag_e&gi~ in the desgination and
acquisition of a Warm S_p.._f.r.r.r.r.r.r~ Pr~rve as a ~ bank for the loss of habitat
within the Stu{ly Area.
POliCy 3,9 Establish low land use density areas of .2 to .4 ~ units per
anr~ in gtv. rallk and .1 dwelling units i~r acre in areas along creekb~ls north of Borel
and Hunter Roads in the Alamos District.
Policy 3.10 En_nfau_mgg the management of agricultural lands for wildlife
conservation,
(8) Goal 5. We recommend the following:
Add agricultural uses after "scenic enjoyment,"
Within the Discussion after the second sentence add: ~ and former
agricultural areas within the Alamos Dis~ct should be m~ized and restored ~
active conservation measures
P01iCy 5.14 Activiely _mrticipate in the preparation of an Aiamos Rural ~
Plan linking that .open ~ area I0 an _open _smee system $ the City. and use
the plan to review development proposals and set $ to ensure the protection of
the District' s oven space resources.
Poli~y 5.15 ~ historic sites. Native Amencan sites. weftands. scenic
road oamdor$, and wildlife preserves as _open .~ace ~ within the Alamos
District.
(9) Open Space Conservation Plan. Figure 5-10. We recommend a dramatic increase
in "open space for resource conservation" within the Alamos District by designating
linked historic sites, Native American sites, weftands, streambeds, scenic road
coredors, and wildlife preserves as open space. These include:
10
(A) The northern tributary of Warm Springs on the east side of Highway 79
northerly should be extended to join the more southerly tributary on the west of
Highway 79.
(B) Sites to be designated include the Garringer Place along Briggs Road, the
Pourroy Places along Pourroy Road, the Cummins' Places along Pourroy and Benton
Roads, the Thompson Farmsite along Thompson Road (See State Historic Resources
Inventory). the Adobe Springs Rest Stop, and the site of the former Alamos School
(C) Weftands would include the numerous weftands in the Alamos District to be
mapped during the rainy season.
(D) Wildlife preserves would include a large Warm Springs Preserve along the
main channel of Warm Springs Creek.
(E) Native American sites would include the settlement site of Toatwi.
(F) Scenic road corridors would include historic Los Alamos Road from
Menifee to the intersection of Benton and Pourroy, Pourroy and Benton Roads.
(G) The plan should also include significant areas of extremely low density
within the District along the creeks and their tributaries.
(10) Goal 6. We recommend the following revisions.
Discussion Cultural and historical resources are defined as buildings,
structures, ~ features, roads. trails. objects, and sites. Temecula's ~ lies
in the unique complex of landseape features in the Alamos Distri~ and other rural .Darts
of L]~ City as much as from its historic structures, There is a need to preserve these
features with an ~ ~ preservation ~ that ~ the
significance of the f~mres and seeks to establish ~ between them via other
historic ll~n~iscape features guch as roads, trails, ~ and seasonal waterways, The
intent is to, ,,
Policy 6.10 Conduct a survey of ~storic sites including ~ roads,
trails. ceremonial sites. settlement sites. campsites. and l~ndseape features lhr.0.ggho. lg
the Project Area.
Policy 6.11 Participate in cOunty.. state. and f~eral historic preservation
~ h,Y ~ for recognition of local sites in the Sm~ Historic Resources
Inventory.. as Riverside Coun.ty Landmarks, as Sta~ Points of Hiitoric Intenst. as State
Landmarks. and as sites on the N~tional ~ of Historic Sites.
11
PoliCy 6.12 Support the designation and a~uisition of _oarks and community
centers within the Alamos DiStrict at l!l f_0.!LqiZwiwiwiwiw~g historic sites.' the ~ Place at
36131 ~ Road, the Adobe n~ R¢~t Stop. the site of Toatwi ~ the tributary.
of Warm ~ Creek. and the former ~amos School site at the intersection of
Benton and Pourroy Road.
PoliCy 6.13 En_.O_e_Q.!Lra~ the preservation and reuse of the structures. landsca_~
f~tures. roads. lan0mark trees. fields. and wails $~ted ~ and ~ lk major
sites of the Alamos District mentioned above.
POliCy 6, 14 Develop g!tL4.eg~ for future development within the Alamos
District that incorporate the historic relationships between structures. roads. and
landscane features.
POliCy 6.15 Establish a Historical Commission assisted ~ I1 historic
preservation planner.
(11) Goal 7. We recommend the following revisions:
Goal 7 Establishment and revitalization of agricultural _operations on locally
important, state important. ~ and prime a~ricultural land.
Discussion A vigorous agricultural $ in the Alamos District and the
wine country can provide jobs to ~ ~ tourism. contribute to i! healthful
quality. of life for City residents. and help maintain and develop_ an economic base for
businesses within th_~ City. Growth pressures are.. .
Policy 7.1 Actively $ in the preparation of an Alamos Rural DiStriCt
Plan as part of a District Task Force and use this plan in reviewing, development
proposals and ~ mitigations in order to conserve agricultural land uses.
PoliCy 7,2 Establish 2eneral low land use density areas of .2 to .4 dwelling units
per acre. and areas for .1 aZw. ealing units per acre in areas along creekbeds nox~h of
Borel and Hunter ROads in ~.~ Alamos District.
POlicy 7,3 Esmbli~ $ guidelines to facilitate the transfer of
development $ (TDRs) fr01n locally important. state ~ unique. and prime
farmland Within the Project area. ~ the identification of lgritt areas to receive
TDRs within the City, and the purchase of development ~_g]~ fPDRsL including the
identification of lltgtt purchase areas. as ~ for the loss of locally impormt.
state importam. i and prime farmland within the Project area.
PoliCy 7,4 Identify i1 water h_gry. ttli~ and $ system that benefits
$ in the ~ and other mml areas in conjunction with the appropriate
agencies and cominunity interest ~
12
Policy 7,$ ~ the development of agricultural i on locally
important. state i ~ and prime f~land in the ProjeCt area. ~
marketing of agricultural products. ~nCi the development of agriculturally related
businesses within the City..
(12) Goal 9. We recommend the following revisions:
Goal 9 Protection of !!ight skies from intn~sive light sources which may impact
the Palomar Observatory. wildlife. ~d ¢rcate glalt within ~ areas of the Study
Area.
Discussion. We recommend adding wildlife and for rural residents after
"Observato~."
Policy 9, 3 Limit ~ ~ in rural areas lllrgjagh ~ develo.~ in
cooperation with eommuni~ residents.
IV. Growth Management/Public Facilities Element
(1) II. Growth Management Strategy. 6. Conserve Resources, P. 6-8.
We recommend the addition of the following"
Within the first sentence of the discussion after "comprehensive open space
system," add Alamos Rural District Plan.
(2) Goal 2. We recommend the addition of the following:
Discussion After the second sentence add: It sho~d also X~ the existing
communities and resources of Temecula. the ~$.PJxed~ of Influence and the Area of
Interest.
Policy 2.9 Coordinate the GrOwth Management etg. gl:am with the Old Town
Plan and the Alamos Rural D~ Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Like the General Plan, the Draft EIR ignores important pans of the existing
community, circulation system, and resources of the Alamos District. We are
especially concemad that the EIR indicates a number of areas where mitigations
established as policies or goals within the General Plan for air quality, circulation,
biological resources, agriculture and noise do not reduce impacts~o levels of
insignificance. The omission of a discussion of local history and local historical sites is
also a significant omission. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
indicates that an EIR must discuss and provide mitigations for historic sites of
13
community importance or for sites that are important within the major periods of
California history. Such sites, as noted above and in the Attachments, do indeed exist
within Old Town and the historic Alamos District.
We would like the Goals and Policies we proposed above in the General Plan
section to be evaluated as mitigations for impacts within the EIR. We believe that they
may help reduce the ~ impac~noted above to insignificance. We also would
like to see a full discussion of area history and historic sites as is required by the
California Environmental Quality Act. Mitigations for impacts on these sites also need
to be set in the EIR. The City would best contact Diana Seider, the Riverside County
Historian at the Riverside County Parks and Open Space District office for assistance
with historic sites and mitigations.
We provide in the attached Detailed Review of the Draft EIR our specific
comments and mitigations for eagh area of impact. They ~_.at our recommendations
for the General Plan.
Finally, we would like to urge that the City elaborate the discussion of
Alternative 3 in the EIR. In view of the significant and serious impacts of the
preferred General Plan identified in the EIR, this alternative might best be chosen as
Temecula's General Plan. We understand that CEQA mandates a thorough discussion
in the EIR indicating why the environmentally preferred alternative is not being
adopted as the project. We believe such a discussion should be undertaken for
Alternative 3. Moreover, we suggest that the goals and policies we identified be
included as mitigations, goals, and policies with Alternative 3.
MAPS AND FIGURES
A fundamental omission in the Draft General Plan and the EIR can be found on
most of the maps within the documents. Instead of depicting existing roads in the Area
of Interest, the maps depict planned road introduced in the Riverside County General
Plan and in this plan. These include the extension of Clinton Keith Road, a new
connecting route for Briggs and Auld Roads along Liberty Lane, the western extension
of Hunter Road, and the development of Menifce Road. As noted in our discussion of
the Circulation Element, these projects threaten to destroy the rural neighborhood along
these roads and will certainly destroy the Los Alamos Historic Roadway recognized by
the Riverside County Historic Commission and the Murrieta City Council. These maps
are misleading and promote an inevitability about the creation of these roads in the
minds of those who use the Draft General Plan and evaluate the EIR. Ideally these
roads should be deleted in General Plan and EIR maps of existing conditions and the
existing routes be added. These include in the General Plan Figures 1-2, 5-5, 5-6, 5-7,
5-8, 5-9, %1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, and 7-5 and in the EIR Figures 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 27, 28,
29, 30, 41, 44, 46, 51, 52, 54, 55, and 56. The routes probably would also best be
omitted on the maps where the planned circulation system is not the issue including in
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the General Plan Figures 2-1, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-10, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 64,
and 8-4 and in the EIR Figures 25, 27, and 45.
We want to note that we are turning in this letter today because copies of the
Draft EIR were not available from the Temecula Public Letter or from the City. We
were lucky to be able to borrow the document over the weekend. Mr. Meyer of the
Planning Department kindly granted us an extension to complete our review.
We very much hope that we will be able to work with the City on developing an
Alarnos Rural District Plan.
Thank you very much for your consideration of our comments.
Sincerely,
Rim Gentry
37100 Los Alamos Road
Mumeta, CA 92563
(714) 677-6552
Cecelia Webster
30255 Los Alam0s Road
Murrieta, CA 92563
(714) 9264337
Attachments:
Map of the Alamos District
Riverside County Historical Commission Transmittal to the Riverside
County Board of Supervisors on the Los Alamos Historic Roadway
Riverside County Historical Commission Minutes for March 18, 1992
Riverside County Historical Commission Contributing Features to
Los Alamos Historic Readway, March 18, 1992
Press Enterprise, '"A Journey Down Los Alamos Road,"May 24, 1992.
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DETAILED COMMENTS ON DRAFT EIR
CIRCULATION
The project' s changes in circulation within the Area of Interest will have the
following impacts which have not been noted in the EIR:
(1) Increased conflicts along existing local rural roads between resident
motorists and commuter and commenfial vehicles at driveways and lanes and between
pedestrians, school children, bicyelists, and equestrians and commuters and commercial
vehicles along the roads.
(2) Destruction of rural neighborhoods along Los Alamos Road, Liberty Lane,
Menifee Road, Willie Road, and Somerville Road as Clinton Keith and Hunter Roach
are extended, Briggs and Auld Roads are rerouted, and Menifee Road developed.
(3) Major impacts on the eircolation system of Murrieta including the
introduction of traffic from the Hunter Road extension onto Whitewood Road.
(4) Destruction of the Los Alamos Historic Roadway recognized by the
Riverside County Historical Commission.
(5) Negative impact on other District historic sites found along the proposed
roads or within their paths listed on the state Historic Resources Inventory.
(6) Negative impact on biological and water resources along Warm Springs
Creek and its tributaries.
All of these impacts counter goals and policies of the General Plan.
The unmitigated levels of service at E and F reported along Winchester Road
(Highway 79 northerly) and Mumeta Hot Springs Road are unacceptable and
inconsistent with the overall goals of the circulation element of the General Plan. We
believe that the situation is critical and needs to be eddmsssed with through a vigorous
mitigation program and new goals and policies in the General PLan.
We suggest the following goals and policies that we have recommended for the
General Plan be evaluated as mitigations for these impacts:
(1) Goal 3. Establish a regional, multimodal transportation system that
minimizes travel by single occupancy vehicles and provides for community health,
safety, and welfare inside and outside the Study Area.
(2) Policy 3.1 Support the development of a regional multi-modal
transportation system that establishes light rail, teleeommuting, van, shuttle, bus, and
bicycle facilities and minimizes single oeeupany vehicle facilities.
(3) Policy 3.8 Establish a priority project schedule for telecommuting, light rail,
van, shuttle, bus, and bicycle facilities.
(4) Policy 3.9 Divert commuter and commercial vehicular traffic from rural
residential communities and the Alamos District by limiting rural road widths,
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establishing vehicle weight limits, and limiting access to rural areas from major
highways and urban development projects.
(5) Policy 3.10 Provide for off-road commuter bicyle routes along Highway 79
northerly and Highway 74 between Temecula and Hemet, along Murrieta Hot Springs
Read between Temecula and Murrieta, along Jefferson Road between Temecula and
Mumeta, and along Rainbow Road-former Highway 395-Mission between Temeeula
and Fallbrook.
(6) Policy 3.11 Participate in the creation of a vigorous area-wide bicycle
commuting program in enjunction with other jurisdictions, community interest groups,
and local businesses.
(7) Policy 3.12 Provide for an off-road multi-purpose trail system from
Temecula to regional recreational areas including the Cleveland National Forest, Mt.
Palomar, Lake Skinner Regional Park, the Lake Domenigoni area, the Santa Rosa
Ecological Preserve, the Temecula Wine Country, and the Alamos District.
Our proposed revisions to Circulation Plan Figure 3-1should also be evaluated
as mitigations for the impacts noted above:
(A) Place the access-restricted urban arterial transit corridor in the Area of
Interest (Clinton Keith Road) north of historic Los Alamos Road and the existing rural
residential area along Los Alamos.
(B) Eliminate the 4-lane road joining Briggs and Auld Roads within the Area of
Interest to preserve the existing rural residential neighborhood along Liberty Lane and
Los Alamos Road and the historic sites in the area.
(C) Preserve and enhance the Los Alamos Historic Roadway.
(D) Designate and enhance the rural and historic roads within the Alamos
District as scenic roads.
We also believe the goals and policies we recommend for the Open
Space/Conservation Element of the General Plan should be evaluated within the EIR as
mitigations for impacts on circulation. These include:
(1) Goal 7. Establishment and revitalization of agricultural operations on
locally important, state important, unique, and prime farmland.
(2) Policy 7.1 Actively participate in the preparation of the Alamos Rural
District Plan as part of a District Planning Task Force and use this plan in reviewing
development proposals and setting mitigations in order to ensure the protection of the
District' s agricultural farmland.
(3) Policy 7.2 Establish general low land use density areas of .2 to .4 per acre
dwelling units per acre and areas of. 1 dwelling units per acre in areas along creekbeds
north of Borel and Hunter Roads in the Alamos District.
(4) Policy 7.3 Establish procedural guidelines for the transfer of development
rights (TDRs) from locally important, state important, unique, and prime farmlands
within the Project .area, including the identification of target areas to receive TDRs
within the City, and for the purchase of development rights (PDRs), including the
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iden~cation of purchase areas, as mitigations for the loss of farmlamd within the
Project area.
AIR QUALITY
We are concerned that the project does not mitigate its adverse impacts on air
quality. We believe this failure will have major impacts on the area' s quality of life.
Many of the current residents have come to the area because of the clear air. We
believe the deterioration in air quality could impact long-term residential property
values and would appreciate an evaluation of this in the EIR.
We believe that the circulation mitigations we proposed above should also be
evaluated as mitigations for the regional impacts on air quality.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
We would like the goals and policies we propose in the Conservation/Open
Space Element to be evaluated as mitigations for impacts of the project on biological
resources.
( 1 ) Policy 3.8 Participate with community interest groups including land trust,
the California Department of Fish and Game and other agencies in the designation and
acquisition of a Warm Springs Preserve as a mitigation bank for the loss of habitat
within the project area.
(2) Policy 3.9 Establish general low land use density areas of .2 to :4 dwelling
units per acre and areas of . 1 dwelling units per acre along creekbeds north of Borel
and Hunter Roads in the Alamos District.
(3) Policy 3.10 Encourage the management of agricultural land for wildlife
Conservatiou.
AGRICULTURE
The EIR notes that do land in the Sphere of Influence and Area of Interest is
currently devoted to agriculture. We have noted numerous acres planted in dryland
grain this past winter and spring, produce operations, and live stock operations. Much
land in the District noted as farmland of local importance lies fallow because it has
been sold to developers. We believe the EIR should discuss the potential of the area
for agricultural revitalization using innovative crops, marketing techniques, and water
harvesting and recycling practices.
Once the future potential for agriculture has been discussed, we would like the
following goals and policies we proposed in the Open Space/Conservation Element to
be evaluated as mitigations for the Project's adverse impact on locally important, state
important, unique, and prime farmland within the Project area:
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(1) Policy 7.1 Actively participate in the preparation of the Alamos Rural
District Plan as part of a District Planning Task Force and use this plan in reviewing
development proposals and setting mitigations.
(2) Policy 7.2 Establish general low land use density areas of .2 to .4 dwelling
units per acre and areas of. 1 dwelling units per acre along creekbeds north of Hunter
and Borel Roads.
(3) Policy 7.3 Establish procedural guidelines for the transfer of development
rights (TDRs) from locally important, state important, unique and prime farmland
within the Project area, including the identification of target areas to receive TDRs
within the City, and for the purchase of development rights (PDRs), including the
identification of target purchase areas within farmland areas, as mitigation for the loss
of farmland within the Project area.
(4) Policy 7.4 Identify a water harvesting and recycling system that benefits
agricultural land use in cooperation with the appropriate agencies and community
interest groups.
(5) Policy 7.5 Encourage the development of agricultural operations on locally
important, state important, unique, and prime farmland within the Project area,
innovative marketing of agricultural products, and the development of agriculturally
related businesses within the City.
HISTORIC RESOURCES
Once area history and historic sites have been discussed, we would like the
following goals and policies we proposed for historic resources in the Open
Space/Conservation Element to be evaluated as mitigations for the PrOject' ~ adverse
impacts on the resources:
(1) Conduct a survey of historic sites within the Project area.
(2) Participate in county, state, and fadePal historic preservation program by
applying for recognition of local sites in the State Historic Resources Inventory, as
Riverside County Landmarks, as State Points of Historic Interest, and as sites on the
National Register of Historic Places.
(3) Support the designation and acquisition of parks and community centers
within the Alamos District at the following historic sites: the Gatringer Place on
Briggs Road, the Adobe Springs Rest Stop, the site of Tuatwi, and the former Alamos
School Site.
(4) Encourage the preservation and reuse of the structures, landscape features,
roads, landmark trees, fields, and trails associated with and linking the major sites of
the Alamos District mentioned above.
(5) Develop guidelines for future development within the Alamos District that
incorporates the historic relationships between structures, roads, and landscape
features.
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