Kerman 2040 General Plan - Hearing Draft - April 2020kermangp.com/images/docs/kpgu_general_plan_hearing... · The Kerman General Plan contains the goals and policies upon which the

Policy Document Hearing Draft

April 2020

Prepared for:

City of Kerman 850 S. Madera Avenue

Kerman, Ca 93630

Hearing Draft Errata

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document

The Public Review Draft of the Kerman 2040 General Plan (Policy Document) was published in November 2019 for

public review. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was also released for a 45‐day public review period that

started November 21, 2019 and ended on January 6, 2020.

As part of this public review period, comments were received on both the General Plan and the draft EIR. Comments

on the draft EIR are incorporated into the final EIR and a response to each comment was provided (the final EIR is

available at www.kermangp.com).

For this General Plan document, all changes made since the November 2019 Public Draft General Plan are shown in a

redline/strikethrough format. Using this format, new additions are shown in blue text that is underlined (new text

example). Deleted text is shown in red text with a strikethrough the text (deleted text example). Using this method,

it is clear to readers to understand the changes that are proposed.

This document, along with the final EIR, will be reviewed at public hearings with the Planning Commission and City

Council.

Hearing Draft Policy Document

Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020

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Acknowledgements

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page i

City of Kerman City Council

Mayor Rhonda Armstrong

Mayor Pro Tem Gary Yep , District 1

Ismael Herrera, District 3

Raj Dhaliwal, District 4

Espi Sandoval, District 4

City of Kerman Planning Commission

Kevin Nehring, Chair

Charles Jones, Vice Chair

Robert Bandy

Scott Bishop

Leopoldo Espino

Bob Felker

Mario Nunez

Public Input

The City of Kerman would like to thank the members of

the public who gave their time and energies in assisting

in the development of the General Plan by participating

in the community workshops and corresponding with

members of the City Council and Planning Commission.

City Staff

Olivia Pimentel, Assistant Planner

John Kunkel, Interim City Manager

Ken Moore, Public Works Director

Phillip Gallegos, Community Services Director

Joseph Blohm, Chief of Police

John Golden, Lieutenant

Marci Reyes, City Clerk

Carolina Camacho, Finance Director

Consultant Team

Mintier Harnish (Lead Consultant) Rick Rust, AICP, Project Manager

Renée Funston, Planner

Rincon Consultants, Inc. (Environmental) Eric VonBerg, Environmental Task Manager

Della Acosta, Environmental Planner

Applied Development Economics (Economics) Doug Svensson, AICP, Economics Task

Manager

Peter Cheng, Senior Economist


Page ii Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020

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Table of Contents

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page iii

Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. i

Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................iii

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Purpose of the General Plan ...................................................................................................... 1‐2

1.2 Using the General Plan .............................................................................................................. 1‐2

1.3 General Plan Organization ......................................................................................................... 1‐5

1.4 Readers’ Guide ........................................................................................................................... 1‐7

1.5 Community Engagement ......................................................................................................... 1‐10

2. Economic Development ........................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Commercial Business Retention and Growth ............................................................................ 2‐2

2.2 Agricultural Economy ................................................................................................................. 2‐3

2.3 Economic Diversification and Expansion ................................................................................... 2‐4

2.4 Implementation Programs ......................................................................................................... 2‐5

3. Land Use .................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 General Plan Buildout ................................................................................................................ 3‐2

3.2 Land Use Designations ............................................................................................................... 3‐3

3.3 Community Character and Design ........................................................................................... 3‐16

3.4 Growth Management .............................................................................................................. 3‐18

3.5 Agricultural Land ...................................................................................................................... 3‐20

3.6 Environmental Justice .............................................................................................................. 3‐21

3.7 Civic Engagement ..................................................................................................................... 3‐23

3.8 General Plan Consistency and Maintenance ........................................................................... 3‐24

3.9 Education and Lifelong Learning .............................................................................................. 3‐25

3.10 Implementation Programs ....................................................................................................... 3‐26


Page iv Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020

4. Circulation ................................................................................................................. 4-1 4.1 Streets and Roadways ................................................................................................................ 4‐2

4.2 Vehicular Flow ........................................................................................................................... 4‐5

4.3 Goods Movement ...................................................................................................................... 4‐7

4.4 Parking ....................................................................................................................................... 4‐9

4.5 Alternative Transportation ...................................................................................................... 4‐10


5. Housing ..................................................................................................................... 5-1 5.1 New Housing Development ....................................................................................................... 5‐2

5.2 Affordable Housing .................................................................................................................... 5‐3

5.3 Housing and Neighborhood Conservation ................................................................................. 5‐4

5.4 Special Needs Housing ............................................................................................................... 5‐5

5.5 Fair and Equal Housing Opportunities ....................................................................................... 5‐6

5.7 Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development ................................................................. 5‐7


6. Conservation, Open Space, Parks and Recreation ................................................. 6-1 6.1 Open Space ................................................................................................................................ 6‐3

6.2 Parks and Recreation ................................................................................................................. 6‐4

6.3 Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................................... 6‐6

6.4 Water Conservation ................................................................................................................... 6‐7

6.5 Energy Resource Conservation .................................................................................................. 6‐8


7. Public Health and Safety .......................................................................................... 7-1 7.1 Law Enforcement ....................................................................................................................... 7‐2

7.2 Fire Protection ........................................................................................................................... 7‐3

7.3 Emergency Services ................................................................................................................... 7‐4

7.4 Natural Disasters ........................................................................................................................ 7‐5

7.5 Building Safety ........................................................................................................................... 7‐6

7.6 Hazardous Materials .................................................................................................................. 7‐7

7.7 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................. 7‐8

7.8 Noise 7‐10


7.10 Requirements for an Acoustical Analysis ................................................................................. 7‐15

8. Public Facilities and Services ................................................................................... 8-1 8.1 Essential Public Facilities and Services ....................................................................................... 8‐2

8.2 Water 8‐3

8.3 Infrastructure Funding ............................................................................................................... 8‐4

8.4 Sustainable Municipality ............................................................................................................ 8‐5


9. Glossary ..................................................................................................................... 9-1

Table of Contents

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page v

A. Appendix A, Environmental Justice ........................................................................ A-1

B. Appendix B, Project Requirements ......................................................................... B-1

Figures Figure 1‐1 Significant Boundaries ..................................................................................................... 1‐4

Figure 1‐2 How to Read Goals and Policies ...................................................................................... 1‐7

Figure 1‐3 How to Read Implementation Programs ......................................................................... 1‐9

Figure 3‐1 Land Use Diagram ............................................................................................................ 3‐4

Figure 3‐2 Significant Boundaries ................................................................................................... 3‐19

Figure 4‐1 Diagram ........................................................................................................................... 4‐3

Figure 4‐2 Proposed SR 145 Alignments ........................................................................................... 4‐8

Figure 4‐3 Active Transportation Facilities ..................................................................................... 4‐11

Figure 7‐1 Projected 2040 Noise Contours (Roadway and Railroad) ............................................. 7‐11

Tables Table 1‐1 Elements of the Kerman 2040 General Plan ................................................................... 1‐5

Table 3‐1 Kerman 2040 General Plan Development Projections .................................................... 3‐3

Table 3‐2 Land Use Designations ..................................................................................................... 3‐5

Table 4‐1 Level of Service ................................................................................................................ 4‐5

Table 7‐1 Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure – Stationary Sources .......................................... 7‐12


Page vi Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020


Introduction

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page 1‐1

1The Kerman 2040 General Plan is a long‐range plan that guides decision‐making and establishes rules and standards

for new development and city improvements. It reflects the city’s vision for the future and is intended to provide

direction through the year 2040.

This chapter is organized into the following sections.

Section Title Page

1.1 Purpose of the General Plan ...................................................................................................... 1‐2

1.2 Using the General Plan .............................................................................................................. 1‐2

1.3 General Plan Organization ......................................................................................................... 1‐5

1.4 Readers’ Guide ........................................................................................................................... 1‐7

1.5 Community Engagement ......................................................................................................... 1‐10


Page 1‐2 Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020

1.1 Purpose of the General Plan

California State Law requires that every city prepare and maintain a general plan “for the physical development of the city and any land outside its boundaries that bears relation to its planning.” A general plan serves as the jurisdiction’s “constitution” or “blueprint” for future decisions concerning a variety of issues including land use, health and safety, and resource conservation. All specific plans, subdivisions, public works projects, and zoning decisions must be consistent with the local jurisdiction’s general plan. The Kerman General Plan contains the goals and policies upon which the City Council and Planning Commission base their decisions. Typically, a general plan is designed to address the issues facing the city for the next 15‐20 years. The horizon year for Kerman’s General Plan Update is 2040.

A general plan has four defining features:

General. As the name implies, a general plan provides general guidance for future land use, transportation,

environmental, and resource decisions.

Comprehensive. A general plan addresses a wide range of social, economic, infrastructure, and natural

resource topics. These topics include land use, urban development, housing, transportation, public facilities

and services, recreation, agriculture, biological resources, and many other issues that impact the community.

Long‐Range. A general plan provides guidance on achieving a long‐range vision of the future for a city or

county. To reach this envisioned future, the general plan includes goals, policies, and implementation

programs that address both near‐term and long‐term needs.

Integrated and Coherent. The goals, policies, and implementation programs in a general plan present a

comprehensive, unified program for development, resource conservation, and other issues that impact the

community. A general plan uses a consistent set of assumptions and projections to assess future demands for

housing, employment, and public services (e.g., infrastructure). A general plan has a coherent set of policies

and implementation programs that enables citizens to understand the vision of the general plan, and enables

landowners, businesses, and industries to be more certain about how policies will be implemented.

The general plan is not to be confused with zoning. Although both the general plan and the zoning ordinance

designate how land may be developed, they do so in different ways. The general plan has a long‐term outlook. It

identifies the types of development that will be allowed, the spatial relationships among land uses, and the general

pattern of future development. Zoning regulates development through specific standards such as lot size, building

setback, and allowable uses. However, the land uses shown on the general plan diagrams will typically be reflected in

the local zoning maps as well, as they are both required to be consistent per State law. Development must not only

meet the specific requirements of the zoning ordinance but also the broader policies set forth in the general plan.

1.2 Using the General Plan

The Kerman General Plan will be used by the City Council, Planning Commission, and City staff on a daily basis to

make decisions with direct or indirect land use implications. It will also provide a framework for inter‐jurisdictional

coordination of planning efforts among officials, City staff, and other government agencies (e.g., Federal, State, and

local). City residents, property owners, and businesses will also use the General Plan for guidance on City policies for

particular geographic areas or for particular subjects of interest to them.

The General Plan is the basis for a variety of regulatory measures and administrative procedures. California planning

law requires consistency between the general plan and its implementation programs, such as zoning and subdivision

ordinances, capital improvement programs, specific plans, environmental impact procedures, and building and

housing codes.

1. Introduction


Over time the city's population will likely increase, its goals will evolve, and the physical environment in which its

residents live and work will change. In order for the General Plan to be a useful document, it must be monitored and

periodically revised to respond to and reflect changing conditions and needs over time.

To do this, the General Plan should be reviewed annually with a more comprehensive and thorough review and

revision conducted every five to 10 years to assess whether the plan needs to be refined to reflect changes in local

conditions, local priorities, and/or State law. State law permits the General Plan to be amended up to four times in

any calendar year, unless special conditions apply as defined by Government Code Sections 65358(c) and (d). Each

amendment may contain more than one change to the General Plan.

General Plan Key Terms

The following terms are used to describe the geographic boundaries used in the General Plan. These areas are

identified on Figure 1‐1.

City Limits. Includes the area within the city’s municipal boundary over which the City exercises land use

authority and provides public services.

Sphere of Influence (SOI).The city’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) is established by the Fresno Local Agency

Formation Commission (LAFCO) and is defined as a planning boundary outside of a city’s legal boundary

(i.e., city limits) that designates the city’s probable future boundary and service area. A SOI includes both

incorporated and unincorporated areas within which the City will have primary responsibility for the provision

of public facilities and services. In the General Plan, the City is proposing to expand the current SOI, as needed,

based on Policy LU‐3.2.

Planning Area. State law requires cities to adopt a general plan that addresses physical development within its

city limits, as well as any land outside its boundaries, “which in the planning agency’s judgment, bears relation

to its planning.” This larger area is referred to as the City’s “Planning Area.” The Planning Area for the Kerman

2040 General Plan encompasses the entire area within the City Limits, SOI (existing and proposed), and

additional areas extending out to major circulation routes framing the community. The purpose for the

Planning Area is to provide the opportunity to evaluate the effects of future growth and circulation changes in

the entire Planning Area and to develop further analysis of the values of the surrounding open space and

agricultural areas beyond the existing and planned urban area.



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1. Introduction


1.3 General Plan Organization

The Kerman General Plan is made up of two documents: The Background Report and the Policy Document. The

Background Report is further divided into nine chapters so that information can be easily referenced by subject or

issue.

Background Report

The Background Report takes a “snapshot” of current (2018) conditions and trends in Kerman. It provides a detailed

description of a wide range of topics within the city, such as demographic and economic conditions, land use, public

facilities, and environmental resources. The report provides decision‐makers, the public, and local agencies with

context for making policy decisions. Unlike the Policy Document, the Background Report is objective and policy‐

neutral. The Background Report also serves as the “Environmental Setting” section of the Environmental Impact

Report (EIR) prepared for the General Plan. The City published the public review draft of the Background Report in

September 2019.

Policy Document

The Policy Document is the essence of the General Plan. It contains the goals and policies that will guide future

decisions within the city. It also identifies a set of implementation programs that will ensure the goals and policies in

the General Plan are carried out.

The Policy Document is organized into separate chapters which are the collection of “elements,” or topical areas, of

which nine are mandatory. The nine State‐mandated elements are: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open

space, noise, safety, environmental justice, and air quality. Communities may include other elements that address

issues of particular local concern, such as economic development or urban design. Communities can also organize

their general plan anyway they choose, as long as the required topics are addressed. Table 1‐1 shows how the

elements of the Kerman 2040 General Plan are organized to meet the requirements of State law.

Table 1-1 Elements of the Kerman 2040 General Plan

State‐Mandated Elements

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Economic Development Land Use Circulation Housing Conservation, Open Space,

Parks and Recreation

Public Health and Safety Public Facilities and Services



The Kerman 2040 General Plan Policy Document is organized into the following eight chapters. The following

provides a brief description of each chapter in the 2040 Kerman General Plan Policy Document. The acronym

following each element’s name represents the letters used to refer to the goals and policies under that element.

1. Introduction The Introduction chapter provides an overview of the General Plan and the process used to develop the 2040 General

Plan. This chapter also includes a Reader’s Guide (Section 1.4) that provides useful information on how to read and

use the goals, policies, and programs presented in each element.

2. Economic Development Element (ED) The Economic Development Element focuses on supporting traditional employment sectors, including agriculture,

manufacturing, construction, transportation, and warehousing, while ensuring the city is responsive to cost pressures,

shifting consumer demands, and competition.

3. Land Use Element (LU) The Land Use Element establishes the pattern and intensity of land use in the city and sets forth policies and

standards to guide future development. This Element serves as the primary vehicle for ensuring that new land uses

are logically organized and developed in a way that preserves Kerman’s small‐town, Central Valley charm as well as

surrounding agricultural and open space lands.

4. Circulation Element (CIRC) The Circulation Element focuses on providing a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of

all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel.

5. Housing Element (HE) The Housing Element ensures that there is adequate land in place to accommodate Kerman’s fair share of new

residents. The City adopted the 2015‐2023 Housing Element in 2016 to identify and address housing needs in the city

in compliance with State housing law. The 2040 General Plan integrates the City’s current 2015‐2023 Housing Element

by formatting the document to be consistent with the 2040 General Plan update.

6. Conservation, Open Space, Parks and Recreation Element (COS) The Conservation, Open Space, Parks and Recreation Element focuses on conserving the city’s natural and open space

environment for present and future residents, as well as enhancing important attributes to Kerman that provide

recreation for residents and visitors.

7. Public Health and Safety Element (PH) The Public Health and Safety Element establishes a policy framework for protecting people and property from

unreasonable risks from natural disasters, crime, noise, and other events. It also focuses on disaster and emergency

response.

8. Public Facilities and Services Element (PFS) The Public Facilities and Services Element guides decision‐making concerning public and private infrastructure,

utilities, and services.

9. Glossary The Glossary contains definitions of key terms in the 2040 General Plan.

1. Introduction


Appendix A Appendix A provides additional information on environmental justice and disadvantaged unincorporated

communities related to the Kerman General Plan. See Section 3.5 for goals and policies related to these topics.

Appendix BA Appendix BA describes project specific review requirements that can be applied, as appropriate to the project, to

reduce the adversity of potential environmental impacts. Please refer to Policy LU‐7.3 for applicability.

1.4 Readers’ Guide

Goals and Policies

Each element contains the goals and policies that the City will use to guide future land use, development, resource

management, and environmental protection decisions. Figure 1‐1 explains the standard format for goals and policies,

using a sample goal and policy.

Figure 1-2 How to Read Goals and Policies

Goal A goal is a statement that describes in general terms a desired future condition or “end” state. Goals describe ideal

future conditions for a topic and tend to be very general and broad.

Policy A policy is a clear and unambiguous statement that guides a specific course of action for decision‐makers to achieve a

desired goal.



Policy / Program Icons The Kerman 2040 General Plan contains a number of policies and programs that address cross‐

cutting topics that weave throughout the General Plan. To highlight these policies and programs,

this Plan uses one or both of the icons shown to the left of this text. These icons highlight if a policy

or program is directly related to one or more of these topics, as applicable. The icons are described

below:

Environmental Justice

Pursuant Government Code Section 65302(h), general plans must include an environmental justice

element or include goals and policies in other element(s) of the general plan to reduce the unique

or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by reducing pollution exposure,

improving air quality, and promoting public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and

physical activity; promote civil engagement in the public decision‐making process; and prioritize

improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.

Healthy Communities

The 2040 General Plan focuses on promoting healthy communities and the connection between the

built environment and public health. Healthy communities focus on providing for a quality and

sustainable environment, supporting economic and social development, ensuring social equity, and

encouraging social relationships that are supportive and respectful to meet all residents’ basic

needs across a lifespan. To improve population health outcomes, the City needs to focus on

policies, systems, and programs that address the social and environmental determinants of health.

Environmental Impact Report Mitigation

To evaluate the environmental implications of the 2040 General Plan, the City prepared a Program

EIR pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As part of this process, some

policies will be developed specifically to reduce the potential for significant environmental impacts.

These policies constitute mitigation measures and ensure that implementation of the 2040 General

Plan will include the reduction of associated environmental impacts in accordance with CEQA.

1. Introduction


Implementation Programs

While many policies can be implemented as part of standard City operations, some policies require specific programs

to ensure their implementation. The last section of each element includes a table of implementation programs in a

format illustrated on Figure 1‐2. Similar to policies, implementation programs that address one or both of the cross‐

cutting topics include an icon to highlight the implementation program’s relationship to these topics, as applicable.

Figure 1-3 How to Read Implementation Programs



1.5 Community Engagement

The 2040 General Plan was shaped through a public outreach approach that provided an opportunity for all

community members to be involved as an integral component in the General Plan process. The City gathered

community input through the following methods:

Community Workshop

Project Website – www.Kerman2040.com

eBlasts

Planning Commission and City Council Meetings, Study Sessions, and Public Hearings

Community Workshop

The City hosted a community workshop for residents and stakeholders to

share their ideas on how to shape the future of Kerman on April 23, 2019 at

the Community/Teen Center. A couple dozen community members

attended the workshop. Participants received an overview of the General

Plan Update and shared their ideas for Kerman's future.

Project Website – www.kermangp.com

To help expand the outreach efforts of the General Plan, this project

included a project website (www.kermangp.com) to provide information on the process including information on the

General Plan, meeting dates and locations, and related documents. The City used regular updates to the project

website throughout the update process to keep community members informed and involved.

eBlasts

Throughout the update process, the City sent timely eBlasts to the General Plan contact list, which included elected

and appointed officials, City Staff, stakeholders, and engaged community members. People could join the contact list

through a link on the project website, by signing‐in at a General Plan community workshop or public meeting, or by

directly contacting the City of Kerman.

Planning Commission and City Council Meetings, Study Sessions, and Public Hearings

The City held various Planning Commission and City Council Meetings, Study Sessions, and Public Hearings throughout

the update process to inform decision‐makers and the public, discuss key milestones, and provide direction for the

next steps.

Economic Development


2Comprehensive economic development must incorporate both economic advancement and quality of life,

understanding both local and regional market demand while planning for a future that reflects the needs and vision of

Kerman residents. Economic development in Kerman needs to ensure that traditional employment sectors including

agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and warehousing can remain self‐renewing and vibrant in

the face of substantial cost pressures, shifting consumer demands, and competition. At the same time, it is important

to encourage new types of businesses that reflect current technological and market opportunities and are also

aligned with the skills and creative abilities of the workforce. Kerman also has opportunities to expand visitor services

in the community. To address these needs, the Economic Development Element includes goals, policies, and

programs related to retention and expansion of existing business sectors as well as diversifying the economy to

develop new kinds of businesses in the city.

Goals, policies, and implementation programs in this element are organized under the following headings:

Section Title Page

2.1 Commercial Business Retention and Growth ............................................................................ 2‐2

2.2 Agricultural Economy ................................................................................................................. 2‐3

2.3 Economic Diversification and Expansion ................................................................................... 2‐4




2.1 Commercial Business Retention and Growth

Kerman has been experiencing strong growth in retail, with officials anticipating continued growth in this sector. As

part of this momentum, the City has an opportunity to cultivate a business mix that better serves the range of

residents’ needs and desires, while also attracting visitors. Dining and retail establishments are particularly important,

not only for generating revenue, but also as centers for community gathering and recreation.

To attract a range of commercial uses to fulfill the needs and entertainment desires of residents and visitors. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.5, modified)

ED-1.1 Increase Business The City shall strive to increase the number of businesses operating in Kerman to satisfy the routine

needs and dining, services, and retail desires of residents while also increasing sales, property,

business, and potential transient‐occupancy taxes. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.6,

modified)

ED-1.2 Healthy Grocery Options The City shall strive to attract and retain high‐quality, full‐service grocery stores and other healthy

food purveyors as an essential economic development strategy. (Source: New Policy)

ED-1.3 Local Partnerships for Business Retention and Growth The City shall provide for the establishment of offices in existing residential structures, adjacent to

Madera Avenue in the original historic townsite. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.F.1)

ED-1.4 Downtown Shopping and Entertainment The City shall work with Downtown businesses, property owners and other agencies to improve

circulation, parking, pedestrian facilities, and food service options to help promote increased

shopping and entertainment opportunities. (Source: New Policy)

2. Economic Development Element


2.2 Agricultural Economy

Agriculture remains an economic base of the City of Kerman with nearly 20 percent of the labor force in agriculture‐

related occupations. Other agriculture‐related occupations with high shares of the city’s workforce include

transportation, production, manufacturing, and distribution. The City has an interest in ensuring that the agricultural

sector remains healthy and robust to maintain the local economy.

To support the continued economic viability of the agricultural sector as an integral business to the city. (Source: New Goal)

ED-2.1 Center for Agritourism The City shall strive to establish its reputation as a center for agritourism in the state. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.2 and Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.3, modified)

ED-2.2 New Agricultural Technologies The City shall attract technologies to the Kerman area that are related to the agricultural economy

industry, including plant breeding, nurseries, integrated pest management, and agricultural chemical

companies. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.4)

ED-2.3 Value-Added Production The City shall promote the production of “value‐added” crops to maximize the economic benefit of

Kerman’s agricultural industry and ensure its continued success. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal

LU.G.4, modified)

ED-2.4 Collaboration with Business Organizations The City should work with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, Fresno County Office of Tourism, and the

Kerman Chamber of Commerce to encourage tours, dissemination of agriculturally‐related news

releases, and information regarding agricultural cluster industries in the Kerman area. (Source:

Existing General Plan Action LU.I.3.a)

ED-2.5 Agricultural Business Programs The City will continue to shall support programs that assist and educate farmers in diversifying their

products and establishing expertise in a niche or specialty farming area, such as a specialty crop or

organic farming. (Source: New Policy)



2.3 Economic Diversification and Expansion

The cornerstone for ensuring economic longevity is continued investment in successful local industries. While

agriculture will continue to play a central role in the city’s economic base, it is important that the City also invests

energy into diversifying industries and employment opportunities. A more diversified economy provides the potential

for successful collaboration, as well as options to ensure that the city is resilient and able to maintain its economic

competitiveness in the event of changing climate or economic conditions.

To foster a thriving local economy through the expansion of local businesses and attraction of new industries to provide quality employment opportunities for residents, as well as stable businesses and a sound tax base. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.12, modified)

ED-3.1 Diversified Employment Base The City shall diversify the employment base, while enhancing its agricultural economic base.

(Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.8 and Existing General Plan Policy LU.K.1, modified)

ED-3.2 Expanding Operations and Employment The City shall assist existing industries in expanding their operations and increasing employment in

Kerman to reduce commutes. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.5 and Goal LU.3, modified)

ED-3.3 Broadband Service Access The City shall work with broadband service providers to develop quality broadband internet

infrastructure throughout the city that connects residents and businesses to national networks.

(Source: New Policy)

ED-3.4 Attracting Industries for Local Jobs The City shall seek industries that complement the existing workforce in terms of educational and

vocational skills set and commute patterns, and will provide full‐time, stable employment with

competitive wages and benefits. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.9 and Existing General Plan

Action LU.I.9.a, modified)

ED-3.5 Industrial Development The City shall promote additional industrial development in the southern end of Kerman, including

through pursuit of State and Federal infrastructure financing. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy

LU.I.7 and Existing General Plan Action LU.I.5.c, modified)

ED-3.6 Marketing Civic Facilities The City shall market the Kerman civic facilities, including the Community Center, the Senior Center,

and Kerckhoff Park, for various events that would bring people to the community, such as

conferences, meetings, and festivals. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.I.2.a and Existing

General Plan Action LU.I.2.b, modified)

ED-3.7 Marketing and Branding The City shall promote positive media coverage, branding, and marketing campaigns that build civic

pride and foster economic investments in Kerman. (Source: New Policy)

2. Economic Development Element


ED-3.8 EV-6.2 Workforce Development The City shall work with the Kerman Unified School District, and public and private universities,

colleges, and technical schools in the county to support the development, retraining, and retention

of a skilled workforce. (Source: New Policy)

ED-3.8ED-3.9 Visitor Services The City shall seek to attract lodging and other visitor services to Kerman to promote increased

business travel, as well as agritourism and other leisure stays. (Source: New Policy)

2.4 Implementation Programs

Programs

Implements Which Policy(ies)

Responsible

Supporting Department(s) 2

02

0 – 2

02

5

20

26 – 2

03

0

20

31 – 2

04

0

An

nu

al

On

goin

g

A Transient Occupancy Tax

The City shall consider adopting a Transient

Occupancy Tax prior to approving lodging

developments in the City. (Source: New Program)

ED‐1.1 Planning and

Development

Services

Finance

B Leverage City Assets

The City shall evaluate the potential for leveraging

City assets such as city‐owned property in

Downtown for parking sites or the City solar farm

for low cost industrial energy. (Source: New

Program)

ED‐1.4

ED 3.5

ED‐3.6

Planning and

Development

Services

Finance

C City Website Marketing Kerman’s Agriculture

Strengths

The City should update the website to provide a

page that highlights the city’s strength as an

agricultural center through a photographic essay.

The webpage would serve as a marketing tool, as

well as to bolster civic pride. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action LU.I.2.c, modified)


Development

Services

Finance

D Agricultural Technology Companies Contact List

The City should work with the Kerman Chamber of

Commerce and the agricultural sector to develop a

contact list of agricultural‐technology companies

in and near Kerman, such as plant breeding,

nurseries, integrated pest management, and

agricultural chemical companies. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action LU.I.4.a, modified)


Development

Services

N/A



Programs


Responsible


02

0 – 2

02

5

20

26 – 2

03

0

20

31 – 2

04

0

An

nu

al

On

goin

g

E Collaboration with the Fresno County Economic

Development Corporation to Market New

Agricultural Technologies

The City should work with the Fresno County

Economic Development Corporation to develop an

information packet detailing the benefits of

locating agricultural‐technology industries in

Kerman, such as plant breeding, nurseries,

integrated pest management, and agricultural

chemical companies. (Source: Existing General

Plan Action LU.I.4.b)


Development

Services

N/A

F Enhance Broadband Capacity

The City shall coordinate with broadband

providers and the regional broadband consortium

to explore opportunities to install gigabit speed

broadband capacity in Kerman. (Source: New

Program)

ED‐3.1

ED‐3.3

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

G Marketing and Branding Strategy

The City shall develop and implement a marketing

and branding strategy to promote doing business

in Kerman. (Source: Existing General Plan Action

LU.I.2.c, modified)

ED‐3.4

ED‐3.7

Finance

Planning and

Development

Services

H Development Template for Service Commercial

Projects in the Industrial Park

The City should design a development template

for service commercial developments in the

industrial park. This design template would

provide a schematic layout of a potential service

commercial use, showing setbacks, landscaping,

parking, etc. (Source: Existing General Plan Action

LU.I.6.b)


Development

Services

N/A

I City Website Marketing Civic Facility Rentals

The City should update the website to provide a

page that provides information on event spaces

that are available for rent in the city, including the

Community/Teen Center, the Senior Center, the

Kerman Middle School gym, local hotels, and

restaurants. (Source: Existing General Plan Action

LU.I.2.d, modified)


Development

Services

Finance

N/A

Land Use


3Kerman’s current land use pattern is based on more than a century of history that started around a Southern Pacific

Railroad Company station in 1891. Settlement and cultivation of the Kerman area continued through the turn of the

century as irrigation projects were extended. The original townsite subdivision map was filed with Fresno County in

the early 20th Century, which established the street grid encompassed by California Avenue, “G” Street, First Street

and Ninth Street. In 1921, Madera Avenue was paved from the Southern Pacific railroad tracks north to the San

Joaquin River and streetlights were installed from the tracks to Whitesbridge Avenue.

Kerman has grown slowly to ensure that the city preserves its small‐town, Central Valley charm as well as surrounding

agricultural and open space lands. Looking into the future, the City continues to prioritize orderly growth that directs

urban‐level development within City limits and revitalizes the historical commercial core, while supporting investment

in the southern industrial area and providing a variety of housing types.

The Land Use Element is the most prominent of the mandatory elements of the General Plan. It, more so than the

other elements, has the most significant impact on existing and future Kerman residents because it determines the

general location of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space uses. This Element balances land use

issues, opportunities, and constraints with the community’s other needs and desires.


Section Title Page

3.1 General Plan Buildout ................................................................................................................ 3‐2

3.2 Land Use Designations ............................................................................................................... 3‐3

3.3 Community Character and Design ........................................................................................... 3‐16

3.4 Growth Management .............................................................................................................. 3‐18

3.5 Agricultural Land ...................................................................................................................... 3‐20

3.6 Environmental Justice .............................................................................................................. 3‐21

3.7 Civic Engagement ..................................................................................................................... 3‐23

3.8 General Plan Consistency and Maintenance ........................................................................... 3‐24

3.9 Education and Lifelong Learning .............................................................................................. 3‐25




Government Code § 65302(a) lists a number of items that should be addressed in the Land Use Element, to the extent

they are relevant to the Kerman Planning Area. The following were found to not apply to the Kerman General Plan.

Areas Subject to Flooding. There are no areas within the Kerman Planning Area that are subject to flooding

identified by flood plain mapping prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the

Department of Water Resources. Stormwater runoff is managed through the city’s storm drainage system.

Timber Production. As applicable, a general plan needs to provide for a land use designation that provides for

timber production for those parcels of real property zoned for timberland production pursuant to the

California Timberland Productivity Act of 1982. There are no lands meeting this requirement in the Kerman

Planning Area.

Military Readiness Activities. General plans must address the impact of “new growth on military readiness

activities carried out on military bases, installations, and operating and training areas, when proposing zoning

ordinances or designating land uses covered by the general plan for land, or other territory adjacent to

military facilities, or underlying designated military aviation routes and airspace.” No military facilities are

adjacent to Kerman’s Planning Area, with the closest installation being Naval Air Station Lemoore (NAS

Lemoore) located approximately 25 miles south of the city. NAS Lemoore has five military operating areas

(MOA’s) covering portions of Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. These MOA’s represent airspace that is

used for flight operations and separation of activities from NAS Lemoore. The Kerman Planning Area lies

beneath the north edge of MOA A and MOA C. The training “floors” (lowest operating altitudes) are 5,000

feet for MOA A and 16,000 feet for MOA C.

A Joint Land Use Study for NAS Lemoore was completed in 2011. As required by the State of California, NAS

Lemoore identified a military influence area (MIA) around the installation that designated areas where military

operations may impact local communities, and conversely, where local activities may affect the military’s

ability to carry out its mission. The City of Kerman’s Planning Area does not lie within this MIA.

3.1 General Plan Buildout

The 2040 General Plan designates land uses defining the type of development planned to occur throughout the

city through the planning horizon year of 2040 (approximately 20 years). Development projections for the

General Plan were determined by analyzing vacant and underutilized parcels within the city and the realistic

level of development potential based on what is allowed under the applicable land use designation factoring for

known physical constraints and/or regulatory requirements, such as provisions in Title 17 ‐ Zoning of the Kerman

Municipal Code. The development projections include the development potential of the General Plan focus

areas, as well as the housing development potential in the available land inventory of the City’s Housing

Element. The 2040 General Plan development projections are shown in Table 3‐1.

For comparison, the 2007 General Plan identified theoretical buildout capacities for residential,

commercial/office, industrial/service commercial, park, and school land uses as shown in Table 3‐1 for both high

and low population estimates. The table demonstrates actual development exceeded the projected high

estimates from the 2007 General Plan buildout scenario for residential, industrial, and school land use

categories. The 2040 General Plan uses a 20‐year planning horizon for development projections.

3. Land Use Element


Table 3-1 Kerman 2040 General Plan Development Projections

Land Use

2007 General Plan Estimated Buildout Existing Built

and Under Construction 2018

Additional Development

Projected through 2040

Total Development

Projected through 2040 Low High

Residential (units) 2,978 3,719 4,215 1,500 5,715

Commercial / Office1

(acres)

113 225 129.5 30.9 160.9

Industrial / Service

Commercial (acres)

91 181 331.7 9.18 340.9

Parks (acres) 65 121 41.9 N/A N/A

Schools (acres) 80 80 204.7 N/A N/A

Source: Kerman 2007 General Plan; City of Kerman, 2018

3.13.2 Land Use Designations

A central component of the Land Use Element is the inclusion of a diversity of land use designations to adequately

classify and distinguish the various land uses needed within the city as well as descriptions that distinguish between

allowable levels of intensity, density, and typical uses, per Government Code Section 65302(a). The General Plan Land

Use Diagram (see Figure 3‐1) provides a graphical representation of the distribution of allowed land uses within the

city. It gives direction for how, where, and what kind of development may occur. The land use designations on the

Land Use Diagram may be subject to change through a General Plan Amendment at the initiation of a land

ownerlandowner or the City, depending on City needs, environmental conditions, and changes in surrounding land

uses.

The General Plan Land Use Diagram is largely implemented through the City’s zoning ordinance. Each land use

designation has a corresponding set of compatible zoning districts. The land use designations are intentionally broad,

the zoning designations are more detailed and provide a variety of detailed development standards, including

permitted and conditional uses, building heights, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking requirements. While the Land

Use Diagram guides zoning, it is not the same as the City’s Zoning Map. By design, the Land Use Diagram is intended

to be more general than the Zoning Map.

The Land Use Diagram includes 18 land use designations, as shown in Figure 3‐1. Each land use designation in this

section specifies allowed uses and development standards (e.g., density, intensity). These are described in Table 3‐21.



P

P

SP

P

PP

P

WHITE

SBRI

DGE

MODOC

JENS

EN

COMM

ERCE

NIEL

SEN

HOWARD

SISKIYOU

KEAR

NEY

BELM

ONT

DEL NORTE

CALIF

ORNI

A

MADERA

CHUR

CH

VINELAND

Plann

ing Ar

eaCit

y Lim

itsFut

ure Pa

rk (P)

Future

Scho

ol (S)

2040

Gen

eral P

lanVer

y Low

Densi

ty Re

siden

tial (V

LDR)

Low De

nsity

Resid

ential

(LDR)

Mediu

m De

nsity

Resid

entia

l (MDR

)Hig

h Den

sity Re

siden

tial (H

DR)

Mixed

Use (

MU)

Neigh

borho

od Co

mmerc

ial (NC

)Ge

neral

Comm

ercial

(GC)

Servic

e Com

mercia

l (SC)

Region

al Com

mercia

l (RC)

Office

(O)

Indust

rial (I

)Pu

blic (P

)Qu

asi-Pu

blic (Q

P)Sch

ools/I

nstitu

tiona

l (S/I)

Parks

(P)Po

nding

Basin

s (PB)

Urban

Reser

ve (UR

)Ag

ricultu

re (A)

00.5

1

Miles

Map D

ate: Ju

ne 28,

2019

Figure

3-1

Land U

se Dia

gram

SOUTH LASSEN

Source

: Minti

er Harn

ish, 20

19; Cit

y of K

erman,

2019.

3. Land Use Element


Table 3-1Table 3-2 Land Use Designations

Designation Description Density / Intensity

Residential Designations

Very Low Density

Residential

VLDR

Compatible Zoning:

RR

RR‐43

RR‐100

Purpose and Application:

This designation allows for single‐family residential development at a

density of up to two units per gross acre. This designation shall be

reserved for those lands that are on the fringe of the community, have

already been divided into lot sizes that are one‐half acre or larger, or

are required to "buffer" an industrial, agricultural, or public use.

Development in this category is required to connect to the City's

wastewater collection system and water system. The City may also

require new projects to install infrastructure, such as sidewalks,

curbs/gutters, or street lightsstreetlights.

Typical Uses:

Single family detached dwellings

Accessory dwelling units

Compatible public and quasi‐public uses (e.g., churches, day‐

care centers, community centers, parks, and schools)

Maximum Density:

2 du/ac

Low Density Residential

LDR

Compatible Zoning:

R‐1

R‐1‐7

R‐1‐12

SD‐R‐5

SD‐R‐4.5

PD‐R‐1

PD‐R‐7

PD‐R‐12


This designation allows for single‐family residential development at a

density of up to nine units per gross acre. This designation shall be

reserved for those areas with single‐family dwellings units and uses

that are typically associated with single family neighborhoods, such as

churches, day‐care centers, community centers, parks, and schools.

Development in this category is required to connect to the City's

wastewater collection system and water system. The City may also

require new projects to install infrastructure, such as sidewalks,

curbs/gutters, or street lightsstreetlights.

Typical Uses:





Maximum Density:

9 du/ac




Medium Density

Residential

MDR

Compatible Zoning:

R‐2

SD‐R‐3.5

PD


This designation allows for residential development at a density of up

to 12 units per gross acre. Development in this category could include

a mix of single‐family and multifamily residences, including duplexes,

triplexes, fourplexes, and mobile homes. Each quadrant of the

community will contain land that is designated for this type of

residential development to provide a mix of housing types.

Typical Uses:


Small‐lot multifamily dwellings, including duplexes, triplexes,

fourplexes, and mobile homes




Maximum Density:

12 du/ac

High Density

Residential

HDR

Compatible Zoning:

R‐3

SD‐R‐2.5

PD


This designation allows for residential development at a density of up

to 20 units per gross acre. Development in this category could

encompass apartment complexes, senior housing, and condominiums.

This designation is applied to lands near, but not directly on, Madera

and Whitesbridge Avenues.

Typical Uses:

Large‐lot multifamily dwellings, including apartment

complexes, senior housing, and condominiums




Maximum Density:

20 du/ac

Mixed Use

Mixed Use

MU

Compatible Zoning:

MU


This designation allows for a combination of residential, office, and

commercial uses. This designation shall generally be reserved for sites

that are centrally located and where mixed‐use development would

not conflict with neighboring existing land uses. Projects in these areas

are required to comply with the design standards of the Kerman

Zoning Ordinance's design districts.

Typical Uses:

Single‐ and multifamily dwellings

Major retail stores and restaurants

Personal service/repair, medical, and office uses

Administrative and professional offices

Central gathering places

Maximum Density:

20 du/ac

Floor Area Ratio:

1.0

3. Land Use Element



Commercial / Office / Industrial

Neighborhood

Commercial

NC

Compatible Zoning:

CN


This designation is reserved for two areas in Kerman. Site one shall be

located near the intersection of Gateway Boulevard and Siskiyou

Avenue, and site two near the intersection of Kearney Boulevard and

Vineland or Goldenrod Avenue. These sites shall not exceed five acres

in size. Permitted uses will include grocery stores, video stores,

laundromats, and food service establishments. Development with this

designation will have the following distinguishing features: the building

site will have extensive landscaping, parking shall be off‐street and

shall be landscaped, signs shall be regulated, the architectural design

of the building will be compatible with adjacent residential dwellings,

and new uses shall undergo site plan review.

Typical Uses:

Retails sales and restaurants


Floor Area Ratio:

0.50

General Commercial

GC

Compatible Zoning:

CG

CSP

CS


This designation identifies areas generally located along Madera and

Whitesbridge Avenues that are appropriate for shopping centers, retail

uses, and offices. Development with this designation will have the

following distinguishing features: landscaping, construction of off‐

street parking, regulated signs, and site plan review of new uses or

extensive expansion of existing uses. Projects in these areas are

required to comply with the design standards of the Kerman Zoning

Ordinance's design districts.

Typical Uses:

Large retail stores and restaurants


Floor Area Ratio:

0.30




Service Commercial

SC

Compatible Zoning:

CS


This designation identifies areas generally located south of California

Street (A Street), and some properties north of Whitesbridge Avenue

and east of Madera and the Southern Pacific Railroad, that are

appropriate to provide a mix of light industrial and heavy commercial

uses. Development with this designation will have the following

distinguishing features: front yard landscaping, off‐street parking, all

visible equipment and storage areas shall be fenced and screened

from public view, lighting shall not be allowed to illuminate

surrounding properties, regulated signs, and site plan review of new

uses or extensive expansion of existing uses. Lands designated service

commercial shall be required to comply with the design standards of

the Kerman Zoning Ordinance's design districts.

Typical Uses:

Light manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and

corporation yards

Wholesale uses and accessory business offices

Industrial and employee supporting retail and service uses

Floor Area Ratio:

0.30

Regional Commercial

RC

Compatible Zoning:

CG

CS

CSP


This designation reserves land along Madera and Whitesbridge

Avenues for a regional shopping center that could include regional

shopping or “big box” facilities. Development within this designation

will have the following distinguishing features: landscaping,

construction of off‐street parking, regulated signs, and site plan review

of new uses or extensive expansion of existing uses. Lands designated

regional commercial shall be required to comply with the design

standards of the Kerman Zoning Ordinance's design districts.

Typical Uses:

Major retail stores and restaurants


Floor Area Ratio:

0.30

Office

O

Compatible Zoning:

CG

PA


This designation identifies areas for office uses and areas that contain

single family dwellings that could be converted to office uses in the

future. For this designation to be applied to parcels with single family

dwelling units, these should have the following qualities: be adjacent

to commercial uses, have alley access, and located in a neighborhood

that is in transition. Lands designated for office shall be required to

comply with the design standards of Kerman Zoning Ordinance's

design districts.

Typical Uses:

Attached or detached single‐family dwellings

Administrative and professional offices

Floor Area Ratio:

1.0

3. Land Use Element



Industrial

I

Compatible Zoning:

M‐1

M‐2

M‐2‐IBA


This designation identifies areas that are appropriate for industrial

development that are generally located south of the Southern Pacific

Railroad and north of Jensen Avenue. This designation provides for

uses that are involved in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, and

certain service commercial uses. Development within this designation

will have the following distinguishing features: landscaping, off‐street

parking lots with landscaping, fenced and screened storage areas, and

regulated signs. The City shall require site plan review for new uses in

this designation.

Typical Uses:

Manufacturing, processing, and warehousing

Compatible service commercial uses

Floor Area Ratio:

0.30

Public / Quasi-Public

Public

PUB

Compatible Zoning:

O


This designation provides space for facilities that are public‐serving in

nature, such as the post office, City Hall, and County offices.

Development within this designation will have the following

distinguishing features: landscaping, off‐street parking lots with

landscaping, fenced and screened storage areas, and regulated signs.

The City shall require site plan review for new uses in this designation.

Typical Uses:

Government buildings

Libraries

Water, wastewater, and drainage facilities

Transportation and utility facilities

Compatible public buildings

Floor Area Ratio:

N/A

Quasi‐Public

QP

Compatible Zoning:

RR R‐1

RR‐43 R‐1‐7

RR‐100 R‐1‐12

R‐2 R‐3

SD‐R‐5 SD‐R‐4.5

PD‐R‐1 PD‐R‐7

SD‐R‐2.5 SD‐R‐3.5

PD‐R‐12


This designation provides space for facilities that are public‐serving in

nature that focus on religious and spiritual worship. Quasi‐public uses

are mostly in residential areas along major roadways.

Typical Uses:

Churches and other places of worship

Floor Area Ratio:

N/A




Schools

S

Compatible Zoning:

RR R‐1

RR‐43 R‐1‐7

RR‐100 R‐1‐12

R‐2 R‐3

SD‐R‐5 SD‐R‐4.5

PD‐R‐1 PD‐R‐7

SD‐R‐2.5 SD‐R‐3.5

PD‐R‐12


This designation provides space for publicly‐ and privately‐owned

educational facilities.

Typical Uses:

Public and private schools

Floor Area Ratio:

N/A

Parks

P

Compatible Zoning:

O


This designation provides for open space areas and outdoor

recreational facilities that serve Kerman residents. Recreational

facilities include athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, sitting areas,

trails, and open turf and natural areas.

Typical Uses:

Parks (neighborhood and regional parks)

Greenways and trails

Floor Area Ratio:

N/A

Other

Ponding Basins

PB

Compatible Zoning:

O


This designation identifies areas that are designated ponding basins,

which hold stormwater during the rainy season to prevent flooding.

Typical Uses:

Ponding basins

Natural open space areas

Floor Area Ratio:

N/A

Urban Reserve

UR

Compatible Zoning:

UR


This designation identifies areas that are outside of City limits but

within the SOI. These are undeveloped, open space areas.

Typical Uses:

Crop production, grazing, livestock raising facilities, dairies

Packing houses, feed/grain storage

Farmworker employee housing


Floor Area Ratio:

N/A

3. Land Use Element



Agriculture

AG

Compatible Zoning:

UR


This designation applies to lands that currently used for agricultural

production, or have the capacity to support farming, as well as

associated and supportive uses, such as packing houses, dairies, and

other livestock operations. The purpose of this designation is to

protect agriculture from urban encroachment, maintain land in

agriculture until the time is appropriate for conversion to urban uses,

and to ensure that conflicts do not arise between agriculture and

urban uses.

Typical Uses:

Crop production, grazing, livestock raising facilities, dairies

Packing houses, feed/grain storage

Farmworker employee housing


Floor Area Ratio:

N/A



Residential Use Standards

Standards of density for residential uses are stated as

the allowable maximum density. Density is defined as

the number of dwelling units per gross acre (du/ac) or

per parcel (du/parcel). Accessory dwelling units are not

included in the calculation of residential density. The

drawing to the right illustrates this concept.

Standards of population density for residential uses can

be derived by multiplying the maximum number of

dwelling units per net acre by the average number of

persons per dwelling unit assumed for the applicable

residential designation (e.g., two persons per dwelling

unit or three persons per dwelling unit). Typically,

smaller dwellings (e.g., apartments) house fewer

persons per unit, and larger dwellings (e.g., single‐family

homes) house more persons per units

Residential Density Examples

1 dwelling unit per acre

4 dwelling units per acre




3. Land Use Element


Non-Residential Use Standards

Standards of building intensity for non‐residential uses, such commercial and industrial uses, are stated as a range of

floor‐area ratios (FARs) that describe allowed development intensity. Dwellings may be provided in non‐residential

districts as part of mixed use projects. So long as the floor area ratio for the applicable designation is not exceeded,

the maximum residential density (listed in Table 3‐21 may be developed in addition to non‐residential development

on a site.

When calculating FAR, the building square footage includes finished interior spaces on all floors of the building and

excludes parking garages, structured parking levels, and exterior open space, such as courtyards, roof gardens, and

balconies. The diagram below illustrates various building configurations representing FARs of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. As

shown in the diagram, different interpretations of the same FAR standard can result in very different building forms

and site characteristics. However, some locations may be precluded from using some of the sample configurations

below as a result because of zoning limitations on overall lot coverage.

FAR Examples



Gross versus Net Acreage

The term “gross acre” includes all land (including streets

and rights‐of‐way) designated for a particular use, while

net acreage excludes streets and rights‐of‐way. In

suburban areas, net acreage is normally 20 to 25 percent

less for a given area than gross acreage. In rural areas,

the difference between net and gross can be as low as

5 percent. Residential densities in the General Plan are

based on gross acreage. Non‐residential lot coverages

are based on net acreage.

The drawing to the right illustrates this concept.

Gross versus Net Acreage Examples

3. Land Use Element


To guide the development of a mix of land uses that fulfill residents’ daily needs and provide recreational and entertainment amenities. (Source: New Goal)

LU-1.1 Land Designated for Service Commercial Uses The City shall continue to designate adequate land for service commercial uses. (Source: Existing

General Plan Policy LU.G.10, modified)

LU-1.2 Location of Neighborhood Commercial Sites The City shall designate neighborhood commercial sites in proper locations so that they meet the

needs of the neighborhood and do not negatively impact adjacent residential uses. (Source: Existing

General Plan Policy LU.G.1)

LU-1.3 Mixed Use Development The City shall provide for the establishment of offices in existing residential structures, adjacent to

Madera Avenue in the original historic townsite. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.F.1)

LU-1.4 Limit Residential Development Along Highways The City shall limit residential development from fronting State Highway 145 and State Highway 180

to ensure public safety. Residential development along these facilities shall be designed and

buffered to reduce noise and air pollutant impacts to the maximum extent reasonably feasible and

consistent with CEQA review. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy S.D.2, modified)

LU-1.5 High-Density Residential Development Near Goods and Services The City shall encourage the development of high‐density residential uses near commercial uses,

parks, and schools. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.J.4.e, modified)

LU-1.6 Agricultural Buffers The City shall require non‐agricultural land uses adjacent to active agricultural uses to incorporate

adequate buffers (e.g., setbacks, fences) to protect public health and limit conflicts with adjoining

agricultural operations and pesticide applications. (Source: New Policy)



3.23.3 Community Character and Design

Community character and design are key aspects of a city’s image and sense of place. These features influence how

residents feel about their city and can invoke a strong sense of ownership, involvement, and stewardship. Further, a

city that is clean, well‐maintained, safe, visually appealing, and attentive in its arrangement of land uses, can attract

outside investment, which generates employment, taxes, and further investment.

As part of investment in enhancing community character, the City is dedicated to restoring Kerman's original townsite

as the community’s focal point for events, shopping, leisure, and recreation. Kerman's original townsite was bounded

by Kearney Avenue on the north, California Avenue on the south, First Street on the west and Ninth Street on the

east. Kerman's original downtown, older neighborhoods, and first park is contained in this area. Most of Kerman's

first commercial buildings were in this area, along both sides of Madera Avenue.

To enhance the design, character, and vibrancy of Kerman as a family-friendly hometown community representative of the Central Valley. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.1, Goal LU.13, and Existing General Plan Policy LU.A.4, modified)

LU-2.1 Attractive Community The City shall continue to promote a clean, well‐maintained community. (Source: Existing General

Plan Policy LU.A.1, modified)

LU-2.2 Natural and Rural Features The City shall emphasize its natural and rural features, such as mature trees and agricultural crops, as

the community’s visual framework. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.A.7, modified)

LU-2.3 Neighborhood Atmosphere The City shall continue to actively preserve Kerman's single‐family residential neighborhood

atmosphere. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.11)

LU-2.4 Architectural Character During the development review process, the City shall review new projects and major renovations to

ensure that the project design and architectural character complements the character of the

surrounding neighborhood. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.C.1 and Action C, OS, P

& R.C.1.a, modified)

LU-2.5 High-Quality Design During the development review process, the City shall encourage new projects to incorporate high‐

quality site, architectural, and landscape design. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.A.3,

modified)

LU-2.6 Gateway Features The City shall develop gateway features at Kerman’s four major entryways to boost city identity.

Gateway features may include special architectural elements such as signage, enhanced lighting,

corner towers, and/or unique landscaping treatments. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.A.2,

modified)

3. Land Use Element


LU-2.7 Streetscape Improvements in the Historic Townsite The City shall continue to improve the public realm, particularly in Kerman’s historic townsite along

Madera Avenue from Kearney to California Avenues, through streetscape improvements to enhance

its visual appearance. Improvements shall include installing attractive street light posts,

implementing branding features, constructing a continuous sidewalk network, removing barriers

from sidewalks that obstruct access, installing street furniture and landscaping, placing decorative

trash receptacles and other decorative features, and supporting facade improvements. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy LU.A.5 and Existing General Plan Policy LU.B.1 and Action LU.B.1.d,

modified)

LU-2.8 Dark Skies Protection The City shall protect dark/night skies by requiring outdoor lighting to be shielded and/or directed

downward to limit overspill and glare, without compromising the safety and security of the

community. (Source: New Policy)

LU-2.9 Utility Service Line Placement During the development review process, the City shall require that new development projects place

utility service lines underground or parallel to existing utility rights‐of‐way, wherever feasible, to

minimize their visual impact. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.B.1.d, modified)



3.33.4 Growth Management

The City has a direct role in managing future growth and development patterns by regulating the direction, rate,

density, intensity, and arrangement of land uses. A community that is well‐planned with a clear sense of place, a

vibrant downtown, open spaces, and attractive neighborhoods enhances city image. Compact development also

reduces the cost of providing infrastructure and public services compared to areas that are spread out. The City’s

dedication to growth management advances quality of life from a fiscal, environmental, and social perspective.

To create a land use pattern that protects agricultural and open space lands by promoting compact and centralized urban growth around the historical Kerman townsite. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.C.2)

LU-3.1 Strong Community Edge The City shall develop and maintain a strong community edge that clearly separates urban and

agricultural uses, including through the use of man‐made or natural barriers such as streets,

railroads, and canals. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.A.6, Existing General Plan Policy LU.K.4,

and Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.D.5, modified)

LU-3.2 Sphere of Influence Maintenance Urban Form To maintain the City’s compact form, the City shall maintain growth management controls by

managing changes to the City’s Sphere of Influence and incorporated City limits. Future changes to

the City’s the Sphere of Influence will be managed by two growth lines, shown on to proactively plan

and logically provide for growth of the community (see Figure 3‐2.)

The City may consider requests to amend the current Sphere of Influence and City limits into

Area 1 (shown on Figure 3‐2) based on the ability of the City to provide services to the area.

The City may consider requests to amend the current Sphere of Influence and City limits into

Area 2 (shown on Figure 3‐2) if Area 1 has reached the 80 percent infill criteria (for

residentially designated lands). The City Council may, at that time, consider allowing

development beyond the Area 1 Growth Boundary Line.

For any change in Sphere of Influence or City limits, the following considerations will be used:

80 percent of Area 1’s residentially designated land has been developed or has approved

development plans.

Residential housing needs such as affordable housing or a desire for a wider and more

diverse range of housing.

Community needs such as open space, recreational facilities, parks, schools, etc.

Obstacles to growth such as cost of infrastructure, Williamson Act properties, etc.

Economic development needs.

(Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.C.3New Policy)

3. Land Use Element


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LU-3.3 Prevent Sprawl Development The City shall direct new development to areas that are contiguous to existing or approved

development and prevent sprawl development. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.C.6)

LU-3.4 Leapfrog Development The City shall require the Planning Commission and City Council to make a finding before approving

new subdivisions that are more than 1/8 mile from existing urban development. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action LU.K.1.a)

LU-3.5 Increase Density and Intensity within City Limits The City shall prioritize increase overall residential densities and building intensities within current

City limits to prevent development on surrounding agricultural lands. (Source: Existing General Plan

Policy LU.K.3, modified)

LU-3.6 Infill and Renovation The City shall encourage infill of vacant commercial properties and renovation of existing commercial

structures to reduce the rate at which surrounding agricultural land is urbanized and to provide for a

more efficient use of existing infrastructure. (Source: E Existing General Plan Policy LU.C.7 and

Existing General Plan Policy LU.G.7, modified)

3.43.5 Agricultural Land

Agricultural land is a renewable natural resource. Conversion of prime agricultural land to non‐agricultural uses or

impairment of its productivity is considered a significant environmental impact under the California Environmental

Quality Act (CEQA).

The economy of the Kerman area is dependent upon agricultural industries. In 2018, about three‐quarters of the land

in Kerman’s planning area was used for agricultural purposes. The primary crops grown in the Kerman area include

raisin grapes, almonds, cotton, and alfalfa. Vineyards and orchards are the principal crops found north and east of

Kerman, while row crops are predominant in the south and west.

To protect agricultural resources in Kerman, particularly prime agricultural land. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.G.4, modified)

LU-4.1 Agricultural Land Preservation The City shall preserve and protect agricultural lands by directing development to areas within City

limits that are designated for urban‐level development, and away from agriculturally designated land

to preserve open space and agricultural areas. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.D.1

and Action LU.A.1.i, modified)

LU-4.2 Agricultural Conservation Easements The City shall consider purchasing agricultural conservation easements to mitigate the loss of

agricultural land to urban development within the SOI. These easements must be on land of at least

equal quality and size to the land being developed. (Existing General Plan Action C, OS, P & R.D.1.a,

modified)

3. Land Use Element


LU-4.3 Agricultural Zoning within SOI The City shall continue to encourage Fresno County to apply large‐lot agricultural zoning (20‐acre

minimum) to unincorporated land within Kerman's Sphere of Influence. (Source: Existing General

Plan Policy LU.K.2 and Policy LU.K.5, modified)

LU-4.4 Opposition to Projects within SOI The City shall oppose any development within its Sphere of Influence that creates parcels of less than

20 acres. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.K.2.a, modified)

LU-4.5 Right-to-Farm Disclosure The City shall require that property owners and applicants within 1,000 feet of agricultural land or

agricultural operations sign and record a deed of notification to document that they were informed

of the potential agricultural operations and agricultural conditions in the area. (Source: New Policy)

3.53.6 Environmental Justice

The State enacted Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) in 2016 in response to increasing concerns about vulnerable

communities in California experiencing environmental injustice. SB 1000 requires general plans adopted after

January 1, 2018 to incorporate environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives to address health risks in

disadvantaged communities. SB 1000 focuses on addressinges environmental injustices by reducing unique or

compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by reducing exposure to pollutants or other hazards,

promoting healthy habits, prioritizing infrastructure improvements and programs that address the needs of

disadvantaged communities, and promoting civic engagement in the public decision‐making process.

The primary tool used to identify disadvantaged communities, as defined by SB 1000, is the CalEnviroScreen 3.0

mapping tool, which was developed, and continues to be maintained by, California’s Office of Environmental Health

Hazard Assessment. CalEnviroScreen is a screening methodology that helps identify communities that are

disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution and with population characteristics that make them

more sensitive to pollution. A higher CalEnviroScreen score indicates a greater environmental burden.

Appendix A provides details on SB 1000 and environmental justice. In this appendix, Figure A‐1 shows the impacted

disadvantaged communities in the Kerman Planning Area, as identified by CalEnviroScreen. As shown, there are two

census tracts that cover the Kerman Planning Area, separated by Madera Avenue. The eastern census tract has a

higher combined score in the 80 – 85 percentile, compared to the western census tract that is in the 75 – 80

percentile.

In the CalEnvironScreen assessment, scores equal to or over the 75th percentile warrant further treatment as part of

the General Plan. As the entire Planning Area is within this level, a general environmental justice goal and supporting

policies are provided in this section. As environmental justice touches on a wide range of topics, policies and

implementation programs are also incorporated throughout this General Plan to address environmental justice

concerns. These items are identified by the “EJ” icon included adjacent to the applicable items.

This icon identifies goals, policies, and implementation programs designed to address environmental

justice issues throughout this General Plan.



The following are the key topics areas identified for the Kerman Planning Area based on factors being in

the 75th percentile or higher on CalEnviroScreen (see Appendix A for more details) and where to find goals,

policies, and implementation programs that address each topic. These are in addition to the goal and

policies included in this section (Goal LU‐5 and policies LU‐5.1 thru LU‐5.9).

Ozone & PM10 ...................................................... Goal PH‐7 and policies PH‐7.1 thru PH‐7.7

Pesticide Use ......................................................... LU‐1.6, PH‐6.5

Hazardous Waste Generators and Facilities ......... Goal PH‐6 and policies PH‐6.1 thru PH‐6.4

Solid Waste Sites and Facilities ............................. PFS‐4.4

Cardiovascular Disease ......................................... ED‐1.2, CIRC‐5.3 thru CIRC‐5.5, COS‐2.3, COS‐2.13

Educational Attainment ........................................ ED‐3.8, Goal LU‐8 and policies LU‐8.1 thru 8.4

Linguistic Isolation ................................................. Goal LU‐6 and policies LU‐6.1 thru LU‐6.5

Poverty .................................................................. Goal ED‐3 and policies ED‐3.1 thru ED‐3.5, and ED‐3.8

To ensure that land use decisions benefit Kerman residents, and do not create a disproportionate burden to a community based on location, income, race, color, national origin, or another demographic feature. (Source: New Goal),

LU-5.1 Equitable Public Services The City shall strive to equitably provide desirable public services and infrastructure to Kerman

residents, including parks, recreational facilities, community gardens, and public safety facilities.


LU-5.2 Environmental Protection The City shall apply environmental protection measures equally among geographic and

socioeconomic neighborhoods of the city. (Source: New Policy)

LU-5.3 Environmental Justice Considerations The City shall consider potential adverse health and safety impacts associated with land use

decisions to reduce negative impacts upon residents from hazardous materials, industrial activities,

agricultural operations using pesticides applied by spray techniques, facility locations, design

features, and other aspects that may negatively impact health or quality of life for affected county

residents. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.I.9, modified)

LU-5.4 New Incompatible Land Uses The City shall prohibit the introduction of new incompatible land uses and environmental hazards

into existing residential areas. (Source: New Policy)

LU-5.5 Placement of New Residential Uses The City shall consider and mitigate potential adverse health and safety impacts prohibit associated

with the establishment of new residential and other sensitive land uses near industrial land uses,

agricultural operations using pesticides applied by spray techniques, the wastewater treatment

plant, landfills and waste treatment facilities, and other existing land uses that would be

incompatible with adjacent residential uses. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy S.D.1, modified)

3. Land Use Element


LU-5.6 Negative Impacts from Potential Hazards The City shall work to reduce or prevent negative impacts associated with environmental hazards,

including industrial, agricultural operations using pesticides applied by spray techniques, and

roadway‐generated pollution. (Source: New Policy)

LU-5.7 Brownfield Remediation The City shall promote the remediation and reuse of contaminated brownfield sites to spur

economic development, expand natural open spaces and parks, community gardens, and other

similar health‐promoting community revitalization activities. (Source: New Policy)

LU-5.8 Healthy Food Providers The City shall encourage farmer’s markets and healthier food options, particularly near child‐

oriented uses (e.g., schools, family day care, parks). (Source: New Policy)

LU-5.9 Connections to Local Produce The City shall strive to enhance access to and consumption of fresh, local produce by encouraging

direct connections between local farmers/ranchers and markets, restaurants, institutions, schools,

hospitals, food banks, and other businesses. (Source: New Policy)

3.63.7 Civic Engagement

Another key component of environmental justice pursuant to SB 1000 is identifying objectives and policies to

promote increased access to the public decision‐making process. While technical analysis can provide insight into the

needs of an area, these practices can fall short without full participation by the individuals and groups that will be

most affected by a decision. These individuals and groups must have a seat at the table to engage in meaningful

dialogue and collaboration. The other major component of environmental justice is ensuring that the planning, siting,

development, and operations of public facilities and infrastructure does not disproportionately harm an area by

exposing the community to negative health effects, exposure to pollutants or other hazards, or environmental

degradation.

To promote meaningful dialogue and collaboration between members of disadvantaged communities and decision-makers to advance social and economic equity. (Source: New Goal)

LU-6.1 Community Input The City shall continue to facilitate opportunities for disadvantaged community residents and

stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and

continuously throughout the public review process. (Source: New Policy)

LU-6.2 Communication Channels The City shall continue to improve communication channels and methods for meaningful dialogue

between community members and decision‐makers. (Source: New Policy)



LU-6.3 Times and Locations of Public Engagement Opportunities The City shall aim to hold meetings, workshops, and other public engagement opportunities at times

and locations that make it convenient for disadvantaged community members to attend, particularly

stakeholders who are the most likely to be directly affected by the outcome. (Source: New Policy)

LU-6.4 Variety of Public Communication Methods The City shall continue to share public information across a variety of media, technological, and

traditional platforms, and languages based upon the demographics of the community.


LU-6.5 Language Services The City will continue to evaluate the need for the provision of translation services, to the extent

feasible, in conveying important information to the community. (Source: New Policy)

3.73.8 General Plan Consistency and Maintenance

The General Plan is a living document that must reflect the City’s needs and desires, which evolve over time. The

effectiveness of the General Plan ultimately depends on how the City implements and maintains the Plan over its

lifetime. State law requires that most actions of local government affecting the physical environment be consistent

with the general plan and sets out guidelines for general plan monitoring, updating, and amendment. State law also

requires the General Plan to be consistent with other State laws and rules, including the California Environmental

Quality Act (CEQA). This section ensures that the City maintains a high level of attention to the General Plan by

providing for regular review and updating to ensure that City regulations and ordinances are consistent with the

General Plan, as well as consistency with overarching State law.

To provide a clear framework for the ongoing administration, maintenance, and implementation of the 2040 General Plan consistent with State law. (Source: New Goal)

LU-7.1 Five-year General Plan Review The City shall conduct a thorough review of the General Plan every five years from the date of final

approval, and revise and update as necessary. (Source: New Policy)

LU-7.2 Implementation Program Monitoring The City shall maintain and annually review the General Plan Implementation Programs. As part of

this process, the City shall update the prioritization of programs based on applicability, relevance,

timing of initiation, and availability of funding. (Source: New Policy)

LU-7.3 CEQA Compliance The City shall review projects for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),

including the requirements outlined in Table AB‐1 in Appendix BA to reduce adversity to

environmental impacts. (Source: New Policy)

3. Land Use Element


LU-7.4 Housing Element Updates As directed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the City

will update and implement a Housing Element that provides policy and programs to encourage the

provision of safe, well‐designed, accessible, sanitary, and affordable residential areas where people

of all ages can live, work, and play. This includes an equitable distribution of parks and public

facilities to all residential areas consistent with legal requirements.

3.9 Education and Lifelong Learning

Childcare and Early Childhood Development

Childcare and early childhood development are vital to the success of Kerman’s families and youth. These services

provide two key benefits. First, childcare makes it possible for parents, especially single‐parents and families with

multiple jobs and job shifts, to work and financially support their families. Second, quality childcare and childhood

development programs play a crucial role in the future success of children.

Public School Facilities

The Kerman Unified School District was formed in 2002 following a series of mergers. It includes the city of Kerman

and spans to the north to the San Joaquin River and to West Lincoln Avenue at its furthest southern point. In 2020,

the Kerman Unified School District was comprised of seven campuses: Goldenrod Elementary School, Kerman‐Floyd

Elementary School, Liberty Elementary School, Sun Empire Elementary School, Kerman Middle School, Kerman High

School, and Alternative Education programs at Enterprise High School. While Sun Empire Elementary School is

operated by the District, it is located several miles north of city limits. Goldenrod Elementary School is adjacent to the

eastern edge of city limits.

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is an ongoing, voluntary, and self‐motivated pursuit of knowledge, primarily for personal enjoyment

and satisfaction. The term recognizes that learning is not confined to formal education and job training, but takes

place throughout life and in a range of situations.

To enhance the educational support system serving the city of Kerman to the benefit of all residents, regardless of age and location within the community. (Source: New Goal)

LU-8.1 Childcare and Early Childhood Development Centers The City shall encourage efforts to expand the overall capacity of local childcare and early childhood

development centers in Kerman. (Source: New Policy)

LU-8.2 Grant Funding The City shall coordinate with the Kerman Unified School District and community organizations to

pursue grant funding for programs designed to improve schools and State standardized test scores.




LU-8.3 Joint Use Recreation Facilities The City shall work with the Kerman Unified School District to provide high‐quality recreation

facilities at school sites to provide the community opportunities for joint‐use of facilities during after‐

school hours. (Source: New Policy)

LU-8.4 Library and Lifelong Learning The City shall work with the Fresno County Library System to ensure the city’s library location,

services, and programs are adequate and appropriate to meet the community’s needs for education

and lifelong learning services, as well as the demands of an increasingly digital world. (Source: New

Policy)

3.83.10 Implementation Programs

Programs


Responsible


02

0 – 2

02

5

20

26 – 2

03

0

20

31 – 2

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On

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A Zoning Ordinance Consistency

The City shall update the Zoning Ordinance to

ensure consistency with the General Plan Land

Use Map and the policies in the General Plan.

(Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.A.1.a,

modified)

LU‐1.1

LU‐1.2

LU‐1.3

LU‐1.4

LU‐1.5

LU‐3.4

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

B Redevelopment of Nonconforming Uses

The City shall encourage redevelopment of

nonconforming uses along the City’s entrances.

(Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.A.2.b,

modified)

LU‐1.4 Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

C Code Enforcement

The City shall actively enforce the State Housing

Code to ensure that unsafe, dilapidated residential

structures are rehabilitated or demolished.

(Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.A.1.c)


Development

Services

N/A

D Sign Design Guidelines

The City shall continue to enforce the Sign Design

Guidelines by requiring responsible entities of

noncompliant signs to conform with the

Guidelines or remove the sign(s). (Source: Existing

General Plan Action LU.A.1.d, modified)


Development

Services

N/A

3. Land Use Element


Programs


Responsible


02

0 – 2

02

5

20

26 – 2

03

0

20

31 – 2

04

0

An

nu

al

On

goin

g

E Weed Abatement Program

The City shall activity enforce the City’s Weed

Abatement Program and inspect alleys and

businesses for compliance. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action LU.A.1.f, modified)


Development

Services

N/A

F Streetscape Improvements

The City shall work with Caltrans, FCOG, and

private developers to beautify entryways into

Kerman through improvements including

landscaping, sign treatment, and lighting. (Source:

Existing General Plan Action LU.A.2.a, modified)

LU‐2.4

LU‐2.5

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

G Dark Skies Ordinance

The City shall prepare and adopt a Dark Skies

Ordinance based on the Model Lighting Ordinance

approved by the International Dark‐Sky

Association and the Illuminating Engineering

Society of North America. (Source: New Program)


Development

Services

N/A

H Sphere of Influence Update

The City shall update the Sphere of Influence

based on the “Proposed Sphere of Influence”

boundary shown on Figure 3‐2. (Source: New

Program)


Development

Services

N/A

IH Agricultural Mitigation Program

The City shall develop an Agricultural Mitigation

Program to mitigate the loss of prime agricultural

land to urban development within the SOI. This

program shall be consistent with the California

Department of Conservation’s recommendations

for the development of an Agricultural Mitigation

Program to mitigate for the loss of prime

agricultural land at a ratio of 1:1.

(Source: New Program)


Development

Services

N/A

JI Notice of Farming Practices

The City shall prepare a notice of farming practices

form to document that property owners and

applicants within 1,000 feet of agricultural land or

agricultural operations were informed of the

potential agricultural operations and agricultural

conditions in the area. (Source: New Program)


Development

Services

N/A



Programs


Responsible


02

0 – 2

02

5

20

26 – 2

03

0

20

31 – 2

04

0

An

nu

al

On

goin

g

KJ General Plan Review

The City shall annually review the General Plan,

principally focusing on actions undertaken over

the past year that carry out the implementation

programs of the Plan. The review shall include a

report to the Planning Commission and City

Council that includes, if appropriate,

recommendations for amendments to the General

Plan. (Source: New Program)


Development

Services

N/A

Circulation


4The Circulation Element is correlated with the Land Use Element in ensuring that the city’s transportation system

appropriately accommodates growth anticipated during the General Plan planning period. It has a significant impact

on existing and future residents of Kerman because it determines the route and mode by which persons are going to

travel within the community and to other destinations outside the community. Pursuant to Government Code Section

65302(b), the Circulation Element must plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs

of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner. While this Element strives to

encourage a multimodal transportation system that serves the mobility needs of all residents, it also reflects the

suburban and rural nature of the city and its surrounding areas.


Section Title Page

4.1 Streets and Roadways ................................................................................................................ 4‐2

4.2 Vehicular Flow ........................................................................................................................... 4‐5

4.3 Goods Movement ...................................................................................................................... 4‐7

4.4 Parking ....................................................................................................................................... 4‐9

4.5 Alternative Transportation ...................................................................................................... 4‐10




4.1 Streets and Roadways

Kerman’s roadway network is characterized as suburban and surrounded by rural roads leading into the city. It has

been developed along a traditional grid system with roads running north to south and east to west, consistent with

the two State Routes (SR) in the city: SR‐145 and SR‐180. SR‐145 is Madera Avenue, the main commercial corridor

through Kerman, with SR‐180 being Whitesbridge Avenue at the northern end of Kerman, one of the main East‐West

routes in Fresno County and the main route connecting Kerman to the city of Fresno. The road network facilitates

inter‐city and regional travel. Kerman defines its roadways by functional classification shown in Figure 4‐1. As Kerman

continues to grow into the future, it is important to consider traffic patterns.

To provide a safe and efficient roadway system that serves all users and enhances the community of Kerman. (Source: New Goal)

CIRC-1.1 Consistency between Land Use and Transportation Planning The City shall ensure land use and transportation planning are cohesive, consistent, mutually

supportive, and strive to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). This will include:

Maintaining land use patterns that encourage people to walk, bicycle, or use public transit

routinely for a significant number of their daily trips;

Using the City’s provision of public services to direct development to the most appropriate

locations; and

Promoting the infill of vacant land and redevelopment sites. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-1.2 Complete Streets The City shall plan a multimodal transportation system that provides safe, comfortable, and

convenient access that accommodates various vehicle types and users, including automobiles,

agricultural equipment, public transit, bicyclists, and pedestrians. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-1.3 Eliminate Gaps The City shall create a more comprehensive multimodal transportation system by identifying and

eliminating “gaps” in roadways, bikeways, and pedestrian networks; increasing public transit access;

and removing natural and man‐made barriers to accessibility and connectivity. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action LU.J.4.c)

CIRC-1.4 Inclusive Mobility The City shall consider the needs of all segments of the population when improving or expanding the

transportation network to provide safe and improved mobility opportunities for all residents and

employees, including persons with disabilities, youth, and elderly. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-1.5 ADA Compliance The City shall strive to ensure that the circulation system is safe and accessible, consistent with the

American with Disabilities Act (ADA), to allow mobility‐impaired users, such as disabled persons and

seniors, to safely travel within and beyond the city. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C4.16,

modified)

4. Circulation Element


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CIRC-1.6 Safe Routes to School The City shall encourage the construction of facilities and provision of programs that ensure children,

families, and caretakers can walk, bike, and take public transit to school safely. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-1.7 Achieving Mutual Interests through Capital Projects The City shall use capital improvements, such as resurfacing, utility work, and road construction, as

opportunities to improve the connectivity and safety for alternative modes of transportation, as

reasonably feasible. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-1.8 Programming Funds for Circulation Projects The City shall insure that transportation and gasoline tax funds and other funds that can be used for

circulation projects are strategically programmed through the 5‐year capital budget and include all

modes of transportation. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.J.1.a, Existing General Plan Action

LU.J.2.a, and Existing General Plan Action CIRC.F.1.a, and Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.G.2,

modified)

CIRC-1.9 Landscaped Medians The City shall continue to expand the construction and maintenance of landscaped medians on all

expressways, arterials, and major collector roadways, focusing on low‐water‐use and drought‐

tolerant plants. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.A.5.b, modified)

CIRC-1.10 Adequate Egress/Ingress During subdivision review process, the City shall require that all subdivisions, except for cul‐de‐sac

streets, have a minimum of two egress/ingress points. (Source: Existing General Plan Action S.C.4.b)

CIRC-1.11 New Street Names During the review of subdivisions, the City shall ensure the new street names are continuations of

existing streets for streets that are aligned, and that addresses are logically assigned. (Source:

Existing General Plan Action S.C.4.a, modified)

CIRC-1.12 Residential Driveways During the development review process, the City shall strive to restrict residential driveways from

entering onto collector and arterial streets. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.B.1 and

Existing General Plan Action LU.D.1.b, modified)



4.2 Vehicular Flow

Since the 1950s, the most common method to measure congestion and road capacity has been Level of Service (LOS).

LOS involves assigning letter grades assigned based on the number of seconds that motorists are delayed at

intersections, as well as reductions in free‐flow speed that may occur as a result of the presence of motorists.

Table 4‐1 outlines the City’s interpretation of the LOS ratings.

Table 4-1 Level of Service

LOS Description

A Free flow, low volume, high operating speed, high maneuverability

B Stable flow, moderate volume, speed somewhat restricted by traffic conditions, high maneuverability

C Stable flow, high volume, speed and maneuverability determined by traffic conditions

D Unstable flow, high volumes, tolerable but fluctuating operating speed and maneuverability

E Unstable flow, high volumes approaching roadway capacity, limited speed, intermittent vehicle queuing

F Forced flow, volumes lower than capacity due to very low speeds; heavy queuing of vehicles, frequent stoppages

Source: City of Kerman

In 2013, the State passed SB 743, which changes the way that transportation impacts are analyzed through the

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. These changes include eliminating LOS as a basis for

determining significant impacts under CEQA for land use projects, and instead using vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per

capita. The intent of this change is to more appropriately balance the needs of congestion management with goals for

promoting infill development, active transportation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this

transition to VMT, the Circulation Element proposes using both automobile LOS, a localized (intersection or roadway

segment) measure of auto‐mobility, and the VMT metric to evaluate environmental impacts under CEQA.

To insure the design, construction, and maintenance of a safe, efficient, and complete roadway system that is well designed, visually attractive, and provides access to all parts of Kerman. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal CIRC 1, Goal CIRC 2, Goal CIRC 4, and Goal CIRC 7)

CIRC-2.1 Level of Service (LOS) and Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT) Standards The City shall maintain LOS standards for use in considering conditions of approval for discretionary

development projects and use VMT analysis as the standard for evaluating environmental impacts

under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-2.2 Maintain Adequate Level of Service (LOS) The City shall plan the roadway system to maintain adequate roadway LOS to avoid congestion and

reduce VMT. A level of service of C will be the desirable minimum service level in Kerman at which

highway, arterial, and collector segments will operate. A level of service of B will be the desirable

minimum service level in Kerman at which intersections and rail crossings will operate. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.A.1 and Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.A.3, modified)



CIRC-2.3 CO Hotspot Screening The City shall require new development projects to demonstrate LOS reductions for any project‐

associated intersection to an LOS E or F or worsen an existing LOS F. If this requirement is not met, a

project‐specific CO Hotspot analysis shall be conducted using a protocol developed by the Institute

of Transportation Studies at University of California, Davis entitled Transportation Project‐Level

Carbon Monoxide Protocol. If the results demonstrate that the project will potentially have a

significant effect on any intersection, the City shall conduct a CO Hot Spot analysis. If the CO analysis

shows levels above current SJVAPCD ambient air quality standards, the project proponent shall be

required to make intersection improvements to reduce CO emissions at the intersection, alter the

project to reduce the impact, or implement other programs that can demonstrate a reduction in CO

Hot Spot emissions below SJVAPCD ambient air quality standards at the impacted intersection(s).


CIRC-2.4 Vehicle Trip Length and Travel Time Reduction The City shall continue to improve the street network to be efficient and provide multiple routes that

are efficient to reduce trip length, travel time, idling time, intersection delays, and other emissions‐

producing activities. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.J.4.b and Existing General Plan Policy C,

OS, P & R.A.4, modified)

CIRC-2.5 Greenhouse Gas Reduction The City shall strive to achieve VMT reductions consistent with the California Air Resources Board

(CARB) 2017 Scoping Plan statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals of 40 percent

below 1990 emissions levels by 2030, or the latest guidance from CARB, as updated.


CIRC-2.6 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Standards The City shall establish a 15 13 percent below baseline conditions as a clear and realistic VMT

threshold of significance to determine impacts on the environment related to development projects

based on Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) modeling for the County. The City will develop the

baseline using the Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) Regional Transportation Model.


CIRC-2.7 Mitigation of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Transportation Impacts The City shall require projects having potentially significant VMT transportation impacts under CEQA

to implement feasible mitigation measures necessary to reduce the VMT for or induced by the

project to the applicable performance metrics. Such mitigation measures may include, but are not

limited to:

Provide infrastructure and facilities for walking and bicycling, particularly those that connect

with and ensure access to existing active transportation infrastructure and transit;

Include on‐site EV charging capabilities;

Incorporate traffic‐calming measures ;

Unbundle parking (separate/optional cost) from residential units in multifamily housing

developments;

Provide incentives to carpool or use active transportation; and/or

Provide payment into an in‐lieu fee program to reduce VMT. (Source: New Policy)



4.3 Goods Movement

The ability to move goods throughout California’s transportation network is crucial to the economic vitality of the

state. The truck networks in Fresno County consist mainly of State highways. SR‐145 and SR‐180, which run through

Kerman, serve as Terminal Access routes in California’s truck network. Most large trucks are allowed on these

roadways, including single and double trailer vehicles that are 48 to 57 feet in length.

SR‐180 and SR‐145 run directly through Kerman on S. Madera Ave., which creates challenges for encouraging a safe

and vibrant central business district with a strong sense of place. Truck traffic is inherently transient and creates many

nuisances for residents and business owners. Caltrans recognizes the long‐term need to realign these State routes

outside of the center of the community. As described in the Route Adoption Study Report, Caltrans has adopted a

bypass for SR‐180 that is north of the current alignment along Whitesbridge Avenue. For SR‐145, potential options for

the future include designating a route alignment for SR‐145 around the city near or on the Lassen Avenue or Howard

Avenue, or relinquishing S. Madera Ave. as SR‐145 altogether. Figure 4‐2 shows the proposed SR‐145 alignments and

the Caltrans adopted SR‐180 Kerman bypass. Realization of these realignments of SR‐180 and SR‐145 span beyond the

20‐year planning horizon of this General Plan.

To establish safe and efficient truck routes and truck facilities with minimal impacts on residents or business in Kerman. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal CIRC.A.6, modified)

CIRC-3.1 Designated Truck Routes To avoid the adverse impacts associated with truck traffic, the City shall continue to designate truck

routes on the following streets: Whitesbridge Avenue, Madera Avenue, and Church Avenue, as well

as all existing and proposed streets located within the Kerman industrial park. (Source: Existing

General Plan Policy CIRC.G.1)

CIRC-3.2 Direct Traffic Away from Kerman to Preserve Community Character The City shall coordinate with Caltrans to direct interregional traffic to Federal and interstate

highways to ensure safety of Kerman residents and preserve the city’s suburban character.


CIRC-3.3 Support SR-180 Northern Bypass through Kerman The City shall coordinate with FCOG and Caltrans to widen and improve the primary roadways that

connect Kerman with State Highway 99, Whitesbridge Avenue (State Highway 180) and Jensen Ave.

The City supports the SR‐180 Route from Interstate 5 to Brawley Avenue as described in the Route

Adoption Study Report approved by Caltrans in 2013 (Project 0600000445 20.10.710.870). This

includes the routing of SR‐180 north of Whitesbridge between Nielsen and Belmont Avenues

generally from N. Lassen Avenue to N. Biola Avenue. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.I.7.c,

modified)



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CIRC-3.4 Support SR-145 Realignment or Redesignation through Kerman The City will work with Caltrans and FCOG to identify a preferred option to route trucks west or east

around Kerman off of Madera Avenue (SR‐145). These options could include designating a route

alignment for SR‐145 around the city near or on the Lassen Avenue or Howard Avenue alignment as

a new route or route swap, or via a relinquishment of Madera Avenue as SR‐145 through Kerman.

The relinquishment could be through a legislative process or by Caltrans with the selection of an

alternative route. (Source: New Policy)

4.4 Parking

The success of commercial businesses can be dependent on adequate parking, particularly in suburban communities. People can be deterred from patronizing a business if they feel inconvenienced by a lack of close parking that is safe and pleasant. For other uses, such as public facilities, churches, apartments, and industries, adequate on‐site parking is important so that surrounding land uses are not negatively impacted by persons parking on or in front of these properties.

To ensure adequate off-street parking that is safe. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal CIRC.A.3, modified)

CIRC-4.1 Parking on the Public Right-of-Way The City shall limit parking on the public right‐of‐way along, particularly along Madera Avenue, with

public health and safety priorities. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-4.2 Parking Lots for New Projects During the development review process, the City shall ensure that parking lots for new projects

incorporate landscaping, adequate lighting, proper pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and are

designed to facilitate vehicle maneuverability. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.C.2 and

Existing General Plan Action CIRC.C.2.a, modified)

CIRC-4.3 Frontage of New Parking Lots During the development review process, the City shall ensure that new parking lots along Madera

Avenue between California Avenue and Kearney Boulevard are designed so that the parking lot does

not occupy the entire frontage of the site. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.C.3, modified)



4.5 Alternative Transportation

While personal automobile travel has been the predominant transportation mode for residents, as the city looks

forward, it is critical to recognize and invest in alternative transportation modes to increase options, promote active

lifestyle choices, lower household transportation costs, decrease environmental impacts, and enhance a sense of

community. There are two public transit systems that service Kerman: the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency

(FCRTA) and the Westside Transit service. The City is working on upgrades to bicycle facilities, including construction

of additional bicycle lanes, particularly along California Avenue. The City is also improving sidewalks, completing a trail

that connects existing sidewalks and bike lanes, and adding amenities to rest areas, including park benches, lighting,

and trash receptacles. Figure 4‐3 shows the existing and planned bicycle facilities in the city.

To promote bicycling, walking, and using public transit, as functional alternatives to single-passenger automobile travel. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal CIRC.5, modified)

CIRC-5.1 Alternative Modes of Transportation The City shall encourage project site designs and subdivision street and lot designs that support

alternative modes of transportation, including public transit, bicycling, and walking. (Source: Fresno

COG 2018 Regional Transportation Plan EIR, Mitigation CC3.6.1‐1)

CIRC-5.2 Active Transportation The City shall encourage bicycling, walking, taking public transit, and carpooling as alternatives to

driving single‐passenger vehicles to reduce VMT, traffic congestion, and associated emissions from

additional automobile use. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.J.1, Existing General Plan Policy

LU.J.2, Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.E.2, and Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.A.5,

modified)

CIRC-5.3 Continuous Bicycle Network The City shall design a safe and logical bicycle path network that links key destinations within the

planning area to promote the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions and to encourage exercise. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.J.4.c, modified)

CIRC-5.4 Safe Sidewalks Along Whitesbridge and South Madera Avenues The City shall work with Caltrans to improve the sidewalks along Whitesbridge Avenue and South

Madera Avenue to provide a safe, continuous, and ADA‐compliant network that encourages walking,

and contributes to a sense of community. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-5.5 Pedestrian Network The City shall design a continuous, safe, and attractive pedestrian environment within the

community and providing a safe linkage to key destinations, including schools and parks.




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CIRC-5.5CIRC-5.6 Pedestrian-Friendly Streets The City shall design and improve streets to be “pedestrian‐friendly” by incorporating features

including wide and unobstructed sidewalks, bulb outs at intersections, narrow traffic lanes at key

locations to slow traffic speed, adequate street lighting, and trees for natural shade cover. (Source:

Existing General Plan Action LU.J.4.a, modified)

CIRC-5.6CIRC-5.7 Transit Amenities The City shall encourage the development of facilities and services (e.g., streetlights, transit stop

benches and shelters, mobile trip planning applications, and electronic transit fare payment systems)

that promote transit use and contribute to community character. (Source: Existing General Plan

Action LU.J.1.b, modified)

CIRC-5.7CIRC-5.8 Permeable Pavement The City shall promote, as part of new roadway planning and design and as part of new discretionary

development, the use of permeable paving and other passive drainage features such as bio‐swales to

prevent flooding, particularly in urban areas. (Source: New Policy)

CIRC-5.8CIRC-5.9 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations The City shall support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at County facilities, parking

lots, park‐and‐ride lots, and truck stops. (Source: New Policy)


Programs


Responsible


02

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A Traffic Impact Fees

The City shall calculate and implement

development impact fees for signalization that are

consistent with the Circulation Map and Assembly

Bill 1600 (legislation that requires a nexus, or

connection, between the fee being required and

the improvement to be installed). (Source: Existing

General Plan Action CIRC.D.1.b)

CIRC‐1.1 Public Works

N/A

B Capital Improvements for LOS Standards

The City will program street improvements into its

5‐year capital budget to insure assist the City in

maintainings its LOS standards, as resources allow.

Funds for these street improvement projects will

may come from gas tax, transportation funds, and

development impact fees. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action CIRC 1.A.a, modified)

CIRC‐1.1

CIRC‐1.2

Public Works

N/A



Programs


Responsible


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C Level of Service Ratings Evaluations

The City shall periodically review the levels of

service ratings at major intersections in Kerman to

evaluate the need for congestion management

initiatives and traffic calming measures. (Source:

Existing General Plan Action CIRC.D.1.a, modified)

CIRC‐1.1

CIRC‐1.2

Public Works

N/A

D Street Signage Maintenance

The City shall periodically check street signs to

ensure they are clearly visible and legible. (Source:

Existing General Plan Action S.C.4.a, modified)

CIRC‐1.3

CIRC‐1.6

CIRC‐1.11

Public Works

N/A

E Impact Fees for Railroad Crossings

The City shall calculate and implement

development impact fees for railroad crossings

consistent with the Circulation Diagram

(Figure 4‐1). (Source: Existing General Plan Action

CIRC.A.3.b)


N/A

F Streetscape Design Plan

The City shall prepare and maintain the

streetscape design plan using funds as may be

available from gas tax, transportation funds, and

the State grant programs. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action CIRC.E.1.a, modified)

CIRC‐1.15

CIRC‐4.5

CIRC‐4.6

Public Works

Planning and

Development

Services

G Warning Lights at the Intersection of SR‐145 and

SR‐180

The City shall work with Caltrans to install traffic

warning lights at the intersection of S. Madera

Ave. (SR‐145) and Whitesbridge Ave. (SR‐180) for

vehicles to reduce travel speed and to protect

pedestrians and cyclists. (Source: Fresno County

Multi‐Hazard Mitigation Plan, F.5.3.1)

CIRC‐2.1

CIRC‐2.2

CIRC‐2.3

Public Works

N/A

H Analysis to Establish Vehicle Miles Traveled

(VMT) Standards

The City shall conduct an analysis of VMT in

Kerman and the surrounding areas to establish

realistic and achievable VMT thresholds of

significance to determine environmental impacts

under CEQA. (Source: New Program)


N/A



Programs


Responsible


02

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I Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) In‐Lieu Fee

Program

The City shall develop an in‐lieu fee program for

development exceeding established City VMT

standards for development to pay into to reduce

their VMT impacts. This fee program shall provide

funding for programs and infrastructure to reduce

VMT within the city and to and from the city.



N/A

J Active Transportation Plan

The City shall prepare an active transportation

plan that assesses the needs of pedestrians and

cyclists, identifies improvements to bicycle lanes

and sidewalks, and identifies future programs and

funding sources. (Source: Existing General Plan

Policy LU.J.3, Existing General Plan Action LU.J.3.a,

and Existing General Plan Policy CIRC.F.2,

modified)

CIRC‐4.2

CIRC‐4.3

CIRC‐4.4

Public Works

Planning and

Development

Services

K Alternative Transportation Design Guidelines and

Standards

The City shall adopt design guidelines and

standards promoting plans that encourage

alternative transportation modes, as resources

permit. (Source: Fresno COG 2018 Regional

Transportation Plan EIR, Mitigation CC3.6.1‐1)


Planning and

Development

Services

L EV Charging Stations

The City shall work with Fresno COG on the

implementation of their regional plan to establish

priorities for EV charging station locations in the

city of Kerman, and on applying for grant funds to

implement these facilities. (Source: New Program)


Planning and

Development

Services

Housing


5State Housing Element Law (Government Code Section 65580, et seq.) mandates that local governments adequately

plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. The California

Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG)

identify the projected Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for each jurisdiction in Fresno County in cycles of

eight‐year projection periods (currently 2015‐2023). Once the RHNA has been identified, local governments must

adopt a revised Housing Element that plans to accommodate their portion of the region’s projected housing need.

The City’s current Housing Element, incorporated as part of the Fresno County Multi‐Jurisdictional Housing Element,

was adopted on April 6, 2016, and addresses housing needs for the 2015‐2023 projection period. This section

contains the goals, policies, and programs, extracted from that 2015‐2023 Housing Element, that apply to the City of

Kerman.

If there is determined to be a discrepancy between this chapter and the certified 2015‐2023 Fresno County

Multi‐Jurisdictional Housing Element, the content of the 2015‐2023 Fresno County Multi‐Jurisdictional

Housing Element shall prevail.

Section Title Page

New Housing Development ....................................................................................................... 5‐2

Affordable Housing .................................................................................................................... 5‐3

Housing and Neighborhood Conservation ................................................................................. 5‐4

Special Needs Housing ............................................................................................................... 5‐5

Fair and Equal Housing Opportunities ....................................................................................... 5‐6

Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development ................................................................. 5‐7

Implementation Programs ......................................................................................................... 5‐8



New Housing Development

Every jurisdiction in Fresno County must plan to accommodate its agreed upon fair share of the regional housing

needs. As a region, the total housing needed over the 2013‐2023 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)

projection period is 41,470 units. For the jurisdictions participating in the Multijurisdictional Housing Element, the

total RHNA is 16,524 units. As part of this regional effort, the City of Kerman will provide for a variety of housing types

and ensure that adequate sites are available to meet its total RHNA of 1,332 units. As part of the Housing Element

update, the City developed a parcel‐specific inventory of sites suitable for future residential development. The

suitability of these sites has been determined based on the development standards in place and their ability to

facilitate the development of housing to meet the needs of the City’s current and future residents. However, the City

has a remaining need of 168 lower‐income units from the previous RHNA cycle.

To facilitate and encourage the provision of a range of housing types to meet the diverse needs of residents. (Source: 2015-2023 Housing Element Goal 1)

HE-1.1 Adequate Sites for New Housing Development The City shall provide adequate sites for new housing development through appropriate planned

land use designations, zoning, and development standards to accommodate the regional housing

needs for the 2013‐2023 planning period. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 1.1)

HE-1.2 New Housing for All Economic Segments The City shall facilitate development of new housing for all economic segments of the community,

including extremely low, very low‐, low‐, moderate‐, and above moderate‐income households.

(Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 1.2)

HE-1.3 Direct Growth to Urban Areas The City shall continue to direct new growth to urban areas in order to protect natural resources.


HE-1.4 Balanced and Orderly Growth The City shall promote balanced and orderly growth to minimize unnecessary development costs

adding to the cost of housing. (Source: Housing Element Policy 1.4)

HE-1.5 Infill Housing Development The City shall encourage infill housing development on vacant, by‐passed, and underutilized lots

within existing developed areas where essential public infrastructure is available. (Source: Housing

Element Policy 1.5)

HE-1.6 Higher-Density, Mixed-Use, and Transit-Oriented Development The City shall promote development of higher‐density housing, mixed‐use, and transit‐oriented

development in areas located along major transportation corridors and transit routes and served by

the necessary infrastructure. (Source: Housing Element Policy 1.6)

HE-1.7 Adequate Infrastructure to Serve New Housing The City shall ensure the adequate provision of water, sewer, storm drainage, roads, public facilities,

and other infrastructure necessary to serve new housing. (Source: Housing Element Policy 1.7)

5. Housing Element


HE-1.8 Design Standards for New Housing The City shall approve new housing in accordance with design standards that will ensure the safety,

quality, integrity, and attractiveness of each housing unit. (Source: Housing Element Policy 1.8)

HE-1.9 Balanced Job Opportunities and Housing Types The City shall encourage development around employment centers that provides the opportunity for

local residents to live and work in the same community by balancing job opportunities with housing

types. (Source: Housing Element Policy 1.9)

Affordable Housing

The shortage of affordable housing is an issue facing most communities in California. In Fresno County, nearly half of

all households are considered “cost burdened,” paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. For

lower‐income households, this rate is even higher – nearly three‐quarters of lower‐income households are cost‐

burdened. Building affordable housing has become even more challenging after the State eliminated redevelopment

agencies, depriving jurisdictions of the largest source of local funding for affordable housing. At the same time, State

and Federal funding for affordable housing has also been reduced. While the region faces many challenges in meeting

their housing needs for lower‐income residents, there are several actions jurisdictions can take to facilitate affordable

housing.

To encourage and facilitate the development of affordable housing. (Source: 2015-2023 Housing Element Goal 2)

HE-2.1 Public, Private, and Nonprofit Efforts for Affordable Housing Development The City shall support innovative public, private, and nonprofit efforts in the development of

affordable housing, particularly for the special needs groups. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element

Policy 2.1)

HE-2.2 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) The City shall continue to support the efforts of the Fresno Housing Authority in its administration of

Section 8 certificates and vouchers, and the development of affordable housing throughout the

county. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 2.2)

HE-2.3 Incentives for Affordable Housing Development The City shall encourage development of affordable housing through the use of development

incentives, such as the Density Bonus Ordinance, fee waivers or deferrals, and expedited processing.


HE-2.4 Technical and Financial Assistance The City shall provide technical and financial assistance, where feasible, to developers, nonprofit

organizations, or other qualified private sector interests in the application and development of

projects for Federal and State financing. (Source: Housing Element Policy 2.4)



HE-2.5 Grants for Affordable Housing Development The City shall pursue grant funding to subsidize the development of affordable housing for low‐ and

very low and extremely low‐income households through new construction, acquisition, and/or

rehabilitation. (Source: Housing Element Policy 2.5)

HE-2.6 Second Dwelling Units The City shall encourage the development of second dwelling units to provide additional affordable

housing opportunities. (Source: Housing Element Policy 2.6)

HE-2.7 Removing Local Government Constraints to Affordable Housing Development The City shall work to ensure that local policies and standards do not act to constrain the production

of affordable housing units. (Source: Housing Element Policy 2.7)

HE-2.8 Homeownership Opportunities Expansion The City shall expand homeownership opportunities to lower‐ and moderate‐income households

through down payment assistance and other homeownership programs. (Source: Housing Element

Policy 2.8)

HE-2.9 Sweat Equity Programs The City shall encourage sweat equity programs as a means for increasing homeownership

opportunities for lower‐income residents. (Source: Housing Element Policy 2.9)

Housing and Neighborhood Conservation

The existing affordable housing stock is a valuable resource and conserving and improving the existing affordable

housing stock is a cost‐effective way to address lower‐income housing needs. There are an estimated 406 assisted

affordable housing units in the participating jurisdictions that are at‐risk of converting to market rate housing over the

next 10 years. Actions are needed to monitor the status of these units and work with non‐profits and the private

sector to preserve affordable housing. In addition, improvements are needed to maintain existing ownership housing

and the quality of residential neighborhoods.

To improve and maintain the quality of housing and residential neighborhoods. (Source: 2015-2023 Housing Element Goal 3)

HE-3.1 Preserving Neighborhood Character The City shall preserve the character, scale, and quality of established residential neighborhoods by

protecting them from the encroachment of incompatible or potentially disruptive land uses and/or

activities. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 3.1)

HE-3.2 Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Programs The City shall assist low income homeowners and owners of affordable rental properties in

maintaining and improving residential properties through a variety of housing rehabilitation

assistance programs. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 3.2)

5. Housing Element


HE-3.3 Code Enforcement The City shall continue code enforcement efforts to work with property owners to preserve the

2015‐2023 Housing stock. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 3.3)

HE-3.4 Removal of Unsafe, Substandard Dwellings The City shall provide for the removal of all unsafe, substandard dwellings that cannot be

economically repaired. (Source: Housing Element Policy 3.4)

HE-3.5 Investments in Public Facilities The City shall invest in public service facilities (streets, curb, gutter, drainage and utilities) to

encourage increased private market investment in declining or deteriorating neighborhoods.

(Source: Housing Element Policy 3.5)

HE-3.6 Assisted Rental Housing Preservation The City shall preserve assisted rental housing for long‐term occupancy by low‐ and moderate‐

income households. (Source: Housing Element Policy 3.6)

Special Needs Housing

Within the general population there are several groups of people who have special housing needs. These special

needs can make it difficult for members of these groups to locate suitable housing. Special needs groups include

homeless persons; single‐parent households; the elderly; persons with disabilities including developmental

disabilities; farmworkers; and large families.

To provide a range of housing types and services to meet the needs of individuals and households with special needs. (Source: 2015-2023 Housing Element Goal 4)

HE-4.1 Public and Private Involvement in Special Needs Housing Developing The City shall encourage public and private entity involvement early and often through the design,

construction, and rehabilitation of housing that incorporates facilities and services for households

with special needs. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 4.1)

HE-4.2 Funding for Housing Designed for Special Needs Populations The City shall assist in local and regional efforts to secure funding for development and maintenance

of housing designed for special needs populations such as the elderly and persons with disabilities.


HE-4.3 Housing for Farmworkers The City shall support the use of available Federal, State, and local resources to provide and enhance

housing opportunities for farmworkers. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 4.3)

HE-4.4 Development of Housing for Large Households The City shall encourage development of affordable housing units to accommodate large households

(three and four bedroom). (Source: Housing Element Policy 4.4)



HE-4.5 Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities The City shall ensure equal access to housing by providing reasonable accommodation for individuals

with disabilities. (Source: Housing Element Policy 4.5)

HE-4.6 Housing and Services for Homeless Individuals Working in partnership with the other jurisdictions and the private/non‐profit sectors in Fresno

County, the City shall facilitate the provision of housing and services for the homeless and those at‐

risk of becoming homeless. (Source: Housing Element Policy 4.6)

Fair and Equal Housing Opportunities

Federal and State laws ensure all persons, regardless of their status, have equal opportunities to rent or purchase

housing without discrimination. Mediating tenant/landlord disputes, investigating complaints of discrimination,

providing education services, and improving public awareness are all part of a comprehensive program.

To promote housing opportunities for all residents regardless of age, race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, disability, or economic level. (Source: 2015-2023 Housing Element Goal 5)

HE-5.1 Fair Housing Laws The City shall support the enforcement of fair housing laws prohibiting discrimination in lending

practices and in the development, financing, sale, or rental of housing. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing

Element Policy 5.1)

HE-5.2 Local Regulations for Equal Housing Opportunity The City shall ensure local ordinances and development regulations provide equal housing

opportunity for persons with disabilities. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 5.2)

5. Housing Element


Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development

High energy costs have particularly detrimental effects on low‐income households that do not have enough income or

cash reserves to absorb cost increases and must choose between basic needs such as shelter, food, and energy. While

new construction can help achieve energy conservation goals, more than half of the housing stock in the region was

built before California’s energy code was adopted in the 1980s. Consequently, the existing building stock offers

considerable opportunity for cost‐effective energy efficiency retrofits to decrease energy consumption.

To encourage energy efficiency in all new and 2015-2023 Housing. (Source: 2015-2023 Housing Element Goal 6)

HE-6.1 Energy Conservation in New Housing The City shall encourage the use of energy conserving techniques in the siting and design of new

housing. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 6.1)

HE-6.2 State Energy Conservation Requirements The City shall actively implement and enforce all State energy conservation requirements for new

residential construction. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Policy 6.2)

HE-6.3 Public Education on Energy Conservation The City shall promote public awareness of the need for energy conservation. (Source: 2015‐2023

Housing Element Policy 6.3)



Implementation Programs

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A Review Annexation Standards in Memorandum

of Understanding

All jurisdictions in Fresno County are subject to

the City‐County Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU), which establishes procedures for

annexation of land to cities. The City/County MOU

encourages urban development to take place

within cities and unincorporated communities

where urban services and facilities are available or

planned to be made available in an effort to

preserve agricultural land. The MOU standards

for annexation require that a minimum of 50

percent of annexation areas have an approved

tentative subdivision map or site plan. While cities

can take certain steps to “prezone” land in

advance of annexation, the annexation of the land

into the city limits is dependent upon private

developers to request an annexation. In cities that

are mostly built out within their current city limits,

the MOU may limit the cities’ ability to

accommodate future housing needs. (Source:

2015‐2023 Housing Element Program 2)

HE‐1.1

HE‐1.3

HE‐1.4

Planning and

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Services

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B Rezone and Provision of Adequate Sites

The City of Kerman will provide for a variety of

housing types and ensure that adequate sites are

available to meet its total Regional Housing Needs

Allocation (RHNA) of 1,332 units. As part of this

Housing Element update, the City has developed a

parcel‐specific inventory of sites suitable for

future residential development. The suitability of

these sites has been determined based on the

development standards in place and their ability

to facilitate the development of housing to meet

the needs of the City’s current and future

residents. However, the City has a remaining need

of 168 lower‐income units from the Fourth Cycle

RHNA.

To meet the unaccommodated need for 168

lower‐income units, the City will reach out to

interested property owners of commercial,

industrial, and/or low density residential sites and

HE‐1.1

HE‐1.2

HE‐1.3

HE‐1.4

HE‐1.5

HE‐1.6

HE‐1.7

HE‐1.8

HE‐1.9

Planning and

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N/A

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rezone at least 8.4 acres of land. The City is

currently considering a rezone application for an

affordable housing development on a

commercially‐zoned property on the southeast

corner of Whitesbridge Avenue and Siskiyou

Avenue. The property is just over 4 acres and may

be able to meet a portion of the City’s

unaccommodated lower‐income need. The City

will look for similar opportunities to meet the

remaining unaccommodated need by rezoning

vacant commercial land or upzoning vacant low

density residential land within the city limits. The

City will ensure the sites have access to

infrastructure and are suitable for residential

development. Rezoning to accommodate the

RHNA shortfall for lower‐income units must meet

the following requirements:

Sites must be rezoned to permit owner‐

occupied and rental multi‐family housing by

right without

discretionary review of the use or density; and

Sites must be zoned with a minimum density of

20 units per acre and be large enough to

accommodate at least 16 units per site.

At least 50 percent of the lower income RHNA

shortfall must be permitted on sites designated

for exclusively residential uses. (Source: 2015‐

2023 Housing Element Program 3)



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C Monitoring of Residential Capacity (No Net Loss)

The City will monitor the consumption of

residential acreage and development on non‐

residential sites included in the inventory to

ensure an adequate inventory is available to meet

the City’s RHNA obligations. To ensure sufficient

residential capacity is maintained to

accommodate the RHNA, the City will develop

and implement a formal ongoing (project‐by‐

project) evaluation procedure pursuant to

Government Code Section 65863. Should an

approval of development result in a reduction of

capacity below the residential capacity needed to

accommodate the remaining need for lower

income households, the City will identify and if

necessary, rezone sufficient sites to accommodate

the shortfall and ensure “no net loss” in capacity

to accommodate the RHNA. (Source: 2015‐2023

Housing Element Program 4)

HE‐1.1

HE‐1.2

HE‐1.3

HE‐1.4

HE‐1.5

HE‐1.6

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

D Lot Consolidation and Lot Splits

The City’s vacant sites inventory is comprised of

parcels of varying sizes, from small lots of less

than half acre or large lots of over 20 acres; either

case presents unique challenges to residential

development, especially to multifamily housing

development. The City will encourage lot

consolidation or lot splitting to promote the

efficient use of land for residential development

pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act. (Source:


HE‐1.1

HE‐1.2

HE‐1.5

HE‐2.4

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

E Affordable Housing Incentives

The City continues to have needs for affordable

housing for lower income households, especially

for seniors, disabled (including persons for

developmental disabilities), farmworkers, the

homeless, and those at imminent risk of becoming

homeless. The City will continue to work with

housing developers to expand affordable housing

opportunities in the community. (Source: 2015‐


HE‐1.2

HE‐2.1

HE‐2.2

HE‐2.3

HE‐2.4

HE‐2.5

HE‐2.6

HE‐2.7

Planning and

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N/A

5. Housing Element


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F Farmworker Housing

The farming industry is the foundation of the

County’s economy base. According to the USDA,

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)

2012, about 58,600 workers were employed in

farm labor throughout the county, indicating a

significant need to provide housing for

farmworkers and their families, particularly during

peak harvest seasons. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing

Element Program 7)

HE‐1.2

HE‐2.1

HE‐2.3

HE‐2.4

HE‐2.5

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

G Regional Collaboration on Housing Opportunities

The Multi‐Jurisdictional Housing Element provides

an opportunity for countywide housing issues and

needs to be more effectively addressed at the

regional level rather than just at the local level,

and the 13 participating jurisdictions are

committed to continuing the regional

collaboration in the implementation of the

Housing Element. By working together, the

jurisdictions can share best practices, explore

opportunities for further collaboration, and make

the best use of limited resources. (Source: 2015‐


HE‐1.3

HE‐1.4

HE‐1.7

HE‐4.2

HE‐4.3

HE‐4.6

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

H Water and Wastewater Service

The development viability of the vacant sites in

the inventory is directly linked to the availability

and capacity of public facilities and services. The

City continues to work to address water supply

issues and infrastructure capacity limitations.

Additionally, California Government Code Section

65589.7 requires water and sewer providers to

establish specific procedures and grant priority

water and sewer service to developments with

units affordable to lower‐income households. The

statute also requires local governments to

immediately deliver the housing element to water

and sewer providers. The City of Kerman is the

water and wastewater provider in the city.

(Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Program 5)

HE‐1.7 Planning and

Development

Services

N/A



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I Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

extends rental subsidies to extremely low and very

low‐income households, including families,

seniors, and the disabled. The program offers a

voucher that pays the difference between the

current fair market rent (FMR) as established by

the HUD and what a tenant can afford to pay (i.e.

30 percent of household income). The Fresno

Housing Authority administers the housing

choice voucher program in Fresno County.

(Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element Program 20)


Development

Services

N/A

J Encourage and Facilitate Accessory Units (Second

Units)

A second unit (sometimes called an “accessory

dwelling unit” or “granny flat”) is an additional

self‐contained living unit either attached to or

detached from the primary residential unit on a

single lot. It has cooking, eating, sleeping, and full

sanitation facilities. Second units can be an

important source of affordable housing given that

they typically are smaller and have no associated

land costs. The City permits second units

ministerially in all residential zones. (Source: 2015‐



Development

Services

N/A

K Monitor CUP Requirement for Multifamily and

Mixed Use Developments

The City requires a conditional use permit for

mixed‐use developments, all multifamily

residential developments larger than 40 units, and

all multifamily developments in the MU, OD, GC,

and –SD zones. While this has not been seen as a

constraint on development of housing in recent

years and several affordable multifamily projects

have been approved, the City will continue to

monitor the CUP requirement to ensure it does

not impact mixed‐use and multifamily

development. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing

Element Program 13)


Development

Services

N/A

5. Housing Element


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L Fresno County Homebuyer Assistance Program

(HAP)

City of Kerman participates in the County’s

Homebuyer Assistance Program. This program

assists lower income families with purchasing their

first home by providing a zero interest, deferred

payment loan that does not exceed 20 percent of

the purchase price of the single‐family residence

(plus loan closing costs). Households earning up to

80 percent AMI in unincorporated Fresno County

and participating cities are eligible for this

program. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element

Program 17)


Development

Services

N/A

M First‐Time Homebuyer Resources

Kerman residents have access to a number of

homebuyer assistance programs offered by the

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA):

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): The MCC

Tax Credit is a federal credit which can reduce

potential federal income tax liability, creating

additional net spendable income which

borrowers may use toward their monthly

mortgage payment. This MCC Tax Credit

program may enable first‐time homebuyers to

convert a portion of their annual mortgage

interest into a direct dollar for dollar tax credit

on their U.S. individual income tax returns.

CalPLUS Conventional Program: This is a first

mortgage loan insured through private

mortgage insurance on the conventional

market. The interest rate on the CalPLUS

Conventional is fixed throughout the 30‐year

term. The CalPLUS Conventional is combined

with a CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP),

which is a deferred‐payment junior loan of

three percent of the first mortgage loan

amount, for down payment assistance.

CalHFA Conventional Program: This is a first

mortgage loan insured through private

mortgage insurance on the conventional

market. The interest rate on the CalHFA

Conventional is fixed throughout the 30‐year

term.


Development

Services

N/A



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CalHFA loans are offered through local loan

officers approved and trained by CalHFA. (Source:


N Code Enforcement

The City’s Code Enforcement Officer is in charge of

the enforcing the City’s building codes with the

objective of protecting the health and safety of

residents. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element

Program 16)

HE‐3.1

HE‐3.3

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

O Housing Rehabilitation Programs

The City of Kerman is a participating jurisdiction in

the Fresno County Housing Assistance

Rehabilitation Program, which provides loans to

qualifying homeowners in the unincorporated

County and participating cities for the

improvement of their homes. Eligible

improvements include energy efficiency upgrades

and installations, health and safety and hazard

corrections, and accessibility modifications. Loan

terms under this program vary according to

household income and the improvements and

repairs that are needed. City staff also serves as

the USDA 504 single family housing home repair

loan/grant packager for the City of Kerman. This

grant/loan program assists seniors and low‐

income eligible families in obtaining grants or low‐

interest loans to make home repairs. (Source:


HE‐3.2

HE‐3.4

HE‐4.1

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

P Fresno County Rental Rehabilitation Program

(RRP)

This program provides no interest loans to

qualifying property owners in the unincorporated

County and participating cities for making

improvements to their rental properties. The City

of Kerman is a participating city. Eligible

improvements include repairing code deficiencies,

completing deferred maintenance, lead‐based

paint and asbestos abatement, HVAC repairs,

energy efficiency upgrades, accessibility

modifications, and kitchen and bathroom

upgrades. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element

Program 15)

HE‐3.2

HE‐3.4

HE‐4.1

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

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Q Preservation of Assisted Housing at Risk of

Converting to Market Rate

Preserving the existing affordable housing stock is

a cost‐effective approach to providing affordable

housing in Kerman. The City must guard against

the loss of housing units available to lower income

households. There are 100 publicly assisted

housing units at the Vintage Apartments (now

called Golden Meadows) that are considered at

risk of conversion to market rate in 2021. The City

will strive to preserve these at‐risk units as

affordable housing. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing

Element Program 8)


Development

Services

N/A

R Zoning Code Amendments

In compliance with State laws, the City will amend

its Zoning Code to address the provision of a

variety of housing options, especially housing for

special needs groups. Specifically, the City will

amend the Zoning Code to address the following:

Farmworker/Employee Housing: Comply the

Employee Housing Act which requires

farmworker housing up to 12 units or 36 beds

be considered an agricultural use and

permitted in any zone that permits agricultural

uses, and employee housing for six or fewer

employees are to be treated as a single family

structure and permitted in the same manner as

other dwellings of the same type in the same

zone.

Single Room Occupancy: Amend the Zoning

Code to address the provision of SRO housing.

Group Homes: Amend the Zoning Ordinance to

clarify provisions for group homes and allow

group homes for six or fewer residents in all

zones allowing single family residential uses.

Additionally, amend the Zoning Ordinance to

include provisions for larger group homes of

seven or more residents.

Second Units: Amend the Zoning Ordinance to

remove inconsistencies and clarify that second

units are permitted in all zones allowing single

family uses.

Reasonable Accommodation: Establish a

reasonable accommodation procedure to

HE‐4.1

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HE‐4.3

HE‐4.4

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HE‐4.6

Planning and

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provide flexibility in policies, rules, and

regulations in order to allow persons with

disabilities access to housing.

Density Bonus: Consistent with Government

Code, a density bonus up to 35 percent over

the otherwise maximum allowable residential

density under the applicable zoning district will

be available to developers who provide

affordable housing as part of their projects.

Developers of affordable housing will also be

entitled to receive incentives on a sliding scale

to a maximum of three, where the amount of

density bonus and number of incentives vary

according to the amount of affordable housing

units provided.

In addition, parking standards were identified as a

potential constraint. The City will consider

adopting an Administrative Modification process

to accommodate minor reduction in required

parking standards for senior citizen and other

qualified multifamily development projects as an

incentive to encourage and allow non‐profit

developers to construct more affordable units or

deeper affordability.

Additionally, the City will modify its conditional

use permit findings to remove the reference to

the term “morals” from the required findings of

approval. (Source: 2015‐2023 Housing Element

Program 10)

S Monitoring of Planning and Development Fees

The City charges various fees to review and

process development applications. Such fees may

add to the cost of housing development. (Source:


HE‐4.1

HE‐4.2

HE‐4.3

HE‐4.4

HE‐4.5

HE‐4.6

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N/A

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T Fair Housing

Residents in the Central Valley, including Fresno

County, can access fair housing services provided

by the Fair Housing Council of Central Valley

(FHCCC). FHCCC offers mediation, counseling,

advocacy, research, and fair housing training and

workshops for residents as well as housing

providers. Other fair housing resources include the

Fresno Housing Authority, Fair Housing and Equal

Opportunity (FHEO) division of HUD, and the State

Department of Fair Employment and Housing

(DFEH). The City will assist in promoting fair

resources available in the region. (Source: 2015‐


HE‐5.1

HE‐5.2

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

U Energy Conservation

The City promotes energy conservation in housing

development and rehabilitation. (Source: 2015‐


HE‐6.1

HE‐6.2

HE‐6.3

Planning and

Development

Services

N/A




Conservation, Open Space, Parks and Recreation


6Parks and open space areas are important attributes to Kerman that provide recreation for residents and visitors.

Open space areas are also vital for protecting natural resources and habitats and support the agricultural industry.

These areas are essential to the physical, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the city. This section of the General Plan

provides the policy framework for conserving natural resources, managing resource production, providing parks and

recreation, and preserving open space lands.


Section Title Page

6.1 Open Space ................................................................................................................................ 6‐3

6.2 Parks and Recreation ................................................................................................................. 6‐4

6.3 Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................................... 6‐6

6.4 Water Conservation ................................................................................................................... 6‐7

6.5 Energy Resource Conservation .................................................................................................. 6‐8


Government Code § 65302(d) lists a number of items that should be addressed in the Conservation Element, to the

extent they are relevant to the Kerman Planning Area. The following were found to not apply to the Kerman General

Plan.

Water and its Hydraulic Force. There are no areas within the Kerman Planning Area that are subject to

flooding identified by flood plain mapping prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or

the Department of Water Resources. Stormwater runoff is managed through the city’s storm drainage

system. Water supply is addressed in Section 8.2 of the Public Facilities and Services Element.

Forests/Timber Production. There are no forest lands in or adjacent to the Kerman Planning Area.

Accordingly, there are not timber resources used for timber production or processing.

Soils. Nearly 100 percent of the agricultural land within the Planning Area is considered either “Prime

Farmland, Farmland of Local Importance, or Farmland of Statewide Importance” by the California Department

of Conservation (DOC). Implementation of the 2040 General Plan would encourage the continued operation of

existing agriculture in, and surrounding, the city. Buildout of the 2040 General Plan would result in the



conversion of active agricultural land, but this conversion would be offset by a policy requirement to preserve

an equal amount of like agricultural land (see policies under Goal LU‐4).

Rivers and Other Waters. Wetlands and water features in the city of Kerman have been highly altered and are

presently very scarce. There are no natural surface water features such as streams or lakes in the Kerman

Planning Area.

Harbors and Fisheries. There are no harbors or fisheries in the Kerman Planning Area.

Wildlife. One bird (Burrowing Owl [Athene cunicularia]) and one mammal (Fresno kangaroo rat [Dipodomys

nitratoides exilis] special‐status species are known to be in or possibly be found in the Kerman Planning Area

based on a search of the California Natural Diversity Database (NDDB). Another species that is likely to occur in

the Kerman Planning Area is the San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), a Federally endangered and

State threatened species. There is no critical habitat designated for any special‐status plant and animal

species within the Kerman Planning Area. With implementation of the goals and policies in the 2040

General Plan, substantial adverse effects, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species

identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations by

the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wervice would be avoided or

minimized.

Minerals. The Kerman Planning Area is not located in an area identified as having mineral deposit significance,

and per the most recent Department of Conservation’s Active Mine Operations Map, there are no active mine

operations in the planning area (DMG 2019; Division of Mine Reclamation 2019). The 2040 General Plan would

not facilitate any new mining activity and would not result in the loss of availability of known mineral

resources.

Effect on Natural Resources on Public Lands (including Military Lands). The Kerman Planning Area is not

adjacent to, or expected to have implications on, the natural resources on any public lands, including military

lands. No military facilities are adjacent to Kerman’s Planning Area, with the closest installation being Naval Air

Station Lemoore (NAS Lemoore) located approximately 25 miles south of the city.

Requirements for Open Space are defined in Government Code § 65560(b). Open space can include natural, passive

use, and active recreational use. The Kerman Planning Area does not contain notable areas of natural or passive open

space, with the open areas around the community dedicated to agricultural activities (the protection of which is

discussion in the policies under Goal LU‐4). Relative to active recreational use, the City is proud of it extensive park

system. Policies related to this type of open space are covered as part of this element.

6. Conservation, Open Space, and Recreation Element


6.1 Open Space

Open space lands are undeveloped areas that provide a low‐density perception in an urban area, define the edge of a community, and provide the sight lines that allow long‐distance vistas to the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges, agriculture fields, or other local viewpoints. Open space also provides habitat for locally significant natural resources. Kerman is in the Great Central Valley Region, an area that supports grasslands, marshes, vernal pools, alkali scrub, and riparian woodlands. Conservation of open space requires planning for the future. If these areas are not planned for at this time and set aside for the future, a city runs the risk of losing them to development. The policies in this section seek to preserve open space areas meet the needs of Kerman residents and are maintained over time.

To preserve and expand undeveloped open space areas in Kerman to meet the current and future needs of the community and support natural habitats. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal C, OS, P & R.2)

COS-1.1 Access to Open Space The City shall strive to improve and provide community access to open space, while environmentally

responsible and economically viable. (Source: New Policy)

COS-1.2 Visual Resources Protection The City shall reserve the existing scenic qualities of the community by regulating entryways, view

preservation, and landscaping. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal C, OS, P & R.5, modified)

COS-1.3 Night Skies Protection The City shall protect dark/night skies by encouraging measures that direct outdoor lighting

downward and away from open space areas, without compromising the safety and security of the

community. (Source: New Policy)

COS-1.4 Landscaping Buffers The City shall integrate landscaping buffers that contribute to neighborhood character to increase

safety at the park, and to reduce negative impacts on adjacent residences. (Source: Existing General

Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.F.3, modified)

COS-1.5 Landscape and Lighting Districts The City shall require proposed subdivisions to establish landscape and lighting districts to fund

maintenance of open space areas. (Source: Existing General Plan Action C, OS, P & R.G.5.a, modified)



6.2 Parks and Recreation

A park is an open area that provides recreation and leisure opportunities for a community. Parks can supply active as

well as passive recreation where activities can range from family picnics to organized sporting events. Kerman’s nine

parks make up almost 42 acres of land in the city, and in 2019 the City is planning four additional parks: Eastside

Community Park (15 ac), Northwest Park (2.56 ac), Westside Community Park (37 ac), and Stanislaus Park (1.86 ac).

These parks provide amenities such as sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and open gathering areas. In total, the

existing and planned parks fulfill Kerman’s requirements for total parkland and provide numerous recreational

opportunities in the city.

In addition to parks, the City also provides a comprehensive range of quality recreational programs and activities that

reflect the needs of residents and the community’s identity. Recreational programs include Youth Performing Arts,

Start Smart Pre‐Sports, Teen Fest, Zumba, as well as a plethora of special one‐day events for residents of all ages.

The policies in this section seek to ensure that the City continues providing superior parks and recreational facilities to

fulfill Kerman residents.

To expand and maintain a high-quality public park and recreation system that is convenient, accessible, and affordable to all segments of the city. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal C, OS, P & R.3)

COS-2.1 Parkland Standard The City shall continue to acquire and develop adequate park sites to serve future City growth at a

standard of 4 acres of combined park and open space land per 1,000 residents. (Source: Existing

General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.E.1 and C, OS, P & R.E.2, modified)

COS-2.2 Parkland Dedication The City shall continue to require developers to dedicate parkland or pay in‐lieu fees. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.G.1, modified)

COS-2.3 Future Park Locations The City shall ensure that future park locations are accessible to all residents and consider

connectivity and visibility from major roadways. Park locations should provide for equitable

distribution of parks within the community and strive to provide walkable access to a park from

existing or new residential areas. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.F.1 and Existing

General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.F.4, modified)

COS-2.4 Future Eastside and Westside Community Parks The City shall continue to work towards developing the planned regional parks and recreation

facilities, including the Eastside and Westside Community Parks. (Source: Existing General Plan Action

C, OS, P & R.E.6.b, modified)

COS-2.5 Amenities at Parks and Recreational Facilities The City shall provide a variety of types of park sites and recreational facilities with an array of

amenities to fulfill the city's diverse needs. Amenities shall include adequate lighting, restroom

facilities, water fountains, and continuous trails connecting the sites. (Source: Existing General Plan

Policy C, OS, P & R.E.3, modified)



COS-2.6 Park Sustainable Infrastructure and Design The City shall use, to the maximum extent feasible, sustainable infrastructure such as Purple Pipe

(secondary water supply) and recycled materials when developing new parks or updating existing

parks. (Source: Existing General Plan Action C, OS, P & R.G.5.a, modified)

COS-2.7 Joint Use of School Parks and Recreational Facilities The City shall coordinate with the Kerman Unified School District in the joint use and maintenance of

school parks and recreational facilities, as well as pursue partnerships with other agencies,

community groups, and organizations. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.E.4 and

Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.G.5, modified)

COS-2.8 Volunteerism in Park Maintenance The City shall continue engaging volunteers in park development and maintenance. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action C, OS, P & R.E.9.a, modified)

COS-2.9 Parks and Open Space Funding The City shall continue to pursue a combination of public and private funds, regulatory processes,

and innovative strategies to fund parkland development and maintenance. (Source: Existing General

Plan Goal C, OS, P & R.4, modified)

COS-2.10 Grant Funding The City shall continue to apply for Federal, State, and regional grants to implement parkland.

(Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.G.2 and Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P &

R.G.3, modified)

COS-2.11 Land and Monetary Donations for Parks The City shall continue to seek land and monetary donations towards park facilities. The City may

announce and recognize these efforts in recreation schedules, publications, plaques, or notices, or

other appropriate methods. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.E.10, modified)

COS-2.12 Private Recreational Facilities The City shall encourage the development of private recreational facilities to increase the availability

of local recreational amenities such as racquetball, mini‐golf, softball, and rock climbing. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.E.6 and Existing General Plan Action C, OS, P & R.E.6.a,

modified)

COS-2.13 City Recreation Programs The City will continue to offer recreational programs designed to serve all ages and abilities within

the community with the goal of enhancing health outcomes and overall quality of life for all

residents. (Source: New Policy)



6.3 Cultural Resources

Because Kerman began as a smaller agricultural city, there is the greatest potential for the presence of historical

resources in the city’s historic commercial core. Within the commercial core, Plaza Veterans Park is of particular

significance because it retains much of its early 20th Century form. While there are not many known historic and

cultural resources in Kerman, it is important to have measures in place to ensure their protection in the event of such

a discovery.

This section also focuses on supporting new cultural events and programs to enhance quality of life for residents.

Cultural resources are not limited to human remains and physical structures. A city’s sense of place is also defined by

cultural events and programs, such as the annual Almond Festival and Harvest Festival.

To protect sites and structures of historical and cultural significance, and to enhance the availability of new cultural amenities. (Source: New Goal)

COS-3.1 Tribal Consultation Requirements Compliance The City shall continue to comply with SB 18 and AB 52 by consulting with local California Native

American tribes. If archaeological resources of Native American origin are identified during project

construction, a qualified archaeologist shall consult with Kerman to begin native American

consultation procedures. Appropriate Native American tribes shall be contacted by the City or

qualified archaeologist. As part of this process, it may be determined that archaeological monitoring

may be required; a Native American monitor may also be required in addition to the archaeologist.

The project proponent shall fund the costs of the qualified archaeologist and Native American

monitor (as needed) and required analysis and shall implement any mitigation determined to be

necessary by the City, qualified archaeologist, and participating Native American tribe.


COS-3.2 Cultural Facilities The City shall continue to provide cultural facilities that provide a space for social connection and

leisure for residents, including the Senior/Teen Center. (Source: New Policy)

COS-3.3 Festivals and Events The City shall continue to support and attract festivals and events that benefit local businesses and

strengthen the City image. (Source: New Policy)

COS-3.4 Cultural Programs The City shall continue to encourage cultural programs and activities of local interest, including

partnering with other organizations to sponsor such activities. (Source: New Policy)

COS-3.5 Discretionary Development Review for Cultural Resources The City shall review discretionary development projects, as part of any required CEQA review, to

identify and protect important archaeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and their

contributing environment from damage, destruction, and abuse. to the maximum extent feasible.

Consistent with CEQA findings, Tthe City shall require project‐level mitigation to include accurate site

surveys, consideration of project alternatives to preserve archaeological and paleontological

resources, provisions for resource recovery, and preservation measures when displacement is

unavoidable. (Source: New Policy)



6.4 Water Conservation

The City of Kerman obtains its water supply from a vast aquifer underlying the San Joaquin Valley. The quantity of

water appears to be adequate; however, there have been some quality problems particularly related to uranium

content. Certain stratas of the water table underlying Kerman are unfit for domestic purposes because of a

contamination problem. The City has been required to drill several new wells recently to obtain usable water. In the

future, Kerman must provide for long‐range community water needs and protect water quality and quantity. It must

also maximize the efficient use and conservation of the community's water resources. As a community heavily

dependent on agriculture, water resources are critical to maintaining the economic success and rural setting on

Kerman. The purpose of this section to provide policies that preserve and enhance water availability and quality.

To effectively manage water resources by adequately planning for the development, conservation, and protection of water resources for present and future generations. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.4, modified)

COS-4.1 Public Landscaping Irrigation The City shall reduce use of potable water for landscaping irrigation at parks, schools, rights‐of‐way,

and other public spaces to the extent feasible. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.B.4,

modified)

COS-4.2 Stormwater Retention Basins The City shall incorporate stormwater retention basins into recreational areas or wildlife habitat

areas for groundwater recharge. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.B.3, modified)

COS-4.3 Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants The City shall require the use of native and drought‐tolerant plants for new landscaping in existing

and future parks and street medians. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.B.2)

COS-4.4 Water for Agricultural Uses The City shall work with the appropriate agencies to effectively manage water quantity and quality to

ensure long‐term, adequate availability of water for agricultural uses. (Source: New Policy)

COS-4.5 Alternative Irrigation Techniques The City shall encourage farmers to use the latest irrigation techniques designed to reduce water

consumption. (Source: New Policy)

COS-4.6 Water Use Efficiency for New Development The City shall encourage new development and majority retrofits of existing development to

incorporate water conservation techniques. Such techniques include requiring low‐flow plumbing

fixtures in new construction that meet or exceed the California Plumbing Code, use of graywater for

landscaping, retention of stormwater runoff for groundwater recharge, use of reclaimed water for

outdoor irrigation (where available), and landscape water efficiency standards that meet or exceed

the standards in the California Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance. (Source: New Policy)

COS-4.7 Water Conservation Education The City shall continue to promote educational programs on routine water conservation practices for

households, as well as educational programs targeted toward reducing water consumption on

agricultural lands. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.B.1, modified)



6.5 Energy Resource Conservation

Investments in renewable energy to promote efficiency and economic vitality. Efficient energy technology and

practices minimize costs and environmental impacts. Secure energy infrastructure that is resilient to changing climate

conditions is essential for natural resource conservation, public safety, and overall quality of life for future

generations.

To minimize energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the statewide effort to combat climate change. (Source: New Goal)

COS-5.1 Reduction of Fossil Fuels Reliance The City shall promote the development and use of renewable energy resources (e.g., solar, thermal,

wind, tidal) to reduce dependency on petroleum‐based energy sources. (Source: New Policy)

COS-5.2 GHG Reduction in Coordination with Regional Agencies The City shall work with FCOG and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to develop

and implement regional plans for the reduction of GHG emissions. (Source: New Policy )

COS-5.3 Sustainable Building Practices The City shall promote sustainable building practices that incorporate a “whole systems” approach to

design and construction that consumes less energy, water, and other non‐renewable resources, such

as facilitating passive ventilation and effective use of daylight. (Source: New Policy)

COS-5.4 Renewable Energy Features in New Projects During the development review process, the City shall encourage projects to integrate features that

support the generation, transmission, efficient use, and storage of renewable energy sources.


COS-5.5 Energy-Efficient Municipal Buildings The City shall consider CALGreen Tier 1 energy performance, along with LEED Silver or Gold

equivalent status for new municipal buildings to maximize energy efficiency. (Source: New Policy)

COS-5.6 Electric Vehicle Charging The City shall encourage and support expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and the

purchase of electric vehicles. (Source: New Policy)

COS-5.7 Energy Conservation Awareness The City shall increase awareness about energy efficiency and conservation to encourage residents,

businesses, and industries to conserve energy. (Source: New Policy)




Programs


Responsible


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A Dark Skies Ordinance

The City shall adopt a Dark Skies Ordinance to

establish lighting standards. The City shall prepare

the ordinance through guidance from the Model

Lighting Ordinance approved by the International

Dark‐Sky Association and the Illuminating

Engineering Society of North America. (Source:

New Program)

COS‐1.3 Planning and

Development

Services

N/A

B Joint Use Agreements for Parks and Recreational

Facilities

The City shall develop a Facilities Use agreements

and joint powers agreements with the Kerman

Unified School District and Fresno County Parks

Department for the sharing of park and recreation

facilities. (Source: Existing General Plan Action C,

OS, P & R.G.5.b)

COS‐2.7 Parks and

Recreation

N/A

C Adopt‐A‐Park

The City shall continue the "Adopt‐A‐Park"

program in which private citizens or organizations

(i.e.; service clubs, churches, scouting groups, etc.)

help with the development of open space, parks,

and recreation facilities. (Source: Existing General

Plan Action C, OS, P & R.E.9.a, modified)

COS‐2.8, COS‐

2.9, COS‐2.11

Parks and

Recreation

N/A

D Park Financing Feasibility Study

The City shall conduct a feasibility study on

financing park and recreation facilities by the sale

of tax‐allocation bonds. (Source: Existing General

Plan Action C, OS, P & R.G.4.a)

COS‐2.9 Parks and

Recreation

N/A



Programs


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E Fees for Recreational Programs and Park Rentals

The City shall annually review its fees for

recreational programs and park rentals to ensure

that they are sufficient to finance future park

needs. During this review, the City shall consider:

‐ User fees for use of a facility or participation in

an activity,

‐ Entrance fees for admission to large developed

recreation area,

‐ Rental fees for the use of recreation equipment

or property, and

‐ Admission fees for special events, exhibits, or

rallies. (Source: Existing General Plan Action C, OS,

P & R.G.2.a)

COS‐2.9 Parks and

Recreation

N/A

F Water‐Saving Techniques Information

The City shall provide the community with

information on water‐saving techniques by

producing and offering brochures, sharing

information on the City’s website, and hosting

pop‐up booths at public events. (Source: Existing

General Plan Action C, OS, P & R.B.1.a, modified)

COS‐4.7 Public Works

N/A

Public Health and Safety


7

The Kerman Public Health Safety Element establishes a policy framework for protecting people and property from

unreasonable risks from natural disasters, crime, noise, and other events. It also focuses on disaster and emergency

response. It is a required component of general plans and is guided by several legislative requirements established by

the State of California.


Section Title Page

7.1 Law Enforcement ....................................................................................................................... 7‐2

7.2 Fire Protection ........................................................................................................................... 7‐3

7.3 Emergency Services ................................................................................................................... 7‐4

7.4 Natural Disasters ........................................................................................................................ 7‐5

7.5 Building Safety ........................................................................................................................... 7‐6

7.6 Hazardous Materials .................................................................................................................. 7‐7

7.7 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................. 7‐8

7.8 Noise ........................................................................................................................................ 7‐10


7.10 Requirements for an Acoustical Analysis ................................................................................. 7‐15

Government Code § 65302(g) lists a number of items that should be addressed in the Safety Element, to the extent

they are relevant to the Kerman Planning Area. The following were found to not apply to the Kerman General Plan.

Slope Instability. Being relatively flat, Kerman has no slope issues to address.

Seiche and Tsunami. Both issues do not occur or effect the Kerman Planning Area.

Government Code Gov. Code § 65302(g)(3) discusses wildland and urban fires. While urban fire protection is covered

in Section 7.2, wildland fire policies are not required due to the very low risk in the Planning Area. As designated by

the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Kerman Planning Area is located in an unzoned local

responsibility area according to the most recent Fire Hazard Severity Zones map. The nearest mapped hazard zone is

listed as a moderate fire hazard severity zone and is located five miles northwest of the city of Kerman between the

city of Mendota and the unincorporated community of Tranquility. The nearest very‐high fire hazard severity zone is



located 30 miles to the southwest near the community of Huron. Because the Planning Area is not located in a fire

hazard severity zone, policies to address this topic are not required.

7.1 Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is the cornerstone of ensuring safety and security in Kerman. The Kerman Police Department provides police protection to the city with offices behind City Hall. Kerman also has a mutual aid agreement with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department and assists in handling dispatch duties in the city. The Sheriff’s Department has a substation located in the city of San Joaquin.

To provide timely, adequate, and fair law enforcement services to ensure a safe community. (Source: New Goal)

PH-1.1 Police Officer Ratio The City shall strive to achieve a ratio of one officer per 700 citizens to ensure adequate staffing to

provide law enforcement services. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy S.B.2, modified)

PH-1.2 Police Department Response Times The City shall continue to support the Police Department in maintaining prompt response times.


PH-1.3 Community Crime Prevention and Public Safety The City shall actively involve the community in crime prevention and public safety awareness by

educating and involving the public in all the tenets of community‐oriented public safety. (Source:

Existing General Plan Goal S.4 and Policy S.B.1)

PH-1.4 Video Policing Plan for New Projects The City shall require large residential developments (50 or more units) and large commercial

developments (more than 50,000 square feet) to include a video policing plan. (Source: New Policy)

7. Public Health and Safety Element


7.2 Fire Protection

Kerman is located within the North Central Fire Protection District. The District headquarters and main station are on

the west side of Kerman along the north side of Kearney Boulevard and west of Del Norte Avenue. The District offers

a full range of services including fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials, search

and rescue response, as well as emergency preparedness planning and public education coordination. The District

provides comprehensive fire prevention services to all commercial, industrial, and residential establishments through

routine fire and life safety inspections and public education. The District reviews all building permits and subdivision

maps to ensure access and fire suppression equipment (i.e., fire hydrants) are properly located, and conducts fire

protection system inspections of new construction and routine fire and life safety inspections of existing buildings.

To minimize the risks to life and properties from fire hazards. (Source: New Goal)

PH-2.1 Adequate Staffing and Equipment The City shall coordinate with the North Central Fire District through the site plan review process and

the State's environmental review process to ensure that future development does not outpace the

expansion of the Central County Fire Department staffing, and the development of strategically

located and fully equipped fire stations. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy S.C.1 and Action S.C.1.a,

modified)

PH-2.2 Adequate Water Supply for Fire Suppression The City shall require new projects to have adequate water supplies to meet the fire‐suppression

needs of the project without compromising existing fire suppression services to existing uses.


PH-2.3 North Central Fire District Capital Improvement Plan The City shall encourage North Central Fire District to establish a 20‐year Capital Improvement Plan

that includes increased service capacity in Kerman, including a fire ladder truck and fire station.

(Source: Existing General Plan Policy S.C.1, modified)

PH-2.4 Fire Prevention Education The City shall continue to coordinate with North Central Fire District in providing education on fire

prevention training to City staff, residents, and business owners. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy

S.C.2, modified)



7.3 Emergency Services

It is critical that the City plans for the provision of adequate emergency services. This refers to the coordinated efforts

by the City and other agencies to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate natural and man‐made

disasters and emergencies. Emergency services for the City of Kerman are primarily managed by the North Central

Fire Protection District and the Kerman Police Department. Safety goes beyond police and fire personnel, buildings,

and equipment – it is also rooted in social cohesion and a collective duty to ensure each other’s well‐being.

To provide the highest levels of public safety services as fiscally feasible to respond to natural and man-made disasters. (Source: New Goal)

PH-3.1 Continuity of Essential Operations The City shall continue to work with the Police Department, North Central Fire District, and among

City Staff to regularly train and establish clear procedures to provide continuity of essential City

operations and critical facilities in the event of a disaster. (Source: New Policy)

PH-3.2 Communications Systems The City shall maintain rapid, reliable, and redundant communication systems for emergency

response and community alerts, and actively educate residents and businesses on its use. The City

will look toward new technologies for rapid communication through mobile devices and other

developing technologies. (Source: New Policy)

PH-3.3 Non-Governmental Organizations The City shall develop and maintain relationships with private and nonprofit entities, such as the Red

Cross, to expand and coordinate public health services in the city. (Source: New Policy)

PH-3.4 Educational Information on Natural and Man-made Hazards The City shall continue to provide informational materials on potential harm, abatement, and

response to probable natural and man‐made hazards in the region. (Source: Existing General Plan

Action S.3, modified)

PH-3.5 Social Support Networks The City shall support residents’ and community organizations’ efforts to cultivate social support

networks to improve community preparedness, response, and recovery from hazards and disasters

to minimize injury and loss of life. (Source: New Policy)



7.4 Natural Disasters

Risks from natural disasters include seismic, flooding, fire, and extreme weather events. Natural hazard risks are

lower in Kerman compared to many other parts of California. Nonetheless, mitigation of risk and disaster preparation

will ensure that residents and property are safe in the event of a disaster. In the coming decades, California is

projected to experience changes to weather and climate conditions, particularly less rainfall and increased events of

high temperature. These changes could create more risk to natural hazards in the Kerman area. The primary hazards

with the potential to impact Kerman are seismic, flood, and fire.

Seismic Hazards.

While there are no faults underlying the city of Kerman, there are a number of active faults in and around Fresno

County. If an earthquake occurred at one of these faults, significant damage to property in Kerman is unlikely, but

some groundshaking and minor damage could occur. Other seismic and soil concerns, such as landslides and

liquefaction, are not projected to pose significant risks for the Kerman area.

Flood Hazards

There are no designated flood‐prone areas in the city of Kerman, although periodic localized flooding may occur

during large storms. Stormwater runoff is managed through the city’s storm drainage system.

Fire Hazards

The City of Kerman is in an unzoned local responsibility area according to the 2007 Fire Hazard Severity Zones map.

This means that the area has not been assessed for fire risk, and it is the responsibility of the local fire district to

respond to fires in the city. The nearest assessed area is five miles northwest of the city and is designated as a

moderate fire hazard severity zone. Risk of fire may increase in the future because of less projected rainfall and

increased temperatures in the area.

Increasing Temperatures

Temperature‐related impacts from climate change are likely to include increased average temperatures along with

more frequent extreme heat days and heatwaves. In built‐up areas, surfaces such as roofs and pavement dominate

the landscape, absorbing and retaining heat during daytime hours and releasing heat at night.

To prevent the loss of life and personal property by reducing the risk and magnitude of hazards from natural and man-made hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and fires, and climate change. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal S.1 and Action S.2, modified)

PH-4.1 Hazard Mitigation Plan The City shall continue to actively participate in and implement the Fresno County Multi‐Hazard

Mitigation Plan to reduce risks from natural disasters. (Source: New Policy)

PH-4.2 Mitigation Funding The City shall continue to pursue funding opportunities to implement Kerman projects that are

identified in the Fresno County Multi‐Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Source: New Policy)



PH-4.3 Building Regulations for Seismic Safety The City shall require all new development to be constructed in accordance with the current seismic

safety design standards at the time of initial building plan submittal. (Source: New Policy)

PH-4.4 Accessible Cooling Centers The City shall expand partnerships with non‐government organizations, churches, and businesses to

provide additional cooling centers to serve the community during periods of high heat.


PH-4.5 Urban Greening The City shall promote the use of urban greening techniques, such as cool pavement technology,

parking lot shading, landscaping, and other methods to offset climate change impacts and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions for discretionary development and City‐initiated projects.


7.5 Building Safety

A central aspect of minimizing the loss of life, injury, and property damage from seismic and geologic hazards is

ensuring the all new and rehabilitated structures are constructed in compliance with State seismic and building

standards. Regular maintenance and preservation of structures lowers costs in the long‐run and is essential for

providing a safe and secure environment for families.

To protect residents and employees from potential hazards from unreinforced masonry buildings and other substandard buildings. (Source: New Goal)

PH-5.1 Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Abatement/Rehabilitation

The City shall continue to abate or rehabilitate unreinforced masonry buildings, as defined by the

Uniform Housing Code. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy S.A.3 and Action S.A.1.b)



7.6 Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials include all toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, and radioactive substances with the potential to

harm to the public or the environment. An important subcategory of hazardous materials is hazardous waste. The

use, manufacture, production, transportation, storage, treatment, disposal, and clean‐up of hazardous materials and

hazardous wastes present a potential threat to the health and safety of those who are using the materials and those

who could be affected by improper or accidental release or disposal, such as nearby residents or businesses.

As of August 2018, there are two permitted Underground Storage Tank (UST) sites in Kerman. The U.S. EPA has also

identified 14 small‐quantity hazardous waste generators (between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per

month) and 3 large‐quantity hazardous waste generators (greater than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per

month) in Kerman. These hazardous waste generation sites are clustered in the industrial area south of the rail line

and along SR‐145 and SR‐180.

To protect residents from exposure to hazardous materials and wastes. (Source: New Goal)

PH-6.1 Avoidance of Natural Resources Contamination The City shall require that uses generating hazardous materials and wastes do not contaminate air,

water, or soil resources. (Source: New Policy)

PH-6.2 Location of New Hazardous Uses The City shall require that proposed activities and land uses that use, store, or dispose of hazardous

materials or wastes be located in the industrial area in the southern portion of the city. (Source: New

Policy)

PH-6.3 Emergency Preparedness Plan for New Projects with Hazardous Materials The City shall require new projects that are using, producing, or generating hazardous materials,

such as cold storage facilities, prepare an emergency preparedness plan. (Source: Existing General

Plan Action S.D.3.a, modified)

PH-6.4 Household Hazardous Waste Education The City shall support educational programs that inform the public about household hazardous

waste and proper disposal methods. (Source: New Policy)

PH-6.5 Integrated Pest Management Practices The County shall encourage and support the use of Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce

pesticide use and human health risks. (Source: New Policy)

PH-6.6 Notification of Pesticide Application The City will work to obtain notification of the application of restricted materials (pesticides applied

by spray techniques) for areas inside or within the ¼ mile of the Kerman Planning Area.




7.7 Air Quality

Chronic exposure to air pollutants poses serious health risks to residents and can harm local economies by degrading

agricultural crops and other natural resources. Air quality is particularly important in Kerman because the city Is in the

San Joaquin Valley air basin, an area is covered by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD),

which has some of the worst air quality in the nation for several reasons:

The topography of the valley as a basin surrounded by mountains has the effect of trapping stagnant or

polluted air.

The local climate, which is marked by sunshine and high atmospheric pressure, is favorable for the formation

of smog.

Increased growth spread throughout the valley, which has resulted in more people, vehicle trips, and smog.

While air quality is a regional issue, the City of Kerman has an opportunity to address air quality by reducing local

emissions, particularly by reducing automobile travel, shifting land use patterns to denser and more compact

communities, and improving the efficiency of major agricultural and industrial sectors. The City must encourage

development that will minimize vehicular emissions by providing an adequate circulation system.

To protect public health, agricultural crops, and natural resources from air pollution. (Source: New Goal)

PH-7.1 Regional Coordination for Air Quality The City shall continue to participate in regional planning efforts to meet air quality goals. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.A.1, modified)

PH-7.2 Agricultural Best Management Practices The City shall encourage agricultural operations to incorporate Best Management Practices to reduce

particulate emissions consistent with State and Federal regulations, such as organic composting,

using enhanced efficiency fertilizers, paving roads, limited‐ or no‐tilling, cover‐cropping, and

transitioning to electric or alternatively‐fueled agricultural equipment in place of gasoline or diesel

equipment. (Source: New Policy)

PH-7.3 Industrial Best Management Practices The City shall require industrial facilities to incorporate economically feasible Best Management

Practices and control technology to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 emissions consistent with State and

Federal regulations. (Source: New Policy)

PH-7.4 Construction Best Management Practices The City shall require new projects to incorporate economically feasible SJVAPCD construction best

management practices as conditions of approval, if the project exceeds the most recent SJVACPD

SPAL screening levels at the time of preparation. (Source: New Policy)



PH-7.5 Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) and Health Risks Assessments (HRA) The City shall require new development projects that produce Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) or

other health risks to retain a qualified professional to complete a SJVAPCD‐compliant evaluation of

all stationary source developments near sensitive receptors to determine if a project‐specific Health

Risks Assessment (HRA) would be required prior to approval. If required, the City shall require all

identified TAC risks from the HRA to be mitigated to meet current SJVAPCD TAC thresholds.


For Policy PH‐7.5, Sensitive Receptors are the segment of the public most susceptible to respiratory distress, such as

children under 14, the elderly over 65, persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise, and people with cardiovascular

and chronic respiratory diseases. Sensitive receptor locations are therefore defined as residences, schools, and

hospitals.

PH-7.6 Incentives for Air Pollution Reductions in New Projects The City shall provide incentives for new projects, particularly new multifamily residential buildings

and other sensitive land uses, to incorporate design features that achieve good indoor air quality

above and beyond State and Federal requirements. (Source: New Policy)

PH-7.7 Public Education and Awareness The City shall support programs that educate the public on climate change and encourage residents

and businesses to become involved in activities and lifestyle changes that will aid in reduction of

greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: New Policy)



7.8 Noise

Reducing the impacts of excessive noise is important for the well‐being of a community. The primary source ofMost

noise in Kerman is caused by traffic on the main roadways, such as Whitesbridge Road and Madera Avenue, and noise

associated with operations on the Union Pacific rail line that runs through the south side of the city. Future noise

conditions, based on proposed development in the General Plan, areas shown ion Figure 7‐1.

The nearest active airports to the City of Kerman are the Fresno Chandler Executive Airport and Sierra Sky Park

Airport, both located about 12 miles to the east in Fresno. Kerman is located outside the Airport Influence Areas,

noise contour maps, and safety compatibility zones associated with these airports (City of Fresno 1995; 2014). NAS

Lemoore, located 25 miles south of Kerman, has five military operating areas (MOA’s) covering portions of Fresno,

Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. These MOA’s represent airspace that is used for flight operations and separation of

activities from NAS Lemoore. The Kerman Planning Area lies beneath the north edge of MOA A and MOA C. The

training “floors” (lowest operating altitudes) are 5,000 feet for MOA A and 16,000 feet for MOA C. Aircraft overflight

is rarely noticed in the community, and no noise impacts have been identified related to military activities.

For planning purposes, Nnoise‐sensitive land uses are generally considered to include those uses where noise

exposure could result in health‐related risks to individuals, as well as places where quiet is an essential element of

their intended purpose. These include the following uses:

residences;

schools;

historic sites;

cemeteries;

parks, recreation, and open space areas;

recreation and community centers;

health care facilities;

sensitive wildlife habitats;

motels and other short‐term lodging;

places of worship; and

libraries.

Policies guiding land use and noise mitigation for development can help manage noise from traffic and regulate non‐

vehicular sources of noise. This section seeks to preserve public health and welfare by limiting the community’s

exposure to excessive levels of noise.

To protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents by striving to eliminate or avoid exposure to excessive noise. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal N.1, modified)

PH-8.1 Tranquil Residential Areas The City shall strive to preserve the tranquility of residential areas by preventing noise‐producing

uses from encroaching on existing or planned noise‐sensitive uses. (Source: Existing General Plan

Goal N.3)



Existing TrafficProjected 2040 Noise Contours (Roadway and Railroad)



PH-8.2 Noise Compatibility Standards The City shall review new projects for noise compatibility with surrounding uses. The City shall

determine noise based on the following standards:

New noise‐sensitive uses in areas exposed to existing or projected future levels of noise

from transportation noise sources shall not be permitted in areas where the noise level

exceeds 60 dB Ldn in outdoor activity areas or 45 dB Ldn in interior spaces. (Source: Existing

General Plan Policy N.TNS.1, modified)

New transportation noise sources, including roadway improvement projects, shall not

exceed 60 dB Ldn within outdoor activity areas, and 45 dB Ldn within interior spaces of

existing noise‐sensitive land uses. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy N.TNS.2, modified)

PH-8.3 Noise MitigationReduction The City shall ensure that noise created by new proposed stationary noise sources or existing

stationary noise sources which undergo modifications that may increase noise levels shall be

mitigated reduced so as not to exceed the noise level standards listed on Table 7‐1 on lands

designated for noise‐sensitive uses. This policy does not apply to noise levels associated with

agricultural operations. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy N.SNS.2, modified)

Table 7-1 Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure – Stationary Sources1

Daytime

(7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Nighttime

(10 p.m. to 7 a.m.)

Hourly Leq, dB 50 45

Maximum level, dB 70 65

Note: 1 As determined at the property line of the receiving land use. When determining the effectiveness of noise mitigation reduction measures, the standards may be applied on the receptor side of noise barriers or other property line noise mitigation reduction measures.

PH-8.4 Acoustical Analysis Requirement The City shall require an acoustical analysis by a qualified acoustical engineer for new projects

involving noise exposure or noise generation in excess of the established Noise Compatibility

Standards above. The City shall also require an acoustical analysis by a qualified acoustical engineer

for new commercial development located adjacent to existing and/or planned noise‐sensitive uses to

ensure that noise created by new commercial development shall be mitigated reduced so as not to

exceed the noise level standards listed on Table 7‐1 on lands designated for noise‐sensitive uses. The

project shall implement the requirements identified in the acoustical analysis before the City issues

the building permit. Section 7.10 identifies the acoustical analysis requirements. (Source: Existing

General Plan Policy N.TNS.1.b, modified)

PH-8.5 Site and Building Design The City shall require projects to comply with adopted noise standards through proper site and

building design features, such as building location and orientation, setbacks, natural barriers and

vegetation, and building construction. (Source: New Policy)




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A Emergency Response Plans

The City shall encourage and support responsible

agencies/organizations to regularly update all

emergency response plans to ensure that they are

current, accurate, and that relevant staff

understand its protocols. These updates shall

consider potential impacts from changes in the

frequency and severity of future natural and man‐

made disasters. (Source: New Program)

PH‐2.3,

PH‐4.1

Planning and

Development

Services

Police

Department, Fire

Department

B Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City shall use the vulnerability assessment in

the Fresno Multi‐Hazard Mitigation Plan to

identify critical at‐risk facilities and implement

related mitigation measures to reduce potential

damage caused by a disaster.


PH‐4.1 Planning and

Development

Services

Police

Department, Fire

Department

C Buildings Abatement/Rehabilitation

The City shall identify dangerous buildings and

target them for abatement or rehabilitation,

through the process outlined in the Uniform

Housing Code. (Source: Existing General Plan

Action S.A.3.a)

PH‐5.1 Police

Department

Planning and

Development

Services

D Property Maintenance

The City shall send annual abatement letters to

property owners who have properties where

weed and debris build‐up pose a public safety

problem. (Source: Existing General Plan Action

S.C.3.a, modified)

PH‐5.1 Police

Department

Planning and

Development

Services

E Notification The City will work with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner to obtain routine notification of any restricted material permits for pesticides applied by spray techniques issued for areas inside of or within ¼ mile of the Kerman Planning Area to be provided to the City and Kerman Unified School District.

PH‐6.6 City Manager

Planning and

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Services



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F Community Awareness

The City will work with the Fresno County

Agricultural Commissioner to have the

Commissioner’s Office post notices of any

restricted material permits for pesticides applied

by spray techniques issued for areas inside of or

within ¼ mile of the Kerman Planning Area to be

posted to the Commissioner’s website. The City

will work to advertise the availability of this

information to residents using existing community

outreach tools and social media.

PH‐6.6 City Manager

Planning and

Development

Services

EG Zoning Code Update

The City shall update the Zoning Code to include

standards that mitigate noise through site and

building design features, such as building location

and orientation, setbacks, natural barriers and

vegetation, and building construction.


PH‐8.5 Planning and

Development

Services

N/A



7.10 Requirements for an Acoustical Analysis

An acoustical analysis prepared pursuant to the Public Health and Safety Element shall:

Be the financial responsibility of the applicant.

Be prepared by a qualified person experienced in the fields of environmental noise assessment and

architectural acoustics.

Include representative noise level measurements with sufficient sampling periods and locations to adequately

describe local conditions and significant noise sources. Where actual field measurements cannot be

conducted, all sources of information used for calculation purposes shall be fully described.

Estimate existing and projected (20 years) noise levels and compare those levels to the adopted policies of the

Noise Element. Projected future noise levels shall take into account noise from planned streets, highways and

road connections.

Recommend appropriate mitigation to achieve compliance with the adopted policies of the Noise Element,

giving preference to proper site planning and design over mitigation measures which require the construction

of noise barriers or structural modifications to buildings which contain noise‐sensitive land uses.

Estimate noise exposure after the prescribed mitigation measures have been implemented.



Please see the next page.

Public Facilties and Services


8This element provides the framework for decision‐making concerning public and private infrastructure, utilities, and

services. Existing and planned development in the city depends on a complex network of public facilities and services.

Each type of facility and service has a unique set of challenges and must adapt to growth and change differently.


Section Title Page

8.1 Essential Public Facilities and Services ....................................................................................... 8‐2

8.2 Water ......................................................................................................................................... 8‐3

8.3 Infrastructure Funding ............................................................................................................... 8‐4

8.4 Sustainable and Resilient Community ....................................................................................... 8‐5




8.1 Essential Public Facilities and Services

The City is responsible for providing many essential public facilities and services. It is vital to the provision of those facilities and services that the City secure funding for new services and maintenance of existing facilities. The City needs to ensure that adequate resources are devoted to providing the necessary public facilities and services to meet the needs of existing and future residents and businesses. The City must be responsive to meeting service needs, while also ensuring that new facilities are strategically located to maximize use and efficiency. Construction and maintenance of public facilities also provides additional employment and the building can serve as an anchor for community development. For example, a city facility, such as a court, library, or health clinic, built in or near a downtown brings additional people into the area who will shop and eat, thereby enhancing the business and commercial operations in the downtown.

To provide quality public facilities and services that enhance social opportunities and quality of life. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.6, modified)

PFS-1.1 Equitable Provision of Public Facilities and Services The City shall strive to ensure that adequate public facilities and services essential for public health

and safety are equitably provided in locations convenient to all residents. (Source: Existing General

Plan Policy LU.K.3, modified)

PFS-1.2 Adequate Public Utilities The City shall continue to require the adequate provision of gas, electric, communications, and

telecommunications services to fulfill the needs of residents and businesses. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-1.3 Integrated Waste Management System The City shall continue ensuring that residents and businesses have a cost‐effective, integrated waste

management system. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-1.4 Storm Drainage The City shall continue providing a safe and environmentally‐sensitive storm drainage system that

protects people and property. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-1.5 Storm Drainage Master Plan The City shall require new development to comply with the standards and plans contained in the

Kerman Storm Drainage Master Plan, which directs the location of new stormwater drainage lines,

mains, and ponding facilities. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-1.6 Educational Facilities and Programs The City shall continue supporting the provision of excellent schools and high‐quality educational

and vocational training facilities and programs to ensure residents have fair and equal access to

social and educational opportunities. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-1.7 Collaboration on Infrastructure Deficiencies The City shall collaborate with the County, neighboring cities, service districts, and regional agencies

on solving issues of mutual interest and concern, including infrastructure deficiencies, water and

sewer services, public safety, public roads, trail connections, and stormwater and water

management. (Source: New Policy)

8. Public Facilities and Services Element


PFS-1.8 Location of Public Facilities The City shall locate new public facilities and expansions of existing public facilities, particularly City

Hall, in the historic Kerman townsite, when feasible. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.K.3)

PFS-1.9 Regional Public Agency Offices The City shall encourage various public agencies, particularly regional agencies, to locate their offices

in the Kerman Planning Area. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.K.1.a, modified

8.2 Water

A quality water supply is integral for residents, businesses, and agricultural production. The City provides water

service to the community, drawing groundwater from six deep wells. Although the City is not restricted to a specific

volume of groundwater, the City is engaged in groundwater recharge projects and activities that reduce the

consumptive use of groundwater and are intended to relieve and eliminate long‐term overdraft of the Kings subbasin.

One concept which may help the city make better use of its resources is a dual water system. The primary system

would provide potable water for domestic uses from deep wells. The secondary system would carry non‐potable

water for landscaping, industrial and fire protection from surface water and/or shallow groundwater. The secondary

system would have its own mains, services, pumps, wells, and storage tanks. Preliminary planning and design of this

dual system has commenced, and several purple pipe segments have already been installed in the northeast quadrant

of the city.

The policies in this section seek to improve and protect the city’s long‐term water supply.

To ensure a quality and reliable water supply to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and the agricultural industry. (Source: New Goal)

PFS-2.1 Water, Sewer, and Storm Drainage Infrastructure The City shall continue to install and upgrade water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure to

meet current and projected growth demand, as well as current water quality standards. (Source:

Existing General Plan Policy LU.K.4, modified)

PFS-2.2 Secondary Water Supply System The City shall pursue a secondary water supply system that is effective and cost‐efficient to service

urban‐level development. (Source: Existing General Plan Goal LU.7, modified)

PFS-2.3 Wastewater from New Industrial Development The City shall discourage industrial uses that are high water users and that that generate high

strength wastewater, unless the industrial use can mitigate this adverse impact through ample fees,

investment in public infrastructure, and/or pretreatment of its wastewater. (Source: Existing General

Plan Policy LU.H.2 and LU.H.3, modified)

PFS-2.4 Kerman Wastewater Treatment Plant The City should preclude the intrusion of any land uses that are incompatible with operation of the

Kerman Waste Water Treatment Plant. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy LU.K.2)



PFS-2.5 Pollutants from Water Run-off During the development review process, the City shall require new development to provide facilities

and/or measures to reduce pollutants in water run‐off prior to entering the city’s stormwater

collection system. Options could include bioswales and other best management practices currently

available at time of development. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-2.6 Water Service to Disadvantaged Communities The City shall explore opportunities to connect and provide water service to nearby and small

disadvantaged communities that lack reliable access to safe and clean public water. The City shall

seek financial assistance from the State Water Resources Control Board to fund these efforts.


PFS-2.7 North Kings Groundwater Sustainable Agency The City shall continue to be a member of the North Kings Groundwater Sustainable Agency (NKGSA)

and work closely with the NKGSA to develop the Sustainable Groundwater Management Plan for

Kerman and the North Kings region. (Source: New Policy)

8.3 Infrastructure Funding

Funding is inherent to the provision of public facilities and services. Providing the necessary public facilities and services to meet the needs of existing and future residents and businesses is vital for a safe and prosperous city. The City must be responsive to meeting existing service needs, while also ensuring that new facilities are strategically located to maximize use and efficiency.

To secure ample and predictable funding to maintain and upgrade infrastructure. (Source: New Goal)

PFS-3.1 Development Impact Fees During the development review process, the City shall require new development to pay its fair share

of community improvements proportional to its additional need through impact fees, assessment

districts, and other mechanisms. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-3.2 Maximize Funding Resources The City shall maximize the use of Federal, State, regional, local, and private funding resources,

including leveraging grants to secure additional funding, to address infrastructure and service needs.


PFS-3.3 Landscape and Lighting Districts The City shall consider landscape and lighting districts to maintain parkways and landscaped

medians. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy C, OS, P & R.G.5, modified)

PFS-3.4 State Loans and Grants The City of Kerman should encourage the State to provide “no interest” loans or grants for

municipalities to finance infrastructure improvements. (Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.I.7.f,

modified)



8.4 Sustainable and Resilient MunicipalityCommunity

The City is dedicated to investing in renewable energy to promote efficiency and economic vitality. Efficient energy

technology and practices minimize costs and environmental impacts. Secure energy infrastructure that is resilient to

changing climate conditions is essential for public safety and overall quality of life for future generations. The City is

also interested in other design and project components that will enhance the sustainability and resiliency of the

community. This section focuses on becoming a leader in energy efficiency through new projects and enhancements

to City operations.

To support and invest in efficient energy practices at City facilities and events. (Source: New Goal)

PFS-4.1 Efficient City Operation and Maintenance The City shall operate and maintain City facilities in an efficient manner that meets community needs

while conserving financial and natural resources. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-4.2 Energy Efficient Facility Retrofits and Expansions When retrofitting or expanding infrastructure and City facilities, the City shall prioritize energy

efficiency and water conservation as key design features. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-4.3 Recycling Receptacles and Biodegradable/Recycled-Materials Products At City facilities and events, the City shall increase the availability of recycling and composting

receptacles and use biodegradable or recycled‐material products instead of single‐use plastic

products. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-4.4 Solid Waste Reduction The City shall support and promote solid waste reduction, recycling, and composting efforts,

including food waste reduction, to meet solid waste disposal target rates for the City of Kerman of

3.7 pounds per resident per day and 12.1 pounds per employee per day consistent with Senate

Bill 1016, or as amended.to achieve an 80 percent diversion rate by 2025 and a 90 percent diversion

rate by 2040. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-4.5 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations The City shall support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, where feasible, at city

facilities, parking lots, and as part of new development. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-4.6 Permeable Pavement The City shall encourage the use of permeable paving and other passive drainage features, such as

bioswales, as part of new roadways and discretionary developments in order to enhance

groundwater recharge. (Source: New Policy)

PFS-4.7 Infrastructure Resiliency The City shall work with Fresno County and local utility providers to seek funding to develop

infrastructure resiliency. (Source: New Policy)




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The City shall review the water, sewer, and storm

drainage master plans every five years to ensure

that they can properly and efficiently serve future

development. (Source: Existing General Plan

Action LU.K.4.a, modified)

PFS‐1.1,

PFS‐1.3,

PFS‐1.4,

PFS‐1.7,

PFS‐2.1

Public Works

N/A

B Parallel Storm Drainage Line Along California

Avenue

The City shall construct a parallel storm drainage

line along California Avenue to prevent flooding.

(Source: Fresno County Multi‐Hazard Mitigation

Plan, F.5.3.2)

PFS‐1.4 Public Works

N/A

C Capital Improvement Program

The City shall prepare a 20‐year capital

improvement program for Kerman’s industrial

park. This document shall include details on the

location, size, and financing strategy for capital

improvements. (Source: Existing General Plan

Action LU.I.7.b, modified)

PFS‐2.1

Public Works

N/A

D Development Impact Fees

The City shall review water, sewer, and storm

drainage development impact fees on a bi‐annual

basis. This review should focus on the relationship

between the amount of fees being collected for

each system and the future capital needs of each

system based on development trends in Kerman,

including but not limited to mitigation for

polluting sources. (Source: Existing General Plan

Action LU.K.4.b, modified)

PFS‐2.5,

PFS‐3.1

Public Works

N/A

E State and Federal Grants for Infrastructure

Improvements

As reasonably available, Tthe City shall apply for

State and Federal grants to install infrastructure

improvements throughout the industrial park.

(Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.I.7.e,

modified)

PFS‐3.2,

PFS‐3.4

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F Alternative Water Landscaping Feasibility Study

The City should prepare a feasibility study to

consider the benefits of the Fresno Irrigation

District providing water to common landscapes

areas of new development. The study should also

consider the use of wells with non‐potable water.

(Source: Existing General Plan Action LU.K.4.a,

modified)


N/A

G Diversion Programs Increase

The City shall increase the number of diversion

programs available to residents in Kerman to

reduce the per capita rates for residents to at or

below the target disposal rate of 3.7 pounds per

resident per day. The City shall also continue to

monitor disposal rates to ensure compliance with

SB 1016. (Source: New Program)


N/A




Glossary


9 Acres, Net. The portion of a site that can be built upon.

The following generally are not included in the net

acreage of a site: public or private road rights‐of‐way,

easements, public open space, and flood ways.

Adaptation. The adjustment of natural or human

systems to a new or changing environment.

Adaptive Reuse. The practice of converting obsolete or

historic buildings from their original or most recent use

to a new use.

Adjudication. With regard to water rights, a legal

decision that allocates water to parties in proceedings

and is overseen by a court‐appointed watermaster.

Accessibility/Accessible. A term that describes the

usability of a facility, product or service by people with

disabilities.

Accessory Building or Use. An activity or structure on a

property that is incidental and subordinate to the main

use of a site. For example, a small business office within

a store might be considered an accessory use.

Acres, Gross. The entire acreage of a site, including but

not limited to easements, streets and rights‐of‐way.

Acres, Net. The portion of a site that can actually be

built upon. The following generally are not included in

the net acreage of a site: public or private road rights‐

of‐way, easements, public open space, and flood ways.

Adaptation. The adjustment of natural or human

systems to a new or changing environment.

Adaptive Reuse. The practice of converting obsolete or

historic buildings from their original or most recent use

to a new use.

Adjudication. With regard to water rights, a legal

decision that allocates water to parties in proceedings

and is overseen by a court‐appointed watermaster.

Adverse Impact. A negative consequence for the

physical, social, or economic environment resulting

from an action or project.

Aesthetics. Regarding viewpoints and landscapes,

refers to the visual resource and appeal due to

characteristics such as lighting, setting conformance,

architectural style, color, openness, or perspectival

intent.

Affordable Housing. Housing that is capable of being

purchased or rented by persons whose income level is

categorized as very low, low, or moderate within

standards set by the California Department of Housing

and Community Development or the U.S. Department

of Housing and Urban Development.

Air Basin. A geographic area that exhibits similar

meteorological and geographic conditions. California is

divided into 15 air basins.



Air Pollution. Air pollution refers to any chemical,

physical (particulate matter), or biological agent(s) that

modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

This can occur indoors or outdoors and often has

harmful health effects. Car emissions, chemicals from

factories, dust, pollen and mold spores may be

suspended as particles. Ozone is a major component of

air pollution in towns and cities, causing smog.

Ambient Noise Level. The composite of noise from all

sources; the normal or existing level of environmental

noise at a given location.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A civil rights law

that prohibits discrimination against individuals with

disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs,

schools, transportation, and all public and private

places that are open to the general public.

Alternative Energy. A form of energy that is not derived

from fossil fuels.

Annexation. The process by which land is incorporated

into an existing district or city, with a resulting change

in the boundaries of the annexing jurisdiction.

Attainment Area. An area which is shown by monitorial

data or which is calculated by air quality modeling to be

in compliance with any national ambient air quality

standard.

Attainment Status. Attainment status for a pollutant

indicates whether an Air District meets the standard set

by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (federal)

or California Environmental Protection Agency (state).

Continuous air monitoring ensures that these standards

are met and maintained.

A‐Weighted Sound Level. All sound levels referred to in

this policy document are in A‐weighted decibels. A‐

weighting de‐emphasizes the very low and very high

frequencies of sound in a manner like the human ear.

Most community noise standards utilize A‐weighting, as

it provides a high degree of correlation with human

annoyance and health effects.

Bikeway. Facilities that primarily provide for bicycle

travel. The following are categories of bikeways:

Class I Bikeway – A bike path or trail that is

fully separated from automobile traffic. These

are generally off‐street trails and are often

shared with pedestrians and sometimes

equestrian users.

Class II Bikeway – A dedicated bicycle space

on a facility shared with vehicles. Most

commonly, these are marked bicycle lanes or

paved shoulders and are wide enough that

vehicles can pass cyclists without leaving their

lanes.

Class III Bikeway – A roadway where bicycles

and vehicles share the same lane. These are

generally indicated with signage to “share the

road” or by painted sharrows. Bicycles are

granted full right of access to the street and

are considered part of general traffic.

Class IV Bikeway – A roadway designed with

bicycle friendly features, but without striping,

pavement markings, or informational markers

indicating preferential or exclusive use for

cyclists. These features include wide curb

lands and bicycle safe drain gates.

Biological. This term refers to the life or processes of

living organisms.

Biological Resources. A general term that includes

common vegetation and habitat types, sensitive plant

communities, special‐status plant and animal species,

ecosystems, and landscape‐scale habitat linkages and

wildlife corridors that ensure adequate habitat

connectivity.

Brownfield. An area with abandoned, idle, or under‐

used industrial and commercial facilities where

expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by

real or perceived environmental contamination.

Building Coverage. The amount of a lot that is covered

by buildings, which is expressed as a percentage.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). State law

that requires State and local agencies to evaluate and

disclose the significant environmental impacts of

9. Glossary


discretionary actions and to avoid or mitigate those

impacts, if feasible.

Streamlining. Making a regulatory permitting or

compliance process more efficient or less

cumbersome. When used in reference to CEQA,

streamlining means limiting or focusing the scope of

environmental review for projects that meet certain

criteria (e.g., streamlining for infill projects, per

CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.3; or tiering and

streamlining GHG emissions analysis for projects

consistent with a climate action plan or GHG

reduction plan, per CEQA Guidelines Section

15183.5).

Tiering. Using the analysis of general matters

contained in a broader environmental impact report

(EIR), such as a program EIR prepared for a general

plan or other programmatic action, with later EIRs

and negative declarations on narrower projects;

incorporating by reference the general discussions

from the broader EIR; and concentrating the later

EIR or negative declaration solely on the issues

specific to the later project (CEQA Guidelines

Section 15152).

Candidate Species. Any species that is under

consideration for a Federal designation by the Secretary

of the Interior but has not yet received that designation

and is designated "candidate" by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2). A naturally occurring gas that

exists in the earth’s atmosphere. CO2 is also a by‐

product of burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as

land‐use changes and other industrial processes. It is

the principal man‐made greenhouse gas (GHG) that

affects the earth's radiative balance. It is the reference

gas against which other GHGs are measured and,

therefore, has a global warming potential of one.

City Limits. A political boundary that defines land that

has been incorporated into a city.

Climate Change. Any significant change in the

measures of climate lasting for an extended period. In

other words, climate change includes major changes in

temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among

others, that occur over several decades or longer.

Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL). The

average equivalent sound level during a 24‐hour day,

obtained after addition of approximately five decibels

to sound levels in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00

p.m. and ten decibels to sound levels in the night

before 7:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m.

Complete Street. A roadway facility that safely provides

adequate access and capacity for all modes and users

within the shared right‐of‐way.

Conservation. The management of natural resources to

prevent waste, destruction, or neglect.

Critical Habitat. A term defined and used in the

Endangered Species Act. It is a specific geographic

area(s) that contains features essential for the

conservation of a threatened or endangered species

and that may require special management and

protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is

not currently occupied by the species but that will be

needed for its recovery.

Critical Overdraft. As defined in the Sustainable

Groundwater Management Act, a basin is subject to

critical overdraft when continuation of present water

management practices would probably result in

significant adverse overdraft‐related environmental,

social, or economic impacts.

Cultural Resources. A term most frequently identified

with prehistoric (archaeological) or historic items.

These can include prehistoric and historic districts,

sites, structures, artifacts and other evidence of human

use considered to be of importance to a culture,

subculture, or community for traditional, religious,

scientific or other reasons

Day/Night Average Sound Level (Ldn). The average

equivalent sound level during a 24‐hour day, obtained

after addition of ten decibels to sound levels in the

night after 10:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m.



Decibel (dB). A physical unit commonly used to

describe noise levels. It is a unit for describing the

amplitude of sound, as heard by the human ear.

Density. The amount of development per acre

permitted on a parcel based on the General Plan and

zoning ordinance.

Development. The subdivision of land; construction or

alteration of structures, roads, utilities, and other

facilities; installation of septic systems; grading

activities; depositing of refuse; disposal of any material;

dredging or mineral extraction, debris or fill materials;

and the clearing of natural vegetation except for

agricultural activities. This does not include routine

repair and maintenance activities.

Development Impact Fee. A fee that a local

government imposes on private developers, usually on

a per dwelling unit or per square foot basis, to pay for

infrastructure improvements necessitated as a result of

the development.

Disadvantaged Community. Per Senate Bill 1000, an

area identified by the California Environmental

Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the

Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low‐income

area that is disproportionately affected by

environmental pollution and other hazards that can

lead to negative health effects, exposure, or

environmental degradation.

Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community (DUC). Per

Senate Bill 244, a fringe, island, or legacy community in

which the median household income is 80 percent or

less than the statewide median household income.

Dwelling Unit. A room or group of rooms (including

sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation facilities, but

not more than one kitchen), which constitutes an

independent housekeeping unit, occupied or intended

for occupancy by one household on a long‐term basis.

Easement. The right to use property owned by another

person or entity for specific purposes or to gain access

to another property.

Effluent. A discharge of pollutants, with or without

treatment, into the environment.

Emissions. The release of a substance into the

atmosphere, including particulate matter and gasses.

Encroachment. Any obstruction or protrusion into a

right of way or adjacent property, whether on the land

or above it.

Endangered Species. A species listed as Endangered by

the State or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Generally,

any native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal,

fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that is in serious

danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a

significant portion, of its range other than a species of

the Class Insecta determined by the Secretary of the

Interior or Commerce to constitute a pest whose

protection under the provisions of this Chapter 35 of

Title 16 of the U.S. Code would present an

overwhelming and overriding risk to man.

Environmental Justice. According to California Code

section 65040.12, environmental justice is the fair

treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes

with respect to the development, adoption,

implementation, and enforcement of environmental

laws, regulations, and policies.

Equity. The fair, just, and equitable management of all

institutions serving the public directly or by contract;

the fair, just and equitable distribution of public

services and implementation of public policy; and the

commitment to promote fairness, justice, and equity in

the formation of public policy. A focus on equity

expands opportunities for betterment that are available

to those communities most in need, creating more

choices for those who have few.

Equivalent Sound Level (Leq). The sound level

containing the same total energy as a time varying

signal over a given sample period. Leq is typically

computed over 1, 8 and 24‐hour sample periods.

9. Glossary


Essential Facilities. Structures or buildings that must be

safe and usable for emergency purposes after a natural

or human‐induced disaster to preserve the health and

safety of the general public. These facilities include:

Hospitals and other medical facilities having

surgery or emergency treatment areas.

Fire, police, and sheriff stations.

Tanks or other structures containing, housing

or supporting water or other fire‐suppression

materials or equipment required for protection

of essential or hazardous materials facilities or

special occupancy structures.

Emergency vehicle shelters and garages.

Structures and equipment in emergency‐

preparedness centers.

Stand‐by power generating equipment for

essential facilities.

Structures and equipment in government

communication centers and other facilities

required for emergency response.

Farmland of Local Importance. A category of the

Important Farmlands Inventory that consists of local

soils that are listed as Prime or Statewide Importance.

This farmland is not irrigated and includes such dry land

crops as beans or grain.

Farmland of Statewide Importance. A category of the

Important Farmlands Inventory that generally includes

lands with a good combination of physical and chemical

features to produce agricultural crops. The criterion is

basically like that of prime farmland but there is no

minimum soil depth limitation and no permeability

restriction. Land must have been used for irrigated

agricultural production at some time during the four

years prior to the mapping date.

Farmworker Housing. Farmworker units are occupied

by a farmworker, and his or her family, employed full

time and working on the same lot on which the

dwelling unit is located or on other land that is under

the same ownership or lease as the subject lot.

Fiscal Year. The period designated for the beginning

and ending of financial transactions, which begins on

July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year.

Floor Area‐Ratio (FAR). The ratio of allowable building

space per land area on a development site.

Food Desert. A geographic area that has limited access

to affordable, healthy food options needed to maintain

a healthy diet. The USDA defines a food desert, or “low‐

access community,” as communities of 500 people

where at least 33 percent of the community lives more

than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery

store. For rural communities, the distance is 10 miles or

more.

Food Insecurity. A condition that refers to difficulty

accessing healthy food. The USDA describes low food

security as reports of reduced quality, variety, or

desirability of the food available, with no or some

indication of reduced food intake; very low food

security refers to multiple indications of disrupted

eating patterns and reduced food intake.

Fossil Fuels. Carbon‐rich deposits in the earth, such as

petroleum (oil), coal, or natural gas, derived from the

remains of ancient plants and animals and used for

fuel.

Frontage. The frontage, or front, of a lot is usually

defined as the side nearest the street.

Geographic Information System (GIS). A computerized

tool for gathering, managing, and analyzing geo‐spatial

data. GIS analyzes spatial location and organizes layers

of information into visualizations using maps and 3D

scenes.

Goal. A statement that describes in general terms a

desired future condition or “end” state. Goals describe

ideal future conditions for a topic and tend to be very

general and broad.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG). Any gas that absorbs infrared

radiation in the atmosphere. The principal greenhouse

gases associated with global warming and climate

change that are commonly included in GHG emissions

inventories include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane

(CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),

perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).



Gross Acre. Amount of land, including but not limited

to easements, streets and rights‐of‐way, designated for

a particular use.

Groundwater. Water under the earth’s surface, often

confined to aquifers capable of supplying wells and

springs.

Groundwater Basin. An aquifer or system of aquifers

that has reasonably well‐ defined boundaries and more

or less definite areas of recharge and discharge. Refers

to subsurface deposits and geologic formations that

can yield usable quantities of water to a well or spring.

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act defines

“basin” as a groundwater basin or subbasin identified

and defined in Department of Water Resources Bulletin

118 or as modified pursuant to Section 10722 of the

Act.

Hazardous Material. Any material that because of its

quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical

characteristics, poses a significant present or potential

hazard to human health and safety or to the

environment if released into the workplace or the

environment. Hazardous materials include hazardous

substances, hazardous waste, and any material which a

handler or the administration agency has a reasonable

basis for believing that it would be injurious to the

health and safety of persons or harmful to the

environment if released into the workplace or the

environment (California Health and Safety Code Section

25501). Such material may be classified as poisons,

corrosive chemicals, flammable material, explosives

and oxidizers and reactive materials or substances

when tested in accordance with the criteria in

California Code of Regulations, Title 22.

Hazard Mitigation. A sustained action taken to reduce

or eliminate long‐term risk to people and their property

from hazards and their effects.

Hazardous Waste. Any waste or combination of wastes,

which because of its quantity, concentration, physical

or chemical, or infectious characteristics, (a) may either

cause or significantly contribute to serious illness or

death or an increase in serious irreversible or

incapacitating reversible, illness (Hazardous Waste

Control Act), or (b) may pose a substantial present or

potential threat to human health or the environment

when improperly managed. These substances may be

poisons, corrosive chemicals, flammable materials,

explosives and oxidizers and reactive materials or

substances when tested in accordance with the criteria

in California Code of Regulations, Title 22.

Health. A complete state of physical, mental, and social

well‐being, and not merely the absence of disease.

Health Equity. A state where every person, regardless

of who they are‐ the color of their skin, their level of

education, their gender or sexual identity, whether or

not they have a disability, the job that they have, or the

neighborhood that they live in‐ has an equal

opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Health Disparities. Differences in health and mental

health status among distinct segments of the

population, including differences that occur by gender,

age, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender

identity, education or income, disability or functional

impairment, or geographic location, or the combination

of any of these factors.

Historic District. A group of buildings, properties, or

sites recognized as historically or architecturally

significant. These may be designated at the federal

level, managed by the National Park Service, at the

state or local levels. Federally designated historic

districts are listed on the National Register of Historic

Places. In some counties or jurisdictions, historic

districts receive legal protection from certain types of

development considered to be inappropriate.

9. Glossary


Historical Resources. The material and nonmaterial

expressions of human adaptations that characterized

the post‐contact or historic period. These resources

include historic event or activity sites, historic

archaeological sites, standing architecture and other

significant properties and documents and other sources

of historical information, objects of material culture,

and secondarily, the more nonmaterial cultural

qualities such as folklore, social organization, and value

systems which are associated with these properties.

Incompatible. The characteristic of different uses or

activities that are not permitted to be located near

each other because it is likely to create conflict. Some

elements affecting compatibility include intensity of

occupancy as measured by dwelling units per acre;

pedestrian or vehicular traffic generated; volume of

goods handled; and environmental effects including

noise, vibration, glare, air pollution, or radiation.

Industry. A group of enterprises that produce similar

products or provide similar services.

Infill Development. Development of vacant or

underutilized land (usually individual lots or leftover

properties) within areas that are already largely

developed.

Intensity. The actual or maximum permitted floor area

ratio (FAR) on a site or that is allowed on a site within a

designation or zone.

Level of Service (LOS). A qualitative measure used to

rate a roadway segment’s traffic flow characteristics,

and acts as an indicator of roadway performance,

relative to locally established standards for quality of

service. LOS can assist in determining when roadway

capacity improvements are needed.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). A

commission within each county that reviews and

evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts,

incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or

cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts

with cities.

Lot Coverage. The proportion of the gross building

square footprint (area covered by the first floor of the

building) on a lot to the net square footage of the lot.

Low Impact Development (LID). Development that

incorporates a combination of drainage design features

and pollution reduction measures to reduce

development impacts on hydrology (peak runoff flow

rates) and water quality.

Low‐Income Area. Per Senate Bill 1000, an area with

household incomes at or below 80 percent of the

statewide median income or with household incomes

at or below the threshold designated as low income by

the Department of Housing and Community

Development’s list of state income limits adopted

pursuant to Section 50093.

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). A

Federally‐designated agency that is responsible for

regional transportation planning in each metropolitan

area. The Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG) is the

MPO for the Fresno region.

Net Acre. The amount of land designated for a

particular use, excluding easements, streets, and rights‐

of‐way.

Noise‐Sensitive Land Use. Land uses where noise

exposure could result in health‐related risks to

individuals, as well as places where quiet is an essential

element of their intended purpose. These uses include:

residences; schools; nursing homes; historic sites;

cemeteries; parks, recreation, and open space areas;

hospitals and care facilities; sensitive wildlife habitats,

including the habitat of rare, threatened, or

endangered species; hotels and other short‐term

lodging (e.g., bed and breakfasts, motels); places of

worship; and libraries.

Nonattainment Area. An area or air basin that does not

meet California or National ambient air quality

standards for a given pollutant.

Nonpoint Source Pollutants. Pollutants that wash off,

run off, or seep from broad areas of land or water.

Open Space. A parcel or area of land that is essentially

undeveloped for human use and devoted to an open

space use, such as the preservation of natural

resources, managed production of resources, outdoor

recreation, and preservation of public health and

safety.



Organic. A labeling term that indicates that the food or

other agricultural product has been approved through

methods approved by the U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA). Organic operations must

demonstrate that they are protecting natural resources,

conserving biodiversity, and using only approved

substances.

Outdoor Activity Areas. Patios, decks, balconies,

outdoor eating areas, swimming pool areas, yards of

dwellings and other areas which have been designated

for outdoor activities and recreation.

Paleontological Resources. The fossilized remains of

ancient plants and animals.

Policy. A clear and unambiguous statement of a public

body that forms the basis for making decisions.

Program. An action, activity, or strategy to be taken by

the City to carry out an adopted policy to achieve a

specific goal or objective.

Public Facilities. Includes public improvements, public

services, and community amenities, as defined in

subdivision (d) ofGovernment Code § Section 66000.

Public Transportation. Travel by bus, rail, or other

vehicle, either publicly‐ or privately‐owned, which

provides general or specialized service on a regular or

continuing basis.

Rare. A plant species that, although not presently

threatened with extinction, is present in such small

numbers throughout all or a significant portion of its

range that it may become endangered if its

environment worsens.

Renewable Energy. A form of energy derived from a

natural resource that is not depleted by use and is

available as natural flows of energy and materials in the

environment, e.g. solar, wind, tide, waves, plant matter,

and by‐products of human activities.

Renewable Resources. Self‐perpetuating types of

resources; living or biotic resources and resources that

are finite in quantity but can be reused, such as air and

water. Other renewable natural resources include solar,

wind, biomass, and water resources.

Reservoir. A place where water is collected and kept in

quantity for future use.

Resilience. The ability of a social or ecological system to

absorb disturbances while retaining the same basic

structure and ways of functioning, the capacity for self‐

organization, and the capacity to adapt to stress and

change.

Safe Yield. Commonly defined as the maximum

quantity of water that can be continuously withdrawn

from a reservoir or groundwater basin without causing

adverse effects.

Sensitive Biological Resources. Sensitive biological

resources include those species, natural communities,

and habitats that receive special protection through

federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered

Species Act, Clean Water Act, California Fish and Game

Code, Porter‐Cologne Water Quality Control Act, or

local plans, policies, and regulations; or that are

otherwise considered sensitive by federal, state, or

local resource conservation agencies.

Shall. That which is obligatory or necessary.

Should. Signifies a directive to be honored if possible.

Soil Erosion. Soil erosion refers to the removal of soil by

water or wind. Factors that influence erosion potential

include the amount of rainfall and wind, the length and

steepness of the slope, and the amount and type of

vegetative cover.

Special District. Any agency of the state for the local

performance of governmental or proprietary functions

within limited boundaries; a separate local government

that delivers a limited number of public services to a

geographically limited area. Special districts are a form

of government, have governing boards, provide

services and facilities, and have defined boundaries.

9. Glossary


Special Occupancy Structure. A category of structures

as defined in the California Building Code. They are:

Covered structures whose primary occupancy

is public assembly with a capacity of more than

300 persons.

Buildings for schools through secondary or

day‐care center with a capacity of more than

250 students.

Buildings for colleges or adult education

schools with a capacity for more than 500

students.

Medical facilities with 50 or more resident

incapacitated patients; but not including

hospitals and other medical facilities having

surgery and emergency treatment areas, which

are Essential Facilities.

Structures and equipment in power generating

stations and other public utility facilities that

are not identified as Essential Facilities and

required for continued operation.

Jails and detention facilities.

All structures with an occupancy of more than

5,000 persons.

State Highway: A numbered state route.

Special Status Species. Rare, threatened, or

endangered plant or animal species protected by

federal, State, or other agencies in accordance with any

of the following:

Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA);

California Endangered Species Act (CESA);

State Species of Concern list or Special Animals

list (case‐by‐case basis);

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

(CDFW) Fully Protected Species List [Sections

3511 (birds), 4700 (mammals), 5050 (reptiles

and amphibians), and 5515 (fish) of the

California Fish and Game Code];

California Native Plant Protection Act (plants

listed as rare, threatened or endangered by the

California Native Plant Society (CNPS); or

Section 15380 of the California Environmental

Quality Act guidelines.

Sphere of Influence (SOI). The probable physical

boundaries and service area of a local agency, as

determined by LAFCO.

Stationary Noise Source. Any fixed or mobile source

not preempted from local control by existing federal or

state regulations. Examples of such sources include

agricultural, industrial and commercial facilities and

vehicle movements on private property.

Sustainability. The physical development and operating

practices that meet the needs of present users without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet

their own needs, particularly regarding use and waste

of natural resources. Sustainability presumes that

resources are finite, and therefore should be used

conservatively and wisely with a view to the long‐term

priorities and consequences.

Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). SB 375

requires regional metropolitan planning organizations

in California to develop Sustainable Communities

Strategies (SCS), or long‐range plans, which align

transportation, housing, and land use decisions toward

achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction

targets set by the California Air Resources Board.



Thoroughfare. A general term to describe a road that is

either a primary arterial, a secondary arterial, or a

collector.

Threatened Species. A species listed as Threatened by

the State or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Generally,

any species that is likely to become an endangered

species within the foreseeable future throughout all or

a significant portion of its range.

Transportation Noise Source. Traffic on public

roadways, railroad line operations and aircraft in flight.

Control of noise from these sources is preempted by

existing federal or state regulations. However, the

effects of noise from transportation sources may be

controlled by regulating the location and design of

adjacent land uses.

Unincorporated Areas. Areas of the county outside of

the city limits over which Fresno County has direct land

use jurisdiction.

Unique Farmlands. A category of the Important

Farmlands Inventory that consists of lesser quality soils

used to produce the State’s leading agricultural crops.

This land is usually irrigated but may include non‐

irrigated orchards or vineyards as found in come

climatic zones in California. Land must have been

cropped at some time during the four years prior to the

mapping date.

Vacant Land. Land that is not actively used for any

purpose, including land that is not improved with

buildings or site facilities and is sizeable in area to

accommodate development.

Vanpool. A vehicle operating as a ridesharing

arrangement, providing transportation to a group of

individuals traveling directly between their homes and

a regular destination within the same geographic area.

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). A measure of the

amount of travel for all vehicles in a geographic region

over a given period, typically a one‐year period.

Wetlands. Areas that are inundated or saturated by

surface or ground water at a frequency and duration

sufficient to support, and that under normal

circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation

typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.

Wetlands are lands which may be covered periodically

or permanently with shallow water and include

saltwater marshes, swamps, mudflats, vernal pools,

and fens. Wetlands are protected by both federal and

state law (e.g., Clean Water Act, Coastal Act).

Zoning. The division of the city by legislative

regulations into areas, or zones, which specify

allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for

buildings within these areas; a program that

implements policies of the General Plan.

Environmental Justice

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page A‐1

AAccording to California Code section 65040.12, “environmental justice” is the fair treatment of people of all races,

cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of

environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Throughout California, communities with lower incomes, lower levels

of education, and higher proportions of minority residents often bear a disproportionate burden of environmental

hazards. These environmental inequities are largely a result of land use and development decisions that have led to

higher levels of exposure to air and water pollution in lower‐income communities. Environmental justice laws seek to

eliminate these inequities by ensuring that people of all socioeconomic backgrounds are treated equitably in the

development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The

focus of such laws is protecting socioeconomically disadvantaged communities that are already disproportionally

burdened by remedying their burdens.

A.1 Senate Bill 1000

In response to increasing concerns about vulnerable communities in California experiencing instances of

environmental injustice, the State Legislature passed SB 1000. SB 1000 requires that general plans adopted after

January 2018 include either a stand‐alone environmental justice element or goals, policies, and objectives addressing

environmental justice integrated in other elements. The law requires general plans to do the following:

Identify disadvantaged communities within the area covered by the general plan of a city, county, or city

and county.

Identify the policies to reduce health risks in disadvantaged communities, including reduction of

pollution exposure; air quality improvement; and the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and

sanitary homes, and physical activity.

Identify objectives and policies to promote civil engagement in the public decision‐making process.

Adoption of environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives, either in an environmental justice element or in

other elements of the general plan. This requirement is triggered by the concurrent adoption or revision of two or

more elements of the general plan on or after January 1, 2018. These objectives and policies should prioritize

improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.


Page A‐2 Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020

CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Overview

The primary tool used to identify disadvantaged communities as defined by SB 1000 is the CalEPA CalEnviroScreen 3.0

mapping tool, which was developed and continues to be maintained by California’s Office of Environmental Health

Hazard Assessment. CalEnviroScreen is a screening methodology that helps identify communities that are

disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution and with population characteristics that make them

more sensitive to pollution (see details on these factors on the following pages).

Pollution Burden

Exposures: ozone, fine particulate

matter (PM, particulates smaller than

2.5 microns – PM2.5), diesel PM,

pesticide use, traffic density, drinking

water contaminants, toxic releases from

facilities

Environmental Effects: solid waste sites

and facilities, cleanup sites, groundwater

threats, impaired water bodies,

hazardous waste generators and

facilities

Population Characteristics

Sensitive Populations: asthma,

cardiovascular disease, low birth‐weight

infants

Socioeconomic Factors: poverty,

educational attainment, unemployment,

linguistic isolation, housing burdened

low income households

A weighted scoring system uses measurements

of these factors to generate the average

pollution burden for each census tract. The final

score is generated by multiplying the pollution

burden score (between 1 and 10) and the

population characteristics score (between 1 and

10) together (for a score out of 100).

The CalEnviroScreen score is not a measure of health risk but is only intended to show relative pollution burden vulnerability. A higher score indicates a greater environmental burden.

Appendix A


CalEnviroScreen Indicators

Reflective of the definition of cumulative impacts, the CalEnviroScreen version 3.0 model uses 20 indicators for

measuring health vulnerability, which fall into two categories: pollution burden and population characteristics. These

two categories are further divided into four subcategories: exposures, environmental effects, sensitive populations,

and socioeconomic factors. Table A‐1 defines the groupings of indicators in the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 model.

Table A-1 CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Model Indicators

Pollution Burden

Exposures Contact with pollution

Ozone

The mean of summer months (May‐October) of the daily maximum 8‐hour ozone concentration (ppm), averaged

over three years (2012 to 2014)

Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5

The annual mean concentration of PM2.5 (average of quarterly means, µg/m3), over three years (2012 to 2014)

Diesel Particulate Matter (PM)

The spatial distribution of gridded diesel PM emissions from on‐road and non‐road sources for a 2012 summer day

in July (kg/day)

Pesticide Use

The total pounds of selected active pesticide ingredients used in production‐agriculture per square mile, averaged

over three years (2012 to 2014)

Toxic Releases from Facilities

The toxicity‐weighted concentrations of modeled chemical releases to air from facility emissions and off‐site

incineration, averaged over three years (2011 to 2013)

Traffic Density

The sum of traffic volumes adjusted by road segment length (vehicle‐kilometers per hour) divided by total road

length (kilometers) within 150 meters of the census tract boundary (2013)

Drinking Water Contaminants

The sum of the drink water contaminants and violation percentiles

Environmental Effects

Adverse environmental conditions caused by pollution

Cleanup Sites

The sum of weighted cleanup sites, including Superfund sites on the National Priorities List (NPL), within each census

tract (December 2016)

Groundwater Threats

The sum of weighted scores for sites within each census tract (December 2016)

Hazardous Waste Generators and Facilities

The sum of weighted permitted hazardous waste facilities and hazardous waste generators within each census

tract. (Permitted hazardous waste facilities was downloaded December 2016., Hazardous waste data is from 2012‐

2014)

Impaired Water Bodies

The sum of pollutants across all water bodies designated as impaired within the area (2012)

Solid Waste Sites and Facilities

The sum of solid waste facilities, including illegal sites, within each census tract



Population Characteristics

Sensitive Populations

Populations with biological traits that may magnify the effects of pollution exposures

Asthma

The rate of asthma attacks, measured by the age‐adjusted rate of emergency department visits for asthma per

10,000 people, averaged over three years (2011 to 2013)

Low Birth Weight Infants

The percentage of babies born with low birth weights, averaged over seven years (2006 to 2012)

Cardiovascular Disease

The rate of heart attacks, measured by the number of emergency department visits for acute myocardial infarction

(or heart attack) per 10,000 people, averaged over three years (2011 to 2013)

Socioeconomic Factors

Community characteristics that result in increased vulnerability to pollution

Educational Attainment

The percentage of the population over age 25 with less than a high school education (ACS five‐year estimates,

2011‐2015)

Linguistic Isolation

The percentage of households in the census tract where all members 14 years of age or above have at least some

difficulty speaking English (ACS five‐year estimates, 2011‐2015)

Poverty

The percentage of the population living below two times the Federal poverty level (ACS five‐year estimates, 2011‐

2015)

Unemployment

The percentage of people over the age of 16 in the census tract who are unemployed and eligible for the workforce

(ACS five‐year estimates, 2011‐2015)

Housing Burdened Low‐Income Households

The percentage of households in a census tract that are both low income (making less than 80 percent of the HUD

Area Median Family Income) and severely burdened by housing costs (paying more than 50 percent of their income

to housing costs) (ACS five‐year estimates, 2009‐2013)

Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 (June 2018 Update), 2019.

Appendix A


Kerman Planning Area Overview

Figure A‐1 shows disadvantaged communities in the Kerman Planning Area, as identified by CalEnviroScreen 3.0. As

shown, there are two census tracts that cover the entire Planning Area, which are separated by Madera Avenue. The

eastern census tract has a higher combined score (80 – 85 percentile) in comparison to the western census tract

(Tract 6019004001) in the 75 – 80 percentile. CalEnviroScreen defines the threshold for defining a disadvantaged

community as census tracts with a score at or above the 75 percentile (meaning this census tract is higher than

75 percent of census tracts in California). Table A‐2 provides a breakdown of the indicators provided by the

CalEnviroScreen model, with the combined pollution burden and population characteristics scores in bold type.

Table A-2 CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Results, Kerman Planning Area

Indicators Census Tract 6019004002 (Eastern Planning Area)

Census Tract 6019004001 (Western Planning Area)

Area Approx. 5,120 acres Approx. 5,120 acres

Population in Census Tract 7,129 7,248

Children Under Age 10 (State Average = 13%) 19% 20%

Adults Over Age 65 (State Average = 12%) 8% 7%

Hispanic or Latino 75% 66%

White 13% 26%

Asian American 9% 6%

Other 3% 2%

CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Percentile (Combined) 80 – 85% 75 – 80%

Pollution Burden (Combined) 85% 73%

Ozone 91% 91%

PM 2.5 95% 95%

Diesel PM 28% 26%

Pesticide Use 89% 88%

Toxic Releases from Facilities 64% 63%

Traffic Density 6% 10%

Drinking Water Contaminants 53% 36%

Cleanup Sites 39% 6%

Groundwater Threats 50% 41%

Hazardous Waste Generators and Facilities 77% 26%

Impaired Water Bodies 0% 0%

Solid Waste Sites and Facilities 65% 92%

Population Characteristics (Combined) 72% 68%

Asthma 63% 64%

Low Birth Weight Infants 28% 24%

Cardiovascular Disease 89% 91%

Educational Attainment 96% 78%

Linguistic Isolation 88% 52%

Poverty 80% 75%

Unemployment 39% 65%

Housing Burdened Low‐Income Households 40% 50% Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 (June 2018 Update), March 2020.

Individual percentiles at or above 75% are highlighted.



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31 - 4

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51 - 6

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- 70%

71 - 8

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- 90%

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ate: Se

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ts (Jun

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SOUTH LASSEN

Appendix A


CalEnviroScreen Factors at or Above the 75 Percentile Table A‐3 details the summary results provided by CalEnviroScreen for each factor identified at or over the

75 percentile for the Kerman Planning Area.

Table A-3 CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Results, Kerman Planning Area



CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Percentile (Combined) 80 – 85% 75 – 80%

Pollution Burden (Combined) 85% 73%

Ozone

The indicator is the mean of summer months

(May ‐ October) of the daily maximum 8‐hour

ozone concentration (ppm). This measurement

is used to represent short‐term ozone health

impacts. The data is from 2012 to 2014.

91%

This census tract has a

summed concentration of

0.062 parts per million (ppm).

Ozone concentrations in

California range between

0.026 ‐ 0.068 ppm.

91%


summed concentration of

0.062 parts per million (ppm).

Ozone concentrations in

California range between

0.026 ‐ 0.068 ppm.

PM 2.5

The indicator represents the average

concentration of fine particulate matter, or

PM2.5, in the air. The data is from 2012 to

2014.

95%


concentration of 14.570

micrograms per meter cubed

(14.570 µg/m3

PM2.5 concentrations in

California range between 2 ‐

20 µg/m3.

95%


concentration of 14.570

micrograms per meter cubed

(14.570 µg/m3).

PM2.5 concentrations in

California range between 2 ‐

20 µg/m3.

Pesticide Use

This indicator represents the reported use of 70

hazardous and volatile pesticides in 2012‐2014.

Only pesticides used on agricultural

commodities are included in the indicator. The

data is averaged over the census tract area, and

some application may be adjacent to (instead

of within) the census tract.

89%

This census tract has an

estimated 1,021.627 pounds of

active ingredients used per

square mile.

The selected pesticides with

highest use in this tract are:

1. 1,3‐Dichloropropene

2. Trifluralin

3. Chlorpyrifos

4. Ziram

5. Hydrogen Cyanamide

88%

This census tract has an

estimated 872.677 pounds of

active ingredients used per

square mile.

The selected pesticides with

highest use in this tract are:

1. 1,3‐Dichloropropene

2. Chlorpyrifos

3. Myclobutanil

4. Trifluralin

5. Cyprodinil





Hazardous Waste Generators and Facilities

This indicator is calculated by considering the

number of permitted Treatment, Storage and

Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) or generators of

hazardous waste, the weight of each generator

or site, and the distance to the census tract.

TSDFs data was downloaded and analyzed in

December 2016. Hazardous waste generator

data is from 2012 to 2014.

77%

This tract either contains or is

nearby 1 hazardous waste

generators and TSDFs.

n/a

Solid Waste Sites and Facilities

This indicator is calculated by considering the

number of solid waste facilities including illegal

sites, the weight of each, and the distance to

the census tract.

The data was downloaded and analyzed in

December 2016.

n/a 92%

This tract either contains or is

nearby 5 solid waste facilities.

Four of these facilities are in

the city’s industrial area (south

of railroad), and one tire waste

facility located near Belmont

Ave. and N. Madera Ave.,

which is ½ mile north of the

planned development area. All

facilities are separated from

residential areas in Kerman.

Population Characteristics (Combined) 72% 68%

Cardiovascular Disease

This indicator represents the rate of heart

attacks. It measures the number of emergency

department visits for acute myocardial

infarction (or heart attack) per 10,000 people

over the years 2011 to 2013.

89%

12.06 people per 10,000 in this

census tract visited the

emergency department for a

heart attack.

91%

12.47 people per 10,000 in this

census tract visited the

emergency department for a

heart attack.

Educational Attainment

The low education indicator measures the

percentage of adults over 25 in the census tract

with less than a high school education. The data

is from 2011 to 2015.

96%

54 percent of adults in this

census tract have less than a

high school education.

78%

31 percent of adults in this

census tract have less than a

high school education.

Appendix A




Linguistic Isolation

The linguistic isolation indicator measures the

percentage of households in the census tract

where no one over 14 speaks English well. The

data is from 2011 to 2015.

88%

23 percent of households in

this census tract do not speak

English well. Approximately

2,335 people in this census

tract do not speak English well.

The top three languages

spoken besides English are:

1. Spanish (~2019 people)

2. Other Indic (~211 people)

3. Tagalog (~41 people)

n/a

Poverty

The poverty indicator measures the percentage

of people in the census tract living below twice

the federal poverty level. Twice the poverty

level is used due to the high cost of living in

California. The data is from 2011 to 2015.

80%

56 percent of people in this

census tract are living below

twice the federal poverty level.

75%

52 percent of people in this

census tract are living below

twice the federal poverty level.

Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 (June 2018 Update), March 2020.

Individual percentiles at or above 75% are highlighted.

A.2 Senate Bill 244 and Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities

The State Legislature passed SB 244 (Wolk) in 2011 and later amended with clarifying language in 2012 (SB 1090).

According to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research's (OPR) Technical Advisory for SB 244: Land Use, General

Plans, and Disadvantaged Communities, the purpose of this legislation is to identify disadvantaged communities

underserved by public water, sewer and other services and “…to begin to address the complex legal, financial, and

political barriers that contribute to regional inequity and infrastructure deficits within disadvantaged unincorporated

communities.”

SB 244 defines a disadvantaged unincorporated community as a place that meets the following criteria:

Contains 10 or more dwelling units in close proximity to one another;

Is either within a city Sphere of Influence (SOI), is an island within a city boundary, or is geographically isolated

and has existed for more than 50 years; and

Has a median household income that is 80 percent or less than the statewide median household income.

Fresno County used the OPR Technical Advisory memo and methodological guidance prepared by PolicyLink in

collaboration with California Rural Legal Assistance to identify disadvantaged unincorporated communities. The

County measured low‐income status as 80 percent or less than the statewide median household income of $61,489

(using the 2010‐2014 American Community Survey), which is $48,706 or less.



While there are no unincorporated

within the city of Kerman (an

unincorporated island) or within the

Planning Area (fringe area

communities), the Draft Fresno County

2040 General Plan identifies a

disadvantaged unincorporated

community (DUC) directly to the south

of the city’s SOI. The Madera Avenue

Community is relevant to the City of

Kerman’s General Plan because it is

relatively geographically isolated and

the City of Kerman provides the area

with water service.

As noted in the Draft Fresno County

2040 General Plan, Madera Avenue

Community is located between North

Avenue and Jensen Avenue The

community includes 27 parcels totaling approximately 22 acres. There is no community wastewater system in place

and septic tanks are used by residents of this community for wastewater disposal. There is no storm drainage system

for the community and roadside ditches are used to manage stormwater for the area. Fire protection services are

provided to this area by the North Central Fire Protection District. The community has access to fire hydrants, and

there are no fire service deficiencies in this community.

This area is adjacent, but outside of the Kerman Planning Area and SOI. While development in adjacent areas in the

Kerman Planning Area are unlikely within the planning horizon, the City has a relationship to this community through

the on‐going provision of water services. Relative to planning within the Madera Avenue Community and adjacent

lands south of W. Jensen Avenue, these fall under the jurisdiction of Fresno County.

Potential Infrastructure Funding Sources

There are Federal and State programs that could help address existing deficiencies identified in the communities

discussed above. Table A‐4 provides a brief summary of programs that could provide funding to address

infrastructure deficiencies in Fresno County’s DUCs.

Table A-4 Potential Infrastructure Funding Sources

Program Name Agency Program Description

Community

Development

Block Grants

(CDBG)

U.S. Dept. of

Housing and

Urban

Development

(HUD)

These grants can fund the construction water and sewer facilities, as well

as other Public Works projects.

Community

Facilities Direct

Loan and Grant

Program

U.S. Dept. of

Agriculture Rural

Development

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential

community facilities in rural areas.

Appendix A


Program Name Agency Program Description

Clean Water State

Revolving Fund

(CWSRF)

State Water

Resources Control

Board

CWSRF provides financial assistance to states to fund a range of

infrastructure projects that address their highest priority water quality

needs. Using a combination of Federal and State funds, CWSRF provides

loans to eligible recipients to construct municipal wastewater facilities

and decentralized wastewater treatment systems, among other projects.

Emergency

Community

Water Assistance

Grants

U.S. Dept. of

Agriculture Rural

Development

This program helps eligible communities prepare for, or recover from, an

emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water

for households and businesses.

Household and

Small Water

System Drought

Assistance

Program

State Water

Resources Control

Board

The State Water Resources Control Board authorized $5 million to assist

individual households and small water systems to address drought‐

related drinking water emergencies. Funding is available as low interest

loans and/or grant based on recipient’s income and affordability.

Integrated

Regional Water

Management

California

Department of

Water Resources

The IRWM Grant Programs include funding for planning, community

involvement, implementation, and companion grant programs that

support sustainable groundwater planning and water‐energy programs

and projects.

Proposition 84 State Water

Resources Control

Board

The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River

and Coastal Protection Bond Act (Prop 84) provides funding for capital

costs on projects addressing excessive stormwater runoff, including

projects related to the collection of stormwater, and treatment of water

to reduce contamination.

Safe Drinking

Water State

Revolving Fund

California

Department of

Public Health

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWRSF) program assists public

water systems in financing the cost of drinking water infrastructure

projects needed to achieve or maintain compliance with Safe Drinking

Water Act (SDWA) requirements.

State Water

Quality Control

Fund: Cleanup

and Abatement

Account

State Water

Resources Control

Board

The Cleanup and Abatement Account (CAA) was created to provide public

agencies with grants for the cleanup or abatement of pollution when

there are no viable responsible parties available to undertake the work.

Eligible entities include public agencies, as well as certain not‐for‐profit

organizations and tribal governments that serve a disadvantaged

community and that have the authority to clean up or abate the effects

of a waste.

Source: Fresno County, 2018; Mintier Harnish, 2019.



A.3 Regulatory Setting, Terms, and Bibliography

State Regulations

Senate Bill 244 Disadvantaged Communities (Government Code Section 65302.10) SB 244 requires that each city and county must complete the Disadvantaged Communities analysis in the Land Use

Element on or before the adoption of its Housing Element. Municipalities must base the Disadvantaged Communities

analysis on available data, including, but not limited to, the data and analysis developed pursuant to Section 56430, of

unincorporated island, fringe, or legacy communities inside or near its boundaries.

Senate Bill 535 (SB 535) AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, charges polluters for their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with

the funds collected going into a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. SB 535 requires that at least 25% of these funds go

to projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, with at least 10% going to projects located within these

communities. As air pollution is a key issue in the San Joaquin Valley and Kerman (both Ozone and PM 2.5), the

initiatives funded under this provision will work to address these items, which are regional in nature.

Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) The State passed SB 1000 in 2016, which requires jurisdictions to identify environmentally disadvantaged

communities and develop measures to mitigate the adverse effects. SB 1000 uses the California Environmental

Protection Agency definition of disadvantaged communities, which is based on Senate Bill 535. The definition of an

environmentally disadvantaged community is based on scores derived from CalEnviroScreen 2.0. Census tracts that

rank within the highest (worst) 25 percent of all scores are defined as a disadvantaged community.

Key Terms

The following key terms used in this chapter are defined as follows:

Cumulative Impacts. The exposures, public health, or environmental effects from the combined emissions and

discharges, in a geographic area, including environmental pollution from all sources, whether single or multi‐media,

routinely, accidentally, or otherwise released. This includes consideration of sensitive populations and socioeconomic

factors.

Disadvantaged Communities. Low‐income areas that are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and

other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.

Environmental Justice. The fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the

development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Bibliography

Websites California Protection Agency (CalEPA), Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). CalEnviroScreen

3.0. https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen‐30. March 2020.

California Legislative Information. Senate Bill No. 1000.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB1000, January 4, 2017.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. www.hudexchange.info. March 2020.

Project Review

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page B‐1

BTable B‐1 describes project specific review requirements that can be applied, as appropriate to the project, to reduce

the adversity of potential environmental impacts.

Table B-1 Project Requirements

Topic Project Requirements

A

Cultural

Resources

If a potentially significant historical or archaeological resource is encountered during subsurface

construction activities (i.e., trenching, grading), all construction activities within a 100‐foot radius of the

identified potential resource shall cease until a qualified archaeologist evaluates the item for its

significance and records the item on the appropriate State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)

forms. The archaeologist shall determine whether the item requires further study. If, after the qualified

archaeologist conducts appropriate technical analyses, the item is determined to be significant under

the California Environmental Quality Act, the archaeologist shall recommend feasible environmental

standards, which may include avoidance, preservation in place or other appropriate measure, as

outlined in Public Resources Code Section 21083.2. Upon the City’s approval of the recommended

environmental standards, the developer shall implement said measures. The developer shall fund the

costs of the qualified archaeologist and required analysis and shall include this environmental standard

in every construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement.

If a proposed development site contains buildings, structures, or objects over 45 years of age, a

historical resources evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified architectural historian or historian who

meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards (PQS) in architectural history

or history. The qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct an intensive‐level evaluation in

accordance with the guidelines and best practices promulgated by the State Office of Historic

Preservation. All evaluated properties shall be documented in a technical report or memorandum to be

submitted to the City for review. If, after the qualified architectural historian conducts appropriate

technical analyses, the property is determined to be significant under the California Environmental

Quality Act, the architectural historian shall recommend feasible environmental standards, which may

include avoidance, preservation in place, or other appropriate measure, as outlined in Public Resources

Code Section 15064.5. Upon the City’s approval of the recommended environmental standards, the

applicant shall implement said measures. The applicant shall fund the costs of the qualified architectural

historian and required analysis and shall include this environmental standard in every construction

contract to inform contractors of this requirement.


Page B‐2 Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020


B Greenhouse Gas

Emissions

The following off‐road construction equipment measures shall be implemented, as feasible, for all

projects under the 2040 General Plan to ensure that applicable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions‐

reducing measures for off‐road construction vehicles are implemented during construction. The

measures shall be noted on all construction plans and the project sponsor shall perform periodic site

inspections. Applicable GHG‐reducing measures include the following:

Use of diesel construction equipment meeting CARB's Tier 2 certified engines or cleaner off‐

road heavy‐duty diesel engines, and comply with the State Off‐Road Regulation;

Use of on‐road heavy‐duty trucks that meet the CARB’s 2007 or cleaner certification standard

for on‐road heavy‐duty diesel engines, and comply with the State On‐Road Regulation;

All on and off‐road diesel equipment shall not idle for more than 5 minutes. Signs shall be

posted in the designated queuing areas and or job sites to remind drivers and operators of the

5‐minute idling limit;

Use of electric equipment in place of diesel‐powered equipment, where feasible;

Substitute gasoline‐powered in place of diesel‐powered equipment, where feasible;

Use of alternatively fueled construction equipment, such as compressed natural gas (CNG),

liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane or biodiesel, in place of diesel‐powered equipment for 15

percent of the fleet;

Utilize existing grid power for electric energy rather than operating temporary gasoline/diesel

powered generators;

Use of materials sources from local suppliers; and

Recycling and reuse of at least 50 percent of construction waste materials.

C The City shall require project proponents to submit a GHG Reduction Plan as part of their application for

discretionary project approval that incorporates applicable and feasible project features and programs

to reduce project GHG emissions consistent with the California Air Resources Board 2017 Scoping Plan,

Appendix B Local Action, and as amended in the future. The City shall develop guidelines for preparing a

project specific GHG Reduction Plan. This could include the following or other actions demonstrated to

reduce project GHG emissions:

Comply with lead agency’s standards for mitigating transportation impacts under SB 743;

Allow for new construction to install fewer on‐site parking spaces than required by local

municipal building code, if appropriate;

Dedicate on‐site parking for shared vehicles;

Require on‐site renewable energy generation;

Prohibit wood‐burning fireplaces in new development, and require replacement of wood‐

burning fireplaces for renovations over a certain size developments;

Require cool roofs and “cool parking” that promotes cool surface treatment for new parking

facilities as well as existing surface lots undergoing resurfacing;

Require solar‐ready roofs;

Require organic collection in new developments;

Achieve Zero Net Energy performance building standards prior to dates required by the Energy

Code;

Encourage new construction, including municipal building construction, to achieve third‐party

green building certifications, such as the GreenPoint Rated program, LEED rating system, or

Living Building Challenge;

Require preferential parking spaces for park and ride to incentivize carpooling, vanpooling,

commuter bus, electric vehicles, and rail service use;

Require a transportation management plan for specific plans which establishes a numeric

target for non‐SOV travel and overall VMT;

Require gas outlets in residential backyards for use with outdoor cooking appliances such as

gas barbeques, if natural gas service is available;

Appendix B

April 2020 Hearing Draft Policy Document Page B‐3


Require the installation of electrical outlets on the exterior walls of both the front and back of

residences to promote the use of electric landscape maintenance equipment;

Require the design of the electric outlets and/or wiring in new residential unit garages to

promote electric vehicle usage;

Require electric vehicle charging station (Conductive/inductive) and signage for non‐

residential developments;

Provide electric outlets to promote the use of electric landscape maintenance equipment to

the extent feasible on parks and public/quasi‐public lands;

Require each residential unit to be “solar ready,” including installing the appropriate hardware

and proper structural engineering;

Require the installation of energy conserving appliances such as on‐demand tank‐less water

heaters and whole‐house fans;

Require each residential and commercial building equip buildings with energy efficient AC

units and heating systems with programmable thermostats/timers;

Require large‐scale residential developments and commercial buildings to report energy use,

and set specific targets for per‐capita energy use;

Require each residential and commercial building to utilize low flow water fixtures such as low

flow toilets and faucets (see CALGreen Divisions 4.3 and 5.3 as well as Appendices A4.3 and

A5.3);

Require the use of energy‐efficient lighting for all street, parking, and area lighting;

Require the landscaping design for parking lots to utilize tree cover and compost/mulch;

Incorporate water retention in the design of parking lots and landscaping, including using

compost/mulch;

Require the development project to propose an off‐site mitigation project which should

generate carbon credits equivalent to the anticipated GHG emission reductions. This would be

implemented via an approved protocol for carbon credits from California Air Pollution Control

Officers Association (CAPCOA), the California Air Resources Board, or other similar entities

determined acceptable by the local air district;

Require the project to purchase carbon credits from the CAPCOA GHG;

Reduction Exchange Program, American Carbon Registry (ACR), Climate Action Reserve (CAR)

or other similar carbon credit registry determined to be acceptable by the local air district; or

Encourage the applicant to consider generating or purchasing local and California‐only carbon credits as

the preferred mechanism to implement its offsite mitigation measure for GHG emissions and that will

facilitate the State’s efforts in achieving the GHG emission reduction goal.


Page B‐4 Hearing Draft Policy Document April 2020


D Noise The following construction noise reduction measures shall be implemented, as feasible, for all projects

within 500 feet of a noise‐sensitive land use:

Demolition and construction activities shall be scheduled so as to avoid operating several

pieces of equipment simultaneously.

All equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be operated with closed engine doors and shall be

equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers consistent with manufacturers’

standards.

Noise‐sensitive land uses shall be notified about the estimated duration and hours of

construction activity at least 30 days before the start of construction with the exception of

construction activities related to emergency work.

All construction areas for staging and warming up shall be located as far as possible from

noise‐sensitive receivers.

Temporary sound barriers shall be erected between construction sites and sensitive receivers.

Sound barriers shall be of sufficient height and length to block the line of sight between the

construction site and sensitive receivers and shall be continuous with no gaps or holes

between panels or the ground. Sound barriers shall be constructed of material with a weight

of two pounds per square foot and shall have a minimum Sound Transmission Class (STC)

rating of 28. Sound blankets may be used in place of temporary sound barriers; however, it

must be demonstrated the sound blankets meet a STC rating of 28 and shall be of sufficient

length to overlap each other and the ground surface.

Documents

Kerman 2040 General Plan - Hearing Draft - April 2020kermangp.com/images/docs/kpgu_general_plan_hearing... · The Kerman General Plan contains the goals and policies upon which the