Goals

1. Goal LU-4 Community Design

   Preservation and enhancement of unique community identities and their relationship with the natural environment

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Policies

1. Policy LU-2.1 Compatibility with existing uses

   We require that new development is located, scaled, buffered, and designed to minimize negative impacts on existing conforming uses and adjacent neighborhoods. We also require that new residential developments are located, scaled, buffered, and designed so as to not hinder the viability and continuity of existing conforming nonresidential development.

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2. Policy LU-2.2 Compatibility with planned uses

   We require that new residential development is located, scaled, buffered, and designed to minimize negative impacts both on and from adjacent areas designated for nonresidential land uses.

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3. Policy LU-2.3 Compatibility with natural environment

   We require that new development is located, scaled, buffered, and designed for compatibility with the surrounding natural environment and biodiversity.

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4. Policy LU-2.4 Land Use Map consistency

   We consider proposed development that is consistent with the Land Use Map (i.e., it does not require a change in Land Use Category), to be generally compatible and consistent with surrounding land uses and a community’s identity. Additional site, building, and landscape design treatment, per other policies in the Policy Plan and development standards in the Development Code, may be required to maximize compatibility with surrounding land uses and community identity.

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5. Policy LU-2.5 Hillside preservation

   We require that new development in sloping hillside areas preserve the natural character of the surrounding environment and does not further exacerbate natural hazards or erosion.

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6. Policy LU-2.8 Rural lifestyle in the Mountain/Desert regions

   We intend that new residential development in the unincorporated Mountain and Desert regions offer a lower intensity lifestyle that complements the suburban and urban densities in incorporated cities and towns to provide a range of lifestyle options. Master planned communities in unincorporated Mountain/Desert regions may provide a broader range of lifestyles and densities.

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7. Policy LU-2.9 Suburban lifestyles in the Valley region

   We intend that new residential development in the unincorporated Valley region offer a suburban lifestyle that is similar to that of adjacent cities.

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8. Policy LU-2.13 Short-term private home rentals

   We enforce appropriate operation standards, maintenance standards, and permitting procedures for the establishment and maintenance of short-term private home rentals in the unincorporated areas.

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9. Policy LU-2.14 Contiguous land administration

   We support the consolidation of disconnected land areas under public ownership or administration to increase financial and environmental value, streamline the management of land and resources, and establish more complete and effective transition areas or buffers. Such consolidation may include transfer of title of property among public entities and the purchase or swapping of private property voluntarily sold when the consolidation is fiscally neutral or beneficial to the County.

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10. Policy LU-3.2 Annexations with planned incompatible land uses

    We oppose annexations when future planned land uses for the proposed annexation area would be incompatible with the remaining adjacent unincorporated lands.

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11. Policy LU-4.1 Context-sensitive design in the Mountain/Desert regions

    We require new development to employ site and building design techniques and use building materials that reflect the natural mountain or desert environment and preserve scenic resources.

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12. Policy LU-4.4 Natural topography in the Mountain region

    We require new development in the Mountain region to retain natural topography and minimize grading unless it is necessary to reduce exposure to natural hazards.

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13. Policy LU-4.5 Community identity

    We require that new development be consistent with and reinforce the physical and historical character and identity of our unincorporated communities, as described in Table LU-3 and in the values section of Community Action Guides. In addition, we consider the aspirations section of Community Action Guides in our review of new development.

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14. Policy LU-4.6 Adaptive reuse

    We encourage the rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and revitalization of existing structures to preserve and celebrate the unique sense of place, identity, and history of our communities.

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15. Policy LU-4.7 Dark skies

    We minimize light pollution and glare to preserve views of the night sky, particularly in the Mountain and Desert regions where dark skies are fundamentally connected to community identities and local economies. We also promote the preservation of dark skies to assist the military in testing, training, and operations.

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16. Policy LU-4.8 Public gathering spaces

    We require the development of safe and attractive public gathering spaces that facilitate social interaction, community events, and physical activity in master planned communities, large residential developments, and large commercial developments.

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17. Policy LU-4.9 CPTED

    We require public gathering spaces to use CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) principles and ensure sufficient access for public safety services.

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18. Policy LU-4.10 Entry monumentation, signage, and public art

    We encourage the installation of durable signage, entry monumentation, and/or works of public art in commercial areas of unincorporated Community Planning Areas as a means of reinforcing a community’s character, culture, heritage, or other unique features.

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19. Policy LU-4.11 Businesses in Joshua Tree

    We prohibit the establishment of franchise businesses in the commercial focus area/franchise-restricted in Joshua Tree to preserve the unique community character and its value as a year-round, world renowned tourist destination.

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20. Policy LU-6.1 Residential amendments that increase density in the Desert and Mountain regions

    We discourage policy plan amendments that would permit new development on lots smaller than 2.5 acres in the Desert regions and lots smaller than one-half acre in the Mountain region. We approve general plan amendments that would increase residential density only if:
    • The proposed change is determined to be compatible in accordance with policies
    LU-2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 4.5.
    • Adequate infrastructure and services are available concurrently.
    • The increase in density would not degrade existing levels of service for fire protection, sheriff, water, or wastewater service in the area.

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21. Policy LU-6.2 Large residential development in the Desert and Mountain regions

    We require a specific plan or Planned Development process for proposed residential development in the:
    • North or East Desert regions: when the proposed development would include one or more lots that is 2.5 acres or smaller and the overall development would cover 40 or more acres.
    • Mountain region: when the proposed development would include one or more lots that is 1 acre or smaller and the overall development would cover 40 or more acres.

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Related Materials

1. Policy Tables Tables LU-1 to LU-3 (PDF only)
2. Additional Maps (not part of Policy Plan) County Land Use Categories (WEB only)
3. Additional Maps (not part of Policy Plan) BLM National Data (Administrative control of land by governmental entity — see Surface Management Agency data) (WEB only)

Goals

1. Goal H-3 Housing and Neighborhood Quality

   Neighborhoods that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and enhance public and private efforts in maintaining, reinvesting in, and upgrading the existing housing stock.

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Policies

1. Policy H-1.1 Appropriate range of housing

   We encourage the production and location of a range of housing types, densities, and affordability levels in a manner that recognizes the unique characteristics, issues, and opportunities for each community.

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2. Policy H-1.2 Concurrent infrastructure

   We support the integrated planning and provision of appropriate infrastructure (including water, sewer, and roadways) concurrent with and as a condition of residential development to create more livable communities.

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3. Policy H-1.3 Income-restricted multifamily

   Where infrastructure and public services are available, we encourage the production of affordable multifamily housing by providing assistance and incentives for projects that include new affordable units reserved for lower income, moderate income, or special needs households.

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4. Policy H-2.4 Certain and transparent process

   We maintain a residential development review process that provides certainty and transparency for project stakeholders and the public, complies with streamlining provisions in state law, and provides sufficient review to ensure safe and high quality housing development.

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5. Policy H-3.1 Public Services, amenities, and safety

   We support the provision of adequate and fiscally sustainable public services, infrastructure, open space, non-motorized transportation routes, and public safety for neighborhoods in the unincorporated area.

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6. Policy H-3.2 Code enforcement

   We support the timely removal of neighborhood blight through graffiti abatement, abandoned or inoperative automobile removal, trash and debris removal, housing repair, and other code enforcement efforts.

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7. Policy H-3.3 Housing maintenance

   We establish and enforce public health, safety, building, and zoning standards to ensure housing and property maintenance that yields safe, sound, and attractive residential properties.

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8. Policy H-3.4 Housing rehabilitation and improvement

   We seek funding to facilitate the rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of single family homes, multiple family housing, and mobile homes and, if needed, the demolition of substandard housing through available loan and grant programs.

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9. Policy Policy H-3.6 Neighborhood improvements

   We support comprehensive neighborhood efforts to address housing conditions, property maintenance, infrastructure repair, public safety, landscaping, and other issues affecting the livability of neighborhoods

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Goals

1. Goal TM-2 Road Design Standards

   Roads designed and built to standards in the unincorporated areas that reflect the rural, suburban, and urban context as well as the regional (valley, mountain, and desert) context

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Policies

1. Policy TM-2.1 Context sensitive approach

   We maintain and periodically update required roadway cross sections that prioritize multi-modal systems inside mobility focus areas (based on community context), and vehicular capacity on roadways outside of mobility focus areas (based on regional context).

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2. Policy TM-2.2 Roadway improvements

   We require roadway improvements that reinforce the character of the area, such as curbs and gutters, sidewalks, landscaping, street lighting, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. We require fewer improvements in rural areas and more improvements in urbanized areas, consistent with the Development Code. Additional standards may be required in municipal spheres of influence.

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3. Policy TM-2.4 Atypical intersection controls

   We allow the use of atypical intersection concepts such as roundabouts when they improve traffic flow and safety compared to conventional intersection controls.

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4. Policy TM-3.2 Trip reduction strategies

   We support the implementation of transportation demand management techniques, mixed use strategies, and the placement of development in proximity to job and activity centers to reduce the number and length of vehicular trips.

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5. Policy TM-4.1 Complete streets network

   We maintain a network of complete streets within mobility focus areas that provide for the mobility of all users of all ages and all abilities, while reflecting the local context.

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6. Policy TM-5.5 Countywide truck routes

   We support SBCTA’s establishment of regional truck routes that efficiently distribute regional truck traffic while minimizing impacts on residents. We support funding through the RTP to build adequate truck route infrastructure.

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Policies

1. Policy PP-3.7 Fire safe design

   We require new development in the Fire Safety Overlay to comply with additional site design, building, and access standards to provide enhanced resistance to fire hazards.

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2. Policy PP-4.4 Emergency shelters and routes

   We identify and publicize emergency shelters and sign and control evacuation routes for use during emergencies.

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Goals

1. Goal NR-4 Scenic Resources

   Scenic resources that highlight the natural environment and reinforce the identity of local communities and the county

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2. Goal NR-7 Agriculture and Soils

   The ability of property owners, farmers, and ranchers to conduct sustainable and economically viable agricultural operations

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Policies

1. Policy NR-1.1 Land use

   We promote compact and transit-oriented development countywide and regulate the types and locations of development in unincorporated areas to minimize vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions.

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2. Policy NR-3.2 Residential clustering

   We allow residential development to cluster housing units in order to reduce the consumption of undeveloped land, maximize the amount of open space, preserve natural resources, conform to natural topography/grade, and/or reduce exposure of structures to natural hazards.

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3. Policy NR-4.1 Preservation of scenic resources

   We consider the location and scale of development to preserve regionally significant scenic vistas and natural features, including prominent hillsides, ridgelines, dominant landforms, and reservoirs.

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4. Policy NR-4.3 Off-site signage

   We prohibit new off-site signage and encourage the removal of existing off-site signage along or within view of County Scenic Routes and State Scenic Highways.

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5. Policy NR-5.3 Multiple-resource benefits

   We prioritize conservation actions that demonstrate multiple resource preservation benefits, such as biology, climate change adaptation and resiliency, hydrology, cultural, scenic, and community character.

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6. Policy NR-7.5 Agriculture on Rural Living and Open Space properties

   We permit small-scale, non-water-intensive, and incidental agricultural on properties designated for Rural Living. In the Oak Glen and Mentone community planning areas, we also permit commercial-scale agriculture on properties designated for Rural Living. In the Oak Glen and Mentone community planning areas and in the Crafton Hills, we also permit commercial-scale agriculture on privately-owned properties designated for Open Space.

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Goals

1. Goal RE-6 County Government Systems

   County regulatory systems will ensure that renewable energy facilities are designed, sited, developed, operated and decommissioned in ways compatible with our communities, natural environment, and applicable environmental and cultural resource protection laws

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Policies

1. Policy RE-3.6

   Encourage renewable energy facilities to meet community goals, including supporting community health, wellness, and recreational needs.

   • RE 3.6.1: Include opportunities to incorporate public art and encourage design features that provide screening in renewable energy facilities on public spaces, nonresidential facilities, and multi-family buildings.
   • RE 3.6.2: Encourage the use of renewable energy facilities as shade structures in parks and community centers, and over parking lots and parking structures.
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2. Policy RE-5.9

   Collaborate with utilities, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to plan for RE generation facilities to be located on public lands, apart from existing unincorporated communities.

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Related Materials

1. Element as Adopted (adopted separately from Countywide Plan) Renewable Energy and Conservation Element (PDF only)

Policies

1. Policy HW-2.2 Land use compatibility for schools

   We prioritize the safety and security of public schools in unincorporated areas by minimizing incompatible land uses near instructional facilities. We encourage school districts to place new schools where existing and planned land uses are compatible.

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2. Policy HW-3.1 Healthy environments

   We collaborate with other public agencies, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and private developers to improve the physical and built environment in which people live. We do so by improving such things as walkability, bicycle infrastructure, transit facilities, universal design, safe routes to school, indoor and outdoor air quality, gardens, green space and open space, and access to parks and recreation amenities.

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3. Policy HW-3.2 Building social capital

   In unincorporated communities, we support the provision of neighborhood and community gathering places for social activities, and the provision of meeting spaces and facilities for community organizations in order to build social capital, establish a sense of community, increase volunteerism, and expand civic engagement.

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4. Policy HW-3.6 Multi-use facilities and integrated development

   We encourage those who build and/or operate community assets to accommodate multiple functions and programs. We encourage the development of new residential, commercial, and institutional uses and public facilities that incorporate one or more community assets.

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Policies

1. Policy HZ-1.5 Existing properties in environmental hazard areas

   We encourage owners of existing properties in hazard areas to add design features that allow occupants to shelter in place and to have sufficient time to evacuate during times of extreme weather and natural disasters.

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2. Policy HZ-1.10 Energy independence

   We encourage new residential development to include rooftop solar energy systems and battery storage systems that can provide backup electrical service during temporary power outages.

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3. Policy Policy HZ-1.13 Fire protection planning

   We require that all new development in County-designated Fire Safety Overlay and/or CAL FIRE-designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones meet the requirements of the California Fire Code and the California Building Code as amended by the County Fire Protection District, including Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations fire safety requirements for any new development within State Responsibility Areas, as well as provide and maintain a Fire Protection Plan or Defensible Space/Fuel Modification Plan and other pre-planning measures in accordance with the County Code of Ordinances.

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4. Policy Policy HZ-1.14 Long-term fire hazard reduction and abatement

   We require proactive vegetation management/hazard abatement to reduce fire hazards on existing private properties, along roadsides of evacuation routes out of wildfire prone areas, and other private/public land where applicable, and we require new development to enter into a long-term maintenance agreement for vegetation management in defensible space, fuel modification, and roadside fuel reduction in the Fire Safety Overlay and/or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

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5. Policy Policy HZ-1.15 Evacuation route adequacy

   We coordinate with CAL FIRE, California’s Office of Emergency Services, and other local fire districts to identify strategies that ensure the maintenance and reliability of evacuation routes potentially compromised by wildfire, including emergency evacuation and supply transportation routes.

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6. Policy HZ-2.9 Control sound at the source

   We prioritize noise mitigation measures that control sound at the source before buffers, soundwalls, and other perimeter measures.

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7. Policy HZ-2.10 Agricultural operations

   We require new development adjacent to existing conforming agricultural operations to provide adequate buffers to reduce the exposure of new development to operational noise, odor, and the storage or application of pesticides or other hazardous materials.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the quality of our built environment to enhance community health, safety, neighborhood character, and the image of our business corridors.

   Action Statement A.4

   Adopt development standards and public infrastructure in commercial areas appropriate for a rural mountain community.

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   Action Statement A.5

   Establish and implement a façade and sign improvement program for existing and future businesses.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Provide a unified downtown area that is active and thriving

   Action Statement A.1

   Provide additional public amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, open space areas, and lighted pedestrian paths, walkways, and crosswalks in the Lake Drive area.

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   Action Statement A.6

   Collaborate with the County to establish a consistent/compatible design theme for the downtown/business district areas.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Create affordable outdoor recreation activities that capitalize on the natural environment, attract visitors, and provide entertainment for residents while also reducing the associated impacts to the communities

   Action Statement C.2

   Investigate opportunities to establish designated sledding areas with parking to avoid visitors establishing undesignated sledding and parking areas.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Become a model gateway community to Joshua Tree National Park

   Action Statement C.2

   Establish a plan to create a vibrant downtown with more restaurants, cafes, bakeries, craft shops, galleries, and the like.

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   Action Statement C.3

   Coordinate with business and property owners to develop a series of guidelines for wayfinding and advertising signage that embraces the community’s design vision while providing direction and information to both residents and visitors.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Provide more community activities

   Action Statement C.3

   Partner with the BLM to showcase natural resources and wildlife in the area.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Increase recreational opportunities to enhance the quality of life in Muscoy

   Action Statement A.1

   Conduct a community-based asset inventory to identify physical assets like vacant lots and spaces to be used for parks, open spaces, and community activities.

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   Action Statement A.2

   Coordinate with nonprofits, local business, and institutional partners to identify resources to purchase adjacent vacant lots and convert them to parks.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Encourage community involvement in civic beautification and maintaining the community’s rural character

   Action Statement B.1

   Establish a community cleanup program utilizing local youth organizations to clean up trash, debris, and weeds in the Muscoy community at least four times a year.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve public and equestrian safety within Muscoy

   Action Statement C.4

   Establish a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

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   Action Statement C.5

   Identify existing and potential horse and pedestrian trails with a community-sponsored wayfinding program.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Improve the visibility and access to Helendale from Route 66 and Interstate 15

   Action Statement B.1

   Coordinate with the County to design a corridor plan for National Trails Highway that improves aesthetics, provides wayfinding and addresses safety from Oro Grande through Helendale.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve open space and recreational opportunities for Helendale residents

   Action Statement E.4

   Create a little league park and practice fields.

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   Action Statement E.7

   Enhance the existing Dog Park.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve quality of life concerns

   Action Statement A.4

   Advocate to the HOA to develop the RV and boat parking/storage facilities as originally planned.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Promote responsible and sustainable development consistent with Lucerne Valley’s rural character

   Action Statement B.1

   Establish community-based design guidelines that encourage a common rural design theme for commercial building façades to assist designers in meeting community expectations and to create a cohesive architectural style within the business district.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve the local road system for increased safety and function

   Action Statement C.3

   IN PROCESS: Continue efforts to designate California State Highway 247/Old Woman Springs Road declared a Scenic Highway.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Reduce the impacts associated with seasonal visitors and tourist activities

   Action Statement B.2

   Investigate opportunities to establish designated sledding areas with parking to avoid visitors establishing undesignated sledding and parking areas.

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   Action Statement B.3

   Provide signage, maps, and other informational materials that identify trails and amenities.

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   Action Statement B.6

   Establish a strategy/implementation plan for large events that proactively considers and responds to challenges associated with a large influx of visitors at one time.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve mobility and reduce vehicle trips through the development of multi-purpose trails that connect key nodes/activity areas within and between the communities

   Action Statement C.1

   IN PROCESS: Construct trails for all users that connect neighborhoods with commercial/business areas and key activity areas, such as schools, parks, and community centers.

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   Action Statement C.2

   IN PROCESS: Identify opportunities to extend existing trails or modify existing trails to serve multiple uses.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve the appearance of the community

   Action Statement E.5

   Establish a façade and sign improvement program.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Increase water availability and accessibility

   Action Statement A.3

   Establish a map of fire-fighting water resources.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Preserve small alpine community (character, history, aesthetics)

   Action Statement D.1

   Host a property owners meeting, with representatives from San Bernardino County Land Use Services, to discuss local aesthetic qualities including architectural styles, building materials, and paint colors and consider regulation through formation of a Homeowners Association with covenants, codes, and restrictions or adoption of development standards.

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   Action Statement D.3

   Work with San Bernardino County Land Use Services to develop a program to promote business sign design guidelines that reflect the community’s desired aesthetic or regulates business signage through design standards that address sign types, placement, lighting, materials, colors, and historic or landmark signage.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Promote a respect for nature and the surrounding environment

   Action Statement B.1

   Develop educational signage that promotes environmental stewardship and discourages dumping of trash.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Provide for a stable economy focusing on economic development, eco-tourism and Route 66 tourism

   Action Statement C.8

   Establish architectural sign guidelines.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Preserve the historic treasures within the community for future generations

   Action Statement C.2

   Construct community monuments along historic trails and within the community that can be sponsored by businesses and individuals.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the quality of the community to enhance the quality of life for citizens

   Action Statement A.6

   Create a community park that is fun for all ages.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Clean up the community

   Action Statement A.1

   Design community themed murals for Community Service District buildings and attractions.

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   Action Statement A.5

   Establish a façade improvement program to improve community buildings.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve the historic western themed rural lifestyle

   Action Statement A.2

   Collaborate with the County to maintain the Old West theme of the community by creating architectural design guidelines for new construction.

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   Action Statement A.5

   Install street and wayfinding signage consistent with the western theme.

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