HomeMy WebLinkAbout23321 RESOLUTION NO. 23321
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A GENERAL
PLAN AMENDMENT TO ALLOW RENEWABLE ENERGY
USES WITHIN THE "D" (DESERT) LAND USE
DESIGNATION OF THE 2007 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT (CASE 5.1252
GPA).
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs adopted its General Plan on
October 17, 2008 by resolution 22077; and
WHEREAS, Garnet Solar Power Generation Station 1, LLC ("Applicant') has
initiated a General Plan Amendment to the Land Use Element of the 2007 General
Plan; specifically, adding the following text to the Desert designation on page 2-11,
"...Renewable energy uses are also permitted outside the boundaries of the Palm
Sp ings International Airport Influence Area, provided the necessary environmental
analysis has occurred;" and
WHEREAS, a notice of Public Hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Springs to consider Case 5.1252 GPA, consisting of a General Plan Amendment
to allow renewable energy uses within the Desert Land Use designation was given in
accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2013, a Public Hearing on the application was held by
the Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2013, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution
No. 6321, recommending approval of said General Plan Amendment to the City
Council; and
WHEREAS, a notice of Public Hearing of the City Council of the City of Palm
Springs to consider Case 5.1252 GPA, consisting of a General Plan Amendment to
allow renewable energy uses within the Desert Land Use designation was given in
accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on April 3, 2013, a Public Hearing on the application was held by the
City Council in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project is considered a "project' pursuant to the terms
of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), and an Environmental
Assessment has been prepared for this project and has been distributed for public
review and comment in accordance with CEQA; and
Resolution No. 23321
Page 2
WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed and considered all of the
evidence presented, including but not limited to the staff report, and all written and oral
testimony presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been completed in
compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines. The City Council found that, with the
incorporation of mitigation measures, the General Plan Amendment will have a less
than significant impact on the environment. The City Council independently reviewed
and considered the information contained in the MND prior to its review of this Project
and the MND reflects the Council's independent judgment and analysis.
SECTION 2. The City Council believes the amendment will implement the
following:
General Plan Priority:
• Establish the City as a leader in efficient use of resources: land,
water, and energy. Promote energy efficiency and the efficient use of
natural resources. Promote the development of alternative energy
industries and use of alternative energy sources such as wind and
solar in new and existing construction to minimize resource depletion
and conserve resources for future generations. (Page 1-12)
General Plan Policies:
RC8.2 Support and encourage the use of alternative energy sources,
such as cogeneration, solar, wind, ethanol and natural gas, fuel
cell technologies, and other alternative and sustainable fuel
sources and generating industries to provide more reliability in
the supply of electricity to the City and to promote the
development of clean, sustainable, and alternative energy
industries in the City...
RC8.10 Require appropriate review and environmental clearance of
solar generation, cogeneration facilities, mining, and wind
energy conversion systems related to commercial uses to
ensure proper sitting and operation.
RC8.13 Make the maximum use of solar electric capabilities on an
individual and community wide basis.
CD29.6 Encourage the use of solar energy systems and energy- and
water-conserving appliances.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves
Case 5.1252 GPA, amending the Desert designation within the Land Use Element of
the 2007 General Plan to read as follows:
Resolution No. 23321
Page 3
Desert (1 dwelling unit per 10 acres). This designation is intended to
identify areas to be retained to protect natural, scenic, and wildlife
resources unique to Palm Springs and to identify areas where minimal
development is desired to protect people and property from environmental
hazards such as blow sand associated with the undeveloped desert floor
areas. Residential development in this area is permitted as long as it does
not exceed 1 unit per 10 acres and is incidental to the overall desert use.
Cluster development is encouraged to respond to the environmental
sensitivity of the area. Other permitted uses in this land use designation
include recreational facilities and public facilities that comply with the
intent of the goals and policies identified in the General Plan. Where
mineral deposits are present or are found within areas designated for
Desert land use, mineral extraction is permitted, provided that appropriate
buffers are established to minimize conflicts between residential and
mining uses and the appropriate environmental analysis has been
conducted. Renewable energy uses may also be permitted, if located on
existing mining sites outside the boundaries of the Palm Springs
International Airport Influence Area, and provided the necessary
environmental analysis has occurred.
ADOPTED this 3rd day of April, 2013.
David H. Ready, City er
ATTEST:
/
es Thompson, City Clerk
Resolution No.23321
Page 4
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 23321 is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on April 3, 2013, by the following
vote:
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Lewin,
Mayor Pro Tern Mills, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
es Thompson, City Clerk /fig/��3
ity of Palm Springs, Californiaa`'�/