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-5.2 Military Influence Overlay

   We require conditional use permits for projects within the Military Influence Overlay that could penetrate the defined floor elevation of the military airspace, or that could encroach upon military operations. We consider how development of roads and infrastructure within the Military Influence Overlay will promote growth that might lead to incompatible land use.

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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-1 Water Supply

   Water supply and infrastructure are sufficient for the needs of residents and businesses and are resilient to drought

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Policies

1. Policy IU-1.1 Water supply

   We require that new development be connected to a public water system or a County-approved well to ensure a clean and resilient supply of potable water, even during cases of prolonged drought.

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2. Policy IU-1.2 Water for military installations

   We collaborate with military installations to avoid impacts on military training and operations from groundwater contamination and inadequate groundwater supply.

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3. Policy IU-1.3 Recycled water

   We promote the use of recycled water for landscaping, groundwater recharge, direct potable reuse, and other applicable uses in order to supplement groundwater supplies.

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4. Policy IU-1.4 Greywater

   We support the use of greywater systems for non‐potable purposes.

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5. Policy IU-1.5 Agricultural water use

   We encourage water-efficient irrigation and the use of non-potable and recycled water for agricultural uses.

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6. 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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7. Policy IU-1.7 Areas vital for groundwater recharge

   We allow new development on areas vital for groundwater recharge when stormwater management facilities are installed onsite and maintained to infiltrate predevelopment levels of stormwater into the ground.

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8. Policy IU-1.8 Groundwater management coordination

   We collaborate with watermasters, groundwater sustainability agencies, water purveyors, and other government agencies to ensure groundwater basins are being sustainably managed. We discourage new development when it would create or aggravate groundwater overdraft conditions, land subsidence, or other “undesirable results” as defined in the California Water Code. We require safe yields for groundwater sources covered by the Desert Groundwater Management Ordinance.

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9. Policy IU-1.9 Water conservation

   We encourage water conserving site design and the use of water conserving fixtures, and advocate for the adoption and implementation of water conservation strategies by water service agencies. For existing County-owned facilities, we incorporate design elements, building materials, fixtures, and landscaping that reduce water consumption, as funding is available.

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10. Policy IU-1.10 Connected systems

    We encourage local water distribution systems to interconnect with regional and other local systems, where feasible, to assist in the transfer of water resources during droughts and emergencies.

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11. Policy IU-1.11 Water storage and conveyance

    We assist in development of additional water storage and conveyance facilities to create a resilient regional water supply system, when it is cost effective for County-owned water and stormwater systems.

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12. Policy IU-2.3 Shared wastewater facilities for recycled water

    We encourage an expansion of recycled water agreements between wastewater entities to share and/or create connections between wastewater systems to expand the use of recycled water.

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Related Materials

1. Policy Maps IU-1 Water Service Wholesale Provider (PDF | WEB)
2. Policy Maps IU-2 Groundwater Basins (PDF | WEB)

Goals

1. Goal NR-2 Water Quality

   Clean and safe water for human consumption and the natural environment

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Policies

1. Policy NR-2.1 Coordination on water quality

   We collaborate with the state, regional water quality control boards, watermasters, water purveyors, and government agencies at all levels to ensure a safe supply of drinking water and a healthy environment.

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2. Policy NR-2.2 Water management plans

   We support the development, update, and implementation of ground and surface water quality management plans emphasizing the protection of water quality from point and non-point source pollution.

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3. Policy NR-2.3 Military Coordination on water quality

   We collaborate with the military to avoid or minimize impacts on military training and operations from groundwater contamination and inadequate groundwater supply.

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4. Policy NR-2.4 Wastewater discharge

   We apply federal and state water quality standards for wastewater discharge requirements in the review of development proposals that relate to type, location, and size of the proposed project in order to safeguard public health and shared water resources.

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5. Policy NR-2.6 Agricultural waste and biosolids

   We coordinate with regional water quality control boards and other responsible agencies to regulate and control animal waste and biosolids in order to protect groundwater and the natural environment.

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Policies

1. Policy RE-4.1

   Apply standards to the design, siting, and operation of all renewable energy facilities that protect the environment, including sensitive biological resources, air quality, water supply and quality, cultural, archaeological, paleontological and scenic resources.

   • RE 4 .1.1: Consult with Native American tribes in the identification, evaluation, and treatment of cultural resources and in the preparation and implementation of measures required to identify, evaluate, protect, and manage cultural resources.
   • RE 4.1.2: RE development applications shall be subject to thorough environmental review, including consideration of water consumption, before being permitted.
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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-3.7 Well Water Testing

   In unincorporated environmental justice focus areas that are not served by public water systems, we periodically test well water for contamination, identify potential funding sources, and, where feasible, provide technical assistance to implement necessary improvements, with particular emphasis in addressing the types of contamination identified in the Hazard Element tables.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve public safety, health and welfare within the community.

   Action Statement C.3

   Advocate for improved water quality and sewage infrastructure throughout the community, resulting in less groundwater pollution and water quality issues within local waterways.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Maintain the rural mountain feel, small population and peaceful community.

   Action Statement A.2

   Advocate with the County to utilize sewer and water access availability when considering future development.

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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.2

   Promote water conservation as an essential part of living in the desert.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Maintain local control of water

   Action Statement B.1

   Construct water capture infrastructure in the Rancho Cucamonga Channel.

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   Action Statement B.2

   Review state laws and San Antonio Water Company bylaws.

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   Action Statement B.3

   Investigate a variety of ways local property owners may control water, such as maintaining minimum shares at ¼, limiting sale of water to non-local property owners, allowing shareholders to sell or lease excess water shares as available.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve communications between San Antonio Heights and the County

   Action Statement C.2

   Encourage the County to mail all communications to all residents of San Antonio Heights, which may be accomplished by coordinating distribution of notifications with water bill.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Maintain and enhance Helendale’s aesthetic value

   Action Statement C.3

   Design a recycled water system for irrigation and landscaping.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Improve Lucerne Valley’s water and sewer infrastructure with a focus on the community’s sustainability

   Action Statement D.1

   Encourage community members to lobby the California State Legislature to change state law to allow hauled water for certain types and locations of homes.

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   Action Statement D.2

   IN PROCESS: Support the Mojave Basin Area Adjudication as it relates to water production rights.

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   Action Statement D.4

   Coordinate with the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to have the agency update its analysis of the Lucerne Valley Groundwater Basin.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Increase water availability and accessibility

   Action Statement A.1

   Coordinate a fundraising event to construct a water storage tank at Lytle Creek Ranger Station.

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   Action Statement A.3

   Establish a map of fire-fighting water resources.

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   Action Statement A.4

   Explore grants for water storage programs or a Lytle Creek fire hydrant study.

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   Action Statement A.5

   Provide information about water availability for short-term needs.

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   Action Statement A.6

   Improve fire hydrant networking.

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   Action Statement A.7

   Provide well drilling assistance to residents in need and outreach services.

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   Action Statement A.8

   Explore well-drilling economies of scale.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Establish a Water Plan

   Action Statement A.1

   Encourage the county to adopt a water conservation ordinance.

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   Action Statement A.2

   Establish a fair reporting system and use structure for basin in coordination with the Mojave Water Agency (MWA).

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   Action Statement A.3

   Encourage a partnership between the MWA and the San Bernardino County Water Element Group for increasing and spreading basins.

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   Action Statement A.4

   Enhance opportunities for viable grants for individuals who need or require wells.

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   Action Statement A.5

   Encourage honest discourse with MWA and County regarding the water situation.

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   Action Statement A.6

   Construct a catch basin at the Kane Wash.

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   Action Statement A.7

   Construct retention ponds for the areas.

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   Action Statement A.8

   Encourage MWA to monitor and enforce rules for minimal producers.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Improve public safety; EMS, fire and sheriff.

   Action Statement B.2

   Install a distributed water supply in case of fire emergencies (10 – 12 tanks).

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Address the cost of water and sewer services

   Action Statement C.2

   Advocate with our County Supervisor to conduct a study on water supply, quality, cost, and transparency and provide recommendations for further action.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Establish a stable water system

   Action Statement B.1

   Construct new water infrastructure and hold the water company accountable for water quality.

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   Action Statement B.2

   Coordinate with the water company to hold quarterly meetings to advocate for the needs of the community.

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   Action Statement B.3

   Investigate and research ideas for sustainable water programs.

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   Action Statement B.4

   Construct gravity fed water storage at a sufficient elevation to increase water pressure.

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   Action Statement B.5

   Explore grant funding for water infrastructure and storage tanks.

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

   Action Statement C.4

   Explore establishing a community-scale water distribution system to replace hauled water, provided that the water is affordable and sourced responsibly.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Promote balanced growth and a viable Town Center around Mane Street.

   Action Statement B.3

   Advocate for a sustainable water supply system accessible by local businesses.

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

   Action Statement A.3

   Advocate to the Twentynine Palms Water District to annex Wonder Valley and provide water connection to the community in order to provide a cleaner and more reliable source of water for residents.

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