Infrastructure—Transportation Innovations
The Vision theme, Forefront of Transportation Innovations, and accompanying guiding principles are implemented through the following goals and policies in various elements within the general plan. The following goals and policies contain principles related to transportation investments in Palmdale, bringing air service to the Palmdale Regional Airport, and improving public facilities towards sustainability and resilience.
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Selected Goals and Policies
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Land Use and Community Design (LUD)
LUD-3.1 Planned Future Uses. Develop multiple educational districts, multiple medical districts, a new passenger airport, a new high-speed rail facility, and abundant new parks and trails.
LUD-3.2 Accessible Mix of Commercial Uses. Strive to provide goods and services within a short walking distance (twenty minutes or less) of all residents through mixed-use Village Centers and Neighborhood/Regional Commercial uses. Establish neighborhood services by requiring new Village Centers when developing Specific Plan areas.
LUD-3.3 Services and Amenities for Families. Promote opportunities for new childcare and pre-Kindergarten facilities in Village Centers and encourage these supporting uses through the Educational Flex designation.
LUD-3.4 Expansion of Public Facilities. Maintain and expand public facilities and services to better support the community, including schools, libraries, utilities, and recreational spaces.
LUD-3.5 Infrastructure Capacity and Service. Ensure that there will be adequate water and wastewater system capacity to meet projected demand by continuing to oversee the development of adequate and dependable public services and facilities to support both existing and future development.
LUD-3.6 Infrastructure Funding and Programs. Continue to implement comprehensive water and wastewater management programs and ensure that future developments pay their fair share for any infrastructure improvements demand necessary.
LUD-7.1 Safety Programs. Promote Business and Neighborhood Watch programs, in addition to collaborations between residents and law enforcement, to help maintain a clean and safe environment.
LUD-7.2 Crime Prevention. Use Crime Prevention through Environmental Design strategies (CPTED) in new and existing development to improve public safety, including the following:
- Active public space
- Building design to promote “eyes on the street”
- Clear delineation between private and public space
- Natural access control between public and private space
- Maintenance of public places
- Removal or repair of vandalism or broken property
LUD-7.3 Partnerships. Encourage regional partnerships that support the coordination of public safety awareness and crime prevention.
LUD-7.4 Lighting Improvements. Improve lighting and nighttime security across all City neighborhoods to prevent crime and increase safety.
LUD-7.5 Graffiti Removal. Encourage the creation of a graffiti prevention team to remove graffiti from public property (including parks, street signs, sidewalks, etc.) or property adjacent to public rights-of-way.
LUD-7.6. Illegal Dumping. Support systematic removal of unsightly trash/debris and prevention of future illegal dumping. Consider increasing surveillance of known dumping sites, lowering disposal fees at Waste Management sites and raising fines for illegal dumping, and encouraging/facilitating more recycling locally.
LUD-9.1 Activity Centers. Support a network of vibrant Village Centers that are mixed-use activity centers located throughout the City’s residential areas to create 20-minute neighborhoods, implemented through new mixed-use land use designations, which provide a mix of residential uses and daily goods/services.
LUD-9.2 Distinct Character. Encourage design strategies that enhance a unique identity for each of the Village Centers.
LUD-9.3 Gathering Places. Require the introduction of new public gathering places in Village Centers such as publicly accessible plazas or courtyards.
LUD-9.4 Contextual Transitions. Ensure that developments create appropriate transitions to existing residential neighborhoods by placing two-to-three story residential over ground floor retail/services toward arterial streets and lower scaled housing abutting existing residences.
LUD-9.5 Mobility Connections. Seek to improve walk, bike, and transit access to Village Centers by connecting to the larger/regional pedestrian and bicycle networks.
LUD-11.1 Street Ownership Reclamation. Consider pursuing a long-term take-over of the public right-of-way (ROW) from Caltrans.
LUD-11.2 Critical Place-making Intersections. Strengthen and enliven existing portions of the corridor as pedestrian-oriented community anchors with a mix of civic, commercial, and residential uses, particularly at the intersections with 10th, 20th, and 25th Streets.
LUD-11.3 New Nodes. Create new places for recreation and gathering along Palmdale Boulevard by supporting new nodes of neighborhood-serving mixed-use activity at 40th and 47th Streets East.
LUD-11.4 Corridor Mixed-Use. Revitalize and activate existing commercial shopping centers along the corridor by allowing residential uses in the Mixed-Use 1 and Mixed-Use 2 designations, and by adopting development standards that promote reduced setbacks, stronger pedestrian orientation, high transparency, and architectural detail, and “park-once” behavior.
LUD-11.5 Urban Canopy. Require new development or major additions to existing development to provide street trees at regular intervals (average spacing of no less than 40 feet, not counting driveways) along the property frontage facing Palmdale Boulevard and cross-streets (if on a corner).
LUD-11.6 No Truck Route. Develop an alternative route for trucks to use in place of Palmdale Boulevard between East 50th Street and SR-14, in order to eventually remove the truck route designation currently in place, which would eliminate heavy thru truck traffic along the Boulevard.
LUD-11.7 Palmdale Boulevard Design Guidelines. Design for active, park-once mixed-use and shopping environments by encouraging adherence to the following guidance:
- Locate attached middle-density housing near existing residential uses and seek to integrate it into this context.
- Buildings should be placed at the edge of the primary sidewalk in order to provide interest and immediate access by pedestrians.
- Parking should be located behind the buildings.
- Where appropriate, building setbacks should be flexible to accommodate the need for pedestrian-oriented commercial uses.
- Facades should be activated with frequent building entrances for residential and commercial spaces.
- Mid-block paseos should be added where feasible to provide pedestrian connections from sidewalks along the edge or exterior of a site to parking within the interior of the block
LUD-14.1 Safeguarding Plant Operations. Support continued growth of Plant 42 operations in the Aerospace Industrial land use district. Maintain sufficient land to accommodate a wide variety of industrial uses to meet military and community needs.
LUD-14.2 Adjacent Use Compatibility. Continue to buffer this area from adjacent, non-compatible residential and commercial uses.
LUD-14.3 Limited Non-Industrial Uses. Prevent non-industrial uses from locating in the Aerospace Industrial area (aside from uses that directly support Plant 42 or airport operations).
LUD-14.4 Accident Prevention. Avoid residential uses greater than one dwelling unit per acre in the Accident Prevention Zones (APZs).
LUD-14.5 Circulation and Access. Maintain vehicular infrastructure and improve circulation to accommodate the unique demands of aerospace workplaces.
LUD-16.1 Healthy Balance of Jobs. Strive for a ratio of at least 1 job per employed resident (which effectively means growing jobs faster than housing during the Plan timeframe).
LUD-16.2 Employment Diversity. Support a diverse mix of light industrial, information, film, makerspace, boutique food/wine/beer processing, local food, and technology uses to provide jobs and tax revenues for the community by allowing emerging economic uses and industries within the Mixed-Use and Employment designations.
LUD-16.3 Flexible Designation. Diversify the City’s economic base by expanding the number of facilities on land designated as Employment Flex to accommodate film, technology, food/light manufacturing, and service tenants.
LUD-16.4 Makerspaces. Encourage collaborative workspaces with tools for the design, prototyping, and creation of manufactured products for sale.
LUD-16.5 Home Businesses. Support home businesses that meet City planning and permitting requirements and create jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
LUD-16.6 Increased Employment. Recruit employment uses between Avenue Q and Avenue P/Rancho Vista Boulevard.
LUD-16.7 Industrial Incentives. Promote establishment of incentives for new light industrial development in Palmdale including the use of local, state, and federal programs.
LUD-16.8 Emerging Technology. Support new technologies that may increase business opportunities in the city, such as autonomous vehicles.
LUD-17.1 Retention of Businesses. Minimize land use compatibility conflicts that discourage attraction and retention of production, distribution, and service and repair businesses in areas zoned for industrial use.
LUD-17.2 Infrastructure Master Planning. Encourage master planning and infrastructure funding districts within industrial areas to ensure adequate and comprehensive provision of infrastructure and efficient, attractive designs, through cohesive planning of larger development projects.
LUD-17.3 Industrial Development Standards. Adopt development standards for industrial uses near residential uses, to ensure compatibility and aesthetically pleasing views from adjacent rights of way, including but not limited to standards for screening of outdoor storage, locations of loading and refuse disposal areas, height, bulk, impervious surface area, architectural enhancement, landscaping, and other measures as deemed appropriate.
LUD-19.1 On-Site Processing. The use of imported raw materials should be avoided and only materials available on-site should be processed.
LUD-19.2 Focused Land Use District. Ancillary uses should be only those typically associated with extraction and/or processing of on-site materials, including uses such as paver and precast concrete facilities.
LUD-19.3 Nuisance Control. Ensure that measures to control noise, dust and erosion/sedimentation are applied to on-going mining activities.
LUD-19.4 Screening. To the extent feasible, require screening of equipment, stockpiles, or waste piles from public view.
LUD-19.5 Mining Site Access. Evaluate truck access to and from the site in order to reduce impacts generated by truck traffic, such as road deterioration, noise, and safety concerns, which affect nearby residents.
LUD-19.6 Reclamation Fund. Establish a use-based mechanism for mining operators to begin contributing to a reclamation fund annually to be used after operations cease.
LUD-23.1 Connections to Existing Neighborhoods. Provide pedestrian/bicycle connections to trails and open space where appropriate and indicated in past planning efforts.
LUD-23.2 Multimodal Streets. According to the General Plan street hierarchy, require key boulevards and neighborhood connectors to be (re)designed, constructed, and operated as multimodal streets, not wide, high-speed streets.
LUD-23.3 Connectivity Enhancements. Introduce new public trail systems that connect to the regional system through Capital Improvement Projects, private development projects and city/regional parks improvements.
LUD-23.4 Quarter-Mile Radius. Work toward a goal of having 90 percent of residents living within twenty minutes walking distance of a dedicated park, school, or multi-use trail.
Circulation and Mobility (CM)
CM-1.1 Roadway design. Design and maintain the public right-of-way through a complete streets approach that facilitates safe, comfortable, and efficient travel for all roadway users.
CM-1.2 Modal conflicts. Use a systemic safety approach to proactively identify opportunities to improve safety where conflicts between users exist.
CM-1.3 Network gaps. Identify and program mitigation measures for gaps and deficiencies in the transportation system to accommodate each major transportation mode.
CM-1.4 Speed management. Include speed reducing elements along local and connector roadways and within all new private development projects.
CM-1.5 Railroad crossings. Implement grade separation at railroad crossings where feasible.
CM-2.1 Roadway classification. Classify streets based on their modal purpose and land use context.
CM-2.2 Multimodal travel. Prioritize safety, operations, and comfort for active and transit modes on streets that have been identified as part of the multimodal network.
CM-2.3 Intersection Design. Prioritize safety and mobility for non-motorized modes in all intersection designs.
CM-2.4 Network connectivity. Prioritize multimodal infrastructure that connects existing development with future infill development areas (i.e., gap closure projects).
CM-2.5 Multimodal comfort. Prioritize quality of multimodal facilities with respect to a user’s experience of stress, connectivity, and safety for streets with a non-automobile priority, and ensure the appropriate balance with vehicular operations.
CM-2.6 Managing truck travel. Review the truck route network periodically and update as necessary to minimize impacts on residential neighborhoods while accommodating needs of commercial/industrial uses.
CM-2.7 Travel demand forecasting. Develop and maintain a traffic demand model based upon the designated network, using existing and projected levels to inform land use decisions.
CM-2.8 Growth management. Ensure that the cumulative and regional impacts of new development on the circulation system are mitigated to the extent feasible, concurrent with development. Concurrent shall mean that required facilities are installed as needed during various stages of development.
CM-3.1 Transit reliability. Make public transit a convenient and reliable option for daily trip making on a local and regional basis.
CM-3.2 Transit access. Encourage investments and Capital Projects that reduce first/last-mile barriers to transit stops.
CM-3.3 Access to employment. Encourage investments and Capital Projects that improve the safety and multimodal options for access to high quality jobs.
CM-3.4 Transit coordination. Work with AVTA to enhance the deployment of fixed-route and flex-route transit services, including increased frequency and service spans.
CM-3.5 Regional rail. Work with Metrolink to increase the frequency of on-peak services and later service hours.
CM-3.6 Transit information. Work with transit providers to improve the delivery of transit service availability and real-time information in an easy, dependable, and accessible means.
CM-3.7 Commute trip reduction. Work with large employers to implement programs that expand access to non-drive alone commute options for all commuters, including hourly staff and contract workers.
CM-3.8 Multimodal Station. Maximize access to downtown via transit and other modes through the Palmdale Transportation Center and future relocation to accommodate a station for high-speed rail.
CM-4.1 Access to essential services. Prioritize investments that improve access to healthcare and social services.
CM-4.2 Access to healthy foods. Improve mobility in neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food sources.
CM-4.3 Access to parks and open space. Prioritize investments that expand access to Palmdale’s parks and trails and support physical activity.
CM-4.4 Neighborhood streets. Create neighborhood streets that unify neighborhoods, reduce vehicle speeds, reduce barriers for people walking, biking, and riding transit, and provide connectivity to connector and regional routes.
CM-4.5 Active friendly design. Design multimodal facilities to a standard that will increase physical activity.
CM-4.6 Lighting. Provide human scale lighting along pedestrian thoroughfares, in commercial districts, on trails, and at transit stops.
CM-5.1 Public space. Encourage wider sidewalks and plazas on downtown streets to enhance placemaking, improve public safety, and support local businesses.
CM-5.2 Parking supply. Promote and support creative and flexible approaches to parking, including maximizing use of existing public supply and sharing between uses to create a “park once environment.”
CM-5.3 Walkability. Enhance the safety and comfort of existing pedestrian street crossings and reduce the distance between crossings.
CM-5.4 Streetscaping. Implement streetscape design that improves the pedestrian environment and appearance of downtown corridors.
CM-5.5 Secure bicycle parking. Install secure short- and long-term bicycle parking near key destinations, civic buildings, and transit facilities.
CM-5.6 Reduced parking minimums. Study reducing minimum on-site parking requirements for new development in districts of the City that can support shared parking between land uses and achieve parking demand reductions through transit and multimodal improvements.
CM-5.7 Compact development. Encourage the development of a healthy mix of land uses within proximity to promote internal capture, shared-parking, and de-emphasize the need for single-occupant vehicular travel.
CM-5.8 Context sensitive development. Balance development intensity and roadway capacity.
CM-6.1 Vehicle miles traveled. Prioritize transportation investments and strategies that create opportunities for residents to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled.
CM-6.2 Multimodal development. Encourage the development of dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented land uses that link affordable housing options to daily needs.
CM-6.3 Transportation demand management. Promote trip reduction strategies, including telecommuting, through land-use decisions and TDM programming strategies.
CM-6.4 Commute trip reduction. Require TDM Plans for major employers, as defined by the Air Quality Management District.
CM-6.5 Landscaping. Incorporate appropriate landscaping elements as part of roadway projects.
CM-7.1 Emerging mobility. Support new and emerging mobility innovations that are focused on improving equitable distribution of mobility services.
CM-7.2 New roadway standards. Develop roadway standards that allow for emerging technologies and practices in the transportation industry to be incorporated in the future with minimal conflict.
CM-7.3 Interagency coordination. Coordinate with regional and State agencies to best leverage future roadway, rail, and aviation projects and funding opportunities for the benefit of Palmdale residents and businesses.
CM-7.4 Mobility partnerships. Seek strategic partnerships to pilot shared and emerging mobility options that meet the needs of Palmdale residents, workers, and visitors.
CM-7.5 Curb management. Identify the highest and best use of curb space and repurpose as appropriate (i.e., on-street parking, pick-up, drop-off zones, outdoor dining, etc.).
CM-7.6 Futureproofing. Consider how new projects will accommodate emerging technologies like autonomous and connected vehicles.
CM-7.7 High-speed rail. Consider the location of a future California High Speed Rail station and right-of-way in long term planning efforts and investment prioritization.
CM-7.8 Local coordination. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to enhance integration of mobility networks.
CM-8.1 Capital improvements. Improve the existing street network based upon Figure 6.2, through implementation of the Capital Improvement Program and through requirements placed upon new development approvals.
CM-8.2 Preservation. Implement mobility network illustrated in Figure 6.2 to protect existing neighborhoods and/or significant environmental resources, wherever feasible.
CM-8.3 Right-of-way. Ensure that right-of-way is reserved wherever possible to implement the mobility network illustrated inFigure 6.2.
CM-8.4 Private streets. Adopt standards for use of private streets and require assurance of long-term maintenance for all private streets constructed within the city.
CM-8.5 Residential development. Require residential developments to contribute toward City programs to reduce vehicle trips.
Economic Development (ED)
ED-6.1 Transportation investments. Support opportunities to bring more transportation investments such as a High-Speed rail station and opening commercial air services.
ED-6.2 Infrastructure investment. Prioritize infrastructure and development that unlocks economic investment around the City and increase usage of transportation facilities.
ED-6.3 Neighborhood transportation connections. Improve local transit and last mile connectivity between neighborhoods and regional transportation hubs/corridors.
ED-7.1 Regional partnerships. Initiate and sustain multi-jurisdictional partnerships to leverage regional assets.
ED-7.2 Development review process. Encourage new development through simplifying the City’s development review processes and exploring opportunities to create incentives for new development.
ED-7.3 Expand and diversify tax base. Expand tax base and analyze opportunities to diversify tax revenues to reduce the reliance on Sales and Use tax.
ED-7.4 Infrastructure financing. Explore and implement creative infrastructure financing and delivery mechanisms such as Public Private Partnerships and Community Benefit programs.
ED-7.5 Opportunity zone. Support the viability of the City’s Opportunity Zones to expand existing businesses and attract new investment.
Military Compatibility (MC)
MC-1.1 Aerospace compatible land uses. Maintain appropriate land use designations surrounding Plant 42 to limit incompatible uses and to ensure continued safe operation of airport activities.
MC-1.2 Land use buffers. Continue to buffer Plant 42 from adjacent, non-compatible residential and commercial uses by reviewing development applications in the Military Influence Area for potential conflicts.
MC-1.3 Non-industrial land uses. Limit non-industrial uses from locating in the Aerospace Industrial area (aside from uses that directly support Plant 42 or airport operations).
MC-1.4 Evaluate existing and future land uses. Use overlay maps of the Air Installation Compatibility Use Zones (AICUZ) noise contours and Air Force Land Use Compatibility Guidelines to evaluate existing and future land use proposals.
MC-1.5 Solar energy facility compatibility. Ensure that there is no potential conflict between the operational mission of Plant 42 and any proposed adjacent solar energy facilities.
MC-1.6 Influence area development. Prohibit development in the Military Influence Area that would restrict access to military facilities, physically obstruct any portion of the Military Operating Area, or pose a health or safety hazard to military personnel.
MC-2.1 APZ development review. Within the Accident Potential Zones (APZ), review all development proposals for hazards to aircraft in flight including uses that release into the air any substance such as:
- Steam, dust, or smoke, which could impair pilot visibility; uses that produce light emissions, glare, or distracting lights, which could interfere with pilot vision or be mistaken for airfield lighting; sources of electrical emissions, which could interfere with aircraft communications or navigation; and uses that could attract birds or waterfowl to the extent that they would pose a danger to aircraft operation in the vicinity of Plant 42.
- Require project applicants to notify Plant 42 and the City of any potential hazards, including but not limited to the above list.
MC-2.2 AICUZ consistency. Require all development to be consistent with DoD regulations as outlined in the Plant 42 AICUZ Report and comply with regulations which affect development in the Clear Zones/Accident Potential Zones.
MC-2.3 Aviation easement. Through the development review process, require that all new projects within the APZ’s of Plant 42 provide an aviation easement.
MC-3.1 Noise and overflight compliance. Ensure that all new land use proposals comply with the noise and overflight policies of the most recent AICUZ for Plant 42.
MC-3.2 Restrict new residential in APZs. Prohibit new residential zoning and new schools in the APZs.
MC-3.3 Restrict residential in high noise areas. Prohibit the redesignation of residential land within the 65-DBL noise contour and the overflight area to increased residential densities.
MC-3.4 Home occupant notification. Require homebuyer/renter notification or disclosure of aircraft noise for all new residential development located in an APZ, or east of Division Street and south of Technology Drive and north of Avenue Q and west of Sierra Highway.
MC-3.5 Noise reduction measures. New development within the 65 DBL noise contour area must adhere to the recommended noise level reductions incorporated into the design and construction.
MC-3.6 Avoid Noise Sensitive Uses. Discourage new noise sensitive development, such as places of worship, residential development, schools, and other similar uses, clustered adjacent to a noise zone.
MC-3.7 Noise Considerations Through Land Use Action. Through conditions of approval, require that any owner of developed or undeveloped property within the 65 CNEL noise contour that is seeking a land use action from the City, provide an aviation easement to the Los Angeles World Airports, the U.S. Air Force, and the City.
MC-3.8 Non-noise Sensitive Land Uses. Designate and permit land uses within the 65 CNEL contour that are primarily industrial, business park, commercial and recreational uses that are not noise sensitive; permit other uses only when it is found that no adverse noise impacts will result.
Equitable and Healthy Communities (EHC)
EHC-4.1 Health and wellness districts. Create three health and wellness districts in locations that are well-served by transit:
- Around the Palmdale Regional Medical Center (Palmdale Boulevard and 10th Street West)
- Along Palmdale Boulevard and 40th/45th Streets East
- Adjacent to Kaiser Permanente (East Avenue S and 45th Street East)
EHC-4.2 Health and wellness uses. Allow and encourage a mix of public and private medical, health, and wellness uses including emergency medical facilities, medical and supportive retail, offices, healthcare clinics and pharmacies in the Health and Wellness land use designation.
EHC-4.3 Access to primary care. Encourage programs and practices that aim to increase access to primary healthcare, especially for low-income residents. Support partnerships with local health service providers, Los Angeles County Public Health Department, schools, and other community-based organizations to promote health, wellness, and preventative care.
EHC-4.4 Transit access to healthcare. Work with local transit agencies to ensure that bus routes provide transit service to health service facilities, especially from disadvantaged communities.
EHC-4.5 Subsidized medical transportation. Partner with local health systems and service providers to support Medicare and Medi-Cal recipients in accessing existing reimbursement programs for non-emergency medical transportation.
EHC-4.6 Health data monitoring. Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles to track health data and ensure the City has necessary health-related data to guide decision-making.
EHC-4.7 Community Health Profile. Partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to provide regular updates to Palmdale’s Community Health Profile, as needed.
EHC-4.8 Affordable healthcare options. Partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other regional partners to provide residents with information on affordable and accessible healthcare services.
EHC-5.1 Access to mental healthcare. Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles and regional health organizations to improve access to mental healthcare, especially in disadvantaged communities.
EHC-5.2 Community input. Partner with the County and local health systems to gather community input on the city’s existing mental healthcare infrastructure to improve behavioral health services accordingly.
EHC-5.3 Preventive mental healthcare. Develop programs and services that improve wellbeing and help reduce stress and mental health issues, especially for vulnerable populations such as foster youth, at-risk youth, and older adults.
EHC-5.4 Homeless services coordination. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority to help residents currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness to access education, facilities, and health services.
EHC-5.5 Homelessness Coordinator. Consider creating a dedicated City staff position to function as a liaison with the County and Palmdale residents currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
EHC-5.6 Partnerships with local shelters. Continue to partner with local shelters to provide cots for emergency shelter situations, including extreme heat and cold days.
EHC-5.7 At-risk youth services. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to support programs for at-risk youth and parents of at-risk youth, such as parent training programs, health and mental health resources, and youth transition programs.
EHC-5.8 Cooling centers. Coordinate with local agencies and organizations to establish centralized cooling centers during extreme heat days, and provide transportation to these facilities for older adults, disabled individuals, and other residents who may have transportation barriers.
EHC-11.1 Near-universal walk access to retail and services. Plan for 90 percent of residents (except for equestrian residential areas) to be within a 20-minute walking distance of a Village Center with retail and neighborhood services.
EHC-11.2 Complete Streets investments. Prioritize transportation system improvements that promote Complete Streets objectives, incorporate universal design principles, and encourage walking, biking, and transit use in disadvantaged communities.
EHC-11.3 Improve connectivity. Strive for a high level of connectivity of residents to Village Centers and neighborhood services through site design, open space linkages, and bicycle facilities. Integrate land use and transportation infrastructure to support a connected system of sidewalks, bikeways, greenways, and transit.
EHC-11.4 Streetscape enhancements. Enhance existing streetscapes to include greater sidewalk coverage, walkway connectivity, street trees and shade, street lighting, street crossing safety features, traffic calming measures, transit shelters, and other design elements, especially in disadvantaged communities.
EHC-11.5 Safe routes for older adults. Develop safe routes for aging adults, particularly routes to transit and shopping centers.
EHC-12.1 Tree planting. Plant street trees, identified within the City’s plant palette, throughout Palmdale, and especially in disadvantaged communities. Plant trees to provide shade and screening, especially along south and west facing sides of buildings.
EHC-12.2 City vehicle fleet. Transition the City’s vehicle fleet to lower-emission fuel technologies.
EHC-12.3 Truck routes. Designate truck routes to avoid sensitive land uses, where feasible.
EHC-12.4 Sensitive land uses. Avoid siting schools, daycare facilities, playgrounds, older adult housing, and housing near land uses that produce localized air pollution (e.g., SR-14, SR-138, and Plant 42). For sensitive land uses that cannot be sited at least 500 feet away from sources of localized air pollution, potential design mitigation options include:
- Provide residential units with individual heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to allow adequate ventilation with windows closed.
- Locate air intake systems for HVAC systems as far away from existing air pollution sources as possible.
- Use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air filters in the HVAC system and develop a maintenance plan to ensure the filtering system is properly maintained.
- Use sound walls, berms, and vegetation as physical barriers.
- Notify new potential home buyers of risks from air pollution.
EHC-12.5 Air quality monitoring. Develop a citywide air quality monitoring program to identify areas with high gas, oil, and toxic chemical emissions, in addition to tracking changes over time, identifying polluters, and analyzing potential interventions.
EHC-12.6 Air quality planning. Participate in air quality planning efforts with local, regional, and state agencies that improve local air quality to protect human health and minimize the disproportionate impacts on sensitive population groups.
EHC-12.7 Toxic air emissions. Coordinate with regional, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as large aerospace and industrial employers to decrease toxic chemical emissions. Proactively explore potential partnerships and interventions to decrease potential exposure of residents to these chemicals.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PR)
PR-2.1 Bikeway network. Encourage bicycle use by developing a comprehensive bikeway network for the city that meets access needs of all bicyclists.
PR-2.2 Bicycle safety. Increase the level of public safety for all bicyclists.
PR-2.3 Transportation modes to parks, schools, and recreation. Promote biking, walking, or taking public transit to public parks and recreation facilities.
PR-2.4 Sidewalks. Ensure connecting sidewalks are well maintained throughout the city.
PR-5.1 Park maintenance and improvements funding. Provide sufficient funding for maintenance and improvements for all parks.
PR-5.2 Park fees. Collect park fees and review this fee annually, to provide financing for improvement of parkland.
PR-5.3 Parks financing. Consider formation of a citywide public financing district to provide funding for design, acquisition, construction, and maintenance of parks throughout Palmdale.
PR-5.4 Parks planning. Continue to use the City’s Capital Improvement Program as the mechanism for short-term planning for acquisition of park land and construction of park and upgrades to existing facilities.
PR-5.5 Grant funding opportunities. Identify and pursue Quimby grant funding and other opportunities to finance future park development to meet parkland goals.
PR-7.1 Multi-use trails. Provide and maintain multi-use trails, for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians, connecting to existing or currently planned multi-use trails.
PR-7.2 Multi-use trail connections. Prioritize multi-use trail connections to existing neighborhoods, public parks, and public facilities based on the modal priority network in the Mobility Element.
PR-7.3 Promote new multi-use trails. When feasible, consider adding multi-use paths near or within areas used for water retention, like the aqueduct, or below transmission lines, to increase local walking and biking routes.
PR-7.4 Trail accessibility. To the extent feasible, ensure that trails are accessible to all residents and incorporate ADA design features.
PR-7.5 Trail amenities and facilities. Provide trail support facilities, such as benches, trash cans and trail heads/staging areas, as needed throughout the multi-use trails network.
PR-7.6 Trails acquisition. Explore various means of acquiring trail easements or rights-of-way and pursue all available funding sources to provide trail acquisition and construction.
PR-7.7 Trail financing. To the extent feasible, use grant funding and private donations to finance trail construction.
PR-7.8 Trails network adoption. Incorporate the citywide multi-purpose trail network adopted under the General Plan into the regional trail system.
Conservation (CON)
CON-4.1 Mining reclamation plan. Require mining operators to establish a reclamation plan that indicates end users when mining operations cease and how the transition to new uses shall be implemented.
CON-4.2 Reclamation fund. Establish a use-based mechanism for mining operators to begin contributing to a reclamation fund annually to be used after operations cease.
CON-4.3 Plan remediation and restoration of sites. Plan for remediation and restoration of extraction sites after operations cease, including adequate areas for groundwater recharge.
CON-5.1 Ground water recharge. Ensure that ground water supplies are recharged and protect natural recharge areas such as the Little Rock and Big Rock Washes, and Amargosa and Anaverde Creeks from pollutants or other materials, which might degrade groundwater supplies.
CON-5.2 Groundwater protection. Ensure that no mineral resource recovery activities extend below the groundwater table.
CON-5.3 Regional monitoring cooperation. Cooperate with Los Angeles County Health Department and the Regional Water Quality Control Board in monitoring industrial and commercial uses utilizing hazardous or potentially polluting materials and fluids, to prevent their discharge into the groundwater aquifer.
CON-5.4 Flood control measures. Maximize groundwater recharge capabilities with flood control measures.
CON-6.1 Encourage natural recharge. Restrict building coverage and total impervious area in the vicinity of natural recharge areas.
CON-6.2 Reduce landscaping irrigation needs. Require the use of water conserving native or drought resistant plants and drip irrigation systems where feasible.
CON-6.3 Reduce street runoff. Design streets to incorporate vegetation, soil, and engineered systems to slow, filter, and cleanse stormwater runoff.
CON-6.4 New construction water conservation. Require water conserving appliances and plumbing fixtures in all new construction.
CON-6.5 Monitoring and coordination. Coordinate with local water agencies to monitor ground water levels, State water allocations and development approvals, to assure that development does not outpace long-term water availability.
CON-7.1 Reclaimed water irrigation. Assess and implement, when and where feasible, reclaimed water for landscape irrigation.
CON-7.2 Water run-off capture. Work with local water purveyors to assess the potential for capturing local run-off and utilization of imported water (water banking) for groundwater recharge within the Planning Area.
CON-7.3 Retain recharge areas. Through the land use planning process, ensure that important recharge areas are retained.
CON-7.4 Water management. Continue to seek out long-range water management techniques as new technology is developed.
CON-7.5 Implementation. Promote implementation of water reduction and recycling systems that are feasible and appropriate to the Planning Area.
CON-7.6 Water recycling. Encourage residents and businesses to recycle water where feasible, and where water recycling does not result in health and safety concerns.
CON-7.7 Water sources. Participate in regional efforts to retain imported water allocations and seek out other sources as they become available.
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure (PFSI)
PFSI-1.1 Community Facilities Master Plan. Prepare a citywide master plan for community facilities that addresses existing and future facilities and equitable access. Include evaluation of existing facilities, need for new or expanded facilities and potential locations, and a funding plan.
PFSI-1.2 Accessibility. Promote accessibility for all residents within City facilities by meeting ADA guidelines and expanding language resources when feasible.
PFSI-1.3 Expand Public Facilities. Expand public facilities, recreation, and library facilities to underserved areas as needed, including the areas west of SR-14.
PFSI-1.4 Access to Library Services. Consider expanding library services to include branch locations in Village Centers (including retail centers), Education Districts, near public parks, and other similar settings to provide access to residents across Palmdale.
PFSI-1.5 Pursue Funding. Pursue federal and state funding sources to utilize in the expansion and enhancement of local public facilities, especially in underserved areas.
PFSI-1.6 Rehabilitate Facilities. Rehabilitate City-owned public facilities using the most innovative technologies and best practices available to ensure long term efficacy.
PFSI-1.7 City Facility Efficiency. Install energy efficient lighting and promote energy conservation practices in all city-owned facilities.
PFSI-1.8 Public Facilities Adequacy. Assess deficiencies in public facilities and address identified issues when feasible.
PFSI-1.9 Higher Education Facilities. Attract, encourage, and support the development of higher education facilities, trade and vocational training in areas within the Education District land use designation.
PFSI-1.10 Private Educational Facilities. In order to encourage development of educational facilities, permit development of private educational facilities that are found to meet the general educational needs of the community within residentially designated districts.
PFSI-2.1 Response Times. Maintain existing or superior average response times for fire and police services as the City’s population expands.
PFSI-2.2 Fire Protection. Coordinate with and assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department in planning for future fire station sites in Palmdale and facilitate location and construction of fire stations in conjunction with other City facilities (such as parks or municipal buildings) where feasible.
PFSI-2.3 Service Level Expansion. Regularly assess the need for service level expansion for fire and police services as the City’s population expands.
PFSI-2.4 County Sheriff Coordination. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to ensure that service availability, resources, and staffing are appropriate for the community need.
PFSI-2.5 County Fire Coordination. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to ensure that service availability, resources, and staffing are appropriate for the community need.
PFSI-2.6 Community Policing. Strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community by developing programs and initiatives focused on community policing.
PFSI-3.1 Water Supply and Delivery. Support water suppliers and other jurisdictions within the Antelope Valley in studying status and projected needs for water supply and delivery.
PFSI-3.2 Local Drainage Detection Basins. Make use of interim local drainage detention basins to slow stormwater runoff until such time as permanent drainage facilities are constructed.
PFSI-3.3 Retention Facilities. Where feasible, plan for detention or retention facilities in areas where groundwater recharge can be accomplished.
PFSI-3.4 Drainage Facilities. Through the development review process, reserve land in appropriate locations for construction of drainage facilities.
PFSI-3.5 Sanitation District Collaboration and Water Purveyors. Work with the Sanitation District and Water Purveyors to identify users for reclaimed water and support plans for its treatment and distribution.
PFSI-3.6 Code Compliance. All private sewage disposal systems must comply with the requirements of the City of Palmdale Plumbing Code, the Los Angeles County Health Department, and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and any Memorandum of Understanding between these agencies concerning private sewage disposal systems.
PFSI-3.7 Public Sewer System Prioritization. Require that all commercial, industrial, institutional, and multiple family uses be connected to a public sewer system with only limited use of private sewage disposal systems.
PFSI-3.8 Public Sewer System Utilization Requirement. Require that all single-family residential uses with lot sizes of less than one acre be connected to a public sewer system.
PFSI-3.9 Renewable Energy Project Disposal Systems. Allow the use of private sewage disposal systems on nonresidential renewable energy projects with domestic discharge only on property with an IND (Industrial) General Plan Land Use designation located between Avenue L and M between 50th Street East and 120th Street East, and on property with an IND (Industrial) General Plan Land Use designation on property located south of Avenue M, north of Avenue P-8, between 90th Street East and 120th Street East. The maximum daily estimated discharge shall not exceed 500 gallons/acre/day wastewater flow with a maximum discharge of 5,000 gallons per day.
PFSI-3.10 Mining and Construction Disposal Systems. Allow the use of private sewage disposal systems on nonresidential industrial aggregate mining and construction aggregate related uses with domestic discharge only within the MRE (Mineral Resource Extraction) General Plan Land Use designations. The maximum daily estimated discharge shall not exceed 500 gallons/acre/day wastewater flow with a total maximum of 5,000 gallons per day.
PFSI-3.11 New Development Fees. Require new development to pay necessary fees for expansion and ongoing maintenance of the sewage disposal system to the appropriate agencies, to handle the increased load, which it will generate.
PFSI-3.12 Water and Wastewater BMPs. Utilize best management practices (BMPs) in the purveyance of water resources and management of wastewater.
PFSI-3.13 Low Impact Development. Require new development to minimize storm water runoff and pollutant exposure by incorporating low impact development (LID) measures and appropriate best management practices (BMPs) consistent with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
PFSI-3.14 Water and Wastewater Provision. Ensure the provisions of adequate water and wastewater services to all new development.
PFSI-3.15 Diversify Water Supplies. Coordinate with water purveyors to facilitate the commitment to diversifying the region’s water supply through water banking projects and expanded recycled water projects.
PFSI-3.16 Service Levels. Provide sufficient levels of water, sewer, and storm drain services throughout the City.
PFSI-3.17 Adequate Systems. Identify and correct issues within the City’s sewer and storm drain systems to prevent system failures.
PFSI-3.18 Water Conservation. Support and promote water conservation across all facets of City water infrastructure.
PFSI-4.1 Infill Development. Direct growth toward areas which already have backbone infrastructure available by providing incentives for infill development.
PFSI-4.2 Utilize Existing Infrastructure. Encourage development, which fully utilizes existing infrastructure systems, while decreasing the need for costly extensions of infrastructure into undeveloped areas.
PFSI-4.3 Infrastructure Evaluation. Evaluate infrastructure facilities and service levels within developed areas, which annex to the City, and promote programs to retrofit street, drainage and sewer improvements where warranted.
PFSI-4.4 Cluster Development. Encourage clustering of development where appropriate, to maximize use of infrastructure.
PFSI-4.5 Planning Documents. Require comprehensive planning documents such as area plans, specific plans, and development agreements, to specify the nature, timing and financing of both capital improvements and ongoing operations/maintenance of public improvements and services.
PFSI-4.6 Mixed Use Development. Encourage mixed use development to maximize use of existing infrastructure systems.
PFSI-4.7 EIFD. Utilize Palmdale’s Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District to issue bonds to fund infrastructure projects (e.g., streets, utilities, sidewalks, pedestrian safety enhancements) or affordable housing.
PFSI-5.1 Development Priorities. Prioritize development in areas that have existing horizontal infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, drainage, etc.).
PFSI-5.2 On-site Infrastructure. Require all new development, including major modifications to existing development, to construct required on-site infrastructure improvements pursuant to City standards.
PFSI-5.3 Off-Site Fair Share Contribution. Require all new development, including major modifications to existing development, to construct or provide a fair share contribution toward construction of required off-site improvements needed to support the project. This includes a fair share contribution toward development of regional master facility plans for roads, sewer, water, drainage, schools, libraries, parks, fire, and other community facilities, prior to granting approval of development applications.
PFSI-5.4 Funding for Maintenance. Ensure there is a funding plan in place for the ongoing maintenance of these off-site facilities.
PFSI-5.5 Improvements Prior to Occupancy. Require that on- and off-site improvements are constructed prior to occupancy of a new development project, or phase thereof, unless otherwise approved by the City.
PFSI-5.6 Land Use Changes. When reviewing applications for land use designation changes (i.e., zone change, General Plan Amendment, specific plan amendment), conduct a thorough analysis of the impacts of the proposed change on all elements of the City’s infrastructure systems, and require mitigation as deemed appropriate.
PFSI-5.7 Adjacent Development Integration. Require that individual development projects integrate with adjacent development with respect to backbone infrastructure (streets, sewer, water, and drainage). If adjacent property is undeveloped, a conceptual plan should be prepared to show that the pending development will allow for future integration and development of adjacent properties in a manner which is reasonable from a design, construction, and cost standpoint.
PFSI-6.1 Infrastructure Equity. Distribute the costs of extending infrastructure equitably among those benefiting from the improvements.
PFSI-6.2 Waste Ordinance Review. Regularly review the City’s ordinances related to recycling and solid waste to reflect updated best management practices and technological innovation.
PFSI-6.3 New Utility Development. When feasible, require new utility lines to be constructed underground and along existing utility corridors.
PFSI-6.4 Utility Construction Cost Minimization. Coordinate installation of utility line placement with street construction to minimize cost, where possible.
PFSI-6.5 Utility Provision. Coordinate with electricity, gas, and waste providers to ensure adequacy of services for future and current needs.
PFSI-6.6 Prioritize Connections. Work with providers to prioritize connections near existing development in the core of the city.
PFSI-6.7 Utility Safety. When feasible, require new utility lines to be constructed away from fault lines, flood zones, fire zones, and other vulnerable areas.
PFSI-6.8 Utility Easements. Through the development review process, protect existing utility easements and require dedication of additional easements where needed.
PFSI-6.9 Telecommunication Retrofitting. Work with telecommunication providers to retrofit underserved areas with necessary telecommunication facilities and utilities.
PFSI-6.10 Capital Improvement Plans. Adopt and annually update the City’s Capital Improvement Program to prioritize funding for public works projects in accordance with the General Plan.
PFSI-6.11 City-Initiated Planning. Inform adjacent cities, town councils and county agencies of City-initiated planning and public works projects which may impact infrastructure systems and consider input and recommendations from these entities in the land use decision process.
PFSI-6.12 Area-Wide Improvements. Participate in regional efforts to gain State or Federal funding for area-wide improvements.
Safety (SE)
SE-1.1 Geologic Review. Review development within or adjacent to geologic hazard zones and provide copies of geotechnical reports and studies to be reviewed by a qualified geologist and implement recommendations to ensure adequate provisions for public safety.
SE-1.2 California Building Code. Require appropriate structural setbacks from active fault rupture traces in accordance with Alquist-Priolo standards and continue to follow California Building Code.
SE-1.3 Utility Lines Design. Design utility lines crossing active fault traces to withstand the expected movement of the earth in these locations. Utility lines as defined here include, but are not to be limited to, electricity, water, internet, natural gas, and sewer.
SE-1.4 Essential Service Buildings Location. As feasible, ensure that essential services buildings are not located in geologic hazard zones.
SE-1.5 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Implement the policies and mitigation strategies outlined within the Palmdale Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
SE-2.1 Critical Facilities. Prohibit new public or critical facilities in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, except when other options do not exist.
SE-2.2 Redevelopment Compliance. After a large fire, ensure that re-development located in the in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones complies with fire safety requirements for construction, accounting for any increased risk related to climate change.
SE-2.3 Wildland Development. Require that developments located in VHFSZ incorporate and enforce standards for construction, including a fuel modification program (i.e., brush clearance, planting of fire-retardant vegetation) to reduce the threat of wildfires, accounting for any increased risk related to climate change.
SE-2.4 Landscaped Buffer Zones. Provide fire-resistant landscaped buffer zones between high-risk fire hazard areas and urban development with fire clearance located on private land and maintained by the property owner(s).
SE-2.5 Maintain Firesafe Zones. Require property owners to clear brush and high fuel vegetation and maintain firesafe zones (a minimum distance of 30 feet from the structure or to the property line, whichever is closer) to reduce the risk of fires. For structures located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the required brush clearance distance is 200 feet from structures to the property line.
SE-2.6 Soils and Waterways. Evaluate soils and waterways for risks from flooding, water quality, and erosion to ensure that they are suitable to support redevelopment following a large fire.
SE-2.7 Emergency Access Routes for Wildfire Hazard Zones. Require all new development in or near designated wildfire hazard zones to identify multiple evacuation/emergency access routes and file with City.
SE-2.8 Los Angeles County Fire Department Coordination. Continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to provide emergency evacuation support and address fire hazards.
SE-2.9 Development Requirements. As part of the city’s development review process, require that all new buildings and facilities comply with Los Angeles County, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the California Building and Fire Codes as well as other applicable fire safety standards and work with the Fire Department to ensure the provision of adequate fire stations, personnel, and equipment to meet the City’s needs over time.
SE-2.10 Water system requirements. Require all new development to be served by a water system that meets applicable fire flow requirements.
SE-2.11 Non-conforming Development. Require existing non-conforming development to comply with contemporary fire safe standards during a permit or entitlement process, in terms of road standards and vegetative hazard, and meet or exceed SRA Fire Safe Regulations.
SE-2.12 Fire Protection Plans. Require fire protection plans for all new development in the VHFSZ.
SE-2.13 Long-term Maintenance. Continue annual brush inspections and enforce clearance requirements on public and private property within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), as dictated by CAL FIRE, in accordance with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Safe Regulations, California Building Standards Code, and Palmdale Municipal Code related to ongoing maintenance of vegetation clearance on public and private roads, roadside fuel reduction plan, and defensible space clearances (including fuel breaks).
SE-2.14 Water Evaluation. Evaluate the location and capacity of the City’s water supply availability to suppress wildfire as part of the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates.
SE-3.1 Hazardous Materials. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to maintain a list of hazardous waste generators that could affect City residents.
SE-3.2 Remediate Contaminated Sites. Continue to support and encourage state and county efforts to identify and remediate contaminated sites.
SE-3.3 Soil and Groundwater Cleanup. Require clean-up of soil and/or groundwater containing hazardous materials exceeding regulatory action levels to the satisfaction of the agency having jurisdiction prior to granting permits for new development.
SE-3.4 Hazardous Materials Transport. Require transport of hazardous materials along designated routes that minimize risks to the public and sensitive environmental areas and cooperate with regional agencies in developing and maintaining such routes.
SE-3.5 Review Development Near Hazardous Materials. Review proposed development in proximity to any existing or proposed facility that uses, stores, or transports large amounts of hazardous materials to ensure adequate mitigation of impacts related to hazardous materials (e.g., appropriate site design, setbacks, and buffering).
SE-3.6 Hazardous Waste Facility Compliance. Require all proposed hazardous waste facilities to comply with the City’s hazardous waste management plan and the Hazardous and Waste Facilities Section of the Palmdale Municipal Code.
SE-4.1 Floodplain Management Ordinance. Require development in designated flood hazard areas to meet standards outlined in the City’s Floodplain Management Ordinance and related criteria in the City’s Engineering Design Standards.
SE-4.2 Drainage Management Plan. Implement the City’s drainage management plan through the capital improvement program and development review process.
SE-4.3 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Low Impact Development. Ensure that new development meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and associated Low Impact Development (LID) standards that limit peak runoff to pre-development rates.
SE-4.4 Recharge Areas. As appropriate, use open space and recreational areas to serve as floodplains that reduce downstream flooding and aid in groundwater recharge.
SE-4.5 Floodplains Value. Preserve and restore the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains to the extent feasible, consistent with public health, safety, and welfare.
SE-4.6 Localized Flooding. Address localized flooding east of SR-14, particularly near Amargosa Creek, Anaverde Creek, Little Rock Wash, and Big Rock Wash.
SE-5.1 Evaluate inundation hazards. As appropriate, evaluate inundation hazards related to the potential rupture of the following when reviewing development proposals: California Aqueduct, Palmdale Dam, Littlerock Dams and/or proposed basins.
SE-5.2 Buffers for gas lines. Require buffers for development in areas near high-pressure natural gas lines and that ensure such development is provided with alternative access/evacuation routes.
Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (SCR)
SCR-1.1 CAP Maintenance. Maintain and regularly update a Climate Action Plan to reduce GHGs generated within the City.
SCR-1.2 GHG Inventory. Conduct community GHG inventories every 3-5 years to track progress toward achieving the City’s GHG reduction goal.
SCR-1.3 Funding Sources. Seek funding to support implementation of GHG reduction projects for the City, residents, and businesses.
SCR-1.4 Community Engagement. Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement including educational outreach, issue-specific awareness campaigns, and technical assistance.
SCR-2.1 Carbon Free Energy. Direct EPIC to provide 75% carbon-free or renewable electricity to residents and businesses by 2030, achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.
SCR-2.2 Community Solar. Explore the development of community solar projects and microgrids.
SCR-2.3 Battery Permitting. Establish a streamlined approval process for battery storage systems.
SCR-3.1 Energy Efficient New Construction. Integrate CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 green building and energy efficiency standards into new construction and major remodels.
SCR-3.2 All-Electric Reach Code. Consider adopting a local reach code to encourage new buildings to be all-electric.
SCR-3.3 Solar and Storage. Require installation of photovoltaic panels and battery storage on all residential new construction and nonresidential new construction over 5,000 sq. ft.
SCR-3.4 Energy Efficient Existing Buildings. Establish an energy and water efficiency upgrade program for existing buildings, focusing resources on the most underserved populations.
SCR-3.4 Benchmarking Energy and Water Use. Register municipal buildings with Energy Star Portfolio Manager and report energy and water use (AB 802).
SCR-4.1 Bike Facilities. Promote bicycle use with new private development projects through requirements for bicycle parking, lockers and showers, bike share facilities, and when feasible, connections to City bike lanes.
SCR-4.2 Public Transit. Expand the public transit system, increase frequency of service, and provide shade at transit stops.
SCR-4.3 Public EV Chargers. Install EV chargers at suitable public facilities, including any parking structures, the future multi-modal High Speed Rail station, and community parks.
SCR-4.4 EV Reach Code. Adopt EV requirements beyond CALGreen in both number of chargers and charger capacity.
SCR-4.5 ZEV Purchasing. When purchasing City vehicles give preference to fuel efficient vehicles, including the use of zero emission vehicles.
SCR-4.6 Clean Fuels. Require use of clean fuels for City construction and maintenance vehicles and lawn/garden equipment.
SCR-4.7 Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety. Promote bicycle and pedestrian modes of travel by promoting pedestrian and cyclist safety.
SCR-5.1 Zero Waste Plan. Create a zero-waste plan that institutes cost-effective diversion programs for municipal operations and the community.
SCR-5.2 Organic Waste Diversion. Establish programs to comply with State-established requirements for organics and food waste diversion.
SCR-5.3 Waste Diversion Education and Assistance. Develop an education and technical assistance program for residents and businesses on composting, recycling, and reuse of materials.
SCR-5.4 Nonresidential Collection Efficiency. Continue to review waste franchise agreements to establish rate structures that encourage less frequent nonresidential collection.
SCR-6.1 Recycled Water. Increase municipal reuse of local recycled water. Support the efforts of the Palmdale Water District and the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Palmdale Recycled Water Authority (PRWA) in its proof of concept and implementation of aquifer augmentation through advanced treatment of recycled water.
SCR-6.2 Water Efficiency Standards. Establish water efficiency standards that are more stringent than CALGreen and model water efficient landscape ordinance (MWELO).
SCR-6.3 Low-Water Use Plant List. Implement the City’s landscape plant list and use of low-water plants in new or renovated landscaped areas.
SCR-6.4 Rainwater Capture. Encourage rainwater capture and use of cisterns for outdoor watering purposes.
SCR-6.5 Greywater Permitting. Establish a streamlined permitting process for greywater systems.
SCR-7.1 Tree Planting in Public Spaces. Plant additional trees on streets, parks, and other public spaces to sequester carbon, provide shade, contribute to stormwater management, provide habitat, and enhance community character.
SCR-7.2 Preferred Tree and Plant List. Establish a preferred tree list of species appropriate for the urban forest which are more resilient to drought, heat, and pests. Prioritize native plants and pollinator-friendly plants.
SCR-7.3 Tree Planting on Private Property. Adopt a tree preservation ordinance to encourage tree preservation and additional planting on private property as appropriate.
SCR-7.4 Green Infrastructure. Integrate green infrastructure stormwater management practices into the design of open spaces and public rights-of-way.
SCR-7.5 Cool Pavement. Incorporate cool pavement practices into street maintenance activities to reduce the urban heat island effect.
SCR-8.1 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Build on the existing LHMP and acknowledge the LHMP in the General Plan per AB 2140.
SCR-8.2 Areas of Physical and Social Vulnerability. Focus investments on areas of high vulnerability, exposure, and sensitivity for both physical infrastructure and social communities.
SCR-8.3 Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Work with Southern California Edison (SCE) to minimize the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
SCR-8.4 Resilience Features. Add resilience features to community facilities to provide basic services during disruptive events or disasters.
SCR-8.5 Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan. Create a pre-disaster recovery plan that sets up post-disaster policies and programs indicating which areas will be replanned and when, and that shows where and how rebuilding will occur.
SCR-8.6 Disaster Rebuilding and Recovery. Develop policies to ensure that housing units damaged during a natural disaster are repaired or replaced in ways that advance the policies, objectives, and actions of the General Plan.
SCR-8.7 Heat and wildfire mitigation. Develop policies and building standards that reduce the urban heat island effect and the risk and damage of wildfire such as:
- Encourage the use of high-albedo roofs and paving
- Incorporate more robust temperature and air quality controls in facility retrofits and designs
- Provide consolidated public messaging about wildfire preparation, evacuation, and communications avenues in multiple languages
- Encourage fire-wise landscaping including alternatives to wood fencing
- Require ember-resistant attic ventilation openings
- Encourage the installation of air filters to protect against indoor air quality impacts during wildfire smoke exposure events
- Identify and modify vulnerable infrastructure in high wildfire risk areas, such as replacing wooden utility poles or undergrounding utility lines.
Air Quality (AQ)
AQ 1-1 Reduced work-related trips. Reduce the number and length of work-related trips through such means as providing a balance of jobs and housing in the community, promoting alternate work schedules, telecommuting, teleconferencing, company-sponsored ride-share and alternative fuel vehicle programs, use of commuter trains and other alternative modes of transportation to the workplace, creation of additional park and ride facilities, and improving the fiber optic network and connectivity.
AQ 1-2 Reduced Non-Work Trips. Reduce motor vehicle non-work trips through such means as location of residences in proximity to shopping and recreation/entertainment destinations, transit system improvements, and promoting merchant transportation incentives, and distance learning.
AQ 1-3 Improve Traffic Flow. Reduce vehicle emissions by maintaining and improving traffic flow per the Mobility Element.
AQ 1-4 High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes. Coordinate with Caltrans to promote high occupancy vehicle lanes on SR-14.
AQ 1-5 Reduced Tailpipe Emissions. As technology allows, reduce tailpipe emissions from City vehicles by replacing them with alternative fuel vehicles and encourage reduction of emissions from private vehicles through such means as reducing parking requirements and providing preferential parking for alternative fuel vehicles and bicycles.
AQ 1-6 Airport Emissions Control. To the extent practicable, reduce emissions from the future Palmdale Regional Airport by purchasing renewable energy, installing airport renewable energy systems, reducing energy consumption, monitoring the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and colling systems, and purchasing low or zero emission vehicles and ground support equipment.
AQ 1-7 Expand Dial-A-Ride. Expand services of the existing dial-a-ride program, resulting in reduced need for automobiles and parking by seniors and those with disabilities.
AQ 1-8 Environmentally Review New Development. Use the environmental review process for new development applications to assess and, as necessary, mitigate the impacts of new development related to increased vehicle miles traveled.
AQ 1-9 Encourage transit and bike use. Provide incentives to residents who bike or use public transportation such as free or discounted public transit or employer-provided subsidies or reimbursements for residents willing to bike or use public transit.
AQ 1-10 Truck routes. Restrict freight to certain routes and times by adopting rules and regulations that prohibit the use of trucks in certain areas within Palmdale.
AQ 2-1 Vegetative Stabilization. Reduce roadway dust by requiring paving or vegetative stabilization of unpaved roads and parking lots.
AQ 2-2 Construction Site Requirements. Require measures at construction sites to prevent deposition of soil onto public right-of-way.
AQ 2-3 Natural Contours. Encourage developers to maintain natural contours to the greatest degree possible, to eliminate the need for extensive land clearing, blasting, ground excavation, grading and cut and fill operations.
AQ 2-4 Erosion and Dust Control Measures. Require erosion and dust control measures for new construction, including covering soil with straw mats or use of chemical soil and dust binders during site grading, followed by hydroseeding and watering disturbed construction areas as soon as possible after grading to prevent fugitive dust.
AQ 3-1 AVAQMD and Proven Technologies. Promote the AVAQMD program to encourage local entities to install public electric vehicle charging stations to offer incentivize residents to purchase electric vehicles (e.g., vehicle buy-back program), and the Carl Moyer program, which aims to improve the local air quality by funding local, cost-effective projects to upgrade heavy-duty equipment (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating greater than 14,000 lbs.) using proven technologies.
AQ 3-2 Eliminate Emissions. Promote the AVAQMD’s efforts to eliminate emissions from such sources as excessive car dealership cold starts, excessive curb idling, emissions from advertising vehicles, and emissions from leaf blowers, among others, through assisting with implementation and enforcement of AVAQMD programs and rules.
AQ 3-3 Complete Streets. Design a more effective street system by emphasizing complete streets which accommodate all modes of transportation.
AQ 3-4 Reduce Reactive Organic Gas. Reduce reactive organic gas (ROG) and particulate emissions from building materials and construction methods, by promoting the use of nonsolvent-based, high-solid, or water-based coatings, and requiring compliance with all pertinent AVAQMD rules.
AQ 3-5 Minimize Emissions. Minimize emissions of toxic air contaminants that contribute to climate change and ozone depletion, and that create potential health risks for residents, workers, and visitors.
AQ 3-6 Community Awareness. Promote community awareness of the effects of climate change and ozone depleting gases, as well as methods to minimize the creation of those gases, by preparing and distributing educational materials, and cooperating with AVAQMD in establishing regional programs.
AQ 3-7 Environmentally Review New Development Applications. Through the environmental review process for new development applications, ensure that emissions of toxic air contaminants are minimized and that any significant health effects associated with such contaminants are appropriately mitigated.
AQ 3-8 Green Technology Companies. Encourage non-polluting industry and clean green technology companies to locate in the city.
AQ 4-1 EPIC Participation. Encourage residents and business owners to participate in Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC).
AQ 4-2 Energy Conservation. Encourage energy conservation from all sectors of the community by promoting and/or requiring the use of energy efficient appliances, processes, and equipment, and promoting energy audits and retrofits of existing structures.
AQ 4-3 Recycling. Require local government, Palmdale citizens, and local businesses and industries to recycle, as mandated by state law, and to otherwise recycle to the maximum extent possible in accordance with the requirements of the Palmdale Municipal Code.
AQ 4-4 Solar Energy. Require new developments to minimize obstruction of direct sunlight for solar energy systems on adjacent properties.
Noise (N)
N-1.1 Future Noise Levels. Use the state-recommended noise level guidelines shown in Figure 16.1 to determine the compatibility of proposed land uses with the existing and future noise environment of each proposed development site.
N-1.2 Restrict Land Uses. Restrict noise sensitive land uses near existing or future air, rail, or highway transportation noise sources unless mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design of the project to reduce the noise levels at the noise sensitive land use to less than 65 dBA CNEL at all exterior living spaces including but not limited to, single-family yards and multi-family patios, balconies, pool areas, cook-out areas and related private recreation areas.
N-1.3 Acoustical Analysis for Stationary Noise Sources. When proposed stationary noise sources could exceed an exterior noise level of 65 dBA CNEL at the property line or could impact future noise sensitive land uses, require preparation of an acoustical analysis and mitigation measures to reduce exterior noise levels to no more than 65 dBA CNEL at the property line.
N-1.4 Noise Abatement Strategies. Explore the use of noise abatement strategies such as natural barriers, sound walls, and other buffers to mitigate excessive noise.
N-1.5 Quiet Zones. Where deemed appropriate, restrict train horn noise by establishing quiet zones within Palmdale based on Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222).
N-2.1 Extreme Noise Sources. Avoid locating new extreme noise sources adjacent to noise sensitive land uses unless mitigation measures can mitigate noise impacts to the sensitive uses.
N-2.2 Restrict Construction Activities. Restrict construction activities in the vicinity of sensitive receptors during the evening, early morning, and weekends and holidays.
N-2.3 Maintain Acceptable Noise Environments. Utilize any or all the following measures to maintain acceptable noise environments throughout the city:
- Control of noise at its source, including noise barriers and other muffling devices built into the noise source.
- Provision of buffer areas and/or wide setbacks between the noise source and other development.
- Reduction of densities, where practical, adjacent to the noise source (freeway, airport, railroad).
- Use of sound insulation, blank walls, double paned windows and other design or architectural techniques to reduce interior noise levels.
- Designation of appropriate land uses adjacent to known noise sources.
N-2.4 Acoustical Analysis for Noise Sensitive Land Uses. Where deemed appropriate based upon available information, require acoustical analysis and appropriate mitigation for noise-sensitive land uses proposed in areas that may be adversely impacted by significant intermittent noise sources. Such noise sources may include but not be limited to railroads, racetracks, stadiums, aircraft overflights and similar uses.
N-2.5 High Speed Rail and Palmdale Airport. As necessary, participate in future planning for the High-Speed Rail and the Palmdale Airport expansion to ensure that neither facility creates noise conditions that adversely affect residents, businesses, or visitors.
N-3.1 Frequent Overflight Area. Designate and permit employment flex, industrial, aerospace industrial, and similar uses within the 65 dBA CNEL contour and the Frequent Overflight Area.
N-3.2 Areas Within 65 dBA CNEL. Restrict noise sensitive land uses (such as residential uses, religious institutions, schools, assisted living facilities, or similar uses) within areas designated within both the 65 dBA CNEL contour and the Frequent Overflight Area, unless mitigation measures prevent adverse health impacts from high noise emissions.
N-3.3 Areas Outside 65 dBA CNEL. In areas outside of the 65 dBA CNEL contours but within the Frequent Overflight Area, encourage land uses that are not noise-sensitive, to the extent feasible.
N-3.4 Require Disclosure Statement. Through the development review process, require a disclosure statement indicating that the property is subject to frequent overflight and aircraft noise upon sale of property within the Accident Potential Zone (APZ) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ).
N-3.5 Aviation Easement. Through conditions of approval, require that any owner of property within the 65 dBA CNEL noise contour or the low altitude overflight area of Plant 42 seeking a land use action from the City to provide an aviation easement to the Los Angeles Department of Airports, the U.S. Air Force, and the City of Palmdale.
N-4.1 Coordinate with Caltrans. Coordinate with Caltrans to implement noise mitigation measures, such as sound barrier walls, in the design, improvement, or expansion of freeways and major roadways.
N-4.2 Assess Noise Environment in Residential Areas. Regularly assess the noise environment in residential areas related to heavy vehicle traffic to determine if adjustments should be made to transportation routes.
N-4.3 Insulate Sensitive Receivers. Implement traffic calming and traffic diversion measures across the City to insulate sensitive land uses from freeway and roadway noise.
N-4.4 Protect Disadvantaged Community Members. Prohibit new high noise generating uses in disadvantaged communities, as feasible.
