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CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE GENERAL
PLAN – BACKGROUND REPORTS
1. Land Use and Recreation
2. Transportation
3. Biological Resources
4. Air Quality
5. Noise
6. Water Resources
7. Cultural, Historical, and Paleontological
Resources
8. Population and Housing
9. Aesthetic and Visual Resources
10. Community Services and Utilities
11. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
12. Geology and Mineral Resources
Prepared by:
9903 Businesspark Avenue
San Diego, CA 92131
Tel. 858.578.8964
Fax 858.578.0573
Tables of Contents – Background Reports January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................................................................ vii
Figure i Study Area Boundaries City of Lake Elsinore & Sphere of
Influence ( SOI) ..................................................................... ix
Figure ii 2004 Aerial Photo – City of Lake Elsinore & Sphere of
Influence ( SOI) ..................................................................... xi
Chapter 1 – Land Use and Recreation .............................................................. 1- 1
Figure 1.1 Existing General Plan....................................................... 1- 13
Figure 1.2 Specific Plans in Lake Elsinore ........................................ 1- 15
Figure 1.3 Existing Land Use ( 2001)................................................. 1- 17
Figure 1.4 State of California Farmlands of Significance .................. 1- 19
Figure 1.5 Vacant Land Inventory ( 2004).......................................... 1- 21
Figure 1.6 Elsinore Area Plan: Policy Areas ..................................... 1- 23
Chapter 2 – Transportation................................................................................. 2- 1
Figure 2.1 Existing Number of Through Lanes.................................. 2- 15
Figure 2.2 Existing ( 2005) Average Daily Traffic ( ADT) .................... 2- 17
Figure 2.3 Intersection Analysis Locations........................................ 2- 19
Figure 2.4 Existing Intersection Geometry ........................................ 2- 21
Figure 2.5 Existing ( 2005) AM Peak Hour Intersection Volumes ...... 2- 23
Figure 2.6 Existing ( 2005) PM Peak Hour Intersection Volumes ...... 2- 25
Figure 2.7 Bikeway Plan.................................................................... 2- 27
Figure 2.8 Riverside County: Airport Influence Areas ....................... 2- 29
Figure 2.9 Identified Challenges for the City of Lake Elsinore Currently
Adopted Circulation Element............................................ 2- 31
Chapter 3 – Biological Resources ..................................................................... 3- 1
Figure 3.1 MSHCP Criteria Area ....................................................... 3- 19
Figure 3.2 Vegetation Communities.................................................. 3- 21
Chapter 4 – Air Quality ...................................................................................... 4- 1
Chapter 5 – Noise.............................................................................................. 5- 1
Figure 5.1 Noise Monitoring Locations................................................ 5- 9
Figure 5.2 Noise Contours ................................................................ 5- 11
Chapter 6 – Water Resources ........................................................................... 6- 1
Figure 6.1 Hydrologic Resources...................................................... 6- 23
Chapter 7 – Cultural, Historical, and Paleontological Resources ...................... 7- 1
Figure 7.1 Historical Resources ........................................................ 7- 27
Figure 7.2 Identified Cultural Resource Areas .................................. 7- 29
Figure 7.3 Paleontological Resources............................................... 7- 31
Chapter 8 – Population and Housing................................................................. 8- 1
Tables of Contents – Background Reports January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 9 – Aesthetic and Visual Resources .................................................... 9- 1
Figure 9.1a- d Resource Photos.............................................................. 9- 11
Figure 9.2 Landscape Viewshed Units.............................................. 9- 13
Figure 9.3 Viewshed and Vantage Points ......................................... 9- 15
Figure 9.4 Location Photographs ...................................................... 9- 17
Chapter 10 – Community Services and Utilities .............................................. 10- 1
Figure 10.1 Police & Fire Stations..................................................... 10- 13
Figure 10.2 Schools & District Boundaries........................................ 10- 15
Figure 10.3 Parks.............................................................................. 10- 17
Figure 10.4 Water District Boundaries .............................................. 10- 19
Chapter 11 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials............................................. 11- 1
Figure 11.1 Hazardous Materials Sites & SARI Line......................... 11- 15
Figure 11.2 Elsinore Area Plan: Wildfire ........................................... 11- 17
Chapter 12 – Geology and Mineral Resources................................................ 12- 1
Figure 12.1 Geologic Formations ...................................................... 12- 19
Figure 12.2 Approximate Traces of Principal Active Fault of Peninsular
Ranges and Mojave Desert Near Lake Elsinore ............ 12- 21
Figure 12.3 Seismic Hazards ............................................................ 12- 23
Figure 12.4 Liquefaction Susceptibility in Lake Elsinore Area........... 12- 25
Figure 12.5 Percent Slope................................................................. 12- 27
Figure 12.6 Mineral Resources ......................................................... 12- 29
References ........................................................................................................ R1
Background Reports – Introduction January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update vii
INTRODUCTION
The last General Plan update for the City of Lake Elsinore was in 1990. The City has
experienced a lot of change in the last 15 years and is in need of updated goals,
objectives, and policies that will guide development in the City and sphere of influence
( SOI) and reflect the community’s vision for the future. A figure of the City and
associated SOI is shown in Figure i and a graphic of an aerial of the City is shown in
Figure ii.
California State law as specified by Government Code § 65300- 65303.4 requires
every jurisdiction to prepare a comprehensive, long- term General Plan to plan for the
physical development of the City. The law requires mandatory elements including land
use, circulation, housing, conservation, open- space, noise, and safety. As long as all of
the elements are compatible and consistent with each other, the law leaves the
organization and representation of this information to the discretion of the city or county.
In addition, state law encourages jurisdictions to include additional elements that are
deemed necessary or useful to plan for the physical development of the city or county.
The General Plan update for the City of Lake Elsinore includes three documents
including Land Use Policies that are used to describe guiding principles, a Background
Report assessing existing conditions, and an Environmental Impact Report ( EIR) that is
used to determine the impact that the changes implemented by the updated General Plan
will have on the City.
The regulatory environment and existing conditions of each of the following topics
were analyzed to determine what the opportunities and constraints are for planning land
uses in the City and SOI:
Land Use and Recreation
Transportation
Biological Resources
Air Quality
Noise
Water
Cultural/ Historical/ Paleontological Resources
Population and Housing
Aesthetics and Visual Resources
Community Services and Utilities
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Geological Resources
January 2006 Background Reports – Introduction
viii Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
While public outreach is an influential and integral part of the General Plan Update
process, the background report serves as an essential component for updating the Land
Use Policies document and the EIR. The Report presents background information for
why land use designations were maintained or changed and justification for updated goals
and objectives that will be used to guide the future development of the City.
It should be noted that this Background Report is a “ snapshot” of current conditions.
CORONA
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LAKE
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LAKESHORE
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SUMMERHILL
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4
23
GRAPE
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11
MISSION
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FRANKLIN
12
LOST
LUGONIA
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LEWIS
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CASINO
ILLINOIS
RIDGE
STRICKLAND
DIAMOND
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MOHR
HOFF KINGS
LOWELL
LUCERNE
LINDSAY
DEXTER
ARNOLDGUNNERSON
ELM
COTTONWOOD HILLS
GREENWALD
PECK
3RD
SCENICA
PALM
SUNNYSLOPE
ULLA
FOSTER
GREY
GUNDER
BAILEY
TERRA COTTA
CANYON ESTATES
DE BRASK
CEDARHILL
ONTARIO
RALPH
ASH
HILL
DRYDEN
REGATTA
LEHR
AUTO CENTER
MOUNTAIN
KIWI
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RAMSGATE
SCENIC CREST
PINNELL
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WALKER CAN YON
VISTA
GRAND
LATTA
CANYON
MARIAN
RACHEL
CALIFORNIA
OUTRIGGER
TURNBULL
EL TORO CUT OFF
BELL
TOSCANA
MORTON
LAKEVIEW
DAWES
ORTEGA
LAGO
STRAZA
ADOBE
LE GAYE
LAKE KNOLL
ELEANOR
WALNUT
HERBORN
AMBER
PONTE RUSSO
OHIO
LAKE PARK
COUNTRY CLUB
SKYLARK
BIRCH
MAURICIO
CENTRAL
VERSAILLES
SUGARPINE
BANCROFT
BURTON
DEL PIZZOLI
MICHELE
DOLLY
RUNNING DEER
PALOMAR
ROBIN
EL TORO
GRASSY MEADOW
OAKVIEW
SHARON
SHORELINE
MACY
VILLA MILANO
KEEL
CRANE
AVOCADO
CANYON VIEW
TEMESCAL CANYON
PIKE
NAVEL
WINDWARD
HURSH
SERENA
FICUS
PREVOST
KIMBALL
ALLIS
WILSON
MORRO
SUGARBUSH
JOHNSON
WEBER
PELL
COWELL
CHAUMONT
LUNA
DALE
FLOWERHILL
TERRACE
JEREMIA H
ALLAN
RIPALTI
ROME HILL
BEVERLY
MEGAN
POE
EL TORO
LAKESHORE
RIVERS IDE
MISSION
EL TORO
VISTA
VALLE
CORONA
GRAND
MACY
3RD
CORONA CORONA
MISSION
LUCERNE
GRAND
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
Study SphCeitrye o o fAf L rIanefakleu Be EonlucsFneindi g( oaSurreOriee & Is ) i 10/ 05/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ figistdy
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
January 2006 Background Reports – Introduction
x Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
CORONA
I
LAKE
J 6
K
LAKESHORE
RIVERSIDE
F
H
HEALD
LINCOLN
COMO
9
E
FLINT
G
CEREAL
5
VICTOR
MAIN
HOLLAND
JOY
COLLIER
BAKER
MILL
MACHADO
NICHOLS
LASH
1
STONEMAN
POTTERY
COAL
RYAN
VALLE
10TH
SUMNER
SUMMERHILL
NEWPORT
10
GRAHAM
CHANEY
SKYLINE
SPRING
WASSON CANYON
RAILROAD CANYON
4
23
GRAPE
PIERCE
11
MISSION
RILEY
SHRIER
NORTE
KEE
FRANKLIN
12
LOST
LUGONIA
POE
LEWIS
MINTHORN
CASINO
ILLINOIS
RIDGE
STRICKLAND
DIAMOND
AVILA
MOHR
HOFF KINGS
LOWELL
LUCERNE
LINDSAY
DEXTER
ARNOLDGUNNERSON
ELM
COTTONWOOD HILLS
GREENWALD
PECK
3RD
SCENICA
PALM
SUNNYSLOPE
ULLA
FOSTER
GREY
GUNDER
BAILEY
TERRA COTTA
CANYON ESTATES
DE BRASK
CEDARHILL
ONTARIO
RALPH
ASH
HILL
DRYDEN
REGATTA
LEHR
AUTO CENTER
MOUNTAIN
KIWI
CORYDON
RAMSGATE
SCENIC CREST
PINNELL
CAMBERN
WALKER CAN YON
VISTA
GRAND
LATTA
CANYON
MARIAN
RACHEL
CALIFORNIA
OUTRIGGER
TURNBULL
EL TORO CUT OFF
BELL
TOSCANA
MORTON
LAKEVIEW
DAWES
ORTEGA
LAGO
STRAZA
ADOBE
LE GAYE
LAKE KNOLL
ELEANOR
WALNUT
HERBORN
AMBER
PONTE RUSSO
OHIO
LAKE PARK
COUNTRY CLUB
SKYLARK
BIRCH
MAURICIO
CENTRAL
VERSAILLES
SUGARPINE
BANCROFT
BURTON
DEL PIZZOLI
MICHELE
DOLLY
RUNNING DEER
PALOMAR
ROBIN
EL TORO
GRASSY MEADOW
OAKVIEW
SHARON
SHORELINE
MACY
VILLA MILANO
KEEL
CRANE
AVOCADO
CANYON VIEW
TEMESCAL CANYON
PIKE
NAVEL
WINDWARD
HURSH
SERENA
FICUS
PREVOST
KIMBALL
ALLIS
WILSON
MORRO
SUGARBUSH
JOHNSON
WEBER
PELL
COWELL
CHAUMONT
LUNA
DALE
FLOWERHILL
TERRACE
JEREMIA H
ALLAN
RIPALTI
ROME HILL
BEVERLY
MEGAN
POE
EL TORO
LAKESHORE
RIVERS IDE
MISSION
EL TORO
VISTA
VALLE
CORONA
GRAND
MACY
3RD
CORONA CORONA
MISSION
LUCERNE
GRAND
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
SphCeitrye o 2of0f L 0Ian4fk lAeue eEnrlicsaFeilni g P( ouShrreOoe t & Ioi) i 10/ 05/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ figiistdy
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
January 2006 Background Reports – Introduction
xii Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 1
CHAPTER 1 – LAND USE AND RECREATION
Introduction
This report assesses land use and recreation in the City of Lake Elsinore and its
associated sphere of influence ( SOI). The regulatory environment and existing
conditions will be assessed and analyzed to determine associated constraints and
opportunities. The purpose of this discussion is to use the information as a resource for
updating the General Plan for the City of Lake Elsinore.
Legal Basis and Requirements
Government Code Section 65302( a)
states the General Plan shall include a land
use and parks and recreation element “ that
designates the proposed general distribution
and general location and extent of the uses
of the land for housing, business, industry,
open space, including agriculture, natural
resources, recreation, and enjoyment of sce-nic
beauty, education, public buildings and
grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal
facilities, and other categories of public and
private uses of land. The land use element
shall include a statement of the standards of
population density and building intensity
recommended for the various districts and other territory covered by the plan.”
Terminology
The following is a brief background discussion of land use and recreation
terminology.
Affordable Housing: The US Department of Housing and Urban Development
( HUD) defines affordable housing as housing for which the occupant pays no
more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities.
Environmental Impact Statement ( EIS): A document required by the federal
National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA) for major projects or legislative
proposals using federal money that significantly affect the environment. An EIS
describes the environmental implications of a project and lists alternative actions.
Hang gliding over hills near Lake Elsinore.
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 2 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
The report informs decisions makers and the public of the alternatives that would
avoid or minimize adverse impacts or enhance the quality of the environment.
Environmental Impact Report ( EIR): A document required under the California
Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) that assesses the impacts a proposed project will
have on the environment and proposes mitigation measures.
Farmland of Local Importance: Lands not identified as having national or
statewide importance, but identified by local or concerned agencies for the
production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops.
Other Land: Land not included in any other mapping category. Common examples
include low- density rural developments; brush, timber, wetland, and riparian areas
not suitable for livestock grazing; confined livestock, poultry or aquaculture
facilities; strip mines and borrow pits; and water bodies smaller than forty acres.
Prime Farmland: Farmland with the best combination of physical and chemical
features able to sustain long- term agricultural production. This land has the soil
quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high
yields. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some
time during the four years prior to the mapping date.
Redevelopment: Redevelopment is a tool created by state law to assist local
governments in eliminating blight from a designated area.
Sphere of Influence ( SOI): A plan, adopted by LAFCO, for the probable
physical boundaries and service areas of a city or district.
Unique Farmland: Land other than prime farmland that is used for the production
of specific high value food and fiber crops. It has the special combination of soil
quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically
produce sustained high quality and/ or high yields of a specific crop when treated and
managed according to acceptable farming methods.
Regulatory Environment
National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA)
Cleveland National Forest
California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA)
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
State Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975
Quimby Act
Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 3
The Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO)
Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG)
Riverside County General Plan
City of Lake Elsinore General Plan
City of Lake Elsinore Zoning Ordinance
City of Lake Elsinore Specific Plans
City of Lake Elsinore Redevelopment Districts
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP)
Existing Land Use and Recreation Conditions
Land Uses
The land area of City of Lake Elsinore is approximately 38 square miles with a sphere of
influence ( SOI) covering over 78 square miles. The SOI, adopted by the Riverside
County Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO) represents the probable future
boundaries and service area of the City.
The General Plan currently designates 19 land uses ( shown in Figure 1.1), including the
Specific Plan Areas ( shown in Figure 1.2). Table 1.1 below lists the land uses, their
associated acreage, and the percentage in relation to the total square acreage of the City.
This table also includes the total acreage encompassed by streets. The following tables
represent current data as of mid July 2005.
Example of tract housing development in the City.
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 4 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Table 1.1 General Plan Land Uses in City Boundaries
General Plan Name Acreage % of Total Land Use
Business Park 158 0.68%
Commercial Office 22 0.10%
Floodway 208 0.90%
Freeway Business 380 1.65%
General Commercial 318 1.38%
High Density 47 0.20%
Lake Elsinore 2,791 12.12%
Limited Industrial 298 1.29%
Low Density 487 2.11%
Low Medium Density 1,443 6.27%
Medium Density 189 0.82%
Medium High Density 234 1.02%
Mixed- Use 22 0.10%
Neighborhood Commercial 98 0.43%
Open Space/ Recreation 157 0.68%
Public/ Institutional 303 1.32%
Specific Plan Area 15,295 66.40%
Streets 146 0.64%
Tourist Commercial 35 0.15%
Very Low Density 403 1.75%
Total Acres 23,036 100.00%
Source: City of Lake Elsinore
As demonstrated by Table 1.1, two thirds of land use within the City of Lake Elsinore
is within Specific Plan Areas. The following is a list of Specific Plans both within the
City and SOI and depicted in Figure 1.2.
Spyglass Ridge
Brighton Alberhill
Canyon Creek
Cape of Good Hope
Canyon Hills
East Lake
La Laguna
Murdock Alberhill
North Alberhill
North Peak
Outlet Expansion
Ramsgate
Tuscany Hills
Lakeshore Village
Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 5
Existing land uses within the City of Lake Elsinore are presented in Table 1.2 below.
Figure 1.3 is a map of existing land uses within the City and SOI.
Table 1.2 Existing Land Uses Within City Limits
City: Existing Land Use Acres
Agriculture 102.04
Commercial 368.03
Institutional 111.09
Manufacturing/ Industrial 653.80
Parks/ Open Space 267.11
Public/ Utility 132.80
Residential 3,147.31
Transportation 465.61
Vacant 16,029.46
Water 3,537.50
Total 24,814.75
Source: SCAG 2001
Existing land uses within the SOI are demonstrated in Table 1.3 below.
Table 1.3 Existing Land Uses Within the Sphere of Influence ( SOI)
Sphere of Influence: Existing Land Use Acres
Agriculture 772.31
Commercial 478.54
Institutional 230.12
Manufacturing/ Industrial 1399.18
Parks/ Open Space 322.68
Public/ Utility 137.58
Residential 8099.29
Transportation 597.92
Vacant 34,267.03
Water 3798.81
Total 50,103.46
Source: SCAG 2001
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 6 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Residential
As nearby areas such as San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles
become less affordable, people are beginning to move to cities such as Lake Elsinore for
the relatively inexpensive housing. As a result, home prices in Lake Elsinore have risen
considerably in the last several years. DataQuick Information Systems reports that sales
of re- sale single- family homes, condominiums, and new homes averaged $ 253,000 in
2003 and increased by 29.25% to $ 327,000 in 2004.
Neighborhoods
There are a number of distinct neighborhoods within the City of Lake Elsinore often
defined by the name of a Specific Plan. For example, residents describe themselves as
being from Tuscany Hills or Canyon Creek, which are both Specific Planning areas.
Other neighborhoods are defined by the development name, such as Country Club
Heights. Neighborhoods are also defined by common characteristics, such as the historic
downtown area, or in neighborhoods defined by location or geography.
Commercial/ Industrial
As housing gets progressively more unaffordable in nearby Orange and San Diego
County, people are increasingly living farther away, more willing to commute long
distances to job centers in other counties. There is a desire to increase the number of
higher paying jobs in Lake Elsinore to accommodate the growing population.
Existing commercial and industrial
uses are scattered throughout the City.
The major commercial centers include
the Lake Elsinore Outlets located on
Collier Avenue; the new Target
shopping center recently approved
which will also feature Costco and a
home improvement store; and a
development called “ City Centre” that
has a Wal- Mart and Vons. Due to its
attraction as a tourist and recreation
destination, there is interest in
developing a strong retail base in
Historic Downtown Main Street.
To accommodate tourists, Lake Elsinore has a shortage of hotels, motels, resorts,
campgrounds, and RV parks, including the Lake Elsinore Resort and Casino.
Recent office buildings constructed within City boundaries.
Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 7
Lake Elsinore has a strip of automobile dealerships located adjacent to I- 15 including
Lake Chevrolet, Shalimar Auto Sales, Brea Auto Sales, and Lake Elsinore Ford.
Additional auto dealerships are slated for future development.
Agricultural
According to the Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG), the
existing City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Area encompasses approximately 24,815
acres of land, ranging from older urbanized areas to newer subdivisions to large tracts of
agriculture and open space. According to SCAG, 554 acres of land within the City are
considered farmland of local importance; 827 acres area considered grazing land; and
unique farmland accounts for 25 acres. The location of existing agricultural land uses
can be seen in Figure 1.3. Lands classified as Farmland of Local Importance are
primarily located in the southeast area of the City, between the northeast edge of Lake
Elsinore and the southern City limits, and in the Cottonwood Specific Plan area.
Floodplain
There are several floodplain areas within the City of Lake Elsinore as seen in Figure
6.1 of the water resources chapter. These include the floodplain around the lake, to the
east of the lake in the East Lake Specific Plan, along Temescal Wash, along the San
Jacinto River from Canyon Lake, also known as Railroad Canyon Reservoir, and along
Alberhill Creek.
Open Space
The existing General Plan Land Use designations exhibited in Figure 1.1 shows areas
designated as open space within the City. Open space on land that contains endangered
species and habitat may be designated for permanent preservation under the MSHCP.
Land on steep slopes is difficult to develop and therefore will also likely remain as
permanent open space. Land currently within the floodplain of local drainages including
Lake Elsinore and Temescal Creek are currently vacant to avoid flooding. Additional
open space exists although a lot of this land is designated for future development. Vacant
land can be seen in the vacant lands inventory shown in Figure 1.5.
The Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP)
The MSHCP was adopted by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on
June 17, 2003 and has 16 area plans including the Lake Elsinore Area Plan that includes
the City of Lake Elsinore and the City of Canyon Lake. The MSHCP is intended to
conserve natural habitat and preserve biological and ecological diversity in Western
Riverside. Chapter 3 of this report, biological resources, explains the MSHCP in greater
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 8 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
detail. The target conservation acreage range within the City of Lake Elsinore is 4,830 –
7,870 acres.
Existing endangered and threatened species in the Lake Elsinore Area Plan include
the coastal California Gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, Stephens’ Kangaroo rat, the Quino
checkerspot butterfly, and many others. The MSHCP has identified particular areas
within Lake Elsinore where land should be preserved to maintain core and linkage habitat
for the identified species. It is the intention of the MSHCP to set aside land as permanent
open space. Management independent of the City is responsible for maintaining and
managing the reserve.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation in the City of Lake Elsinore are
enhanced by the City’s natural resources such as the lake,
mountains, and rugged hillsides. The City has 11 parks, the
Lake Community Center, a Senior Activity Center, and
playing fields for 9 local youth and adult sports leagues.
Over 1,000 people use the Community Center each week,
3,500 seniors regularly use the Senior Activity Center each
month, and there are 3,000 sports leagues participants. The
Lake Community Center sponsors 40 recreational classes. A
recently built skate center adds diversity to the collection of
recreational facilities offered by the City. The City prides
itself on creating community through people, parks and programs.
The Lake
Lake Elsinore is a freshwater lake
of approximately 3,000 acres. City
operated lake- oriented recreational
facilities include the Seaport boat
launch, Lake Elsinore Recreation Area
Campground and boat launch, and the
day use & beach area. Other launches
and marinas include the Elsinore West
Marina, Cranes Lakeside Park,
Roadrunner R. V. Park, and Weekend
Paradise.
When the lake is at a sufficient level, a number of water sports are enjoyed including
recreational boating, sailing, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding,
swimming, and jet skiing. There are a number of organizations near the lake that rent
Gazebo in City Park on Main Street near
City Hall.
Recreational Event on Lake Elsinore.
Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 9
water sports equipment. When conditions allow, events are held annually including the
Wakeboarding World Championship Series and the National Water Ski Racing
Association races. Sports fishing and competitive fishing tournaments are also held
throughout the year.
Baseball Field
The Diamond is a state- of- the- art
baseball park featuring a Class A California
League Baseball team, Lake Elsinore Storm,
that is an affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
The park was built with funds from the
Redevelopment Agency and adds value to the
City’s image as a recreation and tourism
destination. The park has 6,066 fixed seats,
luxury suites and a grass berm seating area
on the right field line, accommodating a total
of 8,000 people.
Airport
The Skylark Airport is a private airport that is the hub for air sports in Lake Elsinore
and accommodates organizations such as Adventure Flights who uses the airport for
Glider flights, and Skydive Elsinore, who uses the airport as their base for skydiving.
The airport has a total of 31 planes based on the field including 21 single engine
airplanes, 5 multi- engine airplanes, 4 glider airplanes, and 1 ultralight plane.
City of Riverside
Elsinore Area Plan: Policy Areas
The County of Riverside Elsinore Area Plan has designated a number of “ Policy
Areas” that are located outside the City of Lake Elsinore but within the sphere of
influence with the exception of the Skylark Airport Influence Area which is mainly in the
City. The Elsinore Area Plan defines Policy Areas as specific geographic districts that
“ contain unique characteristics that merit detailed attention and focused policies.” Many
of the policies were a result of lengthy citizen involvement over many years and are
considered an integral part of the planning process for how the Lake Elsinore area should
be developed. The policies may impact the underlying land use designations. The Policy
Areas are seen in the County of Riverside’s Elsinore Area Plan labeled as Figure 1.6.
Lake Elsinore Diamond baseball stadium, opened 1994.
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 10 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Constraints and Opportunities
Constraints Due to Regulatory Requirements
Land Use
Redevelopment
For two years in a row, the Redevelopment Agency ( RDA) tax increments have been
cut due to the State of California’s budget problems. RDA was in financial trouble
during the recession of the 1990’ s, but was able to repay bondholders with assistance
from the City and a private bank. Although RDA is once again financially healthy, the
RDA is limited to conservative and prudent budgeting as a cushion against the State's
confiscatory policies.
Zoning Ordinance
A Zoning Ordinance must be consistent with the General Plan and if land uses are
changed and new designations are applied, there is a potential for inconsistencies and
therefore conflicts with the Zoning Ordinance.
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP)
The Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) has the potential to
constrain new development within the City due to the requirement of land to be set- aside
as permanent open space. The MSHCP Elsinore Area Plan designates general areas
within the City as areas in need of conservation. Examples include wetlands around Lake
Elsinore and the floodplain to the east of the lake. The plan also identifies the need to
provide connectivity between the Santa Ana Mountains, Temescal Wash and the foothills
north of Lake Elsinore that may require some of these areas to remain at least partially
undeveloped.
Other Constraints
The State Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 can potentially constrain the location
of certain land uses in areas with mineral resources.
FEMA lists areas within the City as areas within the floodplain. This may pose a
constraint to developing within the floodplains. Other federal agencies restrict the way
land is used by requiring permits such as the United States Army Corp of Engineers and
United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 11
Recreation
Quimby Act
The Quimby Act is the city’s primary tool in acquiring parklands. The Act allows
the City to require the dedication of local park acreage, the payment of fees, or a
combination of both as part of the subdivision process. Maintaining existing land uses
and designations restricts the ability to collect additional development fees as permitted
by the Quimby Act. With existing land uses, there is an established and known amount of
development still permitted in Lake Elsinore.
MSHCP
The MSHCP may reduce the amount of land that is available for development. The
required preservation of open space would not be available for active recreational uses.
To be effective, large pieces of vacant land must be preserved to support the species
identified in the Plan. Land that is vacant and would be prime park and recreational use
have the potential to be set aside as permanent open space to support the goals of the
MSHCP.
Constraints Due to Existing Conditions
Land Use
Existing conditions that have the potential to constrain implementation of
development and application of new land use designations within the City include
physical characteristics such as flood hazards, steep slopes, endangered species and
habitat, unstable slopes, liquefaction, and active faults. Small, undevelopable parcels,
non- contiguous ownership, and parcels outside of water and sewer districts also pose
constraints to the application of new land uses and designations. The overuse of the
Specific Plan land use designation ( 66%) has created an additional constraint. Numerous
Specific Plan amendments and development agreements have created difficulty for staff
in following what planning programs have been approved. The Specific Plan land use
designation on the land use map prevents the City from presenting a vision of future land
use in the City as required in the State Office of Planning and Research ( OPR) guidelines
for General Plans.
New development creates impacts on infrastructure including roads, parks, utilities,
and schools. If new plans include the potential for increased density for commercial,
residential, or industrial uses, this can put a strain on existing infrastructure.
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 12 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Opportunities
Land Use & MSHCP
An opportunity to enhance regulatory requirements is regarding the jobs/ housing
balance goal for SCAG. Due to the imbalance of more housing than jobs, the City of
Lake Elsinore can include additional commercial and industrial uses to offset the
imbalance. The City can also zone for additional multi- family units to address housing
needs for low and moderate- income residents.
New land use designations can help address existing and future environmental
conditions within the City by maintaining wildlife corridors and other areas of open space
for the preservation of endangered species and habitat as outlined in the MSHCP. New
development can be clustered in areas of existing development, or on vacant land with
minor environmental significance.
Recreation
Updating the General Plan offer the City an opportunity to designate more land for
parks and recreation. As the population grows, and more people are attracted to the area,
the City has the opportunity to maintain and enhance its image as a recreational
destination by providing additional opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy the
lake and surrounding natural features.
Additional fees for parks and recreation can be collected as permitted by the Quimby
Act as more development occurs in the City. By increasing density or allowing
additional development, more fees will be collected that can be used towards adding new
parks or improving existing parks. There is also the opportunity to implement policies to
include parks as part of a development.
With the growing population, there will be need for additional parks and recreational
facilities. The City has the opportunity to re- assess recreational needs and designate new
land accordingly.
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
Existing GenFeigruarl eP 1la. n1 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 1gp
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Planned Developments
Existing General Plan ( City only)
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL OFFICE
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
TOURIST COMMERCIAL
ELSINORE CITY CENTER
MIXED USE
BUSINESS PARK
FREEWAY BUSINESS
LIMITED INDUSTRIAL
VERY LOW DENSITY
LOW DENSITY
LOW MEDIUM DENSITY
MEDIUM DENSITY
MEDIUM HIGH DENSITY
HIGH DENSITY
SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
OPEN SPACE/ RECREATION
PUBLIC/ INSTITUTIONAL
LAKE ELSINORE
FLOODWAY
General Plan Adopted 7- Oct- 2003 ( County)
Estate Residential
EDR- RC
Very Low Density Residential
VLDR- RC
Low Density Residential
LDR- RC
Medium Density Residential
Medium High Density Residential
High Density Residential
Highest Density Residential
Very High Density Residential
Commercial Retail
Commercial Tourist
Commercial Office
Community Center
Light Industrial
High Industrial
Business Park
Public Facilities
Mixed Use Policy Area
Rural Residential
Rural Mountainous
Rural Desert
Agriculture
Conservation
Conservation Habitat
Open Space Recreation
Open Space Rural
Water
Mineral Resources
Indian Lands
CITY
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 14 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
East Lake
La Laguna
Spyglass Ridge
North Alberhill North Peak
Alberhill Ranch
Ramsgate
Murdock Alberhill
Tuscany Hills
Canyon Creek
Outlet Expansion
Canyon Hills
Cape of Good Hope
CORONA
I
LAKE
J 6
K
LAKESHORE
RIVERSIDE
F
H
HEALD
LINCOLN
COMO
9
E
FLINT
G 5
VICTOR
MAIN
JOY
COLLIER
BAKER
MILL
MACHADO
1
STONEMAN
POTTERY
VALLE
10TH
SUMNER
10
GRAHAM
CHANEY
SPRING
4
2
MISSION
RILEY
NORTE
FRANKLIN
12
POE
LEWIS
MINTHORN
CASINO
RIDGE
DIAMOND
MOHR
LOWELL
LINDSAY
DEXTER
ELM
GREENWALD
PECK
3RD
ULLA
LIMITED
TERRA COTTA
ONTARIO
RALPH
REGATTA
KIWI
SCENIC CREST
PINNELL
CAMBERN
VISTA
GRAND
CANYON
CALIFORNIA
OUTRIGGER
ADOBE
LE GAYE
WOODLAKE
HERBORN
AMBER
OHIO
BIRCH
MAURICIO
CENTRAL
SUGARPINE
MICHELE
DOLLY
ROBIN
EL TORO
MACY
KEEL
CRANE
AVOCADO
TOURS
WINDWARD
FICUS
MARIA
RHODA
ALLAN
BROADWAY
CORONA
6
3RD
FRANKLIN
EL TORO
MISSION
CORONA
GRAND
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
Specific Plans in LakFe igEulsrien o1r. e2 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 2jur
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Planned Developments
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 16 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
CORONA
I
LAKE
J 6
K
LAKESHORE
RIVERSIDE
F
H
HEALD
LINCOLN
COMO
9
E
FLINT
G
CEREAL
5
VICTOR
MAIN
HOLLAND
JOY
COLLIER
BAKER
MILL
MACHADO
NICHOLS
LASH
1
STONEMAN
POTTERY
COAL
RYAN
VALLE
10TH
SUMNER
SUMMERHILL
NEWPORT
10
GRAHAM
CHANEY
SKYLINE
SPRING
WASSON CANYON
RAILROAD CANYON
4
23
GRAPE
PIERCE
11
MISSION
RILEY
SHRIER
NORTE
KEE
FRANKLIN
12
LOST
LUGONIA
POE
LEWIS
MINTHORN
CASINO
ILLINOIS
RIDGE
STRICKLAND
DIAMOND
AVILA
MOHR
HOFF KINGS
LOWELL
LUCERNE
LINDSAY
DEXTER
ARNOLDGUNNERSON
ELM
COTTONWOOD HILLS
GREENWALD
PECK
3RD
SCENICA
PALM
SUNNYSLOPE
ULLA
FOSTER
GREY
GUNDER
BAILEY
TERRA COTTA
CANYON ESTATES
DE BRASK
CEDARHILL
ONTARIO
RALPH
ASH
HILL
DRYDEN
REGATTA
LEHR
AUTO CENTER
MOUNTAIN
KIWI
CORYDON
RAMSGATE
SCENIC CREST
PINNELL
CAMBERN
WALKER CAN YON
VISTA
GRAND
LATTA
CANYON
MARIAN
RACHEL
CALIFORNIA
OUTRIGGER
TURNBULL
EL TORO CUT OFF
BELL
TOSCANA
MORTON
LAKEVIEW
DAWES
ORTEGA
LAGO
STRAZA
ADOBE
LE GAYE
LAKE KNOLL
ELEANOR
WALNUT
HERBORN
AMBER
PONTE RUSSO
OHIO
LAKE PARK
COUNTRY CLUB
SKYLARK
BIRCH
MAURICIO
CENTRAL
VERSAILLES
SUGARPINE
BANCROFT
BURTON
DEL PIZZOLI
MICHELE
DOLLY
RUNNING DEER
PALOMAR
ROBIN
EL TORO
GRASSY MEADOW
OAKVIEW
SHARON
SHORELINE
MACY
VILLA MILANO
KEEL
CRANE
AVOCADO
CANYON VIEW
TEMESCAL CANYON
PIKE
NAVEL
WINDWARD
HURSH
SERENA
FICUS
PREVOST
KIMBALL
ALLIS
WILSON
MORRO
SUGARBUSH
JOHNSON
WEBER
PELL
COWELL
CHAUMONT
LUNA
DALE
FLOWERHILL
TERRACE
JEREMIA H
ALLAN
RIPALTI
ROME HILL
BEVERLY
MEGAN
POE
EL TORO
LAKESHORE
RIVERS IDE
MISSION
EL TORO
VISTA
VALLE
CORONA
GRAND
MACY
3RD
CORONA CORONA
MISSION
LUCERNE
GRAND
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
Existing Land UFsieg u( 2re0 011.3) 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 3elu
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Generalized Land Use ( SCAG 2001)
Agriculture
Commercial
Institutional
Manufacturing/ Industrial
Parks/ Open Space
Public/ Utility
Residential
Transportation
Water
Vacant
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside, SCAG
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 18 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
G
D
L
L
D
L
D
D
L
G
G
L
S
L
D
L
D
D
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L
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L
D
L
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P
L
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L
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L
L
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L
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U
L
L
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L
D
L
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P
P
L
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L
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U
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L
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L
G
L
L
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D
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L
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U
D
D
U
L
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L
L
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U D
U
L
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S
L
L D
U
S
L
L
L
D
L
L
L
L
L
L
D
P
S
L
L
L
L
L
L
S
L
L
L
D
L
L P
L
L
L
L
D
L L D
L
L
L
L
D
P
D
P
L
L
U
U
D
L
D
L
U
U
U
CORONA
I
LAKE
J 6
K
LAKESHORE
RIVERSIDE
F
H
HEALD
*****
LINCOLN
COMO
9
E
FLINT
G
CEREAL
5
VICTOR
MAIN
HOLLAND
JOY
COLLIER
BAKER
MILL
MACHADO
NICHOLS
LASH
1
STONEMAN
POTTERY
COAL
RYAN
VALLE
10TH
SUMNER
SUMMERHILL
NEWPORT
10
GRAHAM
CHANEY
SKYLINE
SPRING
WASSON CANYON
4 3
GRAPE
PIERCE
MISSION
RILEY
SHRIER
NORTE
KEE
FRANKLIN
12
LOST
LUGONIA
POE
LEWIS
MINTHORN
CASINO
ILLINOIS
RIDGE
STRICKLAND
DIAMOND
AVILA
MOHR
HOFF KINGS
LOWELL
LUCERNE
LINDSAY
DEXTER
ARNOLDGUNNERSON
ELM
COTTONWOOD HILLS
GREENWALD
PECK
3RD
SCENICA
PALM
SUNNYSLOPE
ULLA
FOSTER
GREY
GUNDER
BAILEY
TERRA COTTA
CANYON ESTATES
DE BRASK
CEDARHILL
ONTARIO
RALPH
HILL
DRYDEN
REGATTA
LEHR
AUTO CENTER
MOUNTAIN
KIWI
CORYDON
RAMSGATE
SCENIC CREST
PINNELL
CAMBERN
WALKER CANYON
VISTA
GRAND
LATTA
CANYON
MARIAN
RACHEL
CALIFORNIA
OUTRIGGER
TURNBULL
EL TORO CUT OFF
BELL
TOSCANA
MORTON
LAKEVIEW
DAWES
ORTEGA
LAGO
STRAZA
ADOBE
LE GAYE
SPRUCE
LAKE KNOLL
ELEANOR
WALNUT
AMBER
PONTE RUSSO
COUNTRY CLUB
SKYLARK
MAURICIO
CENTRAL
SUGARPINE
BANCROFT
BURTON
DEL PIZZOLI
MICHELE
DOLLY
RUNNING DEER
PARKVIEW
PALOMAR
ROBIN
EL TORO
GRASSY MEADOW
OAKVIEW
SHARON
MACY
VILLA MILANO
KEEL
AVOCADO
TOURS
PIKE
NAVEL
WINDWARD
HURSH
FICUS
PREVOST
KIMBALL
ALLIS
WILSON
MORRO
SUGARBUSH
JOHNSON
WEBER
PELL
COWELL
LUNA
BOURGES
DALE
FLOWERHILL
TERRACE
JEREMIAH
RIPALTI
ROME HILL
BEVERLY
VISTA
MISSION
*****
POE
CORONA
RIVERSIDE
*****
VALLE
*****
*****
*****
*****
MISSION
GRAND
*****
*****
MACY
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
3RD
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
CORONA
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
EL TORO
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
CORONA
*****
*****
*****
*****
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
FarmlanSdtsa otef Sofi gFCnigaifuliicrfoear n1nc. iae4 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 4ag
Source: State of California ( CALSIL, 2000)
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Farmlands
Urban; D
Grazing land; G
Farmland of local importance; L
Farmland of local potential; LP
Prime farmland; P
Farmland of statewide importance; S
Unique Farmland; U
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 20 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
0 6,500 13,000
Feet
Vacant Land InventoFriyg u( 2re0 014.5) 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 5vac
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Undeveloped/ Vacant Lands
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside
January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 22 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
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January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report
1- 24 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Transportation Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 1
CHAPTER 2 – TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
Introduction
This report assesses transportation in the City of Lake Elsinore and its associated
sphere of influence ( SOI). The regulatory environment and existing conditions will be
assessed and analyzed to determine associated constraints and opportunities. The
purpose of this discussion is to use the information as a resource for updating the General
Plan for the City of Lake Elsinore.
Legal Basis and Requirements
Government Code Section 65302( b) states the General Plan shall include a
circulation element “ consisting of the general location and extent of existing and
proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and
ports, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use
element of the plan.”
Terminology
The following is a brief background discussion of transportation terminology.
Average Daily Traffic ( ADT): Refers to daily traffic volumes that are expected
to occur on a typical weekday ( Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays).
Collector: A street for traffic movement between arterial and local streets,
generally providing direct access to properties. Collectors are four- lane undivided
roadways without medians. Collectors can accommodate up to 20,000 ADT and
maintain LOS D.
Intersection Turning Movement Volumes: Intersection turning movement
volumes count the movement of vehicles in an intersection over a period of time.
In evaluating the effectiveness of intersection left- and right- turn lanes, it is
valuable to know the volume of vehicles turning left or right and using the turn
lanes.
Level of Service ( LOS): The level of service is a report card style of reporting
on the quality of traffic operations and is usually applied to measure peak hour
traffic conditions on a typical weekday. LOS “ A” is considered very good, while
LOS “ F” is considered to be failing. The current General Plan Circulation
Element for the City of Lake Elsinore recognizes LOS “ D” or better as
acceptable. A “ deficiency” is identified when the City’s LOS standard is not
being met.
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 2 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Major Highway: Major highways, many of multi- lane or freeway design, are
used primarily for through traffic. High- volume traffic corridor movements that
connect major generators of travel, such as an urban arterial, characterize major
highways. Major highways are high- speed facilities that incorporate restrictions
on access primarily through at- grade intersections to provide an increased level
of safety.
Major/ Secondary: Major arterials are streets carrying the traffic of local and
collector streets to and from freeways and other major streets, with controlled
intersections and generally providing direct access to properties. Major arterials
can carry up to 35,000 average daily traffic ( ADT) and operate at LOS D.
Secondary arterials interconnect with and augment the major arterial system.
They connect major arterials to collectors and distribute traffic to small
geographic areas and communities.
One- way Secondary: Secondary streets mainly serve to provide access between
land uses and collector streets. Secondary streets serve all types of land use
including residential, commercial and industrial. Often secondary streets located
in residential areas are utilized by through traffic, which creates increased traffic
noise and decreased safety. As such, the imposition of one- way secondary streets
provides increased levels of traffic management.
Peak Hour ( of Traffic): The peak hour of traffic is normally used to refer to the
morning ( AM) and evening ( PM) time frames when the highest traffic volumes
occur on weekdays. Traffic is commonly measured from 7: 00 to 9: 00 AM and
4: 00 to 6: 00 PM to determine the peak hour for analysis purposes.
Secondary Highway: A secondary highway is any road, street, parkway, or
freeway/ expressway that includes rights- of- way, bridges, railroad- highway
crossings, tunnels, drainage structures, signs, guardrail, and protective structures
in connection with highways.
Traffic Calming: The combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the
negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve
conditions for non- motorized street users. Traffic calming measures can be
divided into two types, volume control devices and speed control devices. In
some applications, a traffic- calming device will control both speed and volume.
For instance, cut through traffic might be discouraged ( causing a volume
reduction) if it is required to proceed at a slower speed while negotiating calming
devices.
Traffic Management: The management and controlling of transportation modes,
carriers and services through the process of adjusting or adapting the use to meet
specified objectives without resorting to substantial new road construction.
Transportation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 3
Transit: Describes passenger transportation services, local, metropolitan or
regional in scope. Transit incorporates the usage of bus, rail or other conveyance,
which is configured to provide scheduled service on fixed routes.
Urban Arterial: The primary function of an urban arterial is traffic movement
with land access a secondary concern. They are designed to carry up to 35,000
average daily traffic ( ADT) and operate at LOS D. Urban arterials connect with
urban collectors, freeways and other arterial roads.
Regulatory Environment
The City of Lake Elsinore must comply with various Federal, State, and local laws.
The following is a list of laws and policies relevant to transportation.
California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans)
Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG)
& Regional Transportation Plan ( RTP)
County of Riverside
Riverside County Congestion Management Program ( CMP)
& Riverside County Integrated Project ( RCIP)
City of Lake Elsinore General Plan
City of Lake Elsinore Zoning Ordinance
Existing Transportation Conditions
The following section outlines existing traffic
conditions and alternative methods of transportation within
the City and SOI. The transportation network includes
roadways, airports, trains, bike paths, bus routes, sidewalks,
trails, and parking facilities.
Traffic Conditions
This section of the transportation report describes
existing traffic conditions in the City of Lake Elsinore,
including the existing roadway features, daily traffic
volumes, intersection turning movement volumes and levels of services analysis, the
existing transit services, and the currently adopted General Plan Circulation Element and
roadway standard cross- sections.
Traffic congestion near freeway interchange.
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 4 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Existing Roadway Characteristics
Field review of the existing roadway system has been performed. Figure 2.1 depicts
the existing number of through lanes on the roadway system.
Most of the arterial roadways in the City of Lake Elsinore have not been constructed
to ultimate cross- section widths based upon the city’s currently adopted General Plan. A
brief description of each roadway is provided below:
The I- 15 Freeway ( I- 15) traverses in a generally north/ south direction along the
east side of the lake and central city. To the north, the I- 15 Freeway connects
with the Riverside Freeway ( State Route 91), the Pomona Freeway ( State Route
60), and the San Bernardino Freeway ( Interstate 10) and is the link to greater Los
Angeles and the Inland Empire. To the south, the I- 15 Freeway connects with
the Escondido Freeway ( I- 215) and is the link to San Diego County. The I- 15 is
currently 3 lanes in each direction within the SOI.
State Route 74 ( SR- 74) traverses in a generally east/ west direction along the
north side of the lake and central city. To the west, SR- 74 ( known as Ortega
Highway through the mountainous Cleveland National Forest) connects with the
San Diego Freeway ( Interstate 5) and is the link to the coast and Orange County.
To the east, SR- 74 connects with the Escondido I- 215 and is the link to Perris
and Hemet. SR- 74 is mostly a 2- lane roadway except the segment north of the I-
15 toward Riverside Street has been widened to a 4- lane divided roadway to
accommodate the recent development along the area.
Lake Street southerly from the I- 15 to Lakeshore Drive is a two- lane undivided
roadway. South of Lakeshore Drive, it has been widened to a 4- lane divided
roadway. Lake Street is a major access to northern areas of the city from the I- 15.
Lakeshore Drive, a two- lane undivided roadway, is a major north/ south route
along the east side of the lake. Portions of Lakeshore Drive north of Riverside
Drive and south of Lake Street have been widened adjacent to new development.
Riverside Drive is a two- lane undivided roadway, which makes up a segment of
SR- 74 along the north end of the lake. The portion of Riverside Drive south of
Lincoln Street ( adjacent to the new high school) has been widened to a 4- lane
roadway with a center left turn lane.
Railroad Canyon Road northerly from the I- 15 is a major link between the I- 15
and the I- 215 easterly of the City of Lake Elsinore. Railroad Canyon Road is
currently a 4- lane divided roadway. Significant residential development is in
progress along both sides of this roadway.
Transportation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 5
Newport Road, which is an extension of Railroad Canyon Road east of the City of
Canyon Lake, currently is a 2- lane undivided roadway. Significant residential
development is also in progress along both sides of this roadway.
Mission Trail from Railroad Canyon Road to Palomar Street, mostly a 4- lane
undivided roadway, is an important route southerly from the commercial area at
the Railroad Canyon Road interchange with the I- 15. Portions of the roadway in
the vicinity of Bundy Canyon Road have been widened to a 4- lane divided
section roadway.
Grand Avenue between Riverside Drive and Corydon Street is a 2- lane undivided
roadway. This north/ south route is the only through roadway around the west
side of the lake and provides an important connection to SR- 74 from the area
south of the lake.
Existing Daily Traffic Conditions
Figure 2.2 shows the existing average daily traffic ( ADT) volumes for the study area.
Daily traffic count data was compiled from 24- hour count data provided to Urban
Crossroads, Inc. or estimated based on peak hour turning movement volumes at adjacent
intersections using the following formula for each intersection leg:
[ AM + PM Peak Hour ( Approach + Exit Volume)] /( 7%+ 8%) = Daily Leg Volume.
In the above formula, the constants of 7% and 8% are calculated AM and PM peak
hour to ADT volume ratios based on the actual turning movement counts and daily counts.
Daily traffic volumes on the City of Lake Elsinore arterial system and immediate
vicinity range from very low volumes to daily traffic volumes that approach or exceed
40,000 vehicles per day ( VPD). Railroad Canyon Road carries volumes greater than
40,000 VPD east of the I- 15. SR- 74 ( Central Avenue) carries 33,000 VPD east of Collier
Avenue. The I- 15 carries about 108,000 to 128,000 VPD in the SOI area.
Existing Intersection Traffic Conditions
Thirty- three ( 33) existing intersections in and near the City of Lake Elsinore have
been selected for analysis in coordination with City staff for this transportation report.
Figure 2.3 identifies the 33 intersections. The analysis intersections are:
Lake Street ( NS) at:
I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW)
I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( EW)
Temescal Canyon Road ( EW)
Lakeshore Drive ( EW)
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 6 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Lakeshore Drive ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
Lincoln Street ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
I- 15 Northbound Ramps ( NS) at:
Nichols Street ( EW)
Central Avenue ( EW)
Bundy Canyon Road ( EW)
I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( NS) at:
Nichols Street ( EW)
Central Avenue ( EW)
Bundy Canyon Road ( EW)
Grand Avenue ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
SR- 74 ( EW)
Collier Avenue ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
Central Avenue ( EW)
Riverside Street ( NS) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Greenwald Avenue ( NS) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Ramsgate Drive ( EW) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Cambern Avenue ( NS) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Main Street ( NS) at:
I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW)
I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( EW)
Graham Avenue ( EW)
Franklin Street ( NS) at:
Auto Center Drive ( EW)
Transportation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 7
Summerhill Drive ( NS) at:
Railroad Canyon Road ( EW)
Railroad Canyon Road ( NS) at:
I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW)
Canyon Hills Road ( EW)
Diamond Drive ( Railroad Canyon Road) ( NS) at:
I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( EW)
Mission Trail- Lakeshore Drive ( EW)
Mission Trail ( NS) at:
Malaga Road ( EW)
Corydon Street ( EW)
Bundy Canyon Road ( EW)
Corydon Street ( NS) at:
Grand Avenue ( EW)
Figure 2.4 illustrates the existing intersection lane configurations, and the intersection
traffic control devices at the study area intersections.
The existing turning movement volume data has been reviewed to verify reasonable
conservation of flow with adjacent intersections. The existing intersection AM and PM
peak hour traffic volumes are included on Figure 2.5 and 2.6, respectively.
Existing peak hour traffic operations have been evaluated for the 33 study area
intersections. The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 2.1, along with the
existing intersection geometrics and traffic control devices at the analysis locations. It is
also noted that although isolated intersection analysis indicates that the I- 15
Freeway/ Railroad Canyon Road interchange operates at acceptable level of service, the
progression of traffic through the I- 15 Freeway and Railroad Canyon Road interchange
creates lengthy vehicle queues.
Typical City intersection.
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 8 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
CONTROL3 L T R L T R L T R L T R AM PM AM PM
• I- 15 NB Ramps ( EW) CSS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 -- 4 18.8 F C
• I- 15 SB Ramps ( EW) CSS 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 0 0 17.3 17.2 C C
• Temescal Canyon Rd. ( EW) CSS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 92.6 94.8 F F
• Lakeshore Dr. ( EW) TS 1 2 1 2 2 1 0.5 1.5 0 1 1 2> 22.5 17.8 C B
Lakeshore Dr. ( NS) at:
• Riverside Dr. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 38.5 50.4 D D
Lincoln St. ( NS) at:
• Riverside Dr. ( EW) TS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 26.7 -- 4 C F
I- 15 NB Ramps ( NS) at:
• Nichols St. ( EW) CSS 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 31.8 17.1 D C
• Central Av. ( EW) TS 0.5 0.5 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 1 15.3 17.3 B B
• Bundy Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 21.1 22.6 C C
• Nichols St. ( EW) CSS 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 1 1> 1 1 0 -- 4 12.7 F B
• Central Av. ( EW) TS 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 12.5 19.4 B B
• Bundy Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 21.3 19.7 C B
Grand Av. ( NS) at:
• Riverside Dr. ( EW) CSS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 95.1 -- 4 F F
• SR- 74 ( EW) AWS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 1>> 1 0 1>> 0 0 0 -- 4 -- 4 F F
Collier Av. ( NS) at:
• Riverside Dr. ( EW) TS 1 1 0 1 1 1 0.5 0.5 1 0 1 0 -- 4 -- 4 F F
• Central Av. ( EW) TS 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1> 44.3 49.7 D D
Riverside St. ( NS) at:
• SR- 74 ( EW) CSS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 21.9 37.5 C E
Greenwald Av. ( NS) at:
• SR- 74 ( EW) TS 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 27.2 16.2 C B
Ramsgate Dr. ( EW) at:
• SR- 74 ( EW) CSS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 24.0 38.4 C E
Cambern Av. ( NS) at:
• SR- 74 ( EW) CSS 0 1 0 0.5 0.5 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 -- 4 57.5 F F
Main St. ( NS) at:
• I- 15 NB Ramps ( EW) CSS 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 -- 4 29.7 F D
• I- 15 SB Ramps ( EW) CSS 0 1 1 1 1 0 0.5 1.5 0 0 0 0 25.4 17.7 D C
• Graham Av. ( EW) CSS 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 1 0 10.1 16.6 B C
Franklin St. ( NS) at:
• Auto Center Dr. ( EW) CSS 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 10.8 13.8 B B
Summerhill Dr. ( NS)
• Railroad Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 2 2 1 1 1 1> 2 2 0 1 3 0 52.4 70.3 D E
Railroad Canyon Rd. ( NS) at:
• I- 15 NB( EW) TS 1 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 26.5 38.9 C D
• Canyon Hills Rd. ( EW) TS 1 3 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 25.3 11.8 C B
Diamond Dr Ramps ( NS) at:
• I- 15 SB( EW) TS 0 2 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 36.4 47.1 D D
• Mission Trail- Lakeshore Dr. ( EW) TS 1 2 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 1 36.8 37.7 D D
Mission Trail ( NS) at:
• Malaga Rd. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 17.3 24.4 B C
• Corydon St. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 0 2 1> 1 0 1 0 0 0 16.4 15.2 B B
• Bundy Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 17.9 22.1 B C
Corydon St.( NS) at:
• Grand Av. ( EW) TS 0 0 1 0.5 0.5 1> 1 1 0 1 1 0 15.3 20.9 B C
BOUND BOUND
EAST- WEST-BOUND
Lake St. ( NS) at:
I- 15 SB Ramps ( NS) at:
TRAFFIC
INTERSECTION APPROACH LANES1
Delay2 ( SEC) LEVEL OF
NORTH- SOUTH- SERVICE
BOUND
INTERSECTION
Table 2.1 Existing Conditions Intersection Analysis Summary
Notes:
1 When a right turn is designated, the lane can either be striped or unstriped. To function as a right turn lane there must be
sufficient width for right turning vehicles to travel outside the through lanes.
L = Left; T = Through; R = Right; >> = Free Right Turn; > = Right Turn Overlap;
2 Delay and level of service calculated using the following analysis software: Traffix, Version 7.7 ( 2004). Per the 2000
Highway Capacity Manual, overall average intersection delay and level of service are shown for intersections with traffic
signal or all way stop control. For intersections with cross St. stop control, the delay and level of service for worst
individual movement ( or movements sharing a single lane) are shown.
3 TS = Traffic Signal, AWS = All Way Stop, CSS = Cross St. Stop
4 = Delay High, Intersection Unstable, Level of Service " F."
- Not Applicable
Transportation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 9
Table 2.2 describes the definitions for Level of Service. As indicated on Table 2.1,
for existing traffic conditions, all study area intersections are currently operating at Level
of Service " D" or better during AM and PM peak hours except for the following
intersections:
Lake Street ( NS) at:
I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW)
Temescal Canyon Road ( EW)
Lincoln Street ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( NS) at:
Nichols Street ( EW)
Grand Avenue ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
SR- 74 ( EW)
Collier ( NS) at:
Riverside Drive ( EW)
Riverside Drive ( NS) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Ramsgate Drive ( NS) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Cambern Street ( NS) at:
SR- 74 ( EW)
Main Street ( NS) at:
I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW)
Summerhill Drive ( NS) at:
Railroad Canyon Road ( EW)
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 10 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Table 2.2 Definitions of Level of Service for Uninterrupted Flow
( Flow Unrestrained by the Existence of Traffic Control Devices)
LOS “ A" Represents free flow. Individual users are virtually unaffected by the
presence of others in the traffic stream.
LOS " B"
In the range of 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.
LOS " C"
In the range of 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.
LOS " D"
Represents high- density but stable flow. Speed and freedom to maneuver
are severely restricted, and the driver experiences a generally poor level of
comfort and convenience.
LOS " E"
Represents operating conditions at or near the capacity level. All speeds
are reduced to a low, but relatively uniform value. Small increases in flow
will cause breakdowns in traffic movement.
LOS " F"
Used to define 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.
Public Transportation Network
The Riverside Transit Agency ( RTA) provides public bus service to the city.
Currently five bus routes along several Lake Elsinore roadways provide alternative intra-
City and regional transportation options. Moreover, the Lake Elsinore Dial- a- Ride
( DAR), operated by RTA, is a senior and persons with disabilities, advance reservation
service designed to provide curb- to- curb transportation.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails
The pedestrian network consists of all the paved sidewalks and trails in Lake
Elsinore. Several local roadways in Lake Elsinore do not have paved pedestrian facilities.
In addition, some of the RTA bus stops are not accessible by paved sidewalks and transit
riders have to wait along the side of the road in unpaved areas.
The bikeway system encourages bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation,
although the terrain makes traversing the City via bicycle difficult. Existing and proposed
routes of the City bikeway system are divided into four classifications; Class I, II, III, and
multi- purpose. A Class I bikeway is a completely separated right- of way for the exclusive
use of bicycles. Class II bikeways provide a restricted right- of- way for the exclusive or
semi- exclusive use of bicycles with vehicle parking and cross flows by vehicles and
pedestrians permitted. A Class III bike route provides right- of- way designated by signs or
Transportation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 11
permanent markings and are shared with pedestrians or vehicles. Finally, multi- purpose
paths or trails are available for joint bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian use that may or
may not be separated or paved. A graphic of the Bikeway Plan as it appeared in the last
General Plan is shown in Figure 2.7.
The Bikeway Plan delineates an extensive, continuous network of bicycle routes,
with Class II bikeways as the principal provision for bicycle travel through the city. More
specifically, a Class I, off- street bikeway is designated for Grand Avenue through the
SOI. The Class III bikeway along Main Street, Camino Del Norte, Summer Hill Drive
and Ramsgate Drive is delineated specifically to emphasize and facilitate the linkage of
bicycle routes through the major specific plan areas east of I- 15 and the downtown area.
The multi- purpose designation reflects the city’s existing dedicated and proposed trail
system ( west end) available to equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle users. The existing
segments are unpaved; future sections may or may not be paved or separated depending
upon design and use requirements.
Air Transportation
Air transportation systems located within the City and the surrounding region
includes public use airports and carrier operations. Airports serving the City are tied into
the regional air transportation system and operate as an efficient and convenient
transportation.
Skylark Airport is located within the City of Lake
Elsinore, in the vicinity of the southern terminus of the Lake.
This airport provides glider and skydiving opportunities for
the community and surrounding region. The runway surface
of Skylark Airport consists of gravel and sand; as such, this
surface generally does not permit optimal conditions for
frequent and convenient airport operations.
Twelve public- use airports are situated within the
boundaries of Riverside County. Of these airports, five are
located within the generalized vicinity of the City of Lake
Elsinore, including Perris Valley, located approximately 11
miles from Lake Elsinore, French Valley located approximately 18 miles away in
Temecula, Riverside Municipal Airport located in Riverside approximately 20 miles
away, and the Hemet- Ryan Airport approximately 22 miles from the City.
There are five major commercial airports in southern California used for passenger
service, including: Palm Springs International Airport, Ontario International Airport ( San
Bernardino County), Orange County- John Wayne Airport, Los Angeles International
Airport, and Lindbergh Field ( San Diego County). Of these only Palm Springs
Sign near airstrip identifying skydiving
location.
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 12 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
International Airport, located approximately 70 miles from the City, is located in Riverside
County. In addition to the regional air passenger airport facilities, the March Inland Port/ Air
Reserve Base is located along I- 215 in Riverside County, approximately 23 miles from the
City. This airport provides regional air cargo service and also continues to function as an
Air Reserve Base military installation. A figure of “ airport influence areas” identified in
the County of Riverside General Plan is included as Figure 2.8.
Park and Ride
The Riverside County Transportation Commission provides free “ park and ride” sites
to encourage residents to carpool or take alternative forms of transportation. Several park
and ride lots exist within the City including the Ortega Market located at 15887 Grand
Avenue, Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall located at Collier Street & Nichols, and finally the
SR- 74 park and ride lot located at Dexter Street & SR- 74.
Railroads
There are currently no railroad services within the City of Lake Elsinore or SOI.
However, in the past the Lake Elsinore Branch of the Santa Fe Railroad provided rail
service for the immediate community as well as the surrounding region. The Lake
Elsinore Branch railways were located to the north of Lake Elsinore. However, through
dissolution of the Santa Fe Railroad coupled with continued growth of the City, these
railways and associated infrastructure have been removed.
Scenic Routes
Caltrans has identified Interstate 15 and Highway 74 as eligible state scenic
highways, but neither one is officially designated. Caltrans outlines an application
process for official designation that the City has not pursued. Advantages of official
designation are listed as: able to promote local tourism that is consistent with the
community's scenic values, protecting the scenic values of an area, enhancing community
identity and pride, and enhancing land values and making the area more attractive.
Safe Routes to Schools
The state of California encourages a program called Safe Routes to School to
encourage more school children to walk or bike to school. Thirty years ago, 66% of
children walked or biked to school, now, the number has dropped to 13%. This has been
attributed to parent’s perception that crime and traffic has made roads unsafe and opts to
drive their children to school instead. To change this, various entities including the
California Department of Health Services, California Highway Patrol, Center for Livable
Communities, Surface Transportation Policy Project, California Bicycle Coalition, and
Rails to Trails Conservancy have been working with local officials to create Safe Routes
Transportation Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 13
to School programs. They work with local officials, parents, law enforcement officers,
and traffic engineers to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicycle riders on heavily
used school routes.
The City of Lake Elsinore began a program and has designated routes, but has not
updated the plan for the last several years. There has been interest expressed in updating
the map. Several schools in the Lake Elsinore area participate in a National Walk to
School Day.
Constraints and Opportunities
Constraints Due to Regulatory Requirements
Caltrans has the ability to recommend measures to mitigate traffic impacts if a project
is going to influence traffic flows and levels of service on a state highway. Care in
increasing density or changing land use must be exercised when implementing changes to
land use adjacent to state highways to avoid creating or exacerbating issues related to
roadway levels of service. Increasing traffic demand adjacent to a state highway may
create the need for significant mitigation measures on adjacent surface streets, possibly
increasing the cost of a project.
The preliminary analysis has shown that the currently adopted General Plan
Circulation Element contains highway network links that may be very difficult to build
and/ or may be economically unfeasible to finance. Identified challenges with the current
General Plan Circulation Map are identified on Figure 2.9.
Constraints Due to Existing Conditions
Existing conditions create constraints to changing land use designations. There are
many streets in the City already operating at a poor level of service. Adding additional
density or changing land use patterns that will increase traffic in areas that are already
operating at a poor level of service will exacerbate current conditions. In areas with a
poor level of service, land uses will be constrained to those that will decrease traffic
unless traffic management and traffic calming devices are employed.
There are areas in the City that do not have paved pedestrian facilities, including at
bus stops. This deficiency has the potential to cause people not to walk or take public
transportation. Bikeways may have to share lanes with vehicles, contributing to a sense
of lack of safety, also causing residents to avoid using bike lanes. Limiting opportunities
for alternative forms of transportation will continue to contribute to poor levels of service
on City roadways.
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 14 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Narrow street in County Club Heights.
Opportunities to Enhance Regulatory Requirements
Updating the General Plan is an opportunity to revise the Circulation Plan that shows
highway network links that are difficult to build or are economically unfeasible. The
City can look into the possibility of alternate plans that are not as difficult to build and/ or
those that make more sense economically. It is also an opportunity to address any
existing problems on surface streets that may be contributing to state highway problems
so future projects proposed adjacent to the highway will not necessarily create additional
traffic demand.
Opportunities to Address Existing Conditions
A General Plan Update provides the City the opportunity to
coordinate transportation projects including streets, sidewalks,
bikeways, and other related infrastructure. It is also an
opportunity to identify problems in existing circulation patterns
and implement new policies to fix the problems. For land uses
that may increase traffic, and/ or introduce more pedestrian
activity to streets and sidewalks, policies can be implemented
requiring speed control measures such as raised crosswalks,
textured pavement, speed humps, center island narrowings, and
roundabouts.
Public transportation is an important component of the City’s circulation system and
offers important opportunities to reduce air pollution and road congestion. To maximize
the potential benefits of transit facilities and services, the City has an opportunity to
increase the availability and use of public transit in Lake Elsinore.
Non- vehicular modes of transportation offer alternatives to driving, and provide both
recreational and commuting options within the community. To promote walking and
bicycling, a safe pedestrian and bicycle system composed of separate and completed bike
lanes, sidewalks, and trails can be developed that will connect key activity centers of the
City.
January 2006 Transportation Background Report
2- 16 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
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Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 1
CHAPTER 3 – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
BACKGROUND REPORT
Introduction
This report assesses existing biological resources in the City of Lake Elsinore and its
associated sphere of influence ( SOI). The regulatory environment and existing
conditions will be assessed and analyzed to determine associated constraints and
opportunities. The purpose of this discussion is to use the information as a resource for
updating the Conservation Element of the General Plan.
Legal Basis and Requirements
Government Code Section 65302( d) states the General Plan shall include a
conservation element for the “ conservation, development, and utilization of natural
resources including water and its hydraulic force, forest, soils, rivers and other waters,
harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources.”
Regulatory Environment
The City of Lake Elsinore must comply with various Federal, State, and local laws.
The following is a list of laws and policies relevant to biological resources. A description
of each of the following can be found in the biological resources section of the
Environmental Impact Report:
Federal Endangered Species Act
Executive Order 13186: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Clean Water Act
& Section 401
& Section 402
& Section 404
Executive Order 11990— Protection of Wetlands
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
California Endangered Species Act
California Fish and Game Code
California State Wetlands Conservation Policy
Porter- Cologne Water Quality Control Act
Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP)
Riverside County General Plan
City of Lake Elsinore General Plan
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 2 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan ( MSHCP)
The study area is located within the boundary of the Western Riverside County
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP). The City of Lake Elsinore
adopted the MSHCP in June 2004. The MSHCP is a comprehensive, multi- jurisdictional
effort that includes the County and fourteen cities, including Lake Elsinore. Rather than
deal with endangered species on a one- by- one basis, this Plan provides an integrated
approach to the conservation of 146 species and provides federal and state authorization
for impacts to those species under permits held by the City and other Plan participants.
As one of the conditions of those permits, City and other Plan participants have agreed to
assemble a reserve system of approximately 500,000 acres will be created, connecting
current and future conserved lands. Approximately 347,000 of these targeted acres are
currently within public ownership and 153,000 acres are currently in private ownership.
Implementation of the plan, including acquisition, administration, operation, and
maintenance of reserve lands, will be the responsibility of the newly created Western
Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority ( RCA), a public agency governed by
a board of elected city and county officials. The area covered by the MSHCP has been
divided into nine analysis units in a progress report prepared in 2004 by the RCA. Much
of the area within the Lake Elsinore SOI lies within RCA Conservation Area 8. The
objective of the approved MSHCP is to contribute to the economic viability of the region
by providing landowners, developers, and those who build public infrastructure with
certainty, a streamlined regulatory process, and identified project mitigation.
Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas
The City of Lake Elsinore is focusing its conservation
efforts on adding lands to existing Core Reserves and
Linkages within and adjacent to the Elsinore Area Plan.
Figure 3.1 shows the public and quasi- public lands that are
part of the existing reserve system, and the areas identified
in the MSHCP as the focus for future additions to the
reserve system. Based on mapping in the MSHCP,
approximately 3,500 acres in the City and SOI are part of
the existing reserve system within the MSHCP. The goal is
add between 4,830 acres and 7,870 acres to the reserve
system within the City over a 25- year period within the
“ criteria area” shown on Figure 3.1. As of the 2004 Annual
Report, which is a summary of activities for the initial six- month period that federal and
state permits were issued for the MSHCP, June 22, 2004 through December 31, 2004,
868 acres were conserved. Since February of 2000, a total of 2,190 acres has been
Sign identifying one of the City's many
habitat conservation areas.
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 3
conserved which is 34% of the middle range of the target conservation. Under the
MSHCP and its permits, the City reviews proposed land uses in the “ criteria area” to
determine if they are compatible with the MSHCP’s conservation goals and will
contribute to assembling the reserves. The MSHCP in the City of Lake Elsinore is
addressed in open space and conservation policies in the General Plan. There also are
MSHCP survey, habitat evaluation, and mitigation fee requirements that apply to projects
in City and are administered through the Planning Department.
Existing Biological Resources
The City and SOI are located in the Elsinore Valley, which is bounded on the west by
the east flank of the rugged Santa Ana Mountains and rises into hills to the east. Based
on mapping prepared for the MSHCP and as seen in Table 3.1, approximately 13,000
acres of the total area are developed lands or have exotic vegetation and approximately
600 acres are agricultural lands. The remainder of the area is natural vegetation
communities, primarily chaparral and Riversidian sage scrub. Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1
indicate the natural community types. Each type and its associated species are described
in more detail in the sections below. Designated and proposed conservation areas within
the City and SOI also are identified and described.
Natural Communities
There are sixteen natural communities, plus agricultural and developed lands, that
occur in the City and/ or SOI as shown in table 3.1. Several of the natural communities
are considered “ sensitive” or “ special status” habitats because they are unique, have
relatively limited distribution in the region, or have high wildlife value as defined by
federal, state, and local government conservation programs. Many are, or correspond to,
vegetation series and associations identified in the California Natural Diversity Database
( CNDDB) as “ rare.” Such communities within the City and/ or SOI include:
Riversidian sage scrub
Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub
Diegan coastal sage scrub
dense Englemann oak woodland
coast live oak woodland
southern willow scrub
southern cottonwood- willow riparian forest
southern sycamore- alder riparian forest
coastal and valley freshwater marsh
vernal pools
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 4 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Table 3.1 Natural Communities in the City and SOI
Type City SOI Total
Nonnative Grassland 5,533 1,938 7,471
Coastal Sage Scrub
Riversidian Sage Scrub* 6,453 4,454 10,907
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 24 713 737
Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub* 43 274 317
Chaparral
Chamise Chaparral 214 4 218
Chaparral 2,824 10,562 13,386
Woodlands
Coast Live Oak Woodland* 61 397 458
Dense Engelmann Oak Woodland* 0 5 5
Oak Woodland 5 57 62
Riparian
Riparian Forest 56 42 98
Riparian Scrub 183 153 336
Southern Cottonwood/ Willow Riparian* 0 22 22
Southern Willow Scrub* 27 47 74
Marsh
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh 32 0 32
Open Water/ Reservoir/ Pond 2,373 57 2,422
Vernal Pools*, ** -- -- --
Agricultural Lands
Field Croplands 88 291 379
Grove/ Orchard 26 198 224
Residential/ Urban/ Exotic 6,876 6,080 12,956
TOTAL 24,818 25,294 50,104
Notes
* Considered to be a special status/ sensitive habitat because it is unique, has relatively
limited distribution in the region, has high wildlife value, and/ or is directly or indirectly
protected federal, state, or local regulations and policies.
** Individual vernal pools and vernal pool complexes were not mapped in the MSHCP or
for the City General Plan but are known to occur in the City and SOI.
Source: GIS database for MSHCP ( July 2003).
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 5
Nonnative Grassland
Nonnative grasslands are characterized by a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses
with flowering culms ( stems) 0.2 to 1.5 meters high. They are often associated with
numerous species of showy- flowered, native wildflowers, especially in years of favorable
rainfall. Flowering occurs with the onset of the late fall rains, and growth, flowering, and
seed- set occur from winter through spring. With a few exceptions, the plants are dead
through the summer- fall dry season, persisting as seeds. Nonnative grasslands occur on
fine- textured soils that are moist during the winter rainy season and very dry during
summer and fall. Adjacent communities may include oak woodland on moister, better-drained
soils.
Composed almost entirely of annual grasses and other herbaceous annuals, this
community is dominant over a large area immediately southwest of Lake Elsinore and
also as a mosaic interspersed with coastal sage scrub communities. Plants typical of this
community include several species of brome ( Bromus spp.), wild oat ( Avena spp.), filaree
( Erodium spp.), schismus ( Schismus spp.), fescue ( Vulpia spp.), and a variety of
wildflowers such as California poppy ( Eschscholtzia californica), phacelia ( Phacelia
spp.), and goldfields ( Lasthenia californica).
Coastal Sage Scrub
Coastal sage scrub is characterized by low shrubs and an absence of trees. Shrubs
include either pure stands or mixtures of coarse, deciduous species that drop their leaves in
response to periodic drought conditions. Coastal sage scrub occurs primarily below 914
meters ( 3,000 feet) above mean sea level on western slopes of mountains, on steep, south-facing,
wind- exposed slopes, and in
areas where the marine layer pene-trates
inland to foothills and can-yons.
Soils are typically well
drained and relatively shallow.
Shrubs are more widely spaced than
in chaparral and do not have the
characteristic rigidity or thick
drought- resistant leaves of those in
chaparral. Remaining dormant
throughout the dry season, plants
either drop their leaves or produce
smaller leaves on secondary shoots,
which reduces water loss. Root
systems are generally shallow, and some shrubs store water in succulent leaves and stems.
Other plants produce aromatic oils from the surfaces of leaves, making them less appealing
to grazing animals and reducing water loss, but at the cost of increased flammability during
Sensitive habitat found in the hillsides surrounding the City.
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 6 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
the fire season. Typical species in this community include California sagebrush
( Artemisia californica), long- stemmed buckwheat ( E. elongatum), California buckwheat
( Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage ( Salvia apiana), black sage ( Salvia mellifera),
bush monkeyflower ( Mimulus longiflorus), brittlebush ( Encelia farinosa), California
bush sunflower ( Encelia californica), coast goldenbush ( Isocoma menziesii), laurel
sumac ( Malosma laurina), deerweed ( Lotus scoparius), golden yarrow ( Eriophyllum
confertiflorum), and coast prickly pear ( Opuntia littoralis), lupines ( Lupinus spp.).
Riversidian Sage Scrub
Riversidian sage scrub typically is a fairly open vegetation community, with at least
20 percent cover by California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and Spanish brome
( Bromus madritensis). See description of coastal sage scrub above for additional details
about plant species composition. In the City and SOI, this community occurs in many
locations, often on hills and slopes adjacent to developed areas. In many locations, the
herb layer of the Riversidian sage scrub is dominated by nonnative invasive forbs and
grasses, which reduces the quality of these areas as potential habitat for various species.
Riversidian sage scrub is considered a special status or sensitive habitat.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Similar to Riversidian sage scrub, this community is found where moisture is relatively
more available. Dominant species are California sagebrush, California buckwheat, laurel
sumac, lemonade berry ( Rhus integrifolia), and white sage. This community occurs only in
small patches within the existing City limits; substantially more acres of this type occur in
the SOI than in the City.
Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub
Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub grows on sandy, rocky alluvial soils deposited by
streams that experience periodic flooding. The soils in these areas are well drained to
excessively drained and have low water holding capacity and low fertility. Vegetation con-sists
of drought- deciduous subshrubs and large evergreen woody shrubs adapted to these
soil characteristics and survival of, or rapid recruitment after, intense, periodic flooding and
erosion. Pioneer, intermediate, and mature stages of alluvial fan sage scrub plant commu-nity
are often distinguished. The pioneer stage has sparse vegetation and low plant diver-sity.
The intermediate stage is characterized by dense vegetation dominated by subshrubs.
The mature stage has dense, full- grown subshrubs, along with evergreen woody shrubs.
Scale- broom is a shrub species found most often on alluvial soils associated with drainages.
Other common shrub species of this vegetation community are often characteristic species
of either Riversidian sage scrub or chaparral communities. These common subshrub
species include coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, chamise, brittlebush ( Encelia
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 7
farinosa), hairy yerba santa ( Eriodictyon trichocalyx), sugarbush, birch- leaved mountain
mahogany, and deerweed ( Lotus scoparius).
Small patches of this community are present in the City in washes where the soil has
been deposited and is periodically scoured by flowing water from slopes above. Soils tend
to be sandy and porous. Substantially more acres of this community occur in the SOI than
in the City.
Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat.
Chaparral
Chaparral is widely distributed on dry slopes and ridges at low and mid- elevations. It
typically consists of shrubs with tough, broad leaves, although species composition may
vary considerably with many different subtypes. This community also is highly adapted
to periodic natural fires.
Chamise chaparral, which is the most common chaparral type in Riverside County, is
dominated by chamise ( Adenostoma fasciculatum). Southern mixed chaparral often
occurs adjacent to Riversidian sage scrub and chamise chaparral, but generally on sites
with more moisture. Common chaparral shrubs include toyon ( Heteromeles arbutifolia),
chamise, several California lilacs ( Ceanothus megacarpus, C. crassifolius, C. cuneatus,
and C. spinosus), birch- leaved mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus betuloides), manzanita
( Arctostaphylos spp.), and scrub oak ( Quercus berberdifolia).
Generally taller and denser than sage scrub communities, this community is found in
the City primarily on the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is more broadly
distributed in the SOI.
Oak Woodland
Oak woodland varies from open savannas with grassy understories to fairly dense
woodlands with shrubby understories. This community typically integrates with both
nonnative grassland and riparian woodland. Annual rainfall is generally between 38 and
64 centimeters ( 15 and 25 inches), and intermittent streams may be present. The
dominant trees in the Riverside area are coast live oak ( Quercus agrifolia), with smaller
amounts of Engelmann oak ( Quercus engelmannii), black walnut ( Juglans californica),
western sycamore ( Platanus racemosa), toyon, and blue elderberry ( Sambucus
mexicana). Smaller trees and shrubs along with herbaceous plants and grasses that form
the vegetative understory include sugar bush ( Rhus ovata), squawbush ( Rhus trilobata),
poison– oak ( Toxicodendron diversilobum), coastal wood fern ( Dryopteris arguta), and
bracken fern ( Pteridium aquilinium).
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 8 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Within the City and SOI this community is typically located near intermittent stream
courses and is known to occur in the canyons on the east face of the Santa Ana
Mountains.
Coast Live Oak Woodland
Coast live oak woodlands vary from closed- canopy stands of coast live oak to
mixtures with conifers and broadleaf trees to open savannas. The shrub layer is poorly
developed, but may include toyon, laurel sumac, or blue elderberry. The herb component
is typically continuous and dominated by rip- gut brome ( Bromus diandrus) and several
other introduced species. This community typically occurs on north- facing slopes and
shaded ravines.
Coast live oak woodland is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. It occurs in
both the City and SOI, with substantially more acres in the SOI than in the City.
Dense Englemann Oak Woodland
Dense Englemann oak woodland is a climax woodland dominated by Englemann oak
( Quercus englemannii), with coast live oak as an additional significant constituent. The
understory is composed of typical grassland species. Canopy cover is dense. This
vegetation community appears on moderately moist sites, especially in steep canyons.
Dense Englemann oak woodlands are known to occur southeast of Lake Mathews
between Galivan Road and Lake Mathews Drive.
Dense Englemann oak woodland is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. It
occurs in the SOI but not within the existing City boundaries.
Riparian Forest, Woodland, and Scrub
Riparian forests and woodlands are dependent on the presence of or proximity to
non- seasonal water sources. The water may be surface water or shallow groundwater.
Riparian woodlands may measure a few meters in width to much broader, depending on
water flow. Where non- seasonal streams flow out of the mountains and onto flatter
grasslands, the riparian woodland community may be a relatively broad one, but in the
higher elevations where water flows down a narrow passageway often confined by steep
hillsides, this community may be very narrow. Riparian woodland may also occupy
areas surrounding human- made lakes and reservoirs. Typical species of this community
include willows ( Salix spp.), western sycamore, black walnut, Fremont and black
cottonwood ( Populus fremontii and P. trichocarpa), white alder ( Alnus rhombifolia),
coast live oak, mule fat ( Baccharis salicifolia), and smaller plants such as poison- oak,
California blackberry, horsetails ( Equisetum spp.), and scarlet and creek monkeyflower
( Mimulus cardinalis and M. guttatus).
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 9
Riparian scrub is characterized as a scrubby streamside thicket, dominated by any of
several willows, mule fat, or a mix of these. Vegetation may vary from open to
impenetrable. Willows typically occur on relatively fine- grained sand and gravel bars that
are close to river channels and/ or groundwater. Coarser substrate soils or areas where there
is relatively great depth to the water table favors dominance by mule fat. This early
successional community may precede any of several riparian woodland or forest types
absent severe flooding disturbance.
Riparian forest and scrub communities occur along streambeds in the City and SOI
and along the shore of Lake Elsinore. Types include southern willow scrub, composed of
relatively small willows and mulefat, southern cottonwood – willow riparian forest, with
taller willows and cottonwoods, and southern sycamore – alder riparian woodland,
composed of western sycamore, white alder, and often lower densities of willows,
cottonwoods, or oaks. In general, all riparian communities are considered to be special
status/ sensitive habitats.
Southern Willow Scrub
Southern willow scrub is distinguished by dense, broadleaved, winter- deciduous
riparian thickets dominated by several willow species, including black willow, sandbar
willow, red willow ( Salix laevigata), and arroyo willow, with scattered Fremont
cottonwood and western sycamore. Most stands are too dense to allow much understory
development. Typical soils include loose, sandy, or fine gravelly alluvium deposited near
stream channels during flood flows. This community requires repeated flooding to
prevent succession to southern cottonwood- sycamore riparian forest. It occurs in both
the City and SOI and is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat.
Southern Cotd- willow riparian forests are tall, open, broadleaved winter-deciduous
riparian foresttonwood- Willow Riparian Forest
Southern cottonwoods dominated by Fremont cottonwood, black cottonwood, and
several tree willows. Understories consist of shrubby willows. The dominant species
require moist, bare mineral soil. Sub- irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along
rivers and streams provide the necessary conditions for germination and establishment.
Other typical plant species include California mugwort, mule fat, wild cucumber ( Marah
macrocarpus), western sycamore, Goodding’s black willow ( Salix gooddingii), sandbar
willow ( Salix exigua), yellow shining willow ( Salix lasiandra), arroyo willow ( Salix
lasiolepis), and stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica). It occurs in the SOI and is considered to
be a special status/ sensitive habitat.
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 10 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Southern Sycamore- Alder Riparian Woodland
Southern sycamore- alder riparian woodland is a tall, open, broadleaved, winter-deciduous
streamside woodland dominated by western sycamore and white alder. These
stands seldom form closed canopy forests, and may appear as trees scattered in a shrubby
thicket of hard drought- resistant evergreens and deciduous species. Soils consist of very
rocky streambeds subject to seasonally high- intensity flooding. White alder increases in
abundance on more perennial streams, while western sycamore favors more intermittent
hydrographs. Other common forms of vegetation include California mugwort, coast live
oak, horsetail, smilo grass ( Piptatherum miiaceum), California blackberry, poison- oak,
blue elderberry, and stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica). This woodland is considered to be a
special status/ sensitive habitat.
Marsh
Marsh communities are dominated by perennial, emergent flowering plants
( monocots) generally up to four to five meters tall. Vegetation often forms completely
closed canopies. Bulrush ( Scirpus spp.) and cattail ( Typha spp.) species dominate.
Marsh communities are found on sites permanently inundated by fresh water and lacking
significant current. Conditions of prolonged saturation permit accumulation of deep,
peaty soils in this community.
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
This community is generally found in areas with slow- moving or ponded water,
where shallow topography is subject to prolonged saturation. One of these areas is
northeast of Lake Elsinore, around a small lake that was created several years ago. It is
recognized by the presence of plants that grow up through shallow water, such as cattail,
bullrush, and sedge). This community occurs in the City but not the SOI and is
considered a special status/ sensitive habitat.
Open Water / Reservoir / Pond
Open water/ reservoir/ pond areas are called lacustrine
ecosystems and are characterized by inland depressions or
dammed riverine channels containing standing water,
including both near- shore ( limnetic) and deepwater habitats
( littoral). Usually, to meet this classification, each area must
exceed 20 acres ( 8 hectares) and be deeper than 6.6 feet ( 2
meters). The lower San Jacinto River, Lake Elsinore, and
several other ponds and creeks within the study area provide
open water habitat, relatively free of vegetation, that supports
fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Among the warm water fishery species that provide
Rare white pelicans in quiet lake area.
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 11
recreational fishing in Lake Elsinore are largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Recent
efforts to improve the water quality in Lake Elsinore have included the harvesting of carp
in order to restructure the fishery composition, and also the installation of a series of axial
flow pumps designed to increase vertical water circulation, thereby maintaining higher
levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. These areas are subject to a wide range of
regulations and, depending on site- specific conditions, typically are considered to be a
special status/ sensitive habitat.
Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that form in localized depressions with subsurface
hardpans, allowing ponded rainwater to remain above the surface into the dry season.
These seasonal wetlands create a moist environment to which a specialized group of plant
species is adapted. Species composition varies among pools and among years. However,
as noted in Riverside County ( 2003c), common species in vernal pools in or near the
project area include woolly marbles ( Psilocarphus brevissimus), toad rush ( Juncus
bufonius), spike rush ( Eleocharis species), wire- stem popcorn flower ( Plagiobothrys
leptocladus), Mexican speedwell ( Veronica peregrina ssp. xalapensis), annual hairgrass
( Deschampsia danthonioides), alkali pepper- grass ( Lepidium dictyotum), and water
pygmy weed ( Crassula aquatica); many special status species are also
Agricultural Lands
Limited areas of groves, orchards, and cropland persist in the study area. These lands
have little value as habitat for wildlife other than those species highly adapted to
disturbance.
Residential / Urban / Exotic
A substantial portion of the area within the Lake Elsinore SOI has been developed,
and remaining natural resources in these areas are now limited to ornamental trees and
garden shrubs that may provide some habitat for nesting birds.
Special Status Species
In this report, plants and animals are identified as being “ special status species” if
they are listed or proposed for listing under federal or state law; are identified as
“ sensitive,” “ a species of concern,” or “ a species of special concern” on lists maintained
by federal or state agencies; or are on the list of ( biologically) endangered and rare plant
species maintained by the California Native Plant Society. Table 3.2 identifies the
special status species that are known to occur or have a reasonable potential for
occurrence in the City and/ or SOI.
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 12 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Table 3.2 Special Status Species That Occur or Potentially Occur in the City and/ or
SOI
Species Common/
Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities
Plants
Chaparral sand- verbena
Abronia villosa var. aurita)
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Exposed sites with sandy soils,
especially washes and dunes, in
chaparral, sage scrub, and alluvial
scrub
California orcutt grass
Orcuttia californica
Federal: E
State: E
CNPS: 1B
Vernal pools; alkaline soils and
southern southern basaltic claypan,
Coulter’s goldfields
Lasthenia glabrata ssp. Coulteri
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Coastal salt marshes, playas, valley
and foothill grassland, vernal pools.
Alkaline soils in playas, sinks, and
grasslands. 1– 1,400 meters in
elevation.
Davidson’s saltscale
Atriplex serenans var. davidsonii
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Alkali vernal pools, alkali annual
grasslands, alkali playa, and alkali
scrub components of alkali vernal
plains.
Hammitt’s clay- cress
Sibaropsis hammittii
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral and valley and foothill
grassland at elevations of 700m to
1100m.
Intermediate mariposa lily
Calochortus weedii var.
intermedius
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Rocky hill- and- valley landscapes with
chaparral, sage scrub, or grasslands
Little mousetail Myosurus
minimus ssp. Apus
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 3
Vernal pools and poorly drained spots
in moist grasslands, generally under
alkaline conditions.
Long- spined spineflower
Chorizanthe polygonoides var.
longispina
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral, coastal scrub, meadows,
valley and foothill grassland. Gabbroic
clay. 30– 1,450 meters in elevation.
Many- stemmed dudleya
Dudleya multicaulis
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland. In heavy, often
clayey soils or grassy slopes. 0– 790
meters in elevation.
Munz’s onion
Allium munzii
Federal: E
State: T
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral, coastal scrub, cismontane
woodland, pinyon- juniper woodland,
valley and foothill grassland. Only in
Riverside County. Heavy clay soils;
grows in grasslands and openings
within shrublands or woodlands. 300–
1,035 meters in elevation.
Palmer’s grapplinghook
Harpagonella palmeri
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 4
Chaparral, coastal sage scrub,
grasslands; clay soils.
Parry’s spineflower
Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Coastal scrub, chaparral. Dry slopes
and flats; sometimes at interface of 2
vegetation such as chaparral and oak
woodland; dry, sandy soils. 40– 1,705
meters in elevation.
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 13
Species Common/
Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities
Robinson’s pepper- grass
Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral, coastal scrub. Dry soils,
shrubland. 1– 945 meters in elevation.
Round- leaved filaree
Erodium macrophyllum
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 2
Cismontane woodland, valley and
foothill grassland. Clay soils. 15–
1,200 meters in elevation.
San Diego ambrosia
Ambrosia pumila
Federal: E
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland, vernal pools. In the
U. S., known only from San Diego and
Riverside counties. Sandy loam or
clay soil. In valleys, persists where
disturbance has been superficial. 20–
415 meters in elevation.
San Jacinto Valley crownscale
Atriples coronata var. notatior
Federal: E
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Flooplains ( seasonal wetlands)
dominated by alkali scrub, alkali
playas, vernal pools, and, to a lesser
extent, alkali grasslands.
Slender- horned spineflower
Dodecahema leptoceras
Federal: E
State: E
CNPS: 1B
Chaparral, coastal scrub ( alluvial fan
sage scrub), flood deposited terraces
and washes.
Small- flowered microseris
Microseris douglasii var.
platycarpha
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 4
Clay soils in associations with native
grasslands or vernal pools.
Smooth tarplant
Centromadia pungens ssp. Laevis
Federal: None
State: None
CNPS: 1B
Valley and foothill grassland,
chenopod scrub, meadows, playas,
riparian woodland, alkali meadow,
alkali scrub; also in disturbed places.
0– 480 meters in elevation.
Invertebrates
Riverside fairy shrimp
Streptocephalus woottoni
Federal: E
State: None
Areas of tectonic swales/ earth slump
basins in grassland and coastal sage
scrub. Inhabit seasonally astatic pools
filled by winter/ spring rains. Hatch in
warm water later in the season.
Quino checkerspot butterfly
Euphydryas editha quino
Federal: E
State: None
Open areas in grasslands, forb- lands,
coastal sage scrub, and chaparral,
usually with low disturbance and a
well- developed biological soil crust.
Primary larval host plant is Plantago
erecta.
Amphibians
Western spadefoot
Spea hammondii
Federal: SOC
State: SSC
Grassland, coastal sage scrub, and
other habitats with open sandy gravel
soils. Breeds in vernal pools and
temporary ponds/ pools associated with
river bottoms and floodplains.
Primarily a species of the lowlands,
frequenting washes, floodplains of
rivers, alluvial fans, and alkali flats.
Reptiles
Coast ( San Diego) horned lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum
( blainvillei)
Federal: None
State: SSC
Open or sparse scrub and chaparral
communities. This species prefers
loose, friable soil for burrowing.
January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report
3- 14 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update
Species Common/
Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities
Orangethroat whiptail
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus
Federal: None
State: SSC
Chaparral, sage scrub and open edges
of riparian areas; specialist to some
degree on native termites.
Coastal western whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri
Federal: SOC
State: None
Found in deserts and semiarid areas
with sparse vegetation and open
areas. Also found in woodland and
riparian areas. Ground may be firm
soil, sandy, or rocky.
Northern red- diamond rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber ruber
Federal: None
State: SSC
Chaparral, woodland, grassland, and
desert areas. Occurs in rocky areas
and dense vegetation. Needs rodent
burrows, cracks in rocks, or surface
cover objects.
Western pond turtle
Clemmys marmorata pallida
Federal: None
State: SSC
Ponds, small lakes, perennial pools in
drainages, marshes, slow- moving
sometimes- brackish water.
Birds
American bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Federal: SOC
State: None
Freshwater marshes and vegetated
borders of ponds and lakes.
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Federal: T
State: E
Open areas, forest edges, and
mountains near large lakes and rivers.
Requires tall trees for nesting. Three
known nest efforts in or near western
Riverside County, but not within the
project area, in the last ten years.
Bell’s sage sparrow
Amphispiza belli belli
Federal: SOC
State: SSC
Extensive patches of chaparral less
than about 2 meters in height and
sage scrub shaded and relatively open
at the ground layer.
Black- crowned night- heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Federal: None
State: None
Many types of wetlands; inland relay
are large wetland areas.
Burrowing owl
Speotyto cunicularia
Federal: SOC
State: SSC
Requires fairly large expanses of
relatively open, level or hummocky
terrain, including grasslands,
agricultural fields, dairies, flood
channels, and occasionally may use
undisturbed areas of golf courses or
airports.
Cactus wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Federal: None
State: SSC
Coastal sage scrub with thickets,
patches, or tracts of large branching
cacti, thorny shrubs, and small trees.
Coastal California gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica californica
Federal: T
State: SSC
Obligate resident of several distinct
subassociations of the coastal sage
scrub community.
Cooper’s hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Federal: None
State: SSC
Mature forest, open woodlands, parks,
and residential areas.
Double- crested cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus
Federal: None
State: None
Occupies diverse aquatic habitats in all
seasons. Diet is primarily fishes.
Tolerates only minimal disturbance at
nesting colonies.
Downy woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Federal: None
State: None
Nests in extensive lowland riparian
woodland and forest; will forage in
many adjacent habitats.
Biological Resources Background Report January 2006
Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 15
Species Common/
Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities
Least Bell’s vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus
Federal: E
State: E
Riparian habitat with some tree layer
and a dense understory, often of
young willows, but sometimes mule
fat, blue elderberry, California rose,
desert wild grape, and a variety of
other shrubby species.
Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Federal: SOC
State: SSC
Open areas ( e. g., grassland,
rangeland, fallow agricultural fields),
especially where there are scattered
large shrubs, trees, or other suitable
perches at moderate height.
Northern harrier
Circus cyaneus
Federal: None
State: SSC
Coastal lowlands, marshes, mesic
grasslands, and agricultural fields.
Probably extirpated locally as a
breeder.
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Federal: None
State: SSC
Large water bodies supporting fish
with surrounding or nearby suitable
nest sites.
Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
Federal:
E/ delisted
State: E, P
Open areas, mud flats with waterfowl,
shorebirds. Not currently believed to
breed in Riverside County.
Southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps canescens
Federal: None
State: SSC
Rocky slopes, especially where a
relatively open shrub cover dominated
by California sagebrush is interspersed
with grassy areas.
Southwestern willow flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
Federal: E
State: E
Riparian woodlands along rivers and
streams, with mature dense stands of
willows, cottonwoods, and sometimes
alders. Requires some inundation or
soil saturation in riparian at least
through May.
Tree swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Federal: None
State: None
During winter and migration, found in
open areas, grasslands, meadows,
brushlands, and near water sources.
Tricolor blackbird
Agelaius tricolor
Federal: SOC
State: SSC
Freshwater marshes. Suitable
breeding habitat includes
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Description
| Rating | |
| Title | City of Lake Elsinore general plan background reports |
| Subject | City planning--California--Lake Elsinore.; Land use--California--Lake Elsinore. |
| Description | Title from PDF opening screen.; "January 2006."; Harvested from the web on 7/2/07 |
| Creator | Lake Elsinore (Calif.) |
| Publisher | City of Lake Elsinore |
| Contributors | Mooney, Jones & Stokes. |
| Type | Text |
| Identifier | http://digitalarchive.oclc.org/request?id%3Doclcnum%3A137243438; http://www.lake-elsinore.org/gp/docs.asp |
| Language | eng |
| Title-Alternative | Background study report |
| Date-Issued | 2006] |
| Format-Extent | [315] p. : digital, PDF file. |
| Relation-Requires | Mode of access: Internet.; System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
| Transcript | CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE GENERAL PLAN – BACKGROUND REPORTS 1. Land Use and Recreation 2. Transportation 3. Biological Resources 4. Air Quality 5. Noise 6. Water Resources 7. Cultural, Historical, and Paleontological Resources 8. Population and Housing 9. Aesthetic and Visual Resources 10. Community Services and Utilities 11. Hazards and Hazardous Materials 12. Geology and Mineral Resources Prepared by: 9903 Businesspark Avenue San Diego, CA 92131 Tel. 858.578.8964 Fax 858.578.0573 Tables of Contents – Background Reports January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update i TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ........................................................................................................ vii Figure i Study Area Boundaries City of Lake Elsinore & Sphere of Influence ( SOI) ..................................................................... ix Figure ii 2004 Aerial Photo – City of Lake Elsinore & Sphere of Influence ( SOI) ..................................................................... xi Chapter 1 – Land Use and Recreation .............................................................. 1- 1 Figure 1.1 Existing General Plan....................................................... 1- 13 Figure 1.2 Specific Plans in Lake Elsinore ........................................ 1- 15 Figure 1.3 Existing Land Use ( 2001)................................................. 1- 17 Figure 1.4 State of California Farmlands of Significance .................. 1- 19 Figure 1.5 Vacant Land Inventory ( 2004).......................................... 1- 21 Figure 1.6 Elsinore Area Plan: Policy Areas ..................................... 1- 23 Chapter 2 – Transportation................................................................................. 2- 1 Figure 2.1 Existing Number of Through Lanes.................................. 2- 15 Figure 2.2 Existing ( 2005) Average Daily Traffic ( ADT) .................... 2- 17 Figure 2.3 Intersection Analysis Locations........................................ 2- 19 Figure 2.4 Existing Intersection Geometry ........................................ 2- 21 Figure 2.5 Existing ( 2005) AM Peak Hour Intersection Volumes ...... 2- 23 Figure 2.6 Existing ( 2005) PM Peak Hour Intersection Volumes ...... 2- 25 Figure 2.7 Bikeway Plan.................................................................... 2- 27 Figure 2.8 Riverside County: Airport Influence Areas ....................... 2- 29 Figure 2.9 Identified Challenges for the City of Lake Elsinore Currently Adopted Circulation Element............................................ 2- 31 Chapter 3 – Biological Resources ..................................................................... 3- 1 Figure 3.1 MSHCP Criteria Area ....................................................... 3- 19 Figure 3.2 Vegetation Communities.................................................. 3- 21 Chapter 4 – Air Quality ...................................................................................... 4- 1 Chapter 5 – Noise.............................................................................................. 5- 1 Figure 5.1 Noise Monitoring Locations................................................ 5- 9 Figure 5.2 Noise Contours ................................................................ 5- 11 Chapter 6 – Water Resources ........................................................................... 6- 1 Figure 6.1 Hydrologic Resources...................................................... 6- 23 Chapter 7 – Cultural, Historical, and Paleontological Resources ...................... 7- 1 Figure 7.1 Historical Resources ........................................................ 7- 27 Figure 7.2 Identified Cultural Resource Areas .................................. 7- 29 Figure 7.3 Paleontological Resources............................................... 7- 31 Chapter 8 – Population and Housing................................................................. 8- 1 Tables of Contents – Background Reports January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 9 – Aesthetic and Visual Resources .................................................... 9- 1 Figure 9.1a- d Resource Photos.............................................................. 9- 11 Figure 9.2 Landscape Viewshed Units.............................................. 9- 13 Figure 9.3 Viewshed and Vantage Points ......................................... 9- 15 Figure 9.4 Location Photographs ...................................................... 9- 17 Chapter 10 – Community Services and Utilities .............................................. 10- 1 Figure 10.1 Police & Fire Stations..................................................... 10- 13 Figure 10.2 Schools & District Boundaries........................................ 10- 15 Figure 10.3 Parks.............................................................................. 10- 17 Figure 10.4 Water District Boundaries .............................................. 10- 19 Chapter 11 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials............................................. 11- 1 Figure 11.1 Hazardous Materials Sites & SARI Line......................... 11- 15 Figure 11.2 Elsinore Area Plan: Wildfire ........................................... 11- 17 Chapter 12 – Geology and Mineral Resources................................................ 12- 1 Figure 12.1 Geologic Formations ...................................................... 12- 19 Figure 12.2 Approximate Traces of Principal Active Fault of Peninsular Ranges and Mojave Desert Near Lake Elsinore ............ 12- 21 Figure 12.3 Seismic Hazards ............................................................ 12- 23 Figure 12.4 Liquefaction Susceptibility in Lake Elsinore Area........... 12- 25 Figure 12.5 Percent Slope................................................................. 12- 27 Figure 12.6 Mineral Resources ......................................................... 12- 29 References ........................................................................................................ R1 Background Reports – Introduction January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update vii INTRODUCTION The last General Plan update for the City of Lake Elsinore was in 1990. The City has experienced a lot of change in the last 15 years and is in need of updated goals, objectives, and policies that will guide development in the City and sphere of influence ( SOI) and reflect the community’s vision for the future. A figure of the City and associated SOI is shown in Figure i and a graphic of an aerial of the City is shown in Figure ii. California State law as specified by Government Code § 65300- 65303.4 requires every jurisdiction to prepare a comprehensive, long- term General Plan to plan for the physical development of the City. The law requires mandatory elements including land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open- space, noise, and safety. As long as all of the elements are compatible and consistent with each other, the law leaves the organization and representation of this information to the discretion of the city or county. In addition, state law encourages jurisdictions to include additional elements that are deemed necessary or useful to plan for the physical development of the city or county. The General Plan update for the City of Lake Elsinore includes three documents including Land Use Policies that are used to describe guiding principles, a Background Report assessing existing conditions, and an Environmental Impact Report ( EIR) that is used to determine the impact that the changes implemented by the updated General Plan will have on the City. The regulatory environment and existing conditions of each of the following topics were analyzed to determine what the opportunities and constraints are for planning land uses in the City and SOI: Land Use and Recreation Transportation Biological Resources Air Quality Noise Water Cultural/ Historical/ Paleontological Resources Population and Housing Aesthetics and Visual Resources Community Services and Utilities Hazards and Hazardous Materials Geological Resources January 2006 Background Reports – Introduction viii Lake Elsinore General Plan Update While public outreach is an influential and integral part of the General Plan Update process, the background report serves as an essential component for updating the Land Use Policies document and the EIR. The Report presents background information for why land use designations were maintained or changed and justification for updated goals and objectives that will be used to guide the future development of the City. It should be noted that this Background Report is a “ snapshot” of current conditions. CORONA I LAKE J 6 K LAKESHORE RIVERSIDE F H HEALD LINCOLN COMO 9 E FLINT G CEREAL 5 VICTOR MAIN HOLLAND JOY COLLIER BAKER MILL MACHADO NICHOLS LASH 1 STONEMAN POTTERY COAL RYAN VALLE 10TH SUMNER SUMMERHILL NEWPORT 10 GRAHAM CHANEY SKYLINE SPRING WASSON CANYON RAILROAD CANYON 4 23 GRAPE PIERCE 11 MISSION RILEY SHRIER NORTE KEE FRANKLIN 12 LOST LUGONIA POE LEWIS MINTHORN CASINO ILLINOIS RIDGE STRICKLAND DIAMOND AVILA MOHR HOFF KINGS LOWELL LUCERNE LINDSAY DEXTER ARNOLDGUNNERSON ELM COTTONWOOD HILLS GREENWALD PECK 3RD SCENICA PALM SUNNYSLOPE ULLA FOSTER GREY GUNDER BAILEY TERRA COTTA CANYON ESTATES DE BRASK CEDARHILL ONTARIO RALPH ASH HILL DRYDEN REGATTA LEHR AUTO CENTER MOUNTAIN KIWI CORYDON RAMSGATE SCENIC CREST PINNELL CAMBERN WALKER CAN YON VISTA GRAND LATTA CANYON MARIAN RACHEL CALIFORNIA OUTRIGGER TURNBULL EL TORO CUT OFF BELL TOSCANA MORTON LAKEVIEW DAWES ORTEGA LAGO STRAZA ADOBE LE GAYE LAKE KNOLL ELEANOR WALNUT HERBORN AMBER PONTE RUSSO OHIO LAKE PARK COUNTRY CLUB SKYLARK BIRCH MAURICIO CENTRAL VERSAILLES SUGARPINE BANCROFT BURTON DEL PIZZOLI MICHELE DOLLY RUNNING DEER PALOMAR ROBIN EL TORO GRASSY MEADOW OAKVIEW SHARON SHORELINE MACY VILLA MILANO KEEL CRANE AVOCADO CANYON VIEW TEMESCAL CANYON PIKE NAVEL WINDWARD HURSH SERENA FICUS PREVOST KIMBALL ALLIS WILSON MORRO SUGARBUSH JOHNSON WEBER PELL COWELL CHAUMONT LUNA DALE FLOWERHILL TERRACE JEREMIA H ALLAN RIPALTI ROME HILL BEVERLY MEGAN POE EL TORO LAKESHORE RIVERS IDE MISSION EL TORO VISTA VALLE CORONA GRAND MACY 3RD CORONA CORONA MISSION LUCERNE GRAND 0 6,500 13,000 Feet Study SphCeitrye o o fAf L rIanefakleu Be EonlucsFneindi g( oaSurreOriee & Is ) i 10/ 05/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ figistdy Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside City Limits Sphere of Influence January 2006 Background Reports – Introduction x Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. CORONA I LAKE J 6 K LAKESHORE RIVERSIDE F H HEALD LINCOLN COMO 9 E FLINT G CEREAL 5 VICTOR MAIN HOLLAND JOY COLLIER BAKER MILL MACHADO NICHOLS LASH 1 STONEMAN POTTERY COAL RYAN VALLE 10TH SUMNER SUMMERHILL NEWPORT 10 GRAHAM CHANEY SKYLINE SPRING WASSON CANYON RAILROAD CANYON 4 23 GRAPE PIERCE 11 MISSION RILEY SHRIER NORTE KEE FRANKLIN 12 LOST LUGONIA POE LEWIS MINTHORN CASINO ILLINOIS RIDGE STRICKLAND DIAMOND AVILA MOHR HOFF KINGS LOWELL LUCERNE LINDSAY DEXTER ARNOLDGUNNERSON ELM COTTONWOOD HILLS GREENWALD PECK 3RD SCENICA PALM SUNNYSLOPE ULLA FOSTER GREY GUNDER BAILEY TERRA COTTA CANYON ESTATES DE BRASK CEDARHILL ONTARIO RALPH ASH HILL DRYDEN REGATTA LEHR AUTO CENTER MOUNTAIN KIWI CORYDON RAMSGATE SCENIC CREST PINNELL CAMBERN WALKER CAN YON VISTA GRAND LATTA CANYON MARIAN RACHEL CALIFORNIA OUTRIGGER TURNBULL EL TORO CUT OFF BELL TOSCANA MORTON LAKEVIEW DAWES ORTEGA LAGO STRAZA ADOBE LE GAYE LAKE KNOLL ELEANOR WALNUT HERBORN AMBER PONTE RUSSO OHIO LAKE PARK COUNTRY CLUB SKYLARK BIRCH MAURICIO CENTRAL VERSAILLES SUGARPINE BANCROFT BURTON DEL PIZZOLI MICHELE DOLLY RUNNING DEER PALOMAR ROBIN EL TORO GRASSY MEADOW OAKVIEW SHARON SHORELINE MACY VILLA MILANO KEEL CRANE AVOCADO CANYON VIEW TEMESCAL CANYON PIKE NAVEL WINDWARD HURSH SERENA FICUS PREVOST KIMBALL ALLIS WILSON MORRO SUGARBUSH JOHNSON WEBER PELL COWELL CHAUMONT LUNA DALE FLOWERHILL TERRACE JEREMIA H ALLAN RIPALTI ROME HILL BEVERLY MEGAN POE EL TORO LAKESHORE RIVERS IDE MISSION EL TORO VISTA VALLE CORONA GRAND MACY 3RD CORONA CORONA MISSION LUCERNE GRAND 0 6,500 13,000 Feet SphCeitrye o 2of0f L 0Ian4fk lAeue eEnrlicsaFeilni g P( ouShrreOoe t & Ioi) i 10/ 05/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ figiistdy Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside City Limits Sphere of Influence January 2006 Background Reports – Introduction xii Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 1 CHAPTER 1 – LAND USE AND RECREATION Introduction This report assesses land use and recreation in the City of Lake Elsinore and its associated sphere of influence ( SOI). The regulatory environment and existing conditions will be assessed and analyzed to determine associated constraints and opportunities. The purpose of this discussion is to use the information as a resource for updating the General Plan for the City of Lake Elsinore. Legal Basis and Requirements Government Code Section 65302( a) states the General Plan shall include a land use and parks and recreation element “ that designates the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of the land for housing, business, industry, open space, including agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and enjoyment of sce-nic beauty, education, public buildings and grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories of public and private uses of land. The land use element shall include a statement of the standards of population density and building intensity recommended for the various districts and other territory covered by the plan.” Terminology The following is a brief background discussion of land use and recreation terminology. Affordable Housing: The US Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD) defines affordable housing as housing for which the occupant pays no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities. Environmental Impact Statement ( EIS): A document required by the federal National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA) for major projects or legislative proposals using federal money that significantly affect the environment. An EIS describes the environmental implications of a project and lists alternative actions. Hang gliding over hills near Lake Elsinore. January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 2 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update The report informs decisions makers and the public of the alternatives that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts or enhance the quality of the environment. Environmental Impact Report ( EIR): A document required under the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) that assesses the impacts a proposed project will have on the environment and proposes mitigation measures. Farmland of Local Importance: Lands not identified as having national or statewide importance, but identified by local or concerned agencies for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. Other Land: Land not included in any other mapping category. Common examples include low- density rural developments; brush, timber, wetland, and riparian areas not suitable for livestock grazing; confined livestock, poultry or aquaculture facilities; strip mines and borrow pits; and water bodies smaller than forty acres. Prime Farmland: Farmland with the best combination of physical and chemical features able to sustain long- term agricultural production. This land has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date. Redevelopment: Redevelopment is a tool created by state law to assist local governments in eliminating blight from a designated area. Sphere of Influence ( SOI): A plan, adopted by LAFCO, for the probable physical boundaries and service areas of a city or district. Unique Farmland: Land other than prime farmland that is used for the production of specific high value food and fiber crops. It has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high quality and/ or high yields of a specific crop when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Regulatory Environment National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA) Cleveland National Forest California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program State Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 Quimby Act Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 3 The Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO) Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG) Riverside County General Plan City of Lake Elsinore General Plan City of Lake Elsinore Zoning Ordinance City of Lake Elsinore Specific Plans City of Lake Elsinore Redevelopment Districts Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) Existing Land Use and Recreation Conditions Land Uses The land area of City of Lake Elsinore is approximately 38 square miles with a sphere of influence ( SOI) covering over 78 square miles. The SOI, adopted by the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO) represents the probable future boundaries and service area of the City. The General Plan currently designates 19 land uses ( shown in Figure 1.1), including the Specific Plan Areas ( shown in Figure 1.2). Table 1.1 below lists the land uses, their associated acreage, and the percentage in relation to the total square acreage of the City. This table also includes the total acreage encompassed by streets. The following tables represent current data as of mid July 2005. Example of tract housing development in the City. January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 4 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Table 1.1 General Plan Land Uses in City Boundaries General Plan Name Acreage % of Total Land Use Business Park 158 0.68% Commercial Office 22 0.10% Floodway 208 0.90% Freeway Business 380 1.65% General Commercial 318 1.38% High Density 47 0.20% Lake Elsinore 2,791 12.12% Limited Industrial 298 1.29% Low Density 487 2.11% Low Medium Density 1,443 6.27% Medium Density 189 0.82% Medium High Density 234 1.02% Mixed- Use 22 0.10% Neighborhood Commercial 98 0.43% Open Space/ Recreation 157 0.68% Public/ Institutional 303 1.32% Specific Plan Area 15,295 66.40% Streets 146 0.64% Tourist Commercial 35 0.15% Very Low Density 403 1.75% Total Acres 23,036 100.00% Source: City of Lake Elsinore As demonstrated by Table 1.1, two thirds of land use within the City of Lake Elsinore is within Specific Plan Areas. The following is a list of Specific Plans both within the City and SOI and depicted in Figure 1.2. Spyglass Ridge Brighton Alberhill Canyon Creek Cape of Good Hope Canyon Hills East Lake La Laguna Murdock Alberhill North Alberhill North Peak Outlet Expansion Ramsgate Tuscany Hills Lakeshore Village Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 5 Existing land uses within the City of Lake Elsinore are presented in Table 1.2 below. Figure 1.3 is a map of existing land uses within the City and SOI. Table 1.2 Existing Land Uses Within City Limits City: Existing Land Use Acres Agriculture 102.04 Commercial 368.03 Institutional 111.09 Manufacturing/ Industrial 653.80 Parks/ Open Space 267.11 Public/ Utility 132.80 Residential 3,147.31 Transportation 465.61 Vacant 16,029.46 Water 3,537.50 Total 24,814.75 Source: SCAG 2001 Existing land uses within the SOI are demonstrated in Table 1.3 below. Table 1.3 Existing Land Uses Within the Sphere of Influence ( SOI) Sphere of Influence: Existing Land Use Acres Agriculture 772.31 Commercial 478.54 Institutional 230.12 Manufacturing/ Industrial 1399.18 Parks/ Open Space 322.68 Public/ Utility 137.58 Residential 8099.29 Transportation 597.92 Vacant 34,267.03 Water 3798.81 Total 50,103.46 Source: SCAG 2001 January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 6 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Residential As nearby areas such as San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles become less affordable, people are beginning to move to cities such as Lake Elsinore for the relatively inexpensive housing. As a result, home prices in Lake Elsinore have risen considerably in the last several years. DataQuick Information Systems reports that sales of re- sale single- family homes, condominiums, and new homes averaged $ 253,000 in 2003 and increased by 29.25% to $ 327,000 in 2004. Neighborhoods There are a number of distinct neighborhoods within the City of Lake Elsinore often defined by the name of a Specific Plan. For example, residents describe themselves as being from Tuscany Hills or Canyon Creek, which are both Specific Planning areas. Other neighborhoods are defined by the development name, such as Country Club Heights. Neighborhoods are also defined by common characteristics, such as the historic downtown area, or in neighborhoods defined by location or geography. Commercial/ Industrial As housing gets progressively more unaffordable in nearby Orange and San Diego County, people are increasingly living farther away, more willing to commute long distances to job centers in other counties. There is a desire to increase the number of higher paying jobs in Lake Elsinore to accommodate the growing population. Existing commercial and industrial uses are scattered throughout the City. The major commercial centers include the Lake Elsinore Outlets located on Collier Avenue; the new Target shopping center recently approved which will also feature Costco and a home improvement store; and a development called “ City Centre” that has a Wal- Mart and Vons. Due to its attraction as a tourist and recreation destination, there is interest in developing a strong retail base in Historic Downtown Main Street. To accommodate tourists, Lake Elsinore has a shortage of hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds, and RV parks, including the Lake Elsinore Resort and Casino. Recent office buildings constructed within City boundaries. Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 7 Lake Elsinore has a strip of automobile dealerships located adjacent to I- 15 including Lake Chevrolet, Shalimar Auto Sales, Brea Auto Sales, and Lake Elsinore Ford. Additional auto dealerships are slated for future development. Agricultural According to the Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG), the existing City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Area encompasses approximately 24,815 acres of land, ranging from older urbanized areas to newer subdivisions to large tracts of agriculture and open space. According to SCAG, 554 acres of land within the City are considered farmland of local importance; 827 acres area considered grazing land; and unique farmland accounts for 25 acres. The location of existing agricultural land uses can be seen in Figure 1.3. Lands classified as Farmland of Local Importance are primarily located in the southeast area of the City, between the northeast edge of Lake Elsinore and the southern City limits, and in the Cottonwood Specific Plan area. Floodplain There are several floodplain areas within the City of Lake Elsinore as seen in Figure 6.1 of the water resources chapter. These include the floodplain around the lake, to the east of the lake in the East Lake Specific Plan, along Temescal Wash, along the San Jacinto River from Canyon Lake, also known as Railroad Canyon Reservoir, and along Alberhill Creek. Open Space The existing General Plan Land Use designations exhibited in Figure 1.1 shows areas designated as open space within the City. Open space on land that contains endangered species and habitat may be designated for permanent preservation under the MSHCP. Land on steep slopes is difficult to develop and therefore will also likely remain as permanent open space. Land currently within the floodplain of local drainages including Lake Elsinore and Temescal Creek are currently vacant to avoid flooding. Additional open space exists although a lot of this land is designated for future development. Vacant land can be seen in the vacant lands inventory shown in Figure 1.5. The Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) The MSHCP was adopted by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on June 17, 2003 and has 16 area plans including the Lake Elsinore Area Plan that includes the City of Lake Elsinore and the City of Canyon Lake. The MSHCP is intended to conserve natural habitat and preserve biological and ecological diversity in Western Riverside. Chapter 3 of this report, biological resources, explains the MSHCP in greater January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 8 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update detail. The target conservation acreage range within the City of Lake Elsinore is 4,830 – 7,870 acres. Existing endangered and threatened species in the Lake Elsinore Area Plan include the coastal California Gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, Stephens’ Kangaroo rat, the Quino checkerspot butterfly, and many others. The MSHCP has identified particular areas within Lake Elsinore where land should be preserved to maintain core and linkage habitat for the identified species. It is the intention of the MSHCP to set aside land as permanent open space. Management independent of the City is responsible for maintaining and managing the reserve. Parks and Recreation Parks and recreation in the City of Lake Elsinore are enhanced by the City’s natural resources such as the lake, mountains, and rugged hillsides. The City has 11 parks, the Lake Community Center, a Senior Activity Center, and playing fields for 9 local youth and adult sports leagues. Over 1,000 people use the Community Center each week, 3,500 seniors regularly use the Senior Activity Center each month, and there are 3,000 sports leagues participants. The Lake Community Center sponsors 40 recreational classes. A recently built skate center adds diversity to the collection of recreational facilities offered by the City. The City prides itself on creating community through people, parks and programs. The Lake Lake Elsinore is a freshwater lake of approximately 3,000 acres. City operated lake- oriented recreational facilities include the Seaport boat launch, Lake Elsinore Recreation Area Campground and boat launch, and the day use & beach area. Other launches and marinas include the Elsinore West Marina, Cranes Lakeside Park, Roadrunner R. V. Park, and Weekend Paradise. When the lake is at a sufficient level, a number of water sports are enjoyed including recreational boating, sailing, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, swimming, and jet skiing. There are a number of organizations near the lake that rent Gazebo in City Park on Main Street near City Hall. Recreational Event on Lake Elsinore. Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 9 water sports equipment. When conditions allow, events are held annually including the Wakeboarding World Championship Series and the National Water Ski Racing Association races. Sports fishing and competitive fishing tournaments are also held throughout the year. Baseball Field The Diamond is a state- of- the- art baseball park featuring a Class A California League Baseball team, Lake Elsinore Storm, that is an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The park was built with funds from the Redevelopment Agency and adds value to the City’s image as a recreation and tourism destination. The park has 6,066 fixed seats, luxury suites and a grass berm seating area on the right field line, accommodating a total of 8,000 people. Airport The Skylark Airport is a private airport that is the hub for air sports in Lake Elsinore and accommodates organizations such as Adventure Flights who uses the airport for Glider flights, and Skydive Elsinore, who uses the airport as their base for skydiving. The airport has a total of 31 planes based on the field including 21 single engine airplanes, 5 multi- engine airplanes, 4 glider airplanes, and 1 ultralight plane. City of Riverside Elsinore Area Plan: Policy Areas The County of Riverside Elsinore Area Plan has designated a number of “ Policy Areas” that are located outside the City of Lake Elsinore but within the sphere of influence with the exception of the Skylark Airport Influence Area which is mainly in the City. The Elsinore Area Plan defines Policy Areas as specific geographic districts that “ contain unique characteristics that merit detailed attention and focused policies.” Many of the policies were a result of lengthy citizen involvement over many years and are considered an integral part of the planning process for how the Lake Elsinore area should be developed. The policies may impact the underlying land use designations. The Policy Areas are seen in the County of Riverside’s Elsinore Area Plan labeled as Figure 1.6. Lake Elsinore Diamond baseball stadium, opened 1994. January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 10 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Constraints and Opportunities Constraints Due to Regulatory Requirements Land Use Redevelopment For two years in a row, the Redevelopment Agency ( RDA) tax increments have been cut due to the State of California’s budget problems. RDA was in financial trouble during the recession of the 1990’ s, but was able to repay bondholders with assistance from the City and a private bank. Although RDA is once again financially healthy, the RDA is limited to conservative and prudent budgeting as a cushion against the State's confiscatory policies. Zoning Ordinance A Zoning Ordinance must be consistent with the General Plan and if land uses are changed and new designations are applied, there is a potential for inconsistencies and therefore conflicts with the Zoning Ordinance. Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) The Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) has the potential to constrain new development within the City due to the requirement of land to be set- aside as permanent open space. The MSHCP Elsinore Area Plan designates general areas within the City as areas in need of conservation. Examples include wetlands around Lake Elsinore and the floodplain to the east of the lake. The plan also identifies the need to provide connectivity between the Santa Ana Mountains, Temescal Wash and the foothills north of Lake Elsinore that may require some of these areas to remain at least partially undeveloped. Other Constraints The State Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 can potentially constrain the location of certain land uses in areas with mineral resources. FEMA lists areas within the City as areas within the floodplain. This may pose a constraint to developing within the floodplains. Other federal agencies restrict the way land is used by requiring permits such as the United States Army Corp of Engineers and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Land Use and Recreation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 1- 11 Recreation Quimby Act The Quimby Act is the city’s primary tool in acquiring parklands. The Act allows the City to require the dedication of local park acreage, the payment of fees, or a combination of both as part of the subdivision process. Maintaining existing land uses and designations restricts the ability to collect additional development fees as permitted by the Quimby Act. With existing land uses, there is an established and known amount of development still permitted in Lake Elsinore. MSHCP The MSHCP may reduce the amount of land that is available for development. The required preservation of open space would not be available for active recreational uses. To be effective, large pieces of vacant land must be preserved to support the species identified in the Plan. Land that is vacant and would be prime park and recreational use have the potential to be set aside as permanent open space to support the goals of the MSHCP. Constraints Due to Existing Conditions Land Use Existing conditions that have the potential to constrain implementation of development and application of new land use designations within the City include physical characteristics such as flood hazards, steep slopes, endangered species and habitat, unstable slopes, liquefaction, and active faults. Small, undevelopable parcels, non- contiguous ownership, and parcels outside of water and sewer districts also pose constraints to the application of new land uses and designations. The overuse of the Specific Plan land use designation ( 66%) has created an additional constraint. Numerous Specific Plan amendments and development agreements have created difficulty for staff in following what planning programs have been approved. The Specific Plan land use designation on the land use map prevents the City from presenting a vision of future land use in the City as required in the State Office of Planning and Research ( OPR) guidelines for General Plans. New development creates impacts on infrastructure including roads, parks, utilities, and schools. If new plans include the potential for increased density for commercial, residential, or industrial uses, this can put a strain on existing infrastructure. January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 12 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Opportunities Land Use & MSHCP An opportunity to enhance regulatory requirements is regarding the jobs/ housing balance goal for SCAG. Due to the imbalance of more housing than jobs, the City of Lake Elsinore can include additional commercial and industrial uses to offset the imbalance. The City can also zone for additional multi- family units to address housing needs for low and moderate- income residents. New land use designations can help address existing and future environmental conditions within the City by maintaining wildlife corridors and other areas of open space for the preservation of endangered species and habitat as outlined in the MSHCP. New development can be clustered in areas of existing development, or on vacant land with minor environmental significance. Recreation Updating the General Plan offer the City an opportunity to designate more land for parks and recreation. As the population grows, and more people are attracted to the area, the City has the opportunity to maintain and enhance its image as a recreational destination by providing additional opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy the lake and surrounding natural features. Additional fees for parks and recreation can be collected as permitted by the Quimby Act as more development occurs in the City. By increasing density or allowing additional development, more fees will be collected that can be used towards adding new parks or improving existing parks. There is also the opportunity to implement policies to include parks as part of a development. With the growing population, there will be need for additional parks and recreational facilities. The City has the opportunity to re- assess recreational needs and designate new land accordingly. 0 6,500 13,000 Feet Existing GenFeigruarl eP 1la. n1 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 1gp City Limits Sphere of Influence Planned Developments Existing General Plan ( City only) NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL OFFICE GENERAL COMMERCIAL TOURIST COMMERCIAL ELSINORE CITY CENTER MIXED USE BUSINESS PARK FREEWAY BUSINESS LIMITED INDUSTRIAL VERY LOW DENSITY LOW DENSITY LOW MEDIUM DENSITY MEDIUM DENSITY MEDIUM HIGH DENSITY HIGH DENSITY SPECIFIC PLAN AREA OPEN SPACE/ RECREATION PUBLIC/ INSTITUTIONAL LAKE ELSINORE FLOODWAY General Plan Adopted 7- Oct- 2003 ( County) Estate Residential EDR- RC Very Low Density Residential VLDR- RC Low Density Residential LDR- RC Medium Density Residential Medium High Density Residential High Density Residential Highest Density Residential Very High Density Residential Commercial Retail Commercial Tourist Commercial Office Community Center Light Industrial High Industrial Business Park Public Facilities Mixed Use Policy Area Rural Residential Rural Mountainous Rural Desert Agriculture Conservation Conservation Habitat Open Space Recreation Open Space Rural Water Mineral Resources Indian Lands CITY Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 14 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. East Lake La Laguna Spyglass Ridge North Alberhill North Peak Alberhill Ranch Ramsgate Murdock Alberhill Tuscany Hills Canyon Creek Outlet Expansion Canyon Hills Cape of Good Hope CORONA I LAKE J 6 K LAKESHORE RIVERSIDE F H HEALD LINCOLN COMO 9 E FLINT G 5 VICTOR MAIN JOY COLLIER BAKER MILL MACHADO 1 STONEMAN POTTERY VALLE 10TH SUMNER 10 GRAHAM CHANEY SPRING 4 2 MISSION RILEY NORTE FRANKLIN 12 POE LEWIS MINTHORN CASINO RIDGE DIAMOND MOHR LOWELL LINDSAY DEXTER ELM GREENWALD PECK 3RD ULLA LIMITED TERRA COTTA ONTARIO RALPH REGATTA KIWI SCENIC CREST PINNELL CAMBERN VISTA GRAND CANYON CALIFORNIA OUTRIGGER ADOBE LE GAYE WOODLAKE HERBORN AMBER OHIO BIRCH MAURICIO CENTRAL SUGARPINE MICHELE DOLLY ROBIN EL TORO MACY KEEL CRANE AVOCADO TOURS WINDWARD FICUS MARIA RHODA ALLAN BROADWAY CORONA 6 3RD FRANKLIN EL TORO MISSION CORONA GRAND 0 6,500 13,000 Feet Specific Plans in LakFe igEulsrien o1r. e2 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 2jur City Limits Sphere of Influence Planned Developments Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 16 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. CORONA I LAKE J 6 K LAKESHORE RIVERSIDE F H HEALD LINCOLN COMO 9 E FLINT G CEREAL 5 VICTOR MAIN HOLLAND JOY COLLIER BAKER MILL MACHADO NICHOLS LASH 1 STONEMAN POTTERY COAL RYAN VALLE 10TH SUMNER SUMMERHILL NEWPORT 10 GRAHAM CHANEY SKYLINE SPRING WASSON CANYON RAILROAD CANYON 4 23 GRAPE PIERCE 11 MISSION RILEY SHRIER NORTE KEE FRANKLIN 12 LOST LUGONIA POE LEWIS MINTHORN CASINO ILLINOIS RIDGE STRICKLAND DIAMOND AVILA MOHR HOFF KINGS LOWELL LUCERNE LINDSAY DEXTER ARNOLDGUNNERSON ELM COTTONWOOD HILLS GREENWALD PECK 3RD SCENICA PALM SUNNYSLOPE ULLA FOSTER GREY GUNDER BAILEY TERRA COTTA CANYON ESTATES DE BRASK CEDARHILL ONTARIO RALPH ASH HILL DRYDEN REGATTA LEHR AUTO CENTER MOUNTAIN KIWI CORYDON RAMSGATE SCENIC CREST PINNELL CAMBERN WALKER CAN YON VISTA GRAND LATTA CANYON MARIAN RACHEL CALIFORNIA OUTRIGGER TURNBULL EL TORO CUT OFF BELL TOSCANA MORTON LAKEVIEW DAWES ORTEGA LAGO STRAZA ADOBE LE GAYE LAKE KNOLL ELEANOR WALNUT HERBORN AMBER PONTE RUSSO OHIO LAKE PARK COUNTRY CLUB SKYLARK BIRCH MAURICIO CENTRAL VERSAILLES SUGARPINE BANCROFT BURTON DEL PIZZOLI MICHELE DOLLY RUNNING DEER PALOMAR ROBIN EL TORO GRASSY MEADOW OAKVIEW SHARON SHORELINE MACY VILLA MILANO KEEL CRANE AVOCADO CANYON VIEW TEMESCAL CANYON PIKE NAVEL WINDWARD HURSH SERENA FICUS PREVOST KIMBALL ALLIS WILSON MORRO SUGARBUSH JOHNSON WEBER PELL COWELL CHAUMONT LUNA DALE FLOWERHILL TERRACE JEREMIA H ALLAN RIPALTI ROME HILL BEVERLY MEGAN POE EL TORO LAKESHORE RIVERS IDE MISSION EL TORO VISTA VALLE CORONA GRAND MACY 3RD CORONA CORONA MISSION LUCERNE GRAND 0 6,500 13,000 Feet Existing Land UFsieg u( 2re0 011.3) 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 3elu City Limits Sphere of Influence Generalized Land Use ( SCAG 2001) Agriculture Commercial Institutional Manufacturing/ Industrial Parks/ Open Space Public/ Utility Residential Transportation Water Vacant Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside, SCAG January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 18 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. G D L L D L D D L G G L S L D L D D D D G D D L L P D L D L L D P L D L L L L L D L L L L L D L D U L L L L D L D P P L L L L U L L L S L L D U L D L D L L D U L G L L D L D L L L U U L U L D D D D L U L L L U D U D D U L L D D D L L L U L U D U L L L L S L L D U S L L L D L L L L L L D P S L L L L L L S L L L D L L P L L L L D L L D L L L L D P D P L L U U D L D L U U U CORONA I LAKE J 6 K LAKESHORE RIVERSIDE F H HEALD ***** LINCOLN COMO 9 E FLINT G CEREAL 5 VICTOR MAIN HOLLAND JOY COLLIER BAKER MILL MACHADO NICHOLS LASH 1 STONEMAN POTTERY COAL RYAN VALLE 10TH SUMNER SUMMERHILL NEWPORT 10 GRAHAM CHANEY SKYLINE SPRING WASSON CANYON 4 3 GRAPE PIERCE MISSION RILEY SHRIER NORTE KEE FRANKLIN 12 LOST LUGONIA POE LEWIS MINTHORN CASINO ILLINOIS RIDGE STRICKLAND DIAMOND AVILA MOHR HOFF KINGS LOWELL LUCERNE LINDSAY DEXTER ARNOLDGUNNERSON ELM COTTONWOOD HILLS GREENWALD PECK 3RD SCENICA PALM SUNNYSLOPE ULLA FOSTER GREY GUNDER BAILEY TERRA COTTA CANYON ESTATES DE BRASK CEDARHILL ONTARIO RALPH HILL DRYDEN REGATTA LEHR AUTO CENTER MOUNTAIN KIWI CORYDON RAMSGATE SCENIC CREST PINNELL CAMBERN WALKER CANYON VISTA GRAND LATTA CANYON MARIAN RACHEL CALIFORNIA OUTRIGGER TURNBULL EL TORO CUT OFF BELL TOSCANA MORTON LAKEVIEW DAWES ORTEGA LAGO STRAZA ADOBE LE GAYE SPRUCE LAKE KNOLL ELEANOR WALNUT AMBER PONTE RUSSO COUNTRY CLUB SKYLARK MAURICIO CENTRAL SUGARPINE BANCROFT BURTON DEL PIZZOLI MICHELE DOLLY RUNNING DEER PARKVIEW PALOMAR ROBIN EL TORO GRASSY MEADOW OAKVIEW SHARON MACY VILLA MILANO KEEL AVOCADO TOURS PIKE NAVEL WINDWARD HURSH FICUS PREVOST KIMBALL ALLIS WILSON MORRO SUGARBUSH JOHNSON WEBER PELL COWELL LUNA BOURGES DALE FLOWERHILL TERRACE JEREMIAH RIPALTI ROME HILL BEVERLY VISTA MISSION ***** POE CORONA RIVERSIDE ***** VALLE ***** ***** ***** ***** MISSION GRAND ***** ***** MACY ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** 3RD ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** CORONA ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** EL TORO ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** CORONA ***** ***** ***** ***** 0 6,500 13,000 Feet FarmlanSdtsa otef Sofi gFCnigaifuliicrfoear n1nc. iae4 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 4ag Source: State of California ( CALSIL, 2000) City Limits Sphere of Influence Farmlands Urban; D Grazing land; G Farmland of local importance; L Farmland of local potential; LP Prime farmland; P Farmland of statewide importance; S Unique Farmland; U January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 20 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. 0 6,500 13,000 Feet Vacant Land InventoFriyg u( 2re0 014.5) 12/ 01/ 05: / GIS/ elsinore/ mxd/ fig1_ 5vac City Limits Sphere of Influence Undeveloped/ Vacant Lands Source: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 22 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. January 2006 Land Use and Recreation Background Report 1- 24 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. Transportation Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 1 CHAPTER 2 – TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES Introduction This report assesses transportation in the City of Lake Elsinore and its associated sphere of influence ( SOI). The regulatory environment and existing conditions will be assessed and analyzed to determine associated constraints and opportunities. The purpose of this discussion is to use the information as a resource for updating the General Plan for the City of Lake Elsinore. Legal Basis and Requirements Government Code Section 65302( b) states the General Plan shall include a circulation element “ consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and ports, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan.” Terminology The following is a brief background discussion of transportation terminology. Average Daily Traffic ( ADT): Refers to daily traffic volumes that are expected to occur on a typical weekday ( Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). Collector: A street for traffic movement between arterial and local streets, generally providing direct access to properties. Collectors are four- lane undivided roadways without medians. Collectors can accommodate up to 20,000 ADT and maintain LOS D. Intersection Turning Movement Volumes: Intersection turning movement volumes count the movement of vehicles in an intersection over a period of time. In evaluating the effectiveness of intersection left- and right- turn lanes, it is valuable to know the volume of vehicles turning left or right and using the turn lanes. Level of Service ( LOS): The level of service is a report card style of reporting on the quality of traffic operations and is usually applied to measure peak hour traffic conditions on a typical weekday. LOS “ A” is considered very good, while LOS “ F” is considered to be failing. The current General Plan Circulation Element for the City of Lake Elsinore recognizes LOS “ D” or better as acceptable. A “ deficiency” is identified when the City’s LOS standard is not being met. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 2 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Major Highway: Major highways, many of multi- lane or freeway design, are used primarily for through traffic. High- volume traffic corridor movements that connect major generators of travel, such as an urban arterial, characterize major highways. Major highways are high- speed facilities that incorporate restrictions on access primarily through at- grade intersections to provide an increased level of safety. Major/ Secondary: Major arterials are streets carrying the traffic of local and collector streets to and from freeways and other major streets, with controlled intersections and generally providing direct access to properties. Major arterials can carry up to 35,000 average daily traffic ( ADT) and operate at LOS D. Secondary arterials interconnect with and augment the major arterial system. They connect major arterials to collectors and distribute traffic to small geographic areas and communities. One- way Secondary: Secondary streets mainly serve to provide access between land uses and collector streets. Secondary streets serve all types of land use including residential, commercial and industrial. Often secondary streets located in residential areas are utilized by through traffic, which creates increased traffic noise and decreased safety. As such, the imposition of one- way secondary streets provides increased levels of traffic management. Peak Hour ( of Traffic): The peak hour of traffic is normally used to refer to the morning ( AM) and evening ( PM) time frames when the highest traffic volumes occur on weekdays. Traffic is commonly measured from 7: 00 to 9: 00 AM and 4: 00 to 6: 00 PM to determine the peak hour for analysis purposes. Secondary Highway: A secondary highway is any road, street, parkway, or freeway/ expressway that includes rights- of- way, bridges, railroad- highway crossings, tunnels, drainage structures, signs, guardrail, and protective structures in connection with highways. Traffic Calming: The combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non- motorized street users. Traffic calming measures can be divided into two types, volume control devices and speed control devices. In some applications, a traffic- calming device will control both speed and volume. For instance, cut through traffic might be discouraged ( causing a volume reduction) if it is required to proceed at a slower speed while negotiating calming devices. Traffic Management: The management and controlling of transportation modes, carriers and services through the process of adjusting or adapting the use to meet specified objectives without resorting to substantial new road construction. Transportation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 3 Transit: Describes passenger transportation services, local, metropolitan or regional in scope. Transit incorporates the usage of bus, rail or other conveyance, which is configured to provide scheduled service on fixed routes. Urban Arterial: The primary function of an urban arterial is traffic movement with land access a secondary concern. They are designed to carry up to 35,000 average daily traffic ( ADT) and operate at LOS D. Urban arterials connect with urban collectors, freeways and other arterial roads. Regulatory Environment The City of Lake Elsinore must comply with various Federal, State, and local laws. The following is a list of laws and policies relevant to transportation. California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans) Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG) & Regional Transportation Plan ( RTP) County of Riverside Riverside County Congestion Management Program ( CMP) & Riverside County Integrated Project ( RCIP) City of Lake Elsinore General Plan City of Lake Elsinore Zoning Ordinance Existing Transportation Conditions The following section outlines existing traffic conditions and alternative methods of transportation within the City and SOI. The transportation network includes roadways, airports, trains, bike paths, bus routes, sidewalks, trails, and parking facilities. Traffic Conditions This section of the transportation report describes existing traffic conditions in the City of Lake Elsinore, including the existing roadway features, daily traffic volumes, intersection turning movement volumes and levels of services analysis, the existing transit services, and the currently adopted General Plan Circulation Element and roadway standard cross- sections. Traffic congestion near freeway interchange. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 4 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Existing Roadway Characteristics Field review of the existing roadway system has been performed. Figure 2.1 depicts the existing number of through lanes on the roadway system. Most of the arterial roadways in the City of Lake Elsinore have not been constructed to ultimate cross- section widths based upon the city’s currently adopted General Plan. A brief description of each roadway is provided below: The I- 15 Freeway ( I- 15) traverses in a generally north/ south direction along the east side of the lake and central city. To the north, the I- 15 Freeway connects with the Riverside Freeway ( State Route 91), the Pomona Freeway ( State Route 60), and the San Bernardino Freeway ( Interstate 10) and is the link to greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. To the south, the I- 15 Freeway connects with the Escondido Freeway ( I- 215) and is the link to San Diego County. The I- 15 is currently 3 lanes in each direction within the SOI. State Route 74 ( SR- 74) traverses in a generally east/ west direction along the north side of the lake and central city. To the west, SR- 74 ( known as Ortega Highway through the mountainous Cleveland National Forest) connects with the San Diego Freeway ( Interstate 5) and is the link to the coast and Orange County. To the east, SR- 74 connects with the Escondido I- 215 and is the link to Perris and Hemet. SR- 74 is mostly a 2- lane roadway except the segment north of the I- 15 toward Riverside Street has been widened to a 4- lane divided roadway to accommodate the recent development along the area. Lake Street southerly from the I- 15 to Lakeshore Drive is a two- lane undivided roadway. South of Lakeshore Drive, it has been widened to a 4- lane divided roadway. Lake Street is a major access to northern areas of the city from the I- 15. Lakeshore Drive, a two- lane undivided roadway, is a major north/ south route along the east side of the lake. Portions of Lakeshore Drive north of Riverside Drive and south of Lake Street have been widened adjacent to new development. Riverside Drive is a two- lane undivided roadway, which makes up a segment of SR- 74 along the north end of the lake. The portion of Riverside Drive south of Lincoln Street ( adjacent to the new high school) has been widened to a 4- lane roadway with a center left turn lane. Railroad Canyon Road northerly from the I- 15 is a major link between the I- 15 and the I- 215 easterly of the City of Lake Elsinore. Railroad Canyon Road is currently a 4- lane divided roadway. Significant residential development is in progress along both sides of this roadway. Transportation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 5 Newport Road, which is an extension of Railroad Canyon Road east of the City of Canyon Lake, currently is a 2- lane undivided roadway. Significant residential development is also in progress along both sides of this roadway. Mission Trail from Railroad Canyon Road to Palomar Street, mostly a 4- lane undivided roadway, is an important route southerly from the commercial area at the Railroad Canyon Road interchange with the I- 15. Portions of the roadway in the vicinity of Bundy Canyon Road have been widened to a 4- lane divided section roadway. Grand Avenue between Riverside Drive and Corydon Street is a 2- lane undivided roadway. This north/ south route is the only through roadway around the west side of the lake and provides an important connection to SR- 74 from the area south of the lake. Existing Daily Traffic Conditions Figure 2.2 shows the existing average daily traffic ( ADT) volumes for the study area. Daily traffic count data was compiled from 24- hour count data provided to Urban Crossroads, Inc. or estimated based on peak hour turning movement volumes at adjacent intersections using the following formula for each intersection leg: [ AM + PM Peak Hour ( Approach + Exit Volume)] /( 7%+ 8%) = Daily Leg Volume. In the above formula, the constants of 7% and 8% are calculated AM and PM peak hour to ADT volume ratios based on the actual turning movement counts and daily counts. Daily traffic volumes on the City of Lake Elsinore arterial system and immediate vicinity range from very low volumes to daily traffic volumes that approach or exceed 40,000 vehicles per day ( VPD). Railroad Canyon Road carries volumes greater than 40,000 VPD east of the I- 15. SR- 74 ( Central Avenue) carries 33,000 VPD east of Collier Avenue. The I- 15 carries about 108,000 to 128,000 VPD in the SOI area. Existing Intersection Traffic Conditions Thirty- three ( 33) existing intersections in and near the City of Lake Elsinore have been selected for analysis in coordination with City staff for this transportation report. Figure 2.3 identifies the 33 intersections. The analysis intersections are: Lake Street ( NS) at: I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW) I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( EW) Temescal Canyon Road ( EW) Lakeshore Drive ( EW) January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 6 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Lakeshore Drive ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) Lincoln Street ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) I- 15 Northbound Ramps ( NS) at: Nichols Street ( EW) Central Avenue ( EW) Bundy Canyon Road ( EW) I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( NS) at: Nichols Street ( EW) Central Avenue ( EW) Bundy Canyon Road ( EW) Grand Avenue ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) SR- 74 ( EW) Collier Avenue ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) Central Avenue ( EW) Riverside Street ( NS) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Greenwald Avenue ( NS) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Ramsgate Drive ( EW) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Cambern Avenue ( NS) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Main Street ( NS) at: I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW) I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( EW) Graham Avenue ( EW) Franklin Street ( NS) at: Auto Center Drive ( EW) Transportation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 7 Summerhill Drive ( NS) at: Railroad Canyon Road ( EW) Railroad Canyon Road ( NS) at: I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW) Canyon Hills Road ( EW) Diamond Drive ( Railroad Canyon Road) ( NS) at: I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( EW) Mission Trail- Lakeshore Drive ( EW) Mission Trail ( NS) at: Malaga Road ( EW) Corydon Street ( EW) Bundy Canyon Road ( EW) Corydon Street ( NS) at: Grand Avenue ( EW) Figure 2.4 illustrates the existing intersection lane configurations, and the intersection traffic control devices at the study area intersections. The existing turning movement volume data has been reviewed to verify reasonable conservation of flow with adjacent intersections. The existing intersection AM and PM peak hour traffic volumes are included on Figure 2.5 and 2.6, respectively. Existing peak hour traffic operations have been evaluated for the 33 study area intersections. The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 2.1, along with the existing intersection geometrics and traffic control devices at the analysis locations. It is also noted that although isolated intersection analysis indicates that the I- 15 Freeway/ Railroad Canyon Road interchange operates at acceptable level of service, the progression of traffic through the I- 15 Freeway and Railroad Canyon Road interchange creates lengthy vehicle queues. Typical City intersection. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 8 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update CONTROL3 L T R L T R L T R L T R AM PM AM PM • I- 15 NB Ramps ( EW) CSS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 -- 4 18.8 F C • I- 15 SB Ramps ( EW) CSS 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 0 0 17.3 17.2 C C • Temescal Canyon Rd. ( EW) CSS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 92.6 94.8 F F • Lakeshore Dr. ( EW) TS 1 2 1 2 2 1 0.5 1.5 0 1 1 2> 22.5 17.8 C B Lakeshore Dr. ( NS) at: • Riverside Dr. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 38.5 50.4 D D Lincoln St. ( NS) at: • Riverside Dr. ( EW) TS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 26.7 -- 4 C F I- 15 NB Ramps ( NS) at: • Nichols St. ( EW) CSS 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 31.8 17.1 D C • Central Av. ( EW) TS 0.5 0.5 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 1 15.3 17.3 B B • Bundy Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 21.1 22.6 C C • Nichols St. ( EW) CSS 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 1 1> 1 1 0 -- 4 12.7 F B • Central Av. ( EW) TS 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 12.5 19.4 B B • Bundy Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 21.3 19.7 C B Grand Av. ( NS) at: • Riverside Dr. ( EW) CSS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 95.1 -- 4 F F • SR- 74 ( EW) AWS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 1>> 1 0 1>> 0 0 0 -- 4 -- 4 F F Collier Av. ( NS) at: • Riverside Dr. ( EW) TS 1 1 0 1 1 1 0.5 0.5 1 0 1 0 -- 4 -- 4 F F • Central Av. ( EW) TS 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1> 44.3 49.7 D D Riverside St. ( NS) at: • SR- 74 ( EW) CSS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 21.9 37.5 C E Greenwald Av. ( NS) at: • SR- 74 ( EW) TS 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 27.2 16.2 C B Ramsgate Dr. ( EW) at: • SR- 74 ( EW) CSS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 24.0 38.4 C E Cambern Av. ( NS) at: • SR- 74 ( EW) CSS 0 1 0 0.5 0.5 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 -- 4 57.5 F F Main St. ( NS) at: • I- 15 NB Ramps ( EW) CSS 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 -- 4 29.7 F D • I- 15 SB Ramps ( EW) CSS 0 1 1 1 1 0 0.5 1.5 0 0 0 0 25.4 17.7 D C • Graham Av. ( EW) CSS 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 1 0 10.1 16.6 B C Franklin St. ( NS) at: • Auto Center Dr. ( EW) CSS 0 1 1 0.5 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 10.8 13.8 B B Summerhill Dr. ( NS) • Railroad Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 2 2 1 1 1 1> 2 2 0 1 3 0 52.4 70.3 D E Railroad Canyon Rd. ( NS) at: • I- 15 NB( EW) TS 1 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 1 26.5 38.9 C D • Canyon Hills Rd. ( EW) TS 1 3 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 25.3 11.8 C B Diamond Dr Ramps ( NS) at: • I- 15 SB( EW) TS 0 2 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 36.4 47.1 D D • Mission Trail- Lakeshore Dr. ( EW) TS 1 2 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 1 36.8 37.7 D D Mission Trail ( NS) at: • Malaga Rd. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 17.3 24.4 B C • Corydon St. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 0 2 1> 1 0 1 0 0 0 16.4 15.2 B B • Bundy Canyon Rd. ( EW) TS 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 17.9 22.1 B C Corydon St.( NS) at: • Grand Av. ( EW) TS 0 0 1 0.5 0.5 1> 1 1 0 1 1 0 15.3 20.9 B C BOUND BOUND EAST- WEST-BOUND Lake St. ( NS) at: I- 15 SB Ramps ( NS) at: TRAFFIC INTERSECTION APPROACH LANES1 Delay2 ( SEC) LEVEL OF NORTH- SOUTH- SERVICE BOUND INTERSECTION Table 2.1 Existing Conditions Intersection Analysis Summary Notes: 1 When a right turn is designated, the lane can either be striped or unstriped. To function as a right turn lane there must be sufficient width for right turning vehicles to travel outside the through lanes. L = Left; T = Through; R = Right; >> = Free Right Turn; > = Right Turn Overlap; 2 Delay and level of service calculated using the following analysis software: Traffix, Version 7.7 ( 2004). Per the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual, overall average intersection delay and level of service are shown for intersections with traffic signal or all way stop control. For intersections with cross St. stop control, the delay and level of service for worst individual movement ( or movements sharing a single lane) are shown. 3 TS = Traffic Signal, AWS = All Way Stop, CSS = Cross St. Stop 4 = Delay High, Intersection Unstable, Level of Service " F." - Not Applicable Transportation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 9 Table 2.2 describes the definitions for Level of Service. As indicated on Table 2.1, for existing traffic conditions, all study area intersections are currently operating at Level of Service " D" or better during AM and PM peak hours except for the following intersections: Lake Street ( NS) at: I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW) Temescal Canyon Road ( EW) Lincoln Street ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) I- 15 Freeway Southbound Ramps ( NS) at: Nichols Street ( EW) Grand Avenue ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) SR- 74 ( EW) Collier ( NS) at: Riverside Drive ( EW) Riverside Drive ( NS) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Ramsgate Drive ( NS) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Cambern Street ( NS) at: SR- 74 ( EW) Main Street ( NS) at: I- 15 Freeway Northbound Ramps ( EW) Summerhill Drive ( NS) at: Railroad Canyon Road ( EW) January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 10 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Table 2.2 Definitions of Level of Service for Uninterrupted Flow ( Flow Unrestrained by the Existence of Traffic Control Devices) LOS “ A" Represents free flow. Individual users are virtually unaffected by the presence of others in the traffic stream. LOS " B" In the range of 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. LOS " C" In the range of 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. LOS " D" Represents high- density but stable flow. Speed and freedom to maneuver are severely restricted, and the driver experiences a generally poor level of comfort and convenience. LOS " E" Represents operating conditions at or near the capacity level. All speeds are reduced to a low, but relatively uniform value. Small increases in flow will cause breakdowns in traffic movement. LOS " F" Used to define 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. Public Transportation Network The Riverside Transit Agency ( RTA) provides public bus service to the city. Currently five bus routes along several Lake Elsinore roadways provide alternative intra- City and regional transportation options. Moreover, the Lake Elsinore Dial- a- Ride ( DAR), operated by RTA, is a senior and persons with disabilities, advance reservation service designed to provide curb- to- curb transportation. Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails The pedestrian network consists of all the paved sidewalks and trails in Lake Elsinore. Several local roadways in Lake Elsinore do not have paved pedestrian facilities. In addition, some of the RTA bus stops are not accessible by paved sidewalks and transit riders have to wait along the side of the road in unpaved areas. The bikeway system encourages bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation, although the terrain makes traversing the City via bicycle difficult. Existing and proposed routes of the City bikeway system are divided into four classifications; Class I, II, III, and multi- purpose. A Class I bikeway is a completely separated right- of way for the exclusive use of bicycles. Class II bikeways provide a restricted right- of- way for the exclusive or semi- exclusive use of bicycles with vehicle parking and cross flows by vehicles and pedestrians permitted. A Class III bike route provides right- of- way designated by signs or Transportation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 11 permanent markings and are shared with pedestrians or vehicles. Finally, multi- purpose paths or trails are available for joint bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian use that may or may not be separated or paved. A graphic of the Bikeway Plan as it appeared in the last General Plan is shown in Figure 2.7. The Bikeway Plan delineates an extensive, continuous network of bicycle routes, with Class II bikeways as the principal provision for bicycle travel through the city. More specifically, a Class I, off- street bikeway is designated for Grand Avenue through the SOI. The Class III bikeway along Main Street, Camino Del Norte, Summer Hill Drive and Ramsgate Drive is delineated specifically to emphasize and facilitate the linkage of bicycle routes through the major specific plan areas east of I- 15 and the downtown area. The multi- purpose designation reflects the city’s existing dedicated and proposed trail system ( west end) available to equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle users. The existing segments are unpaved; future sections may or may not be paved or separated depending upon design and use requirements. Air Transportation Air transportation systems located within the City and the surrounding region includes public use airports and carrier operations. Airports serving the City are tied into the regional air transportation system and operate as an efficient and convenient transportation. Skylark Airport is located within the City of Lake Elsinore, in the vicinity of the southern terminus of the Lake. This airport provides glider and skydiving opportunities for the community and surrounding region. The runway surface of Skylark Airport consists of gravel and sand; as such, this surface generally does not permit optimal conditions for frequent and convenient airport operations. Twelve public- use airports are situated within the boundaries of Riverside County. Of these airports, five are located within the generalized vicinity of the City of Lake Elsinore, including Perris Valley, located approximately 11 miles from Lake Elsinore, French Valley located approximately 18 miles away in Temecula, Riverside Municipal Airport located in Riverside approximately 20 miles away, and the Hemet- Ryan Airport approximately 22 miles from the City. There are five major commercial airports in southern California used for passenger service, including: Palm Springs International Airport, Ontario International Airport ( San Bernardino County), Orange County- John Wayne Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Lindbergh Field ( San Diego County). Of these only Palm Springs Sign near airstrip identifying skydiving location. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 12 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update International Airport, located approximately 70 miles from the City, is located in Riverside County. In addition to the regional air passenger airport facilities, the March Inland Port/ Air Reserve Base is located along I- 215 in Riverside County, approximately 23 miles from the City. This airport provides regional air cargo service and also continues to function as an Air Reserve Base military installation. A figure of “ airport influence areas” identified in the County of Riverside General Plan is included as Figure 2.8. Park and Ride The Riverside County Transportation Commission provides free “ park and ride” sites to encourage residents to carpool or take alternative forms of transportation. Several park and ride lots exist within the City including the Ortega Market located at 15887 Grand Avenue, Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall located at Collier Street & Nichols, and finally the SR- 74 park and ride lot located at Dexter Street & SR- 74. Railroads There are currently no railroad services within the City of Lake Elsinore or SOI. However, in the past the Lake Elsinore Branch of the Santa Fe Railroad provided rail service for the immediate community as well as the surrounding region. The Lake Elsinore Branch railways were located to the north of Lake Elsinore. However, through dissolution of the Santa Fe Railroad coupled with continued growth of the City, these railways and associated infrastructure have been removed. Scenic Routes Caltrans has identified Interstate 15 and Highway 74 as eligible state scenic highways, but neither one is officially designated. Caltrans outlines an application process for official designation that the City has not pursued. Advantages of official designation are listed as: able to promote local tourism that is consistent with the community's scenic values, protecting the scenic values of an area, enhancing community identity and pride, and enhancing land values and making the area more attractive. Safe Routes to Schools The state of California encourages a program called Safe Routes to School to encourage more school children to walk or bike to school. Thirty years ago, 66% of children walked or biked to school, now, the number has dropped to 13%. This has been attributed to parent’s perception that crime and traffic has made roads unsafe and opts to drive their children to school instead. To change this, various entities including the California Department of Health Services, California Highway Patrol, Center for Livable Communities, Surface Transportation Policy Project, California Bicycle Coalition, and Rails to Trails Conservancy have been working with local officials to create Safe Routes Transportation Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 2- 13 to School programs. They work with local officials, parents, law enforcement officers, and traffic engineers to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicycle riders on heavily used school routes. The City of Lake Elsinore began a program and has designated routes, but has not updated the plan for the last several years. There has been interest expressed in updating the map. Several schools in the Lake Elsinore area participate in a National Walk to School Day. Constraints and Opportunities Constraints Due to Regulatory Requirements Caltrans has the ability to recommend measures to mitigate traffic impacts if a project is going to influence traffic flows and levels of service on a state highway. Care in increasing density or changing land use must be exercised when implementing changes to land use adjacent to state highways to avoid creating or exacerbating issues related to roadway levels of service. Increasing traffic demand adjacent to a state highway may create the need for significant mitigation measures on adjacent surface streets, possibly increasing the cost of a project. The preliminary analysis has shown that the currently adopted General Plan Circulation Element contains highway network links that may be very difficult to build and/ or may be economically unfeasible to finance. Identified challenges with the current General Plan Circulation Map are identified on Figure 2.9. Constraints Due to Existing Conditions Existing conditions create constraints to changing land use designations. There are many streets in the City already operating at a poor level of service. Adding additional density or changing land use patterns that will increase traffic in areas that are already operating at a poor level of service will exacerbate current conditions. In areas with a poor level of service, land uses will be constrained to those that will decrease traffic unless traffic management and traffic calming devices are employed. There are areas in the City that do not have paved pedestrian facilities, including at bus stops. This deficiency has the potential to cause people not to walk or take public transportation. Bikeways may have to share lanes with vehicles, contributing to a sense of lack of safety, also causing residents to avoid using bike lanes. Limiting opportunities for alternative forms of transportation will continue to contribute to poor levels of service on City roadways. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 14 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Narrow street in County Club Heights. Opportunities to Enhance Regulatory Requirements Updating the General Plan is an opportunity to revise the Circulation Plan that shows highway network links that are difficult to build or are economically unfeasible. The City can look into the possibility of alternate plans that are not as difficult to build and/ or those that make more sense economically. It is also an opportunity to address any existing problems on surface streets that may be contributing to state highway problems so future projects proposed adjacent to the highway will not necessarily create additional traffic demand. Opportunities to Address Existing Conditions A General Plan Update provides the City the opportunity to coordinate transportation projects including streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and other related infrastructure. It is also an opportunity to identify problems in existing circulation patterns and implement new policies to fix the problems. For land uses that may increase traffic, and/ or introduce more pedestrian activity to streets and sidewalks, policies can be implemented requiring speed control measures such as raised crosswalks, textured pavement, speed humps, center island narrowings, and roundabouts. Public transportation is an important component of the City’s circulation system and offers important opportunities to reduce air pollution and road congestion. To maximize the potential benefits of transit facilities and services, the City has an opportunity to increase the availability and use of public transit in Lake Elsinore. Non- vehicular modes of transportation offer alternatives to driving, and provide both recreational and commuting options within the community. To promote walking and bicycling, a safe pedestrian and bicycle system composed of separate and completed bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails can be developed that will connect key activity centers of the City. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 16 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. January 2006 Transportation Background Report 2- 18 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update This Page Intentionally Left Blank. 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Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 1 CHAPTER 3 – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES BACKGROUND REPORT Introduction This report assesses existing biological resources in the City of Lake Elsinore and its associated sphere of influence ( SOI). The regulatory environment and existing conditions will be assessed and analyzed to determine associated constraints and opportunities. The purpose of this discussion is to use the information as a resource for updating the Conservation Element of the General Plan. Legal Basis and Requirements Government Code Section 65302( d) states the General Plan shall include a conservation element for the “ conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources including water and its hydraulic force, forest, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources.” Regulatory Environment The City of Lake Elsinore must comply with various Federal, State, and local laws. The following is a list of laws and policies relevant to biological resources. A description of each of the following can be found in the biological resources section of the Environmental Impact Report: Federal Endangered Species Act Executive Order 13186: Migratory Bird Treaty Act Clean Water Act & Section 401 & Section 402 & Section 404 Executive Order 11990— Protection of Wetlands Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act California Endangered Species Act California Fish and Game Code California State Wetlands Conservation Policy Porter- Cologne Water Quality Control Act Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) Riverside County General Plan City of Lake Elsinore General Plan January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 2 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP) The study area is located within the boundary of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP). The City of Lake Elsinore adopted the MSHCP in June 2004. The MSHCP is a comprehensive, multi- jurisdictional effort that includes the County and fourteen cities, including Lake Elsinore. Rather than deal with endangered species on a one- by- one basis, this Plan provides an integrated approach to the conservation of 146 species and provides federal and state authorization for impacts to those species under permits held by the City and other Plan participants. As one of the conditions of those permits, City and other Plan participants have agreed to assemble a reserve system of approximately 500,000 acres will be created, connecting current and future conserved lands. Approximately 347,000 of these targeted acres are currently within public ownership and 153,000 acres are currently in private ownership. Implementation of the plan, including acquisition, administration, operation, and maintenance of reserve lands, will be the responsibility of the newly created Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority ( RCA), a public agency governed by a board of elected city and county officials. The area covered by the MSHCP has been divided into nine analysis units in a progress report prepared in 2004 by the RCA. Much of the area within the Lake Elsinore SOI lies within RCA Conservation Area 8. The objective of the approved MSHCP is to contribute to the economic viability of the region by providing landowners, developers, and those who build public infrastructure with certainty, a streamlined regulatory process, and identified project mitigation. Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas The City of Lake Elsinore is focusing its conservation efforts on adding lands to existing Core Reserves and Linkages within and adjacent to the Elsinore Area Plan. Figure 3.1 shows the public and quasi- public lands that are part of the existing reserve system, and the areas identified in the MSHCP as the focus for future additions to the reserve system. Based on mapping in the MSHCP, approximately 3,500 acres in the City and SOI are part of the existing reserve system within the MSHCP. The goal is add between 4,830 acres and 7,870 acres to the reserve system within the City over a 25- year period within the “ criteria area” shown on Figure 3.1. As of the 2004 Annual Report, which is a summary of activities for the initial six- month period that federal and state permits were issued for the MSHCP, June 22, 2004 through December 31, 2004, 868 acres were conserved. Since February of 2000, a total of 2,190 acres has been Sign identifying one of the City's many habitat conservation areas. Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 3 conserved which is 34% of the middle range of the target conservation. Under the MSHCP and its permits, the City reviews proposed land uses in the “ criteria area” to determine if they are compatible with the MSHCP’s conservation goals and will contribute to assembling the reserves. The MSHCP in the City of Lake Elsinore is addressed in open space and conservation policies in the General Plan. There also are MSHCP survey, habitat evaluation, and mitigation fee requirements that apply to projects in City and are administered through the Planning Department. Existing Biological Resources The City and SOI are located in the Elsinore Valley, which is bounded on the west by the east flank of the rugged Santa Ana Mountains and rises into hills to the east. Based on mapping prepared for the MSHCP and as seen in Table 3.1, approximately 13,000 acres of the total area are developed lands or have exotic vegetation and approximately 600 acres are agricultural lands. The remainder of the area is natural vegetation communities, primarily chaparral and Riversidian sage scrub. Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 indicate the natural community types. Each type and its associated species are described in more detail in the sections below. Designated and proposed conservation areas within the City and SOI also are identified and described. Natural Communities There are sixteen natural communities, plus agricultural and developed lands, that occur in the City and/ or SOI as shown in table 3.1. Several of the natural communities are considered “ sensitive” or “ special status” habitats because they are unique, have relatively limited distribution in the region, or have high wildlife value as defined by federal, state, and local government conservation programs. Many are, or correspond to, vegetation series and associations identified in the California Natural Diversity Database ( CNDDB) as “ rare.” Such communities within the City and/ or SOI include: Riversidian sage scrub Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub Diegan coastal sage scrub dense Englemann oak woodland coast live oak woodland southern willow scrub southern cottonwood- willow riparian forest southern sycamore- alder riparian forest coastal and valley freshwater marsh vernal pools January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 4 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Table 3.1 Natural Communities in the City and SOI Type City SOI Total Nonnative Grassland 5,533 1,938 7,471 Coastal Sage Scrub Riversidian Sage Scrub* 6,453 4,454 10,907 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 24 713 737 Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub* 43 274 317 Chaparral Chamise Chaparral 214 4 218 Chaparral 2,824 10,562 13,386 Woodlands Coast Live Oak Woodland* 61 397 458 Dense Engelmann Oak Woodland* 0 5 5 Oak Woodland 5 57 62 Riparian Riparian Forest 56 42 98 Riparian Scrub 183 153 336 Southern Cottonwood/ Willow Riparian* 0 22 22 Southern Willow Scrub* 27 47 74 Marsh Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh 32 0 32 Open Water/ Reservoir/ Pond 2,373 57 2,422 Vernal Pools*, ** -- -- -- Agricultural Lands Field Croplands 88 291 379 Grove/ Orchard 26 198 224 Residential/ Urban/ Exotic 6,876 6,080 12,956 TOTAL 24,818 25,294 50,104 Notes * Considered to be a special status/ sensitive habitat because it is unique, has relatively limited distribution in the region, has high wildlife value, and/ or is directly or indirectly protected federal, state, or local regulations and policies. ** Individual vernal pools and vernal pool complexes were not mapped in the MSHCP or for the City General Plan but are known to occur in the City and SOI. Source: GIS database for MSHCP ( July 2003). Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 5 Nonnative Grassland Nonnative grasslands are characterized by a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses with flowering culms ( stems) 0.2 to 1.5 meters high. They are often associated with numerous species of showy- flowered, native wildflowers, especially in years of favorable rainfall. Flowering occurs with the onset of the late fall rains, and growth, flowering, and seed- set occur from winter through spring. With a few exceptions, the plants are dead through the summer- fall dry season, persisting as seeds. Nonnative grasslands occur on fine- textured soils that are moist during the winter rainy season and very dry during summer and fall. Adjacent communities may include oak woodland on moister, better-drained soils. Composed almost entirely of annual grasses and other herbaceous annuals, this community is dominant over a large area immediately southwest of Lake Elsinore and also as a mosaic interspersed with coastal sage scrub communities. Plants typical of this community include several species of brome ( Bromus spp.), wild oat ( Avena spp.), filaree ( Erodium spp.), schismus ( Schismus spp.), fescue ( Vulpia spp.), and a variety of wildflowers such as California poppy ( Eschscholtzia californica), phacelia ( Phacelia spp.), and goldfields ( Lasthenia californica). Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is characterized by low shrubs and an absence of trees. Shrubs include either pure stands or mixtures of coarse, deciduous species that drop their leaves in response to periodic drought conditions. Coastal sage scrub occurs primarily below 914 meters ( 3,000 feet) above mean sea level on western slopes of mountains, on steep, south-facing, wind- exposed slopes, and in areas where the marine layer pene-trates inland to foothills and can-yons. Soils are typically well drained and relatively shallow. Shrubs are more widely spaced than in chaparral and do not have the characteristic rigidity or thick drought- resistant leaves of those in chaparral. Remaining dormant throughout the dry season, plants either drop their leaves or produce smaller leaves on secondary shoots, which reduces water loss. Root systems are generally shallow, and some shrubs store water in succulent leaves and stems. Other plants produce aromatic oils from the surfaces of leaves, making them less appealing to grazing animals and reducing water loss, but at the cost of increased flammability during Sensitive habitat found in the hillsides surrounding the City. January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 6 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update the fire season. Typical species in this community include California sagebrush ( Artemisia californica), long- stemmed buckwheat ( E. elongatum), California buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage ( Salvia apiana), black sage ( Salvia mellifera), bush monkeyflower ( Mimulus longiflorus), brittlebush ( Encelia farinosa), California bush sunflower ( Encelia californica), coast goldenbush ( Isocoma menziesii), laurel sumac ( Malosma laurina), deerweed ( Lotus scoparius), golden yarrow ( Eriophyllum confertiflorum), and coast prickly pear ( Opuntia littoralis), lupines ( Lupinus spp.). Riversidian Sage Scrub Riversidian sage scrub typically is a fairly open vegetation community, with at least 20 percent cover by California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and Spanish brome ( Bromus madritensis). See description of coastal sage scrub above for additional details about plant species composition. In the City and SOI, this community occurs in many locations, often on hills and slopes adjacent to developed areas. In many locations, the herb layer of the Riversidian sage scrub is dominated by nonnative invasive forbs and grasses, which reduces the quality of these areas as potential habitat for various species. Riversidian sage scrub is considered a special status or sensitive habitat. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Similar to Riversidian sage scrub, this community is found where moisture is relatively more available. Dominant species are California sagebrush, California buckwheat, laurel sumac, lemonade berry ( Rhus integrifolia), and white sage. This community occurs only in small patches within the existing City limits; substantially more acres of this type occur in the SOI than in the City. Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub grows on sandy, rocky alluvial soils deposited by streams that experience periodic flooding. The soils in these areas are well drained to excessively drained and have low water holding capacity and low fertility. Vegetation con-sists of drought- deciduous subshrubs and large evergreen woody shrubs adapted to these soil characteristics and survival of, or rapid recruitment after, intense, periodic flooding and erosion. Pioneer, intermediate, and mature stages of alluvial fan sage scrub plant commu-nity are often distinguished. The pioneer stage has sparse vegetation and low plant diver-sity. The intermediate stage is characterized by dense vegetation dominated by subshrubs. The mature stage has dense, full- grown subshrubs, along with evergreen woody shrubs. Scale- broom is a shrub species found most often on alluvial soils associated with drainages. Other common shrub species of this vegetation community are often characteristic species of either Riversidian sage scrub or chaparral communities. These common subshrub species include coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, chamise, brittlebush ( Encelia Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 7 farinosa), hairy yerba santa ( Eriodictyon trichocalyx), sugarbush, birch- leaved mountain mahogany, and deerweed ( Lotus scoparius). Small patches of this community are present in the City in washes where the soil has been deposited and is periodically scoured by flowing water from slopes above. Soils tend to be sandy and porous. Substantially more acres of this community occur in the SOI than in the City. Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. Chaparral Chaparral is widely distributed on dry slopes and ridges at low and mid- elevations. It typically consists of shrubs with tough, broad leaves, although species composition may vary considerably with many different subtypes. This community also is highly adapted to periodic natural fires. Chamise chaparral, which is the most common chaparral type in Riverside County, is dominated by chamise ( Adenostoma fasciculatum). Southern mixed chaparral often occurs adjacent to Riversidian sage scrub and chamise chaparral, but generally on sites with more moisture. Common chaparral shrubs include toyon ( Heteromeles arbutifolia), chamise, several California lilacs ( Ceanothus megacarpus, C. crassifolius, C. cuneatus, and C. spinosus), birch- leaved mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus betuloides), manzanita ( Arctostaphylos spp.), and scrub oak ( Quercus berberdifolia). Generally taller and denser than sage scrub communities, this community is found in the City primarily on the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is more broadly distributed in the SOI. Oak Woodland Oak woodland varies from open savannas with grassy understories to fairly dense woodlands with shrubby understories. This community typically integrates with both nonnative grassland and riparian woodland. Annual rainfall is generally between 38 and 64 centimeters ( 15 and 25 inches), and intermittent streams may be present. The dominant trees in the Riverside area are coast live oak ( Quercus agrifolia), with smaller amounts of Engelmann oak ( Quercus engelmannii), black walnut ( Juglans californica), western sycamore ( Platanus racemosa), toyon, and blue elderberry ( Sambucus mexicana). Smaller trees and shrubs along with herbaceous plants and grasses that form the vegetative understory include sugar bush ( Rhus ovata), squawbush ( Rhus trilobata), poison– oak ( Toxicodendron diversilobum), coastal wood fern ( Dryopteris arguta), and bracken fern ( Pteridium aquilinium). January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 8 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Within the City and SOI this community is typically located near intermittent stream courses and is known to occur in the canyons on the east face of the Santa Ana Mountains. Coast Live Oak Woodland Coast live oak woodlands vary from closed- canopy stands of coast live oak to mixtures with conifers and broadleaf trees to open savannas. The shrub layer is poorly developed, but may include toyon, laurel sumac, or blue elderberry. The herb component is typically continuous and dominated by rip- gut brome ( Bromus diandrus) and several other introduced species. This community typically occurs on north- facing slopes and shaded ravines. Coast live oak woodland is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. It occurs in both the City and SOI, with substantially more acres in the SOI than in the City. Dense Englemann Oak Woodland Dense Englemann oak woodland is a climax woodland dominated by Englemann oak ( Quercus englemannii), with coast live oak as an additional significant constituent. The understory is composed of typical grassland species. Canopy cover is dense. This vegetation community appears on moderately moist sites, especially in steep canyons. Dense Englemann oak woodlands are known to occur southeast of Lake Mathews between Galivan Road and Lake Mathews Drive. Dense Englemann oak woodland is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. It occurs in the SOI but not within the existing City boundaries. Riparian Forest, Woodland, and Scrub Riparian forests and woodlands are dependent on the presence of or proximity to non- seasonal water sources. The water may be surface water or shallow groundwater. Riparian woodlands may measure a few meters in width to much broader, depending on water flow. Where non- seasonal streams flow out of the mountains and onto flatter grasslands, the riparian woodland community may be a relatively broad one, but in the higher elevations where water flows down a narrow passageway often confined by steep hillsides, this community may be very narrow. Riparian woodland may also occupy areas surrounding human- made lakes and reservoirs. Typical species of this community include willows ( Salix spp.), western sycamore, black walnut, Fremont and black cottonwood ( Populus fremontii and P. trichocarpa), white alder ( Alnus rhombifolia), coast live oak, mule fat ( Baccharis salicifolia), and smaller plants such as poison- oak, California blackberry, horsetails ( Equisetum spp.), and scarlet and creek monkeyflower ( Mimulus cardinalis and M. guttatus). Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 9 Riparian scrub is characterized as a scrubby streamside thicket, dominated by any of several willows, mule fat, or a mix of these. Vegetation may vary from open to impenetrable. Willows typically occur on relatively fine- grained sand and gravel bars that are close to river channels and/ or groundwater. Coarser substrate soils or areas where there is relatively great depth to the water table favors dominance by mule fat. This early successional community may precede any of several riparian woodland or forest types absent severe flooding disturbance. Riparian forest and scrub communities occur along streambeds in the City and SOI and along the shore of Lake Elsinore. Types include southern willow scrub, composed of relatively small willows and mulefat, southern cottonwood – willow riparian forest, with taller willows and cottonwoods, and southern sycamore – alder riparian woodland, composed of western sycamore, white alder, and often lower densities of willows, cottonwoods, or oaks. In general, all riparian communities are considered to be special status/ sensitive habitats. Southern Willow Scrub Southern willow scrub is distinguished by dense, broadleaved, winter- deciduous riparian thickets dominated by several willow species, including black willow, sandbar willow, red willow ( Salix laevigata), and arroyo willow, with scattered Fremont cottonwood and western sycamore. Most stands are too dense to allow much understory development. Typical soils include loose, sandy, or fine gravelly alluvium deposited near stream channels during flood flows. This community requires repeated flooding to prevent succession to southern cottonwood- sycamore riparian forest. It occurs in both the City and SOI and is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. Southern Cotd- willow riparian forests are tall, open, broadleaved winter-deciduous riparian foresttonwood- Willow Riparian Forest Southern cottonwoods dominated by Fremont cottonwood, black cottonwood, and several tree willows. Understories consist of shrubby willows. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil. Sub- irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along rivers and streams provide the necessary conditions for germination and establishment. Other typical plant species include California mugwort, mule fat, wild cucumber ( Marah macrocarpus), western sycamore, Goodding’s black willow ( Salix gooddingii), sandbar willow ( Salix exigua), yellow shining willow ( Salix lasiandra), arroyo willow ( Salix lasiolepis), and stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica). It occurs in the SOI and is considered to be a special status/ sensitive habitat. January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 10 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Southern Sycamore- Alder Riparian Woodland Southern sycamore- alder riparian woodland is a tall, open, broadleaved, winter-deciduous streamside woodland dominated by western sycamore and white alder. These stands seldom form closed canopy forests, and may appear as trees scattered in a shrubby thicket of hard drought- resistant evergreens and deciduous species. Soils consist of very rocky streambeds subject to seasonally high- intensity flooding. White alder increases in abundance on more perennial streams, while western sycamore favors more intermittent hydrographs. Other common forms of vegetation include California mugwort, coast live oak, horsetail, smilo grass ( Piptatherum miiaceum), California blackberry, poison- oak, blue elderberry, and stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica). This woodland is considered to be a special status/ sensitive habitat. Marsh Marsh communities are dominated by perennial, emergent flowering plants ( monocots) generally up to four to five meters tall. Vegetation often forms completely closed canopies. Bulrush ( Scirpus spp.) and cattail ( Typha spp.) species dominate. Marsh communities are found on sites permanently inundated by fresh water and lacking significant current. Conditions of prolonged saturation permit accumulation of deep, peaty soils in this community. Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh This community is generally found in areas with slow- moving or ponded water, where shallow topography is subject to prolonged saturation. One of these areas is northeast of Lake Elsinore, around a small lake that was created several years ago. It is recognized by the presence of plants that grow up through shallow water, such as cattail, bullrush, and sedge). This community occurs in the City but not the SOI and is considered a special status/ sensitive habitat. Open Water / Reservoir / Pond Open water/ reservoir/ pond areas are called lacustrine ecosystems and are characterized by inland depressions or dammed riverine channels containing standing water, including both near- shore ( limnetic) and deepwater habitats ( littoral). Usually, to meet this classification, each area must exceed 20 acres ( 8 hectares) and be deeper than 6.6 feet ( 2 meters). The lower San Jacinto River, Lake Elsinore, and several other ponds and creeks within the study area provide open water habitat, relatively free of vegetation, that supports fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Among the warm water fishery species that provide Rare white pelicans in quiet lake area. Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 11 recreational fishing in Lake Elsinore are largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Recent efforts to improve the water quality in Lake Elsinore have included the harvesting of carp in order to restructure the fishery composition, and also the installation of a series of axial flow pumps designed to increase vertical water circulation, thereby maintaining higher levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. These areas are subject to a wide range of regulations and, depending on site- specific conditions, typically are considered to be a special status/ sensitive habitat. Vernal Pools Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that form in localized depressions with subsurface hardpans, allowing ponded rainwater to remain above the surface into the dry season. These seasonal wetlands create a moist environment to which a specialized group of plant species is adapted. Species composition varies among pools and among years. However, as noted in Riverside County ( 2003c), common species in vernal pools in or near the project area include woolly marbles ( Psilocarphus brevissimus), toad rush ( Juncus bufonius), spike rush ( Eleocharis species), wire- stem popcorn flower ( Plagiobothrys leptocladus), Mexican speedwell ( Veronica peregrina ssp. xalapensis), annual hairgrass ( Deschampsia danthonioides), alkali pepper- grass ( Lepidium dictyotum), and water pygmy weed ( Crassula aquatica); many special status species are also Agricultural Lands Limited areas of groves, orchards, and cropland persist in the study area. These lands have little value as habitat for wildlife other than those species highly adapted to disturbance. Residential / Urban / Exotic A substantial portion of the area within the Lake Elsinore SOI has been developed, and remaining natural resources in these areas are now limited to ornamental trees and garden shrubs that may provide some habitat for nesting birds. Special Status Species In this report, plants and animals are identified as being “ special status species” if they are listed or proposed for listing under federal or state law; are identified as “ sensitive,” “ a species of concern,” or “ a species of special concern” on lists maintained by federal or state agencies; or are on the list of ( biologically) endangered and rare plant species maintained by the California Native Plant Society. Table 3.2 identifies the special status species that are known to occur or have a reasonable potential for occurrence in the City and/ or SOI. January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 12 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Table 3.2 Special Status Species That Occur or Potentially Occur in the City and/ or SOI Species Common/ Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities Plants Chaparral sand- verbena Abronia villosa var. aurita) Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Exposed sites with sandy soils, especially washes and dunes, in chaparral, sage scrub, and alluvial scrub California orcutt grass Orcuttia californica Federal: E State: E CNPS: 1B Vernal pools; alkaline soils and southern southern basaltic claypan, Coulter’s goldfields Lasthenia glabrata ssp. Coulteri Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Coastal salt marshes, playas, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Alkaline soils in playas, sinks, and grasslands. 1– 1,400 meters in elevation. Davidson’s saltscale Atriplex serenans var. davidsonii Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Alkali vernal pools, alkali annual grasslands, alkali playa, and alkali scrub components of alkali vernal plains. Hammitt’s clay- cress Sibaropsis hammittii Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Chaparral and valley and foothill grassland at elevations of 700m to 1100m. Intermediate mariposa lily Calochortus weedii var. intermedius Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Rocky hill- and- valley landscapes with chaparral, sage scrub, or grasslands Little mousetail Myosurus minimus ssp. Apus Federal: None State: None CNPS: 3 Vernal pools and poorly drained spots in moist grasslands, generally under alkaline conditions. Long- spined spineflower Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Chaparral, coastal scrub, meadows, valley and foothill grassland. Gabbroic clay. 30– 1,450 meters in elevation. Many- stemmed dudleya Dudleya multicaulis Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. In heavy, often clayey soils or grassy slopes. 0– 790 meters in elevation. Munz’s onion Allium munzii Federal: E State: T CNPS: 1B Chaparral, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, pinyon- juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Only in Riverside County. Heavy clay soils; grows in grasslands and openings within shrublands or woodlands. 300– 1,035 meters in elevation. Palmer’s grapplinghook Harpagonella palmeri Federal: None State: None CNPS: 4 Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grasslands; clay soils. Parry’s spineflower Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Coastal scrub, chaparral. Dry slopes and flats; sometimes at interface of 2 vegetation such as chaparral and oak woodland; dry, sandy soils. 40– 1,705 meters in elevation. Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 13 Species Common/ Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities Robinson’s pepper- grass Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Chaparral, coastal scrub. Dry soils, shrubland. 1– 945 meters in elevation. Round- leaved filaree Erodium macrophyllum Federal: None State: None CNPS: 2 Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Clay soils. 15– 1,200 meters in elevation. San Diego ambrosia Ambrosia pumila Federal: E State: None CNPS: 1B Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. In the U. S., known only from San Diego and Riverside counties. Sandy loam or clay soil. In valleys, persists where disturbance has been superficial. 20– 415 meters in elevation. San Jacinto Valley crownscale Atriples coronata var. notatior Federal: E State: None CNPS: 1B Flooplains ( seasonal wetlands) dominated by alkali scrub, alkali playas, vernal pools, and, to a lesser extent, alkali grasslands. Slender- horned spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras Federal: E State: E CNPS: 1B Chaparral, coastal scrub ( alluvial fan sage scrub), flood deposited terraces and washes. Small- flowered microseris Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha Federal: None State: None CNPS: 4 Clay soils in associations with native grasslands or vernal pools. Smooth tarplant Centromadia pungens ssp. Laevis Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B Valley and foothill grassland, chenopod scrub, meadows, playas, riparian woodland, alkali meadow, alkali scrub; also in disturbed places. 0– 480 meters in elevation. Invertebrates Riverside fairy shrimp Streptocephalus woottoni Federal: E State: None Areas of tectonic swales/ earth slump basins in grassland and coastal sage scrub. Inhabit seasonally astatic pools filled by winter/ spring rains. Hatch in warm water later in the season. Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino Federal: E State: None Open areas in grasslands, forb- lands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, usually with low disturbance and a well- developed biological soil crust. Primary larval host plant is Plantago erecta. Amphibians Western spadefoot Spea hammondii Federal: SOC State: SSC Grassland, coastal sage scrub, and other habitats with open sandy gravel soils. Breeds in vernal pools and temporary ponds/ pools associated with river bottoms and floodplains. Primarily a species of the lowlands, frequenting washes, floodplains of rivers, alluvial fans, and alkali flats. Reptiles Coast ( San Diego) horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum ( blainvillei) Federal: None State: SSC Open or sparse scrub and chaparral communities. This species prefers loose, friable soil for burrowing. January 2006 Biological Resources Background Report 3- 14 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Species Common/ Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities Orangethroat whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus Federal: None State: SSC Chaparral, sage scrub and open edges of riparian areas; specialist to some degree on native termites. Coastal western whiptail Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Federal: SOC State: None Found in deserts and semiarid areas with sparse vegetation and open areas. Also found in woodland and riparian areas. Ground may be firm soil, sandy, or rocky. Northern red- diamond rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber Federal: None State: SSC Chaparral, woodland, grassland, and desert areas. Occurs in rocky areas and dense vegetation. Needs rodent burrows, cracks in rocks, or surface cover objects. Western pond turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida Federal: None State: SSC Ponds, small lakes, perennial pools in drainages, marshes, slow- moving sometimes- brackish water. Birds American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Federal: SOC State: None Freshwater marshes and vegetated borders of ponds and lakes. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Federal: T State: E Open areas, forest edges, and mountains near large lakes and rivers. Requires tall trees for nesting. Three known nest efforts in or near western Riverside County, but not within the project area, in the last ten years. Bell’s sage sparrow Amphispiza belli belli Federal: SOC State: SSC Extensive patches of chaparral less than about 2 meters in height and sage scrub shaded and relatively open at the ground layer. Black- crowned night- heron Nycticorax nycticorax Federal: None State: None Many types of wetlands; inland relay are large wetland areas. Burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia Federal: SOC State: SSC Requires fairly large expanses of relatively open, level or hummocky terrain, including grasslands, agricultural fields, dairies, flood channels, and occasionally may use undisturbed areas of golf courses or airports. Cactus wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Federal: None State: SSC Coastal sage scrub with thickets, patches, or tracts of large branching cacti, thorny shrubs, and small trees. Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica Federal: T State: SSC Obligate resident of several distinct subassociations of the coastal sage scrub community. Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii Federal: None State: SSC Mature forest, open woodlands, parks, and residential areas. Double- crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Federal: None State: None Occupies diverse aquatic habitats in all seasons. Diet is primarily fishes. Tolerates only minimal disturbance at nesting colonies. Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Federal: None State: None Nests in extensive lowland riparian woodland and forest; will forage in many adjacent habitats. Biological Resources Background Report January 2006 Lake Elsinore General Plan Update 3- 15 Species Common/ Scientific Name Status1 Habitat Affinities Least Bell’s vireo Vireo bellii pusillus Federal: E State: E Riparian habitat with some tree layer and a dense understory, often of young willows, but sometimes mule fat, blue elderberry, California rose, desert wild grape, and a variety of other shrubby species. Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus Federal: SOC State: SSC Open areas ( e. g., grassland, rangeland, fallow agricultural fields), especially where there are scattered large shrubs, trees, or other suitable perches at moderate height. Northern harrier Circus cyaneus Federal: None State: SSC Coastal lowlands, marshes, mesic grasslands, and agricultural fields. Probably extirpated locally as a breeder. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Federal: None State: SSC Large water bodies supporting fish with surrounding or nearby suitable nest sites. Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Federal: E/ delisted State: E, P Open areas, mud flats with waterfowl, shorebirds. Not currently believed to breed in Riverside County. Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens Federal: None State: SSC Rocky slopes, especially where a relatively open shrub cover dominated by California sagebrush is interspersed with grassy areas. Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Federal: E State: E Riparian woodlands along rivers and streams, with mature dense stands of willows, cottonwoods, and sometimes alders. Requires some inundation or soil saturation in riparian at least through May. Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Federal: None State: None During winter and migration, found in open areas, grasslands, meadows, brushlands, and near water sources. Tricolor blackbird Agelaius tricolor Federal: SOC State: SSC Freshwater marshes. Suitable breeding habitat includes |
| PDI.Date.Issued | 2006 |
| PDI.Title | City of Lake Elsinore general plan |
| OCLC number | 137243438 |
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