Jurupa Valley staff outlines changes to Equestrian Lifestyle Protection Overlay after months of public input

Principal Planner Jim Petches presented a staff-led package on Sept. 4 that proposes amending Jurupa Valley’s Equestrian Lifestyle Protection Overlay (ELPO) rules, expanding overlay boundaries and developing trail, safety and education programs to preserve the city’s equestrian character.

The study session drew wide public participation in recent outreach: Petches said the city held interviews and public meetings on July 29 and Aug. 19 with more than 80 people attending, and that residents consistently asked for stronger protections for bridal keeping, clearer animal-keeping standards and safer trail crossings.

The presentation summarized the existing overlay as part of the general plan and identified areas where the map, zoning and development standards don’t match current equestrian uses. Petches said the overlay now touches about a third of the city and spans nearly 30 different zoning designations, from residential to industrial. He outlined a menu of options for council and the planning commission: a zone code amendment to change animal-keeping standards (including a possible ‘‘minor animal permit’’ to allow exceptions), a general plan amendment to modify ELPO boundaries, and development of equestrian infrastructure standards and trail-connection projects coordinated with the city CIP and regional trail plans.

Why it matters: Jurupa Valley’s rural and equestrian character is an important local identity and a planning priority for many residents. The staff proposal…