CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
GENERAL PLAN
JULY 11, 2006
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
GENERAL PLAN
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR BONNIE FLICKINGER
MAYOR PRO- TEM CHARLES R. WHITE
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAM H. BATEY
COUNCIL MEMBER RICHARD A. STEWART
COUNCIL MEMBER FRANK WEST
PLANNING COMMISSION
CHAIR MARIA MARZOEKI
VICE CHAIR GEORGE RIECHERS
COMMISSIONER RICHARD DOZIER
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL S. GELLER
COMMISSIONER RICK DE JONG
COMMISSIONER DOUGLAS W. MERKT
COMMISSIONER BRUCE R. SPRINGER
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE DATE ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO.
PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 6, 2006 2006- 14
CITY COUNCIL JULY 11, 2006 2006- 83
2006- 84
Preamble
The City of Moreno Valley embraces the interests of its residents and strives to meets
their needs by creating a sense of community. The commitment to this vision encourages
attractive amenities and a full range of public services, while promoting a safe and
healthy environment. It is the goal of the City to improve the quality of life by creating
this “ sense of place” and working together to encourage involvement and volunteerism
while endeavoring to function in an effective, responsible, efficient and visionary manner.
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 1. Introduction Page
1.1 What is a General Plan 1- 1
1.2 Background 1- 1
1.3 Setting 1- 1
1.4 History 1- 2
1.5 Planning Area 1- 2
1.6 Public Participation 1- 2
1.7 Organization of the General Plan 1- 4
Chapter 2. Community Development Element
2.1 Land Use 2- 1
2.1.1 Setting 2- 1
2.1.2 Neighboring Land Uses 2- 1
2.1.3 Land Use Plan 2- 3
2.2 Regional and Sub- regional Plans 2- 5
2.3 Community Design 2- 6
2.4 Utilities 2- 6
2.4.1 Water Supply 2- 6
2.4.2 Sewer Service 2- 7
2.4.3 Electricity 2- 7
2.4.4 Natural Gas and Jet Fuel 2- 8
2.4.5 Telephone Service 2- 8
2.4.6 Cable Television 2- 8
2.5 Schools 2- 8
2.5.1 Background 2- 8
2.5.2 Issues and Opportunities 2- 10
2.6 Library Services 2- 10
2.6.1 Background 2- 10
2.6.2 Issues and Opportunities 2- 11
2.7 Special Districts 2- 11
2.7.1 Background 2- 11
2.8 Other City Facilities 2- 13
2.8.1 Background 2- 13
2.8.2 Issues and Opportunities 2- 13
i July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 3. Economic Development Element Page
3.1 To be provided at a later date 3- 1
Chapter 4. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element
4.1 Setting 4- 1
4.2 Open Space 4- 1
4.2.1 Open Space for the Preservation of Natural Resources 4- 1
4.2.2 Open Space for Public Health and Safety 4- 3
4.2.3 Open Space for the Production of Resources 4- 3
4.2.4 Open Space for Outdoor Recreation 4- 4
4.3 Parks and Recreation 4- 4
4.3.1 Recreation Service Level Standards 4- 5
4.3.2 Park Planning and User Needs 4- 7
4.3.3 Recreational Services 4- 8
4.3.4 Local Park and Recreation Facilities 4- 9
4.3.5 Future Facilities 4- 11
4.3.6 Multiuse Trails 4- 11
Chapter 5. Circulation Element
5.1 Introduction 5- 1
5.1.1 State of California Guidelines 5- 1
5.2 Background 5- 1
5.2.1 Existing Roadways 5- 1
5.2.1.1 Interstate and State Highways 5- 2
5.2.1.2 Existing Roadway Deficiencies 5- 2
5.2.2 Regional Plans 5- 2
5.2.2.1 Regional Transportation Plan 5- 2
5.2.2.2 Riverside County Integrated Project 5- 2
5.2.2.3 Congestion Management Program 5- 3
5.2.3 Bikeway System 5- 3
5.2.4 Public Transit 5- 3
5.2.4.1 Bus Service 5- 3
5.2.4.2 Commuter Rail 5- 4
5.2.5 Truck Circulation 5- 4
5.2.6 Traffic Levels of Service 5- 4
ii July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 5. Circulation Element ( Continued) Page
5.2.6.1 Level of Service Definitions 5- 4
5.3 Issues and Opportunities 5- 4
5.3.1 Level of Service 5- 4
5.3.2 Development Monitoring 5- 6
5.3.2.1 Arterial Segments that Require Further Study 5- 6
5.3.2.2 Industrial Development 5- 7
5.3.2.3 School Circulation 5- 7
5.3.2.4 Geographical Constraints 5- 7
5.3.3 Regional Issues 5- 7
5.3.3.1 Regional Growth 5- 7
5.3.3.2 March Air Reserve Base/ March Inland Port 5- 8
5.3.3.3 Regional Roadway Deficiencies 5- 8
5.3.4 Intelligent Transportation Systems 5- 8
5.3.5 Transportation Demand Management 5- 9
5.3.6 Funding 5- 9
Chapter 6. Safety Element
A. Public Safety Services
6.1 Police Protection and Crime Preventions 6- 1
6.1.1 Background 6- 1
6.1.2 Patrol Division 6- 4
6.1.3 Administrative Division 6- 4
6.1.4 Special Enforcement Team 6- 5
6.1.5 Detective Division 6- 5
6.1.6 Issues and Opportunities 6- 6
6.2 Fire and Emergency Services 6- 6
6.2.1 Background 6- 6
6.2.2 Fire Prevention 6- 9
6.2.3 Fire Suppression 6- 9
6.2.4 Emergency Medical Services 6- 9
6.2.5 Emergency Management 6- 10
6.2.6 Public Assistance 6- 10
6.2.7 Fire Prevention Codes 6- 10
6.2.8 Wildland Urban Interface 6- 10
iii July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 6. Safety Element ( Continued) Page
6.2.9 Smoke Detectors 6- 10
6.2.10 Automatic Fire Suppression Systems 6- 11
6.2.11 Inspection and Enforcement 6- 11
6.2.12 Public Education 6- 11
6.2.13 Emergency/ Disaster Preparation and Response 6- 12
6.3 Animal Services 6- 12
6.3.1 Background 6- 12
6.3.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 13
B. Environmental Safety
6.4 Noise 6- 13
6.4.1 Background 6- 13
6.4.2 Noise Fundamentals 6- 13
6.4.3 Community Responses to Noise 6- 14
6.4.4 Planning and Design Considerations 6- 16
6.5 Geologic Hazards 6- 16
6.5.1 Background 6- 16
6.5.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 17
6.6 Air Quality 6- 19
6.6.1 Background 6- 19
6.6.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 20
6.7 Water Quality 6- 21
6.7.1 Background 6- 21
6.7.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 22
6.8 Flood Hazards 6- 23
6.8.1 Background 6- 23
6.8.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 25
6.9 Hazardous Materials 6- 27
6.9.1 Background 6- 27
6.9.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 28
6.10 Air Crash Hazards 6- 28
6.10.1 Background 6- 28
6.10.2 Issues and Opportunities 6- 29
iv July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 7. Conservation Element
7.1 Biological Resources 7- 1
7.1.1 Background 7- 1
7.1.2 Issues and Opportunities 7- 3
7.2 Cultural and Historical Resources 7- 3
7.2.1 Background 7- 3
7.2.2 Archaeological and Historical Sites 7- 4
7.2.3 Issues and Opportunities 7- 5
7.3 Solid Waste 7- 5
7.4 Soils 7- 6
7.4.1 Background 7- 6
7.4.2 Issues and Opportunities 7- 6
7.5 Water Resources 7- 7
7.5.1 Background 7- 7
7.5.2 Issues and Opportunities 7- 8
7.6 Energy Resources 7- 10
7.6.1 Background 7- 10
7.6.2 Issues and Opportunities 7- 10
7.7 Agricultural Resources 7- 11
7.7.1 Background 7- 11
7.7.2 Issues and Opportunities 7- 11
7.8 Scenic Resources 7- 12
7.8.1 Background 7- 12
7.8.2 Issues and Opportunities 7- 12
7.9 Mineral Resources 7- 14
Chapter 8. Housing Element
8.1 Introduction 8- 1
8.1.1 Stat Housing Element Law 8- 1
8.1.2 Citizen Participation 8- 1
8.2 Housing Needs Assessment 8- 2
8.2.1 Population Trends and Characteristics 8- 2
8.2.2 Population Growth Forecasts 8- 4
8.2.3 Age of Population 8- 6
8.2.4 Household and Ethnic Characteristics 8- 6
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TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 8. Housing Element ( Continued) Page
8.2.5 Employment Characteristics 8- 8
8.3 Existing Housing Need 8- 9
8.3.1 Housing Affordability 8- 9
8.3.2 Overpayment 8- 14
8.3.3 Overcrowding 8- 15
8.3.4 Household Income 8- 17
8.3.5 Housing Stock Conditions 8- 19
8.3.6 Special Housing Needs 8- 20
8.3.7 Elderly Headed Households 8- 21
8.3.8 Meeting Elderly Housing Needs in Moreno Valley 8- 21
8.3.9 Disabled 8- 23
8.3.10 Large Families 8- 24
8.3.11 Female Headed Households 8- 24
8.3.12 Farm Workers 8- 25
8.3.13 Homeless Needs 8- 26
8.3.14 Homeless Survey in Moreno Valley 8- 27
8.3.15 Commitment to Homeless Services 8- 27
8.3.16 March Air Force Base Master Reuse Plan 8- 28
8.3.17 Units at Risk of Conversion 8- 29
8.4 Projected Housing Needs 8- 30
8.4.1 Regional Housing Needs Allocation 8- 30
8.4.2 Vacant Land Inventory 8- 32
8.4.3 Vacant Land Inventory Methodology 8- 32
8.4.4 Very Low- Income Housing Potential 8- 32
8.4.5 Low- Income Housing Potential 8- 37
8.4.6 Moderate- Income Housing Potential 8- 39
8.4.7 Above Moderate- Income Housing Potential 8- 40
8.4.8 Environmental Constraints 8- 41
8.4.9 Summary 8- 42
8.4.10 Financial Resources 8- 42
8.4.11 Energy Conservation 8- 46
8.5 Projects and Programs 8- 46
8.5.1 Cottonwood Place Apartments 8- 46
8.5.2 Cottonwood and Indian Street Improvements 8- 46
vi July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 8. Housing Element ( Continued) Page
8.5.3 Homebuyer Assistance Program ( HAP) 8- 46
8.5.4 Dracaea and Scotty Lane Street Improvements 8- 47
8.5.5 Ownership Housing Development 8- 47
8.5.6 Rent Buy- Down Pilot Program 8- 47
8.5.7 Mobile- Home Rehabilitation Program 8- 48
8.5.8 Single- Family Rehabilitation Program 8- 48
8.5.9 Rental Rehabilitation Program ( RRP) 8- 49
8.5.10 Senior Co- op Services 8- 49
8.5.11 Cottonwood Place Apartments Phase II 8- 50
8.5.12 Funds Available For Preserving Units at Risk 8- 50
8.6 Constraints on Housing 8- 50
8.6.1 Governmental Constraints 8- 50
8.6.2 Land Use Controls 8- 50
8.6.3 Mobilehome Parks 8- 51
8.6.4 Manufactured Homes 8- 51
8.6.5 Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelters 8- 52
8.6.6 Development Review Processes 8- 54
8.6.7 Permit Processing 8- 55
8.6.8 Design Requirements 8- 56
8.6.9 Open Space Requirements 8- 58
8.6.10 Parking Requirements 8- 58
8.6.11 Development Standards 8- 59
8.6.12 Development Fees 8- 63
8.6.13 Code Compliance 8- 63
8.6.14 Community Opposition 8- 63
8.6.15 Housing for Persons with Disabilities 8- 63
8.6.16 Procedures for Ensuring Reasonable Accommodations 8- 64
8.6.17 Variance Permit Procedure 8- 64
8.6.18 Removing Regulatory Constraints for Persons with Disabilities 8- 65
8.6.19 Requesting Reasonable Accommodations 8- 65
8.6.20 Zoning and Other Land Use Regulations 8- 65
8.6.21 Universal Design Element 8- 66
8.6.22 Non- Governmental Constraints 8- 66
8.6.23 Land Costs 8- 66
vii July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 8. Housing Element ( Continued) Page
8.6.24 Availability of Financing 8- 67
8.6.25 Construction Costs 8- 68
8.7 Overview: Goals, Objectives, Policies & Programs 8- 69
Appendix 8- 82
Notes 8- 114
Chapter 9. Goals, Objectives, Polices and Programs
9.0 Introduction 9- 1
9.1 Ultimate Goals 9- 1
9.2 Community Development Element Goals, Objectives, Policies and
Programs
9.2.1 Community Development Element Goals 9- 2
9.2.2 Community Development Element Objectives and Policies 9- 2
9.2.3 Community Development Element Programs 9- 12
9.3 Economic Development Element Goals, Objectives, Policies and
Programs
9.3.1 Economic Development Element Goals 9- 13
9.3.2 Economic Development Element Objectives and Policies 9- 13
9.3.3 Economic Development Element Programs 9- 13
9.4 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element Goals, Objectives,
Policies and Programs
9.4.1 Parks Recreation and Open Space Element Goals 9- 14
9.4.2 Parks Recreation and Open Space Element Objectives and
Policies
9- 14
9.4.3 Parks Recreation and Open Space Element Programs 9- 17
9.5 Circulation Element Goals, Objectives, Policies and Programs
9.5.1 Circulation Element Goals 9- 18
9.5.2 Circulation Element Objectives and Policies 9- 18
9.5.3 Circulation Element Programs 9- 23
9.6 Safety Element Goals, Objectives, Policies and Programs
9.6.1 Safety Element Goals 9- 30
9.6.2 Safety Element Objectives and Policies 9- 30
9.6.3 Safety Element Programs 9- 34
9.7 Conservation Element Goals, Objectives, Policies and Programs
9.7.1 Conservation Element Goals 9- 36
9.7.2 Conservation Element Objectives and Policies 9- 36
9.7.3 Conservation Element Programs 9- 38
viii July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Chapter 9. Goals, Objectives, Polices and Programs ( Continued) Page
9.8 Housing Element Goals, Objectives, Policies and Programs
9.8.1 Housing Element Goals 9- 39
9.8.2 Housing Element Objectives and Policies 9- 39
9.8.3 Housing Element Programs 9- 40
Chapter 10. Glossary 10- 1
ix July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1- 1 Vicinity Map 1- 3
Figure 2- 1 Neighboring Land Uses 2- 2
Figure 2- 2 Land Use Map 2- 4
Figure 2- 3 School District Boundaries 2- 9
Figure 3- 1 Redevelopment Project Area 3- 2
Figure 4- 1 Open Space 4- 2
Figure 4- 2 Future Parklands Acquisition Areas 4- 6
Figure 4- 3 Master Plan of Trails 4- 13
Figure 6- 1 Fire Stations 6- 8
Figure 6- 2 Buildout Noise Contours 6- 15
Figure 6- 3 Geologic Faults & Liquefaction 6- 18
Figure 6- 4 Flood Hazards 6- 26
Figure 6- 5 Air Crash Hazards 6- 30
Figure 7- 1 Water Purveyor Service Area Map 7- 9
Figure 7- 2 Major Scenic Resources 7- 13
Figure 9- 1 Circulation Plan 9- 26
Figure 9- 2 LOS Standards 9- 27
Figure 9- 3 Roadway Cross- Sections 9- 28
Figure 9- 4 Bikeway Plan 9- 29
x July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 4- 1 Parkland Needs 4- 5
Table 4- 2 Future Park Acquisition 4- 5
Table 5- 1 Level of Service Description 5- 5
Table 6- 1 1,899 Priority 1 ( P1) Calls For Service 6- 1
Table 6- 2 Part 1 Crimes – City Comparisons 6- 2
Table 6- 3 Uniform Crime Report Statistics – Part 1 Crimes 6- 3
Table 6- 4 Deployment of Patrol Officers 6- 4
Table 6- 5 Traffic Collisions and Citations 6- 5
Table 8- 1 City of Moreno Valley Historical Population Growth
Riverside County Historical Population Growth
8- 3
Table 8- 2 1987 SCAG Population Projection City of Moreno Valley 8- 5
Table 8- 3 Preliminary Draft Forecast for Population Moreno Valley 8- 5
Table 8- 4 Family Life Cycle
Mean Ages
8- 6
Table 8- 5 Moreno Valley Ethnicity and Household Size 8- 7
Table 8- 6 Estimated Development Costs Owner Housing Prototypes 8- 11
Table 8- 7 Homeowner Subsidy Requirements Single Family 3 Bedroom 8- 13
Table 8- 8 Homeowner Subsidy Requirements Townhouse 2 Bedroom 8- 13
Table 8- 9 Homeowner Subsidy Requirements Townhouse 3 Bedroom 8- 14
Table 8- 10 Households Overpaying for Housing – All Incomes 8- 15
Table 8- 11 Households with Overcrowding Problems 8- 16
Table 8- 12 Wage Needed to Afford a Fair Market Rent
Work Necessary to Afford Fair Market Rent at Minimum Wage
8- 17
Table 8- 13 Housing Stock Additions City of Moreno Valley 8- 19
Table 8- 14 Building Permit Activity City of Moreno Valley 1986- 1999 8- 20
Table 8- 15 Services Provided 8- 28
Table 8- 16 Existing Transitional Housing Units 8- 29
Table 8- 17 Affordable Housing Units in Moreno Valley 8- 30
Table 8- 18 Moreno Valley Regional Housing Needs Allocation 8- 31
Table 8- 19 Housing Produced or Approved Meeting RHNA Requirement 8- 31
Table 8- 20 Very Low- Income Housing Development Potential 8- 33
Table 8- 21 Low- Income Housing Development Potential 8- 38
Table 8- 22 Moderate- Income Housing Development Potential 8- 40
Table 8- 23 Above Moderate- Income Housing Development Potential 8- 41
Table 8- 24 Proposed Redevelopment Agency Budget 8- 43
xi July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
List of Tables ( Continued) Page
Table 8- 25 Proposed HOME Budget 8- 45
Table 8- 26 Sites Available for Mobilehome Parks 8- 51
Table 8- 27 Sites Available for Manufactured Housing 8- 52
Table 8- 28 Vacant Land Appropriately Zoned for Transitional Housing 8- 53
Table 8- 29 Vacant Land Appropriately Zoned for Homeless Shelters 8- 54
Table 8- 30 Parking Requirements 8- 59
Table 8- 31 Single- Family Residential Development Standards 8- 61
Table 8- 32 Multi- Family Residential Development Standards 8- 62
Table 8- 33 Quantified Objectives – Housing Units by Income 8- 70
Table 8- 34 Proposed Housing Element Housing Programs 8- 71
Table 8- 35 1991 Adopted Housing Element Policies and Programs 8- 84
Table 8- 36 Units Rehabilitated 8- 113
xii July 11, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
LIST OF CHARTS
Page
Chart 8- 1 Moreno Valley Population Growth 1990- 2000 8- 4
Chart 8- 2 SCAG Growth Forecast – City of Moreno Valley 8- 5
Chart 8- 3 Family Ethnicity 1993 and 1998 8- 7
Chart 8- 4 Riverside County – Moreno Valley Unemployment 1990- 2000 8- 9
Chart 8- 5 Home Price Savings 8- 9
Chart 8- 6 Moreno Valley Income Distribution 1991 and 1998 8- 18
Chart 8- 7 Percentage of Elderly Living Alone 8- 22
Chart 8- 8 With Increasing Age – Greater Likelihood of Disability 8- 24
Chart 8- 9 Female Householder 1990 and 2000 8- 25
Chart 8- 10 City of Moreno Valley – Total Foreclosures 1995- 1999 8- 67
xiii July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 What is a General Plan?
A General Plan is a comprehensive long- term
strategy for the physical development of a
city. It determines how land may be used and
the infrastructure and public services that are
needed or desired by the community. The
Moreno Valley General Plan is a reflection of
what the community considers necessary to
create a safe, healthful, prosperous and
desirable place to live, work and play.
California law requires both cities and
counties to adopt general plans. A general
plan acts as the “ constitution” for the physical
development of a city. It forms the basis of
decisions concerning the development of
property. Land use and zoning regulations,
development standards, capital projects ( e. g.
roads), subdivision approvals and
requirements for land dedication must be
consistent with the adopted general plan.
1.2 Background
The City of Moreno Valley was incorporated
on December 3, 1984 and its first General
Plan was adopted in 1988. Prior to 1988,
Moreno Valley operated under the General
Plan and the zoning ordinance( s) of the
County of Riverside.
The 1988 General Plan was a detailed
document, very much like a zoning code. A
detailed document was considered necessary
because the Riverside County zoning
ordinance did not adequately address the
concerns of the community. A new zoning
code for the City of Moreno Valley was
adopted in 1992. A comprehensive update of
the General Plan was initiated in 1996 to
address the latest concerns and conditions
and create a document that is easier to read,
more convenient to use and avoid duplication
of the zoning code and other existing
regulations.
Physical conditions changed since the first
General Plan was adopted in 1988. For
example, March Air Force Base became
March Air Reserve Base. Base realignment
resulted in the loss of local jobs but also
reduced the noise generated from aircraft
operations. It also resulted in the disposal
and potential reuse of federal land and
created an opportunity for joint use of the
airfield for civilian uses. Another significant
development was the relocation of a portion
of Interstate 215 to the west of Moreno Valley.
This dramatically reduced traffic along the
western city limits.
1.3 Setting
The City of Moreno Valley is located in
northwestern Riverside County,
approximately 52 miles east of downtown Los
Angeles, and 42 miles west of Palm Springs
( see Figure 1- 1). The City is located near the
eastern edge of the Los Angeles metropolitan
area.
Moreno Valley is situated along two major
freeways. The Moreno Valley Freeway ( State
Route 60) connects directly to downtown Los
Angeles and the regional freeway system.
State Route 60 connects to Orange County
via the Riverside Freeway ( State Route 91).
To the east, State Route 60 connects with
Interstate 10, running to Palm Springs,
Phoenix, and beyond. Interstate 215 runs by
the westerly city limits, and is an important
north- south link from San Diego through
western Riverside and San Bernardino
counties and beyond.
Moreno Valley encompasses approximately
50 square miles characterized by a beautiful
valley bounded by mountains and hills on
three sides. The city limits are bounded on
the north by the Box Springs Mountains. The
gullied hills of the Badlands lie to the east.
The mountains of the Lake Perris Recreation
Page 1- 1 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Area, the floodplain of Mystic Lake and the
San Jacinto Wildlife Area and level terrain in
the City of Perris are located to the south.
Gently sloping terrain lies west of the city
limits within March Air Reserve Base, the City
of Riverside and the County of Riverside.
1.4 History
American Indians were the first inhabitants of
Moreno Valley. They hunted game and
gathered seeds. They left evidence in rocks
that they used to grind seeds.
Early settlers traveled through the area from
northern Mexico to various mission
settlements along a trail charted by Juan
Bautista de Anza in 1774. The trail passed
through the San Jacinto Valley, the Perris
Valley and southwest Moreno Valley.
Moreno Valley and the rest of California
became part of the United States in 1850.
The Moreno Valley area began to develop in
the late 1880' s with the establishment of the
Alessandro and Moreno settlements. The
community of Moreno was built around the
intersection of Redlands Boulevard and
Alessandro Boulevard. Alessandro was
located within the limits of present day March
Air Reserve Base.
Grain and fruit farms were established and an
aqueduct was built to deliver water from a new
reservoir in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Frank Brown formed the companies that built
the reservoir and aqueduct. Water was
delivered to the community of Moreno in 1891.
The flow of water ended shortly thereafter due
to a combination of drought conditions and a
legal dispute over water rights. Crops failed
and many farmers and settlers moved away.
Some of the remaining farmers turned to dry
farming.
Activation of March Air Force Base in 1918
( later closed in 1922) and an increase in water
well drilling spurred new development.
Reactivation and expansion of March Air Force
Base during the 1940' s generated additional
growth. New development occurred in the
area that became the communities of
Edgemont and Sunnymead in the
southwestern and central portions of the valley
and Moreno in the southeastern end of the
valley.
Moreno Valley was included in the Eastern
Municipal Water District in the 1950’ s,
providing a more reliable source of water for
residential and agricultural development. The
community continued to grow at a rapid rate.
The population grew from 13,291 residents in
1960, 18,871 in 1970, to 28,139 residents in
1980.
The City of Moreno Valley was incorporated on
December 3, 1984 and thereafter the
population soared, reaching 118,779 in 1990.
For part of that period it was the fastest
growing city in the country. Moreno Valley is
the second largest city in Riverside County
with a population of 142,381 in the year 2000.
The California Department of Finance
population estimate for 2005 was 165,328.
1.5 Planning Area
Figure 1- 1 is a map illustrating the regional
setting. The planning area boundary includes
the approximately 50 square miles within the
city limits and 18 square miles within the
sphere of influence.
Development of land to the north and east of
the City and its sphere of influence could
have an effect on the City of Moreno Valley.
Therefore, the general plan study area
extends north to the San Bernardino County
line and east into the Badlands.
1.6 Public Participation
The Moreno Valley General Plan is the result
of an extensive public participation program
to establish an understanding of community
concerns. The public participation program
Page 1- 2 July 11, 2006
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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
for the General Plan Update took place in
phases. The first phase took place in 1996.
It entailed interviews with city officials, focus
group meetings with representatives from
various private organizations, youth
involvement and a series of 5 community
issues workshops. A preliminary land use
plan was prepared for presentation during the
second phase of the public participation
program.
The second phase of the public participation
program was developed with the assistance
of an ad- hoc committee of local residents.
Notice of the preliminary land use plan was
provided through a variety of methods,
including MVTV- 3, newspaper notices, press
releases and flyers. Community input was
obtained at meetings of service clubs, citizen
advisory committees and the Chamber of
Commerce. Special community meetings
were held at Palm Middle School and the
Edgemont Woman’s Club.
A questionnaire was distributed at each
meeting and at various facilities. Letters were
also mailed directly to owners of property
proposed for change. A number of residents
and property owners provided written
comments.
Many people from the eastern end of the City
commented on the General Plan Update. The
majority expressed that they wanted the
zoning in that area to support a rural lifestyle
with a land use pattern consisting of single-family
residences on large lots. Many
residents were opposed to providing a
regional transportation route through the
eastern portion of Moreno Valley.
A number of residents stated that they wanted
to minimize traffic congestion. Several
people were opposed to increasing
opportunities for apartments, stating that the
City has enough “ affordable” housing.
Attracting high- paying employers was a
priority for many residents. Revitalization of
older parts of the city was also an important
consideration.
Changes were made to the preliminary land
use plan based on the initial public input.
Alternative land use plans were also
developed. The Planning Commission
conducted a series of public meetings in 2000
and made additional changes to the land use
plan( s). The Commission subsequently
considered changes to the text, figures,
goals, objectives, policies and programs of
the General Plan. An environmental impact
report was prepared to analyze the significant
environmental effects of the General Plan,
compare alternatives and discuss methods to
reduce or avoid environmental damage.
The City conducted a survey of residents in
2000 that included several questions
concerning planning and development issues.
The results of the survey indicated that the
residents agreed with the following goals:
redevelopment of Edgemont ( 61% agreed,
6% disagreed), improving the road to
Redlands ( 58% agreed, 9% disagreed), and
retaining the rural character of northeast
Moreno Valley ( 47% agreed, 10% disagreed).
When asked whether Moreno should focus
on being a bedroom community or a job
center, 80 percent of the residents indicated
that they wanted the city to be both a job
center and a bedroom community. The
results with respect to other development
issues were inconclusive.
1.7 Organization of the General Plan
Each general plan must contain at least
seven elements. The seven mandatory
elements are land use, circulation, housing,
conservation, open space, noise and safety.
The Moreno Valley General Plan contains all
of the mandatory elements, plus an optional,
Economic Development Element. In some
cases, mandatory elements are combined to
minimize redundancy. For example, the land
use element is part of the community
development element and the noise element
has been combined with the safety element.
Page 1- 4 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
All of the General Plan goals, objectives,
policies and programs are located in one
chapter, Chapter 9.
Page 1- 5 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
2.1 Land Use
2.1.1. Setting
Land use within Moreno Valley has been
primarily residential in character. Single-family
residential neighborhoods dominate
the western half of the City. Residences are
scattered throughout the largely rural eastern
portion of the planning area. The Moreno
Valley Mall at Towngate and other major
commercial developments are located in the
northwestern part of the City along State
Route 60 and Sunnymead Boulevard, and in
the central portion of the City, along
Alessandro and Perris Boulevards.
Industrial development is located in the
southwest corner of Moreno Valley between
Kitching Street and Heacock Street. The
area between Alessandro Boulevard and
March Air Reserve Base contains industrial
uses and several City of Moreno Valley
facilities, including city hall, the public safety
building and the animal shelter. There are
two full- service hospitals in Moreno Valley.
The Moreno Valley Community Hospital is
on the north side of Iris Avenue, west of
Oliver Street. The Riverside County
Medical Center is located on the northwest
corner of Cactus Avenue and Nason Street.
2.1.2. Neighboring Land Uses
The Riverside County Waste Resources
Management District owns and operates the
Badlands Sanitary Landfill at the eastern end
of Ironwood Avenue. Riverside County
Parks and Open Space District maintains a
natural open space area in the hills around
the landfill.
The San Jacinto Wildlife Area is located in
the southeastern corner of the planning area.
It was created by the State of California as
mitigation for loss of wildlife habitat resulting
from construction of the State Water Project.
Additional habitat area continued to be
added to encompass adjacent wetlands and
to provide a corridor to the Badlands. It
contains open grasslands and natural and
man- made wetlands that attract and support
migratory birds and resident wildlife. Bird
watching is a popular activity in the area as it
is a major stop on the Pacific flyway.
Part of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area is within
the historic floodplain of the San Jacinto
River and is subject to periodic flooding. The
resulting floodwater, known as Mystic Lake,
has been known to inundate the area for
months or years at a time.
Single- family residence
The Lake Perris Recreation Area, operated
by the California Department of Parks and
Recreation, is situated along the southern
boundary of the City. Visitors to the park
enjoy boating, fishing, picnicking and
camping. Riverside County operates Box
Springs Mountain Park along the northwest
city boundary. It is a passive park suited to
hiking and horseback riding.
March Air Reserve Base, located southwest
of the city limits, was once an active duty
aerial refueling and deployment base. With
over 9,000 military and civilian employees,
the base played a major role in the local
economy. The base was realigned from
active duty to reserve status on April 1,
Page 2- 1 July 11, 2006
EUCALYPTUS AVE
HEACOCK ST
DAY ST
LASSELLE ST
IRONWOO D AVE
COTTONWOOD AVE
JOHN F KENNEDY DR
REDLANDS BLVD
MORENO BEACH DR
NASON ST
AL ESSAND RO BLVD
MORENO BEACH DR
COTTO NWOOD AVE
CACTUS AVE
IRIS AVE
INDIAN ST
GILMAN SPRINGS RD
IRONWOOD AVE
DAVIS RD
PIGEON PASS RD
OLEANDER AVE
LOCUST AVE
THEODORE ST
PERRIS BLVD
ALESSANDRO BLVD
SUNNYMEAD BLVD
FREDERICK ST
SAN TIMOTEO CANYON RD
WEBSTER AVE
PERRIS BLVD
KINE AVE
VAN BUREN BLVD
SAN TIMOTEOCANYON RD
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Moreno Valley
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CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
pZ
215
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
1996, creating March Air Reserve Base.
March Air Reserve Base is the home to the
452nd Air Mobility Wing. In addition, the
Base is used by the 4th Air Force, 163rd
California Air National Guard and 120th
Montana Air National Guard Fighter Wing.
Parts of the former active duty base not
needed for the military mission were
transferred to other agencies, including the
March Joint Powers Authority ( JPA). The
March JPA was created in 1993 through a
Joint Powers Agreement between the cities
of Moreno Valley, Perris and Riverside and
the County of Riverside. The March JPA
has land use jurisdiction over military
surplus property, including the March Inland
Port. The March Inland Port is a joint- use
military and civilian airport. The civilian
aviation emphasis is on air cargo.
2.1.3. Land Use Plan
At the time of incorporation in 1984, the City
of Moreno Valley used the Riverside County
General Plan and zoning ordinances to
guide land use and development. The
Riverside County system of land use
regulation did not adequately address the
issues facing the community. The first
Moreno Valley General Plan was adopted
on September 20, 1988. There were seven
specific plans in effect at the time. Many
land use map amendments were approved
since that time. By 2005, a total of 11
specific plans were in effect.
A comprehensive update of the General Plan
was initiated in 1996 to address changing
conditions and community concerns. The
updated land use plan furthers a range of
goals and objectives outlined in other
elements of the General Plan, including, but
not limited to, goals and objectives
concerning air quality, traffic congestion,
biological resources and housing. The
updated land use plan, shown in Figure 2- 2
achieves the following benefits:
• Provides broad land use categories
to allow flexibility in terms of land
uses.
• Distributes commercial areas city-wide
to encourage walking and
bicycling
• Promotes jobs/ housing balance so
more people are able to live close to
work
• Encourages development density
and intensity adjacent to bus routes
Locates residential land uses away from high
noise levels
• Delineates hillside areas for special
protection
• Allows for diversity in terms of
neighborhood character, from rural to
urban
• Promotes the maintenance and
redevelopment of blighted areas
• Allows for a range of housing
opportunities, from apartments to
executive homes
• Provides a balance between the
amount of commercial and office land
and the demand for such uses.
Multiple- family residential project
Page 2- 3 July 11, 2006
JOHN F KENNEDY DR
PIGEON PASS RD
DAVIS RD
PERRIS BLVD
SUNNYMEAD BLVD
PERRIS BLVD
JACL YN AVE
IRIS AVE
OLIVER ST
NASON ST
VIA DEL LAGO
ELSWORTH ST
PETIT ST
MORRISON ST
MANZANITA AVE
KITCHING ST
KRA ME RIA AVE
COTT ONWOOD AVE
EUCALYPTUS AVE
LASSELLE ST
KALMIA AVE
CACTUS AVE
DAY ST
DEL PHIN IUM AVE
GENTIAN AVE
JOHN F KENNEDY DR
MORENO BEACH DR
COTTONWOOD AVE
EUCALYPTUS AVE
FREDERICK ST
BOX SPRINGS RD
HEM LOCK AVE
SUNNYMEAD RANCH PKWY
PERRIS BLVD
LASSELLE ST
NASON ST
MORENO BEACH DR
THEODORE ST
THEODORE ST
SINCLAIR ST
VIRGINIA ST
GILMAN SPRINGS RD
IRIS AVE
GRAHAM ST
HEACOCK ST
INDIAN ST
DRACAEA AVE
COTTONWOOD AVE
HIGHLAND BLVD
GILMAN SPRINGS RD
EL GRANITO ST
HIDDEN SPRINGS DR
TOWNGATE BLVD
CAMPUS PKWY
INDIAN ST
MORENO BEACH DR
OLD LAKE DR
SAN MICHELE R D
REDLANDS BLVD REDLANDS BLVD
DAY ST
KITCHING ST
MAN ZANITA AVE
MORRISON ST
HEMLOCK AVE
HEACOCK ST
HEACOCK ST
JUNIPER AVE
EUCAL YPTUS AVE
FIR AVE
HEACOCK ST
RECHE VISTA DR
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QUINCY ST
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KALMIA AVE
IRONWOOD AVE IRONWOOD AVE
HEMLOCK AVE
BRODIAEA AVE
CARDINAL AVE
BAY AVE
OLIVER ST
LOCUST AVE
IRIS AVE
ALESSAN DRO BLVD
LASSELLE ST
INDIAN ST
GRAHAM ST
ALESSANDRO BLVD
PERRIS BLVD
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Waterbodies
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Residential: Max. 1 du/ ac
Mixed Use
Residential: Max. 2 du/ ac
Rural Residential: Max 2.5 du/ ac
Residential: Max. 3 du/ ac
Residential: Max. 5 du/ ac
Residential: Max. 5 or 15 du/ ac
Residential: Max. 10 du/ ac
Residential: Max. 15 du/ ac
Residential: Max. 20 du/ ac
Hillside Residential
Planned Residential
Residential/ Office
Office
Commercial
Business Park/ Light Industrial
Open Space
Public Facilities
Floodplain
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
The updated land use plan added an
Office/ Residential designation along
Alessandro Boulevard and other areas to
increase opportunities for multiple family
housing as well as office development. A
large percentage of the nonresidential zoning
in Edgemont was changed to
Office/ Residential to encourage the
maintenance of residences in that
neighborhood.
The General Plan Update changed much of
the commercial property along Old Highway
215 to Business Park to encourage
redevelopment with industrial uses. It also
reduced the amount of commercial land on
the north side of SR 60, from the west side of
Moreno Beach Drive to Theodore Street, to
maintain a rural residential character in that
area.
Although the General Plan Update reduced
the amount of commercial property, it
includes more than enough commercial land
to accommodate the needs of the
population at buildout. Similarly, enough
industrial property is included in the land
use plan to provide more employment
opportunities than the number of
households.
The adopted land use plan accommodates a
population of more than 304,000 when fully
developed. The time it would take to fully
develop is a matter of speculation, but is
likely to take many years.
In 2002, the California Department of Fish &
Game Wildlife Conservation acquired
approximately 1,000 acres in the southeast
corner of Moreno Valley. The purchase
expanded the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. The
Sempra energy company purchased an
additional 178 acres of land surrounding its
gas compressor facility at the intersection of
Virginia Street and Gato del Sol. The
acquisitions encompass about one- third of
the land within the Moreno Highlands
Specific Plan.
Neither of the aforementioned land
purchases are likely to be developed as
envisioned in the original specific plan and
are likely to remain substantially vacant. In
that the Moreno Highlands Specific Plan
Development Agreement precludes the City
from making unilateral changes to the
specific plan land use plan, no changes were
recommended for the Moreno Highlands
Specific Plan as part of the General Plan
Update.
Office land use
2.2 Regional and Sub- regional Plans
There are several regional plans with
implications for land use planning in Moreno
Valley. They include the Southern
California Association of Governments
( SCAG) Regional Comprehensive Plan, the
South Coast Air Quality Management Plan,
the Regional Transportation Plan and the
Western Riverside County Association of
Governments ( WRCOG) Sub- regional
Comprehensive Plan. The SCAG Regional
Comprehensive Plan, the Regional
Transportation Plan and the South Coast Air
Quality Management Plan contain
household, population and employment
projections intended to accomplish regional
circulation and air quality goals and
objectives.
The WRCOG Sub- regional Comprehensive
Plan is a more local plan intended to
Page 2- 5 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
implement regional goals and objectives,
including those contained in the SCAG
Regional Comprehensive Plan and the
South Coast Air Quality Management Plan.
It establishes goals and objectives in the
area of growth management, economic
development, mobility, air quality, housing,
open space and habitat conservation, water
resources and solid waste.
The General Plan is consistent with each of
the regional plans. The land use plan
allows for an adequate number of jobs to
meet the needs of local residents. It
arranges the pattern of commercial,
residential and recreational uses in a way
that reduces motorized vehicle miles of
travel. It places higher density housing
along existing and anticipated bus routes,
thereby supporting mass transit.
The land use plan is consistent with the
baseline growth projections contained in the
regional planning documents. SCAG
estimated that there will be 65,679
households and 71,859 jobs in Moreno
Valley by 2025. The general plan affects
the location, density and intensity of land
uses, but does not affect the rate of growth.
Assuming a 5% vacancy rate, when fully
developed, the land use plan for the
General Plan Update would accommodate
approximately 79,000 households, and
157,000 jobs.
2.3 Community Design
The design of a community significantly
affects its quality of life. A pleasing physical
environment reinforces the image of a city
as a secure, comfortable and attractive
place. In the long term, good design makes
economic sense. It helps to maintain or
improve property values. Good design
attracts the finest businesses, the best
customers and the most valued employees
to the community. It attracts people who
desire a pleasant environment in which to
live, work and shop.
The image of the community is perceived
from freeways, streets and the point of view
of the pedestrian. The viewer forms an
impression about the beauty and safety of
the community as he or she views the
surrounding buildings, pavement, open
spaces, landscaping, lights, utility poles,
wires, signs, trash enclosures, parked
vehicles, storage areas, walls and fences.
Poor design and poor maintenance create
an undesirable visual image. Good design
and proper maintenance contribute to a
positive community image.
Good site design also takes internal
circulation into consideration. Good site
design provides safe and convenient
vehicular and pedestrian circulation
between buildings, parking lots, driveways
and the external circulation system.
Retail commercial use
2.4 Utilities
2.4.1 Water Supply
Eastern Municipal Water District ( EMWD)
supplies the majority of the water in Moreno
Valley. The EMWD service area extends
north of the city limits and includes most of
the sphere of influence. EMWD serves a
geographic area that extends from
Moreno Valley to Temecula and from Mead
Valley to San Jacinto and Valle Vista.
Page 2- 6 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
EMWD’s water supply comes from local
groundwater, recycled water and imported
water from the Metropolitan Water District.
The Box Springs Mutual Water Company
provides well water and/ or water purchased
from the Western Municipal Water District to
a portion of southwest Moreno Valley. Its
445- acre service area covers a small fraction
of Moreno Valley. The service area is
located west of Elsworth Street, between
Cottonwood Avenue and Alessandro
Boulevard and west of Day Street between
Cottonwood and Eucalyptus Avenues.
The water distribution system is adequate
within EMWD's jurisdiction. However,
portions of the Box Springs Mutual Water
Company system are undersized, which
limits its ability to deliver adequate water flow
for new development. Water line
improvements in these areas are being
made incrementally.
Other water districts serve areas outside of
the city limits. The Reche Canyon area north
of the city limits is served by the Reche
Canyon Mutual Water District and San
Bernardino Valley Mutual Water District. The
San Gorgonio Pass Water District serves an
additional area northeast of the sphere of
influence. A small mountainous area in the
northwest portion of the city and some
of the mountainous terrain north and east of
the city limits are not within the service area
of any water purveyor.
2.4.2. Sewer Service
Two entities provide sewer service in
Moreno Valley. The Eastern Municipal
Water District serves most of the City and
surrounding areas. Sewer lines do not exist
within most of the eastern side of Moreno
Valley.
EMWD’s Moreno Valley Regional Water
Reclamation Facility, located in the
southwestern portion of the City, and has a
capacity to treat 16 million gallons of
wastewater per day and a capacity to
expand to 48 million gallons per day. The
utilization in the year 2000 was 10 million
gallons per day
The Edgemont Community Services District
provides sewer service to a small area in
the southwest portion of Moreno Valley.
Sewage treatment is provided under
contract with the City of Riverside.
2.4.3. Electricity
Southern California Edison ( SCE) supplies
electricity to individual customers within the
study area. Energy is delivered to the study
area and is received at both the Maxwell
Substation located at Ironwood Avenue and
Heacock Street, the Alessandro Substation
located near John F. Kennedy Boulevard
and Kitching Street and the Bunker
Substation northeast of the intersection of
Ironwood Avenue and Pettit Street. SCE's
115 KV transmission lines bring power into
these substations, where it is stepped down
to 33 KV for distribution to its customers
through a local service network emanating
from the two substations.
There were several major 115 KV
transmission lines within the study area.
These transmission lines have rights- of- way
of varying widths between 20 to 50 feet with
most of them being 30 feet in width. In
addition to the major transmission lines
within the study area, there is also an
extensive local service network of overhead
and underground service lines. These
service lines carry electricity from the
substations to each SCE customer. There
are no existing local electrical generation
facilities.
Electric transmission corridors present both
opportunities and constraints for future
development. On the positive side, future
growth can be supplied with adequate
energy resources without major investment
in transmission facilities. In addition,
electrical transmission corridors present
opportunities for open space and trails.
Page 2- 7 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
However, the negative aspects of these
corridors must also be recognized. Major
above ground lines create negative visual
impacts. Unfortunately, it is not practical to
place power lines of 115kv or greater
underground. Moreover, the associated
rights- of- way are often unattractive linear
features.
In 2001, the City created a municipal
electrical utility. The electrical utility was
created to provide electrical service to new
residents and businesses within areas of
the City that are being converted from fallow
or agricultural lands ( Greenfields) to
housing, commercial and industrial uses. In
2004, the City began supplying electricity to
the Greenfields within the study area.
2.4.4. Natural Gas and Jet Fuel
The Southern California Gas Company
provides natural gas service to the study
area. The Gas Company maintains a
comprehensive system of distribution and
service lines.
In addition to local lines, two major 30- foot
wide transmission line rights- of- way cross
the City of Moreno Valley. Line number
" 2001" is located in Cottonwood Avenue,
and line number " 2000" is located in
Brodiaea Avenue. Both lines run east -
west through the entire study area. There
are also 8- inch and 12- inch major
distribution supply lines located in Indian
Avenue. This line runs north from Brodiaea
Avenue through the study area. All of these
major natural gas lines are " high- pressure"
lines, meaning that they contain over 60
pounds per square inch ( psi). In 2000, the
Four Corners crude oil pipeline that runs
between Brodiaea Avenue and Alessandro
Boulevard was proposed for conversion to
natural gas.
The study area also contains a major
natural gas compressor station, owned and
operated by the San Diego Gas and Electric
Company ( SDG& E). The station is located
at the southwest corner of Virginia Street
and Gato del Sol in the southeast portion of
Moreno Valley. The purpose of this station
is to add pressure to the gas transmission
lines for adequate flow to deliver natural gas
to the San Diego area.
In addition to natural gas pipelines, a jet fuel
pipeline runs through the western part of the
City of Moreno Valley. The jet fuel line runs
from the City of Colton to the northwest
corner of Moreno Valley and south to March
Air Reserve Base.
2.4.5. Telephone Service
Verizon and Pacific Bell provide
conventional telephone services to the
study area. Several companies provide
wireless telephone services.
2.4.6. Cable Television
Adelphia provides cable television service
within the City.
2.5 Schools
2.5.1 Background
The education system is critical to the well
being of any community. Population growth
in Moreno Valley has and will continue to
necessitate the construction of new schools.
Schools, however, are not a City function.
Several school districts and private schools
provide educational opportunities within the
planning area ranging from kindergarten
through junior college.
The Moreno Valley Unified School District is
the largest school system in Moreno Valley.
It operates nineteen elementary schools, six
middle schools and four high schools within
the city limits. The District also operated a
charter school, an adult school, a
continuation high school, a community day
school, a pre- school, an adult education
school and an academic center. In addition,
there are students enrolled in private and
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UMNOIRFDIEEINSDTO SR VCICAHTLOLOELY
Riverside Community College
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CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
home schools, within the Moreno Valley
Unified School District boundaries.
The Val Verde Unified School District serves
the portion of the City south of Gentian
Avenue between Heacock Street and Nason
Street and parts of the City of Perris and
unincorporated Riverside County. The Val
Verde Unified School District operated four
elementary schools, one middle school and
one high school within the city limits.
The portion of the study area east of Virginia
Street is within the San Jacinto Unified
School District. A small area between
Theodore Street and Virginia Street, south of
the prolongation of J. F. Kennedy Drive is
within the Nuview Union School District and
the Perris Union High School District. There
were no schools facilities in those two areas.
The Moreno Valley campus of Riverside
Community College is located on Lasselle
Street, south of Iris Avenue. The campus is
132 acres in area. Additional educational
opportunities are available at the University
of California campus in the nearby City of
Riverside.
2.5.2 Issues and Opportunities
Under California law, no city may deny a
development project on the basis of
adequacy of school facilities. State law
established set fees which school districts
are authorized to levy on new development
to finance the construction of school facilities.
School districts may also form community
facilities districts to finance the construction
of school facilities. No city may issue a
building permit without certification that the
applicable school construction financing
mechanism has been satisfied.
Community Facilities Districts were formed
by the Moreno Valley Unified and Val Verde
School Districts pursuant to the Mello- Roos
Community Facilities Act. Both districts sold
bonds to finance the construction of school
facilities. The bonds are repaid by a special
tax levy on the property within each
respective community facilities district.
The City does not have jurisdiction with
respect to the design and construction of
school facilities. The City works with
each school district concerning the
design of roads and other public
improvements in and around school
sites. The City also notifies any school
district of development proposals that
might affect school facilities.
2.6 Library Services
2.6.1. Background
On July 1, 1998, Moreno Valley Public
Library became a department of the City of
Moreno Valley. Prior to that time it had
operated as a branch library of the
Riverside County Library System. The
Moreno Valley library facility, opened in
1986, with a 16,000 square foot building.
As of 2005, the library was looking for a new
facility to hold their estimated 98,000
volumes ( books).
The volume capacity for the Main Library
was originally set at 50,000. For the first
five years of operation, 4,000 square feet of
the building were used as a senior citizens
center. That space is now fully involved
with library activity, housing children’s
services and staff offices.
The Library offers a full array of library
services including telephone and in- house
reference service, inter- library loan, shared
resources with other libraries in Riverside
County and throughout the world, and
online Internet reference services.
Programming for children includes twice
weekly story hours and family story hours in
the evenings. After school homework help
is available for school- aged children in all
grades.
A literacy program offers English as a
Page 2- 10 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
second language classes as well as reader
tutoring. Full access to the Internet is also
available.
The library maintains full memberships in
the Inland Library System and the Tierra del
Sol Regional Library System.
2.6.2. Issues and Opportunities
Future growth in Moreno Valley will require
significant expansion of the library facilities.
Formulas for library size and costs vary
widely from state to state and city to city.
For several years, the generally accepted
“ minimum standard” for public library space
was 0.6 square foot of space for every
person in a public library’s service area.
The 0.6 square foot figure was part of the
American Library Association’s Minimum
Standards, last published in 1966.
However, many state library agencies and
associations also developed “ standards”
and it is not unusual to see the 0.6 square
foot figure repeated.
Beginning with the Avenues of Excellence
developed by the Illinois State Library in the
1980s, the space per capita was raised to
0.8. Then, starting in 1997, as information
technology began to be utilized heavily by
most public libraries, there was another
increase to about 1.0 square foot per capita.
Louisiana was the first state to officially
adopt the 1.0 square foot per capita
standard in 1999. The State of California
has adopted no such standard.
Moreno Valley has established level of
service standards of 0.5 gross square feet
of library space per capita and 1.2 volumes
per capita. An additional 66,664 square feet
of library space and 100,393 new volumes
would have been needed to meet the
established standards. Population growth
further increased this need.
With a population of 165,328, Moreno
Valley’s library contained 0.10 square feet
per capita. To begin addressing the library
service needs of residents, a new main
library of 69,000- 70,000 square feet is
needed. The Library Advisory Board has
also recommended construction of branch
library facilities of at least 20,000 square
feet in each of the other three quadrants of
the city.
2.7 Special Districts
2.7.1 Background
Enterprise Services Administration ( ESA) is
a division of the Public Works Department,
for the City of Moreno Valley. This division
facilitates the formation of special districts
and establishes public financing for a wide
range of capital projects and special benefit
services. Each project or service is
administered through one of three district
types: assessment districts, community
facilities ( Mello- Roos) districts, or
community services districts. A key criterion
in determining whether to form a special
district to finance a project with public funds
is that the project provides significant
economic, cultural or social benefit to the
community.
In the City of Moreno Valley, an assessment
district is generally, although not
necessarily, utilized for commercial or
industrial projects. Improvements may
include acquisition or construction of public
infrastructure such as streets, sewer lines,
water lines, storm drains and landscaping.
Improvement bonds are sold to finance the
designated improvements within an
assessment district. Assessments are
levied on the properties within the district to
pay for the bonded indebtedness.
The ESA also forms community facilities
districts ( CFDs) or Mello- Roos districts for
projects similar to those of an assessment
district. Like assessment districts,
improvements are financed through bond
sales. However, unlike an assessment
district, the rate and apportionment of the
special tax levied against the properties
Page 2- 11 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
within the CFD may be distributed on a tier
basis among the properties within the
district. Community facilities districts were
used to assist in the financing of the
Towngate and Auto Mall projects.
ESA also manages citywide community
services districts ( CSDs) to provide special
service programs. The CSD places an
annual property charge on the County
property tax rolls. Some of the special
benefit service programs include:
Zone A ( Parks and Recreation);
Zone B ( Residential Street Lighting);
Zone C ( Arterial Street Lighting);
Zone D ( Parkway Landscape
Maintenance);
Zone E ( Extensive Parkway Landscape
Maintenance); and
Zone M ( Arterial Median Landscape
Maintenance)
DPDES ( Stormwater Management)
CFD 1 ( Community Facilities District ( CFD)
No. 1/ Park Maintenance)
Another zone, Zone L, was established by a
vote of the people for library services;
however, no annual service charge had
been established. The establishment of an
annual service charge for library services
would require a vote of Moreno Valley
residents in accordance with Proposition
218.
Zone A ( Parks and Recreation
Maintenance)
The City of Moreno Valley maintains 32
community and neighborhood parks totaling
335 acres that provide such amenities as:
tot lots, ball fields, trails, picnic areas, golf
courses, green belts, recreational facilities
and provides over 200 recreational
programs for children, adults, and seniors.
Zone B ( Residential Street Lighting) and
Zone C ( Arterial Street Lighting)
The CSD has a master street lighting
agreement with Southern California Edison
for streetlight installation and maintenance.
A total of 8,489 residential and major
roadway ( arterial) streetlights are illuminated
and maintained through the CSD. Funds
levied to support Zone B and Zone C
services recaptures costs for electrical
energy charges, maintenance, and
administration.
Zone D ( Parkway Landscape Maintenance)
Zone D was established to provide
maintenance for landscaping around tract
perimeter parkways adjacent to arterial
streets. As of 1996, per Proposition 218, a
majority of property owners in each
landscaped tract must approve by mail ballot
for the CSD to provide landscape
maintenance.
Contractors operating under CSD
supervision do the landscape maintenance.
The CSD assesses tract property owners an
annual charge to recover the costs incurred
in providing these services.
Zone E ( Extensive Parkway Landscape
Maintenance)
Zone E is comprised of parkway, median,
and open space landscapes associated with
major residential and commercial
developments throughout the City. As with
Zone D, a majority of affected property
owners must approve through a mail ballot
for the CSD to provide services in return for
an annual cost- recovery charge on each
assessable parcel within each development.
Zone M Arterial Median Landscape
Maintenance
Zone M is comprised of improved
landscaped medians associated with new
commercial and/ or industrial developments.
Page 2- 12 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 2 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Approval by a simple majority of property
owners through a mail ballot proceeding is
required for the CSD to provide the
maintenance services. Property charges
are based on the square footage
maintenance costs for the median
landscape associated with their
development.
NPDES/ Storm Water Management
The NPDES Storm Water Management
program includes operation and
maintenance of vegetated water quality
basins and vegetated swales located within
residential subdivisions. As with Zone E a
majority of the property owners must
approve through a mail ballot for the City to
provide services in return to the annual cost
recovery charge on each assessable parcel
within the development.
CFD No. 1 ( Community Facilities District
No. 1)
CFD No. 1 was established to provide
funding for the continued maintenance,
enhancement, and or retrofit of
neighborhood parks, open spaces, linear
parks, and/ or trails systems. All new
residential, commercial and industrial
developments are conditioned to be
annexed into the Moreno Valley Community
Services District, CFD No. 1 ( Neighborhood
Parks). A super majority vote of the
property owners in each new development
must approve by special election the
annexation proceedings.
2.8 Other City Facilities
2.8.1 Background
The Moreno Valley Civic Center is located
at the southwest corner of Alessandro
Boulevard and Frederick Street. The 31-
acre site includes city hall, the public safety
building, a conference and recreation center
and room to grow. City Hall is located at the
northwest corner of Frederick Street and
Calle San Juan de Los Lagos. The public
safety building is located at 22850 Calle
San Juan de Los Lagos.
The corporate yard is located on the east
side of Perris Boulevard, south of Gentian
Avenue. The yard accommodates the
personnel and equipment that maintain city
streets, drainage improvements, parks and
other facilities.
2.8.2 Issues and Opportunities
Existing facilities will need to expand or new
facilities will need to be developed to meet
the demands of an expanding population and
a growing commercial and industrial sector.
A Civic Center Master Plan was prepared for
the civic center site in 2000. The master
plan called for several new buildings,
including a library and city hall building.
Fees will need to be collected in conjunction
with new development to ensure that new
development pays its fair share toward the
future expansion of city facilities.
Page 2- 13 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 3 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
This chapter will be added upon conclusion
of the development of an Economic
Development Strategy, which is presently
being conducted in conjunction with the City
Council. This element is not intended to
affect the Environmental Impact Report for
the General Plan Update.
Page 3- 1 July 11, 2006
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MORENO BEACH DR
NASON ST
AL ESSAND RO BLVD
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COTTO NWOOD AVE
CACTUS AVE
IRIS AVE
INDIAN ST
GILMAN SPRINGS RD
IRONWOOD AVE
DAVIS RD
PIGEON PASS RD
OLEANDER AVE
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FREDERICK ST
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KINE AVE
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RPERDFOEIGVJEUECLROTE P A3MR- 1EENAT
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CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
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CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
4. PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
4.1 Setting
Open space is a major feature within the
Moreno Valley study area. For the purposes
of this General Plan, open space includes
land that is planned to remain in a natural
condition or substantially free of structures.
It does not include vacant property planned
for future development, except for hillside
properties where a large percentage of such
property will remain in a natural condition.
Open space comprises a relatively large
percentage of the study area and borders
the City on three sides, giving it a setting
unlike any other community in the region.
Open space land can be classified into
several categories, depending on the
primary purpose for which it is used. It
includes lands for preservation of natural
resources ( e. g. wildlife habitat), production
of resources ( e. g. farming), public health
and safety ( e. g. floodplains), low- density
residential development and outdoor
recreation ( e. g. parks). Figure 4- 1 is a map
of open space lands within and around the
study area.
4.2 Open Space
4.2.1 Open Space for the Preservation
of Natural Resources
A large amount of the study area consists of
open space lands managed for the
preservation of natural resources. These
areas include the Box Springs Mountain
Reserve, the San Timoteo Canyon Park
property, the Lake Perris State Recreation
Area and the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.
These areas are also used for hiking,
horseback riding and other uses.
The Box Springs Mountain Reserve and the
San Timoteo Canyon Park property are
owned and operated by Riverside County
Regional Park and Open Space District.
They are primarily mountainous natural
open space parks.
The Box Springs Mountain Reserve is
located at the northwest corner of Moreno
Valley. The Reserve consists of three
noncontiguous land areas, two of which are
within the City’s sphere of influence.
San Timoteo Canyon Park property is
located east of the City’s sphere of influence
along the north side of State Route 60.
About 1,100 acres of the property, including
the Badlands Landfill is jointly owned by the
Regional Park and Open Space District and
Riverside County Waste Management
District.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area, located
south of Moreno Valley, is about 8,000
acres in area. The Recreation Area
contains a major reservoir, natural open
space and facilities for boating and fishing,
picnicking and camping. About 1,600 acres
of the property was dedicated to the State of
California as mitigation for loss of wildlife
habitat due to development of the Moreno
Valley Ranch Specific Plan. The Lake
Perris State Recreation Area serves as one
of several habitat reserves for the
endangered Stephen’s kangaroo rat.
The San Jacinto Wildlife Area in the
southeastern corner of the study area
consists of gently sloping grasslands, sage
scrub and natural and man- made wetlands
that support migratory birds and resident
wildlife. Bird watching and hunting are
popular activities. Some of the adjoining
property is owned by private organizations
dedicated to hunting and wildlife
conservation.
Several open space areas are located along
soft- bottomed drainage courses within the
planned communities of Sunnymead Ranch
and Hidden Springs. The City also owns
Page 4- 1 July 11, 2006
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MORENO BEACH DR
NASON ST
AL ESSAND RO BLVD
MORENO BEACH DR
COTTO NWOOD AVE
CACTUS AVE
IRIS AVE
INDIAN ST
GILMAN SPRINGS RD
IRONWOOD AVE
DAVIS RD
PIGEON PASS RD
OLEANDER AVE
LOCUST AVE
THEODORE ST
PERRIS BLVD
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SUNNYMEAD BLVD
FREDERICK ST
SAN TIMOTEO CANYON RD
WEBSTER AVE
PERRIS BLVD
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SAN TIMOTEOCANYON RD
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IRIS AVE
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Lake Perris State Recreation
Norton Younglove Reserve
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Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley Sphere
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Waterbodies
State and County Parks
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Badlands Landfill
Flood Plain
Highways
Major Streets
Streets
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CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
two natural open space areas. One open
area is adjacent to the Moreno Valley
Equestrian Center, located at the northeast
corner of Redlands Boulevard and Locust
Avenue. A second natural open space area
is located north of Sunnymead Ranch
Parkway, on the east side of Perris
Boulevard.
Natural open space can also be found
within the steeply sloping areas designated
Rural Residential and Hillside Residential
on the General Plan land use map. These
areas contain wildlife habitat, watershed
benefits and scenic values that can be
conserved even as these areas are
developed. Natural open space can be
conserved because these areas are
planned for low- density residential
development. Low- density development
requires a minimal amount of land
disturbance.
4.2.2 Open Space for Public Health and
Safety
A substantial amount of land within the study
area cannot be developed due to public
health and safety concerns. These include
areas subject to air crash hazards, flooding
and cemeteries.
March Air Reserve Base, located southwest
of the city limits, was once an active duty
aerial refueling and deployment base. The
airfield is a joint- use military reserve base
and civilian airport. The land at each end of
the runway is subject to significant danger of
aircraft accidents during takeoff and landing.
The land below the landing approach,
designated as the clear zone, is within the
study area. It is located at the northeast
corner of Heacock Street and Oleander
Avenue. Only open space uses are
appropriate within the clear zone.
Part of the southeast corner of the planning
area is within the floodplain of the San
Jacinto River. The resulting floodwater,
known as Mystic Lake, has been known to
inundate the area for months and sometimes
years at a time. The land use designation for
the area is Floodplain. Only uses consistent
with the protection of public health and safety
are allowed within this area.
Man- made lakes and flood control basins
are also important open space features.
Man- made lakes are found within the
communities of Sunnymead Ranch and
Moreno Valley Ranch. A network of flood
detention basins and flood channels exist or
are planned throughout the study area.
Although public access is restricted to most
flood control facilities, plans for public
recreational uses have been made for
several flood detention basins, including
Poorman’s Reservoir, the Nason Basin and
the Elder Basin.
A cemetery is yet another form of open
space set aside for public health and safety
purposes. Cemeteries are open space uses
although they typically include accessory
buildings such as mausoleums. The
southeast corner of State Route 60 and
Gilman Springs Road is designated for use
as a cemetery.
4.2.3. Open Space for the Production of
Resources
Open space for the production of resources
includes open space used for agricultural
production and open space used for the
mineral production. The acreage within the
study devoted to these uses is expected to
decrease.
Agricultural open space within the study
area has diminished over time as farming
became less economically viable in
comparison to commercial, industrial and
residential development. The viability of
farming is further impacted by the high cost
of water, the cost of land and property
taxes, conflicts with surrounding urban uses
Page 4- 3 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
and the lack of agri- business support in the
area.
Agricultural land within the study area is
generally leased to farm operators. Few, if
any, of the farms are owner- operated. The
major types of agricultural uses are grazing
and farming of dry grains, truck crops and
tree crops.
A limited amount of temporary grazing and
dry grain farming occurs within the study
area. For example, sheep sometimes graze
on open grasslands and on cut grain after
harvest. Irrigated vegetable crops, including
potatoes are grown in the northeastern
portions of the study area. Melons are
sometimes cultivated in small amounts. A
few citrus orchards, avocado groves and
Christmas tree farms remain in the northern
and eastern sectors of Moreno Valley.
To provide an economic incentive to
preserve agricultural lands, the State of
California passed the California Land
Conservation Act, commonly referred to as
the Williamson Act, in 1965. Under this act,
agricultural lands are taxed at their
agricultural value rather than their value for
higher valued uses. In exchange, the
landowner enters into a contract to retain his
or her land in agricultural use for at least 10
years. Once a " Notice of Nonrenewal" is
filed, it is ten years until the contract expires.
At the time that the first General Plan was
adopted, hundreds of acres within the study
area were under Williamson Act contracts.
Notices of Nonrenewal have since been filed
for these areas. At this time, no lands within
the study area are under Williamson Act
contract.
At the time that the first General Plan was
adopted, the University of California Field
Station, located between Lasselle and Nason
Streets and south of Brodiaea Avenue, was
used to raise experimental crops suited to
dry and semi- dry climates. The University
later decided to move its research operations
to a station in the Coachella Valley. A
mixed- use specific plan was adopted for the
property in 1999, and was subsequently
amended in 2005 as a gated age- qualifying
community.
Mineral extraction, including the mining of
sand, gravel and rock is another type of
open space use. The mineral potential with
the study area is very limited. There is only
one active sand and gravel quarry on record
within the study area: the Jack Rabbit
Canyon Quarry. It is in a drainage course
located at the northeast corner of Jack
Rabbit Trail and Gilman Springs Road,
adjacent to the Quail Ranch Golf Course.
4.2.4 Open Space for Outdoor
Recreation
Open space for outdoor recreation includes
public and private outdoor recreation
facilities. Public recreation facilities in
Moreno Valley include state, county and city
parks as well as public golf courses. Private
outdoor recreation facilities include private
golf courses, driving ranges and other private
outdoor recreation facilities.
Two private outdoor recreation facilities are
owned and operated by homeowner’s
associations in Sunnymead Ranch and
Moreno Valley Ranch. Two private golf
courses were in operation as well: the
Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club in Moreno
Valley Ranch and the Quail Ranch Golf
Course in the southeast corner of the study
area.
4.3 Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation facilities and services
are an important component of the quality of
life in Moreno Valley. The City of Moreno
Valley Parks and Recreation Department
provides parks and recreation facilities in
Moreno Valley through partnerships with
other public agencies and the private sector.
Page 4- 4 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
4.3.1. Recreation Service Level
Standards
The State of California recognizes a
minimum level of service standard for
parkland of 3 acres per 1,000 residents.
The minimum standard was established in
the Quimby Act ( Government Code Section
66477).
Moreno Valley experienced a lack of
funding for ongoing maintenance of existing
park and recreation facilities. The City was
limited to an annual fee for park
maintenance equal to $ 87.50 per lot,
through its Community Service District,
Zone A, parcel charge ( SDA# 94). The
County of Riverside originally established
the tax. It became a city tax after
incorporation. A proposal to increase this
fee was placed on the ballot in 1996 and
was rejected by voters. Since incorporation,
the City also received an annual lump sum
ad valorem portion of property taxes from
the County of Riverside, which was applied
to the Parks and Recreation budget, but is
not specifically dedicated to maintenance.
Immediate needs for neighborhood and
community park sites have been derived on
the basis of an estimated January 2005
population in Moreno Valley of 165,328 and
the standard of 3 acres of parkland per
1,000 residents. The total acreage
requirements have been calculated as
shown in Table 4- 1.
Table 4- 1
Parkland Needs
Year 2005 Population 165,328
Acreage required by 3
acre/ 1,000 person
standard
496 acres
Year 2005 Parkland 335 acres
Deficit 161 acres
The City has enacted an ordinance
requiring new development to dedicate land
or pay fees to help the City toward its goal
of meeting the level of service set forth
herein. Only acreage usable for active
recreation applies toward meeting this
standard.
Unless new parks are developed, the
existing park facilities will be strained as the
City continues to grow. Table 4- 2 shows
that land set aside for future parks would
not meet the minimum park acreage
required at build- out. Certain areas of the
city have the greatest need for acquisition
and development of parkland. Figure 4- 2
identifies areas where future acquisition
would be most beneficial.
Table 4- 2
Future Park Acquisitions
Planned Population at
Build- out
304,966
Acreage Required by
Park Standard ( 3
acres/ 1,000 population)
915 acres
Year 2005 Parkland 335 acres
Planned Future Active
Parkland
319 acres
Current and Planned
Future Parkland
610 acres
Acres Under Minimum
Required
305 acres
Page 4- 5 July 11, 2006
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Lake Perris State Recreation
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FAUCTQUUFRIISEGI UTPRIAOERN K4 AL- 2RAENADSS
Streets
Major Streets
Highways
Future Parkland Acquisition Areas
Existing Active Parks
Proposed Active Parks
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
State and County Parks
Badlands Landfill
Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley Sphere
March ARB
Waterbodies
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
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CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
4.3.2. Park Planning and User Needs
Many of the issues presented in the 1988
General Plan relate to the formula driven
standards set by the National Recreation &
Parks Association ( NRPA). Since that time,
the NRPA has taken a more deferential
approach to community judgment with
respect to sizing the different types of parks.
Many communities felt the nationally
prescribed minimums by park type were not
feasible. The NRPA’s approach is need
based. It recognizes that each community
has unique needs and it should determine
what mix of facilities best meet its needs
within its own financial ability. The process
allows a wider range of opportunities for
citizens to become active stakeholders and
more involved in the decision- making
process.
Moreno Valley should select a facility menu
that best suits the needs of its citizens.
Naturally not every need can be
accommodated under this process,
however, rational basis for allocating
resources and maximizing recreation
benefits can be established. Rather than set
a standard such as one baseball diamond
for every 6,000 people, the City’s park and
recreation facilities should be able to
change as needs, tastes, types of
equipment and leisure choices change over
time.
The NRPA recommends market research
and community involvement in park
planning. Specialized facilities should be
developed only with strong market data to
support a need for facilities. In some cases,
these needs could be filled by the private
sector.
Adopting this approach, Moreno Valley
involved the community in identifying key
recreational and open space issues and
priorities. The process involved focus groups
and interviews, children and youth
involvement and community issues
workshops to determine the priority issues.
The residents expressed a desire for a new
gymnasium/ multi- purpose facility, a regional
park and a performing arts/ cultural center.
Another top priority issue was the integration
of equestrian, pedestrian and bicycling trails
into open space, parks, residential
developments and the larger regional trail
system.
Top priorities among elementary and middle
school students were amusement parks,
water parks, team sports and the natural
world. Top priorities among middle school
to high school students included
skateboarding, rollerblading, roller hockey,
team sports, and go- kart riding.
In response to the community’s expressed
desires, a skate facility for roller blading,
skateboarding and roller hockey was
constructed in 2003. The facility is located
at 15415 6th Street on property leased from
the March Joint Powers Authority. In
addition, a multi- purpose community center
was constructed in 2005 at the southwest
corner of Alessandro Blvd. and Frederick
Street, The community center includes a
gymnasium and other recreation facilities as
well as facilities for conferences, banquets
and the performing arts.
Page 4- 7 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Moreno Valley should investigate the
feasibility of adding the following
recreational features to meet the expressed
desires and needs of the community:
1. A regional park that could be
relatively large ( in excess of 250 acres)
providing a sense of remoteness,
spaciousness, diversity or use and
environment or small and of historical,
geographic, cultural or special recreational
interest;
2. Fields for team sports to
accommodate the growing trend in youth
team activities; and
3. Amusement facilities.
In addition to the above, the City was also
considering the feasibility of developing a
publicly owned and operated municipal golf
course.
The General Plan recognizes three
categories of parks: neighborhood park, the
community park and the regional park.
These categories focus on the functions of
these parks. They are discussed in greater
depth in Section 4.3.4.
4.3.3. Recreational Services
The City of Moreno Valley Parks &
Recreation Department offers 79 youth
programs, 88 senior programs and 31 adult
programs Moreno Valley facilities served an
estimated 417,180 youth and adults for
baseball, softball and soccer. Parks and
Recreation coordinated the City’s 4th of July
parade and festivities, involving
approximately 35,000 participants. The
Department operated 9 elementary and 1
middle school after- school programs and
coordinated sports facility reservations for
38 school sites. The Department also
operated 8 after- school middle school
sports programs, serving an estimated
1,500 children.
Youth sports programs included such
activities as football, baseball, basketball,
roller hockey, soccer, tennis, bowling,
gymnastics, swimming and track. Various
adult sports activities include softball,
tennis, basketball, soccer and golf. Special
interest programs included numerous
classes such as dancing, computers, dog
obedience, aerobic exercise, day camps,
swim programs, after school fun club, teen
nights and sports.
Organizational groups in Moreno Valley
providing recreational opportunities include
soccer associations, football leagues,
baseball and soccer leagues, basketball
leagues, swim teams, track teams, roller
hockey in- line leagues, equestrian clubs,
golf associations and walking clubs.
The senior center was opened in March of
1993. The number of seniors participating at
the center continued to increase annually.
The center offers exercise classes, fitness
equipment, crafts, painting, ceramics,
billiards, dancing, meals, cards, bingo, trips,
tours and special events. Senior citizens
were also offered a wide range of special
services, including weekday lunch programs,
health clinics, paralegal service, income tax
assistance and transportation.
Moreno Valley Senior Center
Page 4- 8 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
4.3.4. Local Park and Recreation
Facilities
The Moreno Valley Department of Parks
and Recreation owns and operates over
335 acres of parks, trails, and park facilities
and manages over 195 programs and
services for youth and adults. Refer to
Figure 4- 2 for locations of existing park
sites. The planned parks and future
acquisition areas shown on Figure 4- 2 are
conceptual and subject to change.
a. Regional Parks
Lake Perris
Regional parks meet those needs not served
by national facilities, community and
neighborhood parks or private recreational
facilities. These parks are either relatively
large ( in excess of 250 acres), providing the
impression of remoteness, spaciousness,
diversity of use and environment, or are
small in size, and of historical, geographic,
cultural or special recreational interest.
Moreno Valley does not operate a regional
facility; however, the following paragraphs
describe regional facilities that are readily
accessible to Moreno Valley residents.
The State of California Department of Parks
and Recreation owns and operates the Lake
Perris State Recreation Area. The major
feature of the recreation area is Lake Perris,
a component of the State Water Project.
Located along the southern periphery of the
Moreno Valley study area, the facility offers
8,300 acres of a variety recreational
opportunities, including swimming, fishing
boating, sailing, water skiing, and scuba
diving and also offers opportunities for
hikers, bikers and equestrians and rock
climbing. The San Jacinto Wildlife Area is
operated by the State of California,
Department of Fish and Game and provides
access to about 5000 acres of undeveloped
native habitat.
The County of Riverside currently owns and
operates Box Springs Mountain Reserve
and the San Timoteo Canyon park property.
Box Springs Mountain Reserve is located
approximately three miles north of State
Route 60, west of Pigeon Pass Road and
encompasses 1,155 acres of open space
and day use. Box Springs Mountain
Reserve presently offers hiking and
equestrian trails. The San Timoteo Canyon
park property, which includes the Norton
Younglove Reserve, is located east of the
City’s sphere of influence on the north side
of State Route 60.
b. Community Parks
Community parks traditionally range from 15
to 20 acres with at least 2/ 3 of the acres
developed for active recreation. They serve
20,000 to 30,000 residents within a 20-
minute drive from their homes. The greater
size and accessibility of community parks
allow for more active play and are intended
to serve a wide variety of active and passive
recreation activities, which may include
sports fields, tennis courts, family and group
picnic areas, children’s play apparatus,
community buildings, water sports, ponds,
riparian areas, specialized activity areas
and landscaping. Night lighting of activity
areas is appropriate at community parks to
increase the availability and utilization of
courts and playing field facilities. Parking
lots and restroom facilities are typically
provided at community parks. The City
owns and maintains 10 community parks
encompassing approximately 185 acres.
Page 4- 9 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Course
c. Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks range from 5 to 20
acres in size, although the size may vary
depending on the size of the neighborhood
and the proximity to a community park.
Neighborhood parks are specifically
oriented to serving residents within a ¼ to ½
mile radius of their homes. Ideally, the
neighborhood park should be built in
conjunction with a school facility in order to
maximize community funds and cost
efficiency. Facilities in neighborhood parks
are geared toward the recreation needs of
children and provide for the daily recreation
needs of residents in the areas surrounding
these parks.
Linear parks fall within the neighborhood
park category. These parks lie in utility
easements or along the California aqueduct.
Similarly, mini parks fall under the
neighborhood park category and are
characterized as a park of less than five
acres. Because of their small size and/ or
configuration, these parks provide limited
active and passive recreation opportunities
and do not include restrooms or parking.
Future mini parks will require a specific
funding mechanism for operation and
maintenance, due to the high costs of
building and maintaining these facilities.
Where possible, mini parks should be
adjacent to greenways, linear parks, and/ or
one of the City’s trail systems. Bayside
Park and Vista Lomas Park are the only
mini parks in the City.
Previously, the neighborhood park was
defined as passive in nature. The trend,
however, has been to include limited active
recreation opportunities such as hard
surface playing courts and multi- purpose
fields. Due to high demand, neighborhood
parks now frequently provide practice and
game areas for many of the organized
sports groups in the City, although heavy
programming is not to be considered a
design feature of the neighborhood park.
Passive recreation, such as picnicking,
strolling and informal play is a priority for the
neighborhood park. Unlike community
parks, on- site parking and restrooms are not
provided.
There were 19 neighborhood parks in
Moreno Valley, encompassing 150 acres.
New development of neighborhood parks
should seek to achieve a balance between
active and passive park uses and to
accommodate a wide variety of age and
user groups.
d. School Facilities
School facilities provide significant
recreational opportunities in Moreno Valley.
By combining resources of public agencies,
Page 4- 10 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
recreational, social and educational
opportunities are made available to the
community in an efficient and cost effective
manner. Riverside Community College and
the many campuses of the Moreno Valley
Unified and Val Verde Unified School
Districts contribute substantially to the City’s
recreational opportunities, providing both
outdoor and indoor facilities. The Moreno
Valley Unified School District and the Val
Verde Unified School District provide
approximately 80 additional acres of playing
fields and ball courts.
The acreage of the school parks has not
been included in the City’s inventory of
parkland since there is no permanent
commitment to maintain the acreage for
public park purposes. Also, public access
to recreation facilities on school sites must,
of necessity, be limited. Even with access
limitations, recreation facilities on school
sites complement and enhance the City’s
ability to provide recreation services.
e. Private Sector Recreation Facilities
Private residential recreation facilities meet
a portion of local demand for recreation
facilities. Homeowners associations provide
park areas, greenbelt areas, swimming
pools, tennis courts and community centers
for the exclusive use of their residents.
Approximately 15,000 residents have
access to these private recreational
facilities. While these facilities provide
specific recreation amenities, they do not
satisfy the need for large sports fields and
community social spaces. Other private
facilities in Moreno Valley include for- profit
enterprises, such as health and fitness
clubs, golf courses, etc., which are not
considered in the level of service standard.
4.3.5. Future Facilities
Demand for parks and recreation will
continue to increase with new population.
Future parks sites have been identified and
additional parkland will need to be acquired.
The planned parks and future acquisition
areas shown on Figure 4- 2 are conceptual
and subject to modification and refinement.
4.3.6. Multiuse Trails
Although trails and open space are not
included in the 3- acre per 1,000 residents
parkland standard, they are an important
element of the park system and provide
significant opportunities for recreation.
Equestrians, hikers and bicyclists all share a
need for trails, although their specific
requirements vary. Trails have two major
functions. First, they can provide
recreational values associated with the
natural environment such as scenic values.
Secondly, they can provide safe, off- street
linkages between neighborhoods, parks,
schools and other public facilities.
Sidewalks and bicycle paths are addressed
in the Circulation Element of the General
Plan.
In 1991 the City Council updated the
precise trail alignments map, which is
incorporated herein by reference. The City
owns and maintained about 10 miles of
developed trails. Refer to Figure 4- 3 for
existing and proposed trail locations.
Multiuse trails are popular with the
equestrian community. The Moreno Valley
Equestrian Center, dedicated in 2003,
provides additional facilities of interest to
equestrians. This 45- acre park is located at
the northeast corner of Redlands Blvd. and
Page 4- 11 July 11, 2006
CHAPTER 4– PARKS, REC. & OPEN SPACE MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Locust Avenue. The park features
equestrian facilities, including an arena, with
bleachers, a water trough, night lighting and
parking for horse trailers.
Citizens of Moreno Valley consider
expansion of the trail network a high priority.
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee on
Recreational Trails, together with the
community of equestrians, has worked
extensively on the development of a trail
system. It is their desire to link all areas of
the City together with a multi- use trail
system and to enhance the City’s
equestrian park by promoting the
development of an equestrian community
around the park. There is also a desire for
a trail that crosses State Route 60.
The City should continue to develop trails,
but funding is an issue. General fund
dollars are not available to construct new
trails. Efforts should be made to obtain
private funds and grants. It has become
common for cities with equestrian
communities to require development in
certain zones to provide access to existing
trails and to construct new trails.
Multiuse trails should be designed with
considerations for safety, accessibility,
proper design and construction, signage
and relative location. The City’s trail
network should also connect to the county
and state regional trail systems.
Hidden Springs Trail
Page 4- 12 July 11, 2006
!?
!?
!?
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!?
!?
!?
EUCALYPTUS AVE
HEACOCK ST
DAY ST
LASSELLE ST
IRONWOO D AVE
COTTONWOOD AVE
JOHN F KENNEDY DR
REDLANDS BLVD
MORENO BEACH DR
NASON ST
AL ESSAND RO BLVD
MORENO BEACH DR
COTTO NWOOD AVE
CACTUS AVE
IRIS AVE
INDIAN ST
GILMAN SPRINGS RD
IRONWOOD AVE
DAVIS RD
PIGEON PASS RD
OLEANDER AVE
LOCUST AVE
THEODORE ST
PERRIS BLVD
ALESSANDRO BLVD
SUNNYMEAD BLVD
FREDERICK ST
SAN TIMOTEO CANYON RD
WEBSTER AVE
PERRIS BLVD
KINE AVE
VAN BUREN BLVD
SAN TIMOTEOCANYON RD
CANYON RD
RAMONA EXY
IRIS AVE
BOX SPRINGS RD
JACLYN AVE
PERRIS BLVD
RECHE
LASSELLE ST
CACTUS AVE
Lake Perris State Recreation
Norton Younglove Reserve
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* Trail locations are approximate
Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley Sphere
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Waterbodies
Badlands Landfill
State and County Parks
Highways
Streets
Improved Trail
Multiuse Trail
Regional Trail
State Trail
Proposed Trail
!? Trail Staging - Existing
!? Trail Staging - Proposed
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CHAPTER 5 – CIRCULATION MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
5. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
5.1 Introduction
The purpose of the Circulation Element is to
ensure a complete, balanced and well-maintained
circulation system that relies on
vehicular travel and transit, and
incorporates alternative modes including
bikeways and pedestrian facilities. The
Circulation Element is designed to support
the land uses promulgated in the Land Use
Element. The Circulation Plan also is
designed to support regional traffic that
crosses the City, and allows Moreno Valley
residents and businesses to travel
comfortably to and from other cities and
counties.
A primary objective of the Circulation
Element is to ensure that the affects of future
new development on the City’s transportation
system are understood and that the
improvements needed to support new growth
are planned and properly funded. Primary
funding sources for these needed
improvements are the Transportation
Uniform Mitigation Fee Program ( TUMF) and
the Development Impact Fee Program ( DIF).
These fee programs establish a fair share
contribution for new development.
This section of the Circulation Element
establishes the overall setting of the
transportation system, along with the issues
and opportunities. The goals, objectives,
policies and programs of the Circulation
Element are contained in Chapter 9.5.
5.1.1 State of California Guidelines
This Circulation Element is prepared in
conformance with 65302 of the California
Government Code and the State of California
General Plan Guidelines ( 1998). This
Element is consistent with the goals,
objectives, policies and programs of the
Land Use Plan contained in the Community
Development Element, Chapter 2 of the
Moreno Valley General Plan. Other issues
related to this Circulation Element are
addressed in the Utilities Plan contained in
the Community Development Element,
Chapter 2; and the Emergency/ Disaster
Preparation and Response Plan and Air
Quality Plan contained in the Safety Element
Chapter 6 of the Moreno Valley General
Plan.
5.2 Background
The City of Moreno Valley possesses an
extensive transportation network that
consists of state highways, arterials and local
streets, public transit, and nearby rail. This
section examines the physical and regulatory
parameters of the transportation network as
it currently exists. From this background
information, issues and opportunities that will
affect the City’s future transportation network
can be understood.
5.2.1 Existing Roadways
The major regional east- west roadway is
State Route 60 ( SR- 60), linking Moreno
Valley to both neighboring and outlying
communities. Additional regional level east-west
travel is provided by Sunnymead
Boulevard and Alessandro Boulevard, both
of which are maintained by the City:
Sunnymead Boulevard serves as the
traditional commercial corridor of Moreno
Valley. Alessandro Boulevard serves as a
commercial and industrial corridor at its
westerly end. Other major east- west routes
within the City are, from north to south,
Ironwood Avenue, Eucalyptus Avenue,
Cottonwood Avenue and Cactus Avenue.
Although immediately to the west of the City,
Interstate 215 ( I- 215) is the primary regional
route for north- south travel, linking Moreno
Valley to both neighboring and outlying
communities. Additional regional north- south
routes include Perris Boulevard, Redlands
Boulevard and Gilman Springs. Other north-south
access is provided by Moreno Beach
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Drive and Pigeon Pass Road/ Frederick
Street.
5.2.1.1 Interstate and State Highways
I- 215, located on the western edge of the
City, is the major north- south regional
transportation route within the City,
connecting Moreno Valley to Riverside, San
Bernardino and San Diego Counties.
SR- 60, or the Moreno Valley Freeway, is the
major east- west transportation route within
the City. The Moreno Valley Freeway
connects Moreno Valley with the coastal
cities and the greater Los Angeles area to
the west. It also merges with Interstate 10 ( I-
10) to the east, and connects to the
communities of Beaumont, Banning, and the
cities of the Coachella Valley. I- 10 is the
major route connecting Southern California
to the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas,
and the Gulf States. As such, this route
carries a significant amount of traffic through
Moreno Valley.
5.2.1.2 Existing Roadway Deficiencies
For the purpose of identifying deficiencies on
the General Plan circulation system, daily
traffic volumes are compared to roadway
capacity standards in the form of a volume to
capacity ratio. The volume to capacity ratios
are correlated to Levels of Service ( LOS) 1.
Roadway segments that exceed the City’s
LOS standard are defined as deficient.
Existing deficiencies are identified and
corrected through the City Capital
Improvement Program.
Other deficiencies are caused by regional
traffic, which is affected both by regional
growth and state and regional transportation
policies. These deficiencies are addressed
through close coordination with State and
regional agencies.
1 Reference Section 5.2.6.1 for a definition of Level of
Service, and Table 5- 1
5.2.2 Regional Plans
Regional access is an important function of
the transportation network, allowing safe and
efficient travel between cities, counties and
states. Efficient regional access supports the
economic development and general welfare
of the community and helps maintain
acceptable levels of service on local streets.
Planning for regional access requires strong
coordination between the City and regional
and state agencies, including: Western
Riverside Council of Governments
( WRCOG), Riverside County Transportation
Commission ( RCTC), the Southern California
Association of Governments ( SCAG) and
Caltrans. This coordination must involve both
the land use and infrastructure decision-making.
The following regional plans have been
established to organize and implement
regional transportation planning efforts:
5.2.2.1 Regional Transportation Plan
The Regional Transportation Plan ( RTP) is a
component of the Regional Comprehensive
Plan and Guide prepared by the Southern
California Association of Governments
( SCAG) to address regional issues, goals,
objectives, and policies for the Southern
California region into the early part of the
21st century. The RTP, which SCAG
periodically updates, sets broad goals for the
region and provides strategies to reduce
problems related to congestion and mobility.
The RTP identifies transportation facilities
that are of regional significance. In order to
be eligible for federal funding assistance,
transportation projects must be consistent
with the RTP.
5.2.2.2 Riverside County Integrated
Project
Transportation corridors in the general
vicinity of the City of Moreno Valley are being
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analyzed as part of the Community and
Environmental Transportation Acceptability
Process ( CETAP) undertaken jointly by the
County of Riverside and the Riverside
County Transportation Commission ( RCTC).
CETAP is one component of the Riverside
County Integrated Project ( RCIP), which also
includes the Riverside County General Plan
update and a Multi- Species Habitat
Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) for Western
Riverside County. A primary objective of the
RCIP is to accommodate projected
population growth within Riverside County by
focusing development within areas that will
be readily accessible, will provide a good
quality of life for future residents, and will
minimize environmental and community
impacts, including impacts to sensitive
habitats and endangered species. The
CETAP process seeks to create four
transportation corridors in Western Riverside
County. Two of these are internal to
Riverside County ( Winchester to Temecula;
Hemet to Corona/ Lake Elsinore), and two
are inter- county corridors ( from Moreno
Valley County to San Bernardino County and
Riverside County to Orange County).
5.2.2.3 Congestion Management Program
The Riverside County Congestion
Management Program ( CMP) is updated
every five years by RCTC in accordance with
Proposition 111, passed in June 1990. The
CMP was established in the State of
California to more directly link land use,
transportation and air quality and to prompt
reasonable growth management programs
that would more effectively utilize new and
existing transportation infrastructure to
alleviate traffic congestion and improve air
quality. Local agencies are required to
monitor how new development projects will
impact the CMP network. This is an
important component for congestion
management because deficiency plans must
be prepared for locations on the CMP
network that decline below a Level of Service
( LOS) E. The ability to address such
deficiencies before they occur is critical.
Understanding the reason for these
deficiencies and identifying ways to reduce
the impact of future growth and development
along a critical CMP corridor will conserve
scarce funding resources and help target
those resources appropriately.
5.2.3 Bikeway System
The Moreno Valley Bikeway Plan consists of
Class I, Class II and Class III routes. Class I
bikeways are dedicated trails, separated
from vehicular traffic. Class II are
designated, striped bikeways generally
located along the right shoulder of the
roadway. Class III routes are designated
bikeways, not striped, and are shared with
vehicles. These bikeways provide the
opportunity for an alternative mode of
transportation for both recreational and
commuting uses.
5.2.4 Public Transit
Public transit in the City of Moreno Valley
consists primarily of bus service. In the
future, it is anticipated that Moreno Valley will
also have access to commuter rail and Bus
Rapid Transit ( BRT) services. Major
components of the public transit system are
described below:
5.2.4.1 Bus Service
The ability to efficiently maneuver within and
outside Moreno Valley is predominantly
dependent on the automobile. Moreno Valley
is working closely with the Riverside County
Transportation Commission, the Riverside
Transit Agency and other local governments
to establish efficient transit connections
among areas of activity and concentrated
development.
Transit Oasis: The Transit Oasis is a
mobility concept that has been promoted as
part of the RCIP, and may provide a viable
option to the automobile. The concept of the
Transit Oasis is to provide an integrated
system of local- serving, rubber- tired transit
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that is linked with commuter transit systems
( either rail or bus). To operate efficiently, this
system should be located in areas of
concentrated development, and areas of
high activity. A Transit Center allows ease of
transfer between transit lines. Its use should
be considered wherever three or more lines
converge ( e. g. Moreno Valley Mall).
In Moreno Valley, a Transit Oasis would
serve to transport commuters to the
proposed Metrolink station near the I- 215
and Alessandro Boulevard interchange ( see
next section).
5.2.4.2 Commuter Rail
Currently, the RCTC owns a rail line located
west of Moreno Valley, parallel to I- 215. This
is a service line track that carries a low
volume of freight trains to and from industrial,
commercial, and agricultural areas, south of
Moreno Valley. As a Measure A project,
RCTC intends to initiate commuter rail
service on this line that would extend to San
Jacinto. A commuter rail station is planned
for the southwest quadrant of Alessandro at
I- 215 that would provide direct access for
Moreno Valley residents. Service is
scheduled to commence in 2008.
5.2.5 Truck Circulation
Roads upon which trucks travel need to be
both wider and thicker to accommodate
truck turning radii and the heavier weights of
their structure. Chapter 12.36 of the City
Municipal Code regulates the travel and
access of trucks on the City road system,
and designates official truck routes.
Designated truck routes change over time
as new arterials are built, and commercial
and industrial projects are completed.
Regionally, triple trailer trucks hinder
circulation on state and local highways.
5.2.6 Traffic Levels of Service
5.2.6.1 Level of Service Definitions
The quality of traffic flow is measured in
terms of Levels of Service ( LOS). The
Transportation Research Board of the
National Academy of Science has
developed the Highway Capacity Manual
that provides standards and methods for
measuring LOS. The manual is updated
periodically. The most current edition is the
Fourth Edition, which was initially published
in 2000.
Six LOS measures are defined for each
type of roadway facility. Letters designate
each level, from A to F, with LOS A
representing the best operating conditions
and LOS F the worst. Each level of service
represents a range of operating conditions
and the driver’s perception of those
conditions. Safety is not included in the
measures that establish service levels.
Table 5.1, which follows, describes the
levels of service by associated traffic
condition.
5.3 Issues and Opportunities
This section identifies the issues and
opportunities associated with expected future
development and its effect on the City’s
transportation system. From this
assessment, a strategy of goals, objectives,
policies and programs will be developed to
ensure that the improvements needed to
support new growth are planned and
properly funded.
5.3.1 Level of Service
An important goal when planning the
transportation system is to maintain an
acceptable level of service along the
roadway network. It is recognized,
however, that roadway operations at Level
of Service " D" may occur during peak hours
and at certain intersections. In particular,
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north- south roadways in the vicinity of State
Route 60 have geometric constraints that
will prevent Level of Service " C" from being
achieved. In other cases, peak hour
intersection traffic may operate at Level of
Service " D" due to high employment
concentrations.
The City of Moreno Valley roadway network
currently meets the City Level of Service
standards of “ C” or “ D”, with the exception
of a limited number of segments. The
segments that do not meet the standards
are primarily located on Perris Boulevard,
Cactus Avenue and Frederick Street/ Pigeon
Pass Road in the vicinity of State Route 60.
Subsequent segment studies will be
performed to determine additional
improvements necessary to maintain an
acceptable Level of Service at General Plan
buildout.
TABLE 5- 1
LEVEL OF SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS
LOS
Traffic Flow Conditions
A
Free flow. Individual users are virtually unaffected by the presence of others in the
traffic stream. Freedom to select desired speeds and to maneuver within the traffic
stream is extremely high. The general level of comfort and convenience provided
to the motorist, passenger, or pedestrian is excellent.
B
Stable flow, but the presence of other users in the traffic stream begins to be
noticeable. Freedom to select desired speeds is relatively unaffected, but there is a
slight decline in the freedom to maneuver within the traffic stream from LOS A.
The level of comfort and convenience provided is somewhat less than at LOS A,
because the presence of others in the traffic stream begins to affect individual
behavior.
C
Stable flow, but marks the beginning of the range of flow in which the operation of
individual users becomes significantly affected by interactions with others in the
traffic stream. The selection of speed is affected by the presence of others, and
maneuvering within the traffic stream requires substantial vigilance on the part of
the user. The general level of comfort and convenience declines noticeably at this
level.
D
High- density, but stable, flow. Speed and freedom to maneuver are severely
restricted, and the driver or pedestrian experiences a generally poor level of
comfort and convenience. Small increases in traffic flow will generally cause
operational problems at this level.
E
Operating conditions at or near the capacity level. All speeds are reduced to a low
but relatively uniform value. Freedom to maneuver within the traffic stream is
extremely difficult, and it is generally accomplished by forcing a vehicle or
pedestrian to " give way" to accommodate such maneuvers. Comfort and
convenience levels are extremely poor, and driver or pedestrian frustration is
generally high. Operations at this level are usually unstable, because small increases
in flow or minor perturbations within the traffic stream will cause breakdowns.
F
Level- of- Service F. Forced or breakdown flow. This condition exists wherever the
amount of traffic approaching a point exceeds the amount, which can traverse the
point. Queues form behind such locations. Arrival flow exceeds discharge flow.
Source: 2000 Highway Capacity Manual ( HCM) ( Transportation Research Board Special Report 209)
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CHAPTER 5 – CIRCULATION MORENO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
5.3.2 Development Monitoring
Any individual development proposal may
be required to provide a traffic analysis to
assess peak hour impacts at affected
intersections, identifying needed mitigation
measures to achieve or maintain the
recommended peak hour Level of Service
standard. Such impacts may be mitigated
by construction of improvements necessary
to achieve the target Level of Service, by
payment of a fee or fees if an appropriate
funding mechanism is in place, and/ or by
any other appropriate means.
5.3.2.1 Arterial Segments that Require
Further Study
Several arterial segments on the City’s
circulation system will require further study
for at least one of three reasons discussed
below:
( 1) Segments will need improvements but
require inter- jurisdictional coordination.
Two arterial segments have been identified
that require further study in cooperation with
neighboring jurisdictions. Specifically, these
are:
a) Day Street from Box Springs
Road/ Ironwood Avenue to Campus
Parkway: Most of this arterial segment is
located in the City of Riverside, with
portions in the City of Moreno Valley. The
Circulation Element traffic study has shown
that traffic volumes will significantly exceed
the design capacity of this arterial segment.
In addition, the arterial segment under
crosses State Route 60. Therefore,
Caltrans would also be a participant in
planning for any improvements on this
segment of Day Street.
b) Kitching Street from south City limits to
Oleander Avenue: This segment of Kitching
Street would cros