Kern County October 2003 3-1 Mojave Specific Plan Chapter 3 Land Use Element The Mojave community consists of an established central core of residences, offices, retail establishments and a growing industrial sector, historically supported by railroads, highways, and the Mojave Airport. From these core uses, additional residential, commercial, and industrial development has contributed to the supply of housing and jobs in the community in response to population growth. The Land Use Element discusses the growth anticipated within the region, sets forth goals and policies to guide decision-making, and provides a land use plan to direct growth to desired areas where urban services can be provided while minimizing potential impact on natural resources. 3.1 Purpose, Scope, and Content The Land Use Element addresses the physical development and appearance of Mojave by describing present and planned land use activities and addressing the relationships between development and environmental quality, potential hazards, and broader economic and social objectives. As a guide for future development, the Element also identifies the general distribution, location, mix, and extent of desired land uses, including residential, commercial, business, public facilities, and open space uses. The Mojave Plan area previously included two specific plans, numerous limited specific plans, and an adopted Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) that serve as mechanisms to guide growth and development. These plans worked in tandem with the Kern County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and ALUCP to guide land use decisions. The Mojave Specific Plan incorporates the vision, policies, and guidance within each of these plans and thereby provides a single set of community-wide policies and implementation strategies around the existing Mojave community. In addition, the Plan addresses growth resulting from construction of the SR-58 Freeway around the Mojave community. Previously adopted specific plans in the Plan area include the Camelot Specific Plan and the Cunningham Specific Plan (see Figure 3-1). In addition, a total of eight limited specific plans had been approved west and northwest of the community of Mojave. Table 3-1 summarizes the land use capacity of each of these former plans, as approved by the County. Adoption of this Mojave Specific Plan by the County Board of Supervisors rescinds the plans listed in Table 3-1, replacing them with the goals, objectives, policies and implementation set forth in this document.
Transcript
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-1 Mojave Specific Plan
Chapter 3Land Use Element
The Mojave community consists of an established central core of residences, offices,retail establishments and a growing industrial sector, historically supported by railroads,highways, and the Mojave Airport. From these core uses, additional residential,commercial, and industrial development has contributed to the supply of housing andjobs in the community in response to population growth. The Land Use Elementdiscusses the growth anticipated within the region, sets forth goals and policies to guidedecision-making, and provides a land use plan to direct growth to desired areas whereurban services can be provided while minimizing potential impact on natural resources.
3.1 Purpose, Scope, and Content
The Land Use Element addresses the physical development and appearance of Mojaveby describing present and planned land use activities and addressing the relationshipsbetween development and environmental quality, potential hazards, and broadereconomic and social objectives. As a guide for future development, the Element alsoidentifies the general distribution, location, mix, and extent of desired land uses,including residential, commercial, business, public facilities, and open space uses.
The Mojave Plan area previously included two specific plans, numerous limited specificplans, and an adopted Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) that serve asmechanisms to guide growth and development. These plans worked in tandem with theKern County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and ALUCP to guide land use decisions.The Mojave Specific Plan incorporates the vision, policies, and guidance within eachof these plans and thereby provides a single set of community-wide policies andimplementation strategies around the existing Mojave community. In addition, the Planaddresses growth resulting from construction of the SR-58 Freeway around the Mojavecommunity.
Previously adopted specific plans in the Plan area include the Camelot Specific Planand the Cunningham Specific Plan (see Figure 3-1). In addition, a total of eight limitedspecific plans had been approved west and northwest of the community of Mojave.Table 3-1 summarizes the land use capacity of each of these former plans, as approvedby the County. Adoption of this Mojave Specific Plan by the County Board ofSupervisors rescinds the plans listed in Table 3-1, replacing them with the goals,objectives, policies and implementation set forth in this document.
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CALIFORNIA CITY BLVD
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Figure 3-1Previously Adopted Specific Plans
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan October 20033-2
3. Northwest Mojave 4. Superior 5. Domus 6. Cloud 7. Afshar 8. Oakcreek 9. Westlake10. Abramov
Limited Specific Plans
1. Camelot2. Cunningham
Specific Plans
´ 0 2,000 6,000 10,000Feet
Major RoadsPlanning Area Boundary
Source: Kern County, 2001.
Aqueduct
Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-3 Mojave Specific Plan
Table 3-1Summary of Previously Adopted Specific Plans in the Project Area
Source: Kern County Specific Plans (Various Dates)
3.2 Overview of Baseline (2001) Conditions
Land uses in the planning area include residential, commercial, industrial, publicfacilities, resource lands, vacant lands, and streets/rights-of-way. Of the nearly 31,000acres within the planning area, in 2001 approximately 23,700 acres were either vacantundeveloped land or classified as resource uses (signifying primarily desert land usesin this area of Kern County).
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the Specific Plan area contained a population ofapproximately 3,323 persons. The Census reported a population of 3,836 persons forthe Mojave Census Designated Place (which represents an area slightly larger than theSpecific Plan), representing only a 2 percent increase over the 1990 Census (3,763persons). By comparison, Kern County grew nearly 22 percent between 1990 and2000. During this decade, the population in Mojave grew at less than one-tenth (1/10)the rate observed throughout the rest of the County.
Mojave’s residential uses are located primarily within the Central Mojave area(northeast of SR-14) and west of SR-14 and the Union Pacific Railroad. Commercialuses are concentrated along the SR-14 and Mojave-Barstow Highway corridors. Mostare equipped to provide services to travelers bound for Bakersfield, Barstow, Lancaster,Palmdale, Los Angeles, and the Eastern High Sierras.
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Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-4 October 2003
3.3 Planning Issues
Land use compatibility is an important contributor to quality of life. As new developmentoccurs throughout Mojave, planning for residential neighborhoods that includeneighborhood parks and elementary schools will create good neighborhoods.Residential development located near commercial areas and employment centers willalso contribute to a good living environment. Minimizing land use conflicts decreasesthe potential for encroachment of undesirable land uses into neighborhoods, enhancesthe marketability of the Mojave area, and maintains a high quality of life for Mojaveresidents.
The primary goal of the Land Use Element is to maintain Mojave as a community thatoffers diverse residential, employment, and retail opportunities to residents whileaccommodating growth and providing appropriate levels of urban services. Toward thisend, the Specific Plan provides for separation of incompatible uses, conservation ofresource lands, and concentration of urban-level uses in areas where infrastructureexists or can easily be provided.
The Specific Plan capitalizes on the presence of major transportation corridors toprovide expanded access to Mojave, particularly to new industrial developments eastof the Airport along the SR-58 Freeway. Highway commercial areas planned for theSR-14/SR-58 interchange represent a key opportunity area.
The Specific Plan also recognizes the importance of continuing long-established,workable development plans and thus maintains the designations and policies ofpreviously adopted specific plans listed in Table 3-1 of this Element, the County GeneralPlan, and the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Changes to those policiesand uses incorporated into this Specific Plan are:
‚ Action by the Kern County Board of Supervisors in September 2001 torescind the Jamason Ranch Specific Plan and rescind the DouglasAvenue Specific Plan
‚ The purchase of additional property by the Kern County WasteManagement Department to include a buffer area for the Mojave-Rosamond Sanitary Landfill
‚ Designation of highway commercial corridors surrounding the SR-14/SR-58 Freeway interchange to allow development of highway-servingcommercial uses
Ensuring the availability and accessibility of community and neighborhood publicfacilities promotes a high quality of life for residents and enhances commercial andindustrial developments. Availability of water and sewer service, as well as otherutilities, will be important determinants of future growth. Public services such as solidwaste collection and fire and law enforcement services provided at adequate servicelevels are important to serve new developments.
Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-5 Mojave Specific Plan
Adequate infrastructure is a key component to orderly development within the SpecificPlan area. Without water, sewer, storm water drainage, electricity, solid waste, andnatural gas facilities, development will not be able to occur as outlined in this Element.
Utility infrastructure is well established in Central Mojave, as well as in outlyingresidential developments, such as Camelot. Maintenance of this infrastructure in soundcondition is an important goal and is necessary to ensure that future development doesnot unduly impact utility service levels enjoyed by established residents.
One of the largest challenges facing Mojave is the need to convert what has beenlargely a rural network of public facilities and services for approximately 3,300 residents,into an urban network of services capable of serving a community of approximately15,000 persons for the year 2020 planning horizon and a total of approximately 40,000residents beyond the year 2020. The Specific Plan outlines policies and implementationactions that promote collaboration between the County and service providers servingthe Mojave area to ensure that services are provided at adequate levels concurrent withthe development projects that require them.
Electric Power and Natural Gas
Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to Mojave. Two 66-kilovoltsub-transmission lines run into Mojave, feeding a main substation. From the substation,3 12-kilovolt distribution lines serve individual customers.
Every year SCE updates a ten-year projection report that accounts for the area's currentload, historical growth, planning/development documents, and new construction thatdemands significant electricity. Mojave has historically experienced very lowpercentage growth of approximately two to three percent per year. Developmentprojected for the area in the Specific Plan may necessitate a change to SCE’sprojections upon approval of development projects.
The Southern California Gas Company (Gas Company) is responsible for providingnatural gas connections to Mojave residents. A six-inch, high-pressure, undergroundsupply pipe runs north through Mojave. A number of regulator stations in Mojaveconvert the high-pressure gas to medium pressure. Mojave residents and businessesthen receive their supply through individual hook-ups. This infrastructure has capacityto handle the projected growth identified in the Specific Plan. Addition of newcustomers only requires creation of additional hook-ups as demand increases.
The Kern River 2003 Expansion Project will add approximately 716 miles of natural gaspipeline to the Kern River Gas Transmission (KRGT) Company's existing interstatepipeline system. The project will supply customers in Nevada and California withnatural gas originating from a KRGT site in Wyoming. The Dagget Loop section of theproject, buried three feet underground, will run westward approximately one mile southof the Mojave community. The gas within the Dagget Loop section has been allocatedto 19 different companies through binding contracts ranging from 15 to 25 years.Mojave's natural gas provider did not obtain a contract. However, if natural gas in the
Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-6 October 2003
Dagget Loop becomes available, it would be technically feasible for the Gas Companyto divert gas north for use within the Mojave community.
Water and Sewer Service
The Conservation Element of this Plan describes the water resources available for theregion and the Plan area, and compares these resources to the requirements of thefuture Mojave community. Water service is provided by the Mojave Public Utility District(MPUD). MPUD water lines are predominantly located within the Central Mojave areaand areas west of the railroad where development has occurred. The MPUD servicearea covers much of the Specific Plan area, and infrastructure is being expanded forthe new SR-58 interchange. MPUD will be the primary service provider withinremaining sections of the Plan area as they are developed.
MPUD also provides sewer service within the Plan area. About 1.5 miles southeast ofMojave, a treatment plant with 60 acres of ponds allows treated wastewater toevaporate and percolate. Sewage pipes are mostly clay pipes, but the system alsoutilizes newer PVC and ductile iron pipes. Capacity of the system is approximately600,000 gallons/day (2002), and land exists to add additional treatment ponds that maybe required by future development.
MPUD’s 2002 water master plan addresses water capacity for future development, andan urban water management plan is being developed. These planning documents willserve as a guide to development of future water supply and infrastructure in this area.
Storm Drainage
Storm drain improvements in Mojave are limited, and drainage is inadequate. Inresponse, the County has initiated an extensive program to construct concrete curbgutters and storm drains within Central Mojave. As new construction is proposed inother parts of the Plan area, drainage plans will be created.
Schools
The Mojave Unified School District (MUSD) serves all properties within the Planningarea. MUSD operates seven schools, four of which are located within the Specific Planarea. These schools include:
‚ Mojave Elementary School, 15800 “O” Street
‚ Joshua Middle School, 3200 Pat Avenue
‚ Mojave High School, 15732 “O” Street
Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-7 Mojave Specific Plan
‚ Mountain View/Douglas High School (Alternative School), located adjacent to theDistrict Offices and Mojave West Park on Douglas Street
Additional sites appropriate for schools are identified on the Mojave Specific Plan Mapas Map Code 3.2 -- Educational Facilities. Both are adjacent to proposed park sites:
‚ An elementary school/community park site located within the former CamelotSpecific Plan area south of Purdy Avenue and east of 25th Street
‚ A junior or senior high school/neighborhood park site located on CamelotBoulevard, west of Koch Street
Public Safety
The Seismic and Safety Element (Chapter 9) provides detailed information regardingpublic safety resources provided in the Mojave community by the Kern County FireDepartment and Kern County Sheriff Department.
Positive Community Image
Mojave is a distinct community within Kern County. The community has a proudheritage in the rail transportation and aviation industries, and continues to operate asa critical junction between major transportation routes. One of the unifying goals of thisSpecific Plan is to develop a positive image and identity for the growing Mojave area.
Maintaining pride in the community requires continued reinvestment in the aestheticquality of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Several commercialproperties in Central Mojave have experienced under-investment, resulting in poormaintenance and deterioration. Most residential neighborhoods would benefit fromtargeted building and property maintenance. Visual enhancements help to form asense of community for residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Aestheticimprovements also help attract customers to commercial services.
3.4 Land Use Element Goals
Land Use Element goals accommodate new development consistent with the KernCounty General Plan. In addition, they will promote the creation, preservation, andprojection of a positive community image. Balanced land use patterns will ensure thatfuture development provides a range of residential, employment, service andrecreational opportunities in the Specific Plan Area.
The following element goals guide land use planning within the Specific Plan area:
‚ Improve and maintain distribution and compatibility of land uses.‚ Provide for adequate public facilities.
Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-8 October 2003
‚ Develop and maintain adequate utilities and infrastructure to support futurecommercial development.
‚ Develop a positive community image and identity.
3.5 Land Use Objectives and Policies
The following land use objectives and policies address issues identified in the previoussection. Refer to the Mojave Specific Plan Map, presented in Figure 3-2. Theseobjectives and policies will be accomplished through timely completion of specifiedimplementation actions associated with each policy, which are fully detailed inChapter 10.
To achieve the goals described above and maintain the desired balance of land uses,the County will make land use decisions in a manner conforming to the land usedesignations, development intensity regulations, and design standards associated withthe Mojave Specific Plan, and consistent with the objectives and policies of the SpecificPlan. These objectives and policies will be accomplished through timely completion ofspecified implementation actions which are fully detailed in Chapter 10.
Density Standards
A term used in this Element is density. For residential land uses, density means thenumber of residences, or dwelling units, per acre of land, abbreviated as du/ac. Forrural land uses, the standard is expressed as the inverse, acres per dwelling unit(ac/du). Each category states a permitted range, with the understanding that themaximum can only be achieved where zoning standards and physical andenvironmental conditions can accommodate the maximum.
Specific Plan Land Use Designations
The Mojave Specific Plan Map illustrates planned land uses by numerically-coded usecategories. For each of the land use categories, or designations, specific useregulations and development standards apply. These standards are important toensure that the type and quality of development envisioned for Mojave will occur on aconsistent basis.
2525
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InsetMap
Planning Area Boundary
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Service Industry7.2
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PROPOSEDFUTUREINTERCHANGE
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Figure 3-2Mojave Specific Plan Map
Kern CountyMojave Specific PlanOctober 2003 3-9
Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-11 Mojave Specific Plan
To maintain consistency with other County planning documents, the Mojave SpecificPlan draws upon the land use designations established in the Kern County GeneralPlan. These land use designations provide a rational and ordered approach to land usedevelopment and maintenance of public uses and open space. The designations arenecessarily broad in scope to address the variety of land uses permitted throughoutKern County. Table 3-2 identifies the densities of development permitted for residentialland use designations. All of the land use categories and standards listed in Table 3-2are identical to those identified in the Kern County General Plan and are herebyincorporated by reference.
‚ Element Goal: Improve and maintain distribution and compatibility of landuses.
Objective 3.1: Provide development consistent with the Kern County GeneralPlan.
Policy3.1.1(A-1, A-3,F-2)
Projects within the Specific Plan area shall be constructed to KernCounty’s Type A Subdivision Standards as defined in the Kern CountyLand Division Ordinance and the Kern County Zoning Ordinance for allcommercial, industrial and residential with densities more than 1 unit perhalf acre. All other development shall be constructed to Type BSubdivision Standards. Projects with less than 50% individual orcumulative additions will not require street improvements and constructionof curb, gutter and sidewalk
Policy3.1.2(A-1)
Development pursuant to the Specific Plan may occur at any time ifrequired implementation actions are met by the applicant.
Policy3.1.3(G-3)
Development projects shall be consistent with the adopted Kern CountyAirport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
Policy3.1.4(G-3)
Recognize the importance of Edwards Air Force Base, Naval AirWeapons Station China Lake, and the Military Complex Airspace to theeconomic viability of Mojave.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-12 October 2003
Table 3-2Kern County General Plan Land Use Classification System
Land Use Designation Permitted Uses
Non-Jurisdictional Land
1.1 State or Federal Land State and federal agencies (military, U.S. Forest Service,Bureau of Land Management, etc.)
Physical Constraints Overlays
2.1 Seismic Hazard Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zone and other recently activefault zones
2.2 Landslide Areas of downslope ground movement identified on SeismicHazard Atlas
2.3 Shallow Groundwater Groundwater within 15 feet of the land surface is delineatedon the Seismic Hazard Atlas.
2.4 Steep Slope Land with an average slope of 30 percent or steeper
2.5 Flood Hazard Special Flood Hazard Areas identified on the Flood InsuranceRate Maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Public Facilities
3.1 Public or Private RecreationAreas
Facilities for day use, hiking, camping, walking, picnicking,riding, and other recreational activities
3.2 Educational Facilities Public and private educational facilities
3.3 Other Facilities Sewer farms and treatment plants, government offices,libraries, police and fire stations, hospitals, utility plants, oiland mineral exploration
Objective 3.2: Develop a balanced land use pattern to ensure that futuregrowth provides a range of residential, employment, service,and recreational opportunities.
Policy3.2.1(A-1)
Promote development of the Mojave community that is based on realisticgrowth projections and available funding sources for related capitalimprovements.
Policy3.2.2(E-1)
Preserve areas with natural constraints and important natural or uniquefeatures for open space.
Policy3.2.3(C-2)
Recommend that land areas best suited for industrial activity beseparated from residential and other incompatible urban development byappropriate buffers.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-14 October 2003
Policy3.2.4(G-3)
Continue to collaborate with the East Kern Airport District to ensurecompatibility between airport operations and surrounding land usesthrough implementation of the adopted Airport Land Use CompatibilityPlan.
Objective 3.3: Promote commercial and industrial development to servecommunity needs.
Policy3.3.1(B-2, G-3, I-2)
Create opportunities for commercial businesses along the SR-58 Freewaythat serve both highway users and residents of the Mojave communitywhile maintaining viability of the airport use and consistency with theAirport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP).
Policy3.3.2(H-3, I-1)
Develop strategies that promote retention of businesses within CentralMojave.
Objective 3.4: Develop new policies to address issues specific to the MojaveAirport area.
The Mojave Airport area includes lands designated for potential long-rangedevelopment of airfield, general and space aviation, research and developmentactivities, or airport support facilities.
Policy3.4.1(B-4)
Designate the Civilian Flight Test Center, Mojave Airport, as Map Code7.2 to allow a broad range of uses.
Policy3.4.2(B-5)
Properties located within the Airport on the Mojave Specific Plan Mapmay be exempted from the landscaping requirements of the Kern CountyZoning Ordinance as determined by the Director of Planning.Landscaping at the entrance to the Airport will continue to be installed andmaintained by the East Kern Airport District.
Physical Constraints Overlays
Over the years, development has occurred on lands with hazardous environmentalconditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable hillslopes, and flood zones. Toprevent loss of life, reduce personal injuries and property damage, and minimizeeconomic and social disasters, the County has created physical constraint overlaydesignations to help identify potentially hazardous areas.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-15 Mojave Specific Plan
Objective 3.5: Protect the public from natural hazards including flooding andearthquakes
The Mojave Specific Plan Map (Figure 3-2) and the Physical Constraints Map (Figure9-1) in the Seismic and Safety Element identify physical constraints overlay areas.Where more than one constraint exists, the code for the lowest number on the followinglist is used:
‚ Map Code 2.1 – Seismic Hazard. Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zonesand other recently active fault zones.
‚ Map Code 2.2 – Landslide. Areas of downslope ground movementidentified on the Kern County Seismic Hazard Atlas.
‚ Map Code 2.3 – Shallow Groundwater. Groundwater within 15 feet ofthe land surface is delineated on the Seismic Hazard Atlas.
‚ Map Code 2.4 – Steep Slope. Land with an average slope of 30 percentor steeper.
‚ Map Code 2.5 - Flood Hazard. Special Flood Hazard Areas, asidentified on Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood InsuranceRate Maps (FIRMs). Special Flood Hazard Areas consist of all areaswithin the 100-year floodplain.
Policy3.5.1(M-1, M-2)
Proposed projects within the seismic hazard overlay shall meet allrequirements of the Kern County Building Code.
Policy3.5.2(C-1, M-1, M-3)
Proposed residential and commercial projects within the seismic hazard,steep slope or landslide overlay should be encouraged to develop usingthe cluster option.
Cluster (CL) Combining District The Cluster (CL) Combining District (Chapter 19.58,Kern County Zoning Ordinance) promotes innovative design of residential andcommercial development in Physical Constraint areas and areas of sensitive openspace. To achieve this objective, residential and commercial uses may be concentratedor "clustered" in one portion of the designated site, with the remaining area conservedfor one or more purposes. Figure 3-3 illustrates a cluster development approach.
Policy3.5.3(C-1, C-4)
Promote the use of the Cluster (CL) Combining District in the northwestportion of the Specific Plan area, and other locations where physicalconstraints or other unique features exist. Development witin the floodhazards areas is subject to approval by Floodplain Management Divisionof County Engineering and Survey Services.
Figure 3-3Potential Cluster Development Approach
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan October 20033-16
Cluster Development
Traditional Development
Natural open spacewith some trails.
Traditional subdivision allows large lots thatreduce space available for conservation of natural
resources.
Cluster subdivsion designresults in smaller lots.
Cluster subdivsion creates village-like setting with centralopen space.
Preserved natural open space,parks/trails, or golf course uses.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-17 Mojave Specific Plan
Policy3.5.4(E-1)
Promote the utilization of the Cluster (CL) Combining District for thepurposes of:
‚ Providing open space areas dedicated to preservation of desertresources,
‚ Providing private or public recreational uses, such as parks,playgrounds, or trail systems,
‚ Preserving environmentally sensitive areas, including Joshua treestands,
‚ Protecting the public from potential physical hazards.
Land Use Plan Development Capacity
Table 3-3 summarizes land use distribution for the 30,000+ acres encompassed by theMojave Specific Plan area. For various reasons, many areas within the Mojavecommunity have not been developed to their maximum permitted density or intensity.Over time, development will continue to occur in a similar manner, with only a limitednumber of properties developed to the maximum density or intensity due toenvironmental, infrastructure, or other constraints. Therefore, projected futuredevelopment has been estimated based upon an average level of development.
The identified average density (shown in the “Average Assumptions for EnvironmentalAnalysis” in Table 3-3) is used for planning purposes only. Development must occurat the density specified by the Specific Plan land use designation. The ZoningOrdinance allows a 10 percent density bonus when projects offer important publicamenities (enhanced public spaces), community benefits (such as needed jobs orhousing), or other factors that promote goals and policies of the Specific Plan.Additionally, a density bonus of 25 percent is required by State law to be offered toprojects providing affordable housing.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-18 October 2003
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Chapter 3. Land Use Element
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-19 Mojave Specific Plan
Table 3-3Land Use Plan Development Capacity Summary
Average Assumptions forEnvironmental Analysis 2002-2020 Planning Horizon Beyond 2020 Planning Horizon Total Development Estimates
Land Use CategoryResidential
DU/Acre
Non-Residential
SF/AcreNet
AcresDwelling
Units
Non-ResSquare
Feet(000s) Population Employees
NetAcres
DwellingUnits
Non-ResSquare
Feet(000s) Population Employees
NetAcres
DwellingUnits
Non-ResSquare
Feet(000s) Population Employees
1.1 State or Federal Land N/A N/A 954 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 954 0 0 0 0
3.1 Public or Private Recreation Areas N/A 218 175 0 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 38 0 0
8.4 Mineral and Petroleum Reserves 1 per 20 3,485 per 20 257 12 45 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 257 12 45 32 0
8.5 Resource Management Areas 1 per 20 871 per 20 8,098 404 317 1,078 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,098 404 317 1,078 0
ROW Railroad and Road Rights-of-Way
N/A N/A 280 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 280 0 0 0 0
TOTAL (All Land Use Categories) 23,352 6,264 131,978 16,728 15,769 2,772 10,146 0 27,108 0 26,124 16,410 131,978 43,836 15,769
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-21 Mojave Specific Plan
‚ Element Goal: Provide for adequate public facilities and services.
‚ Element Goal: Develop and maintain adequate utilities and infrastructure tosupport future commercial and industrial development.
Objective 3.6: Ensure that public services and utilities are providedcommensurate with established needs and projected growth.
Policy3.6.1(L-1)
Approve new commercial, residential, and industrial projects only whenneeded public facilities and services can be provided without additionalcost to established service users and the county residents.
Policy3.6.2(K-2,L-1,L-2)
Coordinate with the Mojave Public Utility District, County Sheriff’sDepartment, County Library Department and County Fire Department toensure sufficient services are provided to community residents andbusinesses.
Policy3.6.3(K-1)
New development shall provide adequate flood control to protectproperties within the 100-year floodplain.
Policy3.6.4(K-5)
Work with service providers to facilitate and encourage modifications andimprovements to existing water, sewer, drainage, electric, natural gas,and other utility systems.
Policy3.6.5(K-5)
Ensure that future electricity demand projections for the Mojave areaaccount for increases proposed in the Specific Plan, and work withSouthern California Edison to modify and improve the electric powerdelivery system as the area grows.
Policy3.6.6(K-5)
Review development proposals to ensure that required electric andnatural gas service can be provided, and encourage the Gas Companyto monitor the Dagget Loop section of the Kern River 2003 expansionproject for any additional availability of natural gas.
Policy3.6.7(K-2)
Encourage the Mojave Public Utilities District to develop an urban watermanagement plan, a groundwater management plan, and to seek fundingfrom State and federal programs for implementation.
Policy3.6.8(K-2)
Encourage Mojave Public Utilities District to modify and improve waterand sewer facilities as needed to accommodate growth forecast within theregion.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyMojave Specific Plan 3-22 October 2003
Policy3.6.9 (K-2)
Urban development is defined as residential lots less than one-half acreand industrial and commercial uses regardless of size.
Policy3.6.10(K-2)
New urban development that implements the plan shall be required to beserved by a community or public water system or the Mojave PublicUtilities District.
Policy3.6.11(K-1)
The County will continue to provide and maintain storm drains and gutterswithin the town center of Mojave and utilize the County facilities. Countystandards require all new developments to retain all runoff water on siteor, if feasible, may utilize the County’s facilities for storm water retention.
Policy3.6.12(K-1)
The County will review development proposals in the Plan area fordrainage requirements and apply appropriate conditions of approval toensure that these standards are met.
Policy3.6.13(L-3)
Schools in the Mojave Specific Plan area will be maintained andexpanded as needed and as site conditions allow.
Policy3.6.14(D-1)
Propose the expansion of Mojave West Park.
‚ Element Goal: Develop a positive community image and identity.
Objective 3.7: Create, preserve, and project a positive community image andidentity.
Policy3.7.1(H-1)
Promote the development of aesthetic design guidelines for CentralMojave, such as landscaping, lighting, and signage to achieve aconsistent theme and character.
Policy3.7.2(H-3)
Promote streetscape amenities and highway design standards forcommercial projects visible from the SR-58 Freeway and SR-14, as wellas along the SR-58 Business Route. Amenities should include, but willnot be limited to, landscaping, lighting, and signs.
Policy3.7.3(H-1, H-3)
Create entrances into the community that announce arrival and establisha positive impression. Special focus shall be given to the SR-58 BusinessRoute.
Chapter 3. Land Use
Kern CountyOctober 2003 3-23 Mojave Specific Plan
Objective 3.8: Enhance and maintain the character of residentialneighborhoods.
Policy3.8.1(C-2)
Provide buffers between service and heavy industrial uses and residentialareas.
Policy3.8.2(C-2)
New service and heavy industrial development shall not be deemedcompatible adjacent to residential land uses, unless it can bedemonstrated there will be no significant impact on the residentialdevelopment.
Policy3.8.3(L-1)
Utilize programs for rehabilitation and community development to improveestablished neighborhoods.
In many locations west of SR-14 and the Union Pacific Railroad, planned industrial andresidential uses are located adjacent to each other, or are separated only by a roadway.Refer to Chapter 8, Noise Element, for more discussion of Industrial buffers.
Policy3.8.4(C-2)
To minimize potential noise and health hazards, buffering should beutilized to separate service and heavy industrial uses from surroundingresidences. Buffers shall be reviewed during the Precise Developmentprocess. Buffers may be imposed when necessary. Landscaping, picnicareas, parking, offices, indoor warehousing or other nonintrusive uses willbe recommended within identified buffer areas. Small existing lots whichare zoned for industrial use may be exempt from this requirement if it canbe shown that, due to limited lot size, buffers may not be viable.
