Policies

1. 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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2. Policy LU-5.4 Ranged activities and projects

   We require activities and projects that can exert impacts beyond project boundaries, such as renewable energy facilities, wireless communication systems, and unmanned aircraft systems, to coordinate with military installations in preliminary planning and throughout the project’s construction stages and long-term operation.

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3. Policy LU-5.5 Transportation and infrastructure

   We consider military needs for operations and training when planning and improving local and regional transportation and infrastructure systems.

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4. 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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5. 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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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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2. Policy H-5.2 Local organizations

   We utilize local organizations that provide fair housing services to the San Bernardino County area to better prevent, monitor, and resolve fair housing issues. We also utilize local organizations to provide housing information, counseling, and financial literacy to lower income households.

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Goals

1. Goal IU-5 Power and Communications

   Unincorporated area residents and businesses have access to reliable power and communication systems

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Policies

1. Policy IU-5.1 Electricity and natural gas service

   We partner with other public agencies and providers to improve the availability and stability of electricity and natural gas service in unincorporated communities.

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2. Policy IU-5.2 Expanded high-speed internet and wireless communication

   We encourage the expansion of expand affordable, high-speed internet access in underserved and unserved unincorporated communities. We encourage the expansion of advanced mobile and fixed wireless communication technologies that improve service, coverage, and reliability throughout the county.

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3. Policy IU-5.3 Underground facilities

   We encourage new and relocated power and communication facilities to be located underground when feasible, particularly in the Mountain and Desert regions.

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4. Policy IU-5.4 Electric transmission lines

   We support the maintenance of existing and development of new electric transmission lines along existing rights-of-way and easements to maintain the stability and capacity of the electric distribution system in southern California.

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5. Policy IU-5.5 Energy and fuel facilities

   We encourage the development and upgrade of energy and regional fuel facilities in areas that do not pose significant environmental or public health and safety hazards, and in a manner that is compatible with military operations and local community identity.

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6. 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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Related Materials

1. Policy Maps IU-6 Natural Gas Service (PDF | WEB)
2. Policy Maps IU-7 Electric Utility Service (PDF | WEB)

Policies

1. Policy HZ-1.7 Underground utilities

   We require that underground utilities be designed to withstand seismic forces, accommodate ground settlement, and hardened to fire risk.

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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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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the built environment to increase quality of life for residents and businesses

   Action Statement A.2

   Collaborate with County Code Enforcement to rehabilitate substandard structures.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Enhance pedestrian safety and mobility along Mentone Boulevard (Highway 38).

   Action Statement B.2

   Identify and advocate for improvements along major roadways in Mentone that are impacted by development activities outside of the community.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Organize the community to promote increased access to communication technologies

   Action Statement B.1

   Promote a petition to demonstrate community desire for expanded communication services.

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   Action Statement B.2

   Coordinate with County Supervisor’s office for help and guidance in contacting communication providers.

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   Action Statement B.3

   Explore feasibility of expanding tower facilities and/or locating a new facility within Forest Service lands.

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   Action Statement B.4

   Explore possibility of improving bandwidth to community.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the delivery of essential services to the community.

   Action Statement A.4

   Coordinate with County Special Districts to set up a street lighting district with electric costs paid by the community.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve roads and other public infrastructure throughout the community while preserving the desert landscape and rural character

   Action Statement E.3

   Encourage rapid maintenance of key roadways immediately following storm events.

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   Action Statement E.4

   Embrace the Complete Streets approach to the construction and operation of the community’s transportation network, balancing the needs of all modes of travel.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Develop a sense of community pride

   Action Statement C.3

   Encourage residents to replace mail boxes for security and beautification.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the overall safety of the community

   Action Statement A.6

   Enhance the bridge across the Mojave River on Vista Road to meet minimum ADA criteria for pedestrian access.

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

   Action Statement B.3

   Coordinate with the County to re-evaluate an alternative access to Helendale from Wild Road or Shadow Mountain Road.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Attract new development to Helendale while maintaining the existing community character and rural desert lifestyle.

   Action Statement D.5

   Coordinate with the CSD and incumbent utilities, such as Frontier, to provide higher speed internet access for Helendale residents including broadband internet (20Mbps or higher) and public hotspots.

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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 A - Provide economic development opportunities that capitalize on the natural environment, attract visitors, and provide entertainment for residents

   Action Statement A.2

   COMPLETED: Provide amenities to support visitors to the area such as parking, restrooms, seating areas, open space, trails connecting key nodes/activity centers, and a visitor information center/kiosks.

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

   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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1. FOCUS STATEMENT F - Improve resources to support seasonal visitors and tourist activities in the Lake Arrowhead communities

   Action Statement F.2

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

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   Action Statement F.3

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

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   Action Statement F.4

   Provide programs and marketing materials that educate visitors on the natural environment and importance of its protection in order to foster responsible tourist behavior.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Increase water availability and accessibility

   Action Statement A.2

   Construct standalone fire hydrants and blue reflectors at each hydrant location throughout all neighborhoods of Lytle Creek.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Retain natural beauty of community.

   Action Statement C.3

   Provide property maintenance education programs.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Enhance communication and cooperation with county, state, and federal institutions; especially Los Angeles County

   Action Statement C.1

   Form committee to examine local opinions about construction of an additional antenna or other cellular infrastructure to improve cellular service, and if consensus is reached in favor of improved services, consult with San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency to identify best approach to attract such private investment.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Organize the communities to promote increased access to communication technologies

   Action Statement A.1

   Promote a petition to demonstrate community desire for expanded communication services (cell and internet).

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   Action Statement A.3

   Explore the possibility of improving bandwidth to the communities.

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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.4

   Work with incumbent utilities to improve internet services.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Provide greater access to important services for Homestead Valley residents and businesses

   Action Statement C.2

   PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED: Work with local utilities to provide higher-speed Internet access for Homestead Valley residents, including broadband internet (20Mbps or higher), free public hotspots, and improved cell phone reception.

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