Natural Environment
The Vision theme, Palmdale’s Beautiful Natural Setting, and accompanying guiding principles are implemented through the following goals and policies across various elements in the general plan. These goals and policies are related to improving trails and open space, expanding and improving public parks, preserving existing mountain views and dark night sky, and maintaining high air quality.
Learn About
Selected Goals and Policies
Learn About
Land Use and Community Design (LUD)
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-24.1 Appropriate Densities. Avoid designating land for higher density uses where prevailing existing development patterns are rural residential with lot sizes of one acre or more.
LUD-24.2 Commercial Developments. Permit neighborhood commercial development within rural areas to serve the needs of these areas, provided that such projects include safe, logical, and functional access from the adjacent neighborhoods for pedestrian and equestrian users.
LUD-24.3 Septic Requirements. Enforce Los Angeles County standards and requirements regarding septic systems.
LUD-24.4 Avenue S and SR-14. Require that development near the intersection of Avenue S and SR-14 is complementary to Lake Palmdale, surrounding hillside, and mountain views by minimizing building heights and viewshed impacts; and is consistent with sound water quality management practices by providing a minimum 100-foot setback from the historical high-water mark of Lake Palmdale and meeting other relevant environmental standards.
LUD-24.5 Landfill Buffer. Provide a 1,000-foot buffer between Antelope Valley Landfill operations and residential developments.
LUD-24.6 Potential Annexation. Consider annexation as a last resort option and only as a logical extension of the City boundaries as neighboring properties are annexed and adjacent properties are developed. Before initiating annexation, evaluate the fiscal, infrastructural and land use impacts of proposed annexations to the City, as well as the desires of inhabitants within the areas to be annexed.
Circulation and Mobility (CM)
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.
Equitable and Healthy Communities (EHC)
EHC-10.1 Near-universal access to recreation. Work toward a goal of having 90 percent of residents living within a 20-minute walking distance of a dedicated park, school, or multi-use trail.
EHC-10.2 Access to open space. Plan for new parks and increase access to existing and future parks, trails, and open spaces, especially in disadvantaged communities.
EHC-10.3 Recreational programs. Prioritize investments in recreational programs that focus on physical activity.
EHC-10.4 Community partnerships. Partner with community-based organizations to improve access to recreational opportunities that promote physical activity across the city, particularly in park-poor neighborhoods.
EHC-10.5 Fee waivers. Consider fee waivers for low-income families, such as families with children who participate in the National School Lunch Program, so that all residents have access to the City’s recreational programming.
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.
EHC-13.1 Smoke-free public space. Update the municipal code to require all City-owned public places, including outdoor facilities, to be smoke-free and vape-free to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.
EHC-13.2 Smoke-free workplaces. Encourage employers to provide smoke-free and vape-free workplaces.
EHC-13.3 Smoke-free multifamily housing. Adopt an ordinance to transition all multi-family buildings into smoke-free and vape-free housing.
EHC-13.4 Smoking product retailers. Limit the sale of tobacco and other nicotine products in neighborhoods with a significant concentration of stores (e.g., multiple stores on the same block or intersection) and near child-sensitive areas, such as schools, parks, and daycare facilities. Consider distance requirements from sensitive uses.
EHC-13.5 Limit smoking advertisements. Encourage store owners to limit advertising for tobacco products.
EHC-13.6 Anti-smoking education. Coordinate with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and local community partners to continue educational campaigns regarding anti-smoking measures.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PR)
PR-1.1 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Prepare a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to address park conditions and needs, recreation programming, facilities, and funding opportunities. As a part of a Parks Master Plan, evaluate adopted park standards, including designations for type of parks and guidelines for the facilities to be developed in future parks.
PR-1.2 Park location. Ensure that park sites are located equitably, throughout the city, to maximize access to parks for residents within a 20-minute walking distance.
PR-1.3 Parks accessibility. Provide a variety of parks and recreational facilities accessible to all residents throughout the city, including community and neighborhood parks, to meet the needs of youth, adults, and senior citizens.
PR-1.4 Future parks priority areas. As feasible, work with the private development community to facilitate creation of parks in the future parks priority areas as indicated in Figure 10.3.
PR-1.5 Prioritize underserved areas. Prioritize development of new parks and recreation facilities in underserved areas of the city, encouraging access to free or low-cost recreation for all Palmdale residents.
PR-1.6 Expand park amenities. Encourage expansion of amenities at existing public parks.
PR-1.7 ADA Design. Incorporate all design features, required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which improve access to parks and park facilities for citizens with different abilities and needs.
PR-1.8 School and park synergy. Co-locate schools and parks and partner with non-profit organizations to provide recreational opportunities that benefit both students and the public.
PR-1.9 Parkland incentives. Work with the private development community to incentivize creation of publicly accessible parkland either on-or-off-site.
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-3.1 Recreation education. Collaborate with community partners to expand healthy, and educational recreation programs and services for youth and families.
PR-3.2 Culturally sensitive programming. Provide culturally sensitive programming at various recreation facilities to serve the city’s diverse population.
PR-3.3 Shared school amenities. Work with local school districts to make campus recreation amenities (such as open grassy areas, basketball courts, baseball fields, gymnasiums, among others) available to surrounding neighborhoods and local sports leagues or organizations during off-school hours.
PR-3.4 Arts and culture programming. Work with local schools, non-profits, local organizations, and artists to increase arts and culture programming (such as such as performing arts and theater, visual arts, youth, and senior programs) throughout Palmdale.
PR-4.1 Incorporate parkland. Wherever feasible, incorporate uses that increase the public benefit of park land, and are compatible with the goal of providing active recreation opportunities.
PR-4.2 Non-traditional parks. Consider non-traditional types of parks to extend the range of recreational opportunities available within the city, including linear parks, neighborhood parks, and remodeling vacant buildings for indoor activities, among others.
PR-4.3 Public input. Seek public input on locations for and amenities in new neighborhood and community parks.
PR-4.4 Recreation, cultural and artistic opportunities. Continue to work with public and private entities to provide opportunities for recreational, cultural, and artistic activities within the community.
PR-4.5 Park site considerations. Account for physical, land use, and cost considerations when evaluating future park sites for acquisition or dedication.
PR-4.6 Dual purpose recreation. Explore options to provide public recreation access (i.e., walking or picnicking) to utility and or drainage basin areas as safety permits.
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-6.1 Open Space network. Develop an open space network through preservation of corridors along fault zones, natural drainage courses and in hillside areas to connect with the large areas of open space designated on the General Plan Land Use Map.
PR-6.2 Acquire natural open spaces. Work with private property owners, conservation agencies, and the County of Los Angeles to expand and acquire natural open spaces and hillsides on the periphery of the city.
PR-6.3 Passive recreation use. Encourage the use of open space areas for passive recreation with access points, multi-use trails, and interpretive information.
PR-6.4 Incentivize open space. Work with the private development community to incentivize new publicly accessible open space through land dedications, land swaps, or other means.
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.
PR-8.1 Greenbelt program. Establish a greenbelt program to create a network of open spaces on the city’s periphery.
PR-8.2 Varied open space features. Utilize a variety of features, including city entry points, landscaped arterial roadways, bikeways, equestrian paths, hiking trails, and park sites, to create an open space network.
PR-8.3 Open space linkages. Create a network of open space by creating linkages wherever possible, especially to and from residential neighborhoods.
PR-8.4 Open Space preservation through Hillside Management Ordinance. Implement the standards adopted under the City’s Hillside Management Ordinance for new development including clustering and density transfer of housing units, in order to maintain areas of scenic and other open space within hillside areas.
PR-8.5 Location and retain open spaces. Utilize the City’s discretionary land use approval process to locate and retain areas for use as open space through dedication or other legal means. Develop criteria and guidelines to identify areas that should be protected.
PR-8.6 Integrate natural hazards to open spaces. Integrate natural hazard areas, such as floodways, seismic fault zones, and unstable soils, among others into the open space network to ensure public health, safety and welfare while preserving open space.
PR-8.7 Open Space funding. Identify and utilize all available funding sources for acquisition and maintenance of open space areas for public benefit.
PR-8.8 Work to preserve Open Space. Cooperate with private and public entities whose goals are to preserve natural and constructed open space.
PR-8.9 Land Trust criteria. Develop criteria and guidelines to identify how to establish land trust open space locations.
Conservation (CON)
CON-1.1 Endangered species protection. Ensure local compliance with the California Endangered Species Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
CON-1.2 Joshua and Juniper trees. Continue enforcing the City’s Native Vegetation Ordinance to protect western Joshua trees and Juniper trees.
CON-1.3 West Mojave Plan. Comply with the required implementation of the West Mojave Plan for protection of desert tortoise and Mohave ground squirrel.
CON-1.4 Significant ecological areas. Identify and preserve to the greatest extent feasible significant ecological areas (SEA’s) as shown in Figure 11.3. Areas to consider for open space preservation include, but are not limited to, Tejon Park, Barrel Springs Southern Trailhead, and the Una Lake area.
CON-1.5 Preserve ecological resource areas. Preserve natural drainage courses and riparian areas where ecological resources exist in significant concentrations.
CON-1.6 Increase conservation areas. Coordinate with state agencies to help achieve the goals of 30×30: to protect 30 percent of California’s land by 2030 by identifying optimal sites for land conservation.
CON-1.7 Wetland and floodplain areas. Solicit and utilize all available sources of local, regional, state, and federal funds to acquire significant wetland areas and floodplains to minimize disturbance and prevent damage from erosion, turbidity, siltation, loss of wildlife and vegetation, or the destruction of the natural habitat.
CON-2.1 Hillside land management. Establish a systematic approach to the management of land uses and development in hillside areas.
CON-2.2 Natural ridgelines. Retain the integrity of the natural ridgelines of Ritter Ridge, Portal Ridge, Verde Ridge, the Ana Verde Hills, the Sierra Pelona Mountains, and the lower foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.
CON-2.3 Density transfers. Encourage density transfers where appropriate so that the density of development respects and is reflective of the natural terrain.
CON-2.4 Development in suitable locations. Facilitate development in more suitable locations while retaining significant natural slopes and areas of environmental sensitivity as natural open space.
CON-3.1 Reduce mineral resource extraction impacts. Reduce impacts to human and environmental health caused by mineral resource extraction including:
- Ground water contamination
- Removal or demise of sensitive Ecological Areas of flora and fauna
- Excessive noise or dust
CON-3.2 Land use buffers. Maintain buffers between mineral resource extraction areas and other sensitive land uses (i.e., residential, public, institutional, open space and parks, among others) to reduce unnecessary impacts while in operation.
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.
CON-8.1 Historic landmark identification. Identify and recognize historic landmarks from Palmdale’s past.
CON-8.2 Cultural and historic buildings. Identify and preserve unique cultural and historic buildings and features in order to enhance community character.
CON-8.3 Identified landmarks. Maintain, rehabilitate, and appropriately reuse identified landmarks where feasible.
CON-8.4 Preservation in new development. Require that new development preserve significant historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources.
CON-8.5 Tribal consultation. Conduct Native American consultation consistent with the applicable regulations when new development is proposed in potentially culturally sensitive areas.
CON-8.6 Discovery coordination with Tribal groups. When human remains suspected to be of Native American origin are discovered, coordinate with the Native American Heritage Commission and any local Native American groups to determine the most appropriate course of action.
CON-8.7 Cooperation with preservation entities. Cooperate with private and public entities whose goals are to protect and preserve historic landmarks and important cultural resources.
CON-8.8 Recognition of local historic resources. Promote respect and recognition of unique historical resources within the community by identifying significant cultural resources with landmark designation plaques, directional signage, self-guided tours, school curriculum, programs, and events.
CON-8.9 Maintain cultural assets. Discourage historic landmark properties from being altered in such a manner as to significantly reduce their cultural value to the community.
CON-9.1 Design elements. Promote use of design elements, which reflect the various periods of history and settlement in Palmdale.
CON-9.2 Locally relevant community design. Community design should reflect the community’s roots, rather than simulating historic periods or events, which did not occur in the Antelope Valley.
CON-9.3 Locally appropriate landscape design. Preserve the natural heritage of the region through landscape design by ensuring the local stock of native trees and vegetation is replenished and protected.
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure (PFSI)
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.
Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (SCR)
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.
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 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.
