Goals

1. Goal LU-1 Fiscally Sustainable Growth

   Growth and development that builds thriving communities, contributes to our Complete County, and is fiscally sustainable.

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Policies

1. Policy LU-1.1 Growth

   We support growth and development that is fiscally sustainable for the County. We accommodate growth in the unincorporated county when it benefits existing communities, provides a regional housing option for rural lifestyles, or supports the regional economy.

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2. Policy LU-1.2 Infill development

   We prefer new development to take place on existing vacant and underutilized lots where public services and infrastructure are available.

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3. Policy LU-1.3 Fiscal sustainability

   When determining fiscal impacts, we consider initial capital investments, long-term operations and maintenance, desired levels of service for public facilities and services, capital reserves for replacement, and impacts to existing uses in incorporated and unincorporated areas.

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4. Policy LU-1.4 Funding and financing mechanisms

   We require the establishment of community facility districts, lighting and landscaping maintenance districts, and other types of funding and financing mechanisms for new development when the County determines that it may be necessary to maintain fiscal sustainability. We prefer the expansion of existing districts to the establishment of new districts.

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5. Policy LU-1.5 Development impact fees

   We require payment of development impact fees to ensure that all new development pays its fair share of public infrastructure.

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6. Policy LU-1.6 Tax sharing

   We may utilize tax sharing as a tool to extend public facilities and services from adjacent municipalities into unincorporated areas as an alternative to the County’s direct provision of public facilities and services when it is fiscally sustainable for the County.

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7. 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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8. Policy LU-3.4 Development project annexations

   When a property owner proposes annexation to facilitate new development adjacent to an unincorporated residential area, we prefer that the annexation includes the adjacent residential area.

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Policies

1. 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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Policies

1. Policy IU-1.6 User fees

   For water systems operated by County Special Districts, we establish user fees that cover operation and maintenance costs and set aside adequate reserves for capital upgrades and improvements.

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2. Policy IU-2.2 User fees

   For wastewater systems operated by County Special Districts, we establish user fees that cover operation and maintenance costs and set aside adequate reserves for capital upgrades and improvements.

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3. Policy IU-3.5 Fair share requirements

   We require new development to pay its fair share of capital costs to maintain adequate capacity of the County’s regional flood control systems.

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4. Policy IU-4.4 Landfill funding

   We require sufficient fees for use of County landfills to cover capital costs; ongoing operation, maintenance, and closure costs of existing landfills; and the costs and liabilities associated with closed landfills.

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5. Policy IU-5.6 Dig once approach

   We encourage infrastructure, telecommunication, and utility planning and projects to coordinate so that improvements are made concurrently or in such a manner that minimizes disruption to rights-of-way and reduces costs.

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Policies

1. Policy TM-1.3 Freeways and highways

   We coordinate with Caltrans and regional transportation agencies and support the use of state, federal, and other agency funds to improve freeways and highways.

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2. Policy TM-1.4 Unpaved roadways

   The County does not accept new unpaved roads into the County Maintained Road System, and we require all-weather treatment for all new unpaved roads.

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3. Policy TM-1.5 Upgrading unpaved roads

   We support the paving of unpaved roads when funding is contributed through a local area funding and financing mechanism.

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4. Policy TM-1.6 Paved roads

   For any new development for which paved roads are required, we require the developer to construct the roads and we require the establishment of a special funding and financing mechanism to pay for roadway operation, maintenance, and set-aside reserves.

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5. Policy TM-1.7 Fair share contributions

   We require new development to pay its fair share contribution toward off-site transportation improvements.

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6. Policy TM-1.8 Emergency access

   When considering new roadway improvement proposals for the CIP or RTP, we consider the provision of adequate emergency access routes along with capacity expansion in unincorporated areas. Among access route improvements, we prioritize those that contribute some funding through a local area funding and financing mechanism.

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7. Policy TM-4.2 Complete streets improvements

   We evaluate the feasibility of installing elements of complete street improvements when planning roadway improvements in mobility focus areas, and we require new development to contribute to complete street improvements in mobility focus areas. In evaluating complete street improvements, we prioritize those in mobility focus areas that are within unincorporated environmental justice focus areas.

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8. Policy TM-4.3 Funding

   We partner with SBCTA, Caltrans, and local agencies to fund active transportation systems in the county. We encourage unincorporated communities to apply for funding and cooperate with them in their funding applications for active transportation improvements that are identified in a non-motorized transportation plan that is accepted or adopted by the County.

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9. Policy TM-5.7 Trucking-intensive businesses

   We require trucking-intensive businesses to pay their fair share of costs to build and maintain adequate roads.

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Policies

1. Policy PP-3.2 Fire District

   We support the expansion of the Fire District to serve additional incorporated jurisdictions, and the use of special funding and financing mechanisms to augment Fire District revenues to improve service and coverage.

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Policies

1. Policy NR-3.6 Regional park land

   We coordinate with other jurisdictions and agencies to provide regional park land. We prioritize the maintenance and improvement of existing County parks and trails over their expansion or creation of new facilities.

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2. Policy NR-3.7 Regional park revenue

   We generate revenues from County-owned parks and facilities to offset the costs of operation and maintenance. We may also coordinate with local jurisdictions and leverage other resources to support the maintenance and improvement of park and trail facilities.

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3. Policy NR-3.9 Local parks, trails, and recreation

   We support the provision of local and community parks, trails, and recreational programs and facilities in unincorporated areas when a locally-approved funding and financing mechanism is established to pay for acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operations. We encourage unincorporated communities to apply for funding and cooperate with them in their funding applications for local trails that are identified in a non-motorized transportation plan that is accepted or adopted by the County. We also encourage, where feasible, local trails to be separated from vehicular traffic to improve the safety of trail users.

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4. Policy NR-3.10 Joint use facilities

   We promote the creation of joint use facilities for local parks and recreation programs through coordination with the County Flood Control District, local school districts, utilities, and other public agencies.

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5. Policy NR-6.1 Mineral resource areas

   We prioritize the conservation of land area with mineral resources by prohibiting or discouraging development of land that would substantially preclude the future development of mining facilities in areas classified as Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ) 2a, 2b, or 3a.

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Policies

1. Policy RE-6.2

   Establish mechanisms by which the County can restore and maintain the nexus between costs and benefits in RE development.

   • RE 6.2.1: Work with the federal and state governments that may approve renewable energy projects on public lands, to seek appropriate revenue mechanisms to cover the cost of services provided by the County.
   • RE 6.2.2: Maintain a fee system that adequately covers the County’s costs of providing necessary public services to renewable energy generation facility developers during permitting, development, operations and decommissioning.
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2. Policy RE-6.5

   Encourage pilot projects to demonstrate energy efficiency retrofit investments and renewable energy opportunities.

   • RE 6.5.1: Where feasible, install renewable energy projects on County facilities that provide visible, public examples of the County’s commitment to cost-effective renewable energy.
   • RE 6.5.2: Consider utilizing County lands or facilities for research and development or university exploration of new renewable energy technologies that seek to minimize adverse effects to the environment.
   • RE 6.5.3: Encourage development of a highly visible private property pilot project for the small-scale use of distributed renewable energy, such as projects at local tourist-serving uses.
   • RE 6.5.4: Identify opportunities to create revenue for the County by leasing the rights to renewable energy resources on County property for distributed energy storage or distributed generation through power purchase agreements or similar arrangements.
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Policies

1. Policy ED-1.1 Marketing focus areas

   In unincorporated areas, we actively market sites for business park and industrial development in employment focus areas, and we actively market sites for retail and commercial businesses in commercial focus areas.

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2. Policy ED-1.2 Infrastructure improvements

   We support and facilitate the establishment of special funding and financing mechanisms for road, water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure improvements in order to generate private investment in employment and commercial focus areas.

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3. Policy ED-1.3 Site aggregation

   We may assist in aggregating smaller lots and parcels to create more marketable and developable sites in employment focus areas.

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4. Policy ED-1.4 Planned business park and industrial areas

   We prefer master planned approaches through specific and area plans for business park and industrial development and redevelopment. We facilitate master planned approaches in order to discourage incremental general plan amendments that introduce or expand business park or industrial development.

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5. Policy ED-3.5 Countywide marketing

   We regularly analyze economic and market conditions and trends to identify target economic sectors and actively market sites and facilities countywide to prospective businesses.

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Related Materials

1. Policy Maps ED-1 Commercial, Employment, and Industrial Redevelopment Focus Areas (PDF | WEB)

Policies

1. Policy HZ-1.4 500-year flood zone

   We may collaborate with property owners in the Valley region to establish funding and financing mechanisms to mitigate flood hazards in identified 500-year flood zones.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of establishing truck routes to lessen traffic congestion and to reduce damage to roadways, and, if feasible, adopt designated truck routes, establish a program to upgrade truck route roadways, and prohibit truck traffic on non-truck route roads.

   Action Statement D.1

   4.1 Define the challenge and intended outcomes of a truck route plan

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   Action Statement D.2

   4.2 Prepare a truck route plan

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   Action Statement D.3

   4.3 Develop truck route community consensus and strategy

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   Action Statement D.4

   4.4 Establish final truck routes with collaboration and approval by Department of Public Works, County Board of Supervisors, and California Highway Patrol

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   Action Statement D.5

   4.5 Plan and Construct Improvements (Department of Public Works)

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Generate revenue to offset impacts of new development in Bloomington by establishing new development impact fees and financing districts, and also restricting the use of that revenue to improvements in Bloomington

   Action Statement E.1

   5.1 Present a summary of development impact fee and financing districts

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   Action Statement E.2

   5.2 Community Development and Housing Department conducts nexus studies and drafts ordinance

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   Action Statement E.3

   5.3 Prepare and adopt a development impact fee ordinance

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   Action Statement E.4

   5.4 Conduct a financing districts community workshop

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve the desert ecosystem, its natural beauty, and the community’s harmonious relationship with the environment

   Action Statement A.5

   Promote smart, sustainable, low-impact growth and development.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Grow the local economy in a manner consistent with the rural desert character

   Action Statement D.2

   Encourage the sustainable development of lodging for Joshua Tree National Park visitors and advocate for responsible short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb) operations.

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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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Goals

1. Goal GV-4 Budgeting and Fiscal Sustainability

   An easily understood, transparent, and accountable finance system that implements the Countywide Plan, safeguards the County’s assets, and maintains the public’s trust and confidence.

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Policies

1. Policy GV-1.2 Long-Term Benefit

   When considering and evaluating short term opportunities, we prioritize those that best move the County towards its long-term Countywide Plan goals and adds long-term value.

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2. Policy GV-1.3 Policy Plan Amendments

   We will consider approving amendments to the Policy Plan only when the following conditions are met:

   A. The proposed change is and will be fiscally neutral or positive.

   B. The proposed change can be adequately served by public facilities and will not negatively impact existing level of service or the ability to provide future development with County services.

   C. Amendments that do not meet the conditions in A or B above may still be considered for approval if the amendment is needed to satisfy state or federal mandates (for example: state housing laws), or to enact new policy decisions consistent with the Countywide Vision.

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3. Policy GV-1.4 Data Use for Decisions and Regulations

   We make decisions and adopt regulations based on the best data available. In order to determine the quality of data, we evaluate the legitimacy of the data source, accuracy, timeliness, resolution, and completeness.

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4. Policy GV-3.3 Tools

   We create and maintain systems, procedures and technology that leverage County resources and state and federal funding to implement the Countywide Plan.

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5. Policy GV-4.1 Balanced Budget

   We adopt an annual budget that is balanced inclusive of carry-over fund balances and reserves. We only use one-time funds for ongoing operational cost as part of a larger plan to balance ongoing revenues and expenses over a multi-year period.

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6. Policy GV-4.2 Fiscal Impact Disclosure

   We require requests for Board of Supervisors action to disclose the full fiscal impacts, including direct and indirect costs, to ensure that all decisions are fiscally sustainable. Proposals for projects or programs requesting County support or funding must also disclose whether County support or funding is required to maintain the project or continue the program in the future.

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7. Policy GV-4.3 Assessment of Risk

   We require a thorough exploration and analysis of the short and long term risks associated with recommendations for Board actions on County commitments.

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8. Policy GV-4.4 Resource Allocation

   We consider the complete comparative context of all County needs and responsibilities when making resource allocation decisions.

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9. Policy GV-4.6 Budget Forecasts

   We forecast revenues for the annual budget based on historical trends analysis of federal, state, and local economic projections, and an assessment of economic, demographic, business cycle, and other factors. We conservatively estimate and budget revenue sources that tend to be volatile and most sensitive to changes in the economy. We specify the assumptions underlying our forecast and adjust such assumptions based on actual performance.

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10. Policy GV-4.7 Property Tax Revenue Stabilization

    We appropriate anticipated property tax revenue growth, in excess of the lesser of eight percent or the average annualized rate of growth of actual revenues, to an ongoing revenue stabilization set-aside contingency.

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11. Policy GV-4.8 Prop 172 Revenue Stabilization

    We set aside any Prop 172 revenue in excess of the lesser of eight percent or the average annualized rate of growth of actual revenues, to an ongoing Prop 172 revenue stabilization set-aside contingency.

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12. Policy GV-4.9 Program Efficiency

    We prioritize efficiency and economy in the provision of County services, and we measure and evaluate performance to encourage productivity improvements.

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13. Policy GV-4.10 Grant Funding

    We proactively pursue grant funding from federal, state, and local agencies and private foundations, but in deciding which opportunities to pursue, we consider the current and future implications of accepting or declining grants, including the amount of local matching funds required, the extent and nature of in-kind services required, duration, the obligation of the County to continue the service after the grant ends, and related operating expenditures.

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14. Policy GV-4.11 Cost Recovery

    We annually review and update the full direct- and indirect-costs of providing County services, and we establish and annually update fees or charges to recover the full cost of County services.

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15. Policy GV-4.12 Maintenance and Replacement Costs

    We shall incorporate maintenance and replacement costs in the pricing of new programs and facilities as well as recording such deferred costs as debits against revenues.

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16. Policy GV-4.13 Retirement System Funding Reserve

    For savings resulting from negative Unfunded Accrued Actuarial Liability contribution rates, we prioritize setting aside these savings in reserve for reduction of any existing pension obligation bonds or in reserve against future rate increases.

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17. Policy GV-4.14 Risk Management

    We maintain an 80 percent confidence level in all risk management self-insurance funds as determined by a yearly actuarial study.

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18. Policy GV-4.15 Funding Municipal Services

    We seek to reduce and ultimately eliminate the ongoing subsidization of municipal services in unincorporated areas.

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