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Prepare a paper (not including the title and reference pages) on transportation planning within the City of Palm Springs. Discuss a transportation planning issue within the community by addressing community practices in regard to urban planning and growth. You also need to evaluate the transportation progression results and benefits for the community. Be sure to address present and future demands.
The Transportation Planning paper: I have included our General Plan for the City of Palm Springs as an attachment and also two City Council past staff reports prepared about the city’s bicycle lanes which is the direction I want the paper to go in. The GP has not been updated since 2007 so maybe taking the paper in a direction about how the GP is no longer is appropriate with all the new planning and vision of the city of Palm Springs. Focus on the Bike lanes now currently being implemented in the city.
City Council Staff Report
DATE: July 6, 2016 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION ON THE INITIATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN TO REVISE THE
CIRCULATION ELEMENT AND BIKEWAYS MAP
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Public Works & Engineering Department
SUMMARY
On June 15, 2016, the City Council reviewed a certain number of proposed bicycle
facilities identified on the Palm Springs Bikeways Map, including Class II (striped bicycle
lanes) on streets where implementing the Class II facility would require either: 1)
elimination of all on-street parking, or 2) preserving on-street parking and eliminating
existing travel lanes (a “road diet” converting 4-lane roadways to 2-lane roadways). At
that time, the City Council deferred considering certain roadways, referring the item to
the City Council Subcommittee (Kors/Roberts) to review with the Sustainability
Commission’s Active Transportation Committee (“ATC”). On June 28, 2016, the City
Council Subcommittee and representatives of the ATC met to review and recommend to
the City Council initiation of a General Plan Amendment to reclassify certain roadways
to accommodate Class II bike lanes. The purpose of this item is to consider the
recommendations from the City Council Subcommittee and provide direction to staff on
including certain roadways as part of the initiation of a new amendment to the General
Plan to revise the Circulation Element and Bikeway Map accordingly.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Approve the following 4-lane roadways to be reclassified as “Minor Mobility
Corridors” as part of an Amendment to the General Plan to revise the Circulation
Element and Bikeway Map:
a. Camino Real (E. Palm Canyon Dr. to La Verne Way)
b. Crossley Road (Ramon Road to 34th Avenue)
c. Farrell Drive (Ramon Road to E. Palm Canyon Dr.)
d. La Verne Way (S. Palm Canyon Dr. to Twin Palms Dr.)
e. Mesquite Avenue (Sunrise Way to Com padre Road)
f. San Rafael Drive (N. Palm Canyon Dr. to Sunrise Way)
ITEM NO. __:;~u……:~-
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 2
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
2) Direct staff to initiate an amendment to the 20
07
Palm Springs General Plan to
revise the Circulation Element and Bikeways Map, and proceed with further public
review in accordance with state law, including review by the Palm Springs Planning
Commission and subsequent approval by the City Council;
3) On the basis that direction is given to reclassify Camino Real, Crossley Road, La
Verne Way, Mesquite Avenue, and San Rafael Drive to a “Minor Mobility Corridor” to
accommodate proposed Class II bike lanes and preserve on-street parking,
authorize issuance of a Purchase Order in an amount not to exceed $100,000 with
the City’s “on-call engineering firm, Albert A. Webb & Associates, pursuant to
Agreement No. 6443, for civil and traffic engineering services associated with the
CMAC/CVAG Bicycle Lane Project, City Project No. 14-14;
4) Approve the implementation of a “road diet” for that portion of Farrell Drive between
Ramon Road and E. Palm Canyon Drive to convert the existing 4-lane roadway to a
“Minor Mobility Corridor” as part of the 2015 Citywide Annual Slurry Seal, City
Project No. 15-02;
5) Authorize the City Manager to approve Construction Contract Change Orders up to
an additional amount not to exceed of $250,000 with Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc.,
to accommodate revised traffic striping to implement proposed Class II bike lanes
and other associated work as part of the 2015 Citywide Annual Slurry Seal, City
Project 15-02, (A6774); and
6) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
BACKGROUND:
On June 15, 2016, the City Council received a presentation on the current 2007 Palm
Springs General Plan which has incorporated the Coachella Valley Non-Motorized
Transportation Master Plan (“NMTMP”), and includes a Local Bicycle Plan for the City of
Palm Springs, (the “Palm Springs Bikeways Map”), identifying existing bicycle facilities
and proposed bicycle facilities.
A complete copy of the June 15, 2016, staff report has not been attached to this staff
report, but is incorporated herein by reference, and is available on-line at:
http://palmspringsca.gov/home/showdocument?id=438
08
Approved 4-Lane Roadway Reclassifications to 2-Lane Roadways to
Accommodate Proposed Class II Bike Lanes
As a part of staff’s presentation, the City Council was provided with recommendations
for initiating an Amendment to the General Plan to reclassify certain 4-lane roadway
designations on the Circulation Element of the 2007 Palm Springs General Plan to allow
for conversion to 2-lane roadways through implementation of a “road diet”. At that time,
02
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 3
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
the City Council approved initiating an Amendment to the General Plan to officially
reclassify the 4-lane roadway designation to a 2-lane roadway consistent with its current
operation for the following streets as shown in Table 1:
Roadway From To
Alejo Road (See Note 11 Indian Canyon Drive Civic Drive
Amado Road Indian Canyon Drive Sunrise Way
Arenas Road S. Tahquitz Drive Hermosa Drive
Avenida Caballeros (See Note 21 San Rafael Drive Ramon Road
Baristo Road (See Note 21 Avenida Caballeros El Cielo Road
Calle El Segundo Amado Road Ramon Road
El Cielo Road (See Note 3) Ramon Road Escoba Drive
Escoba Drive (See Note 3) E. Palm Canyon Drive El Cielo Road
Murray Canyon Drive (See Note 4) S. Palm Canyon Drive Toledo Avenue
Saturnine Road Calle El Segundo Avenida Caballeros
Toledo Avenue (See Note 5) La Verne Way Murray Canyon Drive
Table 1
Note 1: Class II bike lanes have been installed on Alejo Road, with traffic striping that
maintained the previous 2-lane configuration. Although Alejo Road is currently
designated as a 4-lane secondary thoroughfare, it had not previously been striped with
4-lanes and a General Plan Amendment was not necessary to implement revised
striping with Class II bike lanes while maintaining 2 travel lanes. However, initiation of a
General Plan Amendment is recommended to officially reclassify the designation to a 2-
lane roadway consistent with its current operation.
Note 2: Class II bike lanes have previously been installed on segments of Avenida
Caballeros and Baristo Road through implementation of a “road diet” converting the 4-
lane roadway to a 2-lane roadway. Staff recommends initiation of a General Plan
Amendment to officially reclassify the designation of these 4-lane roadways (as
identified on the current General Plan) to 2-lane roadways consistent with their current
operation, and to allow for completion of Class II bike lanes on the remaining segments
of the street.
Note 3: Class II bike lanes have been installed on El Cielo Road (south of Ramon Road)
and Escoba Drive, with traffic striping that maintained the previous 2-lane configuration.
Although El Cielo Road (south of Ramon Road) and Escoba Drive are currently
designated as a 4-lane secondary thoroughfare, each had not previously been striped
with 4-lanes and a General Plan Amendment was not necessary to implement revised
striping with Class II bike lanes while maintaining 2 travel lanes. However, initiation of a
General Plan Amendment is recommended to officially reclassify the designation to a 2-
lane roadway consistent with its current operation.
03
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 4
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
Note 4: On April 6, 2016, the City Council approved implementation of revised traffic
striping on Murray Canyon Drive to install Class II bike lanes. Staff recommends
initiation of a General Plan Amendment to officially reclassify the designation to a 2-lane
roadway consistent with its proposed operation.
Note 5: Many years ago Class II bike lanes were installed on Toledo Avenue through
implementation of a “road diet” converting the 4-lane roadway to a 2-lane roadway. Staff
recommends initiation of a General Plan Amendment to officially reclassify the
designation to a 2-lane roadway consistent with its current operation.
Approved Class II Bike Lane Designations to Class II Bike Routes
At that time, the City Council approved initiating an Amendment to the General Plan to
officially reclassify currently identified Class II bike lanes to Class Ill bike routes for the
following streets as shown in Table 2:
Roadway From To
Araby Road E. Palm Canyon Drive End
Sarona Road E. Palm Canyon Drive End
Compadre Road Mesquite Avenue Sonora Road
N. Palm Canyon Drive TramWay Alejo Road
Paseo Dorotea Ramon Road Mesquite Avenue
Sonora Road El Cielo Road Crossley Road
Sunny Dunes Road Ramon Road Escoba Drive
Via Escuela N. Palm Canyon Drive Gene Autry Trail
Table 2
Deferred 4-Lane Roadway Reclassifications to 2-Lane Roadways to
Accommodate Proposed Class II Bike Lanes
On June 15, 2016, the City Council deferred any action to initiate an Amendment to the
General Plan to reclassify certain 4-lane roadway designations on the Circulation
Element of the 2007 Palm Springs General Plan to allow for conversion to 2-lane
roadways through implementation of a “road diet”, as shown in Table 3. At that time, the
City Council referred the consideration of these roadways to the City Council
Subcommittee; a meeting with the Subcommittee was held on June 28, 2016, to review
these roadways and recommend which, if any, should be included in an Amendment to
the General Plan.
04
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 5
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
Roadway From
Camino Real E. Palm Canyon Drive
Crossley Road Ramon Road
Farrell Drive (See Note 1) Ramon Road
La Verne Way S. Palm Canyon Drive
Mesquite Avenue Sunrise Way
Racquet Club Road (See Note 2) N. Palm Canyon Drive
S. Palm Canyon Drive (See Note 3) E. Palm Canyon Drive
San Rafael Drive N. Palm Canyon Drive
Table 3
To
La Verne Way
34th Avenue
E. Palm Canyon Drive
E. Palm Canyon Drive
El Cielo Road
Farrell Drive
Acanto Drive
Sunrise Way
Note 1: On April 20, 2016, the City Council considered implementation of revised traffic
striping on Farrell Drive south of Ramon Road to preserve on-street parking and install
Class II bike lanes. The Los Compadres and Sonora-Sunrise neighborhood
organizations have communicated support of the proposed reclassification of Farrell
Drive. However, the City Council requested that staff solicit comments from the
Mesquite Country Club Homeowners Association prior to giving formal approval. As of
June 6, 2016, staff has received comments from 18 Mesquite Country Club residents,
with 3 supporting and 15 rejecting the concept.
Note 2: The traffic analysis has determined that Racquet Club Road has sufficient
roadway capacity to allow for consideration of its reclassification to a 2-lane roadway.
Staff does not recommend Class II bike lanes be installed on Racquet Club Road east
of Sunrise Way as the bike lanes would not connect with any bike lanes on Farrell
Drive, and terminating bike lanes at the curved alignment at Farrell Drive is not
recommended. The consideration for the City Council Subcommittee was to consider
reclassification of Racquet Club Road to a 2-lane roadway to preserve on-street parking
and accommodate installation of Class II bike lanes extending from N. Palm Canyon
Drive to Avenida Caballeros or Sunrise Way, to connect with other bikeway facilities on
either of those streets. Note, the City’s current 2011 Bikeways Map identifies a
Class II bike lane on Racquet Club Road; this bikeway facility will have to be
eliminated from the Circulation Element as it cannot be accommodated in the
existing 4=1ane road’.~1ay .. vithout reclassification to a 2=1ane road-,vay or by
eliminating all of the on-street parking available to the adjacent properties.
Note 3: The traffic analysis has determined that S. Palm Canyon Drive has sufficient
roadway capacity to allow for consideration of its reclassification to a 2-lane roadway.
The City has received a $402,000 federal CMAQ grant from CVAG to install various
bike lanes, including on S. Palm Canyon Drive. Note, the City’s current 2011
Bikeways Map identifies a Class II bike lane on S. Palm Canyon Drive; this
bikeway facility may have to be eliminated from the Circulation Element as it
cannot be accommodated in the existing 4-lane roadway without reclassification
•
05
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 6
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
to a 2-/ane roadway or by eliminating all of the on-street parking available to the
adjacent properties.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
On June 28, 2016, the City Council Subcommittee (Kors/Roberts) met with
representatives of the Active Transportation Committee (Nancy Ferguson, Brett Klein,
Vic Yepello) and reviewed the streets identified on Table 3, and recommend to the City
Council that the following streets be reclassified to a “Minor Mobility Corridor” to
accommodate Class II bike lanes and preserve on-street parking:
• Camino Real (the current classification of Camino Real between E. Palm Canyon
Drive and La Verne Way is a 4-lane Secondary Thoroughfare, and the street was
previously constructed to 4-lane width, but has only been striped with 2-lanes)
• Crossley Road (the current classification of Crossley Road between Ramon Road
and 34th Avenue is a 4-lane Secondary Thoroughfare, however, most of this
segment has only been striped with 2-lanes; reclassifying this roadway would allow
completion of bike lanes extending north from Golf Club Drive to Ramon Road, with
striping funded in part by a federal CMAQ grant awarded to the City by CVAG)
• Farrell Drive (the segment south of Ramon Road is scheduled for slurry seal
repairs, and will have the traffic striping replaced as a 4-lane roadway unless City
Council provides direction to reclassify this segment as a “Minor Mobility Corridor”)
• La Verne Way (reclassifying this roadway would allow completion of a Class II bike
lane loop within the area)
• Mesquite Avenue (reclassifying the segment between Sunrise Way and El Cielo
Road [which physically ends at Compadre Road] accommodates the proposed
alignment for one portion of the CV Link route)
• San Rafael Drive (reclassifying this roadway would allow completion of an east-
west Class II bike lane as an alternative to Racquet Club Road, and would connect
with the potential extension of a portion of the CV Link through the proposed Serena
Park development at Sunrise Way/San Rafael Drive)
The Subcommittee does not recommend that the City Council include the following
streets as part of a General Plan Amendment, and that the current 4-lane roadway
designations remain – which requires that the currently designated Class II bike lanes
on these two streets be reclassified to Class Ill bike routes:
• Racquet Club Road
• S. Palm Canyon Drive
The Subcommittee also recommends that the City Council add a new designated Class
Ill bike route on the following street:
• Twin Palms Drive (S. Palm Canyon Dr. to La Verne Way)
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 7
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
CMACICVAG Bicycle Lane Project, City Project No. 14-14
In April2014, the City responded to CVAG’s call for projects funded through the federal
CMAQ grant program, and requested $402,000 in federal CMAQ funds for
implementation of Class II bike lanes on Crossley Road, Indian Canyon Drive, S. Palm
Canyon Drive, and San Rafael Drive. The request for grant funding for these Class II
bike lanes was consistent with the 2011 Bikeways Map (showing Class II bike lanes on
these streets). CVAG awarded the City the requested $402,000 in federal CMAQ funds,
and staff originally solicited a proposal in the amount of $34,390 from Webb to provide
civil and traffic engineering services to prepare plans and specifications for
implementing the proposed Class II bike lanes on these streets. However, with City
Council’s direction on alternative streets, staff will coordinate with CVAG on
reprogramming the streets to be funded with the federal CMAQ funds, and staff will
request from Webb a revised proposal to prepare traffic striping plans on those streets
recommended for reclassification to a “Minor Mobility Corridor”. Staff recommends that
the City Council authorize issuance of a Purchase Order to Webb in an amount not to
exceed $100,000 for these services.
2015 Citywide Annual Slurry Seal, City Project 15-02
On October 7, 2015, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Intermountain
Slurry Seal, Inc., (“ISS”) in the amount of $1,760,067 for the 2015 Citywide Annual
Slurry Seal, City Project No. 15-02, (the “Project”). On April 6, 2016, the City Council
approved implementation of revised traffic striping on Murray Canyon Drive to convert
via “road diet” from a 4-lane roadway to a 2-lane divided “Minor Mobility Corridor” to
install Class II bike lanes and preserve on-street parking. To the extent that the City
Council approves the reclassification of Farrell Drive (Ramon Road to E. Palm Canyon
Drive) from a 4-lane roadway to a 2-lane divided “Minor Mobility Corridor”, staff will
coordinate with ISS to implement revised traffic striping in lieu of replacing the traffic
striping consistent with the 4-lane configuration that existed. Staff recommends that the
City Council authorize the City Manager to approve Construction Contract Change
Orders up to an additional amount not to exceed of $250,000 with ISS to accommodate
revised traffic striping to implement proposed Class II bike lanes and other associated
work as part of the Project.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Consideration to initiate a General Plan Amendment is not itself a “Project” as defined
by the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a
“Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a
direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical
change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include:
(5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct
or indirect physical changes in the environment.
07
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 8
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
However, to the extent direction is given by the City Council to initiate a General Plan
Amendment to revise the Circulation Element to reclassify certain roadways, the future
action to be considered by the City’s Planning Commission and City Council associated
with the General Plan Amendment is subject to environmental review pursuant to
CEQA. Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires Guidelines for
Implementation of CEQA. In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines, the City will act as
“Lead Agency” pursuant to CEQA, and will be required to prepare a draft Initial Study for
a potential General Plan Circulation Element Amendment.
Following the City Council’s direction to initiate a General Plan Amendment, the
procedure for amending the City’s General Plan is outlined in the State of California
Government Code Section 65350. The City is required to consult with Native American
tribes that requested consultation in accordance with Public Resources Code Sections
21080.3.1 (Assembly Bill 52) and California Government Code Section 65352.3 (Senate
Bill 18). Public review of the General Plan Amendment, including the 90-day review by
Native American Tribes, is required prior to public review of a draft Initial Study, which is
also subject to a separate 30-day public review period. During this period, agencies and
members of the public will be allowed to submit written comments to the City regarding
its environmental analysis and the proposed General Plan Amendment. At the
conclusion of the public review period the Planning Commission will review the
proposed General Plan Amendment and draft Initial Study, and make appropriate
recommendations to the City Council. Ultimately, upon recommendations by the
Planning Commission, the City Council will consider the proposed General Plan
Amendment, the draft Initial Study, and any public comments received in determining
whether to adopt the General Plan Amendment. Those actions are not being considered
or taken now.
As it relates to implementing a “road diet”‘ to convert an existing 4-lane roadway to a 2-
lane divided roadway with parking and buffered bicycle lanes, the City has determined
that implementing the proposed “road diet” is exempt from the CEQA, insofar as the
proposed traffic striping will occur entirely within existing, disturbed right of way; will only
be implemented on street segments which currently operate at acceptable levels of
service, and will continue to operate at acceptance levels of service once the traffic
striping has been completed; and the traffic striping will have no potential to impact the
environment. The insta!!atlon of the traffic striping to implement a “road diet” is exempt
from CEQA under the General Rule, Public Resources Code 21080, and CEQA
Guidelines 15061 (B)(3).
08
City Council Staff Report
July 6, 2016 — Page 9
Consideration on Initiating General Plan Amendment-
Circulation Element and Bikeways Map
FISCAL IMPACT:
On June 15, 2016, the City Council appropriated $1 Million from the Measure J Capital
Improvement Fund for completion of bikeway and related facilities. The City has also
received a $402,000 federal CMAQ grant from CVAG which supplements the Measure
J funding appropriated to implement Class II bike lanes on certain streets. Staff has
estimated that the cost to implement revised traffic striping associated with a Minor
Mobility Corridor is $250,000 per mile. With the City Council’s approval of the
recommendations made by the City Council Subcommittee, implementing Class II bike
lanes on Camino Real, Crossley Road, Farrell Drive, La Verne Way, Mesquite Avenue,
and San Rafael Drive is estimated to cost $1,640,000. Staff will coordinate with CVAG
to reprogram the CMAQ grant to apply to the streets approved for reclassification by the
City Council, and include the traffic restriping as part of other street resurfacing or
reconstruction projects to bring economy of scale and to leverage other funding to the
cost of implementing revised traffic striping.
SUBMITTED: c:..____()
n~~~~ ~
Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S.
Assistant City Manager/City Engineer
Attachments:
-.-2=~~
David H. Ready, Esq.~
City Manager
1. June 15, 2016, by reference incorporated, available online at:
http://palmspringsca.gov/home/showdocument?id=43808
09
ATTACHMENT 1
JUNE 15, 2016,
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
http://palmspringsca.gov/home/showdocument?id=43808
10
Adopted by the Palm Springs City Council
October , 2007
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ACKNOWLEDGACKNOWLEDGACKNOWLEDGACKNOWLEDGMENTSMENTSMENTSMENTS
Many people played a part in preparing this General Plan. Those listed below were
particularly instrumental in preparing this document. The city wishes to acknowledge the
dedication of these individuals and others who provided support for the effort. Their
contribution to the continued prosperity of the City of Palm Springs is greatly appreciated.
CITY COUNCILCITY COUNCILCITY COUNCILCITY COUNCIL
Ron Oden Mayor
Steve Pougnet Mayor Pro Tem
Ginny Foat Council Member
Mike McCulloch Council Member
Chris Mills Council Member
AAAA GUA GUA GUA GUA CCCC ALIENTE ALIENTE ALIENTE ALIENTE BBBB AND OF AND OF AND OF AND OF CCCCAHUILLA AHUILLA AHUILLA AHUILLA IIII NDIANSNDIANSNDIANSNDIANS COUNCIL COUNCIL COUNCIL COUNCIL
Richard M. Milanovich Chairman
Barbara Gonzales Lyons Vice Chairman
Moraino J. Patencio Secretary/Treasurer
Jeannette Prieto-Dodd Member
Jeff L. Grubbe Member
PLANNING COMMISSIONPLANNING COMMISSIONPLANNING COMMISSIONPLANNING COMMISSION
Dianne Marantz Chair
Jon Caffery Commissioner
Leo Cohen Commissioner
Larry Hochanadel Vice Chair
Rick Hutcheson Commissioner
Toni Ringlein Commissioner
Bill Scott Commissioner
GENERAL PLAN STEERINGENERAL PLAN STEERINGENERAL PLAN STEERINGENERAL PLAN STEERIN G COMMITTEEG COMMITTEEG COMMITTEEG COMMITTEE
Fred Bell Building Industry Association
Nancy Bentnick Parks & Recreation Commission
Dorothy Bowens Desert Highlands Neighborhood
Lyn Calerdine Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation
Nick Chicola Deepwell Neighborhood
Aftab Dada Palm Springs Hotel Association
Greg Day Chino Canyon Neighborhood
Steven Erickson Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
Bob Evans Movie Colony
Jim Evosevich Parks & Recreation
Michael Green Desert Gay Tourism Guild
Jay Gustafson Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood
April Hildner Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood
Tony Lancombe Uptown Neighborhood
Steven Lyle Indian Planning Commission
Joy Meredith Downtown Merchants Association
Jeff Morgan Sierra Club
Margaret Park Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Planning
Roxann Ploss Bel Desierto Neighborhood
Toni Ringlein North Palm Springs Neighborhood and Planning Commission
Marshall Roath Tennis Club Neighborhood
Bill Scott Historic Site Preservation Board
Marna Van Horn Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation
Reuel Young Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation
HHHH ISTORIC ISTORIC ISTORIC ISTORIC SSSS ITE ITE ITE ITE PPPP RESERVATION RESERVATION RESERVATION RESERVATION BBBBOARDOARDOARDOARD
Sidney Williams Chair
Brian Strahl Board Member
Jade Nelson Board Member
James Hayton Board Member
John Williams Board Member
Harold “Bud” Riley Board Member
AAAA RCHITECTURAL RCHITECTURAL RCHITECTURAL RCHITECTURAL AAAA DVISORY DVISORY DVISORY DVISORY CCCCOMMITTEEOMMITTEEOMMITTEEOMMITTEE
Jim Cioffi Chair
Douglas Hudson Committee Member
Michael King Committee Member
Lance O’Donnell Committee Member
Christopher Sahlin Committee Member
Jeffery Jurasky Committee Member
William Kopelk Committee Member
Donald Wexler Committee Member
CITY MANAGER AND ASSCITY MANAGER AND ASSCITY MANAGER AND ASSCITY MANAGER AND ASS ISTANT CITY MANAGERSISTANT CITY MANAGERSISTANT CITY MANAGERSISTANT CITY MANAGERS
David Ready City Manager
Thomas Wilson Assistant City Manager for Development Services
Troy Butzlaff Assistant City Manager for Administration
DEPARTMENT HEADSDEPARTMENT HEADSDEPARTMENT HEADSDEPARTMENT HEADS
James Thompson City Clerk
Douglas Holland City Attorney
Lee Husfeldt Director of Public Affairs
Richard Walsh Director of Aviation
Don Duckworth Director of Building and Safety
Craig A. Ewing Director of Planning Services
John Raymond Director of Community Development
Craig Graves Director of Finance and Treasurer
Blake Guetz Fire Chief
Sue Mills Director of Human Resources
James Smith Director of Information Technology
Barbara Roberts Director of Library Services
Sharon Heider Director of Parks & Recreation
Gary Jeandron Police Chief
David Barakian Director of Public Works
CITY STAFFCITY STAFFCITY STAFFCITY STAFF
Jing Yeo Principal Planner
Ken Lyon Associate Planner
GENERAL PLAN CONSULTANTSGENERAL PLAN CONSULTANTSGENERAL PLAN CONSULTANTSGENERAL PLAN CONSULTANTS
THE PLANNING CENTERTHE PLANNING CENTERTHE PLANNING CENTERTHE PLANNING CENTER
L e a d C o n s u l t a n tL e a d C o n s u l t a n tL e a d C o n s u l t a n tL e a d C o n s u l t a n t
Richard Ramella Principal-in-Charge
Wendy Grant Project Manager
Rachel Struglia EIR Manager
Jamie Thomas Assistant EIR Manager
Mark Hoffman Senior Planner
Michelle McCready Assistant Planner
Craig Ramella Graphics/GIS
Alanya Schofield Assistant Planner
Valerie Watson Assistant Planner
Laurie Litwin Environmental Analyst
Donna Eto Biological Analyst
Tin Cheung Noise/Air Quality Specialist
Nicole Krause Noise/Air Quality Specialist
Gina Froelich Technical Editor
Maggie Gillette Technical Editor
Dee Santos Document Specialist
Maria Heber Document Production Specialist
Gloria Vega Document Production Specialist
Kim Herkewitz Graphic Artist
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFFPARSONS BRINCKERHOFFPARSONS BRINCKERHOFFPARSONS BRINCKERHOFF QUADE & DOUGLAS QUADE & DOUGLAS QUADE & DOUGLAS QUADE & DOUGLAS
Tr a f f i c M o d e l / C i r c u l a t i o n E l e m e n tTr a f f i c M o d e l / C i r c u l a t i o n E l e m e n tTr a f f i c M o d e l / C i r c u l a t i o n E l e m e n tTr a f f i c M o d e l / C i r c u l a t i o n E l e m e n t
Tim Byrne Transportation Modeling and Analysis Manager
Mitali Gupta Senior Planner
EARTH CONSULTANTS INEARTH CONSULTANTS INEARTH CONSULTANTS INEARTH CONSULTANTS IN TETETETE RNATIONALRNATIONALRNATIONALRNATIONAL
G e o t e c h n i c a lG e o t e c h n i c a lG e o t e c h n i c a lG e o t e c h n i c a l , , , , H y d r o l og i c a lH y d r o l og i c a lH y d r o l og i c a lH y d r o l og i c a l , , , , a n d H a z a r d s A n a l y s i sa n d H a z a r d s A n a l y s i sa n d H a z a r d s A n a l y s i sa n d H a z a r d s A n a l y s i s
Tania Gonzales Vice President
STANLEY R. HOFFMAN ASTANLEY R. HOFFMAN ASTANLEY R. HOFFMAN ASTANLEY R. HOFFMAN A SSOCIATESSSOCIATESSSOCIATESSSOCIATES
E c o n o m i c a n d To u r i s m C o n d i t i o n s / Fi s c a l A n a l y s i sE c o n o m i c a n d To u r i s m C o n d i t i o n s / Fi s c a l A n a l y s i sE c o n o m i c a n d To u r i s m C o n d i t i o n s / Fi s c a l A n a l y s i sE c o n o m i c a n d To u r i s m C o n d i t i o n s / Fi s c a l A n a l y s i s
Stan Hoffman President
Debbie L. Lawrence, AICP Project Manager
Bravish Rau Mallavarapu Project Manager
Marcine Osborn Senior Associate
MOORE IMOORE IMOORE IMOORE I AAAA COFANO GOLTSMANCOFANO GOLTSMANCOFANO GOLTSMANCOFANO GOLTSMAN
P u b l i c O u t r e a c hP u b l i c O u t r e a c hP u b l i c O u t r e a c hP u b l i c O u t r e a c h
Patricia V. McLaughlin Principal
Esmeralda Garcia Project Manager
Jenna Monterrosa Project Associate
THE PALM SPRINGS VISIONTHE PALM SPRINGS VISIONTHE PALM SPRINGS VISIONTHE PALM SPRINGS VISION
A world-renowned desert resort community where residents
and visitors enjoy safe neighborhoods, an exciting social
environment and a relaxing leisure experience.
We enhance our natural, cultural, and historical resources
with sustainable economic growth and high style.
We provide responsive, friendly and efficient public services
within a government that fosters unity among
all our citizens.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page i
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
Section Page
1. ADMINISTRATION………………………………………………………………………1-1
Preface …………………………………………………………………………….. 1-1
Palm Springs Vision ………………………………………………………….. 1-2
Setting the Stage……………………………………………………………….. 1-2
Background………………………………………………………………….. 1-2
Regional Context…………………………………………………………… 1-4
What is a General Plan?…………………………………………………….. 1-7
How the General Plan Serves Our Community ……………………. 1-8
Shaping the Plan ………………………………………………………………. 1-9
Advisory Committees……………………………………………………… 1-9
General Plan Steering Committee ………………………………………..1-9
Downtown Advisory Group………………………………………………1-10
Public Outreach…………………………………………………………… 1-11
Community Festivals ……………………………………………………….1-11
Downtown Ideas and Directions Workshop …………………………1-11
Vision-to-Reality Workshops…………………………………………….1-12
General Plan Priorities……………………………………………………..1-12
How to Read the General Plan………………………………………….1-14
Goals…………………………………………………………………………. 1-14
Policies ………………………………………………………………………. 1-14
Actions………………………………………………………………………. 1-14
Policy Interpretation …………………………………………………….. 1-15
Amending the General Plan………………………………………………1-16
Timing ………………………………………………………………………. 1-16
Application Procedures …………………………………………………. 1-16
Exemptions…………………………………………………………………. 1-17
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs…………………………1-17
Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance……………………………. 1-17
Specific Plans………………………………………………………………. 1-17
Planned Development Districts………………………………………. 1-18
Section Page
Page ii Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Development Agreements……………………………………………… 1-19
Redevelopment Plans……………………………………………………. 1-19
Sphere of Influence ………………………………………………………. 1-19
Relationship with the Agua Caliente Band of
Cahuilla Indians…………………………………………………………… 1-20
Goals, Policies and Actions ……………………………………………….1-25
Administration ……………………………………………………………. 1-25
Intergovernmental Coordination…………………………………….. 1-26
2. LAND USE ELEMENT …………………………………………………………………2-1
Land Use Plan ………………………………………………………………….. 2-1
Planning for the Future …………………………………………………….. 2-2
Population and Employment Growth………………………………… 2-2
General Plan Land Use Designations………………………………….. 2-3
Residential Land Uses …………………………………………………….. 2-5
Commercial ………………………………………………………………….. 2-6
Mixed Use ……………………………………………………………………. 2-7
Special Policy Areas………………………………………………………… 2-8
Employment Centers (Office and Industrial) ………………………. 2-8
Institutional (Schools/Public Uses/Utilities) ………………………… 2-9
Open Space…………………………………………………………………. 2-10
Overlay Areas……………………………………………………………… 2-11
Goals, Policies and Actions ……………………………………………….2-19
Balance of Land Uses ……………………………………………………. 2-19
New Housing Opportunities………………………………………….. 2-26
Resort Destination Image ……………………………………………… 2-28
Mixed/Multi-Use Areas…………………………………………………. 2-30
Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Drive…………………………. 2-31
Artist Colony ………………………………………………………………… 2-32
Uptown ……………………………………………………………………….. 2-32
Vista Chino and Sunrise Way…………………………………………… 2-32
Palm Canyon Drive and Sunny Dunes Road ……………………….. 2-33
Smoke Tree…………………………………………………………………… 2-33
Palm Springs Mall………………………………………………………….. 2-33
Mountains and Hillsides ……………………………………………….. 2-35
A Thriving Downtown …………………………………………………. 2-39
Palm Springs International Airport …………………………………. 2-41
I-10 Corridor………………………………………………………………. 2-43
Special Policy Areas………………………………………………………. 2-45
Chino Cone/Snow Creek………………………………………………….. 2-45
Palm Hills ……………………………………………………………………. 2-53
Section Page
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page iii
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
3. HOUSING ELEMENT…………………………………………………………………..3-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 3-1
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs …………………………. 3-2
Federal Planning Requirements……………………………………………3-2
Regional Housing Needs Assessment ……………………………………3-2
Redevelopment Law…………………………………………………………..3-2
General Plan Consistency……………………………………………………3-2
Public Participation ………………………………………………………….. 3-3
Housing Context ………………………………………………………………. 3-5
Demographic Profile………………………………………………………. 3-5
Population Growth……………………………………………………………3-5
Race and Ethnicity…………………………………………………………….3-6
Age Changes ……………………………………………………………………3-7
Household Changes …………………………………………………………..3-8
Household Income…………………………………………………………….3-9
Special Needs………………………………………………………………….3-11
Housing Characteristics ………………………………………………… 3-13
Housing Inventory…………………………………………………………..3-13
Housing Costs ………………………………………………………………..3-14
Housing Affordability………………………………………………………3-15
Housing Age and Condition………………………………………………3-16
Housing Problems …………………………………………………………..3-17
Housing Preservation Needs ……………………………………………..3-18
Housing Constraints…………………………………………………….. 3-22
Land Use Policies…………………………………………………………….3-22
Land Ownership ……………………………………………………………..3-23
Housing Opportunities…………………………………………………….3-24
Development Standards……………………………………………………3-26
Regulatory Incentives ………………………………………………………3-28
Housing for People with Disabilities …………………………………..3-30
Building Codes ……………………………………………………………….3-31
Permit Approval Process…………………………………………………..3-32
Architectural Review………………………………………………………..3-33
Development Fees …………………………………………………………..3-34
Market Demand ……………………………………………………………..3-35
Housing Needs and Resources ……………………………………….. 3-37
Regional Housing Needs…………………………………………………..3-37
Housing Production…………………………………………………………3-39
Housing Preservation……………………………………………………….3-40
Land Inventory……………………………………………………………….3-42
Site Suitability ………………………………………………………………..3-46
Financial Resources………………………………………………………….3-48
Section Page
Page iv Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Administrative Resources ………………………………………………… 3-49
Goals, Policies and Actions ……………………………………………….3-51
Housing Opportunities…………………………………………………. 3-51
Housing and Neighborhood Quality……………………………….. 3-55
Housing Assistance and Special Needs …………………………….. 3-60
Resource Conservation ………………………………………………….. 3-64
4. CIRCULATION ELEMENT ……………………………………………………………4-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 4-1
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs …………………………. 4-2
CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan…………………………. 4-2
Airport Plans ………………………………………………………………….. 4-2
Goals, Policies and Actions ………………………………………………… 4-3
Roadway Network…………………………………………………………. 4-3
Regional Roadways ………………………………………………………….. 4-3
Roadway Classifications…………………………………………………….. 4-4
Level of Service………………………………………………………………. 4-11
Future Traffic Conditions ………………………………………………… 4-11
Critical Intersections ………………………………………………………. 4-12
Scenic Highways……………………………………………………………. 4-13
Truck Routes ………………………………………………………………… 4-13
Landscape Medians ………………………………………………………… 4-14
Transit, Paratransit And Rail………………………………………….. 4-24
Transit…………………………………………………………………………. 4-24
Paratransit ……………………………………………………………………. 4-24
Rail …………………………………………………………………………….. 4-24
Recreational Trails and Bikeways…………………………………….. 4-27
Recreational Trails …………………………………………………………. 4-27
Bikeway Classifications……………………………………………………. 4-27
Pedestrians………………………………………………………………….. 4-34
Parking………………………………………………………………………. 4-36
Aviation and Heliport Facilities………………………………………. 4-38
Utilities ……………………………………………………………………… 4-39
Water Supply and Distribution Systems …………………………….. 4-39
Wastewater Treatment and Collection ………………………………. 4-40
Storm Drainage Systems …………………………………………………. 4-41
Solid Waste ………………………………………………………………….. 4-41
Electricity …………………………………………………………………….. 4-42
Natural Gas………………………………………………………………….. 4-42
Telecommunications ………………………………………………………. 4-42
Section Page
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page v
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
5. RECREATION, OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION ELEMENT ………..5-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 5-1
Purpose and Function …………………………………………………….. 5-1
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs …………………………. 5-2
Goals, Policies and Actions ………………………………………………… 5-3
Parks and Recreation………………………………………………………. 5-3
City Parks and Golf Courses………………………………………………..5-3
State, Federal, and Tribal Parks……………………………………………5-6
Park Acreage and Design………………………………………………… 5-9
Park Safety, Maintenance, and Condition………………………….. 5-12
Recreational Programs ………………………………………………….. 5-13
Children ………………………………………………………………………..5-13
Teen Activities………………………………………………………………..5-14
Organized Sports …………………………………………………………….5-14
Senior Programs and Services …………………………………………….5-14
Special Events…………………………………………………………………5-15
Quality Trail System …………………………………………………….. 5-16
Financing Park, Trails and Recreation Facilities………………….. 5-20
Natural Resources………………………………………………………… 5-22
Biological Resources……………………………………………………… 5-22
Protected Species …………………………………………………………….5-23
Habitats and Wildlife Corridors…………………………………………5-24
Wildlife Corridors……………………………………………………………5-25
Wildlife and Habitat Conservation……………………………………..5-26
Mineral and Energy Resources ……………………………………….. 5-33
Mineral Resources……………………………………………………………5-33
Electricity and Natural Gas……………………………………………….5-34
Alternative Energy Resources…………………………………………….5-35
Water Resources ………………………………………………………….. 5-41
Water Supply …………………………………………………………………5-41
Water Conservation…………………………………………………………5-41
Water Quality………………………………………………………………..5-42
Cultural and Historic Resources ……………………………………… 5-49
Palm Springs History……………………………………………………….5-49
Historic Places within the City…………………………………………..5-50
Preservation Efforts………………………………………………………….5-52
Historic Resources ……………………………………………………….. 5-59
Cultural Resources and the Arts……………………………………… 5-60
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum………………………………………..5-60
Village Green Heritage Center…………………………………………..5-61
Palm Springs Air Museum ………………………………………………..5-61
Section Page
Page vi Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Theater Venues in Palm Springs……………………………………….. 5-61
Palm Springs Art Museum ………………………………………………. 5-62
6. SAFETY ELEMENT……………………………………………………………………..6-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 6-1
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs …………………………. 6-1
Goals, Policies and Actions ………………………………………………… 6-2
Seismic Safety Considerations…………………………………………… 6-2
Earthquakes and Fault Zones …………………………………………….. 6-2
Laws to Mitigate Earthquake Hazards …………………………………. 6-3
Liquefaction……………………………………………………………………. 6-4
Earthquake-Induced Slope Failures and Landslides…………………. 6-4
Geologic Safety Considerations ………………………………………. 6-11
Slope Instability, Landslides and Debris Flows …………………….. 6-11
Ground Subsidence ………………………………………………………… 6-12
Erosion and Sedimentation………………………………………………. 6-13
Windblown Sand …………………………………………………………… 6-13
Flood and Dam Inundation Hazards ……………………………….. 6-23
Flooding ………………………………………………………………………. 6-23
Dam Inundation ……………………………………………………………. 6-24
Inundation from AbovegRound Storage Tanks ……………………. 6-25
Seiche Potential……………………………………………………………… 6-25
Urban and Wildland Fire Hazards ………………………………….. 6-31
Wildfires………………………………………………………………………. 6-31
Urban Fires…………………………………………………………………… 6-32
Earthquake-Induced Fires ……………………………………………….. 6-32
Hazardous Materials and Waste ……………………………………… 6-39
Transport of Hazardous Materials……………………………………… 6-39
Surface and Subsurface Groundwater Contamination……………. 6-39
Hazardous Materials Management Plan……………………………… 6-40
Airport Safety……………………………………………………………… 6-45
Public Safety……………………………………………………………….. 6-49
Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention…………………………….. 6-49
Fire Protection and Emergency Services……………………………… 6-50
Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery …………………. 6-53
Lifelines and Essential Facilities ………………………………………… 6-54
7. AIR QUALITY ELEMENT……………………………………………………………..7-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 7-1
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs …………………………. 7-1
Regional Air Quality………………………………………………………… 7-1
Air Quality Management Plan …………………………………………… 7-2
Section Page
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page vii
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
Goals, Policies and Actions ………………………………………………… 7-5
Major Sources of Air Pollution………………………………………….. 7-5
Ozone……………………………………………………………………………..7-5
Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10) ……………………………………7-6
Measures to Control Windblown Sand ………………………………….7-6
Sensitive Receptors……………………………………………………….. 7-10
Vehicular Emissions………………………………………………………. 7-12
8. NOISE ELEMENT ……………………………………………………………………….8-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 8-1
Definitions……………………………………………………………………. 8-1
Relationship to Other Plans and Programs …………………………. 8-5
Related Regulatory Documents………………………………………… 8-5
City of Palm Springs Noise Ordinance ………………………………….8-5
Federal Highway Administration …………………………………………8-5
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ……………8-6
Federal Railroad Administration…………………………………………..8-6
California Department of Health Services………………………………8-7
Goals, Policies and Actions ……………………………………………….8-11
Setting……………………………………………………………………….. 8-11
Land Use Planning and Design ………………………………………. 8-19
Transportation-Related Noise Sources ……………………………… 8-22
Freeways and Highways……………………………………………………8-22
Roadways ………………………………………………………………………8-23
Railways………………………………………………………………………..8-23
Airport ………………………………………………………………………….8-23
Sound Attenuation Techniques ………………………………………….8-24
Non-Transportation-Related Noise Sources ………………………. 8-30
Stationary Noise Sources…………………………………………………..8-30
Temporary Noise Sources………………………………………………….8-30
Wind Turbines……………………………………………………………….8-31
Gas Blowdowns………………………………………………………………8-31
9. COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT…………………………………………………9-1
Background and Context…………………………………………………… 9-1
Design Objectives………………………………………………………….. 9-1
Community Design Features……………………………………………. 9-2
Relationship to Other Documents and Programs…………………. 9-4
Goals, Policies and Actions ………………………………………………… 9-7
Community Identity………………………………………………………. 9-7
Gateways……………………………………………………………………. 9-11
Section Page
Page viii Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Nodes/Activity Centers…………………………………………………. 9-13
Enhanced Transportation Corridors …………………………………. 9-16
Highway 111 from I-10 to Tramway Road…………………………. 9-16
North Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive
between Racquet Club Road and Ramon Road………………. 9-16
Indian Canyon Drive from I-10 to San Rafael Drive……………… 9-17
Gene Autry Trail …………………………………………………………… 9-17
Sunrise Parkway Connector……………………………………………… 9-17
Tahquitz Canyon Way……………………………………………………. 9-18
Andreas Road………………………………………………………………… 9-18
Sunrise Way …………………………………………………………………. 9-18
South Palm Canyon Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive……….. 9-18
Neighborhood Streetscapes ……………………………………………. 9-20
Bikeways and Recreational Trails…………………………………….. 9-22
Landscaping………………………………………………………………… 9-23
Signage………………………………………………………………………. 9-26
Lighting …………………………………………………………………….. 9-29
Gathering Places………………………………………………………….. 9-30
Public Art…………………………………………………………………… 9-32
Walls and Fencing………………………………………………………… 9-33
Parking………………………………………………………………………. 9-34
Regional Retail Activity Centers……………………………………… 9-36
Neighborhood Retail Centers…………………………………………. 9-38
Mixed-Use and Multi-Use Development ………………………….. 9-39
MidBlock Corridor Residential……………………………………….. 9-41
Industrial and Business Park Development……………………….. 9-42
Single-Family Residential Neighborhoods ………………………… 9-44
Multiple-Family Development ……………………………………….. 9-52
Scenic Resources and Corridors……………………………………….. 9-53
Architectural Diversity and Context/Historic Preservation…… 9-58
Green Building and Planning Practices ……………………………. 9-61
Special Design Consideration Areas…………………………………. 9-64
Downtown……………………………………………………………………. 9-64
Section 14…………………………………………………………………….. 9-66
Gene Autry Trail …………………………………………………………… 9-67
I-10 Corridor ………………………………………………………………… 9-68
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page ix
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
FiguresFiguresFiguresFigures
Figure Page
Figure 1-1 Regional Location ……………………………………………….. 1-5
Figure 1-2 Redevelopment Areas ………………………………………… 1-21
Figure 1-3 Tribal lands………………………………………………………. 1-23
Figure 2-1 Sample Floor Area Ratio ………………………………………. 2-4
Figure 2-2 General Land Use Plan ………………………………………. 2-15
Figure 2-3 General Plan Land Use Detail……………………………… 2-17
Figure 2-4 Chino Cone Planning Areas ………………………………… 2-51
Figure 3-1 Palm Springs Population Trends…………………………….. 3-5
Figure 3-2 Housing Opportunity Sites …………………………………. 3-43
Figure 4-1 Circulation Plan………………………………………………….. 4-7
Figure 4-2 Typical Street Cross Sections………………………………….. 4-9
Figure 4-3 Truck Routes ……………………………………………………. 4-17
Figure 4-4 Recreational Trails……………………………………………… 4-29
Figure 4-5 Bikeways …………………………………………………………. 4-31
Figure 5-1 Parks and Recreation Facilities ………………………………. 5-7
Figure 5-2 Biological Sensitivity and Conservation Areas…………. 5-31
Figure 5-3 Managed Production of Resources………………………… 5-39
Figure 5-4 Water Resources ……………………………………………….. 5-45
Figure 5-5 Cultural Resources: Prehistoric…………………………….. 5-55
Figure 5-6 Cultural Resources: Historic Archeology ……………….. 5-57
Figure 6-1 Seismic Hazards………………………………………………….. 6-9
Figure 6-2 Landslide Susceptibility………………………………………. 6-17
Figure 6-3 Geologic Map…………………………………………………… 6-19
Figure 6-4 Wind Hazard Zones…………………………………………… 6-21
Figure 6-5 Flood Hazards ………………………………………………….. 6-29
Figure 6-6 Direct Fire Protection Areas………………………………… 6-37
Figure 6-7 Hazardous Materials ………………………………………….. 6-43
Figure 6-8 Airport Compatibility Plan …………………………………. 6-47
Figure 7-1 Blowsand Areas ………………………………………………….. 7-3
Figure 8-1 Sources of Sound…………………………………………………. 8-3
Figure 8-2 Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise
Exposure……………………………………………………………. 8-9
Figure 8-3 Future Roadway Noise Contours………………………….. 8-13
Figure 8-4 Future Roadway Noise Contours Detail (Northern
Area) ………………………………………………………………. 8-15
Figure 8-5 Future Roadway Noise Contours Detail (Central
City)……………………………………………………………….. 8-17
Figure 8-6 Airport Noise Contours………………………………………. 8-25
Figure 9-1 Community Design Features…………………………………. 9-5
Figure Page
Page x Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Figure 9-2 Special Streetscape Treatments ………………………………. 9-9
Figure 9-3 Examples of Residential Neighborhoods
Recognized by the Office of Neighborhood
Involvement …………………………………………………….. 9-47
Figure 9-4 Citywide Scenic View Corridors and Enhanced
Landscape Streets………………………………………………. 9-55
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page xi
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
TablTablTablTableseseses
Table Page
Table 2-1 Residential Buildout Estimates Proposed General Plan…… 2-12
Table 2-2 Nonresidential Land Buildout Estimates Proposed
General Plan…………………………………………………….. 2-13
Table 3-1 City of Palm Springs Changes in Race and Ethnicity ……….. 3-6
Table 3-2 City of Palm Springs Changes in Age Characteristics……….. 3-7
Table 3-3 Palm Springs Changes in Household Composition ………….. 3-8
Table 3-4 Palm Springs Income Characteristics…………………………….. 3-9
Table 3-5 Lower Income Households in Palm Springs………………….. 3-10
Table 3-6 Palm Springs Housing Characteristics…………………………. 3-13
Table 3-7 Palm Springs Housing Prices and Rents………………………. 3-14
Table 3-8 Housing Affordability in Palm Springs………………………… 3-15
Table 3-9 City of Palm Springs Housing Age as of 2000………………. 3-16
Table 3-10 Housing Problems among Households……………………….. 3-17
Table 3-11 Palm Springs Subsidized Multiple-Family Housing ………. 3-19
Table 3-12 General Plan and Zoning Primary Residential Land
Use Designations………………………………………………. 3-22
Table 3-13 Zoning and Residential Land Use Designations and
Associated Regulatory Processes…………………………… 3-24
Table 3-14 Primary Residential Land Use Zones…………………………. 3-26
Table 3-15 Regulatory Incentives…………………………………………….. 3-29
Table 3-16 Residential Development Approval Process………………… 3-32
Table 3-17 Residential Development Fees………………………………….. 3-34
Table 3-18 Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 1998–2007………… 3-38
Table 3-19 Credits Toward the RHNA as of June 2006 ……………….. 3-41
Table 3-20 Palm Springs Vacant Residential Land……………………….. 3-45
Table 3-21 Compliance with the 1998–2007 RHNA ………………….. 3-45
Table 3-22 Housing Program Summary, 1998–2007…………………… 3-68
Table 4-1 Minimum Centerline Radii and Design Speed………………… 4-5
Table 4-2 Level of Service Definitions for Roadway Segments ……….. 4-11
Table 4-3 Critical Intersection Required Improvements ……………….. 4-15
Table 5-1 City Parks and Golf Courses (Open to the Public and
Private)……………………………………………………………… 5-6
Table 5-2 Palm Springs Parkland Needs……………………………………. 5-10
Table 5-3 City of Palm Springs Trail Network ……………………………. 5-17
Table 7-1 CARB Recommendations for Siting New Sensitive
Land Uses………………………………………………………… 7-11
Table 8-1 FHWA Design Noise Abatement Criteria……………………… 8-6
Table 8-2 Summary of EPA/FRA Railroad Noise Standards…………….. 8-7
Table Page
Page xii Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table 8-3 State of California Interior and Exterior Noise
Standards…………………………………………………………… 8-8
Table 9-1 Special Neighborhoods …………………………………………….. 9-49
AppendicesAppendicesAppendicesAppendices
A Downtown Urban Design Plan
B Traffic Analysis
C Intersection LOS
D Housing Data
E Bridge Policies
1.1.1.1. AdministrationAdministrationAdministrationAdministration
1. Introduction
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-1
1. ADMINISTRATION
PREFACE
Our City is unlike any other—we have a reputation as a world
class desert resort and we are one of the nation’s most recognized
winter playgrounds. We are proud of the timeless character of our
Downtown, our celebrated history with the Hollywood entertain-
ment community, our relaxed desert lifestyle, our distinctive
collection of architecture, and our idyllic location at the foothills
of a picturesque mountain setting.
Palm Springs’ eclectic nature creates a desirable environment for
a variety of lifestyles. Artists, retirees, professionals, singles, new
families, and permanent and seasonal residents all call Palm
Springs home. As part of this General Plan, we are embarking on
many positive changes for the City’s future. Embracing the
positive energy and active involvement of our citizens, the City
will continue to take the necessary steps to improve our
community and to achieve our vision.
As Riverside County’s population continues to grow, it will be
imperative for Palm Springs to develop strategies to sustain the
vitality and unique charm of the City while managing the
imminent growth of our City’s population. We will:
Achieve a quality of life and delicate balance of land uses that make
Palm Springs a desirable place to live.
Position the City to attract businesses that stimulate the City’s
economy.
Provide recreational and resort opportunities that will strengthen the
City’s reputation as a premier desert retreat.
This chapter provides a broad overview of the General Plan—how it was
created, what it is to achieve, and how it should be used. It also provides
Page 1-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
background information such as the Vision, project setting, overview of
public outreach efforts, and features of the General Plan—all of which are
needed to understand our City’s history and to chart the course for our future.
The thrust of this document is to create a mechanism that will preserve the
quality of life, character, and image that are distinctively Palm Springs while
developing a balance of land uses that encourages sustainability and vitality
for our community. In doing so, we will create an enduring legacy of a City
that will be enjoyed by generations to come.
PALM SPRINGS VISION
Our vision statement serves as the foundation for all of the goals and policies
contained within this document. It is with this vision that our City can
continue to achieve its maximum potential. The vision serves as the “common
ground” from which all decisions are made, and it identifies priority areas
where resources should be focused to ensure that our city continues to be a
great place to live, work, and recreate.
The Palm Springs Vision
A world-renowned desert resort community where residents and visitors enjoy
safe neighborhoods, an exciting social environment and a relaxing leisure
experience.
We enhance our natural, cultural, and historical resources with sustainable
economic growth and high style.
We provide responsive, friendly and efficient public services within a
government that fosters unity among all our citizens.
SETTING THE STAGE
BACKGROUND
Of all the destination resorts in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is certainly
the most famous. The physical beauty, spectacular climate, and unique charm
of Palm Springs are known throughout the region, the country, and even the
world. In a city as cherished and visible as Palm Springs, the vision for the
future is multifaceted and complex, since the City must strive to preserve the
delicate balance between its natural and built environments. The ultimate
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-3
ADMINISTRATION
The Palm Springs City seal reflects the
City’s most well-known attributes:
warm weather, dramatic mountain
backdrop, and signature palm trees.
goal of the General Plan is to achieve land uses and development patterns
that best meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Bounded by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains on the south and west
and the desert on the north and east, Palm Springs is a product of its
relationship with its surrounding natural and geographic environments. The
expansive desert terrain contributes to the City’s coveted warm climate; the
mountains provide a dramatic visual backdrop and shelter from the winds.
The proximity to metropolitan Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties,
combined with the City’s superior physical setting, is a primary reason that
Palm Springs has become a popular resort destination.
The area encompassing the present City of Palm Springs was discovered
centuries ago by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who established
their village around the natural hot mineral springs known for their medicinal
and healing capabilities. Throughout the 19th century, many explorers,
colonizers, and soldiers came through the desert, but it wasn’t until 1853 that
United States Topographical Engineers described the combination of palm
trees and warm springs they encountered as “Palm Springs.” The name
became more commonly used several years later.
In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed its line through the desert
to the Pacific Ocean. Early development in Palm Springs was associated with
attempts to establish agricultural activity in the area and the southern
portions of the Coachella Valley. In the 1920s, the region became a retreat for
successful business and movie personalities, who took advantage of the warm
weather, the remote location, and the hot water spas. The tourist and resort
community of Palm Springs developed over the following decades and
dramatically changed the character and economy of the Coachella Valley. In
1938, the City of Palm Springs was officially incorporated.
Today, Palm Springs not only prides itself on its resort amenities, but also on
the village character it has been able to maintain. At the same time, Palm
Springs has many major amenities typically found in cities with much larger
populations, such as the Palm Springs International Airport, Convention
Center, Palm Springs Art Museum, Aerial Tramway, Desert Regional Medical
Center, a broad range of public services, and diverse residential neighbor-
hoods. Open space and mountainous areas comprise almost half of the City’s
total area and provide treasured natural recreation opportunities and habitat
areas.
Page 1-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
REGIONAL CONTEXT
The City is nestled at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains,
approximately 60 miles east of Riverside. Serving as the “gateway city” for
the Coachella Valley, the City of Palm Springs comprises an incorporated area
that encompasses 60,440 acres, or nearly 95 square miles; the City’s sphere of
influence comprises another 27,160 acres, or approximately 42 square miles.
Primary access to the City is provided by Interstate 10 and Highway 111;
north–south access to the City is provided via Indian Canyon Drive and Gene
Autry Trail (Figure 1-1).
Sphere of Influence: Established
by the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO), a sphere of
influence is intended to reflect “the
probable physical boundaries and
service area” of a city. The Sphere
encompasses incorporated and
unincorporated territory. LAFCO is
directed by State law to establish
and periodically review the spheres
of influence for each agency within
its jurisdiction.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-7
ADMINISTRATION
WHAT IS A GENERAL PLAN?
State law requires every city and county within California to adopt a
comprehensive General Plan. The General Plan represents the community’s
view of its future; it becomes a blueprint for a city’s or county’s growth and
development. City councils, boards of supervisors, planning commissions, and
city staff use the goals and policies of the General Plan as a basis on which to
make decisions.
The General Plan is considered “comprehensive” since it applies to the
territory within the boundaries of the adopting jurisdiction, any areas outside
of its boundaries that are within its sphere of influence, and any land outside
the City’s boundaries in which the City has determined bears relation to its
planning efforts. Since regional planning issues are not necessarily confined to
political boundaries, State law allows jurisdictions to conduct planning efforts
outside the jurisdiction’s territory. The need to address important issues that
transcend local boundaries can facilitate inter-agency planning coordination
and result in collaborative planning strategies between neighboring cities or
regional agencies such as the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
The General Plan is also considered comprehensive because it addresses a
wide range of issues that affect the City such as the physical development of
the jurisdiction or social concerns that can affect the overall quality of life.
The General Plan is considered a “long-term” plan since it looks 20 years or
more into the future. Each jurisdiction can establish a time horizon that best
fits its individual needs.
It is not unusual for new information to become available during the life of a
General Plan. Alternatively, the vision for the community may change over
time, and as a result, General Plans are periodically reviewed and updated to
reflect the community’s changing needs.
The City of Palm Springs is a charter city and is therefore able to exercise
broader powers to enact land use regulations than do general law cities. For
example, as a charter city, Palm Springs is not currently required to meet the
state law requirement for consistency between the General Plan and the
zoning ordinance. The City’s charter city status provides it with greater
control over its future development and administration.
Charter City Classification
Under the California constitution,
cities are either general law cities
or charter cities. General-law cities
must follow procedures set by state
law and may only exercise powers
granted to them by the State.
Charter cities have full authority
over their own municipal affairs
(such as financing public
improvements or enacting local
ordinances), although they remain
subject to state law on matters of
statewide importance (such as
regulation of traffic and vehicles or
exercising powers of eminent
domain).
Page 1-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
HOW THE GENERAL PLAN SERVES
OUR COMMUNITY
Cities that are thriving and healthy provide their citizens with a quality
environment for living, working and recreating. The General Plan is the
single most important tool used to help successful communities achieve their
vision.
The General Plan:
Sets the course for decision making
Helps to balance the competing interests of residents with the needs of
visitors and property owners
Helps to inform and educate the citizenry
Serves as an effective management tool for City staff
Provides guidance for economic decisions
Ensure the protection of the natural environment
This update process is not intended to craft the
General Plan from scratch; instead it streamlines
and further refines the existing direction already
established by the City in the 1993 General Plan.
The General Plan contains state-mandated
elements, including Land Use, Housing,
Circulation, Safety, Noise, and Parks, Recreation,
Open Space and Conservation.
Since opportunities for redevelopment and
reinvestment into the community are a promi-
nent issue for the City, economic development
and improved community quality are a
considerable focus of the General Plan and
its policies. As a result, two elements were
included in the General Plan to provide
additional direction for the City’s future: the Community Design Element
and Air Quality Element.
Proposals for development, either developer- or City-initiated, must be
analyzed and tested for consistency with the goals, policies, and programs in
every applicable element of the General Plan. This test of compliance is also a
required criterion for determining significant impacts under the provisions of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The City adopted its first General
Plan in 1966. It was rewritten in the
1970s and the last General Plan
was adopted in 1993.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-9
ADMINISTRATION
The statement over the entrance to the City Council Chambers
clearly captures the collaborative spirit embodied by the Palm
Springs community and City leaders.
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared as a companion
document to the General Plan. The EIR assesses the potential impacts that
are generated by the goals, policies, and programs of the General Plan, and
identifies mitigation measures to address those impacts. The technical studies
prepared for safety, cultural resources, and traffic provided the technical detail
used to determine the level of impacts that could be created by the General
Plan.
SHAPING THE PLAN
General Plan preparation is a comprehensive process
involving City leaders and staff, residents, community
groups, and consultants. “The People are the City”—
these words are memorialized above the entrance to the
City Council Chambers and encapsulate the vital role of
public participation in key decisions affecting the City’s
future.
Preparing a General Plan, or in this case, an update to the
existing General Plan, requires a jurisdiction to conduct a
candid assessment of the city—its existing conditions and
trends, opportunities and constraints, and vision for the
future. The input generated by residents and stakeholders
informs the General Plan so that it reflects real-world
issues experienced by those who live and work in the
community.
Before the General Plan can be considered by the
Planning Commission and City Council for action, various
community members, stakeholders, and members of the
business community must become involved and volunteer their expertise and
insights to help shape the General Plan.
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
General Plan Steering Committee
The Steering Committee was established by the City Council to provide input
to the General Plan process. The Steering Committee reviewed the City’s
existing General Plan elements and provided feedback on goals and policies
that were pertinent to the update and should be retained, those that should
be retained but modified, and those that should be removed from the General
Plan document altogether because they are complete or no longer relevant.
Page 1-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The Steering Committee served as a vehicle to attain representative opinions
and attitudes of residents, landowners, interest groups, and other community
members interested in providing input that would ultimately shape the
outcome of the General Plan. Steering Committee representatives also served
as communications liaisons to the public and assisted the planning effort by
providing recommendations to staff prior to the presentation of the General
Plan document to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Downtown Advisory Group
Although Palm Springs is well known as a destination resort, steps must be
taken to energize the community to maintain its vitality and to ensure that
development opportunities are captured within Palm Springs rather than
other cities in the Coachella Valley.
In response to increasing development pressures Downtown, and to increase
revitalization efforts in the heart of Palm Springs, the Downtown Advisory
Group was created. The Downtown Advisory Group was comprised of 15
members representing City Council, Planning Commission, the design
community, the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood, the Palm Springs
Economic Development Corporation, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians, the Downtown Merchants Association, the Uptown area of the City,
the Historic Site Preservation Board, and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The Downtown Advisory Group was instrumental in the development of a
vision for Downtown and the Downtown Urban Design Plan, an interim plan
guiding:
the preferred intensity, heights, and locations of uses
the integration of mixed uses
landscape treatments
structured and on-street parking
the introduction of plazas and midblock walkthroughs
adaptive reuse of historic buildings
Downtown Palm Springs is the heart of the community. The vitality of the
City’s core has the potential to dramatically influence the future of the City
economically; therefore, it was critical to develop a strategy to manage its
functionality and aesthetic appeal to locals and visitors alike.
As development pressures within the City continue to increase, it will also
become increasingly important to reposition the Downtown to serve as a
major activity center for not only the City, but also the Coachella Valley. The
principles and objectives identified in the Downtown Urban Design Plan were
created as a precursor the General Plan and is a proactive and conscientious
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-11
ADMINISTRATION
strategy to protect and enhance the quality of development in the heart of
Palm Springs. The Plan addresses and responds to the changing physical,
economic, and social environments of Downtown. It was created through the
valuable input of the community and a specially developed task force that
was charged with reviewing the content and setting direction established in
the document.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
During the preparation of this General Plan, public involvement was solicited
at various points of the General Plan process. Outreach efforts ranged from
large-scale community festivals to more issue-oriented discussions conducted
in smaller workshops held within the community.
Community Festivals
A series of community outreach festivals were hosted by the City at two
strategic points in the General Plan Update effort. In May 2005, over 130
people participated in the Plan! Palm Springs Community Workshop, the first
outreach effort designed to obtain preliminary feedback from the community
relating to land use, circulation, neighborhoods, open space, parks, and
conservation. Participants were asked to vote on the issues that were most
important to them. This prioritization of issues helped to focus and direct the
goals and policies that were identified in each of the elements.
The second phase of public outreach was held in January 2007 to prepare the
public for a “preview” of the Draft General Plan. The General Plan Preview
workshop provided an overview of the General Plan process, how the
comments received over the course of the planning effort were incorporated
into the plan, and additional ways that the public could comment on the
contents of the General Plan prior to its review and action by the Planning
Commission and City Council.
Downtown Ideas and Directions Workshop
Open to the general public, this outreach effort held in February 2005
was designed to create a forum for stakeholders to express their visions
for Downtown Palm Springs and their opinions on current obstacles
and opportunities in the Downtown area. Workshop participants were
asked to think about the best way to encourage and manage future
development Downtown. This workshop provided a valuable forum to
create a consensus about the most important issues to be addressed
Downtown, and developed potential strategies to address those issues.
These strategies ultimately resulted in the development of the
Downtown Urban Design Plan (Appendix A), adopted by the City
Page 1-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Council on July 20, 2005, the guidelines complement the policies in the
Community Design Element.
Vision-to-Reality Workshops
To receive input from the community on the Land Use Plan,
approximately 10 smaller-scale outreach meetings were conducted in
various areas of the City. Facilitated by members of City Staff and the
General Plan Steering Committee, these workshops provided valuable
community feedback to the Steering Committee on the proposed
Land Use Plan. Input received from each of the community
workshops was reviewed, evaluated, and prioritized by the Steering
Committee; refinements were then made to the Land Use Plan prior
to its presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council.
GENERAL PLAN PRIORITIES
General Plans provide policy guidance related to the seven mandatory
elements required by state law. It is common that recurring issues and themes
surface during public outreach efforts and evaluation of the plan that require
more focused attention and future direction above and beyond that mandated
by the state. Focused issues become features of the Plan, and can be used to
prioritize use of staff resources and allocation of budget. The following values
were identified as the highest priority for Palm Springs, and must be
addressed in the General Plan to allow the City to achieve its maximum
potential aesthetically, economically, and socially.
Support Palm Springs as one of the world’s premier desert resorts. Strengthen
and promote those things that make Palm Springs a one-of-a kind resort
destination, including its natural resources, eco-tourism, its pedestrian-
oriented shopping and entertainment districts including Downtown, its
unique architecture, the convenience of its airport and convention center, and
its wide array of lodging and recreational facilities.
Establish the City as a leader in efficient use of resources: land, water, and
energy. Promote energy efficiency and the efficient use of natural resources.
Promote the development of alternative energy industries and use of
alternative energy sources such as wind and solar in new and existing
construction to minimize resource depletion and conserve resources for future
generations.
Diversify the City’s economic foundations and promote Palm Springs as the
“first choice” for businesses. Create employment opportunities that will
maintain a stable and diverse economy, including opportunities for workers to
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-13
ADMINISTRATION
live in the communities in which they work. Through land use and other
policies, promote Palm Springs as the first choice for businesses such as
tourism, entertainment, retail, office, medical, educational, professional,
financial, technical, industrial, and other economic and employment
generators.
Develop a full range of retail opportunities for local, regional, and tourist
markets. Encourage diverse and appealing shopping opportunities for
residents, tourists, and the regional market that will generate sales tax
revenues, attract customers from neighboring communities, and enrich the
quality of the life for those living in and visiting Palm Springs.
Provide for a broad range of housing opportunities. Encourage development
of housing units for varying life stages and styles and all economic levels.
Create unique places that strengthen community identity, offer visual
interest, and support lively activity. Concentrate and promote areas of rich
community activity served by efficient multimodal transportation and parking.
Encourage the creative mixing of land uses to promote vibrant neighborhoods
and reduce the need for vehicle use. Combine residential, retail, office, and
other land uses within the Downtown and other key locations, to create
active, full-service neighborhoods that are less dependent on the automobile.
Preserve and uphold the high quality of architecture and the unique visual
and aesthetic form in buildings and neighborhoods that distinguish Palm
Springs from other cities. Promote the identification of unique neighborhoods
while encouraging new and characteristically different neighborhood types to
develop. Recognize the importance of adaptive reuse for architecturally and
historically significant resources.
Provide a circulation system that accommodates the smooth flow of vehicular
traffic, encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and presents
attractively landscaped corridors. As the City develops, street and roadway
improvements will be necessary to ensure a safe and functioning network of
circulation corridors and intersections. The streets will be attractively
developed and maintained to encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and alternative
forms of transportation. Trails, bikeways, and other forms of circulation
linkages through the city and into surrounding areas must also be developed
and maintained.
Promote development that enhances scenic views and provides both visual
and physical access to the City’s surrounding mountains, washes, open space,
and other scenic and natural resources. Unparalleled natural resources can be
found in and near Palm Springs. These resources add value to the City’s
Page 1-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
quality of life and are an important contributor to the City’s image as a
destination resort.
HOW TO READ THE GENERAL PLAN
GOALS
Each element contains at least one goal statement and related policy
statements and implementing programs. A goal in the General Plan is the
broadest statement of community values. It is a generalized ideal which
provides a sense of direction for action. For example:
GOAL 1:
Create a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and unified community appearance
within the context of distinct districts and neighborhoods.
POLICIES
The essence of the General Plan is contained within its policy statements.
Policies further refine the goal statements, and guide the course of action the
City must take to achieve the goals in the plan. It is important to note that
policies are guides for decision makers, not decisions themselves. For example:
Policy
1.1 Use public landscaping and signage along streets, sidewalks, and
property frontages and in public spaces to strengthen the existing
City identity.
ACTIONS
Details for implementing policies in the General Plan are contained in the
form of action items. An action item describes the specific steps necessary to
achieve a policy, and defines the level of commitment to be executed. The key
questions that eventually need to be addressed for actions in the General Plan
are:
Who is responsible for implementing the action item?
When is it to be carried out?
How much will it cost?
How will it be funded?
Example
Example
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-15
ADMINISTRATION
Actions provide the basis for establishing priorities, scheduling, and assigning
staff and other resources to specific actions needed to implement the policies
of the Plan. For example:
Action
1.2 Create a master streetscape plan addressing landscaping, signage,
lighting, and special design features along Gene Autry Trail.
POLICY INTERPRETATION
For a policy to be useful, it must be clear. However, not all policies are the
same; they differ in terms of expected results, commitment of resources, and
indication of importance or urgency. Therefore, it is important to simplify the
language used in the General Plan and understand the distinctions between
the different levels of policy. The following definitions of terms provide
guidance in interpreting the policy language of the General Plan; where other
action terms are used that are not specified here, they are to be equated to the
closest applicable term described below.
Shall: Policies containing the word “shall” indicate that an action must be taken in
all cases. This represents absolute commitment to the policy, and the expectation is
that the policy will always be carried out.
Should: Policies containing the word “should” indicate that an action will be taken
in most cases, but exceptions are acceptable for good reasons.
Encourage: Policies containing the word “encourage” indicate that these actions
are highly recommended or desired and should be pursued when feasible.
Allow: Policies containing the word “allow” indicate that a proposed action will be
supported within certain parameters and following certain guidelines.
Coordinate: Policies containing the word “coordinate” indicate that an action will
occur with another entity, and the City will carry its share of the burden or
responsibility.
Explore: Policies containing the word “explore” indicate that an action will
be taken to investigate the subject at hand to discover whether or not some further
commitment is in order.
Consider: Policies containing the word “consider” indicate that an action may or
may not be taken, depending upon the results of analysis that remains to be
completed.
Example
Page 1-16 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Limit: Policies containing the word “limit” indicate that an action will be taken to
keep the subject within certain limits, or will at least make undesired change more
difficult.
Restrict: Policies containing the word “restrict” indicate that an action will be
taken to keep the undesired action to a minimum.
AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan is not static, but rather is a dynamic and multi-faceted
document that defines and addresses the changing needs of the City. It is
based on an on-going assessment and understanding of existing and projected
community needs. To assure that the General Plan is kept current, short-term
programs and policies may be reviewed periodically to reflect compatibility
with budgetary priorities and related program status. Long-term programs
and implementation measures must also be given consideration to assure
timely funding and development of critical infrastructure and public services
and facilities.
TIMING
Mandatory elements of the General Plan may be amended up to four times in
each calendar year. The City Council or any citizen may initiate a General
Plan Amendment. It is left to the discretion of the local jurisdiction to
establish an amendment schedule to be published one year in advance. State
law further requires that the Housing Element be reviewed and updated at
least once every five years.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applications for the amendment of the General Plan and the appropriate fees
are filed with the Department of Planning Services. An amendment to the
General Plan constitutes a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and, therefore, is evaluated for its environmental effects
and consistency with other elements of the General Plan. Final approval of
General Plan amendments is the responsibility of the City Council subject to
satisfying the environmental requirements imposed by CEQA.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-17
ADMINISTRATION
EXEMPTIONS
The State Legislature has recognized that occasions arise which require the
local jurisdiction to have some flexibility in amending the General Plan. As
set forth in the California Government Code, the following are exempt from
the General Plan amendment schedule:
Amendments to optional elements.
Amendments requested and necessary for affordable housing (Section
65358(c)).
Any amendment necessary to comply with a court decision in a case
involving the legal adequacy of the general plan (Section 65358(d)(1)).
Amendments to bring a general plan into compliance with an airport
land use plan (Section 65302.3).
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND
PROGRAMS
Although the General Plan serves as the primary means to help the City
implement its vision, several other management and implementation tools are
needed to ensure that the goals and policies identified here are fully realized.
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ZONING ORDINANCE
The City’s Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance are the primary tools used
to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Zoning
Ordinance provides more detailed direction related to development standards;
permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses; and other regulations
such as parking standards and sign regulations. The land uses specified in the
Zoning Ordinance are based upon and should be consistent with the land use
policies set forth in this element. Changes to the Zoning Ordinance may be
necessary due to the adoption of provisions in this General Plan and could
require changes to the zoning maps and development standards.
SPECIFIC PLANS
While the General Plan provides overall guidance for the physical
development of the City, specific plans are used to provide more detailed
regulatory guidance for special areas or large developments within the City.
Specific plans are generally comprised of a land use plan, circulation plan,
Page 1-18 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
development standards, design guidelines, phasing plan, infrastructure plan
(water, sewer, or drainage), and implementation plan pursuant to California
Governmental Code Sections 65450 through 65457. They are typically
implemented as customized zoning for a particular area of the City, and are
generally used for large-scale projects that require a comprehensive approach
to planning and infrastructure issues.
A limited number of specific plans have been approved within the City of
Palm Springs for the following projects: Canyon Park, Canyon South (an
amendment to the Canyon Park Specific Plan), and Section 14, which are
shown on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3).
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
Planned development districts are mechanisms to provide flexibility in the
application of development standards that would yield a more desirable and
attractive project than would otherwise be possible with strict application of
the underlying zoning regulations. Planned development districts enable
property owners to apply modified development standards (e.g., an increase
in buildable area or building height or adjustments to setbacks) that are
different than those identified in the Zoning Code, if the project can mitigate
any impacts that would be generated by the modifications. All Planned
Development Districts shall be consistent with the General Plan.
To implement the land use policies identified in this element, planned
development districts are intended to:
a. Provide a mechanism to allow the permitted building area, floor area
ratios, and building heights to exceed provisions specified by land use
policy.
b. Provide a mechanism for allowing both on- and off-site density
transfers.
c. Provide a mechanism for the consolidation of adjoining commercially
and residentially designated parcels into a single site, if they are
designed as part of a unified development project.
d. Provide a mechanism for determining the appropriate type, character,
density/intensity, and standards of development for the reuse of sites
currently used for public or private institutions.
e. Provide a mechanism for creative, high quality projects that are
evaluated as a whole, rather than against individual standards.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-19
ADMINISTRATION
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
State law provides for development agreements between a project proponent
and the City. The purpose of a development agreement is to provide
developers with additional assurances that the policies, rules and regulations,
and conditions of approval in effect at the time a project was approved will
not be nullified by a future local policy or regulation change. In exchange, the
developer may be required to meet certain conditions or performance criteria,
which become part of the agreement.
Development agreements can be a useful means of meeting General Plan
goals and policies while removing some of the risks faced by developers.
Agreements can remain in effect for a few or several years, the term typically
being set forth in the agreement. It is important to emphasize that, as set
forth in the Government Code, the City is not prohibited from applying new
rules, regulations, and policies to the property unless specifically stated in the
development agreement, nor is the City prevented from denying or
conditionally approving any subsequent development project application on
the basis of such existing or new rules, regulations, or policies.
REDEVELOPMENT PLANS
Community Redevelopment Law authorizes a city to undertake redevelop-
ment projects to turn blighted, deteriorating areas into revitalized community
assets. Redevelopment strategies can include the use of tax increment
financing (i.e., the amount of additional tax revenue generated by increased
property valuations as a result of new development on the property), property
acquisition, consolidation of small parcels, joint public-private partnerships,
clearance of land and resale to developers, and relocation of tenants.
Redevelopment projects can be implemented only for areas where there is a
documented presence of physical, economic, and/or social blight. The City’s
redevelopment areas were originally comprised of 10 redevelopment project
areas established between 1973 and 1991, but were ultimately merged into
two project areas in 2000, as shown on Figure 1-2, Redevelopment Areas.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Land use planning for the Palm Springs does not stop at the City boundaries.
Unincorporated lands adjacent to the City’s borders are identified by the
Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as areas
likely to be serviced or annexed by the City in the future. These lands are
known as the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI).
Page 1-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Tribal Land Use and
Ownership
In the late 1800s, the United States
government established the Reservation
for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians (Tribe). The Reservation covers
even-numbered sections within the
Palm Springs area. Although all
Reservation land began as Tribal Trust
Land, some has become Allotted Trust
Land, and some Allotted Trust Land has
been sold to become Fee Land.
Tribal Trust Lands: The United States
holds title to these lands in trust for the
Tribe as a whole, rather than for any
individual. The Tribe retains sovereign
authority over the use and regulation of
these lands.
Allotted Trust Lands: These lands are
former Tribal Trust Lands, the title of
which is now held by the United States
for one or more individual members of
the Tribe (allottees), rather than for the
Tribe as a whole. The Tribe retains
sovereign authority over their uses and
regulation, but the Lands may be
subject to the same development
standards and requirements as land
owned by non-Indians (per land use
agreements between the Tribe and local
governments). With the consent of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Depart-
ment of the Interior, an allottee can sell
or lease such lands. If sold, a parcel of
Allotted Trust Land becomes a parcel of
Fee Land.
Fee Lands: These lands are former
Allotted Trust Lands that have been sold
to a buyer, who then holds fee title to
the land. Although the Fee Lands
remain within the historical boundaries
of the Reservation, they can be owned
by anyone.
The City does not have regulatory control over these lands, but does have
authority and responsibility to designate its preference for land use
planning in the County land. The City’s SOI is shown on the Land Use
Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3). In addition, the Land Use Plan identifies an
area north of I-10 that the City is considering for potential future sphere
of influence expansion area; however, no land uses have been proposed for
the area; any future applications to amend the City’s existing SOI to
incorporate this area will require appropriate CEQA review and a General
Plan Amendment to update the Land Use Plan.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF
CAHUILLA INDIANS
The form and quality of land development in Palm Springs has been shaped by
many factors that are uniquely its own. For example, the climate, regional
location, and topography have all influenced the development pattern of the
City. In addition, the City is also subject to a unique pattern of land ownership
that affects the timing and location of development.
The City of Palm Springs is divided into Indian and non-Indian property
holdings, based upon a grid pattern of square-mile sections of alternating
ownerships. Indian land—which has been subdivided into sections, half-
sections, and sometimes even smaller areas—is controlled by the Tribal Council
or by individual allottees of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (the
Tribe). Over time, this checkerboard land-ownership pattern has led to an
inconsistent pattern of development, since the majority of development has
occurred on non-Indian-owned lands. Several strategically located Indian-
owned lands, such as Section 14 just east of Downtown, contain vacant parcels,
and will play a significant role in the future development patterns for the City.
Figure 1-3, Tribal Lands, shows the Indian ownership pattern within the City.
In the 1970s, the City and the Tribe came to an agreement that recognizes the
Tribe’s authority to regulate Indian Trust lands. In addition, the agreement
specified that the City would act as the Tribe’s agent to impose City land use
regulations and consult with the Tribe with regard to any action that may affect
Indian Trust Lands. The agreement established an appeal process designating
the Tribal Council as the final authority over land use matters on Indian lands.
The City maintains a positive relationship with the Tribe and continues to
collaborate with Tribal representatives to develop and apply land use strategies
that support the City’s comprehensive land use vision, while concurrently
achieving objectives identified by the Tribal Council. The viability of
development on Indian land increased significantly when long-term land leases
were first implemented in 1959.
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Page 1-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-25
ADMINISTRATION
GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONS
Since the General Plan is a blueprint for the future of Palm Springs, it serves
as the basis for City staff and the City Council to make strategic policy
decisions. The General Plan must be regularly reviewed and updated to
ensure that its content is reflective of the community’s changing goals and
desires.
ADMINISTRATION
The effective implementation of the General Plan relies on the development
and maintenance of City regulatory documents, including the Zoning
Ordinance, specific plan requirements, and City rules for the implementation
of CEQA. The General Plan itself is a living document with mandates for
frequent review and refinement. Amendments to the Plan should be given
careful consideration and not be granted casually. The goal, policies, and
programs in this introductory chapter will help assure the effective
administration and implementation of all elements of the Palm Springs
General Plan.
GOAL AD1:
Maintain a contemporary General Plan that serves as a valid foundation
for decision making into the future.
Policies
AD1.1 Encourage relevant commissions and boards to meet regularly to
evaluate how their respective groups are working to implement
the City’s General Plan.
AD1.2 Periodically review and update the General Plan to reflect the
changing needs of the community. Focus on reviews and updates
during economic “down cycles” that anticipate and set direction
for anticipated “boom cycles.”
AD1.3 Adequately budget for processing amendments to, and
conducting comprehensive updates of, the General Plan.
AD1.4 Ensure that proposals for new development be analyzed and
tested for consistency with the goals, policies, and action items
identified in the General Plan. Proposed new land uses that are
not consistent with the General Plan shall not be approved.
Page 1-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
AD1.5 Provide the opportunity for adequate public review and comment
for development projects that have the potential to impact the
community.
Actions
AD1.1 Conduct a new commissioners’ orientation program to acquaint
all new members of advisory groups with City issues and the
proper application of the General Plan.
AD1.2 Participate in programs through the Palm Springs Board of
Realtors to educate real estate professionals of the goals, policies
and action items in the General Plan.
AD1.3 Conduct a periodic review and prioritization of capital
improvement projects based on long-range strategic plans for
adequate provision of municipal services.
AD1.4 Review the development application process and outline possible
streamlining opportunities.
AD1.5 Study the Planned Development Process and establish a matrix of
benefits and variances that would establish proportionality
between variances granted and benefits required to be returned to
the City.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
The General Plan is a tool that should be used by the County, the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), and City boards and commis-
sions to gain a better understanding of City priorities and how those priorities
should be addressed in the context of larger planning efforts. As Riverside
County and the Coachella Valley continue to experience a high level of
growth, it will also be imperative that the City continue to play an active role
in regional decision-making efforts. Maintaining strong working relationships
with the County of Riverside and CVAG will help to ensure that the City is
properly positioning itself to manage future growth in a cooperative manner.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 1-27
ADMINISTRATION
GOAL AD2:
Encourage ongoing land use planning coordination efforts between
City, the Tribe, and regional, state, and federal agencies.
Policies
AD2.1 Participate in all relevant local and regional planning efforts.
AD2.2 Establish regular lines of communication with local, regional,
state, and federal agencies whose planning programs may affect
the City of Palm Springs.
Actions
AD2.1 Meet regularly with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
to facilitate discussions related to future land use, tourism, and
economic development plans on Indian-owned land.
AD2.2 Establish working relationships with the Bureau of Land
Management and the Conservation Agencies to manage the City’s
valuable open space and biological resources.
AD2.3 Establish a liaison with the County of Riverside to ensure projects
considered within the City’s sphere of influence conform to the
provisions of the Palm Springs General Plan.
AD2.4 Ensure that Palm Springs residents, property owners, and
businesses have the opportunity to provide input on regional
issues or projects having the potential to impact the community.
AD2.5 Evaluate opportunities to annex land in the City’s Sphere of
Influence.
AD2.6 Evaluate opportunities to amend the City’s Sphere of Influence
boundaries.
AD2.7 Ensure that the regional conservation plans are considered during
future land use reviews for new applications or land use changes.
Page 1-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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2.2.2.2. Land Use ElementLand Use ElementLand Use ElementLand Use Element
2. Land Use
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-1
2.2.2.2. LAND USELAND USELAND USELAND USE ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
As the backbone of the General Plan, this element sets forth the distribution,
location, and intensity of land uses throughout the City. It represents the land
use “road map” for Palm Springs—guiding it into the future with goals,
policies, and actions.
LAND USE PLANLAND USE PLANLAND USE PLANLAND USE PLAN
One of the most visible components of the General Plan is the Land Use
Plan, which depicts where and how development should occur and provides
descriptions of each of the City’s land use designations through text and a
land use diagram. State law requires that general plans identify land use
designations and the development intensities that are associated with them
for the 87,600 acres of land that are located within the City and Sphere of
Influence. In addition, state law also requires that the locations and distri-
bution of the land uses be identified through text and mapping. The locations
of each land use can be found on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3).
The text in this element provides the land use goals, policies, and actions that
are necessary to achieve the vision.
In general, the majority of the City’s existing land uses were retained in place
in the new plan, and focused changes occurred in areas that were either
underutilized or areas that required specialized land use guidance or
refinement. Focused land use changes also occurred in areas where change is
either imminent and needs guidance or where change is desired and needs
stimulation and guidance. The revitalization of Downtown and hillsides were
also issues of high interest and, as a result, customized policy guidance was
developed for these issues.
Page 2-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
PLANNING FOR THE FUTPLANNING FOR THE FUTPLANNING FOR THE FUTPLANNING FOR THE FUTUREUREUREURE
POPULATION AND EMPLOPOPULATION AND EMPLOPOPULATION AND EMPLOPOPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTHYMENT GROWTHYMENT GROWTHYMENT GROWTH
The permanent population of Palm Springs, according to the 2000 census,
was 42,807, a growth of 6.2 percent since 1990. At the height of tourist
season, the combined permanent and seasonal population in Palm Springs is
estimated to be approximately 74,000. Based upon Table 2-1, Land Use Plan,
the City has a potential to generate a maximum of approximately 51,300
dwelling units within the City and Sphere of Influence boundaries. Using an
average household size of 2.08 persons for single-family units and a household
size of 1.78 for multi-family units, the City’s maximum population could
reach approximately 94,950.
At the time of this update, almost 70 percent of available jobs within Palm
Springs are categorized within three employment sectors: retail and enter-
tainment, health care and other services, and government and local services.
In contrast, manufacturing and transportation represent only 9 percent of
jobs within the City. Employment is projected to increase from approximately
32,500 jobs in 2000 to 55,800 jobs by the year 2030. At an average annual
rate of 1.8 percent, this is relatively faster than population and household
growth. As a result of the faster employment growth, the jobs-housing ratio
in the City (the number of jobs per household in the year 2000 was 1.6) is
expected to increase to 1.8 in 2030.
1
It is important to note that, since the
City has limited areas for future development, opportunities to address the
jobs-housing balance are somewhat limited. Additional strategies that address
housing needs and opportunities within Palm Springs can be found in the
Housing Element.
1 Projections based upon SCAG Regional Transportation Plan, 2004.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-3
GENERAL PLAN LAGENERAL PLAN LAGENERAL PLAN LAGENERAL PLAN LAND USE ND USE ND USE ND USE DESIGNATIONSDESIGNATIONSDESIGNATIONSDESIGNATIONS
Land use categories are provided to define the type, density, and intensity of
development in any particular area of the City. It is not the intent o f the
General Plan that all the developments within the City be uniform in type,
for a mixture of dwelling types is not only possible, but desirable. The
mixture could include single-family detached units, townhouses, and some
higher density units that may be condominiums or apartments. The critical
issue related to development is the relationship between the different intensities
of residential use and the open spaces and amenities that should be provided
near those areas. It is, for example, important that higher density residential
be located near parks and convenience shopping areas where the residents can
enjoy neighborhood facilities.
The following section describes in further detail each one of the land uses
identified on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3) and the standards
associated with each.
Each of the land use designations is implemented by a correlating set of
zoning designations described in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. It should be
noted that there need not be an equal number of land use designations and
zoning classifications. In many instances, multiple zoning classifications may
be consistent with a single General Plan land use designation.
Each of the residential land use designations includes a range of allowable
densities. The maximum density signifies the maximum number of dwelling
units per gross acre that are allowed in each residential area. For example, the
Very Low Density Residential designation allows a range of 2.1–4.0 dwelling
units per gross acre.
The lower threshold figure for each of these categories represents a minimum
amount of development anticipated, provided that all other required
conditions can be met, and the higher figure represents a potential maximum
that could be located in each area if the proposed development demonstrates
qualities above the minimum development standards to achieve a higher
density. The purpose of this concept is to ensure that the City continues to
achieve the high-quality development for which it is known. Criteria used to
determine the applicability of the higher densities can be found in the New
Housing Opportunities section of this element.
Building intensities for nonresidential uses are measured by floor area ratio
(FAR). FAR is the ratio of the total net floor area of a building to the total lot
area and describes the intensity of the use on a site. FAR calculations do not
Page 2-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
include areas within parking structures or outdoor open storage areas. Figure
2-1 illustrates the FAR calculation concept.
Actual density (residential uses) and FAR (nonresidential uses) ranges are
determined on a parcel-specific basis. Density and FAR are based on adjusted
gross acreage, which takes out acres associated with right-of-way.
Site considerations, such as topography or location, and City policies and
regulations, such as development standards in the Zoning Code, may place
additional requirements on a property that could prevent the site from
achieving the maximum density or intensity established within this General
Plan.
Figure 2-1 Sample Floor Area Ratio
Building covers 50 percent
(21,780 sq. ft.) of parcel and is
only one story high.
Building covers 25 percent
(10,890 sq. ft.) of parcel, but is
two stories high.
Building covers 16.6 percent
(7,260 sq. ft.) of parcel and is
now three stories high.
Floor Area Ratio Example (FAR = 0.50): On a one-acre parcel (43,560 sq. ft.), a
maximum FAR of 0.50 equates to a total building area of 21,780 sq. ft., in either a
1-, 2-, or 3-story configuration (43,560 sq. ft. multiplied by 0.50 equals 21,780 sq. ft.).
Note how coverage (building footprint) varies significantly as the building height
changes to yield an identical FAR.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-5
RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL LAND USESLAND USESLAND USESLAND USES
Estate Residential (0–2.0 dwelling units per acre). The Estate
Residential designation provides for the development of large-lot,
single-family residences that are custom in design. This designation is
predominantly located in areas adjacent to the City’s hillsides, reflecting
the natural and environmental constraints that must be addressed there.
Minimum lot sizes are generally 20,000 square feet in this designation;
guest ranches are permitted on parcel areas of five acres, with a
minimum lot area of 4,000 square feet per guest ranch unit.
Very Low Density Residential (2.1–4.0 dwelling units per acre).
The Very Low Density residential is the most prevalent land use
designation within the City, representing typical single-family detached
residential development. Lot sizes in this land use designation generally
range from 16,500 to 8,500 square feet.
Low Density Residential (4.1–6.0 dwelling units per acre). Similar
to the Very Low Density Residential designation, the Low Density
Residential designation also represents “typical” single-family detached
residential development. This designation accommodates typical lot
sizes ranging from 10,000 to 8,000 square feet.
Medium Density Residential (6.1–15.0 dwelling units per acre).
This residential land use category accommodates a range of residential
housing types, including single-family attached, single-family detached,
patio homes, duplexes, townhomes, multiple-family, and mobilehome
projects.
High Density Residential (15.1–30 dwelling units per acre). Typical
development in this category would include duplexes, townhomes, and
apartments. Hotels and motels are also permitted up to 43 rooms per
net acre (up to 86 rooms per net acre permitted on Indian Land) as long
as they are consistent with the design and character of the surrounding
neighborhoods and do not create significant design, parking, or traffic
impacts to the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Medium Density Residential
Estate Residential
Page 2-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
COMMERCIALCOMMERCIALCOMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL
Tourist Resort Commercial (0.35 FAR for stand-alone commercial uses;
43 hotel rooms per net acre; 86 rooms per net acre on Indian Land).
This land use designation provides for large-scale resort hotels and timeshares
including a broad range of convenience, fitness, spa, retail, and entertainment
uses principally serving resort clientele. Commercial recreation and
entertainment facilities, such as convention centers, museums, indoor
and outdoor theatres, and water parks are included in this designation,
but should be designed to be compatible with neighboring development.
Tourist Resort Commercial facilities are most appropriate in the Palm
Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Drive corridors. It is intended that
the primary use in any Tourist Resort Commercial area shall be
hotel/tourist-related uses; if residential uses are proposed within the
Tourist Commercial Designation (timeshares, condominiums, etc.) they
shall be a secondary use ancillary to the proposed hotel uses and shall
not exceed a maximum of 30 dwelling units per acre. Permanent
residential uses and commercial activities are allowed subject to approval
of a planned development district.
Small Hotel Resort Commercial (15 hotel rooms per net acre;
10 dwelling units per acre). This designation applies to areas with
smaller-scale, boutique type hotels that are typically found in the Warm
Sands and Tennis Club neighborhoods. It is intended that the tourist
resort character of these neighborhoods be preserved; as a result, new
residential uses or conversion of small hotels to residential uses are permitted
as long as they comply with the conversion requirements outlined within the
City’s Zoning Code. Stand-alone retail and commercial uses are not permitted
in this land use designation. Ancillary commercial uses such as a gift shop
associated with a small hotel use are allowed.
Neighborhood/Community Commercial (0.35 FAR). Areas designated
as Neighborhood/Community Commercial provide an opportunity for
convenience commercial uses that serve adjacent residential neighborhoods.
The commercial opportunities created under this designation are intended to
be an integrated element of the neighborhood, providing to nearby residents
services such as dry cleaners, grocery stores, bakeries, bank and post office
branches, bookstores, drugstores, and smaller-scale restaurants. Harmonious
relationships between these commercial uses and adjacent residential uses
shall be achieved through compatibility of site design, building scale,
pathways and circulation design, and architectural treatment of structures.
Regional Commercial (0.50 FAR). Regional Commercial areas are intended
to provide for large-scale commercial uses that serve an area larger than the
City boundaries. Allowable uses include department stores, theatres, and
restaurants. Uses such as automobile dealerships that have a regional draw are
Tourist Resort Commercial
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-7
also included in this land use designation. These uses are generally located in
areas that will benefit from a higher level of exposure to residents located
outside of the City, such as properties located on Ramon Road adjacent to the
City limits and selected properties adjacent to the I-10.
MIXED USEMIXED USEMIXED USEMIXED USE
Central Business District (1.0 FAR; 21–30 dwelling units per acre).
Bounded approximately by Ramon Road, Calle Encilia, Alejo Road and
Belardo Road, the Central Business District designation allows for a mix
of commercial, residential, and office uses at a higher concentration,
density, and intensity than in other areas of the City. The CBD serves as
the main activity center and cultural core of the community and, as such,
theatres, museums, retail, and other entertainment venues are encouraged
here. Uses such as grocery stores, hardware stores, and convenience or
pharmacy stores that provide services to the Downtown’s residential
population are also encouraged. The Central Business District is
subdivided into zones or areas that provide for diversity in development
standards and land use intensities. These subareas are defined in Appendix
A, Downtown Urban Design Plan. Examples include the gateways into
Downtown, Downtown Central Core, and the Downtown Outer Core.
The Downtown Central Core (roughly bounded by Amado Road,
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Museum Drive, and Indian Canyon Drive) and the
Gateway areas (at roughly the north and south ends of the CBD) may be
developed with a maximum FAR of 3.5. If projects in these areas provide
substantial public spaces or plazas, an FAR of up to 4.0 may be developed
upon approval of a Planned Development District or Specific Plan. The
Downtown Central Core may also accommodate up to 70 dwelling units per
acre for residential or hotel uses if a Planned Development District or Specific
Plan is prepared and approved.
Mixed-use/Multi-use (Maximum of 15 dwelling units per acre for
residential uses and a maximum 0.50 FAR for nonresidential uses).
Specific uses intended in these areas include community-serving retail com-
mercial, professional offices, service businesses, restaurants, daycare centers,
public and quasi-public uses. Residential development at a maximum density
of 15 units per acre is permitted; planned development districts may allow
residential densities up to 30 du/acre and also ensure that all proposed uses
are properly integrated and allow the implementation of development
standards that are customized to each site.
Central Business District
Additional information related to
the location and desired mix of
uses in each mixed-use/multi-use
area can be found on page 2-30 of
this element.
Page 2-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
SPECIAL POLICY AREASSPECIAL POLICY AREASSPECIAL POLICY AREASSPECIAL POLICY AREAS
Special Policy Area designations have been applied in two areas of the City:
the Chino Cone and Palm Hills. Due to the environmental and visual
importance of these two areas, projects proposed within either Special Policy
Area must be of superior design, demonstrate integration with existing
natural features and land forms, be sensitive to biological resources of the site,
and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved
through conventional subdivision design and requirements.
Development densities in the Chino Cone are one dwelling unit per forty
acres (1 du/40 ac). Development applications in excess of this density may be
considered with the submittal of a Specific Plan and its associated environ-
mental documentation, which would by action, establish a general plan
amendment. In all cases, development within the Chino Cone Special Policy
Area must be consistent with the Environmentally Sensitive Development
Areas Specific Plan Ordinance (ESA-SP) in the Palm Springs Zoning Code.
The Palm Hills Special Policy Area allows residential and resort development
at a maximum of 1 dwelling unit/hotel unit per acre, not to exceed a total of
1,200 units. Any development proposed in the Palm Hills area will require
the preparation of a Specific Plan and a related environmental impact report.
EMPLOYMENT CENTERSEMPLOYMENT CENTERSEMPLOYMENT CENTERSEMPLOYMENT CENTERS ((((OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAOFFICE AND INDUSTRIAOFFICE AND INDUSTRIAOFFICE AND INDUSTRIALLLL))))
Office (0.35 FAR). This land use designation allows for the development of
office uses such as executive, administrative and clerical offices, medical
offices, and small office centers. Retail uses in this district should be limited to
uses directly related to office operations such as restaurants, office supply
stores, and pharmacies associated with a medical building. Hotels may be
permitted when appropriately integrated into a business or corporate park.
Industrial (0.50 FAR). Industrial uses typically include research and
development parks, light manufacturing, laboratories, and industrial services.
Retail commercial uses and offices shall be allowed as ancillary uses to the
industrial use to encourage projects that are self-sustaining. Industrial
development is not a primary use within the City, and any industrial use
proposed should not detract from the City’s desire to be a premier resort
community. Industrial uses adjacent to the airport are also included in this
designation, such as, but not limited to: aircraft sales, service, repair and
maintenance, washing, painting, storage, tie-down, hangaring, fueling, flight
and ground schools, rental and charter flights, car rental facilities and all
other uses that are customarily incidental to the operation of an airport and
airport-related businesses and activities. New and expanded industrial uses
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-9
within the City will expand the City’s job base and are therefore important to
the City’s overall economic vitality and balance of land use.
Airport. Uses that are reasonably necessary for the proper operation of the
Palm Springs International Airport. The Palm Springs Airport Master Plan
and Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Study shall serve as
the primary regulatory documents for airport facilities and related uses.
Regional Business Center (Industrial – 0.50 FAR, Office – 0.35 FAR,
Commercial – 0.50 FAR). Generally located at the Indian Canyon Drive
and Gene Autry Trail interchanges north of the Southern Pacific Railroad and
adjacent to I-10, the Regional Business Center area is intended to accom-
modate a wide variety of business activities in a multi-use environment. The
RBC will provide job opportunities for the residents of Palm Springs and the
whole of the Coachella Valley. Commercial, office, and industrial uses that can
be supported by their proximity to the freeway are encouraged in this area.
Uses in this area are intended to provide large-scale development opportunities
that serve an area larger than the City proper. Commercial uses can include
retail establishments, hotels, automobile dealerships, and other uses that serve
a regional population. Business parks and industrial uses are also envisioned
under this land use designation. It is envisioned that, over time as market
forces demand, additional areas north of the railroad, south of I-10 from
Hwy. 111 to Gene Autry Trail may also convert to RBC uses, provided that
the appropriate environmental analyses have been conducted and the
appropriate infrastructure is provided.
INSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONAL (SCHOOLS/PUBLIC (SCHOOLS/PUBLIC (SCHOOLS/PUBLIC (SCHOOLS/PUBLIC USES/UTILITIES) USES/UTILITIES) USES/UTILITIES) USES/UTILITIES)
Public/Quasi-public (0.35 FAR). This designation includes government
offices and corporation yards, hospitals, City-owned museums, cemeteries,
and libraries. The public/quasi-public uses identified on the Land Use Map
predominantly reflect existing uses that are located throughout the City to
effectively serve the community. Public/quasi-public uses comprise a relatively
small component of the City’s total land area.
Public/Utilities. Multiple utilities and service providers operate within the
City of Palm Springs. This land use designation applies to facilities such as
water storage tanks and electrical substations.
School. The School designation applies to existing public schools and larger
private schools at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels.
Facilities that conduct courses at the collegiate level are also included in this
designation. The Land Use Plan identifies existing school facilities and areas
that provide future higher education land use opportunities.
Page 2-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The School land use designation may also include developed open space for
playfields, recreational and physical education activities as well as open space
that is part of the development of an educational based campus.
OPEN SPACEOPEN SPACEOPEN SPACEOPEN SPACE
Open Space–Conservation (1 dwelling unit per 20 acres). Conservation
areas are mainly designated for gently sloping areas of scenic beauty (such as
hillsides) and natural landforms (such as alluvial fans) that should be preserved
to maintain the City’s unique character. This designation is typically applied
in areas that have slope ranges of 10 to 30 percent. Residential uses are
permitted as an incidental use in this area, at a maximum density of one unit
per 20 acres. The Conservation designation is predominantly applied to the
vast, nonmountainous open space areas south of I-10 and north of the
Whitewater Wash.
Mountain (1 dwelling unit per 40 acres). Mountain areas are generally
defined as the sloping areas located above the toe of the slope. Mountain areas
generally consist of steep slopes; any areas in parcels in excess of a 30 percent
slope may not be used for development or for purposes of calculating density
except for purposes of density transfer where (a) a portion of the subject
parcel also lies within an area designated for residential use or is otherwise
suitable for residential development, and all the extra units allowed can be
appropriately placed in these areas and (b) the area not used for residential
development is dedicated for open space purposes to the City of Palm Springs
or other appropriate accepting agency approved by the City. Off-site density
transfer may also be allowed if it can be demonstrated that the
additional density can be absorbed by the host site. Density transfers
shall be subject to the approval of a planned development district.
This designation is very similar to the Open Space–Conservation
designation with one exception—residential densities within this area
will be applied at one dwelling unit per each 40 acres.
Desert (1 dwelling unit per 10 acres). This designation is intended
to identify areas to be retained to protect natural, scenic, and wildlife
resources unique to Palm Springs and to identify areas where minimal
development is desired to protect people and property from environ-
mental hazards such as blowsand associated with the undeveloped
desert floor areas. Residential development in this area is permitted as
long as it does not exceed 1 unit per 10 acres and is incidental to the overall
desert use. Cluster development is encouraged to respond to the environmental
sensitivity of the area. Other permitted uses in this land use designation
include recreational facilities and public facilities that comply with the intent
of the goals and policies identified in the General Plan. Where mineral
deposits are present or are found within areas designated for Desert land
Toe of Slope: The base or bottom
of a slope at the point where the
ground surface abruptly changes to
a significantly flatter grade.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-11
use, mineral extraction is permitted, provided that appropriate buffers are
established to minimize conflicts between residential and mining uses and the
appropriate environmental analysis has been conducted.
Open Space–Parks/Recreation. This designation is used for regional,
local, and neighborhood parks, community centers, public and private
golf courses, and any recreational facility operated by a public or quasi-
public agency. These areas are intended for “active” recreational uses.
Open Space–Water. Areas designated as Open Space–Water are reserved
for flood control or drainage facilities only. Properties under this
designation fall within the 100-year flood zone as established by the
adoption of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps
and are subject to sporadic flooding and other hazards in the event of a
100-year flood. No habitable structures are permitted within these areas.
OVERLAY AREASOVERLAY AREASOVERLAY AREASOVERLAY AREAS
Watercourse Zone Overlay. The Watercourse Zone Overlay is intended
to reflect land uses located within a watercourse area that have either
been developed under the provisions of a hold-harmless agreement with
the City, releasing it from any liability for damage incurred in flood
waters, or it is a property that is no longer classified as a fringe area of a
100-year flood. The overlay represents the path of the watercourse, but
allows for the underlying uses to coexist within the flood designation.
Wind Energy Overlay. Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) are
permitted in areas designated with the overlay classification. These areas
are predominantly located within areas designated as Desert, Industrial,
or Open Space–Water on the General Plan Land Use map. Industrial and
clean energy uses in these areas may occupy up to 15 percent of the total
acreage located within the industrial and regional business center land
uses. The Wind Energy Overlay can be found on Figure 2-3. Wind Energy Overlay
Open Space Water
Page 2-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table 2-1
Residential Buildout Estimates
Proposed General Plan
Land Use Designation
Estimated
Density
(units/acre) Acres1
Dwelling
Units
Persons per2
Household Population3
Hotel
Rooms
Residential
Estate Residential (0–2 du/ac) 1.5 1,731 2,571 2.08 4,892
Very Low (2.1–4.0 du/ac) 3.5 2,654 9,411 2.08 18,608
Low (4.1–6.0 du/ac) 5.25 1,031 5,414 2.08 10,696
Medium (6.1–15 du/ac) 10.0 1,437 14,652 2.08/1.784 26,739
High (15.1–30 du/ac) 20.0 582 12,192 1.78 20,742 3,0475
Subtotal 7,435 44,240 81,677 3,047
Mixed Use
Mixed/Multi-Use 12.0 330 1,648 2.08/1.78 2,987
Central Business District (CBD)7 varies 126 1,396 1.78 2,361
Subtotal 456 3,044 5,348
Open Space
Mountain (1 du/40.0 ac) 0.025 52,113 7426 2.08 1,466
Conservation (1 du/20.0 ac) 0.05 1,284 64 2.08 127
Desert (1 du/10.0 ac) 0.10 4,305 402 2.08 588
Subtotal 57,702 1,208 2,181
Other
Special Policy Areas8 varies 4,231 2,577 2.08 5,093 923
Small Hotel 10.0 67 337 1.78 650 501
Right-of-Way Acreage 2,839
Railroad 311
Subtotal 7,448 2,914 5,743 1,424
TOTAL 73,041 51,406 94,949 4,4719
Notes:
1 The acreages include properties located within the Sphere of Influence and do not include streets.
2 Single-family persons per household (2.08) taken from the California Department of Finance (2004) estimates. Multifamily persons per household (1.78) based upon
1993 General Plan estimates.
3 A 5 percent vacancy rate is assumed for population.
4 It is assumed that half of the units in the Medium Density Land Use designation will be single-family and half of the units will be multifamily.
5 The High Density Land Use designation allows hotels up to 43 rooms per acre; 30 rooms per acre were assumed for areas outside of Section 14.
6 This number accounts for areas that are not developable due to the presence of slopes steeper than 30 percent.
7 Special Policy Areas are applied to the Chino Cone and Palm Hills areas. The density, number of units, and types of uses vary in each area.
8 Portions of the CBD fall within the Section 14 Specific Plan and were calculated to correspond with the number of units permitted by the Specific Plan. Additionally,
the number of units projected in the CBD considered the varying heights and intensities permitted at the gateways into Downtown and within the Downtown core.
9 Overall, the General Plan land uses will accommodate 12,976 total hotel rooms (total of hotel rooms allowed in residential and nonresidential land uses).
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-13
Table 2-2
Nonresidential Land Buildout Estimates
Proposed General Plan
Land Use Designation
Estimated
Intensity (FAR) 1 Acres2 Square Footage Hotel Rooms
Commercial
Regional Commercial 0.28 165 2,006,574
Neighborhood Community
Commercial 0.25 186 2,023,086
Tourist Resort Commercial 0.28 507 4,352,025 7,406
Mixed Use
Mixed Use/Multi-Use Varies 330 2,138,873 300
Central Business District 3 Varies 126 1,888,389 799
Employment Centers
Regional Business Center4 Varies 622 6,259,568
Office 0.25 77 834,415
Industrial 0.23 2,432 10,991,261
Airport 0.05 652 1,419,377
Institutional
Public/Quasi-Public 0.35 117 1,637,935
School n/a 233
Public Utilities n/a 113
Open Space
Open Space – Parks &
Recreation N/A 1,517
Open Space – Water N/A 7,938
TOTAL 15,015 33,551,503 8,5055
Notes:
1 FAR = Floor Area Ratio.
2 The acreages include properties located within the Sphere of Influence and do not include streets.
3 The Central Business District contains a mix of both commercial and office uses.
4 The Regional Business Center uses are a mix of commercial (25 percent), office (15 percent), and industrial (60 percent) uses. The maximum
amount of development on any property within the RBC may be affected by the Wind Energy Overlay, which only allows 15 percent of the
acreage of a property to be developed with uses other than wind energy facilities.
5 Overall, the General Plan land uses will accommodate 12,976 total hotel rooms (total of hotel rooms allowed in residential and nonresidential
land uses).
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LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-19
GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONSACTIONSACTIONSACTIONS
For the General Plan to be a successful and useable guide for the City of Palm
Springs, it must contain clearly written goals, policies, and implementing
actions. It is expressly intended that this General Plan support the City’s
goals with meaningful and achievable direction identified within each action
item incorporated in the Land Use Element. It is important to note that
additional land use direction is provided within the other General Plan
Elements, the zoning code, and redevelopment plans.
BALANCE OF LAND USES
Because it is both a resort city and a year-round residence for so many people,
the balance of land uses in Palm Springs is particularly delicate. The City
strives to achieve a balancing act of land uses that accommodate visitor-
serving uses while preserving and enhancing the quality of life of its residents.
It seeks to maintain retail development for both populations, a wide range of
housing options, and job-generating industrial and office uses. The key is to
optimize the themed, charming, eccentric village ambience that will appro-
priately express the fantasy of Palm Springs as the playground of the rich and
famous. But it must, at the same time, be appealing to mid-market tastes
and profoundly affect the life of the ordinary citizen. It must reflect an array
of sophisticated venues of both intimate and popular entertainment.
Achieving a balance of land uses also means establishing land uses that
provide a strong fiscal foundation for the City. In terms of an economic base,
Palm Springs is primarily a resort city, whose future depends on climate,
access, recreational opportunities, and retail opportunities. For practical
purposes, the majority of businesses in the City provide retail services to the
tourist population, with a growing number of businesses catering to the year-
round population. Where long strips of disjointed commercial uses exist
along major thoroughfares, the City should consider allowing midblock/
corridor residential uses to satisfy housing demand and provide a growing
market for retail uses.
The City has a limited amount of industrial uses, the majority of which are
located along I-10 or adjacent to the airport. These job centers are
characterized by low-intensity industrial development consisting primarily of
administrative, wholesaling, light manufacturing, and industrial uses typically
permitted within business park environments. Larger parcels of industrial
uses are encouraged to implement comprehensive plans that incorporate
architectural guidelines, convenient access, and on-site recreational space.
Bridge Policies
It should be noted that the 1993
General Plan contained a series of
policies and policy direction at a
level of detail that is normally
reserved for development
standards found in the City’s
Zoning Ordinance.
As a part of this General Plan
Update process, the City Council
directed staff to streamline the
document to make it more
manageable.
As a result, there are several
policies from the 1993 General
Plan that need to be incorporated
into the Zoning Ordinance. These
“bridge policies” have been
included in Appendix E of the
General Plan, and will remain in
effect until the Zoning Ordinance
has been revised to include them,
at which time they will also be
removed from this General Plan
document.
In essence, these policies are
intended to be temporary
placeholders until they can be
incorporated into the Zoning
Ordinance.
Page 2-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Portions of the City north of I-10 contain wind energy facilities, commercial
uses, light and medium intensity industrial uses, and a modern natural-gas-
fueled power plant. Wind turbine generators create significant amounts of
clean renewable energy, which benefits Palm Springs and the entire Coachella
Valley. This land, together with adjacent county land, is generally considered
to be one of the two best locations for renewable energy in the world. These
facilities are located away from the City center and also serve as an attraction
for visitors, who visit the wind energy facilities in large numbers.
Wind energy facilities also co-exist with industrial uses adjacent to I-10 and
are an excellent example of how the integration of compatible uses can
provide multiple benefits, such as energy resources and job-generating uses.
Additional opportunities to expand wind, solar, and other renewable
resources, as well as co-generation and clean natural-gas-fueled generating
resources are encouraged by the City. In addition, new advances in wind
energy facilities should be examined to determine if additional opportunities
exist to allow commercial and industrial development to co-exist with wind
energy facilities to an even greater degree than they do now.
Providing accessible open space, recreation, and cultural and educational
opportunities is also extremely important for the City’s future. Residents and
businesses could benefit from the presence of a college campus or satellite
university to provide new learning and training opportunities that are
currently offered elsewhere. To assist in developing an educated and skilled
workforce for the businesses in Palm Springs, the addition of a large-scale
learning facility would be an asset to the economic and educational welfare of
the community, the Land Use Plan designates for school use a large parcel of
land just east of Highway 111 and south of the Whitewater Wash.
The Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Conservation Element addresses in
further detail the amount and location of public, private, active, and passive
parkland available within the City and areas where additional parkland is
recommended.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU1111::::
Establish a balanced pattern of land uses that complements the pattern
and character of existing uses, offers opportunities for the intensifi-
cation of key targeted sites, minimizes adverse environmental impacts,
and has positive economic results.
Policies
LU1.1 Ensure that development meets or exceeds requirements and
standards specified within each land use designation.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-21
LU1.2 Encourage the exchange of public and private lands and the
consolidation of parcels to create buildable sites and to achieve
greater efficiency of land use.
LU1.3 Ensure that new land use projects are built with adequate utility
and municipal infrastructure capacity to support them.
LU1.4 Encourage the expansion of existing facilities or the introduction
of new uses that are considered to be of significant importance
and contribute exceptional benefits to the City.
LU1.5 Allow for flexible development standards provided that the
potential benefits and merit of projects can be balanced with
potential impacts.
LU1.6 Encourage and support projects of exceptional design and
architectural quality, societal benefit (historic or environmental
sustainability), or revenue generation through incentives in the
review process.
LU1.7 Require new construction to mitigate impacts on the City’s
housing, schools, public open space, childcare facilities, and other
public needs.
LU1.8 Allow density transfers within planned developments in exchange
for the provision of enhanced amenities and permanent open
space.
LU1.9 All development shall be sensitive to natural features, including
washes, hillsides, and views of the mountains and surrounding
desert areas.
LU1.10 Encourage, where appropriate, high density projects to maximize
the use of land.
LU1.11 Sensitively integrate into the community required land uses such
as transportation corridors, flood control systems, utility corridors,
and recreational corridors.
LU1.12 Ensure that land uses maintain and expand parks, recreational
trails, bikeways, and pedestrian corridors and linkages throughout
the City and between Palm Springs and adjacent municipalities.
Additional policies related to
bikeways and trails can be found in
the Circulation and Recreation,
Open Space and Conservation
Elements.
Page 2-22 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Actions
LU1.1 Develop standards that provide appropriate transitions between
commercial, industrial, and residential uses.
LU1.2 Phase development into undeveloped areas according to the
following criteria:
a) Availability of services (streets, water, sewer, and
emergency services);
b) Logical extension of services;
c) Contiguity with existing development; and/or
d) Conformance with an approved specific plan or planned
development district.
LU1.3 Develop specific plans for areas that need additional design or
land use guidance.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU2222::::
Maintain the City’s unique “modern urban village” atmosphere and
preserve the rich historical, architectural, recreational, and environ-
mental quality while pursuing community and business development
goals.
Policies
LU2.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of using overlay zones as a technique of
preserving the character of selected areas of the City.
LU2.2 Projects that propose to convert open space areas that are
designated “Open Space – Parks/Recreation” to developable areas
(for residential, commercial, etc.) must either offer in-kind
replacement of such open space elsewhere in the City, make
payment of in-lieu fees, or replace the converted open space
through the use of density transfer.
LU2.3 Encourage the exchange of public and private lands to eliminate
unusable parcels and to permit the orderly development and
conservation of areas appropriate for each site.
LU2.4 Encourage the renovation or replacement of deteriorating struc-
tures through the full use of code enforcement and redevelopment
powers.
LU2.5 Encourage lot consolidation and mixed-use development to reduce
fragmentation of parcels and to facilitate infill development.
Density Transfer: A mechanism
that allows the relocation of
potential development from an
area where proposed land uses
or environmental impacts are
considered undesirable to another
site chosen on the basis of its
ability to accommodate additional
units of development beyond its
original designation. In Palm
Springs, this tool could be used to
intensify residential and commer-
cial uses in the Central City and to
minimize development in sensitive
areas such as the mountains and
hillsides.
A density transfer is also known as
a “transfer of development rights,”
or TDR.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-23
Actions
LU2.1 Develop limited-density bonus provisions for enhancements such
as outstanding design submissions, affordable housing, environ-
mental sustainability, or successful revitalization and incorporate
them into the Zoning Ordinance. Additional criteria that will be
evaluated when determining a project’s ability to be considered
for the density bonus provision will include:
� Lot consolidation
� Adaptive reuse of historic structures
� Compliance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED
®
) standards, and the development of
sustainable “green buildings”
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU3333::::
Attract and retain high-quality industrial and business park
development.
Policies
LU3.1 Encourage well-planned research and development areas and
business parks that contain coordinated design guidelines and
enhanced amenities.
LU3.2 Promote opportunities for expansion and revitalization of
industrial uses within the City.
LU3.3 Ensure operation of industrial uses is unobtrusive to surrounding
areas and prohibit the development of manufacturing uses that
operate in a manner or use materials that may impose a danger on
adjacent uses or are harmful to the environment.
LU3.4 Allow for the development of assembly, service commercial,
research, and office facilities as a secondary use in industrial areas.
LU3.5 Promote the development of small-scale manufacturing uses that
support hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related uses.
LU3.6 Encourage the development of small-scale manufacturing uses
that support the designer home furnishing shops, galleries, and
other design-related uses.
LU3.7 Continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce and other
business promotion groups within the City to attract new industrial
businesses to Palm Springs.
Page 2-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
LU3.8 Discourage outdoor storage, except that finished products may be
stored in non-street-frontage yards. Storage areas should be sur-
rounded by landscaped, decorative walls and stored materials shall
not exceed the wall height.
LU3.9 Provide areas that allow a combination of alternative energy
development and industrial uses provided that:
a) In industrial and RBC uses permitted in the Wind Energy
Overlay, the land dedicated to industrial development
shall not exceed 15 percent of the total gross land area.
b) Industrial development that exceeds the 15 percent limit
will require an amendment to the General Plan, as well as
environmental reports including a project-specific traffic
analysis and mitigation measures of all significant impacts
caused by such development.
c) The City should monitor industrial developments in each
TAZ (Traffic Analysis Zone) area within the wind energy
overlay to identify when the overall15 percent limit has
been reached.
LU3.10 Require conditional use permits and monitor compliance with
development and use regulations so that WECS do the following:
a) Maintain appropriate setbacks from I-10, Highway 111,
Indian Canyon, and other designated local view sheds
consistent with the WECS ordinance; and
b) Do not site or expand commercial wind energy conversion
systems in areas south of Highway 111 in Palm Springs.
Actions
3.1 Establish a corporate/business center along Gene Autry Trail with
the Palm Springs International Airport as the nucleus.
3.2 Develop standards that ensure adequate buffering between
industrial and commercial uses and surrounding residential uses.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-25
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU4444::::
Attract and retain high-quality, sustainable commercial development.
Policies
LU4.1 Ensure that sufficient land is designated for commercial use in
appropriate areas to support the current and future needs of the
community and surrounding areas in a manner that responds to
changing market conditions.
LU4.2 Develop commercial facilities as integrated, attractive centers,
with adequate parking, provision for pedestrian access from
adjacent neighborhoods when feasible, organized traffic movement
for motorists, and safety and convenience for pedestrians.
LU4.3 Concentrate retail areas into commercial activity nodes to
discourage the development of a “strip” commercial uses, which is
characterized by long expanses of commercial building frontage
devoid of building separations to provide visual relief. Such nodes
shall be separated from one another by permanent open space,
parks, major landscaped areas, or residential land uses.
LU4.4 Encourage the reuse of obsolete commercial properties and
discourage the proliferation of strip commercial centers through
rezoning, parcel consolidation, or incorporation of midblock
residential development in selected areas.
LU4.5 Allow for the integration of small-scale commercial uses into
planned developments to provide a distinct identity to the
residential area and to increase the convenience of neighborhood
commercial facilities for the particular development only.
LU4.6 Foster development of commercial centers and small-scale
commercial retail in residential areas that encourage walkable
connections between retail and residential uses
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU5555::::
Provide lifelong learning opportunities for the residents of Palm
Springs.
Policies
LU5.1 Allow for and encourage the development of land uses that
provide educational opportunities for the City’s residents.
Page 2-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
LU5.2 Work closely with the Palm Springs Unified School District to
encourage the joint use of facilities as centers for recreation and
cultural activities for the City’s residents.
Actions
LU5.1 Appoint a liaison to work with the Palm Springs Unified School
District to identify and coordinate future school locations and
reuse of such facilities.
LU5.2 Allow for the development of new public educational facilities in
areas designated for residential or parks and recreational use.
LU5.3 Pursue opportunities to establish higher education or college
facilities in Palm Springs.
NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Since Palm Springs is a predominantly built-out city, it will become challenging
to find areas that can accommodate new housing for future residents. The
projections associated with the Land Use Element reflect that the City’s
population will increase to 94,742 at buildout, which is an increase of 48,305
residents from the current population of 46,437 (as determined by the State
of California Department of Finance).
The City offers a variety of housing options—from exclusive estate homes to
more moderately priced single-family homes to multifamily apartments and
condominiums. As the City continues to grow, it will be important to ensure
a variety of future residential development is available to the senior population,
first-time homebuyers, and the City’s labor force.
As housing demand increases and available land becomes more limited, it is
anticipated that there will be an increasing trend toward higher-density
residential development. Careful planning for the integration of these uses
into the fabric of the City’s existing neighborhoods or as infill along the City’s
existing commercial corridors will help to fulfill housing needs and maintain
the eclectic urban village character found in Palm Springs.
Projects desiring to develop at the higher end of the density range of any
residential land use designation will be judged according to their ability to
meet the following criteria:
1. Quality architecture, which is designed to respond to the harsh desert
climate and includes appropriate detailing, materials, and architectural
elements.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-27
2. The relationship of the housing project to its neighborhood, or
the creation of a distinctive character and environment for the
neighborhood where none currently exists.
3. Inclusion of open space in excess of the minimum requirements,
including integration of natural areas, viewsheds and other amenities.
Design of the open space shall give it a distinctive character created
through special landscape elements such as fountains, reflective pools,
decorative paving, courtyards, and entry elements.
4. Creation of larger building sites through lot consolidation where
small, substandard, or irregular lots currently exist.
5. Minimizing the prominence of parking and garages as viewed from
the street.
6. Development or provisions for social/cultural amenities (on- or off-
site) such as parks, recreation centers, schools, and daycare centers.
7. Preservation of unique or desirable natural and manmade resources.
The level of density increase granted will depend on the extent to which
higher standards are provided.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU6666::::
Ensure that housing needs of people with varying incomes, household
sizes, and lifestyles can be met within the City.
Policies
LU6.1 Facilitate new residential development on vacant or underutilized
properties that have been designated as mixed/multi-use areas on
the Land Use Plan.
LU6.2 Encourage new residential infill development.
LU6.3 Convert underutilized commercial centers into new housing
opportunity sites.
Actions
LU6.1 Provide incentives to encourage developers to produce housing at
all socioeconomic levels.
The Housing Element contains
the majority of goals, policies,
and action items related to the
provision of housing in Palm
Springs. The Land Use Element
goals and policies identified below
are intended to complement those
policy directions.
Page 2-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
There are over 6,500 hotel rooms in
Palm Springs—the largest collection
in the Coachella Valley. The Spa
Resort Casino caters to tourist
and convention center clientele,
furthering the image of the City as
a destination resort.
RESORT DESTINATION IMAGE
Palm Springs has always embraced its reputation as a world class resort,
holding such titles as “America’s premier desert resort city,” and “America’s
Resortport.” Minutes away from any location in town are bike paths, hiking
and equestrian trails, parks, tennis courts, retail and entertainment venues
and golf courses. The City is also home to the Palm Springs Art Museum, the
Palm Springs Air Museum, and Knott’s Soak City Water Park, which are
geared toward family recreation and entertainment.
Year-round special events blend sophistication and relaxation in a style that is
typically Palm Springs. Locals and visitors enjoy many of the City’s unique
events such as the Concourse d’Elegance, the Palm Springs International Film
Festival, and Villagefest, the City’s weekly outdoor marketplace.
The City currently is host to over two million visitors annually. Palm Springs
maintains the largest number of hotel rooms in the Coachella Valley: 6,500 of
the total 15,865 rooms (source: Economic Conditions and Trends Report,
2005). These accommodations range from small, three-room boutique or bed-
and-breakfast-style inns located in residential neighborhoods to multistory
resort hotels designed to accommodate larger corporate events.
In addition, the Convention Center serves as a major center of business and
tourist activity within the City. Providing approximately 211,400 square feet
of conference facilities, the Convention Center generates large numbers of
conference attendees who support nearby hotel and convention-related busi-
nesses and who often extend their stays to take advantage of the recreational
activities that Palm Springs has to offer. The City should constantly assess
how it can continue to draw increasing numbers of visitors and provide them
with a special experience that keeps them returning year after year.
Maintaining its status as a premier resort destination is a primary priority for
the City. The General Plan land use patterns reflect a concentration of tourist
commercial uses predominantly comprised of commercial and hotel uses
along Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Drive. The small-scale
boutique hotels that are found among the residential neighborhoods in the
Warm Sands and Tennis Club areas also contribute to the City’s charm and its
appeal to resort visitors. Development within these areas must be carefully
designed and planned to ensure that it continues to reflect the City’s vision of
being a “world class desert community.”
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-29
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU7777::::
Maintain and enhance the City’s status and image as a premier resort
destination and cultural center in the Coachella Valley.
Policies
LU7.1 Encourage a diversity of high-quality commercial uses, attractive
to both the resident and the visitor, including retail, entertainment,
cultural, and food sales, in appropriate areas of the City.
LU7.2 Ensure that visitor-serving uses such as hotels, restaurants, and
entertainment uses that generate high levels of activity are
developed in close proximity to the Palm Springs Convention
Center.
LU7.3 Continue to host special events that draw local residents and
visitors.
LU7.4 Pursue and attract high-quality retail uses to the City, and
specifically to Downtown.
LU7.5 Maximize the preservation o f mobile home parks as a source of
safe and affordable housing stock in the City.
LU7.6 Retain small hotel uses as a part of the unique character of Palm
Springs.
LU7.7 Consider financial and other incentives to assure the economic
viability of small hotels and mobile home parks.
LU7.8 Provide and maintain a variety of outdoor recreational
opportunities and venues and encourage the development of eco-
tourism.
LU7.9 Strongly discourage the conversion of small hotels to permanent
housing units. Require that any proposed conversion of hotels to
for-sale residential units analyze the fiscal impact of the conversion
and loss of transient occupancy tax (TOT) compared to potential
property tax revenue of the conversion.
Actions
LU7.1 Maintain strong working relationships with the Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians and to ensure that new development
in Section 14 contributes to and enhances the City’s goal of a
destination resort.
Page 2-30 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
LU7.2 Schedule annual strategic-planning meetings with the Bureau of
Tourism to market the City and its resort amenities to visitors.
LU7.4 Amend the CBD designation in the Zoning Ordinance to allow
supermarkets and other personal service uses that would be used
by residents living in the downtown area.
LU7.5 Amend the Zoning Code to include provisions that regulate the
conversion of small hotels to residential uses. Code requirements
may include minimum unit sizes or other provisions to ensure the
preservation of the character of the surrounding residential areas.
LU7.6 Evaluate and propose an incentive program for preserving small
hotels.
LU7.7 Study timeshare condo hotels (“fractional ownership hotels”) and
create a Zoning Ordinance provision to define and provide
guidelines for this emerging type of residential product.
MIXED/MULTI-USE AREAS
The introduction of mixed- and multi-use development, if properly
implemented, can add vitality, sociability, and land use efficiency to a City.
The mixed/multi-use areas identified on the Land Use Plan are intended to
function differently than the typical patterns of segregated uses in that the
distribution of uses is generally more concentrated, and uses are also generally
mixed either vertically or horizontally within any given property.
Mixed use projects often contain retail or office uses on the ground floor with
commercial, office, or residential uses on the floors above. Multi-use projects,
which lend themselves more to stand-alone horizontal development with
adjacent differing uses, are better suited to larger parcels. They are most
successful when unified by common design themes and tied together by a
series of plazas and pedestrian promenades. The mix of uses should promote
civic activity, define neighborhood character, and provide places for people to
meet and socialize, enhancing the area’s overall quality of life. These areas are
intended to provide services and distinct gathering places and activity centers
for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Introduction of mixed- and
multi-use development should be targeted for vacant and underperforming
sites or areas where the City wants to create a stronger concentration of activity.
The scale, size, and mixture of uses in these areas will vary based upon the
character of the surrounding areas.
As most of the mixed-use areas identified on the Land Use Plan are proposed
along prominent corridors, the introduction of residential uses should be
carefully designed to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appearance of
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-31
the corridor while creating a livable, high-quality housing opportunity.
Midblock corridor residential designs are encouraged in projects that apply a
multi-use approach to infill.
Site planning and landscape design in mixed-use areas should incorporate
pedestrian-oriented amenities, including walkway connections, outdoor
seating areas, and/or food courts. Integrated interior and exterior spaces are
also encouraged. Designs should incorporate shade trees, shade structures,
small fountains, misters, and similar techniques that make outdoor areas
comfortable year-round. More detailed policy guidance related to corridor
residential development can be found in the Community Design Element.
The application of mixed/multi-use strategies are most appropriate for:
� Vacant parcels within existing development that are suitable for such
development;
� Existing development that can be redesigned to become more
contemporary and functional in its use of the land;
� Existing development that can be intensified or rehabilitated to
become more productive;
� Existing uses that can be removed, replaced, and redeveloped; or
� A combination for these strategies where properties are characterized
by a mix of suitable conditions.
Several of these conditions are found along Palm Canyon Drive and in the
northern part of the City. While much of the City is already built out, these
areas provide the City with opportunities to facilitate the redevelopment and
revitalization of underutilized properties and development of vacant lands.
This General Plan specifies seven areas where the mixed/multi-use designa-
tion will apply. Following are descriptions of those areas, and the mix of uses
that is envisioned for each.
Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Drive
The northwest corner of Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Drive is charac-
terized by a collection of small industrial businesses, multifamily residential
uses and several vacant parcels. This area provides a prime opportunity to
introduce a mixed-use area that contains uses that would be complementary
to and supported by a higher education campus, which is proposed a block
north of this area.
Preferred mix of uses: 55–65 percent industrial, 15–25 percent residential, 15–
25 percent commercial
Page 2-32 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Artist Colony
The north end of Palm Canyon Drive is characterized by a series of
underutilized and vacant commercial centers that, at first glance, provide a
deteriorating image of the City as visitors travel toward Downtown. Overall,
the northern end of the City lacks distinct gathering places, with residents
and businesses relying mainly upon Downtown to serve this need. The Artist
Colony provides a prime opportunity to introduce housing along the Palm
Canyon Drive corridor and to provide much needed neighborhood-serving
commercial uses and gathering spaces.
Preferred mix of uses: 40–60 percent residential, 15–25 percent office, 20–35
percent commercial
Uptown
Immediately north of the Downtown, the Uptown mixed/multi-use area is
located along North Palm Canyon Drive and North Indian Canyon Drive,
north of Alejo, south of Via Escuela. A collection of art galleries and
boutiques are located here, along with medical and professional office uses. A
more vibrant retail/commercial area serving the needs of the adjacent
desirable residential neighborhoods of Las Palmas, Vista Las Palmas, Movie
Colony, and Ruth Hardy Park are needed in this area.
A concentrated mix of uses here could stimulate activity and create a sense of
place by connecting new residential uses with the nearby medical offices,
including the Desert Resort Regional Medical Center, and specialty shopping
in the Heritage District. The primary purpose of a mixed-use center in the
Uptown area is to generate a synergy between complementary uses that can
ultimately result in a gathering place for residents and businesses in the
northern end of the City.
Preferred mix of uses: 30–40 percent residential, 30–40 percent commercial,
20–30 percent office
Vista Chino and Sunrise Way
This corner is surrounded by an established single-family neighborhood to the
north and west, and neighborhood commercial uses to the east and south.
Smaller-scale, neighborhood-serving, commercial development integrated
with a unique residential opportunity is envisioned for this site, providing a
gathering place within walking distance for the residents living in the
adjacent neighborhoods. The character and scale of this mixed-use area is
smaller than those along Palm Canyon Drive; building design should
maintain a lower profile consistent with the heights of the adjacent uses.
Preferred mix of uses: 60–70 percent residential, 30–40 percent commercial
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-33
Palm Canyon Drive and Sunny Dunes Road
The Sunny Dunes and Palm Canyon Drive mixed/multi-use area currently
contains scattered commercial uses and large vacant parcels. Different from
the mixed/multi-use areas identified above, the Palm Canyon Drive and
Sunny Dunes Road area is envisioned as a mixed-use area creating an office,
retail, and residential node just south of Downtown. This mix of uses will
complement the hotel uses along East Palm Canyon Drive by providing
a concentrated commercial and office base in close proximity to visitor
accommodations.
Preferred mix of uses: 30–50 percent commercial, 30–50 percent office; 15–20
percent residential
Smoke Tree
The Smoke Tree mixed-use area is located along East Palm Canyon Drive,
between Sunrise Way and the city limits. Smoke Tree is ideally located to
serve the needs of surrounding residential neighborhoods, and is characterized
by its intimate scale, pedestrian orientation, and vibrant human activity. The
purpose of this area is to create a unique mixed-use center characterized by
pedestrian-oriented retail shops, restaurants, hotel facilities, and multifamily
residential uses.
Preferred mix of uses: 30–60 percent residential uses, 20–40 percent resort
commercial, 20–40 percent neighborhood commercial
Palm Springs Mall
Located along one of the City’s most visible corridors, the Palm Springs Mall
presents an opportunity to inject new vitality along Tahquitz Canyon Way,
which serves as the City’s most important east-west corridor linking
Downtown and the Airport. As a mixed/multi-use area comprised of
residential, office, and commercial uses, it is envisioned that this node will
provide an opportunity for more efficient use of an underutilized commercial
site that can complement the civic and office uses currently existing along the
corridor.
Preferred mix of uses: 25–35 percent residential, 25–35 percent office, 40–50
percent commercial
Page 2-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU8888::::
Strategically introduce mixed- and multi-use infill projects in
underutilized areas to create neighborhood activity centers serving the
day-to-day needs of nearby residents, employees, and visitors.
Policies
LU8.1 Encourage new mixed/multi-use developments in areas that are
currently vacant or underutilized.
LU8.2 Encourage flexibility of design in development by allowing both a
vertical and/or horizontal mix of uses.
LU8.3 Encourage and accommodate the development of specialty uses
such as boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, restaurants, interior
decorators, hardware stores and other similar uses that cater to the
residents in close proximity to mixed/multi-use areas.
LU8.4 Allow designated mixed/multi-use areas to contain buildings that
are taller than the surrounding neighborhood.
LU8.5 Provide pedestrian links from the commercial, office, and retail
uses within mixed/multi-use areas to minimize vehicular traffic.
LU8.6 Allow for and encourage the development of facilities and
gathering places that provide for the social and health needs
(daycare centers, social-service providers, medical facilities, etc.) of
the residents within mixed/multi-use areas.
LU8.7 On-site parking is encouraged to be accessed from side streets or
public alleys to minimize traffic impacts on major streets and to
avoid interruption in the street-front design of commercial
centers.
LU8.8 Cluster development where appropriate to create centers of
activity or to preserve natural features.
LU8.9 Allow for boulevard residential uses as long as the proposed resi-
dential uses are consistent with the midblock corridor residential
goals and policies found in the Community Design Element.
Actions
LU8.1 Require Planned Developments for new mixed/multi-use projects
proposing a mix of residential and commercial uses.
Boulevard Residential:
Residential units proposed along
major corridors such as Palm
Canyon Drive.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-35
LU8.2 Continually monitor the preferred mix of uses within mixed/
multi-use areas, and encourage new uses that will provide new
services that complement existing uses.
LU8.3 Update the zoning ordinance to identify specific standards for
building height and other development issues in mixed/multi-use
designations.
MOUNTAINS AND HILLSIDES
The remarkable landforms created by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa
Mountains are a defining characteristic for Palm Springs as well as one of the
City’s most coveted resources. Wrapping around the developed areas of City
to the west and south, the steep topography of the mountains provides the
City with a dramatic visual backdrop and scenic views that
are unparalleled in the Coachella Valley. Over the years, Palm
Springs residents have reaffirmed that the hillsides are an
irreplaceable asset to their community; development projects
proposed in the hillsides have either been overturned through
a vote of the residents or have required additional, more
detailed environmental analyses. Efforts to establish a future
direction in these areas is further complicated by the need
to coordinate with multiple property owners and agencies
such as the Agua Caliente Tribe and the Bureau of Land
Management.
As available land in the central city becomes scarce, it will
become increasingly important to establish guidance for
the protection and thoughtful development of these areas.
The intent is to ensure that proposed development is carefully
designed to respect the hillsides and their sensitive biological resources.
Residential uses are extremely limited in these areas, 1 unit per 40 acres, and
they must be of high quality and sited in ways that conserve the City’s
valuable natural landforms.
The importance of the mountainous areas was further emphasized by the City
Council, which established the Citizens’ Task Force for Mountain and Foothill
Preservation and Planning to evaluate the City’s land use policies for
mountainous areas and provide recommendations that would protect the
scenic values of Palm Springs. As part of its effort, the Task Force established
the following Guiding Principles that serve as a basis for decision making in
the mountainous areas of Palm Springs:
� The unique natural environment of Palm Springs with its rugged
mountains and sweeping desert sands creates stunning vistas with a
sense of space and distance and is Palm Springs’ most important asset.
Hillsides are some of the most recognizable features in
Palm Springs.
Page 2-36 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
� This natural environment has historically drawn people to live here
and made Palm Springs a world class resort destination, and the
protection of this natural environment is vital to the well-being of its
residents and to sustaining its tourism-based economy.
� All land uses must respect the scenic values of the desert and
mountain terrain and protect this historical heritage.
� The mountain region is an extraordinarily rich, though fragile, natural
environment which sustains a brilliant variety of wildlife and plant
species, some of which species are threatened or endangered and the
City’s land use policies must address ecosystem interactions and
protect and conserve sensitive habitat.
� Development must be harmonious with, adapted to and respectful of
the natural features with minimal disturbance of terrain and vege-
tation, use of natural and sympathetic materials, and be located in a
manner sensitive to terrain, including wildlife habitat, watercourses,
and steep slopes.
� Open space is a limited and valuable resource which is a part of the
City’s historic heritage and the City should identify sensitive open
space areas for conservation and should acquire and preserve such
areas.
� The City should continue its policies for open space acquisition and
designation by which approximately 3,000 acres have been acquired
(as of 2006), including mitigation of developer impacts through land
dedication, density transfer and payment of in-lieu fees, acceptance of
gifts of land, obtaining federal and state grants for conservation,
working with regional conservation agencies, and developing other
funding sources.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU9999::::
Preserve the City’s unique mountain resources for future generations.
Policies
LU9.1 Design and landscape hillside development and development
adjacent to natural areas to preserve natural features and habitat
and to protect structures from natural disasters, such as wildfires
and floods.
LU9.2 Preserve the frontal slopes of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains above the toe of the slope.
LU9.3 Preserve the unique topographic and geologic features of the City.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-37
LU9.4 Windfarm development on hillsides visible from scenic highways
and corridors or on slopes of 15 percent or greater should
demonstrate no significant adverse aesthetic impacts or provide
adequate mitigation prior to approval.
LU9.5 Encourage public acquisition and placement into public trust of
environmentally sensitive hillside areas.
LU9.6 Prohibit motorized vehicles within mountainous areas, except on
City-approved roads.
LU9.7 Encourage the use of mountains for recreational purposes so as not
to degrade habitat areas; existing trails will be maintained and
new trail links can be developed.
LU9.8 Use only native plant species in areas adjacent to naturalized open
space and mountainous areas to prevent invasive and non-native
plant species from propagating in these areas. Exotic plant species
such as fountain grass, Tamarisk, Mexican Fan Palm, and exotic
cactus species shall be prohibited adjacent to mountainous and
natural open areas. If the MSHCP is adopted, its list of invasive
and native species could be used.
LU9.9 Continue active interjurisdictional and interagency planning for
the conservation and preservation of the Santa Rosa Mountains in
their natural state with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
and the Coachella Mountains Conservancy.
LU9.10 Encourage the acquisition of hillside parcels by public trusts or
other conservation-oriented entities where such parcel acquisition
contributes to city-wide open space conservation goals and plans.
LU9.11 Promote recreational use through the development of a system of
trails. Pursue easements or other mechanisms to ensure long-term
viability and access to existing trails and trailheads.
LU9.12 Protect the scenic beauty of the mountains from erosion caused by
development.
Actions
LU9.1 Adopt the following performance criteria for mountain and
hillside development review:
a) Evaluate and quantify impacts of development on habitat
for review by the California Department of Fish and
Game, Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife
Service and other appropriate entities, in the event the
Page 2-38 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
MSHCP or other habitat conservation plan is not
adopted.
b) Concentrate development in areas with natural slopes of
10 percent or less in steepness. Natural slopes in excess of
30 percent should remain undisturbed. Development
proposals for areas of between 10 and 30 percent slope, or
areas subject to erosion, shall be accompanied by detailed
soils and geotechnical studies as well as visual simulation
exhibits.
c) Proposed development must be compatible, by virtue of
design, height, materials and slope compatibility, with the
natural surroundings and preserve existing contours in
order to minimize disturbance of site geology. Areas
graded for development should be renaturalized.
d) Proposed hillside development should utilize low lighting
levels to avoid glare; such lighting should be consistent
with standards developed by Palomar Observatory to
protect astronomical observation and research.
e) The availability of and proximity to public services and
utilities shall be established prior to occupancy. All public
utilities should be placed underground while minimizing
disturbance to natural topography due to open trenching.
f) Due to the fire hazards of hillside areas with slopes of
10 percent or greater, access problems, lack of water, and
excessively dry brush, adequate on-site fire protection
measures shall be provided. These could include a fuel
modification program, an on-site water storage system,
the use of fire-retardant building materials or any other
provision deemed necessary during project review.
g) Subdivisions, including streets and lots, should be
developed in a manner that will minimize the scarring of
the hillsides and, where major cuts or fills are necessary,
they should be repaired in such a manner that the final
appearance of the total area is as natural as possible.
Bridges are generally preferred to fill concepts.
h) Hillside areas with naturally occurring steep slopes (30
percent or greater) should not be disturbed to provide
vehicular access where an alternate is available. Access
roads serving hillside development should not exceed 15
percent grade on any portion of the road.
i) Alternative roadway designs are encouraged including
split roadway and modified cross-sections.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-39
LU9.2 Work with public and private natural resource and conservation
groups to explore opportunities to preserve the Santa Rosa
Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, Chino Cone and Snow Creek
in their natural state.
LU9.3 Require property owners to prepare revegetation plans as part of
project submittal to renaturalize any disturbed or scarred native
plant and habitat areas not proposed for development.
LU9.4 Create an inventory of unique geological features that should be
protected.
LU9.5 Develop a list of prohibited and preferred plant species in hillside
areas.
LU9.6 Develop alternative engineering standards in the hillside areas
relating to streets, lots, drainage, and utilities that allow for
minimized grading.
A THRIVING DOWNTOWN
Downtown Palm Springs enjoys a worldwide reputation as a pedestrian-
oriented commercial center and the City’s recognizable historic core. The
Downtown truly serves as the functional, economic, and psychological heart
of Palm Springs. It is a heavily visited area of town, has a collection of
outstanding architecture and urban design features, and has a concentration
of popular restaurants and stores. Community events such as Villagefest,
cultural amenities such as the Village Green Heritage Center and the Palm
Springs Desert Museum, and visitor-serving uses such as the Convention
Center and Spa Resort Casino bring thousands of visitors Downtown.
However, over the years the Downtown area has failed to reach its potential
as a thriving community core and has struggled to compete with neighboring
cities for new retail opportunities for its residents and visitors. Efforts to
reenergize and revitalize this area will help to bring new activity and new life
into the City’s core.
It is envisioned that Downtown will become a high-intensity, mixed-use area
characterized by residential, office, commercial, and entertainment uses. To
stimulate vitality, the Downtown will contain activity areas with differing
intensities, which are further defined by the scale and design of buildings in
each area. The creation of a central public plaza that will serve as the primary
gathering place for visitors and residents of Palm Springs is a key concept
planned to reinvigorate the Downtown core.
Although not required by state law, the City has developed the Downtown
Urban Design Plan to guide the future of development Downtown.
The Palm Springs Experience: Many
stores and restaurants in Downtown
Palm Springs provide a pedestrian-
friendly atmosphere for residents
and visitors.
Page 2-40 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Performance criteria related to building height, orientation, and massing, as
well as customized guidance for parking, architecture, landscaping, lighting,
and street furniture in the Downtown area can be found in the Downtown
Urban Design Plan. The goals and policies identified below serve as the
foundation for future land use distribution and economic strategies proposed
Downtown and are intended to complement the direction identified in the
Downtown Urban Design Plan.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU11110000::::
Maintain a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Downtown that serves as the
economic, civic, historic, cultural, and recreational center of the City.
Policies
LU10.1 Support the development of a centrally located “village square” to
serve as the key visual, social, and aesthetic component of the
Downtown revitalization effort.
LU10.2 Encourage development of housing and mixed-use land uses
Downtown to increase activity in this area.
LU10.3 Encourage development that promotes a flow between indoor and
outdoor activities such as outdoor cafes, arcades, paseos, and
courtyards.
LU10.4 Accommodate a broad range of uses Downtown to meet the needs
of both residents and visitors and to stimulate both daytime and
evening activity.
LU10.5 Facilitate and promote special events and community celebrations
in the Downtown area to stimulate its role as a community focal
point.
LU10.6 Strengthen the unique sense of place currently present in
Downtown by preserving and incorporating cultural and historic
uses.
LU10.7 Provide a logical transition between land uses and the built
environment in Downtown and those proposed in the Section 14
Specific Plan.
LU10.8 Maintain the Plaza Theatre for use as a multipurpose community
performing arts center for film festivals, premieres, and live stage
productions, while preserving its historical value. The Plaza Theatre is home to the
Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a
major entertainment attraction
in the heart of Downtown.
Downtown Vision
(from the Downtown Urban Design Plan)
A dynamic, vital, and economically
successful area that retains the
historic and cultural character of
Palm Springs and yet meets the
changing needs of residents
and visitors alike.
This vision can be realized with
the introduction of mixed-use
development concepts to replace
more traditional horizontal
clustering of land uses.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-41
The Palm Springs International Airport serves as a major
transportation hub in the Coachella Valley.
LU10.9 Require all new development in Downtown to be consistent with
the design principles found in the Downtown Urban Design Plan
that address streets and circulation, parking, public spaces and
gathering places, landscaping, signage, lighting, street furniture,
and building height, orientation, massing, and design.
LU10.10 Encourage higher density housing at the perimeter of the
downtown retail area.
Actions
LU10.1 Develop a phasing and funding program for the necessary
streetscape and infrastructure improvements within Downtown.
LU10.2 Amend the Central Business District (CBD) to include a wide
range of uses (such as grocery, hardware, and convenience/drug
stores) that provide services and amenities to the Downtown
residential population.
LU10.3 Establish specific criteria or incentives to determine if new projects
within the CBD qualify to develop above a 3.5 FAR as identified
in the land use designations. In no event shall development exceed
an FAR of 4.0.
PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Known as “America’s Resortport,” the Palm
Springs International Airport serves as the
primary air transportation access to the Coachella
Valley communities in one of the fastest growing
counties in the nation. Located on over 930 acres
of land on the eastern edge of the City, the airport
not only serves as a major transportation and
tourist hub, but is also an asset to the City’s
economic development.
In 2003, approximately 1.25 million annual
passengers flew into and out of the airport.
Airline activity has increased at an average annual
growth rate of 3.4 percent from 1994 to 2004.
As the number of aircraft trips grows, it will
become increasingly important to ensure that the
surrounding land uses are compatible with
airport activities and the City continues to build upon the economic potential
and business relationships generated by the airport. High-quality industrial
and business park uses should also be promoted in this area.
Page 2-42 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The Palm Springs Airport Master Plan was developed to evaluate future airport
facilities needs, both existing and future, and to develop an airport
development plan concept, which could include long-term land acquisition
needs related to airport expansion. In addition, the Riverside County Airport
Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUC) was adopted in February 2005 and
provides guidance related to the compatibility of land uses surrounding the
airport. Since lands around the immediate vicinity of the airport are heavily
urbanized, it will be important to address how these uses are affected by any
future expansion of the airport.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU11111111::::
Promote the Palm Springs International Airport as the premier flight
center of the Coachella Valley.
Policies
LU11.1 Encourage land uses in the areas surrounding the airport that are
economically supportive of, or related to, the airport activities and
that are developed in a manner that minimizes negative impact in
existing adjacent land uses.
LU11.2 Discourage sensitive uses such as schools, hospitals, daycare
facilities, or new residential development from locating in close
proximity to the airport.
LU11.3 Continue to modernize and maintain the Palm Springs Airport as
a state-of-the-art facility.
LU11.4 Ensure that proposed land uses and developments around the
airport comply with the policies set forth in the Riverside County
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
LU11.5 Market the benefits for businesses to locate to the Foreign Trade
Zone.
Actions
LU11.1 Identify areas of open land that will be preserved in the vicinity of
the airport for possible future expansion, noise, and safety buffers.
LU11.2 Require the disclosure of potential aircraft overflight as part of
real estate transactions within the airport influence area.
LU11.3 Limit the height and intensity of nonresidential structures located
adjacent to the airport to minimize airport-related safety issues.
Open Land
In the event that a light aircraft is
forced to land away from an
airport, the risks to the people on
board can best be minimized by
providing as much open land area
as possible within the airport
vicinity. Open land can include
roads and automobile parking lots,
and areas free of most structures
and obstacles such as walls, large
trees or poles, and overhead wires.
Additional discussion about
hazards related to the airport can
be found in the Safety Element.
Foreign Trade Zone
There are two Foreign Trade
Zones within the City of Palm
Springs. Managed by the City of
Palm Springs’ Community &
Economic Development
Department, the boundaries of the
FTZ include two areas, 917 acres
at the Palm Springs International
Airport, and 14 acres at the Palm
Springs Rail Station.
Foreign Trade Zones benefit
companies that import
merchandise for domestic or
foreign consumption. Under FTZ
procedures, zones are considered
to be outside U.S. Customs
Territory. Merchandise may be
admitted into zones and then
stored, exhibited, assembled or
used for manufacturing, and
processing, all the while bypassing
formal customs entry procedures
and the payment of customs
duties. Duties are eliminated if the
merchandise is exported to other
countries. Within Palm Springs,
the FTZ address can be used by
importers and exporters to ship
and receive overseas products
without being subject to formal
customs entry procedures.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-43
I-10 CORRIDOR
As a major goods-moving corridor and passageway, the I-10 accommodates
thousands of travelers a day and serves as a regionally significant east–west
link to uses within Riverside County and beyond. Similar to neighboring
cities that have frontage along I-10, the City of Palm Springs desires to maxi-
mize the development potential in this area and facilitate the development of
complementary uses that will bring economic vitality to the corridor.
As the Land Use Plan was being developed, City Council directed Staff to
evaluate the feasibility of designating the entire area north of the Union
Pacific Railroad as mix of industrial, regional commercial, and office uses
under a designation of Regional Business Center (RBC). Much of the land
north of the railroad consists of desert or watercourse uses, with most of the
industrial and commercial development focused around major interchanges.
A large portion of this area is also located within the City’s Sphere of
Influence.
After reviewing roadway capacities, environmental and biological issues, and
overall demand for commercial, office, and industrial square footage within
the City, it was determined that the RBC designation should be focused
around two specific areas: the interchange of I-10 and Indian Canyon Drive
and the interchange of I-10 and Gene Autry Trail. These areas can
accommodate the additional traffic that would be generated by the mix of
uses proposed, and are located adjacent to already developing areas and to
interchanges that will be undergoing improvements in the near future. In
addition, both of these areas are located in the City proper and would not
require annexation prior to development as RBC.
It is envisioned that, over time, market demand may support the phased
conversion of additional lands north of the Union Pacific Railroad from Desert
and OS-W land use designations to RBC. As opportunities arise to develop
along the I-10 Corridor, the extension of the RBC designation along I-10
would be encouraged provided that a general plan amendment is processed,
the appropriate environmental and traffic analyses have been completed, and
suitable mitigation has been provided to accommodate the new development.
In addition to the implementation of a desirable mix of land uses adjacent
to the freeway, the application of high-quality architecture is a critical
component to the success of any development proposed along I-10. Due to
the high level of visibility of the commercial and industrial uses adjacent to
the freeway, it is important to ensure that these areas are developed in a way
that makes a positive visual impression of Palm Springs. Views from freeways
serve as windows into the communities beyond. As a result, cities have begun
to recognize the importance of treating these significant corridors more as
regional Main Streets than backyards—ensuring that buildings maintain a
Page 2-44 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
high level of architectural quality and are representative of the desired image
of the community and that unsightly storage areas, mechanical equipment, or
loading areas are properly screened or sited to minimize their impact on the
aesthetic appearance of the area. Such is the case with the I-10 Corridor area
and the City of Palm Springs.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU11112222::::
Establish commercial, office, and industrial land uses along the I-10
Corridor that reflect the world class resort status of our city and
provide a strong sense of entry and arrival into Palm Springs and the
entire Coachella Valley.
Policies
LU12.1 Promote the development of high-quality regional and freeway-
serving land uses that generate a sense of place and arrival into
the City at the interchanges of Gene Autry Drive and Indian
Canyon Drive with I-10.
LU12.2 Promote the development of regional business center and freeway
commercial uses adjacent to the freeway while maintaining high
standards of design and quality of improvements to strengthen
the economic vitality of the City. Strip commercial uses are
discouraged along the corridor, especially in those areas adjacent
to frontage roads.
LU12.3 Support the development of commercial, industrial, and office
uses on properties located north of the Union Pacific Railroad that
are not currently designated as RBC (excluding those areas
designated as OS-W), provided that the appropriate environmental
documentation is prepared and the appropriate roadway and
utility infrastructure can be provided to support the proposed uses.
LU12.4 Ensure that new development along the freeway corridor is
compatible with the City’s policies related to scenic resources.
LU12.5 Periodically reevaluate the concentration, type, and mix of
commercial, office, and industrial development that is appropriate
and sustainable adjacent to the freeway.
LU12.6 Require that loading and storage areas for commercial and
industrial uses be screened from public streets and freeway views.
LU12.7 Promote the development of high-quality building design,
including attractive fenestration, articulated façades, clearly
defined entrances, varied colors and materials, varied building
Additional policies addressing
scenic resources and the I-10
Corridor can be found in the
Community Design Element.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-45
sizes and configurations, and varied roof heights during project
review and approval.
Actions
LU12.1 Create design guidelines for development adjacent to the I-10
Corridor.
LU12.2 Evaluate the potential of incorporating new provisions in the
City’s Zoning Code for freeway-adjacent uses.
SPECIAL POLICY AREAS
The General Plan Land Use map identifies two areas of the City that warrant
special policy direction—Palm Hills and the Chino Cone. These areas warrant
custom policy guidance because the City has determined that the preservation
of their unique hillside character is of utmost importance and should be
carefully guided as development pressures in the hillsides of Palm Springs
continue to increase. Following is a discussion of the issues surrounding each
of the sites, and the policy direction that accompanies it. The actual locations
of these areas can be found on the Land Use Plan, Figures 2-2 and 2-3.
Chino Cone/Snow Creek
Chino Cone is recognized as an extraordinary natural resource and
an area of great development interest. In 2005 and 2006, the
City of Palm Springs formed a task force to establish a vision and
direction for the area, which led to the adoption of the
Environmentally Sensitive Development Area – Specific Plan
(ESA-SP) Ordinance. As a new development code in the Zoning
Ordinance the ESA-SP zone promotes sensitive development
while preserving the natural environment in the Chino Cone area.
The General Plan reflects the task force’s vision with goals and
policies that undergird the ESA-SP zone.
The General Plan goals and policies are intended to provide for
the development of environmentally sensitive areas of the city in a
manner that will preserve the open, rural character of these areas
while allowing development of ranchettes and clustered single-
and multiple family or resort projects. The Goals and policies of
the Special Policy Areas, are to facilitate the preservation of open
space through the creation and implementation of development
review considerations that will ensure the evaluation of the suitability of the
land for development in a manner that would preserve the character of the
land. The ESA-SP generally includes the Chino Cone, North Palm Canyon
Ship Rock is a prominent rock outcropping located
in the Chino Cone. It is envisioned that any future
development in this area will preserve and
incorporate this feature.
Page 2-46 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Drive north entry corridor, and other areas which the city council may
designate from time to time by ordinance.
The ESA-SP zone is divided into planning areas as indicated in Figure 2-3.
The General Plan establishes an underlying land use density for all areas
within the Chino Cone Special Policy Area of 1 dwelling unit per
40 acres.
A specific plan, allowing only sensitive and appropriate uses,
densities, distributions, and design standards, is required for each
Planning Area for projects that exceed the base land use density.
All development in each planning area is required to be consistent
with the adopted specific plan. In Planning Areas 2, 3, 4, 5b, 6,
8, and 9, a variety of densities and uses including residential
resort and commercial, in accordance with the ESA-SP are
allowed with a Specific Plan. Specific Plans must show creative
and environmentally sensitive development that respects the
visual, topographical and unique features of the Chino Cone.
Specific Plans for Planning Areas 1 and 7 are recognized as the
lowest allowable densities for the Chino Cone Special Policy Area.
Planning Area 5a Specific Plans may propose commercial and
tourist-serving uses. Following is a brief description of each
planning area and some associated characteristics.
Planning Area 1 – Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This area is approximately 570 acres in size and includes the Palm
Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station and accessory facilities.
The development in this planning area is envisioned as low
density residential and only those commercial uses associated with
the Tramway.
Planning Area 2 – Shadowrock
This area is approximately 360 acres and is envisioned with a
possible mix of residential and resort uses. A Development
Agreement outlines further possible uses and densities that may
be considered under a Specific Plan. Should the Development
Agreement become void, the underlying General Plan land use
designation of Special Policy Area (1 dwelling unit per 40 acres)
and the regulations of the ESA-SP would still apply. Portions of
this planning area are in FEMA Flood Zone A (impacts possible
due to 100-year rain) which would need to be taken into
consideration with any development application in this area.
Tramway Road serves as the major access point
into Planning Area 4 of the Chino Cone Special
Study Area.
The Chino Cone is an alluvial fan that can be
easily seen upon entry into the City.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-47
Planning Area 3 – Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Lands
The land within Planning Area 3 is within the reservation of the Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians. The area encompasses roughly 380 acres. It is
envisioned that a Tribal Specific Plan would be created for development
densities and uses that exceed the residential 1 unit per 40 acres set forth for
the Special Policy land use area. Portions of this planning area are also in
FEMA Flood Zone A (impact possible with a 100-year rain).
Planning Area 4 – Tramway South
This 119 acre area is characterized primarily by gently sloping rocky terrain.
It is envisioned to be primarily a low density residential area.
Planning Area 5a – Visitors Center
This is an area of approximately 8 acres that includes the architecturally
significant Palm Springs Visitors Center and a gateway feature to the City. A
Specific Plan for this area may include tourist-serving commercial activities,
including retail goods and services primarily oriented to the traveler,
including restaurants and entertainment, as well as other uses permitted with
a Specific Plan as described in the ESA-SP.
Planning Area 5 – Visitors Center
This 36 acre area is just west of Planning Area 5a. Portions of this area abut
Highway 111. A Specific Plan for this area may include uses and densities as
described in the ESA-SP. Visual screening of development from the adjacent
Highway 111 as described elsewhere in the General Plan may be a
consideration of development in this area.
Planning Area 6 – Chino Canyon Gateway
The Chino Canyon Gateway comprises about 125 acres and portions of this
planning area abut Highway 111. Consideration of view sheds and visual
screening from Highway 111 may be a consideration of development in this
area. Portions of this planning area are also in FEMA Flood Zone A (possible
impacts during a 100-year rain).
Planning Area 7 – Chino Creek
There are approximately 176 acres in this planning area, portions of which
also abut Highway 111. Environmental analysis should include study of
development impacts on the watercourse zones in this Planning Area. Visual
impacts of development from Highway 111 should also be considered.
Additional regulations governing
the development of the Chino
Cone can be found in the City’s
Zoning Ordinance under the
Environmentally Sensitive Area
Specific Plan Zone.
Page 2-48 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Planning Area 8 – Highway 111 Corridor
The 202 acres in this planning area comprise some of the first visual images
for travelers entering Palm Springs along Highway 111. A unique rock
outcropping known as Ship Rock is a natural landmark in this area.
Development in this Planning Area should not minimize the prominence of
this natural topographical feature and should address view sheds and visual
impacts along the Highway 111 frontage.
Planning Area 9 – Snow Creek
This Planning Area is north of the Chino Cone planning areas and
encompasses roughly 1,195 acres. Large portions of this area are characterized
as watercourse zones. Planning Area 9 is mostly situated within a cove
formed by Snow Creek Canyon, providing residents with seclusion and scenic
views. The historic Pacific Crest Trail skirts this planning area.
GOGOGOGOAL AL AL AL LULULULU13:13:13:13:
Sensitively integrate new development into the Chino Cone while
preserving its distinguishing natural and scenic characteristics.
Policies
LU13.1 Require that any development in the Chino Cone be harmonious
with and respectful of the area’s natural features.
LU13.2 Protect and conserve sensitive habitat areas through development
restrictions and clustering of land uses.
LU13.3 Continue to seek opportunities to acquire or designate open space
for preservation. This could include land dedication, in-lieu fees,
grants, density transfer, or other sources.
LU13.4 Allow for rural street profiles with French drain or similar type of
stormwater control features and code-compliant pedestrian
accommodation to traditional street standards and design of curbs
and gutters to establish a natural streetscape that visually blends
into the surrounding terrain.
LU13.5 Encourage low building profiles, natural colors, and minimal
grading to blend into the natural topography of the area.
LU13.6 Require any proposed development in this area to preserve Ship
Rock and integrate this natural landmark into the project’s
design.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-49
LU13.7 Apply natural berming techniques to screen views of development
within the Chino Cone from Highway 111.
LU13.8 Allow cultural, educational, and tourism-based uses that will
generate revenue and provide amenities in the Chino Cone Special
Policy Area.
Actions
LU13.1 Require preparation of a Specific Plan and associated environ-
mental analyses prior to the approval of any development within
the Chino Cone that differ from the residential uses permitted by
right (1 dwelling unit per 40 acres).
LU13.2 Apply the use of density transfers between properties located
within the Chino Cone and to properties elsewhere in the City to
encourage the preservation of views and natural resources.
LU13.3 Initiate discussions with the County to annex land north of
Planning Area 8 in an effort to preserve the view corridors desired
along Highway 111.
LU13.4 Work with the Winter Park Authority to explore ways to reduce
traffic on Tram Way including possible relocation of parking lots
near the Visitor Center and the use of shuttles or other means of
transport to the Lower Tramway Station.
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Page 2-52 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-53
Palm Hills
In July of 1970, the Palm Springs annexed approximately 34 square miles of
the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains into the City. It was envisioned
that the area would attract a development that preserved the environment
while encouraging the establishment of resort, residential and accessory uses.
The majority of the 34 square miles that comprised the original annexation
area have been designated as Mountain—allowing up to 1 unit of residential
development per 40 acres of land to preserve the integrity of the natural
terrain and resources found in the mountains.
The remaining area, comprised of approximately 1,200 acres of mountainous
terrain in the southern end of the City, has been designated as a Special Policy
Area. These 1,200 acres constitute the contemporary boundaries for the Palm
Hills area and warrant special policy guidance in the General Plan due to
their exceptional location and the desire to minimize impacts of development
in the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Palm Hills site is under five separate
property owners: Palm Hills Land Corporation (approximately 906 acres),
three Allottees (approximately 293 acres) and the Desert Water Agency
(DWA), which owns approximately 5 acres that contain water tank facilities.
The City continues to recognize the future potential of developing the site
with first-class resort and residential uses and is continuing to work with
property owners to design a project that minimizes impacts to the aesthetic
value of the hillsides and the sensitive natural resources. Residential and
resort development in Palm Hills is envisioned as at a maximum of one
dwelling unit or resort hotel unit per acre. In addition to residential uses, the
Palm Hills Special Policy Area provides for the development of a large-scale
mixed-use resort that may include guest ranches, hotels, or other resort
residential uses along with incidental and accessory commercial uses for
visitors and residents. Golf courses may also be considered in Palm Hills as a
complementary use to residential or resort uses. The total number of rooms
and residential units within Palm Hills shall not exceed a total of 1,200.
It should be noted that a 91-unit low density residential subdivision has been
approved in the Palm Hills Policy Area. While currently undeveloped, the
subdivision is legally recorded and can be developed with little or no
additional review required by the City. These units could be developed as
planned, incorporated into a more comprehensive master plan for the area, or
redesigned as part of a comprehensive plan for Palm Hills.
In any case, a Specific Plan shall be prepared to develop a detailed density
allocation formula that assigns units to individual properties within Palm
Hills to be in compliance with the General Plan. The Specific Plan shall also
ensure that the proposed units are fairly allocated to all properties that
contain development potential. The City shall not be precluded from
Page 2-54 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
considering the drainage, wildlife habitat, slope characteristics, and other
goals and policies of the General Plan while reviewing plans for proposed
development within Palm Hills.
The City of Palm Springs also recognizes the efforts of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, and other
groups to preserve the Santa Rosa Mountains in their natural state. It is
envisioned that limited, high-quality development can occur in the Palm
Hills area and be consistent with the desire to conserve natural resources. The
City will cooperate with these groups to facilitate conservation to the extent
that conservation efforts are consistent with the goals and policies of this
General Plan.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL LULULULU14141414::::
Create a first class resort and residential development in Palm Hills that
preserves valued open space, hillsides, view corridors, and biological
resources.
Policies
LU14.1 Establish an innovative planning process to analyze and guide all
aspects of future development in the Palm Hills area including
biological resources, aesthetics, and infrastructure.
LU14.2 Preserve the frontal slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains that are
visible from the desert floor as open space.
LU14.3 Public lands that are not used as part of a development project
may not be credited for density transfer purposes to an off-site
development.
LU14.4 Explore opportunities for the exchange of public and private lands
to create proper development areas and viable habitat conservation
areas.
LU14.5 Maximum density is one unit per acre (residential or hotel);
development on slopes above 30 percent is prohibited.
LU14.6 Allow credits for density transfer where sensitive biological
habitats, including hillsides, washes, canyons, etc. are protected
and dedicated as permanent open space.
Actions
LU14.1 Require the preparation of a Specific Plan for any development
proposed in Palm Hills.
LAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENTLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 2-55
LU14.2 Establish a program for the permanent preservation of open space
to mitigate wildlife habitat loss and to provide recreational
amenities. Programs should complement the applicable conser-
vation programs to the extent that they do not conflict with the
General Plan and the MSHCP.
LU14.3 Explore strategies to purchase the property for preservation,
including but not limited to issuance of bonds, matching funds
from conservation agencies, and partial acquisition of the site.
Page 2-56 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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3.3.3.3. Housing Housing Housing Housing ElementElementElementElement
3. Housing
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-1
3.3.3.3. HOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSING ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT
BACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEXTXTXTXT
California law requires that all local governments develop housing programs
to meet their “fair share” of existing and future housing needs for all income
groups. Palm Springs, along with all local governments in California, must
therefore prepare a Housing Element to meet local housing needs. The
Housing Element must contain proactive goals, policies, and programs that
are designed to facilitate the development, improvement, and preservation of
housing commensurate with their housing need. Local housing need is
established by the City, regional government, and the State of California.
Housing elements are required to be updated every five years unless an
extension is enacted into state law. This Palm Springs Housing Element
covers the extended planning period of 2000 to 2008. State law prescribes the
scope and content of the housing element. Pursuant to Section 65583 of the
Government Code, the housing element contains four basic parts:
� Analysis of demographic, social, and housing characteristics, current
and future housing needs due to population growth and change, and
other factors affecting housing need;
� Analysis of governmental and nongovernmental constraints that affect
the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing for all
income groups and people with disabilities;
� Inventory of resources available to address the City’s housing needs,
including available land for housing, as well as the financial resources,
and administrative capacity to manage housing programs; and
� Specific actions or programs to address the development, improve-
ment, and conservation of housing to meet current and future needs.
This includes goals, policies, and specific housing programs.
Page 3-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RRRRELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS PLANS AND PROGRAMS PLANS AND PROGRAMS PLANS AND PROGRAMS
The City’s 2000–2008 Housing Element is directly related to a number of
state and federally mandated requirements for housing policy and planning.
A description of these plans and programs follows.
Federal Planning Requirements
Palm Springs has been required to prepare two 5-year plans as a condition of
receiving certain federal funds for housing and community development
activities, specifically Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The
“Consolidated Plan” identifies housing and community development needs
for lower and moderate-income households and the “Analysis of Impediments
to Fair Housing Choice” ensures that policies and programs are in place to
affirmatively further fair housing. Both documents were adopted in 2005.
The Housing Element builds upon these planning efforts and its goals,
policies, and programs are consistent with the City’s federal housing plans.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment
State Housing Element law requires the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) to determine the amount of housing needed in its
region and allocate the need to each community. The allocation of housing
need is based on statewide and local projections of population, employment,
and housing need. State law requires cities to ensure that adequate sites,
public facilities, and services are available to facilitate housing production
commensurate with their assigned housing need. Palm Springs’ Housing
Element sets forth a strategy to address its share of the region’s housing need.
Redevelopment Law
Palm Springs has established Redevelopment Project Areas for the purposes
of eliminating blight, stimulating economic development, and providing
housing within a designated area. The Palm Springs Redevelopment Agency
(RDA) plays an important role in the maintenance, improvement,
rehabilitation and development of housing. The RDA is required to prepare a
plan every five years for the expenditure of funds for redevelopment activities,
including the construction, maintenance, and improvement of housing
projects within and outside project areas. The Housing Element is consistent
with the City’s Redevelopment Implementation Plans.
General Plan Consistency
California law requires that General Plans contain an integrated set of goals
and policies that are internally consistent within each element and the
General Plan as a whole. For instance, land use policies in the General Plan
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-3
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Land Use Element must be consistent with housing policies in the Housing
Element and transportation policies in the Circulation Element. Therefore, as
one or more elements of the General Plan are updated at different times in
the future, the Housing Element will be amended to maintain consistency in
housing goals, policies, and programs.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONPUBLIC PARTICIPATIONPUBLIC PARTICIPATIONPUBLIC PARTICIPATION
California law states that local governments shall make a diligent effort to
achieve public participation from all economic segments of the community in
the development of the housing element. The Housing Element was prepared
concurrently with the Consolidated Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice (AI), Redevelopment Implementation Plan, and the overall
update of the General Plan, as described below.
The public outreach and participation for each of these efforts defined the
City’s housing needs, the constraints and resources for meeting needs, and the
preferred strategies and priorities for housing programs. Outreach efforts
included the following:
� Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. On October 20, 2004, the
City invited 150 service providers, realtors, lenders, apartment associa-
tions, managers, owners, and tenants to participate in a fair-housing
workshop. In 2004, the City sent a Fair Housing Survey to 300
residents, community organizations, the CDBG Citizens Advisory
Committee, the Homeless Task Force, apartment owners and managers,
realtors, lenders, and housing/service providers. The Plan was also
reviewed and adopted by the City Council on July 29, 2005.
� Consolidated Plan. On December 14, 2004, the City distributed a
second Community Needs Survey to more than 300 stakeholders
during the CDBG solicitation process. This process was an integral
part of the preparation of the City’s Consolidated Plan. A public
hearing was held on March 22, 2005, before the Citizens Advisory
Committee to provide residents, community organizations, and other
interested parties an opportunity to comment on the City’s 2005–
2010 Consolidated Plan. The 2005–2010 Consolidated Plan was
formally adopted by the City Council on April 6, 2005.
� Redevelopment Implementation Plan. The City posted notices in both
Merged Areas and a public hearing before the Redevelopment Agency
was held November 17, 2004. Prior to adoption of this 2005 Housing
Element, the City will hold additional public hearings to adopt the
Page 3-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
2005–2010 Redevelopment Implementation and the goals of this plan
will be folded into the Housing Element.
� General Plan. On May 15, 2005, the City held a community festival
and conducted neighborhood workshops to solicit information on the
land use plan from the community. On July 28, 2005, the General
Plan Steering Committee also discussed and made various recommen-
dations to improve and enhance the range of housing opportunities for
Palm Springs residents. Neighborhood workshops were later held
during 2006 to review and comment on the Land Use Plan, which
included sites proposed for housing development.
Public input received during preparation of these plans and programs in the
General Plan process was instrumental in formulating the goals, policies, and
actions of this Housing Element.
The City made available the draft Housing Element to special needs groups
in the community, including seniors, people with disabilities, families,
homeless advocates, and organizations providing services. The Housing
Element was circulated to the Chamber of Commerce, the Library, the Palm
Springs Unified School District, and other interested parties. The Housing
Element was also circulated to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
As required by state law, the draft 2000–2008 Palms Springs Housing
Element was reviewed by the Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) in February 2003 for compliance with state law. As
requested by HCD, the City made various revisions to the draft Housing
Element to ensure that adequate housing sites were available and housing
programs were implemented to ensure a sufficient availability of housing.
HCD has issued a letter of compliance upon adoption by the City Council.
The Planning Commission and City Council will hold public hearings to
review and adopt the Housing Element as part of the General Plan Update.
Environmental documentation for the housing element is covered under the
Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan. All public hearings held
before the Planning Commission and City Council will be duly noticed. Prior
to the public hearing for adoption of the Housing Element, the draft
document will be circulated and available for review and comment.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-5
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
HOUSING CONTEXTHOUSING CONTEXTHOUSING CONTEXTHOUSING CONTEXT
This section is intended to provide the basic housing context that will guide
the development of goals, policies, and programs for meeting the commu-
nity’s housing needs. This section describes present and future housing needs
in Palm Springs, analyzes constraints to addressing them, and provides an
analysis of resources available to help meet the City’s housing needs.
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILEDEMOGRAPHIC PROFILEDEMOGRAPHIC PROFILEDEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Population Growth
According to the Department of Finance, the City of Palm Springs has a
population of 45,731 as of 2005. Historically, population has increased at a
moderate pace, gaining 5,000 to 10,000 residents every decade since the
1950s, with the exception of the 1990s, when population grew at a much
slower rate. The 2006 General Plan anticipates that year-round population
will increase to 94,949 residents at total buildout.
Palm Springs has a large seasonal population that owns second homes and
visits during the mild winter. According to the 2000 Census, Palm Springs
has about 7,250 seasonal residences (14,500 residents), which translates to
about one-quarter of the current year-round and seasonal resident population.
With the development of resort condominiums anticipated, the proportion of
seasonal residents is expected to remain constant.
Figure 3-1 Palm Springs Population Trends
–
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
50,000
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Source: 1950–2000 Census.
Page 3-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Race and Ethnicity
Palm Springs, like other communities in southern California, has experienced
gradual changes in the racial and ethnic composition of its residents. Table
3-1 displays changes in race and ethnicity from 1990 to 2000. According to
the 2000 Census, White residents comprised the largest race and ethnic
group in Palm Springs at 67 percent of residents. However, Hispanics
recorded the fastest growth over the decade, increasing 35 percent to nearly
one of every four residents in 2000.
All other race and ethnic groups comprised 10 percent of the population.
Asian residents increased slightly, but continued to represent less than
4 percent of the population. African Americans comprised 4 percent of the
City’s population and all others comprised less than 2 percent.
Table 3-1
City of Palm Springs
Changes in Race and Ethnicity
1990 2000
Age Groups Number Percent Number Percent
Percent
Change
White 29,406 73% 28,474 67% -3%
Hispanic 7,504 19% 10,155 24% 35%
African American 1,729 4% 1,621 4% -6%
Asian 1,266 3% 1,606 4% 27%
Other 276 <1% 951 2% 245%
Total 40,181 100% 42,807 100% 7%
Source: U.S. Census, 1990 and 2000.
Race and ethnicity, combined with household income, have implications for
housing needs. White and Asian residents tend to have the highest average
household incomes, smaller household sizes, and therefore have the ability to
afford a broader range of housing opportunities than other race and ethnic
groups. Although the race and ethnicity of people who own second homes
is unknown, it is presumed that Whites and Asians are the most likely
occupants given their higher average housing incomes.
Hispanics were the fastest growing ethnic group in Palm Springs. As noted
by the City’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (2005), Hispanics
tend to have the lowest average household income due to their types of
employment and generally larger household sizes. African Americans also
have similarly lower income levels. Thus, it can be assumed that housing
opportunities would be more limited for Hispanics and African Americans.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-7
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Age Changes
The population age distribution of Palm Springs reflects a resort-oriented
community, with a low ratio of children to adults in the community. As
shown in Table 3-2, the City’s adult population comprised 75 percent of
residents, split between seniors 65 years and older, middle-aged adults from
ages 45 to 64, and young adults from ages 25 to 44. Residents under age 24
made up the remaining 25 percent of the population.
Unlike other desert communities, the median age of population in Palm
Springs increased from 44 to 47 years in 2000. This trend was primarily due
to two factors. Except for the age group of 5 to 17 years, all age groups under
45 years declined in number and share of the population. At the same time,
middle-age adults ages 45 to 64 were the fastest-growing group, increasing
24 percent during the decade. Seniors also continued to increase in number,
growing 8 percent during the decade.
Table 3-2
City of Palm Springs
Changes in Age Characteristics
1990 2000
Age Groups Number Percent Number Percent
Percent
Change
0-4 Children 2,104 5% 2,028 4% -4%
5–17 (youth) 4,490 11% 5,247 12% 17%
18–24 (college adults) 3,154 8% 2,624 6% -17%
25–44 (young adults) 10,890 27% 10,376 24% -5%
45–64 (middle-age) 9,094 23% 11,303 26% +24%
65+ (seniors) 10,359 26% 11,229 26% +8%
Total 40,091 100% 42,807 100% +7%
Median Age 43.7 46.9
Source: U.S. Census, 1990 and 2000.
Age characteristics influence the demand for different types of housing.
Generally speaking, college-age adults ages 18 to 24 and young adults
between ages 25 and 44 are looking for more affordable housing options.
Adults older than 44 are generally more settled in their careers, earn higher
incomes, and seek move-up opportunities for housing, either in higher-priced
condominiums or single-family homes.
Palm Springs has experienced a rapid increase in housing prices over the past
few years. Given the increased cost of housing, the City will need to expand
its inventory of housing opportunities that are affordable to different income
levels in order to maintain a diverse sociodemographic mix of residents.
Page 3-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
What is a household?
The Census Bureau defines three
basic types of households:
household, family, and nonfamily.
Household: Defined as all
members living in the same home
regardless of relationship.
Family household: Refers
to persons living in the same home
related by blood, marriage, or
adoption.
Nonfamily households: defined
as households consisting of
unrelated individuals living
together.
Household Changes
Household composition can have an important influence on the type of
housing desired. For instance, families with children may look for larger
dwellings (more bedrooms) that can more readily accommodate children.
Singles tend to desire condominiums, townhomes, and similar housing types
with smaller lots and located near amenities. Seniors may also look for
housing that is affordable, yet easier to maintain. Thus Palm Springs
household composition will affect current housing needs.
As shown in Table 3-3, Palm Springs has also seen a significant shift in the
composition of households. During the 1990s, nonfamily households became
the majority at 54 percent while family households declined from 54 to 46
percent. Among nonfamilies, single-person households increased 25 percent
and other nonfamilies (unrelated persons living together) increased 45 percent.
However, the average household size remained small at 2.1 persons per
household due to the low number of younger families living in the City.
Table 3-3
Palm Springs
Changes in Household Composition
1990 2000
Household Type Number Percent Number Percent
Percent
Change
Households 18,622 — 20,516 — 10%
Family Households 10,077 54% 9,464 46% -6%
Married w/children 2,303 12% 2,107 10% -9%
Married w/no children 5,544 29% 4,860 24% -12%
Other families 2,230 12% 2,497 12% 12%
Unmarried Partners* — — 388 2% —
Non-family Households 8,545 46% 11,052 54% 29%
Single Persons 6,811 37% 8,537 42% 25%
Other Non-families 1,734 9% 2,515 12% 45%
Unmarried Partners* — — 1,356 7% —
Total 40,181 100% 42,807 100% 7%
Average Household Size 2.13 2.05 -4%
Source: U.S. Census, 1990 and 2000.
*Unmarried partners include family and nonfamily households of the same or opposite sex.
The 2000 Census included a new category for unmarried people living
together; nearly 8 percent of all households in Palm Springs contained
unmarried partner households, which includes same sex and opposite sex
households. Of that total, 388 unmarried partner households were classified
under the “other family” category and 1,356 unmarried partner households
were classified under the “nonfamily household” category. These categories
also include people filing as domestic partnerships.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-9
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Household Income
Along with housing costs, household income is the most fundamental factor
affecting housing opportunity, because it determines how much can be
afforded for housing. According to the 2000 Census, the City’s median
household income was approximately $36,000, 19 percent below the median
household income in Riverside County of $43,000, but similar to the median
household income of surrounding cities.
The City’s median household income is lower than the County average due to
the large number of retired residents and smaller nonfamily households
present in the City. For example, retired residents earned a median household
income of $31,000 and nonfamily households earned a median income of
approximately $29,000. In contrast, the median family income in Palm
Springs was approximately $45,000 as of 2000.
Over the 1990s, the median household income increased 31 percent in
nominal dollars. The number of households earning more than $100,000
increased a sizable 90 percent (Table 3-4). However, when adjusted for
inflation, the median household income increased only 2.5 percent from 1990
to 2005. This is due to the increase in the number of senior and nonfamily
households relocating to the community over the last decade. Meanwhile, the
percentage of people living in poverty increased to 15 percent in 2000.
Table 3-4
Palm Springs Income Characteristics
1990 2000
Household Income Number Percent Number Percent
Percent
Change
Less than $10,000 2,937 16% 2,109 10% -28%
$10,000 to $24,999 5,506 29% 4,994 24% -9%
$25,000 to $49,000 5,393 29% 5,957 29% 11%
$50,000 to $99,999 3,595 19% 4,823 24% 34%
$100,000 + 1,352 7% 2,593 13% 92%
Percent Living in Poverty 4,991 13% 6,402 15% 28%
Median Household Income $27,538 $35,973 31%
Median Family Income $34,642 $45,318 31%
Median Household Income $40,756* $41,729* 2.5%
Source: U.S. Census, 1990 and 2000.
*Household Income shown in nominal income; asterisk denotes adjusted for inflation in 2005 dollars.
Further differences in household income are evident by the tenure (renter
versus homeownership) of the resident. According to the 2000 Census, renter
households earned a median household income of $24,000 in 2000. As
expected, homeowners earned nearly two times the median rental household
income, earning a median household income of $46,250.
Page 3-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The State Department of Housing and Community Development further
analyzes the distribution of income among households in a community
relative to the County Median Family Income (CMFI) as adjusted for different
size households. These categories are as follows.
� Extremely low income households: households earning 30 percent or
less of the CMFI
� Very low income households: households earning between 31 and 50
percent of CMFI
� Low income households: earning 51 to 80 percent of CMFI
� Moderate income households: households earning 81 to 120 percent
of CMFI
State income guidelines often combine extremely low and very low income
into one category, called very low income. The extremely low, very low, and
low income categories are also often considered “lower” income, a term used
throughout this Housing Element. Lower income households have the
greatest difficulty in finding suitable and affordable housing.
Over the 1990s, lower income households increased 8 percent to 8,919 by
2000, which includes 4,965 renters and 3,954 homeowners (Table 3-5). By
tenure, 61 percent of all renters earn lower incomes, while only 32 percent of
all homeowners earn lower incomes. Certain types of households also have a
higher incidence of low income: more than 70 percent of seniors and large
families who rent earn lower incomes.
Table 3-5
Lower Income Households in Palm Springs
Households by Tenure
Extremely
Low Very Low Low
Moderate
and Above-
Moderate
Renters 1,673 1,454 1,838 4,965
Percent of All Renters 21% 18% 23% 61%
Owners 867 1,181 1,906 3,954
Percent of All Owners 7% 9% 15% 32%
Number and Percent of Households Earning Lower Incomes
Household Types Renters Owners Renters Owners
Seniors (1 and 2 persons) 1,422 2,424 71% 37%
Small Families (2–4 persons) 1,308 647 58% 24%
Large Families (5 or more) 441 192 70% 27%
All Others 1,794 691 56% 27%
Total Households 4,965 3,954 61% 32%
Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy, 2000.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-11
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
What are special housing
needs in Palm Springs?
California housing law considers
certain households as having
special needs due to income,
household size, disability, or
employment status that affect their
ability to find suitable housing.
Special Needs
This section analyzes the special housing needs of seniors, female-headed
households, single-parent families, disabled persons, large families, farm-
workers, and homeless people in Palm Springs. More extensive information
about each group and the particular needs of each household group is
included in the Consolidated Plan.
� Seniors. Seniors are often considered a special needs group because
limited income, health costs, the need for access to transportation and
supportive services, and disabilities make it more difficult for seniors
to find and retain adequate affordable housing. As of the 2000 Census,
the City was home to 7,458 senior households (37 percent of all
households); of these households, 5,723 owned a home and 1,735
rented a home. According to the Census, 38 percent have a disability
and 40 percent of seniors overpay for housing. To help meet the
housing needs of seniors, the City assists in the development of
affordable senior housing (e.g., Vista Del Monte/Vista Serena senior
apartments) and permits licensed care facilities.
� Female-Headed Households and Single Parents. Female-headed
households—in particular, single-parent households—often require
special consideration or assistance, because they typically earn less
than two-parent households and must be able to afford child care as
well. As a result, many single-parent families choose to double up
with other families. The City has 4,362 female-headed households. In
2000, 6 percent of all households were single parents with children
under age 18; however, they represented 43 percent of households
that were in poverty. As a result, sharing housing becomes a necessity:
311 single parents with children share a house with another family.
� Large Families. Large families, defined as those with five or more
members, comprise 5 percent of households. Of that total, 688 own
homes and 657 large families rent housing. Many large families have
two or more children, extended family members such as grandparents
living with their children, or other nonfamily members who rent out a
room, such as students. Large households, in particular renters, have
greater difficulty in finding housing because of the limited supply of
adequately sized and affordable rentals. Large families may also face a
heightened rate of housing discrimination or differential treatment
when they try to secure rental housing. Large families therefore
encounter the highest rate of overcrowding and overpayment.
� Disabled People. Disabled people have special housing needs because
of their fixed income, lack of accessible housing, and higher health
care costs. According to the 2000 Census, 10,836 persons in Palm
Page 3-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Springs had a disability (27 percent of all households) and nearly half
were older than 65 years of age. Disabilities are defined as mental,
physical, or health conditions that last more than six months. To
address their housing needs, the City ensures that federally subsidized
housing provides accessible units for disabled people. Riverside
County, when allocating vouchers for affordable housing, provides a
preference for disabled people. For residents requiring assisted living,
the City has 29 licensed residential care facilities serving 483 seniors in
Palm Springs.
� Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Riverside County
Health Department, about 1,600 residents in Palm Springs are living
with HIV/AIDS, which represents 40 percent of the County’s
HIV/AIDS population. Several resources are available within Palm
Springs to serve those in need. Desert AIDS Project provides medical
care, counseling, home health services, and legal assistance, as well as
assistance with housing, medication, food, jobs, and more. The AIDS
Assistance Program provides food vouchers for 450 low income clients
each month, counseling, and other assistance. The City is actively
pursuing housing opportunities, and broke ground on a permanent
supportive housing facility for people living with HIV/AIDS in 2006.
� Homeless People. The Riverside County Department of Public Social
Services identified that there were 336 homeless people living in Palm
Springs (2004). Various support services are available in Palm Springs
to assist them. The County’s Nightengale Manor, a 16-unit apartment
building used for transitional housing, is operated by Episcopal Com-
munity Services. The Well in the Desert provides grocery distribution,
meals, and other services to the needy, including a hot lunch program
in a City-owned facility. Catholic Charities provides emergency rental
assistance and food for up to 40 people each night. The City also
dedicates part of its federal monies to homeless service providers and is
supporting the development of a new youth emergency shelter in
Thousand Palms. In 2006, the City established a Homeless Task Force
to identify locations for a homeless shelter in Palm Springs.
� Farmworkers. Although the Coachella Valley economy was historically
linked to agriculture, changes in the local economy have virtually
eliminated all significant agricultural production in the community. In
2000, the Census reported that only 50 residents were employed in
the agricultural sector. Typically, agricultural work is one of the
lowest-paying employment options, resulting in many farmworkers
living in substandard housing. The City does not have designated
farmworker housing, but, should farmworkers need affordable
housing, the City has more than 1,800 housing units readily available
to lower income households.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-13
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
HOUSING CHARACTERISTHOUSING CHARACTERISTHOUSING CHARACTERISTHOUSING CHARACTERISTICSICSICSICS
Housing Inventory
Palm Springs offers a diverse array of housing opportunities, as shown in
Table 3-6. As of January 2005, single-family homes comprise more than half
of all homes, with a considerable share being attached units. Multiple-family
housing comprises 35 percent of all homes, with the majority in projects of
five or more units. Palm Springs also has a significant number of vacation
rentals and condominiums, which may be included in either the single-family
or multiple-family housing categories. The City’s additional 2,235 mobile
home units comprise 7 percent of all housing.
Homeowners comprise 61 percent of households (12,463 households). The
homeownership rate is highest in single-family homes and mobile homes
(88 percent) and lowest among multiple-family homes (19 percent). In Palm
Springs, many residents own second homes or rent vacation condominiums
during the mild winter months. In 2000, the Census Bureau noted that one-
quarter of all units (10,307) were vacant, of which at least a part were held
for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use and were not used for permanent
year-round housing.
The housing vacancy rate reflects the balance between the demand for
housing and the availability of housing. Typically, the building industry
assumes that vacancy rates of 5 to 6 percent for rental units and 1.5 to
2 percent for ownership housing are optimal, offering a wide variety of choice
and sufficient price competition. Higher vacancy rates drive down housing
prices while lower vacancy rates lead to price escalation. In 2000, 3 percent of
ownership units and 11 percent of rentals units were vacant; in recent years,
vacancy has decreased, significantly tightening the market.
Table 3-6
Palm Springs Housing Characteristics
Housing Number
Percent of
Total
Percent
Owned*
Single-family detached 11,325 35% 88%
Single-family attached 6,160 19% 80%
Multiple-family (2–4 units) 2,512 8% 19%
Multiple-family (5+ units) 9,851 31% 19%
Mobile Homes and other 2,235 7% 88%
Total 32,083 100% 61%
Source: California Department of Finance, 2005.
*Ownership rates estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2000.
Page 3-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Housing Costs
Much like other communities in the Coachella Valley, the sale prices for
housing in Palm Springs have dramatically increased over the last five years.
In 1999, the median-priced condominium in Palm Springs sold for approxi-
mately $80,000 and the median-priced single-family detached home sold for
a median of $148,000. By 2005, however, the price of housing had nearly
tripled and was increasing faster than many other areas in the greater
southern California region.
As summarized in Table 3-7 below, the 2005 median price of a resale home in
Palm Springs ranged from approximately $400,000 to more than $500,000,
depending on number of bedrooms, location, and amenities. Condominiums
range from an average median of $275,000 to $330,000. Mobile homes are
the most affordable housing option and generally sell for a median price of
$114,000 for a two-bedroom unit. Based on asking prices, new homes (in
2005) sold for higher prices than resale homes.
The rental housing market also experienced some price escalation, increasing
25 to 50 percent since 1999. Rents vary widely, but are reasonable compared
to other areas due to the high seasonal vacancy rates. Small apartments with
five or fewer units rent for $600 to $750 depending on bedrooms and
amenities. Larger apartments rent for $700 to $1,100, depending on
bedrooms and amenities. Condominiums rent for an average of $1,200 to
$1,400 for a two-bedroom unit, and single-family homes average slightly
higher rents, ranging from $1,400 to $1,500 for standard homes.
Table 3-7
Palm Springs Housing Prices and Rents
Housing Prices
One-Bedroom
Unit
Two-Bedroom
Unit
Three-Bedroom
Unit
Median Prices
Single-Family Homes N/A $422,500 $480,000
Condominiums $172,000 $275,000 $330,000
Mobile Homes N/A $114,000 N/A
Average Rents
Multiple-family < 5 units (new) $600 $750–1,100 $1,375
Apartments 5+ units (new) $700 $932 $1,085
Condo/Single-Family N/A $1,200–1,500 $1,500+
Source: Data Quick; Homestore.com; Desert Sun (2005).
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-15
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Housing Affordability
Palm Springs considers housing affordability to be a critical issue. The
inability to afford housing leads to a number of undesirable situations,
including the doubling up of families in a single home, overextension of a
household’s financial resources, premature deterioration of housing due to the
high number of occupants, situations where children and seniors cannot
afford to live near other family members because of the lack of affordable
housing options, and in more extreme cases, homelessness.
Housing affordability can be determined by comparing housing prices to the
income levels of residents in the same community or within a larger region,
such as the County. The California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD), the state agency responsible for reviewing housing
elements, assesses the need for housing assistance in cities according to four
household income groups—very low, low, moderate, and above moderate.
The federal government has established an “affordability” threshold that
measures whether or not a household can afford to rent or own housing.
Typically, a household should not pay more than 30 percent of gross income
for housing costs. Households paying more than 50 percent of income for
housing are considered to be severely overpaying for housing.
Table 3-8 compares the maximum housing price and rent that could be
afforded by different income levels in Palm Springs. It should be noted that
the table refers to the maximum income of households within a particular
income group. Households earning in the lower portion of an income range
may not be able to afford the maximum home price or rent.
Table 3-8
Housing Affordability in Palm Springs
Income Levels
Definition
(Percent of
County MFI)
Maximum
Household
Income1
Maximum
Affordable
Price2
Maximum
Affordable
Rent3
Extremely Low Less than 30% $16,695 $31,100 $417
Very Low 31% to 50% $27,825 $75,200 $696
Low 51% to 80% $44,520 $141,300 $1,113
Moderate 80% to 120% $66,780 $230,000 $1,670
Assumptions:
1 Household size of four persons. Maximum income limits are established by the Department of Housing and
Community Development according to median family income (MFI).
2 Assumes 5% down payment, 30-year loan at an interest rate of 7% with standard assumptions for
miscellaneous housing costs. Affordability is calculated at 35% of income, assuming that mortgage costs are tax
deductible.
3 Rental payment is assumed at no more than 30% of income.
Page 3-16 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Housing Age and Condition
Housing age is one factor used for determining housing maintenance and
rehabilitation needs. Homes older than 30 years (that have not been well
maintained) generally need repairs (e.g., new roof, plumbing, siding, etc.) and
in some cases may require lead paint abatement. Homes older than 50 years
frequently need new electrical and other major subsystems. Homes older than
70 years, unless regularly maintained, require substantial rehabilitation.
Housing units by year of construction are shown in Table 3-9.
Lack of infrastructure and utilities are an indicator of substandard housing.
According to the 2000 Census, 166 units lacked complete plumbing facilities
and 217 units lacked complete kitchen facilities in Palm Springs. The majority
of units were connected to the City sewer system, with less than 3 percent on
septic tanks or some other means of waste disposal. Less than 1 percent of the
units relied on heating sources other than gas or electricity. Some of these
units may be considered to be substandard.
Another way to determine if housing is substandard is to evaluate whether
physical conditions are below the minimum standards of living as defined by
Section 1001 of the Uniform Housing Code. A housing unit is considered
substandard if any of the following conditions exist: inadequate sanitation,
structural hazards, nuisances, faulty weather protection, fire hazards,
inadequate maintenance, overcrowding, and hazardous wiring, plumbing, or
mechanical equipment. However, no data is available for such assessment in
Palm Springs.
City staff estimates that 155 single-family homes need rehabilitation, based
on surveys taken for the Redevelopment Implementation Plans. Assuming
the same rate of rehabilitation needs as single-family housing, less than
0.1 percent of multiple-family housing is in need of rehabilitation. Of this
total, Redevelopment Agency staff estimate that 1 to 2 single-family units
and an equal number of multiple-family units need replacement each year.
Table 3-9
City of Palm Springs
Housing Age as of 2000
Year Built
Number of
Homes
Percent of
Homes
1990–2000 2,049 7%
1980–1990 7,503 24%
1970–1979 10,688 35%
1960–1969 5,736 18%
1940–1959 4,179 13%
Earlier than 1940 827 3%
Totals 30,979 100%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-17
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Defining Housing
Problems
The federal government defines
“housing problems” as households
paying too much for housing, living
in overcrowded housing conditions,
or living in homes that have
selected physical problems.
Housing Problems
The mismatch between household income and housing costs typically results
in two related housing problems: overpayment and overcrowding. According
to the federal government, households spending too much for housing have
limited income left for other basic necessities of life. To avoid paying too
much for housing, many households choose to double up with other family
members or members of other families. This may lead to a situation of
overcrowding, which may increase traffic, result in parking shortages, and
increase the wear and tear on a home.
Housing problems of housing overpayment and household overcrowding are
defined by the federal government as follows.
� Overpayment. Overpayment refers to a household which pays more
than 30 percent of its gross income for rental or ownership costs.
According to the 2000 Census, approximately 46 percent of renters
(3,739 households) and 33 percent (4,107 households) of homeowners
overpay for housing in Palm Springs.
� Overcrowding. Overcrowding refers to a situation where a household
has more family members than rooms in a home (excluding halls,
kitchens, bathrooms, etc.). According to the 2000 Census, 1,105
renter (14 percent) and 433 homeowner (3.5 percent) households live
in overcrowded housing conditions in Palm Springs.
As shown in Table 3-10, low income households have the highest occurrence
of housing problems in Palm Springs. Housing problems were experienced by
77 percent of low income renter households and 69 percent of low income
homeowners, representing up to six times the rate of all other households.
Low income large families with five or more members are the most burdened
households—94 percent experienced a housing problem.
Table 3-10
Housing Problems among Households
Percentage with Housing Problems
Housing Tenure
Low
Income
Households
Earning
above Low
Income
Total for All
Households
Renter Households 77% 19% 55%
Homeowner Households 69% 12% 36%
Total Households 59% 20% 43%
Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy, 2000.
Page 3-18 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Housing Preservation Needs
Palm Springs has a sizable inventory of affordable housing projects available
for and occupied by residents. City records show that 16 affordable rental
projects provide subsidized, low cost housing for more than 1,200 house-
holds. In addition, the City has mobile home units regulated by affordability
agreements. These projects are summarized below in Table 3-11.
California housing law requires that all housing elements include an analysis
of multiple-family affordable housing projects, which have been assisted by
governmental or private funds, as to their eligibility to change from low
income housing to market rates by 2012. This is called an at-risk analysis.
State law does not require a similar analysis for mobile home projects.
In addressing this requirement, publicly assisted and affordable multiple-
family residential projects are analyzed into three categories.
� Projects at No Risk: Projects not considered at risk are affordable
multiple-family housing projects in which the affordability controls
will not expire within 10 years from the end of the planning period for
the Housing Element.
� Projects at Low Risk: Low risk projects are affordable housing projects
in which the affordability controls could expire by 2010, but arrange-
ments have been made to preserve the units, or the owners are not
likely to convert the projects.
� Projects at Risk: These projects are affordable multiple-family housing
in which the affordability restrictions have expired and the present
affordability is maintained through Section 8 vouchers or some other
subsidy which is uncertain and could terminate.
All of the City’s affordable housing projects are shown in Table 3-11. City
records identified five projects—Heritage Apartments, Sunnyview Village,
Rancheria del Sol, Seminole Gardens, and Palm Springs Senior Apartments—
as potentially at-risk of conversion. These projects are discussed below.
Heritage Apartments
The Heritage Apartments is a 136-unit apartment complex that offered low
rents for mature adults. In 2000, the complex required a significant number
of repairs to remedy deferred maintenance. The City of Palm Springs entered
into an owner participation agreement, in which the Redevelopment Agency
provided $450,000 in Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside monies in return
for a covenant that 68 units would be reserved for very low income
households for a period of 25 years ending in 2026. This project is no longer
considered at risk of conversion to market rents.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-19
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Table 3-11
Palm Springs Subsidized Multiple-Family Housing
Development Name
Type of
Unit Form of Assistance Total Units
Subsidy
Terminates Status
Sunnyview Villas
2950 N. Indian Canyon
Family
Section 221(d)(4) –
Section 8
44 2005 At Risk
Palos Verdes Villas
392 E. Stevens Road
Family
LIHTC, CalHFA, &
RDA funds
98 (20%VLI)) 2015 Not at Risk
Desert Flower Apartments
2500 E. Palm Canyon
Family Mortgage Revenue Bond 129 units 2018 Not at Risk
Racquet Club
2383 E. Racquet Club
Family Mortgage Revenue Bond 9 units 2018 Not at Risk
Calle de Carlos
3721-3989 E. Calle de Carlos
Family Mortgage Revenue Bond
4 units
4 units
2018 Not at Risk
Nightengale Manor
2951 De Anza Road
Family Mortgage Revenue Bond 16 2018 Not at Risk
Pacific Palms Apartments
423 S. Calle El Segundo
Family,
Senior
MRB, LIHTC, Section 8 140 2020 Not at Risk
Tahquitz Court Apartments
2890 E. Tahquitz Canyon
Family Tax Exempt Bond 108 2023 Not at Risk
Coyote Run Apartments
3601 N. Sunrise Avenue
Family LIHTC/RDA 140 2023 Not at Risk
Vista Del Monte
1207 E. Vista Chino
Senior HUD Section 202 52 2026 Not at Risk
Heritage Apartments
300 S Calle El Segundo
Seniors RDA Funds
136
68 VLI
2026 Not at Risk
Vista Serena
1210 E. Vista Chino
Senior Section 202 57 2026 Not at Risk
Palm Springs Senior Apartments
3200 Baristo/1201 Vista Chino
Senior
CalHFA, Section 8
(voucher)
175
2024 – Just
ext. to 2060
Not at Risk
Rancheria del Sol
303 S. Calle El Segundo
Family
Section 236(d)(1)
Project-Based
Section 8; Title VI
76
2006 – Just
ext. to 2044
Not at Risk
Seminole Garden Apartments
2607 S. Linden Way
Family
Section 221(d)(3)
LIHTC in 2002
60
2042 – Just
ext. to 2057
Not at Risk
Vista Sunrise - New
Individuals
HOME; LIHTC; City;
CalHFA
80 2061 Not at Risk
Sahara Mobile Homes
1955 S. Camino Real
Seniors,
Families
RDA
254–127
affordable
2050+ Not at Risk
El Dorado Mobile Homes
6000 E. Palm Canyon Drive
Seniors,
Families
RDA; MPROP 377 2050+ Not at Risk
Source: City of Palm Springs, 2006; California Housing Partnership, Revised May 2006.
Notations:
CalHFA: California Housing Finance Authority
LIHTC: Low Income Housing Tax Credits
RDA: Palm Springs Redevelopment Agency
MPROP: Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership Program
MRB: Mortgage Revenue Bond
Page 3-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Palm Springs Senior Apartments
This 116-unit senior housing complex was originally financed through the
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) with Section 8 Housing
Assistance. The units were affordable to very low income households for a 45-
Year period ending 2024. The City originally provided leased land for the
project. The new owners sought to reinvest $2.7 million in property rehabili-
tation and accessibility upgrades. To help fund the project, the City extended
the lease agreement to 2060, with the stipulation that all 116 units would
remain affordable and return to senior housing for the lease term. The owners
will also obtain low income housing tax credits to finance the project.
Rancheria del Sol
This project was originally assisted with a CalHFA loan and later refinanced
with a HUD Section 236(j)(1) loan. Typically, projects funded under the
Section 236 loan program have a 40-year low income use restriction and,
after the first 20 years, the owners can choose to opt out of the low income
use restriction. The project was assisted with a Project Based Section 8 rental
subsidy, which expired in 1999. In the mid-1990s, the project became eligible
under the LIHPRHA Title VI project, a federal housing preservation program
that has a 50-year affordability control. The mortgage maturity date is 2044;
thus, the project is no longer considered at risk according to the California
Housing Partnership.
Seminole Garden Apartments
This project is a 60-unit family housing complex financed through a Section
221(d)(3) market rate mortgage and has a Project Based Section 8 rental
subsidy on 30 of the units. HUD provides Section 8 certificates for the very
low income households housed in the project. The subsidized units include 15
two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom units. In 2002, the Jamboree Housing
Corporation and Preservation Partners Development rehabilitated the project,
obtaining financing from a Low Income Housing Tax Credit. Under terms of
the financing, the project will remain affordable to very low income house-
holds for 55 years. Therefore, this residential project is no longer considered
at risk of conversion to 2057.
Sunnyview Villas
This 44-unit apartment project is financed through a Section 221(d)(3)
market rate mortgage and has a Project Based Section 8 rental subsidy. The
project includes 40 two-bedroom units and 4 three-bedroom units. Under
this program, HUD pays the difference between a tenant’s rent contribution
(30 percent of monthly income) and the fair market rent (FMR) set by HUD
for the area. Only very low income households are eligible to occupy Section
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-21
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
8 units. Sunnyview Villas filed a notice to opt out of the Section 8 contract in
2005. If the owner opts out of the contract, there is no mortgage prepayment
restriction that would require continued affordability, thus the project could
convert to market rate and no longer be affordable to the current very low
income tenants.
Sunnyview Villas is a Project Based Section 8 subsidized project at risk of
losing affordability restrictions by 2010. The primary incentive for property
owners to opt out is the market rent that would be paid for these units. For
HUD financed projects, four primary options are available: (1) renew at
comparable market rental rates (the “Mark Up to Market” option), (2) renew
at current rents with no adjustments, (3) mark down rents to market levels if
the Section 8 subsidy exceeds market rents, or (4) notify HUD of the intent
to opt out. If the owner meets all noticing requirements and then opts out,
HUD will either issue “enhanced” vouchers allowing residents to stay in their
units or issue a standard voucher to those who choose to relocate.
The second option for preserving the at-risk apartment projects from
converting to market rates is for the City to replace the HUD subsidies in
return for affordability covenants. The financial cost of replacing HUD sub-
sidies is the difference between the FMR of an adequately sized unit and the
maximum rent that tenants could pay each month defined as 30 percent of
household income. The FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $911, a very low
income household of four persons could afford no more than $696 per month,
and the annual subsidy would be approximately $2,600 for 44 units.
Maintenance of the at-risk housing units as affordable will depend largely on
market conditions, the status of HUD renewals of Section 8 contracts, and
the attractiveness of financial incentives that the City can provide to
investors, if warranted. The cost to replace the 44 units will vary based on the
timing of replacement and the economic conditions in the region. The
Building Industry Association estimates that new multiple-family projects
cost $125 to $130 per square foot. Using the average square footages of
available two-bedroom rental units of 1,000 square feet, the building
replacement cost would be $5.5 million dollars.
Perhaps the most effective means for preserving affordable units at risk of
conversion to market rates units would be the transfer of ownership. A non-
profit housing corporation could purchase the project, rehabilitate it using
Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and then extend the affordability controls.
The City of Palm Springs could, if desired, facilitate this effort through a
reduction in building permit fees, impact fees, or other indirect assistance.
This method was used to rehabilitate the Seminole Garden Apartments and
extend affordability controls to 2057.
Page 3-22 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
HOUSING CONSTRAINTSHOUSING CONSTRAINTSHOUSING CONSTRAINTSHOUSING CONSTRAINTS
Housing constraints refer to land use regulations, housing policies, zoning,
and other factors that influence the price and availability of housing
opportunities in Palm Springs. This section provides an overview of the City’s
General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Consolidated Plan, AI, and other
documents that identify public policies and governmental regulations that
may limit or enhance housing opportunities in Palm Springs.
Land Use Policies
The Land Use Element prescribes the allowable uses of land in Palm Springs.
Land use categories are provided to guide the type of development, intensity,
or density of development, and the permitted uses of land. The General Plan
sets forth five primary residential land use categories and several mixed
residential-commercial land use categories as shown in Table 3-12. The
Zoning Code implements the General Plan by providing specific direction
and development standards within each of the general land use categories.
Table 3-12
General Plan and Zoning
Primary Residential Land Use Designations
General Plan Land Use
Designation
Zoning
Districts Allowed Residential Uses
Estate Residential
(0 to 2 du/ac)
G-R-5
Large estate single-family homes, many of which are
near the foothill areas of the community.
Very Low Density
(2.1 to 4.0 du/ac)
R-1
Accommodates single-family homes situated on large
lots one-half acre or larger.
Low Density
(4.1 to 6.0 du/ac)
R-G-A
Accommodates “typical” single-family detached
residences on 7,500-square-foot or larger lots.
Medium Density
(6.1 to 15 du/ac)
R-2
Accommodates single-family attached and detached
uses, multiple-family units, and mobile homes.
High Density
(15.1 to 30 du/ac)
R-3; R-4
Accommodates higher density residential homes built at
a density of 15.1 to 30 dwelling units per acre.
Central Business District CBD
Allows commercial, residential, and office uses at a high
intensity and density (21 to 30 units per acre).
Tourist Resort Commercial R-C
Allows commercial, residential and office uses at a
medium intensity and density of up to 21 units per acre.
Mixed-Use/Multi-Use MU
Allows commercial, residential, and office uses at a low
concentration and density at up to 15 units per acre.
Notes: Palm Springs allows residential development in the Open Space/Conservation, Mountain, and Desert land use
designations at a lower density than the above residential land use categories. A Small Hotel land use classification
also allows up to 10 units per acre. The Land Use Element provides more detail on these categories.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-23
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Land Ownership
One of the distinguishing characteristics in Palm Springs is the unique
pattern of land ownership. Palm Springs is divided into Indian and non-
Indian property holdings, based upon a grid pattern of square-mile sections of
alternating ownerships. This grid pattern of alternating ownership dates back
to the original land agreement between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians (the Tribe) and the federal government.
Indian lands fall into three categories:
� Tribal Trust Lands. In the 1970s, the City and the Tribe came to an
agreement that recognized the Tribe’s authority to regulate Indian
Trust lands. Under this agreement, the City acts as the Tribe’s agent to
impose City land use regulations and consults with the Tribe regarding
any action that may affect Indian Trust Lands. In addition, the
agreement established an appeal process designating the Tribal
Council as the final authority over land use matters on Indian lands.
� Allotted Trust Lands. These lands are former Tribal Trust Lands, the
title of which is now held by the United States for members of the
Tribe (allottees). The Tribe retains sovereign authority over land uses
and regulation, but the lands are subject to the same development
standards and requirements as land owned by non-Indians (per
agreement between the Tribe and the City). With consent of the U.S.
Department of the Interior, an allottee can sell or lease such lands.
� Fee Lands. Fee lands are parcels which were originally allotted to a
tribal member as trust lands, but have been sold outright to another
entity. Although the Fee Lands remain within the historical boundaries
of the Reservation, they now can be owned by anyone. Because of the
sale to other entities, these properties are exclusively under control of
the third party and land use and development rights are no different
than any other privately owned parcel in Palm Springs.
Since 1998, the beginning of the planning period, the City has experienced a
significant amount of residential development. During the planning period,
the City has issued building permits for multiple-family housing on Indian-
and non-Indian-owned land, including 403 units on allottee land, 104 units
on (Indian) Tribal Trust land, and 737 housing units on all other land in the
City of Palm Springs. Although the Tribe maintains appeal authority on
Tribal Trust lands, they have not disapproved a housing project since the
beginning of the planning period. Thus, the present land ownership pattern
has not constrained nor is anticipated to constrain the production of housing
in any manner during the remainder of the housing element planning period.
Page 3-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Housing Opportunities
California law requires that cities facilitate and encourage the provision of a
range of types and prices of housing for all income levels. This includes
housing for persons with disabilities, lower income people, people who are
homeless, families with children, or other groups. The Zoning Code permits a
range of housing opportunities shown in Table 3-13 and described below.
Table 3-13
Zoning and Residential Land Use Designations
and Associated Regulatory Processes
Zoning Districts
Housing Type G-R-5 R-1 R-G-A R-2 R-3/R-4 R-MHP
Single-Family P P P P
Multiple-Family P P P
Accessory Dwelling CUP CUP CUP
Guest House P
Manufactured Housing P
Mobile Home Parks P
Assisted Living CUP CUP CUP
Source: Palm Springs Zoning Code.
Notes: P designates a use permitted by right; CUP designates a conditionally permitted use
The City also allows residential development in the Open Space/Conservation, Mountain, and Desert land use
designations. Please refer to the Land Use Element for greater detail.
The following describes provisions that allow housing opportunities other
than more conventional single-family and multiple-family housing.
Manufactured Housing
State law requires cities to permit manufactured housing and mobile homes
on lots for single-family dwellings when the home meets the location and
design criteria established in the Zoning Code. The Zoning Code does not
define manufactured housing, but treats manufactured housing like any other
single-family home and permits it in all residential zones.
Accessory Dwelling Units
State law requires local governments to adopt an administrative approval
process for accessory dwelling units, unless the City Council has adopted
specific findings that preclude such uses due to adverse impacts on the
public’s health, safety, and welfare. The City allows accessory dwelling units
in residential zones pursuant to a conditional use permit. However, to comply
with AB1866, the City needs to completely revise its accessory dwelling unit
ordinance (e.g., including redefine accessory dwelling unit, development
standards, and permitting process) to comply with state law.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-25
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Mobile Home Parks
State law requires that all cities must allow a mobile home park within their
community in a designated zone, but can require a use permit (Government
Code, § 65852.3). A mobile home park refers to a mobile home development
built according to the requirements of the California Health and Safety Code.
The City has over 2,000 mobile homes and permits such uses in the MHP
zone, subject to conformance with City conditions and design standards.
Residential Care Facilities
To ensure housing opportunities for disabled people, state law requires
licensed residential care facilities serving six or fewer disabled people be
allowed by right in all residential zones, and not be subject to more stringent
development standards, fees, taxes, and permit procedures than required of
the same type of housing in the same zone. The Zoning Code does not define,
permit, or prohibit such uses; however, the City adheres to state law
requirements and presently has many residential care facilities for the elderly.
Emergency Shelters/Transitional Housing
State law requires cities to identify adequate sites and standards to facilitate
and encourage the development of emergency shelters and transitional
housing. The State HCD requires that each city designate a zone where such
uses are conditionally permitted as well as provide and ensure that the
conditions and process facilitate and encourage such uses. The Zoning Code
permits emergency shelters and transitional housing anywhere in the
community through the application of the Planned Development District.
Farmworker Housing
Jurisdictions are required to treat employee housing for six or fewer employees
as a single-family structure with a residential land use designation. No
conditional use permit, zoning variance, or other zoning clearance can be
required of employee housing that is not required of a dwelling unit of the
same type in the same zone. The same applies to taxes and fees. The City’s
Zoning Code does not define, allow, nor prohibit farmworker housing and
should be updated accordingly to be consistent and reference state law.
Mixed-Use Housing
Mixed-use/multi-use housing is allowed in the Central Business District (at
up to 21 to 30 units per acre), the Tourist Resort Commercial, and Mixed-
Use/Multi-Use land use designations (at up to 15 dwelling units per acre).
The City is presently amending its zoning and development standards to
facilitate the production of additional mixed-use opportunities.
Page 3-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Development Standards
The General Plan sets forth broad policies on where housing can be located in
Palm Springs and the permitted density of residential development. However,
the Zoning Ordinance provides specific guidance on applicable development
standards. To ensure a wide range of housing opportunities and prices, resi-
dential development standards should vary accordingly in order to facilitate
different types and prices of housing products.
The City allows a range of housing types in 10 primary residential zones.
Development standards for different types of housing by zone are
summarized below and in Table 3-14.
� Single-family homes are allowed in the Guest Ranch Zone (G-R-5)
and R-1 with variations for lot sizes ranging from 7,000 to 20,000
square feet. This zoning district corresponds to general plan land use
designation of estate and very low density.
� The City has three multiple-family residential zones, including garden
apartments (R-G-A), limited multiple-family (R-2), and multiple-
family residential and hotel (R-3 and R-4).
� The CBD zone allows for mixed residential and commercial projects,
provided the projects satisfy the R-3 and R-4 development standards,
which correspond to the high density residential land use designation.
Table 3-14
Primary Residential Land Use Zones
Development Standards
Zone
Density
Range
Minimum Lot
Size
Maximum
Height
Front,
Interior, and
Rear Yard
Open
Space
GR-5 2 du/ac 5 acres 1 story (15′) 50′ x 50′ x 50′ None
R-1 4 du/ac 7,500–20,000 sf 1 story (18′) 25′ x 10′ x 15′ None
R-G-A 6 du/ac 2 acres 1 story (24′) 25′ x 10′ x 20′ None
R-2 15 du/ac 20,000 sf 2 stories (24′) 25′ x 10′ x 10′ 50% lot*
R-3 22 du/ac 20,000 sf 2 stories (24′) 25′ x 10′ x 10′ 45% lot*
R-4/CBD 30 du/ac 2 acres 30′ maximum 30′ x 10′ x 20′ None
R-MHP — 5,000 sf 2 stories (24′) 40′ x 15′ x 15′ None
Source: City of Palm Springs Zoning Code, 2006
Slight modifications are required on corner lots.
*May include balconies, terraces, roof decks, patios, landscaped areas, etc.
Maximum density is determined or controlled by the General Plan land use designation.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-27
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The most pertinent development standards that affect the construction of
new housing in Palm Springs include:
� Density Standards. The City’s residential density standards are typical
for communities in the Coachella Valley and are sufficient to facilitate
and encourage the construction of housing for various income levels.
For instance, over the past few years, the City has developed affordable
housing at a wide range of densities, ranging from a low of 19 units
per acre to a high of 35 units per acre. These housing densities are
allowed and achieved in the R-3 and R-4 zones. Affordable housing
has been built at various density levels in the Vista Del Monte, Vista
Serena, Coyote Run, Vista Sunrise, and Vista Del Sol projects.
� Parking Standards. City parking requirements are designed to ensure
that on-site spaces are available to accommodate vehicles owned by
residents. According to the 2000 Census, the average homeowner in
Palm Springs has 1.6 vehicles; the average renter has 1.3 vehicles. The
City’s Zoning Code requires that two parking spaces be provided per
single-family units. The City requires multiple-family units to have
1 primary space for studio units, 1.5 spaces for two-bedroom units,
and 0.75 space per bedroom for larger units. One space must be
covered, but not enclosed by a garage. Multiple-family housing must
have 1 guest parking space for each 4 units.
� Open Space Standards. The City’s open space requirement for single-
family homes is regulated by lot size and coverage. However, to ensure
quality development and adequate open space for multiple-family
housing, R-2 and R-3 zoned land must dedicate 45 percent of the lot
for open space. To mitigate potential constraints, the City allows the
developers to include balconies, terraces, roof decks, patios, landscaped
areas, and other similar areas in lieu of dedicated open space. This
requirement has clearly not constrained the production of affordable
housing; half of the affordable housing units built since 1998 were
subject to R-2 and R-3 standards.
� Lot Size Standards. Presently the City requires a minimum lot size of
0.5 acre for multiple housing projects in the R-2 and R-3 zones and
2 acres for projects in the R-4 zone. These lot sizes help facilitate
affordable housing. Typically, affordable housing developers desire
larger lots of 1.5 to 2.0 acres, because they allow for a project size of
40 to 60 units, help to realize economies of scale, and help secure
competitive state and federal funds for housing. Lot sizes do not limit
the potential for affordable housing commensurate with the City’s
housing goals for 2000–2006. The City has 33 vacant parcels zoned
for high density housing. Of this total, 18 parcels are presently two
Page 3-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
acres or larger in size and could accommodate more than 1,800
units—far surpassing the City’s affordable housing needs.
� Allowable Uses. The R-3 and R-4 zones allow hotels to be built as an
allowable use. Hotel development is highly sensitive to market
conditions and is less likely to be built in favor of higher density
housing. In fact, smaller hotels have been demolished in recent years
and replaced with housing. Since 1998, no hotels have been built on
either R-3 or R-4-zoned land and thus this provision has not nor is
anticipated to constrain the City’s ability to meet its share of the
regional need for housing for the remainder of the planning period.
� Mixed-Use Incentives. The City provides various incentives for mixed-
use projects. In the Central Business District, dual use of parking
spaces is encouraged wherever possible to encourage the development
of centralized parking to serve the needs of the public, as opposed to
the scattered development of parking adjacent to a building.
Moreover, increased parking flexibility is provided by possible
administrative relief that reduces parking space widths, the payment
of in-lieu fees, or the creation of a Specific Parking Plan. Overall, the
reduction of parking requirements results in a greater percentage of
developable land and an increased ability to incorporate housing.
Regulatory Incentives
The City has several planning tools to facilitate and encourage housing
projects. The two primary means are Planned Developments and Minor
Modification as described below and summarized in Table 3-15. For
comparison purposes, an applicant can also apply for a variance.
� Minor Modification. The Planning Director may allow a minor
modification in development standards to facilitate housing projects.
Approximately 50 minor modifications are approved each year.
Modifications include the reduction of yard and landscaped open
space, lot area and dimensions, parking space requirements, and
others. Approval is based on the finding that the minor modification
will not have a detrimental effect upon adjacent properties. The
findings are similar to those of a variance. The Housing Plan proposes
changes to make minor modifications more feasible to grant.
� Density Bonus. The City approves density bonuses for residential
projects that add up to 25 percent of the units in a project otherwise
allowed for in a particular zone when affordability targets are met as
specified in state law. The City does not have an adopted density
bonus in place, so the City approves such requests in compliance with
state law. The City is allowed to enact a density bonus ordinance with
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-29
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additional incentives above the minimum specified in state law, but
not more restrictive. Senate Bill 1818 amended state law by lowering
the affordable housing requirement and increasing the bonus and
incentives. Density bonuses are discussed in the Development Review
Committee and during the pre-application phase.
� Planned Development (PD). The Zoning Code allows PD districts to
foster and encourage innovative design, variety, and flexibility in land
use and housing types that would not otherwise be allowed in zoning
districts. Density under the PD district is allowed by zoning and the
General Plan, but may be increased if the district assists the City in
meeting its housing goals as set forth in the Housing Element. The
form and type of development on the site must be compatible with
the existing or planned development of the neighborhood. The PD
requires approval by the Planning Commission and City Council.
� Variance. A variance may be granted for a parcel with physical
characteristics so unusual that complying with the requirements of the
Zoning Code creates an exceptional hardship to the applicant or the
surrounding property owners. The characteristics must be unique to
the property and, in general, not be shared by adjacent parcels. The
unique characteristic must pertain to the land itself, not to the
structure, its inhabitants, or the property owners. A variance requires
approval from Planning Commission.
Table 3-15
Regulatory Incentives
Sample of Reductions in Standards
Procedure Density
Yards/Open
Space Lot Area Parking Approval
Minor
Modification
No Up to 20% Up to 10% Up to 10%
Planning
Director
Density Bonus
Provision
Up to 25 Depends on requested concession By-Right
Planned
Development
Limited by
General Plan
No limit No limit No limit
Variance
Limited by
General Plan
Depends on topography
Planning
Commission &
City Council
Source: City of Palm Springs Zoning Code, 2006.
The City of Palm Springs has utilized each of these mechanisms to facilitate
the development of recent affordable housing projects in the City, including
Coyote Run, Villa Del Sol, Vista Serena, Vista Del Monte, and others.
Page 3-30 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Housing for People with Disabilities
Section 65008 of the Government Code requires local governments to
analyze potential and actual constraints on housing for people with dis-
abilities, demonstrate efforts to remove governmental constraints, and include
programs to accommodate people with disabilities. Prior to the Housing
Element update, the City conducted such an Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing, the findings of which are summarized below.
California law (Health and Safety Code, § 1500 et seq.) requires that group
homes serving six or fewer persons be (1) treated the same as any other
residential use, (2) allowed by right in all residential zones, and (3) be subject
to the same development standards, fees, taxes, and permit procedures as
those imposed on the same type of housing in the same zone. The City desires
to develop an ordinance that mirrors protections in state law for both small
and larger group homes and a program is included in the Housing Plan.
State law also requires that cities facilitate the development of housing for
homeless people by ensuring that adequate sites, appropriate zoning,
permitting process, and building standards facilitate such uses. The City has
one emergency shelter (Nightengale Manor). Episcopal Community Services
provides 34 long-term transitional beds and 40 permanent supportive multi-
bedroom residential units. The Housing Plan contains a program for the City
to specify the zones, development standards, and conditions for such uses.
Cities that use federal funds for the construction and rehabilitation of housing
must ensure that at least 5 percent of the units are accessible to persons with
mobility impairments and that an additional 2 percent of the units are
accessible to persons with sensory impairments. Multiple-family housing
must be built to meet certain specifications. The federal government also
recommends, but does not require, that the design, construction and
alteration of housing incorporate, as practical, “visitability” concepts. Palm
Springs enforces all accessibility standards required by federal and state law.
Certain residents have greater difficulty finding decent, safe, and affordable
housing due to medical conditions. This includes seniors, people with
disabilities, and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Housing Plan sets forth
programs to encourage and facilitate the development of housing for disabled
people, seniors, and people living with HIV/AIDS. The City recently
constructed the Vista Del Monte project for seniors and is pursuing the Vista
Sunrise project for people with HIV/AIDS.
Palm Springs has staff responsible for furthering fair housing. The City’s
American with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator is responsible for: (1) assisting
the City with ADA compliance in new development, building modifications,
and public right of way contracts; (2) reviewing plans for compliance in the
design and construction of accessible facilities; (3) participating with the
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-31
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Architectural Review Committee to check disabled access features in new
projects; (4) preparing and maintaining the City’s Transition Plan; and
(5) serving as a liaison to the Human Rights Commission.
The City Building Board of Appeals provides for reasonable interpretations of
the Municipal Code and to hear appeals of decisions or actions of the Director
of Building and Safety. The Board is appointed by the City Council and
administers rules and regulations for hearing appeals and conducting
business. The Board’s decision constitutes final administrative action effective
upon the date the decision is rendered. The Building Board of Appeals hears
matters, including access to buildings by people with disabilities. The City
will be establishing a reasonable accommodation process to facilitate
modification of standards to allow disabled people to live in housing.
Building Codes
Palm Springs adopted the 2001 edition of the California Building Code,
based on the 1997 Uniform Building Code with local amendments. The Code
is a set of uniform health and safety codes covering building, electrical,
mechanical, plumbing, fire safety, and other issues which are considered the
minimum acceptable standards for health and safety. The California Building
Standards Commission updates these codes triennially based on updates to
uniform codes adopted by professional associations.
All cities are required to adopt the California Building Code. However, as
allowed by state law, jurisdictions may adopt revisions to address local
topographic, climatic, or hazards within their community, provided that the
local codes still adhere to the state’s minimum standards. The City has
adopted minor amendments to address fire hazards, seismic conditions, and
other conditions unique to the desert environment. These codes have not
deterred the construction of affordable housing in Palm Springs.
The Warren-Alquist Act requires all new buildings in California to meet energy
efficiency standards in Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations.
The California Energy Commission adopted new standards in 2000, which
were incorporated into the City’s building codes. In short, developers must
meet minimum energy conservation standards in new housing through either a
prescriptive or performance approach. With either of these options, mandatory
components must still be installed, such as minimum insulation, HVAC and
water heating equipment efficiencies, and other requirements.
In summary, the City has adopted various building codes to ensure that
construction, maintenance, and improvement is conducted in a sound
manner. Since these codes are required by state law and the City has not
adopted more stringent codes than other cities, the City’s building codes and
their enforcement do not present a constraint to the feasibility of developing,
maintaining, or improving housing in Palm Springs.
Page 3-32 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Permit Approval Process
The City uses a standard development review process to ensure that residen-
tial projects are of high-quality construction and design. The timeframe for
processing proposals depends on the complexity of the project, the need for
legislative action, and environmental review. Table 3-16 and the text below
describe the steps to process housing proposals.
The housing permit approval process begins with the application review
phase. Per the Permit Streamlining Act, the City has 30 days to deem a
project application complete or incomplete. Completed proposals are
scheduled for the City’s interdepartmental Development Advisory Board for
review and recommendation of conditions of approval. This step is followed
by architectural review and environmental review, if required. Projects are
approved by the Planning Commission via consent calendar unless a
discretionary permit is required or legislative action.
If a housing project does not require a discretionary approval (four or fewer
units requires plan check approval only) the average time for processing plan
check is four to eight weeks; otherwise eight to twelve weeks are required for
a discretionary approval. If the project requires a legislative act by the City
Council such as a General Plan Amendment or Zone Change in conjunction
with the discretionary project, an additional five to six weeks is typically
required for staff to review the project and prepare associated staff reports. If
an EIR is required, the processing of the project could take up to a year.
The City has also processed market rate apartments requiring a conditional
use permit, such as would be required in the Resort Tourist Overlay. Thus,
permit processing procedures have not constrained production of affordable
housing. To mitigate the entitlement costs for affordable housing, the City
expedites the review for proposals for affordable housing, which can be
concluded in four to six weeks. The Building Department also has a fast-track
process to expenditure the review of plans and issuance of building permits.
Table 3-16
Residential Development Approval Process
Steps Required Single-Family Project Multiple-Family Project
Pre-Application 2–3 weeks 2–3 weeks
Completeness Review 3–4 weeks 3–4 weeks
Architectural Review 2–4 weeks 2–4 weeks
Environmental Documentation None
Tribal Commission Review None
2 months; Tribe reviews
during this period.
Planning Commission 2–4 weeks after Arch. Review 1 month
Total Timeframe 4 months 6 months
Source: City of Palm Springs Planning Department, 2005.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-33
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Architectural Review
The City requires architectural review for all single-family housing on major
thoroughfares, hillside developments, mobile home parks, and multiple-
family housing. The Planning Commission’s Architectural Advisory
Committee examines the material submitted with the application and specific
aspects of design to determine whether the project will provide a desirable
environment for its occupants as well as being compatible with the character
of adjacent and surrounding developments, and whether it is of appropriate
composition, materials, textures and colors.
Conformance is evaluated based on consideration of the following:
� Site layout, orientation, location of structures, and their relationship to
each another and to open spaces and topography
� Harmonious relationship with existing/proposed adjoining uses
� Height, area, setbacks, and overall mass, as well as parts of any
structure and effective concealment of mechanical equipment
� Building design, materials, and colors to be sympathetic with desert
surroundings
� Harmony of materials, colors, and composition of elements of a
structure
� Consistency of composition and treatment
� Location and type of plants with regard for desert conditions, and
preservation of specimen and landmark trees upon a site
� Signs and graphics as understood in architectural design, including
materials and colors
The Architectural Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the City’s
Planning Commission, which reviews the project in its entirety. Public
hearings are only required if they are in conjunction with another entitlement
that requires a public hearing (e.g., subdivision, planned development,
variance, etc.) or if the project requires preparation of an environmental
document. All other architectural reviews are placed on the consent calendar
for the Planning Commission.
Architectural review requires one to two months for single-family homes and
three to six months for multiple-family homes, with a minor fee. Architec-
tural review occurs simultaneously with the permitting process and does not
lengthen the approval process. The City also uses a “focused entitlement”
process to expedite review of affordable housing. Given recent approvals of
affordable housing in Palm Springs, architectural review is not deemed to
unduly constrain the production of affordable housing.
Page 3-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Development Fees
Palm Springs, like other communities throughout the region, charge various
fees and assessments to cover the cost of processing development permits and
ensuring that adequate public facilities and services are available to support
residential developments. Table 3-17 provides examples of development fees
for residential construction for single-family and multiple-family homes.
As shown below, development fees range from $14,000 to $26,000 per unit
depending on the size of the project, density, location, and whether it is
located in environmentally sensitive areas or requires water surcharges. City
fees are generally comparable to other local jurisdictions and are not considered
to be a constraint to the development of affordable or market rate housing,
although they do contribute to the final cost of the project.
The City makes a concentrated effort to waive fees for affordable housing
projects. For the Coyote Run project, the City waived more than $207,000 in
park fees and art in-lieu fees while the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments also waived TUMF fees, resulting in a reduction of 20 percent
of fees charged by local government. Other affordable housing projects are
entitled to the same fee waivers. Thus, the fees are not considered to constrain
the production of affordable housing.
Table 3-17
Residential Development Fees
City Fees
Single-Family
Housing Project
Condominium
24-Unit Project
Apartment
66-Unit Project
Planning Fees $873 $8,632 $3,303
Engineering Fees $1,037 $7,133 $12,355
Building Fees $1,362 $171,469 $316,621
Public Art (1/4% value)* $563 $14,304 $17,716*
Park In-lieu* $2,500 $52,872 $149,028*
Construction Tax $1,162 $29,280 $25,467
Other Agencies
County Drainage Fee None $25,056 None
Water Fees** $5,000 $130,000 $85,000
Sewer ($2,408 per d.u.) $2,408 $57,792 $158,928
Regional TUMF* $794 $13,392 $40,672*
School ($2.25 per s.f.) $5,177 $118,800 $113,188
Total $20,876 $628,730 $922,278
Per Market Rate Unit $20,876 $26,197 $13,974
Reduction for Affordable Projects $207,422
Source: City of Palm Springs Building Department, 2005.
* Fees waived for housing affordable to low income households.
** Water fees depend on zone. The following are representative of where future housing would be located.
Projects may require site-specific environmental assessments, not included in above totals.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-35
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Market Demand
Land costs include the costs of raw land, site improvements, and all costs
associated with obtaining government approvals. Until recently, the supply of
undeveloped land has not been a constraining factor to development in Palm
Springs. Today, the cost of land has become a constraint. Factors affecting the
costs of land include: overall availability within a given subregion; environ-
mental site conditions; public service and infrastructure availability; aesthetic
considerations such as views, terrain, and vegetation; the proximity to urban
areas; and parcel size.
Residential land in the Coachella Valley has been and remains relatively
affordable compared to land prices in other Southern California markets.
However, increased demand for housing due to population growth and in-
migration will continue to place significant upward pressure on land costs,
particularly in Palm Springs and other upscale resort communities.
Developers may respond to rising land costs by decreasing the size of lots and
houses to market a lower priced product, or by increasing the size and options
of houses to maintain prices to compensate for increased land prices.
According to Market Profiles, the raw cost of land for a hypothetical 100-unit
development of single-family, detached housing, with a lot size of 7,200
square feet per unit ranges from $6,120 to $38,150, while a finished lot is
valued from $39,120 to $78,150. The cost of multiple-family residential land
depends on the improvements on the site, the density, and location, and
suitability for residential development. The Redevelopment Agency estimates
that vacant multiple-family residential land is valued at $3.63 to $3.83 per
square foot, or an average of $160,000 per acre, based on assessments of sites
for recently built affordable housing projects.
Although the City does not set land prices, land use policies regulating allow-
able density impact the cost of each dwelling unit. The use of density
bonuses, developer incentives, or construction at the upper end of the
permitted density may compensate for the increased land costs. Large-scale
developers buying sizeable tracts of land also experience economies of scale in
the cost of land. As land costs in Palm Springs are generally comparable to or
lower than adjacent cities, land costs do not constrain the development of
market-rate housing. Land costs do influence the financial feasibility of the
production of affordable housing, but the City regularly provides assistance in
the form of selling land at below market rates to nonprofit developers.
Labor costs are usually two to three times the cost of materials, and thus
represent 17 to 20 percent of the total cost of a new home. Labor costs are
based on a number of factors, including housing demand, the number of con-
tractors in the area, and union status of workers. However, state law requires
the payment of prevailing wages for most private projects built under an
agreement with a public agency providing assistance to the project, except for
Page 3-36 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
certain types of affordable housing. All cities are affected by these laws. In
any case, Palm Springs does not have a minimum wage standard in excess of
federal law and faces the same labor market as other surrounding cities. Thus,
labor costs do not constrain production of affordable housing in Palm Springs.
Recent data from Market Profiles indicates that construction costs can consti-
tute 43 to 48 percent of the cost of a single-family detached home. According
to a survey of recent housing projects, the square footage costs of new
housing average $100 per square foot for a single-family detached unit and
an average of $60 per square foot for a stacked flat single-family unit (with
no garage). The cost includes land, site improvements, overhead, profit,
government fees, and financing. State law allows cities to authorize the use of
lower-cost alternative materials and construction methods if the proposed
design is satisfactory and the materials or methods are at least equivalent to
that prescribed by applicable building codes. Factory-built housing may
provide lower priced products by reducing labor and material costs.
Housing affordability is also largely determined by interest rates. First-time
homebuyers are most impacted by financing requirements. Mortgage interest
rates for new home purchases are approximately 6 to 7 percent. Lower initial
rates are available with Graduated Payment Mortgages (GPMs), Adjustable
Rate Mortgages (ARMs), and Buy-Down Mortgages. However, variable
interest rate mortgages on affordable homes may increase to the point of
interest rates exceeding the cost of living adjustments, which is a constraint
on the affordability of new housing. Although rates are currently low, they
can change significantly and impact the affordability of the housing stock.
Financing for housing construction is available in Palm Springs subject to
normal underwriting standards. The City Redevelopment Agency actively
assists in construction financing through the provision of loans or funding.
Thus, a more critical impediment to homeownership involves credit worthi-
ness. Lenders consider a person’s debt-to-income ratio, cash available for
down payment, and credit history when determining a loan amount. Many
financial institutions are willing to significantly decrease down payment
requirements and increase loan amounts to persons with good credit rating.
Persons with poor credit ratings may be forced to accept a higher interest rate
or a loan amount insufficient to purchase a house.
Clearly, the cost of land, labor, construction materials, and financing do affect
the financial feasibility of housing, in particular the construction of affordable
housing. However, given that Palm Springs often grants land to affordable
housing developers and contributes significant funding, these market factors
have not constrained the production of affordable housing.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-37
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING NEEDS AND NEEDS AND NEEDS AND NEEDS AND RESOURCESRESOURCESRESOURCESRESOURCES
Regional Housing Needs
Every five years, the California Department of Finance’s makes projections of
statewide housing need. This projection is disaggregated into regions of the
state by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD),
the agency responsible for guiding statewide housing planning. HCD is
responsible for working with Councils of Governments (COGs), which
represent cities, to address housing needs in each community. Palms Springs,
along with over 200 local governments, is represented by the Southern
California Association of Governments (SCAG).
SCAG prepares housing need estimates for each of its 200 agencies. Because
of the size of the southern California region, SCAG works closely with 13
different subregional associations of governments to determine and allocate
housing needs. SCAG delegated the responsibility to assign specific housing
need goals to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG).
Under this arrangement, CVAG may produce a different allocation of
housing need than SCAG estimated, provided that the total subregional
housing need assigned to CVAG is not changed.
When determining the distribution of the region’s housing need among the
jurisdictions in southern California, SCAG considers a number of planning
considerations allowed for in state law. These include the adequacy of
infrastructure and services, availability of land, market demand for housing,
and other housing and planning factors. SCAG also relies on population and
employment growth projections provided by each jurisdiction. These factors
provide the basis for estimating the housing need within each County and the
13 subregional councils of government within the larger SCAG region.
SCAG then estimates each jurisdiction’s future housing for the shorter
housing element period, which is eight years. SCAG projects that Palm
Springs will increase by 1,863 households (from 1998 through 2005) based
on population and employment growth in the city.
Household growth is adjusted by two factors: the demolition of units and an
appropriate vacancy rate. SCAG assumes that 0.2 percent or 12 of the City’s
housing units will be demolished, converted to nonresidential uses, or lost
from the housing stock through redevelopment and other actions. Few
housing units have been demolished in recent years, except for older hotels.
SCAG assumes that an optimal vacancy rate of 5 percent is needed to ensure
adequate housing choices and price competition. Due to the excess number of
housing vacancies when the planning period began, the City’s share of the
regional housing need was reduced by 373 units.
Page 3-38 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Total housing need of 1,502 units for the planning period of 1998–2007 was
then allocated to four household income categories. These income categories
are very low income, low income, moderate income, and above moderate
income. SCAG then used a formula to ensure that the affordability of new
housing is 25 percent closer to the income distribution of households in the
southern California region. This formula, called the “fair share” adjustment,
helps to avoid the overconcentration of lower income housing in any one
community. Table 3-18 provides a summary of the City’s 1998–2007 regional
housing needs allocation for Palm Springs.
Table 3-18
Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 1998–2007
Household Income
Levels
Definition (Percent
of County MFI) Total Units
Very Low Less than 50% 383
Low 51% to 80% 260
Moderate 81% to 120% 289
Above-Moderate Over 120% 570
Total 1,502
Source: Southern California Association of Governments.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development allows
jurisdictions to count four types of housing credits toward meeting their share
of the region’s housing need. These include:
� Actual number of housing units built and occupied since the planning
period for the housing element officially began on January 1, 1998,
and projects approved for construction;
� Rehabilitation of substandard units that would otherwise be demolished
and taken out of the City’s affordable housing stock, subject to
stringent qualifying regulations;
� Preservation of affordable units that were created through govern-
mental subsidies that are at risk of conversion by either purchasing or
extending the affordability covenants on the units; and
� Designation of adequate vacant and underutilized sites with zoning,
development standards, services, and public facilities in place so that
housing could be built during the planning period.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-39
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Housing Production
Since the housing element planning period began in January 1, 1998, the
City has experienced a significant housing boom resulting in the construction
of more than 1,600 single-family homes and 838 condominiums. As such, the
City has addressed its need for above-moderate income housing. The
following describes projects that have been built or under construction that
are affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households.
Coyote Run
Pictured here, Coyote Run is a national-award-winning apartment complex
consisting of one, two, three, and four-bedroom units for very low and low
income households developed by the Coachella Valley Housing Corporation
(CVHC) and funded through a City land donation and multiple financing
sources. In particular, the project is funded by a Low Income Tax Credit and
HOME funds, ensuring occupancy of units by lower income households.
Construction has begun on Coyote Run 2, and of the 66 units, 40 units will
be affordable to very low income households. The project will be built on an
adjacent 6-acre site, zoned O-5, at 11 units per acre. The City contributed
$1.3 million in cash and land toward this project.
Vista Del Monte
As a retirement community, facilitating affordable housing for seniors is a
significant priority for the City. Completed in 2001, the Vista Del Monte is a
52-unit cooperative that offers homeownership opportunities for seniors. As a
HUD-financed Section 202 project, all units are deed restricted as affordable
to very low income seniors. The project is located on a vacant site previously
zoned R-2 and is built at a density of 19 units per acre. To facilitate the
project, the City RDA sold 2.72 acres of land at a subsidized rate to Vista
Chino Senior Housing to help make the project financially feasible. The
present affordability covenant runs till 2026.
Vista Sunrise
Vista Sunrise is an 80-unit apartment project affordable for very low income
residents living with HIV/AIDS. The City designated the site as a Planned
Development to allow appropriate flexibility in development standards for
the project. Project financing includes $1.5 million in HOME funds from the
County of Riverside, a 4 percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and
approximately $6 million in financing from the Cal Housing Finance Agency.
Palm Springs contributed $1.3 million in cash, 1.2 acres of land, and the
waiver of park, transportation, and other fees. Building construction has
begun and the project will be built at 28 units per acre. The funding sources
ensure that all units will be affordable to very low income households.
Vista Del Monte
Coyote Run
Vista Sunrise
Page 3-40 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Cottonwood/Chuckwalla
Palm Springs RDA is active in assisting the development of single-family
homes affordable to low and moderate income households. Coachella Valley
Housing Corporation, through the self-help housing program, built nine
homes on R-1 zoned land in 2002. The project was financed with $300,000
in City RDA funds, CDBG, CalHFA funded mortgages, HCD Home
Program, and LISC construction loans. CVHC states that one unit is
affordable to very low income households and seven are affordable to low
income households. The second major initiative is in Desert Highlands. The
City has acquired 12 single-family lots from CVHC and County of Riverside
to build single-family homes. The new homes will sell for under $230,000,
and will be affordable to moderate income households based on Table 3-8.
Market Rate Apartments
Several multiple-family projects were built or approved since 1998. The 105-
unit Villa Del Sol project was built on R-3 zoned land at a density of 35 units
per acre. The rents were all affordable to moderate income renters. To
facilitate this project, the City approved a conditional use permit since the
project is located in the Resort Overlay District, and granted administrative
modifications to reduce the number of parking spaces, setbacks and yard
space. The City also recently approved three fourplex projects on 8,000- to
10,000-square-foot lots at medium density residential. Property owners
indicated that asking rents will be $1.25 per square foot, or $1,125 for a 900-
square-foot unit and $1,375 for a 1,100-square-foot unit. These rent levels
are affordable to moderate income households in Palm Springs.
Housing Preservation
Since the housing element planning period began, the City has undertaken an
aggressive program to rehabilitate and preserve many affordable units.
However, none qualify under AB438 as new construction.
Sahara Mobile Home Park
The Sahara Mobile Home Park is a 254-space park in Palm Springs. Though
properly maintained, the park is nearly 50 years old and needs rehabilitation
and modernization. To facilitate that effort, the City Redevelopment Agency
will enter into an owner participation agreement (OPA) with Millenium
Housing to rehabilitate the Sahara Mobile Home Park. The City RDA will
commit approximately $450,000 in Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside funds
to the mobile home project. In return, Millenium will commit 50 percent of
the units (127 spaces) as affordable to very low and low income units for no
less than 55 years for rental units and 45 years for owner-occupied units.
Cottonwood/Chuckwalla
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-41
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
El Dorado Mobile Home Park
In 2000, the City was notified that the owners of the El Dorado Mobile
Home Park wished to convert the park from rental to ownership status. To
facilitate that effort, the Redevelopment Agency assisted tenants of the El
Dorado Mobile Home Park to buy land in advance of the conversion of the
park to condominium ownership. During this planning period, the
Redevelopment Agency assisted 17 moderate-income purchasers at a cost of
$85,000 as well as provided $39,000 to low income renters for their income
certifications. The park received $1 million from the Mobile Home Park Resi-
dent Ownership Program (MPROP) funds to assist low income purchasers.
Heritage Apartments and Tahquitz Court Apartments
The Heritage Apartments is a 136-unit apartment complex that offered low
rents for mature adults. In 2000, the complex required a significant number
of repairs to remedy deferred maintenance. The City entered into an owner
participation agreement in which the City provided $450,000 in RDA funds
in return for a covenant to reserve 68 units for very low income households
until 2026. In 2005, the City conducted a Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility
Hearing for the proposed issuance of $12 million in Mortgage Revenue Bonds
for Tahquitz Court Housing. The bond agreement will require that the
affordability of the 108 apartment units will be extended from 2023 2073.
The owners are applying for a low income tax credit for additional funding.
Table 3-19 shows that Palm Springs has met all of the above-moderate
income requirements for housing and one-third of its lower and moderate
income requirement of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
Table 3-19
Credits Toward the RHNA as of June 2006
Projects/RHNA Very Low Low Moderate
Above
Moderate Total
1998-2007 RHNA 383 260 289 570 1,502
Coyote Run II (built) 46 20 0 0 66
Vista Del Monte (built) 52 0 0 0 52
Vista Sunrise (under construction) 80 0 0 0 80
Desert Highland (built) 2 7 0 0 9
Desert Highland (RDA sites) 0 0 12 0 12
Villa Del Sol (built) 0 0 105 0 105
Four plexes (under construction) 0 0 12 0 12
Single-Family Homes 0 0 0 1,600 1,600
Total Credits** 180 27 129 1,600
Source: Southern California Association of Governments; City of Palm Springs
* Affordability of units confirmed by rents, sales prices, and calls to funding agencies.
** The East Palm Canyon Apartments, Brentwood Homes Assisted Living Homes, and Garden Springs
Apartments (all affordable) were proposed in the late 1990s, but never proceeded due to the inability to obtain
financing.
Page 3-42 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Land Inventory
As part of the General Plan update process, a comprehensive inventory of
land was undertaken to identify suitable sites for affordable housing. In Palm
Springs, low, medium, and high density zoned land has been used to facilitate
affordable housing. On R-1 land, the Agency has participated in self-help
housing with CVHC, leading to development of 30 single-family homes in
the Desert Highland neighborhood. In 2002, the RDA finished a nine-unit
project in the Cottonwood Chuckwalla neighborhood, and affordable projects
such as Vista Del Monte have been built on R-2 zoned land.
For this present analysis, the City restricted its land inventory to include only
those sites most feasible to facilitate and encourage the feasibility and
production of multiple-family housing affordable to lower income households.
From the many vacant and underutilized sites in Palm Springs, the final land
inventory made the following refinements:
� Only vacant sites were considered. Underutilized sites, which would
require further analysis based on market potential for recycling to
more intense residential uses, were omitted from the land inventory.
� Sites in Appendix A and included as potential housing sites for the
RHNA were free of environmental and infrastructure constraints;
� All sites in Appendix A and included as potential housing sites for the
RHNA have adequate sewer and water infrastructures;
� Sites were not on Tribal trust lands;
� Sites were generally large, close to one acre in size, so as to facilitate
quality residential projects;
� Sites had a General Plan designation of medium or high density, the
density that has been achieved for other housing projects affordable to
moderate and lower income households; and
� Site capacity is limited to that allowed by the underlying zone, not the
General Plan land use designation.
Several assumptions were made to determine the potential density of the
parcel and whether the density would be sufficient to support the production
of housing affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households. The
General Plan Land Use designation represents the maximum density allowed.
Where the underlying zone allows less density than the General Plan Land
Use designation, the General Plan density allowance still applies. But for
conservative estimates, we are assuming density of the underlying zone.
The land inventory identifies 42 parcels that could support multiple-family
housing and that meet each of the seven feasibility tests detailed above.
Figure 3-2 illustrates the location of each parcel and Appendix A provides a
detailed description of each parcel, the allowable density, as well as the
corresponding level of housing affordability assigned to that parcel.
Page 3-44 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-45
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Table 3-20
Palm Springs Vacant Residential Land
General
Plan
Present
Zone
Acreage of
Sites
Allowable
Density
Number of
Units
HDR R3 4.4 21 92
HDR R4 27.4 30 821
HDR RGA 5.0 8 41
MDR R2 2.3 15 34
MU C1 3.3 15 50
MU R2 1.1 15 16
MU R3 7.2 15 108
MU RGA 14.0 15 210
Total 64.8 1,372
Source: City of Palm Springs.
Prior analyses showed that housing affordable to low income housing could
be achieved on multiple-family sites at a minimum density of 19 units per
acre, which corresponds to R3 and R4 zoned sites. Meanwhile, medium
density residential sites zoned R2 and all mixed/multi-use sites, both of which
allow residential development at approximately 14 to 15 units per acre, are
considered to be sufficient for moderate income housing.
Table 3-21 shows the 1998–2007 RHNA, credits for new construction, and
the assignment of potential units to affordability levels as described above.
Subtracting units built and vacant site capacity, the City has adequate sites to
fulfill the remainder of its 1998–2007 regional housing needs.
Table 3-21
Compliance with the 1998–2007 RHNA
Housing Affordability Levels
Construction Credits Very Low Low Moderate Above
Regional Housing Needs 383 260 289 570
New Construction 180 27 129 1,600
Remaining Need 203 233 160 0
Vacant Site Capacity 913 174 285
Remaining Need 0 0 0
Source: City of Palm Springs.
Page 3-46 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Site Suitability
The primary environmental issues that may impact future development of
residential units in the City include seismic hazards, biological resources,
drainage and flooding concerns, and water and sewer infrastructure.
Seismic Concerns
Like the entire southern California region, the City is located in an area of
high seismic activity predominated by northwest-trending faults of every
type. Palm Springs’ proximity to major fault zones subjects the area to surface
rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure. Structures in Palm Springs
must be designed to withstand seismic events. However, all cities in the
Coachella Valley must be designed to comply with the same seismic safety
standards. Palm Springs regulations are no more stringent than those for
other communities, thus the cost of improvements does not place Palm
Springs at a competitive disadvantage that would deter the construction of
housing for a range of income levels.
Biological Resources
The Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) under
development by CVAG is designed to assure the conservation and long-term
protection of biological resource areas as a valuable and important part of the
mix of land uses. While the MSHCP would preserve the foothills and
mountainous areas where future development is already constrained by
topography and other constraints, it also proposes to conserve lands near and
similar in character to those already developed. The MSHCP could
potentially affect thousands of acres of land in Palm Springs. However, higher
density housing in Palm Springs is slated for the urbanized area, which is not
subject to the MSHCP and thus the Plan does not constrain affordable
housing development.
Drainage and Flooding
Whitewater River is the principal watercourse flowing through the City. With
the river forming Palm Springs’ eastern boundary with Cathedral City, a
substantial portion of the City adjoins the floodplain. The Palm Canyon Wash
south of the urbanized portion of the City also provides a flooding hazard.
Structures in areas subject to periodic flooding require site mitigation. These
types of improvements are common for the southern California area and any
additional construction costs would not constitute a unique constraint to the
production of housing. Higher density housing, which has the highest
likelihood of providing affordable housing, is primarily concentrated in
central downtown Palm Springs, which has the greatest level of flood
protection already in place.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-47
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Water Infrastructure
The City has the majority of its primary backbone infrastructure in place. As
part of the development permit process, the City requires the provision of on-
site and off-site improvements necessitated by development, which may
constitute up to 10 percent of the building permit valuation. In most cases,
these improvements are dedicated to the City, which is then responsible for
their maintenance. While these costs may not render a project infeasible, they
may affect the affordability of a project. Vacant sites proposed for residential
development all have basic infrastructure systems already in place.
Desert Water Agency (DWA) supplies high-quality water to urbanized and
planning areas of Palm Springs. The backbone infrastructure for the City is
currently in place, and upgrades of water transmission mains are made as
needed. In some cases, such as for a large master-planned development, the
project proponent may be required to provide backbone water system
improvements up front as a condition of approval. However, for smaller tracts
the developer is usually required to provide on-site improvements only.
Development impacts are charged for different zones in the community to
account for differences in elevation and the need for water.
Section 14 is expected to accommodate an additional 2,682 homes, 1,070
hotel rooms, and 1.4 million square feet of commercial building floor area.
The Section 14 Master Plan projects an additional annual daily water demand
of 1.7 million gallons per day (mgd) and maximum average demand of 3.4
mgd. Currently, the Section 14 Specific Plan indicates that “existing water
facilities are adequate to serve the existing conditions and can provide
adequate domestic service to new development throughout the section.”
DWA indicates that various improvements are needed to the water lines in
Section 14 and the costs are covered through development impact fees.
Sewer Infrastructure
The City operates a 10.9-mgd treatment plant that treats effluent to the
secondary level before conveyance to DWA for tertiary treatment prior to
irrigation or groundwater recharge. The City’s sewer treatment plant is
operating at 78 percent capacity and adequately serves existing development.
However, an additional 0.85-mgd capacity and improvements to the sewer
conveyance system will be needed to accommodate future development in
Section 14. The City’s Sewer System Master Plan sets forth a plan to increase
the treatment plant’s capacity by 6 mgd and improve the sewer conveyance
system. Impact fees will finance proposed improvements.
Page 3-48 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Financial Resources
The City has a wide range of financial and administrative resources at its
disposal to assist in the development, rehabilitation, preservation, and
management of affordable housing projects and programs within the City.
Community Development Block Grants
The City receives federal and state funding for a range of housing and
community development activities in Palm Springs. The main federal source
of funding is Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Each year, the
Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the City of Palm
Springs an allocation of $625,000 for a wide range of housing and com-
munity development activities. Federal law requires such funds be spent on
programs benefiting very low and low income households. Major expenditure
categories include public facilities and improvement, public services,
economic development, and program administration.
City Redevelopment Funds
State law requires the City RDA to set aside at least 20 percent of all tax
increment revenue generated from redevelopment project areas for activities
that increase, improve, or preserve the supply of affordable housing. The City
presently generates $7 million in tax increment each year and sets aside $2.1
million for housing purposes. The City will spend $1.5 million for capital
expenditures for Tahquitz Court Apartments (e.g., $800,000 at the Low
Income Housing Tax Credit bond closing, and thereafter $200,000 annually
for the next 10 years), $200,000 for Vista Sunrise Apartments, $20,000 for
Coyote Run Apartments off-site improvements, $450,000 for Sahara Mobile
Home Park, and $350,000 for El Dorado Mobile Home Park. There could
potentially be a deficit for FY 2005–2006.
Other Private and Public Funds
Development projects within the City of Palm Springs are also receiving a
number of additional funds to make the projects feasible. These funds are
provided by public, private, and nonprofit partners. Millions of dollars are
being received through Mobile Home Park Resident Ownership funds, Low
Income Housing Tax Credits, California Housing Finance Agency funds,
HOME funds, Mortgage Revenue Bonds, City General Funds, Department of
Housing and Urban Development Section 202 funds, and many more.
Numerous other public, private, and nonprofit funding sources are available.
The City’s Consolidated Plan provides an additional list of funding sources.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-49
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Administrative Resources
Palm Springs contracts with a number of nonprofit entities for their
administrative and managerial capacities to help implement City programs or
further housing and community development activities. Other organizations
are also active in Riverside County. These include the following organizations:
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition
The City and Agency have had a long relationship with CVHC, including the
recent DDA which provides CVHC with $1,350,000 in land and cash to
construct a 66-unit expansion of CVHC’s successful Coyote Run project, a
140-unit low and very low income family rental housing project built in
1993. In addition, in the 1990s the City and Agency collaborated with
CVHC on self-help housing in the Desert Highland neighborhood, totaling
approximately 30 units. Most recently, the Agency helped CVHC construct
nine self-help homes in a different neighborhood in Palm Springs.
Southern California Housing Development Corporation
Founded in 1991, SoCal’s mission is to create affordable housing communities
that contribute to neighborhood vitality. SoCal presently owns and manages
more than 4,500 units in five counties in southern California, with more than
70 percent of the portfolio available to households earning very low income.
Within Riverside County alone, SoCal has six properties with nearly 1,000
units, including three projects in the Coachella Valley.
Jamboree Housing Corporation
Jamboree Housing Corporation (JHC) is a broad-based nonprofit housing
development company that builds, preserves, and maintains affordable rental
and ownership housing for lower-income families, seniors and others in
California. JHC recently purchased and rehabilitated the Seminole Gardens
project, extending the affordability controls. JHC has established an in-house
Social Services division (located at most affordable housing projects) to assist
residents in maintaining their self-sufficiency.
Special Needs Groups
The City of Palm Springs also relies on a number of nonprofit organizations
to provide services for people with special needs. This includes Catholic
Charities (homeless services), Desert AID (people living with HIV/AIDS),
senior services (Mizell Senior Center), Fair Housing Council of Riverside
County, and numerous other public and nonprofit organizations. The
Consolidated Plan provides a list of service providers in Palm Springs.
Page 3-50 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Riverside County Housing Authority
The Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers, including those in
Palm Springs, and operates the public housing in the Coachella Valley.
Recently the HA and the Agency worked collaboratively on the financing of
the Vista Sunrise project (80 units of AIDS/HIV housing in Palm Springs),
with the HA contributing $1,500,000 in HOME funds and the Agency
contributing $1,506,000 in land and housing set-aside funds. The HA owned
and contracted for management Nightengale Manor in Palm Springs, a
44-unit emergency homeless shelter for families. Recently the HA transferred
the ownership to Father Joe’s Villages, a San Diego-based charity focused on
homeless services. FJV now manage the facility from Catholic Charities.
Pacific Housing and Finance Agency
The Pacific Housing and Finance Agency (PHFA) is a joint powers authority
of approximately 50 cities located throughout California. Palm Springs was
the fourth city to join. Over the past six years, Palm Springs has had
representation on the policy level with PHFA (including a term as board vice
president) and has hosted PHFA community workshops in City Hall.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-51
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
GOALS, POLICIESGOALS, POLICIESGOALS, POLICIESGOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONSAND ACTIONSAND ACTIONSAND ACTIONS
Providing housing that fulfills the diverse needs of Palm Springs is a funda-
mental priority for the City. This section is essentially the City’s Housing Plan
to achieve that goal. The goals and policies contained in the Housing
Element address Palm Springs’ identified housing needs and are implemented
through a series of actions or programs. Housing actions and programs
include both current City efforts and new initiatives that address the City’s
unmet housing needs. This section provides the goals and policies for
addressing the City’s housing needs as well as specific actions to implement
the housing goals and policies.
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Palm Springs has a diverse population of different ages, income levels,
households, and lifestyles, each with different housing needs and preferences.
As a desirable resort and retirement community, Palm Springs also has a
significant seasonal population with corresponding housing needs. Ensuring
an adequate supply and diversity of housing types can promote an inclusive
community that welcomes all of its residents.
Tailored strategies are necessary to adequately address Palm Springs’ diverse
housing needs. In more established urbanized areas of the City, there are
many vacant and underutilized parcels with opportunities for quality infill
housing. In these areas, ensuring that new housing is compatible with the
surrounding neighborhoods is an important goal. In the Central Business
District, new housing can not only increase housing opportunities, but be an
economic stimulus to the Downtown.
Other areas located outside the urbanized area of Palm Springs—Palm Hills
and the Chino Cone—require a much different housing strategy. These areas
warrant customized policy guidance, as specified in the Land Use Element,
because the City has determined that the preservation of their unique hillside
character is of utmost importance and thus development should be carefully
guided. Similarly, large planned developments in the community also require
the preparation of specific plans.
Ensuring an appropriate quantity, diversity, and price for new housing may
also require financial incentives and regulatory concessions to make feasible
the development of housing affordable to all income levels. Such incentives,
along with appropriate design review standards, must be carefully tailored
Page 3-52 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
and implemented to further Citywide objectives with respect to the
production of quality and well-designed housing.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL HS1HS1HS1HS1::::
Facilitate a broad range of housing types, prices, and opportunities to
address current and future housing needs in the community.
Policies
HS1.1 Provide adequate residential sites to accommodate new housing
through land use, zoning, and specific plan designations to
encourage a broad range of housing opportunities.
HS1.2 Maintain a range of housing densities through general plan land
use designations and zoning to facilitate and encourage single-
family homes, apartments and townhomes, mobile homes, and
special needs housing.
HS1.3 Facilitate the production of quality mixed- and multi-use projects
on vacant and underutilized land that are complementary with
surrounding uses.
HS1.4 Ensure new residential projects are adequately served by park and
recreation, libraries, sanitary and storm sewers, transportation,
public safety, and other public services and facilities.
HS1.5 Direct higher density residential uses near major activity centers
and along corridors consistent with adopted architectural and
design guidelines.
HS1.6 Provide for various regulatory and financial incentives to
encourage well designed housing, special needs housing, and
housing affordable to households of different income levels.
HS1.7 Support appropriate levels of housing production that meets City
housing needs yet also promotes the vitality of established
neighborhoods and enhanced quality of life.
HS1.8 Protect established single-family residential neighborhoods from
the transition, intensification, and encroachment of uses that
detract and/or change the character of the neighborhood.
HS1.9 Support the construction of higher density residential and
commercial opportunities as well as implementation of
infrastructure plans set forth in the Section 14 Master Plan.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-53
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Actions
HS1.1 Provide for Adequate Housing Sites. The City of Palm Springs is
experiencing a significant demand for housing. The provision of
adequate sites for residential development is critical to meet these
needs. State law requires that sufficient sites be made available for
single-family, multiple-family, mobile homes, mixed and multi-
uses, accessory dwelling units, and emergency and transition to
meet present and future needs housing in the community. This
housing element provides an inventory of vacant sites to address
City housing needs. As noted by the City’s 2004 Fair Housing
Study, state law now requires that accessory dwelling units be
allowed as a by-right use, in contrast to the conditional use permit
currently required. The Municipal Code should be changed to
comply with state law.
5-Year Objectives:
� Maintain an inventory and map of sites available for
residential development and provide at the front counter
upon request.
� Amend the Zoning Code to redefine accessory dwelling
units, remove the conditional permit requirement, allow
in all single-family residential zones, and make the
standards consistent with state law by 2007.
HS1.2 Continue to Offer Regulatory Incentives. The City offers
regulatory incentives to facilitate the construction of a range of
housing types and prices. Regulatory concessions used have
included zone changes and General Plan amendments (e.g.,
Coyote Run), conditional use permit (e.g., Villa Del Sol), and
minor modifications (other affordable projects). The minor
modification is a widely sought-after tool to obtain flexibility in
development standards to build quality housing. The Planning
Director may allow a minor modification in development
standards without a public hearing, but the findings requirement
(which are similar to a variance) are difficult to make.
5-Year Objectives:
� Continue to review and accept requests for minor modi-
fications, density bonuses, General Plan amendments, and
zone changes for projects that further City housing goals.
Page 3-54 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
� Study the minor modification process and modify findings
that are presently modeled after a variance so as to
expedite quality residential development.
HS1.3 Continue to Offer Financial Incentives. Whereas the City of Palm
Springs has designated sufficient vacant land to support the
production of housing affordable to all economic segments of the
community, affordable housing typically requires publicly and
privately funded financial assistance to make projects feasible. To
that end, the City grants financial incentives (e.g., fee waivers for
parks), provides low-cost land, Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside
funds, and various other City funds to support the production of
affordable housing that has been built during the present housing
element planning period. The continuation of financial incentives
will further City housing goals.
5-Year Objectives:
� Continue to approve fee reductions and waivers, provide
City tax increment or housing set-aside funds, General
funds, low-cost land, and make available other financial
assistance for affordable housing projects.
� Consider waiving the Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan fee (e.g., fee to acquire sensitive
habitat) for lower income affordable housing projects.
� Promote financial and development assistance programs
to the building community on an annual basis.
HS1.4 Review and Revise Development Standards. As available land
continues to diminish and housing demand increases, the City will
need to consider higher density housing opportunities, particularly
on underutilized land. Presently, mixed-use/multi-use housing is
allowed in the Central Business District, the Tourist Resort
Commercial, and Mixed-Use/Multi-Use land use designations.
Higher density housing can be a catalyst for enhancing economic
activity in the downtown core as well as addressing City housing
goals. For other areas of the City where housing is needed,
developing a density bonus that mirrors state law can also help
facilitate quality affordable housing.
5-Year Objectives:
� Implement increased floor area ratio of up to 4.0 for
mixed-use/multi-use projects in the downtown core, as
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defined by the Downtown Urban Design Plan and Land
Use Element.
� Allow housing densities up to 70 units per acre for mixed-
use/multi-use projects in the downtown core as defined by
the Downtown Urban Design Plan and Land Use
Element.
� Create a density bonus ordinance and incentives program
consistent with state law.
HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY
Palm Springs has well-defined single-family residential neighborhoods each
with its own history, character, and needs. Many established older neigh-
borhoods, such as the Movie Colony, Las Palmas, Deepwell Estates, and
Racquet Club Estates, are distinguished by their physical layout, landscaping
and walls, and various architectural styles. Neighborhood quality in these
areas is ensured when new development is compatible with the character,
scale, and design of surrounding land uses.
Neighborhoods outside the urban area near and at the base of the Santa Rosa
and San Jacinto Mountains are defined by their topography, stunning views,
and access to the mountains and creeks. Issues facing these neighborhoods are
environmental in nature—how to preserve scenic views, minimize impacts to
the environment, and protect sensitive plants and animal species. Other
neighborhoods emerging on the eastern and northern end of Palm Springs
face similar issues, albeit to a lesser degree.
Older neighborhoods near the urban core and along major corridors under-
going transition have different housing and neighborhood issues. In older
dense neighborhoods, parking may be more of an issue. Housing conditions
and the provision of adequate community services are of greater concern.
Areas with high concentrations of multiple-family housing, such as near the
Downtown and along major corridors, require attention to infrastructure,
housing conditions, and services.
As a highly recognized desert resort community, Palm Springs offers a range
of resort and retirement communities. Large-scale resorts, such as the Palm
Springs Village, Indian Oasis Resort, and Palm Springs Classic offer upscale
town homes and vacation condominiums anchored with high quality golf
courses and recreational amenities. Secluded resorts (e.g., Smoketree Ranch)
offer a range of neighborhood environment and recreational amenities. Palm
Springs mobile home parks provide housing options for seniors as well.
Additional goals and policies
related to neighborhoods and
community design are in the
Community Design Element.
Page 3-56 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Efforts to preserve and enhance neighborhood quality must therefore reflect
the diversity of neighborhoods and their needs. Certain residential neigh-
borhoods are well-maintained and thus the primary issue is how to preserve
and enhance the character of the neighborhood. Neighborhoods in need of
revitalization require code enforcement, improvement and replacement (if
necessary) of dilapidated homes, homeownership assistance, and public safety.
In newly developing areas, sensitively integrating development into the
natural environment is of utmost concern.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL HS2HS2HS2HS2
Foster a high quality of life and vibrant neighborhoods through the
preservation and improvement of housing and provision of community
services.
Policies
HS2.1 Enhance neighborhoods through public services and facilities,
infrastructure, open space, adequate parking and traffic
management, pedestrian and bicycle routes, and public safety.
HS2.2 Foster resident involvement in neighborhood organizations and
homeowner associations to support the beautification,
improvement, and preservation of neighborhoods.
HS2.3 Enhance the appearance and character of neighborhoods with
high quality site planning, architecture and landscape design in
multiple-family developments, and highly visible single-family
homes.
HS2.4 Encourage the preservation and restoration of homes that have
historical, architectural, or cultural significance as prescribed by
the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
HS2.5 Maintain the quality of ownership and rental housing through the
adoption, periodic revision, and enforcement of housing and
property maintenance standards.
HS2.6 Encourage the repair, improvement, and rehabilitation of housing
and the replacement of substandard housing as a means to
enhance residents’ quality of life in neighborhoods.
HS2.7 Foster and ensure that residential projects are of high quality
and thoughtful design through the implementation of adopted
architectural and design standards and architectural review.
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HS2.8 Support the preservation of quality mobile home parks in the
community as a source of affordable housing through the
provision of rental and homeownership assistance and
rehabilitation.
HS2.9 Preserve the supply of affordable rental housing in the
community, including mobile home parks, publicly subsidized
rental housing, and special needs housing.
Actions
HS2.1 Implement Design Standards. Palm Springs has residential neigh-
borhoods with historic, architectural, and cultural significance to
the community. To ensure that new development is appropriate in
scale, size, and character to surrounding uses within a
neighborhood, especially established neighborhoods, the City has
adopted design standards that govern new housing projects as
well as rehabilitation of qualified housing projects as well. The
Planning Commission Architectural Advisory Committee is
responsible for approval or modification of development plans to
achieve City design objectives.
5-Year Objective:
� Continue to implement residential design standards
through architectural review of residential projects.
HS2.2 Implement Historic Preservation Program. Palm Springs has a
number of residential structures that are of significant historical
and architectural merit to the community. The City has therefore
instituted regulations to preserve and enhance these resources.
The City has a Historic Site Preservation Board, which nominates
and recommends potential historic sites to City Council,
recommends the designation of historic districts, and implements
the City Historic Preservation Ordinance. The City’s Historic
Preservation Combining Zone is designed to protect the historical
character of structures and neighborhoods through the review of
applications for new development and modification of existing
structures. The Historic Site Preservation Board’s annual work
program furthers these ends.
5-Year Objectives:
� Continue to implement the historic preservation
ordinance for residential structures.
Page 3-58 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
� Continue to update the Historic Resources Survey and
identify additional residential structures that could be
designated as Class 1 or Class 2 historic structures.
HS2.3 Enforce Property Maintenance Codes. Code enforcement is an
important tool to ensure that the value, character, and quality of
neighborhood and housing are maintained. The City’s Building
Department inspects properties for compliance with state and
local regulations for building and property maintenance. This
includes periodic inspections for lead abatement. If deficiencies are
found, the property owner is granted a specified time to correct
the matter. City staff may also direct the owner to appropriate
loan programs administered by the City. Should corrections not
occur, the City can issue citations or initiate legal action.
However, the City first works for voluntary compliance through
educating property owners.
5-Year Objectives:
� Continue to implement code enforcement programs using
a progressive approach of voluntary compliance,
administrative citations, and court action.
� Provide outreach education regarding lead-based paint
hazards and provide assistance in compliance with federal
regulations.
� Provide financial assistance, where appropriate, to remedy
property maintenance and health code violations.
HS2.4 Continue Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. The City
provides up to $1,500 in grants to very low and low income
homeowners for home maintenance, emergency repairs, and
accessibility modifications. Through the Home Repair Program,
the City continues to maintain and cultivate resource linkages
with numerous community agencies mutually beneficial to each
other’s clients’ needs, as well as preventing duplication of efforts
and resources. Some of those agencies are Amputee Connection,
Catholic Charities, Community Access, Desert AIDS Project,
Episcopal Community Services, Jewish Family Services, Mizell
Senior Center, Riverside County Community Action, Riverside
County Office on Aging, Southern California Edison’s Energy-
Efficiency Demonstration Program, The Well in the Desert and
the Visiting Nurses’ Association of Coachella Valley.
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5-Year Objectives:
� Provide rehabilitation loans to help low income
households make necessary improvements to remedy
health and safety code violations or make qualified
housing repairs and modifications.
� Continue comprehensive housing and neighborhood assis-
tance under the Recapture Our Neighborhood program
as funding becomes available.
HS2.5 Rehabilitate and Preserve Mobile Homes. Mobile homes are an
important housing option for families and seniors. To that end,
the City has a mobile home rent stabilization ordinance and loan
program to maintain and improve mobile homes in the
community. The City has already facilitated the rehabilitation of
several projects. By 2008, the City will enter into an owner
participation agreementwith Millenium Housing to rehabilitate
the Sahara Mobile Home Park and commit $450,000 in
Redevelopment funds in return for 50 percent of the units (127
spaces) remaining affordable to very low and low income units.
The Agency will also assist tenants of the El Dorado Mobile
Home Park to buy land in advance of the conversion of the park
to condominium ownership. The Redevelopment Agency will
assist 17 moderate income purchasers at a cost of $85,000, and
provide $39,000 in assistance to low income renters for the
income certification. The park will receive $1 million in State of
California MPROP funds to assist low income purchasers.
5-Year Objectives:
� Commit funding to rehabilitate the Sahara Mobile Home
Park and commit homeownership funds to El Dorado
Mobile Home Park.
� Continue implementation of and periodic review of the
City’s mobile home park rent stabilization ordinance.
HS2.6 Preserve At-Risk Units. The City is committed to preserving its
stock of multiple-family affordable housing, some which is at risk
of conversion and/or needs significant renovation and
improvement. The City is committed to facilitating preservation
of affordable housing through technical assistance and providing
financial assistance when feasible. The City is planning to provide
$450,000 in RDA Set-Aside monies to the 136-unit Heritage
Apartments in return for a covenant to reserve 68 units for very
low income households for a period of 25 years ending 2026. The
Page 3-60 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
City has also conducted a TEFRA (Tax Equity Fiscal
Responsibility Hearing) for the proposed issuance of tax-exempt
Multiple-family Mortgage Revenue Bonds of up to $12 million on
behalf of the Tahquitz Court Housing to preserve the 108 units as
affordable to low income households.
5-Year Objectives:
� Monitor the status of affordable units that may become
at-risk of conversion.
� Provide technical assistance as feasible to facilitate
preservation for units considered at risk of conversion.
� Support efforts to preserve the Heritage, Tahquitz Court,
and Palm Springs Senior Apartment projects.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS
As a desirable resort community, Palm Springs will continue to experience a
relatively high demand and prices for housing. These market conditions have
long-term implications for maintaining the diversity and character of Palm
Springs. Presently, many lower income seniors reside in subsidized units and
have limited choices to move elsewhere. Moderate income families with
children and young professionals can afford only apartments and a limited
number of homes and must move to other communities to buy a home.
In addition, certain segments of the population will continue to have greater
difficulty in finding decent and affordable housing due to special circum-
stances. These segments may include lower income households, the elderly,
people with disabilities, large or single-parent families, agricultural workers,
and the homeless. Facilitating and encouraging housing opportunities for
these and other special needs groups can help promote an inclusive
community and further achieve fair housing goals.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL HS3HS3HS3HS3::::
Facilitate and encourage a broad range of rental and ownership
opportunities for people with special housing needs within Palm
Springs.
Policies
HS3.1 Support the development of accessible and affordable senior rental
housing readily accessible to support services; provide assistance
for seniors to maintain and improve their homes.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-61
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HS3.2 Assist in the funding of the development of emergency,
transitional, and permanent supportive housing, and the provision
of supportive services for people who are homeless.
HS3.3 Increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing suited to
the independent and semi-independent living needs of people
with disabilities; provide assistance to people with disabilities to
maintain and improve their homes.
HS3.4 Expand homeownership opportunities in Palm Springs to
moderate income buyers through homebuyer assistance and
ensure that rental assistance is available for eligible renter
households.
HS3.5 Prohibit housing discrimination and other related discriminatory
actions in all aspects affecting the sale, rental, or occupancy of
housing based on status or other arbitrary classification.
HS3.6 Support collaborative partnerships of nonprofit organizations, the
development community, and the City of Palm Springs to work
together to provide affordable housing.
HS3.7 Assist and support, where feasible, in the production and conser-
vation of housing affordable to very low, low, and moderate
income households.
HS3.8 Facilitate the development of affordable housing through
regulatory incentives (e.g., such as lot consolidation and density
transfers), density bonuses, inclusionary housing, and financial
assistance where feasible.
HS3.9 Improve accessibility for the physically impaired and disabled by
eliminating architectural barriers during the design,
rehabilitation, and new construction of housing.
Actions
HS3.1 Provide Homeownership Assistance. The City administers a
homeownership assistance program for the Desert Highlands
Neighborhood. As part of this effort, the City RDA purchased
single-family residential lots and is deeding the lots to Century
Homes to construct affordable homes for moderate income
households and providing up to $50,000 in homeownership
assistance. The homes are covenanted to remain affordable to
moderate income households and the program also has a shared
appreciation provision. The City has historically participated in a
Lease-to-Own Program that enables low income homebuyers to
Page 3-62 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
acquire an affordable home. However, the program has proven
infeasible due to the rising cost of housing. The City is committed
to developing additional means of providing homeownership
assistance for residents of Palm Springs.
5-Year Objectives:
� Provide homeownership opportunities for nine low
income households to live in the Desert Highlands
Neighborhood.
� Research, review, and develop new homebuyer’s assistance
programs to meet goals set forth in the Consolidated
Plan.
HS3.2 Provide Rental Assistance. The Riverside County Housing
Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
rental assistance program for Palm Springs. Funded by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Housing
Choice Voucher program extends rental subsidies to very low
income households by offering the tenant a voucher that pays the
difference between the current fair market rent (FMR) established
by the Housing Authority and 30 percent of the tenant’s income.
The voucher is accepted on a voluntary basis by the landlord. A
tenant may choose housing that costs more than the FMR, if the
tenant pays the extra rent above the standard. The City also
provides rental assistance to local service agencies for distribution
to needy individuals and families. The Consolidated Plan provides
additional information on this program.
5-Year Objectives:
� Support the County of Riverside’s housing voucher
program and lobby for additional vouchers as needed.
� Continue to provide City financial assistance to local
nonprofit organizations that can be used for motel
vouchers.
HS3.3 Provide Fair Housing Services. Palm Springs is committed to
assuring fair housing opportunities so people in all walks of life
have the opportunity to find suitable housing in the community.
To that end, the City contracts with a fair housing service provider
to provide landlord/tenant education, conduct testing of the rental
and ownership market, and investigate and mediate housing
complaints where needed. The City periodically prepares the
required federal planning reports top document the City’s
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-63
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
progress in improving and maintaining fair housing opportunities.
The City’s Human Rights Commission is intended to promote the
improvement of relations, civic peace, intergroup understanding,
and acceptance, respect, and participation of all members in the
community. The City also prepares, as required by federal law,
planning documents and progress toward fair housing goals set
forth in the Consolidated Plan.
5-Year Objectives:
� Continue to contract with local fair housing providers to
perform a wide range of educational, advocacy, and
mediation services.
� Periodically report to the City Human Rights Commission
on the status of fair housing in the community.
� Continue to periodically prepare an Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and implement its
findings.
� Distribute information about fair and equal housing laws
and resources in public libraries, community and senior
centers, local social service offices, and other public
locations.
HS3.4 Implement Housing Accessibility Programs. The City has an
aggressive program to ensure that people with disabilities can
fully experience Palm Springs. The City prepares an Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing to identify potential barriers to fair
housing opportunity. The City’s Disability Coordinator reviews
building plans to ensure compliance with requirements under the
Fair Housing Act and prepares the City’s Transition Plan to
comply with the federal ADA and Fair Housing Act requirements.
During this process, several impediments to fair housing were
identified. State law requires jurisdictions to permit by right
group homes serving six or fewer residents in the community. The
City desires to create an ordinance that mirrors the protections in
State law for group homes.
5-Year Objectives:
� Amend Zoning Code to permit small residential care
facilities serving six or fewer people in all residential
zones.
Page 3-64 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
� Update the City’s Transition Plan as needed to identify
and remove impediments to access by persons with
disabilities.
� Create reasonable accommodation ordinance to allow
modifications to new and rehabilitated projects to
maximize accessibility for people with disabilities by
2007.
HS3.5 Support Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing Program.
State law requires all cities to identify adequate sites, development
standards, and implement a permitting process to facilitate and
encourage the development of emergency shelters and transitional
housing. The City works with a County-based coalition to address
homelessness in the community and Riverside County. For the
Housing Element to be in compliance with state law, each city
must designate a zone where such uses are conditionally permitted
and ensure that the conditions facilitate such uses. The City is
providing funds to support a new emergency shelter in Thousand
Plans. The City established a Homeless and Economically
Disadvantaged Blue Ribbon Committee to determine the most
appropriate locations to allow emergency shelters and transitional
housing.
5-Year Objectives:
� Continue to fund services for homeless people through the
Consolidated Planning process
� Amend Zoning Code to conditionally permit emergency
and transition housing in the A, M-1, and M-2 zones by
2007.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Palm Springs is noted for its exceptional natural beauty and fragile environ-
ment. The San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and their remarkable
landforms are a defining characteristic for Palm Springs as well as one of the
City’s most closely guarded resources. The steep topography of the mountains
provides the City with a dramatic visual backdrop and unparalleled scenic
views. Over the years, Palm Springs residents have reaffirmed that the
hillsides are an irreplaceable asset. As available land in the central city
diminishes, it will become increasingly important to establish guidance for
the protection and thoughtful integration of development into these areas.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-65
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The desert floor of the Coachella Valley also provides some of the richest
diversity of plant and animal life, including numerous protected species. More
than six different habitat conservation plans protect sensitive habitat and
species through the regulation or prohibition of future development. The
Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan is the cul-
minating plan, covering more than one million acres, and including at least
27 desert and mountain natural communities and 27 species. These plans also
guide the type, location, and intensity of development to ensure that critical
habitat for protected species is preserved.
The Palm Springs community has long been committed to furthering an
environmental ethic that emphasizes the use of alternative energy tech-
nologies, such as wind energy, cogeneration, and solar energy. Given the
importance of the area’s water supply to the vitality of the community, Palm
Springs also supports the conservation and reuse of water resources and has
developed water recycling and treatment plants to conserve this resource. The
City is also active in promoting sustainable development in order to conserve
water, electricity, natural gas, as well as reduce waste generation. Palm
Springs is committed to furthering this environmental ethic in the
development and rehabilitation of housing and neighborhoods.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL HS4HS4HS4HS4::::
Fulfill the City’s housing needs while protecting the natural
environment and resources and promoting an environmentally
sustainable ethic.
Policies
HS4.1 Require that all residential developments be thoughtfully
integrated into the natural environment, including washes,
hillsides, viewsheds, and other features of the natural terrain.
HS4.2 Prohibit the encroachment of significant housing development
into areas designated as open space, desert, or conservation areas
without appropriate environmental review and approvals.
HS4.3 Encourage the use of green building practices, including Title 24
energy conservation standards, in the construction, rehabilitation,
and renovation of housing, to the extent feasible.
HS4.4 Encourage the conservation of water resources through the
incorporation of native landscaping and noninvasive species that
are specially adapted to the desert climate.
Page 3-66 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
HS4.5 Support the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and the
sensitive integration of housing in undeveloped areas where
permitted under the Plan.
HS4.6 Continue to require, monitor, and enforce National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permits and appropriate best
management practices.
Actions
HS4.1 Develop a Green Building Ordinance. A green building is a
structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in
an ecologically and resource-efficient manner. The primary goals
of this type of sustainable development are to conserve water,
electricity, and natural gas, as well as to reduce waste generation.
The City enforces the state-mandated requirements for energy
conservation as part of the Warren-Alquist Act. The City is
known for its leadership in advocating resource conservation:
cogeneration facilities are used at various public facilities; General
Plan land use designations reserve areas for wind energy
production; the City has participated in various energy
conservation demonstration programs; and our legislator
continues to advocate for energy conservation efforts.
5-Year Objective:
� Develop a green building ordinance that encourages
resource conservation in both the construction and
rehabilitation of housing.
HS4.2 Implement Hillside Development Review. Palm Springs values its
hillsides, mountains, and other unique topography and has
therefore established guidelines to encourage their preservation.
The Palm Springs Municipal Code provides for an enhanced
architectural application and review process for residential projects
proposed on slopes with a grade of 10 percent or greater. Beyond
standard application procedures and items, the application must
also contain topographical maps and grading plans. Areas of the
site having a slope of 30 degrees or higher are excluded from the
area that may be allowed in computing total density. Specific
development standards are also encouraged to ensure that the
residential project is compatible with the surrounding landscape
and provides necessary infrastructure and services.
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5-Year Objective:
� Continue implementation of hillside development
standards.
HS4.3 Implement Water Conservation Program. Palm Springs
recognizes the finiteness of its water supply and the importance of
conservation. The City implements a program to use reclaimed
water for public golf courses. To further conserve water, the Palm
Springs Municipal Code provides for a water efficiency landscape
program. Prior to construction and installation of any new or
rehabilitated landscaping, the developer must submit a landscape
document package for review and approval. The City shall review
applications and approve, conditionally approve, or deny such
application and shall assure conformity.
5-Year Objective:
� Continue implementation of the review of water
conservation aspects of landscape ordinance.
Page 3-68 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table 3-22
Housing Program Summary, 1998–2007
Objective Funding Implementing Agency Time-frame
1.1 Adequate
Sites
• Maintain inventory and map of residential available for
development, and provide at the front counter.
• Amend Zoning Code to redefine accessory units, remove
conditional permit requirement, allow in single-family
zones, and make standards consistent with state law.
General
Fund
Planning Department Ongoing
2007
1.2 Regulatory
Incentives
• Review and accept requests for minor modifications,
density bonuses, and general plan amendments and zone
changes for housing projects that meet City housing goals.
• Study minor modification process and modify the findings
required to expedite quality housing
General
Fund;
RDA
Planning Department Ongoing
2007
1.3 Financial
Incentives
• Continue to approve fee reductions and waivers, City tax
increment funds, General funds, low cost land, and other
assistance for affordable housing projects.
• Consider waiving CVMSHCP fee (e.g. to acquire sensitive
habitat) for lower-income affordable housing projects.
• Promote financial and development assistance programs to
the building community on an annual basis.
General
Fund;
RDA
Planning Department
Planning Department
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
2007
Annually
1.4 Development
Standards
• Implement increased floor area ratio of up to 4.0 for mixed/
multi-use projects in the downtown core as defined by the
Downtown Urban Design Plan and Land Use Element.
• Allow housing densities up to 70 units per acre for mixed/
multi-use projects in the downtown core as defined by the
Urban Design Plan and Land Use Element.
• Create a density bonus ordinance and incentives programs
consistent with state law.
General
Fund
Planning Department 2007
2.1 Design
Standards
• Continue to implement residential design standards
through architectural review of residential projects.
General
Fund
Planning Department Ongoing
2.2 Historic
Preservation
• Continue to implement the historic preservation program
for residential structures.
• Continue to update the Historic Resources Survey and
identify additional residential structures that could be
designated as Class 1 or Class 2 historic structures.
General
Fund
Planning Department Ongoing
2.3 Property
Maintenance
• Implement code enforcement programs using approach of
voluntary compliance, administrative citations, and court
action. Provide education regarding lead-based paint
hazards and assistance in complying with federal law.
• Provide financial assistance where appropriate to remedy
property maintenance and health code violations.
General
Fund;
CDBG
Building Department and
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
2.4 Housing
Rehabilitation
Loan
• Provide rehabilitation loans to help low income households
make home improvements to remedy health and safety
code violations or make accessibility modifications.
• Continue comprehensive housing and neighborhood
assistance under the Recapture Our Neighborhood
program as funding becomes available.
General
Fund;
CDBG
Building Department and
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
2.5 Mobile Home
Rehabilitation and
Preservation
• Commit funding to rehabilitate the Sahara Mobile Home
Park and commit homeownership funds to El Dorado
Mobile Home Park.
• Continue implementation and periodic review of the mobile
home park rent stabilization ordinance.
General
Fund;
MPROP;
RDA
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 3-69
HOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENTHOUSING ELEMENT
Table 3-22
Housing Program Summary, 1998–2007
Objective Funding Implementing Agency Time-frame
2.6 Preservation
of At-Risk Units
• Monitor the status of affordable units that may become at-
risk of conversion and provide technical assistance as
feasible to facilitate preservation.
• Support efforts to preserve the Heritage, Tahquitz Court,
Palm Springs Senior Apartment projects.
CDBG,
RDA
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
2007
3.1
Homeownership
Assistance
• Provide homeownership opportunities for 9 households in
the Desert Highlands area
• Research, review, and develop additional homebuyer’s
assistance program to meet goals set forth in the
Consolidated Plan.
CDBG,
RDA
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
2007
3.2 Rental
Assistance
• Support the County’s housing voucher program and lobby
for additional vouchers as needed.
• Provide City financial assistance to local nonprofit
organizations for motel vouchers.
Section 8 Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
3.3 Fair Housing
Services
• Continue to contract with local fair housing providers to
perform a wide range of educational, advocacy, and
mediation services.
• Periodically report to the City Human Rights Commission
on the status of fair housing.
• Periodically prepare an Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice and implement its findings.
General
Fund and
CDBG
Community and Economic
Development
Ongoing
3.4 Housing
Access
• Amend Zoning Code to define and permit small residential
care facilities serving six or fewer people in all residential
zones.
• Update as needed the City’s Transition Plan to identify and
remove impediments to access by persons with disabilities.
• Create reasonable accommodation ordinance to allow
project changes to ensure access by disabled people.
General
Fund and
CDBG
Community and Economic
Development
Planning Department
2007
Ongoing
2007
3.5 Emergency
Shelter and
Transition
Housing
• Continue to fund services for homeless people through the
Consolidated Planning process
• Amend Zoning Code to conditionally permit emergency and
transition housing in A, M-1, and M-2 zones.
General
Fund and
CDBG
Community and Economic
Development
Planning Department
Ongoing
2007
4.1 Green
Building
• Develop a green building ordinance that encourages
resource conservation in the construction and rehabilitation
of housing.
General
Fund
Planning Department 2008
4.2 Hillside
Development
• Continue implementing hillside development standards. General
Fund
Planning Department Ongoing
4.3 Water
Conservation
• Continue implementation of the review of water
conservation aspects of landscape ordinance
General
Fund
Planning Department Ongoing
Quantified Objectives
Housing Units
Affordable to Very
Low Income
Households
Housing Units
Affordable to Low
Income
Households
Housing Units
Affordable to Moderate
Income Households
Housing Units
Affordable to
Above Moderate
Households Total Housing Units
New Construction 383 260 289 570 1,502
Rehabilitation 718 -0- -0- 718
Preservation 540 -0- -0- 540
Total 1,901 289 570 2,760
Source: City of Palm Springs
Page 3-70 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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4.4.4.4. Circulation Circulation Circulation Circulation ElementElementElementElement
4. Circulation
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-1
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ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
4.4.4.4. CIRCULATIONCIRCULATIONCIRCULATIONCIRCULATION ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
BACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEXTXTXTXT
Palm Springs’ economic health and quality of life are directly tied to the
City’s ability to move people and goods safely and efficiently through the
community. The City is world renowned for its tourism industry and can
respond to the circulation needs of millions of visitors each year due to the
presence of facilities such as the Palm Springs International Airport and the
extensive network of recreational trails. Maintaining a walkable Downtown
that accommodates vehicular traffic and provides accessible parking is a
critical component of the City’s vitality. The City’s residential, commercial,
and office uses benefit from a circulation network that allows the community
to navigate through the City with relative ease, as there are few congested
areas that limit traffic flow. An effective circulation system also benefits the
industrial community; the movement of goods throughout the region and to
areas beyond is essential to its continuing success.
The purpose of the Circulation Element is to identify the goals, policies and
actions that the City will take to improve the operation of the existing
transportation network as the City grows and develops. The objective is to
document existing and future transportation facilities in the City of Palm
Springs and to develop strategies to address the potential impacts to the
circulation network resulting from future land uses identified in the Land Use
Element. The Circulation Element will also assure the provision of a trans-
portation system that supports the City’s land uses, is safe for all modes, and
facilitates and maintains adequate mobility for its citizens. It encompasses
freeways, major and secondary thoroughfares, collector roads, truck routes,
bus and rail transit, air traffic and utilities infrastructure.
The Circulation Element relates
not only to vehicles, bicycles,
pedestrians, and equestrians, but
also the adequacy and reliability of
utility infrastructure including water,
wastewater, electricity, natural gas,
solid waste, and telecommuni-
cations and data transmission
systems.
Page 4-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RELATRELATRELATRELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLAIONSHIP TO OTHER PLAIONSHIP TO OTHER PLAIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS ANDNS ANDNS ANDNS AND PROGRAMSPROGRAMSPROGRAMSPROGRAMS
Of all the elements in the General Plan, the Circulation Element is most
closely tied to the Land Use Element. The relationship between proposed
land uses and the proposed circulation network serves as a fundamental
framework for the other elements of the General Plan. Other elements in the
General Plan are affected by the goals and policies identified in the
Circulation Element. For example, the Air Quality Element seeks to reduce
vehicle emissions, which are directly related to vehicle trips and roadway
efficiency as addressed in the Circulation Element. The Circulation Element is
also linked to the Safety Element regarding specified routes for the
transportation of hazardous materials and the designation of emergency
access routes throughout the City. The Community Design Element guides
the design and visual appearance of roadways and the pedestrian experience,
and the potential noise impacts created by all forms of transportation activity
are addressed in the Noise Element. The City’s bikeways and trails provide
recreational value and nonmotorized accessibility for the City’s residents and
visitors and, as a result, goals and policies for trails can be found in both the
Recreation, Open Space and Conservation and Circulation Elements.
The successful implementation of the goals and policies in the Circulation
Element also requires coordination with regional agencies, including the
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments (CVAG), the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG), the Riverside County Transportation Commission
(RCTC), and the SunLine Transit Agency.
CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan
Regional planning efforts such as the CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation
Plan (NMTP) affect the City’s circulation network. The NMTP is a policy
document guiding the development and maintenance of the nonmotorized
transportation network, support facilities, and other programs for the
Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys over the next 20 years. The plan addresses
important issues such as planning, utilization of existing resources, facility
design, multimodal integration, safety and education, and support facilities as
well as specific programs implementation, maintenance and funding of those
facilities—all of which should be taken into consideration as the City
continues to develop its own circulation network.
Airport Plans
Lastly, the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and the
Palm Springs International Airport Master Plan (January 2003) provide long-
term development programs for the airport to ensure that it will provide a
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-3
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The Interstate System was
authorized by the Federal-Aid
Highway Act of 1956, popularly
known as the National Interstate
and Defense Highways Act of 1956
for all roads that are of national
importance. Generally, it includes
the interstate system; other routes
identified as having strategic
defense characteristics; routes
providing access to major ports,
airports, public transportation,
intermodal transportation facilities;
and routes of particular importance
to local governments.
It should be noted that Indian
Canyon Drive from I-10 to Tahquitz
Canyon Way and Tahquitz Canyon
Way to the Airport are identified as
National Highway System
connectors.
safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally acceptable air transportation
facility. Should the City make changes to its transportation network and
related programs, the major objectives identified in both airport plans must
be considered to ensure the safety and vitality of one of the City’s most
critical transportation facilities.
GOALS, POLICIESGOALS, POLICIESGOALS, POLICIESGOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONAND ACTIONAND ACTIONAND ACTIONSSSS
This section contains goals, policies and actions related to circulation and
circulation systems within the City. The issues addressed in this element
should be given careful consideration when new development, roads, critical
emergency facilities, infrastructure, or other projects are designed.
ROADWAY NETWORK
The City’s roadway network is comprised of a hierarchy of streets that
provide access to and throughout Palm Springs. The arterials that serve the
City predominantly follow a half-mile grid pattern. The fine grid of streets
that encompasses the majority of the urbanized area of Palm Springs is
extremely important in the effective movement of vehicular traffic
throughout the City. Not only does it afford more travel choices for vehicular
traffic, it also contributes to the walkable scale of our City. This fine grid of
streets, typical of pre-World War II city planning, sets our City apart from
others in the Coachella Valley. Figure 4-1, Circulation Plan, illustrates the
roadway system that is planned to accommodate the City’s existing and
future land uses, as identified in the Land Use Element.
Regional Roadways
Interstate and regional access to the City is provided primarily by Interstate
10 (I-10). In addition, access to the City from other Coachella Valley cities is
provided by State Route 111 (SR-111). Twenty-Nine Palms Highway (SR-62)
connects to the I-10 from the north, and the Palms to Pines Highway (SR-74)
connects to SR-111 from the south, providing additional access to the City.
I-10 is a northwest–southeast freeway traversing the northern limits of the
City and providing direct access to San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles
Counties to the northwest, and the State of Arizona to the east. This facility is
comprised of four general-purpose lanes in each direction for its entire length
through the City, approximately seven miles. I-10 has four interchanges
within the City limits, at SR-111, Whitewater Canyon Road, Indian Canyon
Drive, and Gene Autry Trail.
Page 4-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Roadway Classifications
Each roadway located within the City is designated with a classification
depending on its role in the circulation network and its relationship to
surrounding uses. The street classifications shown in Figure 4-1 reflect the
planned roadway configurations, not necessarily the existing roadway design.
While the following descriptions provide an overview of the general features
of each roadway classification, there may be exceptions for individual streets
that require modified standards. The City’s circulation network is comprised
of five roadway classifications that are depicted on Figure 4-2.
� Freeway. Freeways are special purpose, high-capacity, multilane
divided highways for regional travel; they connect cities and major
thoroughfares into a regional network. Access is strictly controlled
at grade-separated crossings to assure uninterrupted traffic flow.
Freeways are owned and maintained by Caltrans and are not under the
jurisdiction of the City.
� Expressway. Expressways primarily serve through-traffic with limited
local access, a minimum of four lanes, and few cross-streets; they do
not allow for on-street parking. Direct access from a single-family
residential neighborhood to an expressway is prohibited where
alternate access can be provided. Currently, Palm Springs has one
roadway designated as an expressway, North Palm Canyon Drive
north of Tram Way to I-10, which is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans.
� Major Thoroughfare. Major thoroughfares serve mostly through-
traffic with some local access allowed; in most cases, they do not allow
on-street parking except in the Downtown. Typically four or more
lanes, these roadways form the basic element of the City’s circulation
system, connecting Palm Springs to regional highways and tying
together different areas of the City. Landscaped medians shall be
provided on major thoroughfares to maintain an acceptable level of
service, to serve as a safety mechanism, and to provide beautification.
Major thoroughfares can be either six-lane or divided four-lane roads.
� Secondary Thoroughfare. Secondary thoroughfares serve through and
local traffic and may allow on-street parking. They connect various
areas of the City, provide access to major thoroughfares, and serve
secondary traffic generators such as small business centers, schools,
and major parks. Typical street right-of-way width is 88 feet, which
can be divided or undivided.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-5
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� Collector. Collector streets serve mostly local traffic; they are usually
comprised of two lanes and carry traffic from secondary and major
thoroughfares. On-street parking is permitted on collectors, which can
be divided or undivided roadways. Typical right-of-way width for a
collector is 60 feet, 66 feet in industrial areas.
� Local and Private Streets. Primarily provide access to individual
parcels of land. Minimum right-of-way is 50 feet for public local
streets. Typical street widths for local public streets and private streets
are 36 feet as shown on Figure 4-2. In Estate, Very Low, and Low
Density Residential neighborhoods, local public street widths may be
reduced to 28 feet (curb face to curb face) provided that (1) additional
off-street parking is provided as determined by the City Engineer, the
Fire Chief and Director of Planning, (2) rolled or wedge curb is
provided such that vehicles may park partially out of the traveled way,
and (3) pedestrian pathways or sidewalks, if located along the street,
separated from the curb by a minimum five-foot parkway, are
provided.
Private streets provide access to individual parcels of land in planned
development communities approved with privately maintained access.
Access may be restricted
Private Streets in any residential or mixed use land use designation
may be reduced to a minimum of 28 feet (curb face to curb face)
provided that (1) additional off street parking is provided as
determined by the City Engineer, the Fire Chief and Director of
Planning, (2) rolled or wedge curb is provided such that vehicles may
park partially out of the traveled way, and (3) pedestrian pathways or
sidewalks, if located along the street, separated from the curb by a
minimum five-foot parkway, are provided.
Designated fire lanes in private developments shall be not less than 24
feet wide (curb face to curb face) with no parking on either side.
Table 4-1
Minimum Centerline Radii and Design Speed
Roadway
Classification
Minimum Centerline
Curve Radius Design Speed Traffic Indices
Major Thoroughfare 1,000 feet 55 mph 9
Secondary Thoroughfare 850 feet 50 mph 8
Collector 700 feet 45 mph 6
Local 300 feet 30 mph 5
Private 130 feet 20 mph 4
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Page 4-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-9
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Figure 4-2 Typical Street Cross Sections
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-11
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Level of Service
Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative means of measuring speed and travel
time, traffic interruptions, freedom to maneuver, safety, and driving comfort
and convenience on the City’s existing and future roadway network.
Levels of service are designated by grades of A (excellent, free flow) through F
(failure, jammed conditions). LOS can also be represented as volume-to-
capacity ratios (V/C), or in other words, the average daily traffic (ADT)
volume for the roadway divided by the theoretical roadway capacity as
defined by its designated roadway classification. As the V/C ratio approaches
1.0, the roadway approaches LOS F. Table 4-1 describes LOS descriptions and
their corresponding V/C ratios.
The City has established that roadways and intersections shall operate at LOS
D or better to maintain a successful circulation system and to be consistent
with the Riverside County Congestion Management Program (CMP). The
intent of the CMP is to create more direct links between land use, trans-
portation, and air quality, thereby prompting reasonable growth management
programs that will effectively utilize new transportation funds, alleviate traffic
congestion and related impacts, and improve air quality.
Table 4-2
Level of Service Definitions for Roadway Segments
Level of
Service
Volume-to-
Capacity
Ratio Definition
A 0.00–0.60 EXCELLENT. Free flow, light volumes
B 0.61–0.70 VERY GOOD. Free to stable flow, light to moderate volumes
C 0.71–0.80
GOOD. Stable flow, moderate volumes, freedom to maneuver
noticeably restricted
D 0.81–0.90
FAIR. Approaches unstable flow, moderate to heavy volumes,
limited freedom to maneuver
E 0.91–0.99
POOR. Extremely unstable flow, heavy volumes, maneuverability
and psychological comfort extremely poor
F ≥ 1.00
FAILURE. Forced or breakdown conditions, slow speeds,
tremendous delays with continuously increasing queue lengths
Source: Transportation Research Board, Highway Capacity Manual Special Report 209, 2000.
Future Traffic Conditions
As part of the General Plan Update, a traffic analysis (Appendix B) was
prepared to determine the LOS classifications on the City’s future roadway
network at buildout. The traffic analysis determined that the dense grid-like
structure of the existing circulation system allows traffic to filter throughout
the City with minimal congestion-related delay. As a result, future traffic
Page 4-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Peak hour: For any given
roadway, a daily period during
which traffic volume is highest,
usually occurring in the morning
and evening commute periods.
conditions on most City streets are forecast to operate at or above LOS D.
Refer to Appendix B for forecast LOS levels for specific streets.
Palm Springs is bounded by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains to the
south and west. With few roadways crossing the Whitewater River floodplain
to connect the City with I-10 to the north, and limited roadways extending
to the east, the few roadways that do exist to connect Palm Springs with
adjacent jurisdictions to the east and the freeway to the north are very heavily
loaded. Roadways extending into adjacent jurisdictions via Indian Canyon
Drive, Gene Autry Trail, Vista Chino, Ramon Road, and East Palm Canyon
Drive are estimated to carry the highest volume of traffic because they are
regional roadways that connect to neighboring cities and I-10. Acceptable
operational levels for these segments can be achieved through the improvements
to critical intersections, which are described in further detail below.
Critical Intersections
Measurement of a roadway’s LOS is a common “broad brush tool” used to
provide an indication of when traffic congestion may be expected on a typical
urban arterial street segment. Since the capacity of a roadway segment is
limited by the amount of traffic that can flow through the adjacent
intersections, favorable intersection conditions can provide better levels of
service on a roadway segment than would necessarily be reflected by strictly
measuring the street segment’s LOS.
In other words, while certain arterial segments are forecast to operate at LOS
E or F, it does not necessarily mean the segment will experience significant
traffic congestion because adjacent intersection configurations can accom-
modate an appropriate level of traffic flow to maintain an operating LOS.
Since a peak hour intersection analysis can more clearly define the circulation
system required to satisfy the General Plan buildout travel demands, an
intersection analysis was prepared for 12 “critical intersections” within the
City to augment the analysis of the arterial roadway segments (Source:
Appendix C, Palm Springs General Plan Update Peak Hour Intersection Level of
Service Analysis, 2006).
Arterial segments with a daily V/C approaching 1.0 or slightly above 1.0
will likely operate at an acceptable level of service (LOS D or better) if
appropriate intersection capacity improvements are made, preventing the
need for construction of additional lanes that would typically be required to
ensure a segment is not failing. These intersections where improvements
should be made are identified as “critical intersections” on Figure 4-1. For
example, LOS for urban or suburban streets is defined by the LOS of the
critical intersections of that street. The completion of intersection improve-
ments eliminates the need to construct additional lanes in the adjacent street
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-13
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segments. Therefore, by improving the LOS of critical intersections, the street
LOS will improve to LOS D or better.
The intersection analysis provides an overview of the capacity enhancements
needed at specified intersections (such as additional turn lanes) to maintain
the continuity of the circulation network at full buildout of this General Plan.
A detailed list of improvements associated with specific intersections can be
found in Table 4-3, Critical Intersection Required Improvements. Reduced right-of-
way requirements at critical intersections may be approved through a General
Plan Amendment upon recommendation by the City Engineer. Reduced
right-of-way requirements may include the preparation of special roadway
alignment studies that must be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer,
provided that they meet the required lane configurations as indicated by the
General Plan.
It should be noted that critical intersections have not been identified at the
Indian Canyon Drive and I-10 and Gene Autry Trail and I-10 interchange
areas. The City and the state are currently in the process of improving these
interchanges, and the planned improvements for these two areas will be
designed to facilitate an acceptable LOS.
Scenic Highways
California’s Scenic Highway Program was created to preserve and protect
scenic highway corridors from change which would diminish the aesthetic
value of lands adjacent to highways. Currently SR-111 is classified as Eligible
Scenic Highway – Not Officially Designated. The status of a State Scenic
Highway changes from “eligible” to “officially designated” when the local
jurisdiction adopts a scenic corridor protection program, applies to the
California Department of Transportation for scenic highway approval, and
receives notification from Caltrans that the highway has been designated as a
Scenic Highway.
It should be noted that the majority of the City’s roadways provide views to
the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Although they are not designated
by the state as scenic highways, the City’s roadways provide a valuable visual
resource for the community. Additional policies related to view preservation
in the City’s Scenic/View Corridors can be found in the Community Design
Element.
Truck Routes
I-10 and SR-111 are part of the state highway truck route system. I-10 is
included in the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) Network, which
allows larger trucks with no maximum overall length. SR-111 is also included
in the STAA Network, except between Gateway Drive and Gene Autry Trail,
Page 4-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
where it is designated as part of the California Legal Network. Streets
proposed to serve as truck routes throughout the City are illustrated in
Figure 4-3.
Landscape Medians
The City’s circulation plan notes that certain roadways are “divided”; this
may mean a raised landscaped median, or a shared left-turn “center lane.” It
is the City’s preference that landscape medians be used wherever divided
roadway designations are shown unless traffic conditions dictate that the
shared center left-turn lane is necessary. As development and funding allows,
the following specific street segments are to be developed with landscaped
medians in order to enhance traffic flow and create more attractive
thoroughfares:
� East Palm Canyon Drive from the eastern City limits to South Palm
Canyon Drive
� Ramon Road from the eastern City limits to Indian Canyon Drive
� Gene Autry Trail from Mesquite to East Palm Canyon Drive
� Sunrise Way / Sunrise Parkway from North Palm Canyon Drive to
East Palm Canyon Drive
� Indian Canyon Drive from Vista Chino to Sunrise Parkway
� Vista Chino from Indian Canyon Drive to the Whitewater River
floodplain.
� Farrell Drive from Tamarisk to Vista Chino
� El Cielo from Tahquitz Canyon Way to Escoba Drive
� Crossley Road from Ramon Road to East Palm Canyon Drive
� Avenida Caballeros from Alejo Road to Ramon
� Avenida Caballeros at Racquet Club widen median at frontage road to
accommodate landscaping
� Racquet Club Road from North Palm Canyon Drive to North Indian
Canyon Drive
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-15
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Table 4-3
Critical Intersection Required Improvements
Intersection Required Improvements
Additional ROW Requirements
(12 ft per additional lane)
Palm Canyon Drive @ Vista Chino
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add two westbound left-turn lanes.
+12 feet on Palm Canyon Drive north of Vista
Chino
+24 feet on Vista Chino east of Palm Canyon Drive
Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
+12 feet on Sunrise Way north of Vista Chino
+12 feet on Vista Chino east of Sunrise Way
Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
+12 feet on Farrell Drive north of Vista Chino
+12 feet on Vista Chino east of Farrell Drive
+12 feet on Farrell Drive south of Vista Chino
Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino
Add a third westbound through lane.
Add a third eastbound through lane.
Add a second northbound left-turn lane.
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second eastbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
+24 feet on Vista Chino east of Gene Autry Trail
+24 feet on Vista Chino west of Gene Autry Trail
+12 feet on Gene Autry Trail south of Vista Chino
+12 feet on Gene Autry Trail north of Vista Chino
Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road
Add a second northbound left-turn lane.
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
+12 feet on Sunrise Way south of Ramon Road
+12 feet on Sunrise Way north of Ramon Road
+12 feet on Ramon Road south of Sunrise Way
Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road Add a second southbound left-turn lane. +12 feet on Farrell Drive north of Ramon Road
Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon Road The existing lanes are adequate.
Crossley Road @ Ramon Road
Add a third westbound through lane.
Add a third eastbound through lane.
Add a second northbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
+12 feet on Ramon Road east of Crossley Road
+12 feet on Ramon Road west of Crossley Road
+12 feet on Crossley Road south of Ramon Road
Sunrise Way @ East Palm Canyon Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Farrell Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Gene Autry Trail @ East Palm Canyon Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Golf Club Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Palm Canyon Drive @ Tramway The existing lanes are adequate.
Indian Canyon Drive @ San Rafael Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Indian Canyon Drive @ Sunrise Parkway
Future intersection requiring the following
geometrics:
Eastbound: 1 left, 2 through, 1 right
Westbound: 1 left, 2 through, 1 right
Northbound: 2 left, 3 through, 1 right
Southbound: 2 left, 3 through, 1 right
Page 4-16 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table 4-3
Critical Intersection Required Improvements
Intersection Required Improvements
Additional ROW Requirements
(12 ft per additional lane)
Indian Avenue @ Dillon Road Add a second northbound through lane.
Add a northbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
Add a second southbound through lane.
Add a southbound left-turn lane.
Add a southbound right-turn lane.
Add a second eastbound through lane
Add an eastbound left-turn lane
Add an eastbound right-turn lane
Add a second westbound through lane
Add two westbound left-turn lanes
Add a westbound right-turn lane
+36 feet on Indian Avenue south of 19th Street
+36 feet on Indian Avenue north of 19th Street
+36 feet on Dillon Road west of Indian Avenue
+48 feet on Dillon Road east of Indian Avenue
Indian Avenue @ 19th Street Add a second northbound through lane.
Add a northbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
Add a second southbound through lane.
Add a southbound left-turn lane.
Add a southbound right-turn lane.
+36 feet on Indian Avenue south of 19th Street
+36 feet on Indian Avenue north of 19th Street
Source: General Plan Update Traffic Analysis, May 25, 2007.
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GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR1:1:1:1:
Establish and maintain an efficient, interconnected circulation system
that accommodates vehicular travel, walking, bicycling, public transit,
and other forms of transportation.
Policies
CR1.1 Develop a system of roadways that provides travel choices and
reduces traffic congestion.
CR1.2 Preserve and extend the City’s fine grid of streets to the greatest
extent possible. Where possible, allow the grid of streets to curve
and meander to slow traffic and to create more interesting
streetscapes.
CR1.3 Continue coordination/cooperation with adjacent jurisdictions
regarding future roadway sections, standards, and improvements.
CR1.4 Cross-section standards may be modified by the City Council to
take into consideration the need for special right-of-way widths in
areas where property cannot feasibly be acquired. Such modifica-
tions should be considered for projects that implement traffic
calming, projects associated with public parking facilities or
structures, or for areas where it is desirable to maintain the
natural terrain and prevent the scarring of the landscape. Any
approved special rights-of-way widths shall be adopted through a
general plan amendment and shall be noted on the Circulation
Plan.
CR1.5 Local public street rights-of-way may be reduced to 44 feet in
width, subject to determination by the City Council that there is
no significant impact to circulation or the health, safety, and
welfare of the residents of the neighborhood.
CR1.6 Implement roadway traffic-calming mechanisms as identified in
the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to protect
residential neighborhoods from the intrusion of cut-through
traffic in areas that have demonstrated traffic problems.
CR1.7 Although the grid system of streets is important, avoid the use of
long, straight roadway segments on new local streets in new
residential neighborhoods, whenever possible.
CR1.8 Allow local and collector streets that are not designed with full
public improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalk) and are located
within older, built-out neighborhoods (e.g., Old Las Palmas,
Page 4-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The County of Riverside and the
Coachella Valley Association of
Governments enacted the
Transportation Uniform
Mitigation Fee (TUMF) to fund the
mitigation of cumulative regional
transportation impacts resulting
from future development. The
mitigation fees collected through
the TUMF program are utilized to
complete transportation system
capital improvements necessary to
meet the increased travel demand
and to sustain current traffic levels
of service. The fee calculations are
based on the proportional
allocation of the costs of proposed
transportation improvements,
which are based on the cumulative
transportation system impacts of
different types of new develop-
ment. Fees are directly related to
the forecast rate of growth and trip
generation characteristics of
different categories of new
development.
Transportation Demand
Management provides low-cost
ways to reduce demand on trans-
portation systems from automobiles
by establishing programs to
promote telecommuting, flextime,
and ridesharing.
Movie Colony, Tennis Club) to remain unimproved if it is
determined that no significant impacts to the health, safety, and
welfare would occur to the residents of Palm Springs.
CR1.9 Maintain a truck route system that serves business districts,
industrial areas, and the Airport.
CR1.10 Continue to implement the City’s Transportation Demand
Management ordinance and update as necessary.
CR1.11 Encourage large employers (employers with 100 or more persons)
to adopt incentive programs that include ridesharing, fleet
vehicles and vanpools, preferential parking for rideshares,
subsidized shuttle bus services, telecommuting, alternative work
hour programs, bicycle racks, lockers and shower rooms, and
information on transit services to reduce overall traffic volumes in
the City.
CR1.12 Allow for a reduction in parking space requirements for office/
industrial uses that implement ridesharing and transit pass
programs.
CR1.13 Require the owner or applicant of new development projects to
fund the cost to mitigate traffic impacts generated by the new
development project to LOS D or better.
CR1.14 Pursue an aggressive regional posture advocating new and
improved transportation solutions, including continued
participation in the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee.
CR1.15 Private roads shall be developed in accordance with the City’s
published engineering standards for public streets, unless
otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
CR1.16 Require developers, prior to approval of development plans, to
provide increased right-of-way through land dedications to
accommodate additional demand for dual left-turn and exclusive
right-turn lanes, interchange improvements, bus stops and lanes,
bicycle facilities or other improvements required to maintain a
minimum operating LOS D at critical intersections identified in
the General Plan Appendix C and Table 4-3.
CR1.17 Require developers, prior to approval of development plans, to
provide right-of-way through land dedications to accommodate
the City’s network of trails and nonmotorized routes.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-21
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Actions
CR1.1 Require street dedications from new development projects that are
consistent with the right-of-way width identified by the General
Plan, including additional right-of-way identified for those
development projects located adjacent to a critical intersection, as
identified in Figure 4-1.
CR1.2 Maintain the City’s grid system of roadways at the quarter-mile
interval consistent with Policy 1.7. New streets planned within
the City shall help to extend the grid network. No roadway
abandonments at half-mile scale or larger will be allowed.
Abandonments at quarter-mile intervals should be allowed only
where an adjacent roadway has already been abandoned.
CR1.3 Develop a master plan for scenic preservation and high-speed,
limited vehicular access for Highway 111 between I-10 and Tram
Way Road.
CR1.4 Encourage developers to provide facilities such as passenger
loading areas and reserved parking for carpools and vanpools, and
bicycle parking facilities for employees and customers.
CR1.5 Require Traffic Impact Analysis for new development projects to
identify specific mitigation to traffic impacts generated by the
new development. Traffic Impact Analyses shall be submitted in a
format acceptable to the City Engineer and be subject to his/her
review and approval.
CR1.6 Require adequate drop-off and pick-up facilities at all new schools
for safety of school children and to prevent traffic congestion.
CR1.7 Develop rural street section standards for areas where full street
improvements (e.g., curb, gutter or sidewalk) do not exist, where
it is determined the rural character of the neighborhood should be
maintained, or in new development proposed with a rural street
scene. Rural street section standards shall accommodate pedestrian
access, including handicapped accessibility in accordance with
current ADA regulations, and shall incorporate storm drainage
design features to avoid surface ponding of water, flooding of
adjacent property, as well as to accommodate general storm water
runoff from the neighborhood.
CR1.8 Study the issues related to permitting golf carts and other electric
vehicles on public streets with the objective of reducing automobile
use.
Page 4-22 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CR1.9 Adopt an ordinance implementing the proposed truck routes
identified in Figure 4-3.
CR1.10 Evaluate the State Scenic Highway program for possible
nomination of Highway 111 from I-10 to Tram Way as a Scenic
Highway and analyze the fiscal responsibilities that would be
required of the City as a result.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR2222::::
Establish improved levels of service for efficient traffic flow and
provide a safe circulation system.
Policies
CR2.1 Maintain Level of Service D or better for the City’s circulation
network, as measured using “in season” peak hour conditions.
CR2.2 Make street improvements at problem intersections and
bottleneck locations to improve specific traffic operations and
safety, with all such improvements to be considered selectively on
the basis of specific studies of the affected intersection and streets,
and the impacts on the surrounding area and pedestrian activity.
CR2.3 Require development with gated entries to provide adequate
stacking distances and turn-around maneuvering areas so as not
to interfere with the safe and efficient operation of adjacent public
streets.
CR2.4 Encourage the development of, and cooperate in, valleywide
visioning and initiatives to assure an LOS D on I-10.
CR2.5 Construct all-weather bridge crossings along Indian Canyon
Drive, Gene Autry Trail, and Vista Chino and the Whitewater
River to reduce traffic problems caused by flooding and blowsand.
CR2.6 Consider realignment of Gene Autry Trail northerly of the
Tahquitz Creek/Palm Canyon Wash Bridge to facilitate the use of
both northbound lanes.
Actions
CR2.1 Continue investigation of funding for construction of all-weather
bridge crossings of Indian Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail, and
Vista Chino and the Whitewater River. Funding available from
the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, and state and
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Additional guidance related to
circulation Downtown can be found
in the Downtown Urban Design
Plan.
federal grant programs shall be used to the greatest extent
possible.
CR2.2 Upgrade and maintain traffic signal-interconnect systems to
efficiently coordinate and control traffic flow on arterial streets,
including the installation or removal of separate left-turn phasing
where warranted. Traffic signal timing should adequately provide
for safe pedestrian crossing.
CR2.3 Periodically analyze and improve high-accident locations to
improve traffic flow and safety.
CR2.4 Study the Alejo/Palm Canyon Drive/Indian Canyon intersection to
make the approaches to this intersection less confusing.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR3333::::
Provide efficient circulation in the Downtown to support its role as the
City’s primary retail center.
Policies
CR3.1 Provide an environment within the Central Business District
along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive that is suited
to slower traffic speeds and more frequent pedestrian crossings.
CR3.2 Consider the use of cross-streets (such as Amado, Andreas, and
Arenas Roads) between Belardo Road and Indian Canyon Drive
for use as combination street/parking and/or pedestrian zones.
CR3.3 Extend east–west streets in the Downtown area to better
integrate vehicular and pedestrian flow between Downtown and
Section 14.
Action
CR3.1 Develop a transit route (bus, jeep, jitney, shuttle) to circulate
people between the Downtown, hotels, office centers, museums,
key activity centers (Convention Center, airport, etc.), and
Downtown-oriented residential areas to reduce traffic and parking
congestion in the Downtown.
Page 4-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
TRANSIT, PARATRANSIT AND RAIL
Transit
Public transportation in the City of Palm Springs is provided by SunLine
Transit Agency, a joint powers authority created by the nine cities of the
Coachella Valley, and the County of Riverside. Six routes currently serve the
City of Palm Springs.
SunLine has recently developed a proposed transit service improvement plan
that would revise transit service in the Coachella Valley. The proposed plan
outlines recommendations for new bus routes, realignment of existing bus
services, and the discontinuation of nonproductive routes. SunDial, operated
by SunLine, provides on-demand curb-to-curb paratransit service to
qualifying persons (e.g., seniors and disabled) within three-quarters of a mile
on either side of SunLine bus routes. Regional bus service is provided by
Greyhound, which has a bus depot located on North Indian Canyon Drive
near Amado Road.
Paratransit
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all public transit
operators to provide a paratransit (door-to-door) service to persons whose
disabilities prevent them from using accessible fixed-route public transit.
Paratransit services are transportation services such as carpooling, vanpooling,
taxi service, and dial-a-ride programs. The Desert Health Car service is
available to transport seniors to the City’s senior centers, as is SunLine’s
SunDial curb-to-curb paratransit service.
Rail
Amtrak provides regional rail and bus service in the City. The North Palm
Springs Amtrak train station is located west of Indian Canyon Drive just
south of I-10. Palm Springs is currently a stop on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited
service between Los Angeles and New Orleans. However, the train is not
designed for commuters. The Amtrak Palm Springs bus stop is located on
East Tahquitz Canyon Way, near the Palm Springs Airport, and serves as a
stop for Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service.
The California Department of Transportation is proposing a new Intercity Rail
Route from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley. The service would run from Los
Angeles to Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indio in the Coachella Valley.
Union Pacific also provides freight service along the rail line through
Riverside County; currently, it runs up to 50 freight trains per day and that
number will steadily increase. Because increased passenger service is desired
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-25
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in this area, it will become progressively more important to ensure the
conflicts between freight and passenger trains and the local transportation
system are addressed.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR4444::::
Reduce the City’s dependence on the use of single-passenger vehicles
by enhancing mass transit opportunities.
Policies
CR4.1 Support the delivery of improved regional transit services to and
within the City.
CR4.2 Continue to coordinate with SunLine Transit Agency and other
regional transit agencies to address the need for the expansion or
readjustment of bus routes, including express routes valleywide.
CR4.3 Continue to coordinate with SunLine Transit Agency to establish
or modify bus stop locations to provide adequate access for local
residents to destination places, such as Downtown, the airport, or
the Convention Center.
CR4.4 Continue working with CVAG to achieve a regional transportation
strategy that coordinates physical improvements, transportation
systems management, transportation demand management,
public transit, and issues of development that affect circulation.
CR4.5 Work with the Riverside County Transportation Commission and
Amtrak to provide increased passenger rail service to, and
stopping in, Palm Springs and commuter rail, including high-
speed rail concepts between Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Action
CR4.1 Participate in and influence regional transportation programs that
seek new and creative solutions in public transportation,
transportation systems, and traffic management.
Page 4-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR5555::::
Provide improved mobility for City residents to access local services.
Policies
CR5.1 Support the implementation of local transit services with priority
for the disadvantaged, including the elderly, handicapped, those
with low incomes, and the temporarily disabled.
CR5.2 Continue to encourage SunLine Transit Agency to provide bicycle
racks on its vehicles.
CR5.3 Require the construction of bus turnouts at bus stops on major
and secondary thoroughfares to reduce congestion on the adjacent
public street and to provide for greater overall traffic safety. The
City should work with SunLine Transit Agency to determine
which bus stop locations warrant bus turnouts and to address
safety concerns that may arise at bus stops located throughout
their service area.
CR5.4 Encourage SunLine Transit Agency to periodically undertake
studies of local public transportation needs to identify the most
efficient and cost-effective manner to provide services, including
shuttle services, medical transit service, and a centralized
information location that promotes services available to the public.
CR5.5 In consultation with the SunLine Transit Agency, require
construction of attractive and protective bus shelters with
complete route and schedule information, and other amenities,
such as tourist information to promote transit ridership, at existing
and new bus stop locations.
CR5.6 Integrate sidewalks with the City’s circulation system to connect
residents to transit facilities.
CR5.7 Support a system of freight movement that minimizes impacts on
residents and motorists.
CR5.8 Encourage greater use of alternative fuel vehicles, including
compressed natural gas, electric, hydrogen and other fuel sources.
Action
CR5.1 Develop a shuttle or tram service that links major resort develop-
ments to the Downtown, Convention Center, Airport, and
Museums and/or reduces traffic congestion and parking demand.
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Carl Lykken Trail is one of several hiking trails
located in the mountains adjacent to the City.
RECREATIONAL TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS
Recreational Trails
Recreational trails are an important resource to the City of Palm
Springs; they are a large part of the tourist draw to the commu-
nity and they reflect the city’s history, both tribal and early Anglo
settlement and movement. Over 80 miles of recreational trails
provide opportunities for biking, hiking, equestrian, backpacking
and four-wheel drive activities. Figure 4-4, Recreational Trails,
shows the numerous recreational trails that extend through the
San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountain areas, in addition to the
City’s bike trails system.
A comprehensive inventory and mapping of the trails in the San
Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains have been developed through
a cooperative partnership of the Bureau of Land Management–
Palm Springs, South Coast Resource Area; U.S. Forest Service–
San Jacinto Ranger District; Riverside County; Coachella Valley
Trails Council; Coachella Valley Cycling Association; and Desert
Riders.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides access to trails located in the
Mount San Jacinto State Park. The park covers an area of 13,000 acres and
offers approximately 54 miles of hiking trails. The tramway starts in Chino
Canyon on the north end of Palm Springs and takes passengers from Valley
Station at 2,643 feet elevation to Mountain Station at 8,516 feet elevation.
Bikeway Classifications
Off-street bikeways in exclusive corridors can be effective in providing new
recreational opportunities and desirable commuter routes. On-street bikeways
can enhance safety and convenience, especially in conjunction with other
commitments such as: elimination of parking or increasing roadway width,
elimination of surface irregularities and roadway obstacles. The designation of
bikeway routes can help minimize potential roadway conflicts and can
establish bicycle traffic as a priority in these areas.
Figure 4-5 shows the location of existing and proposed bikeways in the City.
The City has approximately 8 miles of Class I, 13 miles of Class II, and
35 miles of Class III bikeways.
The City of Palm Springs uses the following bikeway classifications.
� Class I (Bike Path or Trail). Off-street bikeways that provide a
completely separate right-of-way for the exclusive use of bicycles and
Page 4-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
pedestrians with crossflow by motorists minimized. The bike path area
is physically separated from auto traffic or entirely outside the road
right-of-way, and measures a minimum of 8 feet in width for two-way
bicycling. Pedestrian paths are characterized by sidewalks or similar
rights-of-way shared by cyclists and pedestrians that measure 12 feet
wide, of which 8 feet will be designated for pedestrians and 4 feet will
be designated for cyclists.
� Class II (Bike Lane). Unprotected bikeways defined by a stripe on
the roadway. A minimum 4-foot-wide lane within the roadway
designated for one-way bicycle traffic.
� Class III (Bike Route). Unprotected on-street bikeways sharing the
roadway with vehicular traffic. Typically characterized as any type of
bikeway, including streets signed as bikeways, that offers no other
specific lane or other accommodation for bicycles.
In addition to the City’s bikeway design standards, the CVAG Non-
Motorized Transportation Plan and the State of California Highway Design
Manual provide requirements for Bikeway Planning and Design that should
be considered as new bikeways are designed and developed in Palm Springs.
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GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR6666::::
Establish the City as the premiere provider of recreational trails and
bikeways in the Coachella Valley.
Policies
CR6.1 Adopt a program of nonmotorized transportation facilities,
including those for bicycles and pedestrians.
CR6.2 Provide improved signage to direct residents and visitors to the
City’s trail system.
CR6.3 Establish access to public trails and trailheads as part of new
development applications proposed in the Chino Cone.
CR6.4 Utilize bicycle and hiking trails as a means of providing
recreational and educational experiences by connecting to various
parks and public facilities throughout the City.
CR6.5 Seek optimum linkage of parks, recreation centers, and other
recreational open space areas through the utilization of safe
bikeways.
CR6.6 Maintain widths, surfaces, and general maintenance of streets in a
manner that will ensure the safety of the cyclists using them.
CR6.7 Provide bikeways with appropriate traffic control devices.
CR6.8 Encourage proper design and maintenance of facilities and
appropriate signing to ensure the safe use of the bikeway and trail
systems.
CR6.9 Promote bicycling and hiking opportunities to attract visitors.
CR6.10 Incorporate provisions within the Zoning Ordinance requiring
private developers to construct recognized bikeways that abut
developable property.
CR6.11 Evaluate the need for and the feasibility of developing new
bikeways and recreational paths (or improving to Class I
standards) as the City continues to grow.
CR6.12 Recognize the importance of the City’s bikeway system as a major
transportation, not solely recreational, route.
CR6.13 Establish and maintain design standards for the development of
various types of bikeways and related improvements—e.g.,
Additional goals and policies
related to pathways and bikeways
can be found in the Recreation,
Open Space and Conservation
Element.
A nonmotorized transportation
facility may be part of a roadway
(such as a shoulder) or it may be
separated from roadway traffic for
exclusive non-motorized use (such
as a bike path or sidewalk).
Page 4-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
parkways, bridges, rest stops—that may be necessary to
implement the City’s bikeway network.
CR6.14 Coordinate with CVAG, adjacent cities, and affected agencies
while planning for new trails, especially in areas adjacent to the
Whitewater Wash and Cathedral City.
CR6.15 Provide bike racks and other bicycle amenities throughout the
City to encourage bicycle use as an alternative to vehicular use.
Actions
CR6.1 Create a trail along the west side of the Palm Canyon Wash levee.
CR6.2 Resolve any inconsistencies between the City’s Master Plan of
Bikeways and the CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan
(NMTP), and adopt the CVAG NMTP.
CR6.3 Develop and maintain bicycle and walking trail system brochures
and maps that educate and inform trail users. This information
should be made available on the City’s website.
CR6.4 Establish and maintain design standards for the development of
various types of bikeway and related improvements—e.g.,
parkways, bridges, trail heads, and rest stops—that may be
necessary to implement the Master Plan of Bikeways. Bikeways
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter
1000, Bikeway Planning and Design, of the Caltrans Highway
Design Manual, or as otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
CR6.5 Aggressively seek funding for trails and bikeways from federal and
state sources.
PEDESTRIANS
Pedestrian activity is an important part of the City’s recreational lifestyle.
Pedestrian facilities such as walkways, bridges, trails, crosswalks, signals,
benches, and shade canopies are a critical component of the nonmotorized
transportation network in Palm Springs. In areas where pedestrian facilities
are present, people will be much more likely to make short trips by walking
instead of by automobile. Pedestrian walkways help to link educational
facilities to City parks, and can help create a critical lifeline between the retail
shops Downtown and the City’s resort amenities such as the Convention
Center, casino, and hotels.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-35
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GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR7777::::
Create a pedestrian experience that is attractive to both residents and
visitors.
Policies
CR7.1 Provide barrier-free accessibility for all handicapped residents,
employees and visitors, including special designs for rural street
profiles to accommodate ADA-required path of travel separation
from vehicular lanes.
CR7.2 Encourage pedestrian street crossings at midblock in the Central
Business District, where the distance between street intersections
is in excess of 1,000 feet. Mid-block pedestrian crossings shall be
installed upon a determination by the City Engineer that
sufficient warrants exist for such crossings, which should be
signalized and designed with decorative street improvements to
correspond to other mid-block pedestrian crossings within the
Central Business District.
CR7.3 Create a desirable pedestrian walking environment that links the
Downtown with the Convention Center through the use of
signage, landscape, and streetscape improvements and the
development or renovation of retail/restaurant facilities along the
linkage.
CR7.4 Provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors by providing easy
access, parking, and pedestrian facilities Downtown.
CR7.5 Provide shade on sidewalks, particularly Downtown, to make
walking more appealing during the summer months.
CR7.6 Provide lighting and signage Downtown that provides for safe
travel by residents, employees and visitors.
CR7.7 Improve pedestrian access to and from parking locations in the
Downtown.
CR7.8 Improve pedestrian links from surroundings residential areas to
commercial areas and Downtown.
CR7.9 Establish roadway designs—width, sidewalks, parking, landscaping,
etc.—that complement the community character and contribute
to the livability of neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Page 4-36 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CR7.10 Provide and maintain trash receptacles, benches, shade structures,
drinking fountains and other amenities in pedestrian corridors
throughout the City.
CR7.11 Utilize traffic calming measures in accordance with the City’s
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program in appropriate locations
to slow traffic, improve the pedestrian experience, and help reduce
noise impacts on adjacent uses.
CR7.12 Ensure that appropriate pedestrian facilities are provided as a
component of new development.
CR7.13 Provide incentives to developers to add pedestrian trails and
infrastructure.
PARKING
Vehicular parking is a necessary component of any land use. It is essential that
new development and projects undergoing redevelopment provide adequate on-
site parking to meet the demand they generate.
Due to the location of residential uses in close proximity to the commercial
uses Downtown, there are many opportunities for potential parking conflicts
or overflow commercial parking on residential streets. On-street parking and
parking structures need to be carefully integrated into the existing urban
fabric so they do not detract from the aesthetic quality and character of
commercial and residential areas.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR8888::::
Develop a system of parking facilities and operations that serve current
and future commercial and residential uses and preserve the quality of
life in residential neighborhoods.
Policies
CR8.1 Require sufficient parking to serve each use, including employee
and visitor parking needs.
CR8.2 Locate surface parking lots to the rear of businesses fronting main
streets. Surface parking lots directly fronting onto main streets
interrupt the continuity of building structures and the pedestrian
walking experience.
CR8.3 Provide parking spaces for bicycles, motorcycles, and similar
vehicles as part of all parking facilities, public and private.
Traffic calming is the application
of strategies used to reduce the
speeds of vehicular traffic, alter
driver behavior, and improve
conditions for pedestrians.
Examples of traffic calming
measures include speed bumps,
bulb outs of sidewalks and neck
downs of roadways.
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CR8.4 Evaluate the use of parking districts to resolve preexisting
deficiencies.
CR8.5 Encourage the development and use of common parking facilities
versus individual on-site parking facilities.
CR8.6 Explore the development of a valet parking program to enhance
parking access and availability Downtown.
CR8.7 Design parking structures in the Downtown to complement the
scale and activity levels of adjacent buildings and uses.
CR8.8 Encourage private developments to provide parking in excess of
that required by the Municipal Code for lease to other businesses
with parking deficiencies.
CR8.9 Encourage the redesign of existing parking lots if additional spaces
can be created as well as spaces for bicycles and motorcycles.
CR8.10 Provide appropriate and consistent signage to direct motorists to
public and private parking areas.
CR8.11 Ensure that in areas where parking time limitations are instituted,
the maximum parking timeframe allows for combinations of
dining, shopping and entertainment activities. A study to determine
if on-street parking and prime areas within parking structures
should be available only on a pay basis should be explored.
CR8.12 Encourage businesses to implement innovative approaches to
employee parking such as the development of satellite parking
areas that allow employees to park at remote locations outside of
Downtown and provide shuttle access to the workplace if the
parking site is located more than one-quarter mile from the
workplace to make parking spaces Downtown more available to
customers and visitors.
Action
CR8.1 Consider creating parking districts that can provide and manage
parking facilities supported by an assessment to each property
within the districts.
CR8.2 Identify areas where curb space that cannot accommodate vehicular
parking spaces can be converted to motorcycle and/or bicycle
parking.
CR8.3 Public and private parking lots should provide for electric vehicle
recharging stations.
Parking District:
A district established to manage
parking issues in a particular area.
Parking districts can distribute the
revenue from parking meters and
other to implement solutions to
parking problems. Such solutions
may include the creation or
maintenance of parking lots,
parking structures, valet parking,
parking/transportation signage,
landscaping, maintenance, and
security.
Parking districts can also impose
parking time limits and implement
programs to manage employee
versus visitor parking.
Page 4-38 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
AVIATION AND HELIPORT FACILITIES
Three airports serve the Coachella Valley: Palm
Springs International Airport, Desert Resorts
Regional Airport (Thermal Airport), and Bermuda
Dunes Airport. Palm Springs International, the
largest of the three, provides connections to many
key points throughout California and the
continental United States. Air freight is also
handled at the airport.
SCAG forecasts by 2030 that Palm Springs will
serve approximately 3.2 million annual passengers,
a significant increase over current operations. As a
vital economic asset to the City, access to the
airport must be maintained and improved to
meet growing passenger demands. As passenger
activity continues to grow, transportation services
must keep pace with that expansion.
Currently, SunLine Route 24 provides public transportation service to the
airport. In addition, several resorts and hotels offer courtesy shuttle service to
the airport. Additional transportation services including limousine, taxi,
shuttle, and disabled and senior services are available at the airport. As the
airport expands to satisfy air passenger demands, additional public
transportation services should be considered to serve resident and visitor air
passengers. Additional courtesy shuttles could be considered or integrated to
provide efficient service to popular destinations, such as the Downtown area.
Heliport access in Palm Springs is limited to medical evacuation flights
traversing to and from the Desert Regional Medical Center heliport and the
Palm Spring International Airport.
Palm Springs International Airport
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-39
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ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR9999::::
Maintain and operate safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally
responsible airport and heliport facilities in the City.
Policies
CR9.1 Ensure airport and heliport operations in Palm Springs are
consistent with the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise
Compatibility Study, as amended from time to time and consider
the provisions of the Palm Springs Airport Land Use Compatibility
Plan prepared by the Riverside County Airport Land Use
Commission.
CR9.2 Establish the City’s commercial streets as the principal helicopter
flight corridors and require that helicopter takeoff and landing
patterns be limited to commercial areas.
CR9.3 Require that helicopters utilizing City airspace fly in compliance
with Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 91 rules.
CR9.4 Establish multimodal circulation linkages (busses, trams, bicycle
infrastructure, etc.) to and from the airport to relieve parking and
traffic loads at the airport.
Action
CR9.1 Conduct a periodic review of the Palm Springs Airport Master
Plan to ensure that the airport can properly respond to future
aviation demands.
UTILITIES
Water Supply and Distribution Systems
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), the Desert Water Agency
(DWA), and Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) provide water to the
City of Palm Springs. These water agencies prepare an Urban Water
Management Plan every five years, which identifies historic and projected
water usage, identifies existing and future water supply sources, describes
purveyors’ demand management programs, and sets forth a program to meet
water demands during normal, dry, and multiple dry years.
Three groundwater subbasins—Whitewater River, Mission Creek, and
Indio—serve Palm Springs and its planning area. The Whitewater River, the
largest basin, contains 28 million acre-feet and extends 70 miles from the
See also the Noise Element for
additional policies on airports
and heliports.
See other policies on utilities in
the Conservation portion of the
Recreation, Open Space, and
Conservation Element
Page 4-40 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
junction of SR-111 and I-10 to the Salton Sea. The Whitewater River is
recharged by flows from the San Gorgonio Pass area, normal seasonal
rainfalls, snowmelt, and surface water from various creeks. However, inflow is
limited. Therefore, to ensure that adequate water is available, the Coachella
Valley water agencies rely on two sources of imported water—the Colorado
River and the State Water Project (SWP).
CVWD’s entitlement to Colorado River water is firmly established at
330,000 acre-feet. The DWA and the CVWD combined hold the third
largest entitlement in California to State Water Project supplies; they
currently have contracts with the State of California for water supply totaling
approximately 187,000 acre-feet. This supply is specifically used to recharge
the groundwater basin. Water from the MWD pipeline is released into 19
recharge ponds at Windy Point, where it percolates into the Whitewater
Subbasin. This agreement is intended to assure adequate water supplies
through the year 2035. Deliveries of State Water Project water, however, are
not guaranteed. While 100 percent of water requested in 2006 was
eventually delivered, the initial allocation for 2007 is only 60 percent.
The Desert Water Agency provides water to Palm Springs, Desert Hot
Springs, parts of Cathedral City, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
Groundwater comprises 95 percent of the water the Agency provides to its
customers, with the remainder being surface water from mountain streams.
The groundwater is obtained from the Whitewater River Subbasin which
underlies the northwest Coachella Valley from Whitewater in the northwest
to the area of Bermuda Dunes in the southeast. The CVWD, based in
Coachella, bears responsibility for ensuring reliable water supplies for the
Coachella Valley, including portions of Palm Springs, and managing
groundwater in the subbasins beneath the Valley.
Water is recharged into the subbasin from two sources: local stormwater and
imported water. The Agency and District purchase entitlements to water
from the State Water Project. However, as there is no aqueduct connecting
the Coachella Valley to the State Water Project, the District and Agency trade
their water entitlements from the State Water Project to the Metropolitan
Water District of Southern California in exchange for imported water from
the Colorado River. Recharge of imported water into the Whitewater River
Subbasin began in 1973. In 2002, the Agency and District also began
recharging imported water into the Mission Creek Subbasin, which underlies
the area surrounding Desert Hot Springs and North Palm Springs.
Wastewater Treatment and Collection
The City contracts with Veolia Water North America to operate a compre-
hensive wastewater treatment program, including a City-owned, 10.9 million
gallon per day (mgd) trickling filter wastewater treatment plant, five pump
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-41
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ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
stations, 225 miles of sewer collection pipelines, six percolation ponds, and a
biosolids disposal program. The treatment plant currently accommodates
approximately 6.5 mgd of sewage flow.
Recycling wastewater is an important water conservation strategy, because it
reduces the amount of potable water used for irrigation. DWA operates a
wastewater recycling facility. The City provides primary and secondary
treated domestic sewage to DWA, who then provides tertiary treatment. The
recycled water is then used to irrigate public facilities such as the Tahquitz
Creek Golf Course, DeMuth Park, and the Mesquite Golf Course.
Storm Drainage Systems
The Palm Springs Master Drainage Plan covers approximately 26.5 square
miles, and consists of moderately flat valley terrain sloping generally to the
east. Steep mountainous terrain dominates the westerly portion of the
drainage area. The purpose of the plan centers on the following points:
� Determination of the quantity and points of concentration of storm
runoff in the area
� Preparation of a drainage boundary map
� Determination of the location, size, and capacity of the proposed
drainage structures
� Investigation of alternatives to select the plan with the most sound
economics and engineering
� Preparation of preliminary design plans and supporting cost estimates
Solid Waste
Palm Springs Disposal Services provides solid waste disposal service to the
City of Palm Springs and sphere of influence areas. According to the
California Integrated Waste Management Board, in the year 2005, 19,032
tons of solid waste was generated by residents of the City while businesses in
the City generated 76,128 tons, for a total of 95,160 tons of solid waste.
Palm Springs Disposal Services transports solid waste from Palm Springs to
Edom Hill Transfer Station in Cathedral City. Edom Hill is permitted to
receive 2,600 tons of waste per day as a transfer station. From Edom Hill,
waste is trucked to Lamb Canyon Sanitary Landfill in Beaumont, approxi-
mately 24 miles west of Palm Springs. Lamb Canyon Landfill is permitted to
accept 3,000 tons of waste per day. The remaining capacity of the landfill is
approximately 20,908,000 cubic yards of waste and its estimated closing date
is 2023.
Palm Springs Disposal Services uses Badlands Landfill in Moreno Valley as an
alternate disposal site. Badlands is permitted to receive 4,000 tons of waste
Page 4-42 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
per day and has a remaining capacity of approximately 21,866,000 cubic
yards. Its estimated closing date is 2016.
Electricity
Southern California Edison (SCE) currently provides service to the City and
areas within the Sphere of Influence. SCE currently maintains major trans-
mission lines within the City along their normal distribution system. Because
of the current supply capacity of SCE, adequate electrical capacity is
anticipated for the City of Palm Springs.
Natural Gas
The Southern California Gas Company (Gas Company) provides natural gas
service to Palm Springs’ citizens and business industry within the City and
sphere of influence. The availability of natural gas service is based upon
present conditions of gas supply and regulatory policies. As a public utility,
the Gas Company is under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission
and federal regulatory agencies. Should these agencies take any action that
affects gas supply, or the conditions under which service is available, gas
service would be provided in accordance with revised conditions.
Telecommunications
Telephone service to the Palm Springs area is provided by Verizon California,
Inc., and Time Warner provides cable television service to the City of Palm
Springs and sphere of influence areas. There are currently adequate
telecommunication facilities available to serve the needs of the City. Data
transmission, connectivity to the internet, and other wired and wireless data
transmission systems are provided by a variety of carriers and providers.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CRCRCRCR10101010::::
Provide adequate and safe utility systems and facilities to support the
City’s existing and proposed land uses.
Policies
CR10.1 Require utility improvements where existing systems are deficient.
CR10.2 Coordinate public infrastructure improvements through the City’s
Capital Improvement Program.
CR10.3 Encourage the shared use of major transmission corridors and
other appropriate measures to minimize the impact on the
aesthetic appearance of the City.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 4-43
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ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
CR10.4 Continue and expand existing programs for the upgrade of storm
drainage systems where they are deficient, using public or private
funds.
CR10.5 Require that new development be contingent upon the project’s
ability to secure appropriate infrastructure services.
CR10.6 Require developers of new projects to pay for the costs of
construction and expansion water, sewer/wastewater, storm
drainage improvements and other public utilities necessitated by
that development.
CR10.7 Require developers to notify utility agencies of their intent to
develop a site early in the development process to provide sufficient
time to plan for necessary capital improvements.
CR10.8 Update the Sewer System Master Plan as needed to accommodate
the demands of new and existing development.
CR10.9 Monitor sewer flows on a regular basis to aid in the development
of construction schedules.
CR10.10 Require new projects to connect with the City’s storm/sewer
system unless a hardship can be demonstrated. If septic systems
must be used require installation of septic systems to meet State
Water Resources Control Board Standards.
CR10.11 Monitor and reassess rates for sanitation/wastewater connection
and service. This assessment should reflect the costs of service and
improvements and be equitably allocated to users according to
demands.
CR10.12 Participate in the annual review of the Desert Water Agency,
Mission Springs Water District, and Coachella Valley Water
District Water System Master Plan to evaluate how it is consistent
with the City’s General Plan and approved projects.
CR10.13 Work with the Desert Water Agency, Coachella Valley Water
District, and Mission Springs Water District to promote water
and wastewater conservation practices.
CR10.14 Continue to implement a fee schedule to assess new development
on a prorated basis for the cost of new sewer and storm drainage
systems.
CR10.15 Encourage all large-scale turf and irrigation projects to use tertiary
treated water when feasible.
Page 4-44 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CR 10.16 Coordinate with public and private providers of data transmission
and internet access services to develop “WiFi” zones in the City to
support and promote greater accessibility to information and
communication resources via the internet.
Actions
CR10.1 Enact ordinances that promote water conservation in existing
facilities, and that make water conservation a mandatory
requirement for all new development.
CR10.2 Initiate a Capital Improvement Program to upgrade sewer
systems, streets, and public open space as required.
CR10.3 Form benefit assessment districts in which those who benefit from
infrastructure improvements pay a prorated share of the costs.
CR10.4 Solicit funds for the improvement and maintenance of the City’s
public infrastructure from state and federal agencies when such
revenue is available and the costs cannot be assigned to
development projects.
CR10.5 Update the sewer flow estimates (including the trunk sewers) as
funding is available, based on present and future use as defined in
the Land Use Element.
CR10.6 Investigate municipal bonding programs to finance public
improvements and maintenance costs.
5.5.5.5. Recreation, Open Space Recreation, Open Space Recreation, Open Space Recreation, Open Space & & & & ConservationConservationConservationConservation ElementElementElementElement
5. Recreation, Open
Space & Conservation
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-1
5. RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Palm Springs is known for its recreational amenities such as developed parks,
extensive trails system, golf courses, and recreational programs, which inspire
the City’s relaxed lifestyle and distinction as a “recreational oasis.” The
towering San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and vast desert floor provide
various habitats for a brilliant display of plants and wildlife. Few cities have
the same opportunities to provide a full range of recreational facilities while
providing for the preservation of the precious open spaces defined by the
steep geological features of the mountain and the gentle sloping yet dynamic
land in the flood plains.
Palm Springs’ popularity has caused it to become increasingly urban, and
with urbanization come pressures on the environmental elements that make
the City attractive. These ongoing pressures emphasize the need to carefully
manage and preserve the City’s environmental resources for future
generations These resources are not only related to parks and recreation, but
also the City’s energy, water, habitat and historic and cultural resources—all
of which are discussed further in this element.
Palm Springs’ natural environment also provides the setting for its rich
history and culture. Taken together, the City’s park, recreation, and open
space amenities beckon many to Palm Springs and define Palm Springs as an
extraordinary place in the Coachella Valley.
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
State law requires that general plans address the comprehensive and long-
range preservation of mountains, deserts, floodplains, and other open space
areas. General Plans are required to set forth policies and programs to
Page 5-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
preserve open space for park and recreation purposes. In addition, general
plans are required to provide guidance related to the protection of habitat and
wildlife resources, as well as the responsible conservation and use of minerals,
energy, and water. This Element provides policy direction for City parks and
recreational facilities, outdoor recreation associated with the numerous state
parks, and the recreation programs provided by the City and nonprofit and
for-profit organizations.
In addition, this element will provide guidance for the City’s natural
resources, including the preservation of open space lands and the conservation
of minerals, energy, and water. Last, the Recreation, Open Space and
Conservation Element addresses historic and cultural resources, including
local archaeology and paleontology within Palm Springs.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS
The conservation and preservation of open space for parks and recreation,
biological and natural resources, and culture and history are addressed in
different elements of the General Plan. The General Plan Land Use Element
provides guidance on the allocation and designation of land uses for park and
recreation purposes, biological resources, natural resources (such as energy
and water), and areas deserving unique protection.
The City’s Park and Recreation Strategic Plan governs the priorities and
operations of the City’s park and recreation services and implements the goals
and policies of this Element. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains
National Monument Management Plan addresses the recreational assets on
land owned by the Bureau of Land Management. The State of California
Department of Parks and Recreation has also adopted a recreation plan for
the San Jacinto State Park.
State and federal law govern the management and preservation of habitats for
protected plant and animal species. The Endangered Species Act, Agua
Caliente Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan, Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (in preparation), and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains National Monument Management Plan provide specific guidance.
State and federal law govern the use and management of water resources, and
identification, preservation, and management of historic and cultural resources.
Historic and cultural resources are also protected by state and federal law.
The Public Resources Code requires mandatory consultations with Native
American Indian tribes regarding the preservation of cultural and historic
resources as part of any General Plan Update or preparation of a new Specific
Plan. Many of the aforementioned documents also contain more specific
policy guidance to protect and preserve the heritage, history, and cultural
resources within Palm Springs.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-3
GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONS
This portion of the Recreation, Open Space and Conservation Element is
organized into three sections: (1) Parks and Recreation, (2) Natural Resources,
which includes energy resources, and (3) Cultural and Historic Resources.
Each section provides an overview and is followed by a discussion of key
planning issues facing the community. After discussion of each issue, City
goals, policies, and actions are set forth to address the issue.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Palm Springs owns and maintains 156 acres of developed parkland, 160 acres
of City-owned golf courses open to the public, as well as miles of developed
greenbelts along major thoroughfares throughout the City. The City is also
home to numerous privately owned golf courses, many of which are also open
to the public. These parks and recreational areas contain an array of
amenities. Palm Springs classifies its parks by their function and amenities.
The City’s Park and Recreation Strategic Plan provides further detail. Table
5-1 summarizes the City’s park network, which is mapped in Figure 5-1.
City Parks and Golf Courses
Local Parks
The City of Palm Springs has local parks that are primarily designed to serve
the recreational needs of residents living within an immediate one-quarter- to
one-half-mile radius of the park. Local parks may also be located near com-
mercial and downtown areas to serve visitors, shoppers, and the business
community.
Frances Stevens and Baristo Parks are the two local parks in Palm Springs.
Frances Stevens, located at Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road, is a 1.2-acre
park that provides an art center, historical site, and picnic tables within the
City’s commercial and tourist centers. Adjacent to the Downtown, the park is
a center for arts, history, and cultural activities—the Palm Canyon Theatre
leases the indoor theatre for productions and the City holds the Renaissance
Fair at the park each year as well as weekly art fairs.
Baristo Park is a two-acre park, located at Calle Encilia and Saturnino Road,
with basketball courts, landscaped areas with picnic facilities, and play-
grounds for children, and the park is located in a medium density residential
neighborhood. A variety of special events are held annually at this park.
Page 5-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Specialty Parks
Specialty parks are designed to support the tourist industry, preserve
unique cultural and historic traditions, preserve, or enhance environ-
mental resources, or simply serve special recreational needs. The City of
Palm Springs has three specialty parks—the Village Green, the
Wellness Park, and the Dog Park.
The Village Green Heritage Center is a 0.4-acre park in downtown
Palm Springs, and is home to the Village Green Museum and two
nineteenth-century pioneer homes. The McCallum Adobe, the oldest
remaining building in Palm Springs, was built in 1884 for John
McCallum. Miss Cornelia’s “Little House,” built in 1893 by the city’s first
hotel proprietor, was made of railroad ties from the defunct Palmdale
Railway. Both homes provide historic information about early Palm
Springs. The Cornelia House is home to the Palm Springs Historical
Society.
The Wellness Park is a 5-acre park near Desert Medical Center located
at Via Miraleste and Tachevah Roads. The Park was created in
collaboration with the City of Palm Springs, Desert Healthcare District,
Desert Water Agency, and Palm Springs Unified School District. The
Wellness Park contains exercise stations, paths for those using
wheelchairs and walkers, and tranquility and meditation gardens. The
park is a demonstration project for drought conservation techniques and
landscaping.
The Palm Springs Dog Park is a popular 1.6-acre park for dogs and
their owners. Located north of City Hall between Civic Drive and El
Cielo Road, the park features grass, trees, awnings, a fenced-off area for
smaller dogs, recycled picnic benches, 11 antique fire hydrants, and
dual drinking fountains. The park is one of the most popular spots for
pet lovers in Palm Springs.
Neighborhood Parks
Palm Springs has two neighborhood parks that serve the non-
programmed recreational needs of residents in nearby neighborhoods.
These parks are within a convenient walking distance (about one-half
mile) from the people they serve. Park amenities include children’s play
areas, sports fields, basketball courts, landscaped picnic areas, and open
areas for walking and strolling.
Wellness Park
Village Green
Ruth Hardy Park
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-5
The City’s two neighborhood parks are the 21-acre Ruth Hardy Park
and the 8-acre Victoria Park. Both parks serve central and northern
Palm Springs. Major events at Ruth Hardy Park include the annual
Easter Egg Hunt, Firemen’s annual fish fry, and town fair during Black
History Month. The City is planning a third neighborhood park,
Whitewater Park, at the northern end of Sunrise Avenue.
Palms Springs has three community parks. Desert Highland Park is an
18-acre park that serves north Palm Springs. Presently, 12 acres of
parkland are developed; 6 acres are undeveloped. Desert Highland
Park contains ballfields, basketball courts, multiuse fields, playgrounds,
and landscaped picnic areas. Desert Highland Park also contains the
James O. Jessie Desert Highlands Unity Center, a multipurpose center
used for programmed recreational activities for children and adults.
Sunrise Park, a 38-acre park, is home to the City Library, Swim Center,
Skate Park, Palm Springs Stadium, City Park and Recreation
Department offices and Olympic-sized pool. The Park is also home to
the City’s Leisure Center and Pavilion, which provides a range of
programmed activities for residents. The City partners with local
nonprofit organizations to provide a wide range of recreational
programs and, under low-cost lease agreements, leases land at the park
to the Boys & Girls Club.
DeMuth Park, a 61-acre park, is located adjacent to the Tahquitz
Creek Golf Course, Tahquitz Creek, and Knott’s Soak City Water
Amusement Park and the wastewater treatment facility. DeMuth Park
contains all of the City’s soccer fields and a majority of its multipurpose
fields and is designed to serve the needs of active organized sports
leagues. DeMuth Park has other recreational amenities, including
tennis courts, volleyball courts, tot lots, playgrounds, and landscaped
picnic areas.
Golf Courses
Golf in Palm Springs is a popular activity for visitors, and residents. The
City boasts 11 golf courses, including championship and tournament
level courses, and a new golf course is under construction—at North
Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael (“Avalon”). The City owns the 36-
hole Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, a 160-acre public golf course, and
leases 39 acres of open space to the O’Donnell Golf Club, a private-use
course, which will revert to the City for general park use in 2034.
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
Desert Highland Park
DeMuth Park
Page 5-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Greenbelts and Public Parkways
Palm Springs has a number of major and secondary thoroughfares in which
wide landscaped greenbelts or parkways have been developed with meandering
bike paths, walking paths, and amenities such as benches and rest areas.
These parkways, while not included in the City’s inventory of developed park
acreage, provide passive park use areas for the residents of Palm Springs and
contribute to the open space needs of the city. Greenbelts can be found along
major portions of Sunrise Parkway and portions of East Palm Canyon Drive.
Table 5-1
City Parks and Golf Courses (Open to the Public and
Private)
Park Type Number Acreage
Local Parks 2 parks 3.1 acres
Specialty Parks 3 parks 7.7 acres
Neighborhood Parks 2 parks 35.7 acres
Community Parks 3 parks 117.0 acres
Golf Courses 11 courses 1,353.5 acres
Total 1,517 acres
State, Federal, and Tribal Parks
Palm Springs is unique in that it contains state, federal, and tribal lands,
including those with park and recreational opportunities (Figure 5-1). These
include the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument, San Jacinto State
Park and Wilderness Area, tribal lands owned by the Agua Caliente Tribe, and
various ecological preserves. Although these resources extend well beyond the
City’s boundaries, Palm Springs is a gateway to these assets and they play an
integral role in park and recreational resources and planning efforts.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to
the southern and western edges of Palm Springs. Designated as a National
Monument in 2000, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains cover
272,000 acres, predominantly in the City’s sphere of influence, and are noted
for topography, stunning views, diverse wildlife, and cultural value. The
Monument encompasses five major ecological zones and is home to more than
500 species of indigenous plants and animals. The Monument provides many
opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, skiing, rock
climbing, and sightseeing. The National Monument is also home to the
14,000-acre San Jacinto State Park and Palm Springs Tramway, which carries
passengers to San Jacinto Peak, where visitors enjoy skiing, hiking, horseback
riding, rock climbing, and sightseeing.
Page 5-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-9
Quimby Act: The Quimby act of
1975 authorizes a city to adopt a
local ordinance that can require
dedications of land or in-lieu fees
for development of new, or
rehabilitation of existing, park
facilities as a condition of
subdivision map approval. The
amount of fees paid or land
dedicated can, at most, provide
for five acres of parklands and
recreational facilities per 1,000
persons.
Indian Canyons Heritage Park
The Indian Canyons Heritage Park is an approximately 400-acre park located
at the base of San Jacinto Mountains at the south end of Palm Springs. The
Park boasts the largest system of native fan palm oases in the United States.
Visitors from around the world visit these spectacular oases nestled in steep
rocky canyons where the force of running water over millennia has carved the
rocks into curvaceous pools and waterfalls. Higher up the canyon walls, the
rocks sheen with the beautiful patina of desert varnish. The Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians manages the park and leads hiking and horseback
riding tours. The Indian Canyons Heritage Park also has adopted a
management plan for preserving the unique biological and cultural resources
in the park.
PARK ACREAGE AND DESIGN
Palm Springs owns 10 parks that encompass more than 156 acres, of which
approximately 7 acres are for specialty parks. In addition, the City owns
approximately 160 acres of open space developed as the Tahquitz Creek
Legends Golf Course. The City of Palm Springs requires that a minimum of 5
acres of developed parks be available for every 1,000 residents, including 2.5
acres for community parks and 2.5 acres for neighborhood parks. Palms
Springs today has a population of approximately 60,000, which includes
seasonal residents. At this population, the goal of a minimum of five acres
per 1,000 residents yields a target of 300 acres of developed park land. The
City has approximately 316 acres of developed park area including the City-
owned Legends golf course. However, as the City continues to grow and
develop, more park acreage, especially areas to accommodate specialized play
fields (soccer, baseball, softball, football, tennis, etc.) will be required. With a
projected population of 94,949 by buildout, the City will need 184 more
park acres to accommodate this growth. It should be noted that this
population projection is the number of residents in Palm Springs at full
buildout. The Land Use Element shows a slightly lower population projection
because a 5 percent vacancy rate is assumed. Total population is used in this
case to be consistent with the city’s Quimby Ordinance.
To ensure that parks fulfill their intended role, the City’s standard is that
homes be located within one mile of a neighborhood or community park so
that residents are within walking distance of a park. Presently, less than one-
half of all residences meet this standard. Table 5-2 summarizes the City’s
present and future park needs and Figure 5-1, Parks and Recreation Resources,
illustrates the deficient areas. The southern and western portions of Palm
Springs have the greatest deficiency of parkland, though both areas are within
close proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities.
Page 5-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The Parks and Recreation
Strategic Plan provides a detailed
description of City parks and
amenities available at each facility.
The Plan also discusses the role
of park design standards and
includes recommendations to
ensure that established standards
reflect the actual and intended role
of each facility.
Table 5-2
Palm Springs Parkland Needs
Population
Parkland
Standard
Current
Needs
Current
Acreage
Deficit/
Surplus
Present Need 60,000 5.0 ac/1,000 300 316 16
Future Needs 39,941 5.0 ac/1,000 200 — 200
Total Need* 99,941 5.0 ac/1,000 500 316 184
Source: U.S. Census, 2000; Department of Finance, 2006.
General Plan Land Use Element, 2007.
* This population figure assumes full buildout. The Land Use Element shows a slightly lower population figure due to
an assumption of a 5 percent vacancy factor. However, this figure reported here is total population and is intended
to be consistent wit h the City’s Quimby Ordinance.
While providing adequate park acreage is important, parks must be equipped
with the desired recreational amenities that meet the needs of Palm Springs’
diverse population, including families with children, retirees, single people,
snowbirds, and tourists. Developed parkland must be carefully tailored with
an appropriate mix of amenities and recreational facilities that meet the needs
of users within the park’s intended service area. The City’s park classification
and design system, based on National Park and Recreation Standards, can be
found in the Department of Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.
Many of the City’s parks vary from the established design standards. For
instance, Sunrise Park, originally intended to be a community park, has
limited acreage for unstructured recreation activities (e.g., Frisbee) due to the
many facilities occupying the site. DeMuth Park accommodates organized
sports leagues, rather than serving as a community park. Specialty parks,
envisioned to satisfy the City’s tourist industry, currently serve local needs.
These issues underscore the need to reconsider the current location and
amenities of parks to best match the needs of residents and demands placed
on each park.
GOAL RC1:
Provide sufficient park, trail and recreational facilities that meet the
diverse needs of residents and visitors.
Policies
RC1.1 Develop high-quality park, trail, and recreational facilities that
meet the varied needs of children, adults, seniors, and people with
disabilities.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-11
RC1.2 Ensure that a minimum of five acres of developed parkland are
provided for every 1,000 residents in Palm Springs.
RC1.3 Locate and distribute parks in such a manner to serve residential
areas in terms of both distance and residential density.
RC1.4 Establish and strengthen partnerships with the school district for
the joint use, maintenance, and development of school facilities
for parks, educational programs, and recreational use.
RC1.5 Encourage variety in the design and intended function of park and
recreational facilities to reflect the needs of the community.
Actions
RC1.1 Periodically conduct a community-wide survey of full-time and
seasonal residents to gauge park usage, satisfaction with level of
services provided, and desired recreational amenities in parks to
meet their needs.
RC1.2 Develop and maintain an inventory of potential park sites, such as
City-owned sites, areas along rivers or washes, and vacant land or
underutilized land, including golf courses.
RC1.3 Establish and/or revise, as needed, agreements with Palm Springs
Unified School District and other community organizations that
govern joint use of facilities.
RC1.4 Develop and approve customized standards or design plans for the
retrofit and modernization of each park and trailhead.
RC1.5 Analyze park needs for areas of higher concentration of residents
and uses. For example, the analysis should explore the proximity
of existing and proposed parks to multifamily residential uses to
determine if the concentration of population is properly served, or
if additional parklands are needed in these areas.
RC1.6 Amend and revise park designations to accurately reflect park
conditions and needs in Palm Springs and establish minimum
standards for developers and the City to follow in the Zoning
Ordinance for park development.
RC1.7 Amend and revise park designations to accurately reflect park
conditions and needs in Palm Springs and establish minimum
standards for developers in the City to follow in the Zoning
Ordinance for park development.
Page 5-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
PARK SAFETY, MAINTENANCE, AND CONDITION
Parks are among the most highly desired amenities in the community, and
their continued enjoyment depends on their safety, maintenance, and
condition. Parks serve as gathering places where neighbors can meet and form
social ties that produce stronger and safer neighborhoods. In recent years,
however, homeless people have begun to reside in the public parks, causing
unpleasant experiences that lead neighboring residents to avoid using the
parks and to disengage park usage from the neighborhood’s activity center.
The community has also expressed concern for the need to reduce illegal
activities in the parks (e.g., loitering). Improving and maintaining the safety
and desirability of parks is thus of utmost concern.
Proper management of physical assets ensures that parks are well maintained,
safe, and provide the greatest enjoyment to residents. Although the City
benefits from exceptional park and recreational facilities, many were built
more than 30 years ago and are in need of rehabilitation. In other cases, the
present design of the park and facilities are outdated, and thus require
significant investment and modernization to better match current needs. The
level of park maintenance appears to be adequate, although information on
the type and frequency of maintenance activities needs to be compiled in one
location to facilitate the periodic evaluation of maintenance service levels.
GOAL RC2:
Ensure that parks are safe, well maintained, and provide a pleasant
experience for residents and visitors.
Policies
RC2.1 Ensure that parks are safe by using the latest in playground design
and technology, minimizing conflicts created by incompatible land
uses, and cooperating with the Police Department.
RC2.2 Encourage broad-based community and neighborhood support
and ownership of local parks by creating an adopt-a-park program
made up of volunteers.
RC2.3 Initiate a program for the redesign, reconfiguration, and replace-
ment of existing facilities for multiple uses, while preserving
existing parks, open turf areas, and trees.
RC2.4 Incorporate efficient water and energy use and conservation
principles in the design and retrofit of parks and recreation
facilities, including expanding the use of reclaimed water.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-13
RC2.5 Ensure that parks and recreational facilities are fully accessible to
people of all ages and abilities, including people with disabilities.
Actions
RC2.1 Retrofit existing parks and recreational facilities using Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
RC2.2 Audit facilities every five years for the purpose of monitoring the
condition and adequacy of park and recreational facilities and
incorporate findings into the City’s capital improvement program.
RC2.3 Adopt an ordinance banning after-hours loitering in parks.
RC2.4 Request utility providers to perform periodic water and energy
audits of park and recreational facilities.
RC2.5 Periodically update the City’s ADA compliance report to ensure
adequate disability access improvements are identified, and
adequate financing and capital improvement plans are in place.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Palm Springs has an exceptionally diverse community of seniors, snowbirds,
families, working professionals, and single people. Palm Springs is also a
noted tourist destination for avid recreational enthusiasts. Thus, the City is
responsible for providing recreational programs that meet the diverse needs of
all residents and visitors. Programs and facilities described herein include
those provided by the City and those partnering with the City to provide
recreational opportunities.
Children
The City provides a variety of recreation programs, such as dance, swimming,
music, exercise and fitness, after-school programs, and camping trips for
schoolchildren. Children’s programs are held at the Leisure Center in Sunrise
Park and at the James O. Jessie Highland Unity Center. The City supports
organizations that provide services to youth, such as the Family YMCA of the
Desert and the Palm Springs Boys & Girls Club. Dance and drama classes are
also held at Frances Stevens Park.
City Dance Class
Page 5-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Mizell Senior Center
Teen Activities
Providing meaningful activities for teens is a priority in Palm Springs.
The James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center provides after-
school programs for teenagers. The Boys & Girls Club and YMCA offer
after-school activities. The City and nonprofit organizations also
expanded the following programs:
The Boys & Girls Club opened a Teen Center at Sunrise Park
with a game room, café, learning center, career development,
computer center, and art center.
In 2004, the City of Palm Springs opened an award-winning
Skate Park for skateboarding at Sunrise Park.
The Public Library expanded its library facilities by building a
new Teen Center to encourage learning.
Organized Sports
The City organizes and provides active sports events for all ages. In
addition, the City fosters partnerships with nonprofit groups, such as
American Youth Soccer Organization, Palm Springs Youth Baseball and
Softball, Palm Springs/Cathedral City Junior All-American Football,
Piranhas Swim Team, Palm Springs Aquatics (Swim Club), Senior
Softball League, and Desert Adult Soccer League. The City also
provides a range of passive programs for residents.
Senior Programs and Services
The Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs, an independently run agency,
is the focus of senior programs and activities. The Center’s mission is to
“support independence and self-sufficiency through an inclusive
network of education, information, and assistance with problem
solving.” The Center provides programs such as nutrition and food
services, health care and fitness, counseling and support groups, music
and special events, and advocacy, among other programs. Partnering
with service providers in the greater Palm Springs area, the Mizell
Senior Center also refers seniors to agencies that provide a range of
supportive services.
The Skate Park and Mary Bremer Patrick
Teen Center at Sunrise Park
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-15
Special Events
The Parks & Recreation Department organizes and coordinates a wide
variety of events throughout the year that bring residents together as a
community. One of the largest draws is the Villagefest Street Fair. This
weekly event attracts thousands of residents and tourists to the heart of
Downtown to listen to local bands, enjoy the international foods, visit
the Farmer’s Market, and participate in various arts and crafts. The
Parks & Recreation Department also organizes annual events, some of
which attract thousands of people each year. Notable events include the
Festival of Lights Parade, Palm Springs Pride Festival, Palm Springs
American Heat (motorcycle tour), Veterans’ Day Parade, and classic car
shows.
The City holds special events each year at the Palm Springs Stadium,
which has a seating capacity of 5,300. Top draws include the Palm
Springs Pride Festival and the Fourth of July celebration. The Palm Springs
Power Baseball team, a collegiate-level team, plays at the Palm Springs
Stadium.
GOAL RC3:
Support a variety of recreational opportunities that meet the needs and
interests of residents, visitors, and tourists.
Policies
RC3.1 Ensure residents have equal access and opportunity to participate
in recreational activities and programs regardless of their age,
economic status, disability, or other arbitrary factor.
RC3.2 Support the presence of after-school programs that provide super-
vised homework, recreational programs, and other activities.
RC3.3 Establish and maintain a reciprocal working relationship with the
Mizell Senior Center to provide ongoing services to seniors.
RC3.4 Ensure recreational program and service fees, to the extent feasible
and desirable, recover the full cost of providing the particular
service.
RC3.5 Work with nonprofit and private organizations in the community
to provide a broad range of recreation programs and services in a
manner that complements existing City services.
The Palm Springs Villagefest attracts
thousands of residents and visitors each
week.
Page 5-16 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Bicycle Trails
The City complements its natural
trail system with 47 linear miles of
bicycle trails with three bikeway
classifications. The Circulation
Element provides an overview of
the classifications and locations
of the City’s bikeways.
RC3.6 Work with the City’s Park and Recreation Commission to define
park and recreation needs, strategic priorities, and recreational
programs for the community.
Actions
RC3.1 Periodically review City recreation programs and survey other
nonprofit and private providers of recreational programs in the
community to ensure that they adequately meet user needs.
RC3.2 Expand after-school programs in partnership with the Palm
Springs Unified School District and other local educational
providers.
RC3.3 Periodically review and revise joint use agreements with entities
using City parks and facilities to ensure a mutually beneficial
relationship.
RC3.4 Conduct periodic fee studies of City recreation programs and
make revisions as appropriate.
RC3.5 Develop an administrative policy that expands the accessibility of
recreational programs to people of all ages and abilities.
QUALITY TRAIL SYSTEM
Trails in the hills, canyons, and mountains of Palm Springs serve as cultural,
historical, and recreational assets as well as practical alternative means of
circulation and movement about the City and adjacent communities. Natural
trails also serve as tangible links to the past. Wildlife in the Palm Springs area
originally carved trails in the hillsides and canyons. The Agua Caliente
Indians, who settled in the mountains and canyons, used trails to travel to
nearby villages. During the mid-1800s, early miners and ranchers established
wagon roads and cattle driveways along trails long used by the Cahuilla
people.
Today, Palm Springs benefits from over 80 miles of trails that provide hiking,
equestrian, and other recreational uses, shown in Table 5-3 and Figure 5-1.
Several trails hold outstanding scenic, historic, and/or cultural significance.
The Pacific Crest Trail, which connects to San Jacinto State Park, is the jewel
of America’s scenic trails, spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.
Trails through Tahquitz and Andreas Canyons hold cultural significance for
the Agua Caliente and are in the National Register of Historical Places.
Equestrian use of trails is a popular outdoor activity that dates to the early
pioneer days of Palm Springs, when ranching dominated the Coachella Valley.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-17
One notable establishment reminiscent of those days is the Smoketree Ranch,
which covers 400 acres in southern Palm Springs. Horseback riding remains
a popular activity and 38 miles of natural trails and 13 miles of drainage
basins and natural washes serve as equestrian trails. The Desert Riders, an
organization formed in the early 1930s as an equestrian group, continues to
organize rides and maintain trails.
The General Plan proposes a complete system of riding and hiking trails that
will permit hikers and riders to explore Palm Springs and its environs. The
trails should follow natural watercourses and usable mountainous areas, and
utility corridors, offering a variety of surroundings and terrain. In areas of
gentile topography, bicycle paths might be developed in conjunction with
these trails.
Trails are located on county, state, federal, and tribal land. The federal and state
governments manage the use and maintenance of trails in their jurisdiction,
while the Agua Caliente Indians manage their trails in accordance with an
adopted tribal trails management plan. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) proposes a trail management plan
that applies to all local governments within the Coachella Valley to protect
sensitive habitats and species. Proper management of these assets requires a
coordinated effort.
Table 5-3
City of Palm Springs Trail Network
Trail Type Linear Miles Percent
Hiking and Equestrian Trails 38.5 47%
Drainage Basins and Washes 12.7 15%
Off-Road/4WD roads 20.2 24%
All Other Trails 11.2 14%
Total 82.6 100%
GOAL RC4:
Provide a comprehensive trail network that is sensitive to the natural
environment, wildlife and habitat, culture and history, and recreational
and circulation needs of residents.
Policies
RC4.1 Provide a comprehensive and quality system of hiking, biking,
and equestrian trails that are, to the extent feasible, accessible to
people of all ages, and connect the City’s park and recreational
facilities with other commercial centers in Palm Springs.
Page 5-18 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RC4.2 Initiate and maintain dialogue with the Tribe and federal and
state governments to allow for continued and coordinated access
and maintenance of trails that cross-jurisdictional boundaries.
RC4.3 Develop and regulate the use of trails in a manner consistent with
regional and tribal habitat conservation plans so that they do not
affect sensitive habitats and wildlife.
RC4.4 Require trailheads and staging areas for trails that are equipped
with adequate parking, restrooms, informative signage, interpretive
displays, and rules of appropriate use and conduct on the trails.
RC4.5 Recognize the Whitewater River Wash, the Palm Canyon Wash,
and the Tahquitz Wash as valuable open spaces and community
resources and promote recreational uses and trail and park
development in these areas.
RC4.6 Seek to develop trails and related facilities for horseback riding,
hiking, bicycling, and jogging in the washes that interconnect
with City parks and recreational areas, commercial areas with
residential areas, and links with open space areas and other desert
cities and trail systems.
RC4.7 Ensure that the location of existing and proposed trails and
trailheads are evaluated with each proposed subdivision or tract
map and that the appropriate easements are established to
preserve those trails.
RC4.8 Research the feasibility of an in-lieu fee for trails to support the
development and improvement of the multi-use trail system in
Palm Springs prior to receiving development permits.
RC4.9 Limit the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-highway
vehicles to specially designated areas to preserve natural habitat,
topography, and the integrity of sensitive areas.
Actions
RC4.1 Prepare a Master Plan of Multi-use Trails for the City of Palm
Springs and update periodically to address changing needs.
RC4.2 Prepare a Recreation and Trails Management Plan that is consistent
with regional habitat conservation plans in collaboration with the
Federal Bureau of Land Management and cooperating
jurisdictions.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-19
RC4.3 Implement the following strategies to acquire land for trail
expansion and development:
a) Identify land for trails on abandoned roads, flood control
channels, utility easements, and rights-of-way;
b) Require developer dedications, accept donations, and seek
grants to expand the City’s trail system;
c) Require proposed residential and nonresidential projects
to provide permanent easements for trails, staging areas
and other needed improvements where appropriate; and
d) Develop adequate funding sources to support the
development, maintenance, and improvement of trails.
RC4.4 Develop trailheads and appropriate parking to ensure long-term
access to trails.
RC4.5 Where possible, institute joint agreements and encroachment
permits with the public and private sectors that control easements
and unused rights-of-way to incorporate such lands into permanent
trail linkages. Implement trail easements or other mechanisms
with landowners to ensure long-term viability and access to trails
and trailheads.
RC4.6 Develop trail standards, as needed, which create a comprehensive
and safe trail system, including adequate width and signage.
Surface drainage of trails along hillsides shall be designed to
control runoff yet not detract from the stability of the hillside.
RC4.7 Develop and adopt an inspection and maintenance program that
addresses the condition, maintenance, and safety of the trail
system. Work with other Coachella Valley jurisdictions and the
state, federal, and tribal governments to implement this program.
GOAL RC5:
Protect the hiking, biking, jogging, and horseback-riding interests and
needs in the City by maintaining existing trails and by promoting the
development and expansion of the City’s trail system for the purpose of
providing a safe and viable form of recreation and circulation.
Policies
RC5.1 Institute joint agreements and encroachment permits, where
possible, with the public and private sectors (e.g., utility companies,
water districts, development companies, and homeowners associa-
tions) that control easements and unused rights-of-way for the
Page 5-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
purpose of incorporating such land into permanent trail linkages
throughout the City.
RC5.2 Recognize the Whitewater River Wash, the Palm Canyon Wash,
and the Tahquitz Wash as valuable open spaces and community
resources, encouraging the preservation of their recreational trail
heritage.
RC5.3 Seek to develop trails and related limited facilities for horseback
riding, hiking, and jogging in the washes that interconnect with
City parks and recreational areas, and provide linkage opportunities
between open areas and other desert cities and trail systems.
RC5.4 Allow developers flexibility in development standards in exchange
for providing trail easements and rights-of-way that tie into and
expand the greater trails network.
RC 5.5 Strongly encourage developers to incorporate trails and pedestrian
and bicycle linkages into their projects to reduce dependence on
vehicular use.
FINANCING PARK, TRAILS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Financing the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and improvement of
park, trails, and recreational facilities is a key challenge for Palm Springs. The
City’s Quimby Ordinance requires developers to dedicate or pay for the five
acres of developed parkland for every new 1,000 residents that will live in
proposed residential subdivisions. However, the Ordinance cannot by law
address the existing shortage of park facilities for residents today. The City
also does not have explicit policies regarding the type and quality of parks,
trails, and recreational amenities desired in the community.
Even if new parks, trails, and recreational facilities are built, however, Palm
Springs needs a dedicated source of revenue to maintain and rehabilitate
facilities. The City uses part of its transient occupancy taxes to fund improve-
ments and General Funds to maintain parks and recreational facilities. Both
of these revenue sources are limited. A permanent source of funding is
necessary to address the present deficit of parks as well as fund the
maintenance of new parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-21
GOAL RC6:
Provide a stable and adequate source of funding that enables the acqui-
sition, development, maintenance, and modernization of park and
recreational facilities.
Policies
RC6.1 Ensure that adequate public funds are available to pay for the full
costs of acquiring land, building facilities, and maintaining new
parks, trails, and recreational amenities.
RC6.2 Pursue funding to address the existing shortage of parks, trails,
and recreational facilities through grants, bond measures, locally
adopted special taxes, or partnerships with local organizations.
RC6.3 Maintain contact with governmental entities, private, and
nonprofit foundations for grant opportunities that promote the
arts, culture, and historic preservation.
RC6.4 Explore opportunities to enter into lease agreements for public/
private partnerships to provide services in parks such as bike
rental, towel rental, coffee carts, and vendor carts.
Actions
RC6.1 Update the parkland in-lieu fee ordinance to provide adequate
funding sources for parks, trails, open space, and recreational
facilities as described in the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.
RC6.2 Develop a benefit-assessment district that is earmarked for the
long-term maintenance, repair, and modernization of parks, trails,
and recreational facilities.
RC6.3 Develop a formal five-year capital improvement program with
annual updates that allocates a portion of the transient occupancy
tax to address shortages or improvements of park and recreational
facilities.
Page 5-22 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
NATURAL RESOURCES
Palm Springs has a rich array of natural resources tied to the location and
topography of the area. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains and the
desert landscape are home to a wide range of habitats and sensitive wildlife
and plants. The City also has unique mineral and wind energy resources.
Within this context, it is critical that the City also conserve and manage
water and other natural resources to support the community. This section
describes the biological, mineral, energy, and water resources and conser-
vation efforts in Palm Springs, and the City’s goals, policies, and actions to
manage these resources.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Palm Springs’ climate and natural topography offer unique natural habitats
and some of the most diverse plant and wildlife in southern California.
Ongoing development places greater pressure on preserving the natural
environment. The challenge is to recognize the value of our wildlands and
wildlife, be sensitive to our unique and valuable biological resources, and
carefully plan to protect, preserve, and enhance the region’s valuable
biological resources. The City has the opportunity to be in the forefront of
protecting and managing the biological diversity of the community, and
preserving those resources for future generations.
The Federal and California Endangered Species Acts are designed to protect
and conserve any species of plant or animal that is endangered or threatened
with extinction, as well as the habitats in which these species are found. The
State of California and the federal government have documented plant and
animal species that are considered “sensitive,” “threatened,” or “endangered”
as defined below.
Threatened species are those whose numbers have dropped to such
low levels and/or whose populations are so isolated that the
continuation of the species could be jeopardized.
Endangered species are those with such limited numbers or subject to
such extreme circumstances that they are considered in imminent
danger of extinction.
Sensitive species are naturally rare, have been locally depleted, or
are put at risk by human activities and may eventually be listed as
threatened or endangered.
For information related to the
application of sustainable and
green building programs that help
to preserve the City’s natural
resources, see the Community
Design Element.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-23
Coachella Valley Milk-Vetch
Source: CVAG
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Source: Bighorn Institute
Fringe-Toed Lizard
Protected Species
Palm Springs is home to two plant, three amphibian, two reptile, two bird
and one mammal species that are considered threatened or endangered by the
federal government. Each is described below.
Plants
The Coachella Valley milk-vetch and the triple-ribbed milk-vetch are
endangered plant species in Palm Springs. The former is an erect winter
annual or short-lived perennial that produces pink to deep magenta-colored
flowers. It is found among the Sonoran desert scrub, sandy flats, and washes.
The latter is a short-lived perennial that produces a white to pale cream-
colored flower and is found on sandy and gravelly soils of dry washes or on
decomposed granite or gravelly soils at the base of canyon slopes.
Birds
The least Bell’s vireo and southwestern flycatcher are endangered species, and
17 other birds are considered sensitive. The least Bell’s vireo inhabits riparian
woodland habitats, including the dense understory of desert species such as
arrow weed and wild grape. The Southwestern willow flycatcher is restricted
to dense riparian woodlands and requires extensive thickets of low, dense
willows for nesting and roosting. Chino Canyon, Andreas, Murray, Palm
Canyons, and Oasis de Los Osos provide suitable breeding grounds for birds.
Mammals
Peninsular bighorn sheep live on dry, rocky, low-elevation desert slopes,
canyons, and washes in Palm Springs. The peninsular bighorn sheep once
numbered nearly 2 million, yet only 70,000 sheep survive today. The federal
government has designated the peninsular bighorn sheep as an endangered
species, and the protection of this species and its habitat is managed by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Amphibians and Reptiles
The arroyo southwestern toad, mountain yellow-legged frog, and California
red-legged frog are considered threatened or endangered species. The desert
tortoise is an endangered species that inhabits the creosote scrub and desert
wash communities. The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (CVFTL), which
inhabits the windblown desert regions in Palm Springs, is considered
threatened. The CVFTL inhabits areas located north of the urbanized area of
Palm Springs. The federal government’s CVFTL Habitat Conservation Plan is
designed to increase the population and the viability of this species.
Page 5-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Creosote Scrub is the dominant plant
community and covers the Alluvial
Plain and Rocky Slope habitats.
Habitats and Wildlife Corridors
Palm Springs has a diversity of habitats that support plants and wildlife.
Habitats are the place or set of environmental conditions in which plants and
animals naturally live and grow. In the Coachella Valley, desert habitats are
generally distinguished by physical differences in elevation, soil, solar and
wind exposure, temperature, and water supply. Palm Springs contains five
general habitats, as described below.
Sonoran Desert Scrub Habitat
Sonoran creosote bush scrub, burro brush, and Sonoran mixed woody and
succulent scrub grow on the blowsand habitat of the valley floor and the
rocky, well-drained slopes of the surrounding mountains. Plant species asso-
ciated with this habitat include the Coachella Valley milk-vetch and triple-
ribbed milk-vetch. This habitat also supports wildlife, including the
peninsular bighorn sheep, Palm Springs ground squirrel and pocket mouse,
desert tortoise, burrowing owl, Casey’s June beetle, Coachella giant sand
treader cricket, and Coachella Valley grasshopper.
Chaparral Habitat
Chaparral habitat is composed of three main vegetation communities: semi-
desert chaparral, interior live oak chaparral, and red shank chaparral. Each is
generally found between elevations of 2,000 and 5,000 feet in the San
Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and Little San Bernardino Mountains. Some of the
dominant plant species include California juniper and California buckwheat.
Other plant species associated with these communities include the triple-
ribbed milk-vetch. Wildlife species associated with this community may
include the gray vireo, Pratt’s blue butterfly, and peninsular bighorn sheep.
Riparian Forest and Woodland Habitat
This habitat includes the Sonoran cottonwood-willow riparian forest,
southern sycamore-alder riparian woodland, and desert dry wash woodland.
These communities grow in the sandy to gravelly washes and arroyos in
canyon mouths, alluvial fans, and well-watered soils along perennial desert
rivers. The desert fan palm oasis woodland is found in Andreas, Murray,
Palm, and other canyons and is the only palm native to the western United
States. This habitat supports the peninsular bighorn sheep, Palm Springs
pocket mouse, and desert tortoise. Bird species include Le Conte’s thrasher,
least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, southwestern willow
flycatcher, and the summer tanager.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-25
Juniper Woodland Habitat
Peninsular juniper and scrub/pinyon juniper woodland occur on the slopes
of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Plants and animals live at
different elevations and climate. Bush penstemon, coast horned lizard,
California thrasher, and Pacific kangaroo rat are confined to pinyon-juniper
woodland on alluvial flats, whereas pancake prickly-pear, granite spiny lizard,
rock wren, and canyon mouse live on the rocky hillsides of pinyon-juniper
woodland. Other wildlife species associated with this community include gray
vireo, peninsular bighorn sheep, and desert tortoise.
Desert Interior Dune Habitats
High winds that funnel through the San Gorgonio Pass create blowsand habi-
tats that form active, shielded, and ephemeral dunes and sand fields. Desert
dunes and sand fields are “Communities of Highest Inventory Priority,”
because they are essential for the CVFTL. Active dunes are concentrated in
the northern portion of the City and at Windy Point. Species associated with
the dunes also include the Palm Springs ground squirrel and pocket mouse,
flat-tailed horned lizard, Le Conte’s thrasher, burrowing owl, Coachella giant
sand treader cricket, Coachella Valley grasshopper, and Coachella Valley
milkvetch.
Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife corridors provide areas of undisturbed open space that allow wildlife
to migrate or move between natural habitats, seek food and water, mate and
seek suitable places for breeding, escape from fire or urbanization, and other-
wise ensure the proliferation of indigenous species. Palm Springs has several
wildlife corridors that allow wildlife to move north–south through the San
Gorgonio Pass area and east–west through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains, as described below.
Northwestern Palm Springs, located in the San Gorgonio Pass, is regarded as
the only connection for wildlife migrating between the Peninsular and
Transverse ranges. Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons and the Whitewater
River also connect areas north of I-10 and the Planning Area (i.e., the San
Gorgonio Wilderness and Whitewater Areas of Critical Environmental
Concern in the San Bernardino Mountains) to portions of the Planning Area
south of I-10 (Snow Creek and San Jacinto Mountains). Several east–west
wildlife corridors exist in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains and in
the canyons and washes. The Whitewater River, though a managed flood-
control channel, is occasionally used by wildlife as a travel route.
Page 5-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Wildlife and Habitat Conservation
Ensuring the conservation of habitat is critical for the protection of plants and
wildlife. Federal, state, and local government entities, private organizations,
and the Tribe have established preserves and conservation areas to protect
wildlife and habitat in Palm Springs, as described below.
Coachella Valley Preserve System
The Coachella Valley Preserve System was established primarily for
conservation of the CVFTL and its habitat. The CVFTL Habitat Conservation
Plan set aside more than 30,000 acres in three areas: the Coachella Valley
Preserve, the Willow Hole Preserve, and the Whitewater River Preserve
(located in Palm Springs). The Preserve was recently expanded to include the
9,000-acre Joshua Hills wildlife corridor, connecting the Preserve to Joshua
Tree National Park.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
This 272,000-acre National Monument was established to protect mountains
and desert valleys that are home to the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep
and threatened desert slender salamander. Most of the land is already under
some protection, including the Santa Rosa Mountains National Scenic Area,
parts of the San Bernardino National Forest, the San Jacinto State Park and
Wilderness, and part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian
reservation.
James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve/Oasis de Los Osos Reserve
University of California at Riverside owns and maintains the Oasis de Los
Osos Reserve, located at the northwestern edge of Palm Springs. The Oasis de
Los Osos Reserve is sited on a steep elevation grade near the base of the
north-facing escarpment of Mount San Jacinto. Lambs Creek, a perennial
stream, runs through the reserve and supports one of the very few riparian
woodlands in the Colorado Desert.
Magnesia Springs Ecological Reserve
The California Department of Fish and Game manages the Magnesia Springs
Ecological Reserve, located in southeastern Palm Springs within the Santa
Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The reserve assures the
protection of the natural fan palm oasis and habitat critical to the peninsular
bighorn sheep and other sensitive species, including the least Bell’s vireo,
southwestern willow flycatcher, and prairie falcon.
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Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan
The Tribal Conservation Program covers 2,600 acres that include the Indian
Canyons Heritage Park and Tahquitz Canyon. In 2002, the Tribe adopted a
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to protect 18 plant and animal species (10
are listed). The Tribal HCP will encompass a 16,000-acre Mountain and
Canyons Conservation Area and 16,000-acre Valley Floor Conservation Area.
Indian Canyons Heritage Park is the site of some of the most extensive stands
of native palms in the United States and is home to protected species.
Tahquitz Canyon is also known for its habitat for protected species and the
Tribe implements a wetland conservation plan.
Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the County
of Riverside, and state and federal governments cooperated to prepare a
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. The Plan covers 1.1 million
acres in Riverside County and includes 27 desert and mountain natural
communities and 27 species. Of the 22 conservation areas covered in the
Plan, three Conservation Areas (Snow Creek/Windy Point, Highway 111,
Whitewater Floodplain, and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains) are
within the City. Eventually, this plan will cover all the aforementioned
conservation areas in Palm Springs.
Figure 5-2 illustrates the areas containing sensitive biological resources and
the established conservation areas and plans that cover these resources.
Presently, much of the area outside the urban portion of Palm Springs is
included in conservation areas protected from future development.
GOAL RC7:
Support the preservation and protection of biological resources,
especially sensitive, rare, threatened, or endangered species, wildlife, or
habitats.
Policies
RC7.1 Support local and regional efforts to evaluate, acquire, and protect
natural habitats for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species
occurring in the City and vicinity.
RC7.2 Actively participate with the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments and member agencies to support the identification,
monitoring, and preservation of important biological resources,
including the acquisition of land in the greater Coachella Valley.
Page 5-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RC7.3 Support the adoption of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan and Agua Caliente Tribal Habitat
Conservation Plan.
RC7.4 Coordinate special-status species management with the California
Department of Fish and Game, United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, researchers, and local jurisdictions to promote consistency,
effectiveness, and efficiency of recovery and monitoring activities.
RC7.5 Protect and enhance known wildlife and migratory corridors,
including corridors leading into the Santa Rosa Mountains, the
San Jacinto Mountains, and along the Whitewater River.
RC7.6 Create and implement appropriate regulatory tools that help to
minimize the impacts that new and intensified development may
have on habitat and wildlife.
RC7.7 Actively encourage and promote the understanding and
appreciation of the natural environment and sensitive biological
resources in and around Palm Springs.
Actions
RC7.1 Implement the provisions of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan and the Tribal Habitat Conservation
Plan.
RC7.2 In the event that the aforementioned habitat conservation plans
are not adopted, the following actions shall be implemented:
a) Create a biological resources overlay zone and associated
regulations that require proposed development projects to
comply with the following practices prior to approval:
i) Provide appropriate biological studies to the City,
signed by a registered biologist, that document
potential impacts to habitats and wildlife from
proposed projects;
ii) Comply with land use, development regulations,
site planning, and construction practices that will
be set forth in the City’s Zoning Code; and
iii) Provide the appropriate mitigation measures and
monitoring plan, in compliance with federal and
state statutes, to minimize the impacts to habitat
and wildlife.
b) In the event that the MSHCP is not adopted, the City
shall implement mitigation measures, ultimately to be
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-29
determined by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to mitigate
impacts to the Desert Tortoise. This mitigation can
involve developer fees given to the California Department
of Fish and Game to purchase lands within prime tortoise
habitat elsewhere in the state. The City shall work toward
creation and/or participation in a Habitat Conservation
Program for this species.
RC7.2 Develop a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes
the importance of the preservation, management, and appreciation
of the unique biological resources in and around Palm Springs. In
cooperation with public, private, and nonprofit agencies, the
program should:
a) Maintain an updated inventory and maps of important
habitats and wildlife species in Palm Springs;
b) Facilitate volunteer activities that protect or enhance
important biological resources, such as removal of invasive
species, trash removal, and other restoration projects; and
c) Develop a campaign to promote the City as a sanctuary
for habitat and wildlife and the region’s leader in the
responsible protection of the environment.
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The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
National Monuments have 41
inactive and unpatented mining
claims. However, the legislation
that created the National
Monument prohibits mining activity,
except where prior mining rights
already existed. Given their
inactive status, the Bureau of Land
Management is in the process of
permanently closing all inactive
mines for future exploration.
MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES
State law requires that the General Plan address the conservation, develop-
ment, and utilization of natural resources, including minerals, oil and gas,
geothermal, agricultural land, and timber, among others. Palm Springs lacks
oil, gas, geothermal energy, and agriculture resources, and the forests of the
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains are protected from logging. The two
primary resources are minerals and energy potential.
Mineral Resources
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, including the high desert areas,
have a long history of mining. In the late 1800s, prospectors flocked to the
mountains seeking their fortunes. Asbestos, beryllium, gold, limestone,
tungsten, copper, garnet, and tourmaline have been extracted from mines in
the National Monument. However, except for the limestone deposits known
on the northern front of the Monument, these mineral deposits are limited,
not precisely known, or have not been extensively mined.
Palm Springs has one active sand-and-gravel mining operation within its
incorporated boundaries, in the northeasternmost portion of the community.
Two smaller mines are located just beyond the northern boundary of the City.
These mines specialize in providing boulders and other crushed rock. Both
mines operate under the jurisdiction of the County of Riverside and must
operate in full compliance with the Surface Mining Reclamation Act of 1979
and appropriate environmental regulations.
The State of California Geological Survey Mineral Resources Project provides
the most recent and accurate information about mineral resources in Palm
Springs and the surrounding area. Based on an assessment of local and
regional mineral deposits, the State of California assigns different Mineral
Resource Zones (MRZs) designations. These include:
MRZ 1: Areas where adequate information indicates that no significant
mineral deposits are present or likely to be present.
MRZ 2: Areas where significant mineral deposits are present or likely
to be present and development should be controlled.
MRZ 3: Areas where the significance of mineral deposits cannot be
determined from the available data.
The City’s primary mineral resource is sand and gravel, collectively referred to
as aggregate, which is used for asphalt, concrete, road base, stucco, plaster,
and other similar construction materials. Northern Palm Springs has been
classified an MRZ-2 zone. The State of California has not classified or
Page 5-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
designated mineral resource zones within the National Monument, and the
Bureau of Land Management mineral potential maps also indicate no
prospective valuable deposits. The federal legislation that created the Santa
Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument prohibits mining except where
mining rights already exist.
The only other widely known mineral commodity known to be present in
Palm Springs is limestone, which is typically used in the production of
cement. Limestone deposits occur along the northern flanks of the San Jacinto
Mountains, though the extent is unknown. Other mineral commodities (such
as precious minerals, rare earths, uranium, clay, tungsten, etc.), while possibly
present in isolated localities, are not well known, developed, or even present
within the City’s boundaries.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to Palm Springs. High-
voltage transmission lines deliver power to the substation where power is
stepped down and distributed through lower-voltage lines. Homes and
businesses receive power through a final transformer, which brings voltages
down to usable levels. Natural gas is an energy source that is increasingly in
demand, relatively inexpensive, clean burning, and convenient.
Natural gas is found in association with petroleum crude oil deposits and is
transported through the country through high-pressure transmission lines.
Gas service is provided by the Southern California Gas Company.
The Southern California Gas Company also offers a wide range of energy
management, conservation, and equipment retrofit programs for its customer
base. The Self-Generation Incentive Program provides financial incentives to
encourage the installation of electricity generation technologies, including
photovoltaic, fuel cells, wind turbines, and cogeneration. Many local
companies, including the City and the Spa Resort Casino, have taken
advantage of programs offered by the Southern California Gas Company.
Palm Springs participates in the Southern California Local Government
Initiative, sponsored by SCE and the building industry, and specifically in
SCE’s Community Energy Efficiency Program. Under this program,
participating local governments give builders incentives to exceed state
energy-efficiency standards in new construction by granting local recognition,
fee deferral, prioritized plan checks, and expedited field inspections. In
exchange for these benefits, developers must construct homes that use 15
percent less energy than the state’s energy efficiency requirements.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-35
Cogeneration systems use a
common energy source to produce
both electricity and steam for other
uses, resulting in increased fuel
efficiency.
Alternative Energy Resources
The favorable wind conditions, nearly year round sunshine, and the adjacency
of major regional utility corridors at the area at the north end of the City
provide a unique opportunity for development of clean, renewable, and
alternative energy production and distribution industries in Palm Springs.
Encouraging industries based on clean technologies is consistent with the
City’s General Plan Priority to be a leader in energy conservation and to
attract and create a diverse and stable economic base.
An adequate supply of affordable energy is essential to Palm Springs’ economic
growth and quality of life. However, the retrieval, harnessing, and use of
natural resources may adversely impact the environment and public health.
This is forcing communities to develop technologies to generate, conserve,
and recycle energy. State law requires all investor-owned utilities and retail
suppliers to derive 20 percent of their retail sales from renewable energy by
2017, and the California Energy Commission has adopted the same standard
by 2010. Palm Springs is taking the opportunity to lead the production of
cleaner energy sources that benefit the environment and local economy.
Wind Energy. Wind turbines in the San Gorgonio Pass Area supply one-third
of the state’s wind capacity, and advances in wind turbine technology provide
the opportunity to generate additional wind energy. The General Plan
designates areas in the far northern area as a Wind Energy Overlay. This
overlay allows for the operation of wind turbines in conjunction with
industrial uses, which are ancillary to the wind energy operations.
Solar Energy. The abundance of year-round sunshine in Palm Springs
provides opportunity for solar energy, and public agencies in Coachella Valley
are developing such uses. The Desert Water Agency operates the largest solar
generation system in the Coachella Valley. The City is home to numerous
companies involved in the research, design, manufacturing, and installation of
alternative energy production systems.
Cogeneration. Cogeneration is an increasingly used source of power in the
desert and a proven alternative for Palm Springs. The Spa Resort Casino uses
a cogeneration system to provide 95 percent of its energy needs. Palm Springs
also has cogeneration stations at its Wastewater Plant, Airport, and City Hall.
In fact, the City of Palm Springs received an “Excellence in Public-Private
Partnership Award” from the United States Conference of Mayors for its
cogeneration-powered wastewater system in 2005.
Cogeneration produces additional revenue for Palm Springs where once only
energy expenses existed. The City is able to supply its own electricity, air
conditioning, and heating at prices far less than utility rates. After business
hours, when electrical and thermal demand are reduced, excess electricity can
Wind turbines dot the landscape in
northern Palm Springs.
Solar Energy Generation Plant
Page 5-36 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
More information about the
Wind Energy Conversion
Systems Development
Agreement can be found in the
Palm Springs Municipal Code.
be sold to Edison. In addition, the City can supply energy for nearby county
and private buildings on City property at a lower rate.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell. Hydrogen technology is quickly becoming one of the
leading renewable energy sources. Fuel cell technology uses hydrogen to
generate electricity for vehicles, homes, and business. Palm Springs’ transit
provider, the Sunline Transit Agency, is currently working on a renewable
hydrogen-based transportation project.
Figure 5-3, Managed Production of Resources, illustrates the areas that are
valuable for mineral extraction and energy production in Palm Springs.
GOAL RC8:
Employ the efficient, sustainable, and environmentally appropriate use
and management of energy and mineral resources to ensure their
availability for future generations.
Policies
RC8.1 Facilitate the orderly and efficient development of wind energy
resources and regulate their location, operation, and management
through the Wind Energy Conversion Systems Development
Agreement, conditional-use permit process, and appropriate
environmental clearance.
RC8.2 Support and encourage the use of alternative energy sources, such
as cogeneration, solar, wind, ethanol and natural gas, fuel cell
technologies, and other alternative and sustainable fuel sources
and generating industries to provide more reliability in the supply
of electricity to the City and to promote the development of clean,
sustainable, and alternative energy industries in the City. The use
of alternative energy sources should also be encouraged in the
construction of new buildings and retrofit of existing buildings.
RC8.3 Encourage and support the incorporation of energy efficiency and
conservation practices in land use, transportation demand
management, subdivision, and building design.
RC8.4 Encourage “green technologies,” renewable energy, and related
activities as a business development goal and to attract this type of
business activity to Palm Springs.
RC8.5 Work with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments to
develop a regional energy policy and foster the development of
associated energy industries in the Coachella Valley.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-37
RC8.6 Ensure that future mining activities, should they become
necessary, fully comply with the State Mining Reclamation Act,
federal and state environmental regulations, and local ordinances.
RC8.7 Require that new, non-mining land uses located adjacent to
existing mining operations provide appropriate buffers between
the uses. The buffer distance shall be based on evaluation of noise,
aesthetics, drainage, operating conditions, biological resources,
topography, lighting, traffic, operating hours, and air quality.
RC8.8 Continue to document current extraction sites, including the
status and duration of existing mining permits and approvals.
RC8.9 Limit the impacts of mining operations on the City’s biological
and scenic resources.
RC8.10 Require appropriate review and environmental clearance of solar
generation, cogeneration facilities, mining, and wind energy
conversion systems related to commercial uses to ensure proper
siting and operation.
RC8.11 Utilize solar technologies to replace conventional water heating, as
well as space cooling and heating requirements, whenever
possible.
RC8.12 Make all practical use of indigenous wind resources
RC8.13 Make the maximum use of solar electric capabilities on an
individual and community wide basis.
RC8.14 Utilize municipal sewage and solid wastes as an alternative energy
source.
RC8.15 Encourage cogeneration facilities, clean natural gas, and ethanol-
fueled generating facilities to increase the reliability of energy
production and service to the City and to encourage the creation
of diversified sources for energy production.
RC8.16 Require the use of tertiary-treated wastewater for golf course and
landscape irrigation whenever feasible.
RC8.17 Equip large irrigation systems with master valves that
automatically shut off the system if excessive flows due to
damaged sprinklers occur.
RC8.18 Recess planter beds and lawns below adjoining sidewalks and
other hardscape to contain irrigation water. Mounds shall be
designed to prevent sheet-flow across hardscape areas.
Page 5-38 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RC8.19 Control water pressure within irrigation systems to prevent drifting
onto sidewalks, roads, or bike paths during wind conditions.
RC8.20 Encourage the use of mulch and proper topsoil preparation in
planter beds to increase the water absorption capacity of the soil.
Actions
RC8.1 Review City ordinances to ensure mining plans comply with the
State Mining Reclamation Act and local environmental concerns.
RC8.2 Develop zoning regulations that restrict encroachment of incom-
patible land uses in areas that are conserved for mineral use, and
minimize conflicts between extraction activities and other uses.
RC8.3 Require post-reclamation plans that identify desired land uses for
mining areas once mining activities have ceased.
RC8.4 Achieve the mandated waste reduction and recycling objectives
set forth by the California Integrated Waste Management Board
and implement a program to recycle construction and demolition
debris, in particular concrete and gravel products.
RC8.5 Implement energy conservation practices in existing buildings and
subdivision design by enforcing the following:
a) Energy efficiency standards for residential and
nonresidential construction in Title 24 standards;
b) Solar energy development regulations through the
enforcement of the California Solar Shade Control Act;
c) Incorporation of alternative energy sources and
conservation practices at all public facilities; and
d) Other practices as deemed appropriate.
RC8.6 Coordinate with local utility companies to explore the
implementation of a district-wide, heat-pump-generated cooling
system to reduce dependency on individual air conditioning units
that consume high levels of energy.
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WATER RESOURCES
Water sustains life in both the urban and natural environment. Water is
essential for domestic use and irrigation purposes, including agriculture. In
the natural environment, water sustains healthy ecosystems, supports wildlife,
sustains riparian communities, and recharges groundwater basins. Developing
an integrated approach to managing the City’s water resources will ensure
that a healthful, reliable, and adequate water supply is available for Palm
Springs’ residents and its plants and wildlife.
Water Supply
The Coachella Valley Water District, Desert Water Agency, and Mission
Springs Water District provide water to the City of Palm Springs. These
water agencies prepare an Urban Water Management Plan every five years.
The Plan identifies historic and projected water usage, identifies existing and
future water supply sources, describes purveyors’ demand-management
programs, and sets forth a program to meet water demands during normal,
dry, and multiple dry years.
Three groundwater subbasins—Whitewater River, Mission Creek, and
Indio—serve Palm Springs and its planning area. The Whitewater River, the
largest basin, contains 28 million acre-feet and extends 70 miles from the
junction of I-10 and Highway 111 to the Salton Sea. Whitewater Subbasin is
recharged by flows from the San Gorgonio Pass area, normal seasonal
rainfalls, and surface water from various creeks. However, inflow is limited.
Depletion of groundwater basins has been accelerating since the expansion of
agricultural activities in the 1900s and the development of the Coachella
Valley. Today, groundwater demand exceeds available recharge, leading to a
condition known as “overdraft.”
To ensure that adequate water is available, Coachella Valley water agencies
contract with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to
exchange their water entitlement from the State Water Project for like
amounts from the Colorado River. MWD’s aqueduct is tapped where it
crosses the Whitewater River and water is diverted to 19 spreading ponds,
where it percolates into the Whitewater Subbasin. This agreement is
intended to assure adequate water supplies through the year 2035.
Water Conservation
Water is a finite resource, invaluable to the wellbeing of Palm Springs. To
ensure adequate water supplies to meet current and future needs, the City of
Palm Springs, local water suppliers and various regional agencies cooperate to
Page 5-42 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The Desert Water Agency, in 1962,
became the first State Water
Contractor in the Coachella Valley
for the purpose of importing water
to be used as groundwater
recharge. The Coachella Valley
Water District became a State
Water Contractor in 1963.
Together, Desert Water Agency
and Coachella Valley Water District
developed a recharge program that
began in 1973 to protect the valley
from groundwater overdraft.
encourage the responsible use and conservation of water resources. Among
others, these water conservation programs address demand management
strategies, wastewater recycling, water shortage contingency plans, and water
education plans.
Managing water demand, particularly outdoor water use, is important
in the desert environment. Based on the State Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance, the Palm Springs Municipal Code requires all
new and rehabilitated landscape projects to meet the requirements of
the State of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act. Each
agency that supplies water to Palm Springs provides information that
will help residential and business users reduce water demand for
irrigation purposes. Water conservation is also encouraged through
tiered water rates.
Recycling wastewater is also an important water conservation strategy,
because it reduces the amount of potable water used for irrigation.
Desert Water Agency (DWA) operates a wastewater recycling facility.
Palm Springs provides primary and secondary treated domestic sewage to
DWA, who then provides tertiary treatment. The recycled water produced is
then used to irrigate public facilities such as the Tahquitz Creek Golf Course,
DeMuth Park and Mesquite Golf Course.
The California Water Code requires water agencies to adopt a Water Shortage
Contingency Plan. The Plan identifies actions to be taken to prepare for and
implement during a catastrophic interruption of water supplies that could
occur as a result of a regional power outage, earthquake, or other disaster.
The Plan may include a variety of measures to reduce water consumption
through water use practices, rationing, and penalties for excessive use.
Each water agency provides education programs to encourage water conserva-
tion. For instance, water purveyors provide a water-wise home calculator that
provides homeowners with useful ways to minimize water use. Water
purveyors also provide education to schoolchildren in the Palm Springs
Unified School District. Residents can also participate in working groups to
learn more about water management and conservation in the Coachella
Valley. Finally, water purveyors provide helpful water-conservation tip to the
Palm Springs business community.
Water Quality
Maintaining water quality is essential for the health of residents and the
sustainability of habitats and wildlife in the City of Palm Springs. The
California Regional Water Quality Control Board implements federal and
state laws to assure the proper planning, management and enforcement of
water quality standards. These laws include the Federal Clean Water Act,
Desert Water Agency Water Recycling Plant
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-43
National Environmental Policy Act, the California Water Code, California
Environmental Quality Act, California Health and Safety Code, National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, and other laws. The City’s water
consistently meets and exceeds state and federal quality standards.
The most prominent concern affecting water quality is stormwater runoff.
Stormwater runoff is one of the most common sources of water pollution.
Stormwater that drains from streets, parking lots, businesses, private yards,
and agricultural land may contain grease, oil, pesticides and herbicides, heavy
metals, paint, household chemicals, and other pollutants. Polluted storm-
water can affect plants and wildlife, as well as increase the cost of treating
water. The City works in partnership with Riverside County, local water
agencies, Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and all cities in
Coachella Valley to manage storm water runoff.
Figure 5-4, Water Resources, illustrates the water districts, major recharge areas
and water features in Palm Springs.
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GOAL RC9:
Ensure an adequate supply of quality water is provided to the City.
Policies
RC9.1 Work with the Desert Water Agency, Coachella Valley Water
District, and Mission Springs Water District to ensure that a
sufficient quantity and quality of potable water is available for
current and future residential, business, and visitor uses.
RC9.2 Encourage the responsible management and use of water
resources through appropriate water conservation measures,
financial incentives, and regulations.
RC9.3 Ensure the highest quality of potable water resources continues to
be available by managing stormwater runoff, wellhead protection,
septic tanks, and other potential sources of pollutants.
RC9.4 Encourage the preservation and management of natural floodplain
areas that allow for water percolation, replenishment of the
natural aquifers, proper drainage, and prevention of flood
damage.
RC9.5 Protect the quality and quantity of water from adverse impacts of
development activities so that sufficient water is available to
sustain habitats and wildlife.
RC9.6 Cooperate with surrounding jurisdictions and the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to serve as a voice for drafting and
advocating an integrated water policy for the region that
addresses the supply, quality, and reliability of water.
RC9.7 Encourage the reclamation of hard-lined natural drainage
channels toward a natural condition, where possible. Manmade
and vegetative material used to stabilize channel slopes shall
complement adjacent land uses, recreation areas, and the
distinctive visual environment of the City.
Actions
RC9.1 Develop and implement, in conjunction with Palm Springs water
purveyors, an integrated water-conservation program that:
a) Contains a policy to expand use of reclaimed water to
irrigate all City parks and public facilities, landscaped
medians, golf courses, and other applications;
Page 5-48 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
b) Ensures that water purveyors serving Palm Springs
incorporate a progressive rate structure that discourages
unnecessary water usage and rewards water conservation;
c) Implements the City’s water-efficient landscape ordinance
to ensure that best management practices are routinely
incorporated into development plans;
d) Provides incentive to convert lawns to drought-tolerant,
low-water landscapes; and
e) Requires that water conservation education be
communicated to local schools, the public, and businesses.
RC9.2 Review model ordinances published by the California EPA and
water service providers to update the citywide Municipal Storm
Water Pollution Management Program. The program should
include, at minimum:
a) Identification of nonpoint and point pollutant sources and
programs to monitor discharges;
b) Best management practices to be applied throughout the
City’s street network, parks, and other public facilities;
c) Guidance regarding on-site stormwater retention and
treatment facilities to reduce storm drain runoff;
d) Financial incentives or disincentives to promote the
incorporation of innovative best management practices;
e) Mandatory evaluation of proposed land use and develop-
ment plans for their potential to create groundwater
contamination hazards from point and nonpoint sources;
and
f) Means of enforcing compliance with the Municipal Storm
Water Pollution Management Program.
RC9.3 Work through the Coachella Valley Association of Governments
and member jurisdictions to advocate for the construction of the
Coachella Valley Water Aqueduct to ensure a long-term supply of
water from the State Water Project.
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CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
Culture and history are integral to the fabric of the Palm Springs community.
Palm Springs culture dates back to the earliest civilization of the Cahuilla
people, whose culture is present today. Palm Springs modern history has been
shaped by many of the same forces shaping the southern California landscape.
Palm Springs’ cultural and historic resources continue to reinforce for each
new generation the importance of studying and valuing the community’s
cultural and historic foundations.
Palm Springs History
More than 2000 years ago, the original inhabitants of the Palm Springs area
were the Cahuilla Indians. Cahuilla villages were concentrated along the
shores of ancient Lake Cahuilla, a freshwater lake formed by alterations in the
course of the Colorado River. Prior to historic contact, the Cahuilla were
primarily hunters and gatherers of wild plant foods and lived in permanent
villages, linked by social and economic ties. The drying of Lake Cahuilla led
to the gradual dispersal of villages to the canyons and alluvial fans in the
mountains near permanent water sources. Complex communities were
developed in Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz, and Chino Canyons where the
Agua Caliente managed hundreds of plant resources. The Agua Caliente also
fashioned a network of trailways connecting them with other cultures in
southern California.
In the late eighteenth century, Spanish conquests throughout California led to
the expansion of Spanish influence, including the establishment of missions.
The Cahuilla’s first encounter with non-Indians was with Juan Bautista de
Anza’s expedition, which sought to establish a route from Mexico to the
missions of the California coastline. Spanish missions introduced agriculture,
animal husbandry, Catholicism, and other European influences to the Cahuilla
Indians. Mission life hastened the demise of traditional subsistence and social
patterns of the Tribe.
Following the Mexican-American War of 1848, the State of California was
admitted to the Union in 1850. In 1853, the federal government took an
interest in the Coachella Valley and dispatched a land survey party, led by
William P. Blake. Creating the first wagon route through San Gorgonio Pass,
Blake’s expedition paved the way for later ranchers, loggers, miners, and
others to travel through the valley. Mining operations scoured the land for
gold, limestone, tungsten, and garnet, among others, during the mid-1800s.
Early miners and ranchers established wagon roads and cattle driveways
along trails long used by the Cahuilla and their ancestors.
Page 5-50 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Pioneers settled unclaimed and surveyed public land under the Homestead
Act of 1862 and the Desert Irrigation Act of 1882. Completion of the
Southern Pacific Railroad through the desert in 1877 fueled a greater influx
of pioneers and settlers into the Coachella Valley. Many of these original
pioneers envisioned the Palm Springs area as a major agricultural and
ranching center for the burgeoning Los Angeles region. However, natural
disasters, including severe droughts during the late 1800s and early 1900s
ended those aspirations. Palm Springs’ destiny would ultimately be tied to its
attraction as a resort community.
The World War periods shaped the evolution and growth of many commu-
nities, including Palm Springs. During World War II, the desert region
became the training grounds for General Patton’s troops as they prepared to
invade North Africa. The El Mirador Hotel, the site of today’s Desert
Regional Medical Center, served as Torrey General Hospital, treating U.S.
soldiers wounded in action. The Palm Springs airfield, originally built to
handle military cargo and personnel planes, would become Palm Springs
International Airport.
Palm Springs’ evolution into a modern city began in the postwar period.
Fueled by the construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct, which brought
water to the desert, Palm Springs boomed. The Palm Springs International
Airport now could attract tourists from across the country. The City’s
thriving downtown expanded along Palm Canyon Drive. Expanding residen-
tial developments began during the early 1960s when large tracts of popular
and reasonably priced Modernist-style homes were constructed. Although
development slowed during the 1980s and 1990s, several thousand new
homes are presently proposed within and just outside its urbanized area.
Historic Places within the City
The City of Palm Springs contains properties that are listed by the federal
government, State of California, and City of Palm Springs as historically
significant. These resources are recorded by the University of California,
Riverside, Eastern Information Center, and are described in detail below.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural
resources worthy of preservation. The National Register includes districts,
sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are deemed significant in
American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The
National Park Service of the Department of Interior administers the National
Register program. Palm Springs does not have any sites listed within the
City’s incorporated boundaries on the National Register of Historic Places.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-51
Additional discussion about Class
1 and Class 2 Historic buildings in
Palm Springs can be found in the
Community Design Element.
Palm Springs has two prehistoric archaeological districts listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Andreas Canyon (or Rincon Village) is
a group of sites dating from the pre-Columbian period to the twentieth
century. Tahquitz Canyon is a large village site containing the remains of an
aqueduct built by the Native Americans during the 1830s. Both these
canyons are home to some of the largest standards of native fan palms in the
United States, which provide habitat for sensitive, threatened, and
endangered species. These canyons also have spiritual significance for the
Tribe and played a large role in the history and culture of the Tribe.
Palm Springs also has prehistoric resources that are significant to the local
Indian tribes, yet are not designated in the National Register of Historic
Places. These include rock shelters, lithic workshops, milling features, and
seasonal habitation areas. Areas likely to contain prehistoric village sites
include Whitewater, Chino, Tahquitz, and Palm Canyons and the areas
around the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. “Sensitive” sites include those
associated with traditional life, including trails, collection areas, springs and
sources of water, burial grounds, sites referred to in literature and songs, and
sites where people visited, recreated, traded, or processed food.
California Historic Places
Properties of California historic importance are designated in the State Historic
Landmarks, Points of Historic Interest, and the California Register of Historic
Resources programs. State Historic Landmarks are sites, buildings, features,
or events that are of statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural,
military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious,
experimental, or other value. Palm Springs does not have a designated State
Historic Landmark. Frances Stevens School is listed on the California Register
of Historic Resources. Four sites are designated as Points of Historic Interest:
original Palm Springs, Desert Inn, Palmdale railroad, and El Mirador Hotel
and Tower. The Desert Medical Center occupies the former hotel site and the
tower is a replica of the original structure.
City Historic Places
The Historic Preservation Chapter of the Palm Springs Municipal Code sets
forth the information about the Historic Site Register, which designates
historic resources as Class 1, 2, or 3. Class 1 Historic Designation is intended
for structures that remain, at their present condition, as they appeared during
their period of significance. Class 2 Historic Designation is intended for sites
no longer occupied by the historic structure or for structures significantly
altered from the period of significance. More than 50 resources are covered
under Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Designations. There are no designated
historic districts at the time of this writing.
Page 5-52 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Palm Springs has other historical resources that are recognized locally. As a
resort community, Palm Springs is rooted in the entertainment industry and
has often been called the “Playground of the Stars.” One notable local
resource is “Palm Springs Walk of Stars.” Over 250 stars adorn the sidewalks
and entrances of Palm Canyon Drive and include some of Palm Springs’ and
the entertainment world’s greatest personalities.
Preservation Efforts
Federal and state laws set the context for planning for the preservation of
cultural and historic resources. The National Historic Preservation Act
(NHPA) of 1966 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to maintain a
National Register of Historic Places. NHPA mandates that federal agencies
assume responsibility for the identification and preservation of historic
properties owned or controlled by the federal government. The California
Environmental Quality Act has a similar requirement for states.
The State of California Office of Historic Preservation receives funding from
the federal government to implement the California Register Program and
the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. The CCLG Program is
designed to encourage the participation of local governments in the identifi-
cation, evaluation, registration, and preservation of historic properties in their
communities. CLG communities are also eligible to receive a wide range of
technical assistance and grants from the State Office of Historic Preservation.
The City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance is designed to preserve areas and
specific buildings that reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic,
political, architectural, and archaeological history. It also established a
Historic Site Preservation4 Board to maintain and update the City’s Historic
Resources Inventory, prepare local nominations for historic registers, monitor
progress in preservation and development issues, and promote community
awareness and participation in historic preservation. The Tribal Historic
Preservation Office has jurisdiction over historic resources on reservation
lands.
Under Senate Bill 18, California Native American tribes have the opportunity
to influence local land use decisions at an early planning stage in order to
assist in the protection of cultural places. A cultural place is a landscape
feature, site, or cultural resource that has some relationship to particular
tribal religious heritage or is an historic or archaeological site of significance
or potential significance. State law requires local governments to consult with
tribes prior to the amendment of general plans and specific plans, designation
of open space in the general plan, and other situations.
Figures 5-5 and 5-6 provide maps of areas in the City known to contain or
have the potential to contain cultural or historic resources. Generally, the
The mission of the Tribal Historic
Preservation Office is to ensure
the continuance of the cultural
heritage of the Agua Caliente Band
of Cahuilla Indians for current and
future generations. The Tribe will
promote and protect its heritage
while pursuing economic
development on its lands and it
will encourage developers and
municipalities to partner in
this effort.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-53
areas containing the greatest sensitivity for cultural resources are located in
the hillsides, canyons, and mountains in the south and eastern areas of Palm
Springs, many of which were formerly occupied by the Agua Caliente and
traversed by early pioneers and settlers. It is in these areas that midden
deposits, which provide a useful resource for archaeologists who wish to study
the diet and habits of past societies, are likely to be found. Common midden
items include fragments of broken pottery, bits of tools, and other artifacts.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-59
HISTORIC RESOURCES
Palm Springs benefits from a rich culture that is linked to the physical
landforms and topography of the community, including the Santa Rosa
Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, and the canyons, hills, and peaks. These
landforms hold and preserve a rich history and culture of the Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians, as well as Territorial Period settlers. Palm Springs
modern history is evident in historic sites and structures, architecturally
significant buildings, park and recreational assets, and the evidence of its
history and culture in community events. Taken together, Palm Springs
cultural and historic resources add to the quality of life and underscore the
value and importance of preserving our past.
GOAL RC10:
Support, encourage, and facilitate the preservation of significant
archaeological, historic, and cultural resources in the community.
Policies
RC10.1 Support the preservation and protection of historically, archi-
tecturally, or archaeologically significant sites, places, districts,
structures, landforms, objects, native burial sites and other
features.
RC10.2 Encourage and support the retention and adaptive reuse of
buildings of architectural, historic, or cultural significance where
financially feasible.
RC10.3 Continue to support the role of the Historic Site Preservation
Board to nominate and recommend to the City Council potential
historic sites and the designation of historic districts in the City.
RC10.4 Continue to protect individual historic sites, buildings, and neigh-
borhoods as set forth by the Historic Preservation Ordinance and
other related historic ordinances.
RC10.5 Actively encourage and promote the understanding, appreciation,
and preservation of the archaeological, historic, and cultural
resources.
RC10.6 Maintain active communication and cooperation with the Tribal
Historic Preservation Office, the Palm Springs Historic Society
and other historic preservation entities.
Page 5-60 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RC10.7 Promote historic preservation-based tourism by raising awareness
of the City’s historic resources.
Actions
RC10.1 Develop a formal historic and cultural preservation program that
includes an update of the Historic Site Survey, historic
preservation incentives program, and program funding strategies.
RC10.2 Develop a comprehensive education program that emphasizes the
importance of the preservation, management, and appreciation of
the City’s unique historic and cultural resources.
RC10.3 Require site assessment conducted by a qualified specialist
whenever information indicates that a site proposed for
development may contain paleontological, historic, or
archaeological resources.
RC10.4 Establish an MOU with the University of California at Riverside
to review and provide recommendations for projects potentially
affecting archeological, historic, and cultural resources.
CULTURAL RESOURCES AND THE ARTS
The City is home to numerous theatres, art galleries, and programs that offer
the opportunity to improve and enrich the quality of life for residents and
visitors, and promote the City as a first-class tourist destination. The
following describes some of the more notable resources.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
The Cahuilla people span nine reservations across southern California, linked
by a shared language yet distinguished by tribal identities forged by geo-
graphy, culture, and law. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the
centerpiece for recording, interpretation, and education about the culture and
history of the Cahuilla peoples. The Museum is also the designated represen-
tative of the Tribe for the protection and repatriation of graves. In addition,
the Tribe has established the Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Center, located at the
foot of the Santa Jacinto Mountains. The Center provides information about
and guided tours of Tahquitz Canyon and offers books and other material
about the Cahuilla people in particular and Native Americans in general.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-61
Village Green Heritage Center
Village Green Center is comprised of two nineteenth-century pioneer homes,
a Ruddy’s General Store, and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The
McCallum Adobe, the oldest remaining building in Palm Springs, was built
in 1884 for John McCallum, the first permanent white settler. Miss Cornelia
White’s “Little House” was built by the city’s first hotel proprietor,
Dr. Welwood Murray, in 1893, with railroad ties from the defunct Palmdale
Railway. The Palm Springs Historical Society was formed in 1955 by Melba
Berry Bennett, to record, preserve, and display historical artifacts of the area.
The Historical Society manages the Village Green Heritage Center and is
housed in the McCallum adobe, and the City maintains the grounds.
Palm Springs Air Museum
World War II was a defining moment in human history, costing nearly
70 million lives and forever shaping future generations. Palm Springs
served as the desert training grounds for the conflict in North Africa
and a crucial ferrying port for aircraft heading to the Pacific and
European conflicts. The Palm Springs Air Museum is dedicated to
preserving the legacy of legendary aircraft and trainers that helped
change the course of the war. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a
nonprofit educational institution, whose mission is to exhibit, educate,
and memorialize the role of World War II combat aircraft and the role
the pilots had in achieving victory.
Theater Venues in Palm Springs
The Annenberg Theater hosts an eclectic program of world-class dance,
theatrical, and musical performances, including the Palm Springs Inter-
national Short Film Festival. The International Film Festival is noted as one of
the largest and most diverse festivals in the country, drawing films from more
than 60 countries. The Plaza Theatre is home of the famous “Fabulous Palm
Springs Follies.” Palm Canyon Theater also showcases Broadway productions,
ballet, concerts, opera, symphonies, and plays, some of which are supported
by the Opera Guild of the Desert.
Palm Canyon Theatre provides high quality, professional, and affordable
regional theatre in the greater Palm Springs area. The gymnasium at the
historic school at Frances Stevens Park was converted into a 230 seat banked
stadium-style proscenium theatre, and the Palm Canyon Theatre opened its
doors for its first production in the fall of 1997. In addition to providing an
intimate setting for live theatre productions, the theater also serves as one of
the venues for the Palm Springs International Film Festival
Page 5-62 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Palm Springs is also known for contributions to the visual arts. Shortly after
the Southern Pacific Railroad opened the desert landscape to painters in
1876, California Impressionists came to the region’s deserts, mountains, and
canyons seeking fresh sources of inspiration. Their arrival helped to establish
the “en plein air” school of painting outdoors. The Palm Springs area, with its
culture rooted in the Cahuilla people, has also inspired Native American and
pueblo artists, and the City today remains at the forefront of Southwest and
Latin American traditions of art.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum is the renowned center for the visual arts in the
Coachella Valley. Founded in 1938, the Museum promotes a greater under-
standing of art and performing arts through collections, exhibitions, and
programs. The Museum’s permanent art collection features nineteenth,
twentieth, and twenty-first century works focusing on contemporary
California art, classic western American art, Native American art, pre-
Columbian art, Mexican art, European modern art, glass studio art, American
contemporary twentieth-century architecture, and American photography.
The Museum is also host to the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The City’s Public Art Commission, appointed by the City Council, oversees
the City’s public arts program. The Program is designed to develop and
maintain a visual arts program for residents and visitors, add to the economic
viability of the community, and enhance the environment and unique
character of Palm Springs by providing for the acquisition and maintenance of
quality works of public art.
GOAL RC11:
Sustain excellence, diversity, and vitality of the City’s performing and
visual arts, culture, history, and lifelong educational pursuits.
Policies
RC11.1 Encourage and support, as feasible, a wide variety of performing
arts productions, visual arts exhibitions and displays, the Art in
Public Places program, and other local activities and programs.
RC11.2 Consider expanding the functions of the Public Arts Commission
to incorporate the performing and visual arts, history, and culture,
and expand the Commission into a Cultural Arts Commission.
RC11.3 Promote and support the arts and culture in Palm Springs
through partnerships with the School District, Palm Springs
Library, Historic Society, and the Tribe.
RECREATION, OPEN SPACE &
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 5-63
RC11.4 Celebrate and promote the arts, history, and culture of Palm
Springs through special events, civic gatherings, and City
marketing and tourism promotion efforts.
RC11.5 Identify new cultural and arts opportunities to develop and add to
the City’s current array of resources, events, and activities.
Action
RC11.1 Prepare a Cultural Arts Strategic Plan that includes the arts,
culture, and history of Palm Springs. The Plan should include:
a) identification of important cultural assets;
b) public arts program and guidelines;
c) joint program development with local museums, societies,
educational institutions, and the Tribe;
d) funding to support cultural arts programs; and
e) an implementation schedule.
RC11.2 Determine the usage for the Heritage Green Building when the
Agua Caliente Cultural Center is moved to its own building on
Tahquitz Canyon Way.
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6.6.6.6. SafetySafetySafetySafety Element Element Element Element
6. Safety
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-1
6.6.6.6. SAFETYSAFETYSAFETYSAFETY ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
BACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEXTXTXTXT
Protecting and preserving the health, safety, and welfare of the community is
an issue of fundamental concern to the City. As such, it is important that the
City of Palm Springs maintain and improve programs that effectively address
safety considerations. The Safety Element discusses natural and manmade
hazards that might occur and presents goals, policies, and actions that can
help reduce the risk these hazards pose to the City and its residents. More
detailed information regarding hazards can be found in the Technical
Background Report to the Safety Element.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMSR PLANS AND PROGRAMSR PLANS AND PROGRAMSR PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Federal, state, and local regulations and policies such as the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the California Government Code, the
Uniform Building Code, and the Palm Springs Municipal Code regulate
and/or influence land use and development in Palm Springs. Not only do they
help to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Palm Springs residents,
visitors, and businesses by ensuring that proper analyses are conducted, sound
construction practices are implemented, and uses are appropriately sited
within the City, they can also help to minimize the recovery time following a
disaster.
Page 6-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONACTIONACTIONACTIONSSSS
This section contains an overview and policy direction related to safety
provisions within the City. The safety items addressed in this element should
be given careful consideration when new development, roads, parks, critical
emergency facilities, infrastructure, or other projects are designed.
SEISMIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
The City of Palm Springs is located in an area subject to substantial seismic
hazards such as earthquakes, liquefaction and earthquake-induced slope
failure and landslides. These seismic hazards can affect the structural integrity
of buildings and utilities, and, in turn, cause property damage and potential
loss of life. Although it is not possible to prevent earthquakes, their destruc-
tive effects can be minimized through comprehensive hazard-mitigation
programs and efforts.
Earthquakes and Fault Zones
The City of Palm Springs is located in an area where numerous active faults
are present. At least two active faults, the Banning and Garnet Hill faults,
depicted in Figure 6-1, Seismic Hazards, extend through portions of the City.
Both fault zones are capable of causing damage to the City. Other faults in
the region, such as the San Andreas, San Gorgonio Pass, and San Jacinto
faults, also have the potential to produce strong seismic shaking in Palm
Springs.
The potential for ground rupture due to fault movement is commonly related
to the seismic activity of known fault zones. Active faults are present along
the northernmost reaches of the City, where the traces of the Garnet Hill and
Banning faults have been mapped. These faults have the potential to generate
surface rupture or ground deformation in the City of Palm Springs. As shown
in Figure 6-1, an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone has been assigned to
the portion of the Banning fault that extends through Palm Springs, and to
the San Gorgonio Pass fault located immediately north of the City’s
northwest corner. Under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, the
location of structures for human occupancy across the surface trace of an
active fault is restricted. A Riverside County Fault Management Hazard Zone
has been assigned to the portion of the Garnet Hill fault that extends through
the City. Although the Garnet Hill fault is not designated as an Alquist-
Priolo fault zone, Riverside County has established Fault Management
Hazard Zones in order to require subsurface investigations of the Garnet Hill
fault to determine, over time, if the traces of the fault are active. This
Seismic Shaking: Lateral
movement, or acceleration, of the
ground during an earthquake.
Surface Rupture: Occurs when
movement on a fault deep within
the earth breaks through to the
surface. Although surface rupture
typically results in a small
percentage of the total damage in
an earthquake, being too close to a
rupturing fault can cause severe
damage to structures.
Surface Trace: Commonly
referred to as a “fault line,” it is the
intersection of a fault plane with
the surface of the earth.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-3
SAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENT
designation for the Garnet Hill fault allows the City of Palm Springs to
regulate future development across the trace of the fault. Consideration
should also be given to known faults that, though not active, are mapped in
the Palm Springs area, including but not limited to the South Pass fault, the
Palm Canyon fault, and the Deep Canyon fault (see Figure 6-1).
Laws to Mitigate Earthquake Hazards
The State of California regulates development in potentially seismically active
areas through a variety of tools that reduce or mitigate potential hazards from
earthquakes or other geological hazards.
The California Building Code (CBC) contains provisions to safeguard against
major structural failures or loss of life caused by earthquakes or other geologic
hazards, and identifies zones of seismic activity subject to varying degrees of
potential impact and frequency of large earthquakes. The City of Palm
Springs lies entirely within Seismic Zone 4 and is potentially subject to the
highest acceleration, or changes in speed or velocity, due to seismic shaking.
Enacted in 1986, the Unreinforced Masonry Law requires all cities and
counties within Seismic Zone 4 to identify potentially hazardous unreinforced
masonry (URM) buildings in their jurisdictions, establish a URM loss-
reduction program, and notify the owners of such buildings of the potential
earthquake hazard their buildings pose.
The primary purpose of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act is
to prohibit the location of structures for human occupancy across active
surface traces of fault lines until geotechnical investigations determine that a
potential building site is safe for habitation. The Act also requires cities to
disclose to the general public, through the use of maps and other appropriate
materials, areas that are subject to seismic hazards.
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (SHMA) of 1990 addresses nonsurface
fault rupture earthquake hazards, including strong ground shaking, lique-
faction, and seismically induced landslides. The California Geological Survey
(CGS) has not yet mapped the Palm Springs area under the SHMA. However,
performing geological studies in those areas identified as having a liquefaction
or slope-instability hazard would reduce the potential for damage from these
hazards.
Page 6-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Liquefaction
Liquefaction occurs when loose, soft, unconsolidated, or sandy soils that are
saturated with water are subjected to ground vibrations during a seismic
event. Significant ground shaking causes soil to lose strength and “liquefy,”
triggering structural distress or failure due to the settling of the ground or a
loss of strength in the soils underneath structures.
The northern and eastern areas of the City have a low possibility of being
affected by liquefaction (see Figure 6-1). This hazard is considered low in the
Palm Springs area because the approximate depth to groundwater is greater
than 50 feet. Research and historical data indicate that loose, granular
materials saturated with groundwater and located at depths of less than
50 feet with silt and clay contents of less than 30 percent are most susceptible
to liquefaction. Shallow groundwater that can contribute to the occurrence of
liquefaction is known to occur locally in the downtown area, immediately
surrounding the Agua Caliente Springs. A strong earthquake could cause
liquefaction in this area, most likely expressed as “sand volcanoes” imme-
diately surrounding the spring. Seasonal fluctuations in groundwater levels
and the introduction of residential irrigation increase liquefaction risk.
Earthquake-Induced Slope Failures and Landslides
Strong ground motions can worsen existing unstable slope conditions,
particularly if coupled with saturated ground conditions. Earthquake-induced
slope failures generally include rock falls, landslides, and debris flows that can
overrun structures, people, or property, sever utility lines, or block roads, which
can hinder rescue operations after an earthquake. After the 1986 North Palm
Springs earthquake, numerous landslides consisting primarily of debris slides
and rockfalls were reported over an area of 600 square kilometers.
The southern parts of Palm Springs are most vulnerable to seismically
induced slope failure, due to the steep terrain. Those areas of the City at the
foot of the San Jacinto Mountains or below hills covered with large boulders
are most susceptible to rockfall. In areas where there is development at the
base of steep slopes, dislodged boulders can roll down onto roadways, with
the potential to impact passing motorists.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-5
SAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA1:1:1:1:
Reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the physical and environmental
effects of seismic hazards within the City.
Policies
SA1.1 Minimize the risk to life and property through the identification
of potentially hazardous areas, adherence to proper construction
design criteria, and provision of hazards information to all residents
and business owners.
SA1.2 Require geologic and geotechnical investigations in areas of
potential seismic hazards such as fault rupture, seismic shaking,
liquefaction, and slope failure, as part of the environmental and/or
development review process for all structures, and enforce structural
setbacks from faults that are identified through those investigations
in accordance with the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act. Require
subsurface investigations of the Garnet Hill fault if and as that
area of northern Palm Springs is developed.
SA1.3 Coordinate with the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction
Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
identify earthquake risks and available mitigation techniques.
SA1.4 Enforce the requirements of the California Seismic Hazards
Mapping and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Acts when
siting, evaluating, and constructing new projects within the City.
SA1.5 Disallow the construction of buildings designed for human
occupancy within 50 feet of an active fault and prevent new
critical, sensitive, and high-occupancy facilities from being located
within 100 feet of a potentially active fault.
SA1.6 Maintain a strong, enforceable ordinance for upgrading
unreinforced masonry buildings that is tailored to the local
conditions in the City of Palm Springs.
SA1.7 Require that engineered slopes be designed to resist earthquake-
induced failure.
SA1.8 Require that lifelines crossing a fault be designed to resist damage
in the occurrence of fault rupture.
Lifelines: Water, sewer, electrical,
gas, communication, and
transportation facilities that are
needed in the event on an
earthquake, flood, or other natural
disaster. (Additional info can
be found in the Disaster
Preparedness, Response and
Recovery Section of this Element.)
Page 6-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
SA1.9 Require removal or rehabilitation of hazardous or substandard
structures that may collapse in the event of an earthquake, in
accordance with the Unreinforced Masonry Law and other
applicable regulations.
SA1.10 Designate, where appropriate, hazard zones (earthquake fault
lines, floodways and floodplains, steep or unstable slopes, areas
susceptible to rockfalls and landslides, etc.) as open space, and
these areas on the land use map.
SA1.11 Encourage and cooperate with Caltrans to stabilize susceptible
slopes and strengthen bridges, elevated roadways, and other
structures along state highways, which may be subject to failure
during major seismic events, thereby isolating portions of the
community from emergency aid and assistance.
SA1.12 Ensure that the highest and most current professional standards
for seismic design are used in the design of Critical, Sensitive, and
High-Occupancy facilities such as water tanks, dams, levees, and
hospitals.
SA1.13 Require liquefaction-assessment studies in those areas identified as
being susceptible to liquefaction.
SA1.14 Include liquefaction-mitigation measures in the construction of
bridges, roadways, major utility lines, or park improvements in
potentially liquefiable areas, such as the Whitewater riverbed or at
the mouths of canyons.
SA1.15 Determine the areas potentially subject to flooding in the event of
a rupture of flood-control facilities in the Palm Springs area due to
earthquake activity, especially where such facilities cross or are
near active faults.
Actions
SA1.1 Prepare a detailed geotechnical analysis for new construction
and significant alterations to structures located in areas identified
as being subject to slope failure, rockfalls, or landslides.
SA1.2 Participate with surrounding communities and applicable state
and federal agencies to establish and maintain maps illustrating
the location of seismic and geological hazard zones occurring
within the City boundaries and sphere of influence.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-7
SAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENT
SA1.3 Initiate an educational public outreach program in coordination
with local utility companies, the Coachella Valley Water District,
the Desert Water Agency, the Palm Springs Unified School
District, police and fire departments, and others outlining
appropriate action before, during, and after earthquakes and
other disasters.
SA1.4 Keep the City’s public awareness programs on natural-disaster
management and emergency preparedness up-to-date on
current hazards and issues and seek public participation in the
development of hazard mitigation and disaster recovery programs.
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GEOLOGIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Geologic hazards generally consist of environmental processes occurring on
the surface of the earth that have the potential to cause harm to life and limb,
and to disrupt vital services, economic vitality, and social order. In Palm
Springs, these hazards include slope instability, landslides, debris flows,
ground subsidence, erosion, and windblown sand.
An increasing population and demands for new development within the City
can disrupt natural processes, often leading to negative impacts on the
environment and development. Through proper site planning, new advances
in scientific research, and coordination with regional planning agencies,
potential risks from associated geologic hazards can be minimized.
Slope Instability, Landslides and Debris Flows
Slope instability could be a widespread hazard in the City if the areas of the
San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains within city limits were open to
development. However, since most of these highlands have been set aside as a
preserve, little development is expected to occur within the mountainous areas
that are moderately to highly susceptible to slope instability. Slope stability
issues do pose a concern along those developed areas of the City that abut the
mountainous terrain, including roads, like Highway 111, that locally run
along the base of the slopes. Intense rainfall, ground shaking, and other
environmental factors, including time, can cause boulders to fall or roll onto
these areas, posing a threat to structures and passing motorists. Planning for
developments and infrastructure placed in these areas should be supported by
site-specific geotechnical analyses for slope stability. Careful land management
in hillside areas can reduce the risk of economic and social losses from slope
failures.
Slope failure is the downslope movement of rock, debris, and soil in response
to gravitational stresses and pressures. Slope failures can occur on natural or
manmade slopes. For manmade slopes, most failures occur on older slopes,
many of which were built at slope gradients steeper than those allowed by
today’s grading codes. Although infrequent, failures can also occur on newer,
graded slopes, generally due to poor engineering or poor construction.
The potential for slope failure is dependent on many. Some of the most
important factors include slope height, slope steepness, and the strength of
weaker layers of soil underlying the slope. Heavy and prolonged rainfall,
erosion, undercutting by streams, manmade alterations to the slope, and
seismic shaking all contribute to conditions in which slope failures are likely
to occur.
Page 6-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Potential as well as past landslides pose risks to the Palm Springs area (see
Figure 6-2, Landslide Susceptibility). Landslides are downward movements of
mixes of bedrock blocks, fragments, debris, and soils. Large landslide deposits
are present in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, but only one
landslide deposit has been identified in the Palm Springs area. This deposit is
located in the San Jacinto Mountains overlooking Blaisdell Canyon. Failed
slopes in northwestern area of Palm Springs resulting from the 1986 North
Palm Springs earthquake also pose risks for potential landslides and other
associated hazards, such as compressible soils. In addition, the foothills and
mountains adjacent to Palm Springs have steep slopes along which landslides
and other slope failures can occur during or after periods of intense rainfall or
in response to strong seismic shaking. Areas of high topographic relief, such
as steep canyon walls, are most likely to be impacted by rockfalls, rockslides,
soil slips, and to a lesser degree, large landslides. Likewise, locations in the
Garnet Hill and Whitewater Hill areas contain unstable soil types along
which slope failures could occur.
During exceptional storm periods or prolonged rainfall, the risk of debris
flows increases. Debris flows are the most dangerous and destructive type of
slope failure, generally consisting of a rapidly moving slurry of water, mud-
rock, vegetation, and debris. This type of slope failure usually occurs during
an intense rainfall event, following saturation of the soil by previous rains.
Rockfalls are free-falling or tumbling masses of bedrock that have broken off
steep canyon walls or cliffs. Rockfalls can happen wherever fractured rock
slopes have become steep from stream erosion or human activities. This
hazard is present in the hills that frame the southern part of the Coachella
Valley, along the southwestern portions of Palm Springs. Rockfalls can occur
suddenly and without warning, but are more likely to occur in response to
earthquake-induced ground shaking, during periods of intense rainfall, or as a
result of human activities such as grading and blasting.
Ground Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface
with little or no horizontal movement. In the areas of southern California
where ground subsidence has been reported, this phenomenon is usually
associated with the extraction of oil, gas, or groundwater from below the
ground surface, or the organic decomposition of peat deposits. Ground
subsidence can also occur as a response to natural forces such as earthquake
movements.
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Ground-surface effects related to ground subsidence can include earth
fissures, sinkholes, depressions, and disruption of surface drainage. Permanent
(irreversible) subsidence can occur if groundwater is removed from clay and
silt layers in an underlying aquifer. With expected increases in population,
overdraft of the aquifers underlying the Coachella Valley will be one of the
most serious challenges ahead for maintaining the region’s environmental
quality.
Erosion and Sedimentation
Erosion, the removal of earth materials by moving water, wind, or ice, is a
significant geologic hazard in the Palm Springs area because of topographic
and weather conditions. Erosion, runoff, and sedimentation are influenced by
several factors, including climate, topography, soil and rock types, and
vegetation. Natural erosion processes are often accelerated through human
activities—whether they are agricultural or land-development related.
Grading increases the potential for erosion and sedimentation by removing
protective vegetation, altering natural drainage patterns, compacting the soil,
and constructing cut-and-fill slopes, which may be more susceptible to
erosion than the natural condition.
Because of the topographic relief in and around Palm Springs, erosion and
sedimentation are significant elements of the natural setting. Land
development can affect these elements by altering natural processes, topo-
graphy, and protective vegetation, in addition to reducing ground in which
water may drain. This, in turn, can lead to damage from increased flooding,
erosion, and sedimentation in other areas, typically downstream. Erosion and
sedimentation are also important factors to consider with respect to develop-
ments adjacent to slopes and drainage channels, not only during the design of
a project, but also during construction and long-term maintenance of the
developed site. Development can minimize the impacts of sedimentation by
reducing the amount of permeable surfaces provided within a project that can
lead to increased flooding and sedimentation downstream of the project.
Windblown Sand
Strong winds are endemic to the Palm Springs area, due to the tunneling
effect of air through the narrow San Gorgonio Pass. Wind can damage land
and vegetation, and in this region, where surface sediments are predomi-
nantly dry and granular, windblown sand and dust can impact surface
improvements, air quality (creating health hazards), and visibility.
Wind erosion commonly occurs in flat, bare areas, dry, sandy soils, or
anywhere the soil is loose, dry, and finely granulated. Figure 6-3, Geologic
Map, details areas of Palm Springs in which surficial sediments are easily
Sedimentation: The depositing of
sand and other earth materials
carried by erosion processes.
Page 6-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Windblown sand hazard along Indian Canyon Drive.
(Source: The Desert Sun)
transported by wind. Wind erosion damages land and natural vegetation by
removing soil from one place and depositing it in another. Since high winds
blow down the axis of the Coachella Valley, recreational and resort
communities that first developed in the upper Coachella
Valley were generally located in areas sheltered from these
winds, tucked in coves at the base of the mountains.
However, as the area has grown, development has had to
move into the central axis of the valley and into the high-
wind areas. As seen in Figure 6-4, Wind Hazard Zones, most of
the urban development in the City of Palm Springs lies within
an area of high susceptibility to wind erosion. Recreational
land uses, especially use of off-road vehicles, can also
accelerate erosion in the area.
Wind and windblown sand pose an environmental hazard
throughout the Coachella Valley. Buildings, fences, roads,
crops, automobiles, trees, and shrubs can all be damaged by
abrasive blowing soil. In some areas, windblown sand has
actually forced the abandonment of dwellings and subdivided
tracts in the central Coachella Valley. In Palm Springs, windblown sand has
repeatedly caused the closure of several roads, costing the City thousands of
dollars in cleanup. The roads with the most frequent closures include Indian
Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail, and Vista Chino.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA2222::::
Reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the physical and environmental
effects of geologic hazards within the City.
Policies
SA2.1 Minimize grading and otherwise changing the natural topography
to protect public safety and reduce the potential for property
damage as a result of geologic hazards.
SA2.2 Require geologic and geotechnical investigations in areas of
potential geologic hazards as part of the environmental and/or
development review process for all structures.
SA2.3 Limit the development of permanent slopes to the inclinations
permitted by building codes.
SA2.4 Analyze the stability of large temporary slopes prior to
construction, and provide mitigation measures as needed.
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SA2.5 In the areas of Palm Springs susceptible to slope instability,
require geotechnical investigations that include engineering
analyses of slope stability, surface and subsurface drainage
specifications, and detailed recommendations for fill placement
and excavation.
SA2.6 Prohibit the reconstruction of structures meant for human
habitation that are damaged or destroyed by failed slopes unless
the applicant can prove that the remedial measures proposed will
improve slope conditions and make the site suitable for
redevelopment.
SA2.7 Conduct a focused assessment of the effect of debris flow hazards
on individual structures located or planned in vulnerable
positions, including canyon areas, the toes of steep, natural slopes,
and the mouths of drainage channels.
SA2.8 Require that new construction and significant alterations to
structures located within potential landslide areas (see Figure 6-3)
be evaluated for site stability, including the potential impact to
other properties, during project design and review.
SA2.9 In areas susceptible to rockfalls or landslides, erect protective
devices such as barriers, rock fences, retaining structures, or
catchment areas.
SA2.10 Participate in regional programs designed to protect groundwater
resources and the regional groundwater basin from the hazard of
regional ground subsidence.
SA2.11 Protect slopes from the effects of erosion by directing surface
water away from slope faces and planting slopes with drought-
resistant, ground-covering vegetation.
SA2.12 Adequately set back developments that are adjacent to natural
drainage channels to protect them from eroding channel banks, or
modify the channel to reduce the potential impacts created by
erosion.
SA2.13 Prohibit the construction of hilltop homes or structures above
natural slopes at the head of steep drainage channels or gullies.
SA2.14 Ensure the protection of structures placed near the bases of slopes
or the mouths of small canyons, swales, washes, and gullies from
sedimentation.
SA2.15 Protect slopes within developed areas from concentrated water
flow over the tops of the slopes by the use of berms or walls.
Page 6-16 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Engineer all ridge-top building pads to direct drainage away
from slopes.
SA2.16 Provide protection for roadways and utility lines from erosion and
sedimentation.
SA2.17 Encourage the incorporation of wind barriers, architectural design
or features, and drought-resistant ground coverage in new
development site designs to mitigate the impacts from erosion
and windblown sand.
Actions
SA2.1 Establish and maintain maps illustrating the location of geologic
hazard zones occurring within the City boundaries and sphere of
influence in coordination with the California Division of Mines
and Geology and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
SA2.2 Initiate a public education program that focuses on reducing
losses from geologic hazards, including the importance of proper
irrigation practices and the care and maintenance of slopes and
drainage devices.
SA2.3 The City Engineer shall conduct regular inspection of grading
operations to maximize site safety and compatibility with
community character.
SA2.4 Develop and implement a groundwater monitoring program to
combat ground subsidence as a result of groundwater withdrawal.
SA2.5 Establish ordinances and guidelines to reduce the hazards from
windblown sand and dust.
See the Air Quality Element for
more information on windblown
sand and dust.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-23
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FLOOD AND DAM INUNDATION HAZARDS
Flooding
Because of the desert climate, the City of Palm Springs, like most of southern
California, is subject to unpredictable seasonal rainfall. Most years the scant
winter rains are barely sufficient to turn the hills green for a few weeks, but
every few years the region is subjected to periods of intense and sustained
precipitation that results in flooding. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) cites that flooding is one of the most destructive natural
hazards in the world, responsible for more deaths per year than any other
geologic hazard. Therefore, the potential for flooding is a safety concern that
Palm Springs continues to address.
Portions of the City of Palm Springs are susceptible to storm-induced flooding
of the San Gorgonio River, Whitewater River, and other drainages that
extend across the City. Palm Springs is susceptible to flash flooding, since the
local mountains are very steep and consist of rock types that are fairly
impervious to water, meaning that little precipitation is absorbed into the
ground. Instead, rainwater flows across the surface as runoff, collecting in the
major drainages that pass through the City. Because of the steep terrain,
scarcity of vegetation, and frequency of rockfalls and minor landslides, water
from major storms can collect rapidly and run off quickly, overcoming
manmade and natural channels, resulting in flash flooding.
Flooding is also expected to occur on the alluvial fans that the developed part
of the City occupies, primarily from sheet flow. Flood-control structures built
and maintained by the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conser-
vation District (RCFCWCD) have helped reduce flood damage in the City
since they were installed. Outside of the developed area of the City, most
drainage channels are still in their natural state. Due to the construction of
flood-control structures, sheet flow in most of these areas is estimated to be
infrequent in occurrence and less than one foot deep.
FEMA has identified the 100- and 500-year flood zones, which are shown in
Figure 6-5, Flood Hazards. These include the Whitewater and San Gorgonio
River floodplains and along Snow Creek, Blaisdell Creek, Chino Creek, Palm
Canyon Wash, and Tahquitz Creek. Most of the flood-prone areas are outside
of the highly developed portion of the City. The mountains surrounding the
developed portions of Palm Springs have the potential to contribute
substantial debris to flood flows, endangering lives and property, as well as
increasing flood problems by filling or plugging structures meant to convey
water through the City.
Flash Flooding: Occurs during
periods of heavy precipitation when
rapidly moving high volumes of
water flow downward from the
mountains into the valley, often
carrying mud, sand, and rock
fragments.
Sheet Flow: Occurs when the
capacities of flood channels,
either natural or manmade, are
exceeded and water flows over
and into adjacent areas.
100-Year Floodplain: Land that
is subject to flooding by a 100-year
flood or the flood elevation that has
a 1 percent chance of being
equaled or exceeded each year.
Structures located in a 100-year
flood plain have a 26 percent
chance of being flooded over the
course of a 30-year mortgage, and
only a 4 percent chance of being
impacted by fire during the same
time frame.
500-Year Floodplain: Land that
has the potential to be flooded in
a storm that has a 0.2 percent
chance of occurring each year.
Page 6-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Figure 6-5 identifies areas within the City that have the potential to be
impacted in the event of a 100- or 500-year flood. FEMA’s Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs) provide more detailed flood hazard map information.
FIRMS are available for reference from FEMA.
The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally subsidized flood
insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain
management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. Owners of all
structures within the FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year
flood) are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance as a condition of
receiving a federally related mortgage or home equity loan on that structure.
National Flood Insurance is available in the City of Palm Springs; home-
owners within the 500-year flood zones, and even outside these zones, should
be encouraged to buy flood insurance. Section 93.17.00 of the City Municipal
Code contains additional regulations designed to reduce the impacts of flood
hazards. The City has also adopted and is implementing a master drainage
plan that has been prepared and adopted in conjunction with
RCFCWCD.
Major flood control structures in the Palm Springs area
include the Whitewater River Levee, the Chino Canyon Levee
and Channel, and the Palm Canyon Wash Levee. The levee
between Palm Canyon Wash and Indian Drive, maintained by
the RCFCWCD, protects the portion of the City south of the
Whitewater River from flooding. The Chino Canyon Levee
and Channel protect the northern part of the highly
developed Palm Springs area from 100- and 500-year flooding
from Chino Creek and the Whitewater River. The Palm
Canyon Wash levee directs flows from Palm Canyon and
Arenas Canyon northeastward to the Tahquitz Creek, then
eastward to the Whitewater River. It provides 100-year storm
protection on the north side of the channel down to Tahquitz
Creek and on the south side of Tahquitz Creek channel to the
Whitewater River.
Dam Inundation
Flooding resulting from dam failure is a potential hazard for the City. The
Tachevah Creek Detention Reservoir and the Tahquitz Creek Debris Basin are
two flood-control structures in the Palm Springs area required by the
California State Water Code to be monitored for structural safety and that
have the potential to pose a flooding risk to the City. General limits of flood
hazard due to dam failure are shown on Figure 6-5, Flood Hazards.
The Tachevah Creek Detention Reservoir, about 1,200 feet downstream from
the mouth of Tachevah Canyon, is formed by a 42-foot-high embankment
Flood damage to Indian Avenue by the 1965
Whitewater River floodwaters caused the road to be
closed for 30 days, adding to the isolation of Palm
Springs. (Source: RCFCWCD)
Historic Flooding in
Palm Springs
Major flooding occurred in Palm
Springs in 1938, when the
Whitewater River flooded the
Coachella Valley. Overflow from
the Tachevah Creek caused major
flooding in Downtown
Palm Springs and people in the
City were isolated for nearly a
week. Similarly, in the winter of
1965, the Cottonwood Creek
overflowed Interstate 10 east of
Highway 111, blocking traffic and
isolating the City of Palm Springs.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-25
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Flood damage to Highway 111 from 1965 storms.
(Source: RCFCWCD)
constructed of compacted earth fill, and has a capacity of approximately 650
million gallons. This dam was built in 1964 and protects the
highly urbanized central part of the City from floods and
debris flows. Figure 6-5 shows the inundation path that
would most likely occur in the event of dam failure at this
facility.
The Tahquitz Creek Debris Basin, which is a considerably
smaller structure, was designed and constructed to reduce the
risk of flooding that the Tahquitz Creek has historically posed
to Palm Springs. Completed in May 1991 by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, the basin consists of a natural channel
and dam with a debris storage capacity of about 33 million
gallons and a two-mile reach of grass-lined channel used as a
golf course and bicycle and equestrian trails. An inundation
pathway for this dam is not available, possibly because it
holds water only rarely during periods of intense and
continuous rainfall. Therefore, its inundation threat is
considered very low.
Inundation from AbovegRound
Storage Tanks
Inundation from aboveground storage tanks is another safety considera-
tion for the City of Palm Springs. Flooding can occur if strong ground
shaking causes structural damage to aboveground water tanks. Sloshing
water can lift a water tank off its foundation or break the pipes leading to
the tank, releasing water to surrounding areas. All water tanks in the City
of Palm Springs are owned and operated by the Desert Water Agency and
meet or exceed the design standards and safety requirements applicable at
the time the tanks were constructed.
Seiche Potential
A seiche is an earthquake-generated wave occurring in an enclosed body
of water, such as a lake, reservoir, or harbor. Ground shaking caused by
earthquakes can cause oscillations, or sloshing, in enclosed bodies of water,
forming a wave that may spill over and flood adjacent land uses. In the Palm
Springs area, seiching is not anticipated to pose a significant risk to facilities
such as recharge basins and manmade lakes due to their shallow nature and
the quick absorption of water into the sandy underlying surfaces. The City of
Palm Springs does not have open reservoirs. However, sloshing within steel
water storage tanks can cause damage or failure of the structure. Seiching in
swimming pools can also occur, and since pools are generally relatively deep,
Flooding along Indian Canyon Drive,
January 11, 2005.
Page 6-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
it is not unusual for pool owners to report a loss of one or more feet of water
due to sloshing during an earthquake.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA3:3:3:3:
Reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the risk to life, property, and
essential facilities from flooding and other hydrological hazards within
the City.
Policies
SA3.1 Provide appropriate land use regulations and site-development
standards for areas subject to flooding.
SA3.2 Evaluate all development proposals located in areas that are
subject to flooding to minimize the exposure of life and property
to potential flood risks.
SA3.3 Require that future planning for new development consider the
impact on flooding potential as well as the impact of flood control
structures on the environment, both locally and regionally.
SA3.4 Continue to work with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation
District, the Coachella Valley Water District, and the United
States Army Corps of Engineers to receive and implement
updated flood-control measures and information.
SA3.5 The City shall provide drainage controls and improvements that
enhance local conditions and are consistent with and complement
the Regional Master Drainage Plan and ensure that updated and
effective Master Drainage Plans are implemented in a timely
fashion.
SA3.6 The City shall establish Area Drainage Plans for purposes of
funding needed drainage improvements benefiting defined
tributary areas of the community.
SA3.7 Provide direction and guidelines for the development of on-site
stormwater retention facilities consistent with local and regional
drainage plans and community design standards.
SA3.8 Implement the regulations of the City of Palm Springs Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance (Sections 93.17.00 et seq.) to
minimize public and private losses for properties within 100-year
flood zone areas.
Master Drainage Plan: Addresses
the current and future drainage
needs of a given community. The
plan includes an inventory of
existing and proposed drainage
facilities, and an estimate of facility
capacities, sizes, and costs. The
plan provides a guide for the
orderly development of the plan
area, provides an estimate of costs
to resolve flooding issues, and can
be used to establish Area Drainage
Plan fees.
Area Drainage Plan: A financing
mechanism used to offset taxpayer
costs for proposed drainage
facilities by which fees are imposed
on new development within the
plan area.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-27
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The Tahquitz River is an example of a watercourse
along which there are recreational opportunities for
the City.
SA3.9 Continue to utilize the Emergency Announcement System to
implement flood warnings and evacuation plans for those portions
of the 100- and 500-year flood zones that have already been
inhabited or developed and for critical facilities such as schools.
SA3.10 Ensure emergency evacuation routes are constructed to
appropriate all-weather standards.
SA3.11 Design underground storm drains serving local neighborhoods to
accommodate runoff from a 10-year frequency storm for con-
veyance to a downstream outlet and locate them in existing or
proposed street rights-of-way where possible. Flows exceeding the
10-year frequency storm will be carried within public rights-of-
way.
SA3.12 Design flood-control facilities so that biological impacts are
minimized and locally significant habitat is either avoided or
replaced.
SA3.13 Discourage the introduction of flood-control measures in the
undeveloped areas of Palm Springs at the expense of
environmental degradation.
SA3.14 Continue to leave existing watercourses and
streams natural wherever possible by developing
them as parks, nature trails, golf courses, or other
types of recreation areas that could withstand
inundation and provide for their enhancement as
wildlife habitat.
SA3.15 In conjunction with the Coachella Valley Water
District and the Riverside County Flood Control
District, assure that design opportunities for
enhanced open space and recreation amenities,
including habitat enhancement, hiking, and eques-
trian trails, are fully explored and incorporated
when designing and constructing channels, debris
and detention basins, and other major drainage
facilities, to the greatest extent practical.
SA3.16 Require the extensive landscaping of open-space areas in new
development, provide the maximum permeable surface area to
reduce site runoff, and prohibit unnecessary paving.
SA3.17 Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Page 6-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Actions
SA3.1 With assistance from the Coachella Valley Water District and the
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District,
develop and continually update a Regional Master Drainage Plan
for the City, providing these entities with land use and other
relevant data and information.
SA3.2 Establish and/or update local regulations and guidelines to direct
the management of runoff and provide for local drainage facilities
that tie into and maximize the effective use of regional drainage
facilities.
SA3.3 Adopt or update local drainage policies and development standards
that reduce the rate of runoff from developed lands that are
consistent with capacities of public facilities and local and regional
management plans, while providing opportunities for open space
enhancement and multi-use.
SA3.5 Inspect bridges before and after a flood event to determine
whether or not there is scouring damage that could impact their
foundations.
SA3.6 Investigate the feasibility for additional all-weather crossings of
the major drainage channels: e.g., Indian Canyon Drive, Gene
Autry Trail, and Vista Chino across the Whitewater River.
SA3.7 With assistance from the Coachella Valley Water District, file the
appropriate FEMA application materials and secure amendments
to Flood Insurance Rate Maps as improvements are made to
flood-control facilities or as changes in property elevations occur
that warrant such considerations.
SA3.8 Develop a public outreach program to inform property owners
about the potential for flooding in their area, including potential
flooding of access routes to and from their neighborhoods.
Scouring is the removal of
streambed material caused by
water-flow erosion processes
from around the bridge structure,
causing structural damage or
collapse.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-31
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The Blaisdell Canyon Fire came
close to the Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway on August 28, 2005.
(Source: Jay Calderon, The Desert Sun)
URBAN AND WILDLAND FIRE HAZARDS
Wildfires
Wildfires are a significant hazard in the West, where they occur naturally and
have always been part of the natural environment. Large areas of southern
California are particularly susceptible to wildfire due to the region’s weather,
topography, and native vegetation. The typically mild winters, characteristic
of the region’s Mediterranean climate, result in an annual growth of grasses
and plants that dry out during the hot summer months. This dry vegetation
provides fuel for wildfires in the autumn, when the area is intermittently
impacted by Santa Ana winds—the hot, dry winds that blow across the
region in the late fall. Although dangerous, wildland fire is a natural process
and a necessary part of the natural ecosystem of southern California.
Relatively few wildland fires have occurred in the urbanized areas of Palm
Springs within the past ten years. However, between 1980 and 1994, three
very large wildfires occurred in the San Jacinto Mountains and foothills along
the western border of Palm Springs and its sphere of influence—the Dry
Falls fire of 1980, the Tram Fire of 1985, and the Palm Fire of 1994. The
Blaisdell Canyon Fire of 2005 burned more than 5,000 acres in the
mountains above Palm Springs proper, threatening the Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway area. Fortunately, these fires were mostly limited to undeveloped
areas of rugged terrain.
As seen in Figure 6-6, Direct Fire Protection Areas, only one relatively small
area in the northwest corner of the City of Palm Springs and its Sphere of
Influence is designated as a State Responsibility Area (SRA). The California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) has primary responsibility
for fire protection in this area. Fire suppression in the remaining wildland
areas in and near Palm Springs is the responsibility of the USDA Forest
Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management. The direct protection
area assignments shown in Figure 6-6 all affect firefighting resources in the
City and should be a consideration in all fire hazard mitigation. Within the
Palm Springs city limits, the western and southwestern portions of the City,
specifically the neighborhoods located along the foothills and canyon mouths,
are generally the most susceptible to wildland fire. Also susceptible to
wildland fire are those areas with more vegetation, such as in the lower
canyon reaches draining the San Jacinto Mountains, including Tachevah
Canyon, Tahquitz Creek, Andreas Canyon, and Palm Canyon, where water
may be more plentiful.
State Responsibility Areas
(SRAs): Areas identified as
having a fire hazard and that are
nonfederal lands covered in timber,
brush, undergrowth, or grass for
which the state has the primary
financial responsibility of
preventing and suppressing fires.
Page 6-32 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Urban Fires
In the developed areas of the City, the landscape vegetation is carefully
maintained and watered regularly, conditions that limit the possibility for
vegetation fires to ignite and spread. However, three wildland fires have
occurred close to the urbanized areas of Palm Springs—the Tram Fire of
2001, the Tram Fire of 1998, and the Tramway Fire of 1996. Thus, there is
still the potential for wildfires to affect the urbanized portions of Palm
Springs, which can be minimized through the application of fuel-modification
zones and other fire-mitigation techniques.
Still, the occurrence of a burn in one location lessens the likelihood of another
burn in the same location in the future, since fuel for the fire was consumed
and takes some time to return. Therefore, those areas that have not burned in
four or more decades have a higher potential of burning again in the future.
In order to quantify the structural fire risk in a community, it is necessary for
the local Fire Department to evaluate all occupancies based upon their type,
size, construction type, built-in protection (such as internal fire sprinkler
systems), and risk (high occupancy versus low occupancy) to assess whether or
not they are capable of controlling a fire in the occupancy types identified. In
newer residential areas where construction includes fire-resistant materials
and interior fire sprinklers, most structural fires can be confined to the
building or property of origin. In older residential areas where the building
materials may not be fire-rated and the structures not fitted with fire
sprinklers, there is a higher probability of a structural fire impacting adjacent
structures, unless there is ample distance between structures, no strong
winds, and the Fire Department is able to respond in a timely manner. The
area’s infrastructure also must be considered, including adequacy of nearby
water supplies, transport routes, access for fire equipment, addresses and
street signs, and maintenance.
Earthquake-Induced Fires
Although wildland fires can be devastating, earthquake-induced fires have
the potential to generate the worst-case fire-suppression scenarios for a
community because an earthquake typically causes multiple ignitions over a
broad geographic area. If fire fighters are involved in search and rescue
operations they are less available to fight fires, and the water distribution
system could be impaired, limiting fire-suppression efforts even further. If
earthquake-induced fires occur during Santa Ana wind conditions, the results
can be far worse.
There are some areas in Palm Springs where breaks in gas mains and the
water distribution system caused by an earthquake could lead to a significant
fire danger. A moderate to strong earthquake on any of the faults that affect
Earthquake-Induced Fires in
Palm Springs: Two earthquake-
induced fires in Palm Springs were
caused by the 1992 Landers/Big
Bear Earthquake.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-33
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the City could trigger multiple fires, disrupt lifelines services (such as the water
supply), and trigger other geologic hazards, such as landslides or rockfalls,
which could block roads and hinder disaster response. Therefore, the capacity
of water systems to provide sufficient water to fight fires is a significant issue.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA4:4:4:4:
Protect the lives and property of residents, business owners, and
visitors from the hazards of urban and wildland fires.
Policies
SA4.1 Assess the need for greenbelts, fuel breaks, fuel reduction, and
buffer zones around existing and newly proposed communities
to minimize potential losses created by fires.
SA4.2 Support brush removal and weed abatement in developed areas to
minimize fire risk, and coordinate with the Riverside County Fire
Department Hazard Reduction Office regarding jurisdictional
issues relating to brush removal.
SA4.3 Continue to classify areas of varying fire-hazard severity based
upon the proximity to open wildland slope, grades, accessibility,
water supply, and building construction features.
SA4.4 Require property owners adjacent to wildland areas to maintain a
defensible space around structures that is free from dry brush and
other flammable materials and to comply with the 100′
Defensible Space Requirement in the Public Resources Code (PRC
4291) and Government Code (GC 51182) for fuel modification to
reduce fire danger.
SA4.5 Continue to conduct long-range fire safety planning, including
enforcement of stringent building, fire, subdivision, and other
Municipal Code standards; improved infrastructure; and mutual-
aid agreements with other public agencies and the private sector.
SA4.6 Continue to refine procedures and processes to minimize the risk
of fire hazards by requiring new and existing development to:
� Utilize fire-resistant building materials;
� Incorporate fire sprinklers as appropriate;
� Incorporate defensible-space requirements;
� Comply with Riverside County Fuel Modification
Guidelines;
� Provide Fire Protection Plans;
Page 6-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
� Develop fuel modification in naturalized canyons and hills
to protect life and property from wildland fires, yet leave as
much of the surrounding natural vegetation as possible;
and
� Use selective trimming and obtain permits when
necessary in designated areas to preserve environmentally
sensitive native plants.
SA4.7 Encourage owners of nonsprinklered properties, especially midrise
structures and high-occupancy structures, to retrofit their buildings
and include internal fire sprinklers.
SA4.8 Ensure that public and private water distribution and supply
facilities have adequate capacity and reliability to supply both
everyday and emergency firefighting needs.
SA4.9 Utilize reservoirs, tanks, and wells for emergency fire suppression
water sources.
SA4.10 Ensure that fuel modification and controlled fire burns are
consistent with any adopted habitat-conservation plans.
SA4.11 Ensure adequate firefighting resources are available to meet the
demands of new development, including the construction of
midrise structures, by ensuring that:
� Response times do not exceed desired levels of service;
� Fire-flow engine requirements are consistent with
Insurance Service Office (ISO) recommendations; and,
� The heights of truck ladders and other equipment are
sufficient to protect multiple types of structures.
SA4.12 As areas of the City and its sphere of influence are developed,
construction of new fire stations should be considered so that the
Fire Department can continue to respond to any emergency call
within six minutes of receiving the call at dispatch.
SA4.13 Continue public education efforts to inform residents, business
owners, and visitors of fire hazards and measures to minimize the
damage caused by fires to life and property.
Actions
SA4.1 Evaluate the adequacy of access routes to and from fire hazard
areas relative to the degree of development or use (e.g., road
width, road type, length of dead-end roads, etc.).
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-35
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SA4.2 Develop education and mitigation strategies that focus on the
enhanced or higher hazard present in the summer and fall, when
dry vegetation and hot, windy weather coexist.
SA4.3 Regularly evaluate specific fire-hazard areas and adopt reasonable
safety standards, covering such elements as adequacy of nearby
water supplies, routes or throughways for fire equipment, clarity
of addresses and street signs, and maintenance.
SA4.4 Form a task force to review the adequacy of the City’s water-
storage capacity and distribution network in the event of an
earthquake. Redundant systems should be considered and
implemented in those areas of the City where ground failure could
result in breaks to both the water and gas mains, with the
potential for significant conflagrations.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-39
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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE
Palm Springs has many businesses that manufacture, transport, store, use,
and dispose of hazardous materials. The City, therefore, has the potential to
be affected by a major hazardous material emergency or affected in general by
hazardous materials and waste.
In the City of Palm Springs there are several identified hazardous or toxic
materials sites associated with commercial, industrial, quasi-industrial, and
medical operations and processes (see Figure 6-7, Hazardous Materials), which
have the potential for accidental spills, purposeful illegal dumping, air
emissions, and other uncontrolled discharges into the environment. Only one
transporter of hazardous waste is listed by the EPA in the Palm Springs area.
Most of the hazardous materials generators within the City are located within
five miles of the Garnet Hill and Banning faults, which have a relatively high
probability of generating an earthquake in the next 30 years. Fourteen of the
hazardous materials facilities have been identified as being located between
the 100- and 500-year floodplain for the Whitewater River. Therefore, all of
the hazardous materials sites within the City could be subject to moderate to
severe seismic shaking or flooding.
Transport of Hazardous Materials
State Highway 111, I-10, and the Southern Pacific Railroad corridor are all
used to transport hazardous materials through the City. It is these areas that
have the highest likelihood of potential spills or leaks. The California High-
way Patrol is in charge of spills that occur in or along freeways, with Caltrans
and local sheriffs and fire departments responsible for providing additional
enforcement and routing assistance. Additionally, natural gas transmission
pipelines extend across the City and sphere of influence north of I-10.
Rupture of any portion of this pipeline would adversely impact the area.
Surface and Subsurface Groundwater Contamination
Other potential hazards to the City of Palm Springs include groundwater
and drinking-water pollution, leaking underground fuel tanks, household
hazardous waste, and old landfill sites.
The City of Palm Springs is a co-permittee and the local enforcing agency for
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The NPDES
requires the development, adoption, and implementation of plans and
programs for stormwater management which prohibits nonstormwater runoff
into storm drains and seeks to reduce and eliminate the discharge of pollutants
to local groundwater and nearby bodies of water.
Page 6-40 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The Desert Water Agency (DWA) provides drinking water to the City
of Palm Springs. According to the EPA Safe Drinking Water Violation
Report, the DWA has not had a health violation since 1993, the earliest date
for which records are available.
In accordance with the California Integrated Solid Waste Management Act
of 1989, the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health,
Hazardous Materials Management Division (DEH-HMMD) adopted a
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, called ABOP (antifreeze,
batteries, oil, and paint) to promote the recovery and recycling of hazardous
materials and prevent groundwater contamination. The City of Palm Springs
participates in the program and has an HHW drop-off facility located at the
Palm Springs Fire Department Training Center, 3000 East Alejo Road.
There are no active landfills in the Palm Springs area. Solid waste generated
in Palm Springs is collected by the Palm Springs Disposal Service and
deposited in the Riverside County–operated Edom Hill Sanitary Landfill,
located to the northeast of Cathedral City. The former municipal landfill site
located at Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail has been cleaned up under the
supervision of state and local authorities and reclaimed as a commercial
development.
Hazardous Materials Management Plan
In response to the need for safe management of hazardous materials and
waste products, Riverside County, along with Palm Springs and other cities
within the county, have jointly developed the Riverside County Hazardous
Waste Management Plan (HWMP) to address the disposal, handling,
processing, storage, and treatment of local hazardous materials and waste
products. The Riverside County HWMP assures that adequate treatment and
disposal capacity will be available to manage the hazardous wastes generated
within each jurisdiction.
The Riverside County DEH-HMMD is responsible for coordinating
hazardous material planning and response efforts with city departments, as
well as local and state agencies. The goal is to improve public and private
sector readiness, and to mitigate local impacts resulting from natural or
manmade emergencies. The Hazardous Materials Division of the Riverside
County Fire Department deals with the hazardous materials coordination and
inspection in the City.
Residents of Palm Springs can safely
dispose of hazardous household
materials at the ABOP Collection
Center at the Palm Springs Fire
Department Training Facility,
3000 East Alejo Road.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-41
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GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA5:5:5:5:
Decrease the risk of exposure of life, property, and the environment to
hazardous and toxic materials and waste.
Policies
SA5.1 Promote the proper disposal, handling, transport, delivery, treat-
ment, recovery, recycling, and storage of hazardous materials in
accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
SA5.2 Encourage businesses to utilize practices and technologies that
will reduce the generation of hazardous wastes at the source.
SA5.3 Confer with the appropriate responsible agencies to determine the
need for, and the appropriateness of, developing a permitting
process for the establishment of facilities which manufacture,
store, use, or dispose of hazardous and toxic materials within the
community or adjacent areas.
SA5.4 Establish and implement procedures in coordination with
appropriate state and federal agencies for the cleanup of existing
and future hazardous and toxic waste sites.
SA5.5 Follow the response procedures outlined within the Riverside
County Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Area Plan in the
event of a hazardous materials emergency.
SA5.6 Establish transportation management and contingency emergency
procedures and training programs for police, fire, medical, and
other organizations that would be involved in an airborne release
or ground spill of hazardous and toxic materials or waste.
SA5.7 Ensure Fire Department staff has properly trained personnel and
appropriate equipment to handle hazardous materials spills.
SA5.8 Cooperate with the state and gasoline station owners and operators
in monitoring the conditions of subsurface gasoline tanks, tracking
leaks that may occur, and requiring the prompt removal of
hazardous tanks.
SA5.9 Regulate and limit the use of herbicides, pesticides, and other
hazardous chemicals associated with the maintenance of
landscaped areas in the City.
SA5.10 Employ effective emergency preparedness and emergency-
response strategies to minimize the impacts to health and safety
Page 6-42 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
that can result from hazardous materials emergencies such as spills
or contamination.
SA5.11 Prohibit the transport of hazardous waste materials through the
City except along Highway 111, Interstate 10, and the Southern
Pacific Railroad.
SA5.12 Continue to partner with the County of Riverside to provide
needed programs such as the Household Hazardous Waste ABOP
Program to provide disposal of household hazards at no cost to
Palm Springs residents and participating agencies.
SA5.13 Prohibit the location of facilities using, storing, or otherwise
involved with substantial quantities of on-site hazardous materials
in flood zones, unless all standards of elevation, anchoring, and
flood-proofing have been satisfied and hazardous materials are
stored in watertight containers that are not capable of floating.
Actions
SA5.1 Compile and maintain an inventory of all hazardous waste sites in
the City.
SA5.2 Prepare and/or disseminate information and instructive education
program materials for residents, including direction on the
identification and proper management and disposal of household
hazardous waste.
SA5.3 Identify the location and monitor the use of all underground fuel
storage tanks located within the City limits with the potential to
release hazardous or toxic materials into the environment.
SA5.4 Continually update maps of the City’s emergency facilities,
evacuation routes, and hazardous areas to reflect additions or
modifications.
Page 6-44 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-45
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AIRPORT SAFETY
Safety considerations for land uses located immediately adjacent to the Palm
Springs International Airport are especially important to the City. Figure 6-8,
Airport Compatibility Plan, shows “compatibility zones,” or areas where take-
off and landing patterns create the risk for aircraft-related hazards. The
Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (RCALUCP)
designates zones of airport influence within the City and offers policies and
criteria to ensure compatibility between airports and surrounding land uses.
The RCALUCP provides Basic Compatibility Criteria, which include such
considerations as the prohibition of tall structures, hazardous materials
storage, siting of high-occupancy buildings and facilities, and critical infra-
structure within compatibility zones, as well as limits on dwelling units per
acre and regulatory procedures for approval of land uses. The Palm Springs
International Airport Master Plan guides future development within the
airport itself and offers useful information for determining aircraft-related
risks and hazards.
In addition, considerations for development around airports include the
potential for noise nuisance, the intensity of development, and the height
of structures. Refer to Figure 6-8 for areas impacted by height-review overlay
zones and land use compatibility zones surrounding the Palm Springs
International Airport. Goals and policies related to potential noise impacts
created by the airport, as well as noise contours for the airport facility, can be
found in the Noise Element.
The Palm Springs Fire Department has provided Aircraft Rescue Fire
Fighting (ARFF) services to the Palm Springs International Airport for over
50 years. Services provided include emergency medical services, fire protec-
tion services, fire protection planning, fire prevention, hazardous materials
response, and public education.
Part of the Aircraft Rescue Fire
Fighting fleet, an ARFF 151.
(Source: City of Palm Springs Fire
Department)
Page 6-46 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA6:6:6:6:
Reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the risk to life and property
associated with air transportation.
Policies
SA6.1 Minimize risks associated with air transportation at Palm Springs
International Airport.
SA6.2 Develop zoning regulations, including an “airport protection
overlay zone” to safeguard land uses within airport influence
areas.
SA6.3 Encourage development of land uses in airport influence areas that
do not create incompatibility between the airport and surrounding
land uses or cause potential hazards to aviation or the public.
SA6.4 Review projects for their compliance with the policies of the
Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
SA6.5 Maintain an Airport Emergency Operations Plan as required by
FAA regulations.
SA6.6 Building heights within the airport clear zones shall conform to
runway approach surfaces and ASR critical areas.
Actions
SA6.1 Continually review the Palm Springs International Airport Master
Plan to ensure that operational and safety procedures and land use
compatibility are up to date and consistent with those provisions.
SA6.2 Implement applicable policies and programs identified in the
Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
SA6.3 Secure and maintain open space adjacent to the Palm Springs
International Airport for the safety of aviation and the public, as
well as for future expansion of the airport.
Airport Influence Area: Areas
affected by airport operations.
Noise, fumes, or hazards to aerial
navigation are examples of factors
that may define such an area.
Generally defined, the airport
influence area includes land within
two miles of the airport boundary
(California Public Utilities Code
Section 21675.1 (b)).
Clear Zone: Area off the end of
a runway used to enhance the
protection of people and property
on the ground.
Airport Surveillance Radar
(ASR): A radar system that allows
air traffic controllers to identify an
arriving or departing aircraft's
distance and direction from an
airport.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-49
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention
The Palm Springs Police Department offers response service, criminal investi-
gation, traffic enforcement, and preventive patrol for the City. Although
many private, gated communities have internal security for their residents,
the Police Department provides all law enforcement services within these
development projects.
The Police Department’s two divisions, Operations and Services, employ 88
sworn and 59 nonsworn personnel. Operations include patrol, jail, and airport
operations. Services include investigation, records, animal control, and
communications.
Although National Census Bureau figures indicate that the Palm Springs
population is approximately 42,000, the population increases significantly
to approximately 60,000 when part-time residents and tourists are included.
In 2004, the department responded to 75,395 calls for service, an increase of
approximately 35,000 calls since 1990.
The desired response times for priority one calls (emergencies) and priority
two calls (nonemergencies) are 5 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. The
Palm Springs Police Department has mutual-aid agreements with other local
law enforcement agencies in the event of a major incident that exceeds the
department’s resources.
There are currently six patrol beats (geographical patrol areas) serving the
City and its sphere of influence in the northern portion of Palm Springs.
As the City continues to grow it will be necessary to expand the existing beat
system and possibly add additional satellite field offices. Because of the
mountains to the south and west of the City, communications between patrol
units and officers using handheld radios can be poor at best. Additional relay
towers and communications equipment, particularly in the Palm Hills area
and in the City’s northern Snow Creek area, would improve communications
between patrol units and officers.
The Department’s Community Policing Program seeks to enhance
involvement with residents of Palm Springs to further promote public safety.
The Citizens on Patrol (COP) Program extensively trains volunteers in such
areas as traffic control, safe patrol techniques, CPR, and first aid. The
Department’s Community Policing Program also operates the Citizen’s Police
Academy and the volunteer-based horseback Mounted Enforcement Unit,
which consists of sworn police officers offering their time for high-visibility
Palm Springs Police Department
Mission Statement
The men and women of the Palm
Springs Police Department,
empowered by and in partnership
with the community, are dedicated
to providing professional, ethical,
and courteous service to all.
Members of the Palm Springs
Mounted Enforcement Unit.
(Source: City of Palm Springs Police
Department)
Page 6-50 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
public events. Each week, interested residents can listen in on KNWT 1270
AM for the Palm Springs Police “Radio Call” show.
Fire Protection and Emergency Services
The Palm Springs Fire Department, established in 1931, provides for fire,
paramedic, and emergency services within the corporate boundaries of the
City of Palm Springs and through mutual agreements in the City’s sphere of
influence. The Fire Department is authorized and directed to enforce the
provisions of the Fire Code throughout the City. Its responsibilities also
include plan reviews for new construction and additions, coordination with
the City for disaster preparedness programs, weed abatement, inspections,
and the Hazardous Materials Business Program.
The Palm Springs Fire Department, with a rating of ISO Class 3, protecting
96 square miles of the Palm Springs area, constantly monitors fire hazards in
the City and has ongoing programs for investigation and alleviation of
hazardous situations. Firefighting resources in the Palm Springs area include
five fire stations located throughout the City so that the response time to any
resident is under five minutes, the standard used by the Department for
maximum first-response time. All structures built beyond the five-minute
response area are required by the City’s Community Fire Protection Plan and
Municipal Code to install automatic fire sprinklers and other built-in fire
protection equipment, as deemed appropriate by the Fire Department.
In addition, the Palm Springs Fire Department strives to meet the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1710 requirements for response
time. NFPA 1710 requires that fire departments establish a six-minute
response time for the first-due engine company 90 percent of the time, which
includes one minute for dispatch, one minute for “turnout” in the station, and
four minutes for travel to the incident. NFPA 1710 also requires an eight-
minute response 90 percent of the time for a full-alarm assignment.
The locations of the fire stations in the City are shown on Figure 6-6, Direct
Fire Protection Areas. There are a total of 18 on-duty firefighting personnel
available during each 24-hour period. The Fire Department’s five stations
respond to approximately 6,400 calls per year. Their records indicate that the
number of responses has increased every year by approximately 5 to 7 percent.
ISO Rating System
The Insurance Services Office
(ISO) evaluates fire protection
needs and services in communities
across the country. Each
community evaluated is rated on a
point scale from 1 to 10, with a
Class 1 rating representing
excellent fire protection services.
The City of Palm Springs currently
has a Class 3 ISO rating.
A Palm Springs Firefighter responds
to a two alarm structure fire in
downtown Palm Springs on
September 28, 1998.
(Source: City of Palm Springs Fire
Department)
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-51
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Automatic-aid agreements:
Obligate the nearest fire company
to respond to a fire regardless of
the jurisdiction.
Mutual-aid agreements:
Obligate fire department resources
to respond outside of their district
upon request for assistance.
If needed, additional fire assistance can be provided by the following agencies
and municipalities with whom Palm Springs has automatic- and mutual-aid
agreements:
� Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) – mutual aid
� United States Forest Service (USFS) – mutual aid
� California Department of Forestry (CDF) – mutual aid
� Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – mutual aid
� Cathedral City – automatic aid
The USFS, RCFD, CDF, and BLM generally respond to fire emergencies
outside the City’s boundaries and in the sphere of influence. The Palm
Springs Fire Department is primarily a structure-oriented protective force—
these automatic- and mutual-aid agreements ensure that there will be an
appropriate response to both urban and wildland fires.
GOALGOALGOALGOAL SASASASA7:7:7:7:
Provide quality police and fire protection to residents, businesses, and
visitors of the City.
Policies
SA7.1 Maintain adequate resources to enable the Police Department to
meet response-time standards, keep pace with growth, and
provide high levels of service.
SA7.2 Maintain a well-trained, well-equipped police force to meet
changing needs and conditions by continually updating and
revising public safety techniques and providing for effective
evaluation and training of personnel.
SA7.3 Combat crime and increase public safety through community
education programs, including active involvement in the
Neighborhood Watch Program, and coordinate crime prevention
programs at local schools and other meeting locations.
SA7.4 Periodically evaluate population growth, development charac-
teristics, level of service, and incidence of crime within the City to
ensure that an adequate level of police service is maintained.
SA7.5 Maintain adequate resources to enable the Fire Department to
meet response-time standards, keep pace with growth, and provide
high levels of service.
A Palm Springs paramedic firefighter
and a member of the Palm Springs
Mounted Police return from a
successful canyon rescue.
(Source: City of Palm Springs Fire
Department)
Page 6-52 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
SA7.6 Provide safe firefighting facilities of adequate size and at the best
locations to meet NFPA 1710 standards for response time.
SA7.7 Maintain adequate fire training facilities, equipment, and programs
for firefighting and inspection personnel and educational
programs for the general public, including fire safety and
prevention and emergency medical information.
SA7.8 Maintain and/or upgrade water facilities to ensure adequate
response to fire hazards.
SA7.9 Require that all buildings subject to City jurisdiction adhere to fire
safety codes.
SA7.10 Continue uniform reporting of all fire emergency data, including
type and cause of fire alarm, response time, and damage/injury
data.
SA7.11 Promote public education regarding fire safety to address issues
such as storage of flammable material and other fire hazards.
Actions
SA7.1 Maintain a ratio of at least one sworn police officer per 1,000
residents in the City.
SA7.2 The City shall maintain ISO Class 3 status and strive to improve
its rating.
SA7.3 Maintain and update, as necessary, the Community Fire Protection
Master Plan. The plan shall include a fire station location plan
that provides for a response level of service of five minutes.
Require all structures located beyond that response time to build
in automatic fire suppression systems.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-53
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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
The Palm Springs area is subject to significant environmental and manmade
hazards that pose risks to life and property. Advance preparation for potential
disasters can prevent losses and improve the City’s ability to respond to
emergency situations created by catastrophic events. Due to the large number
of public, quasi-public, and private agencies involved in disaster preparedness
planning, cooperation and coordination between agencies is essential.
Depending on the type of incident, several different agencies and disciplines
may be called in to assist with emergency response. Agencies and disciplines
that can be expected to be part of an emergency response team include
medical, health, fire and rescue, police, public works, and coroner. The
challenge is to accomplish the work at hand in the most effective manner,
maintaining open lines of communication between the different responding
agencies to share and disseminate information, and to coordinate efforts.
Once a disaster has occurred, the capability of the City to respond to the
situation at hand affects how quickly it can recover from impacts.
The City of Palm Springs participates in the Standardized Emergency
Management System (SEMS), which is required by the California
Government Code and was developed to provide a “common language” for
emergency response personnel to request resources and equipment from other
agencies. In addition to resource allocation, SEMS was established to
minimize the duplication of efforts during emergency response by defining
common tactics and identifying a clear chain of command. The SEMS
program responds to incidents as they occur but does not provide long-term
recovery guidelines.
Following a major disaster, the resources of public safety agencies and
emergency responders can be depleted quickly. The City of Palm Springs, in
an effort to prepare residents for potential disasters, participates in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Emergency Response
Training (CERT) program, a series of classes that train residents to effectively
respond in dangerous situations if emergency services are delayed in
responding. In the CERT program, citizens learn to manage utilities and put
out small fires, perform CPR, control bleeding, provide basic medical aid and
treatment for shock, search for and rescue victims safely, organize themselves
and spontaneous volunteers to be effective, and collect disaster intelligence
to support first-responder efforts. Additional educational resources are
provided to the public via disaster-preparedness presentations, flyers, and
a telephone information-retrieval system.
CERT trainees practice fire control.
(Source: City of Palm Springs Fire
Department)
Page 6-54 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Lifelines and Essential Facilities
Lifelines are those services that are critical to the health, safety, and
functioning of the community, such as water, sewage, electrical power,
communication, transportation (highways, bridges, railroads, and airports),
natural gas, and liquid fuel systems. Lifelines are particularly essential for
emergency response and recovery after an earthquake or other disaster that
causes considerable citywide damage in a matter of minutes. Essential
facilities include public services that are critical to the health and welfare of
the City and that are especially important following hazard events. These
facilities include hospitals, police stations, fire stations, emergency operation
centers, communication centers, generators and substations, and reservoirs.
Essential facilities designed to remain functional during and immediately
after a disaster may provide limited services if the lifelines they depend on are
disrupted. The impact of the 1994 Northridge earthquake on lifeline systems
was widespread and illustrated the continued need to study earthquake
impacts, to upgrade substandard elements in the systems, to provide
redundancy in systems, to improve emergency-response plans, and to provide
adequate planning, budgeting, and financing for seismic safety.
Water supply facilities, such as dams, reservoirs, pumping stations, water
treatment plants, and distribution lines are especially critical after an earth-
quake, not only for drinking water, but to fight fires. Failure of reservoirs
during an earthquake is discussed further in this element under Flood and
Dam Inundation Hazards.
Access into and out of the City is also a consideration that is particularly
important for Palm Springs. There are currently only four main points of
access via roadway in the City, and in the event of a disaster, these routes
constitute lifelines that must remain operable.
Because lifelines deliver essential services to the community it is important to
consider the impacts to society from their disruption or failure in an
earthquake disaster. Loss of lifeline infrastructure and the time it takes to
restore it can have far-reaching, long-term effects on businesses, jobs,
environmental quality, health, and people displaced from their homes, as well
as many other consequences such as gas fires, hazardous material spills, and
sanitation overflows.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-55
SAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL SASASASA8:8:8:8:
Reduce the risk to life, property, and essential facilities through
emergency preparedness and public awareness.
Policies
SA8.1 Take measures to reduce the level of death, injury, property
damage, economic and social dislocation, and disruption of vital
services that would result in the event of a major disaster.
SA8.2 Ensure, to the fullest extent possible, that in the event of a major
disaster, essential structures and facilities remain safe and
functional.
SA8.3 Require that proposed essential, sensitive, and high-occupancy
facilities undergo careful seismic review prior to any approvals and
that earthquake survival and efficient postdisaster functioning be
a primary concern in the siting, design, and construction
standards for essential facilities.
SA8.4 Encourage the local gas and water purveyors to review and retrofit
their main distribution pipes, with priority given to those lines
that cross or are located near the mapped traces or of the Banning
and Garnet Hill faults, in order to maintain lifelines.
SA8.5 Prohibit the location of new essential, sensitive, and high-
occupancy facilities within 100 feet of an active or potentially
active fault, or require compensating design characteristics where
fault identification is not feasible.
SA8.6 Coordinate disaster preparedness and recovery with other govern-
mental agencies and continue to cooperate with Cathedral City,
Riverside County, the State of California, and the various federal
agencies to provide cooperative police and fire assistance in
emergency situations.
SA8.7 Maintain effective mutual- and automatic-aid agreements for fire,
police, medical response, public works, building inspection, mass
care, and heavy rescue.
SA8.8 Prepare the community to respond to emergencies by conducting
public outreach programs such as CERT.
SA8.9 Urge owners and managers of hotels and restaurants and other
places of public assembly to maintain CPR-certified employees on
their staffs.
Page 6-56 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
SA8.10 Enlist the cooperation of the business community to develop its
own disaster response plans and have provisions for food, water,
first aid, and shelter for employees who may not be able to return
home for several days following a major earthquake.
SA8.11 Formulate and maintain police, fire, evacuation, hospitalization,
and recovery programs in response to a natural gas leakage and/or
explosion, railroad accident, earthquake, or other similar event.
SA8.12 Plan for and facilitate the rapid and effective recovery of the City
following a disaster, prevent the recurrence of specific problems
and hazards encountered during a disaster, and plan for
alternative sources of financing for reconstruction.
SA8.13 Establish the mitigation of hazards as a high priority for City
programs, both before and after a disaster.
SA8.14 Evaluate the adequacy of access routes to and from hazard areas
relative to the degree of development or use (e.g., road width,
road type, length of dead-end roads) and evaluate the sufficiency
of signage related to public safety and evacuation.
SA8.15 Include procedures for traffic control, emergency evacuations and
housing, and security of damaged areas in all disaster response
plans.
SA8.16 Evaluate new developments for their ability to provide proper
police and fire protection. Project review should include, but is not
limited to, adequacy of internal circulation systems and provision
of project directories, street names, and numbering systems.
SA8.17 The City will continue to participate in the Master Mutual Aid
Agreement for the provision of emergency fire protection services.
SA8.18 Establish a six-minute response time for the first-due engine
company and an eight-minute response time for a full-alarm
assignment in compliance with NFPA 1710.
SA8.19 Use percentage of completion goals as the standard for the dis-
tribution and concentration of fire crews throughout the City, as
recommended in the Standards for Response Cover Deployment
Analysis for the City of Palm Springs Fire Department.
SA8.20 Ensure that new development does not result in a reduction of law
enforcement or fire protection services below acceptable levels.
SA8.21 Analyze the site plan layout for new projects to ensure they
provide an adequate amount of defensible space around structures.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-57
SAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENT
SA8.22 Continue to regulate and enforce the installation of fire protection
water system standards for all new construction projects built
within the City. Standards shall include the installation of fire
hydrants providing adequate fire flow, fire sprinkler systems, and
wet and dry on-site standpipe systems.
SA8.23 Develop an ongoing fire protection water system program that
will provide adequate water supply for firefighting purposes
within the City.
SA8.24 Require all new commercial and multiple-unit residential develop-
ment to install fire protection systems and encourage the use of
automatic sprinkler systems.
SA8.25 Require all new construction to use noncombustible roofing
materials.
SA8.26 Require that all new buildings incorporate adequate egress
systems into project design and encourage existing structures to
upgrade existing exit systems.
SA8.27 The Fire Department should develop requirements for existing
and future development occurring in wildland-urban interface
areas. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the use
of noncombustible (Class A) roofing materials, thermal pane or
safety glass for glazing purposes, and drought- and fire-resistant
landscaping.
SA8.28 Developers of property on or abutting hillsides shall implement,
with consultation and approval from the City Fire Department, a
safety buffer zone, otherwise known as a fuel-modification zone,
between natural open space and planned development to lessen
the fire hazard potential in these interface areas.
SA8.29 Ensure adequate provision of public information to residents and
businesses on actions to minimize damage and facilitate recovery
from a natural disaster.
SA8.30 Continue to conduct public outreach efforts to prepare the
community and provide them with guidance on how to respond
to natural disasters.
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
Areas: Where structures and
other human development meet
or intermix with undeveloped
wildland. This is primarily within
66 to 200 feet of houses, where
fire most directly threatens the
house, and where a defensible
zone can be developed. (Source:
www.swfa.org)
Page 6-58 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Actions
SA8.1 Assess existing essential and sensitive facilities with significant
seismic vulnerabilities, and upgrade, relocate, or phase them out
as appropriate.
SA8.2 Develop, maintain, and continually update a Citywide, coordi-
nated, responsive, and effective emergency- and disaster-prepared-
ness, response and implementation plan to assure a high degree of
readiness to respond to and recover from daily emergencies, major
catastrophes, and disastrous events.
SA8.3 Implement the Emergency Response Plan adopted by the City
incorporating the following three emphases: hazard mitigation,
disaster response, and self-sufficiency/mutual support of residents,
business, and industry.
SA8.4 Ensure the availability of both the Safety Element and City
emergency-preparedness plans to employers and residents of Palm
Springs.
SA8.5 Exercise and upgrade the City’s disaster response plans and, at
least annually, conduct periodic exercises to evaluate their
practicality and effectiveness.
SA8.6 Conduct earthquake- and disaster-response exercises at least once
a year using the adopted emergency management system.
SA8.7 Establish a standing committee for disaster recovery to provide
contingency planning for the rapid and effective reconstruction of
the City of Palm Springs following a disaster. The committee shall
include representatives of the City Council, Planning Commission,
Economic Development Commission, and appropriate City staff.
SA8.8 Guidelines shall be developed by the Disaster Recovery Committee
for the exercise of emergency authorities for such purposes as:
� rapid designation of redevelopment areas;
� revision of land use, circulation and parking requirements,
and institution of other programs for improving the
community environment;
� adoption and institution of special programs for disaster
recovery;
� funding of disaster recovery measures;
� moratoria on reconstruction in any high-hazard areas
where damage could be repeated in aftershocks or in
future earthquakes;
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 6-59
SAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENTSAFETY ELEMENT
� amendments to codes and ordinances;
� establishment of Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts,
as appropriate; and
� designation of sites for temporary housing (e.g., travel
trailers and prefabricated construction) of households
made homeless in a disaster, in cooperation with the
Disaster Housing Program of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
SA8.9 Solicit state and federal funds to implement the City’s disaster
programs as such revenues become available.
SA8.10 The Fire Department should develop the capability to place 40 to
50 trained and equipped firefighters on scenes of major fires
within 30 minutes of receipt of alarm, through the development
of a reserve force, off-duty recall of firefighting personnel, and
mutual aid.
SA8.11 Formulate and implement a fire safety and emergency evacuation
program for multistory structures. Such a program should include
zoning and building code requirements for the use of sprinklers,
smoke alarms, emergency evacuation stairways and other routes,
fire-resistant building materials, architectural design elements
that do not obstruct or hinder emergency access, and other
pertinent components.
SA8.12 Conduct a study to identify the types of systems that can be
installed in existing commercial and multifamily residential
buildings where automatic sprinkler and other fire protection
systems do not exist and evaluate their feasibility for
implementation.
SA8.13 Train multilingual personnel to assist in evacuation and other
emergency response activities to meet the community need.
Page 6-60 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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7.7.7.7. Air Quality Air Quality Air Quality Air Quality ElementElementElementElement
7. Air Quality
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 7-1
7.7.7.7. AIR QUALITY ELEMENTAIR QUALITY ELEMENTAIR QUALITY ELEMENTAIR QUALITY ELEMENT
BACBACBACBACKKKKGROUND AND CONTEXTGROUND AND CONTEXTGROUND AND CONTEXTGROUND AND CONTEXT
Air quality is a factor that many people take for granted as they participate in
their day-to-day activities. The preservation of the City’s air quality plays a
significant role in the community’s health and overall quality of life. Not only
does air quality affect the everyday lives of the residents of Palm Springs, it
can also have a profound effect on visitors that come to the City to vacation
and participate in the numerous outdoor recreational activities the City
provides.
The presence of air pollution in a community reduces visibility, increases the
occurrence of respiratory illness and disease, increases absences from work and
school, and is detrimental to the natural environment. This element provides
policy and action items to ensure that the City is striving, in collaboration
with regional agencies, to implement measures to preserve and improve air
quality in the Coachella Valley to the greatest extent possible.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHERELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMSR PLANS AND PROGRAMSR PLANS AND PROGRAMSR PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Regional Air Quality
Because air pollution does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries, air con-
taminants from one community may adversely impact residents of another.
There are several regional agencies that work hand in hand to implement
programs that help to maintain an acceptable level of air quality for the
region and the City.
Air quality in the City of Palm Springs is greatly affected by contaminant-
emitting activities in surrounding communities and the South Coast Air Basin
(SoCAB), which includes all of Orange County and the nondesert portions of
Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
Although Palm Springs is located east of the SoCAB in the Salton Sea Air
Basin (SSAB), the transport of ozone and other contaminants from the
Page 7-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
SoCAB is a major contributor to the City’s air pollution problems. To address
this regional issue, both the SoCAB and the Riverside County portion of the
SSAB are under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District (SCAQMD). The SCAQMD and Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) are responsible for the development of the regional Air
Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and the coordination of efforts to
monitor and regulate air pollutant emissions.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) establish state and federal ambient air quality standards for
ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and suspended
particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels. The intent of the Air Quality
Element is to aid the City in meeting ambient air standards set by the EPA
and CARB and to protect the health and quality of life of residents of Palm
Springs and the rest of the SCAQMD.
Air Quality Management Plan
Following the mandate from the Federal Clean Air Act, SCAQMD and
SCAG periodically jointly prepare a comprehensive Air Quality Management
Plan (AQMP) for all of Orange County and portions of Riverside County, Los
Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, including the Palm Springs
area. The AQMP provides strategies for controlling air pollution, attainment
and progress information, and maintenance plans with the purpose of
achieving state and federal attainment levels. This document serves as a
policy guide for decision making related to air quality throughout the
SCAQMD and should be consulted as appropriate.
Air Quality
Management Plan
The Federal Clean Air Act requires
that the AQMP be updated every
three years. At the time of adoption
of the General Plan, SCAQMD and
SCAG were in the process of
finalizing the 2007 AQMP, which
was an update of the 2003 AQMP.
Ozone (O3): Known as smog,
ozone is a highly reactive gas that
commonly originates from mobile
sources such as automobiles and
poses a significant threat to human
health.
Particulate Matter: A mixture of
solid particles and liquid droplets
suspended in the air.
PM10: Defined as suspended
particulates smaller than 10 micro-
meters, PM10 is primarily produced
by blowsand, construction dust,
vehicular exhaust, and other types
of combustion and can induce
serious respiratory illnesses.
PM2.5: Defined as suspended
particulates smaller than 2.5 micro-
meters, PM2.5 is primarily produced
from vehicular exhaust. While
PM2.5 is a component of PM10,
CARB and EPA have set separate
standards for PM2.5 and PM10.
Page 7-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 7-5
AIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITY
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONSACTIONSACTIONSACTIONS
Although the Air Quality Element is not a state-mandated element of the
General Plan, its inclusion in this document emphasizes the importance of
this issue to the City of Palm Springs and the City’s commitment to ensure
that the quality of life for its residents and visitors is preserved to its maxi-
mum potential. The following section establishes goals, policies, and action
items that address the issues related to air quality.
MAJOR SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
Air pollutants are often divided into two general categories, primary and
secondary. Primary pollutants are emitted directly from fuel combustion,
which produces hydrocarbons, particulates, oxides of carbon, sulfur, and
nitrogen. Pollutants that undergo chemical changes after emission are known
as secondary sources and primarily include ozone, chemical aerosols, and
nitrogen dioxide. Secondary pollutants typically disperse over large areas and
may travel throughout entire regions.
Air pollutants can come from either stationary or mobile sources. Stationary
sources can be divided into two major subcategories: point sources and area
sources. Point sources consist of one or more emission sources at an identi-
fiable facility and are usually associated with manufacturing and industrial
processing plants. Area sources are widely distributed sources of many small
emissions, such as natural gas-fueled water heaters in homes and businesses.
The most common mobile sources are emissions from motor vehicles,
including tailpipe and evaporative emissions, and are classified as either on-
road or off-road. On-road sources are a combination of emissions from auto-
mobiles, trucks, and other vehicles designed for roadways. Off-road sources
include aircraft, ships, trains, and self-propelled construction equipment that
do not primarily operate on a roadway.
The two air pollutants of primary concern in the City of Palm Springs are
ozone and PM10. While levels of these pollutants have continued to decline in
recent years, CARB and the EPA have identified the SSAB as a non-
attainment area for both pollutants. A nonattainment designation signifies
levels of air contaminants that exceed state and national ambient air quality
standards.
Ozone
Ozone is a secondary-source pollutant primarily emitted by mobile sources
such as automobiles and trucks and is considered a significant threat to
Sources of Air Pollution
Combustion: Primarily from
automobile engines; the largest
source of air pollution.
Natural sources: Oil seeps,
vegetation, and windblown sand.
Evaporation of organic fluids:
Used in coating and cleaning
processes.
Abrasion: Suspension of materials
created primarily between tires and
roadways.
Industrial processes and
construction: Windblown fumes
and particulate matter.
Page 7-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
human health. The City of Palm Springs experiences the transport of ozone
from Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties, as well as from
other jurisdictions within Riverside County. Throughout the SCAQMD,
suburban development has and will continue to result in increased vehicle
trips, commuting distances, and ozone emissions.
The City has identified focused areas for infill and mixed-use development
that provide housing opportunities within walking distance of shopping,
entertainment, and employment centers. The integration of office, retail, and
residential uses in close proximity to one another can minimize vehicular
trips, which can ultimately help to minimize impacts to air quality. However,
due to the mobile nature of ozone, it is imperative that, in addition to
considering air quality issues during land use planning efforts, the City also
participate in multijurisdictional ozone emission reduction efforts.
Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10)
As discussed above, the SSAB is a nonattainment area for both state and
federal ambient air quality standards for PM10. PM10 is produced as a result of
blowsand by both direct particle erosion and secondary effects, such as sand
deposits on roads which are ground and resuspended in the air by moving
vehicles.
The majority of the City of Palm Springs falls within the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments’ (CVAG) “Blowsand Hazard Zone.” This zone
includes land with soils conducive to blowsand, lands in areas of high and
gusty winds, and lands that have the potential to cause sand damage to
adjacent properties. In addition, CVAG has the most active blowsand areas
in the region, as shown on Figure 7-1, Blowsand Areas. The Safety Element
contains further discussion of blowsand.
To help reach attainment of air quality standards for PM10, the jurisdictions
within CVAG, including Palm Springs, ratified a Memorandum of Under-
standing in 2003 to establish an ongoing, multijurisdictional relationship for
the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of fugitive dust control
measures. In addition, the SCAQMD established additional strategies for the
control of PM10 in the Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan.
Measures to Control Windblown Sand
Generally, physical measures such as hedges, walls, and other barriers are used
to protect against the potential effects of wind. Construction sites constantly
spray down with water areas that are being graded to reduce dust particulates
in the air. Vegetation covers, such as a desert hydroseed mix, can be used to
reduce wind erosion of the topsoil.
Blowsand: Blowsand, also called
windblown sand or fugitive dust,
can have a significant impact on
health and quality of life of area
residents by reducing visibility and
air quality. The presence of
blowsand and the resulting fine
particulate matter in the air can
cause several health problems,
including respiratory discomfort,
eye infections, and skin disorders.
In addition, blowsand can result in
economic costs for the City and its
residents, including: road cleanup
expenses and repairs related to the
sandblasting of cars, buildings,
plants, and infrastructure.
Fugitive Dust: Small airborne
particulate matter that is the result
of the accumulation of small
quantities of matter from various
non-point sources, most notably
blowsand and construction dust.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 7-7
AIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITY
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL AQAQAQAQ1111
Improve regional air quality to protect the health of the community.
Policies
AQ1.1 Work to attain ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead,
particulate matter, and sulfate standards as enforced by SCAQMD.
AQ1.2 Identify and implement regional mechanisms that reduce air
emissions and improve regional air quality as outlined in the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Memorandum of
Understanding and SCAQMD’s Air Quality Management Plan.
AQ1.3 Continue to incorporate, where appropriate, provisions of the
SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan into the City’s Zoning
Ordinance.
AQ1.4 Incorporate the provisions of the SCAQMD Air Quality
Management Plan into project review procedures.
AQ1.5 Support measures for improving air quality in the South Coast
and Salton Sea Air Basins, while opposing measures that may
result in transferring air pollution via “credits” to the Inland
Empire.
AQ1.6 Support measures that improve air quality in the Los Angeles air
basin, while opposing measures that transfer air pollution via
“credits” to the Inland Empire.
AQ1.7 Participate in meetings between the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments and SCAQMD to discuss and implement regional
actions to reduce local air emissions. A comprehensive range of
options should be considered including, but not limited to, the
following:
� Supplement existing public transit opportunities with
additional routes and/or frequency to facilitate intercity
travel.
� Provide local subsidies or other incentives to encourage
the use of public transit.
� Implement a subregional transportation-demand manage-
ment program.
� Restrict the development of uses that degrade the air
quality.
Page 7-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
� Work with the SCAQMD to focus on the reduction of
trip length and total vehicle miles traveled rather than the
jobs/housing balance ratio, which can still result in
significant trip lengths.
AQ1.8 Support and implement the provisions of the Coachella Valley
Dust Control Ordinance, Handbook, and Memorandum of
Understanding
Actions
AQ1.1 Require the preparation of detailed geotechnical analyses for new
construction and significant alterations to structures located in areas
subject to slope failure, rockfalls, or landslides. Reports should
include measures to prevent the movement of soil that creates
negative impacts on the City’s and region’s air quality.
AQ1.2 Monitor implementation of air quality ordinances and programs.
Provide annual reports to the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments, SCAQMD, California Air Resources Board, and
other interested agencies.
AQ1.3 Develop incentives that encourage local businesses to incorporate
emissions reduction measures that go beyond those required or
recommended by SCAQMD, SSAB, and the City. Such incentives
might include permit streamlining, priority processing, or fee
reductions.
AQ1.4 Support the efforts of the SCAQMD to develop quality educational
program to increase community awareness about the importance
of air quality and the methods that can be implemented to
improve air quality in the region.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 7-9
AIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITY
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL AQAQAQAQ2222
Control suspended particulate matter emissions from human activity or
from erosion of soil by wind.
Policies
AQ2.1 Require those projects meeting specialized criteria as identified in
the Zoning Ordinance to submit a Fugitive Dust Control Plan
prior to the issuance of grading or building permits.
AQ2.2 Encourage the use of landscaping, vegetation, and other natural
materials to trap particulate matter or control other pollutants.
Establish windbreaks immediately downwind of large open spaces.
Tree species used for windbreaks should be drought tolerant.
AQ2.3 Reduce the transport of blowsand adjacent to paved roadways and
residential areas through the use of chemically stabilizing soil
surfaces or snow fence windbreaks. Chemical stabilizing measures
should only be used in areas where they will not impact
endangered habitats or species.
AQ2.4 Continue to remove blowsand from City streets and relocate it
downwind on a regular and postevent basis as part of routine
street-cleaning programs.
AQ2.5 Prohibit the use of off-road vehicles in blowsand areas.
AQ2.6 Prohibit the transport of earth/soil through the City when wind
gusts exceed 25 miles per hour per the City’s PM10 Ordinance.
AQ2.7 Require the planting of vegetative ground covers as soon as
possible on construction sites.
AQ2.8 Consider adding provisions to the City’s Municipal Code to phase
out the use of gas-powered lawn mowers and replace them with
electric mowers and to prohibit the use of leaf blowers.
AQ2.9 Phase mass grading in a way that minimizes, to the greatest extent
possible, the exposure of large expanses of graded areas to wind
that causes blowing sand.
AQ2.10 Encourage that landscape plans submitted with new development
take into consideration drought tolerance and pollen generation
through the selection of appropriate plantings.
Valley Fever
Valley fever is another name for
the infection coccidioidomycosis.
It is called valley fever because the
organism that causes it is
commonly found in the soil of the
southwestern United States,
Mexico, and parts of Central and
South America.
Valley fever is spread through the
air. If soil containing the valley
fever fungus is disturbed by
construction, natural disasters, or
wind, the fungus spores get into
the air. People can breathe in the
spores and contract the disease; it
is not spread from person to
person. Construction workers, farm
workers, or others who spend time
working in dirt and blowing dust are
most likely to get valley fever.
People who are caught in dust
storms and those who bike or
four-wheel in dusty areas are
also at higher risk of contracting
valley fever.
Page 7-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Actions
AQ2.1 Distribute the SCAQMD air quality management manual to
provide information to the community on effective and
appropriate dust-control activities for construction sites with an
emphasis on minimizing PM10 emissions.
AQ2.2 Investigate and establish standards for dust-generating activities
such as concrete recycling and rock crushing.
SENSITIVE RECEPTORS
There is a strong correlation between health risk and the proximity of the
source of air contaminants. Sensitive receptors located close to sources of air
pollution have an increased risk of experiencing health problems, such as
respiratory illness and disease (particularly in children), cancer, and low birth
weight. The following uses are typically occupied by sensitive receptors and
are considered sensitive land uses:
� Residences
� Schools, playgrounds, and childcare centers
� Hospitals
� Rehabilitation centers
� Convalescent centers and long-term health care facilities
� Retirement homes
The location and placement of sensitive land uses are not regulated by
regional, state, or federal agencies. Rather, they are the purview of the local
jurisdiction. Thus, the City must take care in the siting of these uses. The
following table from CARB’s Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A
Community Health Perspective is a useful summary of CARB’s recommended
siting criteria for sensitive land uses. This report, published by CARB in
2005, is intended to assist local jurisdictions in their efforts to minimize the
impact of high concentrations of air pollution on sensitive receptors. This
handbook provides valuable siting information and criteria for sensitive land
uses as well as useful background information to help planners better
understand the impact of air pollution.
Sensitive Receptor: People or
segments of the population more
susceptible to health problems
associated with pollution emission
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 7-11
AIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITY
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Table 7-1
CARB Recommendations for Siting New Sensitive Land Uses
Source Category Advisory Recommendations
Freeways and High-Traffic Roads
Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 500 feet of a freeway, urban roads with 100,000 vehicle per
day, or rural roads with 50,000 vehicles per day.
Distribution Centers
Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 1,000 feet of a distribution center (that accommodates more
than 100 trucks per day, more than 40 trucks with operating transport refrigeration units (TRUs) per day,
or where TRU unit operations exceed 300 hours per week).
Take into account the configuration of existing distribution centers and avoid locating residences and
other sensitive land uses near entry and exit points.
Rail Yards
Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 1,000 feet of a major service and maintenance rail yard.
Within one mile of a rail yard, consider possible siting limitations and mitigation approaches.
Chrome Platers Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 1,000 feet of a chrome plater.
Dry Cleaners Using Perchloroethylene
Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 300 feet of any dry cleaning operation. For operations with two
or more machines, provide 500 feet. For operations with three or more machines, consult with the local air
district.
Do not site new sensitive land uses in the same building with perchloroethylene dry cleaning operations.
Gasoline Dispensing Facilities
Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 300 feet of a large gas station (defined as a facility with a
throughput of 3.6 million gallons per year or greater). A 50-foot separation is recommended for typical
gas dispensing facilities.
Source: California Air Resources Board, Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective, April 2005.
GOGOGOGOAL AL AL AL AQAQAQAQ3333
Protect people and land uses that are sensitive to air contaminants
from sources of air pollution to the greatest extent possible.
Policies
AQ3.1 Discourage the development of land uses and the application of
land use practices that contribute significantly to the degradation
of air quality.
AQ3.2 Carefully consider the placement of sensitive land uses (schools,
residences, daycare, medical uses, etc.) in proximity to sources of
air contaminants that pose significant health risks.
Actions
AQ3.1 Consider incorporation of siting recommendations for sensitive
land uses from CARB’s Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A
Community Health Perspective into the City’s Zoning Ordinance as
appropriate.
Page 7-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
VEHICULAR EMISSIONS
Transportation is California’s largest source of carbon dioxide, with passenger
vehicles and light duty trucks creating more than 30 percent of total climate
change emissions. The California Air Resources Board is required to develop
and adopt regulations that reduce greenhouse gases emitted by passenger
vehicles and light duty trucks.
The “greenhouse effect” allows the earth to remain warm and sustain life.
Greenhouse gases (examples include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
and hydrofluorocarbons) trap the sun’s heat in the atmosphere, like a blanket,
and help determine our climate. The amount of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere is being drastically altered by human activity.
The onset of the industrial revolution and the increased consumption of fossil
fuels (wood, coal, gasoline, etc.) have substantially increased atmospheric
levels of greenhouse gases. As atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases
rise, so do temperatures. Over time this rise in temperatures results in climate
change.
The California Air Resources Board is required to adopt regulations that
achieve the maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions from motor vehicles. These regulations, along with the measures
implemented by the City, are instrumental in minimizing the vehicular
emissions that are generated each year.
At the time of writing this General Plan update, there are no criteria or
standards for limits on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The California
Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 designates the State Air Resources
Board as the state agency charged with monitoring and regulating sources of
emissions of GHG that cause global warming in order to reduce emissions of
such gases. Senate Bill 97 (Dutton, CEQA, greenhouse gas emissions) would
require the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to prepare, develop,
and transmit to the Resources Agency guidelines for the feasible mitigation of
greenhouse gas emissions or the effects of GHG emissions as required by
CEQA. The Resources Agency would be required to certify and adopt those
guidelines by January 1, 2010. Until such guidelines are adopted, the City of
Palm Springs will continue to seek ways of reducing GHG emissions through
pursuit and implementation of General Plan goals, policies, and actions that
seek to minimize the City’s contribution to GHG emissions. Policies and
actions can be found in the Air Quality Element, the Circulation Element, the
Land Use Element, and the Community Design Element.
The Circulation Element contains
additional policies that have
a positive effect on air quality. In
particular, the Circulation Element
contains a policy encouraging the
development of satellite parking
areas outside of Downtown that
provide shuttle service between the
two areas, which can help to
reduce vehicular trips and
emissions.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 7-13
AIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITY
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL AQAQAQAQ4444
Reduce vehicular emissions.
Policies
AQ4.1 Encourage the use of mass transit, carpooling, and other trans-
portation options, including alternative-fuel vehicles and bicycles,
to reduce vehicular trips.
AQ4.2 Coordinate with regional service providers to improve regional
transportation services.
AQ4.3 Establish a shuttle service linking the airport, attractions,
convention center, major resort activities, and the Downtown area.
AQ4.4 Encourage walking or bicycling for short-distance trips through
the creation of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and street crossings
and efficient and safe bikeways.
AQ4.5 Integrate land use and transportation planning to the greatest
extent possible.
AQ4.6 Encourage the development of mixed-use and multi-use projects.
AQ4.7 Study, and implement if feasible, the development of a combined
shuttle program from the airport to major hotels in Palm Springs.
AQ4.8 Consider the development of “cell phone” parking lots at the
airport. These lots would provide short-term parking (less than 30
minutes) that allows passengers to call their rides when they are
ready to be picked up. This approach can minimize the drive-
through traffic (and subsequently vehicular emissions) generated
by circling the airport loop until passengers are available for
pickup.
Actions
AQ4.1 Consider incorporation of air quality standards and requirements
into the Zoning Ordinance. Establish transportation system and
demand-management programs that require employers to utilize
appropriate techniques, such as alternative work hours, tele-
commuting options, and carpooling programs, to reduce the
number of vehicular trips and trips during peak hours.
AQ4.2 Coordinate with the SunLine Transit Agency to study and initiate
local transit improvements.
Page 7-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
AQ4.3 Encourage the use of hybrid, low, or zero emissions vehicles in the
City’s vehicular fleet. Existing vehicles should be replaced by
“clean” or alternative-fuel vehicles as they are normally retired.
AQ4.4 Develop a program to encourage the use of alternative-fuel
vehicles. This program could include incentives such as priority/
free parking or tax breaks.
AQ4.5 Create an incentives program to encourage developers to
incorporate bike paths, sidewalks, and pedestrian access points
beyond those required.
8.8.8.8. NNNNoise Elementoise Elementoise Elementoise Element
8. Noise
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-1
8. NOISE ELEMENT
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The City of Palm Springs is exposed to many sources of noise that, in
excessive levels, can affect physical and psychological wellbeing, property
values, and economic productivity. As a result, minimizing the exposure of
Palm Springs residents to excessive noise is essential to maintaining a quiet,
safe, and productive environment and a high quality of life.
The purpose of this noise element is to outline a set of noise control policies,
programs, and implementation measures that provide guidance for solving
noise-related issues and problems. By identifying noise sources within the
City and its sphere of influence, future noise impacts associated with the
continued growth of a thriving city such as Palm Springs can be minimized
and avoided.
DEFINITIONS
The following is a list of commonly used terms and abbreviations that may be
found within this Element or when discussing the topic of noise. Figure 8-1,
Sources of Sound, illustrates the level of noise generated by common everyday
occurrences.
Ambient Noise. The composite of noise from all sources. In this
context, the ambient noise level constitutes the normal or existing
level of environmental (background) noise at a given location.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL). The average equivalent
A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day, obtained after the
addition of five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. and after the addition of 10 decibels to sound levels in
the night from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. CNEL and Ldn are the metrics
used in this document to describe annoyance due to noise and to
establish land use planning criteria for noise.
Page 8-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
dB (Decibel). The unit of measure for loudness based on a
logarithmic scale.
dBA (A-weighted decibel). The A-weighted decibel scale discriminates
against upper and lower frequencies in a manner approximating the
sensitivity of the human ear. The scale ranges from zero for the
average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain
level.
Intrusive Noise. Noise that intrudes over and above the existing
ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound
depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, time of occurrence,
and tonal or informational content.
Noise Contours. Areas around a noise source with equal levels of noise
exposure. Noise contours are drawn similar to a topographical map.
Vibration. Another community annoyance related to noise is vibration.
As with noise, vibration can be described by both its amplitude and
frequency. Amplitude may be characterized by displacement, velocity,
and/or acceleration. Typically, particle velocity (measured in inches or
millimeters per second) and/or acceleration (measured in gravities) are
used to describe vibration.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-3
NOISE ELEMENT
Vibration can be felt outdoors, but the perceived intensity of vibra-
tion impacts is much greater indoors, due to structural shaking. Some
of the most common sources of vibration come from trains, transit
vehicles, construction equipment, airplanes, and trucks. Several land
uses are especially sensitive to vibration, and therefore have a lower
vibration threshold. These uses include, but are not limited to,
concert halls, hospitals, libraries, vibration-sensitive research or
manufacturing operations, residential areas, schools, and offices.
Figure 8-1 Sources of Sound
Page 8-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-5
NOISE ELEMENT
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS
The Noise Element is a tool used to achieve and maintain environmental
noise levels that are compatible with land use. The Noise Element identifies
noise-sensitive land uses and noise sources, and defines areas of noise impact.
The Element establishes goals, policies, and programs to ensure that residents
of Palm Springs will be protected from the impacts that can be created by
excessive noise.
RELATED REGULATORY DOCUMENTS
The intent of the Noise Element is to set goals to limit and reduce the effects
of noise intrusion on sensitive land uses and to set acceptable noise levels for
varying types of land uses. To this end, the City has the authority to set land
use noise standards and place restrictions on private activities that generate
excessive or intrusive noise. However, it should be recognized that the City
does not have the authority to regulate all sources of noise generated within
the City, and that various other agencies, such as the Federal Highway
Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
and the California Department of Health Services, may supersede City
authority as discussed below.
City of Palm Springs Noise Ordinance
The City of Palm Springs has the authority to set land use noise standards
and place restrictions on private activities that generate excessive or intrusive
noise. The applicable standards for these activities are specified in the Palm
Springs Municipal Code. The Municipal Code limits sound levels for
stationary sources of noise radiated for extended periods from any premises in
excess of 60 decibels at the property line. Sound created by construction or
building repair of any premises within the City is exempt from the applica-
tions of the Municipal Code during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
Monday–Friday, and 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturday (on Sundays and
holidays construction is prohibited).
Federal Highway Administration
The freeways and state routes that run through the City (I-10 and Highway
111) are subject to federal funding and so are under the purview of the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA has developed noise
standards that are typically used for federally funded roadway projects or
projects that require either federal or Caltrans review. These noise standards
are based on Leq and L10 values and are included in Table 8-1, FHWA Design
Noise Levels.
Page 8-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table 8-1
FHWA Design Noise Abatement Criteria
Design Noise Levels1 Activity
Category Description of Activity Category Leq (dBA) L10 (dBA)
A
Lands on which serenity and quiet are of
extraordinary significance and serve an important
public need and where the preservation of those
qualities is essential if the area is to continue to
serve its intended purpose. Examples include
natural parks or wildlife habitat.
57 (exterior) 60 (exterior)
B
Picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active
sports areas, parks, residences, motels, hotels,
schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals.
67 (exterior) 70 (exterior)
C Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in Categories A or B, above. 72 (exterior) 75 (exterior)
D Undeveloped lands. — —
E
Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms,
schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and
auditoriums.
52 (interior) 55 (interior)
1 Either Leq or L10 (but not both) design noise levels may be used on a project.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues formal
requirements related specifically to standards for exterior noise levels along
with policies for approving HUD-supported or assisted housing projects in
high noise areas. In general, these requirements established three zones:
65 dBA Ldn or less. An acceptable zone where all projects could be
approved.
Exceeding 65 dBA Ldn but not exceeding 75 dBA Ldn. A normally
unacceptable zone where mitigation measures would be required and
each project would have to be individually evaluated for approval or
denial. These measures must provide 5 dBA of attenuation above the
attenuation provided by standard construction required in a 65 to
70 dBA Ldn area and 10 dBA of attenuation in a 70 to 75 dBA Ldn
area.
Exceeding 75 dBA Ldn. An unacceptable zone in which projects would
not, as a rule, be approved.
Federal Railroad Administration
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with the regulation
of railroad noise under the Noise Control Act. The Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) is responsible for enforcement of EPA regulations
related to railroad noise developed as part of the Noise Control Act. Table
L10. The A-weighted sound level
that is exceeded 10 percent of the
sample time; alternatively, the
A-weighted sound level that is
exceeded 6 minutes in a 60-minute
period (similarly, L25, L50, etc.).
These values are typically used to
demonstrate compliance with noise
restrictions included in the City
noise ordinance.
Leq (Equivalent Energy Level).
The average acoustic energy
content of noise during the time it
lasts. The Leq of a time-varying
noise and that of a steady noise are
the same if they deliver the same
acoustic energy to the ear during
exposure, no matter what time of
day they occur.
Ldn (Day-Night Average Level).
The average equivalent A-weighted
sound level during a 24-hour
period, obtained after the addition
of 10 dB to sound levels from 10:00
p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Note: CNEL and
Ldn represent daily levels of noise
exposure averaged on an annual or
daily basis, while Leq represents the
equivalent energy noise exposure
for a shorter time period, typically
one hour. CNEL and Ldn are the
metrics used in this document to
describe annoyance due to noise
and to establish land use planning
criteria for noise.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-7
NOISE ELEMENT
8-2, Summary of EPA/FRA Railroad Noise Standards, summarizes the EPA
railroad noise standards that set operating noise standards for railroad
equipment and set noise limit standards for new equipment. FRA’s Office of
Safety is responsible for enforcing the Railroad Noise Emissions Compliance
Regulation that set maximum sound levels from railroad equipment and for
regulating locomotive horns. The Union Pacific rail corridor that follows I-10
in the northern portion of Palm Springs falls under the regulation described
above. Although the rail corridor is, for the most part, removed from the
urbanized portions of the city, the regulations identified in Table 8-2 will
affect any existing or future development that is situated within close
proximity to the railroad.
Table 8-2
Summary of EPA/FRA Railroad Noise Standards
Noise Standards
Operating
Conditions Noise Metric 1,2
Measured
Distance
(feet)
Standard
(dBA)
Stationary Lmax (slow) 100 73
Idle Stationary Lmax (slow) 100 93
Nonswitcher Locomotives
built on or before 12/31/79
Non-Idle Moving Lmax (fast) 100 95
Stationary Lmax (slow) 100 70
Idle Stationary Lmax (slow) 100 87
Switcher Locomotives plus
Nonswitcher Locomotives
built after 12/31/79 Non-Idle Moving Lmax (fast) 100 90
Speed ≤ 45 mph Lmax (fast) 100 88
Speed ≥ 45 mph Lmax (fast) 100 93 Rail Cars
Coupling Adj. Avg. Max. 50 92
1 Slow and fast exponential time weighting is used.
2 Note that these values are in terms of the Lmax, and can be considerably greater than the Leq typically used in the
measurement of obtrusive noise.
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency Railroad Noise Emission Standard (40 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 201).
California Department of Health Services
The California Department of Health Services (DHS) Office of Noise Control
studied the correlation of noise levels and their effects on various land uses. As
a result, the DHS established four categories for judging the severity of noise
intrusion on specified land uses.
Figure 8-2, Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Exposure, presents the
land use compatibility chart for community noise prepared by the California
Office of Noise Control and adopted in this Noise Element to demonstrate
land-use compatibility.
It defines “normally acceptable,” “conditionally acceptable,” “normally
unacceptable,” and “clearly unacceptable” exterior noise levels for various
Page 8-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
land uses. A “conditionally acceptable” designation implies new construction
or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the
noise reduction requirements for each land use is made and needed noise-
insulation features are incorporated in the design. By comparison, a “normally
acceptable” designation indicates that standard construction can occur with
no special noise reduction requirements.
Table 8-3, State of California Interior and Exterior Noise Standards, includes the
state interior and exterior noise standards for varying land uses. It is
important to note that the exterior noise levels are to be attained in habitable
areas and need not encompass the entirety of a property.
Table 8-3
State of California Interior and Exterior Noise Standards
Land Use CNEL (dBA)
Categories Uses Interior1 Exterior2
Single and multiple family, duplex 453 65 Residential
Mobile homes — 654
Hotel, motel, transient housing 45 —
Commercial retail, bank, restaurant 55 —
Office building, research and development,
professional offices 50 —
Amphitheater, concert hall, auditorium,
movie theater 45 —
Gymnasium (Multipurpose) 50 —
Sports Club 55 —
Manufacturing, warehousing, wholesale,
utilities 65 —
Commercial
Movie Theaters 45 —
Hospital, school, classrooms/playgrounds 45 65
Institutional / Public
Church, library 45 —
Open Space Parks — 65
1 Indoor environment excluding: bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, closets, and corridors
2 Outdoor environment limited to:
• Private yard of single-family dwellings
• Multiple-family private patios or balconies accessed from within the dwelling (Balconies 6 feet deep
or less are exempt)
• Mobile home parks
• Park picnic areas
• School playgrounds
• Hospital patios
3 Noise-level requirement with closed windows, mechanical ventilation, or other means of natural ventilation shall be
provided as per Chapter 12, Section 1205 of the Uniform Building Code.
4 Exterior noise levels should be such that interior noise levels will not exceed 45 dBA CNEL.
Habitable: a dwelling area that is
occupied, or that is intended or
designed to be occupied, by one
family with facilities for living,
sleeping, cooking, and eating.
(Source: California Health and
Safety Code, Section 19970)
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-9
NOISE ELEMENT
Figure 8-2 Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Exposure
Page 8-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-11
NOISE ELEMENT
GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONS
SETTING
The noise environment for Palm Springs can be described using noise
contours developed for the major noise sources within the City. The contour
map developed for 20-year forecast conditions (2025), is reproduced in Figure
8-3, Future Roadway Noise Contours (City-Wide). The 60 dB CNEL contour
level shown on this map represents the zone in which any proposed noise
sensitive land use should be evaluated on a project specific basis and may
require mitigation to meet City or state (Title 24) standards. The 65 CNEL
contour represents the level for which any new residential land uses will
require mitigation in order to comply with local noise standards. Focus area
maps showing these contours are represented in Figure 8-4, Future Roadway
Noise Contours Detail (Northern Area), and Figure 8-5, Future Roadway Noise
Contour Detail (Central City).
Noise affects all types of land uses and activities, although some land uses are
more sensitive to high noise levels than others. Residential land uses,
hospitals, rest homes and convalescent hospitals, churches, schools, and other
areas identified as noise sensitive must be protected from excessive noise. In
Palm Springs, the transitions to residential land uses from commercial,
airport, industrial and entertainment uses Downtown are particularly
important in maintaining the City’s quality of life.
This element contains a brief discussion of noise-related issues in Palm
Springs and detailed policy guidance for issues and problems related to noise
in the City of Palm Springs. The first issue, Land Use Planning and Design,
involves the relationship between noise sources and the placement and design
of various land uses. The second issue, Transportation-Related Noise Sources,
considers the impacts of motor vehicle, truck, aircraft, and rail activity within
the City. Lastly, the third issue, Non-Transportation-Related Noise Sources,
considers the impacts of commercial, industrial, manufacturing, community,
and residential activities. The policies and actions provided for each issue will
ensure the high quality of life afforded by a community protected from
excessive levels of noise.
California Code of Regulations
(CCR) Title 24, also known as the
California Building Standards
Code, provides minimum
standards to safeguard life or limb,
health, property, and public welfare
by regulating and controlling the
design, construction, quality of
materials, use and occupancy,
location, and maintenance of all
buildings and structures through a
program of permitting, plan review,
inspection, and enforcement.
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-19
NOISE ELEMENT
LAND USE PLANNING AND DESIGN
Land use compatibility with noise is an important consideration in the
planning and design process. Compatibility is achieved by establishing
standards and criteria that specify acceptable limits of noise for various land
uses throughout the City. See Figure 8-2, Land Use Compatibility for Community
Noise Exposure, and Table 8-3, State of California Interior and Exterior Noise
Standards, for City policies related to land uses and acceptable noise levels.
To identify potential mitigation that addresses noise abatement strategies,
noise evaluations should be conducted when proposed projects place sensitive
land uses and major noise generators within close proximity. The City’s
Planning Department currently uses the project review process to identify
potential noise issues and works with developers and landowners to apply site
planning and other design strategies to reduce noise impacts. A developer, for
example, could take advantage of the natural shape and contours of a site to
arrange buildings and other uses in a manner that would reduce and possibly
eliminate noise impacts. Examples of other site and architectural techniques
could include:
Increasing the distance between noise source and receiver.
Placing non-noise-sensitive land uses such as parking lots, main-
tenance facilities, and utility areas between the noise source and
receiver, while maintaining aesthetic considerations.
Using non-noise-sensitive structures such as garages to shield noise-
sensitive areas.
Orienting buildings to shield outdoor spaces from a noise source.
Locating bedrooms in residential developments on the side of the
house facing away from major roads.
GOAL NS1
Protect residential areas and other sensitive land uses from impacts
generated by exposure to excessive noise.
Policies
NS1.1 Continue to enforce acceptable noise standards consistent with
health and quality of life goals established by the City and employ
noise abatement measures, including the noise ordinance,
applicable building codes, and subdivision and zoning regulations.
NS1.2 Encourage the application of site planning and architectural
design techniques that reduce noise impacts on proposed and
existing projects.
Page 8-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
NS1.3 Utilize maximum anticipated, or “worst case,” noise conditions as
the basis for land use decisions and design controls as a means of
preventing future incompatibilities.
NS1.4 Evaluate the compatibility of proposed land uses with the existing
noise environment when preparing, revising, or reviewing
development proposals.
NS1.5 Protect noise-sensitive land uses such as schools, hospitals, and
convalescent homes from unacceptable noise levels from both
existing and future noise sources.
NS1.6 Require mitigation where sensitive uses are to be placed along
transportation routes to ensure compliance with state noise
standards.
NS1.7 Allow new developments in areas exposed to noise levels greater
than 60 dB CNEL only if appropriate mitigation measures are
included such that applicable noise standards are met.
NS1.8 Include measures within project design that will assure that
adequate interior noise levels are attained as required by the
California Building Standards Code (Title 24), California Noise
Insulation Standards (Title 25) and pertinent sections of the
California Building Code and the City’s Municipal Code.
NS1.9 Develop joint agreements with adjacent jurisdictions to apply
standardized zoning and soundproofing requirements to reduce
noise incompatibilities across jurisdictional boundaries.
NS1.10 Minimize noise spillover from commercial uses into adjacent
residential neighborhoods.
NS1.11 Encourage public agencies and institutions located in the City to
incorporate appropriate measures to contain noise generated by
their activities on-site.
Actions
NS1.1 Evaluate the City Noise Ordinance to ensure that regulations
address contemporary issues.
NS1.2 Incorporate into the Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code
standards and requirements that:
Protect residential units from impacts of exterior noise;
Prevent the transference of interior noise to the outside;
Title 25 of the California Code
of Regulations sets forth
requirements for the insulation of
dwelling units from excessive and
potentially harmful noise.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-21
NOISE ELEMENT
Prevent transference of noise between residential units
and individual businesses in multitenant buildings; and
Prevent transference of noise between commercial and
residential uses in mixed-use structures.
These should meet the minimum standards defined by the State
Office of Noise Control. Standards for insulation, windows,
building materials, and design of common walls and floors shall
be included.
NS1.3 Update noise standards and criteria at least every five years to
reflect new techniques to control and integrate noise control.
NS1.4 Establish a periodic monitoring program to measure changes in
ambient noise levels. Should projected noise contours be modified,
appropriate land use and design controls shall be applied to newly
impacted areas.
NS1.5 Require that noise analyses for future developments be prepared
by a qualified acoustical consultant. Studies must indicate how
proposed developments are in compliance with the City noise
ordinance. Studies will be reviewed by the appropriate decision-
making body prior to the issuance of permits.
NS1.6 Establish design criteria for commercial buildings that prevent the
transmission of significant and unacceptable noise between
individual tenants and businesses.
NS1.7 Establish design criteria for multifamily buildings that prevent the
transmission of significant and unacceptable noise between
individual residential units.
NS1.8 Establish design criteria for mixed-use structures that prevent the
transmission of significant and unacceptable noise between
commercial and residential uses.
NS1.9 Explore the creation of an “entertainment zone” noise overlay in
the City’s Municipal Code to address the maximum noise levels
permitted in mixed-use areas or the Downtown and to provide
direction for the siting of noise-generating uses (bars, restaurants,
outdoor dining) to minimize the noise impacts to nearby
residential units.
Page 8-22 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
TRANSPORTATION-RELATED NOISE SOURCES
A number of transportation-related noise sources exist within the City of
Palm Springs or the City’s sphere of influence. These sources are the pre-
dominant contributors of noise in the City. Roadways, such as I-10, Highway
111 and Highway 62, the Union Pacific rail corridor, and the Palm Springs
International Airport are all sources of noise that should be considered in the
placement of land uses throughout the City and in the application of noise
standards and sound-attenuation measures.
Freeways and Highways
Freeway noise is not a significant issue for the City of Palm Springs, as very
few residences exist in close proximity to the freeways. Scattered residential
areas appear to lie just outside the 65 CNEL contour for the freeways but
experience noise levels above 60 CNEL.
Interstate 10. While a major source of noise, I-10 impacts relatively few
sensitive land uses. The land uses adjacent to this freeway are mostly
industrial, comprised mainly of wind energy conservation system (WECS)
fields. Areas of concern in reference to noise generated by I-10 are the
residential areas northwest of the junction with Highway 62, the residential
area of West Garnet, and the residential areas near the intersection with Palm
Drive. Some of the proposed land use is decidedly within the 65 CNEL
contour for the freeway.
Highway 111. The area of concern in reference to noise generated by
Highway 111 is the residential area at Overture Drive. Some of the land use
is within the 65 CNEL contour for the highway.
Highway 62. Although not within the City boundary, a stretch of Highway
62 borders a portion of the City’s sphere of influence that contains low
density residential land uses. Some of the land use is within the 65 CNEL
contour for the highway.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-23
NOISE ELEMENT
Roadways
In addition to the freeway/highway noise, roadways are a significant source of
noise impacts upon residential land uses. Many of the City’s major roadways
have the potential to produce noise levels that exceed the 65 CNEL at
sensitive land uses, exceeding the City’s noise standard and creating noise
conflicts with future land uses if proper noise attenuation techniques are not
implemented.
Railways
Railroad operation is also a major source of noise. Southern Pacific has a line
that passes through the northern end of the City. The rail line within the City
has very little opportunity to adversely impact residential land uses because
the land adjacent to the line is predominantly designated as industrial or open
space. Although little development has occurred at this time, it is expected
that areas adjacent to the railroad will experience an increase in development
over the lifetime of the General Plan. Should residential development occur in
these areas, noise impacts from the Union Pacific rail line must be mitigated
at the time development occurs. Currently, the majority of existing residential
areas are situated far from the railroad tracks with the exception of the
residential development along Garnet Ave in the northwestern portion of the
City’s sphere of influence. The major impact of the railroad upon this area is
probably the high single-event noise levels for nighttime freight operations
that pass through the City. Some residences in this area experience noise levels
in excess of 65 CNEL.
Airport
A major source of noise within the City of Palm Springs is aircraft noise
generated by the Palm Springs International Airport. Low-flying aircraft from
the airport pass over portions of Palm Springs and neighboring Cathedral
City. Most of this air traffic is made up of single-engine jet general aviation
aircraft. A significant number of commercial jet aircraft, however, make use
of the airport, as a great number of people travel to the City for business and
recreation purposes. Land uses in the immediate vicinity of the airport are
heavily urbanized, with residential uses situated to the north and industrial
uses to the south.
The Palm Springs International Airport Master Plan Study (May 2003) and
Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (RCALUCP) identify
noise contours surrounding the airport (see Figure 8-6, Airport Noise Contours)
The 65 CNEL contours from aircraft operations extend into residential areas
northwest of the airport near the intersection of Vista Chino and Sunrise Way.
The maximum noise exposure considered acceptable for new residential land
Community Noise Equivalent
Level (CNEL): The noise metric
adopted by the State of California
for describing airport noise impacts.
The noise impacts are typically
depicted by a set of contours, each
of which represents areas of land
having the same CNEL value.
Traffic Calming and Roadway
Noise: In addition to reducing
average speeds through
neighborhoods, traffic-calming
measures contribute to reductions
in noise impacts from roadways.
See the Circulation Element for
additional discussion on traffic-
calming measures.
Page 8-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
uses in the environs of the Palm Springs International Airport is set at a limit
of 62 dB CNEL. This is a higher threshold than for other airports in Riverside
County. The RCALUCP recommends that dwellings incorporate special
noise-reduction measures into their design, if necessary, to ensure that interior
noise levels do not exceed 45dB CNEL. However, most opportunities for new
development are two miles or more distant from the immediate vicinity of the
airport. The RCALUCP also contains countywide policies relating to noise
contours, noise exposure, and abatement.
Sound Attenuation Techniques
The construction of noise barriers and the practice of site design review are
the most effective methods available to alleviate transportation related noise
in the City. Noise barriers are most effective when the barrier directly
intercepts the “line of sight” between the noise source and the receiver. An
elevated noise source is more difficult to mitigate than one that is at or below
the level of the noise recipient. In addition, thoughtful site design review can
reduce potential conflicts between transportation-related noise sources and
adjacent land uses. For example, project design techniques, such as locating
driveways and parking areas away from the habitable portions of residential
buildings, help alleviate transportation-related noise conflicts.
Page 8-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-27
NOISE ELEMENT
GOAL NS2
Minimize, to the greatest extent possible, the impact of transportation
related noise on residential areas and other sensitive land uses.
Policies
NS2.1 Require noise-attenuating project design or sound barriers to reduce
the level of traffic-generated noise on residential and other noise-
sensitive land uses to acceptable levels.
NS2.2 Use traffic calming measures to reduce vehicular speeds and noise
levels in residential neighborhoods.
NS2.3 Continue to enforce the noise standards of the State Motor Vehicle
Code and other state and federal legislation pertaining to motor
vehicle noise.
NS2.4 Require that new development minimize the noise impacts of trips
it generates on residential neighborhoods by locating driveways
and parking away from the habitable portions of dwellings to the
greatest extent possible.
NS2.5 Require that development generating increased traffic and subse-
quent increases in the ambient noise levels adjacent to noise-
sensitive land uses provide appropriate mitigation to reduce the
impact of noise.
NS2.6 Employ noise-mitigation practices, such as natural buffers or set-
backs between arterial roadways and noise-sensitive areas, when
designing future streets and highways, and when improvements
occur along existing road segments.
NS2.7 Maintain roadways so that the paving is in good condition to
reduce noise-generating cracks, bumps, and potholes.
NS2.8 Require sound walls, berms, or landscaping along existing and
future freeways and railroad rights-of-way to beautify the
landscape and reduce noise.
NS2.9 Support the efforts of the California Department of Transportation
and local transportation agencies in developing noise-mitigation
programs.
NS2.10 Require new equipment and vehicles purchased by the City to
comply with noise-performance standards consistent with the best
available noise-reduction technology.
Page 8-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
NS2.11 Encourage employers to participate in vanpools and other
transportation demand management programs to reduce traffic
and noise impacts in the City.
NS2.12 Work with local agencies to provide public transit services that
reduce traffic and noise and to ensure that the equipment they use
does not generate excessive noise levels.
NS2.13 Encourage the Union Pacific railroad to minimize the level of
noise produced by train movements and whistle noise within the
City by reducing the number of nighttime operations, improving
vehicle system technology and constructing new or developing
improved sound barriers where residences exist next to the track.
NS2.14 Review and evaluate the City’s traffic-flow systems to synchronize
signalization to avoid traffic stops, which produce excessive noise.
NS2.15 Locate land uses that are compatible with higher noise levels
adjacent to major roads and railway corridors.
NS2.16 Restrict truck access in the City to approved truck routes and
review hours of access to maximize residential and commercial
activities free of truck traffic.
NS2.17 Restrict early-morning trash pickup to less-sensitive land use areas
where possible and rotate early morning pickup areas where
restrictions are not possible.
NS2.18 Require businesses that generate substantial parking overflow into
residential areas to participate in the development of municipal or
private parking structures.
NS2.19 Prohibit low-level, nonemergency overflights of helicopters in
residential areas of the City to minimize noise impacts to the
City’s neighborhoods.
NS2.20 Allow the development of heliports or helipads only when it can
be demonstrated that noise impacts on adjacent uses can be
adequately mitigated and the helicopter operation has a
community-wide benefit.
NS2.21 Coordinate the routing of helicopter flights with the California
Highway Patrol, the Riverside County Sherriff’s Office, the U.S.
Marine Corps, Desert Hospital, and any other agency providing
emergency helicopter service in the Palm Springs airspace to
ensure that they do not adversely affect residential areas of the
City.
Transportation demand
management programs: see the
Circulation Element for additional
information.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-29
NOISE ELEMENT
NS2.22 Require that helicopters which utilize City airspace maintain
noise-alleviating altitudes until landing and utilize noise-abatement
procedure, except when these rules must be disregarded for safety
and emergency reasons.
NS2.23 Work with the federal government to incorporate helicopter
routes on the “VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Aeronautical Chart” that
align with the City’s commercial corridors, such as Palm Canyon
and Indian Canyon Drives.
NS2.24 Maximum compatibility between aircraft operations at Palm
Springs International Airport and noise-sensitive land uses within
the environs of the airport shall be achieved through compliance
with the Noise Compatibility Plan of the FAR Part 150 Noise
Compatibility Study.
NS2.25 Encourage and facilitate the development of alternative trans-
portation modes that minimize noise within residential areas such
as bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
Actions
NS2.1 Include standards and requirements in the Zoning Ordinance for
parking lots and structures to prevent noise impacts on-site and
on adjacent noise-sensitive uses. These shall potentially include
the use of buffers containing landscape and sound walls, enclosure
of the façade of parking structures facing a residence (including
hotels), limitation of the hours of operation of surface parking lots,
use of sound-absorbing materials, and configuration of parking
areas to minimize sound amplification and transmission.
NS2.2 Explore the creation of standards that minimize the use of paving
materials that generate high levels of noise.
NS2.3 Conduct traffic studies as a part of the development review
procedure for projects requiring General Plan Amendments or
specific plans to evaluate the impacts of traffic and noise through
residential neighborhoods. Require mitigation if ambient noise
levels are adversely affected.
NS2.4 Evaluate the noise impacts of truck deliveries on adjacent residen-
tial properties as a part of the development review procedure for
all commercial and manufacturing uses. Where significant
impacts are identified, require the inclusion of noise-mitigation
techniques such as the use of a sound wall or enclosure of delivery
areas.
Federal Aviation Regulations
Part 150 addresses aircraft noise
and land use compatibility issues
and estimates existing and future
levels of aircraft and noise
exposure using methods
approved by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA).
Page 8-30 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
NS2.5 Adopt FAR Part 91 rules as the noise standard for helicopter
flights in the City.
NS2.6 Consult with the California Highway Patrol, the Riverside County
Sherriff’s Office, the U.S. Marine Corps, Desert Hospital, and any
other agency operating helicopters in the City’s airspace to
discourage familiarization flights between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
NS2.7 Require that proposed helipads demonstrate that they do not
result in noise levels of 65 dBA or greater in residential areas of
the City, and conduct periodic review for compliance with this
standard. Failure to meet this standard should be a basis for
revocation of the helipad permit.
NON-TRANSPORTATION-RELATED NOISE SOURCES
Stationary noise sources, such as commercial, industrial, and residential
activities, and temporary sources of noise, such as earth-moving equipment or
barking dogs, are controlled through the enforcement of the City’s Noise
Ordinance. The Noise Ordinance is designed to protect residential areas and
other sensitive land uses from excessive noise generated from stationary and
temporary noise sources by setting maximum levels of measurable ambient
noise allowable for various situations and locations. These standards are
enforceable by the police.
Stationary Noise Sources
A diversity of land uses occur throughout the City, each with its own poten-
tial for emitting excessive levels of noise. Industrial facilities generate noise
through various activities using heavy equipment and machinery. Commercial
uses, such as restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments, may emit
sound during nighttime operating hours. Residential areas also host
stationary noise sources, such as pool and spa equipment or heating, venti-
lating and air conditioning (HVAC) units. Non-transportation-related noise
can also come from the stationary operations of transport, such as railroad
yards and truck depots used for loading and unloading. As these noise sources
occur on private property, the associated land uses are subject to the local
noise ordinance.
Temporary Noise Sources
Temporary sources of noise such as landscape maintenance activities, home
stereo systems, and barking dogs are governed by the provisions of the City
Noise Ordinance and Municipal Code. Temporary noise sources also include
Federal Aviation Regulations
Part 91 governs general airport
operating and flight rules. The
provisions in FAR Part 91 address
airport functions such as:
equipment, instrument and
certificate requirements; airport
maintenance; preventative
maintenance and alterations;
foreign aircraft operations; and
operating noise limits.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-31
NOISE ELEMENT
Wind energy conservation system turbines
north of Palm Springs.
activities that are longer-term but not permanent, such as grading and
construction projects that span several months. The City recognizes that
construction is a necessity and noise control for construction needs to be
carefully balanced. Various measures are available to reduce this type of noise,
including limiting the hours within which construction can occur or the
implementation of more involved noise attenuation measures, such as the
construction of temporary walls.
Wind Turbines
The major stationary noise sources within the relatively undeveloped
northern portions of the City are the WECS, or wind turbines. With
the potential for increased development within these areas comes the
possibility for noise-related conflicts. Because it is sometimes difficult
to separate the noise generated from the turbines from the noise
of wind, standards and criteria for allowable noise emissions are not
easily measured. The application of the City Noise Ordinance is
recommended as the primary method for controlling WECS noise.
Gas Blowdowns
Located near the junction of I-10 and Highway 62 within the City’s sphere of
influence is a facility used for evacuating natural gas pipelines. The
evacuation of gas during regular maintenance of the pipeline and during
emergencies is known as a gas blowdown. The pipeline and blowdown facility
are operated by the Southern California Gas Company. Gas blowdown events
are extremely loud, with noise levels approaching 135 dBA at distances of
50 feet. Few residences exist in close proximity to this facility, but some resi-
dences are located within an area where these blowdown events are audible.
This facility is a concern for any future development. Any future planned land
use in the vicinity of the blowdown facility must be subject to a detailed noise
analysis to determine the exact impacts from the blowdown events.
GOAL NS3
Minimize, to the greatest extent possible, the impact of non-
transportation-related stationary and temporary noise on residential
areas and other sensitive land uses.
Policies
NS3.1 Require that automobile and truck access to commercial
properties—including loading and trash areas—located adjacent
to residential parcels be located at the maximum practical distance
from the residential parcel.
Page 8-32 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
NS3.2 Require that parking for commercial uses adjacent to residential
areas be enclosed within a structure or separated by a solid wall
with quality landscaping as a visual buffer.
NS3.3 Require that parking lots and structures be designed to minimize
noise impacts on-site and on adjacent uses, including the use of
materials that mitigate sound transmissions and configuration of
interior spaces to minimize sound amplification and transmission.
NS3.4 Minimize, to the greatest extent possible, noise impacts on adjacent
residential areas from live entertainment, amplified music, or
other noise associated with nearby commercial or restaurant uses.
NS3.5 Require that entertainment uses, restaurants, and bars control the
activities of their patrons to the greatest extent possible to
minimize noise impacts on adjacent residences.
NS3.6 Restrict, where appropriate, the development of entertainment
uses and other high-noise-generating uses adjacent to residential
areas, senior citizen housing, schools, health care facilities, and
other noise-sensitive uses.
NS3.7 Pursue the development of municipal parking structures in
commercial districts to reduce parking overflow into adjacent
neighborhoods and the noise impacts associated with overflow
parking.
NS3.8 Coordinate with the Police Department to determine the
appropriate police enforcement efforts necessary in residential
neighborhoods to minimize noise-related disturbances from
entertainment, restaurants, retail, and other uses.
NS3.9 Encourage commercial uses that abut residential properties to
employ techniques to mitigate noise impacts from truck deliveries,
such as the use of a sound wall or enclosure of the delivery area.
NS3.10 Require that construction activities that impact adjacent residential
units comply with the hours of operation and noise levels
identified in the City Noise Ordinance.
NS3.11 Require that construction activities incorporate feasible and
practical techniques which minimize the noise impacts on adjacent
uses, such as the use of mufflers and intake silencers no less
effective than originally equipped.
NS3.12 Encourage the use of portable noise barriers for heavy equipment
operations performed within 100 feet of existing residences, or
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 8-33
NOISE ELEMENT
make applicants provide evidence as to why the use of such
barriers is infeasible.
NS3.13 Require that new or replacement wind turbines be located a mini-
mum of 500 feet from residential areas. If located between 500
and 4,500 feet from residences, an acoustical study must be
submitted to show compliance with the noise standards of this
plan.
NS3.14 Require any new land use proposed in the vicinity of the Southern
California Gas Company blowdown facility to prepare a detailed
noise analysis to determine exact noise impacts from the
blowdown events. Approval of the proposed land use must be
considered on the basis of a comparison of the noise levels on the
site with the City Noise Ordinance.
NS3.15 Work with public agencies and institutions that maintain facilities
in the City to ensure that noise generated by their activities is
limited to their site. Appropriate mitigation measures such as
physical enclosures and time restrictions for operation shall be
implemented.
NS3.16 Allow for deviations from the noise standards for projects that are
considered to be of significant importance (municipal revenue,
socially valued, etc.) or contribute significant benefits to the City,
provided that:
The impacts can be mitigated by an acceptable
compensating mechanism; and
The impacts shall be reviewed with public hearings by the
community and approved by the Planning Commission
and City Council in conjunction with a Planned
Development District.
NS3.17 Promote the use of solar energy generation systems to reduce
noise impacts on the community.
Actions
NS3.1 Incorporate standards in the Zoning Ordinance that address the
siting of nightclubs, discotheques, and other similar uses that
generate high noise levels due to their on-site operation and
customer access. Standards shall:
Restrict the development of nightclubs, discotheques, and
other similar uses adjacent to residential areas, unless
Page 8-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
measures are implemented that sufficiently protect the
residences from noise from on-site activities and customer
access.
Prohibit nightclubs, discotheques, and other similar uses
adjacent to senior housing, health care facilities, schools,
and other similar noise-sensitive uses.
Require nightclubs, restaurants, bars, and other entertain-
ment uses with high levels of nighttime activity to
monitor and control noise levels of patrons waiting for
admission or loitering on sidewalks and parking areas in
reasonable proximity to their business. This provision
shall be included as a condition of business license renewal
and shall be monitored by the City, which may impose
additional conditions or revoke the license if adverse noise
impacts are generated on a continual basis.
NS3.2 Allocate funds for the construction of municipal parking
structures from capital improvement budgets, parking assessment
districts, municipal bonding, and other available methods.
NS3.3 Establish maximum noise-level specifications for City equipment
for which noise is normally a consideration. Where specific noise
levels cannot be set, specifications should require that vendors
state maximum noise levels expected to be produced by their
equipment and/or operations.
NS3.4 Contract with a qualified acoustical consultant to provide services
dealing with WECS noise on an as-needed basis. The services
provided may include review of acoustical studies submitted for
permit approval and measurement of noise for enforcement of the
City Noise Ordinance.
NS3.5 Incorporate provisions into the City Noise Ordinance to regulate
noise impacts of domestic portable power equipment, such as
power tools, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers.
9.9.9.9. Community Design ElementCommunity Design ElementCommunity Design ElementCommunity Design Element
9. Com
m
unity
Design
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-1
9.9.9.9. COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY DDDDESIGN ELEMENTESIGN ELEMENTESIGN ELEMENTESIGN ELEMENT
BACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEBACKGROUND AND CONTEXTXTXTXT
Palm Springs has historically been the preeminent city in the Coachella Valley,
drawing the rich and famous who seek a desert retreat. Today, the City’s image
as a premier desert resort community continues to attract visitors from around
the world, as well as an increasing number of year-round residents. Palm
Springs’ image is based upon the City’s unique past and diverse collection of
assets, including the City’s “village character,” desert climate, mountain views,
eclectic architecture, attractive streetscapes, and well-defined neighborhoods. A
rich array of cultural, social, and recreational attractions, historic sites and
buildings, and exclusive accommodations adds to the allure of the City.
Palm Springs is extremely fortunate to be recognized as a world-renowned
community and should take steps to protect and enhance that identity. The
goal of the Community Design Element is to create a cohesive and compre-
hensive community design strategy that reinforces and strengthens the City’s
image while enhancing the unique character of individual neighborhoods/
districts.
Palm Springs has been active in urban design activities from its inception.
The City Council created an Architectural Advisory Committee in 1967. Its
duties were to determine whether (a) a proposed development will provide a
desirable environment for its occupants, (b) is compatible with the character
of adjacent surrounding developments, and (c) whether aesthetically it is of
good composition, materials, textures, and colors. The City continues to seek
opportunities that will further strengthen the quality of the built
environment.
DESIGN OBJECTIVESDESIGN OBJECTIVESDESIGN OBJECTIVESDESIGN OBJECTIVES
The Community Design Element is intended to enhance the current
community identity through the identification of design techniques,
guidelines, and features that will enhance the City and its neighborhoods. It
Page 9-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
will serve as a practical guide to City leaders, developers, architects, and
residents as they develop the best possible projects for the City. Its contents
are intended to stimulate rather than stifle design creativity. This part of the
General Plan focuses on Citywide and neighborhood-level details rather than
project- and parcel-based specifics. The objectives of this element are to:
� Preserve and enhance the visual quality of the City.
� Reinforce/strengthen the community identity of Palm Springs.
� Protect and strengthen the sense of place and character of
neighborhoods.
� Enhance vehicular and pedestrian corridors through the use of
consistent design features.
� Enhance the energy, vitality, and urban village character of the
downtown.
� Retain the architectural quality and diversity of Palm Springs.
� Protect the character of historic neighborhoods.
� Protect viewsheds and scenic corridors.
� Encourage environmentally friendly and sustainable design and
building practices.
COMMUNITY DESIGN FEACOMMUNITY DESIGN FEACOMMUNITY DESIGN FEACOMMUNITY DESIGN FEATURESTURESTURESTURES
The City of Palm Springs is visually defined by both its natural and built
environments. Traditionally, the City’s built environment has respected and
complemented the natural environment, creating an attractive and pleasant
place to live and visit. The focus of this element is on maintaining and
strengthening the City’s community design identity—the collection of
streets, buildings, neighborhoods, commercial centers, landscaping and public
spaces which together comprise the image of the City. Figure 9-1, Community
Design Features, identifies key gateways, corridors, and activity centers and
shows how they interrelate. These features serve as a foundation for achieving
the design objectives established by the City. The following are descriptions of
these and additional features that contribute to Palm Springs’ unique identity.
Gateways. Gateways are areas that define one’s entrance to the City or a
specific area within the City. They can consist of a number of design elements,
including signage, landscaping, natural topography, monument features,
water features, trees and other plantings, public art pieces, and specialized
lighting.
Transportation Corridors. Residents and visitors view large parts of Palm
Springs only by travel along corridors. Thus, these roadways provide excellent
opportunities to create a design identity throughout the City. They should
contain consistent design features such as formal landscaping, distinctive
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-3
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
lighting elements and signage and specialized paving at key intersections to
create a unified sense of place and identity throughout the City. Unique
treatments along secondary and tertiary roads will strengthen the individual
characters of the neighborhoods they serve.
Activity Centers. Activity centers, also called nodes, draw large numbers of
people and serve as important public gathering places and economic centers
of the City. Activity centers can include historical and cultural sites, such as
the Palm Springs Art Museum, as well as commercial, office, mixed-use and
industrial areas, such as the Downtown, the Uptown mixed-use centers, and
Destination Ramon. The Convention Center, the casino, the airport, and
community parks also serve as important activity centers for the City and the
region. Despite the variety of uses and sizes of these activity centers, they all
share the important role of serving as public gathering places. These nodes
should be unique and clearly defined areas that add to the visual quality of
the City while reinforcing the eclectic village character of the City.
Neighborhoods. Palm Springs has a unique and varied collection of easily
identified neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are defined by the mix of
predominant design elements, such as unique architectural styles and
detailing, landscaping, walls, building heights and setbacks, and pedestrian
connectivity that exist within the community. While some neighborhoods are
defined by the surrounding roadways, others with a more defined design
character and architectural style may span several blocks.
Districts. In addition to distinct neighborhoods, Palm Springs is comprised
of a number of unique districts. Districts are defined by a collection of
integrated uses or activities and are larger than neighborhoods. The
Downtown, Uptown, and Section 14 are examples of districts in Palm
Springs.
Architecture. Palm Springs’ architectural eclecticism is essential to the charm
and character of the City. Its large concentration of mid-century buildings
designed by significant architects distinguishes it from any other city of its
size in the nation. Sites and buildings of historical significance should be
preserved when possible. New buildings should be designed to complement
the desert climate and lifestyle, providing opportunities for solar access and
outdoor living. They should also be attractively designed in styles, colors, and
materials appropriate to the City and the surrounding natural environment.
Scenic/View Corridors. Palm Springs’ location at the base of the San Jacinto
and Santa Rosa Mountains creates opportunities for unparalleled mountain
and desert views and multiple means of immediate access into these beautiful
natural areas. Efforts should be taken to protect existing scenic/view corridors
and to create new ones when possible, and to enhance and increase the
character and quality of those natural resource access points.
Page 9-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
RELATIONSHIP TO RELATIONSHIP TO RELATIONSHIP TO RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER DOCUMENTS OTHER DOCUMENTS OTHER DOCUMENTS OTHER DOCUMENTS ANDANDANDAND PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS
The Community Design Element provides a guide for the visual design of the
City. Zoning and Municipal Codes should be updated as appropriate to reflect
the goals, policies, and action items found in this element. Future develop-
ment should reflect the intentions of the Community Design Element and
should consult the Downtown Urban Design Plan and applicable specific
plans, master plans, and area plans when appropriate.
Page 9-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-7
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
The City logo and other distinctive
City graphics should be incorporated
into the design of gateway features,
street signs and public signage,
public facilities, and public
gathering places when appropriate.
GOALS, GOALS, GOALS, GOALS, POLICIESPOLICIESPOLICIESPOLICIES AND AAND AAND AAND ACTIONSCTIONSCTIONSCTIONS
The following goals, policies, and action items identify and address key
design issues facing the City of Palm Springs. The goals describe the desired
end-state while policies guide the City’s actions and priorities. Finally, the
action items present specific programs, products, or adoptions that will help
to realize the goals and implement the policies. A priority list and imple-
mentation strategy for the action items in this element should be created. The
City’s Capital Improvement Plan should be updated accordingly.
COMMUNITY IDENTITY
Palm Springs’ image is based on the City’s unique collection of community
characteristics, including the unique character of neighborhoods and archi-
tectural styles, the numerous resorts and recreation opportunities, the City’s
location at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, the desert
climate, and the City’s varied landscaping. While it is important to retain
Palm Springs’ eclectic nature, it is equally important to ensure a comprehen-
sive and cohesive community identity through the implementation of certain
design elements. This section provides goals and policies to guide the overall
design of the City and its neighborhoods to ensure a vibrant and visually
cohesive community.
GOALGOALGOALGOAL CDCDCDCD1111::::
Create a safe, aesthetically pleasing community appearance that utilizes
high-quality architecture—a hallmark of Palm Springs.
Policies
CD1.1 Enhance the City’s identity through the use of distinct City
graphics in the design of gateways, street signs, city signage,
public facilities and public gathering places, bus shelters, and
other areas where appropriate.
CD1.2 Use public landscaping, banners, and signage along streets, side-
walks, and property frontages and in public spaces to strengthen
the City’s identity.
CD1.3 Recognize the importance of street trees in the aesthetic appeal of
residential neighborhoods and encourage the planting of street
trees throughout the City’s residential neighborhoods.
Page 9-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CD1.4 Implement appropriate review procedures that advance the
aesthetic quality of the community through high-quality
architecture, outstanding site design, and responsiveness to the
desert environment.
CD1.5 Encourage the use of natural colors, materials, and textures in
public and private development and streetscape improvements to
complement the natural environment. Allow for the use of accent
colors to complement the desert color palette.
CD1.6 Ensure that traffic signal boxes are hidden or designed to blend in
with the surrounding buildings and landscaping.
CD1.7 Encourage design of visually attractive retention/detention basins.
CD1.8 Encourage the use of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design) and defensible space design concepts.
Actions
CD1.1 Develop a priority program and funding plan and work with
the utility companies, citizens, and others to accelerate the
undergrounding of overhead utility lines.
CD1.2 Create a master streetscape plan addressing landscaping, signage,
lighting, gateway design, and special design features along major
roadways and at key entryways to the City. (See Figure 9-2, Special
Streetscape Treatments, for a map of major roadways that should be
included in the master streetscape plan.)
CD1.3 Implement a program to address the maintenance of vacant lots.
CD1.4 Incorporate the Retention Basin Policy introduced in a Planning
Commission Study Session on December 1, 2004, into the
Municipal Code.
CD1.5 Identify and support opportunities to expand public art in
conjunction with redevelopment and new development projects.
CPTED
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design) is a physical
design approach to crime preven-
tion. The concept is based on the
idea that crime can be reduced
through the use of planning and
design strategies that discourage
crime and encourage people to
keep an eye out for others. CPTED
concepts include design strategies
that increase visibility, reduce
potential hiding spaces, create well-
defined public and private areas,
and encourage directed pedestrian
movements. Specific examples
include open fencing around
parking lots to ensure visibility from
and onto the street, low
landscaping around commercial
areas to reduce potential hiding
areas, and well-lit pedestrian
connectors to discourage unwanted
nighttime activities.
Page 9-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-11
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Secondary gateway entries, such as this Downtown
gateway, add to the sense of place of a neighborhood
and create arrival points within the City.
GATEWAYS
Carefully placed and well-designed gateways at the primary
entrances to the City will serve as visual cues that one has
entered the City and will help set the tone for one’s aesthetic
experience within the City. Secondary gateways at the
entrances to distinct neighborhoods and districts will help
define the areas and create a series of arrival points as one
travels through the City. Both primary and secondary
gateway features can also serve as traffic-calming devices to
slow traffic at these important locations.
Palm Springs has a relatively small number of roads entering
the City, providing an excellent opportunity to create well-
defined and memorable gateways. City gateways that
incorporate multiple design elements are located along North
Palm Canyon Drive and North Indian Canyon Drive at the
northern edge of development within the City. Other major
entrances to the City are generally defined by signage.
Existing gateways and key entrances to the City should be enhanced through
the use of consistent landscaping, monument features, and signage.
Secondary neighborhood and district gateways already exist in the Uptown,
Downtown, and Section 14 areas, as well as in a number of residential
neighborhoods. Secondary gateway features, incorporating distinctive
signage, landscaping, and other design features, when appropriate, will help
strengthen the identity of existing neighborhoods and districts.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD2222::::
Create clear, distinctive, and attractive gateways at key primary and
secondary entry points that incorporate unique design attributes and
high-quality architecture.
Policies
CD2.1 Create or enhance distinctive entries to the City through the use
of signage, landscaping, public art, monuments, and walls at the
following locations.
� Palm Canyon Drive at Tramway Road
� Indian Canyon Drive at the Whitewater Wash
� I-10 and Indian Canyon Drive interchange
� I-10 and Gene Autry Trail interchange
� I-10 and Highway 111 interchange
Page 9-12 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Gateway features in residential
neighborhoods add visual interest
and help define the neighborhood.
� Ramon Road at the easterly entry to the City
� Intersection of East Palm Canyon Drive and Gene Autry
Trail
� East Palm Canyon Drive at Golf Club Drive
� Mesquite Avenue at eastern City boundary
� Gene Autry at Vista Chino
� Selected roadways defining the entry to Downtown
CD2.2 Ensure that all gateways incorporate consistent community design
themes.
CD2.3 Replace obsolete entry elements and enhance the gateways to the
downtown area with the incorporation of signage, landscaping,
building setbacks, architectural detailing, and other elements that
reflect the high-quality architecture and design of Palm Springs.
CD2.4 Strengthen the identity of neighborhoods/districts through the
addition of community gateway features, special street signs, or
monuments.
CD2.5 Preserve and enhance the scenic desert character along the I-10
Corridor.
Actions
CD2.1 Create and adopt a Citywide gateway program to identify and
implement gateway improvements.
CD2.2 Expand the current City signage program identifying distinct
districts/neighborhoods.
CD2.3 Encourage neighborhood community organizations or
homeowners associations to fund gateway features for their
neighborhoods.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-13
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
The Downtown is a vibrant collection of retail/
restaurant and entertainment/cultural uses. It contains
a number of areas such as La Plaza (above) that
attract a wide range of residents and visitors of all ages.
NODES/ACTIVITY CENTERS
Nodes are recognizable areas with a high intensity of social/cultural or
commercial/retail/industrial uses that attract many users and serve as hubs of
activity within the city. Often nodes not only serve as public gathering places,
but also act as economic focal points within the City. Nodes should be
attractive and visually unique places that are well connected to each other
and to other parts of the City, facilitating the movement of residents and
visitors between these areas of activity. Primary nodes tend to draw visitors
and residents for specialized goods, services, activities, and events, while
secondary nodes are typically used only by residents and are visited on a more
frequent basis for everyday goods and services.
Primary nodes within Palm Springs include:
� Art Colony Commercial Center. This area, located roughly at the
intersection of Racquet Club Road and Palm Canyon Drive, should be
a high-intensity, mixed-use neighborhood drawing residents from the
northern portions of the city.
� Uptown District. The Uptown District, generally located along North
Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive between Vista Chino
and Alejo Road, contains multiple uses that collectively create an
important center of activity within the City. The uses in this area
should be further concentrated to create a hub consisting of three
well-defined areas within the node: the Desert
Regional Medical Center and related medical offices
located to the east of Indian Canyon Drive, the
Heritage District (an artist district with galleries and
artist lofts) to the south of the hospital area, and a
concentration of mixed-use development to the north
of the hospital area.
� Downtown. The Downtown area, roughly bounded
by Alejo Road, Ramon Road, Cahuilla Road, and
Indian Canyon Drive, is the historic heart of Palm
Springs. It provides retail, entertainment/cultural, and
restaurant uses that draw both residents and visitors.
This is an essential node that ties the City together
and should be a cohesive community center. (See the
Downtown section of this element and the Downtown
Urban Design Plan for goals, policies, action items,
and design guidelines for the downtown area.)
� The Gene Autry Trail Corridor. The area along Gene
Autry Trail from Vista Chino to Ramon Road provides the opportunity
for the creation of a regional jobs center. The area’s proximity to the
Page 9-14 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
airport, prevalence of vacant parcels, and easy access to I-10 and
Highway 111 provide a valuable opportunity to create a regional
employment center.
� Destination Ramon and The Springs Regional Shopping Center. The
development of the large scale regional retail near the intersection of
Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail creates a regional shopping node
drawing customers from around the Coachella Valley. This location
should be augmented with special streetscape and landscaping features
and improved linkages for bicycle trails and access to adjacent areas to
promote its regional importance.
Secondary nodes within Palm Springs include:
� Smoke Tree. Located on the south side of East Palm Canyon Drive east
of Sunrise Way, the Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center and Smoke
Tree Commons serve as important neighborhood commercial centers
for nearby residents. They provide a variety of everyday goods and
services and create a place for residents to meet and interact with each
other.
� Sunrise and Vista Chino. The intersection of Sunrise Way and Vista
Chino is surrounded by an established single-family neighborhood to
the north and west and by neighborhood commercial uses to the east
and south. This intersection is intended to serve as a mixed-use center
and gathering place for residents of adjacent neighborhoods. The scale
of this mixed-use area is smaller than those proposed along Palm
Canyon Drive and, as a result, building design should maintain a
lower profile consistent with the heights of the adjacent uses.
� The Palm Springs Mall. Located between Baristo Road and Tahquitz
Canyon Drive east of Farrell, the Palm Springs Mall is also surrounded
by established single-family and multifamily neighborhoods. The Mall
area includes movie theaters, supermarkets, hardware stores, and other
retail establishments that create an important center in this central
part of the City.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-15
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD3333::::
Establish strong and clearly defined nodes that add to the visual quality
of the City and provide activity areas/gathering places for the City’s
residents and visitors.
Policies
CD3.1 Ensure that development in the above nodes is appropriate to the
character and identity of the area through the use of specialized
architectural styles and treatments, landscaping, signage, and
other design elements at an appropriate scale and height.
CD3.2 Strengthen or create pedestrian and vehicular connections
between areas of activity.
CD3.3 Encourage the creation of a consistent design theme within each
node that will differentiate the node from surrounding areas.
CD3.4 Create a sense of arrival at nodes through the use of specialized
paving, landscaping, architectural treatments, signage and
lighting.
Actions
CD3.1 Create streetscape and landscaping plans for each node that reflect
and emphasize the character of that area to create a unique sense
of place and destination image.
CD3.2 Create specific design guidelines for the above nodes.
CD3.3 Ensure that nodes and activity centers are provided with
appropriate pedestrian amenities such as shade structures, seating,
bike racks, drinking fountains, and public toilet facilities.
Page 9-16 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Development along the western edge of Highway 111 should be buffered to protect the dramatic mountain views as one enters the
City. A meandering berm along the western edge of Highway 111 should be set back 75 to 125 feet with an average of 100 feet,
covered with natural vegetation, and should incorporate special trail/walking treatments to screen development and prevent the
encroachment of roofs into one’s view along the highway. Above is a conceptual diagram of how development along the western
edge of Highway 111 could be screened from the highway to prevent the appearance of a “sea of rooftops” as one looks towards
the mountains.
ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS
Corridors play an important role in Palm Springs. Not only are they essential
for vehicular and pedestrian circulation, but they also provide valuable
opportunities to reinforce the City’s community identity. Design treatments
on corridors should be sensitive to the uses along the corridor and create a
clean and positive image of the City. The following corridors should be
enhanced through the application of cohesive, yet clearly differentiated design
features. The locations of Enhanced Transportation Corridors can be seen on
Figure 9-1.
Highway 111 from I-10 to Tramway Road
State Highway 111 serves as a primary entrance to the City from the west.
The corridor should be enhanced with a coordinated landscaping program
marking the entrance to Palm Springs. The visual impact of development
along the western edge of the corridor should be minimized. Berming and
native landscaping should be incorporated into the design of new
development along Highway 111 to protect views of the mountains and to
prevent the visual appearance of a “sea of rooftops” along this important
corridor.
North Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive
between Racquet Club Road and Ramon Road
This corridor consists of two parallel roads, North Palm Canyon Drive and
Indian Canyon Drive, which are one-way roads between Alejo Road and
Ramon Road. They act as a couplet serving the Uptown and Downtown areas
and are the primary route into and out of the Downtown for the majority of
Downtown visitors. Currently, North Palm Canyon Drive has a fairly well-
defined design identity along the Downtown section of the road due to
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-17
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
North Palm Canyon Drive (top) has a fairly well-
defined visual identity, while Indian Canyon Drive
(above) is less visually unified. The visual identity of
the North Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon
Drive Corridors should be strengthened and made
more visually cohesive through the implementation
of consistent design features, landscaping,
and tree plantings.
consistent building frontages and tree plantings along the street. Indian
Canyon Drive is visually less defined because of the number of large vacant
parcels that line the street, the variety of land uses along the road and the
lack of tree planting/landscaping consistency. This corridor’s visual identity
should be strengthened through the use of consistent design details, tree
plantings, and landscaping along both North Palm Canyon Drive and Indian
Canyon Drive. The existing median in Indian Canyon Drive north of Alejo
Road should be extended to Vista Chino to provide traffic calming for the
Movie Colony residential neighborhood.
Indian Canyon Drive from I-10 to San Rafael
Drive
Indian Canyon Drive is one of the three main entrances to the
City from the north and should be enhanced with a
coordinated landscaping program marking the entrance to
Palm Springs.
Gene Autry Trail
Gene Autry Trail serves as a primary north–south corridor,
connecting I-10 with East Palm Canyon Drive. Despite its
importance for vehicular circulation, Gene Autry Trail does
not have a well-defined visual identity. As regional uses
continue to develop at the intersection of Gene Autry Trail
and Ramon Road and along other sections of Gene Autry
Trail, this corridor will gain increased exposure to residents
and visitors. It will be important to ensure that this corridor
conveys a strong visual statement that differentiates it from
the North Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive
corridor and yet adds to a cohesive community identity. The
addition of consistent design features, such as landscaping
and tree plantings, well-articulated walls and architectural
detailing, and increased conformity of land uses along the
corridor, would enhance the street’s visual identity. Steps,
such as the creation of landscaping, streetscape, and signage
plans, should be taken to improve the visual quality and identity of Gene
Autry Trail to reflect its growing importance within the City.
Sunrise Parkway Connector
The proposed connector between North Palm Canyon Drive/Highway 111
and Sunrise Way along the southern edge of the Whitewater Wash will serve
as an important east–west connector with both roadways and trails. The
connector should be designed to include a comprehensive landscaping
Page 9-18 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
program that complements the wash and surrounding areas and provides an
attractive “edge” to the urbanized northerly portions of the City.
Tahquitz Canyon Way
Tahquitz Canyon Way serves as a primary east–west corridor, connecting
downtown with the Civic Center and airport. In Section 14, Tahquitz Canyon
Way has a well-defined, although somewhat dated streetscape identity due to
its consistent landscaping and lighting and signage features. These design
themes and elements should be adapted with appropriate changes along the
entire length of the corridor.
Andreas Road
Andreas Road between Calle Alvarado and Palm Canyon Drive is an
important east–west connection between the Convention Center, the casino,
and the Downtown area. Specialized streetscape elements and landscaping
should be applied to this corridor to create an attractive and pedestrian-
friendly connector.
Sunrise Way
Sunrise Way serves is an important north–south corridor through the central
city for the City’s residents. The street currently has partially built landscaped
medians, which should be completed and continued along the entire length of
the corridor to create an attractive and visually unified corridor identity.
Additional streetscape elements appropriate to the residential character of the
corridor, such as pedestrian–scaled lighting fixtures or bollards, benches, and
marked pedestrian crossings, should be added along the length of Sunrise
Way to encourage pedestrian use and reduced vehicular speeds.
South Palm Canyon Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive
These two roadway segments serve as important connectors to adjacent cities
and the South Canyon neighborhoods and should be developed with an
attractive and unified corridor identity that delineates these areas as unique
from other areas of the City.
Maintenance of Existing
Design Features
Vista Chino, Ramon Road, and
East Palm Canyon Drive serve
as important east-west corridors
within the City. The existing design
features along these arterials serve
as a foundation for the visual
appearance of these areas and
should be enhanced to ensure the
continuing success and appeal of
these streets.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-19
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD4444::::
Design attractive and visually unified corridors that strengthen the
City’s identity while retaining their own unique design identities.
Policies
CD4.1 Utilize unifying and consistent streetscape elements—landscaped
parkways and distinctive medians, regularly spaced trees,
specialized lighting, street furniture, banners and public signs—to
visually unify the City’s major corridors.
CD4.2 Allow design variation of special sections along corridors (such as
the section of Tahquitz Canyon Way in Section 14) as long as they
are compatible with the design intent of the corridor and fit into
the overall design theme and hierarchy of the City’s streets.
CD4.3 Ensure that new development along the Highway 111 Corridor is
designed to minimize views of homes while protecting views of
the mountains as one enters the City. This can be done through
the appropriate incorporation of screening features, such as berms
and native landscaping, into a project’s design.
CD4.4 Continue to explore the impact of reconfiguring traffic flow and
parking along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive from
San Rafael Drive to Ramon Road. Ensure that enhanced
streetscape elements—such as landscaping, signage, street
furniture, textured pedestrian crossings, and specialized lighting
fixtures—are incorporated into the final design of the corridor’s
street sections.
Actions
CD4.1 Develop a coordinated program and design hierarchy for public
signs and lighting along major corridors.
CD4.2 Institute a program to evaluate the current signage regulations
and alter them as necessary to encourage a visually consistent and
attractive sign program along corridors.
CD4.3 Annex the county areas along the Highway 111 entry corridor.
CD4.4 Analyze the impact and feasibility of converting the landscaping
along Tahquitz Canyon Way and other lushly landscaped areas to
a desert plant palette.
Page 9-20 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Historically, the Movie Colony served as
the residential desert retreat for many of
Hollywood’s movie stars. Today, the area
remains an exclusive residential neighborhood
that is defined by its consistent streetscape.
CD4.5 Develop an inventory of the defining landscape characteristics for
major corridors in the City and compile them into a design
standards reference guide. The reference guide shall address not
only an inventory of existing corridor treatments, but it shall also
identify corridors where specialized treatments need to be
developed, such as Highway 111 from Cathedral City to Sunrise
Way.
NEIGHBORHOOD STREETSCAPES
The design and aesthetic quality of secondary streets play an integral
role in the identification of distinct neighborhoods and districts. These
secondary streetscapes dictate one’s visual experience as one passes
through various neighborhoods, affecting one’s impression of both the
city and the neighborhood. Thus, high-quality and well-designed
neighborhood streetscapes are important in enhancing and reinforcing
the design identity of Palm Springs. Streetscape design should be a
comprehensive collection of streetscape elements—including
parkways and sidewalks, landscaping, tree plantings, traffic-calming
features, lighting, signage, walls, building setbacks, architectural
styles, and detailing and paving—that create a cohesive community
identity, encourage pedestrian movement, and preserve the quality
and character of the existing neighborhoods and city as a whole.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD5555::::
Encourage high-quality, diverse streetscapes within residential
neighborhoods.
Policies
CD5.1 Encourage high-quality streetscape design within neighborhoods
and throughout the City.
CD5.2 When new residential structures are developed in existing
neighborhoods with established uniform or consistent non-
conforming setbacks, allow the setbacks of new structures to be
consistent with those of the existing surrounding development.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-21
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Sidewalk “pull-outs,” also known as “sidewalk bulbs,” are
areas of sidewalk that “bulb” out into the street. They create
a more pedestrian-friendly environment by reducing the
length of the crosswalk, slowing vehicular traffic, creating
interesting intersections, and providing more sidewalk area
at intersections.
CD5.3 Develop paved rural street profiles (curbs,
gutters, sidewalks, drainage swales, etc.) in
historic areas or where a customized neigh-
borhood streetscape plan has been developed
to provide adequate alternatives to retain the
neighborhood character while addressing issues
of drainage and safe pedestrian movement.
Actions
CD5.1 Initiate a survey of minor roadways and
neighborhood streets and identify streetscape
deficiencies, signage problems, etc.
CD5.2 Develop a phased program to correct problems
and deficiencies and revise the zoning
ordinance to shorten the timeframes for
requiring noncompliant conditions (such as
chain-link fencing, open industrial yards, etc.)
to be brought into compliance to enhance the
aesthetic character of neighborhoods and
streetscapes.
CD5.3 Study landscape enhancement opportunities on Avenida
Caballeros from Via Escuela to Racquet Club Drive along the
median between the frontage road along Avenida Caballeros.
Page 9-22 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
BIKEWAYS AND RECREATIONAL TRAILS
On- and off-street bikeways and recreational trails are important components
of the community’s nonvehicular circulation system. They allow pedestrians
and bicyclists to move safely and effectively through the City as well as
provide recreational opportunities for the City’s residents. The design of
bikeways and trails will vary throughout the community depending on their
intended use and location. However, bikeways and trails should be designed
with a focus on the comfort and safety of users.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD6666::::
Achieve and maintain a safe and functional environment along the
City’s streets and trails to stimulate pedestrian and bicycle activity.
Policies
CD6.1 Ensure that crosswalks are clearly marked, maintained, and
replaced where they are appropriate and necessary to safely
accommodate pedestrian activity.
CD6.2 Consider establishment of a comprehensive maintenance program
for pedestrian paths, recreational trails, and bicycle trails/lanes and
associated signage and infrastructure.
CD6.3 Evaluate new and existing pedestrian paths, recreational trails,
and bicycle trails/lanes to determine where signage and amenities
such as shade trees and structures, bike racks, benches, drinking
fountains, etc., should be provided.
CD6.4 Use sidewalk “pull-outs” at intersections in pedestrian-oriented
areas.
CD6.5 Design trails, sidewalks, crosswalks, street furniture, and other
open-space amenities to be accessible to the physically impaired.
Actions
CD6.1 Require new public and private projects to consult with the City’s
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator.
CD6.2 Create a priority list for parkway, sidewalk, and trail improvement
and incorporate that list into the Capital Improvement Plan.
Additional goals and policies
addressing the City’s trails can be
found in the Circulation Element.
See the Circulation Element for
more detail on bikeways and
recreational trails.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-23
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The City’s varied landscaping adds to the eclectic
nature of the City and helps to define its different
neighborhoods and districts.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping is a crucial component of Palm Springs’ identity
and appeal and greatly strengthens its sense of place. The
City’s unique mix of landscaping and trees adds to the
character of the City’s neighborhoods and reinforces the
design identity of the community. A consistent and com-
prehensive landscaping palette should be adopted and
incorporated into community design to: (1) provide a
unifying design element along arterials, (2) accent gateway
features and special areas, (3) provide shade along streets and
sidewalks and in parking lots, (4) buffer adjacent uses, and
(5) create a strong sense of place. Landscaping within
neighborhoods and districts should be used to create unique
and clearly defined areas within the City.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD7777::::
Use both public and private landscaping along streets,
sidewalks, and property frontages to strengthen the
existing City identity and ensure a pleasant environment.
Policies
CD7.1 Encourage the use of native desert plants and
trees that require minimal water and
maintenance.
CD7.2 Select plant species that will: (a) enhance the
pedestrian character and convey a distinctive and
high quality visual image for the City’s streets,
(b) be drought tolerant and fire and pest
resistant, (c) require low maintenance and no
pesticides, and (d) complement existing
landscape.
CD7.3 Amend the City’s Palm Tree Trimming policy to
require skinning of trunks of Washingtonia
robustas (Mexican fan palms) in the public right-of-
way to create a more maintained appearance.
Page 9-24 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CD7.4 Phase out the use of Washingtonia robustas (Mexican fan palms)
in the public right-of-way. As robustas die or are replaced, use
Washingtonia filiferas for their replacement and in new landscape
designs in the public right-of-way.
CD7.5 Ensure that all public landscaping is adequately maintained.
Overpruning and pruning into unnatural shapes is discouraged.
Rather, landscaping should have a natural look and feel. When
appropriate, a licensed arborist should be consulted prior to
installation and maintenance of public landscaping.
CD7.6 Ensure that new development provides for the installation of
public landscaping in accordance with an approved landscaping
plan.
CD7.7 Encourage the use of compacted coarse-grained sand, decomposed
granite or pebbles in medians and areas with exposed ground to
prevent dispersion by wind.
Actions
7.1 Adopt a tree preservation ordinance.
7.2 Create a street-tree plan with a hierarchy of street trees for major
thoroughfares. (See Figure 9-2, Special Streetscape Treatments.)
7.3 Create a landscape maintenance plan and develop a protocol for
consulting with a licensed arborist as appropriate.
7.4 Facilitate the creation of volunteer groups to assist the City with
the beautification of the public streets through fundraising and
assistance in planting and maintenance of landscaping.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD8888::::
Achieve and maintain a high level of landscape quality on private
properties throughout the City.
Policies
CD8.1 Encourage property owners to maintain the existing vegetation on
developed sites and replace unhealthy or dead landscaping.
CD8.2 Require that developers incorporate appropriately sized vegetation
and provide sufficient watering and maintenance in the
landscaping of the project site that will provide a mature-looking
landscape within three to five years of installation.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-25
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Landscaping helps define residential neighborhoods. Typically, older and historic neighborhoods tend to have lush landscaping with
many bushes, flowers, shade trees, and shrubs while newer neighborhoods tend to have more environmentally friendly and
sustainable landscaping that incorporates native, low-water, and drought-resistant plants.
CD8.3 Ensure that landscape design provides for individual and public
safety by applying “defensible space” concepts and addressing
appropriate fire safety concerns (especially in hillside areas).
Actions
CD8.1 Update the City’s water-efficient landscape ordinance.
CD8.2 Develop an educational pamphlet for distribution to residents and
property owners and placement on the City’s website addressing
appropriate landscape materials and maintenance guidelines.
CD8.3 Create incentives for developers and individual residences to
incorporate low-water, drought-tolerant, and sustainable
landscaping into site design.
CD8.4 Work in coordination with the Desert Water Authority in
outreach efforts to encourage residents and tourists to utilize
water more efficiently.
Page 9-26 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
City banners, such as the Historic
Plaza Theater District banner
above, can be an attractive method
for reinforcing the identity of an
area and creating a festive street
scene.
SIGNAGE
Signage is a highly visible component of the City’s visual character. Clear,
well-designed, and appropriately scaled public and directional signage can
add character and visual interest to the community, as well as aid circulation
and movement between and within areas. Attractive, well-placed, and
appropriately scaled commercial and industrial signage can create visually
pleasing commercial and industrial areas and add to the overall visual appeal
of the City.
Generally, signage should be colorful, interesting, easy to read, and made
from materials appropriate to the desert. Signs should be of styles, scales, and
locations appropriate to their function. Signs should also be consistent with
the architectural style of the building to which they are attached or adjacent.
Monument-style signage should be used along corridors to create gateway
features and destination images for commercial or business park centers. Wall
signs should be used along smaller commercial streets to inform passing
motorists. Smaller, double-faced projecting (blade) signs should be used in
pedestrian areas to create a pedestrian interest. Signs mounted on poles
should be discouraged and flashing signs, signs with moving parts, and signs
incompatible with adjacent architectural styles should be prohibited.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD9999::::
Convey a positive image through the use of attractive and well-designed
public and private informational signage.
Policies
CD9.1 Encourage the use of creative, well-designed, and high-quality
signage that will add to the visual continuity and community
identity of the City.
CD9.2 Establish a consistent design vocabulary on a Citywide level for
public signage, including fixture type, lettering, colors, symbols,
and logos.
CD9.3 Create a “way-finding” signage system with directional and infor-
mational signage located strategically throughout the City. The
way-finding system should include signage at two scales: one for
motorists and one for pedestrians.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-27
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CD9.4 Ensure that signage is adequately spaced and clearly visible during
the day and night to control vehicular traffic, bicycles, and
pedestrians.
CD9.5 Place distinctive signage to identify principal entries to the City,
unique districts, neighborhoods, locations, public buildings, and
parks.
CD9.6 Utilize lively, colorful, well-designed, and well-placed banners for
holidays, City events, and other City-approved special occasions.
CD9.7 Ensure that public signage is carefully placed and as appropriate
to prevent clutter and confusion. Public signage should
complement, not detract from, adjacent commercial and
residential uses.
Actions
CD9.1 Replace existing public signage with new fixtures that consolidate,
as feasible, the diversity of signage information (parking,
locational, traffic control, etc.).
CD9.2 Develop a program to identify locations for way-finding signage,
create interesting and attractive designs for the signage, and
implement a phasing plan for the financing and placement of the
signage.
CD9.3 Restrict flashing and animated LED message board signs and
phase out existing signs of this type.
CD9.4 Continue to place signage at the entrances to distinct
neighborhoods and districts.
CD9.5 Complete an update of the existing sign ordinance to address
deficiencies and ensure consistent sign guidelines and standards.
Clear and attractive monument-
style signage, such as the sign at
La Plaza, provides useful
information while adding to the
visual appeal and character of
the City.
Page 9-28 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Attractive and well-designed
commercial signage comes in many
shapes and sizes. However, the color,
scale, and design should be appro-
priate to the building of which it is
a part and the surrounding area.
Commercial signage should be simple
yet visually interesting and easy
to read.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11110000::::
Design visually attractive commercial and industrial signage that
contributes to the visual quality of the City.
Policies
CD10.1 Encourage the use of simple, distinctive, and appropriately scaled
signs in pedestrian-oriented areas. Awnings, wall signs, raised-
letter signs, and projecting blade signs are preferable and should
be encouraged.
CD10.2 Design signs that complement the architecture of the building
without dominating it.
CD10.3 Encourage the placement of wall signs at approximately the same
height along a continuous façade of storefronts to provide a
unifying, horizontal design element.
CD10.4 Encourage complementary yet distinctive signage within
commercial centers.
CD10.5 Discourage the use of free-standing signs. When free-standing
signs are necessary, encourage the use of vertical monument-style
signs with consistent lettering, styles, and colors appropriate to
the architecture of the commercial center of which they are a part.
CD10.6 Prohibit pole, roof, flashing, and animated signs.
CD10.7 Ensure that signs are made of durable materials that can
withstand the City’s desert climate—plastic signs and wood signs
in direct sunlight should be prohibited.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-29
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Lighting elements should be incor-
porated into commercial signage
when appropriate. Downward-
facing lighting elements, such as
those above, reduce nighttime glare
and spillage of light onto
adjacent properties.
Lighting fixtures in Section 14
incorporate signage into their design.
LIGHTING
Lighting is necessary to encourage nighttime activity and ensure pedestrian
safety. However, lighting levels should be minimized to help retain the
“village” character of the City, to preserve the dramatic views of the night sky,
and to conserve energy. In addition, lighting levels should be maintained at a
low level to help ensure the success of the Palomar Observatory, located in
northern San Diego County.
The California Energy Commission’s Title 24 presents lighting and energy
standards for the State. The majority of properties in Palm Springs fall within
Lighting Zones 1 and 2. Typically, Zone 1 consists of properties that are
government designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves. Zone 2
is comprised of areas designated as rural by the 2000 US Census. City
lighting standards should be updated to reflect the new requirements for
these zones and should be applied to new projects and significant alterations
to existing projects.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11111111::::
Utilize low lighting levels to emphasize the “village” character of the
community and to minimize light pollution in the Coachella Valley.
Policies
CD11.1 Use illumination levels that are appropriate to the activity level
or the size of the area.
CD11.2 Encourage the use of unifying and visually pleasing lighting
fixtures throughout the City and on private property.
CD11.3 Encourage the incorporation of lighting into signage design when
appropriate. Such lighting should be designed to minimize glare
and lighting spillage while accentuating the design of the signage.
Spot, back-lit, and downward-facing lighting fixtures and internal
illumination features are preferred methods of signage lighting.
Page 9-30 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Outdoor dining areas create pleasant places to
socialize and relax. They enliven the
streetscape and are recommended in
pedestrian-oriented areas, when appropriate.
Night Sky Ordinance: Cities in the
Coachella Valley have recognized
the need to minimize light pollution
and protect the night sky. An
unpolluted desert night sky
provides valuable opportunities for
research at the Palomar
Observatory and adds to the desert
oasis image of the region. To
protect the night sky, Palm Springs
passed a night sky ordinance that
limits light pollution.
CD11.4 Require that outdoor light fixtures used for flood lighting, general
illumination, or advertisement be fully shielded and properly
focused to minimize glare and spill light into the night sky and
onto adjacent properties.
CD11.5 Limit street lighting to safety lighting at intersections of streets
designated as collectors or larger. The intensity of light should be
related to the street classification, surrounding land uses, and
traffic volumes.
CD11.6 Encourage that outdoor lighting, other than that used for safety
and security, be turned off or lighting levels reduced to conserve
energy when the area, business, or activity is not open to the
public or otherwise in use.
CD11.7 Ensure that new projects and significant alterations to existing
projects meet Title 24 outdoor lighting zone standards and energy
conservation in lighting.
Action
CD11.1 Review City lighting standards and change as necessary to reflect
updates to Title 24 requirements.
GATHERING PLACES
Gathering places can take on many different forms. They range from
large recreational facilities and open spaces to public plazas to
pedestrian-oriented commercial areas. Gathering places serve as hubs of
activity within the community and provide opportunities for large public
events as well as day-to-day interactions with other members of the
community. Gathering places can be public areas (such as streets, parks,
and plazas), privately owned but publicly accessible areas (such as
commercial centers), or privately owned and restricted spaces (such as
open spaces within private developments that are restricted to that
project’s residents or authorized users). It is important that all types of
gathering places are designed to provide cool, shady, and comfortable
areas for people to relax and interact with others in the community.
High-quality gathering places can dramatically improve the quality of
life in the City.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-31
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The shooting fountains in La Plaza
(above) create a focal point that
invites public interest and
interaction. Such interaction will
create a more memorable experience
and encourage the user to return to
the gathering space.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11112:2:2:2:
Create active, vibrant, and attractive gathering places.
Policies
CD12.1 Integrate interactive, visually pleasing, and convenient gathering
places—including plazas, pedestrian areas, and recreational open
spaces—into the City’s design.
CD12.2 Design public spaces with pedestrian safety and comfort in mind.
CD12.3 Provide as many pedestrian amenities as feasible, including:
� Ample shade
� Mister systems for outdoor air conditioning
� Fixed and movable seating
� A central focal point, such as a fountain, piece of public
artwork, historic marker, or monument feature
� Outdoor dining, where appropriate
� Wide paths or trails
� Drinking fountains and toilet facilities, where appropriate
� Decorative water features
CD12.4 Include landscaping, signage, and other design elements that
reinforce the village character and design identity of the City
into the design of gathering places.
CD12.5 Locate public spaces in areas with high levels of activity and
visibility.
CD12.6 Orient development toward plazas, parks, village greens, outdoor
eating areas, and other public gathering places.
CD12.7 Encourage the creation of small sitting areas and/or shaded court-
yards within or close to shopping areas. Use landscaping and
other buffering strategies in the design of these sites to minimize
the impact of traffic and parking.
CD12.8 Design plazas that contain well-defined spaces, such as those
created by the sides of buildings and other structures.
CD12.9 Ensure that gathering places are at a scale appropriate to the area
and intended use.
CD12.10 Design gathering places so that they can be used by all age levels
and are accessible to people with disabilities.
Page 9-32 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Section 14 has an attractive
collection of culturally themed public
art. The statue above serves as a
gateway feature for the area.
Sculptures with accompanying
signage, such as the Lucille Ball
sculpture located in the Downtown,
help to connect pedestrians with the
art and culture of the City.
CD12.11 Incorporate design features that encourage interaction, such as
fountains, outdoor seating areas, small amphitheaters or staging
areas, and terraced walkways and patios.
CD12.12 Encourage well-designed, privately owned gathering spaces
through public outreach and the design review process.
Actions
CD12.1 Require developers to include gathering spaces within the project
site the size of which are designed appropriately to the size of the
development.
CD12.2 Ensure that gathering places are provided with appropriate
pedestrian amenities such as shade structures, seating, bike racks,
drinking fountains, and public toilet facilities.
PUBLIC ART
Public art creates focal points and adds variety to public spaces and streets.
Well-designed public art engages people, enriches the pedestrian experience
and creates a connection between the public and the culture of the
community. Palm Springs currently has a number of interesting pieces of
public art that add to the charm and character of the City. The existing public
art should be maintained and new public art added where appropriate.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11113333::::
Establish a varied collection of public art pieces that add to the charm
and character of the City.
Policies
CD13.1 Maintain the existing collection of public art pieces throughout
the City.
CD13.2 Encourage the placement of public art pieces that will add to the
character and charm of the City where appropriate.
CD13.3 Encourage the incorporation of public art into large-scale private
development projects in locations accessible to the public.
CD13.4 Encourage public art that is functional and interactive, such as
bench sculptures and fountains incorporating seating into their
design.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-33
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CD13.5 Use public art to reflect and reinforce the City’s culture, history,
and character.
Actions
CD13.1 Collaborate with the Arts Commission to establish a public art
master plan that identifies key gateways into the city and areas
within the city where public art should be located and possible
alternative sources of funding.
CD13.2 Involve local artists and students in the creation of new public art
through public outreach programs and design competitions.
WALLS AND FENCING
Walls and fencing define the visual identity of many of the City’s neighbor-
hoods and serve as an important component of the City’s streetscapes. Thus,
it is essential that walls and fencing not only provide privacy, but also present
a visually appealing element along the street. Walls and fencing should be of
a scale, color, and design appropriate to the surrounding area as well as the
building(s) they are intended to serve. They should be made of materials that
complement the desert context as well as adjacent architecture and
landscaping.
Walls and fences often create long and monotonous views along the street. To
avoid this, walls and fences should be designed to provide variation and visual
interest as one moves along the roadway. They should undulate, provide
openings for pedestrian connectivity, and vary in height. They should
incorporate special treatments and materials, such as patterned blocks, artistic
designs, and tiles, as appropriate.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD14:14:14:14:
Ensure that appealing and attractive walls and fencing add to the visual
quality of the City’s streetscapes.
Policies
CD14.1 Ensure that walls and fencing are attractive and well designed,
especially along major corridors and in historic neighborhoods.
CD14.2 Encourage the use of styles and materials that complement the
surrounding community and architectural styles.
CD14.3 Encourage the use of quality materials that are appropriate to the
desert climate, such as stone, stucco, plaster, and metal.
Walls can provide privacy and create
a pleasant environment along the
street. Walls should be low enough to
preserve views of the mountains and
other points of interest from the
street.
Page 9-34 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CD14.4 Prevent long and monotonous walls and fencing through
undulation, modulation, surface articulation, and landscaping.
CD14.5 Limit the height of walls and fencing and encourage the use of
wall breaks and transparent fences to protect views.
CD14.6 Prohibit gated community entries and perimeter walls around
entire neighborhoods. Instead, provide privacy through design
features such as meandering streets, ample landscaping, and house
placement that provides privacy and exclusivity.
CD14.7 Install landscaping along the edge of walls and fences to soften
their appearance.
CD14.8 Enhance the visual appearance of utility enclosure fencing with
the addition of landscaping.
CD14.9 Prohibit the use of chain-link fences.
CD14.10 Encourage metal fences to be dark colors to be less visually
obtrusive.
Actions
CD14.1 Update the walls and fencing ordinance to address appropriate
materials and designs for wall and fencing, including temporary
construction fencing.
PARKING
Attractive and well-designed parking is essential for maintaining the visual
quality and economic success of the City as well as for ensuring the safety and
comfort of residents and visitors alike. Off-street parking areas should be
screened from the street to reduce the visual impact of the parking on passing
vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Design techniques, such as berming, walls,
landscaping, and trellises, should be used to buffer these parking areas from
the roadway. Parking areas should also be designed with the user’s safety and
comfort in mind, including safe circulation, ample shade, and clearly defined
pedestrian crossing areas in the design of the parking area.
Ample on-street parking should be provided in the downtown and other
commercial areas. The type of on-street parking (parallel vs. angled) should
be appropriate to the size and traffic speeds of the street. Ample shade and
landscaping should be incorporated into the design of on-street parking
where appropriate.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-35
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GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11115555::::
Provide safe, attractive, and well-designed off-street parking areas.
Policies
CD15.1 Encourage the use of parking plazas rather than traditional
surface parking lots whenever possible.
CD15.2 Incorporate shade trees, landscaping, patterned paving, sidewalks,
and other pedestrian amenities into the design of parking areas.
CD15.3 Screen parking from roadways through the use of sidewalk trees,
landscaping, low berms, trellises, or grade changes.
CD15.4 Encourage the placement of parking lots behind or on the side of
buildings to minimize the visual impact of parking areas on the
street scene.
CD15.5 Encourage the use of permeable paving materials to increase on-
site percolation and reduce stormwater runoff.
CD15.6 Encourage shared parking, including guest parking, for adjacent
uses with different peak hours.
CD15.7 Provide shaded pedestrian and clear vehicular interconnections
between adjacent parking lots to reduce short trip car movement
between commercial centers.
CD15.8 Assess off-street parking requirements in the Zoning Ordinance
and revise as necessary to provide adequate guest parking.
Actions
CD15.1 Update the off-street parking ordinance to include standards for
parking plazas and to correct for any existing deficiencies.
Parking Plazas
Parking plazas contain a number of
design elements that make them
safer and more convenient and
pedestrian friendly than traditional
surface parking lots. Typically, they
channel vehicles to building
entrances and adjacent parking
plazas, clearly designate parking
areas, and pedestrian crossing
areas through the use of
landscaped islands and special
textured paving; provide passenger
drop-off points at building
entrances; create pedestrian links
to buildings through arcades; and
increase pedestrian safety and
comfort through the inclusion of
benches, fountains, shade
structures, and lighting. Parking
plazas can be incorporated into
projects of all sizes. They are
typically included in the design of
commercial, mixed-use, and office
projects as well as in Downtown
areas to ensure the safety and
comfort of people visiting those
areas. See the Downtown Urban
Design Plan for further description
of parking plazas.
Page 9-36 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Retail activity centers should include
attractive gathering spaces that provide
multiple amenities for pedestrian comfort.
GGGGOAL OAL OAL OAL CDCDCDCD11116666::::
Provide adequate on-street parking.
Policies
CD16.1 Retain existing and encourage the creation of new on-street
parking in the Downtown and neighborhood commercial centers,
when appropriate.
CD16.2 Encourage the creation of east–west parking streets with angled
parking (such as Arenas Road) in the Downtown area.
Actions
CD16.1 Initiate a study of Downtown streets to identify opportunities for
angled parking.
REGIONAL RETAIL ACTIVITY CENTERS
Historically, retail uses in Palm Springs were limited to the
Downtown and smaller neighborhood centers that lined the City’s
arterials. However, new, larger commercial centers serving the
growing region have developed in concentrated areas in the eastern
portions of the City. As these larger commercial centers are developed,
the City has a valuable opportunity to ensure the high quality of these
projects. Rather than follow a more uniform and mundane model, the
City should seek designs that are pedestrian friendly, visually
attractive, and consistent with the City’s design identity. Existing big
box retail development near the intersection of Gene Autry Trail and
Ramon Road should be enhanced to create a destination image and a
special place within the City.
Attractive and well-planned centers will not only support a new and
largely untapped economic base for the City, but also provide much-needed
publicly accessible gathering places. In the often harsh desert climate,
protection from sun, heat, and wind are particularly important. More and
more, cities are realizing that attractive public spaces provide comfort and
interest for the shopper and a solid investment for developers and tenants.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-37
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Entry monumentation to retail
activity centers, such as the example
above, should create attractive and
highly visible entries to the center.
They should incorporate a distinct
design motif and landscaping
theme that will be carried
throughout the development.
Parking and service entrances in retail
activity centers should be buffered from the
street and adjoining uses through the use of
landscaping, trees, berms, fences/walls, and
special paving when appropriate.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11117777::::
Ensure attractive regional retail centers that provide pleasant,
convenient and visually appealing shopping and work opportunities for
the City and surrounding communities.
Policies
CD17.1 Design highly visible entrances to retail activity centers though
the use of accent landscaping and lighting, enhanced intersection
features, façade detailing, monument signs, public art, differential
paving, and other design amenities.
CD17.2 Ensure the creation of pedestrian-friendly retail centers by
requiring developers to include in site design gathering places and
pedestrian amenities such as mini-plazas, arcades, court- yards,
benches, outdoor eating areas, shade structures, accent lighting,
public art, shade trees, and water.
CD17.3 Incorporate architectural interest and variety within the
context of a unified design theme for large-scale retail
activity centers. Architectural interest should be provided
through varied rooflines, rich architectural detailing,
accent lighting, and differential massing. Consistency
should be maintained through commonalities of
architectural style, color, landscaping, signage, and lighting.
CD17.4 Buffer parking areas from the street and adjoining uses
through perimeter walls and landscaping.
CD17.5 Provide safe, clearly marked, and strategically located
pedestrian walkways between parking areas and commercial
uses.
CD17.6 Incorporate shade features, such as trees, shade structures,
and canopies, into walkway and building entry design.
CD17.7 Avoid monotonous expanses of blank walls through the
use of richly detailed and well-articulated façade designs
and landscaping.
CD17.8 Encourage internal access between adjacent properties to
minimize curb cuts along major thoroughfares.
Page 9-38 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Distinctive and attractive entry
monumentation should be placed at
the entrance of neighborhood retail
centers.
CD17.9 Provide landscaped buffers between the curb and sidewalk along
major perimeter roadways surrounding retail centers. Doings so
will improve pedestrian safety as well as create a more visually
appealing streetscape.
Actions
CD17.1 Update zoning standards to require specific design features from
the above policies with special emphasis on pedestrian-friendly
amenities, such as gathering places, shade structures, and outdoor
seating.
NEIGHBORHOOD RETAIL CENTERS
Neighborhood retail centers provide shopping, dining, and gathering oppor-
tunities at a smaller scale than community commercial centers. They serve
the residential areas immediately surrounding the center rather than Citywide
or regional markets. However, these areas should include many of the same
high-quality design elements as the larger centers, although at a smaller
scale. These features include, but are not limited to, street-facing orientation,
buffered parking, comfortable pedestrian amenities, mini-plazas and gathering
places, distinctive signage, theme landscaping, and consistent architectural
detailing. Additionally, a focus should be made on creating strong pedestrian
and bicycle connections with the surrounding neighborhood.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11118888::::
Create attractive neighborhood retail centers that provide generous
pedestrian amenities, distinctive architecture, and convenient access.
Policies
CD18.1 Create visual interest and focal points at the corners of
retail centers. Measures include special architectural
features (such as towers), distinctive roof design,
accent landscaping, monument signage, and sculpture
elements.
CD18.2 Locate parking in a neighborhood retail center in
parking plazas where practical. Massive, oversized
parking lots should be avoided. (See the Parking
section of this chapter for a description of parking
plazas.)
Interesting architectural detailing, large display
windows, and awnings/arcades add to pedestrian
interest and comfort and should be incorporated
into the design of neighborhood retail centers
when feasible.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-39
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CD18.3 Screen views of surface parking areas using shade trees, low-
perimeter hedges, and other plantings. Incorporate landscaped
planters, shade trees, and defined pedestrian pathways into the
parking lot design.
CD18.4 Incorporate pedestrian-scale design amenities such as awnings,
large storefront windows, arcades, small sitting areas, special
paving and color treatments, and accent landscaping into building
and site design.
CD18.5 Encourage pedestrian access to and from adjacent uses by
providing pedestrian and bike paths and breaks in perimeter walls or
landscaped buffer areas.
CD18.6 Develop a consistent sign program that encourages distinctive and
high-quality design within the overall theme of the retail center.
Such a program should include style, scale, type, and placement of
signage.
CD18.7 Ensure that the scale and massing of neighborhood retail centers
are sensitive to the context of surrounding residential
development.
CD18.8 Encourage the provision of at least one accessible, attractive, and
comfortable public gathering place within the center.
CD18.9 Encourage the creation of vehicular and pedestrian access between
adjacent commercial properties with similar or compatible uses.
Actions
CD18.1 Create a point-based project evaluation checklist to encourage
design submissions consistent with the above-stated policies.
MIXED-USE AND MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENT
Mixed-use and multi-use developments allow for greater flexibility and a
more varied environment than traditional single-use land use designations.
Mixed/multi-use areas should consist of commercial, office, and residential
uses in either vertical or horizontal proximity to each other. This type of
development is appropriate for areas of higher intensity uses and can be used
to create hot spots of activity.
Palm Springs has the opportunity to create interesting and vibrant nodes
through the placement of mixed/multi-use in the downtown area and along
corridors, especially North Palm Canyon Drive. These mixed/multi-use areas
should fit into and add to the visual quality of the surrounding area.
Mixed-Use: Mixed-use projects
contain two or more uses located
vertically within a building. The
most common design for mixed-
use projects consists of ground
floor commercial/office uses with
second floor and above residential/
office uses. This positioning allows
ground floor commercial/office
uses to benefit from easy
pedestrian access and upper-story
residential/office uses to retain
more privacy because of their
location above the ground floor.
Multi-Use: Multi-use projects
contain two or more uses located
within horizontal proximity to each
other. This type of land use
designation allows for multiple
uses within one project site. Multi-
use projects allow for a flexible
positioning of uses, such as
commercial uses along a street
front with residential or office uses
located behind and off the street.
Page 9-40 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD11119999::::
Create mixed-use and multi-use areas that are visually attractive,
pedestrian friendly, easily accessible, and contain a blend of commercial,
office, and residential uses.
Policies
CD19.1 Encourage design flexibility in mixed/multi-use
development by allowing the vertical and/or horizontal
mix of uses in specified areas.
CD19.2 Ensure that new mixed-/multi-use developments are
compatible with adjacent neighborhoods through
project design, scale, and appropriate buffers and
transitions between uses. In general, taller projects
should step down their heights as they approach
adjacent development.
CD19.3 Locate mixed/multi-use development in areas of high
visibility and accessibility, and along streets that
balance vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
CD19.4 Locate commercial or office uses on the ground floor with
residential or office uses on the upper floors in vertical mixed-use
projects.
CD19.5 Encourage architectural design that differentiates ground-floor
commercial/office uses from residential uses above.
CD19.6 Locate ground-floor commercial uses near the sidewalk to provide
high visibility from the street.
CD19.7 Design new development with the pedestrian in mind by
including wide sidewalks, shade street trees, sitting areas, and
clearly defined pedestrian routes.
CD19.8 Minimize the visual impact of surface parking by providing
parking structures or rear or side-street parking with effective
landscape buffering.
CD19.9 Segregate residential parking from commercial and office parking.
CD19.10 Ensure privacy for residents by providing each residential use with
its own private space (such as balconies, patios or terraces) and
larger communal spaces such as lobbies, central gardens, or
courtyards.
La Plaza, above, is an excellent example of vibrant
and successful mixed use. It contains retail on the
ground floor and offices above.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-41
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Actions
CD19.1 Amend the zoning code to create mixed/multi-use development
standards. The standards should remove potential barriers to this
type of development, such as parking, open space, and setback
requirements, as well as ensure the feasibility of the implementation
of the above policies.
MIDBLOCK CORRIDOR RESIDENTIAL
Midblock corridor residential is a viable option for mixed-/multi-use areas
with marginal uses along a corridor. The creation of midblock corridor
residential within mixed-/multi-use areas allows for the concentration of
commercial uses at key intersections and the placement of higher-density
residential development along roadways such as arterials or collectors. Due to
their location along roadways that generally accommodate higher volumes of
traffic, midblock corridor residential developments should be set back from
the street and oriented to create an interesting and attractive streetscape
while allowing for safety and livability and shield units from roadway noise to
the greatest extent possible. Midblock residential developments should create
a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly environment that is compatible with and
will successfully transition into the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Land Use Element identifies portions of the North Palm Canyon Drive/
Indian Canyon Drive corridor as mixed-/multi-use areas. These areas are ideal
for the introduction of midblock residential development. Midblock corridor
residential development in this area will provide a viable alternative to the
existing array of underutilized sites and prevent the introduction of strip com-
mercial along the corridor. It will allow commercial uses to be concentrated at
prominent intersections, increase the housing stock, and create a varied and
visually interesting corridor leading into the downtown area.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD20202020
Encourage attractive and well-designed midblock corridor residential
development along the North Palm Canyon Drive/Indian Canyon Drive
corridor, and other corridors where appropriate.
Policies
CD20.1 Create a pedestrian-friendly environment along midblock corridor
residential development through the use of landscaping, shade
trees, special paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and small
gathering spaces.
Page 9-42 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Attractive signage and public art in industrial
and office buildings will add to the visual
aesthetics of the City.
CD20.2 Design street-facing building façades to include a diversity of
architectural detailing, materials, colors, and rooflines.
CD20.3 Encourage alley-loaded or rear parking in areas where they exist.
CD20.4 Require a minimum landscaped setback between the sidewalk and
the front yard or building façade to provide more privacy for
residents and to allow for an additional row of trees and
landscaping.
CD20.5 Require that each dwelling unit have a reasonable amount of
usable private open space, such as elevated decks, terraces, and
rear yards.
CD20.6 Provide highly visible and well-lit connections to nearby retail,
transportation, recreation, and educational centers.
CD20.7 Encourage visual breaks in appropriately scaled walls and fencing
along the corridor to balance privacy needs with aesthetic impacts.
Long continuous blank walls are highly discouraged.
Actions
CD20.1 Identify potential areas for midblock corridor residential
development along the City’s corridors.
CD20.2 Create development standards for midblock corridor residential
projects. Ensure that these standards address design features as
well as open space, parking, and setback requirements.
INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS PARK DEVELOPMENT
Palm Springs has a number of developing light industrial and
business parks within its boundaries. The majority of these new
industrial and business parks are located around the airport and
along I-10, Gene Autry Trail, and Indian Canyon Drive. The City
currently has the opportunity to influence the design of these
employment centers because, for the most part, they have not yet
been fully developed. While industrial and business parks gene-
rally do not receive the same level of design scrutiny that more
visible areas in the community do, Palm Springs has the chance to
influence the appearance and visual projects. High-quality design
of industrial development could be achieved by updating zoning
standards to require design features including pedestrian-oriented
amenities; large and clearly visible entries; architectural variety and detailing;
screened parking, loading and storage areas; attractive landscaping, pleasant
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-43
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gathering spaces as well as integration of retail commercial uses that support
industrial businesses.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD22221111::::
It is a goal of the City of Palm Springs to create convenient, attractive,
and well-designed industrial and business parks.
Policies
CD21.1 Strengthen the image of business park areas through entry
monument signage, distinctive landscaping, and complementary
architectural design elements.
CD21.2 Encourage clean and distinctive industrial/office buildings with
clearly visible entrances.
CD21.3 Avoid the use of long, blank walls by breaking them up with
vertical and horizontal façade articulation achieved through
stamping, colors, materials, modulation, and landscaping.
CD21.4 Use screening techniques, such as landscaping, walls, and berms,
to minimize views of surface parking, storage and service areas.
CD21.5 Encourage adjacent buildings to share open spaces to serve as
employee outdoor eating and gathering places.
CD21.6 Require buffers, such as walls, landscaping and berms, between
industrial and business parks and adjacent residential areas.
Actions
CD21.1 Update zoning standards to require specific design features that
will ensure visually pleasing and pedestrian-friendly industrial and
business park developments, as well as protect adjacent residential
areas.
Page 9-44 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Many of the City’s single-family residential
neighborhoods are clearly distinguished by design
features such as landscaping, walls, tree plantings
and architectural styles.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
A large part of Palm Springs’ charm comes from the City’s
eclectic, well-defined, single-family residential neighborhoods.
The older neighborhoods tend to be characterized by walls,
landscaping, and unique architectural styles. Areas such as the
Movie Colony and Las Palmas are distinguished by their walls and
intense landscaping, which create a sense of seclusion. Other
neighborhoods, such as the Deepwell Estates and the Racquet
Club Estates, are distinguished by the prevalence of distinctive
architectural styles. The Tennis Club district and areas along East
Palm Canyon are distinguished by the mix of single-family
residential uses and small hotel/resort uses with similar
architectural and landscaping styles. Newer areas, especially those
along the fringe of the mountains in the northwest and southern
sections of the City, tend to be defined by their desert landscaping
and the incorporation of the natural environment into building
and site design.
Where there are single-family residential neighborhoods with
unique character, they should be preserved and strengthened
when possible. Additions to existing buildings and new or infill
development within existing neighborhoods should be consistent
with the character of the area and should add to the overall charm
and visual appeal of the neighborhood. Potential design issues
should be defined for key neighborhoods and studies or programs
initiated to address the potential design concerns. (See Figure 9-3
and Table 9-1 for examples of key neighborhoods and a chart of
important design characteristics and issues in each of the mapped
neighborhoods.) New neighborhoods should be designed with
their own unique design elements and styles to create visually
interesting communities that will add to the character and
diversity of the City.
The unique location of many single-family residential neighbor-
hoods near and at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains creates
opportunities for unparalleled views and mountain access.
However, to preserve this asset for all residents of Palm Springs,
care must be taken to ensure that development near and within
hillside areas respects and enhances the surrounding topography
and environment as much as possible and provide for adequate access to the
natural areas. Hillside development should take the form of low profile homes
that fit into the terrain and accentuate the surrounding natural environment.
This type of development should be strictly regulated through development
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-45
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Office of Neighborhood
Involvement:
In 2005, the City Council
established the Office of
Neighborhood Involvement
and created a neighborhood
empowerment program. The intent
of the City Council was to create
a mechanism to facilitate com-
munication between residents and
the City staff and encourage
continuous neighborhood
improvement throughout the City.
Neighborhoods registered with
the Office of Neighborhood
involvement include:
The Historic Tennis Club, the
Deepwell Estates, the Tahquitz
River Estates, the Movie Colony,
Bel Desierto, the Sunmor Estates,
Warm Sands, and Vista Las
Palmas.
standards that ensure the protection of view corridors, prominent natural
features, and public access to local and regional trails.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD22222222::::
Create and maintain safe, attractive, visually interesting, identifiable,
and well-connected single-family neighborhoods.
Policies
CD22.1 Require new and infill development to be of compatible scale,
materials, and massing as existing development. Also ensure that
the design character of the new development is appropriate to the
area.
CD22.2 Allow new and infill projects to be excluded from sidewalk and
other streetscape improvement requirements if those requirements
are not consistent with the existing neighborhood character
(especially in historic areas). However, do not allow exceptions
where the General Plan Circulation Element requires streetscape
improvements along arterial highways.
CD22.3 Ensure that new neighborhoods and communities are designed to
be unique and visually pleasing additions to the City.
CD22.4 Ensure that new residential development does not overwhelm
natural features, especially washes and views of the mountains.
CD22.5 Actively enforce development standards, design guidelines, and
policies to preserve and enhance the character of neighborhoods in
Palm Springs.
CD22.6 Encourage buffers or transitions such as landscaping, or decorative
screening, between single-story homes and multistory
development.
CD22.7 Ensure that residential communities are well connected with each
other and with nearby commercial uses through the inclusion of
pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly design features, such as trails,
paths, and pedestrian-oriented streets, in the neighborhood’s
design.
Page 9-46 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Actions
CD22.1 Identify and enhance the key design elements (landscaping,
design character and detailing, etc.) that characterize the City’s
existing neighborhoods. (See Table 9-1 for key design elements for
some of the City’s important neighborhoods.)
CD22.2 Institute special neighborhood improvement programs in areas
that lack a distinct identity, that struggle with day-to-day
maintenance issues, or have a repeated history of code violations.
CD22.3 Update the existing single-family residential zoning ordinance to
require that new development be appropriate to and compatible
with the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood.
CD22.4 When traffic calming is required within residential neighbor-
hoods, encourage the placement of appropriate traffic-calming
features (such as corner sidewalk bump-outs, special paving, and
curvilinear streets) that are both effective and aesthetically
pleasing.
CD22.5 Continue to involve architects, landscape architects, and other
trained professionals in the design review of new residential
projects currently subject to such review.
CD22.6 Encourage the creation of neighborhood organizations or
homeowner associations in areas where they do not currently exist.
CD22.7 Encourage neighborhood organizations and homeowner associa-
tions to form volunteer groups for the beautification and general
improvement of the neighborhood.
CD22.8 Conduct yearly meetings with organized neighborhoods within
the City to identify neighborhood issues and develop strategies to
address them.
CD22.9 Explore creation of a residential street tree program.
Page 9-48 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-49
COMMUNITY DESIGNCOMMUNITY DESIGNCOMMUNITY DESIGNCOMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Table Table Table Table 9999----1111
Special Special Special Special NeighborhoodsNeighborhoodsNeighborhoodsNeighborhoods
Neighborhood Boundary Characteristic Design Features Important Design Issues Representative Photograph
Araby Cove Triangular neighborhood bounded by the
Palm Canyon Wash and the hills at the
base of the “Southridge” area on the east,
Barona Avenue and the Smoke Tree Ranch
on the west, and E. Palm Canyon Drive on
the north
� Eclectic and diverse neighborhood
� Mixture of many different housing types and styles ranging from
small-scale desert homes built in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, to
apartment and condominium complexes built in the 1960s and
1970s, to new tract homes and estate homes
� No curbs, gutters, or sidewalks
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 22.2)
� Ensure that remodels respect the eclectic character and varied scale of the neighborhood
� Ensure the preservation of the historic Smoke Tree Ranch
� Provide traffic-calming features and roadways designs
Chino Canyon N. Palm Canyon Drive on the east, the
San Jacinto National Monument on the
west, Tramway Road on the north, and
Stevens Street on the south
� Unobstructed views of the mountains and open spaces
� Custom-built, small-scale homes
� Historic 20th Century Modern architecture
� No curbs
� Undisturbed natural terrain
� Narrow and unlit roads with no curbs or sidewalks
� Tramway as major City icon/entry feature
� Require development to preserve natural contours and existing site geology
� Preserve historic properties and properties of architectural significance
� Ensure that new development is similar in scale to the existing development
� Protect viewsheds of Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio, and the Santa Rosa Mountains
� Continue to limit nighttime lighting to what is necessary for safety
� Continue to respect the natural terrain and habitat
� Ensure that development respects the Tramway’s tourist/gateway role for the City and
preserves views along the Tramway
Deepwell Sunrise Way on the east, Deepwell Ranch
Road on the west, Mesquite Avenue on the
north, and E. Palm Canyon Drive on the
south
� Few sidewalks and very little on-street parking
� Primarily open yards without walls or fences
� Mix of architectural styles
� Almost exclusively one-story homes
� Approximately one-quarter-acre lots
� Provide traffic-calming features and roadways designs
� Ensure that remodels respect the character of the neighborhood
� Ensure that tear-downs and new homes are of appropriate scale and height
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 21.2)
Movie Colony Avenida Caballeros on the east, Indian
Canyon Drive on the west, Tachevah
Drive on the north and Alejo Road on the
south
� Eclectic mix of older, historic homes
� Highly landscaped and usually walled
� Larger lots
� No curbs
� Trees and plantings in the right-of-way instead of black-top
between the edge of the pavement and walls
� Require buffers (such as landscaping, berming, or fencing) between residential and resort
uses along Indian Canyon Drive
� Provide traffic-calming features and roadways designs
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 21.2)
� Ensure that remodels respect the character of the neighborhood
� Encourage landscaping rather than hardscape in the right-of-way between the edge of
pavement and walls
Old Las Palmas North Palm Canyon Drive on the east, Via
Monte Vista on the west, Stevens Road on
the north, and Alejo Road on the south
� Meandering and pedestrian/bicycle-friendly roads
� Most houses one story, but a wide variety of architecture
� Most yards hidden by walls, gates, and hedges
� Sporadic curbs
� No street lights
� Preserve scale of neighborhood
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 21.2)
� Explore alternative standards for wall heights to be consistent with the existing
neighborhood character
� Continue to limit nighttime lighting to what is necessary for safety
Page 9-50 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Neighborhood Boundary Characteristic Design Features Important Design Issues Representative Photograph
Tahquitz River
Estates
Camino Real and Sunrise Way on the east,
Palm Canyon Drive on the west, Sunny
Dunes Road on the north, and Mesquite
Avenue and E. Palm Canyon on the south
� Mix of single-family residences, apartments, condominiums, small
hotels, and commercial uses
� Some curbs and sidewalks
� Eclectic and diverse landscaping
� Underground overhead utility lines to improve views of the mountains
� Ensure that remodels respect the character of the neighborhood
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 21.2)
� Require that vacant buildings and properties meet a minimum maintenance standard
Tennis Club Belardo Road on the east, the mountains
on the west, Tahquitz Canyon Way on the
north, and Sunny Dunes Road on the
south
� An eclectic mix of older historic homes and small boutique hotels
� Low building heights
� Walkable streets with no curbs, gutters, or sidewalks in many
areas
� Preserve the neighborhood’s scale and character
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 21.2)
� Require buffers (such as landscaping, berming and fencing) between restaurant, hotel, and
residential uses
Vista Las Palmas Via Monte Vista on the east, the
mountains on the west, Stevens Road on
the north, and Crescent Drive on the south
� Upscale Alexander-style home neighborhood
� Grid pattern of streets and cul-de-sacs
� Open front yards
� Encourage the preservation of existing architecture and discourage tear-downs
� Encourage open yards to preserve the character of the neighborhood
� Ensure that remodels respect the architectural style and character of the neighborhood
Warm Sands Greenfall Road on the east, Indian Canyon
Drive and Palm Canyon Drive on the
west, Ramon Road on the north, and
Sunny Dunes Road on the south
� An eclectic mix of single-family residences, apartment complexes,
small hotels, and a mobile-home park
� Mix of architectural styles and landscaping
� Some curbs, gutters, and sidewalks
� No street lighting
� Underground overhead utility lines to improve views of the mountains
� Ensure that remodels respect the character of the neighborhood
� Allow alternative street improvements when appropriate (see policy 21.2)
� Continue to limit nighttime lighting to what is necessary for safety
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-51
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Hillsides
Hillsides are defined as any area
with a slope of 10 percent or
greater. The goals, policies, and
action items in this section are
intended to apply to all hillside
development with the exceptions
of the Chino Cone and Palm Hills,
which have their own standards.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD23:23:23:23:
Ensure quality residential development that respects and protects the
existing hillsides.
Policy
CD23.1 Encourage hillside development that respects the natural terrain
rather than detracts from it by designing houses that fit into the
natural contours of the slope.
CD23.2 Encourage hillside development to preserve natural vegetation
during the construction process and to incorporate the natural
environment into the design of structures as much as possible.
CD23.3 Encourage the use of natural and environmentally friendly
materials and design features.
CD23.4 Require hillside development to preserve viewsheds and view
corridors.
CD23.5 Preserve public access to open space and trails through hillside
areas.
CD23.6 Require development on slopes of 10 percent or greater to
undergo special design review to ensure it is sensitively integrated
into the existing landform.
Actions
CD23.1 Evaluate the Chino Cone development standards to identify those
standards that may be appropriate for other hillside lots in the City.
Page 9-52 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Palm Springs has an array of multiple-family
housing, ranging from apartments and townhomes
to condominiums.
MULTIPLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Palm Springs has an assortment of multiple-family housing,
ranging from small apartment buildings to large-scale resort golf
community condominiums and townhomes. The range of
multiple-family development in the City is both an asset and a
challenge. A wide array of housing options accommodates the
needs of different segments of the population. However, care must
be taken to ensure that multiple-family housing adds to the visual
quality and character of the City.
Existing multiple-family residential neighborhoods and multiple-
family housing in predominantly single-family neighborhoods
should be well maintained to preserve the visual quality of the
City. New multiple-family development should be designed to
complement the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
Efforts should be made to ensure that these developments are
visually attractive and interesting through the use of architectural
detailing and variety, appropriate landscaping and developed open
space and playgrounds, screened parking, and building setbacks
and heights appropriate to the neighborhood.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD22224444::::
Ensure safe and attractive multiple-family housing developments that
complement the surrounding neighborhood.
Policies
CD24.1 Encourage the use of landscaping, colors, and materials
comparable to those used in the surrounding neighborhood.
CD24.2 Encourage architectural creativity that is appropriate to the
neighborhood.
CD24.3 Encourage architectural definition, façade articulation, and the
modulation of large, flat surfaces to create a more visually
appealing streetscape.
CD24.4 Reduce the visual impact of parking by encouraging alley-loaded,
tuck-under, garage, or subterranean parking when possible.
Where on-street and street-facing parking are necessary or already
exist, landscaping and special paving should be incorporated when
appropriate to the neighborhood.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-53
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
SCENIC RESOURCES AND CORRIDORS
One of Palm Springs’ most cherished assets is its spectacular mountain views.
Bounded by the San Jacinto Mountains on the west, the Santa Rosa Moun-
tains to the south, and more distantly, the Little San Bernardino Mountains to
the north, Palm Springs is located in a stunning natural setting. The National
Monument and San Jacinto State Park are recognized as outstanding and
unique scenic resources in Palm Springs. Within the National Monument, the
State of California has designated two sites as wildlife-viewing areas: the
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway and the Mount San Jacinto Park. The City
should also coordinate with regional and county agencies to ensure that any
new projects proposed in the City do not conflict with any scenic resource
programs that may be in place.
From the valley floor, the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains provide a
stunning backdrop. The Indian, Chino, Palm, Andreas, and other canyons
that wind through the mountains display exquisite rock formations, varied
topography, and diverse flora. Hillsides rising gently from the valley floor
provide visual relief. These scenic resources define the character of Palm
Springs.
The City’s proximity to the mountains creates numerous views of these
dramatic backdrops. These views should be protected through the desig-
nation and special treatment of Citywide scenic corridors and enhanced
landscape streets. (See Figure 9-4, Citywide Scenic Corridors and Enhanced
Landscape Streets.)
Citywide scenic corridors are key view corridors that serve as entries to the
City and provide unparalleled views of the mountains. Special care should be
taken to ensure that intensified landscaping and other streetscape treatments
frame rather than block these views. These view corridors can also be marked
with the use of specialized trees, street furniture, and medians. Additional
view corridors along secondary and tertiary streets should be preserved when
possible.
Scenic Corridors: All major
thoroughfares and freeways are
designated as scenic corridors.
Views along these roadways
should be preserved and
enhanced whenever feasible.
Enhanced Landscape Streets:
Enhanced landscaping
treatments should be used to
frame the views along these
streets.
View Corridor: A view corridor is
a direct line of sight from an area
to a point of interest or significant
feature, such as the mountains or
built landmarks. View corridors
often exist along streets or
between buildings.
Viewshed: A viewshed is the
landscape or topography visible
from a geographic point,
especially that having aesthetic
value.
Page 9-54 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD25:25:25:25:
Recognize, preserve, and enhance the aesthetic value of the City’s
hillsides, mountains, canyons, and natural terrain.
Policies
CD25.1 Preserve the frontal slopes of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains and slopes of individual landmark peaks that face the
desert floor as permanent open space to protect their scenic value.
CD25.2 Preserve scenic views along primary corridors in the Chino Cone
and along Highway 111.
CD25.3 Require that all land uses and future development proposals
respect and protect the scenic values of the desert and mountain
terrain.
CD25.4 Windfarms, where technically feasible, shall consist of equipment
that is of a uniform type, size, color, and placement.
CD25.5 Preserve and maintain, through public acquisition and placement
into a public trust, environmentally sensitive hills, canyons, or
other topographical features that exhibit exceptional scenic value.
Actions
CD25.1 Continue active interjurisdictional and interagency planning for
the conservation and preservation of the Santa Rosa Mountains in
their natural state with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
and the Coachella Mountains Conservancy.
CD25.2 Continue implementation of the Hillside Development Ordinance
that regulates development on hillsides with a slope of 10 percent
or greater. Periodically review the ordinance to ensure that it
contains:
a) Grading standards;
b) Water quality and runoff;
c) Development standards, including open space; and
d) Site planning standards (landscape, street design, etc).
Page 9-56 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-57
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD26:26:26:26:
Preserve and enhance view corridors.
Policies
CD26.1 Protect and enhance view corridors by undergrounding
and screening utility lines and facilities.
CD26.2 Create/enhance building height and massing restrictions
to ensure the preservation of existing public view
corridors.
CD26.3 Frame views along streets through the use of wide
parkways and median landscaping.
CD26.4 Require specialized design review for development along
scenic corridors including, but not limited to, building
height restrictions, setback requirements, and site-
orientation guidelines.
CD26.5 Orient new streets to maximize the view of open space,
parks, mountains, and built landmarks where possible.
CD26.6 Create attractively landscaped street edges in residential
neighborhoods to frame mountain and other views.
CD26.7 Coordinate scenic highway programs with City, county, and state
levels of government and the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments.
CD26.8 Promote continuity in scenic highway programs through
coordinated planning with neighboring jurisdictions.
CD26.9 Seek to preserve and maintain, through acquisition or regulation,
those areas or sites that are found to have exceptional scenic value.
CD26.10 Require the removal of billboards along scenic corridors and
encourage their removal along enhanced landscape corridors.
Actions
CD26.1 Develop and adopt landscape plans for the identified Citywide
scenic corridors and enhanced landscape streets. The landscape
plans should identify tree types and placement.
CD26.2 Create a priority list for the creation of street landscape plans that
reinforce view corridors.
Many parts of the City have excellent views
of the mountains. These views should be
preserved wherever possible. Top: View west
from the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon
Way and Indian Canyon Drive. Above:
View west from a residential neighborhood.
Page 9-58 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Palm Springs Modern
Architecture: The City is best
known for its Mid-Century Modern
architecture. The clean lines and
creative style of Modern
architecture fits well into the desert
environment.
Ordinance 8.05: Adopted in 1981,
Ordinance #1140 was intended to
protect the City’s architectural and
historical heritage through the
designation and preservation of
historic sites. The ordinance also
created the Historic Site
Preservation Board, which provides
the City Council and City staff with
recommendations concerning
historic preservation matters.
Bill Krisel’s “House of Tomorrow,” better
know as the “Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway,”
is one of Palm Springs’ many Modern style
homes.
CD26.3 Alter existing building height restrictions and stepback
requirements when necessary to adequately preserve view
corridors.
ARCHITECTURAL DIVERSITY AND CONTEXT/
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Palm Springs is an architecturally rich city. Early settlers built notable
examples of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Mediterranean-
style buildings, many of which are still standing. Subsequently Mid-
Century modernist architects designed a wide array of significant
buildings throughout the City. High-quality architecture—regardless
of style—continues to be a trademark of Palm Springs. This rich
architectural collection sets it apart from other cities in the Coachella
Valley, creating a unique sense of place and a strong aesthetic identity.
New buildings should add to this rich architectural legacy.
Because of economic pressures to develop in the City, it will become
increasingly important to recognize and preserve historically significant
buildings. The preservation of historic buildings will help retain the City’s
character and charm, which are crucial to the City’s international reputation
and economic success. In addition, the creation of historic districts may
provide a means to revive deteriorating neighborhoods by providing building
owners with incentives to invest in preserving historic buildings. In June
2004, the City completed a Citywide Historic Resources Survey intended to
serve as a foundation for the documentation and designation of potentially
significant historic and architectural resources within the City. The survey
includes a detailed study of 200 buildings and sites. Continuing efforts should
be made to identify and preserve historically significant buildings and sites
when feasible.
The Kaufmann house, above, designed by Richard Neutra in 1946, is one of the most
famous examples of Palm Springs’ Modern architecture. Other Modern houses can be
found throughout the City’s many residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-59
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
The City has a wide range of historic
sites and buildings representing the
City’s unique past.
Top: The Welwood Murray
Memorial Library
Middle: The McCallum Adobe
Bottom: The Oasis Hotel Tower
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD22227777::::
Preserve and enhance the architectural quality of Palm Springs.
Policies
CD27.1 Design new structures in architectural styles that reflect the City’s
diversity and creativity yet are compatible in scale and character
with the City’s existing buildings and natural surroundings.
CD27.2 Encourage visual diversity in the predominant architectural styles
of different parts of the City.
CD27.3 Encourage the use of high-quality materials and materials that
are appropriate for the desert climate.
CD27.4 Ensure that publicly owned buildings and structures serve as
examples of superlative architecture.
CD27.5 Continue to require the application of 360-degree architecture on
new buildings, to ensure all sides of structures contain
architectural treatments and detailing.
Actions
CD27.1 Continue to include design professionals in the City’s planning
process to encourage a high level of design review in new
construction and renovations.
CD27.2 Enforce the vacant buildings ordinance to ensure property owners
maintain and secure their buildings to prevent “demolition by
neglect.”
Page 9-60 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Signage identifying historically and
culturally significant sites and
buildings creates pedestrian
interest and adds to the character
of the City.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD22228888::::
Ensure the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and
sites.
Policies
CD28.1 Support the preservation of historically, architecturally, or archaeo-
logically significant structures and sites as prescribed by the
Historic Preservation Ordinance.
CD28.2 Encourage the establishment of historic districts to identify
suitable concentrations of historically significant structures.
CD28.3 Support tax incentives (such as the Mills Act), mutual covenants,
protective covenants; purchase options; preservation easements;
building, fire, and City code modifications; application fee
reductions; and any other methods deemed mutually agreeable
between the City and the landowner that will help to preserve
historic resources.
CD28.4 Establish a program of low-interest rehabilitation loans for the
maintenance and upkeep of significant architectural, historical,
and cultural buildings.
CD28.5 Encourage property owners to submit applications to qualify
appropriate properties and buildings for the local historic register.
CD28.6 Require that new construction in designated architectural/
historical/cultural districts complement the existing historic
structures and open space characteristics such that the new
construction does not imitate or copy the style of the historic
structures.
CD28.7 Encourage developers of sites containing a significant
architectural, historical or cultural structure to adaptively reuse
and expand it, in lieu of demolition and replacement, where
financially feasible.
CD28.8 Make historic markers available to identify individually designated
structures, sites, and features of architectural, historical, or
cultural significance and require owners to display their historic
markers so they are readable from the public way.
CD28.9 Periodically require that the Citywide Historic Resources Survey
be updated.
Existing Historical Sites: As of
2005, Palm Springs had one site
on the State Historic Register: the
Frances Stevens School. Locally
designated historic sites Class I
and Class II sites. Class I sites are
usually in good or excellent
condition and have not been
significantly altered. Class 2 sites
are typically structures that have
been demolished or have lost all
structural and design integrity but
still merit historic recognition.
The Mills Act: The Mills Act is a
tool that local governments can
use to participate in the
preservation of historic buildings.
The act allows cities to enter into
contracts with property owners with
the expressed intention of
preserving historic sites. Under
these contracts, property owners
agree to restore, maintain, and
protect their historic property for a
minimum of 10 years in exchange
for potential property tax relief
during that period.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-61
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
Green Building: Green building is
the term used to describe design,
construction and planning
techniques that are more
environmentally friendly than
traditional building practices. Green
building includes design and
planning practices that take
advantage of new environmental
technologies and environmentally
sustainable design and planning
concepts, such as the use of solar
energy, the incorporation of
passive heating/cooling design
techniques, the use of low VOC
(volatile organic compound)
building materials, and the
utilization of water and energy
conservation design strategies and
appliances. Recent advances in
environmental technologies have
made green building a more
economically feasible option and
increased waste stream diversion
for recyclable material and
minimized construction debris that
heads to landfills.
Actions
CD28.1 Update the historic preservation ordinance to provide a clear
review process for the development or alteration of survey
properties.
CD28.2 Coordinate preservation efforts with local historic and
architectural preservation groups.
CD28.3 Provide property owners, upon their request, with information on
how to research, rehabilitate, and preserve their architecturally,
historically, and culturally significant property.
CD28.4 Provide information to the public on historically significant sites
in Palm Springs.
CD28.5 Encourage residents to identify historic sites and districts for
possible Class I designation.
CD28.6 Investigate certification of the local historic program as a Certified
Local Government Program (California’s federally funded historic
preservation program).
GREEN BUILDING AND PLANNING PRACTICES
In the face of increasing energy costs, dwindling natural resources, and
irreversible impact on the natural environment, Palm Springs has the
opportunity to take a forward-looking approach in its design and planning
practices. Palm Springs’ location and desert climate make it an ideal setting
for the implementation of green building and planning practices. These
practices not only conserve energy and reduce the impact of development on
the natural environment, but can also improve the quality of life of the City’s
residents through the creation of more attractive, livable, and sustainable
spaces. Efforts should be made to encourage green building, construction and
planning practices whenever possible.
Palm Springs intends to be an environmental advocate and a leader in
environmental compliance and protection. We will strive to be a model for
environmental excellence and a prevailing force in environmental protection.
To accomplish this, the City shall endeavor to establish policies that will
incorporate environmental responsibility into its daily management of urban
residential, commercial, and industrial growth, education, energy and water
use, air quality, transportation, waste reduction, recycling, economic
development, and open space and natural habitats.
Page 9-62 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
The City recognizes that growth and opportunity cannot be conducted at the
expense of environmental protection and enhancement, and that growth and
environmental stewardship are intimately related. The City shall make every
effort to cultivate superior environmental standards that will provide for
green and sustainable municipal development.
A “green,” sustainable city is a community of residents, neighbors, workers,
and visitors who strive together to balance ecological, economic, and social
needs to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for all members of
society for generations to come.
The City believes that the protection of the urban and natural environments
is a social responsibility and a fundamental obligation of this City, and that an
ecologically impoverished and polluted environments adversely impacts
human health. To ensure a viable future, the city will take a leadership role
and address the impacts placed on the environment by urbanization and a
growing populace. These impacts include air and water pollution, climate
change and habitat loss.
The City believes that the implementation of an environmental ethic need
not interfere with economic development and that practicing such an
environmental ethic can ultimately be expected to enhance economic affairs
and provide for responsible, farsighted development.
Realizing that Palm Springs’ rich architectural fabric and community
livability should be complimented with environmentally sound buildings, the
City will pursue the development of green buildings and sustainability
programs wherever possible.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD22229999::::
Establish the City as a leader in energy efficient and environmentally
sustainable development and planning practices.
Policies
CD29.1 Require the use of energy-efficient and green building practices
that are appropriate to the desert climate. Developers should
identify energy and resource savings measures that they have
incorporated into their project.
CD29.2 Require the use of green building techniques in the design and
construction of public buildings and facilities.
CD29.3 Encourage site planning and building orientation that maximizes
solar and wind resources for cooling and heating.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-63
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
LEED
: LEED
(Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design)
design standards were created by
the US Green Building Council to
provide a voluntary national
standard and rating system for the
design of sustainable buildings.
CEEP: CEEP (Community Energy
Efficiency Program) is a program
that local governments can
implement to encourage builders to
construct energy-efficient housing
that meets or exceeds the national
Energy Star guidelines.
Participating local governments
provide builders that meet CEEP
standards with benefits such as
local recognition, fee deferral,
prioritized plan checks, and
expedited field inspections. In
exchange for these benefits,
builders must create homes that
are 15% more efficient than
California's Title 24 energy code
requirements.
CD29.4 Require landscaping practices that increase energy efficiency and
conserve natural resources, such as drought-tolerant landscaping,
seasonally and locationally appropriate tree plantings, and natural
drainage systems. These practices could include things such as
desert-friendly landscaping on medians and other public lands.
CD29.5 Encourage the use of resource-efficient and ecologically sound
building materials.
CD29.6 Encourage the use of solar energy systems and energy- and water-
conserving appliances.
CD29.7 Encourage infill development to make efficient use of existing
land.
CD29.8 Encourage on-site design practices that reduce stormwater runoff,
including on-site retention, permeable paving, and increased
native landscaping.
CD29.9 Continue to provide and expand recycling services and maximize
waste stream diversion.
CD29.10 Become a conservation leader in the Coachella Valley with respect
to resource conservation in parks, medians, greenbelts, and public
buildings.
Actions
CD29.1 Develop a green building ordinance.
CD29.2 Consider participation in the CEEP (Community Energy
Efficiency Program) Certificate and Recognition Program.
CD29.3 Adopt LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) design standards for public buildings.
CD29.4 Implement “green planning” site design incentives, such as
density bonuses, reduced parking requirements, reduced
processing fees, and expedited plan checks.
CD29.5 Publicize information on green building/site design concepts and
environmentally friendly/sustainable landscaping strategies and
plant palettes.
CD29.6 Collaborate with other Coachella Valley organizations, programs,
and initiatives to promote energy and resource conservation.
Page 9-64 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Downtown should remain a vibrant, walkable, pedestrian-oriented area with
appropriately scaled and designed development to retain the eclectic nature and village
character of the area.
SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATION AREAS
A few specific areas within the City require special design attention because of
the important role that they play in the City’s image and success. The areas
discussed in this section include the Downtown, Section 14, Gene Autry Trail,
and the I-10 corridor.
Downtown
Downtown Palm Springs is the heart of the City. Once the center of activity
for the Coachella Valley, the Downtown remains an important part of Palm
Springs and is still a key attraction for visitors and residents. The Downtown
has a strong sense of place due in part to the eclectic mix of architectural
styles and land uses, the prevalence of historically significant buildings, and
the many cultural/entertainment attractions (including retail uses) located
within the area. The unique character and charm should be preserved while
allowing for the changes necessary to ensure the continued success of the
Downtown area. Because of the Downtown’s importance to the City, the
Downtown Urban Design Plan was created to provide detailed design
concepts and principles for the downtown area. This study should be
consulted for design considerations for new projects in the Downtown.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-65
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD30303030::::
Support and sustain a vibrant and active Downtown.
Policies
CD30.1 Require new development in the Downtown area to
conform to the Downtown Urban Design Plan for
design guidelines. New development applications in
the Downtown area shall include an analysis of a
project’s compliance with the provisions of the
Downtown Urban Design Plan.
CD30.2 Integrate streetscape improvements, landscaping, and
signage that uniquely identify the Downtown area as
the principal commercial activity center of the City.
CD30.3 Encourage retail uses that maintain extended evening
hours and support nighttime activity.
Actions
CD30.1 Evaluate and adopt the appropriate regulatory tools
in the Zoning Code to implement the Downtown
Urban Design Plan such as Specific Plan, design
overlay, and/or zoning amendment.
CD30.2 Distribute the Downtown Urban Design Plan to
prospective merchants, developers, architects and
others who might have an interest in developing
projects Downtown.
CD30.3 Facilitate continued communication between the Downtown
merchants association and City staff to help maintain the unique
character of the Downtown area.
CD30.4 Coordinate and guide volunteer groups to assist with the
beautification and maintenance of the Downtown area.
A map of the study area covered by the
Downtown Urban Design Plan.
Page 9-66 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Section 14 contains a number of the
City’s attractions, such as the
Convention Center (top), a casino,
and numerous hotels and resorts
(bottom). This area has a clearly
defined design identity (middle)
based on the culture of the ACBCI.
Efforts should be made to ensure
design continuity between Section 14
and the surrounding areas.
Section 14 Specific Plan:
The Section 14 Specific Plan
approved by City voters via
Measure U in November 2004,
provides guidance for the future
development of Section 14. The
document includes zoning and
land use designations, design
guidelines, and streetscape and
landscaping plans.
Section 14
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) and its members own
large portions of the City, including the area known as Section 14. Bounded
by Indian Canyon Drive, Alejo Road, Sunrise Way and Ramon Road, Section
14 is located adjacent to the downtown and near the Civic Center and
airport. Section 14 contains a number of hotels and resorts, the Palm Springs
Convention Center, and a casino in addition to residential, commercial, and
entertainment uses. Large parts of Section 14 are vacant or unimproved,
creating opportunities for future development projects. The area’s develop-
ment potential and proximity to the downtown makes it an important area
within the City.
In November 2004, the City adopted the Section 14 Specific Plan to guide
the development of the area. As a result, Section 14 currently has an
attractive and well-defined visual identity that incorporates distinctive
lighting, signage, public art, and landscaping elements. Efforts should be
made to ensure design continuity between Section 14 and surrounding areas
while allowing Section 14 to retain a distinctive visual identity. Such efforts
will help create a stronger Citywide identity while allowing for unique
neighborhoods and areas within the City.
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD31313131::::
Reinforce visual continuity between Section 14 and areas directly
adjacent.
Policies
CD31.1 Ensure the implementation of the design guidelines and
landscaping plan sections of the Section 14 Specific Plan.
CD31.2 Refer to the Downtown Urban Design Plan when appropriate.
CD31.3 Encourage future projects to be sensitive to the need for visual as
well as physical continuity (pedestrian, vehicular, etc.) between
Section 14 and the surrounding areas.
CD31.4 Strengthen the physical and visual linkages between Downtown
and attractions in Section 14, such as the convention center.
Actions
CD31.1 Continue to work with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians to visually integrate new development into the
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-67
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
The low intensity of uses along the Gene Autry
Corridor creates the opportunity for the development of
a regional jobs center along the corridor.
Gene Autry Trail lacks a unified corridor identity. A
comprehensive streetscape plan for the corridor should
be adopted.
surrounding areas through the use of appropriate scale, height,
building orientation, and landscaping.
CD31.2 Ensure that parks and the downtown are provided with
appropriate pedestrian amenities such as shade structures, seating,
bike racks, drinking fountains, and public toilet facilities.
Gene Autry Trail
Gene Autry Trail, which runs from I-10 in the north to East
Palm Canyon Drive/Highway 111 in the south, is currently
underutilized and poses a valuable opportunity for the City.
The corridor provides easy truck access to the airport and
through the city to major regional transportation corridors
without passing through the Downtown and many
residential neighborhoods. The regional commercial develop-
ment at the intersection of Gene Autry Trail and Ramon
Road, Knott’s Soak City Water Park, and the Palm Springs
Air Museum serve as commercial/entertainment anchors for
the southern portion of the corridor. Existing uses along
major portions of the corridor provide opportunities for
greater intensification through new development. Vacant
parcels opposite the airport and along Gene Autry Trail to the
north provide the prospect to create a new employment
center benefiting from access to the airport and I-10. Such
development would allow the city to create jobs and expand
its economic base without negatively impacting the
downtown or residential neighborhoods within the City.
The Gene Autry Trail corridor represents an important city
gateway and provides an opportunity to create a more unified
and attractive arterial. The corridor should be enhanced
through the intensification of high-quality uses along the
corridor’s edge, the implementation of a comprehensive streetscape plan
creating a unified corridor identity, and the inclusion of specialized gateway
features at I-10 and the intersection of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino.
GOALGOALGOALGOAL CDCDCDCD33332222::::
Create more intensive high-quality development and streetscape
improvements along the Gene Autry Trail corridor.
Policies
CD32.1 Encourage the development of quality commercial, office, and
light industrial uses and business parks along Gene Autry Trail.
Page 9-68 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
(See the Industrial and Business Park Development section of this
element.)
CD32.2 Incorporate Citywide design features and specialized streetscape
elements to give the corridor a distinctive identity and visual
continuity. Such elements may include consistently placed
parkway trees and landscaping, medians, street furniture, banners,
and public signs.
CD32.3 Use key intersections as opportunities for design improvements
such as specialized paving, enhanced setbacks, accent landscaping,
and intensified uses.
CD32.4 Provide landscape and safety buffers between pedestrian and
bikeway areas and vehicular lanes.
Actions
CD32.1 Implement a program to guide the development and visual
enhancement of the Gene Autry Trail corridor.
CD32.2 Develop plans for design enhancements at key intersections along
Gene Autry Trail.
CD32.3 Include the Gene Autry Trail improvement program and plans in
the Capital Improvement Plan.
I-10 Corridor
The first exposure most visitors have to Palm Springs is along I-10. This
“window to the city” is currently underutilized and nondescript, offering the
traveler little indication of what lies beyond. The opportunity exists to
distinguish Palm Springs more clearly from other cities in the Coachella
Valley and to create an attractive gateway to the City.
The placement of specialized design features, such as landscaping, signage,
and lighting elements along the I-10 corridor will improve the visual image
of the City from the freeway and reinforce the City’s design identity.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page 9-69
COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMUNITY DESIGN
ELEMENTELEMENTELEMENTELEMENT
GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL CDCDCDCD33333333::::
Create a visually distinctive and attractive entry to Palm Springs along
the I-10 corridor that reflects the high-quality architecture and design
of Palm Springs.
Policies
CD33.1 Develop a unified design theme for development along the I-10
corridor, including architectural elements, colors, signage, and
landscaping.
CD33.2 Incorporate specialized design elements, including accent land-
scaping, monument signage, and specialized lighting, at
key locations along the I-10 corridor.
CD33.3 Encourage high-quality development along the freeway.
CD33.4 Buffer unattractive uses with landscaping and walls.
CD33.5 Encourage modulation and articulation of walls to avoid large
expanses of blank walls facing the freeway.
CD33.6 Stimulate continued investment of properties within this high
profile location to ensure a positive first impression of the City.
CD33.7 Promote the use of multitenant signs adjacent to the freeway
right-of-way to minimize the visual clutter along the corridor.
Actions
CD33.1 Develop design criteria for project evaluation along the I-10
corridor.
CD33.2 Develop and implement landscape standards for properties
fronting the I-10 corridor.
CD33.3 Continue to enforce the Wind Energy Conversion Systems
ordinance.
Page 9-70 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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AppeAppeAppeAppendix Andix Andix Andix A. . . . Downtown Urban Design PlanDowntown Urban Design PlanDowntown Urban Design PlanDowntown Urban Design Plan
A. Downtown Urban
Design Plan
The City of
Palm Springs
Downtown
Urban
Design
Plan
Adopted
July 20, 2005
DOWNTOWN URBAN DESIGN COMMITTEE
The City of Palm Springs would like to thank the following people for their
contributions to the development of the Downtown Urban Design Plan prepared
by The Planning Center:
City Council:
Chris Mills
Steve Pougnet
Planning Commission:
Marshall Roath
Leo Cohen
Design Community:
Jim Cioffi , Architectural Advisory Committee Chairman
Don Wexler, Retired Architect
Mainstreet:
Larry Pitts, Property Owner
Bill Matthews, Downtown Business Manager
Historic Tennis Club:
Bill Davis
Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation:
Steve Nichols, Property Owner
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI):
Todd Hooks, Director of Economic Development
Downtown Merchants Association:
Joy Meredith, Business Owner
Uptown:
Tony Larcombe, Business Owner
Historic Site Preservation Board:
Bill Scott
Palm Springs Art Museum:
Dr. Janice Lyle, Executive Director
Staff:
Jerry Ogburn, Downtown Development Director
John Raymond, Director of Community and Economic Development
Jing Yeo, General Plan Update Project Manager
Vision
A dynamic, vital, and economically successful downtown
that retains the historic and cultural character of Palm
Springs and yet meets the changing needs of residents and
visitors alike.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION & PUBLIC OUTREACH ................... 1
1. Introduction & Workshops ................................................................ 2
2. Visioning Map ......................................................................................... 5
3. Assets & Opportunities ..................................................................... 8
4. Ideas & Strategies.................................................................................... 12
DESIGN PRINCIPLES ........................................................................ 15
1. Urban Design Concept ...................................................................... 16
2. Streets & Circulation .......................................................................... 20
3. Parking ......................................................................................................... 26
4. Public Spaces & Gathering Places ............................................. 30
5. Land Use & Development / Districts ..................................... 34
6. Building Height, Orientation, Massing, & Design ........ 36
7. Landscaping ............................................................................................. 44
8. Signage, Lighting, & Street Furniture ...................................... 52
Introduction & Public Outreach
Background
Currently, a number of new, large scale development projects are
proposed for downtown Palm Springs. These proposed projects,
in varying stages of completion, are important to the downtown
because of their location along Palm Canyon Drive and their
large size. If completed, these projects are likely to dramatically
affect the life, character, and vitality of downtown. They have the
potential to infuse downtown Palm Springs with much needed
economic and social energy while encouraging future development
of other under-utilized sites. However, to ensure continuity
between these new and future projects and the existing built
environment, a set of comprehensive downtown design guidelines
is needed. Thus, to have the greatest possible impact on the future
development of downtown, the downtown design element of the
General Plan update was fast-tracked and this workbook produced
to serve as design guidelines for future downtown development
prior to the adoption of the complete General Plan document.
History
Historically known as the desert playground of the rich and
famous, Palm Springs has a long and vibrant past. Originally a
small railroad town, Palm Springs became world renown in the
1920s and 1930s when Hollywood stars began fl ocking to the
desert to enjoy the warm, sunny climate. The stars brought with
them the glamour and excitement of Hollywood, creating an
unparalleled cultural oasis in the Coachella Valley.
Time has brought about change in Palm Springs. Today it is no
longer just a seasonal tourist destination, but also the home of
many year-round residents. Some of the glitter of movie stars
has worn off and many of the large retail stores that were so
prominent in earlier times have moved on. However, Palm Springs
is still recognized worldwide as a destination resort. It has many
advantages that perpetuate the reputation of the city including
the international airport, the village center, the convention center,
numerous fi rst class hotels, the Desert Museum, and a wonderful
physical setting and climate. But if Palm Springs is going to
maintain its preeminence, it must take steps to energize the
community and ensure an ongoing vitality. This revitalization must
start in the downtown because it is the heart of the city.
introduction & workshops
two
Preparation Process & Workshops
These interim guidelines were prepared to address the complex
issue of downtown development. Drawn from input from local
stakeholders at the Downtown Ideas and Directions Workshop
and the Downtown Urban Design Workshop held on February
24, 2005, these design principles are intended to apply to
downtown development.
The Study Area.
Top: Participants in the Downtown Urban Design Workshop discuss strategies for downtown
revitalization.
Bottom: Participants draw their ideas on a map of downtown Palm Springs.
The input of local stakeholders was an essential part of
developing the design guidelines. On February 24, 2005, Moore
Iacofano Goltsman (MIG) and The Planning Center hosted two
downtown workshops at the Hilton Palm Springs Resort. The
Downtown Ideas and Directions Workshop, which was held in
the morning, was open to the general public. It was designed to
create a forum for residents to express their visions for downtown
Palm Springs and their opinions on current obstacles and
opportunities in the downtown area. After a brief introduction
and large group discussion about Palm Springs, the participants
were broken into four small groups. Each group rotated between
four themed stations to facilitate directed discussion on the natural
setting, social and economic trends, traffi c and circulation, and the
built environment of Palm Springs. After circulating through all
of the stations, the groups came together for a fi nal idea collecting
and summarizing session.
introduction & workshops
three
The Downtown Urban Design Workshop
took place in the afternoon. In this session,
select stakeholders, including several council
members, planning staff, store owners,
developers, architects, and a Tribal representative,
were divided into three groups. Each group was
asked to think about the best way to implement
the concepts that had been developed in the
morning session and to apply those ideas to a
map of the downtown, creating examples of
specifi c sites and strategies for future downtown
development. At the end of the day, the three
groups were gathered and each presented their
maps and the concepts behind them.
While there were differing opinions on many
issues in both the morning and afternoon
sessions, the workshops provided a useful forum
for identifying the important issues in downtown
Palm Springs and possible ways to address those
issues. Drawn from these discussions, a concept
map and set of downtown design guidelines
(starting on page fi fteen) were created to help
shape the future development of downtown
Palm Springs.
four
Page Intentionally Left Blank
ideas and directions
workshop visioning map
five
The above exhibit is a sample of the ideas and concepts that were captured during the Ideas and Directions Workshop.
This illustration was taken directly from the wall graphic developed during the workshop.
six
Page Intentionally Left Blank
seven
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Participants in the Downtown Ideas and Directions Workshop were asked to think about the existing assets
and opportunities in downtown Palm Springs. Below is a summary of the assets and opportunities they
identifi ed.
Top: View of the mountains from Tahquitz Canyon Way at Calle Alvarado.
Mountain views along streets in the downtown areas should be preserved
whenever possible.
Above: Downtown is an eclectic mix of architectural styles with Modern and
Spanish Colonial being the most prominent. This architectural history and
variety sets Palm Springs apart from other desert cities and is an asset that
should be preserved and enhanced.
Right: The historic Plaza Theatre on Palm Canyon Drive is one of Palm
Springs’ biggest cultural attractions.
LOCATION – Palm Springs enjoys a desert climate, which
attracts people year round. Palm Springs also benefi ts from
its location at the head of the Coachella Valley, close to I-10
and the Los Angeles metro area.
HISTORY – Unlike many newer cities in the Coachella
Valley, Palm Springs has a rich social, cultural, and
architectural history. This unique history creates a sense of
place and character, which attracts visitors and residents alike
to downtown Palm Springs. Due in part to its history, Palm
Springs is internationally recognized as a premier tourist
destination and desert resort city.
MOUNTAINS – Downtown Palm Springs is located at the
base of the San Jacinto Mountains, resulting in spectacular
mountain views to the west and a dramatic backdrop for the
city. Downtown also has more distant views of the Little
San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the Santa Rosa
Mountains to the south.
assets & opportunities
eight
CULTURE – Downtown Palm Springs boasts a wide
array of cultural attractions. The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies
draws stars and guest acts from around the world. The
Palm Springs Art Museum displays excellent permanent
and traveling collections. The Annenberg Theater holds an
annual performing arts series along with other cultural events
and performances. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
gives guests a better understanding of the Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) and their history. Statues
of Hollywood stars, such as Sonny Bono and Lucille Ball,
complement the streetscape and create photo opportunities
for tourists.
assets & opportunities
nine
Below: The Palm Springs Art Museum is a wonderful cultural asset. In
addition to world class permanent and traveling collections, the museum houses
the Annenberg Theater. Photo by David Glomb.
Below: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) plays an important
role in the City. Section 14, which is partially located in the downtown, provides
many cultural and recreational opportunities. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Information Center can be found on the Village Green (right bottom) and the Agua
Caliente Tribal Administration Plaza on Tahquitz Canyon Way (below).
Top: Palm Springs’ collection of eclectic and
historical architecture creates a unique sense of
place and identity. The Town & Country Center
and Lykken’s Department Store are just two of
many unique buildings that add to the character of
downtown.
Above & Right: There are numerous resort and
recreation opportunities in downtown Palm Springs
such as The Springs (above) and the Spa Resort
Casino (right).
ARCHITECTURE – Downtown Palm Springs is
set apart from other desert cities by its unique and
eclectic mix of architectural styles ranging from
Spanish Colonial to Modern. Numerous courtyards
and passageways create a varied pedestrian experience
and enhance downtown visits. The large number
of historical buildings also adds to the character of
downtown.
RECREATION & RELAXATION – The climate
of Palm Springs makes it a year-round site for a wide
range of outdoor activities and recreation. Located
on the edge of downtown is the historic O’Donnell
Golf Club. Downtown’s proximity to the mountains
provides access to mountain sports and activities. A
number of spas and resorts provide residents and
visitors with many opportunities to relax and enjoy the
sunny climate.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES --
Downtown has a number of vacant stores, buildings,
and lots. These provide valuable opportunities for new
development downtown. One of the most important
development opportunities is the Desert Fashion Plaza,
which is located in the core of downtown.
ten
RETAIL / RESTAURANTS – Downtown Palm
Springs contains a unique mix of a wide variety of
restaurants and shops. Many locally owned boutiques
and stores create a unique and pleasant shopping
experience. The large variety of excellent restaurants
and open air dining options adds to the vitality of
downtown.
VILLAGES / DISTRICTS – Downtown has a
number of existing and developing theme based
districts, such as a furniture and art gallery district, a
restaurant district, the historic Tennis Club District,
and the historic Plaza Theatre District to name a few.
These districts add to the vitality of downtown by
providing different experiences and serving as hubs of
activity.
Top: Downtown has a wide variety of indoor and
outdoor dining options. The Chop House and The
Deck are two very popular downtown restaurants
that provide outdoor dining opportunities and
contribute to the vitality of the street scene.
Above: The downtown area consists of many theme
based districts. These districts add to the eclectic
nature of the downtown area. Signage should be
used to strengthen the identities of the districts.
Left: The Mercado Plaza offers a number of
different retail and dining options in addition to
creating an interesting public space.
eleven
Palm Springs has a unique and vibrant history. However, with down-valley development and changes in
demographics, it is a city in transition. With more and more year-round residents, it is important to fi nd a
balance between the needs and desires of the residents and those of the tourists while taking advantage of
the unique history and many assets downtown Palm Springs has to offer. Participants of the Downtown
Ideas and Directions Workshop and the Downtown Urban Design Workshop were asked to come up with
a number of goals and proposed actions to help shape the downtown design guidelines to best meet this larger
goal. Below is a summary of the general goals and actions proposed in the two workshops.
Streets & Circulation
Goals: Improve street life and the pedestrian experience; Slow traffi c in the downtown core
(especially on Palm Canyon Drive); Connect areas of activity in downtown through stronger
vehicular and pedestrian connections; Enhance existing trails and create a city-wide trail
system
Proposed Actions: Create “sidewalk bulbs” at intersections and wider sidewalks in between
to facilitate pedestrian through traffi c, reduce the length of pedestrian street crossings,
and slow vehicular traffi c (for an illustration of a sidewalk bulbs see page twenty-two);
Re-confi gure traffi c patterns and create a hierarchy of streets based on “go” and “slow
go” concept (“go” streets allow for faster vehicular movement while “slow go” streets
provide for slower vehicular movement and increased pedestrian activity); Open new
east-west vehicular and pedestrian connections to improve circulation and access; Connect
the Convention Center to the Desert Museum; Connect retail and cultural sites; Connect
villages/districts to “core” downtown; Improve existing trails and create an interconnected
trails system
Parking
Goals: More downtown parking; Easier access to popular locations
Proposed Actions: Build new, strategically located parking structures; Create design criteria
for parking structures; Ensure safety through the incorporation of safety measures such as
suffi cient lighting, clear signage, and open stairwells
Public Spaces & Gathering Places
Goals: More public gathering places and pedestrian connections
Proposed Actions: Create a central public plaza or town center; Create more mid-block
pedestrian connections; Create more interesting courtyards and small gathering spaces with
places to sit
twelve
ideas & strategies
Land Use & Development / Districts
Goals: More downtown residential uses; More mixed-use; More cohesive, compact,
and vibrant “core” of downtown; Strengthen the identity of the existing districts;
Create new districts or recognizable neighborhoods
Proposed Actions: Create more residential and mixed use developments in
downtown; Take advantage of the development opportunities provided by vacant
stores and lots; Find short and long term uses for the Desert Fashion Plaza site;
Develop Indian Canyon Drive to create a more pedestrian friendly street; Create an
“events/entertainment center”; Use specialized landscaping, signage, lighting, fl ags,
banners, and street furniture to differentiate between the various districts
Building Height, Orientation, Massing, & Design
Goals: Allow for mixed-use development while preserving mountain views and
eclectic nature of downtown; Preserve view corridors and create new ones when
possible; Preserve and enhance eclectic architecture
Proposed Actions: Orient buildings east-west to protect or create view corridors;
Develop and implement building massing guidelines to frame views; Step back the
upper fl oors of taller buildings to protect view corridors; Vary height and massing to
maintain eclectic nature of downtown; Design buildings to add to and reinforce the
eclectic nature of downtown architecture
Landscaping & Signage
Goals: Create a strong downtown identity through landscaping and signage;
Encourage pedestrian activities by creating beautiful and easily navigated streets and
spaces
Proposed Actions: Create comprehensive downtown landscaping and signage
guidelines; Use desert and eco-friendly landscaping
ideas & strategies
thirteen
fourteen
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Design Principles
Key Design Concepts for Downtown Palm Springs:
• Create a new central plaza/public space
• Create new mid-block walkthroughs and pedestrian connections
• Protect or create public view corridors along streets
• Create distinctive gateways to downtown with large water elements and signage
• Ensure a vibrant, compact, and walkable “core” downtown
• Enhance the existing trails through appropriate signage and landscaping and create a
comprehensive trail system
• Create new mixed-use residential projects, especially in the central core area and the
northern and southern ends of downtown.
• Concentrate tall, high density projects in the central downtown core and at the north and
south gateways to downtown
• Strengthen or create pedestrian and vehicular connections between areas of activity/
districts
• Enhance the pedestrian experience through improvements to the streetscape, such as wide
sidewalks, ample shade, varied sidewalk pavements and textures, interesting public spaces
with focal points, and consistent landscaping, street furniture, lighting, and signage
• Create “hot spots” of activity at key intersections through the use of “sidewalk bulbs,”
special paving, building corner cutbacks, sidewalk cafes, kiosks, fountains, and public art
• Ensure access to safe and convenient parking through the creation of a comprehensive
parking system
• Encourage adaptive reuse of historic buildings and architectural excellence in the design
of new projects
• Ensure access to public areas and buildings for people of all ages and abilities through
consultation with appropriate City Staff and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Realize the role of the Section 14 Specifi c Plan in the success of downtown and ensure
strong pedestrian and vehicular connections between Section 14 and the rest of the
downtown area
The bullet points below highlight the most important design and planning concepts derived from the downtown
workshops. The map on the opposite page is a conceptual map that is intended to demonstrate how many of
the design and planning concepts below could be implemented in the downtown area. The following parts of
this section go into greater detail and expand upon these concepts to assist developers and planners in their
planning and design processes.
sixteen
urban design concept
seventeen
concept sketch
eighteen
Page Intentionally Left Blank
nineteen
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Streets, sidewalks, and trails are all
essential parts of the downtown
experience. Streets not only allow
vehicular movement between places,
but also affect the vitality of downtown
by either attracting or deterring
pedestrian activities. Thus, streets and
streetscapes must be designed with
both cars and pedestrians in mind to
ensure a healthy and vibrant downtown.
A pedestrian oriented linkage along
Andreas Road (see the concept map on
page seventeen) should be created to
strengthen the connection between the
Resort and Convention Center district
and the downtown core area (see the
zones map on page thirty-four).
Trails should connect downtown
with other parts of the city and the
mountains, creating new greenway
connectors between districts and
providing better access to the
mountains. All street, sidewalk, and
trail elements should include consistent
detailing to create a sense of continuity.
Additional, more specialized detailing
can be added to distinguish specifi c
sites, areas, or districts if desired.
However, this underlying design
continuity is essential in strengthening
the sense of place and identity for
downtown Palm Springs.
Top: Parking streets, which differ from other streets in that parking is an integral design element, are
ideal for pedestrian oriented commercial uses and can be used to create areas with unique and lively
streetscapes. La Plaza and Arenas Road between Calle Encilia and Indian Canyon Drive (above)
are good examples of parking streets that create unique destination spots in the downtown.
Bottom: Plan view of a parking street. Parking streets are encouraged as east-west connectors in the
downtown area to improve both vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
streets & circulation
twenty
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Streets & Streetscapes
• Along downtown streets, all the elements – buildings, signs,
landscaping and street furniture – should work together to create a
unifi ed and coherent visual identity and public space.
• Commercial and mixed-use buildings should be located close to
the public right-of-way to better defi ne the urban space and create
pedestrian interest. However, building frontages should be relieved
with occasional courtyards, passageways, patios, and setbacks to add to
the unique and eclectic character of downtown Palm Springs.
• Streetscapes provide visual interest, continuity, and identity
and should include a consistent blend of themed street furniture,
consisting of streetlights, banners, benches, bollards, bus stops, and
trash receptacles. While retaining key basic detailing for downtown
continuity and identity, these elements should be further specialized to
help identify specifi c districts or villages within the downtown.
Top: The colorful umbrellas on these outdoor dining
areas add vitality and excitement to the downtown area.
Outdoor dining areas and shade umbrellas should be
incorporated into streetscape design whenever possible.
Right: La Plaza combines a number of desirable design
principles. Consistent architectural styles, signage, and
landscaping create a sense of place. Special paving
on Palm Canyon Drive clearly designates pedestrian
crossings. The design of La Plaza’s parking street
creates an east-west mid-block vehicular and pedestrian
connector and provides much needed parking spaces.
streets & circulation
twenty-one
• Colorful and themed awnings and
outdoor sidewalk umbrellas can add
a great deal of vitality and excitement
to an area as well as provide important
sources of shade for pedestrians and
customers. Downtown stores and
eating establishments are encouraged
to use either or both techniques when
appropriate.
• Street corners should be carefully
defi ned by buildings that set the tone
for the entire block and provide visual
interest for pedestrians.
• Patterned pavement and special
paving materials should be used to
designate intersections, pedestrian
crossings, entries, parking plazas,
and places of special interest. The
patterned and special paving should be
designed in a style consistent with the
historic context of the downtown area.
twenty-two
Intersections
• Corner building cutbacks create a
sense of place and help to create a
varied streetscape experience. They
are recommended at the gateways to
downtown, intersections along Palm
Canyon Drive, Indian Canyon Drive,
and Tahquitz Canyon Way, and any
other important intersections in the
central core area to denote signifi cant
intersections or points of interest in the
downtown area.
• Corner “sidewalk bulbs” or “step-
outs” are recommended at intersections
to slow traffi c, reduce the length of the
crosswalk, and to create more sidewalk
space.
• Clear sight lines should be maintained
at intersections to ensure pedestrian and
vehicular safety.
Above: Corner building cutbacks, sidewalk bulbs, and towers should be used at important intersections to create small public spaces with a sense of place. Additional design
elements, such as architectural detailing, awnings, fi rst fl oor retail with large display windows, outdoor eating areas, and landscaped areas, add to pedestrian comfort and are
recommended when appropriate.
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Above: Plan view of a sidewalk bulb. Sidewalk bulbs increase usable sidewalk area, allow for
on street parking, slow traffi c, and shorten the distance of crosswalks. They are ideally suited
for commercial streets with on street parking and are recommended in pedestrian oriented areas
where appropriate.
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Top: This corner at Tahquitz Canyon
Way and Indian Canyon Drive is an
ideal location for a small public space.
By removing the one story building in the
foreground and adding additional outdoor
eating opportunities and other pedestrian
amenities (see the “Public Places” section
starting on page thirty) a new vibrant space
along the street could be created.
Bottom: High density residential mixed-
use in the core downtown area and the
north and south gateway areas (see zones
map on page thirty-four) can extend the
hours of use and bring social and economic
vitality to the downtown. This perspective
shows one concept for the possible
redevelopment of the Desert Fashion
Plaza, which is located in the heart of the
downtown core. A new east-west connector
street opening up to the Desert Museum
and numerous pedestrian friendly elements
in the design of the proposed mixed-use
residential project would reduce the visual
impact of the taller buildings and help
retain the village character of the area
while adding much needed vitality to the
downtown streets.
twenty-three
Above: The section of the Heritage Trail along Belardo Road is a wonderful
asset. It is a good example of how a wide sidewalk can serve both pedestrian
and bicycle traffi c. The Heritage Trail should be extended to connect with other
parts of the city and the mountains.
twenty-four
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Sidewalks
• Sidewalk width is dependent on surrounding
uses and scale of street. Core commercial areas
need to include zones for window shopping,
through pedestrian traffi c, outdoor eating, trees, and
landscaping.
• Where appropriate, sidewalks should refl ect historic
scoring patterns or distinctive paving or surface
treatment to create patterns and consistency.
• Along pedestrian-oriented streets, large windows of
ground-level retail should provide visual interest and
information for shoppers and strollers.
• In commercial areas where pedestrian uses are
encouraged, wider sidewalks and sidewalk shade trees
are preferred over landscaped medians to maximize the
usable space for pedestrian activities and movement.
• Sidewalks should be designed to be handicapped
accessible as set forth in the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
Right: Sidewalks should provide
ample room for concurrent uses. It is
recommended that sidewalks in pedestrian
areas have at least ten feet for window
shopping / pedestrian through-traffi c, ten
feet for outdoor dining, and three feet for
landscaping and shade trees.
Top: The Heritage Trail paving markings are
an example of good trail signage. They clearly
identify the trail and add texture and variety to
the paving.
Above: Monument style Heritage Trail signs
display the route and important areas along the
trail. Similar signs should be created for the
entire trails system.
Left: The sidewalk at the Mercado Plaza is
an excellent example of patterned paving.
Specialized paving adds to the unique sense of
place and character in the downtown.
Trails
• An integrated trails system connecting the
mountains, downtown, and other areas of the city
should be created.
• The trail system should be clearly marked with
consistent signage and lighting where appropriate.
• Landscaping and shade trees should be incorporated
into the trail design in the downtown and other
developed areas.
• Amenities, such as benches, public art, bike racks,
and water fountains, should be strategically placed
along the trails, especially in the downtown and
other heavily used areas. The incorporation of these
amenities into trail design will enhance the user’s
experience and create more interesting public spaces.
• Trails should be designed to minimize confl ict
between pedestrians and bicyclists. This can be done
by creating separate, but parallel trails for different
uses or by designating different parts of one trail for
different uses.
twenty-five
Tourists and residents alike come
to downtown Palm Springs to go
shopping, to enjoy restaurants and
cultural attractions, and to attend
special events. The majority of these
downtown visitors come by car.
Without easily accessible downtown
parking, many potential visitors, whose
business is essential to the downtown
economy, may be attracted to other
commercial and entertainment centers
with more convenient parking. Thus, the
continued vitality and future economic
success of downtown depends heavily
on providing access to convenient,
strategically located parking.
The most effective way to maximize
access to convenient parking is through
the creation of an integrated downtown
parking system. This parking system
should build upon existing parking
programs and structures and should
provide short, medium, and long
term parking options in a number of
strategically located parking structures
and lots. These different parking areas
should be integrated into the design of
the surrounding neighborhood both
architecturally and in scale. Efforts
should be made to consult with the
City’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities
Act) coordinator to ensure adequate
handicapped accessible parking in the
downtown.
Top: The proposed integrated downtown parking system should incorporate existing parking
structures (such as the one located on the corner of Indian Canyon Drive and Baristo Road
shown above) and lots when appropriate and feasible.
Middle & Bottom: Step backs and landscaping on the sides of taller buildings, such as
the Hyatt on Palm Canyon Drive (middle), can help frame view corridors along streets and
are recommended when appropriate. Likewise, step backs and landscaping should be used to
minimize the visual impact of parking structures (bottom). First fl oor retail along the base of
parking structures is also encouraged because it minimizes the impact of the structure on the
pedestrian experience by reducing gaps in pedestrian uses.
parking
twenty-six
parking
Parking System
• The downtown parking system
should maximize the convenience of
downtown parking while minimizing its
impact on the visual quality of the street
and pedestrian movement along it.
• The different components of the
parking system should be easily located
and identifi ed through the use of
consistent and unifying lighting and
signage.
Top: Parallel parking on Palm Canyon Drive allows for higher traffi c volume than angled parking while still
providing some on street parking for nearby restaurants and retail establishments.
Bottom: The portion of Arenas Road between Calle Encilia and Indian Canyon Drive is a great example
of how angled parking can create a unique and pedestrian friendly retail and restaurant area. Note the large
display windows that also contribute to the interest of the streetscape.
twenty-seven
Structured Parking
• Structured parking, when properly
designed, results in higher parking
densities and fewer interruptions in
the pedestrian experience than surface
parking lots. Therefore, structured
parking is recommended in the central
downtown area.
• Underground structured parking has
the least impact on the visual quality
of downtown and is encouraged when
feasible.
• When it is necessary to locate a
parking structure along a commercial
street, the structure should be designed
to provide ground level retail and offi ce
space. On streets where cars must
occupy the ground level, a landscaped
setback should be used to minimize and
soften the visual impact of the structure.
• The facade of parking structures
should refl ect the exterior building
materials, forms, and scale of
surrounding buildings.
• Parking structures should incorporate
security measures such as lighting, open
stairwells, and clearly marked entry and
exit points.
On Street Parking
• On downtown streets, both angled
and parallel parking have their
advantages. Compared to angled
parking, parallel parking provides fewer
spaces but can allow for wider sidewalks
and fewer traffi c disruptions. As a
general rule, angled parking should not
be used on arterial roads because of the
traffi c interruptions and safety hazards
they create. However, on smaller
roads, angled parking can reduce the
speed of traffi c and help create a varied
streetscape.
• Parking streets (streets that include
parking, usually angled, as a key design
element and often incorporate other
pedestrian friendly elements such as
sidewalk bulbs and landscaping) are
recommended as east-west connectors
in the downtown area, especially
between Palm Canyon Drive and Indian
Canyon Drive. It is also encouraged
that parking streets be used to create
special districts or destinations in the
downtown area, such as the small
shopping/entertainment district on
Arenas Road between Indian Canyon
Drive and Calle Encilia.
Parking Lots & Parking Plazas
• Parking plazas contain a number of
design elements that make them more
convenient and pedestrian friendly than
traditional parking lots. They channel
vehicles to building entrances and
adjacent parking plazas, clearly designate
parking areas and pedestrian crossing
areas through the use of landscaped
islands and special textured paving,
provide passenger drop off points at
building entrances, create pedestrian
links to buildings through arcades, and
increase pedestrian safety and comfort
through the inclusion of benches,
fountains, shade structures, and lighting.
twenty-eight
Top: Plan view of a parking street. A two way parking
street slows traffi c and is conducive to pedestrian activities.
Middle: Low walls and landscaping make surface
parking less visible from the street. Note that the
sidewalk in this photograph is too narrow to accommodate
more than a single pedestrian. When possible, sidewalks
should be wider to allow for more than one person at a
time. (See “Sidewalks” on page twenty-four.)
Bottom: Screening walls and landscaping reduce the
impact of surface parking on the pedestrian experience.
• Parking plazas should be used rather
than traditional parking lots whenever
possible.
• Because surface parking lots tend
to create gaps along the sidewalk and
interrupt the activities along the street,
they should be located in ways that
minimize their visibility from major
arterials and pedestrian streets. It is
recommended that surface parking lots
not be located on Palm Canyon Drive
or Indian Canyon Drive.
• Techniques for screening surface
parking lots include perimeter-
landscaped buffers of shade tree
plantings or up to three-foot-high
screen walls or shrubs.
• Surface parking lots should contain
interior landscaping with curbed islands
planted with shade trees and desert
landscaping. One tree per four parking
spots is recommended.
• Tipu (Tipuana tipu) trees are
recommended in parking lots and
parking plazas.
twenty-nine
Top: Plan view of a parking plaza.
Parking plazas that use one-way streets
as part of the circulation system provide
more parking spots than those that have
a completely enclosed circulation system.
This design is ideal for the blocks between
Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon
Drive.
Middle & Bottom: Desert landscaping,
landscaped islands, shade trees, and
textured paving at pedestrian crossings are
all important elements in parking plazas.
They help to maximize the convenience,
safety, and visual pleasure of users.
Public spaces provide the visual and
social accent for a downtown. Although
sidewalks are the most important public
spaces in a downtown, well-planned
plazas, squares, and courtyards add a
vital sense of place and comfort to the
downtown experience. Every city should
have a large central public gathering place
near the heart of the city to create a center
of activity and vitality in the downtown
area. This central area should provide
civic, social, retail, and recreational uses
to meet the varied needs of different
downtown users. Downtown Palm Springs
would benefi t from a new large public
space that can serve as a true town square
to attract visitors and to create a lively
and defi ned center of the downtown area
(see the concept map on page seventeen).
In addition, new mid-block pedestrian
connections (see page seventeen) should
be created in the downtown, which
should result in a more lively streetscape
and better east-west circulation in the
downtown area. A series of smaller public
spaces (including courtyards, patios, and
corner building setbacks) should also be
incorporated into the existing urban fabric
of downtown Palm Springs.
public spaces &
gathering places
Top & Middle: These photos are examples of central
squares. The proposed central square in downtown Palm
Springs should include design elements to maximize pedestrian
use and comfort.
Bottom: Smaller public spaces should include as many
pedestrian oriented amenities as feasible. This space includes
outdoor dining with sun umbrellas, comfortable seating,
clear signage, consistent lighting fi xtures, a water element,
landscaping, and shade trees.
thirty
public spaces &
gathering places
Public Spaces & Gathering Places
• Public spaces should be carefully integrated into the urban fabric
of the downtown and contribute to the pedestrian experience.
• A large, centrally located city square should be created in
downtown Palm Springs. To maximize accessibility and use by
the public, it should be strategically placed between Palm Canyon
Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. The central square should be a
hub of activity during both the day and night. In addition to a
varied mix of retail, restaurant, and offi ce uses, the public square
should contain strong landscaping elements to create a sense of
place, a central water element to serve as a focal point, ample
pedestrian amenities to ensure pedestrian safety and comfort, and
special features and events to attract users.
• Additional large public spaces should be located along the street
to provide maximum visibility and accessibility. The transition
from the street to the public space should be as convenient as
possible by not raising or sinking the space more than three to
four feet.
• Vibrant public plazas have a sense of enclosure defi ned by
surrounding buildings and streets. However, they should not
be completely enclosed or cut off from the street. Public areas
should be defi ned by surrounding buildings with the general
guideline that the width of the public space should not be more
than three times greater than the height of surrounding buildings.
Below: The Mercado Plaza is a vibrant
public space because it contains many
elements of a well designed gathering
place: retail and restaurant uses, a strong
water element, outdoor seating, interesting
architecture, shade elements, consistent
landscaping, public art, and specialized
paving.
thirty-one
Top & Middle: Pedestrian mid-block passageways can aid pedestrian circulation and provide interesting spaces and experiences for
users. These connections provide shaded walkways lined with commercial uses. Landscaping, outdoor dining, and water elements
all add interest and comfort to the spaces. Mid-block pedestrian and vehicular connections are recommended on the blocks between
Belardo Road and Indian Canyon Drive.
Bottom: This public square provides a wide array of pedestrian amenities. Interesting architectural elements, outdoor umbrellas,
patterned paving, landscaping, and clearly defi ned signage all work together to create a pedestrian friendly gathering place.
• Attention to pedestrian amenities and comfort is
crucial.
• All public spaces should have ample water misters,
shade trees, awnings, and other sun coverings to shelter
users from the hot summer sun and to provide a cool,
inviting place for visitors to sit and rest.
• Public spaces should include landscaping and water
elements to create a pleasant and relaxing environment.
• Comfortable and movable seating is crucial to the
success of public spaces. Seating can be built into
ledges, corners, and walls. Moveable seats provide
choices and comfort whereas fi xed seating tends to
limit fl exibility of use.
• Outdoor eating and seating provides convenience and
social opportunities and should be incorporated into
public gathering places.
• Public spaces in the downtown area should have a
visual focal point that draws attention, connects visitors,
and further enhances the sense of place. The amenity
might be a sculpture, fountain, historical reference,
public art display, or entertainment venue. The central
plaza and north and south entrances to downtown Palm
Springs should all contain similar strong water elements
that will create a sense of continuity and thus connect
the downtown area.
thirty-two
• The use of special paving features and public art adds richness
to the environment and are encouraged as long as they are
consistent with the character of downtown.
• Smaller scale public spaces should complement larger spaces
and add vitality and choice to the pedestrian experience. They
should also be located along the street, be comfortable, and have
amenities such as ample shade and seating.
• Mid-block pedestrian connections and walkthroughs connect
streets on opposite sides of a block, aiding pedestrian circulation
and creating a varied pedestrian experience. They are encouraged
on the blocks between Belardo Road and Indian Canyon Drive.
(For examples, see the concept map on page seventeen.)
• Connections and passageways should be unique spaces while
retaining continuity with the rest of downtown. Landscaping,
water elements, art, special paving, and shade are all encouraged.
Top: The Village Green’s fountain provides a good
example of a fountain serving as a focal point in a public
space.
Middle: Public art, such as the Lucille Ball statue on
Tahquitz Canyon Way, is encouraged.
Bottom: Smaller public spaces, such as The Corridor
off of Palm Canyon Drive, should provide a number
of different pedestrian amenities to ensure the comfort
and safety of the user. Shade elements, landscaping,
seating, lighting, and signage should always be included
in the design of public places. Other elements, such as
water features, public art, and special paving are all
recommended when appropriate.
thirty-three
Currently, the majority of downtown
Palm Springs is used primarily during the
daytime. However, there is potential to
extend the hours of use and to create a more
exciting and lively atmosphere in downtown
Palm Springs through the introduction of
mixed-use residential developments and the
expansion of nighttime commercial/retail
uses. People create a sense of vitality through
activity and use of the streets and sidewalks.
Downtown residents would enliven the
area by using downtown areas when others
have left and by creating a new nighttime
market for activities, stores, and restaurants.
Therefore, downtown Palm Springs would
benefi t from downtown residents and those
new residents would benefi t from the exciting
and lively atmosphere of the area.
To achieve the desired mix of vitality and
activity, downtown Palm Springs should be
comprised of a number of different zones
distinguished by land use and height. These
zones include: the core (comprised of a
high intensity mixed-use center with taller
buildings surrounded by a vibrant mixed-use
area); two shorter, less intense mixed-use
transition zones to the north and south of
the core; taller, more intense north and
south gateway areas; the Resort/Convention
Center District; and the Tennis Club District
(see map to the right). Further defi ned theme
based districts (areas identifi ed by specialized
uses, such as cultural and art uses, restaurant
uses, nightlife uses, etc.) within these larger
districts are encouraged and should be
strengthened where they already exist when
possible.
land use & develop-
ment / districts
thirty-four
Above: A map of zones in downtown Palm Springs. (For building heights for the various zones
see the “Building Height, Orientation, Massing, & Design” section starting on page thirty-six.)
These zones should be further subdivided into theme based districts to create areas with separate
and unique identities within the downtown.
Land Use & Development / Districts
• Downtown Core: The downtown core (approximate area
bounded by Amado Road and Arenas Road and Museum Drive
and Indian Canyon Drive) should be a vibrant, compact, and
walkable center of activity in the downtown area. The core should
be comprised of a central core area consisting of taller (max. 60
ft; see “Building Height, Orientation, Massing, & Design” section
starting on the next page for more detail on allowed building
heights in the downtown), high intensity mixed-use (residential/
commerical) buildings surrounded by an equally vibrant, but
shorter (max. 30 to 45 ft.) mixed-use (commercial/offi ce/
residential) outer core area.
• Transition Zones: The transition zones should serve as less
intense connector areas between the high intensity downtown core
and north and south gateways to help create a varied downtown
experience. These areas are ideal for theme based districts
(areas with similar or complementary uses such as restaurants, art
galleries, etc.) and should consist primarily of shorter, one to two
story (max. 30 ft.) commerical/offi ce mixed-use buildings. Slightly
taller mixed-use buildings with ground fl oor retail/offi ce and
residential lofts above (max. 45 ft.) are permitted on the east side
of Palm Canyon Drive.
• Gateways: The north and south entrances to the downtown
(along Alejo Road and Ramon Road between Belardo Road and
Indian Canyon Drive) should be well defi ned areas that make
one’s entrance into the downtown a memorable experience. They
should be taller (max. 60 ft.), high intensity mixed-use (residential/
commercial) areas with distinctive landscaping and signage
marking the entrance to downtown.
• The Resort/Convention Center District: This district is
completely contained within the Section 14 area and its land uses
are defi ned by the Section 14 Specifi c Plan. The district’s location
adjacent to the downtown core makes it an integral part of the
downtown. It should be well connected with the rest of the
downtown to ensure the success of the entire downtown area.
• The Tennis Club District: The Tennis Club district is an
important historic area in downtown Palm Springs. It contains
many architecturally, socially, and culturally important hotels, small
resorts, and residences. This district should continue to retain
the current land uses, sense of place, and character that currently
exists.
• Within all of the downtown zones (especially in the core and
transition areas) theme based villages or districts are encouraged.
These districts should be lively, walkable areas with similar or
complementary uses that create a sense of district identity.
These areas should be connected with each other and the central
downtown core to create a dynamic and pedestrian friendly
downtown. Existing theme based districts should be strengthened
and new ones created when possible.
land use & develop-
ment / districts
thirty-five
Building height, orientation, and
massing all affect the character of a
downtown. Currently, the majority of
buildings in downtown Palm Springs
are low-rise structures facing onto
the street. These building types help
create the pedestrian friendly village
character of downtown. If the correct
techniques are used, taller buildings can
produce the same effect while allowing
for increased residential and retail uses
in the downtown area. However, care
must be taken to protect existing public
view corridors along streets, and when
possible, to create new ones.
Another defi ning feature of the village
atmosphere of downtown Palm Springs
is its eclectic architecture. Early homes
were constructed primarily in Spanish
Colonial and Mediterranean styles. Mid-
century and post-World War II buildings
and homes were designed by an array
of well-known Modern architects.
The result is an architecturally rich
and varied downtown. New buildings
should be sensitive to the historic
context and complement the unique
mix of architectural styles. In addition,
new projects should strive for excellence
in architectural design.
Above: Gateway corners, which have distinguishing buildings set back from the corner, should be
used at entrances to the downtown area.
building height,
orientation, massing,
& design
thirty-six
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Above: A map of building heights by zone in downtown Palm Springs. (For more detail on the
characteristics of the zones see the “Land Use & Development/Districts” section starting on
page thirty-four.)
Building Height
• Downtown Core: Building height in the central core area should be
a maximum of 30 feet on the street front stepping back to 60 feet in
height with minor intrusions for architectural features. The surrounding
mixed-use areas in the downtown outer core should be a maximum of
30 feet with intrusion areas for architectural features on the west side of
Palm Canyon Drive and a maximum of 30 feet for offi ce/retail mixed-
use and 45 feet for buildings with ground fl oor offi ce/commercial uses
and second story residential lofts with intrusion areas for architectural
features on the east side of Palm Canyon Drive.
• Transition Zones: Building height in transition areas should be a
maximum of 30 feet with intrusion areas for architectural features. On
the east side of Palm Canyon Drive mixed-use buildings with residential
lofts are excepted from the 30 foot restriction. They should be a
maximum of 45 feet (18 feet on street front stepping back to 45 feet on
the second fl oor) to accommodate the residential lofts.
• Gateways: Building height in the north and south gateway areas should
be a maximum of 30 feet on the street front stepping back to 60 feet in
height with minor intrusions for architectural features.
• The Resort/Convention Center District: Allowed building heights
can be found in the Section 14 Specifi c Plan.
• The Tennis Club District: Building heights should be consistent with
current heights and zoning restrictions.
• Building heights should result in a varied skyline. Taller buildings, if
properly designed, will create dramatic view corridors that will add to the
vitality of downtown.
• Taller buildings (in excess of three stories) should compensate for
their height through the provision of grade level public open space,
preservation of views, superior design, and quality construction.
• First and second fl oors of taller buildings should be pedestrian friendly
through the use of large display windows, awnings or other shade covers,
architectural detailing, etc. They should contain elements at a pedestrian
scale and provide pedestrian uses, such as retail, restaurant, and offi ce
spaces.
Orientation & Massing
• An east-west orientation of taller buildings will reduce the bulk
facing the mountains, which will help create/preserve view corridors
in the downtown area. The east-west orientation of taller buildings is
recommended when appropriate.
• Building massing should step back above the ground fl oor to maintain
and protect public view corridors along streets. (See the bottom of page
twenty-four for a graphic representation of a building step back.)
• Buildings should have variable roof lines.
building height,
orientation, massing,
& design
thirty-seven
Top & Left: Arcades, such as those at
Santana Row (above) and La Plaza (left), add
character to the streetscape and provide shade for
pedestrians. They are recommended in areas of
pedestrian oriented retail.
Architecture & Architectural
Detailing
• It is important that the rich
architectural heritage of Palm Springs
be protected. The City urges property
owners to preserve, restore, and
productively use class I and class
II historical buildings whenever
practical. An appropriate high level
of maintenance is also an important
prerequisite to the preservation
of historic buildings as well as the
ambiance of downtown. (See the
historic sites map on page forty-one.)
Listings of historical buildings can be
found in the Historic Site Preservation
Board 30-June-03 List of Class I and
Class II Historic Sites and the June
2004 City of Palm Springs Department
of Planning and Zoning Citywide Historic
Resources Survey.
• New buildings should be sensitive
to the architectural styles and detailing
of surrounding buildings while adding
to the architectural quality and eclectic
nature of downtown.
• Detailed architectural treatment
should be integrated and consistent on
all of a building’s exteriors (360 degree
architecture). Provide the same level of
detail on rear-facing building facades as
on front and side elevations.
thirty-eight
Top & Bottom: The eclectic collection of Spanish
Colonial, Mediterranean, and Modern architectural styles
in downtown Palm Springs is a valuable asset. New
buildings should strive for excellence in architectural
design while preserving or adding to the eclectic nature of
downtown.
• Storefronts are the most important
component of commercial architecture.
They should have appropriate decorative
trim, ample window exposure, and clearly
marked entrances.
• Distinctive architectural treatments should
be incorporated into building design when
appropriate to the architectural style of the
building.
• Buildings placed on street corners
defi ne the street edge and create visual
and pedestrian interest. These buildings
should contain special design features and
architectural detailing.
• Arcades, colonnades, overhangs, and
awnings can add to the character of a
building as well as provide pedestrians with
protection from the hot desert sun. They
are all encouraged when appropriate to the
architectural style of the building.
• Building colors and materials should be
consistent with downtown architectural
styles and landscaping themes. They should
complement surrounding buildings and
public spaces while retaining a sense of
uniqueness and individual building identity.
thirty-nine
forty
Page Intentionally Left Blank
sites of historical significance
Class I
1. Welwood Murray Memorial Library
2. McCallum Adobe
3. Miss Cornelia’s “Little House”
4. Lykken’s Department Store
5. Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church
6. La Plaza, including The Plaza Theatre
7. Community Church
8. Ingleside Inn
9. General Telephone Building
10. Drs. Pepper & Smith Building
11. Cork’n Bottle
12. Palm Springs Art Museum
13. American Legion Post #519
14. Fire Station #
15. Oasis Hotel Tower
Class II
16. House of Murphy Site
17. Carnell Building
18. Indianoya Building
19. Desert Inn Site
* Map Shows General Location of Historic Sites in Downtown Palm Springs
Source: Historic Site Preservation Board 30-June-03 List of Class I and Class II Historic Sites
Note: See the June 2004 City of Palm Springs Department of Planning and Zoning Citywide Historic Resources Survey for a listing of additional historic resources in the downtown.
forty-one
forty-two
Page Intentionally Left Blank
forty-three
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Landscaping is an important part of
the streetscape. It is essential in the
creation of attractive public spaces and
pedestrian friendly streets. Currently,
downtown Palm Springs has an
assorted collection of landscaping,
which lacks continuity and consistency.
The existing desert landscape theme
should be protected and enhanced to
create a stronger sense of place and to
strengthen the historic “desert oasis”
theme of Palm Springs.
The trees in the Downtown Tree
Planting Plan and Landscaping Plan
(see pages forty-three and forty-fi ve)
were chosen to be consistent with the
Section 14 Specifi c Plan Tree Planting
Plan and to strengthen the desert
landscaping theme of the downtown.
The following trees were chosen to
provide shade: Acacia smallii, Brachychiton
populneus, Cercidium fl oridum, Chilopsis linearis,
Eucalyptus spathulata, Olea europea, Pinus eldarica,
Pinus roxburgii, Prosopis alba “Colorado,” Rhus
lancea, and Tipuana tipu
The following trees were chosen
because of their color: Acacia smallii,
Cercidium fl oridum, and Chilopsis linearis
The following trees were chosen for
decorative purposes: Brahea edulis, Citrus
species, Olea europea, Washington fi lifera, and
Washington robusta
landscaping
forty-four
Top, Middle, & Bottom: A comprehensive desert landscaping theme is an attractive and
environmentally sound landscaping strategy to strengthen the “Desert Oasis” theme of Palm
Springs.
Landscaping
• Signature desert plants and distinctive
tree selection should be used to enhance
the special identity of the downtown
area. (See pages forty-three and forty-
fi ve for the Tree Planting Plan and
Landscaping Plan.)
• Landscaped areas should be designed
with the objective of minimizing long
term water use. The use of native and
drought tolerant plant materials and
water effi cient irrigation practices is
recommended.
• Within the parameters of the
unifying desert landscaping design
theme, distinctive landscaping for
specialized sub-areas of the downtown
is encouraged.
• Smaller shade trees should be
combined with the existing palm trees
along commercial streets and within
surface parking lots. This alternation of
tree type will create a sense of rhythm
and continuity while providing shade
for pedestrians and parked cars.
• Landscaping should be used as a
buffering technique to soften the impact
of adjacent land uses which may be
different in scale, use, or design.
Below: Landscaping in parking lots near the Casino and
Convention Center in Section 14 provide good examples
of desert landscaping.
Left: Desert fl owers can add brilliance and vitality to the
downtown area.
landscaping
forty-five
forty-six
Page Intentionally Left Blank
tree planting plan
P - Primary formal street
tree
S - Secondary and/or
informal tree grouping/
screening
* - Double row formal
planting in core of city
** - Sole primary tree
west of Indian Canyon
Dr.; Double row formal
planting in core of city;
If median provided, plant
single row in median
Tree Alejo Rd. Amado Rd. Andreas
Rd.
Tahquitz
Canyon
Way
Arenas Rd. Baristo Rd. S a t u r n i n o
Rd.
Ramon Rd. Avenida
Caballeros
Calle
Alvarado
Calle El
Segundo
Calle
Encilia
Indian
Canyon
Dr.
Palm
Canyon
Dr.
Belardo Rd. Cahuilla
Rd.
Museum
Dr.
Acacia smallii-
Acacia Minuta
Brachychiton populneus-
Bottle Tree
Brahea edulis-
Guadalupe Palm
Cercidium fl oridum-
Blue Palo Verde
Chilopsis linearis-
Desert Willow
Citrus Species- Orange,
Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit
Eucalyptus spathulata-
Swamp Mallee
Olea europea-
“Fruitless” Olive
Pinus eldarica-
Mondell Pine
Pinus roxburgii-
Chir Pine
Prosopis alba “Colorado”-
Argentian Mesquite
Rhus lancea-
African Sumac
Tipuana tipu-
Tipu
Washington fi lifera-
California Fan Palm
Washington robusta-
Mexican Fan Palm
P
S
S
S S S S S S P P P S S
S S S
S S S S S
S S S S
S S SS SS SS S
S S S S S S S S S S S P
SS
S S
S S
S S S
S S S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S S S S S
S S S S S
S S S SS
P PP P
S SS
S S**P*
S S SS
S S SS
S S SS
S S SS
SS
P P SS
S
S
S P S S P S PP
Acacia Minuta Bottle Tree Mondell Pine African Sumac Blue Palo VerdeMexican Fan Palm California Fan PalmGuadalupe Palm
forty-seven
forty-eight
Page Intentionally Left Blank
landscaping plan
forty-nine
fifty
Page Intentionally Left Blank
fifty-one
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Signs, lighting, and street furniture
are all important elements of the
streetscape. They affect the overall
ambiance of the area and can add
to the comfort and safety of the
downtown area. They should be
appropriately sized to the scale of the
area. Pedestrian-oriented areas (Palm
Canyon Drive, Indian Canyon Drive,
and other streets with pedestrian-
oriented uses) should have shorter trees,
lower lights, and smaller signs than
car-oriented areas. Many areas that
involve both vehicular and pedestrian
traffi c will have two different scales
and these streetscape elements should
accommodate both through the
concurrent use of multiple types and
sizes of signage, lighting, and trees.
These streetscape elements should also
add to the vitality and excitement of
the downtown area. Signs, lighting,
and street furniture should create a
sense of continuity and unity within the
downtown area. Within the constraints
necessary to retain an overall downtown
identity, these elements can be
specialized to differentiate specifi c parts
of downtown. Specialized event signs,
banners, and fl ags should be used to
create a sense of excitement and activity
in downtown. Permanent signs, lighting
fi xtures, and street furniture should
be consistent with and strengthen the
overall character of the downtown area.
Top: Good signage is tasteful, interesting, and easy to read.
Middle: This awning sign attracts attention in a tasteful manner. The downward facing lighting
helps to prevent glare at night.
Bottom: The gateways to downtown and the separate villages/districts should each have their
own specialized signage, such as that of the Uptown Heritage Galleries & Antique District.
All downtown signage should have consistent unifying elements with areas that can be further
specialized for specifi c sites, locations, or districts.
signage, lighting,
& street furniture
fifty-two
Signage
• Signs should be visually interesting
and informative. They should be
distinctive and eye-catching yet simple,
avoiding cluttered designs and excess
advertising.
• Signs should complement the
architecture of the building and also
provide a unifying element along the
streetscape.
• The size, scale, and style of signs
should be determined by the scale of
the buildings of which they are a part
and the scale and speed of the intended
viewer (pedestrian vs. vehicle).
• Along traditional multi-story
commercial streets, the best placement
for signs is along the lintel or sign
frieze (generally defi ned as the area
between the ground fl oor storefront or
windows and the upper story windows
or cornice).
Top: Historic signage around the City and the downtown
area informs visitors of historically signifi cant places.
Bottom: Two sided monument signs, such as the sign to
the right, add visual interest to the streetscape and provide
valuable information for visitors.
signage, lighting,
& street furniture
fifty-three
• If possible, signs along a blockface should be located at
approximately the same height to create a unifying horizontal
pattern.
• Desirable sign types along pedestrian streets include
indirectly lit signs, raised letter signs, monument signs, wall
signs, awnings, and double faced projecting signs.
• Double-faced projecting signs are desirable along
commercial streets provided that they are of an appropriate
size, scale, and location.
• Specialized City event signs, banners, and fl ags should
be used to create a sense of excitement and activity in
downtown. They can also be used to defi ne specifi c
downtown districts.
• Window signs, where lettering is affi xed directly on the
glass, can be attractive and eye-catching provided that the
style is in keeping with the scale and style of the building.
• Undesirable signs are internally illuminated, plastic, fl ashing
signs, billboards, generic trademark signs, and any sign
temporarily affi xed to ground fl oor windows. Roof signs are
discouraged, although exceptions for historically appropriate
designs can be made.
• Generally, signs should be externally lit with downward
facing lights to avoid nighttime glare.
• Signs should be located so that they do not interfere with
pedestrian movement or block the sight lines along the road.
Top: Awnings protect from the hot summer
sun and the rare rain shower as well as serve as
signs.
Middle: Tasteful signage can come in many
colors, shapes, and forms.
Bottom: Monument style signage placed along
the street can clearly and tastefully identify
buildings located off the street.
fifty-four
Lighting and Street Furniture
• Lighting and street furniture should
contain consistent, unifying elements
throughout the entire downtown area.
In specifi c districts or areas, lighting and
street furniture can be specialized to
create a sense of identity as long as they
contain the unifying elements.
• Lighting should be designed to
accommodate the scale of the user.
Thus, there should be taller lighting
fi xtures for vehicular traffi c and
shorter lighting fi xtures for pedestrian
movement. For streets with both types
of movement, multiple types of lighting
should be used concurrently.
• Street furniture should be attractive
and comfortable.
Top: Lighting elements in Section 14 combine attractive
lighting fi xtures and signage to designate the area from the
rest of Palm Springs.
Top Right: Street furniture can be specialized to designate
specifi c destinations or larger districts.
Bottom: Themed signage or banners should be used to
strengthen the identity of new and existing districts.
fifty-five
What Makes a
Successful Downtown?
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Downtowns should be concentrated, compact and
walkable.
There should be a perception of safety.
There should be adequate parking without the creation of
“voids” in the street frontage.
Street level activity should keep people out of their cars.
There should be an attractive, well landscaped
environment and a positive identity.
Landscaping, sidewalks and buildings should be well
maintained.
There should be a variety of unique retail tenants (not
found in malls).
Cultural and recreational amenities are important;
museums and libraries can be viewed as anchors.
Nearby residential neighborhoods should have character.
Institutional uses such as city halls, courts and jails should
not be located in the core areas of downtown.
Gathering places for people to socialize are important.
Avoid super blocks and keep the downtown pedestrian-
friendly.
There should be diversity and intensity the mix of uses
should include offices, residential and entertainment, as
well as retail and restaurants.
_
What Makes a
Successful Downtown?
THE
PLANNING
CENTER
10 Myths About
Revitalizing Downtown
1. If we build it they will come.
2. If we demolish it they will come.
3. If we complete it they will come.
4. If we can't get a major department store to come
back to downtown, downtown will never be healthy
again.
5. We can't get a department store to locate downtown,
so downtown can no longer support retail trade.
6. Competition is bad for business.
7. To be successful, downtown's retail business must
keep uniform hours.
8. We have to be as lenient as possible with developers
or they won't do business in our community.
9. We have to be as tough as possible with developers
or they'll take advantage of us.
10.If we had more parking they would come.
Source: Western City Magazine
10 Myths About
Revitalizing Downtown
THE
PLANNING
CENTER
7 Secrets of Downtown
Success
1. Define and aggressively pursue a shared community
vision of downtown.
2. Form partnerships between the business sector, the
public sector, civic organizations and community
residents none of these can or should go it alone.
3. Create and use a business plan and engage the
community leadership to implement it.
4. Be market-driven
_
the “field of dreams” approach
won't work.
5. Dare to be different you can't outmall the mall, and
you can't out discount the discounters find a niche.
6. Concentrate limited resources in well-defined focus
areas.
7. Know the indispensable 6 M's:
Manage like a business
Marketing
Maintenance
Market knowledge create a niche
Money
Mix uses
_
_
_
_
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7 Secrets of Downtown
Success
THE
PLANNING
CENTER
Some Interesting Facts
About Town Centers
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National retail chains achieve $250 to $300 of sales per square foot.
40% of all retail sales come from discount stores.
60% of all sales occur after 3:30 p.m.
Online sales amount to only 2% of all sales today; it is projected to go up to 5% in
the future. This is not a significant percentage.
Stores have to be where people are.
The U.S.A. has 20 square feet of retail commercial for each person.
Europe has 2 square feet of retail per person.
The most successful stores operate during hours before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.
80% of strip malls are dying.
Mixed use projects in town centers are proving to be up-scale.
An ideal balance of retail downtown seems to be one-third national chains, one-third
regional and one-third local.
“In town” home sales will be high during the next six years because of the baby
boomers becoming empty nesters.
There are 700 failed strip centers in the USA today, that number will double in the
next five years.
Downtown without an anchor is high risk.
Anchor can be a post office or library or other similar use.
When attempting to revitalize a town center, know the trade area and income
patterns.
Town centers should be located in areas of high income (an average of at least
$80,000 per year).
Town centers thrive in high growth areas.
Main Street should be no longer than 1,000 to 1,200 feet.
Anchors should be in the middle of the block.
Main Street should have at least 20,000 cars travel it per day.
Town centers must have favorable weather.
The town center must be indigenous to the area.
The most common problem in the design of down towns is trying to put too much
retail commercial in the center.
There must be a partnership between the developer and the City.
Specialty food stores seem to be very important.
Town centers range in size between 25 and 65 acres.
Design urban streets at 62 feet from building face to building face.
Width of sidewalks should range from 12 to 18 feet or wider.
The most important part of any public space is the sidewalk.
Public space is used to create a focal point and sense of place.
Design to create great corners.
The setting of the town center provides a premium of between 10% to 30%.
Design elements should include intimacy, pedestrian orientation, relationship of uses
and secure parking. Don't let any one use dominate the other.
Residential densities in mixed use town center areas range 25 to 60 units per acre.
It will be difficult to define costs because of mixed uses, civic uses, parking and
ownership. This makes financing difficult but not impossible.
Successful developers work with the community from the get go.
Successful cities help with parking, land assembly, and landscaped open space.
Successful developers know their market and share information with the City.
Some Interesting Facts
About Town Centers
from research conducted by The Planning Center
THE
PLANNING
CENTER
This report was prepared for
the City of Palm Springs by
The Planning Center.
THE
PLANNING
CENTER
1580 METRO DRIVE, COSTA MESA, CA 92626
(714) 966-9220 WWW.PLANNINGCENTER.COM
Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix B. Traffic AnalysisB. Traffic AnalysisB. Traffic AnalysisB. Traffic Analysis
B. Traffic Analysis
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
Prepared for:
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Prepared by:
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF QUADE & DOUGLAS, INC.
May 25, 2007
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Analysis Area ...................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 ELEMENTS OF THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM.............................................................................. 4
2.1 Freeways............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Arterials ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Public Transportation .......................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Bikeways ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.5 Recreational Trails ............................................................................................................ 11
2.6 Parking .............................................................................................................................. 11
2.7 Truck Routes..................................................................................................................... 11
3.0 EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. 16
3.1 LOS Definition ................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Existing Daily Conditions .................................................................................................. 16
4.0 FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ................................................................................................ 22
4.1 Proposed General Plan Land Use .................................................................................... 22
4.2 General Plan Buildout Daily Traffic Conditions ................................................................. 24
4.3 General Plan Buildout Daily Traffic Mitigation .................................................................. 32
4.4 Circulation Element Recommendations............................................................................ 42
4.4.1 Two-lane Facility Right of Way ...........................................................................................42
4.4.2 Public Transportation ..........................................................................................................43
4.4.3 Bikeways and Recreational Trails .......................................................................................43
4.4.4 Parking................................................................................................................................43
4.4.5 Palm Springs Airport ...........................................................................................................44
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis ii
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 Analysis Area ...................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2.1 Existing Roadway Facility Types ........................................................................................ 5
Figure 2.2 Existing Bus Routes ............................................................................................................ 8
Figure 2.3 Existing and Proposed Bikeways...................................................................................... 10
Figure 2.4 Existing and Proposed Recreational Trails ....................................................................... 13
Figure 2.5 Existing Downtown Parking Lots....................................................................................... 14
Figure 2.6 Existing Truck Routes ....................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3.1 Existing Average Daily Traffic (in Thousands) on Arterial Segments ............................... 20
Figure 3.2 Existing Arterial Daily Level of Service ............................................................................. 21
Figure 4.1 Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Zones ................................................................................ 23
Figure 4.2 Forecast 2025 Average Daily Traffic................................................................................. 30
Figure 4.3 Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service ................................................................... 31
Figure 4.4 Proposed General Plan Circulation Master Plan .............................................................. 38
List of Tables
Table 2.1 Roadway Facility Type ........................................................................................................ 6
Table 2.2 Existing Bus Routes ............................................................................................................ 6
Table 2.3 Downtown Public Parking Supply ..................................................................................... 11
Table 3.1 Level of Service Definitions for Roadway Segments ........................................................ 16
Table 3.2 Existing Arterial Daily Level of Service ............................................................................. 17
Table 4.1 General Plan Buildout Land Use/Socioeconomic Data .................................................... 22
Table 4.2 General Plan Buildout Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service............................... 25
Table 4.3 Critical Intersection Required Improvements .................................................................... 34
Table 4.4 General Plan Buildout Mitigation....................................................................................... 36
Table 4.5 Critical Intersection Mitigated Level of Service ................................................................. 37
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The transportation network within a City serves as the backbone of its development and provides for
mobility of goods and people within it. Hence synergy is needed between circulation and land uses to
ensure the efficient and safe movement of citizens and goods throughout the City.
The purpose of the Circulation Element is to identify the goals, objectives, measures and policies that will
improve the existing operations of the City’s transportation network. In addition, it will set out guidelines
to augment the transportation network to adequately serve future needs of the City and adjacent areas
that will have direct effect on the City’s transportation network.
The objective of this Circulation Element is to document existing and future transportation facilities in the
City of Palm Springs General Plan Planning Area, their condition and impacts resulting from existing and
future land uses identified in the City’s General Plan. The City’s General Plan which is currently in the
process of an update is the basis for developing the future traffic conditions. The Circulation Element will
also assure the provision of a transportation system that is in sync with the City’s land uses, is safe for all
modes, and facilitates and maintains adequate mobility among its citizens.
This section of the Circulation Element addresses the existing transportation condition in the City. It
describes the existing circulation system including the roadway network, public transportation system,
which is predominantly bus service, bikeways, recreational trails, parking and truck routes.
1.1 Background
The City of Palm Springs is known for its high quality recreational facilities, amidst the surrounding natural
beauty of the Colorado Desert and San Jacinto Mountains. In essence, the City is a resort town, with
almost equal number of part-time or vacationing residents and permanent residents in the City. In close
proximity to Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties, the City’s appealing climate
and abundant vacationing opportunities has facilitated it in being a second home to numerous Southern
Californians. According to 2001 statistics for the City, the population typically increases roughly two fold
in the winter, increasing from 43,800 to almost 75,000.1
In addition to its appeal to visitors, the residents of Palm Springs also enjoy an ideal lifestyle; a lifestyle
that offers a balanced combination of affordable housing, surrounding natural environments, resort type
amenities including parks and recreational facilities, and the relaxed paced setting of a resort town. The
circulation system within the City of Palm Springs is important in providing access between various
activity centers and in serving the transportation needs of both visitors and residents.
1.2 Analysis Area
The analysis area for the City of Palm Springs is illustrated in Figure 1.1. The City of Palm Springs
comprises the western edge of the Coachella Valley within the County of Riverside. Bounded by the City
of Desert Hot Springs in the north, unincorporated Riverside County to the west and City of Cathedral City
and Rancho Mirage in the eastern and south-eastern direction, the City of Palm Springs lies within the
ecological area commonly referred to as the Colorado Desert. The City is adequately connected to the
neighboring Southern California cities and those in Arizona and Nevada by freeways and an airport.
Palm Springs International Airport is served by eight airlines year around, and by another four airlines
seasonally.
1 City of Palm Springs website, http://www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us/ps_profile.html, accessed March 2006.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 2
Approximately located 107 miles from the Los Angeles area, the City encompasses about 96 square
miles of well established neighborhoods. The City’s sphere of influence includes the areas adjacent to
Palm Hills, areas along the northern city limits in the vicinity of Interstate 10 (I-10).
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Figure 1.1: Analysis Area
UNICORPORATED RIVERSIDE COUNTY
UNICORPORATED RIVERSIDE COUNTY
PALM SPRINGS
CATHEDRAL CITY
RANCHO MIRAGE
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INDIAN WELLS
LA QUINTA
INDIO
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To ARIZONA
PALM SPRINGS
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Adjacent Cities
City of Palm Springs
Regional Freeways and Highways
Unincorporated Riverside County
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 4
2.0 ELEMENTS OF THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM
This chapter documents the existing circulation system in the City of Palm Springs. The City’s circulation
system includes an extensive network of roadways and local bus transit system. This chapter also
includes a summary of the City’s current bikeways, recreational trails, parking and truck routes.
2.1 Freeways
The City’s roadway network can be broadly classified as a limited access freeway system and arterial
system. Freeways are special purpose, high capacity, multi-lane, divided highways for regional travel;
they connect cities and major thoroughfares into a regional network. Access is strictly controlled at
grade-separated crossings to assure uninterrupted traffic flow. Freeways are owned and maintained by
Caltrans and are not under the jurisdiction of the City.
The City’s freeway and arterial system is shown in Figure 2.1. Interstate and regional access to the City
is provided predominantly by I-10. In addition, access to the City from other Coachella Valley cities is
provided by State Route 111 (SR-111). State Route 62 (Twenty Nine Palms Highway) connects to the I-
10 from the north, providing an additional gateway to the City.
I-10 is a northwest-southeast freeway traversing through the northern limits of the City providing direct
access to Los Angeles County to the northwest and the State of Arizona to the east. This facility is
comprised of four general purpose lanes in each direction for its entire length of approximately seven
miles through the City. I-10 has three interchanges within the City limits, located at SR-111, Indian
Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail.
SR-111, referred to by different names at different locations within the City, provides access between
Palm Springs and its neighboring Coachella Valley cities. This highway has four lanes divided by a
median and provides at-grade access to other arterials within the City. The alignment of this highway is
northwest-southeast in the western part of the City, where it is also called Palm Canyon Drive. At the
junction of Palm Canyon Drive and Vista Chino, east of Palm Canyon Drive, SR-111 follows the
alignment of Vista Chino and cuts across the City in an east-west direction. Following the junction with
Gene Autry Trail, the highway follows the alignment of Gene Autry Trail, south of Vista Chino, and
traverses the City in a north-south direction. Subsequent to the junction with East Palm Canyon Drive,
east of Gene Autry Trail, SR-111 changes its direction to northwest-southeast and follows the alignment
of East Palm Canyon Drive.
2.2 Arterials
The arterials that serve the City of Palm Springs predominantly follow a half mile grid pattern. However,
the street network in areas west of Palm Canyon Drive and south of East Palm Canyon Drive is free
flowing and curvilinear due to rolling surroundings. A predominant grid system of roads in the City is in
concurrence with the current Circulation Element policy of developing a grid system of roadways that
provides more travel choices and reduces congestion on major streets.
Key north-south arterials are Palm Canyon Drive, Indian Canyon Drive, Avenida Caballeros, Sunrise
Way, Farrell Drive, El Cielo Road, Crossley Road and Gene Autry Drive. Indian Canyon Drive and Palm
Canyon Drive operate as a one-way couplet in the downtown area between Alejo Road and Camino
Parocella. The predominant east-west arterials are San Rafael Drive, Racquet Club Road, Vista Chino,
Alejo Road, Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ramon Road, Mesquite Avenue, and East Palm Canyon Drive. In
addition, La Verne Way, Murray Canyon Drive and Toledo Avenue, all located south of East Palm
Canyon Drive, form key residential thoroughfares. Indian Canyon Drive from I-10 to Tahquitz Canyon
Way and Tahquitz Canyon Way to the Airport are identified as National Highway System connectors.
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Figure 2.1: Existing Roadway Facility Types
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0 0.5 1 1.50.25
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Riverside County
City of Palm Springs
Adjacent Cities
Legend
Freeway
Expressway
Major Thoroughfare
Secondary Thoroughfare
Collector
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 6
Table 2.1 lists the existing roadway classification within the City of Palm Springs along with their
description.
Table 2.1 Roadway Facility Type
Roadway Classification Description
Expressway Serves through traffic with limited local access with a minimum of four lanes and few cross
streets; they do not allow for on-street parking. Direct access from a single-family residential
neighborhood to a highway is prohibited where alternate access can be provided. Currently, Palm
Springs has one roadway designated as a highway, located along North Palm Canyon Drive north
of Tramway, which is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans.
Major Thoroughfare Serves mostly through-traffic with some local access allowed; on-street parking may be allowed
on some streets. Typically four or more lanes, these roadways form the basic element of the
City’s circulation system, connecting Palm Springs to regional highways and tying together
different areas of the City. Landscaped medians may be provided on major thoroughfares to
maintain an acceptable level of service, to serve as a safety mechanism, and also to provide
beautification features for the City.
Secondary Thoroughfare Serves through and local traffic and may allow on-street parking. Secondary thoroughfares
connect various areas of the City, provide access to major thoroughfares, and serve secondary
traffic generators such as small business centers, schools, and major parks. Typical street right-
of-way width is 88 feet, which can be divided or undivided.
Collector Serves mostly local traffic; they are usually comprised of two lanes and carry traffic from
secondary and major thoroughfares. On-street parking is permitted on collectors, which can be
divided or undivided roadways. Typical right-of-way width for a collector is 60 feet, 66 feet in
industrial areas.
Local Street Primarily provides access to individual parcels of land. Minimum right-of-way is 50 feet.
Private Streets Provides access to individual parcels of land in planned development communities approved with
privately maintained access. Access may be restricted and gated. Street width shall be a
minimum of 32 feet wide (curb face to curb face) to accommodate on-street parking and
emergency access, unless otherwise specifically approved by the Planning Commission and/or
City Council.
Source: City of Palm Springs, May 2006.
2.3 Public Transportation
Public transportation in the City of Palm Springs is provided by SunLine Transit Agency. SunLine Transit
Agency is a joint powers authority created by the nine cities of the Coachella Valley, as well as the
County of Riverside. There are six routes that currently serve the City of Palm Springs (see Table 2.2).
Lines 14, 24, 30 and 111 operate seven days a week. Lines 23 and 31 operate Monday through Friday
only. Figure 2.2 illustrates the existing bus routes within the City and the activity centers that they serve.
Table 2.2 Existing Bus Routes
Route # Route
Type
Route Service Service Corridors Key Palm Springs
Activity Centers Served
Tahquitz Canyon Way/ Palm Springs High School
Farrell Drive/ Palm Springs Mall
14 Local Palm Springs – Desert Hot Springs
Gene Autry Trail Department of Motor Vehicles
Sunrise Way/ Palm Springs High School 23 Local Palm Springs – Cathedral City
Vista Chino Palm Springs Mall
Vista Chino/ Raymond Cree Middle School
Sunrise Way/ Palm Springs Mall
Tahquitz Canyon Way/ Palm Springs High School
Ramon Road County Health Department
24 Local Palm Springs – Cathedral City
Desert Regional Medical Center
Ramon Road Palm Springs High School 30 Local Palm Springs – Cathedral City
Palm Springs Mall
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 7
Table 2.2 Existing Bus Routes, Continued
Route # Route
Type
Route Service Service Corridors Key Palm Springs
Activity Centers Served
Gene Autry Trail/ Palm Springs Air Museum 31 Local Cathedral City – Thousand Palms
Vista Chino
Palm Canyon Drive Desert Museum 111 Local Palm Springs – Indio
Desert Regional Medical Center
Source: SunLine Transit Agency website, http://www.sunline.org/home/index.asp, accessed March 2006.
SunLine Transit Agency has recently developed a proposed transit service improvement plan that would
revise transit service in the Coachella Valley.2 The proposed plan outlines recommendations for new bus
routes, realignment of existing bus services, as well as discontinuing non productive routes. Proposed
changes to bus routes in the City of Palm Springs include:
• Route 14 service in downtown Palm Springs would be realigned from Calle Encilia to Indian
Canyon Drive.
• Route 23 would be eliminated, as much of its current alignment would be served by Route 24
and new Route 32.
• Route 24 would add service on San Rafael Road and Sunrise Way, provide streamlined & bi-
directional service on Las Vegas Road, and discontinue service on Granada Avenue, Tramview
Road, El Dorado Boulevard, and Ramon Road east of Farrell Drive.
• Route 30 service in downtown Palm Springs would be realigned from Calle Encilia to Indian
Canyon Drive, in conjunction with using Baristo Road instead of Tahquitz Canyon Way for access
from Indian Canyon Drive to Palm Canyon Drive.
• Route 31 would be eliminated and replaced with service by Route 32.
• Route 32 is a proposed new route that would provide connections between Palm Springs,
Thousand Palms, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert, replacing service currently provided by
Route 31. Service would be extended along Vista Chino between Desert Regional Medical
Center and Avenida Maravilla in Cathedral City, and discontinued on Gene Autry Trail.
• Route 111 service in downtown Palm Springs would be realigned from Calle Encilia to Indian
Canyon Drive and some stops would be eliminated to decrease travel time and provide better
regional access. The proposed stops to be eliminated are all within a quarter-mile walking
distance of another stop on the route.
Overall, service frequency would be increased on SunLine Transit Agency bus routes. The proposed
changes are anticipated to take effect at the beginning of 2007.
SunDial, operated by SunLine Transit Agency, provides on-demand curb-to-curb paratransit service to
qualifying persons (i.e., seniors and disabled) within ¾ of a mile on either side of SunLine Transit Agency
bus routes. As a result of implementation of the proposed transit service improvement plan, the service
area for paratransit would be modified slightly due to proposed changes to the fixed bus routes. Parts of
northern Palm Springs would lose some paratransit service, but these would be relatively small areas.
Regional bus service is provided by Greyhound, which has a bus depot located on North Indian Canyon
Drive near Amado Road. Amtrak also provides regional rail and bus service. The North Palm Springs
Amtrak train station is located at North Indian Canyon just south of I-10. The Amtrak Palm Springs bus
stop is located on East Tahquitz Canyon Way, near the Palm Springs Airport, and serves as a stop for
Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service.
2 Transportation Management & Design, Inc. Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA), Proposed
Transit Service Improvement Plan, 2005-06. Prepared for SunLine Transit Agency.
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Figure 2.2: Existing Bus Routes
h Palm Springs Air Museum
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Legend
City of Palm Springs
Riverside County
Bus Routes
Adjacent Cities
Bus Routes24
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 9
2.4 Bikeways
The City of Palm Springs uses the following bikeway classifications to categorize the bikeways within the
City:
• Class I – Protected bikeways separated from vehicular traffic by a physical barrier
o Bicycle Path or Bicycle Trail – A specifically designated area for bicycle travel which is
physically separated from auto traffic or entirely outside the road right-of-way
o Pedestrian Safety Path – Any sidewalk or similar rights-of-way shared by cyclists and
pedestrians 12 feet wide, of which 8 feet will be visually designated for pedestrians and 4
feet will be visually designated for cyclists. (Note: the City currently has 12-foot
combination bicycle/pedestrian paths, but there are no specific designations on the
paths.)
• Class II – Unprotected bikeways defined by a stripe on the roadway
o Bike Lane – A lane within the roadway designated for the one-way use of bicycles.
Preferably 6 feet wide lane for one-way bicycle traffic, separated from traffic by a stripe
on the roadway.
• Class III – Unprotected bikeways sharing the roadway with vehicular traffic
o Bicycle Safety Route – Any type of bikeway, including streets signed as bikeways but
offering no other accommodation for bicycles.
Figure 2.3 shows the location of existing and proposed bikeways in the City by classification. The City
has a total of approximately 8 miles of Class I, 13 miles of Class II, and 35 miles of Class III bikeways.
Although bikeways are classified by the City, bicyclists can ride on any public street. From the bikeways,
recreational bike trails have been identified throughout the city as summarized below:
Las Palmas Loop
This bikeway is located on Camino del Norte, Rose Avenue, Alejo Road, Belardo Road, Museum Drive,
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Indian Canyon Drive, and Tachevah Drive.
Heritage Trail
This bikeway is located on Belardo Road, Museum Drive, and Sunny Dunes Road.
Citywide Loop
This bikeway is located on Camino del Norte, Rose Avenue, Alejo Road, Belardo Road, Museum Drive,
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Camino Real, Murray Canyon Drive, Toledo Avenue, Sunrise Way, Mesquite
Road, Farrell Drive, Civic Drive, and Tachevah Drive.
Tahquitz Creek Loop
This bikeway is located on Palm Canyon Drive East, Golf Club Drive, Crossley Road, Mesquite Avenue,
and Sunrise Way.
Deepwell Loop
This bikeway is located on Camino Real, East Palm Canyon Drive, Sunrise Way and Mesquite Avenue.
Canyon Country Club Loop
This bikeway is located on La Verne Way, Camino Real, Murray Canyon Drive, and Toledo Avenue.
Coachella Valley Bikeway
This bikeway is located on Gene Autry Trail and Golf Club Drive.
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Figure 2.3: Existing and Proposed Bikeways
CITYWIDE LOOP
LAS PALMAS LOOP
HERITAGE TRAIL
DEEPWELL LOOP
CITYWIDE LOOP
CANYON COUNTRY
CLUB LOOP
TAHQUITZ CREEK LOOP
COACHELLA VALLEY
BIKEWAY
.0 0.5 10.25 Miles
City of Palm Springs
Riverside County
Adjacent Cities
Major Arterials
Minor Arterials
Freeway
Proposed Bikeways
Legend
Class 1 Bike Path
Class 2 Bike Lane
Class 3 Bike Route
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 11
2.5 Recreational Trails
Recreational trails are an important resource to the City of Palm Springs as they represent a major aspect
of the visitor draw to the community as well as the city’s history, both tribal and early anglo settlement and
movement. Figure 2.4 shows a portion of the existing and proposed recreational and bike trails that
extend through the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountain areas, in addition to the bike trails system in
the City of Palm Springs. The recreational trails are used for hiking, equestrian, backpacking and four-
wheel drive activities. Within the City of Palm Springs, there are over 80 miles of recreational trails. A
comprehensive inventory and mapping of the trails in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains have
been developed through a cooperative partnership by the Bureau of Land Management – Palm Springs –
South Coast Resource Area, U.S. Forest Service – San Jacinto Ranger District, Riverside County,
Coachella Valley Trails Council, Coachella Valley Cycling Association and Desert Riders.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides access to trails located in the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
The park covers an area of 13,000 acres and offers approximately 54 miles of hiking trails. The tramway
starts in Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs and takes passengers from Valley Station at
2,643 feet elevation to Mountain Station at elevation 8,516 feet.
2.6 Parking
Figure 2.5 shows existing public parking facilities in downtown Palm Springs, including the total number
of spaces provided at each location. Table 2.3 below summarizes the number and type of spaces
provided at each parking facility. The City allows for shared parking in downtown areas designated as “D”
(downtown parking combining zone) in its zoning code. The “D” downtown parking combining zone is
intended to provide adequate parking while recognizing the characteristic of shared parking which is
unique to the downtown.
Table 2.3 Downtown Public Parking Supply
Lot # Unrestricted Handicapped Loading Zone Permit Only 2-Hour Total
1 44 0 0 2 0 46
2 4 3 0 0 0 7
3 69 4 0 1 0 74
4 6 0 1 0 16 23
5 133 5 0 6 144 288
6 32 4 33 0 69 138
7 94 4 0 1 0 99
8 164 9 0 196 1029 1,398
Source: City of Palm Springs, April 2006.
2.7 Truck Routes
I-10 and SR-111 are part of the state highway truck route system. I-10 is included in the Surface
Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) Network, which allows larger trucks with no maximum overall
length. SR-111 is also included in the STAA Network, except between Gateway Drive and Gene Autry
Trail, where it is designated as part of the California Legal Network, which allows trucks with maximum
overall length between 65 and 75 feet.
In addition to the freeways and highways, the City has proposed the following arterials to be designated
as truck routes (refer to Figure 2.6):
• East Palm Canyon Drive
• Gene Autry Trail
• Indian Canyon Drive
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 12
• Ramon Road
• Sunrise Way
• Sunrise Parkway
• Vista Chino
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Figure 2.4: Existing and Proposed Recreational Trails
ADDITIONAL TRAILS
MUSEUM TRAIL
LYKKEN TRAIL
GENE AUTRY TRAIL
BUD FURER TRAIL
PALM CANYON WASH TRAIL
ARABY TRAIL
SHANNON TRAIL
WILD HORSE TRAIL
McMANUS TRAIL
CLARA BURGESS TRAIL
HENDERSON TRAIL
THELEMAN CANYON
OS WIT CANYON
SOUTH LYKKEN TRAIL
EAGLE CANYON TRAIL
WHITE WATER WASH TRAIL
4-WHEEL DRIVE TRAILS
CONNECTION TO SNOW CREEK AND
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Visitor Center Trail Head
DIKE TRAIL
Tramway Trail Head
Whitewater Trail Head
Tahquitz Canyon Trail Head
Palm Canyon
Trail Head
Golf Course Trail Head
Murray Canyon
Trail Head
Desert Riders'
Trail Head
.0 0.5 10.25 Miles
Trail HeadsP
Proposed Bikeways
Proposed Hiking/Equestrian/Backpacking
City of Palm Springs
Riverside County
Adjacent Cities
Legend
Bike Trails
Unpaved Roads
4-Wheel Drive
Hiking/Equestrian
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Figure 2.5: Existing Downtown Parking Lots
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Legend
City of Palm Springs
Lot 1 - 46 Parking Spaces
Lot 8 - 1398 Parking Spaces
Lot 7 - 99 Parking Spaces
Lot 6 - 138 Parking Spaces
Lot 5 - 288 Parking Spaces
Lot 4 - 23 Parking Spaces
Lot 3 - 74 Parking Spaces
Lot 2 - 7 Parking Spaces
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Figure 2.6: Existing Truck Routes
.0 0.5 10.25 Miles
Legend
Truck Routes
City of Palm Springs
Riverside County
Adjacent Cities
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 16
3.0 EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
This chapter presents an analysis of existing traffic conditions based on 2005 arterial segment counts on
selected roadways in the City of Palm Springs. The existing daily level of service (LOS) for these
roadway segments were evaluated and summarized below.
3.1 LOS Definition
Daily LOS was determined for the roadway segments based on the calculated volume-to-capacity (V/C)
ratio for each roadway. To determine the V/C ratio, the average daily traffic (ADT) volume for the
roadway was compared to the theoretical capacity of the roadway, according to its designated roadway
classification. Roadway capacities were based on assumptions used in the Circulation Element of the
Riverside County General Plan, 2003. LOS is a qualitative measure of the effect of several factors,
including speed and travel time, traffic interruptions, freedom to maneuver, safety, and driving comfort
and convenience. Levels of service are designated by grades of “A” (excellent, free flow) through “F”
(failure, jammed conditions). Table 3.1 below summarizes LOS descriptions and corresponding V/C
ratios for roadway segments.
The City of Palm Springs, as noted in the General Plan, has adopted LOS D as the threshold for
acceptable traffic conditions on the circulation network. The existing conditions analysis will maintain the
LOS D threshold as acceptable throughout the City and facilities that currently operate at LOS E or F are
noted in the analysis. The LOS D threshold applies to both arterial segments and intersections although
intersection throughput capacity generally dictates circulation system performance. The existing arterial
segment analysis highlights existing planning level deficiencies in the circulation system and locations
where future forecasts may necessitate the need for mitigation measures to provide acceptable levels of
service throughout the City.
Table 3.1 Level of Service Definitions for Roadway Segments
Level of
Service
Volume-to-Capacity
Ratio Definition
A 0.00 - 0.60 EXCELLENT. Free flow, light volumes
B 0.61 - 0.70 VERY GOOD. Free to stable flow, light to moderate volumes
C 0.71 - 0.80 GOOD. Stable flow, moderate volumes, freedom to maneuver noticeably restricted.
D 0.81 - 0.90 FAIR. Approaches unstable flow, moderate to heavy volumes, limited freedom to maneuver
E 0.91 - 0.99 POOR. Extremely unstable flow, heavy volumes, maneuverability and psychological comfort extremely poor
F Varies (≥ 1.00) FAILURE. Forced or breakdown conditions, slow speeds, tremendous delays with continuously increasing queue lengths
Source: Highway Capacity Manual Special Report 209, Transportation Research Board, 2000.
3.2 Existing Daily Conditions
As part of the existing condition analysis, 24-hour traffic counts were collected on various roadway
segments throughout the City. The majority of counts were taken between January and March 2005.
Vehicle counts at these locations are reported in Table 3.2 with corresponding V/C ratios and LOS.
Figure 3.1 presents the existing ADT volumes for the roadway segments. Figure 3.2 illustrates existing
daily LOS conditions on these roadway segments.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 17
Table 3.2 Existing Arterial Daily Level of Service
ID
Roadway
Segment
Lanes1
Volume
Capacity2
V/C
Ratio
LOS
1 Alejo Road West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 4,500 13,000 0.35 A
2 Alejo Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 4,500 13,000 0.35 A
3 Alejo Road West of Sunrise Way 4U 4,500 25,900 0.17 A
4 Amado Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 4,700 13,000 0.36 A
5 Amado Road West of Sunrise Way 2U 2,600 13,000 0.20 A
6 Araby Drive South of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 800 13,000 0.06 A
7 Arenas Road West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,300 13,000 0.10 A
8 Arenas Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 1,500 13,000 0.12 A
9 Avenida Caballeros Racquet Club to Vista Chino 4U 2,400 25,900 0.09 A
10 Avenida Caballeros South of Vista Chino 4U 6,400 25,900 0.25 A
11 Avenida Caballeros South of Alejo Road 2U 7,000 13,000 0.54 A
12 Avenida Caballeros Amado Road to Tahquitz Canyon Drive Way 2U 7,000 13,000 0.54 A
13 Avenida Caballeros North of Ramon Road 2U 6,400 13,000 0.49 A
14 Baristo Road El Cielo Road to Farrell Drive 2U 8,100 13,000 0.63 B
15 Barona Road South of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,000 13,000 0.08 A
16 Belardo Road North of Ramon Road 2U 3,100 13,000 0.24 A
17 Calle Alvarado South of Alejo Road 2U 900 13,000 0.07 A
18 Camino Real Indian Trail to South Riverside Drive 2U 700 13,000 0.05 A
19 Camino Real South of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,200 13,000 0.10 A
20 Camino Real La Verne Way to Murray Canyon Drive 2U 2,300 13,000 0.18 A
21 Cerritos Road South of Vista Chino 2U 1,000 13,000 0.08 A
22 Cerritos Road South of Alejo Road 2U 200 13,000 0.01 A
23 Cherokee Way South of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,200 13,000 0.09 A
24 Compadre Road North of Ramon Road 2U 900 13,000 0.07 A
25 Crossley Road South of Ramon Road 2U 10,900 13,000 0.84 D
26 Crossley Road North of Mesquite Avenue 2U 7,800 13,000 0.60 A
27 Crossley Road South of Mesquite Avenue 2U 8,800 13,000 0.67 B
28 Crossley Road North of East Palm Canyon Drive 4D 5,500 35,900 0.15 A
29 Date Palm Drive South of Vista Chino 6D 33,300 53,900 0.62 B
30 Dillon Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 7,200 13,000 0.55 A
31 El Cielo Road North of Ramon Road 4D 8,300 35,900 0.23 A
32 El Cielo Road Ramon Road to Escoba Drive 2D 8,300 18,000 0.46 A
33 Farrell Drive South of Vista Chino 4U 13,500 25,900 0.52 A
34 Farrell Drive South of Alejo Road 4U 16,000 25,900 0.62 B
35 Farrell Drive North of Ramon Road 4D 16,000 35,900 0.45 A
36 Francis Drive East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 1,100 13,000 0.09 A
37 Francis Drive West of Sunrise Way 2U 1,100 13,000 0.08 A
38 Gene Autry Trail North of Vista Chino 2U 23,400 25,800 0.91 E
39 Gene Autry Trail South of Vista Chino 6D 21,000 53,900 0.39 A
40 Gene Autry Trail North of Ramon Road 6D 23,000 53,900 0.43 A
41 Gene Autry Trail South of Ramon Road 4D 23,500 35,900 0.65 B
42 Gene Autry Trail South of East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 13,400 25,900 0.52 A
43 Indian Avenue South of Dillon Road 2U 15,600 13,000 1.20 F
44 Indian Canyon Drive South of I-10 2U 22,700 25,800 0.88 D
45 Indian Canyon Drive North of Racquet Club 4D 16,600 35,900 0.46 A
46 Indian Canyon Drive North of Vista Chino 4D 17,200 35,900 0.48 A
47 Indian Canyon Drive South of Vista Chino 4D 16,500 35,900 0.46 A
48 Indian Canyon Drive South of Tachevah Drive 4D 15,000 35,900 0.42 A
49 Indian Canyon Drive NB South of Alejo Road 4D 15,500 35,900 0.43 A
50 Indian Canyon Drive NB North of Ramon Road 4D 18,700 35,900 0.52 A
51 La Verne Way East of South Palm Canyon Drive 4U 5,600 25,900 0.22 A
52 La Verne Way West of Sunrise Way 4U 5,600 25,900 0.22 A
53 La Verne Way South of East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 15,000 25,900 0.58 A
54 Matthew Drive West of Gene Autry Trail 2U 4,000 13,000 0.31 A
55 Mesquite Avenue East of South Palm Canyon Drive 2U 4,300 13,000 0.33 A
56 Mesquite Avenue West of Sunrise Way 2U 4,300 13,000 0.33 A
57 Mesquite Avenue West of Vella Road 2U 10,200 13,000 0.78 C
58 Mesquite Avenue West of Gene Autry Trail 4U 8,200 25,900 0.21 A
59 Mesquite Avenue East of Gene Autry Trail 4D 19,300 35,900 0.54 A
60 Murray Canyon Drive East of South Palm Canyon Drive 4U 2,500 25,900 0.10 A
61 Murray Canyon Drive West of Sunrise Way 4U 2,500 25,900 0.10 A
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 18
Table 3.2 Existing Arterial Daily Level of Service, Continued
ID
Roadway
Segment
Lanes1
Volume
Capacity2
V/C
Ratio
LOS
62 North Calle Encilia North of Ramon Road 2U 5,500 13,000 0.42 A
63 North Calle El Segundo South of Alejo Road 2U 1,200 13,000 0.09 A
64 North Calle El Segundo North of Ramon Road 2U 2,100 13,000 0.16 A
65 North Hermosa Drive South of Alejo Road 2U 400 13,000 0.03 A
66 Palm Canyon Drive/SR-111 NB South of I-10 2D Exp 8,600 36,000 0.23 A
67 Palm Canyon Drive/SR-111 SB South of I-10 2D Exp 8,600 36,000 0.23 A
68 Palm Canyon Drive North North of Racquet Club Road 4D 20,300 35,900 0.56 A
69 Palm Canyon Drive North South of Racquet Club Road 4D 17,600 35,900 0.49 A
70 Palm Canyon Drive North South of Vista Chino 4D 17,400 35,900 0.48 A
71 Palm Canyon Drive North South of Tachevah Drive 4D 16,600 35,900 0.46 A
72 Palm Canyon Drive North SB South of Alejo Road 3D 14,000 26,925 0.52 A
73 Palm Canyon Drive South SB North of Ramon Road 3D 15,600 26,925 0.58 A
74 Palm Canyon Drive South South of Ramon Road 4D 27,500 35,900 0.77 C
75 Palm Canyon Drive South South of East Palm Canyon Drive 4D 17,500 35,900 0.49 A
76 Palm Canyon Drive East East of Palm Canyon Drive South 4D 20,500 35,900 0.57 A
77 Palm Canyon Drive East West of Sunrise Way 4D 23,100 35,900 0.64 B
78 Palm Canyon Drive East West of Farrell Drive 4D 33,800 35,900 0.94 E
79 Palm Canyon Drive East West of Gene Autry Trail 4D 33,500 35,900 0.93 E
80 Racquet Club Road West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,100 13,000 0.09 A
81 Racquet Club Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 4U 8,200 25,900 0.32 A
82 Racquet Club Road West of Sunrise Way 4U 9,300 25,900 0.36 A
83 Ramon Road West of Palm Canyon Drive 4D 11,100 35,900 0.31 A
84 Ramon Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 4D 16,700 35,900 0.47 A
85 Ramon Road West of Sunrise Way 4D 22,900 35,900 0.64 A
86 Ramon Road West of Farrell Drive 4D 32,600 35,900 0.91 E
87 Ramon Road West of El Cielo Road 4D 29,700 35,900 0.83 D
88 Ramon Road West of Gene Autry Trail 6D 44,900 53,900 0.83 D
89 San Rafael Drive East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 4,100 13,000 0.32 A
90 San Rafael Drive West of Sunrise Way 2U 5,000 13,000 0.38 A
91 Seven Lakes Drive West of Gene Autry Trail 2U 1,400 13,000 0.11 A
92 SR-62 South of Dillon Road 4D 17,000 35,900 0.47 A
93 Stevens Road West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 800 13,000 0.06 A
94 Sunny Dunes Road East of South Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,400 13,000 0.11 A
95 Sunny Dunes Road West of Sunrise Way 2U 3,400 13,000 0.26 A
96 Sunny Dunes Road West of Gene Autry Trail 2U 1,200 13,000 0.09 A
97 Sunrise Way Racquet Club to Vista Chino 4D 12,000 35,900 0.34 A
98 Sunrise Way South of Vista Chino 4D 16,400 35,900 0.46 A
99 Sunrise Way South of Alejo Road 4D 16,000 35,900 0.45 A
100 Sunrise Way North of Ramon Road 4D 16,000 35,900 0.45 A
101 Tachevah Drive East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 5,200 13,000 0.40 A
102 Tachevah Drive West of Sunrise Way 2U 3,900 13,000 0.30 A
103 Tahquitz Canyon Way West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 7,700 13,000 0.59 A
104 Tahquitz Canyon Way East of Indian Canyon Drive 4D 9,500 35,900 0.26 A
105 Tahquitz Canyon Way West of Sunrise Way 4D 13,600 35,900 0.38 A
106 Tamarisk Road East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 1,200 13,000 0.09 A
107 Tamarisk Road West of Sunrise Way 2U 1,600 13,000 0.12 A
108 Twin Palms Drive East of South Palm Canyon Drive 2U 1,000 13,000 0.08 A
109 Twin Palms Drive West of Sunrise Way 2U 1,000 13,000 0.08 A
110 Via Esquela West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 700 13,000 0.06 A
111 Via Esquela East of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 1,000 13,000 0.07 A
112 Via Esquela West of Gene Autry Trail 2U 3,800 13,000 0.29 A
113 Via Monte Vista South of Vista Chino 2U 1,000 13,000 0.08 A
114 Vista Chino West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 2,100 13,000 0.16 A
115 Vista Chino (SR-111) East of Indian Canyon Drive 4D 16,900 35,900 0.47 A
116 Vista Chino (SR-111) West of Sunrise Way 4D 23,100 35,900 0.64 B
117 Vista Chino (SR-111) West of Gene Autry Trail 4D 35,500 35,900 0.99 E
118 Vista Chino East of Gene Autry Trail 4D 24,800 35,900 0.69 B
Source: City of Palm Springs
1. U = Undivided; D = Divided
2. Roadway capacities based on Riverside County General Plan, 2003 and the Highway Capacity Manual
LOS E
LOS F
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 19
The daily arterial LOS analysis serves as a planning-level evaluation of traffic conditions in the City.
Actual operational level of service is defined by peak hour intersection analysis. While not conducted as
part of this analysis, existing peak-hour intersection LOS may be necessary to further determine
operational deficiencies on the roadway network. To define operational deficiencies under future
conditions, intersection analysis will be performed to identify circulation system deficiencies.
Based on the LOS analysis, four roadway segments in the City currently operate at LOS E:
• Palm Canyon Drive East west of Farrell Drive
• Palm Canyon Drive East west of Gene Autry Trail
• Ramon Road west of Farrell Drive
• Vista Chino (SR-111) west of Gene Autry Trail
In addition, one roadway segment currently operates at LOS F:
• Indian Avenue south of Dillon Road
The remaining roadway segments currently operate at LOS D or better. However, the roadway segments
that currently operate at LOS D, including Crossley Road south of Ramon Road, Ramon Road west of El
Cielo Road, and Ramon Road west of Gene Autry Trail, should be closely monitored, since they may
deteriorate to LOS E or F with additional traffic growth in the future.
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Figure 3.1: Existing Average Daily Traffic (in Thousands) on Arterial Segments
.
0 0.5 1 1.50.25
Miles
Legend
Adjacent Cities
City of Palm Springs
Riverside County
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Figure 3.2: Existing Arterial Daily Level of Service
0 0.5 1 1.50.25 Miles
City of Palm Springs
Legend
LOS F
LOS E
LOS D
LOS C or better
Adjacent Cities
Riverside County .
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 22
4.0 FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Future year 2025 traffic forecasts were generated using the Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Model
(PSTAM). For detailed information on PSTAM refer to the Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Model
Development Documentation, February 2006. The traffic model forecasts future traffic conditions
throughout the City of Palm Springs based on the proposed General Plan Land Use scenario. The model
estimates trips generated in traffic analysis zones throughout the City of Palm Springs and Coachella
Valley. The model then distributes these trips based on various factors such as land use intensities,
average trip lengths obtained from survey data and the circulation infrastructure. Future traffic projections
are then evaluated for deficiencies and mitigation measure proposed where appropriate.
4.1 Proposed General Plan Land Use
Figure 4-1 presents the traffic model traffic analysis zones throughout the City of Palm Springs. Table
4.1 presents a summary of the land use for the City as incorporated into the traffic model for future
General Plan Buildout conditions. The values presented in the table reflect reduced land use activity for
the I-10 Retail Business Complex corridor as proposed in the General Plan. While the General Plan has
several land use categories, the traffic model requires specific variables to be consistent with the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) model. The General Plan Buildout land use has
been aggregated into the variables presented in Table 4.1 by traffic analysis zone for incorporation into
the traffic model.
Table 4.1 General Plan Buildout Land Use/Socioeconomic Data
Variable Units Quantity
Very Low Density Residential Acres 3,210
Medium Density Residential Acres 5,009
Commercial Acres 1,342
Public Buildings Acres 338
Offices Acres 754
Low Industrial Acres 3091
Heavy Industrial Acres 0
Labor Force Employees 63,971
School Enrollment Students 4,995
Games Games 1,000
Occupied Year-round Single Family Residences Dwelling Units 18,063
Occupied Year-round Multi- Family Residences Dwelling Units 15,975
Occupied Part-year Residences Dwelling Units 11,657
Hotel Rooms Rooms 13,119
Source: Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Model
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Figure 4.1: Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Zones
3
Legend
PSTAM TAZ within the City of Palm Springs
PSTAM TAZ outside the City of Palm Springs
.
0 0.5 1 1.5 20.25
Miles
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 24
4.2 General Plan Buildout Daily Traffic Conditions
Forecast 2025 General Plan Buildout daily traffic conditions throughout the City are presented in Table
4.2. Under General Plan Buildout conditions, the following arterial segments are forecast to operate at a
deficient level of service (LOS E or F) under daily conditions and are highlighted in Table 4.2:
• Indian Avenue
• Palm Canyon Drive North
• Palm Canyon Drive East
• Vista Chino
• Ramon Road
In general, future traffic conditions within the central portion of the City are forecast to operate at
acceptable levels, with excess capacity along some corridors. The dense grid-like structure of the
circulation system allows traffic to filter through the downtown portion of the city with minimal congestion-
related delay. However, the City experiences daily capacity deficiencies through corridors accessing the
City. The geographic nature of the region limits infrastructure access to the City and hence, capacity
limitations result in increased levels of congestion along these corridors. Capacity limitations from the
City northerly to the I-10 corridor and easterly to Cathedral City and beyond to the remainder of Coachella
Valley result in arterial segments that are forecast to operate at deficient levels under future daily
conditions. As noted under the existing conditions analysis, LOS D has been adopted as the threshold
for acceptable operation of the City’s circulation system.
While certain arterial segments are forecast to operate at LOS E or F, this does not necessarily imply the
segment will experience significant traffic congestion. Daily segment analysis is a generalized planning
level assessment of overall traffic conditions, whereas actual segment operation is determined by the
throughput at upstream and downstream intersections. If the intersections are forecast to operate at an
acceptable level of service under peak hour conditions, then the corresponding segments are expected to
operate at an acceptable level. The rationale for evaluating intersection performance is that if a segment
was over-capacity, traffic would spill over into the intersection, thus resulting in deficient intersection
operation. Therefore, peak hour intersection analysis is used to confirm arterial segment capacity issues
or demonstrate that under peak hour conditions, the segment capacity is acceptable. Daily arterial
segment capacity is a theoretical capacity for planning level purposes since under real-world conditions,
volumes cannot exceed a true capacity and thus, a volume to capacity ratio, or LOS F, is infeasible to
achieve. For these reasons, arterial segment analysis is employed as a planning level analysis that
identifies potential circulation system issues for further analysis if forecast to operate at LOS E or F.
Arterial segments with a daily volume to capacity (V/C) ratio approaching 1.0 or slightly above 1.0 are
expected to operate at acceptable levels of service with appropriate intersection improvements.
Roadway segments with high V/C ratios under daily forecast conditions may require additional capacity to
maintain acceptable operations. Figure 4.2 presents the 2025 forecast average daily traffic and Figure
4.3 presents forecast daily level of service for arterial roadways.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 25
Table 4.2 General Plan Buildout Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service
2025
Facility Location Lanes Capacity ADT V/C LOS
19th Avenue West of Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 8,200 0.32 A
Alejo Road Belardo Road to Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 5,200 0.40 A
Alejo Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 15,000 0.58 A
Alejo Road Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 4U 25,900 11,200 0.43 A
Alejo Road Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 4U 25,900 10,200 0.39 A
Alejo Road Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 4U 25,900 7,000 0.27 A
Amado Road West of Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 7,400 0.29 A
Amado Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 4,600 0.18 A
Amado Road Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 4U 25,900 5,400 0.21 A
Amado Road Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 4U 25,900 3,000 0.12 A
Andreas Road East Indian Canyon Drive to Calle Alvarado 2U 13,000 4,100 0.32 A
Araby Drive South of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 900 0.07 A
Arenas Road Belardo Road to Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 1,400 0.05 A
Arenas Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 4,100 0.16 A
Arenas Road Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 4U 25,900 4,100 0.16 A
Avenida Caballeros San Rafael Drive to Racquet Club Road 4U 25,900 800 0.03 A
Avenida Caballeros Racquet Club Road to Vista Chino 4U 25,900 2,800 0.11 A
Avenida Caballeros Vista Chino to Tachevah Drive 4U 25,900 7,400 0.29 A
Avenida Caballeros Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 4U 25,900 2,100 0.08 A
Avenida Caballeros Alejo Road to Amado Road 4U 25,900 8,100 0.31 A
Avenida Caballeros Amado Road to Tahquitz Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 9,200 0.36 A
Avenida Caballeros Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 4U 25,900 11,300 0.44 A
Avenida Granada South Palm Canyon Drive to Camino Real 2U 13,000 1,900 0.15 A
Baristo Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 2,300 0.09 A
Baristo Road Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 4U 25,900 2,200 0.08 A
Baristo Road Farrell Drive to El Cielo Road 4U 25,900 9,300 0.36 A
Barona Road South of East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 1,200 0.05 A
Belardo Road Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 2U 13,000 1,300 0.10 A
Belardo Road Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 2U 13,000 3,600 0.28 A
Calle Alvarado South of Alejo Road 2U 13,000 1,800 0.14 A
Calliente Road South / Via Estrella
East La Verne Way to Toledo Avenue 2U 13,000 1,400 0.11 A
Camino Real Ramon Road to Sunny Dunes Road 2U 13,000 5,000 0.38 A
Camino Real Mesquite Avenue to East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,900 0.22 A
Camino Real East Palm Canyon Drive to East Twin Palms Drive 4U 25,900 4,200 0.16 A
Camino Real La Verne Way to Murray Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,300 0.18 A
Cerritos Road Racquet Club Drive to Vista Chino 2U 13,000 6,600 0.51 A
Cerritos Road Vista Chino to Tachevah Drive 2U 13,000 11,400 0.88 D
Cerritos Road Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 2U 13,000 6,600 0.51 A
Cherokee Way North of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,600 0.20 A
Cherokee Way South of East Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 1,400 0.11 A
Chia Road Sunrise Way to Cerritos Drive 2U 13,000 1,000 0.08 A
Compadre Road North of Ramon Road 2U 13,000 1,000 0.08 A
Compadre Road Ramon Road to Sunny Dunes 2U 13,000 4,800 0.37 A
Crossley Road Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 4U 25,900 16,400 0.63 B
Crossley Road South of Mesquite Avenue 4U 25,900 19,200 0.74 C
Crossley Road North of East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 11,300 0.44 A
Dillon Road Diablo Road to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 13,200 0.51 A
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 26
Table 4.2 General Plan Buildout Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service, Continued
2025
Facility Location Lanes Capacity ADT V/C LOS
El Ceilo Road Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 4D 35,900 9,200 0.26 A
El Cielo Road Ramon Road to Escoba Drive 4U 25,900 10,200 0.39 A
Farrell Drive Joyce Drive to Racquet Club Drive 2U 13,000 2,900 0.22 A
Farrell Drive Racquet Club Drive to Vista Chino 4U 25,900 8,800 0.34 A
Farrell Drive Vista Chino to Tachevah Drive 4U 25,900 21,200 0.82 D
Farrell Drive Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 4U 25,900 19,900 0.77 C
Farrell Drive Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 4U 25,900 20,100 0.78 C
Farrell Drive Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 4D 35,900 18,400 0.51 A
Farrell Drive Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 4U 25,900 9,600 0.37 A
Farrell Drive Mesquite Avenue to East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 7,000 0.27 A
Francis Drive Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 2U 13,000 1,300 0.10 A
Francis Drive Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 1,300 0.10 A
Gene Autry Trail I-10 to Via Escuela 4D 72,000 41,500 0.58 A
Gene Autry Trail Via Escuela to Vista Chino 6D 53,900 37,000 0.69 B
Gene Autry Trail/SR-111 Vista Chino to Ramon Road 6D 53,900 39,000 0.72 C
Gene Autry Trail/SR-111 Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 4D 35,900 27,100 0.75 C
Gene Autry Trail/SR-111 Mesquite Avenue to Seven Lakes Drive 4D 35,900 27,100 0.75 C
Gene Autry Trail/SR-111 Seven Lakes Drive to East Palm Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 19,200 0.53 A
Gene Autry Trail South of East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 15,400 0.59 A
Indian Avenue Dillon Road to 19th Avenue 4U 25,900 41,600 1.61 F
Indian Avenue 19th Avenue to I-10 6D 53,900 44,900 0.83 D
Indian Canyon Drive I-10 to Sunrise Parkway 4D 72,000 53,500 0.74 C
Indian Canyon Drive Sunrise Parkway to Tramview Road 4D 35,900 34,700 0.48 A
Indian Canyon Drive Tramview Road to San Rafael Drive 4D 35,900 31,700 0.97 E
Indian Canyon Drive San Rafael Drive to Racquet Club Road 4D 35,900 23,900 0.67 B
Indian Canyon Drive Racquet Club Road to Vista Chino 4D 35,900 23,900 0.67 B
Indian Canyon Drive Vista Chino to Tachevah Drive 4D 35,900 23,800 0.66 B
Indian Canyon Drive Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 4D 35,900 23,400 0.65 B
Indian Canyon Drive NB Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 4D 35,900 18,200 0.51 A
Indian Canyon Drive NB Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 4D 35,900 21,500 0.60 A
Indian Canyon Drive NB South of Ramon Road 4D 35,900 15,000 0.42 A
Joyce Drive East Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 2U 13,000 2,800 0.22 A
La Verne Way South Palm Canyon Drive to Camino Real 4U 25,900 6,400 0.25 A
La Verne Way Camino Real to Twin Palms Drive East 4U 25,900 7,100 0.27 A
La Verne Way South of East Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 17,300 0.67 B
Las Vegas Road North Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,000 0.15 A
Matthew Drive West of Gene Autry Trail 2U 13,000 4,600 0.35 A
Mesquite Avenue West of South Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 6,600 0.51 A
Mesquite Avenue South Palm Canyon Drive to Camino Real 2U 13,000 4,900 0.38 A
Mesquite Avenue Camino Real to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 4,900 0.38 A
Mesquite Avenue Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 2U 13,000 4,900 0.38 A
Mesquite Avenue El Cielo Road to Paseo Dorotea 2U 13,000 5,900 0.45 A
Mesquite Avenue Paseo Dorotea to Vella Road 2U 13,000 11,500 0.88 D
Mesquite Avenue Vella Road to Gene Autry Trail 4U 25,900 16,300 0.63 B
Dinah Shore Drive Gene Autry Tail to San Luis Rey Drive 4D 35,900 26,400 0.74 C
Dinah Shore Drive San Luis Rey Drive to Crossley Road 4D 35,900 29,000 0.81 D
Dinah Shore Drive East of Crossley Drive 4D 35,900 31,800 0.89 D
Mission Drive East of Gene Autry Trail 2U 13,000 800 0.06 A
Murray Canyon Drive South Palm Canyon Drive to Camino Real 4U 25,900 2,900 0.11 A
Murray Canyon Drive Camino Real to Toledo Avenue 4U 25,900 2,900 0.11 A
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 27
Table 4.2 General Plan Buildout Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service, Continued
2025
Facility Location Lanes Capacity ADT V/C LOS
North Calle Encilia Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 2U 13,000 9,100 0.70 B
North Calle Encilia Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 2U 13,000 6,300 0.48 A
North Calle El Segundo Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 2U 13,000 2,000 0.15 A
North Calle El Segundo Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 2U 13,000 2,400 0.18 A
Palm Canyon Drive/SR-111 NB South of I-10 2D Exp 36,000 17,200 0.48 A
Palm Canyon Drive/SR-111 SB South of I-10 2D Exp 36,000 17,800 0.49 A
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 Sunrise Parkway to Gateway Drive 4D 35,900 28,300 0.79 C
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 Gateway Drive to San Rafael Road 4D 35,900 29,100 0.81 D
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 San Rafael Road to Racquet Club Road 4D 35,900 37,700 1.05 F
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 Racquet Club Road to Via Escuela 4D 35,900 35,100 0.98 E
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 Via Escuela to Vista Chino 4D 35,900 36,600 1.02 F
Palm Canyon Drive North Vista Chino to Tachevah Road 4D 35,900 22,500 0.63 B
Palm Canyon Drive North Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 4D 35,900 20,800 0.58 A
Palm Canyon Drive North SB Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 3D 26,925 14,700 0.55 A
Palm Canyon Drive South SB Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 3D 26,925 17,900 0.66 B
Palm Canyon Drive South SB South of Ramon Road 3D 26,925 17,900 0.66 B
Palm Canyon Drive South Indian Canyon Drive to Mesquite Avenue 4D 35,900 28,800 0.80 C
Palm Canyon Drive South Mesquite Avenue to East Palm Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 21,800 0.61 B
Palm Canyon Drive South East Palm Canyon Drive to La Verne Way 4D 35,900 20,100 0.56 A
Palm Canyon Drive South La Verne Way to Murray Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 20,100 0.56 A
Palm Canyon Drive South South of Murray Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 7,500 0.58 A
Palm Canyon Drive East Palm Canyon Drive South to Camino Real 4D 35,900 17,100 0.48 A
Palm Canyon Drive East Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 4D 35,900 38,900 1.08 F
Palm Canyon Drive East Farrell Drive to Gene Autry Trail 4D 35,900 34,400 0.96 E
Palm Canyon Drive East/SR-111 Gene Autry Trail to Golf Club Drive 4D 35,900 34,700 0.97 E
Palm Canyon Drive East/SR-111 East of Golf Club Drive 4D 35,900 41,200 1.15 F
Paseo Dorotea Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 2U 13,000 2,900 0.22 A
Paseo El Mirador Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 5,400 0.42 A
Racquet Club Road Leonard Road to Palm Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 1,300 0.05 A
Racquet Club Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 7,200 0.20 A
Racquet Club Road Indian Canyon Drive to Via Miraleste 4U 25,900 9,400 0.36 A
Racquet Club Road Via Miraleste to Avenida Caballeros 4U 25,900 6,800 0.26 A
Racquet Club Road Avenida Caballeros to Hermosa Drive 4U 25,900 5,500 0.21 A
Racquet Club Road Hermosa Drive to Sunrise Way 4U 25,900 10,700 0.41 A
Racquet Club Road Sunrise Way to Cerritos Drive 4U 25,900 14,000 0.54 A
Racquet Club Road Cerritos Drive to Farrell Drive 4U 25,900 9,600 0.37 A
Ramon Road Belardo Road to Palm Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 12,800 0.36 A
Ramon Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 19,200 0.53 A
Ramon Road Indian Canyon Drive to Calle Encillia 4D 35,900 19,200 0.53 A
Ramon Road Calle Encillia to Calle El Segundo 4D 35,900 12,700 0.35 A
Ramon Road Calle El Segundo to Avenida Caballeros 4D 35,900 16,000 0.45 A
Ramon Road Avenida Caballeros to Hermosa Drive 4D 35,900 26,700 0.74 C
Ramon Road Hermosa Drive to Sunrise Way 4D 35,900 27,400 0.76 C
Ramon Road Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 6D 53,900 33,400 0.62 B
Ramon Road Farrell Drive to Compadre Road 6D 53,900 41,200 0.76 C
Ramon Road Compadre Road to El Cielo Road 6D 53,900 38,200 0.71 C
Ramon Road El Cielo Road to Paseo Dorotea 6D 53,900 44,100 0.82 D
Ramon Road Paseo Dorotea to Vella Road 6D 53,900 44,900 0.83 D
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 28
Table 4.2 General Plan Buildout Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service, Continued
2025
Facility Location Lanes Capacity ADT V/C LOS
Ramon Road Vella Road to Gene Autry Trail 7D 62,900 65,500 1.04 F
Ramon Road Gene Autry Tail to San Luis Rey Drive 6D 53,900 58,000 1.08 F
Ramon Road San Luis Rey Drive to Crossley Road 6D 53,900 55,300 1.03 F
Ramon Road Crossley Road to Landau Boulevard 6D 53,900 60,200 1.12 F
San Luis Rey Drive Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 2U 13,000 3,400 0.26 A
San Rafael Drive Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 6,600 0.25 A
San Rafael Drive Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 4U 25,900 4,600 0.18 A
San Rafael Drive Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 4U 25,900 7,200 0.28 A
Seven Lakes Drive West of Gene Autry Trail 2U 13,000 2,200 0.17 A
Stevens Road Rose Avenue to Via Monte Vista 2U 13,000 900 0.07 A
Stevens Road Via Monte Vista to Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,400 0.18 A
Stevens Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 1,500 0.12 A
Sonora Road Sunrise Way to Cerritos Drive 2U 13,000 4,400 0.34 A
Sonora Road Cerritos Drive to Farrell Drive 2U 13,000 5,000 0.38 A
Sonora Road Farrell Drive to Compadre Road 2U 13,000 4,900 0.38 A
Sonora Road Compadre Road to El Cielo Road 2U 13,000 5,800 0.45 A
Sunny Dunes Road Palm Canyon Drive to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 3,900 0.30 A
Sunny Dunes Road Compadre Road to El Cielo Road 2U 13,000 4,700 0.36 A
Sunny Dunes Road El Cielo Road to Paseo Dorotea 2U 13,000 7,400 0.57 A
Sunny Dunes Road Paseo Dorotea to Vella Road 2U 13,000 4,600 0.35 A
Sunny Dunes Road Vella Road to Gene Autry Trail 2U 13,000 5,300 0.41 A
Sunny Dunes Road Gene Autry Trail to Crossley Road 2U 13,000 11,600 0.89 D
Sunrise Parkway SR-111 to Indian Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 8,100 0.23 A
Sunrise Parkway East of Indian Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 20,100 0.56 A
Sunrise Parkway North of San Rafael Drive 4D 35,900 20,000 0.56 A
Sunrise Way San Rafael Drive to Racquet Club Road 4D 35,900 23,900 0.67 B
Sunrise Way Racquet Club to Vista Chino 4D 35,900 17,900 0.50 A
Sunrise Way Vista Chino to Tachevah Drive 4D 35,900 18,900 0.53 A
Sunrise Way Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 4D 35,900 19,500 0.54 A
Sunrise Way Alejo Road to Tahquitz Road 4D 35,900 19,300 0.54 A
Sunrise Way Tahquitz Road to Ramon Road 4D 35,900 19,800 0.55 A
Sunrise Way Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 4D 35,900 29,100 0.81 D
Sunrise Way Mesquite Avenue to East Palm Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 25,300 0.70 B
Tachevah Drive Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 6,000 0.23 A
Tachevah Drive Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 4U 25,900 6,000 0.23 A
Tachevah Drive Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 4U 25,900 6,000 0.23 A
Tachevah Drive Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 4U 25,900 5,900 0.23 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way West of Belardo Road 2U 13,000 4,500 0.35 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Belardo Road to Palm Canyon Drive 2D 18,000 8,900 0.49 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 3D 26,925 10,900 0.40 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Indian Canyon Drive to Calle El Segundo 4D 35,900 10,900 0.30 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Calle El Segundo to Avenida Caballeros 4D 35,900 9,800 0.27 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Avenida Caballeros to Hermosa Drive 4D 35,900 15,600 0.43 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Hermosa Drive to Sunrise Way 4D 35,900 15,600 0.43 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 4D 35,900 15,600 0.43 A
Tahquitz Canyon Way Farrell Drive to El Cielo Road 4D 35,900 15,600 0.43 A
Tamarisk Road Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4U 25,900 1,400 0.05 A
Tamarisk Road Indian Canyon Drive to Via Miraleste 2U 13,000 1,400 0.11 A
Tamarisk Road Via Miraleste to Avenida Caballeros 2U 13,000 1,800 0.14 A
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 29
Table 4.2 General Plan Buildout Forecast 2025 Arterial Daily Level of Service, Continued
2025
Facility Location Lanes Capacity ADT V/C LOS
Tamarisk Road Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 1,800 0.14 A
Tamarisk Road Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 2U 13,000 1,800 0.14 A
Toledo Avenue Murray Canyon Drive to La Verne Way 4U 25,900 3,500 0.14 A
Tramview Road West of Indian Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,000 0.15 A
Tram Way West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 13,500 1.04 F
Twin Palms Drive South Palm Canyon Drive to Camino Real 2U 13,000 1,200 0.09 A
Twin Palms Drive Camino Real to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 1,600 0.12 A
Vella Road Ramon Road to Mesquite Avenue 2U 13,000 6,100 0.47 A
Verona Road Farrell Drive to Volturno Road 2U 13,000 3,400 0.26 A
Verona Road Volturno Road to Whitewater Club Drive 2U 13,000 3,300 0.25 A
Via Escuela West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 1,400 0.11 A
Via Escuela Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,100 0.16 A
Via Escuela Indian Canyon Drive to Avenida Caballeros 2U 13,000 800 0.06 A
Via Escuela Avenida Caballeros to Sunrise Way 2U 13,000 1,200 0.09 A
Via Escuela Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 2U 13,000 4,400 0.34 A
Via Escuela Farrell Drive to Volturno Road 2U 13,000 9,500 0.73 C
Via Escuela Volturno Road to Whitewater Club Drive 2U 13,000 4,800 0.37 A
Via Escuela Whitewater Club Drive to Gene Autry Trail 2U 13,000 8,400 0.65 B
Via Miraleste Francis Drive to Racquet Club Road 2U 13,000 1,600 0.12 A
Via Miraleste Racquet Club Road to Vista Chino 2U 13,000 1,400 0.11 A
Via Miraleste Vista Chino to Tachevah Drive 2U 13,000 5,700 0.44 A
Via Miraleste Tachevah Drive to Alejo Road 2U 13,000 1,800 0.14 A
Via Monte Vista Vista Chino to Stevens Road 2U 13,000 1,200 0.09 A
Via Monte Vista Stevens Road to Crescent Drive 2U 13,000 1,200 0.09 A
Vista Chino West of Palm Canyon Drive 2U 13,000 2,400 0.18 A
Vista Chino (SR-111) Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive 4D 35,900 30,100 0.84 D
Vista Chino (SR-111) Indian Canyon Drive to Via Miraleste 4D 35,900 26,000 0.72 C
Vista Chino (SR-111) Via Miraleste to Avenida Caballeros 4D 35,900 26,600 0.74 C
Vista Chino (SR-111) Avenida Caballeros to Hermosa Drive 4D 35,900 26,600 0.74 C
Vista Chino (SR-111) Hermosa Drive to Sunrise Way 4D 35,900 26,600 0.74 C
Vista Chino (SR-111) Sunrise Way to Cerritos Drive 4D 35,900 29,900 0.83 D
Vista Chino (SR-111) Cerritos Drive to Farrell Drive 5D 44,875 46,200 1.03 F
Vista Chino (SR-111) Farrell Drive to Volturno Road 4D 35,900 51,500 1.43 F
Vista Chino (SR-111) Volturno Road to Whitewater Club Drive 4D 35,900 56,500 1.57 F
Vista Chino (SR-111) Whitewater Club Drive to Gene Autry Trail 4D 35,900 60,700 1.69 F
Vista Chino East of Gene Autry Trail 4D 35,900 49,900 1.39 F
Volturno Road Racquet Club Road to Vista Chino 2U 13,000 5,000 0.38 A
Waverly Drive Gene Autry to Golf Club Drive / Crossley Drive 2U 13,000 4,200 0.32 A
Whitewater Club Drive Racquet Club Road to Vista Chino 2U 13,000 5,300 0.41 A
Source: Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Model
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Figure 4.2: Forecast 2025 Average Daily Traffic (in Thousands)
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Legend
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City of Palm Springs
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Figure 4.3: Future Arterial Daily Level of Service
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0 0.5 1 1.50.25
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LOS F
LOS E
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Riverside County
City of Palm Springs
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 32
4.3 General Plan Buildout Daily Traffic Mitigation
Mitigation measures have been developed for each of the segments that operate at a deficient LOS under
future General Plan Buildout conditions. Arterial segment level of service is a planning level analysis that
provides a general overview of potential circulation system issues for further analysis while peak hour
intersection performance is considered the key measure of traffic efficiency. As noted previously, the
determination of need for circulation system mitigation is throughput capacity of segment intersections. It
is not recommended to improve segment capacity without a more detailed operational analysis including
peak hour intersection analysis.
Future traffic demands are directly related to the type and intensity of future land uses. The City of Palm
Springs is currently in the process of updating the General Plan Circulation Element to include a roadway
plan that meets the desires of the community for mobility and accessibility while supporting the
development intensity anticipated by the Land Use Element. Peak season average weekday traffic
projections representing buildout of the Palm Springs General Plan can be compared to the daily design
capacity of each master planned roadway to determine the portion of the roadway capacity that will be
utilized by the future traffic volumes. However, as invariably happens, the projected demand appears to
exceed the capacity along some of the master planned major thoroughfares.
It should be noted that a daily level of service analysis is a “broad-brush” indicator of when traffic
congestion may be expected on a typical urban arterial street segment. It is based on the daily traffic
volume, the number of midblock through lanes, and a generalized estimate of the capacity of a typical
master planned facility in an urbanized area with a similar number of through lanes. A peak hour
intersection analysis can more clearly define the circulation system required to satisfy the General Plan
buildout travel demands.
Capacity is an issue when properties in the vicinity of a major street become fully urbanized. When
capacity becomes a problem, increasing signal spacing and limiting median access (with directional
median openings) are two alternatives to widening a four lane facility to six lanes. A four-lane divided
roadway with 0.50-mile signal spacing and limited access can provide service comparable to that of a six-
lane roadway with 0.25-mile signal spacing and full-turn median openings between signals.
Cycle lengths should be as short as possible to minimize delay for all users and queue lengths. But as
volumes on arterials and cross streets increase, longer cycle lengths can be used to increase capacity by
minimizing lost time. Furthermore, longer signal cycle lengths permit longer pedestrian crossing times.
Flaring the minor street to provide additional turn lanes can compensate for the reduced green time on
the minor street caused by increases in the portion of the cycle devoted to green on the major
thoroughfare.
Since the capacity of a roadway link is limited by the amount of traffic that can flow through the
intersections, favorable intersection conditions can provide better levels of service on a roadway segment
than indicated by the daily volume and level of service. In particular, low-volume cross streets or tee
intersections can result in a higher percentage of the traffic signal cycle being allocated to the primary
traffic flow, and allow acceptable levels of service with higher traffic volumes. Additional turn lanes can
increase the flow through the intersection without additional through lanes. A daily volume-to-capacity
analysis is, therefore, an indicator of high traffic demand rather than an absolute indication of an
unavoidable significant impact.
Capacity augmentation features can be identified and applied to intersections with restricted rights-of-way
that experience high demand during peak hours. In those instances where a roadway is found to be
operating at acceptable levels of service except along one link, localized capacity enhancements at
intersections can be identified and implemented to maintain network continuity. In most cases, this type
of localized improvement is more effective than upgrading a short roadway segment with additional
through lanes.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 33
Endo Engineering performed analysis at the following critical intersections throughout the City and
identified specific mitigation measures required to achieve acceptable peak hour levels of service at each
of the critical intersections (refer to Technical Memorandum dated September 20, 2006, Palm Springs
General Plan Update Peak Hour Intersection Level of Service Analysis):
• North Palm Canyon Drive/Vista Chino
• Sunrise Way/Vista Chino
• Farrell Drive/Vista Chino
• Gene Autry Trail/Vista Chino
• Sunrise Way/Ramon Road
• Farrell Drive/Ramon Road
• Crossley Road/Ramon Road
• Sunrise Way/East Palm Canyon Drive
• Gene Autry Trail/East Palm Canyon Drive
• Golf Club Drive/East Palm Canyon Drive
Incorporation of the specified intersection improvements is expected to result in the acceptable operation
of arterial segments. Supplemental intersection analysis has been performed to evaluate intersections
along facilities that are forecast to operate at unacceptable levels of service under future conditions.
Refer to Figure 4.4 for the critical intersection locations. The following five supplemental intersections
have been evaluated under P.M. peak hour conditions to ensure acceptable peak hour operations:
• Palm Canyon Drive/Tram Way/San Rafael Drive
• Indian Canyon Drive/San Rafael Drive
• Indian Canyon Drive/Sunrise Parkway
• Indian Avenue/Dillon Road
• Indian Avenue/19th Street
Appendix A includes the supplemental critical intersection analysis for the intersections noted above.
The supplemental critical intersections are all forecast to operate at acceptable levels of service, hence
the arterial is expected to operate at acceptable conditions during the peak hour. Table 4.3 presents
intersection improvements that are required to achieve acceptable levels of service at the critical
intersections. The additional right-of-way requirements are also identified in Table 4.3 assuming that a
12 feet right-of-way is required for each additional lane. A minimum of 500 feet in either direction from
the centerline of the intersection for right-of-way expansion is required for mitigation measures. As right-
of-way limitation may exist at critical intersections, reduced right-of-way requirements at critical
intersections may be approved by the Planning Commission upon a recommendation by the City
Engineer. Reduced right-of-way requirements may require special roadway alignment studies prepared
for review and approval by the City Engineer, and may be recommended and approved upon
determination that the required lane configurations are provided as indicated by the General Plan.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 34
Table 4.3 Critical Intersection Required Improvements
Intersection Required Improvements Additional R.O.W. Requirements (12 feet per additional lane)
Palm Canyon Drive @ Vista Chino Add a second southbound left-turn lane. Add two westbound left-turn lanes.
+ 12 feet on Palm Canyon Drive north of Vista Chino
+ 24 feet on Vista Chino east of Palm Canyon Drive
Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino Add a second southbound left-turn lane. Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
+ 12 feet on Sunrise Way north of Vista Chino
+ 12 feet on Vista Chino east of Sunrise Way
Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
+ 12 feet on Farrell Drive north of Vista Chino
+ 12 feet on Vista Chino east of Farrell Drive
+ 12 feet on Farrell Drive south of Vista Chino
Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino
Add a third westbound through lane.
Add a third eastbound through lane.
Add a second northbound left-turn lane.
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second eastbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
+ 24 feet on Vista Chino east of Gene Autry Trail
+ 24 feet on Vista Chino west of Gene Autry Trail
+ 12 feet on Gene Autry Trail south of Vista Chino
+ 12 feet on Gene Autry Trail north of Vista Chino
Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road
Add a second northbound left-turn lane.
Add a second southbound left-turn lane.
Add a second westbound left-turn lane.
+ 12 feet on Sunrise Way south of Ramon Road
+ 12 feet on Sunrise Way north of Ramon Road
+ 12 feet on Ramon Road south of Sunrise Way
Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road Add a second southbound left-turn lane. + 12 feet on Farrell Drive north of Ramon Road
Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon Road The existing lanes are adequate.
Crossley Road @ Ramon Road
Add a third westbound through lane.
Add a third eastbound through lane.
Add a second northbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
+ 12 feet on Ramon Road east of Crossley Road
+ 12 feet on Ramon Road west of Crossley Road
+ 12 feet on Crossley Road south of Ramon Road
Sunrise Way @ East Palm Canyon Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Farrell Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Gene Autry Trail @ East Palm Canyon
Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Golf Club Drive @ East Palm Canyon
Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Palm Canyon Drive @ Tramway The existing lanes are adequate.
Indian Canyon Drive @ San Rafael Drive The existing lanes are adequate.
Indian Canyon Drive @ Sunrise Parkway
Future intersection requiring the following
geometrics:
Eastbound: 1 left, 2 through, 1 right
Westbound: 1 left, 2 through, 1 right
Northbound: 2 left, 3 through, 1 right
Southbound: 2 left, 3 through, 1 right
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 35
Table 4.3 Critical Intersection Required Improvements, Continued
Intersection Required Improvements Additional R.O.W. Requirements (12 feet per additional lane)
Indian Avenue @ Dillon Road
Add a second northbound through lane.
Add a northbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
Add a second southbound through lane.
Add a southbound left-turn lane.
Add a southbound right-turn lane.
Add a second eastbound through lane
Add an eastbound left-turn lane
Add an eastbound right-turn lane
Add a second westbound through lane
Add two westbound left-turn lanes
Add a westbound right-turn lane
+ 36 feet on Indian Avenue south of 19th Street
+ 36 feet on Indian Avenue north of 19th Street
+ 36 feet on Dillon Road west of Indian Avenue
+48 feet on Dillon Road east of Indian Avenue
Indian Avenue @ 19th Street
Add a second northbound through lane.
Add a northbound left-turn lane.
Add a northbound right-turn lane.
Add a second southbound through lane.
Add a southbound left-turn lane.
Add a southbound right-turn lane.
+ 36 feet on Indian Avenue south of 19th Street
+ 36 feet on Indian Avenue north of 19th Street
Source: Endo Engineering
Table 4.4 documents the arterial segments that fail under daily capacity thresholds and proposed
mitigation measures. Segments with a V/C ratio near 1.0 are likely candidates to operate at acceptable
levels during the peak hours with appropriate intersection improvements as specified in the analysis
performed by Endo Engineering. Table 4.5 presents the future levels of service for the critical
intersections with the required improvements presented in Table 4.3. As the City matures and grows,
operational analysis of intersections and segments should be performed where necessary to ensure
efficient and acceptable operations of the circulation system.
Figure 4.4 presents the proposed circulation system General Plan roadway classifications. The
classifications employed by the City are based on right-of-way widths rather than facility capacity or
number of lanes. As a result, additional major and secondary thoroughfare classifications have been
incorporated into the figure to differentiate between four- and six-lane major facilities and divided and
undivided secondary facilities. Many of the divided secondary thoroughfares are considered special
secondary thoroughfares that may have a right-of-way that varies from the typical secondary thoroughfare
right-of-way.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 36
Table 4.4 General Plan Buildout Mitigation
Source: Palm Springs Traffic Analysis Model
2025 2025 2025 Mitigation
Facility Location ADT V/C LOS Class Capacity V/C LOS Comments
Indian Avenue Dillon Road to 19th Avenue 41,600 1.61 F 4D 35,900 1.16 E Improvement to 4D from 4U with intersection improvements results in acceptable LOS
Indian Canyon Drive Sunrise Parkway to Tramview Road 34,700 0.97 E Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 San Rafael Road to Racquet Club Road 37,700 1.05 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 Racquet Club Road to Via Escuela 35,100 0.98 E Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive North/SR-111 Via Escuela to Vista Chino 36,600 1.02 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive East Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive 38,900 1.08 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive East Farrell Drive to Gene Autry Trail 34,400 0.96 E Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive East/SR-111 Gene Autry Trail to Golf Club Drive 34,700 0.97 E Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Palm Canyon Drive East/SR-111 East of Golf Club Drive 41,200 1.15 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Ramon Road Vella Road to Gene Autry Trail 65,500 1.04 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Ramon Road Gene Autry Tail to San Luis Rey Drive 58,000 1.08 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Ramon Road San Luis Rey Drive to Crossley Road 55,300 1.03 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Ramon Road Crossley Road to Landau Boulevard 60,200 1.12 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Tram Way West of Palm Canyon Drive 13,500 1.04 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Vista Chino (SR-111) Cerritos Drive to Farrell Drive 46,200 1.03 F Intersection analysis results in acceptable LOS without need for segment mitigation
Vista Chino (SR-111) Farrell Drive to Volturno Road 51,500 1.43 F 6D 53,900 0.96 E Intersection improvements coordinated with segment improvements results in acceptable LOS
Vista Chino (SR-111) Volturno Road to Whitewater Club Drive 56,500 1.57 F 6D 53,900 1.05 F Intersection improvements coordinated with segment improvements results in acceptable LOS
Vista Chino (SR-111) Whitewater Club Drive to Gene Autry Trail 60,700 1.69 F 6D 53,900 1.13 F Intersection improvements coordinated with segment improvements results in acceptable LOS
Vista Chino East of Gene Autry Trail 49,900 1.39 F 6D 53,900 0.93 E Intersection improvements coordinated with segment improvements results in acceptable LOS
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 37
Table 4.5 Critical Intersection Mitigated Level of Service
Intersection
Peak Hour Delay
(seconds/vehicle)
Level of
Service
Palm Canyon Drive @ Vista Chino 41.4 D
Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino 50.1 D
Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino 39.6 D
Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino 44.3 D
Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road 53.5 D
Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road 36.3 D
Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon Road 46.5 D
Crossley Road @ Ramon Road 46.7 D
Sunrise Way @ East Palm Canyon Drive 50.0 D
Farrell Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive 27.1 C
Gene Autry Trail @ East Palm Canyon Drive 39.6 D
Golf Club Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive 24.1 C
Palm Canyon Drive @ Tramway 35.8 D
Indian Canyon Drive @ San Rafael Drive 17.0 B
Indian Canyon Drive @ Sunrise Parkway 35.3 D
Indian Avenue @ Dillon Road 24.9 C
Indian Avenue @ 19th Street 35.3 D
Source: Endo Engineering
The previous City General Plan identified several facilities that were evaluated from a qualitative and
quantitative perspective for inclusion into the current General Plan Circulation Element. Through the
years, several amendments have been made to the General Plan to address the Circulation Element and
clarify or improve the circulation network where appropriate. Previous versions of the General Plan
included the following system-wide improvements:
• Extension of Alejo Road under the Palm Springs International Airport to Gene Autry Trail
• Extension of Murray Canyon Road from Toledo Avenue to Farrell Drive
• Extension of Racquet Club Road from the current western terminus to Tram Way
• Hermosa Drive gap closure from Arenas Road to Ramon Road
• Garnet Avenue/Salvia Road extension from Indian Canyon Drive to Gene Autry Trail
• Mesquite Avenue extension from eastern terminus to El Cielo Road
• Belardo Road extension from Ramon Road to East Palm Canyon Drive
• Landau Boulevard extension to Gene Autry Trail
• South Camino Real extension across Tahquitz Creek
• Zanjero Road from Racquet Club Road to Via Escuela
While some of these circulation system components may not contribute to improved levels of service,
many of the gap closures will provide enhanced connectivity, mobility and accessibility throughout the
City and provide benefits to the overall circulation system. The Alejo Road and Murray Canyon Drive
extensions are feasible given sufficient funding for construction and environmental mitigation, however,
the traffic analysis does not reveal the need for the Alejo Road and Murray Canyon Drive extensions
therefore it is recommended that the circulation system plan not include these extensions.
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Miles
Riverside County
City of Palm Springs
Adjacent Cities
Critical Intersection!(
Legend
Collector (2 - lane divided)
Collector (2 - lane undivided)
Freeway
Local Collector
Secondary Thoroughfare (4 - lane undivided)
Major Thoroughfare (6 - lane divided)
Major Thoroughfare (4 - lane divided)
Secondary Thoroughfare (4 - lane divided)
Expressway
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 39
Since the extension of Racquet Club Road to Tramway provides additional mobility in the northeast
portion of the City, it is recommended that this segment remain on the proposed circulation system as a
collector facility east of Palm Canyon Drive. This potential future gap closure would provide additional
access to future development in this portion of the City.
Hermosa Drive is identified as a Collector on the current General Plan Circulation Element, extending
from Ramon Road to Tachevah Drive. However, an isolated segment of Hermosa Drive between Arenas
Road and Baristo Road was deleted from the current General Plan Circulation Element through adoption
of the Section 14 Master Development Plan Specific Plan (November 2006). The basis for the deletion of
this isolated segment on Hermosa Drive was to promote an opportunity for a "catalyst site" for master
development of multiple allottee parcels in the area around Arenas Road and Hermosa Drive. However,
since the adoption of the Section 14 Master Plan, development of individual parcels has occurred within
this catalyst site. One parcel within this catalyst site has been identified as the site of the proposed Agua
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Museum; and, another parcel within this catalyst site is the Palm
Springs Tennis Center, located at the northeast corner of Baristo Road and Hermosa Drive. As a result,
there is no practical way to consolidate parcels and provide a single catalyst site for master development
within this area of Section 14, which served as the basis for the deletion of the isolated segment of
Hermosa Drive between Arenas Road and Baristo Road from the General Plan Circulation Element. The
complete extension of Hermosa Drive from Ramon Road to Tachevah Drive serves as an important
Collector facility within the dense grid-like structure of the existing circulation system throughout the
downtown area, and will more efficiently serve future traffic demands. It is recommended that the isolated
segment of Hermosa Drive between Arenas Road and Baristo Road be added into the General Plan
Circulation Element to maintain the City's grid-like circulation system and network of roadways. It is
further recommended that the City eliminate the existing gap on the Hermosa Drive Collector, and plan
for future construction of a bridge crossing on Hermosa Drive over the Baristo Channel.
Garnet Avenue/Salvia Road is identified as a Major Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation
Element, extending from Indian Canyon Drive to Gene Autry Trail, immediately south of and parallel with
Interstate 10. This facility extends through Garnet Hill, and construction of a Major Thoroughfare
immediately parallel to Interstate 10 through Garnet Hill would present many physical and environmental
challenges. The traffic analysis has determined that future traffic volumes do not warrant the construction
of a Major Thoroughfare facility extending between Indian Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail,
immediately south of and parallel to Interstate 10. Future forecast traffic volumes are based on the
Regional Business Center preliminary land use forecast. Ultimate buildout of the Regional Business
Center may necessitate future internal circulation system improvements, including improvements to
Garnet Avenue and Salvia Road. Direct accessibility to Indian Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail, and
Interstate 10 for the Regional Business Center reduces the need for the complete extension of a roadway
facility between Indian Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail, immediately south of and parallel to Interstate
10. However, the future development of the Regional Business Center and areas south of Interstate 10
on either side of Garnet Hill requires the continued identification of a General Plan roadway. It is
recommended that the Garnet Avenue/Salvia Road Major Thoroughfare extension be removed from the
General Plan Circulation Element; that Garnet Avenue east of Indian Canyon Drive to Garnet Hill be
identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare; and that Salvia Road west of Gene Autry Trail to Garnet Hill be
identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare. No physical connection through Garnet Hill is recommended, nor
necessary to serve future forecast traffic volumes in that area.
Mesquite Avenue is identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation
Element, extending from Sunrise Way to El Cielo Road. However, the segment of Mesquite Avenue
between Compadre Road and El Cielo Road (across the Tommy Jacobs Bel Air greens golf Course) has
not yet been constructed. The ultimate extension of Mesquite Avenue to El Cielo Road, as currently
designated on the General Plan Circulation Element, would provide an important east-west connection
between Ramon Road and East Palm Canyon Drive, would complete a portion of the grid-like circulation
system throughout the adjacent residential area, would potentially reduce or eliminate cut-through traffic
from Mesquite Avenue onto Sonora Road and adjacent residential streets, and help alleviate traffic
volumes that would otherwise impact the surrounding roadway network. It is recommended that Mesquite
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 40
Avenue remain identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare on the General Plan Circulation Element,
including the future extension from Compadre Road to El Cielo Road across the Tommy Jacobs Bel Air
Greens golf course.
Belardo Road is identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation Element,
extending from Ramon Road to Morongo Road, and is identified as a Collector extending from Morongo
Road to South Palm Canyon Drive. Along the Belardo Road alignment between Ramon Road and South
Palm Canyon Drive, there are many missing gaps, including over the Tahquitz Creek. However, the City
in partnership with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, received a federal Public Lands Highway
Discretionary grant for the construction of the missing gaps along Belardo Road, including a new bridge
across the Tahquitz Creek. The project specific traffic impact study prepared for the City's and Tribe's
Belardo Road project revealed that a 2 lane roadway will serve future forecast traffic volumes in that area.
It is recommended that Belardo Road be reclassified as a Collector (2 lane undivided roadway) on the
General Plan Circulation Element, from Ramon Road to South Palm Canyon Drive, consistent with the
City's and Tribe's prior traffic impact analysis for the Belardo Road project.
The Landau Boulevard extension from Cathedral City to Gene Autry Trail will face environmental and
other obstacles. The Cathedral City General Plan, which was revised in 2002, omitted an extension of
Landau Boulevard to the west from its current terminus although the extension was included in the
previous version of their General Plan. Without the connection to Cathedral City, and consideration of the
constraints with the segment within Palm Springs, it is recommended that the segment be removed from
the General Plan circulation system. Removing the segment within Palm Springs would not result in
adverse traffic impacts to the surrounding circulation system. Extension of Landau Boulevard into
Cathedral City may relieve some of the congestion on Vista Chino between the cities but it is unlikely this
connection would eliminate the need for additional improvements to Vista Chino to ensure acceptable
operation. It is recommended that this segment be removed from the circulation system plan.
Camino Real is identified as a Collector on the current General Plan Circulation Element, extending from
Ramon Road to East Palm Canyon Drive. Camino Real extends through a large, fully developed, square
mile residential area of the City bordered by Ramon Road on the north, Palm Canyon Drive on the west
and south, and Sunrise Way on the east. Camino Real provides the only direct north-south connection
through this area between Ramon Road and East Palm Canyon Drive. It is recommended that Camino
Real remain on the General Plan Circulation Element as a Collector, serving as an important north-south
connection for that area. It is further recommended that the City eliminate the existing gap on the Camino
Real Collector, and plan for future construction of a bridge crossing on Camino Real over the Tahquitz
Creek.
Zanjero Road from Racquet Club Road to Via Escuela has been identified as a collector. However, with
major parallel thoroughfares to the east (Indian Canyon Drive) and west (Palm Canyon Drive) and the
local nature of traffic that this segment serves, it is unnecessary to classify Zanjero Road as a collector
facility. It is recommended that this segment of Zanjero Road be removed from the Circulation Element.
Chia Road is identified as a Collector on the current General Plan Circulation Element, extending from
Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive. However, the segment between Cerritos Road and Farrell Drive does not
exist, and the adjacent area is undeveloped. It is recommended that Chia Road remain identified as a
Collector on General Plan Circulation Element, extending from Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive, as it would
complete a portion of the City's grid-like circulation system in that area. However, it is further
recommended that at the time the vacant area east of Cerritos Road and north of Chia Road is proposed
for development, that a project specific traffic impact study evaluate the need for extension of Chia Road
from Cerritos Road to Farrell Drive. As Chia Road is a limited length Collector, extending less than one-
half mile, if a project specific traffic impact study determines extension of Chia Road to Farrell Drive is
unnecessary, a future General Plan Amendment should be considered at that time to delete Chia Road
as Collector on the General Plan Circulation Element, extending from Sunrise Way to Farrell Drive.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 41
Although gap closures and extensions add to the connectivity of the circulation system, they typically do
not add a significant amount of capacity to the system. They serve more as operational and localized
improvements that increase mobility and accessibility throughout the City. The traffic analysis reveals
that the biggest challenge for the City’s transportation system is the adequate provision of capacity for
traffic entering and exiting the City. Palm Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail, Vista Chino, Ramon Road and
East Palm Canyon Drive provide critical linkages to the remainder of the Coachella Valley and are shown
to be strained by future traffic demands. Improvements to these facilities in terms of additional lane
capacity or additional intersection capacity will ensure a circulation system that serves the City’s
residents, workers and visitors as the City develops its General Plan.
San Rafael Drive is identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation
Element, extending from North Palm Canyon Drive to Sunrise Way; and serves as an important east-west
link for the area between those two Major Thoroughfares. Over time, as development has occurred in the
area, San Rafael Drive has been constructed to the full Secondary Thoroughfare cross-section standard.
Currently, the only segment of San Rafael Drive not fully constructed to the full Secondary Thoroughfare
cross-section standard is the segment between Virginia Road and Indian Canyon Drive (however it
should be noted that recent development within that segment has constructed portions of the full cross-
section standard). It is recommended that San Rafael Drive remain identified as a Secondary
Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation Element, extending from North Palm Canyon Drive
to Sunrise Way, to maintain the City's existing grid-like circulation system of roadways. Although future
forecast traffic volumes for that area indicate excess capacity may exist on this 4 lane undivided roadway,
it is recommended that it remain classified as a 4 lane undivided roadway to make use of the currently
existing roadway improvements along the entire length of San Rafael Drive, and to ensure consistency of
the designation between North Palm Canyon Drive and Sunrise Way.
Alejo Road is identified as a Major Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation Element,
extending from North Palm Canyon Drive to Sunrise Way, and as a Secondary Thoroughfare extending
from Sunrise Way to the Palm Springs Airport. However, the segment of Alejo Road between Indian
Canyon Drive and Sunrise Way was reclassified to a "Special Thoroughfare" on the General Plan
Circulation Element through adoption of the Section 14 Master Development Plan Specific Plan
(November 2006). Figure 5-12 of the Section 14 Master Plan identifies a special cross-section for Alejo
Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle El Segundo, consisting of a 62 feet wide right-of-way with a
52 feet wide roadway section consisting of 4 lanes (undivided). This special cross-section locates the 4
lane undivided roadway without the need to acquire right-of-way along the north side of Alejo Road,
where it would impact existing residential properties. It should be noted that Calle El Segundo is slightly
offset from Via Miraleste, and therefore, the intent of this special cross-section is to identify a 4 lane
undivided roadway within this restricted right-of-way segment. Figure 5-13 of the Section 14 Master Plan
identifies a cross-section standard for Alejo Road between Calle El Segundo (Via Miraleste) and Sunrise
Way, consisting of an 80 feet wide right-of-way with a 60 feet wide roadway section consisting of 4 lanes
(undivided). It is recommended that the Section 14 Master Plan "Special Thoroughfare" designation be
maintained on the General Plan Circulation Element.
Another traffic issue that has been raised by the City is the potential for Indian Canyon Drive to be
redesigned to allow for on-street diagonal parking in the downtown area. This would alter the current feel
for the Indian Canyon Drive corridor to a more quaint downtown appeal. Implementation of diagonal
parking on both sides of Indian Canyon, however, would likely shift Indian Canyon Drive to a one-way
two-lane facility. Retaining the parallel parking on one side of Indian Canyon Drive would allow for three
northbound lanes. The forecast traffic volumes on Indian Canyon Drive through the downtown area are
greater than the capacity of a two-lane facility. Other options for Indian Canyon Drive previously identified
include shifting to two-way traffic. A shift to two-way traffic would potentially lead to capacity deficiencies
on Indian Canyon Drive for northbound traffic and operational issues such as left turns impeding through
traffic. In addition, two-way traffic on Indian Canyon Drive would not be consistent with Palm Canyon
Drive which serves the southbound traffic. The provision of three lanes northbound on Indian Canyon
Drive with diagonal parking on either side would maintain a consistent level of capacity for northbound
traffic that Palm Canyon Drive provides to southbound traffic.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 42
4.4 Circulation Element Recommendations
There are many opportunities to consider for the ultimate transportation system within the City. Although
topography constraints exist, access to and from the City is a key for the economic vitality of the City.
Growth throughout the Coachella Valley will necessitate improved access to the remainder of the valley.
Economic opportunities exist throughout the I-10 corridor and include the Regional Business Center.
However, buildout of the Business Center would necessitate infrastructure improvements southerly into
the heart of Palm Springs through the wash. Generally, as noted, traffic flow throughout the dense grid
network in the downtown is forecast to continue operating at acceptable levels under General Plan
buildout conditions. Opportunities may exist to consider adjusting the feel of the downtown through
incorporating angle parking on Indian Canyon Drive through downtown or elimination of the one-way
Indian Canyon Drive operation. Parallel capacity and the dense grid system should facilitate traffic
demands through downtown if revisions to the current system are considered.
The Riverside Congestion Management Program (CMP) is updated every two years in accordance with
Proposition 111. The CMP was established in the State of California to more directly link land use,
transportation and air quality. The objective of the CMP is to prompt reasonable growth management
programs that would more effectively utilize new and existing transportation funds, alleviate traffic
congestion and improve air quality.
RCTC, the Congestion Management Agency for Riverside County, is responsible for the development
and implementation of the CMP. The current CMP was updated by RCTC in 2006. CMP requirements
specify that local agencies must maintain minimum level of service thresholds as noted in their general
plans for the CMP system. The CMP system includes all State Highways and select principal arterials
throughout Riverside County. Local agencies must develop deficiency plans where non-exempt segment
LOS falls to LOS F as a result of development impacts. These plans outline specific mitigation measures
and a schedule for mitigating deficiencies. Palm Springs should continue to monitor the CMP system for
compliance with the LOS E threshold and monitor non-CMP facilities that may affect CMP system
operation.
Non-motorized transportation systems provide valuable resources to residents, workers and visitors.
They provide a recreational amenity as well as a viable alternative to the automobile. Non-motorized
transportation systems ideally connect community centers, residential neighborhoods, recreational
amenities, employment centers, shopping districts and activity centers in a safe manner. In 1995, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments developed a Non-motorized Transportation Element. The
plan was intended to facilitate alternatives to automobile traffic. The plan addressed existing and future
bicycle, pedestrian, equestrian and other trail facilities throughout the Coachella Valley. Some
jurisdictions have adopted the non-motorized plan, however, implementation of the plan has been limited.
Close coordination with CVAG should be considered in the development and implementation of non-
motorized facilities as the Valley works towards a comprehensive non-motorized transportation system.
4.4.1 Two-lane Facility Right of Way
The City currently specifies typical right-of-way widths for two-lane collector facilities to be 60 feet or 66
feet and local street right-of-way as a minimum of 50 feet. The right-of-way description might warrant
further clarification to specify the right-of-way to be measured from the back of the curb. Private streets
require a minimum 32 foot width with the provision of on-street parking on one side and the capability to
maintain two-way traffic. Right-of-way specifications are critical for parking and emergency access issues
and minimum clearance must be maintained on all facilities to provide 20 feet of clearance for emergency
vehicles.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 43
4.4.2 Public Transportation
SunLine Transit Agency provides transit service to the City and has recently proposed transit service
improvements throughout Coachella Valley. As the Valley continues to grow, public transportation must
be reactive to the growth. As the Regional Business Center is developed through the I-10 corridor, the
City should coordinate with the SunLine Transit Agency to evaluate the provision of transit service to this
development.
Future circulation system improvements also necessitate a review of public transportation considerations.
With the development of Palm Springs along Sunrise Way north of Vista Chino and the implementation of
Sunrise Parkway from SR-111 to Sunrise Way, provision of transit access to these new developments
should be considered.
As the downtown expands and additional destinations are developed that focus on the visitor or workforce
population, public transportation access should be considered. SunLine Transit Agency continually plans
to meet the needs of the Valley and close coordination between the City and SunLine Transit Agency will
ensure future transit needs throughout the City are satisfied. The City should aggressively participate in
regional transportation programs that promote public transportation.
Additionally, amenities at bus stops should be considered as the City matures and grows. Schedule
information, transfer information, real time information on bus time arrival, trash receptacles, phones, etc.
may be useful to transit patrons and would promote transit ridership. Additional amenities to combat the
elements including misters at bus shelters might be considered at strategic locations throughout the City.
Within Palm Springs, shuttle service might be considered that link major resort activities and the
downtown area to supplement SunLine Transit Agency public transportation services.
4.4.3 Bikeways and Recreational Trails
The City maintains several bikeways throughout the City. The City should continue to promote bikeway
and recreational trails through maintenance, improvements and expansion to the existing system.
Continued maintenance and signage of the existing facilities should remain a priority for the City.
Improvement of bikeways should be considered where appropriate to facilitate safety and bicycle touring.
As development occurs and the City matures, the feasibility of the implementing new bikeways and
recreational paths or improving to Class I standards should be evaluated.
Bikeways and recreational paths should promote interaction and linkage of parks, recreation centers, and
other recreational open space areas. The City should continue to prepare and distribute bikeway and
recreational path maps at various outlets.
With over 80 miles of recreational trails within the City and countless more within minutes of the City,
these trails are a key resource for the City. The City should continue to foster these resources through
maintenance and improvement, where feasible. Incentives should be considered for private development
of bicycle and recreational trails.
4.4.4 Parking
Parking facilities should be maintained that serve commercial and residential uses as well as maintaining
the residential quality of life throughout the City. Safe, secure and adequate provisions should be made
for bicycles and motorcycles in the downtown and neighborhood/community shopping areas to promote
non-vehicle trip activity. Parking demands in downtown should continually be monitored as development
continues. Code parking requirements should be adjusted where necessary to assure parking demands
are satisfied. Specific attention should be paid to parking in multiple-family developments, i.e.
condominium and apartment developments. Often, the minimum amount of parking is provided for
residents leaving little, if any, visitor parking. A lack of visitor parking often results in safety issues as cars
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 44
tend to park in fire lanes, etc. Parking code specifications should be evaluated and amended where
necessary to ensure appropriate parking is provided for future developments.
4.4.5 Palm Springs Airport
SCAG forecasts by 2030 that Palm Springs will serve approximately 3.2 million annual passengers
(MAP), a significant increase over current operations. The Palm Springs International Airport Master plan
forecasts 2.7 MAP by 2020, about 0.5 MAP less than forecast by SCAG in the 2004 RTP Preferred
Aviation Plan for 2030. Currently, the airport serves greater than 1.4 MAP, a 3.75% increase over 2004
activity. As a vital economic asset to the City, access to the airport must be maintained and improved to
meet growing passenger demands. As passenger activity continues to grow, transportation services
must keep pace with that expansion. Currently, SunLine Transit Agency route 24 provides public
transportation service to the airport. In addition, several resorts and hotels offer courtesy shuttle service
to the airport. Additional transportation services including limousine, taxi, shuttle, disabled and senior
services are available at the airport. As the airport expands to satisfy air passenger demands, additional
public transportation services should be considered to serve resident and visitor air passengers.
Additional courtesy shuttles could be considered or integrated to provide efficient service to popular
destinations such as the downtown area.
City of Palm Springs
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 45
APPENDIX A
SUPPLEMENTAL CRITICAL INTERSECTION ANALYSIS
SHORT REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst TEB
Agency or Co. PB
Date Performed 12/14/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Palm Canyon/Tramway
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year 2025
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Num. of Lanes 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 0
Lane Group L T TR L T R L T
Volume (vph) 173 97 44 161 208 1387 139 120 1197
% Heavy veh 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking/Grade/Parking N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Phasing EB Only WB Only 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 13.2 G = 8.5 G = 0.0 G = 0.0 G = 9.8 G = 36.5 G = 0.0 G = 0.0
Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 80.0
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Adj. flow rate 173 97 205 208 1387 139 120
1197
Lane group cap. 276 290 314 205 1528 682 205
1528
v/c ratio 0.63 0.33 0.65 1.01 0.91 0.20 0.59 0.78
Green ratio 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.12 0.46 0.46 0.12 0.46
Unif. delay d1 31.1 29.5 34.3 35.1 20.2 13.0 33.2 18.4
Delay factor k 0.21 0.11 0.23 0.50 0.43 0.11 0.18 0.33
Increm. delay d2 4.5 0.7 4.9
140.5
9.4 0.1 4.4 2.8
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 35.7 30.2 39.2 175.6 29.6 13.2 37.5 21.2
Lane group LOS D C D F C B D C
Apprch. delay 33.7 39.2 45.8 22.7
Approach LOS C D D C
Intersec. delay 35.8 Intersection LOS D
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SHORT REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst TEB
Agency or Co. PB
Date Performed 12/14/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Indian Canyon/San Rafael
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year 2025
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Num. of Lanes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 2 0
Lane Group L LTR R L LTR R L TR L TR
Volume (vph) 84 169 84 58 123 111 139 1456 139 150 1227 120
% Heavy veh 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) P P P P P P A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking/Grade/Parking N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Phasing EW Perm 02 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 12.0 G = 0.0 G = 0.0 G = 0.0 G = 8.3 G = 43.7 G = 0.0 G = 0.0
Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 70.0
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Adj. flow rate 84 169 84 58 123 111 139 1595 150
1347
Lane group cap. 132 302 256 103 302 256 198 2064 198
2063
v/c ratio 0.64 0.56 0.33 0.56 0.41 0.43 0.70 0.77 0.76 0.65
Green ratio 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.12 0.62 0.12 0.62
Unif. delay d1 27.0 26.6 25.5 26.6 25.8 26.0 29.7 9.5 29.9 8.3
Delay factor k 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.27 0.32 0.31 0.23
Increm. delay d2 23.1 7.5 3.4 21.9 4.1 5.4 11.2 1.9 17.0 0.8
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 50.0 34.1 28.9 48.5 29.9 31.3 40.9 11.5 46.9 9.1
Lane group LOS D C C D C C D B D A
Apprch. delay 36.8 34.1 13.8 12.9
Approach LOS D C B B
Intersec. delay 17.0 Intersection LOS B
Pa e 1 of 1Short Re ort
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SHORT REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst TEB
Agency or Co. PB
Date Performed 12/14/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Indian Canyon/Sunrise Parkway
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year 2025
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Num. of Lanes 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Volume (vph) 197 118 178 283 185 435 141 1483 141 497 1695 185
% Heavy veh 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking/Grade/Parking N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Phasing Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 12.6 G = 10.7 G = 0.0 G = 0.0 G = 11.5 G = 26.2 G = 0.0 G = 0.0
Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 70.0
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Adj. flow rate 197 118 178 283 185 435 141 1483 141 497
1695
185
Lane group cap. 301 512 474 301 512 474 533 1794 893 533
1794
893
v/c ratio 0.65 0.23 0.38 0.94 0.36 0.92 0.26 0.83 0.16 0.93 0.94 0.21
Green ratio 0.18 0.15 0.32 0.18 0.15 0.32 0.16 0.37 0.60 0.16 0.37 0.60
Unif. delay d1 26.7 26.0 18.5 28.3 26.6 23.0 25.6 19.8 6.3 28.9 21.2 6.5
Delay factor k 0.23 0.11 0.11 0.45 0.11 0.44 0.11 0.36 0.11 0.45 0.46 0.11
Increm. delay d2 5.2 0.2 0.5 56.1 0.4 30.6 0.3 3.5 0.1 32.8 13.8 0.1
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 31.9 26.3 19.0 84.4 27.0 53.6 25.8 23.3 6.4 61.7 35.0 6.6
Lane group LOS C C B F C D C C A E C A
Apprch. delay 25.9 57.8 22.1 38.4
Approach LOS C E C D
Intersec. delay 35.3 Intersection LOS D
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SHORT REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst TEB
Agency or Co. PB
Date Performed 12/14/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Indian Avenue/Dillon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year 2025
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Num. of Lanes 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Volume (vph) 57 473 305 487 230 7 128 967 520 7 537 10
% Heavy veh 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking/Grade/Parking N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Phasing Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 13.2 G = 13.4 G = 0.0 G = 0.0 G = 7.0 G = 24.4 G = 0.0 G = 0.0
Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 70.0
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Adj. flow rate 57 473 305 487 230 7 128 967 520 7 537 10
Lane group cap. 315 641 500 612 641 500 167 1168 867 167
1168
867
v/c ratio 0.18 0.74 0.61 0.80 0.36 0.01 0.77 0.83 0.60 0.04 0.46 0.01
Green ratio 0.19 0.19 0.33 0.19 0.19 0.33 0.10 0.35 0.58 0.10 0.35 0.58
Unif. delay d1 23.9 26.6 19.5 27.1 24.6 15.6 30.7 20.9 9.5 28.5 17.7 6.2
Delay factor k 0.11 0.30 0.20 0.34 0.11 0.11 0.32 0.37 0.19 0.11 0.11 0.11
Increm. delay d2 0.3 4.6 2.2 7.6 0.3 0.0 21.4 5.3 1.2 0.1 0.3 0.0
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 24.1 31.3 21.7 34.8 24.9 15.6 52.1 26.2 10.6 28.6 18.0 6.2
Lane group LOS C C C C C B D C B C B A
Apprch. delay 27.3 31.4 23.2 17.9
Approach LOS C C C B
Intersec. delay 24.9 Intersection LOS C
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SHORT REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst TEB
Agency or Co. PB
Date Performed 12/14/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Indian Avenue/19th Street
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year 2025
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Num. of Lanes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Volume (vph) 104 31 181 247 30 288 150 1279 211 169 1261 56
% Heavy veh 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) P P P P P P A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking/Grade/Parking N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N N 0 N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Phasing EB Only WB Only 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 7.2 G = 17.0 G = 0.0 G = 0.0 G = 9.3 G = 34.5 G = 0.0 G = 0.0
Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0 Y = 3 Y = 3 Y = 0 Y = 0
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 80.0
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Adj. flow rate 104 31 181 247 30 288 150 1279 211 169
1261
56
Lane group cap. 150 158 308 355 374 318 194 1445 645 194
1445
645
v/c ratio 0.69 0.20 0.59 0.70 0.08 0.91 0.77 0.89 0.33 0.87 0.87 0.09
Green ratio 0.09 0.09 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.12 0.43 0.43 0.12 0.43 0.43
Unif. delay d1 35.3 33.7 28.7 29.1 25.2 30.7 34.3 20.9 15.1 34.8 20.7 13.4
Delay factor k 0.50 0.50 0.18 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.32 0.41 0.11 0.40 0.40 0.11
Increm. delay d2 25.9 2.8 3.0 11.4 0.4 43.3 19.5 7.6 0.3 42.4 6.6 0.1
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 61.2 36.5 31.6 40.5 25.7 74.0 53.8 28.5 15.4 77.1 27.4 13.5
Lane group LOS E D C D C E D C B E C B
Apprch. delay 41.9 56.8 29.1 32.5
Approach LOS D E C C
Intersec. delay 35.3 Intersection LOS D
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Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix C. Intersection LOSC. Intersection LOSC. Intersection LOSC. Intersection LOS
C. Intersection LOS
Endo Engineering Traffic Engineering Air Quality Studies Noise Assessments
28811 Woodcock Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-1330
Phone: (949) 362-0020 FAX: (949) 362-0015
September 20, 2006
Mr. David Barakian
Director of Public Works/ City Engineer
City of Palm Springs
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
SUBJECT: Palm Springs General Plan Update Peak Hour
Intersection Level of Service Analysis
Dear Mr. Barakian;
Endo Engineering is pleased to submit this letter report summarizing the General Plan
buildout midday and evening peak hour intersection control delay, volume-to-capacity
ratio, and level of service values at twelve major intersections located throughout the City
of Palm Springs. The existing intersection approach lanes, the future intersection approach
lanes required to achieve LOS D or better operation, and the projected General Plan Update
buildout turning movement volume projections for each intersection evaluated are
documented herein.
The intersections evaluated are shown in Figure 1 with the maximum intersection approach
lane configurations that can be accommodated by major and secondary thoroughfares in the
City of Palm Springs. The midday and evening peak hour evaluation determined that five
of these intersections will meet the City of Palm Springs minimum intersection performance
standard (LOS D) with the General Plan buildout traffic volumes and existing approach
lanes. Two intersections will require a third eastbound and westbound through lane as well
as additional turn lanes to provide acceptable levels of service upon General Plan buildout.
Five intersections will require one or more exclusive turn lanes to provide acceptable levels
of service in the future.
Background Information
Future traffic demands are directly related to the type and intensity of future land uses. The
City of Palm Springs is currently in the process of updating the General Plan Circulation
Element to include a roadway plan that meets the desires of the community for mobility and
accessibility while supporting the development intensity anticipated by the Land Use
Element. Peak season average weekday traffic projections representing buildout of the
Palm Springs General Plan can be compared to the daily design capacity of each master
planned roadway to determine the portion of the roadway capacity that will be utilized by
the future traffic volumes. However, as invariably happens, the projected demand appears
to exceed the capacity along some of the master planned major thoroughfares. The daily
General Plan buildout traffic projections appear to indicate a need to increase the Circulation
Element classifications of some master planned streets to provide additional capacity in
areas where this is impractical.
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Maximum Number Of Approach Lanes
Left Through Right
Secondary Thoroughfare 1 2 1
Secondary Thoroughfare (Alt.) 2 2 0
Major Thoroughfare 2 3 1
Classification
Figure 1
Intersections Evaluated
2
It should be noted that a daily level of service analysis is a “broad-brush” tool used to
provide an indication of when traffic congestion may be expected on a typical urban arterial
street segment. It is based on the daily traffic volume, the number of midblock through
lanes, and a generalized estimate of the capacity of a typical master planned facility in an
urbanized area with a similar number of through lanes. A peak hour intersection analysis
can more clearly define the circulation system required to satisfy the General Plan buildout
travel demands.
Capacity is always an issue when the property in the vicinity of a major street becomes
fully urbanized. When capacity becomes a problem, increasing signal spacing and limiting
median access (with directional median openings) are two alternatives to widening from
four to six lanes. A four-lane divided roadway with 0.50-mile signal spacing and limited
access can provide service comparable to that of a six-lane roadway with 0.25-mile signal
spacing and full-turn median openings between signals.1
Cycle lengths should be as short as possible to minimize delay for all users and queue
lengths. But as volumes on arterials and cross streets increase, longer cycle lengths can be
used to increase capacity by minimizing lost time. Furthermore, longer signal cycle lengths
permit longer pedestrian crossing times. Flaring the minor street to provide additional turn
lanes can compensate for the reduced green time on the minor street caused by increases in
the portion of the cycle devoted to green on the major thoroughfare.
Since the capacity of a roadway link is limited by the amount of traffic that can flow
through the intersections, favorable intersection conditions can provide better levels of
service on a roadway segment than indicated by the daily volume and level of service. In
particular, low-volume cross streets or tee intersections can result in a higher percentage of
the traffic signal cycle being allocated to the primary traffic flow, and allow acceptable
levels of service with higher traffic volumes. Additional turn lanes can increase the flow
through the intersection without additional through lanes. A daily volume-to-capacity
analysis is, therefore, an indicator of high traffic demand rather than an absolute indication
of an unavoidable significant impact.
Capacity augmentation features can be identified and applied to intersections with restricted
rights-of-way that experience high demand during peak hours. In those instances where a
roadway is found to be operating at acceptable levels of service except along one link,
localized capacity enhancements at intersections can be identified and implemented to
maintain network continuity. In most cases, this type of localized improvement will be
more effective than upgrading a short roadway segment with additional through lanes.
Study Objectives
The objective of the analysis is to conduct a detailed peak hour evaluation of specific
intersections in areas where potential capacity constraints may occur upon General Plan
buildout. The evaluation will provide valuable information regarding future intersection
improvements that may be needed to accommodate all transportation modes. More
importantly, it should clarify whether or not localized capacity enhancements can be
implemented at intersections (rather than Circulation Element upgrades along various
master planned segments) to meet future travel demands while maintaining network
continuity along existing and master planned four-lane and six-lane major thoroughfares.
1. Stover, Vergil G. and Koepke, Frank J., Transportation and Land Development, (Second Edition), 2002,
Figure 4-20.
3
Methodology and Minimum Performance Standard
Peak hour traffic creates the heaviest demand on the circulation system and the lane
configuration at intersections is the limiting factor in roadway capacity. Consequently,
peak hour intersection capacity analyses are useful indicators of "worst-case" conditions.
The City of Palm Springs requires the use of the Highway Capacity Manual methodology
to determine the level of service at intersections. The latest update of the Highway Capacity
Manual (HCM 2000) presents the best available techniques for determining capacity, delay,
and LOS for transportation facilities.2 The Circulation Element includes as a policy, the
provision and maintenance of level of service (LOS) D operation for the City’s circulation
network, based upon average weekday conditions during the peak month of March. The
peak hour delay and levels of service were determined at the intersections of interest with
the methodologies outlined in the HCM 2000.
When mitigation was deemed to be required to achieve LOS D operation, a protocol was
followed to identify additional intersection approach lanes. It entailed assuming the
existing approach lane configurations and adding localized capacity enhancements at
intersections (such as flaring to accommodate additional turn lanes) only where indicated by
the future traffic volume, in an effort to maintain network continuity. In most cases, this
type of localized improvement is more cost effective than upgrading a short roadway
segment with additional through lanes. Consideration was given to the use of additional
through lanes only when warranted, based upon the effectiveness of the additional lane in
mitigating the impact identified.
Peak Hour Traffic Volumes
Recent peak season midday (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) and evening (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
peak hour turning movement traffic count data was available for typical weekdays at nine of
the intersections evaluated. The date of each traffic count is provided in Attachment A.
New traffic count data was collected at the end of August, 2006 (after the school year
began) at three additional intersections. The new traffic count data is included in
Attachment A. The new traffic count data was seasonally adjusted by increasing it by
fifteen percent to reflect peak season conditions.
The existing peak season weekday peak hour traffic volume data in Figure 2 was used in
conjunction with the daily General Plan buildout traffic projections (developed in
conjunction with the City of Palm Springs General Plan Update process) to develop year
2025 General Plan buildout peak hour turning movement volume projections. Year 2025
peak hour traffic volumes were developed by assuming that the increase in peak hour
volumes between today and the year 2025 would mirror the change in the daily volumes. It
was assumed that 8 percent of the daily volume occurs in the evening peak hour.
The existing turning movement volumes were proportionally increased to represent year
2025 turning movement projections by multiplying them by the ratio of future year 2025
daily traffic divided by current daily traffic volumes on both intersection legs associated
with each turning movement. The increase in peak hour turning volumes was normalized
to the growth in daily traffic volumes to ensure that the future peak hour volumes more
accurately reflected the overall increase in daily traffic volumes. In those few instances
where current volumes exceeded the future volume projections, the current volume was
2. Highway Capacity Manual; Fourth Edition; TRB Report 209; Transportation Research Board, National
Research Council; Washington, D.C.; 2000.
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Legend
Midday/Evening Peak
Hour Turning Volume
5/8
Figure 2
Existing Peak Hour Turning Movement Volumes
(Peak Season Weekday)
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Legend
Midday/Evening Peak
Hour Turning Volume
5/8
Figure 3
General Plan Buildout Peak Hour Turning Movement Projections
4
increased by ten percent to represent the future year 2025 peak hour volume. The resulting
General Plan buildout peak hour turning movement projections are shown in Figure 3.
Intersection Approach Lanes
The twelve intersections were initially evaluated with the existing approach lanes (shown in
Figure 4) to determine whether or not widening to the full General Plan cross-section
would be required to accommodate the future traffic demand. Based upon this evaluation,
it was determined that the existing approach lanes at five intersections would be able to
accommodate the General Plan Buildout traffic volumes with a signal cycle length to 120
seconds. These intersections included:
• Sunrise Way at East Palm Canyon Drive;
• Farrell Drive at East Palm Canyon Drive;
• Gene Autry Trail at East Palm Canyon Drive;
• Golf Club Drive at East Palm Canyon Drive; and
• Gene Autry Trail at Ramon Road.
Those intersections that would not meet the City of Palm Springs minimum intersection
performance standard of LOS D with the existing approach lane configuration were
evaluated further. Initially, full improvement to the master planned cross-section was
assumed for those intersections which required improvement. However, that resulted in
many additional approach lanes being assumed that did not correspond directly with the
identified General Plan Buildout travel demands. In addition, the wider roadways that
resulted required longer pedestrians crossing times. This tended to reduce the motor
vehicle capacity of those intersections serving the highest future traffic demands.
Approach lanes were added only where required to effectively serve the future traffic
volumes at acceptable levels of service. In no case were more intersection approach lanes
assumed than the maximum number of approach lanes shown in Figure 1 for major and
secondary thoroughfares (i.e., up to six lanes for majors and four lanes for secondaries
with a maximum of two left-turn lanes and exclusive right-turn lanes where warranted).
As shown in Figure 1, an alternate approach lane configuration was assumed, where
appropriate, for secondary thoroughfares with a low right-turn volume and high left-turn
volume.
In analyzing options at intersections, pedestrians and motor vehicles have equal status;
therefore, some loss of motor vehicle capacity must be accepted in order to accommodate
minimum pedestrian crossing times. All of the signals were timed to accommodate
pedestrian crossing preemption on all intersection legs, as discussed below.
Pedestrian Crossing Time Requirements
Pedestrian crossing-time requirements can have a significant impact on intersection
operations, especially in coordinated signal systems where a background cycle length is
used to achieve consistent operation between consecutive intersections. In general, shorter
cycle lengths are preferable to longer ones because they result in less delay and shorter
queues. However, the need to accommodate multiple pedestrian movements across wide
roadways, coupled with complex signal phasing and minimum green requirements to
accommodate signal progression in multiple directions, may sometimes require the use of
longer cycle lengths. To achieve acceptable levels of service with General Plan buildout
traffic volumes and accommodate minimum pedestrian crossing times, it was necessary to
increase the 90-second signal cycle length in the coordinated signal system along Ramon
Road to a 120-second cycle length.
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Figure 4
Existing Intersection Approach Lanes
Unstriped Right-Turn Lane Exclusive Left-Turn Lane
Exclusive Right-Turn Lane Shared Through/Right Lane
Through Lane Shared Through/Left Lane
Legend
5
The MUTCD states that the pedestrian clearance time should allow a pedestrian crossing in
the crosswalk to leave the curb and travel to at least the far side of the traveled way or to a
median of sufficient width for pedestrians to wait before opposing vehicles receive a green
indication. The MUTCD uses a walk speed of 4.0 feet per second for determining crossing
times. The pedestrian clearance time may be entirely contained within the vehicular green
interval or may be entirely contained within the vehicular green and yellow clearance
interval. At high-volume locations, it may be necessary as a tradeoff for vehicular capacity
to use the lost time (the yellow change interval and all-red time) in satisfying the calculated
pedestrian clearance time.
The pedestrian clearance time (in seconds) was calculated as the crossing distance (in feet)
divided by the walking speed. The crossing distance was determined from the near curb to
the far side of the traveled way by assuming standard twelve-foot wide lanes and counting
all approach lanes as well as the number of departing through lanes to be crossed on each
intersection leg. The control delay and LOS evaluations assumed a three-second pedestrian
start-up time. A walk speed of 4.0 feet per second was assumed to determine the
pedestrian crossing times. Figure 5 illustrates the minimum pedestrian crossing times
assumed for the twelve intersections evaluated.
The ITE recommends that median widths ideally be ten feet or wider to provide enough
space for pedestrians to stand. Median refuge islands should be at least six feet wide and in
no case less than four feet wide when used by pedestrians and bicyclists.3 Based on this
criteria, the raised medians at the twelve intersections evaluated were assumed to not
provide sufficient width for pedestrians to wait and the two-stage crossing concept was not
considered applicable.
Since all of the signals were timed to accommodate pedestrian crossing preemption on all
intersection legs, many will operate with higher motor vehicle capacities if the signal
preemption does not occur. In particular, the intersections of major thoroughfares with
secondary thoroughfares are likely to operate with higher intersection capacities than
indicated herein. The alteration of the optimum signal timing for motor vehicle capacity is
most likely to occur where a smaller street intersects a high volume larger street with motor
vehicle demands that require most of the green time. Pedestrians require more time to cross
wider streets; therefore, more green time must be allocated to the secondary thoroughfare
when pedestrians are crossing a major thoroughfare.
Peak Hour Control Delay and LOS
The Highway Capacity Software (HCS 2000) package is a direct computerized
implementation of the HCM 2000 procedures, prepared under FHWA sponsorship and
maintained by the McTrans Center at the University of Florida Transportation Research
Center. HCS 2000 Version 4.1e was employed to evaluate the signalized intersections.
The various HCS input parameter assumptions are provided in Attachment B (see Table B-
1 and B-2). The relationship between peak hour intersection control delay and levels of
service is provided in Attachment B (see Table B-3). The Highway Capacity Software
(HCS) detailed reports are also provided for each intersection in Attachment B.
Various traffic analysis tools that are contained within the Highway Capacity Manual can be
utilized to assist in the decision-making process regarding changes to the transportation
system. The HCM 2000 methodology addresses the capacity, V/C ratio, and LOS of
3. Zegeer, Charles V., Design and Safety of Pedestrian Facilities A Recommended Practice of the Institute
of Transportation Engineers, March 1998, pg. 48.
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Legend
North-South Phase/East-West Phase
Minimum Green Time In Seconds
Required For Pedestrian Crossing
Figure 5
Minimum Pedestrian Crossing Time Assumed
(120-Second Cycle)
14
17
17
17
17
17
26
26
26
26
20
14
17
17
17
17
20
17
17
14
23
17
14
11
N-S
E-W
6
intersection approaches as well as the LOS of the intersection as a whole. The analysis is
undertaken in terms of the ratio of demand flow rate to capacity (V/C ratio) for individual
movements or approach lane groups during the peak hour and the composite V/C ratio for
the sum of the critical movements or lane groups within the intersection. The critical V/C
ratio is an indicator of whether or not the physical geometry and signal design provide
sufficient capacity for the movements.
The volume-to-capacity ratio for each individual movement or approach lane group during
the peak hour indicates how close the volume is to the capacity. When the volume-to-
capacity ratio is less than 0.60 for all movements, there is ample capacity available for each
of the turning movement volumes and it can be concluded that additional intersection
approach lanes are not needed.
The measures of effectiveness for signalized intersections are: average control delay per
vehicle, the critical V/C ratio, and level of service. The level of service is based on the
average control delay for all entering vehicles. Average control delay is the total time
vehicles are stopped in an intersection approach during a specified time interval divided by
the volume departing from the approach during the same time period. It includes queue
follow-up time (i.e. the time required for the vehicle to travel from the last-in-queue
position to the first-in-queue position). When delay levels are acceptable for the
intersection as a whole but unacceptable for certain lane groups, the phase plan, allocation
of green time, or both, may be examined to provide more efficient handling of the
disadvantaged movement or movements.
A critical V/C ratio less than 1.00 indicates that all movements at the intersection can be
accommodated within the defined cycle length and phase sequence by proportionally
allocating green time. In other words, the total available green time in the phase sequence
is adequate to handle all movements, if properly allocated. When V/C ratios are greater
than 1.0 for either an individual lane group or for the overall intersection, departure
volumes are less than arrival volumes and lengthy queues of vehicles may be expected.
Figure 6 illustrates the intersection approach lanes required to achieve LOS D or better
operation in the peak hours upon General Plan buildout. These approach lanes were
assumed to determine the intersection control delay and level of service values. Table 1
summarizes the peak hour average intersection control delay, the critical volume-to-capacity
ratio, and the level of service for the twelve intersections evaluated.
Intersection Improvements That Achieve Performance Standard
By comparing the intersection approach lanes that were assumed in the General Plan
buildout LOS evaluation (see Figure 6) to the existing intersection approach lanes (see
Figure 4) the intersection improvements that would accommodate future traffic volumes at
acceptable levels of service were identified. Figure 7 illustrates where improvements were
assumed and the additional approach lanes that would assure peak hour intersection
operation at LOS D or better and adequate pedestrian crossing times at the intersections
evaluated.
Table 2 lists the improvements by intersection that would achieve the City’s minimum
intersection performance standard upon General Plan buildout. The fully improved
intersection of Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road and all four intersections evaluated along
East Palm Canyon Drive are expected to provide acceptable levels of service with existing
approach lanes. Two intersections will require additional through lanes; Gene Autry Trail
at Vista Chino and Crossley Road at Ramon Road are expected to require a third
westbound and a third eastbound through lane to accommodate year 2025 traffic demands.
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Unstriped Right-Turn Lane Shared Through/Right/Left Lane
Exclusive Right-Turn Lane Shared Through/Right Lane
Through Lane Shared Through/Left Lane
Exclusive Left-Turn Lane
Legend
Figure 6
Assumed General Plan Buildout Intersection Approach Lanes
7
Table 1
General Plan Buildout Peak Season Typical Weekday
Peak Hour Intersection Delay and LOS Summary
Signalized Intersection Delaya Critical Level ofb
(Weekday Interval ) (Sec./Veh.) V/C Ratio Service
North Palm Canyon Drive @ Vista Chino
- Midday Peak Hour 41.4 0.74 D
- Evening Peak Hour 38.4 0.79 D
Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino
- Midday Peak Hour 38.0 0.61 D
- Evening Peak Hour 50.1 0.89 D
Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino
- Midday Peak Hour 36.7 0.76 D
- Evening Peak Hour 39.6 0.87 D
Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino
- Midday Peak Hour 33.0 0.67 C
- Evening Peak Hour 44.3 0.90 D
Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road
- Midday Peak Hour 53.5 0.89 D
- Evening Peak Hour 41.6 0.82 D
Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road
- Midday Peak Hour 32.9 0.69 C
- Evening Peak Hour 36.3 0.80 D
Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon Road
- Midday Peak Hour 46.5 0.92 D
- Evening Peak Hour 45.6 0.89 D
Crossley Road @ Ramon Road
- Midday Peak Hour 24.7 0.70 C
- Evening Peak Hour 46.7 0.84 D
Sunrise Way @ East Palm Canyon Drive
- Midday Peak Hour 50.0 0.91 D
- Evening Peak Hour 38.7 0.79 D
Farrell Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive
- Midday Peak Hour 26.7 0.61 C
- Evening Peak Hour 27.1 0.64 C
Gene Autry Trail @ East Palm Canyon Drive
- Midday Peak Hour 33.0 0.67 C
- Evening Peak Hour 39.6 0.81 D
Golf Club Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive
- Midday Peak Hour 21.7 0.81 C
- Evening Peak Hour 24.1 0.90 C
a. Delay = Intersection Control Delay. Assumes a 120-second signal cycle, approach lanes shown in
Figure 6, five percent heavy vehicles, and minimum green times sufficient to accommodate pedestrians.
b. Intersection LOS was determined from the delay (≤10 sec./veh.=LOS A; >10 and ≤20 sec./veh.=LOS B;
>20 and ≤35 sec./veh.=LOS C; >35 and ≤55 sec./veh.=LOS D; >55 and ≤80 sec./veh.=LOS E; >80
sec./veh. = LOS F) per 2000 HCM page 10-16.
Endo Engineering Scale: 1” = 3300’
East Palm Canyon Dr.
Ramon Road
Vista Chino
Figure 7
General Plan Buildout Intersection Mitigation
Existing Lanes Are
Adequate
Existing Lanes Are
Adequate
Existing Lanes Are
Adequate
Add Third WB & EB
Through Lane
Add Second NB Left-
Turn Lane.
Add NB Right-Turn
Lane
Add Third WB & EB
Through Lane
Add Second Left-Turn
Lane On All Approaches
Add Second SB & WB
Left Lane
Add NB Right-Turn
Lane
Add Second SB Left-
Turn Lane
Add Two WB Left-Turn
Lanes
Add Second SB & WB
Left-Turn Lane
Add Second SB, NB,
& WB Left-Turn Lane
Add Second SB Left-
Turn Lane
4D
4D
4D
4D
4D 4D
4D
4D 4D 6D 6D
4D
4D
6D 6D 6D
2D
Legend
Number of Through Lanes
D = Divided Roadway
A-1
Attachment A
Existing Peak Hour Traffic Volumes
Current peak season traffic count data was available for nine of the twelve intersections in
recent traffic studies completed for projects in the City of Palm Springs. New peak hour
traffic counts were initiated at the three remaining intersections in August, 2006. The traffic
count data for these three intersections is attached. The date of each traffic count utilized to
develop the General Plan buildout turning movement volume projections is provided in
Table A-1.
Table A-1
Peak Hour Traffic Count Dates
Intersection Date Traffic Count Was Made
Palm Canyon Drive @ Vista Chino August 29, 2006 (New Count)a
Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino March 15, 2005
Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino March 15, 2005
Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino March 1, 2005
Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road January 11, 2005
Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road January 12, 2005
Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon Road January 13, 2005
Crossley Road @ Ramon Road January 25, 2005
Sunrise Way @ East Palm Canyon Drive August 30, 2006 (New Count)a
Farrell Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive August 29, 2006 (New Count)a
Gene Autry Trail @ East Palm Canyon Drive January 20, 2005
Golf Club Drive @ East Palm Canyon Drive January 25, 2005
a. These counts were made after the school year began. The August, 2006 traffic count data was increased
by 15 percent to reflect peak season conditions, prior to being used to develop the General Plan buildout
traffic volume projections.
A-2
New Traffic Count Data
For Three Intersections
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: PALM CANYON DRIVE
E/W: VISTA CHINO
WEATHER: SUNNY
Groups Printed- TOTAL VOLUME
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Southbound
VISTA CHINO
Westbound
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Northbound
VISTA CHINO
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Int.
Total
11:30 AM 27 89 6 122 50 9 34 93 6 50 21 77 10 18 12 40 332
11:45 AM 22 99 3 124 38 10 36 84 2 69 21 92 3 14 13 30 330
Total 49 188 9 246 88 19 70 177 8 119 42 169 13 32 25 70 662
12:00 PM 24 107 3 134 34 16 45 95 3 67 19 89 3 12 7 22 340
12:15 PM 26 83 5 114 40 10 41 91 3 61 22 86 14 7 3 24 315
12:30 PM 18 89 4 111 20 17 34 71 4 73 18 95 1 18 4 23 300
12:45 PM 25 94 5 124 35 19 40 94 4 67 24 95 7 14 7 28 341
Total 93 373 17 483 129 62 160 351 14 268 83 365 25 51 21 97 1296
01:00 PM 33 92 3 128 38 13 33 84 5 53 21 79 8 7 5 20 311
01:15 PM 21 106 7 134 38 11 35 84 5 66 14 85 3 11 6 20 323
Grand Total 196 759 36 991 293 105 298 696 32 506 160 698 49 101 57 207 2592
Apprch % 19.8 76.6 3.6 42.1 15.1 42.8 4.6 72.5 22.9 23.7 48.8 27.5
Total % 7.6 29.3 1.4 38.2 11.3 4.1 11.5 26.9 1.2 19.5 6.2 26.9 1.9 3.9 2.2 8
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Southbound
VISTA CHINO
Westbound
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Northbound
VISTA CHINO
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Int.
Total
Peak Hour Analysis From 11:30 AM to 01:15 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Entire Intersection Begins at 11:30 AM
11:30 AM 27 89 6 122 50 9 34 93 6 50 21 77 10 18 12 40 332
11:45 AM 22 99 3 124 38 10 36 84 2 69 21 92 3 14 13 30 330
12:00 PM 24 107 3 134 34 16 45 95 3 67 19 89 3 12 7 22 340
12:15 PM 26 83 5 114 40 10 41 91 3 61 22 86 14 7 3 24 315
Total
Volume
99 378 17 494 162 45 156 363 14 247 83 344 30 51 35 116 1317
% App.
Total
20 76.5 3.4 44.6 12.4 43 4.1 71.8 24.1 25.9 44 30.2
PHF .917 .883 .708 .922 .810 .703 .867 .955 .583 .895 .943 .935 .536 .708 .673 .725 .968
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
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Site Code : 0099132
Start Date : 8/29/2006
Page No : 2
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: PALM CANYON DRIVE
E/W: VISTA CHINO
WEATHER: SUNNY
PALM CANYON DRIVE
V
IS
T
A
C
H
IN
O
VIS
T
A
C
H
IN
O
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Rght
17
Thru
378
Left
99
InOut Total
433 494 927
R
ght
156
T
hru 45
Left
162
O
ut
T
otal
In
233
363
596
Left
14
Thru
247
Rght
83
Out TotalIn
575 344 919
Le
ft30
T
hr
u51
R
gh
t35
T
ot
al
O
ut
In
76
11
6
19
2
Peak Hour Begins at 11:30 AM
TOTAL VOLUME
Peak Hour Data
North
Peak Hour Analysis From 11:30 AM to 01:15 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Each Approach Begins at:
12:30 PM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 11:30 AM
+0 mins. 18 89 4 111 50 9 34 93 3 67 19 89 10 18 12 40
+15 mins. 25 94 5 124 38 10 36 84 3 61 22 86 3 14 13 30
+30 mins. 33 92 3 128 34 16 45 95 4 73 18 95 3 12 7 22
+45 mins. 21 106 7 134 40 10 41 91 4 67 24 95 14 7 3 24
Total
Volume
97 381 19 497 162 45 156 363 14 268 83 365 30 51 35 116
% App.
Total
19.5 76.7 3.8 44.6 12.4 43 3.8 73.4 22.7 25.9 44 30.2
PHF .735 .899 .679 .927 .810 .703 .867 .955 .875 .918 .865 .961 .536 .708 .673 .725
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
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File Name : PSPCVCPM
Site Code : 0090132
Start Date : 8/29/2006
Page No : 1
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: PALM CANYON DRIVE
E/W: VISTA CHINO
WEATHER: SUNNY
Groups Printed- TOTAL VOLUME
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Southbound
VISTA CHINO
Westbound
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Northbound
VISTA CHINO
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Int.
Total
04:00 PM 22 65 1 88 28 12 40 80 2 59 20 81 4 22 10 36 285
04:15 PM 34 73 3 110 26 15 32 73 2 81 20 103 7 51 2 60 346
04:30 PM 32 89 2 123 29 12 35 76 1 75 24 100 5 10 3 18 317
04:45 PM 21 83 1 105 17 8 49 74 4 77 17 98 6 10 7 23 300
Total 109 310 7 426 100 47 156 303 9 292 81 382 22 93 22 137 1248
05:00 PM 26 79 2 107 24 12 42 78 4 108 25 137 4 25 9 38 360
05:15 PM 36 79 3 118 30 17 36 83 1 84 21 106 3 12 8 23 330
05:30 PM 21 78 2 101 30 11 24 65 2 66 24 92 3 17 5 25 283
05:45 PM 14 82 3 99 20 14 44 78 2 68 16 86 1 17 3 21 284
Total 97 318 10 425 104 54 146 304 9 326 86 421 11 71 25 107 1257
Grand Total 206 628 17 851 204 101 302 607 18 618 167 803 33 164 47 244 2505
Apprch % 24.2 73.8 2 33.6 16.6 49.8 2.2 77 20.8 13.5 67.2 19.3
Total % 8.2 25.1 0.7 34 8.1 4 12.1 24.2 0.7 24.7 6.7 32.1 1.3 6.5 1.9 9.7
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Southbound
VISTA CHINO
Westbound
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Northbound
VISTA CHINO
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Left Thru Rght
App.
Total
Int.
Total
Peak Hour Analysis From 04:00 PM to 05:45 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Entire Intersection Begins at 04:15 PM
04:15 PM 34 73 3 110 26 15 32 73 2 81 20 103 7 51 2 60 346
04:30 PM 32 89 2 123 29 12 35 76 1 75 24 100 5 10 3 18 317
04:45 PM 21 83 1 105 17 8 49 74 4 77 17 98 6 10 7 23 300
05:00 PM 26 79 2 107 24 12 42 78 4 108 25 137 4 25 9 38 360
Total
Volume
113 324 8 445 96 47 158 301 11 341 86 438 22 96 21 139 1323
% App.
Total
25.4 72.8 1.8 31.9 15.6 52.5 2.5 77.9 19.6 15.8 69.1 15.1
PHF .831 .910 .667 .904 .828 .783 .806 .965 .688 .789 .860 .799 .786 .471 .583 .579 .919
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
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Site Code : 0090132
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Page No : 2
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: PALM CANYON DRIVE
E/W: VISTA CHINO
WEATHER: SUNNY
PALM CANYON DRIVE
V
IS
T
A
C
H
IN
O
VIS
T
A
C
H
IN
O
PALM CANYON DRIVE
Rght
8
Thru
324
Left
113
InOut Total
521 445 966
R
ght
158
T
hru 47
Left 96
O
ut
T
otal
In
295
301
596
Left
11
Thru
341
Rght
86
Out TotalIn
441 438 879
Le
ft22
T
hr
u96
R
gh
t21
T
ot
al
O
ut
In
66
13
9
20
5
Peak Hour Begins at 04:15 PM
TOTAL VOLUME
Peak Hour Data
North
Peak Hour Analysis From 04:00 PM to 05:45 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Each Approach Begins at:
04:30 PM 04:30 PM 04:30 PM 04:15 PM
+0 mins. 32 89 2 123 29 12 35 76 1 75 24 100 7 51 2 60
+15 mins. 21 83 1 105 17 8 49 74 4 77 17 98 5 10 3 18
+30 mins. 26 79 2 107 24 12 42 78 4 108 25 137 6 10 7 23
+45 mins. 36 79 3 118 30 17 36 83 1 84 21 106 4 25 9 38
Total
Volume
115 330 8 453 100 49 162 311 10 344 87 441 22 96 21 139
% App.
Total
25.4 72.8 1.8 32.2 15.8 52.1 2.3 78 19.7 15.8 69.1 15.1
PHF .799 .927 .667 .921 .833 .721 .827 .937 .625 .796 .870 .805 .786 .471 .583 .579
N
O
R
TH
P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
VISTA CHINO
N
S
EW
NOT TO SCALE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
RAISED
0756_PALM CANYON_VISTA CHINO
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
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Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/30/2006
Page No : 1
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: SUNRISE WAY
E/W: E PALM CANYON DDRIVE
WEATHER: SUNNY
Groups Printed- TOTAL VOLUME
SUNRISE WAY
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
SUNRISE WAY
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
11:30 AM 47 50 7 104 36 118 73 227 20 57 52 129 14 105 18 137 597
11:45 AM 59 40 9 108 40 112 66 218 22 49 39 110 8 117 23 148 584
Total 106 90 16 212 76 230 139 445 42 106 91 239 22 222 41 285 1181
12:00 PM 74 50 17 141 46 105 75 226 27 59 55 141 13 116 14 143 651
12:15 PM 72 62 21 155 36 120 65 221 18 37 42 97 12 104 32 148 621
12:30 PM 82 47 11 140 48 120 57 225 13 48 38 99 8 123 16 147 611
12:45 PM 51 47 4 102 48 115 52 215 21 55 50 126 15 97 14 126 569
Total 279 206 53 538 178 460 249 887 79 199 185 463 48 440 76 564 2452
01:00 PM 49 40 9 98 27 121 64 212 19 37 52 108 5 125 12 142 560
01:15 PM 71 53 16 140 32 108 67 207 16 48 46 110 12 105 16 133 590
Grand Total 505 389 94 988 313 919 519 1751 156 390 374 920 87 892 145 1124 4783
Apprch % 51.1 39.4 9.5 17.9 52.5 29.6 17 42.4 40.7 7.7 79.4 12.9
Total % 10.6 8.1 2 20.7 6.5 19.2 10.9 36.6 3.3 8.2 7.8 19.2 1.8 18.6 3 23.5
SUNRISE WAY
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
SUNRISE WAY
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
Peak Hour Analysis From 11:30 AM to 01:15 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Entire Intersection Begins at 11:45 AM
11:45 AM 59 40 9 108 40 112 66 218 22 49 39 110 8 117 23 148 584
12:00 PM 74 50 17 141 46 105 75 226 27 59 55 141 13 116 14 143 651
12:15 PM 72 62 21 155 36 120 65 221 18 37 42 97 12 104 32 148 621
12:30 PM 82 47 11 140 48 120 57 225 13 48 38 99 8 123 16 147 611
Total
Volume
287 199 58 544 170 457 263 890 80 193 174 447 41 460 85 586 2467
% App.
Total
52.8 36.6 10.7 19.1 51.3 29.6 17.9 43.2 38.9 7 78.5 14.5
PHF .875 .802 .690 .877 .885 .952 .877 .985 .741 .818 .791 .793 .788 .935 .664 .990 .947
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSSUPCMD
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/30/2006
Page No : 2
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: SUNRISE WAY
E/W: E PALM CANYON DDRIVE
WEATHER: SUNNY
SUNRISE WAY
E
P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
E P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
SUNRISE WAY
Right
58
Thru
199
Left
287
InOut Total
497 544 1041
R
ight
263
T
hru
457
Left
170
O
ut
T
otal
In
921
890
1811
Left
80
Thru
193
Right
174
Out TotalIn
454 447 901
Le
ft41
T
hr
u
46
0
R
ig
ht85
T
ot
al
O
ut
In
59
5
58
6
11
81
Peak Hour Begins at 11:45 AM
TOTAL VOLUME
Peak Hour Data
North
Peak Hour Analysis From 11:30 AM to 01:15 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Each Approach Begins at:
11:45 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM
+0 mins. 59 40 9 108 36 118 73 227 20 57 52 129 8 117 23 148
+15 mins. 74 50 17 141 40 112 66 218 22 49 39 110 13 116 14 143
+30 mins. 72 62 21 155 46 105 75 226 27 59 55 141 12 104 32 148
+45 mins. 82 47 11 140 36 120 65 221 18 37 42 97 8 123 16 147
Total
Volume
287 199 58 544 158 455 279 892 87 202 188 477 41 460 85 586
% App.
Total
52.8 36.6 10.7 17.7 51 31.3 18.2 42.3 39.4 7 78.5 14.5
PHF .875 .802 .690 .877 .859 .948 .930 .982 .806 .856 .855 .846 .788 .935 .664 .990
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSSUPCPM
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/30/2006
Page No : 1
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: SUNRISE WAY
E/W: E PALM CANYON DDRIVE
WEATHER: SUNNY
Groups Printed- TOTAL VOLUME
SUNRISE WAY
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
SUNRISE WAY
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
04:00 PM 49 42 9 100 33 138 51 222 18 42 28 88 11 85 19 115 525
04:15 PM 62 46 16 124 28 92 52 172 14 51 38 103 5 113 20 138 537
04:30 PM 83 32 13 128 15 87 54 156 18 35 38 91 3 76 10 89 464
04:45 PM 61 49 11 121 43 117 50 210 15 45 30 90 4 116 20 140 561
Total 255 169 49 473 119 434 207 760 65 173 134 372 23 390 69 482 2087
05:00 PM 60 25 14 99 43 123 68 234 19 41 26 86 9 109 15 133 552
05:15 PM 36 46 16 98 41 117 57 215 17 42 36 95 8 97 11 116 524
05:30 PM 40 24 7 71 30 115 56 201 11 39 24 74 14 97 17 128 474
05:45 PM 58 36 14 108 22 92 40 154 10 32 30 72 7 86 11 104 438
Total 194 131 51 376 136 447 221 804 57 154 116 327 38 389 54 481 1988
Grand Total 449 300 100 849 255 881 428 1564 122 327 250 699 61 779 123 963 4075
Apprch % 52.9 35.3 11.8 16.3 56.3 27.4 17.5 46.8 35.8 6.3 80.9 12.8
Total % 11 7.4 2.5 20.8 6.3 21.6 10.5 38.4 3 8 6.1 17.2 1.5 19.1 3 23.6
SUNRISE WAY
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
SUNRISE WAY
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
Peak Hour Analysis From 04:00 PM to 05:45 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Entire Intersection Begins at 04:15 PM
04:15 PM 62 46 16 124 28 92 52 172 14 51 38 103 5 113 20 138 537
04:30 PM 83 32 13 128 15 87 54 156 18 35 38 91 3 76 10 89 464
04:45 PM 61 49 11 121 43 117 50 210 15 45 30 90 4 116 20 140 561
05:00 PM 60 25 14 99 43 123 68 234 19 41 26 86 9 109 15 133 552
Total
Volume
266 152 54 472 129 419 224 772 66 172 132 370 21 414 65 500 2114
% App.
Total
56.4 32.2 11.4 16.7 54.3 29 17.8 46.5 35.7 4.2 82.8 13
PHF .801 .776 .844 .922 .750 .852 .824 .825 .868 .843 .868 .898 .583 .892 .813 .893 .942
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSSUPCPM
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/30/2006
Page No : 2
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: SUNRISE WAY
E/W: E PALM CANYON DDRIVE
WEATHER: SUNNY
SUNRISE WAY
E
P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
E P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
SUNRISE WAY
Right
54
Thru
152
Left
266
InOut Total
417 472 889
R
ight
224
T
hru
419
Left
129
O
ut
T
otal
In
812
772
1584
Left
66
Thru
172
Right
132
Out TotalIn
346 370 716
Le
ft21
T
hr
u
41
4
R
ig
ht65
T
ot
al
O
ut
In
53
9
50
0
10
39
Peak Hour Begins at 04:15 PM
TOTAL VOLUME
Peak Hour Data
North
Peak Hour Analysis From 04:00 PM to 05:45 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Each Approach Begins at:
04:00 PM 04:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:45 PM
+0 mins. 49 42 9 100 43 117 50 210 18 42 28 88 4 116 20 140
+15 mins. 62 46 16 124 43 123 68 234 14 51 38 103 9 109 15 133
+30 mins. 83 32 13 128 41 117 57 215 18 35 38 91 8 97 11 116
+45 mins. 61 49 11 121 30 115 56 201 15 45 30 90 14 97 17 128
Total
Volume
255 169 49 473 157 472 231 860 65 173 134 372 35 419 63 517
% App.
Total
53.9 35.7 10.4 18.3 54.9 26.9 17.5 46.5 36 6.8 81 12.2
PHF .768 .862 .766 .924 .913 .959 .849 .919 .903 .848 .882 .903 .625 .903 .788 .923
N
S
EW
NOT TO SCALE
PALM CANYON DRIVE
S
U
N
R
IS
E
W
A
Y
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
786_SUNRISE_PALM CANYON
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSFAPCMD
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/29/2006
Page No : 1
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: FARRELL DRIVE
E/W:E PALM CANYON DRIVE
WEATHER: SUNNY
Groups Printed- TOTAL VOLUME
FARRELL DRIVE
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
FARRELL DRIVE
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
11:30 AM 39 4 22 65 5 201 40 246 4 7 5 16 8 182 3 193 520
11:45 AM 33 6 9 48 5 180 22 207 5 10 4 19 11 200 1 212 486
Total 72 10 31 113 10 381 62 453 9 17 9 35 19 382 4 405 1006
12:00 PM 23 3 14 40 1 206 31 238 8 3 7 18 13 199 5 217 513
12:15 PM 33 5 9 47 3 228 29 260 5 6 2 13 12 195 3 210 530
12:30 PM 26 3 7 36 3 196 36 235 6 2 4 12 11 202 6 219 502
12:45 PM 31 4 8 43 0 174 17 191 3 1 1 5 7 206 4 217 456
Total 113 15 38 166 7 804 113 924 22 12 14 48 43 802 18 863 2001
01:00 PM 28 3 10 41 2 203 30 235 5 4 4 13 11 226 4 241 530
01:15 PM 27 4 14 45 1 182 29 212 7 3 4 14 8 184 2 194 465
Grand Total 240 32 93 365 20 1570 234 1824 43 36 31 110 81 1594 28 1703 4002
Apprch % 65.8 8.8 25.5 1.1 86.1 12.8 39.1 32.7 28.2 4.8 93.6 1.6
Total % 6 0.8 2.3 9.1 0.5 39.2 5.8 45.6 1.1 0.9 0.8 2.7 2 39.8 0.7 42.6
FARRELL DRIVE
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
FARRELL DRIVE
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
Peak Hour Analysis From 11:30 AM to 01:15 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Entire Intersection Begins at 11:30 AM
11:30 AM 39 4 22 65 5 201 40 246 4 7 5 16 8 182 3 193 520
11:45 AM 33 6 9 48 5 180 22 207 5 10 4 19 11 200 1 212 486
12:00 PM 23 3 14 40 1 206 31 238 8 3 7 18 13 199 5 217 513
12:15 PM 33 5 9 47 3 228 29 260 5 6 2 13 12 195 3 210 530
Total
Volume
128 18 54 200 14 815 122 951 22 26 18 66 44 776 12 832 2049
% App.
Total
64 9 27 1.5 85.7 12.8 33.3 39.4 27.3 5.3 93.3 1.4
PHF .821 .750 .614 .769 .700 .894 .763 .914 .688 .650 .643 .868 .846 .970 .600 .959 .967
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSFAPCMD
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/29/2006
Page No : 2
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: FARRELL DRIVE
E/W:E PALM CANYON DRIVE
WEATHER: SUNNY
FARRELL DRIVE
E
P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
E P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
FARRELL DRIVE
Right
54
Thru
18
Left
128
InOut Total
192 200 392
R
ight
122
T
hru
815
Left 14
O
ut
T
otal
In
922
951
1873
Left
22
Thru
26
Right
18
Out TotalIn
44 66 110
Le
ft44
T
hr
u
77
6
R
ig
ht12
T
ot
al
O
ut
In
89
1
83
2
17
23
Peak Hour Begins at 11:30 AM
TOTAL VOLUME
Peak Hour Data
North
Peak Hour Analysis From 11:30 AM to 01:15 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Each Approach Begins at:
11:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 12:15 PM
+0 mins. 39 4 22 65 5 201 40 246 4 7 5 16 12 195 3 210
+15 mins. 33 6 9 48 5 180 22 207 5 10 4 19 11 202 6 219
+30 mins. 23 3 14 40 1 206 31 238 8 3 7 18 7 206 4 217
+45 mins. 33 5 9 47 3 228 29 260 5 6 2 13 11 226 4 241
Total
Volume
128 18 54 200 14 815 122 951 22 26 18 66 41 829 17 887
% App.
Total
64 9 27 1.5 85.7 12.8 33.3 39.4 27.3 4.6 93.5 1.9
PHF .821 .750 .614 .769 .700 .894 .763 .914 .688 .650 .643 .868 .854 .917 .708 .920
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSFAPCPM
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/29/2006
Page No : 1
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
N/S: FARRELL DRIVE
E/W: E PALM CANYON DRIVE
WEATHER : SUNNY
Groups Printed- TOTAL VOLUME
FARRELL DRIVE
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
FARRELL DRIVE
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
04:00 PM 23 4 16 43 1 216 36 253 1 4 7 12 12 192 2 206 514
04:15 PM 31 3 11 45 1 242 38 281 5 2 4 11 7 228 4 239 576
04:30 PM 45 8 12 65 1 188 38 227 1 5 4 10 8 222 1 231 533
04:45 PM 33 2 10 45 1 198 39 238 4 2 7 13 9 205 3 217 513
Total 132 17 49 198 4 844 151 999 11 13 22 46 36 847 10 893 2136
05:00 PM 39 5 11 55 1 231 50 282 2 2 2 6 4 203 10 217 560
05:15 PM 25 4 5 34 0 211 44 255 4 2 4 10 19 164 1 184 483
05:30 PM 18 2 19 39 3 223 53 279 10 3 2 15 3 189 8 200 533
05:45 PM 26 3 9 38 2 174 32 208 2 2 3 7 16 152 2 170 423
Total 108 14 44 166 6 839 179 1024 18 9 11 38 42 708 21 771 1999
Grand Total 240 31 93 364 10 1683 330 2023 29 22 33 84 78 1555 31 1664 4135
Apprch % 65.9 8.5 25.5 0.5 83.2 16.3 34.5 26.2 39.3 4.7 93.4 1.9
Total % 5.8 0.7 2.2 8.8 0.2 40.7 8 48.9 0.7 0.5 0.8 2 1.9 37.6 0.7 40.2
FARRELL DRIVE
Southbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Westbound
FARRELL DRIVE
Northbound
E PALM CANYON DRIVE
Eastbound
Start Time Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Left Thru Right
App.
Total
Int.
Total
Peak Hour Analysis From 04:00 PM to 05:45 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Entire Intersection Begins at 04:15 PM
04:15 PM 31 3 11 45 1 242 38 281 5 2 4 11 7 228 4 239 576
04:30 PM 45 8 12 65 1 188 38 227 1 5 4 10 8 222 1 231 533
04:45 PM 33 2 10 45 1 198 39 238 4 2 7 13 9 205 3 217 513
05:00 PM 39 5 11 55 1 231 50 282 2 2 2 6 4 203 10 217 560
Total
Volume
148 18 44 210 4 859 165 1028 12 11 17 40 28 858 18 904 2182
% App.
Total
70.5 8.6 21 0.4 83.6 16.1 30 27.5 42.5 3.1 94.9 2
PHF .822 .563 .917 .808
1.00
0
.887 .825 .911 .600 .550 .607 .769 .778 .941 .450 .946 .947
COUNTS UNLIMITED INC.
25424 JACLYN AVENUE
MORENO VALLEY CA. 92557
951-247-6716
AA
File Name : PSFAPCPM
Site Code : 0099138
Start Date : 8/29/2006
Page No : 2
FARRELL DRIVE
E
P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
E P
A
LM
C
A
N
Y
O
N
D
R
IV
E
FARRELL DRIVE
Right
44
Thru
18
Left
148
InOut Total
204 210 414
R
ight
165
T
hru
859
Left 4
O
ut
T
otal
In
1023
1028
2051
Left
12
Thru
11
Right
17
Out TotalIn
40 40 80
Le
ft28
T
hr
u
85
8
R
ig
ht18
T
ot
al
O
ut
In
91
5
90
4
18
19
Peak Hour Begins at 04:15 PM
TOTAL VOLUME
Peak Hour Data
North
Peak Hour Analysis From 04:00 PM to 05:45 PM – Peak 1 of 1
Peak Hour for Each Approach Begins at:
04:15 PM 04:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM
+0 mins. 31 3 11 45 1 198 39 238 1 4 7 12 7 228 4 239
+15 mins. 45 8 12 65 1 231 50 282 5 2 4 11 8 222 1 231
+30 mins. 33 2 10 45 0 211 44 255 1 5 4 10 9 205 3 217
+45 mins. 39 5 11 55 3 223 53 279 4 2 7 13 4 203 10 217
Total
Volume
148 18 44 210 5 863 186 1054 11 13 22 46 28 858 18 904
% App.
Total
70.5 8.6 21 0.5 81.9 17.6 23.9 28.3 47.8 3.1 94.9 2
PHF .822 .563 .917 .808 .417 .934 .877 .934 .550 .650 .786 .885 .778 .941 .450 .946
PALM CANYON
DRIVE
N
S
EW
NOT TO SCALE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
FA
R
R
E
LL
D
R
IV
E
B
A
R
O
N
A
R
O
A
D
786_FARRELL_PALM CANYON
B-1
Exhibit B
HCS Signalized Intersection Analysis
Since all of the intersections are currently signalized, the midday and evening peak hour
control delay and levels of service were evaluated utilizing the operational methodology
outlined in Chapter 16 Section II of the Transportation Research Board publication entitled
Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2000). The Highway Capacity Software (HCS 2000)
package is a direct computerized implementation of the HCM 2000 procedures, prepared
under FHWA sponsorship and maintained by the McTrans Center at the University of
Florida Transportation Research Center. The HCS input parameters are included below.
Table B-1
HCS Input Parameters
Parameter Value Assumed
Base Saturation Flow Rate 1,900 Passenger Cars/Hour/Lane
Heavy Vehicle Factor 5 Percent
K Factor 8% of Daily Volume in Peak Hour
Peak Hour Factor (PHF) 1.0
Grade Level
Exclusive Left-Turn Lane Peak Hour Volume > 100
Dual Left-Turn Lanes Peak Hour Volume > 300
Exclusive Right-Turn Lane Peak Hour Volume > 300
Minimum Green Time 5 Seconds Per Movement
Minimum Pedestrian Crossing Timea
– Pedestrian Start-Up Time 3 Seconds
– Yellow Clearance+All-Red Time 4 Seconds
– Walk Rate 4 Feet/Second
– Crosswalk Length 12 Feet/Lane Crossed
Cycle Length 120 Seconds
a. 9 Lanes=26 Seconds, 8 Lanes=23 Seconds, 7 Lanes=20 Seconds, 6 Lanes=17 Seconds, 5 Lanes=14
Seconds, 4 Lanes=11 Seconds, 3 Lanes=8 Seconds.
Table B-2
Loss Time Assumptions
Major Street Minor Street Number of Phases Lost Time
Protected Protected Four 16 Seconds
Protected Permitted Three 12 Seconds
Permitted Protected Three 12 Seconds
Permitted Permitted Two 8 Seconds
B-2
Table B-3
Signalized Intersection LOS Criteria
Level of Traffic Flow Avg. Control Delay
Service Characteristics (Seconds/Vehicle)
A Extremely favorable progression with very low control delay. ≤ 10
Most vehicles arrive during the green phase. Many do not stop.
Good progression, short cycle lengths or both. More vehicles
B stop than with LOS A, causing higher levels of average > 10 and ≤ 20
delay.
Satisfactory operation with fair progression, longer cycle
C lengths, or both. Individual cycle failures may begin to
appear. Cycle failure occurs when a given green phase does > 20 and ≤ 35
not serve queued vehicles and overflow occurs. A significant
number of vehicles stop but many pass through without
stopping.
Tolerable delay, where congestion becomes more noticeable
and many vehicles stop. Individual cycle failures are noticeable.
D Longer delays may result from some combination of > 35 and ≤ 55
unfavorable progression, long cycle lengths, or high V/C
ratios.
Unstable flow with poor progression, frequent cycle failures,
E long cycle lengths and high V/C ratios. Individual cycle > 55 and ≤ 80
failures are frequent occurrences. This is considered the
limit of acceptable delay by many agencies.
Oversaturation with arrival flow rates exceeding the capacity
of intersection lane groups and many individual cycle failures.
F Poor progression and long cycle lengths as well as high V/C > 80
ratios and high delay values occur at LOS F. Considered
unacceptable to most drivers.
Source: Highway Capacity Manual, Special Report 209, Transportation Research Board, Fourth Edition,
2000; pp. 10-16.
B-3
HCS Long Reports
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Palm Canyon Dr @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
1 1
0 2
Grade = 0
1 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 51 92 53 489 82 595 21 656 250 378 1004 29
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 20.0 G = 26.0 G = G = G = 16.0 G = 42.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 51 92 53 489 82 595 21 656 250 378 1004 29
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 51 92 53 489 82 595 21 656 250 378 1004 29
Lane Group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 51 145 489 82 595 21 906 378 1033
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.366 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.276 0.000 — 0.028
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 1.000 0.971 1.000 1.000 1.000 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.945 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.959 — 0.996
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 1710 3338 1810 1538 1719 3303 3338 3431
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 51 145 489 82 595 21 906 378 1033
Satflow rate 1719 1710 3338 1810 1538 1719 3303 3338 3431
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.17 0.22 0.17 0.22 0.77 0.13 0.35 0.13 0.35
Lane group cap. 287 371 556 392 1179 229 1156 445 1201
v/c ratio 0.18 0.39 0.88 0.21 0.50 0.09 0.78 0.85 0.86
Flow ratio 0.03 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.39 0.01 0.27 0.11 0.30
Crit. lane group N Y Y N N N N Y Y
Sum flow ratios 0.65
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.74
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 51 145 489 82 595 21 906 378 1033
Lane group cap. 287 371 556 392 1179 229 1156 445 1201
v/c ratio 0.18 0.39 0.88 0.21 0.50 0.09 0.78 0.85 0.86
Green ratio 0.17 0.22 0.17 0.22 0.77 0.13 0.35 0.13 0.35
Unif. delay d1 42.9 40.2 48.8 38.6 5.3 45.6 34.9 50.8 36.3
Delay factor k 0.11 0.11 0.41 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.33 0.38 0.39
Increm. delay d2 0.3 0.7 17.7 0.3 0.4 0.2 3.7 16.5 7.0
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 43.2 40.9 66.6 38.8 5.7 45.8 38.6 67.3 43.3
Lane group LOS D D E D A D D E D
Apprch. delay 41.5 33.5 38.8 49.7
Approach LOS D C D D
Intersec. delay 41.4 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 51 145 489 82 595 21 906 378 1033
Satflow per lane 1719 1710 1719 1810 1538 1719 1734 1719 1801
Capacity/lane 287 371 556 392 1179 229 1156 445 1201
Flow ratio 0.03 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.39 0.01 0.27 0.11 0.30
v/c ratio 0.18 0.39 0.88 0.21 0.50 0.09 0.78 0.85 0.86
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 1.5 4.1 8.2 2.2 7.5 0.6 14.2 6.3 16.8
kB 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6
Q2 0.1 0.3 2.4 0.1 0.9 0.0 2.1 1.7 3.5
Q avg. 1.5 4.4 10.6 2.4 8.5 0.6 16.3 8.0 20.3
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.0 1.9 2.1 1.7 1.9 1.7
BOQ, Q% 3.2 8.7 19.4 4.8 15.9 1.3 28.4 15.1 34.5
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Palm Canyon Dr @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
1 1
0 2
Grade = 0
1 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 37 174 32 290 85 605 17 908 260 433 862 14
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 13.0 G = 26.0 G = G = G = 18.0 G = 47.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 37 174 32 290 85 605 17 908 260 433 862 14
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 37 174 32 290 85 605 17 908 260 433 862 14
Lane Group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 37 206 290 85 605 17 1168 433 876
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.155 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.223 0.000 — 0.016
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 1.000 0.971 1.000 1.000 1.000 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.977 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.967 — 0.998
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 1767 3338 1810 1538 1719 3330 3338 3437
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 37 206 290 85 605 17 1168 433 876
Satflow rate 1719 1767 3338 1810 1538 1719 3330 3338 3437
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.11 0.22 0.11 0.22 0.82 0.15 0.39 0.15 0.39
Lane group cap. 186 383 362 392 1269 258 1304 501 1346
v/c ratio 0.20 0.54 0.80 0.22 0.48 0.07 0.90 0.86 0.65
Flow ratio 0.02 0.12 0.09 0.05 0.39 0.01 0.35 0.13 0.25
Crit. lane group N Y Y N N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.68
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.79
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 37 206 290 85 605 17 1168 433 876
Lane group cap. 186 383 362 392 1269 258 1304 501 1346
v/c ratio 0.20 0.54 0.80 0.22 0.48 0.07 0.90 0.86 0.65
Green ratio 0.11 0.22 0.11 0.22 0.82 0.15 0.39 0.15 0.39
Unif. delay d1 48.8 41.7 52.2 38.6 3.0 43.8 34.2 49.8 29.8
Delay factor k 0.11 0.14 0.34 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.42 0.39 0.23
Increm. delay d2 0.5 1.5 13.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 9.5 16.9 1.1
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 49.3 43.2 65.6 38.9 3.3 43.9 43.7 66.7 30.9
Lane group LOS D D E D A D D E C
Apprch. delay 44.1 24.8 43.7 42.8
Approach LOS D C D D
Intersec. delay 38.4 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 37 206 290 85 605 17 1168 433 876
Satflow per lane 1719 1767 1719 1810 1538 1719 1748 1719 1805
Capacity/lane 186 383 362 392 1269 258 1304 501 1346
Flow ratio 0.02 0.12 0.09 0.05 0.39 0.01 0.35 0.13 0.25
v/c ratio 0.20 0.54 0.80 0.22 0.48 0.07 0.90 0.86 0.65
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 1.1 6.1 4.8 2.3 5.8 0.5 19.2 7.2 12.5
kB 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.9 0.4 0.7 0.4 0.7
Q2 0.1 0.5 1.1 0.1 0.9 0.0 4.9 2.1 1.2
Q avg. 1.2 6.6 6.0 2.5 6.7 0.5 24.1 9.3 13.8
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9 2.1 1.7 1.9 1.8
BOQ, Q% 2.5 12.7 11.6 5.0 12.8 1.1 39.9 17.3 24.5
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 0
2 2
0 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 26 600 156 202 510 49 257 363 186 207 286 30
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 11.0 G = 44.0 G = G = G = 14.0 G = 35.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 26 600 156 202 510 49 257 363 186 207 286 30
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 26 600 156 202 510 49 257 363 186 207 286 30
Lane Group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 26 756 202 559 257 549 207 316
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.206 0.000 — 0.088 0.000 — 0.339 0.000 — 0.095
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.969 — 0.987 — 0.949 — 0.986
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3339 3338 3400 3338 3270 3338 3396
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 26 756 202 559 257 549 207 316
Satflow rate 1719 3339 3338 3400 3338 3270 3338 3396
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.09 0.37 0.09 0.37 0.12 0.29 0.12 0.29
Lane group cap. 158 1224 306 1247 389 954 389 990
v/c ratio 0.16 0.62 0.66 0.45 0.66 0.58 0.53 0.32
Flow ratio 0.02 0.23 0.06 0.16 0.08 0.17 0.06 0.09
Crit. lane group N Y Y N Y Y N N
Sum flow ratios 0.53
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.61
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 26 756 202 559 257 549 207 316
Lane group cap. 158 1224 306 1247 389 954 389 990
v/c ratio 0.16 0.62 0.66 0.45 0.66 0.58 0.53 0.32
Green ratio 0.09 0.37 0.09 0.37 0.12 0.29 0.12 0.29
Unif. delay d1 50.3 31.1 52.7 28.8 50.7 36.2 49.9 33.2
Delay factor k 0.11 0.20 0.23 0.11 0.24 0.17 0.14 0.11
Increm. delay d2 0.5 1.0 5.3 0.3 4.2 0.9 1.4 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 50.8 32.1 58.0 29.1 54.9 37.0 51.3 33.4
Lane group LOS D C E C D D D C
Apprch. delay 32.7 36.7 42.7 40.5
Approach LOS C D D D
Intersec. delay 38.0 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 26 756 202 559 257 549 207 316
Satflow per lane 1719 1753 1719 1785 1719 1717 1719 1783
Capacity/lane 158 1224 306 1247 389 954 389 990
Flow ratio 0.02 0.23 0.06 0.16 0.08 0.17 0.06 0.09
v/c ratio 0.16 0.62 0.66 0.45 0.66 0.58 0.53 0.32
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 0.8 10.8 3.4 7.4 4.2 8.2 3.3 4.3
kB 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.6
Q2 0.1 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.3 0.3
Q avg. 0.9 11.8 3.9 7.9 4.8 8.9 3.7 4.6
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.8 2.0 1.9 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.0
BOQ, Q% 1.8 21.5 7.7 14.9 9.4 16.6 7.3 8.9
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/4/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 0
2 2
0 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 105 892 114 245 618 107 357 673 284 262 343 73
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 10.0 G = 41.0 G = G = G = 15.0 G = 38.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 105 892 114 245 618 107 357 673 284 262 343 73
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 105 892 114 245 618 107 357 673 284 262 343 73
Lane Group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 105 1006 245 725 357 957 262 416
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.113 0.000 — 0.148 0.000 — 0.297 0.000 — 0.175
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.983 — 0.978 — 0.955 — 0.974
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3387 3338 3369 3338 3292 3338 3355
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 105 1006 245 725 357 957 262 416
Satflow rate 1719 3387 3338 3369 3338 3292 3338 3355
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.08 0.34 0.08 0.34 0.13 0.32 0.13 0.32
Lane group cap. 143 1157 278 1151 417 1042 417 1062
v/c ratio 0.73 0.87 0.88 0.63 0.86 0.92 0.63 0.39
Flow ratio 0.06 0.30 0.07 0.22 0.11 0.29 0.08 0.12
Crit. lane group N Y Y N Y Y N N
Sum flow ratios 0.77
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.89
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 105 1006 245 725 357 957 262 416
Lane group cap. 143 1157 278 1151 417 1042 417 1062
v/c ratio 0.73 0.87 0.88 0.63 0.86 0.92 0.63 0.39
Green ratio 0.08 0.34 0.08 0.34 0.13 0.32 0.13 0.32
Unif. delay d1 53.7 37.0 54.4 33.1 51.4 39.5 49.9 32.0
Delay factor k 0.29 0.40 0.41 0.21 0.39 0.44 0.21 0.11
Increm. delay d2 19.6 8.0 33.8 1.1 18.6 15.4 3.1 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 73.3 45.0 88.2 34.3 70.0 54.9 52.9 32.2
Lane group LOS E D F C E D D C
Apprch. delay 47.7 47.9 59.0 40.2
Approach LOS D D E D
Intersec. delay 50.1 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 105 1006 245 725 357 957 262 416
Satflow per lane 1719 1778 1719 1769 1719 1728 1719 1762
Capacity/lane 143 1157 278 1151 417 1042 417 1062
Flow ratio 0.06 0.30 0.07 0.21 0.11 0.29 0.08 0.12
v/c ratio 0.73 0.87 0.88 0.63 0.86 0.92 0.63 0.39
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 3.4 16.5 4.2 10.6 6.0 16.1 4.2 5.7
kB 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6
Q2 0.7 3.7 1.6 1.0 1.7 5.2 0.5 0.4
Q avg. 4.1 20.2 5.7 11.6 7.7 21.3 4.8 6.0
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.7 1.9 1.8 1.9 1.7 2.0 1.9
BOQ, Q% 8.1 34.2 11.1 21.1 14.6 35.9 9.4 11.6
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 0
3 2
0 2
Grade = 0
1 2 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 26 1113 21 382 1205 212 126 157 388 179 151 30
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 17.0 G = 58.0 G = G = G = 9.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 26 1113 21 382 1205 212 126 157 388 179 151 30
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 26 1113 21 382 1205 212 126 157 388 179 151 30
Lane Group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 26 1134 382 1417 126 157 388 179 181
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.019 0.000 — 0.150 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.166
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 2 2 0 1 2 1 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.997 — 0.978 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.975
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4915 3338 3368 1719 3445 1538 3338 3360
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 26 1134 382 1417 126 157 388 179 181
Satflow rate 1719 4915 3338 3368 1719 3445 1538 3338 3360
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.14 0.48 0.14 0.48 0.08 0.17 0.86 0.08 0.17
Lane group cap. 244 2376 473 1628 129 574 1320 250 560
v/c ratio 0.11 0.48 0.81 0.87 0.98 0.27 0.29 0.72 0.32
Flow ratio 0.02 0.23 0.11 0.42 0.07 0.05 0.25 0.05 0.05
Crit. lane group N N Y Y Y N N N Y
Sum flow ratios 0.66
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.76
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 26 1134 382 1417 126 157 388 179 181
Lane group cap. 244 2376 473 1628 129 574 1320 250 560
v/c ratio 0.11 0.48 0.81 0.87 0.98 0.27 0.29 0.72 0.32
Green ratio 0.14 0.48 0.14 0.48 0.08 0.17 0.86 0.08 0.17
Unif. delay d1 44.9 20.8 49.9 27.6 55.4 43.7 1.6 54.3 44.0
Delay factor k 0.11 0.11 0.35 0.40 0.48 0.11 0.11 0.28 0.11
Increm. delay d2 0.2 0.2 10.8 5.8 134.2 0.3 0.1 9.9 0.3
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 45.1 21.0 60.8 33.4 189.6 43.9 1.7 64.2 44.4
Lane group LOS D C E C F D A E D
Apprch. delay 21.5 39.2 46.9 54.2
Approach LOS C D D D
Intersec. delay 36.7 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 26 1134 382 1417 126 157 388 179 181
Satflow per lane 1719 1804 1719 1768 1719 1809 1538 1719 1764
Capacity/lane 244 2376 473 1628 129 574 1320 250 560
Flow ratio 0.02 0.23 0.11 0.42 0.07 0.05 0.25 0.05 0.05
v/c ratio 0.11 0.48 0.81 0.87 0.98 0.27 0.29 0.72 0.32
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 0.8 9.3 6.3 22.1 4.2 2.4 2.5 3.0 2.8
kB 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.7 0.2 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.4
Q2 0.0 0.7 1.4 4.6 3.2 0.1 0.4 0.6 0.2
Q avg. 0.8 10.0 7.7 26.7 7.4 2.5 2.9 3.6 3.0
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.8 1.9 1.6 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
BOQ, Q% 1.7 18.4 14.6 43.7 14.0 5.1 5.7 7.2 6.0
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Farrell Drive @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 0
3 2
0 2
Grade = 0
1 2 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 51 1650 111 308 1367 205 171 324 594 246 152 26
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 12.0 G = 59.0 G = G = G = 13.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 51 1650 111 308 1367 205 171 324 594 246 152 26
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 51 1650 111 308 1367 205 171 324 594 246 152 26
Lane Group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 51 1761 308 1572 171 324 594 246 178
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.063 0.000 — 0.130 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.146
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 2 2 0 1 2 1 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.991 — 0.980 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.978
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4883 3338 3378 1719 3445 1538 3338 3370
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 51 1761 308 1572 171 324 594 246 178
Satflow rate 1719 4883 3338 3378 1719 3445 1538 3338 3370
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.10 0.49 0.10 0.49 0.11 0.17 0.82 0.11 0.17
Lane group cap. 172 2401 334 1661 186 574 1269 362 562
v/c ratio 0.30 0.73 0.92 0.95 0.92 0.56 0.47 0.68 0.32
Flow ratio 0.03 0.36 0.09 0.47 0.10 0.09 0.39 0.07 0.05
Crit. lane group N N Y Y Y Y N N N
Sum flow ratios 0.75
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.87
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 51 1761 308 1572 171 324 594 246 178
Lane group cap. 172 2401 334 1661 186 574 1269 362 562
v/c ratio 0.30 0.73 0.92 0.95 0.92 0.56 0.47 0.68 0.32
Green ratio 0.10 0.49 0.10 0.49 0.11 0.17 0.82 0.11 0.17
Unif. delay d1 50.1 24.2 53.5 29.0 53.0 46.0 3.0 51.5 44.0
Delay factor k 0.11 0.29 0.44 0.46 0.44 0.16 0.11 0.25 0.11
Increm. delay d2 1.0 1.2 42.9 15.2 66.2 1.3 0.3 5.2 0.3
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 51.1 25.5 96.5 44.2 119.2 47.3 3.3 56.7 44.3
Lane group LOS D C F D F D A E D
Apprch. delay 26.2 52.7 34.6 51.5
Approach LOS C D C D
Intersec. delay 39.6 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 51 1761 308 1572 171 324 594 246 178
Satflow per lane 1719 1792 1719 1774 1719 1809 1538 1719 1769
Capacity/lane 172 2401 334 1661 186 574 1269 362 562
Flow ratio 0.03 0.36 0.09 0.47 0.10 0.09 0.39 0.07 0.05
v/c ratio 0.30 0.73 0.92 0.95 0.92 0.56 0.47 0.68 0.32
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 1.6 17.1 5.2 26.1 5.6 5.2 5.6 4.0 2.7
kB 0.3 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.3 0.4 0.9 0.3 0.4
Q2 0.1 2.1 2.5 9.5 2.5 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.2
Q avg. 1.7 19.2 7.7 35.6 8.2 5.7 6.5 4.7 2.9
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.7 1.9 1.6 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0
BOQ, Q% 3.5 32.7 14.6 56.3 15.4 11.1 12.4 9.1 5.8
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 1 2 2
Grade = 0
2 1
3 3
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left NB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 11.0 G = 3.0 G = 34.0 G = G = 12.0 G = 2.0 G = 34.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 1
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
Satflow rate 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.15 0.34 0.84 0.09 0.28 0.78 0.15 0.33 0.83 0.10 0.28 0.78
Lane group cap. 501 1684 1294 306 1397 1205 501 1148 1282 334 976 1205
v/c ratio 0.78 0.66 0.31 0.60 0.63 0.12 0.76 0.46 0.12 0.31 0.61 0.34
Flow ratio 0.12 0.23 0.26 0.05 0.18 0.09 0.11 0.15 0.10 0.03 0.17 0.26
Crit. lane group Y N N N Y N Y N N N Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.58
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.67
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
Lane group cap. 501 1684 1294 306 1397 1205 501 1148 1282 334 976 1205
v/c ratio 0.78 0.66 0.31 0.60 0.63 0.12 0.76 0.46 0.12 0.31 0.61 0.34
Green ratio 0.15 0.34 0.84 0.09 0.28 0.78 0.15 0.33 0.83 0.10 0.28 0.78
Unif. delay d1 49.1 33.6 2.0 52.4 37.5 3.1 48.9 31.5 1.9 50.1 37.3 3.8
Delay factor k 0.33 0.24 0.11 0.19 0.21 0.11 0.31 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.20 0.11
Increm. delay d2 8.1 1.0 0.1 3.2 0.9 0.0 6.9 0.3 0.0 0.5 1.1 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 57.2 34.6 2.2 55.6 38.5 3.2 55.8 31.7 1.9 50.7 38.4 4.0
Lane group LOS E C A E D A E C A D D A
Apprch. delay 32.4 36.9 35.9 26.9
Approach LOS C D D C
Intersec. delay 33.0 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 390 1113 398 183 883 144 380 524 159 102 595 406
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538
Capacity/lane 501 1684 1294 306 1397 1205 501 1148 1282 334 976 1205
Flow ratio 0.12 0.23 0.26 0.05 0.18 0.09 0.11 0.15 0.10 0.03 0.17 0.26
v/c ratio 0.78 0.66 0.31 0.60 0.63 0.12 0.76 0.46 0.12 0.31 0.61 0.34
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 6.4 11.6 2.8 3.0 9.4 1.1 6.2 7.2 1.0 1.6 9.0 4.0
kB 0.4 0.6 1.0 0.3 0.5 0.9 0.4 0.6 1.0 0.3 0.5 0.9
Q2 1.2 1.2 0.4 0.4 0.9 0.1 1.1 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.8 0.5
Q avg. 7.6 12.7 3.3 3.4 10.4 1.3 7.3 7.7 1.1 1.7 9.9 4.4
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.9 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.8 2.1 1.9 1.9 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.0
BOQ, Q% 14.5 22.9 6.5 6.8 19.0 2.6 13.9 14.6 2.3 3.5 18.2 8.8
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 1 2 2
Grade = 0
2 1
3 3
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left NB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 6.0 G = 11.0 G = 33.0 G = G = 14.0 G = 3.0 G = 29.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 1
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
Satflow rate 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.17 0.40 0.88 0.05 0.28 0.76 0.17 0.30 0.82 0.12 0.24 0.76
Lane group cap. 584 1972 1359 167 1355 1166 584 1034 1256 389 833 1166
v/c ratio 0.87 0.93 0.32 0.90 0.83 0.16 0.95 0.93 0.30 0.71 0.62 0.42
Flow ratio 0.15 0.37 0.28 0.04 0.23 0.12 0.17 0.28 0.25 0.08 0.15 0.32
Crit. lane group N Y N Y N N N Y N Y N N
Sum flow ratios 0.78
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.90
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
Lane group cap. 584 1972 1359 167 1355 1166 584 1034 1256 389 833 1166
v/c ratio 0.87 0.93 0.32 0.90 0.83 0.16 0.95 0.93 0.30 0.71 0.62 0.42
Green ratio 0.17 0.40 0.88 0.05 0.28 0.76 0.17 0.30 0.82 0.12 0.24 0.76
Unif. delay d1 48.2 34.4 1.1 56.7 40.8 4.0 49.0 40.7 2.7 51.1 40.6 5.1
Delay factor k 0.40 0.44 0.11 0.42 0.37 0.11 0.46 0.44 0.11 0.28 0.21 0.11
Increm. delay d2 15.4 9.7 0.1 60.2 4.6 0.1 38.1 17.4 0.1 6.4 1.5 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 63.6 44.1 1.3 116.9 45.4 4.1 87.1 58.2 2.8 57.4 42.1 5.4
Lane group LOS E D A F D A F E A E D A
Apprch. delay 41.0 47.3 55.6 31.5
Approach LOS D D E C
Intersec. delay 44.3 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 508 1830 429 150 1121 192 555 959 377 278 518 487
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538
Capacity/lane 584 1972 1359 167 1355 1166 584 1034 1256 389 833 1166
Flow ratio 0.15 0.37 0.28 0.04 0.23 0.12 0.17 0.28 0.25 0.08 0.15 0.32
v/c ratio 0.87 0.93 0.32 0.90 0.83 0.16 0.95 0.93 0.30 0.71 0.62 0.42
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 8.5 21.3 2.3 2.6 12.9 1.8 9.4 16.3 3.1 4.6 8.1 5.7
kB 0.4 0.7 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.9 0.4 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.9
Q2 2.4 6.9 0.5 1.4 2.4 0.2 4.7 5.6 0.4 0.8 0.8 0.6
Q avg. 10.8 28.2 2.8 3.9 15.3 1.9 14.1 21.8 3.5 5.4 8.9 6.4
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.8 1.6 2.0 2.0 1.8 2.0 1.8 1.7 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9
BOQ, Q% 19.8 45.9 5.6 7.7 26.9 4.0 25.0 36.7 6.9 10.4 16.6 12.3
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
2 2
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 830 336 273 834 108
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left NB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 11.0 G = 1.0 G = 32.0 G = G = 11.0 G = 1.0 G = 40.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 830 336 273 834 108
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 830 336 273 834 108
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 1166 273 942
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.288 0.000 — 0.115
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.957 — 0.983
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3296 3338 3386
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 1166 273 942
Satflow rate 1719 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3296 3338 3386
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.13 0.31 0.84 0.09 0.27 0.80 0.13 0.38 0.09 0.33
Lane group cap. 229 1062 1294 306 919 1230 445 1236 306 1129
v/c ratio 0.75 0.64 0.19 1.00 0.90 0.17 0.52 0.94 0.89 0.83
Flow ratio 0.10 0.20 0.16 0.09 0.24 0.13 0.07 0.35 0.08 0.28
Crit. lane group Y N N N Y N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.77
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.89
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 1166 273 942
Lane group cap. 229 1062 1294 306 919 1230 445 1236 306 1129
v/c ratio 0.75 0.64 0.19 1.00 0.90 0.17 0.52 0.94 0.89 0.83
Green ratio 0.13 0.31 0.84 0.09 0.27 0.80 0.13 0.38 0.09 0.33
Unif. delay d1 50.1 35.8 1.8 54.5 42.4 2.8 48.4 36.3 53.9 36.9
Delay factor k 0.31 0.22 0.11 0.50 0.42 0.11 0.12 0.46 0.42 0.37
Increm. delay d2 14.1 1.3 0.1 99.6 13.1 0.1 1.1 18.7 34.4 5.8
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 64.1 37.1 1.9 154.1 55.5 2.8 49.5 55.0 88.3 42.8
Lane group LOS E D A F E A D D F D
Apprch. delay 33.4 70.1 54.1 53.0
Approach LOS C E D D
Intersec. delay 53.5 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 172 679 248 305 823 203 231 1166 273 942
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1731 1719 1778
Capacity/lane 229 1062 1294 306 919 1230 445 1236 306 1129
Flow ratio 0.10 0.20 0.16 0.09 0.24 0.13 0.07 0.35 0.08 0.28
v/c ratio 0.75 0.64 0.19 1.00 0.90 0.17 0.52 0.94 0.89 0.83
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 5.5 10.2 1.6 5.2 13.9 1.6 3.7 19.7 4.6 15.2
kB 0.3 0.6 1.0 0.3 0.5 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6
Q2 1.0 1.0 0.2 4.6 3.9 0.2 0.4 7.5 1.8 2.9
Q avg. 6.5 11.2 1.8 9.8 17.8 1.7 4.0 27.2 6.4 18.1
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.9 1.8 2.0 1.8 1.7 2.0 2.0 1.6 1.9 1.7
BOQ, Q% 12.5 20.5 3.7 18.2 30.7 3.6 8.0 44.4 12.4 31.1
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
2 2
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 662 180 401 776 101
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left SB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 14.0 G = 38.0 G = G = G = 10.0 G = 3.0 G = 35.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 662 180 401 776 101
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 662 180 401 776 101
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 842 401 877
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.214 0.000 — 0.115
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.968 — 0.983
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3335 3338 3386
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 842 401 877
Satflow rate 1719 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3335 3338 3386
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.12 0.32 0.82 0.12 0.32 0.82 0.08 0.29 0.14 0.35
Lane group cap. 201 1091 1256 389 1091 1256 278 973 473 1185
v/c ratio 0.80 0.78 0.15 0.43 0.71 0.22 0.64 0.87 0.85 0.74
Flow ratio 0.09 0.25 0.13 0.05 0.23 0.18 0.05 0.25 0.12 0.26
Crit. lane group Y Y N N N N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.71
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.82
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 842 401 877
Lane group cap. 201 1091 1256 389 1091 1256 278 973 473 1185
v/c ratio 0.80 0.78 0.15 0.43 0.71 0.22 0.64 0.87 0.85 0.74
Green ratio 0.12 0.32 0.82 0.12 0.32 0.82 0.08 0.29 0.14 0.35
Unif. delay d1 51.6 37.3 2.3 49.3 36.2 2.5 53.3 40.3 50.2 34.2
Delay factor k 0.34 0.33 0.11 0.11 0.27 0.11 0.22 0.39 0.38 0.30
Increm. delay d2 22.5 3.9 0.1 0.8 2.2 0.1 5.0 9.1 15.3 2.6
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 74.1 41.1 2.4 50.1 38.4 2.6 58.3 49.3 65.5 36.8
Lane group LOS E D A D D A E D E D
Apprch. delay 39.3 31.8 50.9 45.8
Approach LOS D C D D
Intersec. delay 41.6 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 160 854 193 169 776 282 178 842 401 877
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1751 1719 1778
Capacity/lane 201 1091 1256 389 1091 1256 278 973 473 1185
Flow ratio 0.09 0.25 0.13 0.05 0.22 0.18 0.05 0.25 0.12 0.26
v/c ratio 0.80 0.78 0.15 0.43 0.71 0.22 0.64 0.87 0.85 0.74
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 5.2 13.6 1.3 2.7 12.0 2.1 2.9 14.0 6.7 13.4
kB 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.6
Q2 1.2 2.0 0.2 0.2 1.4 0.3 0.4 3.2 1.8 1.7
Q avg. 6.3 15.6 1.5 2.9 13.4 2.4 3.4 17.2 8.5 15.2
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.9 1.8 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.7 1.9 1.8
BOQ, Q% 12.2 27.3 3.1 5.9 23.9 4.8 6.7 29.7 15.9 26.7
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
2 2
1 1
Grade = 0
1 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 245 102 382 353 84
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left SB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 12.0 G = 54.0 G = G = G = 10.0 G = 5.0 G = 19.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 245 102 382 353 84
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 245 102 382 353 84
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 347 382 437
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.294 0.000 — 0.192
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 1.000 1.000 0.952 1.000 1.000 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.956 — 0.971
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3445 1538 1719 3445 1538 1719 3293 3338 3346
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 347 382 437
Satflow rate 1719 3445 1538 1719 3445 1538 1719 3293 3338 3346
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.10 0.45 0.83 0.10 0.45 0.83 0.08 0.16 0.16 0.23
Lane group cap. 172 1550 1282 172 1550 1282 143 521 529 781
v/c ratio 0.67 0.62 0.04 0.61 0.69 0.27 0.31 0.67 0.72 0.56
Flow ratio 0.07 0.28 0.03 0.06 0.31 0.23 0.03 0.11 0.11 0.13
Crit. lane group Y N N N Y N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.60
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.69
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 347 382 437
Lane group cap. 172 1550 1282 172 1550 1282 143 521 529 781
v/c ratio 0.67 0.62 0.04 0.61 0.69 0.27 0.31 0.67 0.72 0.56
Green ratio 0.10 0.45 0.83 0.10 0.45 0.83 0.08 0.16 0.16 0.23
Unif. delay d1 52.1 25.2 1.7 51.8 26.2 2.2 51.8 47.5 48.0 40.6
Delay factor k 0.25 0.21 0.11 0.20 0.25 0.11 0.11 0.24 0.28 0.16
Increm. delay d2 10.5 0.8 0.0 6.4 1.3 0.1 1.3 3.3 5.0 0.9
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 62.6 26.0 1.7 58.1 27.5 2.3 53.0 50.8 53.0 41.5
Lane group LOS E C A E C A D D D D
Apprch. delay 28.7 23.8 51.1 46.8
Approach LOS C C D D
Intersec. delay 32.9 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 116 966 51 105 1062 348 45 347 382 437
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1729 1719 1757
Capacity/lane 172 1550 1282 172 1550 1282 143 521 529 781
Flow ratio 0.07 0.28 0.03 0.06 0.31 0.23 0.03 0.11 0.11 0.13
v/c ratio 0.67 0.62 0.04 0.61 0.69 0.27 0.31 0.67 0.72 0.56
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 3.7 12.9 0.3 3.4 14.8 2.5 1.4 5.7 6.2 6.7
kB 0.3 0.7 1.0 0.3 0.7 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5
Q2 0.6 1.2 0.0 0.4 1.6 0.4 0.1 0.7 0.9 0.6
Q avg. 4.3 14.1 0.3 3.8 16.3 2.9 1.5 6.5 7.2 7.3
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.8 2.1 2.0 1.7 2.0 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.9
BOQ, Q% 8.5 25.0 0.7 7.5 28.4 5.7 3.1 12.4 13.6 13.9
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Farrell Drive @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
2 2
1 1
Grade = 0
1 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 352 97 415 372 55
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left SB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 11.0 G = 54.0 G = G = G = 11.0 G = 4.0 G = 20.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 352 97 415 372 55
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 352 97 415 372 55
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 449 415 427
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.216 0.000 — 0.129
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 1.000 1.000 0.952 1.000 1.000 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.968 — 0.981
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3445 1538 1719 3445 1538 1719 3334 3338 3379
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 449 415 427
Satflow rate 1719 3445 1538 1719 3445 1538 1719 3334 3338 3379
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.09 0.45 0.84 0.09 0.45 0.84 0.09 0.17 0.16 0.23
Lane group cap. 158 1550 1294 158 1550 1294 158 556 529 788
v/c ratio 0.51 0.80 0.04 0.77 0.80 0.31 0.37 0.81 0.78 0.54
Flow ratio 0.05 0.36 0.03 0.07 0.36 0.26 0.03 0.13 0.12 0.13
Crit. lane group N Y N Y N N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.69
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.80
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 449 415 427
Lane group cap. 158 1550 1294 158 1550 1294 158 556 529 788
v/c ratio 0.51 0.80 0.04 0.77 0.80 0.31 0.37 0.81 0.78 0.54
Green ratio 0.09 0.45 0.84 0.09 0.45 0.84 0.09 0.17 0.16 0.23
Unif. delay d1 51.9 28.4 1.6 53.2 28.3 2.0 51.3 48.1 48.5 40.4
Delay factor k 0.12 0.35 0.11 0.32 0.34 0.11 0.11 0.35 0.33 0.14
Increm. delay d2 2.9 3.3 0.0 22.5 3.1 0.1 1.5 9.3 8.1 0.8
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 54.8 31.7 1.6 75.7 31.4 2.2 52.8 57.4 56.6 41.1
Lane group LOS D C A E C A D E E D
Apprch. delay 32.1 27.8 56.9 48.8
Approach LOS C C E D
Intersec. delay 36.3 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 81 1246 46 121 1237 402 59 449 415 427
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1751 1719 1774
Capacity/lane 158 1550 1294 158 1550 1294 158 556 529 788
Flow ratio 0.05 0.36 0.03 0.07 0.36 0.26 0.03 0.13 0.12 0.13
v/c ratio 0.51 0.80 0.04 0.77 0.80 0.31 0.37 0.81 0.78 0.54
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 2.6 18.8 0.3 3.9 18.6 2.9 1.8 7.5 6.8 6.6
kB 0.3 0.7 1.0 0.3 0.7 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5
Q2 0.3 2.9 0.0 0.8 2.8 0.4 0.2 1.5 1.3 0.6
Q avg. 2.9 21.6 0.3 4.8 21.3 3.3 2.0 9.1 8.1 7.1
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.7 2.1 2.0 1.7 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9
BOQ, Q% 5.7 36.4 0.6 9.4 35.9 6.6 4.1 16.9 15.3 13.6
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/10/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon
Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 1 3 2
Grade = 0
2 1
3 3
1 2
Grade = 0
2 3 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left NB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 6.0 G = 5.0 G = 48.0 G = G = 11.0 G = 5.0 G = 21.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
Satflow rate 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.13 0.47 0.88 0.05 0.40 0.81 0.17 0.25 0.84 0.09 0.17 0.77
Lane group cap. 417 2341 1359 167 1972 1243 556 1232 1294 306 863 1179
v/c ratio 0.84 0.98 0.37 0.99 0.81 0.15 0.92 0.46 0.09 0.88 0.72 0.32
Flow ratio 0.10 0.47 0.33 0.05 0.32 0.12 0.15 0.12 0.08 0.08 0.13 0.24
Crit. lane group N Y N Y N N Y N N N Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.79
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.92
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
Lane group cap. 417 2341 1359 167 1972 1243 556 1232 1294 306 863 1179
v/c ratio 0.84 0.98 0.37 0.99 0.81 0.15 0.92 0.46 0.09 0.88 0.72 0.32
Green ratio 0.13 0.47 0.88 0.05 0.40 0.81 0.17 0.25 0.84 0.09 0.17 0.77
Unif. delay d1 51.3 30.9 1.2 57.0 31.9 2.5 49.2 38.2 1.6 53.9 46.7 4.3
Delay factor k 0.37 0.48 0.11 0.50 0.35 0.11 0.44 0.11 0.11 0.41 0.28 0.11
Increm. delay d2 16.0 22.7 0.2 132.9 2.6 0.1 27.7 0.3 0.0 31.4 3.0 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 67.3 53.6 1.4 189.9 34.5 2.6 76.9 38.4 1.7 85.2 49.7 4.5
Lane group LOS E D A F C A E D A F D A
Apprch. delay 46.7 44.7 51.3 43.8
Approach LOS D D D D
Intersec. delay 46.5 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 350 2295 509 166 1591 186 512 570 116 270 620 376
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538
Capacity/lane 417 2341 1359 167 1972 1243 556 1232 1294 306 863 1179
Flow ratio 0.10 0.47 0.33 0.05 0.32 0.12 0.15 0.12 0.08 0.08 0.13 0.24
v/c ratio 0.84 0.98 0.37 0.99 0.81 0.15 0.92 0.46 0.09 0.88 0.72 0.32
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 5.9 27.6 3.0 2.8 17.3 1.4 8.6 5.9 0.7 4.6 7.1 3.9
kB 0.3 0.7 1.0 0.2 0.7 0.9 0.4 0.5 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.9
Q2 1.6 14.0 0.6 2.8 2.7 0.2 3.4 0.4 0.1 1.7 1.0 0.4
Q avg. 7.4 41.6 3.5 5.7 20.0 1.5 12.0 6.3 0.8 6.3 8.2 4.3
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.9 1.6 2.0 1.9 1.7 2.1 1.8 1.9 2.1 1.9 1.9 2.0
BOQ, Q% 14.1 64.8 7.1 11.0 33.9 3.1 21.8 12.2 1.6 12.2 15.4 8.5
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/14/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Gene Autry Trail @ Ramon
Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 1 3 2
Grade = 0
2 1
3 3
1 2
Grade = 0
2 3 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left NB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 6.0 G = 10.0 G = 44.0 G = G = 10.0 G = 5.0 G = 21.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
Lane Group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000 0.971 0.908 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
Satflow rate 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538 3338 4929 1538
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.17 0.48 0.88 0.05 0.37 0.77 0.16 0.25 0.85 0.08 0.17 0.77
Lane group cap. 556 2382 1359 167 1807 1179 529 1232 1307 278 863 1192
v/c ratio 0.69 0.97 0.39 0.92 0.85 0.14 0.89 0.65 0.08 0.99 0.67 0.33
Flow ratio 0.11 0.47 0.35 0.05 0.31 0.10 0.14 0.16 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.26
Crit. lane group N Y N Y N N Y N N N Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.78
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.89
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Adj. flow rate 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
Lane group cap. 556 2382 1359 167 1807 1179 529 1232 1307 278 863 1192
v/c ratio 0.69 0.97 0.39 0.92 0.85 0.14 0.89 0.65 0.08 0.99 0.67 0.33
Green ratio 0.17 0.48 0.88 0.05 0.37 0.77 0.16 0.25 0.85 0.08 0.17 0.77
Unif. delay d1 47.0 30.2 1.2 56.8 35.0 3.6 49.5 40.3 1.5 54.9 46.3 4.1
Delay factor k 0.25 0.48 0.11 0.44 0.39 0.11 0.42 0.23 0.11 0.49 0.25 0.11
Increm. delay d2 3.6 18.2 0.2 73.6 4.4 0.1 21.6 1.2 0.0 97.2 2.1 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 50.6 48.3 1.4 130.3 39.4 3.7 71.1 41.5 1.5 152.1 48.4 4.2
Lane group LOS D D A F D A E D A F D A
Apprch. delay 40.9 43.9 48.4 57.3
Approach LOS D D D E
Intersec. delay 45.6 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L T R L T R
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 381 2314 532 154 1541 160 473 801 111 275 582 394
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538
Capacity/lane 556 2382 1359 167 1807 1179 529 1232 1307 278 863 1192
Flow ratio 0.11 0.47 0.35 0.05 0.31 0.10 0.14 0.16 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.26
v/c ratio 0.69 0.97 0.39 0.92 0.85 0.14 0.89 0.65 0.08 0.99 0.67 0.33
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 6.1 27.6 3.2 2.6 17.3 1.4 7.9 8.8 0.6 4.7 6.6 4.0
kB 0.4 0.8 1.0 0.2 0.6 0.9 0.4 0.5 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.9
Q2 0.8 12.7 0.6 1.6 3.5 0.1 2.7 0.9 0.1 3.8 0.8 0.4
Q avg. 7.0 40.3 3.8 4.2 20.8 1.5 10.6 9.7 0.7 8.5 7.5 4.4
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.9 1.6 2.0 2.0 1.7 2.1 1.8 1.8 2.1 1.9 1.9 2.0
BOQ, Q% 13.3 63.0 7.5 8.4 35.1 3.1 19.4 18.0 1.4 15.9 14.2 8.7
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/2006
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Crossley Road @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 1 1
Grade = 0
1 0
3 3
0 1
Grade = 0
2 1 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 29 1977 215 147 1767 27 120 20 233 37 30 30
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left WB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 8.0 G = 2.0 G = 64.0 G = G = 6.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 29 1977 215 147 1767 27 120 20 233 37 30 30
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 29 1977 215 147 1767 27 120 20 233 37 30 30
Lane Group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 29 2192 147 1794 120 20 233 37 60
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.098 0.000 — 0.015 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.500
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 1 1 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 1.000 0.908 0.971 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.985 — 0.998 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.925
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4857 1719 4918 3338 1810 1538 1719 1674
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 29 2192 147 1794 120 20 233 37 60
Satflow rate 1719 4857 1719 4918 3338 1810 1538 1719 1674
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.07 0.53 0.12 0.58 0.05 0.17 0.88 0.05 0.17
Lane group cap. 115 2590 201 2869 167 302 1359 86 279
v/c ratio 0.25 0.85 0.73 0.63 0.72 0.07 0.17 0.43 0.22
Flow ratio 0.02 0.45 0.09 0.36 0.04 0.01 0.15 0.02 0.04
Crit. lane group N Y Y N Y N N N Y
Sum flow ratios 0.61
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.70
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 29 2192 147 1794 120 20 233 37 60
Lane group cap. 115 2590 201 2869 167 302 1359 86 279
v/c ratio 0.25 0.85 0.73 0.63 0.72 0.07 0.17 0.43 0.22
Green ratio 0.07 0.53 0.12 0.58 0.05 0.17 0.88 0.05 0.17
Unif. delay d1 53.2 23.8 51.2 16.4 56.2 42.1 1.0 55.3 43.2
Delay factor k 0.11 0.38 0.29 0.21 0.28 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11
Increm. delay d2 1.2 2.9 13.8 0.4 15.0 0.1 0.1 3.5 0.4
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 54.3 26.7 65.0 16.8 71.2 42.2 1.0 58.8 43.6
Lane group LOS D C E B E D A E D
Apprch. delay 27.1 20.5 25.8 49.4
Approach LOS C C C D
Intersec. delay 24.7 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 29 2192 147 1794 120 20 233 37 60
Satflow per lane 1719 1783 1719 1805 1719 1810 1538 1719 1674
Capacity/lane 115 2590 201 2869 167 302 1359 86 279
Flow ratio 0.02 0.45 0.09 0.36 0.04 0.01 0.15 0.02 0.04
v/c ratio 0.25 0.85 0.73 0.63 0.72 0.07 0.17 0.43 0.22
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 0.9 22.8 4.7 14.4 2.0 0.6 1.1 1.2 1.7
kB 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.2 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.4
Q2 0.1 4.1 0.8 1.4 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1
Q avg. 1.0 26.9 5.6 15.8 2.5 0.6 1.3 1.3 1.8
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.6 1.9 1.7 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.0
BOQ, Q% 2.1 44.0 10.8 27.6 5.0 1.2 2.6 2.8 3.7
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Crossley Road @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 1 1
Grade = 0
1 0
3 3
0 1
Grade = 0
2 1 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 25 2330 253 170 1903 33 223 11 390 46 28 30
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left WB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 5.0 G = 2.0 G = 65.0 G = G = 8.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 25 2330 253 170 1903 33 223 11 390 46 28 30
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 25 2330 253 170 1903 33 223 11 390 46 28 30
Lane Group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.098 0.000 — 0.017 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.517
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 1 1 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 1.000 0.908 0.971 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.985 — 0.997 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.922
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4857 1719 4917 3338 1810 1538 1719 1669
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Satflow rate 1719 4857 1719 4917 3338 1810 1538 1719 1669
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.04 0.54 0.09 0.59 0.07 0.17 0.87 0.07 0.17
Lane group cap. 72 2631 158 2909 223 302 1333 115 278
v/c ratio 0.35 0.98 1.08 0.67 1.00 0.04 0.29 0.40 0.21
Flow ratio 0.01 0.53 0.10 0.39 0.07 0.01 0.25 0.03 0.03
Crit. lane group N Y Y N Y N N N Y
Sum flow ratios 0.73
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.84
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Lane group cap. 72 2631 158 2909 223 302 1333 115 278
v/c ratio 0.35 0.98 1.08 0.67 1.00 0.04 0.29 0.40 0.21
Green ratio 0.04 0.54 0.09 0.59 0.07 0.17 0.87 0.07 0.17
Unif. delay d1 55.9 26.9 54.5 16.5 56.0 41.9 1.4 53.7 43.2
Delay factor k 0.11 0.49 0.50 0.24 0.50 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11
Increm. delay d2 2.9 21.6 231.9 0.6 120.5 0.0 0.1 2.3 0.4
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 58.8 48.5 286.4 17.1 176.5 42.0 1.6 56.0 43.5
Lane group LOS E D F B F D A E D
Apprch. delay 48.6 38.8 64.8 49.0
Approach LOS D D E D
Intersec. delay 46.7 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Satflow per lane 1719 1783 1719 1805 1719 1810 1538 1719 1669
Capacity/lane 72 2631 158 2909 223 302 1333 115 278
Flow ratio 0.01 0.53 0.10 0.39 0.07 0.01 0.25 0.03 0.03
v/c ratio 0.35 0.98 1.08 0.67 1.00 0.04 0.29 0.40 0.21
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 0.8 31.0 5.7 15.9 3.8 0.3 2.3 1.5 1.7
kB 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.9 0.2 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.4
Q2 0.1 15.7 8.7 1.7 3.6 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.1
Q avg. 0.9 46.7 14.3 17.6 7.4 0.3 2.7 1.6 1.8
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.5 1.8 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.0
BOQ, Q% 1.9 72.1 25.4 30.4 14.0 0.7 5.5 3.3 3.6
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
2 1
2 2
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 409 341 614 422 130
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left SB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 13.0 G = 38.0 G = G = G = 11.0 G = 8.0 G = 30.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 409 341 614 422 130
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 409 341 614 422 130
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.455 0.000 — 0.236
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.932 — 0.965
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3210 3338 3324
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Satflow rate 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3210 3338 3324
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.09 0.25 0.19 0.35
Lane group cap. 362 1091 1269 362 1091 1269 306 803 640 1163
v/c ratio 0.25 0.87 0.14 0.92 0.86 0.44 0.53 0.93 0.96 0.47
Flow ratio 0.03 0.27 0.11 0.10 0.27 0.37 0.05 0.23 0.18 0.17
Crit. lane group N Y N Y N N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.79
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.91
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Lane group cap. 362 1091 1269 362 1091 1269 306 803 640 1163
v/c ratio 0.25 0.87 0.14 0.92 0.86 0.44 0.53 0.93 0.96 0.47
Green ratio 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.09 0.25 0.19 0.35
Unif. delay d1 49.1 38.6 2.1 53.0 38.5 2.9 52.0 44.0 48.0 30.4
Delay factor k 0.11 0.40 0.11 0.44 0.39 0.11 0.14 0.45 0.47 0.11
Increm. delay d2 0.4 8.3 0.0 39.3 7.8 0.2 1.8 23.7 40.2 0.3
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 49.4 47.0 2.1 92.3 46.3 3.1 53.9 67.8 88.2 30.7
Lane group LOS D D A F D A D E F C
Apprch. delay 40.7 41.4 65.3 61.0
Approach LOS D D E E
Intersec. delay 50.0 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1685 1719 1745
Capacity/lane 362 1091 1269 362 1091 1269 306 803 640 1163
Flow ratio 0.03 0.27 0.11 0.10 0.27 0.37 0.05 0.23 0.18 0.17
v/c ratio 0.25 0.87 0.14 0.92 0.86 0.44 0.53 0.93 0.96 0.47
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 1.4 15.6 1.1 5.6 15.4 5.2 2.6 12.8 10.4 7.5
kB 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.6
Q2 0.1 3.5 0.1 2.5 3.3 0.8 0.3 5.0 5.5 0.5
Q avg. 1.5 19.1 1.3 8.2 18.8 5.9 2.9 17.9 16.0 8.1
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.7 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.9 2.0 1.7 1.7 1.9
BOQ, Q% 3.2 32.6 2.6 15.4 32.1 11.4 5.9 30.8 27.9 15.2
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/2006
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Crossley Road @ Ramon Road
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 1 1
Grade = 0
1 0
3 3
0 1
Grade = 0
2 1 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 25 2330 253 170 1903 33 223 11 390 46 28 30
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left WB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 5.0 G = 2.0 G = 65.0 G = G = 8.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 25 2330 253 170 1903 33 223 11 390 46 28 30
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 25 2330 253 170 1903 33 223 11 390 46 28 30
Lane Group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.098 0.000 — 0.017 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.517
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 1 1 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 1.000 0.908 0.971 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.985 — 0.997 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.922
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4857 1719 4917 3338 1810 1538 1719 1669
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Satflow rate 1719 4857 1719 4917 3338 1810 1538 1719 1669
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.04 0.54 0.09 0.59 0.07 0.17 0.87 0.07 0.17
Lane group cap. 72 2631 158 2909 223 302 1333 115 278
v/c ratio 0.35 0.98 1.08 0.67 1.00 0.04 0.29 0.40 0.21
Flow ratio 0.01 0.53 0.10 0.39 0.07 0.01 0.25 0.03 0.03
Crit. lane group N Y Y N Y N N N Y
Sum flow ratios 0.73
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.84
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Lane group cap. 72 2631 158 2909 223 302 1333 115 278
v/c ratio 0.35 0.98 1.08 0.67 1.00 0.04 0.29 0.40 0.21
Green ratio 0.04 0.54 0.09 0.59 0.07 0.17 0.87 0.07 0.17
Unif. delay d1 55.9 26.9 54.5 16.5 56.0 41.9 1.4 53.7 43.2
Delay factor k 0.11 0.49 0.50 0.24 0.50 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11
Increm. delay d2 2.9 21.6 231.9 0.6 120.5 0.0 0.1 2.3 0.4
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 58.8 48.5 286.4 17.1 176.5 42.0 1.6 56.0 43.5
Lane group LOS E D F B F D A E D
Apprch. delay 48.6 38.8 64.8 49.0
Approach LOS D D E D
Intersec. delay 46.7 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L TR L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 25 2583 170 1936 223 11 390 46 58
Satflow per lane 1719 1783 1719 1805 1719 1810 1538 1719 1669
Capacity/lane 72 2631 158 2909 223 302 1333 115 278
Flow ratio 0.01 0.53 0.10 0.39 0.07 0.01 0.25 0.03 0.03
v/c ratio 0.35 0.98 1.08 0.67 1.00 0.04 0.29 0.40 0.21
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 0.8 31.0 5.7 15.9 3.8 0.3 2.3 1.5 1.7
kB 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.9 0.2 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.4
Q2 0.1 15.7 8.7 1.7 3.6 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.1
Q avg. 0.9 46.7 14.3 17.6 7.4 0.3 2.7 1.6 1.8
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.5 1.8 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.0
BOQ, Q% 1.9 72.1 25.4 30.4 14.0 0.7 5.5 3.3 3.6
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
2 1
2 2
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 409 341 614 422 130
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left SB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 13.0 G = 38.0 G = G = G = 11.0 G = 8.0 G = 30.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 409 341 614 422 130
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 409 341 614 422 130
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.455 0.000 — 0.236
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.932 — 0.965
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3210 3338 3324
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Satflow rate 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3210 3338 3324
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.09 0.25 0.19 0.35
Lane group cap. 362 1091 1269 362 1091 1269 306 803 640 1163
v/c ratio 0.25 0.87 0.14 0.92 0.86 0.44 0.53 0.93 0.96 0.47
Flow ratio 0.03 0.27 0.11 0.10 0.27 0.37 0.05 0.23 0.18 0.17
Crit. lane group N Y N Y N N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.79
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.91
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Lane group cap. 362 1091 1269 362 1091 1269 306 803 640 1163
v/c ratio 0.25 0.87 0.14 0.92 0.86 0.44 0.53 0.93 0.96 0.47
Green ratio 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.11 0.32 0.82 0.09 0.25 0.19 0.35
Unif. delay d1 49.1 38.6 2.1 53.0 38.5 2.9 52.0 44.0 48.0 30.4
Delay factor k 0.11 0.40 0.11 0.44 0.39 0.11 0.14 0.45 0.47 0.11
Increm. delay d2 0.4 8.3 0.0 39.3 7.8 0.2 1.8 23.7 40.2 0.3
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 49.4 47.0 2.1 92.3 46.3 3.1 53.9 67.8 88.2 30.7
Lane group LOS D D A F D A D E F C
Apprch. delay 40.7 41.4 65.3 61.0
Approach LOS D D E E
Intersec. delay 50.0 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 92 947 173 333 940 562 163 750 614 552
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1685 1719 1745
Capacity/lane 362 1091 1269 362 1091 1269 306 803 640 1163
Flow ratio 0.03 0.27 0.11 0.10 0.27 0.37 0.05 0.23 0.18 0.17
v/c ratio 0.25 0.87 0.14 0.92 0.86 0.44 0.53 0.93 0.96 0.47
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 1.4 15.6 1.1 5.6 15.4 5.2 2.6 12.8 10.4 7.5
kB 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.6
Q2 0.1 3.5 0.1 2.5 3.3 0.8 0.3 5.0 5.5 0.5
Q avg. 1.5 19.1 1.3 8.2 18.8 5.9 2.9 17.9 16.0 8.1
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.7 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.9 2.0 1.7 1.7 1.9
BOQ, Q% 3.2 32.6 2.6 15.4 32.1 11.4 5.9 30.8 27.9 15.2
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Sunrise Way @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
2 1
2 2
1 2
Grade = 0
2 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 364 258 568 322 121
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left SB Only Thru & RT 08
Timing
G = 12.0 G = 39.0 G = G = G = 11.0 G = 10.0 G = 28.0 G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 364 258 568 322 121
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 364 258 568 322 121
Lane Group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 622 568 443
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.415 0.000 — 0.273
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 1.000 0.971 0.952 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.938 — 0.959
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3231 3338 3304
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 622 568 443
Satflow rate 3338 3445 1538 3338 3445 1538 3338 3231 3338 3304
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.10 0.32 0.83 0.10 0.32 0.83 0.09 0.23 0.21 0.35
Lane group cap. 334 1120 1282 334 1120 1282 306 754 695 1156
v/c ratio 0.14 0.76 0.10 0.75 0.77 0.37 0.44 0.82 0.82 0.38
Flow ratio 0.01 0.25 0.09 0.08 0.25 0.31 0.04 0.19 0.17 0.13
Crit. lane group N N N Y Y N N Y Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.69
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.79
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 622 568 443
Lane group cap. 334 1120 1282 334 1120 1282 306 754 695 1156
v/c ratio 0.14 0.76 0.10 0.75 0.77 0.37 0.44 0.82 0.82 0.38
Green ratio 0.10 0.32 0.83 0.10 0.32 0.83 0.09 0.23 0.21 0.35
Unif. delay d1 49.3 36.3 1.8 52.6 36.5 2.4 51.6 43.7 45.3 29.3
Delay factor k 0.11 0.31 0.11 0.31 0.32 0.11 0.11 0.36 0.36 0.11
Increm. delay d2 0.2 3.2 0.0 10.0 3.4 0.2 1.0 8.0 8.1 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 49.5 39.5 1.9 62.6 39.9 2.6 52.6 51.6 53.4 29.5
Lane group LOS D D A E D A D D D C
Apprch. delay 35.1 32.3 51.8 42.9
Approach LOS D C D D
Intersec. delay 38.7 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T R L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 47 851 133 252 862 479 135 622 568 443
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1538 1719 1809 1538 1719 1696 1719 1735
Capacity/lane 334 1120 1282 334 1120 1282 306 754 695 1156
Flow ratio 0.01 0.25 0.09 0.08 0.25 0.31 0.04 0.19 0.17 0.13
v/c ratio 0.14 0.76 0.10 0.75 0.77 0.37 0.44 0.82 0.82 0.38
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 0.7 13.3 0.8 4.2 13.6 3.9 2.2 10.3 9.3 5.8
kB 0.3 0.6 1.0 0.3 0.6 1.0 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.6
Q2 0.0 1.8 0.1 0.8 1.9 0.6 0.2 2.1 1.9 0.4
Q avg. 0.8 15.1 0.9 5.0 15.5 4.4 2.4 12.4 11.2 6.2
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.8 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.9
BOQ, Q% 1.6 26.6 1.9 9.8 27.2 8.7 4.8 22.3 20.4 11.9
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Farrell Drive @ E Palm Canyon
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 1
Grade = 0
1 1
2 2
0 1
Grade = 0
1 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 64 1185 17 19 1245 162 32 34 24 170 23 78
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 6.0 G = 63.0 G = G = G = 15.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 64 1185 17 19 1245 162 32 34 24 170 23 78
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 64 1185 17 19 1245 162 32 34 24 170 23 78
Lane Group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 64 1202 19 1245 162 32 58 170 101
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.014 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.414 0.000 — 0.772
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 1 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.952 1.000 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.998 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.938 — 0.884
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3438 1719 3445 1538 1719 3231 1719 3046
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 64 1202 19 1245 162 32 58 170 101
Satflow rate 1719 3438 1719 3445 1538 1719 3231 1719 3046
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.05 0.52 0.05 0.52 0.88 0.13 0.17 0.13 0.17
Lane group cap. 86 1805 86 1809 1359 215 539 215 508
v/c ratio 0.74 0.67 0.22 0.69 0.12 0.15 0.11 0.79 0.20
Flow ratio 0.04 0.35 0.01 0.36 0.11 0.02 0.02 0.10 0.03
Crit. lane group Y N N Y N N N Y Y
Sum flow ratios 0.53
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.61
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 64 1202 19 1245 162 32 58 170 101
Lane group cap. 86 1805 86 1809 1359 215 539 215 508
v/c ratio 0.74 0.67 0.22 0.69 0.12 0.15 0.11 0.79 0.20
Green ratio 0.05 0.52 0.05 0.52 0.88 0.13 0.17 0.13 0.17
Unif. delay d1 56.2 20.8 54.8 21.2 0.9 46.8 42.4 51.0 43.1
Delay factor k 0.30 0.24 0.11 0.26 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.34 0.11
Increm. delay d2 34.1 1.0 1.3 1.1 0.0 0.3 0.1 20.2 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 90.3 21.8 56.1 22.3 1.0 47.1 42.5 71.2 43.3
Lane group LOS F C E C A D D E D
Apprch. delay 25.2 20.3 44.2 60.8
Approach LOS C C D E
Intersec. delay 26.7 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 64 1202 19 1245 162 32 58 170 101
Satflow per lane 1719 1805 1719 1809 1538 1719 1696 1719 1599
Capacity/lane 86 1805 86 1809 1359 215 539 215 508
Flow ratio 0.04 0.35 0.01 0.36 0.11 0.02 0.02 0.10 0.03
v/c ratio 0.74 0.67 0.22 0.69 0.12 0.15 0.11 0.79 0.20
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 2.1 15.4 0.6 16.2 0.7 1.0 0.8 5.5 1.5
kB 0.2 0.8 0.2 0.8 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4
Q2 0.5 1.6 0.1 1.7 0.1 0.1 0.0 1.2 0.1
Q avg. 2.6 16.9 0.7 17.9 0.8 1.0 0.9 6.7 1.6
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.7 2.1 1.7 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.9 2.0
BOQ, Q% 5.3 29.3 1.4 30.8 1.7 2.1 1.9 12.8 3.3
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Farrell Drive @ E Palm Canyon
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 1
Grade = 0
1 1
2 2
0 1
Grade = 0
1 2 0
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 41 1310 26 5 1312 219 17 14 23 197 23 64
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left Thru & RT 03 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 5.0 G = 62.0 G = G = G = 17.0 G = 20.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 41 1310 26 5 1312 219 17 14 23 197 23 64
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 41 1310 26 5 1312 219 17 14 23 197 23 64
Lane Group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 41 1336 5 1312 219 17 37 197 87
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.019 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.622 0.000 — 0.736
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 1 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.952 1.000 1.000 0.952 1.000 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.997 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.907 — 0.890
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3435 1719 3445 1538 1719 3124 1719 3065
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 41 1336 5 1312 219 17 37 197 87
Satflow rate 1719 3435 1719 3445 1538 1719 3124 1719 3065
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.04 0.52 0.04 0.52 0.89 0.14 0.17 0.14 0.17
Lane group cap. 72 1775 72 1780 1371 244 521 244 511
v/c ratio 0.57 0.75 0.07 0.74 0.16 0.07 0.07 0.81 0.17
Flow ratio 0.02 0.39 0.00 0.38 0.14 0.01 0.01 0.11 0.03
Crit. lane group Y Y N N N N N Y Y
Sum flow ratios 0.56
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.64
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Adj. flow rate 41 1336 5 1312 219 17 37 197 87
Lane group cap. 72 1775 72 1780 1371 244 521 244 511
v/c ratio 0.57 0.75 0.07 0.74 0.16 0.07 0.07 0.81 0.17
Green ratio 0.04 0.52 0.04 0.52 0.89 0.14 0.17 0.14 0.17
Unif. delay d1 56.4 22.9 55.3 22.6 0.8 44.6 42.2 49.9 42.9
Delay factor k 0.16 0.31 0.11 0.29 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.35 0.11
Increm. delay d2 10.7 1.9 0.4 1.7 0.1 0.1 0.1 20.4 0.2
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 67.2 24.8 55.7 24.3 0.9 44.8 42.2 70.3 43.0
Lane group LOS E C E C A D D E D
Apprch. delay 26.1 21.1 43.0 62.0
Approach LOS C C D E
Intersec. delay 27.1 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L T R L TR L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 41 1336 5 1312 219 17 37 197 87
Satflow per lane 1719 1804 1719 1809 1538 1719 1640 1719 1609
Capacity/lane 72 1775 72 1780 1371 244 521 244 511
Flow ratio 0.02 0.39 0.00 0.38 0.14 0.01 0.01 0.11 0.03
v/c ratio 0.57 0.75 0.07 0.74 0.16 0.07 0.07 0.81 0.17
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 1.3 18.5 0.2 17.9 0.9 0.5 0.5 6.4 1.3
kB 0.2 0.8 0.2 0.8 1.0 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
Q2 0.2 2.3 0.0 2.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.4 0.1
Q avg. 1.6 20.8 0.2 20.1 1.1 0.5 0.6 7.8 1.4
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.1 1.7 2.1 1.7 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.9 2.1
BOQ, Q% 3.2 35.1 0.4 34.1 2.3 1.1 1.2 14.7 2.8
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Gene Autry Trail @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
3 3
0 1
Grade = 0
1 1 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 193 1361 97 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 135 198
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 9.0 G = 5.0 G = 48.0 G = G = 15.0 G = 23.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 193 1361 97 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 135 198
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 193 1361 97 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 135 198
Lane Group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 193 1458 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 333
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.067 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.595
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 1.000 0.908 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.990 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.911
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4880 1719 4929 1538 1719 1810 1538 3338 3138
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 193 1458 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 333
Satflow rate 1719 4880 1719 4929 1538 1719 1810 1538 3338 3138
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.15 0.47 0.08 0.40 0.78 0.13 0.19 0.81 0.13 0.19
Lane group cap. 258 2318 129 1972 1205 215 347 1243 417 601
v/c ratio 0.75 0.63 0.61 0.65 0.24 0.61 0.49 0.04 0.81 0.55
Flow ratio 0.11 0.30 0.05 0.26 0.19 0.08 0.09 0.04 0.10 0.11
Crit. lane group Y N N Y N N N N Y Y
Sum flow ratios 0.58
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.67
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 193 1458 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 333
Lane group cap. 258 2318 129 1972 1205 215 347 1243 417 601
v/c ratio 0.75 0.63 0.61 0.65 0.24 0.61 0.49 0.04 0.81 0.55
Green ratio 0.15 0.47 0.08 0.40 0.78 0.13 0.19 0.81 0.13 0.19
Unif. delay d1 48.8 23.6 53.8 29.2 3.5 49.8 43.2 2.3 51.1 43.9
Delay factor k 0.30 0.21 0.20 0.23 0.11 0.20 0.11 0.11 0.35 0.15
Increm. delay d2 12.2 0.6 8.6 0.8 0.1 5.3 1.1 0.0 12.8 1.1
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 61.1 24.1 62.4 30.0 3.6 55.0 44.3 2.3 63.9 45.0
Lane group LOS E C E C A E D A E D
Apprch. delay 28.5 27.0 41.9 54.5
Approach LOS C C D D
Intersec. delay 33.0 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 193 1458 79 1289 289 132 169 54 339 333
Satflow per lane 1719 1791 1719 1809 1538 1719 1810 1538 1719 1648
Capacity/lane 258 2318 129 1972 1205 215 347 1243 417 601
Flow ratio 0.11 0.30 0.05 0.26 0.19 0.08 0.09 0.04 0.10 0.11
v/c ratio 0.75 0.63 0.61 0.65 0.24 0.61 0.49 0.04 0.81 0.55
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 6.2 13.4 2.6 12.8 2.6 4.2 5.0 0.4 5.6 5.2
kB 0.4 0.7 0.2 0.7 0.9 0.3 0.4 0.9 0.3 0.4
Q2 1.0 1.3 0.4 1.3 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.0 1.3 0.5
Q avg. 7.2 14.6 2.9 14.1 2.9 4.7 5.4 0.4 7.0 5.7
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.9 1.8 2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.1 1.9 1.9
BOQ, Q% 13.7 25.8 5.9 25.0 5.8 9.2 10.6 0.8 13.3 11.1
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Gene Autry Trail @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 2 2
Grade = 0
1 1
3 3
0 1
Grade = 0
1 1 1
Grade = 0
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 223 1371 94 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 174 159
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Excl. Left EB Only Thru & RT 04 Excl. Left Thru & RT 07 08
Timing
G = 11.0 G = 2.0 G = 45.0 G = G = 19.0 G = 23.0 G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 223 1371 94 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 174 159
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 223 1371 94 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 174 159
Lane Group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 223 1465 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 333
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.064 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.477
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 3 0 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.908 1.000 0.908 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 0.971 0.952
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 0.990 — 1.000 0.850 — 1.000 0.850 — 0.928
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 1.000 — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 4882 1719 4929 1538 1719 1810 1538 3338 3199
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 223 1465 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 333
Satflow rate 1719 4882 1719 4929 1538 1719 1810 1538 3338 3199
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.14 0.43 0.09 0.38 0.79 0.16 0.19 0.77 0.16 0.19
Lane group cap. 244 2075 158 1848 1218 272 347 1192 529 613
v/c ratio 0.91 0.71 0.37 0.88 0.35 0.42 0.56 0.06 0.88 0.54
Flow ratio 0.13 0.30 0.03 0.33 0.28 0.07 0.11 0.04 0.14 0.10
Crit. lane group Y N N Y N N Y N Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.71
Lost time/cycle 16.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.81
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Adj. flow rate 223 1465 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 333
Lane group cap. 244 2075 158 1848 1218 272 347 1192 529 613
v/c ratio 0.91 0.71 0.37 0.88 0.35 0.42 0.56 0.06 0.88 0.54
Green ratio 0.14 0.43 0.09 0.38 0.79 0.16 0.19 0.77 0.16 0.19
Unif. delay d1 50.8 28.3 51.3 34.9 3.6 45.5 43.9 3.2 49.3 43.8
Delay factor k 0.43 0.27 0.11 0.40 0.11 0.11 0.16 0.11 0.40 0.14
Increm. delay d2 51.0 1.1 1.5 5.5 0.2 1.0 2.1 0.0 17.8 1.0
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 101.8 29.5 52.8 40.5 3.8 46.5 46.0 3.2 67.2 44.8
Lane group LOS F C D D A D D A E D
Apprch. delay 39.0 33.4 38.3 57.8
Approach LOS D C D E
Intersec. delay 39.6 Intersection LOS D
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L TR L T R L T R L TR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 223 1465 59 1622 427 113 195 69 463 333
Satflow per lane 1719 1792 1719 1809 1538 1719 1810 1538 1719 1680
Capacity/lane 244 2075 158 1848 1218 272 347 1192 529 613
Flow ratio 0.13 0.30 0.03 0.33 0.28 0.07 0.11 0.04 0.14 0.10
v/c ratio 0.91 0.71 0.37 0.88 0.35 0.42 0.56 0.06 0.88 0.54
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 7.3 14.7 1.8 18.5 4.1 3.4 5.9 0.5 7.8 5.2
kB 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.4 0.4 0.9 0.4 0.4
Q2 2.9 1.6 0.2 4.2 0.5 0.3 0.6 0.1 2.3 0.5
Q avg. 10.2 16.3 2.0 22.7 4.6 3.7 6.4 0.6 10.1 5.7
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 1.8 1.7 2.0 1.7 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.1 1.8 1.9
BOQ, Q% 18.9 28.5 4.1 37.9 9.0 7.3 12.4 1.2 18.5 11.1
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period Midday Peak Hour
Intersection Golf Club Drive @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 0 1
Grade = 0
1 0
2 2
0 0
Grade = 0
0 0 0
Grade =
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 129 1617 1463 181 295 81
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2
EB Only Thru & RT 03 04 SB Only 06 07 08
Timing
G = 12.0 G = 72.0 G = G = G = 24.0 G = G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 129 1617 1463 181 295 81
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 129 1617 1463 181 295 81
Lane Group L T TR L LR
Adj. flow rate 129 1617 1644 295 81
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.110 — 0.000 — 1.000
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 0.952 1.000 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 1.000 — — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 — 0.983 — — 0.850
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3445 3388 1719 1538
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T TR L LR
Adj. flow rate 129 1617 1644 295 81
Satflow rate 1719 3445 3388 1719 1538
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.10 0.73 0.60 0.20 0.20
Lane group cap. 172 2526 2033 344 308
v/c ratio 0.75 0.64 0.81 0.86 0.26
Flow ratio 0.08 0.47 0.49 0.17 0.05
Crit. lane group Y N Y N Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.73
Lost time/cycle 12.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.81
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T TR L LR
Adj. flow rate 129 1617 1644 295 81
Lane group cap. 172 2526 2033 344 308
v/c ratio 0.75 0.64 0.81 0.86 0.26
Green ratio 0.10 0.73 0.60 0.20 0.20
Unif. delay d1 52.5 8.0 18.6 46.3 40.5
Delay factor k 0.31 0.22 0.35 0.39 0.11
Increm. delay d2 18.4 0.6 2.6 22.5 0.5
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 70.9 8.6 21.3 68.9 41.0
Lane group LOS E A C E D
Apprch. delay 13.2 21.3 62.9
Approach LOS B C E
Intersec. delay 21.7 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T TR L LR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 129 1617 1644 295 81
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1779 1719 1538
Capacity/lane 172 2526 2033 344 308
Flow ratio 0.08 0.47 0.49 0.17 0.05
v/c ratio 0.75 0.64 0.81 0.86 0.26
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 4.2 14.2 22.4 9.5 2.3
kB 0.3 1.0 0.9 0.4 0.4
Q2 0.8 1.7 3.5 2.4 0.1
Q avg. 5.0 15.9 25.8 11.9 2.4
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.7 1.6 1.8 2.0
BOQ, Q% 9.8 27.9 42.5 21.5 4.9
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
LONG REPORT
General Information Site Information
Analyst Greg
Agency or Co. Endo Engineering
Date Performed 9/11/06
Time Period PM Peak Hour
Intersection Golf Club Drive @ E Palm Cyn
Area Type All other areas
Jurisdiction Palm Springs
Analysis Year GP Buildout
Intersection Geometry
Grade = 0 0 0 1
Grade = 0
1 0
2 2
0 0
Grade = 0
0 0 0
Grade =
Volume and Timing Input
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume (vph) 103 1566 1778 206 279 73
% Heavy veh 5 5 5 5 5 5
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Actuated (P/A) A A A A A A
Startup lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Ext. eff. green 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3
Unit Extension 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Ped/Bike/RTOR Volume 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lane Width 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Parking (Y or N) N N N N N N N N
Parking/hr
Bus stops/hr 0 0 0 0 0
Ped timing 3.2 3.2 3.2
EB Only Thru & RT 03 04 SB Only 06 07 08
Timing
G = 9.0 G = 77.0 G = G = G = 22.0 G = G = G =
Y = 4 Y = 4 Y = Y = Y = 4 Y = Y = Y =
Duration of Analysis (hrs) = 1.00 Cycle Length C = 120.0
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT AND SATURATION FLOW RATE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Volume Adjustment
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Volume 103 1566 1778 206 279 73
PHF 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Adj. Flow Rate 103 1566 1778 206 279 73
Lane Group L T TR L LR
Adj. flow rate 103 1566 1984 279 73
Prop. LT or RT 0.000 — 0.000 0.000 — 0.104 — 0.000 — 1.000
Saturation Flow Rate
Base satflow 1900 1900 1900 1900 1900
Num. of lanes 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
fW 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fHV 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952 0.952
fg 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fp 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fbb 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fa 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
fLU 1.000 0.952 0.952 1.000 1.000
fLT 0.950 1.000 — 1.000 — — 0.950 1.000 —
Secondary fLT — — — —
fRT — 1.000 — 0.984 — — 0.850
fLpb 1.000 1.000 — 1.000 — — 1.000 1.000 —
fRpb — 1.000 — 1.000 — — 1.000
Adj. satflow 1719 3445 3392 1719 1538
Sec. adj. satflow — — — —
CAPACITY AND LOS WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Capacity Analysis
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T TR L LR
Adj. flow rate 103 1566 1984 279 73
Satflow rate 1719 3445 3392 1719 1538
Lost time 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Green ratio 0.08 0.75 0.64 0.18 0.18
Lane group cap. 129 2584 2177 315 282
v/c ratio 0.80 0.61 0.91 0.89 0.26
Flow ratio 0.06 0.45 0.58 0.16 0.05
Crit. lane group Y N Y N Y N
Sum flow ratios 0.81
Lost time/cycle 12.00
Critical v/c ratio 0.90
Lane Group Capacity, Control Delay, and LOS Determination
EB WB NB SB
Lane group L T TR L LR
Adj. flow rate 103 1566 1984 279 73
Lane group cap. 129 2584 2177 315 282
v/c ratio 0.80 0.61 0.91 0.89 0.26
Green ratio 0.08 0.75 0.64 0.18 0.18
Unif. delay d1 54.6 6.9 18.6 47.8 42.0
Delay factor k 0.34 0.19 0.43 0.41 0.11
Increm. delay d2 34.6 0.4 7.0 31.6 0.5
PF factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Control delay 89.2 7.3 25.6 79.3 42.5
Lane group LOS F A C E D
Apprch. delay 12.3 25.6 71.7
Approach LOS B C E
Intersec. delay 24.1 Intersection LOS C
SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM DELAY WORKSHEET FOR LEFT TURNS FROM EXCLUSIVE LANES WITH
PROTECTED AND PERMITTED PHASES
General Information
Project Description GP Update
v/c Ratio Computation
EB WB NB SB
Cycle length, C (s) 120.0
Prot. phase eff. green intvl, g (s)
Opposed queue eff. green intvl, gq (s)
Unopposed green intvl, gu (s)
Red time, r(s)
Arrival rate, qa (veh/s)
Prot. phase departure rate, sp (veh/s)
Perm. phase departure rate, ss (veh/s)
Xperm
Xprot (N/A for lagging left-turns)
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Computations
Queue at start of green arrow, Qa
Queue at start of unsaturated green, Qu
Residual queue, Qr
Uniform delay, d1
Uniform Queue Size and Delay Equations
Case Qa Qu Qr d1
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 1 qar qagq 0 [0.5/(qaC)][rQa + Qa2/(
sp - qs) +gqQu + Qu2/(ss - qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 & Xprot >
1.0 2 qar Qr + qagq Qa – g(sp – qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][rQa + g(Qa + Qr) +gq (Qr + Qu) + Qu2/(ss –
qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 & Xprot <=
1.0 3 Qr + qar qagq Qu - gu(ss - qa)
[0.5/(qaC)][gqQu + gu(Qa + Qr) + r(Qr + Qa) + Qa2/(sp
- qa)
If Xperm <= 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 4 0 qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + Qu2/(
ss - qa)
If Xperm > 1.0 (lagging
lefts) 5 Qu – gu(ss – qa) qa(r + gq) 0 [0.5/(qaC)][r + gq)Qu + gu(Qu + Qa) + Qa2/(
sp – qa)
BACK-OF-QUEUE WORKSHEET
General Information
Project Description GP Update
Average Back of Queue
EB WB NB SB
LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT LT TH RT
Lane group L T TR L LR
Init. queue/lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Flow rate/lane 103 1566 1984 279 73
Satflow per lane 1719 1809 1781 1719 1538
Capacity/lane 129 2584 2177 315 282
Flow ratio 0.06 0.45 0.59 0.16 0.05
v/c ratio 0.80 0.61 0.91 0.89 0.26
I factor 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
Arrival type 3 3 3 3 3
Platoon ratio 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
PF factor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Q1 3.4 12.6 30.0 9.1 2.1
kB 0.2 1.0 0.9 0.4 0.4
Q2 0.9 1.5 7.9 2.8 0.1
Q avg. 4.3 14.1 37.9 11.8 2.2
Percentile Back of Queue (95th percentile)
fB% 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.8 2.0
BOQ, Q% 8.4 24.9 59.6 21.4 4.5
Queue Storage Ratio
Q spacing 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
Q storage 0 0 0 0 0
Avg. RQ
95% RQ%
HCS2000TM Copyright © 2000 University of Florida, All Rights Reserved Version 4.1e
Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix D. Housing DataD. Housing DataD. Housing DataD. Housing Data
D. Housing Data
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page D-1
APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX DDDD
APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX DDDD…. HOUSING DATA HOUSING DATA HOUSING DATA HOUSING DATA
VACANT SITE INVENTORVACANT SITE INVENTORVACANT SITE INVENTORVACANT SITE INVENTORYYYY
Table D-1
Sites to Address the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
General Plan
Land Use
Assessor’s
Parcel
Number
Present
Zone
Density Range of
Zone and GPLU
Density
Assumed Ownership
Acreage of
Site
Anticipated
Units
HDR 508181017 R3 15 -21 (30 for GPLU) 21 Other 0.34 7
HDR 508181018 R3 15 -21 (30 for GPLU) 21 Other 0.36 7
HDR 513280005 R3 15 -21 (30 for GPLU) 21 Allottee 3.69 78
HDR 508034011* RGA 6-8 (30 for GPLU) 8 Allottee 2.57 21
HDR 508034012* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 City Land 2.63 79
HDR 508034014* RGA 8-30 du/ac 8 City Land 2.47 20
HDR 508051055* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 2.52 76
HDR 508086003* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 1.99 60
HDR 508087008* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 2.05 61
HDR 508087088* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 2.11 63
HDR 508092006* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 0.95 28
HDR 508093001* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 2.12 63
HDR 508093007* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 3.98 119
HDR 508093010* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 0.87 26
HDR 508096007* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 3.82 114
HDR 508110042* R4 21-30 (30 for GPLU) 30 Allottee 4.42 132
MU 504074002 RGA 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.86 13
MU 504270003 R2 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.58 9
MU 505182007 C1 15 du/ac 15 City (CRA) 0.60 9
MU 505182010 C1 15 du/ac 15 City 0.99 15
MU 505213002 C1 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.19 3
MU 504074008 C1 15 du/ac 15 Other 1.55 23
MU 504074008 RGA 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.98 15
MU 504140005 R2 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.50 7
Page D-2 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan-
Table D-1
Sites to Address the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
General Plan
Land Use
Assessor’s
Parcel
Number
Present
Zone
Density Range of
Zone and GPLU
Density
Assumed Ownership
Acreage of
Site
Anticipated
Units
MU 510020039 RGA 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 5.63 84
MU 510020040 RGA 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 5.52 83
MU 510020041 R3 15-21 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.82 12
MU 510020042 R3 15-21 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.71 11
MU 510020043 RGA 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.28 4
MU 510020045 RGA 8-15 (15 for GPLU) 15 Other 0.22 3
MU 510020046 RGA 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.51 8
MU 510020047 R3 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.39 6
MU 510020048 R3 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.34 5
MU 513250003 R3 15 du/ac 15 Fee 4.96 74
MDR 513120047 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.21 3
MDR 513120049 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.36 5
MDR 513120050 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.18 3
MDR 513120052 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.18 3
MDR 502541044 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.44 7
MDR 502541045 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.68 10
MDR 513120046 R2 15 du/ac 15 Other 0.21 3
Notations:
GPLU: General Plan Land Use Designations
HDR: High Density Residential (No R-4 VP sites are included)
MDR: Medium Density Residential (includes R-G-A and R-2 zoned sites)
MU: Mixed Use
Other notations:
• Denotes site is located in Section 14.
• All sites are free from environmental constraints and have adequate infrastructure.
• No tribal trust lands are included in the land inventory.
• Maximum density of zone is assumed for all sites, even though General Plan controls the actual density.
• In the City’s new Mixed Use Classification, the maximum density of the General Plan land use designation controls.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page D-3
APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX DDDD
1993 1993 1993 1993 HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING EEEELEMENTLEMENTLEMENTLEMENT EVALUATION EVALUATION EVALUATION EVALUATION
State law requires each community to update its housing element every five
years and set forth policies and quantified objectives for the construction,
rehabilitation, and preservation of housing. The following discussion is a brief
highlight of the progress toward, effectiveness of, and continued appro-
priateness of the past Housing Element programs and objectives. It should be
noted that although the past Housing Element did establish some quantified
objectives by income classification, they do not correspond to the information
presented in the Objective Summary and Time Frame matrix, nor did it
quantify objectives for the majority of programs. Therefore, analysis of the
past element is of a more qualitative nature where specific numerical
achievements are not available.
NEW CONSTRUCTIONNEW CONSTRUCTIONNEW CONSTRUCTIONNEW CONSTRUCTION
SCAG assigned Palm Springs a construction goal of 2,844 units from 1989 to
1994 (later extended to 1997), of which 533 units were to be affordable for
very low income households, 649 for low income households, 446 for
moderate income households, and 1,217 units for above moderate income
households. The City fell short of its very low income housing goal, though
met its lower income housing goal through a combination of assisted
multiple-family units, single-family units constructed in the Desert Highland
neighborhood in conjunction with CVHC, and market rate apartments. The
moderate and above moderate income goals were achieved through market
rate construction. However, a significant shortfall was experienced in the
above moderate category over 800 units.
HOUSING REHABILITATIHOUSING REHABILITATIHOUSING REHABILITATIHOUSING REHABILITATIONONONON
The City fell short of its Housing Rehabilitation goals. Both the single-family
and multiple-family rehabilitation programs were dropped before any activity
was undertaken. However, in 1995–96, the City implemented a “Recapture
Our Neighborhoods” program for four target neighborhoods: (1) the Crossley/
Lawrence tract; (2) Cottonwood/Chuckwalla neighborhood; (3) Desert
Highland neighborhood; and (4) the neighborhood south of downtown.
Activities have primarily involved code enforcement. With the introduction of
the Neighborhood Revitalization Program in 1999 to support the Recapture
Our Neighborhoods effort, the City is geared for active participation in the
revitalization of housing in the 2000–2005 planning period. However, the City
did maintain a Senior Home Repair program, which assisted an average of 55
households per year.
Page D-4 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
CONSERVATIONCONSERVATIONCONSERVATIONCONSERVATION
It is difficult to measure achievement of the City’s Housing Conservation
goal, as the 1993 Element included existing apartments, mobile homes,
publicly subsidized units, Section 8 rental vouchers, and other sources of units
affordable at market rate in its goal of 6,460 units. The City was able to assist
11 households in the Desert Highland neighborhood to attain homeowner-
ship. Also, 10 households were assisted through the County’s Mortgage
Credit Certification Program, and 239 received Section 8 rental vouchers
from the County of Riverside Housing Authority.
Table A-2 summarizes progress in achieving objectives in the 1993 Housing
Element. In general, the shortfall in construction and rehabilitation can be
attributed to the depressed economic climate in the Southern California
housing market in the early 1990s. In addition, the recession reduced City
funding and staffing levels. Reduced developer interest and the limited ability
of nonprofit organization resources to provide affordable housing, combined
with diminished federal, state, and local funding, all contributed to the
shortfall in new construction of units affordable to lower income households
and rehabilitation activities.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page D-5
APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX DDDD
Table D-2
Progress Towards 1993 Housing Element Objectives
Unit Type/Description # Units Very Low Low Moderate Upper
New Construction
Single-Family Homes 579 — 57 110 413
Multiple-Family 1,191 269 435 487 —
Subtotal 1,771 269 492 597 413
RHNA 2,844 533 649 446 1,217
Rehabilitation/Preservation
Rehabilitation — — — — —
Senior Home Repair 360 120 120 120 —
Pacific Palms Preservation 140 140 — — —
Subtotal 500 260 120 120 —
Assistance
Down Payment Assistance Loans 11 — 11 — —
Mortgage Credit Certificates 10 — 5 5 —
Housing Authority Leases 17 17 — — —
Section 8 Rental Voucher
Assistance 239 239 — — —
Subtotal 315 256 16 5 —
Source: City of Palm Springs.
Page D-6 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table D-3
Effectiveness of 1993 Housing Element
Effectiveness
Program Program Objective
1989–1997 and
1998–2000 Comments
4.1.8.
Land Banking
Acquire land using state
funds for housing
development.
No land was acquired using
state funds
The City did not acquire any land using state funds. However, the
City, utilizing RDA funds, did acquire some properties in the early
1990s and then offered the land to developers or nonprofits
proposing lower income units. This land write down assistance was
applied to the 140 Coyote Run multiple-family units, 20 single-
family units in the Desert Highland Community Phase I
Revitalization, and 11 single-family units in the Desert Highland
Community Phase II Revitalization in conjunction with CVHC under
the Self Help program.
4.1.9.
New Construction
Facilitate construction of
108 to 325 units of
affordable housing per year.
A total of 212 affordable
multiple-family units were
constructed from 1989 to
1997 and 57 affordable units
were constructed from 1998
to 2000
Four multiple-family projects with a total of 269 affordable units: 52
senior units at Vista Serena; 57 senior units at Vista Del Monte;
140 family units at Coyote Run; and 20 family units at Palos
Verdes Villas, for an average of 27 units per year. An additional 31
affordable single-family units were constructed under the Infill
program and Self Help programs in conjunction with CVHC.
4.1.11.
Annual Housing
Progress Report
Prepare Annual Report to
the City Council.
Not completed Due to limited staffing and housing activity, annual reports were not
prepared. This will be undertaken beginning in 2000–2001.
4.2.2.
Section 8
Maintain level of Section 8
subsidy.
The City maintained over
200 units per year and
increased its Section 8 units
to 239 units in 2000
The number of Section 8 units in the City has increased to 239.
4.2.4.
Regional
Developer
Participation
Program
Commercial developer
contributions to regional
affordable housing funds.
No contributions from
developers were collected
during the period
There was not interest in contributions to affordable housing funds
on the part of commercial developers.
4.2.5.
Self-Help Housing
Construct 10 units per year
of self- help housing.
20 units from 1989 to 2000
and 11 units from 1998 to
2000
Although approximately 41 units were proposed, only 31 units total
were constructed in the Desert Highland neighborhood in
conjunction with CVHC.
4.3.4.
Mobile Home
Construction
Complete build-out of
affordable mobile home
park, approximately 285
new units.
No mobile home units were
added to stock
The Agency acquired the vacant 20-acre portion of the Sunrise
Village Mobile Home Park in 1995: the City owns a 22-acre vacant
parcel abutting to the north. A developer is currently negotiating
with the City for the purchase of these lands, in addition to other
non-city-owned land adjacent to these parcels for the development
of about 400 market rate single-family units. A nonprofit agency
(San Bernardino Mobile Home Park Corporation) is interested in
acquiring the existing portion of the Sunrise Village to upgrade the
park and its units. The Agency does own the land that the mobile
home park occupies.
4.5.1.
Land Inventory
Review
Review vacant land
inventory and recommend
changes needed to increase
supply available for
affordable housing.
This program has not been
implemented
The City does not have a systematic way to monitor vacant land.
As part of this Housing Element update, a tabulation and mapping
of vacant land, by General Plan and zoning, will be done. As part
of the Affordable Housing Strategy developed in conjunction with
the Housing Element Update, a survey of City/Agency owned land
will be conducted.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page D-7
APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX DDDD
Table D-3
Effectiveness of 1993 Housing Element
Effectiveness
Program Program Objective
1989–1997 and
1998–2000 Comments
4.5.3.
Sewer Capacity
Review
Review any areas of
constraining sewer capacity
in conjunction with program
number 4.5.1 above.
The City has a Master Plan
designed to accommodate
full build-out.
The City is fully sewered and has adequate capacity for growth
within its boundaries. Sewer capacity constraints are not at issue.
4.6.1.
Replacement
Housing
Ordinance
Develop policy requiring one
for one replacement of
demolished affordable units.
The City implements a
replacement policy in
redevelopment areas as
required by State
Redevelopment Law.
The City did not adopt an ordinance that requires a one-for-one
replacement of affordable housing units on a citywide basis.
However, the City does replace units, and/or relocate tenants
pursuant to State Redevelopment Law.
4.6.2.
Single-Family
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitate 12 to 20 homes
per year.
No single-family units were
rehabilitated from 1989 to
1997. The Single-family
Rehab Program was
established in 1999 and 100
applications were reviewed
by 2000.
The City did not implement a Single-family Rehabilitation program
during the past planning period. In 1999, the Single-family
Rehabilitation program was established under the umbrella of the
Neighborhood Revitalization Program. The activities conducted
under the previous Operation Paintbrush program, discontinued by
1994, including exterior paint and yard cleanup, will be integrated
into the new program. Loans up to $25,000 will be available for
low/moderate income households, prioritized based on need,
income and location of unit. Forty units are targeted each year.
4.6.3.
Multiple-family
Rehabilitation
Develop program and
rehabilitate 10 units per
year.
No multiple-family units were
rehabilitated during this
period.
A multiple-family rehabilitation program was not developed as
proposed during the planning period due to limited funds and staff
resources, nor were any property owners of multiple-family units
referred to the Riverside County programs. However, in 1999 a
Multiple-family Rehabilitation program was established and
$450,000 of redevelopment funds assigned to rehabilitate 136
units, of which 67 must be reserved for low income households.
Operation
Paintbrush
(Program 1989–
90)
A Citywide program for free
exterior paint and clean-up
of residential property in low
income targeted
neighborhoods at no cost to
owners.
The program was terminated
in early 1990s.
The activities previously encompassed by this program will be
integrated into the Neighborhood Revitalization Program – Single-
family Revitalization activities.
Construction
Training Program
(Program 1989–
90)
A joint venture between
PSUSD and the Agency that
established a construction
trades training program
using on- the job hands-on
training in all aspects of
construction trade.
One home was constructed
and sold to a Moderate-
income family. Although the
program continued through
the period, no additional
units were constructed.
This program, funded through CDBG, will potentially continue but
may not result in the construction of additional housing units.
Property Upgrade
Assistance
(Program 1989–
90)
A program providing up to
$10,000 in loan funds for the
improvement of single-
family units in target low
income neighborhoods.
This program was not
implemented due to lack of
funds and staffing.
The Single-family Rehabilitation program with loans up to $25,000
has been established in 1999. Priority for funds is given to units in
target or redevelopment area neighborhoods.
Page D-8 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Table D-3
Effectiveness of 1993 Housing Element
Effectiveness
Program Program Objective
1989–1997 and
1998–2000 Comments
Preservation “At-
Risk” Units
(Program 1989–
90)
A join venture between the
County, a local nonprofit
and the Agency for the
preservation of “At-Risk”
units slated for prepayment
of HUD mortgage through
acquisition and/or
renovation of units.
No units were converted to
market rate from 1989 to
1997, but the Pacific Palms
Apt. was preserved through
a County of Riverside effort.
One project was assisted from conversion to market rate. The
other at-risk units either extended their project based Section 8’s,
refinanced or changed ownership.
Senior Home
Repair (Program
1989–90)
A program designed to
provide minor home repair
assistance though the
allocation of a $500 grant
per year for senior citizens
or disabled residents.
Approximately 55
homeowner units were
assisted annually.
The amount of grants awarded was increased to $1,000 in the
early 1990s, was increased to $1,500 in 2000, and expanded to
include all very low income homeowners.
County Housing
Authority Bond
Issue (Program
1990–91)
A joint venture between the
County and multiple
Coachella Valley cities to
float a bond for the purpose
of acquiring housing units
for renovation and
management.
17 such units were located in
the city of Palm Springs
The County Housing Authority Public Housing units in the City are
now under ownership of Palm Desert which contracts with a private
management firm to operate.
Down Payment
Assistance
Down payment assistance
for low income people to
acquire rehabilitated single-
family homes in low income
neighborhoods.
No assistance was provided
during this period for
acquisition of rehabilitated
units.
The City is a member of the Pacific Housing Finance Agency Joint
Powers Authority which provides “lease to own” opportunities for
low/moderate income families. Up to 10 units are anticipated per
year.
Desert Highland
New Construction
(1990–91)
Buy down vacant lots and
assist developer with the
cost of fees for the
development of new single-
family construction in
targeted low income
neighborhoods.
20 units were developed in
Phase I, and 11 in Phase II
through 1997 and none
between 1998 and 2000.
The City, in conjunction with CVHC, assisted in the development of
31 single-family units through land write downs and down payment
assistance. 20 units affordable to low income households were
constructed in Phase I, and 11 units were constructed through the
CVHC Self Help in Phase II (although 21 were originally proposed).
The City is entertaining proposals from developers for six income
restricted single-family units on City-owned lots.
Down-Payment
Assistance
Program (1991–
92)
A program designed to
provide down-payment
assistance in the form of
second loans of $2,000–
3,000 to low income families
for the acquisition of homes
produced through the Self-
Help and Infill Housing
Programs.
11 units in the Desert
Highland neighborhood in
conjunction with CVHC Self
Help program were assisted,
but units were assisted from
1998 to 2000.
The City provided second silent mortgages of up to $25,000 to the
homeowners of the 11 Self Help units in Desert Highland
neighborhood. The City intends to continue to offer Down Payment
Assistance to CVHC for its proposed 9 Self Help units in
Cottonwood Chuckwalla neighborhood. This may be an incentive
utilized in the Crossley Tract, where 27 vacant lots are available for
purchase for single-family homes affordable to lower income
households.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page D-9
APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX DDDD
Table D-3
Effectiveness of 1993 Housing Element
Effectiveness
Program Program Objective
1989–1997 and
1998–2000 Comments
Vista
Serena/Vista Del
Monte
Joint venture between the
Agency and developer for
the development of 109
units of senior housing
facilities with related
recreational amenities.
111 units, all very low
income, were built in the
Vista Serena senior project
by 1997. In 1998, 57 very
low income senior units were
built in the Vista Del Monte
project.
A total of 109 units, all affordable to very low income seniors, were
constructed, which exceeded the targeted objective of 50 very low
income units.
Palos Verdes
Villas
and Coyote Run
(1992–93)
Development of a 98-unit
apartment complex, with 20
units designated for very low
income families.
20 units of this complex are
reserved for very low income
families. The remainder are
affordable to low and
moderate income families.
In addition, 140 very low/low income family units were constructed
at the Coyote Run apartments.
Page D-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
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Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix EEEE. . . . Bridge PoliciesBridge PoliciesBridge PoliciesBridge Policies
E. Bridge Policies
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page E-1
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX E. BRIDGE POLICIES
BRIDGE POLICIES
The following policies are intended to cover development standards dropped
or not carried forward from the 1993 plan and are intended to be
incorporated as text revisions to the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance.
Upon adoption of the zoning ordinance text revisions by City Council, the
General Plan bridge policies shall be deemed repealed and no longer in effect.
Where land use designations have been superseded by new designations, the
Director of Planning shall make a determination as to which bridge policy
applies based on the new designation which most closely applies to the
existing bridge policy land use designation
RURAL AND VERY LOW RESIDENTIAL
3.4.1 Single-family residences shall be the primary land use and shall be
restricted to one residence per lot; attached dwellings may be
permitted in cluster development.
3.4.2 Limited commercial uses and services, and facilities for the keeping of
horses, may be permitted for resident and guest use.
3.4.3 Limit new building heights to a maximum of 26 feet with minimum
setbacks from property lines equal to the height.
3.4.4 Residential structures on lots with a slope of 10% or greater may
exceed the height limit if the following requirements are met:
a. the maximum height shall be 30 feet;
b. the windows of a second-story shall be oriented away from
the living space, exterior and interior, of adjoining property;
Page E-2
c. views from neighboring structures are protected to the
greatest degree possible; and
d. the development site shall be designed so that the structure
will fit into the natural landscape; site with uni-level pads
shall not be eligible for the additional height.
3.4.5 A minimum of 75% of the lot area in Rural Residential areas, and
70% in Very-Low-Density Residential areas, shall be maintained as
on-site open space/recreational area.
3.4.6 Special street and development standards are encouraged in Rural
Residential areas to maintain a “relaxed” rural atmosphere.
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
3.5.1 Single-family detached units shall be the primary land use and shall
be restricted to one unit per lot; attached dwellings may be permitted
in cluster developments.
3.5.2 Limit new building heights o a maximum of 18 feet and one story. A
limited number of units within a planned development may contain a
second story if the following requirements are met:
a. the maximum height shall be 25 feet;
b. the windows of the second story shall be oriented away from
the living space, exterior and interior, of adjoining units;
c. the two-story elements shall be placed toward the south
portion of any individual lot; and
d. the two-story units shall be located so that they are not
visible at the boundaries of the planned development.
3.5.3 Residential structures on lots with a slope of 10% or greater may
exceed the height limit if the following requirements are met:
a. the maximum height shall be 30 feet;
c. the architectural character of the dwelling must be of a high
quality;
d. views from neighboring structures are protected to the
greatest degree possible; and
e. the development site shall be designed so that the structure
will fit into the natural landscape; sites with uni-level pads
shall not be eligible for the additional height.
3.5.4 A minimum of 65% of the lot area shall be maintained as on-site
open space/recreational area.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page E-3
APPENDIX E
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
3.6.1 Require that the design of new residential and hotel development
include the following:
a. covering of at least one parking space per condominium unit;
b. design of common space so that it is easily accessible and of
sufficient size to be usable by all residents.;
c. inclusion of entries which convey a sense of individual identity
for each condominium unit at the lowest habitable level facing
a public street or courtyard; and
d. incorporation of architectural design details and elements
which provide visual character and interest, avoiding flat
planar walls and “box-like” appearances.
3.6.2 Limit new development to one- and two-story structures; a
maximum height of 24 feet may be achieved if a variety of building
heights is achieved for design purposes. A minimum of 50% of the
lot area shall be maintained as on-site open space/recreational area,
not including parking and drive areas.
MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
3.7.1 Require that the design of new residential development include the
following:
a. use of site landscape to complement the architectural design
of the structure;
b. limitation of front yard paving;
c. a minimum of 45% of the lot area shall be maintained as on-
site open space/recreational area;
h. protection of privacy and view for adjacent single-family
structures with increased setbacks to the second-story mass.
e. design of common open space so that it is easily accessible
and of sufficient size to be usable by all residents;
f. inclusion of entries which convey a sense of individual
identity for each condominium unit at the lowest habitable
level facing a public street or courtyard;
g. incorporation of architectural design details and elements
which provide visual character and interest, avoiding flat
planar walls and “box-like” appearances; and
d. incorporation of a minimum area of the required common
open space at grade or the level of the first habitable floor;
Page E-4
3.7.3 Limited commercial uses may be permitted for resident and guest
use.
3.7.2 Limit new development to three-story structures; a maximum height
of 30 feet may be achieved for hotels if a variety of building heights is
achieved for design purposes. A maximum height of 60 feet may be
achieved through the approval of a planned development which
ensures that the effects of such height are compatible in scale and
character with the existing natural and urban setting. Stricter
development standards may be required by ordinance or by condition
of the planned development.
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
3.8.1 Require that the design of new residential and hotel development
include the following:
a. a minimum of 45% of the lot area shall be maintained as on-
site open space/recreational area.
b. incorporation of a minimum area of the required common
open space at grade or the level of the first habitable floor;
c. design of common open space so that it is easily accessible
and of sufficient size to be usable by all residents;
d. incorporation of architectural design details and elements
which provide visual character and interest, avoiding flat
planar walls and “box-like” appearances; and
e. protection of privacy and view for adjacent single-family
structures with increased setbacks to the second-story max.
3.8.2 Allow the consolidation of abutting residential and commercial
parcels into unified mixed-use development projects containing an
aggregate site area of at least two (2) acres, provided that:
a. the total yield of development does not exceed that permitted
by the underlying land use classifications;
b. at least 50% of the maximum allowable residential density is
developed;
c. no residential uses are located along the ground floor of the
commercial frontage;
d. only residential uses are developed along the residential street
frontage;
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page E-5
APPENDIX E
e. a planned development is prepared and approved that
demonstrates that the project:
1. is compatible with and complements adjacent uses;
2. maintains or increases the existing number of
residential units and those for low- and moderate-
income households or seniors; and
3. adequately mitigates traffic, noise, light and glare
and other environmental impacts; and
f. the project increases the supply of neighborhood-serving
commercial uses.
3.8.3 Limit new development to two-and three-story structures; a maximum
height of 60 feet may be achieved through the approval of a planned
development which ensures that the effects of such eight is compatible
in scale and character with the existing natural and urban setting.
Stricter development standards may be required by ordinance or by
condition of the planned development. A maximum of 100 feet may
be achieved on Indian Land.
LARGE SCALE RESORT
3.9.1 The site shall contain a minimum of 40 acres and have adequate
infrastructure available.
3.9.2 The density allowed for a Large-Scale Resort shall be a threshold of
ten (10) to a maximum of thirty (30) dwelling units per acre.
3.9.3 Site access shall be limited to secondary and major thoroughfares.
3.9.4 Building height should be limited to 30 feet. Building height in
excess of those in the immediate area, with a maximum of 60 feet,
may be allowed where it can be demonstrated that no significant
impacts result from the increased height.
3.9.5 The site shall contain appropriate social/cultural amenities, such as
golf courses, tennis facilities, conference rooms, water-related
recreation facilities, and equestrian facilities.
3.9.6 A minimum of 75% of the lot area shall be maintained as on-site
open space/recreational area.
3.9.7 A Planned Development District application shall be required for
approval of a Large-Scale Resort.
Page E-6
3.9.8 Large-Scale Resorts shall be designated on the Land Use Map by a
“floating dot” which does not fix the specific location but allows the
Planning Commission and City Council to interact with market
forces in determining precise location, timing, size and extent of such
resorts. The location is fixed at the time development actually occurs,
superseding the underlying land use designation without general plan
amendment. The “floating dot” shall not, without general plan
amendment, be relocated further than one-half mile from the
location shown on the Land Use Map, nor shall it be relocated into
dissimilar underlying land use categories from that originally
intended.
DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL
3.18.3 Provide regulations in the zoning Ordinance which provide for a
maximum building area, excluding parking, with a Floor Area Ratio
of 1.00 (the ratio of building area to lot size) and height of 35 feet
above grade for parcels developed exclusively for commercial uses.
Permit an additional increment of floor area ratio for the incorporation
of open space, above that minimally required, and for the incorpora-
tion of residential units with the commercial units. Additional height
may be permitted when public amenities, such as open space and
recreation, housing and parking are provided and views of the
mountains are reasonably protected.
3.18.4 Allow the construction of towers and other architectural projections
to a maximum height of 15 feet above the height permitted by the
underlying use classification where these contribute to and are
integral with an extremely high level of architectural design
performance, under the following conditions:
a. the portion of structure exceeding the height limit shall be
non-occupiable;
b. extensions shall be limited to 10–15% of the total roof area;
c. extensions shall not result in adverse shadows on adjacent
properties; and
d. extensions shall be sympathetic to the preservation of the
views of the natural mountain backdrop.
RESORT COMMERCIAL
3.22.5 Structures shall be a maximum of 35 feet in height. A minimum of
5% of any property or project shall be reserved for open space or
recreation areas.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page E-7
APPENDIX E
TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY CORRIDOR
3.23.8 Encourage that new structures be designed to create a “village-like”
environment, by the siting and massing of buildings around common
pedestrian areas and open spaces which are linked to Tahquitz
Canyon Way and other circulation links to the focus area of
downtown, inclusion of pedestrian-oriented uses at the ground level,
and use of vertical setbacks of buildings in excess of 2 stories or 30
feet above grade.
COMMUNITY SHOPPING CENTER
3.25.2 A Community Shopping Center is intended to service 20,000–
250,000 persons on a 15–60 acre site. Commercial structures shall be
a maximum of 30 feet in height and hotel/residential structures shall
be a maximum of 30–60 feet in height.
3.25.3 Allow the construction of architectural projections to a maximum
height of 15 feet above that otherwise permitted where these
contribute to and are integral with an extremely high level of
architectural design performance, under the following conditions:
a. the portion of structure exceeding the height limit shall be
non-occupiable;
b. extensions shall be limited to 10–15% of the total roof area;
c. extensions shall not result in adverse shadows on adjacent
properties; and
d. extensions shall be sympathetic to the preservation of the
views of the natural mountain backdrop.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVING COMMERCIAL
3.26.2 A Neighborhood Convenience Center is intended to provide a service
radius of one-half to one mile, with a supermarket as a major tenant,
on a 10–30 acre site. Structures shall be a maximum of 30 feet in
height.
PROFESSIONAL
3.27.4 Structures shall be a maximum of 24 feet in height. A minimum of
40% of any property or project shall be reserved for open space or
recreation areas. Permit additional height to a maximum of 60 feet
when pubic amenities above minimum requirements are provided,
Page E-8
such as open space and recreation areas, housing opportunities and
view protection; such structures shall be set back an appropriate
distance so as not to overwhelm adjacent low-density developments.
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
3.28.3 Structures shall be a maximum of 30 feet in height. A minimum of
40% of any property or project shall be reserved for open space.
3.28.4 Provide for appropriate setbacks and buffering of general commercial
uses from adjacent residential uses.
HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
3.29.4 Structures shall be a maximum of 30 feet in height. A minimum of
40% of any property or project shall be reserved for open space.
3.29.5 Allow the construction of towers and other architectural projections
to a maximum height of 15 feet above the height permitted by the
underlying land use classification where these contribute to and are
integral with an extremely high level of architectural design
performance, under the following conditions:
a. the portion of structure exceeding the height limit shall be
non-occupiable;
b. extensions shall be limited to 10–15% of the total roof area;
and
c. extensions shall be sympathetic to the preservation of the
views of the natural desert surroundings.
BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL
3.30.1 In addition to the maximum 60-foot building height, an additional
15 feet of building height is allowed for mechanical equipment and
elevators, the maximum height allowed on Indian land would be 100
feet, inclusive of all mechanical equipment and systems. Refer to
Policy 3.30.14 for additional building height provisions for the Mid-
Valley Center.
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page E-9
APPENDIX E
INSTITUTIONAL
3.31.6 Civic District. Allow for the development of governmental uses,
facilities and services, especially for City and County administrative
functions, and incidental uses necessary to support such uses, in the
Civic District. The development of each facility shall be compatible
with the adjacent land uses. Facilities to be encouraged in Civic
Center are:
1. City Hall
2. Justice Court
3. County Offices
4. Social Security Office
5. Veterans Claims Office
6. Branch Post Office
7. Bureau of Indian Affairs
8. Other State, Federal or special district offices
9. Private offices, restaurants, day-care centers, and other
similar support uses.
Structures shall be a maximum of 30 feet in height. A minimum of
40% of any property or project shall be reserved for open space or
recreation area.
Page E-10 Palm Springs 2007 General Plan
Land Use Density/Intensity
Land Use
Density
(dwelling
units/acre) Population Floor Area Ratio
Bldg. Height
(feet)
Lot Coverage
(%)
Residential
R .2/.4 – Rural Residential 0.2–0.4 2.52 C – 26 (30*) 25
L 1 / 2 Very Low Density 1–2 2.52 C – 26 (30*) 30
L4 Low Density 3–4 2.52 C – 18 (30*) 35
L6 Low Density 4–6 2.52 C – 18 (30*) 35
M8 Medium Density 6–8 1.90 C – 24 50
M15 Medium Density 12–15 1.91 C – 24 50
H30 Medium High Density 21–30 1.99 C – 30–60 100 I 55 (40 H)
H 43/21 High Density 30–43 (86 I) A 15–21 B 1.99 C –
30–60
100 I 55 (40 H)
H 43/30 High Density 30–43 (86 I) A 21–30 B 1.78 C –
30–60
100 I
55 (40 H)
CDL 6 Density Controlled 3–6 1.90 C – 25 35
CDL 8 Density Controlled 3–8 1.90 C – 25 35
LSR Large-Scale Resort 10–30 10-30 D – 30–60 25
Commercial/Industrial
CBD Central Business District 30–43 (86I) A 21–31 B 54D
1.00
(0.38 E) 30–60 –
NCC Neighborhood
Convenience Center – 38 D
–
(0.28 E) 30 60
CSC Community Shopping Center
(Commercial) – 30 D
(0.28 E) 30 60
CSC Community Shopping Center
(Hotel/Multi-Family Residential) 43/21 1.99 C – 30–60 55 (40 H)
RC Resort Commercial 30–43 (86I) A 15–21 B 49 D
–
(0.28 E) 35 95
P Professional 12–21 B 73 D – (0.28 E) 24–60 60
GC General Commercial – 49 D – (0.28 E) 30 60
HC Highway Commercial 30–43 B 44 D – (0.28 E) 30 60
BI Business Industrial ** 30–43 B 24 D – (0.23 E) 30–60 60
Open Space
C Conservation 1 / 20 2.52 C – 30 10
D Desert 1 / 5–3½ 1.90 C – 15 10
PR Parks & Recreation – – – 24 10
W Watercourse – – – – –
Palm Springs 2007 General Plan Page E-11
APPENDIX E
Land Use Density/Intensity
Land Use
Density
(dwelling
units/acre) Population Floor Area Ratio
Bldg. Height
(feet)
Lot Coverage
(%)
Institutional & Public
CD Civic District – 78 D – (0.28 E) 30 60
A Airport – 1 D – 60 10
Notes:
A – Hotel Density
B – Multifamily Dwelling Density
C – Per Permanent Household (63% of Total)
D – Employees/acre
E – Estimated expectation only
H – High-rise
I – Indian Land
* Hillside
** See Policy 3.30.14.
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