City of Palm Springs
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Circulation
Purpose and Introduction
The purpose of the Circulation Element is to identify the goals, policies and actions that the City will take to improve the operation of the existing transportation network as the City grows and develops. It encompasses all city managed roadway classifications, truck routes, multimodal facilities, bus and rail transit, air traffic and utilities infrastructure.
Goal CR1
Establish and maintain a safe, efficient, interconnected circulation system that accommodates vehicular travel, walking, bicycling, public transit, and other forms of transportation.
| CR1.1 | Develop a system of roadways that provides travel choices and reduces traffic congestion. |
| CR1.2 | Preserve and extend the City’s fine grid of streets to the greatest extent possible. Where possible, allow the grid of streets to curve and meander to slow traffic and to create more interesting streetscapes. |
| CR1.3 | Continue coordination/cooperation with adjacent jurisdictions regarding future roadway sections, standards, and improvements. |
| CR1.4 | Preserve the City’s right-of-way requirements and typical cross sections where possible, except where approved by the City Council. |
| CR1.5 | Implement roadway traffic-calming mechanisms as identified in the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to protect residential neighborhoods from the intrusion of cut-through traffic in areas that have demonstrated traffic problems. |
| CR1.6 | Although the grid system of streets is important, avoid the use of long, straight roadway segments on new local streets in new residential neighborhoods, whenever possible. |
| CR1.7 | Maintain a truck route system that serves business districts, industrial areas, the Airport, and meets regulations specified in Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 12.56 (Restricted Use of Certain Streets). |
| CR1.8 | Encourage large employers (employers with 100 or more persons) to adopt incentive programs that include ridesharing, fleet vehicles and vanpools, preferential parking for rideshares, subsidized shuttle bus services, telecommuting, alternative work hour programs, bicycle racks, lockers and shower rooms, and information on transit services to reduce overall traffic volumes in the City. |
| CR1.9 | Allow for a reduction in parking space requirements for office/industrial uses that implement ridesharing and transit pass programs. |
| CR1.10 | Require the owner or applicant of new development projects to address traffic deficiencies. |
| CR1.11 |
Pursue an aggressive regional posture advocating new and improved transportation solutions, including continued participation in the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee, and planning for changing mobility trends and technology. |
| CR1.12 |
Private roads shall be developed in accordance with the City’s published engineering standards for public streets, unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer. |
| CR1.13 |
Require developers, prior to approval of development plans, to provide increased right-of-way through land dedications to accommodate additional demand for dual left-turn and exclusive right-turn lanes, interchange improvements, bus stops and lanes, bicycle facilities or other improvements required to maintain a minimum operating LOS D at critical intersections identified in the General Plan Appendix B. |
| CR1.14 |
Require developers, prior to approval of development plans, to provide right-of-way through land dedications to accommodate the City’s network of trails and nonmotorized routes. |
| CR1.15 |
Implement improvements to the existing roadway network such as traffic signal synchronization and upgrading road surfaces. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 1.1 |
Require Traffic Impact Analysis for new development projects to identify and plan for their contribution to, and effect on, the city’s Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), traffic congestion, and roadway infrastructure performance (Level of Service). Impact Analyses shall be submitted in a format acceptable to the City Engineer and be subject to his/her review and approval. Related Policies: CR1.1, CR1.10, CR2.2 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.2 |
Continue to implement the City’s Transportation Demand Management ordinance and update as necessary. Related Policies: CR1.1, CR1.8 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.3 |
Maintain the City’s grid system of roadways at the quarter-mile interval consistent with Policy 1.7. New streets planned within the City shall help to extend the grid network. No roadway abandonments at half-mile scale or larger will be allowed. Abandonments at quarter-mile intervals should be allowed only where an adjacent roadway has already been abandoned. Related Policies: CR1.2, CR1.6 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.4 |
Participate in and influence regional transportation programs and projects that seek new and creative solutions in public transportation, transportation systems, and traffic management. Related Policies: CR1.3, CR1.11, CR2.4, CR4.1, CR4.2, CR4.3, CR 4.5, CR4.6, CR5.1, CR5.2, CR5.3, CR5.4, CR5.5, CR6.14, CR6.15 Department: Planning, Engineering, Public Safety Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.5 |
Cross-section standards may be modified by the City Council to take into consideration the need for special right-of-way widths in areas where property cannot feasibly be acquired. Such modifications should be considered for projects that implement traffic calming, projects associated with public parking facilities or structures, or for areas where it is desirable to maintain the natural terrain and prevent the scarring of the landscape. Any approved special rights-of-way widths shall be adopted through a general plan amendment and shall be noted on the Circulation Plan. Related Policies: CR1.4 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.6 |
Local public street rights-of-way may be reduced to 44 feet in width, subject to determination by the City Council that there is no significant impact to circulation or the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the neighborhood. Related Policies: CR1.4 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.7 |
Allow local and collector streets that are not designed with full public improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalk) and are located within older, built-out neighborhoods (e.g., Old Las Palmas, Movie Colony, Tennis Club) to remain unimproved if it is determined that no significant impacts to the health, safety, and welfare would occur to the residents of Palm Springs. Related Policies: CR1.4 Department: Engineering Timing: Short |
| IM-CR 1.8 |
Periodically analyze and improve high-accident locations to improve traffic flow and safety. Related Policies: CR1.5, CR7.4 Department: Planning, Engineering, Public Safety Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.9 |
Maintain established truck routes as presented in Figure 4-3. Periodically review and update truck routes as necessary to meet current regulations. Related Policies: CR1.7, CR5.7 Department: Planning Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.10 |
Encourage developers to provide facilities such as passenger loading areas and reserved parking for carpools and vanpools, and bicycle parking facilities for employees and customers. Related Policies: CR1.9, CR6.16 Department: Planning Timing: Short |
| IM-CR 1.11 |
Require street dedications from new development projects that are consistent with the right-of-way width identified by the General Plan, including necessary right-of-way for bike and pedestrian facilities and for those development projects located adjacent to a critical intersection, as identified in Figure 4-2. Related Policies: CR1.12, CR1.13, CR1.14 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 1.12 |
Maintain a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that identifies preservation and improvement projects to the existing transportation network. Related Policies: CR1.15 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
Goal CR2
Provide a circulation network that maintains a safe and efficient system for all travel modes and users of all ages and mobilities.
| CR2.1 | Maintain a network of complete streets throughout the city to provide connectivity for all travel modes. |
| CR2.2 | Maintain Level of Service D or better for the City’s circulation network, as measured using “in season” peak hour conditions. |
| CR2.3 | Make street improvements at problem intersections and bottleneck locations to improve specific traffic operations and safety, with all such improvements to be considered selectively on the basis of specific studies of the affected intersection and streets, and the impacts on the surrounding area and pedestrian activity. |
| CR2.4 | Encourage the development of, and cooperate in, valleywide visioning and initiatives to assure an LOS D on I-10. |
| CR2.5 |
Aim to eliminate fatal and serious injuries for all road users within 25 years, particularly for those most vulnerable, by reviewing roadway design, roadway user behavior, roadway operations, and post-crash care standards. |
| CR2.6 |
Promote redundant and proactive safety measures, particularly along roadway segments and at intersections identified in the High Injury Network. |
| CR2.7 |
Consider roadway reconfigurations or lane reductions on roadways operating at LOS D or better, particularly to allocate right-of-way for new or enhanced bike facilities or sidewalks. |
| CR2.8 |
Improve connectivity and resiliency in and out of the City by constructing all-weather bridge crossings and other infrastructure enhancements along major access corridors like Vista Chino, Gene Autry Trail, Indian Canyon Drive, and Palm Canyon Drive. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 2.1 |
Develop a dynamic curb management strategy that plans for and balances multiple forms of transportation including personal vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, micro mobility, and ride share programs. Related Policies: CR2.1, CR8.3 Department: Planning, Engineering, Sustainability Timing: Medium |
| IM-CR 2.2 |
Maintain and periodically update the City’s Master Plan of Bikeways. Related Policies: CR2.1 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.3 |
Monitor opportunities to provide enhance bike, pedestrian, and transit access on City streets, particularly in Downtown. Related Policies: CR2.1, CR3.3, CR6.5, CR7.3 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.4 |
Explore opportunities to develop and update multimodal transportation plans. Related Policies: CR2.1, CR5.6, CR5.9 Department: Planning Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.5 |
Require adequate drop-off and pick-up facilities at all new schools for safety of school children and to prevent traffic congestion. Related Policies: CR2.1 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.6 |
Require development with gated entries to provide adequate stacking distances and turn-around maneuvering areas so as not to interfere with the safe and efficient operation of adjacent public streets. Related Policies:CR2.1 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.7 |
Upgrade and maintain traffic signal-interconnect systems to efficiently coordinate and control traffic flow on arterial streets, including the installation or removal of separate left-turn phasing where warranted. Traffic signal timing should adequately provide for safe pedestrian crossing. Related Policies: CR2.3 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.8 |
Construct all-weather bridge crossing along Indian Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail, and Vista Chino to alleviate weather induced traffic congestion. Related Policies: CR2.3 Department: Engineering Timing: Long |
| IM-CR 2.9 |
Consider realignment of Gene Autry Trail northerly of the Tahquitz Creek/Palm Canyon Wash Bridge to facilitate the use of both northbound lanes. Related Policies: CR2.3 Department: Engineering Timing: Long |
| IM-CR 2.10 |
Complete the City of Palm Springs Local Roadway Safety Plan and implement relevant recommendations from the LRSP on City streets. Related Policies: CR2.5 Department: Engineering, Planning Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.11 |
Pursue funding opportunities for grant programs that promote and implement enhanced safety measures on City streets. Related Policies: CR2.5 Department: Engineering, Planning Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.12 |
Evaluate City roadways as traffic counts are available to determine operations; roadways operating at LOS D or better should be considered for “road diets” or lane reductions. Priority should be given to allocating right-of-way for new or enhanced bike facilities or sidewalks. Related Policies: CR2.7 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.13 |
Explore options for other infrastructure improvements focused on resiliency related to heat, climate change, weather, and emergency evacuation. Related Policies: CR2.8 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 2.14 |
Consider nominating Highway 111 from I-10 to Tram Way as a California State Scenic Highway Related Policies: CR2.8 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Short |
Goal CR3
Provide efficient circulation in the Downtown to support its role as the City’s primary retail center.
| CR3.1 | Provide an environment within the Central Business District along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive that is suited to slower traffic speeds and more frequent pedestrian crossings. |
| CR3.2 | Consider the use of cross-streets (such as Amado Road, Andreas Road, Arenas Road, and Museum Way) between Museum Drive and Indian Canyon Drive for use as combination street/parking and/or pedestrian zones. |
| CR3.3 | Support recommendations from the Section 14 and Downtown specific plans to improve multi modal connectivity in the core of the City. |
Goal CR4
Reduce the City’s dependence on the use of single-passenger vehicles by enhancing mass transit opportunities.
| CR4.1 | Support the delivery of improved regional transit services to and within the City. |
| CR4.2 | Continue to coordinate with SunLine Transit Agency and other regional transit agencies to address the need for the expansion or readjustment of bus routes, including express routes valleywide. |
| CR4.3 | Continue to coordinate with SunLine Transit Agency to establish or modify bus stop locations to provide adequate access for local residents to destination places, such as Downtown, the airport, or the Convention Center. Coordinate improvements to existing and new bus stop locations including aesthetic bus shelters. |
| CR4.4 | Continue working with CVAG to achieve a regional transportation strategy that coordinates physical improvements, transportation systems management, transportation demand management, public transit, and issues of development that affect circulation. |
| CR4.5 | Work with the Riverside County Transportation Commission and Amtrak to provide increased passenger rail service to, and stopping in, Palm Springs and commuter rail, including high-speed rail concepts between Los Angeles and Phoenix. |
| CR4.6 | Pursue viable opportunities to partner with transit agencies, private shuttles, or Transportation Network Companies, to provide transportation options to the Downtown, hotels, museums, key activity centers (Convention Center, airport, etc.), particularly during special events. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 4.1 |
Resolve any inconsistencies between the City’s Master Plan of Bikeways and the CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP), and adopt the CVAG NMTP. Related Policies: CR4.4 Department: Planning, Sustainability Timing: Medium |
Goal CR5
Provide improved mobility for City residents to access local services.
| CR5.1 | Support the implementation of local transit services for all residents with priority for the disadvantaged, including the elderly, handicapped, those with low incomes, and the temporarily disabled. |
| CR5.2 | Continue to encourage SunLine Transit Agency to provide bicycle racks on its vehicles. |
| CR5.3 | Require the construction of bus turnouts at bus stops on major and secondary thoroughfares to reduce congestion on the adjacent public street and to provide for greater overall traffic safety. The City should work with SunLine Transit Agency to determine which bus stop locations warrant bus turnouts and to address safety concerns that may arise at bus stops located throughout their service area. |
| CR5.4 | Encourage SunLine Transit Agency to periodically undertake studies of local public transportation needs to identify the most efficient and cost-effective manner to provide services, including shuttle services, medical transit service, and a centralized information location that promotes services available to the public. |
| CR5.5 | In consultation with the SunLine Transit Agency, require construction of attractive and protective bus shelters with complete route and schedule information, and other amenities, such as tourist information to promote transit ridership, at existing and new bus stop locations. |
| CR5.6 | Support and maintain sidewalk infrastructure to provide connectivity to transit facilities. |
| CR5.7 | Support a system of freight movement that minimizes impacts on residents and motorists. |
| CR5.8 | Encourage greater use of alternative fuel vehicles, including compressed natural gas, electric, hydrogen and other fuel sources. |
| CR5.9 | Explore opportunities for local shuttle circulator transit services in coordination with SunLine Transit Agency. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 5.1 |
Pursue options for procuring alternative fuel vehicles when purchasing or upgrading City-owned fleet. Related Policies: CR5.8 Department: Sustainability, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
Goal CR6
Establish the City as the premier provider of recreational trails and bikeways in the Coachella Valley.
| CR6.1 | Maintain a program regarding nonmotorized transportation facilities, including those for bicycles and pedestrians. |
| CR6.2 | Provide improved signage to direct residents and visitors to the City’s trail system. |
| CR6.3 | Ensure new development applications establish access or safe connections to public trails and trailheads as specified by the applicable specific plan. |
| CR6.4 | Utilize bicycle and hiking trails as a means of providing recreational and educational experiences by connecting to various parks and public facilities throughout the City. |
| CR6.5 | Seek optimum linkage of existing and planned for bikeways to parks, recreation centers, and other recreational open space. |
| CR6.6 | Maintain widths, surfaces, and general maintenance of streets in a manner that will ensure the safety of the cyclists using them. |
| CR6.7 | Provide bikeways with appropriate traffic control devices. |
| CR6.8 | Encourage proper design and maintenance of facilities and appropriate signing to ensure the safe use of the bikeway and trail systems. |
| CR6.9 | Promote and enhance bicycling and hiking opportunities to support local tourism. |
| CR6.10 | Incorporate provisions within the Zoning Ordinance requiring private developers to construct recognized bikeways that abut developable property. |
| CR6.11 | Evaluate the need for and the feasibility of developing new bikeways and recreational paths (or improving to Class I standards) as the City continues to grow. |
| CR6.12 | Recognize the importance of the City’s bikeway system as a major transportation, not solely recreational, network. |
| CR6.13 | Maintain design standards for the development of various types of bikeways and related improvements—e.g., parkways, bridges, rest stops—that may be necessary to implement the City’s bikeway network. |
| CR6.14 | Coordinate with CVAG, adjacent cities, and affected agencies while planning for new trails, especially in areas adjacent to the Whitewater Wash and Cathedral City. |
| CR6.15 | Improve pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity to regional trails like CV Link. |
| CR6.16 | Provide bike racks and other bicycle amenities throughout the City to encourage bicycle use as an alternative to vehicular use. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 6.1 |
Establish and maintain design standards for the development of various types of bikeways, pedestrian facilities, and related improvements—e.g., parkways, bridges, trail heads, and rest stops— that may be necessary to implement the Master Plan of Bikeways. Bikeways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter 1000, Bikeway Planning and Design, of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, the CVAG Active Transportation Design Guidelines or as otherwise approved by the City Engineer. Related Policies: CR6.1, CR6.6, CR6.7, CR6.8, CR6.12, CR6.13 Department: Engineering Timing: Short |
| IM-CR 6.2 |
Develop and maintain bicycle and walking trail system brochures and maps that educate and inform trail users. This information should be made available on the City’s website. Related Policies: CR6.2, CR6.9 Department: Office of Communications and Media Relations, Engineering, Planning, Sustainability Timing: Short |
| IM-CR 6.3 |
Review proposed development projects and applications for conformance with the General Plan Circulation element, regulatory codes, design standards, and requirements. Related Policies: CR6.3 Department: Planning Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 6.4 |
Aggressively seek funding for trails and bikeways from federal and state sources. Related Policies: CR6.4 Department: Planning, Parks and Recreation, Sustainability, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR6.5 |
Update the Zoning Code for consistency with the General Plan’s priorities for multi-modal access, connectivity, and safety. Related Policies: CR6.10 Department: Planning Timing: Short |
| IM-CR6.6 |
Create a trail along the north side of the Palm Canyon Wash levee. Related Policies: CR6.11 Department: Planning, Engineering, Sustainability Timing: Medium |
Goal CR7
Create a pedestrian experience that is attractive to both residents and visitors.
| CR7.1 | Provide a safe and comfortable environment for pedestrians. |
| CR7.2 | Provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors by providing safe and comfortable multi modal and parking facilities Downtown. |
| CR7.3 | Improve pedestrian links throughout the city and from surrounding residential areas to Downtown. |
| CR7.4 | Utilize traffic calming measures in accordance with the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program in appropriate locations to improve pedestrian safety and comfortability, slow traffic, and help reduce noise impacts on adjacent uses. |
| CR7.5 | Ensure that appropriate pedestrian facilities are provided as a component of new development, including ADA compliant sidewalks and crosswalks where appropriate. |
| CR7.6 | Maintain design standards for the construction of new pedestrian facilities and related improvements. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 7.1 |
Provide barrier-free accessibility for all handicapped residents, employees and visitors, including special designs for rural street profiles to accommodate ADA-required path of travel separation from vehicular lanes. Related Policies: CR7.1 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 7.2 |
Encourage pedestrian street crossings at midblock in the Central Business District, where the distance between street intersections is in excess of 1,000 feet. Mid-block pedestrian crossings shall be installed upon a determination by the City Engineer that sufficient warrants exist for such crossings, which should be signalized and designed with decorative street improvements to correspond to other mid-block pedestrian crossings within the Central Business District. Related Policies: CR7.1 Department: Engineering Timing: Short |
| IM-CR 7.3 |
Provide and maintain trash receptacles, benches, shade structures, drinking fountains and other amenities in pedestrian corridors throughout the City. Related Policies: CR7.1 Department: Engineering, Sustainability and Recycling Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 7.4 |
Create a desirable pedestrian walking environment that links the Downtown with the Convention Center through the use of signage, landscape, and streetscape improvements and the development or renovation of retail/restaurant facilities along the linkage. Related Policies: CR7.2 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 7.5 |
Provide shade on sidewalks, particularly Downtown, to make walking more appealing during the summer months. Related Policies: CR7.2 Department: Parks and Recreation, Engineering, Sustainability Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 7.6 |
Provide lighting and signage Downtown that provides for safe travel by residents, employees and visitors. Related Policies: CR7.2 Department: Engineering, Sustainability Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 7.7 |
Improve first-last mile connections in the Downtown. Related Policies: CR7.2 Department: Engineering, Sustainability Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 7.8 |
Provide incentives to developers to add pedestrian trails and infrastructure Related Policies: CR7.5 Department: Planning Timing: Medium |
| IM-CR 7.9 |
Develop pedestrian design standards that detail minimum sidewalk widths, ADA compliance, lighting, shade, and midblock crossings. Related Policies: CR7.6 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
Goal CR8
Develop a system of parking facilities and operations that serve current and future commercial and residential uses and preserve the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.
| CR8.1 | Require sufficient parking to serve each use, including employee and visitor parking needs. |
| CR8.2 | Locate surface parking lots to the rear of businesses fronting main streets. Surface parking lots directly fronting onto main streets interrupt the continuity of building structures and the pedestrian walking experience. |
| CR8.3 | Provide parking spaces for bicycles, motorcycles, and similar vehicles as part of all parking facilities, public and private. |
| CR8.4 | Evaluate the use of parking districts to resolve preexisting deficiencies. |
| CR8.5 | Encourage the development and use of common parking facilities versus individual on-site parking facilities. |
| CR8.6 | Explore the development of a valet parking program to enhance parking access and availability Downtown. |
| CR8.7 | Design parking structures in the Downtown to complement the scale, aesthetic, and activity levels of adjacent buildings and uses. |
| CR8.8 | Encourage private developments to provide parking in excess of that required by the Municipal Code for lease to other businesses with parking deficiencies. |
| CR8.9 | Encourage the redesign of existing parking lots if additional spaces can be created as well as spaces for bicycles and motorcycles. |
| CR8.10 | Provide appropriate and consistent signage to direct motorists to public and private parking areas. |
| CR8.11 | Utilize parking fees and on demand pricing to promote vehicle turnover and increase parking availability in Downtown while helping to encourage carbon free/reduced alternative transportation such as walking, bicycles, public transportation, and ride share. |
| CR8.12 | Encourage businesses to implement innovative approaches to employee parking such as the development of satellite parking areas that allow employees to park at remote locations outside of Downtown and provide shuttle access to the workplace if the parking site is located more than one-quarter mile from the workplace to make parking spaces Downtown more available to customers and visitors. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 8.1 |
Create a plan to identify parking availability in the downtown core and proximity to restaurants and merchants throughout the City and the best locations to implement fee-based parking, if warranted. Related Policies: CR8.1, CR8.9, CR8.11 Department: Planning Timing: Medium |
| IM-CR 8.2 |
Develop and adopt appropriate parking strategies and design standards that address parking needs, layout, possible alternatives to parking supply and management, public and private spaces, and multi-modal parking. Parking standards may need to differentiate between the Downtown core and other areas of the City. Allow for flexibility in minimum parking requirements for complementing land uses, mixed-use areas, and locations where parking can be shared at different times. Related Policies: CR8.2, CR8.5, CR8.6, CR8.7, CR8.8, CR8.10, CR8.12 Department: Planning Timing: Medium |
| IM-CR 8.3 |
Provide industry-standard and fast electric vehicle recharging stations at feasible public and private curb and lot parking areas. Related Policies: CR8.3 Department: Planning, Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 8.4 |
Develop a timeline and estimates of revenue and expenses necessary to implement fee-based parking Related Policies: CR8.4 Department: Planning Timing: Short |
Goal CR9
Maintain and operate safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible airport and heliport facilities in the City.
| CR9.1 | Ensure airport and heliport operations in Palm Springs are consistent with the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, as amended from time to time and consider the provisions of the Palm Springs Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan prepared by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. |
| CR9.2 | Establish the City’s commercial streets as the principal helicopter flight corridors and require that helicopter takeoff and landing patterns be limited to commercial areas. |
| CR9.3 | Require that helicopters utilizing City airspace fly in compliance with Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 91 rules. |
| CR9.4 | Establish multi modal circulation linkages (buses, trams, bicycle infrastructure, etc.) to and from the airport to relieve parking and traffic loads at the airport. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 9.1 |
Coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the Helicopter Route Chart Program Related Policies: CR9.2 Department: Aviation Timing: Medium |
| IM-CR 9.2 |
Conduct a periodic review of the Palm Springs Airport Master Plan to ensure that the airport can properly respond to future aviation demands. Related Policies: CR9.4 Department: Planning, Aviation, Engineering, Sustainability Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-LU 9.3 |
Consider opportunity to enhance wayfinding signage to direct visitors to and from the airport to access the circulation network. Related Policies: CR9.4 Department: Aviation, Engineering Timing: Medium |
Goal CR10
A vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Downtown serves as the economic, civic, historic, cultural, and recreational center of the City.
| CR10.1 | Require utility improvements where existing systems are deficient. |
| CR10.2 | Coordinate public infrastructure improvements through the City’s Capital Improvement Program. |
| CR10.3 | Encourage the shared use of major transmission corridors and other appropriate measures to minimize the impact on the aesthetic appearance of the City, including relocating overhead utilities underground. |
| CR10.4 | Continue and expand existing programs for the upgrade of storm drainage systems where they are deficient, using public or private funds. |
| CR10.5 | Require that new development be contingent upon the project’s ability to secure appropriate infrastructure services. |
| CR10.6 | Require developers of new projects to pay for the costs of construction and expansion water, sewer/wastewater, storm drainage improvements and other public utilities necessitated by that development. |
| CR10.7 | Require developers to notify utility agencies of their intent to develop a site early in the development process to provide sufficient time to plan for necessary capital improvements. |
| CR10.8 | Update the Sewer System Master Plan as needed to accommodate the demands of new and existing development. |
| CR10.9 | Monitor sewer flows on a regular basis to aid in the development of construction schedules. |
| CR10.10 | Require new projects to connect with the City’s storm/sewer system unless a hardship can be demonstrated. If septic systems must be used require installation of septic systems to meet State Water Resources Control Board Standards. |
| CR10.11 | Monitor and reassess rates for sanitation/wastewater connection and service. This assessment should reflect the costs of service and improvements and be equitably allocated to users according to demands. |
| CR10.12 | Participate in the annual review of the Desert Water Agency, Mission Springs Water District, and Coachella Valley Water District Water System Master Plan to evaluate how it is consistent with the City’s General Plan and approved projects. |
| CR10.13 | Work with the Desert Water Agency, Coachella Valley Water District, and Mission Springs Water District to promote water and wastewater conservation practices. |
| CR10.14 | Continue to implement a fee schedule to assess new development on a prorated basis for the cost of new sewer and storm drainage systems. |
| CR10.15 | Encourage all large-scale turf and irrigation projects to use tertiary treated water when feasible. |
| CR10.16 | Coordinate with public and private providers of data transmission and internet access services to develop “WiFi” zones in the City to support and promote greater accessibility to information and communication resources via the internet. |
| Action Number | Implementation Action/Program |
| IM-CR 10.1 |
Solicit funds for the improvement and maintenance of the City’s public infrastructure from state and federal agencies when such revenue is available and the costs cannot be assigned to development projects. Related Policies: CR10.1, CR10.4, CR10.15 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 10.2 |
Initiate a Capital Improvement Program to upgrade sewer systems, streets, and public open space as required. Related Policies: CR10.2, CR10.4 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 10.3 |
Investigate municipal bonding programs to finance public improvements and maintenance costs. Related Policies: CR10.2, CR10.14 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 10.4 |
Enact ordinances that promote water conservation in existing facilities and that make water conservation a mandatory requirement for all new development. Related Policies: CR10.6 Department: Planning, Community and Economic Development Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 10.5 |
Update the sewer flow estimates (including the trunk sewers) as funding is available, based on present and future use as defined in the Land Use Element. Related Policies: CR10.9 Department: Engineering Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 10.6 |
Form benefit assessment districts in which those who benefit from infrastructure improvements pay a prorated share of the costs. Related Policies: CR10.3 Department: Public Works Timing: Ongoing |
| IM-CR 10.7 |
Prepare a Broadband Master Plan to assess opportunities for the expansion of access to high speed internet within the City Related Policies: CR10.16 Department: Community and Economic Development Timing: Medium |
Interstates are special purpose, high-capacity, multilane divided highways for regional travel; they connect cities and major thoroughfares into a regional network. Access is strictly controlled at grade-separated crossings to assure uninterrupted traffic flow. Interstates are owned and maintained by Caltrans and are not under the jurisdiction of the City.
Primarily provide access to individual parcels of land. Local Streets can be either public streets or private streets. Maximum right-of-way is 60 feet for local streets. In certain cases, 50 feet right-of-way may be permitted by the City Engineer. Typical street widths for local streets are 36 feet. In Estate, Very Low, and Low Density Residential neighborhoods, local public street widths may be reduced to 28 feet (curb face to curb face) provided that:
(1) Additional off-street parking is provided as determined by the City Engineer, the Fire Chief and Director of Planning.
(2) Rolled or wedge curb is provided such that vehicles may park partially out of the traveled way.
(3) Pedestrian pathways or sidewalks, if located along the street, separated from the curb by a minimum five-foot parkway, are provided.
Private streets provide access to individual parcels of land in planned development communities approved with privately maintained access. Access may be restricted with gated entrances/exits to communities.
Designated fire lanes in private developments shall be not less than 24 feet wide (curb face to curb face) with no parking on either side unless alternate arrangements are approved by the Palm Springs Fire Department.
Glossary
Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee: The County of Riverside and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments enacted the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) to fund the mitigation of cumulative regional transportation impacts resulting from future development. The mitigation fees collected through the TUMF program are utilized to complete transportation system capital improvements necessary to meet the increased travel demand and to sustain current traffic levels of service.
The fee calculations are based on the proportional allocation of the costs of proposed transportation improvements, which are based on the cumulative transportation system impacts of different types of new development. Fees are directly related to the forecast rate of growth and trip generation characteristics of different categories of new development.
Nonmotorized Transportation Facility: A nonmotorized transportation facility may be part of a roadway (such as a shoulder) or it may be separated from roadway traffic for exclusive non-motorized use (such as a bike path or sidewalk).
Level of Service: Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative means of measuring traffic congestion as indicated by speed and travel time, traffic interruptions, freedom to maneuver, safety, and driving comfort and convenience on the City’s existing and future roadway network.
Parking District: A district established to manage parking issues in a particular area. Parking districts can distribute the revenue from parking meters and other fee programs to implement solutions to parking problems. Such solutions may include the creation or maintenance of parking lots, parking structures, valet parking, parking/transportation signage, landscaping, maintenance, and security.
Parking districts can also impose parking time limits and implement programs to manage employee versus visitor parking.
Vehicle Miles Travelled: Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is a metric for assessing the distance vehicles travel and considering how that metric affects the circulation system of a jurisdiction.
Traffic Calming: Traffic calming is the application of strategies used to reduce the speeds of vehicular traffic, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for pedestrians. Examples of traffic calming measures include speed bumps, bulb outs of sidewalks and neck downs of roadways.