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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2976_CCv0001.pdf RESOLUTION NO. 2976 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF T11Z CITY OF REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE INTERIM OPEN SPACE PLAN TO GUIDE THE PREPARATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADOPTION OF THE OPEN SPACE ELEXE14T OF THE GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, on June 30, 1972, the California State Legislature adopted into law a requirement that each city and county shall adopt an Interim Open Space Plan by August 31, 1972; and WHEREAS, the Planning Department has completed this plan in accordance with State requirements; and WHEREAS, on the 30th day of August, 1972, the City Council considered the proposed Interim Open Space Plan; and WHEREAS, following said presentation the City Council declares that the proposed plan is in the interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the ' City of Redlands 1. Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 65560, 65302, 65700 and 65700 as amended of the Government Code, the City Council hereby adopts on this 30th day of August, 1972, the goals, policies, and work program of the Interim Open Space Plan. 2. That a report entitled Interim Open Space Plan is on file in the office of the Planning Department. 3. A certified copy of the report and of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Secretary of the Resources Agency of the State of California by August 31, 1972 . ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED this 30th day of August, 1972. ATTEST: * ZAayor of the City of Re�dfands /&lerk 1, Peggy A. Moseley, City Clerk, City of PPROVED F R FORM: Redlands, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the City Council at a special meeting -s/Edward F. Taylor thereof held on the 30th day of August, 1972 . City Attorney Jt e rk C1 MEMORANDUM August 24, 1972 TO: R. P. Merritt, Jr. , City Manager FROM: John Curts , Planning Intern The California State Legislature on June 30, 1972, enacted AB 966 which amends certain sections of the Government Code pertaining to the open space plan necessary for eligibility for State open space tax rebate (subventions) . The statutes require that every city and county shall by August 31, 1972, prepare, adopt and submit to the Secretary of the Resources Agency, an Interim Open Space Plan, which shall be in effect until June 30, 1973 ; at which time the Open Space Element of the General Plan must be adopted. The interim plan is to contain the officially adopted goals, policies, and program for the orderly completion and adoption of the open Space Element, including the methods by which open space resources will be inventoried and conservation measures determined. It is necessary for the City Council to adopt the Interim Open Space Plan by August 31, 1972, in order to qualify for subventions on contract agricultural preserve- lands . The City of Redlands currently has 372 acres of prime agricultural land under contract for which subvention would be $3.00 per acre. /le INTERIM OPEN SPACE PLAN I PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF REDLANDS THE CITY OF REDLANDS CITY COU-INCIL Jack B. Cummings , Mayor Charles G. DeMirjyn, Vice-Mayor Chresten M. Knudsen Sam S . Sewall Ellsworth E. Miller R. P. Merritt, Jr. , City Manager PLANNING COMLMISSION Edwin R. Hales , Chairman John F. Runkel, Vice-Chairman James F. Butler Anthony R. Jimenez Max S . Kreston Benjamin J. Rabe John R. Melcher W. C. Schindler, Planning Director Simon Eisner, Planning Consultant Richard W. Burkhart, Planning Associate Jean K. Geelan, Planning Aide J. S . Curts, Planning Intern Katherine Benzel, Staff Aide Principal Planner for Project August, 1972 INTERIM OPEN SPACE PLAN Introduction The Open Space Element is one of several elements now required as a part of the General Plan. Recently AB 966 amended and redefined requirements for the Interim Open Space Plan. The Interim Open Space Plan is now required to be adopted by August 31, 1972, to set forth policy, goals, criteria, and a work pro- gram relative to the Open Space Element of the General Plan. This interim plan is to act as a guide to help the staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council make decisions con- cerning the Open Space Element which is to be adopted by June 30, 1973 . Definition of Open Space Permanent open space includes those sites usually owned by the public which are most likely to remain in public use. Addi- tionally, open space is found in private ownership, in agricul- tural and recreation uses and in rural, undeveloped areas, and in such forms as private utility and transportation rights-of- way and flood control channels. As urbanization continues, opportunities for the use and enjoyment of many forms of open space will become more limited. It is important therefore, that adequate open space land be reserved now for future use. Standards and Criteria for Future open. .S2ace Exact quantitative and qualitative standards for open space are difficult to formulate. Generally, a designation for open space is relative to an area ' s natural features. The City of Redlands ' unique setting surrounds the planning area with open space and open uses. This open atmosphere, however, must be protected. Development could easily occur which would forever destroy the open space opportunities the city now enjoys, leaving Redlands lost in a metropolitan wilderness - an unrelieved con- glomeration of structures, without visable boundaries or distinction. National park standards, arrived at after years of study by specialists in the field, indicate as a guideline that cities should provide approximately four acres of neighborhood and community parks for each 1, 000 persons . An additional six acres of open space and conservation land as well as regional park Lands is a realistic minimum for Redlands , considering the 1, 400 acre Santa Ana Wash area and the extensive open space areas of San Timoteo Creek and the Crafton Hills . Application by the City of Redlands for funds for open space acquisition would require conformance to certain standards and criteria. open space lands should accomplish the following: A. Recreation 1. To promote good design and development of an attractive public park system to provide a full range of activities for all segments of the population. 2. To provide for the enjoyment of scenic vistas, protec- tion of view corridors, maintenance or urban trails, and accessibility to recreational areas while retaining the unique character and quality of such areas . 3. To preserve the outstanding historical and scenic qualities of the area benefiting the economy through the industries of recreation and tourism. B. Conservation 1 . To provide open spaces for river and stream courses and their related flood plains within the planning area. 2. To preserve permanent open areas for wildlife and re- source conservation, including the valuable agricultural land resources of the planning area. 3. To preserve unique sites and provide open space for such non-replaceable areas . C. Implementor of Growth Strategy 1. To preserve an urban reserve ringing the urbanized area to direct and guide growth in an orderly and efficient manner. -2- 2. To shape direction, magnitude and quality of devel- opment, and prevent the spread of urban blight and congestion. 3. To provide identity to the urban environment D. Adjunct to Viable Urban Development 1. To promote and maintain all forms of open space for the psychological and physical well being of the population. 2. To maintain adequate density controls to align growth to the carrying capacity of the air basin and to assure a quality air resource. 3 . To provide for parks, schools, and public facilities as they are needed in the developing portions of the urban area. E. Preserve Public Health and Safety 1. To preserve open space for water percolation basins to assure an adequate water resource and to eliminate wasteful and destructive water run-off and erosion. 2. To maintain open space in geologically hazardous areas and other such areas where unstable conditions occur. 3. To maintain open space buffers between incompatible uses in the urban environment. F. Implementation Responsibilities 1. To minimize future cost in acquiring open space by taking advantage of current opportunities. 2. To implement alternatives to purchase in fee, such as protective zoning, tax incentives, leases, and easements, in obtaining open space. 3. To relate open space land acquisition to all local plans and programs and especially the proposals of the General Plan. Open Space Goals Open Space goals for the City of Redlands are a combination of interrelated items which are necessary to achieve an optimum -3- environment and a balanced distribution of open space meeting the needs of all people of the city. 1. To provide the present and future citizens of Redlands with open space related to the urban needs and to the available natural resources. 2 . To insure the conservation and preservation of open space to guarantee the following: a. Shaping the urban environment (vistas, green belts, and parks) . b. Maintain water tables and prevent water pollution. C. Preserve ecosystems and their related wildlife habitats. d. Provide oxygen recharge areas to replenish the natural air supply. e. Provide a legacy of open space for future generations. 3. To insure that future developments provide for open space within their projects to achieve the following: a. Prevention of urban blight, congestion and overcrowding. b. Preserve an open area healthy environment for the residents of each development. 4. To insure the safety of the residents of the city through the following: a. Proper consideration of the location of earthquake faults and their relationships to development. b. Proper consideration of natural flooding hazards from storm run-off. c. Proper consideration of slope development and related problems of earth slippage. 5. To provide for buffers between conflicting land uses. 6. To maintain community identity utilizing green belt and open space separations. Open Space Land Use Policies Open space land use policies for the City of Redlands are as follows: 1. To provide for urban reserve lands by utilizing the provisions of the Williamson Act in agricultural areas. -4- 2 . To provide for a system of public parks, often in conjunc- tion with public school sites, preserving an open atmosphere within the urbanized areas. 3. To provide for adequate setbacks on properties in all zones facing public rights-of-way, providing continuity and en- hancing those forms of open space. 4. To encourage the use of planned residential developments to achieve better land useage and obtain open park spaces within the urbanized areas. 5. To provide for landscaped parkways between sidewalks and curbs, for median strips, and for street trees to enhance the open spaces in the form of street rights-of-way. 6. To prohibit the building of high walls in front yard areas which would eliminate many opportunities for a more open environment. 7 . To encourage the use of side-on cul-de-sacs in residential areas adjacent to major and secondary highways to provide for a more open environment while controlling traffic movement. B. To provide open space and flood plain zoning to protect percolation basins, river beds, and their related flood plains. 9. To preserve the physical resources of the city including the bluffs and hillsides. 10. To promote coordination and integration of open space and urban development policies directed at bringing about desired urban for; and design. 11. To preserve significant historic, scenic, geological, and archeological sites within the city. 12. To promote means of maintaining open space buffers around urban hazard and noise generating activities such as the airport and proposed and existing freeways. 13 . To develop open space plans and programs in close cooperation with the San Bernardino County and those cities and agencies which influence the Redlands Planning Area. Work Proaram I. Inventory of known vacant and open space lands A. Identify developed permanent open spaces 1. Publicly owned (schools, parks, etc. ) 2. Privately owned (golf course, Edison, R/W, etc. ) B. Identify proposed permanent open spaces 1. Public 2. Private C. Identify existing vacant land excluding lands covered by approved development plans D. Identify existing interim use areas that preclude permanent development within the next five to ten years 1. Agriculture 2. Flood Control Right-of-Way II. Develop criteria for delineation of future open space needs in the following areas: A. Existing Open Space Uses 1. Crop Agriculture a. Highly fertile lands b. Land for specialty crops 2. Consumption Minerals a. Sand b. Gravel 3. Animal Agriculture a. Dairy - Milk b. Chickens - Eggs c. Cattle - Meat d. Horses - Recreation - Breeding 4. Water Supply a. Groundwater Recharge Areas b. Watershed Areas C. Reservoir Sites d. Energy Production -6- B. Preservation of Natural and Human Resources 1. Wildlife Habitats 2. Noteworthy Geologic Features a. Cliffs and promontories b. Rock out-croppings c. River beaches, washes, and beds 3. Historic and Cultural Sites a. Historic public and private buildings and places b. Old trails and roads c. Cultural facilities and archeological sites C. Health, Welfare, and Well Being 1. Land to protect the quality of groundwaters 2. Land for disposal a. Sewage treatment plants and effluent ponds b. Solid waste disposal sites 3 . Areas for Recreation a. Neighborhood Parks b. Community Parks C. Regional Parks and Reservations d. State and Federal Parks and Recreation Areas e. Reservoirs and Water Bodies 4. Areas for Recreational Travel a. Walks and trails for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian uses b. Scenic highways and highway corridors c. Waterways 5. Areas to Provide Visual Amenity a. Hillsides, hilltops, valleys, and river-bottom lands that provide visual and physical relief and contrast with urban development b. Agricultural crop land patterns C. open lands in their native state d. Focal points, view corridors, and scenic vistas 6. Areas to Shape and Guide Development a. Open spaces to provide neighborhood, district and city identity b. Open spaces to provide separations between conflicting land uses C. Open spaces to control the density of urbanization D. Public Safety 1. Flood control basins and reservoirs, flood plains, and drainage channels 2. Unstable soil areas and geologic hazards 3. Airport flight path protection zones and noise patterns 4. Fire control zones and fire breaks E. Corridor Linkages 1 , Power transmission and utility rights-of-way 2. Water distribution canals and ditches 3. Transportation ways and rights-of-way F. Urban Expansion Vacant land in developing or developed areas to be held for expansion of commerce, industry, housing, public facilities, and services III. Identify Conservation Measures for Critical Open Space Patterns A. Determine impact of various types and intensities of development on open space and recreation land. B. Identify fragile areas where no measurable development should occur. C. Identify areas where various types and intensities of development are best suited, and needed. D. Define critical urban/open space interfaces . E. Coordination with the various related elements of the General Plan. IV. Preparation of Alternative Plans V. Policy Input A. Planning Commission B. Park and Recreation Commissions C. Growth Policy D. Urban Coalition E. Civic Groups VI . Identification and Review of Open Space Implementation Resources A. Zoning ordinance 1. Setback Ordinance The zoning ordinance sets minimum distances from public rights-of-way and other property lines for the building line for all properties within the city. In this manner, a more open environment is effectuated while also controlling the density of development. 2. Wall Ordinance The zoning ordinance prohibits the building of high walls in front yard setback areas, thereby preserving a more open environment. 3. P.R.D. Ordinance The Planned Residential Development Ordinance pro- vides for greater flexibility in the design of residential developments and the promotion of a more efficient, aesthetically pleasing and desirable use of land. It is intended that developments proposed under the provisions of this ordinance shall be planned and designed in a manner that will retain the general configuration of the natural terrain, existing plantings, and provide open space areas , in order to maintain and enhance the locally recognized values of community appearance. 4. Flood Plain Ordinance The Flood Plain Districts provide for open space -9- areas for the protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare in those areas of the city which, under present conditions, are subject to periodic flooding and accompanying hazards . 5. Airport Flight Ordinance The Airport Flight Ordinance defines boundaries around the municipal airport, within which building heights are limited. Future strengthening of this ordinance is vital in conjunction with increasing airport use. Take-off and landing patterns should be established with the subsequent land use below them preserved as open space for the protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare. 6. Open Land Ordinance The Open Land Ordinance provides for limited devel- opment of those areas of the city that are not suited for permanent occupancy or residence due to some specific characteristic or fire hazard. Addi- tionally, publically owned land and uses of a pre- dominately open nature such as playgrounds and parks, are included in this district. 7. Agriculture Ordinance The Agriculture zone provides for the proper utili- zation of those lands best suited for agricultural purposes and prevents the encroachment of incompatible urban uses. B. Subdivision Regulations 1 . Parkway Regulations In order to maintain a more aesthetic appearance in the open public rights-of-way, landscaped park- ways are required between curbs and sidewalks . _10- 2. Street Design In order to maintain an open environment while controlling traffic flow, the use of side-on cul-de-sacs are encouraged in the design of the circulation system of the city. 3. Park Land Dedication With the adoption of the recreation element of the General Plan, it is recommended that a Park Land Dedication Ordinance be prepared to help obtain and finance park lands and improvements through the provisions of the Subdivision Regulations . C. Agricultural Preserve Act The City of Redlands under authorization of the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, has established an Agricultural Preserve of 2, 916 acres basically in the north, east, and southwest sections of the city. Under the provisions of this act, the city has obtained contracts on 373 acres which are to be kept in an agri- cultural-open space use for at least ten years . D. Public Incentive for the Private Sector 1. Taxation The use of the Williamson Act as noted above is one of the methods of taxation incentives for preserving agricultural-open space. 2. Developmental Bonuses Incentives for investment in open space are avail- able as specified in the zoning ordinance. Incentives include increased allowed density in exchange for provisions for enlarged and expanded open spaces within P.R.D. and R-2-2000 developments . E. Acquisition 1. Fee Title Outright purchase of land has been the traditional method for obtaining open space, generally in the form of parks . The City of Redlands has purchased and received as gifts nearly 160 acres of land for park uses . Additionally, the city-owned Hillside Cemetery provides another sixty-five acres of landscaped open space. 2. Alternatives Several methods are available for preservation of open space without resorting to outright purchase. These methods include scenic and recreation ease- ments, purchase-leaseback, and lease-purchase agreements, as well as the establishment of a public development corporation which could develop recrea- tion facilities such as a golf course which would maintain open space in the urban environment. F. Urban Limit Line The unique geographical and topographical location of the City of Redlands lends itself ideally to the concept of an Urban Limit Line. This concept could be imple- mented with the use of the techniques of agricultural preserves, flood plan, and open land zoning. This proposal would be tied to a long-range capital improve- ment program within the urbanized area. This could be developed into a very successful program of phased, incremental growth and eliminate wasteful scattered site development procedures . G. Zoning Rollback Tied to the concept of open space, is the density and intensity of land development. Generally, more open space is conserved when the density of development is less . Zoning rollback has been used and should continue to be used in order to lower the intensity of develop- ment and allow greater open areas . Additionallv, -12- parcels which have been rezoned from an agricultural zoning classification to an urban classification, should revert to the agricultural zone after a specified period of time during which no development takes place. H. Maximize Matching Funds and Grants Several federal and state programs are available to help communities acquire lands for open space purposes . Some programs call for matching -funds with city sources , while others are grant programs . The city should maximize the use of state and federal funds in securing park and open space lands. VII . Plan Adoption VIII. Distribution - to Secretary of Resources Agency IX. Plan Implementation, Feedback, and Re-evaluation