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City of Perris General Plan

Conservation Element i

Conservation Element

((City Council Adoption – July 12, 2005)

(Sustainable Community Amendment City Council Adoption – February 18, 2008)


Conservation Element ii

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................ 3 Agricultural Resources....................................................................................................................................3 Biological Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Cultural and Paleontological Resources...................................................................................................19 Paleontological Resources........................................................................................................................... 26 Water Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 28 Hydrology........................................................................................................................................................ 33 Water Quality ................................................................................................................................................ 36 Solid Waste..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Issues .................................................................................................................... 40 Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)..........................................................................40 Agricultural Conversion ..............................................................................................................................40

Sustainable Community……………………………………..…………….…….42 Existing Conditions .............................................................................................. 42 The Environment...........................................................................................................................................42 Greenhouse Gas Emissions………………………………………………………………..………..………………………………………...42 Sustainable Goals…………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..43

Issues, Opportunities and Constraints……………………...……………………43

Energy Efficiency……………………………………………………………………..……..43 Occupant Health and Safety…………………………………………………………………44 Materials Efficiency………………………………………………………………………….44 Water Efficiency…………………………….….....................................................................44 Landscaping Efficiency…………………………………………………………………...…44 Efficiency in Project Design…………………………………………………………………45

Strategy For Action .............................................................................................. 42 Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures .................................................... 46


Conservation Element iii

List of Tables

Table CN - 1: Plant Communities................................................................................................................5 Table CN - 2: Historical Sites and Buildings......................................................................................... 25

List of Exhibits

Exhibit CN-1: Conservation Plan................................................................................................................2 Exhibit CN-2: Agricultural Resources ......................................................................................................6 Exhibit CN-3: Existing Plant Communities........................................................................................... 10 Exhibit CN-4: MSHCP Mead Valley Area Plan .................................................................................... 14 Exhibit CN-5: Biological Sensitivity ........................................................................................................ 18 Exhibit CN-6: Cultural Resource Sensitivity ........................................................................................ 21 Exhibit CN-7: Paleontological Sensitivity ..............................................................................................27 Exhibit CN-8: City of Perris Water District ......................................................................................... 30 Exhibit CN-9: Groundwater Management Zones................................................................................35

Appendix

Appendix A: Special Status Plant and Animal Species........................................................................ 54


Conservation Element iv

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Conservation Element 1

Introduction

Conservation is the management and preservation of natural and cultural resources to assure their continued viability and availability. This Conservation Element strives for a balance between the urban and the natural environments. In recognizing that the natural environment will be affected as development occurs, the Conservation Element provides goals and policies as a framework for the management, preservation, and use of the City’s resources. This Conservation Element is arranged to address four topical areas: Agricultural Resources, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources and Water Resources. It is organized under the following categories.

I. Existing Conditions provides a year 2003 inventory of natural and cultural resources.

II. Issues, Opportunities, and

Constraints identifies important conservation topics in the City of Perris.

III. The Conservation Plan (Exhibit

CN-1) depicts areas of existing agricultural lands, preservation plans, and significant water bodies. In addition to this exhibit, the Conservation Element contains other exhibits to depict areas within the City known to contain, or with the potential for, important cultural and/or natural resources. These maps should be used in conjunction with the other land use plans and maps contained in the General Plan to assure consistency, and to allow for

conservation minded consideration in land use and development decisions.

IV. The Strategy for Action section sets

forth the steps to be taken by the City of Perris to assure that future physical development is consistent with both the Land Use Plan and the goals of the Conservation Element.



Exhibit CN-1: Conservation Plan



Existing Conditions

Agricultural Resources

Approximately 52 percent of the land within the City was or has been used for agricultural purposes. Many agricultural fields have been out of production for a number of years and are dominated by disturbed ruderal (weedy) vegetation. Various forms of disturbance related to agricultural uses include frequent disking, pesticide application, and irrigation. In addition, maintenance buildings and storage facilities can often be found on parcels used for agricultural purposes. Farmland is most often used for sod farms, alfalfa, hay, and other dry land farming. High yield or cash crops are not a principal characteristic of Perris’ agricultural production or economy. The City of Perris continues to transform into a more urbanized area and land conversion from agricultural uses reduces the extent to which agriculture and supporting economic activities can contribute to the economic base of the City. These losses will to some extent be compensated by the economic activities associated with urban development.

Soil Classifications

There are several classifications of agricultural lands that have been established by the California Department of Conservation and federal agencies such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The classifications of farmland are based on soil type, moisture content, water supply, soil temperature, acidity, salinity, depth, drainage, water table, flooding, slope, erodibility, permeability, rock content, rooting depth, growing season,

crop type and value, and other economic factors. The four State classifications of important farmlands shown on the Agricultural Resources exhibit include:

Prime Farmlands

Prime Farmland has the best physical and chemical conditions suited for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and other crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high yields of crops.

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Farmland of Statewide Importance is land other than Prime Farmland that has a good combination of physical and biological characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and other crops.

Unique Farmland

Unique Farmland is land other than Prime and Farmland of Statewide Importance that is currently used for the production of specific high-value food and fiber crops. It has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season and moisture supply suitable for the production of the State’s leading cash crops.

Farmland of Local Importance

These farmlands are not covered by the above categories but are of locally significant economic importance. They may include the following: Lands with soils that would be classified as Prime or Statewide Importance Farmlands but lack available irrigation water;

Lands planted for dry land grain crops.

Lands producing major crops that are not listed as Unique Farmland crops.



Dairy lands including corrals, pasture, milking facilities, hay and manure storage areas if accompanied by permanent pasture or hay land of 10 acres or more.

Lands subject to Williamson Act contracts.

Grazing Land

This is land on which the existing vegetation is suited to the grazing of livestock. The minimum mapping unit for Grazing Land is 40 acres. Williamson Act The California Land Conservation Act, better known as the Williamson Act, has been the state’s primary agricultural land protection program since its enactment in 1965. This program enables local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners for the purposes of restricting specific parcels of land to agricultural use. In return, landowners receive property tax assessments that are much lower than normal because they are based upon farming and open space uses as opposed to full market value. Participation in this program is voluntary, and requires 100 contiguous acres of agricultural land under one or more ownerships. A Williamson Act contract automatically renews every year unless the property owner files for a notice of non-renewal, wherein the properties remain in the preserve system for the following ten years, unless the contract is cancelled. If the property owner chooses to remove this land from the Williamson Act program in less than ten years, the owner must petition the City for cancellation of the contract. Cancellation of the contract involves payment of cancellation fees currently at 12.5% of the “proposed use” valuation of the property, which goes to the State of California for purchase and preservation of agricultural lands of

Statewide Importance. At the time cancellation is requested the property owner must propose an alternative use for the site. In the City of Perris there are a total of 712 acres currently under Williamson Act contract. The contracted land is under one ownership, and currently is used for sod farming. Conversion of these lands by 2010 from sod to non-residential and/or residential uses is likely.

Biological Resources

Plant Communities

Approximately sixteen percent of the City remains in a relatively undisturbed, natural condition. The remaining 17,000 acres have experienced some type of disturbance or development. Plant communities that occur within Perris have been grouped into five main types: Extensive Agriculture (mostly fields of alfalfa and sod farms), Riversidean sage scrub, non-native grassland, urban/developed, riparian scrub (typically found near a riverbank or lake edge), and ornamental woodland. The largest of the plant communities is the Extensive Agricultural. Landscape characteristics and plants and animal species associated with the five major communities are illustrated in Exhibits CN-2 and CN-3 and discussed below. Agriculture Agricultural practices have been ongoing in the City for many decades and currently include fields of alfalfa, sod farms, other unidentified row crops, and orchards. Approximately 52 percent of the land within the City is or at one time has been used for agricultural purposes. Many agricultural fields have been out of production for a number of years and are now occupied by unattended weedy



vegetation. Non-native plants observed within this community include alfalfa, winter wheat, black mustard, Italian ryegrass, canary grass, and slender oats. Small, isolated patches of bristly ox-tongue, Mediterranean barley, and sow thistle were also observed within this plant community. Common wildlife species

observed within this community include red-winged black bird, western kingbird, western meadowlark, California ground squirrel, and cabbage white butterfly. A small number of flooded areas created within certain fields by over-irrigation provide habitat for shorebirds such as long-billed curlew.

Table CN - 1: Plant Communities

Community Area (acres)

Planning Area(s)

Extensive Agriculture 10,487.2 1,2,3,4,5,8, & 9

Riversidean Sage Scrub 2,984.1 10 & 7

Non-native Grassland 2,138.0 1, 3, 4, 7 &

10

Urban/Developed 4,339.4 1,2,34, 5,6,7 & 9

Riparian Scrub 235.1 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 & 10

Fresh Water Marsh 17.6 1

Southern Willow Scrub 41.3 10

Ornamental Woodland 34.0 7

Total 20,276.7



Exhibit CN-2: Agricultural Resources



Riversidean Sage Scrub The Riversidean Sage Scrub (RSS) communities exist in two distinct areas within the western and southern portions of the City. The vegetation is dominated by native species such as California buckwheat, desert brittlebush, California sagebrush, and deer weed. Less common species observed within this vegetation community include white sage, valley cholla, fiddleneck, calabazilla, and western ragweed. The two areas constitute approximately 2,984.1 total acres or 14.7 percent of the City. The majority of this plant community consists of 2,113 acres of relatively undisturbed pristine vegetation located in the southwestern corner of the City. The only evidence of disturbance is off-road vehicle usage. Approximately 640 acres of this plant community is protected in Kabian County Park. Another area consisting of RSS is central (longitude) to the City, along the western boundary. This area is somewhat disturbed and is flanked by residential development on both sides. These areas have not been developed due to steeper slopes and large amount of rocky outcrops. Wildlife species observed within Riversidean Sage Scrub include desert cottontail, California towhee, American kestrel and California ground squirrel. Other wildlife species expected to occur in this plant community include white crowned sparrow, California quail western fence lizard, gopher snake, California mouse, and deer mouse. The California gnatcatcher, listed by the federal government as “threatened”, is a special status species that inhabits this habitat. Non-native Grassland Non-native grassland (NNG) consists of non-native annual grasses that often invade and eventually dominate areas of native annual grasses and herbs. These grasses begin to germinate with the fall rains, grow during the winter and spring, and wither in

the early summer. NNG occupies approximately of 2,138 acres or 10.5 percent of the City. The majority of the non-native grassland within the City is located within previously disturbed areas in the southwestern portion of the City just north of the San Jacinto River. There are also areas of NNG in the northwestern corner as well as several areas throughout the central portion of the City. These are abandoned agricultural areas that have been undisturbed for a number of years and are slowly reverting back to a more natural state. Plant species observed within this community included slender oats, red brome, Italian ryegrass, yellow sweet clover, telegraph weed, black mustard, and Russian thistle. Some small parcels of land containing NNG also have elements of native scrub species. Native scrub species found in non-native grasslands include California buckwheat, desert brittlebush, and lamb’s quarter. Currently these plants are sparse and limited in numbers and are not considered biologically significant. Common wildlife species observed within the NNG community include western meadowlark, turkey vulture, loggerhead shrike, and Cassin’s kingbird. Urban/ Developed The urban/developed plant community represents areas within the City that have undergone major residential, commercial or industrial development or areas that have otherwise been disturbed by grading or extraction. This community consists of planted and artificially irrigated ornamental plant species with interspersed ruderal (weedy) species. This plant community occupies approximately 4,336 acres or 21 percent of the City.



Common plant species observed within the urban developed plant community include eucalyptus, oleander, bristly ox-tongue, and Oregon ash. Common wildlife species observed within the urban developed plant community include rock dove, European starling, American crow, and dove. Disturbed Riparian Scrub This plant community is associated with regular flooding and scouring and is found in the Perris Valley Storm Channel and San Jacinto River Channel. This community occupies approximately 235.1 acres or 1.2 percent of the City. This plant community is dominated by bare ground with sparse vegetation consisting of disturbance tolerant plants including tamarisk, salt grass, wild heliotrope, puncture vine, and castor bean. Wildlife species observed in these areas include Cassin’s kingbird, loggerhead shrike, black phoebe, and dove. Other wildlife species expected to occur include desert cottontail, California ground squirrel, house finch, and American goldfinch. Fresh Water Marsh The northern portion of the Perris Valley Storm Channel contains freshwater marsh. This channel runs north/south along the eastern portion of the City. Fresh water marshes typically contain inundated or saturated soils for prolonged periods of time. Common vegetation found within the northern portion of the channel includes narrow-leaved cattail, giant creek nettle, watercress, bull rush, and saltgrass.

Wildlife species observed within the freshwater marsh include great egret, snowy egret, great blue heron, red-winged blackbird, and black phoebe. Other wildlife species expected to occur include

dove, European starling, and American crow. Southern Willow Scrub Southern willow scrub contains dense, broadleaved, winter-deciduous riparian thickets dominated by several willow species. It is associated with seasonally flooded or saturated stream corridors. It typically forms thickets in riparian zones along stream channels, adjacent sandy or gravelly floodplains, and low stream terraces in southern California. This community occupies approximately 41.3 acres. This community is considered sensitive by the California Department of Fish and Game because it is host to a variety of plant and wildlife including species with protective state and federal status. Southern willow scrub is a successional community that typically matures into southern cottonwood-willow riparian forest. Most stands are too dense to allow much understory development. This plant community is limited to a few isolated drainage features associated with urban run-off in the west-central portion of the City and the western portion of the San Jacinto River channel along the western City Limits. Dominant plant species include arroyo willow, sandbar community include common yellowthroat and song sparrow.

Common wildlife species observed includes bushtit, American crow, and California ground squirrel. Other wildlife species expected to occur within this plant community include lesser goldfinch, Nuttal’s woodpecker, Hutton’s vireo, yellow-rumped warbler, and hooded oriole. Ornamental Woodland There are two areas designated as ornamental woodland within the southwestern portion of the City. These areas contribute approximately 34 acres.



The ornamental woodlands consist of eucalyptus groves and contain no other vegetation. The southern-most area contains no understory due to disturbance from off-road vehicles. The northern-most area contains a dense stand of eucalyptus and the canopy prohibits any understory development. Common wildlife species observed within this plant community include red-tailed hawk, house sparrow, lesser goldfinch and western fence lizard. Other wildlife species commonly found in this type of habitat include American goldfinch, bushtits, and common raven.

Regulatory Authority

The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (FESA) defines an endangered species as “any species, which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range…” Threatened species are defined as “any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” Under provisions of Section 9(a)(1)(B) of the FESA, it is unlawful to “take” (harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture). The Endangered Species Act requires that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designate critical habitat for each endangered or threatened species, also referred to as “listed” species, and that potential adverse impacts to the critical habitat are identified and a management plan is established. The designation of critical habitat essential to the conservation of a listed species and provides guidance for biologist and planners of where development must be prohibited. Consultation with the USFWS is required for any project that falls within

a designated critical habitat area, and involves a federal agency, federal funding or a federal permit The sagebrush-covered (Riversidean Sage Scrub) slopes in Planning Area 10 fall within the designated critical habitat of the federal-listed, threatened California gnatcatcher as shown on Exhibits CN-5, Sensitivity. No other areas within Perris are designated as critical habitat. Due to a legal challenge, the critical habitat designated for the gnatcatcher has been suspended for an unknown period of time. In the interim, projects that would remove sage scrub habitat in this area or which could otherwise harm the California gnatcatcher require a focused biological survey and consultation with the USFWS. California Endangered Species Act The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) defines an endangered species as “ . . . a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease.” The State defines

a threatened species as “ . . . a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without special protection.

Important Biological Resources

Animal and plant species of special status include those designated by the state or federal government as Endangered or Threatened, commonly known as “listed species” under the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts.



Exhibit CN-3: Existing Plant Communities



Plant Species Twenty-three (23) special status plant species were determined to have some potential to occur within the city (see Appendix A). Although no special status species were observed within the city during the reconnaissance-level surveys, four special status species have been recorded to occur within the City and include San Jacinto Valley crownscale, spreading navarretia, thread-leaved brodiaea, and smooth tarplant. The City contains suitable habitat for an additional 13 of the 23 species. The remaining six sensitive plant species were considered not likely to occur or have a low potential to occur within the city. There are approximately seven drainage features within the western portion of the City that contain southern willow scrub habitat. This community is considered sensitive by the California Department of Fish and Game because it is host to a variety of plant and wildlife species. In addition, the Riversidean Sage Scrub community in Planning Area 10 is protected habitat of the federally designated “threatened” California Gnatcatcher. Wildlife Species Thirty-one (31) special status wildlife species have been recorded to occur within 7 miles of the City (Appendix A). There are six special status wildlife species that have been previously recorded or recently observed within the City and include San Diego horned lizard, burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike, horned lark, Los Angeles little pocket mouse, and Stephens’ kangaroo rat. The City contains suitable habitat for 23 of the 31 species. Eight species have a low potential to occur within the City limits. To assure proper documentation and assessment, field surveys should be

conducted on an individual project basis if sensitive biological resources are thought to potentially exist. As a reference, Table 4 provides a list of planning areas in which sensitive species are known, or have the potential to occur. Appendix A contains specific information on each species with state or federal protective status and known to occur in or near the City limits. Surface Water Courses The dominant drainage features within the City include the Perris Valley Storm Channel and San Jacinto River Channel. The San Jacinto River enters Perris from the east in the southern portion of the city and flows southwest. The river enters the City as an ephemeral drainage course that is scoured by storm flows. There is clear evidence of an ordinary high water mark, and it contains sparse riparian vegetation. The Perris Valley Storm Channel directs flows from storm events along the eastern portion of the City into the San Jacinto River channel in the southeasterly portion of the City. The storm drain channel enters the City from March airport to the north. The water from storm events, urban run-off, and agricultural drainage flows south until it reaches the San Jacinto River. The northern portion of the drainage channel contains standing water, inundated soils and wetland plant species, all of which are indicators of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers jurisdictional wetlands. The majority of the drainage channel contains disturbed riparian vegetation often associated with scoured drainage features and/or ephemeral drainages. There are several small drainage features located along the western City boundary that contain flows from adjacent urban run-off and have riparian vegetation. The majority of these originate from underground culverts in residential



developments, and flows typically return to a storm drain system. Some of these drainage features have wetland qualities such as inundated soils and obligate associated wetland species. There are several isolated ponds associated with agricultural areas. The ponded areas are typically isolated and used for irrigation purposes. These areas provide some foraging habitat and a water source for migratory birds.

Regional Connectivity/Wildlife Movement Corridor

The San Jacinto River provides opportunities for wildlife movement in a north-south and east-west direction, providing connectivity between large and regionally important habitat within the San Jacinto and Santa Ana Mountains. Although wildlife have nearly uninhibited movement within the eastern portion of the City, the large amount of disturbed soils and agricultural uses significantly reduces the amount of ground cover necessary for wildlife movement corridors. Opportunities for wildlife movement are limited in areas of the City where urban development has occurred.

The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan

The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP or Plan) is a criteria-driven, multi-jurisdictional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) intended to create a network of permanent open space to conserve a variety of natural communities and other undeveloped lands that would ensure long-term survival of 146 species of plants and animals. The Plan aims to create a 500,000-acre conservation area from a combination of public and private lands.

The MSHCP will serve as an HCP pursuant to Federal Endangered Species Act, as well as a Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) under the NCCP Act of 2001). The MSHCP will allow participating jurisdictions to authorize “incidental take" of plant and wildlife species of concern, in conjunction with lawful, covered activities and land uses specifically identified in the Plan. In effect, participants such as the City will have the authority to implement land use decisions consistent with the MSHCP without project-by-project review and permitting by the Wildlife Agencies. Funding for the MSHCP will come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to: County landfill fees; local or regional public and private infrastructure/development mitigation fees; local or regional smart-growth incentive program-generated funds; and local land dedication. The local funding program will fund the local portion of land acquisition management, monitoring, adaptive management, and plan administration. As part of the Riverside County Integrated Project, which includes updates to the General Plan and a regional transportation plan, the MSHCP is broadly organized into Area Plans that coincide, for the most part, with political boundaries, such as city limits and well-established communities within unincorporated territories. Within the Area Plans are subunits (also referred to as Criteria Areas), which generally relate to properties with biological value proposed for conservation. The target acreage for criteria areas within the City is 720 to 1,400 acres. Area Plan subunits were selected based on the best available data and literature on habitat assessment, species occurrences, coastal sage scrub quality modeling, existing and planned land uses, and general conservation biology



principles. Cores and linkages are a vital aspect of the MSHCP’s conceptual conservation scenario because habitat fragmentation and isolation lead to extinction of local populations, which are the most serious threats to biological diversity. The end result is a tapestry of habitat and species movement corridors within western Riverside County area. To the extent possible, existing habitat reserves and areas with multiple species and habitat resources (known as “hot spots”) were incorporated into the conservation plan. The conservation subunits contain sufficient land to conserve the amount of acreage estimated to be necessary to preserve the range of target species that occur or which could potentially occur in that area. Each of the subunits is comprised of 160-acre “cells”, where the habitats and species of concern are identified and the conservation criteria are defined. Exhibits that depict the MSHCP reserve area include numbered cells that can be researched in the official MSHCP to identify development constraints associated with that particular cell. As part of the MSHCP the City of Perris and its Sphere of Influence comprise the Mead Valley Area Plan. The target conservation area within the Mead Valley Area Plan is 4,980 to 6,730 acres. It is planned to consist of approximately 3,095 acres of existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands and 1,885 to 3,635 acres of private lands. As shown on Exhibit CN-4, the Mead Valley Area Plan contains four Area Plan Subunits: Motte-Rimrock to the north partially outside and partially within the west-central area of the City of Perris; Gavilan Hills-East within the western portion of the City’s Sphere of Influence; Good Hope East in the southwestern portion of the Sphere of Influence, and San Jacinto River, Lower Reach in the southern

portion of the City. Goals and characteristics for each subunit are provided below. Motte-Rimrock Goals & Characteristics:

Conserve clay soils supporting long-spined spine flower;

Conserve existing populations and habitat of the coastal California gnatcatcher; and

Conserve and manage small key population of Stephens’ kangaroo rat.



Exhibit CN-4: MSHCP Mead Valley Area Plan



Gavilan Hills-East Goals & Characteristics:

Conserve existing populations of the Bell’s sage sparrow, including undeveloped lands to the north and east of the Steele Peak Reserve;

Provide opportunities for reintroduction of Quino checkerspot butterfly, in the area generally extending west from the Steele Peak Reserve to Lake Mathews, plus areas identified for conservation between the unnamed BLM parcels north of the Steele Peak Reserve and the Motte-Rimrock Reserve;

Maintain linkage area for bobcat; and

Maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for Stephens’ kangaroo rat.

Good Hope-East Goals & Characteristics:

Conserve upland habitat to form connections between North Peak Reserve, Steel Peak Reserve and BLM parcels in the area;

Conserve existing populations of Bell’s sage sparrow, including undeveloped lands to the north and east of the Steele Peak Reserve;

Maintain linkage area for bobcat; Maintain Core and Linkage Habitat

for Stephens’ kangaroo rat; and Maintain opportunities for Core and

Linkage Habitat for Quino checkerspot butterfly.

San Jacinto River-Lower Goals & Characteristics:

Conserve Willow-Domino-Travers soils supporting sensitive plants such as Coulter’s goldfields, Davidson’s saltscale, San Jacinto Valley crownscale, spreading navarretia, vernal barley and Wright’s trichocoronis;

Conserve existing vernal pool complexes associated with the San Jacinto River floodplain. Focus conservation efforts on vernal pool surface area and supporting watersheds;

Provide for and maintain a continuous linkage along the San Jacinto River between the western and eastern boundaries of the Mead Valley Area Plan. It is recognized that new railroad and roadway crossings may be constructed in the future;

Maintain floodplain habitat for mountain plover; and

Determine presence of potential Core Area for Los Angeles pocket mouse along the river, east of Interstate 215 (I-215).

The upper and lower reaches of the San Jacinto River that occur in the planning area are designated in the MSHCP as linkages between habitat core areas. The upper reach, located northerly of I-215, is designated as an “Extension of Existing Core 4,” providing habitat for a number of narrow endemic plant species and movement corridor for species connecting to Lake Perris and areas downstream of the river in Canyon Lake. Species of concern in this reach include San Jacinto Valley crownscale, thread-leaved brodiaea, arroyo toad and Los Angeles pocket mouse. According to the MSHCP, maintenance of floodplain hydrological processes, as well as maintenance of quality of vernal pool complexes and the Traver-Willow-Domino soils supporting the sensitive plant species, are key conservation concerns for this segment of the river. The lower reach, extending south of I-215, is classified as “Constrained Linkage 19.” This river segment connects to a less constrained linkage area to the south, and to the Extension of Existing Core 4, as described above. The MSHCP anticipates



channelization of this part of the river, but also notes that this area is intended to maintain connectivity along the river to provide for movement of common mammals such as bobcat. Treatment and management of edge conditions is encouraged to ensure the provision and maintenance of habitat linkage and wildlife movement functions. The County of Riverside adopted the MSHCP on June 17, 2003; other participating jurisdictions, including the City of Perris, are now considering a number of actions to become legal co-permittees. Cities are being asked to adopt these implementing regulations by the end of 2003. If City officials elect to participate as a co-permittee, they will be allowed to issue MSHCP permits for affected projects within their jurisdictional limits. City planning staff would need to develop new project review procedures to verify compliance with MSHCP reserve criteria, for projects located in those areas, and to assess the appropriate fee to fund acquisition of reserve lands. If a city doesn’t adopt ordinances to participate in the MSHCP as a co-permittee, project-by-project permits would continue to be required, involving Section 7 and Section 10(a) permits through the USFWS and other federal agencies. The County of Riverside will have permitting authority over projects in the City’s Sphere of Influence until such time as that portion of land may be annexed to the City.

Clean Water Act

Section 404 of 1972 Clean Water Act requires that projects placing dredged or fill material within navigable waters of the United States including all waters or tributaries to waters such as lakes, rivers, intermittent and perennial streams, mudflats, sandflats, natural ponds,

wetlands, wet meadows, and other aquatic habitats, obtain a Section 404 permit prior to construction. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) develops the regulations under which permits may be granted. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) exercises jurisdiction over Waters of the United States and issues the Section 404 permit.

California Fish and Game Code, Section 1600, et seq.

The Fish and Game Code of California mandates that “it is unlawful for any person to substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or substantially change the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake designated by the department, or use any material from the streambeds, without first obtaining a Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Game.” CDFG jurisdiction includes ephemeral, intermittent and perennial watercourses, including dry washes, characterized by: the presence of hydrophytic vegetation; the location of definable bed and banks; and the presence of existing fish or wildlife resources. Further, CDFG jurisdiction is often extended to habitats adjacent to watercourses, such as oak woodlands in canyon bottoms or willow woodlands that function as part of the riparian system. Projects that would occur within or otherwise physically alter any of the southern willow scrub areas, the freshwater marsh, the San Jacinto River, and other surface drainage features found in the western edge of the city, would be subject to compliance and the permitting requirements under Sections 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 1601 or 1603 of the California Fish and Game Code. Projects with minor impacts beneath the thresholds established by USACE could obtain one of a variety of programmatic Nationwide Permits, while those with



greater levels of impact would need to obtain a much more complex and time consuming Individual Permit. Projects that require Section 404 Permits or Streambed Alteration Agreements are not covered under the terms of the MSHCP; individual project compliance must be demonstrated in conjunction with land use approvals and permits issued by local, county, state or federal government agencies. The USFWS has indicated, however, that projects that have complied within all applicable provisions of the MSHCP will be deemed to be in compliance with the biological resource assessment and mitigation requirements that would otherwise be necessary to obtain federal Clean Water Act Permits or state Streambed Alteration Permits.

Habitat Sensitivity

To aid in consideration of sensitive biological resources as part of the City’s planning process, with respect to both public and private projects, Exhibit CN-5, Biological Sensitivity was prepared. This map illustrates the locations of the MSHCP conservation subunits established within the planning area, the (suspended) California gnatcatcher critical habitat area, and other natural plant communities that support a variety of special status plants and/or animal species. Low, medium and high sensitivity ratings have been established, based on the habitat character and quality and range of sensitive species that are known to occur or which could occur in that area. Definitions for each sensitivity category are provided below. Low Sensitivity Areas with in the City of Perris that are considered disturbed, developed, or otherwise provide low quality habitat and are outside of the MSHCP preserve areas

and USFWS designated Critical Habitat for the California gnatcatcher Medium Sensitivity Areas within the City of Perris that contain moderate to good quality Riversidean sage scrub or grassland habitat and are outside of the MSHCP preserve areas and outside of USFWS-designated Critical Habitat for the California gnatcatcher. High Sensitivity All land within the MSHCP preserve areas and within the USFWS designated Critical Habitat for the California gnatcatcher.



Exhibit CN-5: Biological Sensitivity



Cultural and Paleontological Resources

Indigenous Native American Presence

The City and its Sphere of Influence are located in the northwestern part of a territory associated with the Luiseño tribe. Historically, the Luiseño spoke a language that belongs to the Cupan group of the Uto-Aztecan language family. In addition, the study area is close to the ethnic boundaries of the Juaneño that also spoke that same language and shared many other cultural traits with the Luiseño. The Luiseño were characterized by the occupation of sedentary villages in subsistence territories that permitted them to reach the majority of their resources within a day’s walk. Villages were commonly located along valley bottoms, streams, or coastal strands. During October to November much of the village population moved to temporary camps in the mountains to harvest acorns and hunt game. Inland groups also had fishing and gathering spots on the coast that they visited annually. In comparison with the Gabrieleño and Cahuilla, who occupied much of Southern California, the Luiseño appear to have had a higher population density and a more rigid social structure. Despite the scarcity of research and evidence, several archaeological survey reports mention that the Luiseño Indians were known to have occupied the Hemet-Perris region at the time of Spanish contact. A comprehensive cultural resources assessment is necessary to more fully document and understand the presence of indigenous people in the City of Perris.

Archaeological Resources

Archaeological resources are those that are associated with prehistoric cultural sites, prehistoric isolates and the remnants of historic cultural sites that lack substantive building remnants (termed “historic archaeological sites”) such as roads and trails. An archaeological record search at the Eastern Information Center, University of California-Riverside (EIC), indicated that about 80 percent of the acreage within the City has never been surveyed by an archaeologist or architectural historian. According to EIC files, twenty prehistoric sites are located in the General Plan study area. Nine of these sites occur in the City limits, while eleven occur in a quarter mile wide “buffer” zone outside the City limits. Most of these sites consist of milling slick sites, but there are several sites exhibiting extensive pictographs (rock art), and a few small stone flake scatters. Ten historic archaeological sites occur in the City. These sites consist of the remnants (such as foundations) of historic buildings and/or ranch complexes. Ninety-eight historic sites occur in the City limits, which seven are located in the buffer zone. These consist of buildings or linear features more than forty-five years of age. Fifty-eight buildings, building complexes, and/or other historic sites have undergone the minimum level of recordation (which consists of a site form on file at the EIC), while forty historic properties listed on the Riverside County Historic Property data file have no associated site forms. The record search does not allow an assessment of the condition of each of the recorded sites, nor whether such sites are still in existence. Many of these sites, especially the historic buildings, may have been destroyed since their recordation as a result of development or the result of decay and demolition.



Exhibit CN 6, Cultural Resource Sensitivity, defines areas that might hold more cultural resource sites than other areas. “Sensitivity” has been divided into “low” (one or less recorded sites per square mile), “medium” (2-9 recorded sites per square quarter square mile or at historic road alignments per lineal mile) and “high” (10+ sites recorded per quarter square mile). The sensitive zones are found in exposed bedrock, at the center of the City, and at historic road alignments. Exposed bedrock tends to allow preservation of milling slicks and ground hollows. Such features are the result of prehistoric peoples grinding foodstuffs (grains, rodents, etc.). The City center contains dozens of recorded and unrecorded structures more than 45 years of age. The Perris Depot and Southern Hotel are listed in the National Register. The roads reflect early traffic and supply patterns for the original homesteaders. Many of these roads are named for some of the earliest residents. Modern development removes or obscures prehistoric cultural materials to the point where they are essentially lost forever. Plowing or disking of soils tends to destroy the integrity of the soil to about three feet below the modern ground surface. Thus, prehistoric archaeological sites are located on the floor of the valley are difficult to assess because the valley has been farmed since the 1880s. Most farmed plots were placed near the original town sites. Expansion of farming was driven by local market demands for goods, and the availability of land for homesteading. Once the area had been surveyed in the 1870s, and landscapes divided up into definable parcels, roads were typically placed along the lines that defined margins of sections and one-quarter sections. Many of the roads were in use as dirt streets by the 1880s, and

farmhouses were built near the roads as a matter of convenience. For these reasons, it is difficult to predict when prehistoric or historic archaeological sites will be impacted. The areas indicated as sensitive in Exhibit CN-6 are considered sensitive because sites have been found in the past and it is possible that additional sites will be found in or near these areas in future. It is also possible the prehistoric sites can be found beneath the plow zones of the City’s farmlands. Until a comprehensive assessment of cultural and paleontological resources is performed, we cannot know for certain where such sites are located. Efforts to identify, evaluate, and coordinate the management of cultural and paleontological resources is recommended.



Exhibit CN-6: Cultural Resource Sensitivity



The presence of cultural resources within and near the city limits, along with maps and other records, indicate that additional cultural resources might be identified in other parts of the city. Historic cultural resources more than 45 years of age are more likely to be found within the downtown core and adjacent to roads that have been in place since before 1900s. Intact prehistoric cultural resources are more likely to be found in areas of the City that were not plowed or disked by farmers.

Recorded History of the Perris Valley

Prior to American control of California, a wealthy Mexican landowner, Don Jose Antonio Estudillo, held most of the area in the eastern portion of Perris and further east to Hemet. In 1842, Estudillo was granted the Rancho San Jacinto Viejo y Potrero, a 35,000-acre parcel, by Mexican Governor Juan B. Alvarado. The tract included an area encompassing the towns of Hemet, San Jacinto, Valle Vista (Florida) and Winchester (Pleasant Valley) and was used to graze cattle. After a son of Don Estudillo inherited the rancho, the division and sale of the rancho to immigrant American pioneers began. The western half of Perris was located within the Rancho El Sobrante de San Jacinto, which was granted to Maria del Rosario and Estudillo de Aguirre by Governor Pio Pico on May 9, 1846. This rancho amounted to 48,847 acres and was the last large rancho created by the secularization of the old Spanish ranchlands by the Mexican government. The area included western Perris Valley, the Canyon Lake area and the Lake Mathews region. In 1881, when the Southern California Railroad decided to build a railroad through the valley, Fredrick Perris was charged with surveying and constructing the route. The new route was a spur of the

transcontinental railroad that led north from San Diego. Once completed, the railroad alignment served to provide access for lands opened for homesteading. In 1885, a railroad stop was constructed and the core area of Perris grew up around the depot and few pre-existing buildings, such as the Perris Hotel. Later, the tracks were extended to Los Angeles. In the early 1890s, the tracks in the Temecula gorge portion of the Santa Margarita River were washed out by repeated rainstorms and could not be rebuilt. This meant that the inhabitants of the new city were forced to rely upon farming alone for economic growth until another route could be constructed. Dryland farming became the predominant source of income well into the late 20th century. Economic growth hinged upon water, and the early farmers dug wells and grew dryland crops. Plans for citrus groves could not be realized until a reliable source of water could be built and maintained. The Eastern Municipal Water District brought the first water via pipeline to the Perris valley area in the 1950s. Additional sources were brought to the area in the 1970s and 1980s fueling the expansion in development now seen today.

Federal and State Regulations for Conservation of Cultural Resources

Federal National Environmental Policy Act Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), public or private projects undertaken with federal funding, or that are subject to some form of federal approval or issuance of a federal permit, are required to consider the environmental effects that would result from project implementation. Under NEPA, it is the continuing responsibility of the federal government to use all practicable means, to improve and coordinate federal plans, functions, programs, and resources to



preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage. Cultural resources preservation is included as part of the general policy of environmental protection, and NEPA requires that cultural resources be considered in the preparation of NEPA documents. Numerous federal laws and regulations protect cultural resources and Native American concerns for such resources. With a few exceptions, many State of California laws and regulations that apply to cultural resources mirror the federal statutes. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 set forth national policy for recognizing and protecting historic properties. The Act established the National Register of Historic Places, the concept of State Historic Preservation Officers and programs, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). Under Section 106 of the NHPA, federal agencies are required to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and provide the ACHP an opportunity to comment on those undertakings. Historic properties are defined in federal law as those properties that are listed in, or meet the criteria for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places. Criteria have been established in order to allow the professional to determine whether the resource is eligible. National Register Criteria A record of American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:

That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution

to the broad patterns of our history; or

That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or

That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or

That has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

The implementing regulations for Section 106, 36 CFR 800 set forth specific steps federal agencies must follow in order to take into account the effects of their projects on historic properties. In most cases compliance with Section 106 is carried out by federal agencies through consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and in the case of projects involving tribal lands, with the tribal representative. If the tribe has assumed the Section 106 function of the SHPO, and it has a designated Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO), consultation will occur with the THPO in lieu of, or if private lands are also involved, in addition to, the SHPO. In some cases, the ACHP is also involved in a consultation. Public involvement is an essential part of the process, and the public’s participation is actively solicited. The National Register of Historic Places (National Register) is an entity administered by the National Park Service. The National Register is the nation's official list of historically significant cultural resources. The National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic



and archaeological resources. Historic properties listed in the National Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture, and that retain integrity. For the purposes of Section 106 of the NHPA, historic properties are evaluated to determine if they meet the criteria for listing in the National Register. Properties listed in, or determined eligible for listing in, the National Register are historic properties for the purposes of Section 106 compliance. Both listed and eligible properties have equal standing under Section 106. Meeting the requirements of Section 106 and of NEPA are separate compliance efforts that require coordination. The Section 106 compliance documents that are prepared to meet the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act also provide the basis for the required assessment of cultural resources, project alternatives, and historic property impacts in the environmental document prepared pursuant to NEPA. The Section 106 concurrence documents are appended to the NEPA document. State of California Regulation for Resources Section 5024.1 of the Public Resources Code established the California Register of Historical Resources, the State equivalent to the National Register of Historic Places. The California Register includes all properties listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register, California Historical Landmarks from number 770 on, and resources approved for listing by the State Historical Resources Commission. A historical resource may be listed in the California Register if it meets any of the following criteria:

It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history or cultural heritage; or

It is associated with the lives of persons important in California’s past; or

It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or

It has yielded or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.

Section 15064.5 of the State California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines sets forth requirements for assessing the significance of archaeological and historic resources that could be impacted by a proposed public or private project, and requires avoidance or mitigation of impacts to any resources that are determined to be significant, in accordance with the criteria set forth in these guidelines.

Historic Points of Interest

The Perris Valley Historical Association and the Riverside County Office of Historic Preservation has identified historic sites and structures within the City of Perris. All of these structures exist in the Downtown area and are listed below. The Santa Fe Depot was listed in 1994 on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently home to Perris Valley Historical Museum. The Southern Hotel is listed in the California Register of Historic Places.



Table CN - 2: Historical Sites and Buildings

Building/Site Year Built Location Dora Nelson African-American History Museum - 316 E. Seventh Street Santa Fe Depot/ Historical Museum 1892 120 W. 4th Smith Brothers Potato Shed 1930’s 3rd and C Streets Perris City Hall 1925 101 N. D Street Gymnasium 1930 101 N. D Street Police Department 1910 101 N. D Street Recreation Department 1910 120 N. Perris Blvd. Perris Theatre 1930’s 295 S. D Street Nance Building 1905 318 S. D Street Mapes General Store 1880’s SE Corner 4th and ? Mapes-Cummins Home 1890 196 E. 6th Street First Congregational Church 1900 177 E. 6th Street Formerly Brun's - Fashion Livery Stable 1900 600 S. "D" Street Mexico Lindo Cafe 1890s 505 S. "D" Street Mission Inn Building 1912 502 S. "D" Street Southern Hotel 1887 455 S. D Street Formerly Bank of Perris 1904 400 S. D Street Formerly Robertine Hotel and Boarding 1893 504 and 510 “C” Street Holloway Home 1913 230 W. 7th Street A.W. Hook Home 1895 223 W. 7th Street Merritt/C Kirkpatrick Home 1895 239 W. 7th Street Morrison Home 1897 303 W. 7th Street Thompson Home 1900 363 W. 7th Street J.F. Hook/Stewart Home 1893 650 Park Avenue Paul/Neely Home Pre-1900 402 Park Avenue Shelton/Mitchler/Stewart Home 1908 496 W. 4th Street Formerly Stationmaster’s Home 1891 328 W. 5th Street Austin/Reese Home 1905 306 W. 5th Street Boardman Home 1916 270 W. 5th Street A.W. Metz/Homer Smith Home 1893 400 S. “B” Street C.R. Stewart Home 1910 326 W. 4th Street T. Kirkpatrick Home 1910 251 W. 4th Street Reynold’s Home 1905 246 W. 4th Street Railway/Pinacate Station 1882 2201 S. “A” Street Rock House 1928 246 Lomita Drive Red and White Market - 325 S. “D” Street John Reynolds/Kingston Home Late 1880’s SE corner 4th & Perris Blvd. Harford/Sheldon/Stewart Home 1906 240 W. 4th Street Hook and Oaks Building - 7th and “D” Street Pratt House - Old Nuevo Road



Paleontological Resources

Paleontological resources are those that result from the fossilization of animal bones (including fossilized human bones), shells, casts, tracks, and the like. The Perris Valley floor is composed of Quaternary alluvium, which has developed as a result of erosion out of the batholithic and minor Aeolian deposition. Near the surface, this material is too young to exhibit fossils. However, it is possible that at depths beyond five feet below the modern ground surface, fossils may be found. With reference to Exhibit CN - 7, Paleontological Sensitivity, Area #1 exhibits surface exposures of older Pleistocene valley deposits. These have high potential to contain significant fossil resources. Area #2 exhibits surface exposures of older Pleistocene fan deposits. These have high potential to contain significant fossil resources. Area #3 contains California batholithic granites and tonalities. These have low potential to contain significant fossil resources. Area #4 contains young Quaternary alluvium, which has low potential to contain significant fossil resources, overlying older Pleistocene valley deposits. Finally, Area #5 contains young Quaternary alluvium overlying older Pleistocene fan deposits. Once excavation in this area reaches five feet below the modern ground surface, the potential for impacts to fossil resources changes from low to high potential.

Federal and State Regulations for Conservation of Paleontological Resources

Unlike cultural resources, the only federal law protecting fossil resources on public lands is the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 United States Code [USC] 431-433).

Enacted when Theodore Roosevelt was president, the Act was designed to protect nonrenewable fossil and cultural resources from indiscriminate collecting. Specific paleontological sites can be protected under the National Registry of Natural Landmarks (16 USC 461-467), and at least three paleontological Landmarks are known in California. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321) directs Federal agencies to use all practicable means to "…preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage…”. It must be noted that Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act does not apply to paleontological resources unless they are found in culturally related contexts.

California Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 protects, among other things, paleontological sites on State lands. Sections 4306 and 4309 of the California Administrative Code establish authority and processes to protect paleontological resources while allowing mitigation through the permit process. Potential impacts to paleontological resources must be assessed for any project subject to review under the California Environmental Quality.



Exhibit CN-7: Paleontological Sensitivity



Water Resources

State Water Supply and Land Use Planning Regulations

Urban Water Management Plans Since 1984, public water purveyors with 3,000 or more service connections, or that deliver at least 3,000 acre-feet of potable water on an annual basis, have been required to prepare an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). An UWMP provides a summary of the historical and projected water uses and demands within the water supplier’s service area, identifies the existing and future water supply sources it relies upon, describes the purveyor’s demand management programs, and sets forth a strategy for meeting water demands in its service area during normal years, dry years, and multiple dry years. The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) adopted an UWMP in 2000. SB 901 Senate Bill 901, signed into law in 1995, requires cities to give greater consideration to water supply and demand issues when deciding whether to approve large development projects. If a project meets the criteria set forth in the legislation, the city responsible for the EIR must refer the project to the water purveyor who will supply water for the project. The water purveyor, in turn, must prepare a water supply assessment, indicating whether the purveyor can satisfy the water demands created by the proposed project. Specifically, this assessment must determine whether the total projected water supplies forecasted in its UWMP during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry water years are sufficient to meet the project’s water demands. The city or county must include the water supply assessment information in the EIR.

SB 610 On January 1, 2001, Senate Bill 610 (SB 610) became effective and strengthened the water supply assessment requirements under SB 901. The new provisions included expanding the definition of “projects” that require a water supply assessment, and increasing the required content with respect to groundwater supplies and the water purveyor’s future projects and programs that will increase the available water supplies. SB 610 also authorized the city to compel the preparation of a water supply assessment through the courts. If the city cannot identify a public water system that may supply water to the project, the city must prepare the water supply assessment. SB 221 Also enacted on January 1, 2001, Senate Bill 221 (SB 221) requires verification of adequate water supplies for any residential development project of 500 or more units, or which will increase the number of service connections by more than 10 percent in a public water system with less than 5,000 connections. The governing body at a public meeting must formally approve verification by the water supplier or the city or county, and the final subdivision map may not be recorded until the verification has been formally adopted. This water verification procedure does not apply to very low or low-income housing projects, or to projects located within an urbanized area. Cities may not approve a development agreement for a residential project with 500 or more dwelling units unless the agreement clearly states that compliance with the verification procedures in SB 221 is required.

Eastern Municipal Water District

EMWD delivers water to most of the City and its sphere of influence. The City of Perris provides water service to the central part of the city (see Exhibit CN-8), and



purchases its water directly from EMWD. Formed in 1950 by area voters, EMWD was annexed into the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) in 1951. As a member agency of MWD, the district gained a supply of imported water from the Colorado River Aqueduct and ultimately, water from northern California though the State Water Project. EMWD’s service area covers 555 square miles and includes six cities and portions of unincorporated western Riverside County. EMWD is a water wholesaler to the following local water agencies: Lake Hemet Municipal Water District, City of Hemet, City of San Jacinto, City of Perris, Nuevo Water Company, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Rancho California Water District.

EMWD Water Sources The EMWD utilizes a variety of water supplies to meet the needs of its customers. Current supplies include imported water purchased from MWD, locally produced groundwater, and recycled water produced by the District’s five regional water reclamation facilities (RWRFs). Planned water supplies include desalination of brackish groundwater and significant expansion of current groundwater recharge programs. These planned programs, in conjunction with continued expansion of the District’s recycled water program, will provide a high degree of supply flexibility in meeting the growing demand for water throughout the EMWD service area. Imported Supplies Over 75 percent of the District’s current and future water supply is and will continue to be imported water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District. On average, 75 percent of imported supplies will consist of State Water Project (SWP) water from Northern California and 25 percent will be delivered via the Colorado River Aqueduct. A majority of

the imported water purchased by the district is treated at two water filtration plants operated by MWD. These facilities are the Mills Filtration Plant that is located north of the City of Perris and serves the northern section of the district and the Skinner Filtration Plant located in the Winchester area and serves the southern portions of the District. Seasonal Storage Program The District has developed a 3,000-acre-foot per year (af/yr) seasonal storage demonstration program, whereby untreated State Water Project water is purchased from Metropolitan during periods of seasonal or hydrologic surplus and is stored in strategically located areas to recharge a local groundwater basin. This stored water can then be extracted by the Districts’ wells in lieu of treated imported water. Groundwater management plans and resulting inter-agency agreements are the key to implementing seasonal storage of imported water and formal conjunctive use of the groundwater basins within the District. Once formal plans have been approved, the District will also explore the potential for water transfers and subsequent local storage.



Exhibit CN-8: City of Perris Water District



Groundwater Groundwater basins within the District are among the largest unajudicated groundwater systems in Southern California. EMWD’s wells produce over 17,000 acre-feet per year of native groundwater for use by its customers. The majority of this supply is produced by sub-basins in the Hemet and San Jacinto area and is used locally in the Perris valley. Slightly over 3,000 acre-feet per year are produced from the Perris and Perris South sub-basins. Recycled Water In the year 2000, the District sold approximately 25,000 acre-feet of treated wastewater. Current recycled water customers include: agricultural irrigators, golf courses, municipal irrigators (schools, parks, greenbelts) as well as major environmental customers such as the State of California Department of Fish and Game, for operation of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Existing and Projected Water Demand and Supplies The following information is derived from EMWD’s current Urban Water Master Plan and is regional in nature (i.e. it reflects characteristics of EMWD’s entire service area). Water demand and supply projection estimates for the City of Perris or the Perris planning area, as a distinctive planning unit, are not included in the UWMP, and have not been developed by EMWD or the City. Existing and future water demand characteristics are described below, for each of the major land use categories found within EMWD’s service area. Residential Zoning and land use plans available from the cities and the County of Riverside indicate that residential water use will generate the largest demand within the District. Existing plans identify low-

density residential (less than four dwelling units per acre) as the district’s dominant land use for the next 20 years. This may change due to expanded environmental regulations requirements and increased concerns over residential “sprawl”. Significant residential growth is expected to occur in the planning area, which will thereby substantially increase average and peak demands for potable water and potentially for recycled water, if it becomes more available to supply irrigation demands. Commercial/Industrial Commercial land uses presently place a relatively modest demand on the District’s water resources. However, over time commercial development is expected to expand in the planning area, particularly along the I-215 corridor. Water usage associated with commercial development will also thereby expand. Currently there is little industrial water demand. As the City land use pattern changes from rural and agriculture to a more urbanized setting, the industrial water demand is expected to increase at rates faster than residential demands. However, as a component of the District’s overall water demand, residential uses will continue to require the largest amount of water. Agricultural Though most agricultural irrigators have had to abandon the use of imported water due to price increases from Metropolitan, the continued use of groundwater and recycled water will sustain levels of agriculture through 2020. While agriculture levels have been reduced in the recent past, agriculture is expected to remain an important element in the economy of the District’s service area. Agriculture water demand is projected to remain constant for the next 10 years, and then gradually decrease over the next 20



years. Recycled water will continue to be a primary source of agricultural water supply within the District. Other Major Water Consumers Other important water consumers served by EMWD include landscape and recreation (parks, golf courses, other major landscaped areas), and institutional/government (schools and City, County or other public or quasi-public agencies). Water demand by the landscape/recreation sector is anticipated to increase along with growth in residential development; these water uses have been targeted for recycled water supplies and the potable water demands for these uses may actually remain stable over time. Growth in water demand by institutional and government uses is expected to parallel growth rates in residential water demand. Growth Projections Total population within the District’s service area is projected to increase by approximately 318,000 people by the year 2020. Total water use from all sources, including residential, nonresidential, agriculture, institutions/government agencies, irrigation, and other uses, is projected to increase by approximately 60,000 af/yr by the year 2020. Water Supply Plans It is projected that over 75 percent of the Districts future water supply will be imported water from MWD. The balance of the water supply will be produced from local groundwater, with production of high quality native groundwater declining, but offset by the desalination and blending of currently unusable brackish groundwater supplies, as described below Groundwater Management Groundwater production in the Hemet/San Jacinto area is expected to decline as a result of proposed groundwater

management activities. To maintain current levels of production, EMWD plans to execute a formal groundwater transfer between local tribes and local water agencies, increase groundwater production in the Perris sub basins by 3,000 af/yr through construction of new wells and blending with low salinity imported water, and through implementation of phased desalination, ultimately constructing three desalination plants producing up to 12,000 af/yr of treated water for potable use. The District is expanding the current 3,000-af/yr seasonal storage program with a goal of 20,000-af/yr by the year 2020. This will require adoption of a groundwater management plan and resolution of local tribal water rights claims. If these issues are not resolved, EMWD plans to construct additional water filtration plants in strategic locations, to connect to the existing imported water mains and thus expand potable water supplies more quickly in accordance with increasing local demand. Desalination Program The District has completed the first of two planned groundwater desalinization plants in Menifee. The operational plant has a capacity of treating up to 3 million gallons/day (MGD), and currently treats 2 MGD. The second plan is expected to be completed and operational by 2005; it would have a treatment capacity of over 4 MGD. These plants were originally slated to augment local supply and reduce reliance on imported water; they will also be an effective source of supply in an emergency condition. Water Recycling Wastewater collected by the EMWD is discharged into a regional recycled water distribution system. The District has developed over 135 miles of major regional transmission pipelines that connect into five Regional Waste Water Recycling Facilities (RWRF). The District sells over



70 percent of the treated wastewater produced in its service area. The balance is retained and utilized for incidental groundwater recharge during winter storage when demands for recycled water are much lower. For the long term, the district’s recycled water master plan proposes increased use of recycled water for landscape irrigation at recreational facilities such as the Diamond Valley Lake Reservoir, for stabilizing and replenishing Lake Elsinore, and for expanded industrial and municipal purposes. Water Supply Reliability EMWD’s Urban Water Management Plan addresses reliability of its water supplies, particularly during periods of severe drought. As a member wholesale agency EMWD will continue to purchase over 75 percent of its total supplies from the Metropolitan Water District. The MWD has adopted a Water Surplus and Drought Management Plan (WSDMP) that recognizes the link between surpluses and shortages and integrates planned responses to both conditions. The WSDMP will also guide management of regional water supplies to achieve the reliability goals established in MWD’s Integrated Resources Plan. Through effective implementation MWD expects to provide 100 percent reliability through 2025 even through a repeat of the worst drought.

Hydrology

San Jacinto River Watershed

The City of Perris is located within the San Jacinto River Watershed, which drains an approximately 540-square-mile area of western Riverside County. The San Jacinto River flows from the San Jacinto Mountains, across the San Jacinto Valley, through the City of Perris, to Railroad Canyon Reservoir, and finally to its terminus in Lake Elsinore, southwest of

Perris. Several tributaries flow into the San Jacinto River upstream of the City of Perris. These drainages include Poppet, Potrero, Laborde, Lamb, and Jackrabbit Creeks, which are seasonal streams associated with major canyons of the San Jacinto Mountain Range The only major tributary to the San Jacinto River within the City of Perris is the Perris Valley Storm Channel (PVSC), which drains an approximately 38-square mile area that includes the City of Perris, City of Moreno Valley, and the March Air Reserve Base. The channel flows longitudinally through Perris before converging with the San Jacinto River.

San Jacinto River Improvement Project

The San Jacinto River receives a majority of the outflows from the PVSC at their confluence just north of the I-215 Freeway in Perris. A master plan for the San Jacinto River Improvement Project (SRIP) was initiated the mid-1970’s which included a series of channelization and flood control improvements. Due to the potential impacts on wildlife and their habitat from the proposed improvements the master plan has not been yet implemented. To balance species protection, flood control, and private property rights, alternative channelization strategies have been identified in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). In the Final MSHCP, the SRIP is included as one of the flood control facilities covered under the MSHCP directive to allow such improvements. These improvements include a Ramona Expressway bridge and culvert, a Nuevo Road bridge, a San Jacinto Avenue river crossing, an I-215 bridge and levee, a bridge at Case Road, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad bridge, a bridge at Goetz Road, an Ethanac Road bridge, and



improvements to the Perris Valley Storm Channel and Romoland Channel. While the MSHCP provides clearance for the master planned channelization improvements in the PVSC, it does not define a particular alternative for the SJRIP as the “covered activity.” Instead, it defines conservation criteria that must be met by whatever improvement plan is ultimately agreed upon by all involved. The Final MSHCP notes that adjustments to the conservation criteria may be necessary to accommodate a design alternative that achieves the best compromise of flood control and conservation benefits.

Groundwater Basin(s)

The Santa Ana River Water Quality Control Plan divides the San Jacinto Watershed into 14 groundwater sub-basins. The City of Perris lies above Perris South I, Perris South II, and Perris South III sub-basins. The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority combines these three sub-basins into two groundwater management zones, referred to as Perris North and Perris South (See Exhibit CN-9: Groundwater Management Zones). Perris South I, Perris South II, and Perris South III groundwater sub-basins are listed for municipal and agricultural beneficial uses. Water quality objectives have only been established for total dissolved solids (TDS) for each of the three sub-basins. The TDS level objective is 2,000 mg/L for Perris South I, 1,500 mg/L for Perris South II, and 1,200 mg/L for Perris South III. Groundwater quality in the Perris sub-basins is generally of poor quality due to high concentrations of TDS and Nutrients resulting from past and present agricultural runoff. Due to high TDS and nutrient levels, groundwater is no longer used for domestic purposes and only partially used to meet agricultural demand. The Eastern Municipal Water District

supplements agricultural needs with low TDS water imported from the State Water Project.



Exhibit CN-9: Groundwater Management Zones



Water Quality

Urban Runoff and Surface Water

Water quality in the San Jacinto River is affected by a variety of urban and agricultural runoff from areas outside and inside the City. The ambient water quality of local runoff ranges from nearly drinking water quality to highly contaminated with petroleum products, surfactants, fertilizers, sediment, trash, heavy metals, nutrients, pathogens and pesticides. The San Jacinto River Watershed falls under the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board). As a matter of course, the Regional Board sets water quality objectives and beneficial uses in the Santa Ana River Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the San Jacinto River Watershed. These water quality objectives are intended for the reasonable protection of the present and probable beneficial uses of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, and groundwater. The San Jacinto River is not listed on the 2002 list of Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired water bodies. However, Canyon Lake and Lake Elsinore, downstream of the Perris, are listed for excessive nutrients/pathogens and nutrients/sediment/unknown toxicity, respectively. As a result the Regional Board is expected to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these two impaired water bodies by 2004. In the meantime, the Regional Board adopted a separate San Jacinto Watershed Construction Activities Permit to regulate pollutants in storm water and nuisance discharges associated with new developments to surface waters from areas tributary to Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake (San Jacinto Watershed). No surface

water quality monitoring data was readily available for the City of Perris. Water quality sampling within the San Jacinto River conducted by the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has not detected significant pollutant levels within the City of Perris.

Statutory Requirements

The following statutory actions are designed to achieve regional water quality objectives and thereby protect the beneficial uses of the region’s surface and groundwater. These actions require the coordinated efforts of the Regional Board and numerous water supply and wastewater management agencies, as well as city and county governments and other planning entities within the Region. The City of Perris is subject to compliance with, and in some cases must administer, portions of these water quality regulations. Large civil and/or criminal penalties may be levied on private or public entities that are not in compliance with permits identified below. NPDES Permits National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are required for discharges of pollutants to navigable waters of the United States, which includes any discharge to surface waters such as lakes, rivers, streams, bays, the ocean, dry streambeds, wetlands, and storm sewers that are tributary to any surface water body. Discharge of any nonpoint or point source runoff to navigable water is illegal without an NPDES permit. The Regional Board issues these permits under the federal Clean Water Act. As a Co-Permittee with the County, the City of Perris must adhere to two NPDES permits for control of urban runoff - the Riverside County MS4 NPDES Permit and the San Jacinto Watershed Construction Activities Permit.



MS4 NPDES Permit for Riverside County The City of Perris is a Co-Permittee under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES Permit that is intended to reduce and control discharges of urban runoff into the local storm drainage system from existing developed areas and new development sites. The MS4 Permit continues obligations established under prior permits, including development and implementation of the Santa Ana Regional Drainage Area Management Plan (DAMP) and Urban Runoff and Receiving Water monitoring and reporting programs, elimination of illegal discharges and illicit connections, and enactment of the necessary legal authority to prohibit such illegal discharges and illicit connections. Co-Permittees are required to adopt and enforce grading and/or erosion control ordinances, guidelines and various Best Management Practices (BMPs) for commercial, municipal, and industrial activities. BMPs include a variety of non-structural design controls to control water pollution sources, as well as structural mechanisms of detaining and filtering runoff prior to release to the storm drain system. A menu of potential BMPs are defined in the DAMP, which must be updated regularly as new water quality control technologies and practices are developed. A number of new restrictions are now required with respect to review and approval of new development projects. Primarily, the City is now required to consider water quality impacts during the project review and approval phases, ensure that appropriate BMPs are incorporated into the project design and long-term operations, and to include a condition of project approval that requires project compliance with the applicable

construction permits issued by the RWQCB. The City, along with the other Co-Permittees, is required to develop a number of additional water quality control practices to be applied to new development, in accordance with a schedule of milestones for completion of the various new programs. Chief among these is the requirement to adopt a Water Quality Management Plan by the end of June 2004, to identify BMPs, including design standards for source control and structural BMPS. Other milestone requirements pertaining to the planning process include a review of local CEQA procedures to ensure adequate consideration of water quality impacts and mitigation measures, and review of the general plan, zoning ordinance and land use approval process to ensure that the water quality principles and policies set forth in the MS4 Permit are properly reflected in the local land use regulatory framework. Those principles and policies include:

Limit disturbance of natural water bodies and drainage systems; conserve natural areas; protect slopes and channels; minimize impacts from urban runoff on the biological integrity of natural drainage systems and water bodies;

Minimize changes in hydrology and pollutant loading; require incorporation of source control and structural BMPs to mitigate the projected increases in pollutant loads and flows; ensure that post-construction runoff rates and velocities from sites do not result in significant adverse impact on downstream erosion and stream habitat; limit the quantity of urban runoff directed to impermeable surfaces and the MS4s (local storm



drainage systems); and maximize the percentage of permeable surfaces to allow more percolation or urban runoff into the ground;

Preserve wetlands, riparian corridors, and buffer zones; and establish reasonable limits on the clearing of vegetation from the project site;

Encourage the use of BMPs to manage urban runoff quality and quantity;

Provide for appropriate permanent measures to reduce pollutant loads in urban runoff from the developed site; and

Establish development guidelines for areas particularly susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.

San Jacinto Watershed Construction Activities Permit The San Jacinto Watershed NPDES Storm Water Permit regulates pollutants in stormwater and non-stormwater discharges to surface waters associated with new developments resulting in disturbance to one or more acres of total land area within areas tributary to Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake. Unlike the MS4 NPDES Permit, which places accountability for surface water quality on the local jurisdiction, the San Jacinto Watershed Construction Activities Permit makes the project applicant accountable for surface water quality. Before the Regional Board issues a permit, the project applicant files a Notice of Intent (NOI) and develops an adequate Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for each new construction project within the San Jacinto Watershed. Any new development of one or more acres within the City of Perris will require the attainment of a San Jacinto Watershed Construction Activities Permit prior to commencement of construction projects.

Clean Water Act, Section 404 Permit Section 404 of 1972 Clean Water Act requires that projects placing dredged or fill material within navigable waters of the United States, including wetlands, obtain a Section 404 permit prior to construction. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency develops the regulations under which permits may be granted. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) exercises jurisdiction over waters of the United States and issues the Section 404 permit. Clean Water Act, Section 401 Water Quality Certification The Regional Board acts to protect the quality of surface waters through water quality certification as specified in Section 401 of the 1972 Clean Water Act. A Section 401 permit is only required for projects that must obtain a Section 404 permit. As a matter of course, no federal license or permit, such as a Section 404 or NPDES permit, may be obtained until certification required by Section 401 has been obtained or waived.

Solid Waste

Solid waste collection service in the City of Perris is provided by CR&R Disposal. Waste is transported to Perris Materials Recovery Facility at 1706 Goetz Road where recyclable materials are separated from solid wastes. Recyclable materials are sold in bulk and transported for processing and transformation for other uses. Solid wastes are transported to either the El Sobrante Landfill on Dawson Canyon Road in Corona or to the Badlands Landfill on Ironwood Avenue in Moreno Valley. In the most recent year reported by the State of California (2000), solid waste generated in the City and disposed in landfills totaled 44,460 tons. Of this, 14,227 tons were generated from residential



uses and the remaining 30,233 tons were generated by commercial and industrial uses. Waste generated in Perris during the same year and destined for recycling (diversion) totaled 38,298 tons. It is estimated that residents in Perris produce an average of 2.2 pounds of waste day. Non-residential land uses are estimated to generate an average 19 pounds of waste per employee per day.



Issues

Multi- Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)

Riverside County and eight cities in western Riverside County are developing a Multi- Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) that will reduce the burden of environmental impact analysis on each new development project. This will also be a first step in environmental clearances required for development of badly needed storm drains. Part of the land in the conservation area, however, lies within the floodplain along the San Jacinto River in southeastern Perris. The conservation area may become an asset over the long term but is generally perceived as reducing the amount of land in the City available for future development.

Opportunities

MSHCP adoption will remove a regulatory obstacle to deepening the Perris Valley Channel and construction of needed storm drains

Constraints

The Multi- Species Habitat Conservation Plan conservation area in the San Jacinto River floodplain will reduce the land area available for commercial, retail, or residential development

Construction of proposed on- and off-ramps at I-215 has been delayed because of potential impacts on wildlife habitat areas to be resolved in the MSHCP

Agricultural Conversion

Agriculture has a long history in the Perris Valley, and fifty-two percent of the land is still identified with current or former agricultural uses. Conversion of agricultural areas to urbanized uses includes a number of issues including isolated or “leapfrog” development, diminishing open space buffers, and land use compatibility. The viability of agriculture in Perris is based primarily on economics. Urban and rural residential developments offer greater profits due to the present high demand for housing in this region, and because Perris’ climate requires extensive irrigation.

Opportunities

The City’s agricultural lands provide alternative land use opportunities. Many agricultural properties are dry-farmed for grains, and are viewed as “holding operations”.

With a large percentage of Perris consisting of agricultural lands, there is an opportunity for the City to integrate open space areas into local and regional conservation and recreational systems. In addition, portions of agricultural/open space lands can act as buffers between different land uses i.e. residential and industrial, and help to maintain some of the original character and heritage of the Perris Valley.

Constraints

One of the most pressing long term constraints for agricultural uses and future development is the availability and quality of water. As the availability of affordable water declines, the potential of agricultural



lands holding long-term value diminishes.

“Leap-frog” development often occurs when agricultural lands or other open space areas separate new development from existing urban areas and facilities. Development patterns such as this can create inefficient and premature development pressures as Perris attempts to keep pace in providing utilities, roads, and public services. This pattern is typical in cities experiencing high growth rates, and Perris can benefit by adopting policies or procedures to convert agricultural areas to new uses uniformly and on contiguous properties.



Sustainable Community

The Sustainable Community section of the Conservation Element establishes goals and policies to help the City shape its overall form and appearance in accordance with the community’s fundamental values. The standards and guidelines contained in this section are intended to support the City of Perris’ commitment to protect the environment, improve quality of life, and promote sustainable development. These standards are intended to enhance public health and welfare and assure that further residential, commercial, industrial and civic development is consistent with the City’s desire to create a more sustainable community. By incorporating appropriate measures into the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and overall project development, the City of Perris will demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainable “Green Building” practices. Sustainable development or “Green Building” is an environmentally conscience building practice that enables architects, contractors, developers, and building owners to use natural resources effectively and efficiently to provide healthier and more energy efficient homes and commercial and industrial buildings. The process of designing a community is a continuous one, with each development decision contributing to the city’s form and quality of life. Effective green building design maximizes the use of a development while encouraging the cost effective use of materials by reducing the use of materials and energy resources throughout the lifetime of the development.

The Sustainable Community section is an optional section of the Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan, as authorized by Section 65303 of the California Government Code. Policies within the section may relate to land use, circulation, environmental resources, housing or other issues which are addressed throughout the General Plan. The section is consistent with the other General Plan elements, and should be used in conjunction with them in formulating future land use decisions affecting the City. The Sustainable Community section of the Conservation Element is organized under the following categories:

I. Existing Conditions addresses the current environmental circumstances and the state laws directing assessment and change with respect to reducing the affect of future development on the city, the state and the world.

II. Issues, Opportunities, and

Constraints identifies important Sustainable Community topics.

III. The Strategy for Action section

sets forth the steps to be taken by the City of Perris to assure that future development actively involves green building and Sustainable Community policies.

Existing Conditions

The Environment

The City of Perris is responsible for identifying and protecting its natural environment and our scarce and fragile resources. All neighborhoods and sectors of the community should participate in the City’s conscientious stewardship of the environment. It must be understood that



there are long-term society impacts to the decisions the city makes. The community’s action and dedication towards reducing its impact on the environment through smarter use of limited resources and conscientious development will improve quality of life and promote sustainability throughout the region.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions refer to a group of emissions that are generally believed to affect global climate conditions. Of all the GHGs, CO2 is the most abundant climate change pollutant with fossil fuel combustion CO2 comprising 81.0% of the total GHG emissions in California in 2002, and non-fossil fuel combustion CO2 comprising 2.3%. California is considered the second largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the United States next to Texas. California generates about half as much in CO2 emissions as Texas. However, when considering fossil fuel emissions at the individual’s level, California is second lowest in the nation in per capita CO2 emissions with only the District of Columbia lower. State Law mandates development and adoption of regulations to achieve the maximum feasible reduction of greenhouse gases emitted (AB 1493 – Year 2002). Additionally, the California Air Resource Board is required to adopt regulations for the reporting and verification of statewide greenhouse gas emissions and to monitor and enforce compliance with that program (AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006).

Sustainable Goals

The goals to follow address several sustainable design issues. The first goal will address the vision for energy and resource conservation and the use of green

building design in the City. The second goal will encourage project designs that support the use of alternative transportation facilities. The third goal will encourage improved energy performance above the minimum California Title-24 standards. The fourth goal identifies the City of Perris’ commitment to community leadership in environmentally conscience building practices and resource conservation.

Issues, Opportunities and

Constraints

Energy Efficiency

The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, also known as the California Building Standards Code, is a compilation of three types of building standards from three different origins:

• Building standards that have been adopted by State agencies without change from building standards contained in national codes.

• Building standards that have been adopted and adapted from the national model code standards to meet California conditions.

• Building standards, authorized by the California Legislature, that constitute extensive additions not covered by the model codes that have been adopted to address particular California concerns.

Most buildings can reach energy efficiency levels far beyond California Title 24 standards, yet many meet only the standard. Energy demands can be greatly reduced through encouraging the use of green building design including materials, equipment, lighting, alternative energy sources, and structure maintenance. The building design should also consider building shape and site orientation to take



advantage of solar power and natural lighting to boost energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. By using and encouraging alternative forms of energy and energy usage, the community can be an active participant in the reduction of the emissions of green house gasses in the United States that contribute to global warming.

Occupant Health and Safety

Recent studies have revealed that buildings with good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma, sick building symptoms, and enhance worker performance. The potential financial benefits of improving indoor environments has been proven to exceed costs by a significant factor. Providing adequate ventilation and a high-efficiency, in-duct filtration system ensures a dramatic and positive impact on indoor air quality. Air contaminant sources can be greatly minimized by the use of green building materials that feature low solvent adhesives and caulking, composite wood with no urea formaldehyde, and agri-fiber products. Better paints, stains and finishes containing lower levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) also improve indoor air quality for building occupants and should be utilized. Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that out-gas to form smog and pollute the indoor air.

Materials Efficiency

Materials efficiency is a hallmark of sustainable development. The reuse of existing buildings conserves land and limited natural resources. The reuse and recycling of construction and demolition materials reduces construction costs while keeping additional materials out of landfills. Also, the use of recycled-content products helps develop markets for

recycled materials that are being diverted from California’s landfills.

Water Efficiency

The issues of water quantity, quality and availability for current and future development needs are directly affected by the community’s wise and conservative use of water resources. Adequate long-term water supplies are necessary to sustain long-term growth and sustainability of the community. The concept of recycling of treated waste water, or “gray water,” for irrigation use is one method of conserving potable water resources. Another method is the use of permeable surfaces whenever possible for paved areas required with development. Permeable surfaces help to naturally filter and maintain underground water resources and avoid additional run-off to catch basins and flood channels. Encouraging the use of green building standards, gray water recycling, and permeable paving materials within residential, commercial and industrial project designs would aid immensely in the necessary water recycling and conservation process.

Landscaping Efficiency

Trees and other non-woody vegetation are a natural air filtering system, which clean the air by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. Strategic planting and conscientious stewardship of the existing tree cover allows for natural absorption of precipitation, and prevents rain from washing oil, auto coolant, pesticides and other chemicals into storm washes, rivers and lakes. Proactive planting and maintenance of trees lowers energy cost by providing shade and cooling the air, vehicles and structures. Open space and landscaping required by the City



development code for public and private facilities is intended to create functional and hospitable settings for the building occupants. Green infrastructure is a public asset that must be strategically planned, encouraged and maintained by the City and its citizens.

Efficiency in Project Design

Of the total expenditures an owner will make over the course of the building’s service lifetime, design and construction expenditures, the so-called “first costs” of a facility, will account for 5-10 percent of the total life-cycle cost of the structure. In contrast, operations and maintenance costs will account for 60-80 percent of the total life-cycle costs, with land acquisition, conceptual planning, renewal or revitalization, and disposal accounting for the remaining 5-35 percent. Key elements of design pertaining to green building are performance standards, cost issues, materials selection, and building placement. Through implementation of the Improvement Measures noted below, the City intends to actively inform, encourage and guide the use of green building standards in remodeling and designing new and existing developments and public facilities within the city.

Strategy for Action

The inclusion of a Sustainable Community section within the Conservation Element Plan emphasizes the City’s commitment to leadership in the community for environmentally conscience building practices. The City has significant market influence through its proprietary agencies; its purchasing, procurement, and contracting processes; and its regulatory, planning, and land use powers.

These powers must be used responsibly to coordinate and encourage energy and resource conservation, and the development of green building policies. The city has the responsibility to provide leadership, promote private investment, stimulate market demand and create a business-friendly regulatory environment for green companies and to overall invest in the sustainability and betterment of the community.



Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures

Goal I – Agricultural Resources Orderly conversion of agricultural lands to other approved land uses.

Policy I.A Establish growth management strategies to ensure the proper timing and economic provisions for utilities, major streets and other facilities so that orderly development will occur. Implementation Measures 1.A.1 Revise the capital facilities fee

program so that all infrastructure construction and improvements attributable to new development are fully funded.

1.A.2 Require that development

applications for projects over 100 acres or more include master plans with backbone infrastructure paid for and installed by the developer.

Goal II – Biological Resources Preservation of areas with significant biotic communities.

Policy II.A Comply with state and federal regulations to ensure protection and preservation of significant biological resources. Implementation Measures II.A.1 Maintain a database and resource

identification map that identifies areas known, or with the potential

to contain, sensitive plant and wildlife species.

II.A.2 For public and private projects

located in areas with potential for moderate or high plant and wildlife sensitivity, require biological surveys as part of the development review process.

II.A.3 For those public and private

projects that are also subject to federal or State approval with respect to impacts to Waters of the U.S. and/or Streambeds, require evidence of completion of the applicable federal permit process prior to the issuance of a grading permit.

Goal III – Biological Resources Implementation of the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)

Policy III.A Review all public and private development and construction projects and any other land use plans or activities within the MSHCP area, in accordance with the conservation criteria procedures and mitigation requirements set forth in the MSHCP. Implementation Measures III.A.1 Maintain a current copy of the

Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), including all of its appendices, as part of the Planning Division’s environmental database.

III.A.2 Provide training to City Planning

Staff with respect to the project review procedures, conservation goals, biological survey and analysis



criteria, mitigation fee structure, and coordination with regional agencies to ensure effective and efficient administration of habitat protection plans.

Goal IV - Cultural Resources Protection of historical, archaeological and paleontological sites.

Policy IV.A Comply with state and federal regulations and ensure preservation of the significant historical, archaeological and paleontological resources. Implementation Measures IV.A.1 For all private and public projects

involving new construction, substantial grading, or demolition, including infrastructure and other public service facilities, staff shall require appropriate surveys and necessary site investigations in conjunction with the earliest environmental document prepared for a project.

IV.A.2 For all projects subject to CEQA,

applicants will be required to submit results of an archaeological records search request through the Eastern Information Center, at the University of California, Riverside.

IV.A.3 Require Phase I Surveys for all

projects located in areas that have not previously been surveyed for archaeological or historic resources, or which lie near areas where archaeological and/or historic sites have been recorded.

IV.A.4 In Area 1 and Area 2 shown on the

Paleontological Sensitivity Map,

paleontologic monitoring of all projects requiring subsurface excavations will be required once any excavation begins. In Areas 4 and 5, paleontologic monitoring will be required once subsurface excavations reach five feet in depth, with monitoring levels reduced if appropriate, at the discretion of a certified Project Paleontologist.

IV.A.5 Identify and collect previous

surveys of cultural resources. Evaluate such resource and consider preparation of a comprehensive citywide inventory of cultural resources including both prehistoric sites and man-made resources.

IV.A.6 Create an archive for the City

wherein all surveys, collections, records and reports can be centrally located.

IV.A.7 Strengthen efforts and coordinate

the management of cultural resources with other agencies and private organizations.

Goal V - Water Supply Provide an adequate water supply to support existing and future land uses, as anticipated in the Land Use Element.

Policy V.A Coordinate land-planning efforts with local water purveyors. Implementation Measures V.A.1 Work with Eastern Municipal

Water District to ensure that development does not outpace projections consistent with the



Water Districts Urban Water Management Plan.

V.A.2 Require use of new technologies

and water conserving plant materials for landscaping.

VI.A.3 Participate with the Eastern

Municipal Water District to develop and implement water conservation programs and to encourage use of water conserving technologies

Goal VI – Water Quality Achieve regional water quality objectives and protect the beneficial uses of the region’s surface and groundwater.

Policy VI.A Comply with requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Implementation Measures VI.A.1 Adopt a Stormwater Ordinance per

Santa Ana Regional Area Management Plan (DAMP) requirements for stormwater management and discharge control.

VI.A.2 Evaluate the Planning Department’s

CEQA implementation procedures to ensure adequate consideration of water quality impacts and mitigation measures as part of Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations and Environmental Impact Reports.

VI.A.3Prior to issuance of any grading

permit involving a disturbance of one or more acres of land, require proof of a RWQCB San Jacinto Watershed Construction Activities

Permit and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.

VI.A.4Review water quality impacts

during the project review and approval phases to ensure appropriate BMPs are incorporated into the project design and long-term operations.

VI.A.5 In accordance with the Riverside

County NPDES, enact a Water Quality Management Plan to review and regulate new development approvals.

VI.A.6 Continue to fulfill the City’s

obligation as Co-Permittee under the MSA NPDES permit for Riverside County.

Goal VII – Land Forms Protection of significant landforms.

Policy VII.A Preserve significant hillsides and rock outcroppings in the planning areas. Implementation Measures VII.A.1 Encourage the creative siting of

buildings as a means of preserving rock outcroppings and hillsides.



Goal VIII – Sustainable Future Create a vision for energy and resource conservation and the use of green building design for the City, to protect the environment, improve quality of life, and promote sustainable practices.

Policy VIII.A Adopt and maintain development regulations that encourage water and resource conservation. Implementation Measures VIII.A.1 Use indigenous and/or drought-

resistant planting materials and efficient irrigation systems in residential projects as a means of reducing water demand, including smart irrigation systems.

VIII.A.2 Use indigenous and/or drought-

resistant planting and efficient irrigation systems with smart controls in all new and refurbished commercial and industrial development projects. Also, restrict use of turf to 25% or less of the landscaped areas.

VIII.A.3 Use water conserving appliances

and fixtures (low-flush toilets, and low-flow shower heads and faucets) within all new residential developments.

VIII.A.4 Use gray water, and water

conserving appliances and fixtures within all new commercial and industrial developments.

VIII.A.5 Use permeable paving materials

within developments to deter water runoff and promote natural

filtering of precipitation and irrigation waters.

VIII.A.7 Create and maintain reclaimed

water systems to provide reclaimed water for irrigation of municipal and commercial landscaping.

VIII.A.8 Explore the use of private water

well systems for all potable and/or landscaping water use for larger commercial and industrial projects.

Policy VIII.B Adopt and maintain development regulations that encourage recycling and reduced waste generation by construction projects. Implementation Measures VIII.B.1 Initiate and maintain incentive

programs to encourage and reward developments that employ energy and resource conservation and green building practices similar to the City’s current recycling program.

VIII.B.2 Reuse, refurbish and remodel

existing public and private buildings whenever possible to conserve land and resources.

VIII.B.3 Require the installation of

recycling bins and provide space for storage and collection of recyclables within development sites.

VIII.B.4 Use educational forums and

public relation programs to inform residents of the full range of recycling techniques available.

VIII.B.5 Establish a procurement policy

favoring recycling materials.



VIII.B.6 Include text within all demolition

permits that encourages recycling of demolition and construction waste within new and refurbished commercial and industrial development projects.

Policy VIII.C Adopt and maintain development regulations which encourage increased energy efficiency in buildings, and the design of durable buildings that are efficient and economical to own and operate. Encourage green building development by establishing density bonuses, expedited permitting, and possible tax deduction incentives to be made available for developers who meet LEED building standards for new and refurbished developments (U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building programs). Implementation Measures VIII.C.1 Create a green building ordinance

that promotes the use of green building technology and design.

VIII.C.2 The City shall obtain and

maintain a LEED accredited employee on staff that is intended to review and make recommendations on all new and remodel projects processing through the City.

VIII.C.3 Encourage the design and

construction of durable buildings that are efficient and economical to own and operate.

VIII.C.4 Review new development

projects for compliance with the design guidelines contained within the Sustainable Community section through

Conditions of Approval and a finding that the project conforms to the General Plan.

VIII.C.5 Encourage green building density

bonuses, expedited permitting, and possible tax deduction incentives to be made available for developers who meet LEED building standards for new developments.

Policy VIII.D Educate and promote the health and productivity benefits for residents, workers and visitors to the City that can be achieved through Green Building techniques and conservation of resources. Implementation Measures VIII.D.1 The City shall provide a public

forum for regular educational opportunities to promote the use of green building design and conservation of resources with little or no cost to the public and City staff.

VIII.D.2 Make available handouts,

brochures, pamphlets, and flyers that encourage Sustainable Community techniques at public places and special events.

VIII.D.3 The City shall encourage the

placement of educational kiosks at public and private sustainable sites to explain the activity and its benefits to the public.

VIII.D.4 The City shall encourage and

maintain a well-informed, trained workforce to ensure the tools necessary to guide the public in the use of green building design and resource conservation.



Goal IX Encourage project designs that support the use of alternative transportation facilities.

Policy IX.A Encourage land uses and new development that support alternatives to the single occupant vehicle. Implementation Measures IX.A.1 Encourage installation of shared

vehicle parking and support facilities within new and refurbished commercial and industrial developments, i.e., dual fuel vehicles and charging systems on site, car pool parking, and bus stop shelters.

IX.A.2 Install bicycle paths and create

secure and accessible bicycle storage for visitors and occupants within new and refurbished commercial and industrial developments.

IX.A.3 Use the Planned Development

Zoning Overlay to encourage the transition to higher densities along the City’s transit and commercial corridors to take greater advantage of public transit.

IX.A.4 Encourage building and site

designs that facilitate pedestrian activity, such as locating buildings close to the street and providing direct connections to public walkways and neighboring land uses.

IX.A.5 The City shall require all new

public and private development to include bike and walking paths wherever feasible.

IX.A.6 The City shall purposely design

interconnections between existing and proposed bicycle and walking paths, and trails throughout the city.

Goal X Encourage improved energy performance standards above and beyond the California Title 24 requirements.

Policy X.A Establish density bonuses, expedited permitting, and possible tax deduction incentives to be made available for developers who exceed current Title 24 requirements for new development. Implementation Measures X.A.1 The City shall consider adopting

energy performance standards above and beyond Title 24 requirements by updating its Development Code and Building Code and all other applicable ordinances to reflect and encourage the guidelines contained within this section.

X.A.2 Encourage energy conservation

devices including but not limited to lighting, water heater treatments, solar energy systems, etc. for all residential projects.

X.A.3 Encourage and actively pursue

energy and resource conservation grants.

Policy X.B Encourage the use of trees within project design to lessen energy needs, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality throughout the region.



Implementation Measures X.B.1 Explore the benefits of an urban

forestry program such as Tree City USA, to capitalize on the environmental, social, aesthetic and economic benefits of trees in the urban environment.

X.B.2 Establish a Tree Board or

Commission and adopt a tree care ordinance.

X.B.3 Provide educational materials to

residents about the value of trees in the environment and encourage the planting of trees and tree care.

Policy X.C Encourage strategic shape and placement of new structures within new commercial and industrial projects. Implementation Measures X.C.1 Promote energy conservation by

taking advantage of natural site features such as natural lighting and ventilation, sunlight, shade and topography during the site plan process.

X.C.2 When possible, locate driveways

and parking on the east and north sides of buildings to reduce heat buildup during hot afternoons.

Goal XI The City shall lead the development community by example in green building, and energy and resource conservation practices.

Policy XI.A The City shall support LEED development standards and gray water usage for all new

and refurbished public buildings and facilities. All projects undertaken by the City, or that receive funding from the City or the Redevelopment Agency should be encouraged to utilize green building practices. Implementation Measures XI.A.1 The City shall actively seek

available funding from the government and private sectors for implementation and support of green building and resource conservation.

XI.A.2 The City shall install and

maintain shared vehicle parking and support facilities at all City facilities feasible, i.e., dual fuel vehicles and charging systems on site, car pool parking and bus stop shelters).

XI.A.3 The City shall design projects to

install and maintain accessible bicycle storage for visitors and occupants and include bicycle paths within new and refurbished public and public sponsored facilities.

XI.A.4 The City shall keep a “spotlight”

upon existing and proposed green building public structures and facilities by displaying informational plaques, providing interactive kiosks and having explanatory pamphlets available on subject sites and at various public service counters.

Policy XI.B The City shall actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from public facilities throughout the community. Implementation Measures



XI.B.1 The City shall conduct a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory of the City as required by AB 32, the Global Warming Act.

XI.B.2 The City shall monitor and verify

results of greenhouse gas emissions within the City.

XI.B.3 The City shall adopt greenhouse

gas emission reduction targets. XI.B.4 The City shall develop a local

action plan for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

XI.B.5 The City shall strive to produce at

least 5% of the energy needed by City buildings from an alternate energy source such as solar.

XI.B.6 The City shall strive to have at

least 20% of the City vehicles utilizing an alternate fuel source such as liquid propane gas (LPG).

XI.B.7 The City shall actively pursue the

purchase of replacement vehicles that utilize an alternate fuel source.

XI.B.8 The City shall install alternate

energy sources on their existing structures and pursue alternate energy sources for any new City structures.

XI.B.9 The City shall be an active

participant in regional initiatives concerning greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy XI.C The City shall encourage Green Building and Sustainable Community actions whenever possible through subsidy funding.

Implementation Measures XI.C1 The City shall seek available

grants and other funding from the state and federal government, and the private sector, for implementation and support of green building, energy and resource conservation.

XI.C.2 The City shall strive to make

funding available to the public, to the extent feasible, for implementation of green building and energy and resource conservation.



Appendix A: Special Status Plant and Animal Species

Appendix A : Special Status Plant and Animal Species

Species Status

Scientific Name

Common Name USFWS CDFG CNPS

Life Form Blooming

Period Preferred Habitat Potential within City/ Known Occurrence/ Suitable Habitat

Centromadia pungens ssp laevis

Smooth tarplant

None None 1B Annual herb April - Sept Valley and foothill grassland, chenopod scrub, meadows, playas, riparian woodlands; prefers alkali meadow, alkali scrub & in disturbed places.

Present - Recorded along San Jacinto River in the southeaster portion of the City and along Perris Storm Channel in the central portion of the City. Suitable habitat occurs along the San Jacinto River channel within the City limits.

Lasthenia glabrata ssp coulteri

Coulter’s goldfields

None None 1B Annual herb February - June

Vernal pools, playas, marshes and swamps (3-5000 ft.).

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded approximately 3.0 miles east of the central portion of the City. Suitable habitat occurs within the City limits.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrightii

Wright's trichocoronis

None None 1B Annual herb May - September

Marshes and swamps, riparian forest, meadows and seeps, vernal pools. Specifically, mud flats of vernal lakes, drying river beds, alkali meadows.

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded approximately 3.0 miles east of the north portion of the City. Suitable habitat occurs within the City limits.

Lepidium virginicum var robinsonii

Robinson’s pepper-grass

None None 1B Annual herb January - July

Chaparral, coastal scrub; prefers dry soils, shrub land.

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded approximately 4.0 miles northeast of City. Suitable habitat exists within the City limits.

Astragalus pachypus var. jaegeri

Jaeger's milk vetch

None None 1B Shrub December - June

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, sandy or rocky soils.

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded several miles east of City. Suitable habitat exists within the City limits.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Atriplex coronata var notatior

San Jacinto valley crownscale

FE None 1B Annual herb April - August

Playas, chenopod scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools (1300-1700 ft.).

Present - Recorded along San Jacinto River in the southeaster portion of the City. Suitable habitat occurs along the San Jacinto River channel within the City limits.

Atriplex coulteri

Coulter's saltbush

None None 1B Perennial herb

March - October

Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, Coastal scrub, grasslands / alkaline or clay (10-1500 ft.).

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded east of north portion of City. Suitable habitat occurs within the City limits.

Atriplex pacifica

South coast saltscale

None None 1B Annual herb March - October

Coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub, playas, chenopod scrub. Specifically, alkali soils.

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded approximately 3.0 miles east of City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.

Atriplex parishii

Parish's brittle scale

None None 1B Annual herb June - October

Alkali meadows, vernal pools, chenopod scrub, playas. Specifically, drying alkali flats with fine soils.

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded approximately 4.0 miles east of City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Atriplex selenana var. davidsonii

Davidson's saltscale

None None 1B Annual herb April - October

Coastal bluff scrub Coastal scrub / alkaline (10-820 ft.)

Moderate – potential to occur. Recorded southeast of City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.

Erodium macrophyllum

Round-leaved filaree

None None 2 Annual herb March - May

Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Specifically, clay soils.

Low - potential to occur. Recorded southeast of City. Marginal habitat occurs within City limits. No native woodland or grassland present.

Hordeum intercedens

Vernal barley

None None 3 Annual herb March - June

Vernal pools, valley foothill grasslands (saline flats and depressions).

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded within the Perris USGS topographic quadrangle. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.

Abronia villosa var aurita

Chaparral sand verbena

None None 1B Annual herb July - August

Sandy places in coastal sage scrub, chaparral (65 – 1400 ft.).

Low - potential to occur. Recorded southwest of City. Marginal habitat exists within City limits. No sandy soil present.

Chorizanthe parryi var parryi

Parry’s spineflower

None None 3 Annual herb April - June Chaparral, coastal sage scrub; prefers dry slopes and flats on dry sandy soils.

Low - potential to occur. Recorded approximately 5.0 miles north of City. No sandy soil present.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Chorizanthe polygonoides var longispina

Long-spined spineflower

None None 1B Annual herb April - July Chaparral, coastal scrub, meadows, valley and foothill grassland (100-4800 ft.).

Present - Recorded in the Riversidean sage scrub habitat on the western portion of the City. Suitable habitat occurs within the City limits.

Dodecahema leptoceras

Slender-horned spineflower

FE SE 1B Annual herb April - June Chaparral and coastal scrub (alluvial fans).

Not likely to occur - No suitable habitat.

Monardella micrantha ssp hallii

Hall’s monardella

None None 1B Perennial herb

rhizomatous

June - August

Broad leaved upland forests, chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane conifer forests, and valley and foothill grasslands (2300-7200 ft.).

Low - potential to occur. Recorded northwest of the City. No native forest, woodland, or grassland present within City limits.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Navarretia fossalis

Spreading navarretia

FT None 1B Annual herb April - June Vernal pools, chenopod scrub, marshes and swamps. Specifically, hardpan and claypan vernal pools, in swales and vernal pools surrounded by other habitat.


Myosurus minimus ssp apus

Little mousetail

None None 3 Annual herb March - June

Vernal pools (60-2100 ft.).

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded southeast of City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.

Allium munzii

Munz’s onion

FE ST 1B Perennial herb (bulb-

iferous)

March - May

Chaparral, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland (1000-3400 ft.).

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded southeast of the City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Brodiaea filifolia

Thread-leaved brodiaea

FT SE 1B Perennial herb

bulbiferous

March - June

Coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grasslands, and vernal pools/clay (115-2800 ft.)


Orcuttia californica

California orcutt grass

FE SE 1B Annual herb April - June Vernal pools (50-2200 ft.).

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded southeast of City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.

Tortula californica

California screw-moss

None None 1B Moss None Chenopod scrub, valley and foothill grassland, in sandy soils.

Moderate - potential to occur. Recorded southwest of City. Suitable habitat exists within City limits.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FE Federal Endangered

FT Federal Threatened

PE Proposed Endangered

PT Proposed Threatened

FC Federal Candidate FSC Species of

Concern* * No longer recognized as

a federal designation.

California Department of Fish and Game

CE California Endangered CT California Threatened CR California Rare

California Native Plant Society

1A Plants presumed extinct in California. 1B Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. 2 Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. 3 Plants about which we need more information. 4 Plants of limited distribution.




Species Status

Scientific Name


Life Form Blooming


Not Likely to Occur - There are no present or historical records of the species occurring on or in the immediate vicinity (within 2 miles) of the City and the diagnostic habitats strongly associated with the species does not occur on or in the immediate vicinity of the City. Low Potential for Occurrence - There is a historical record of the species within the vicinity of the City, but no existing suitable habitat on or in the immediate vicinity of the City. Moderate Potential for Occurrence - The suitable habitat associated with the species occurs on or in the immediate vicinity of the City, but there is not a recorded occurrence of the species within the immediate vicinity (within 2 miles) of the City. High Potential for Occurrence - There is both suitable habitat associated with the species and a historical record of the species on or in the immediate vicinity of the City (within 2 miles). Species Present - The species was observed on the City at the time of the survey.

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