FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. (MCN) 23-010 : Design Review (DRP) No. 23-005 - A request for site and architectural approval of a 109-unit multi-family apartment complex consisting of four (4) three-story buildings, totaling approximately 100,367 square feet, and associated site improvements on a 2.8-acre parcel located at (APNs: 0194-091-22, -23, -24, and 0194-101-16), pursuant to a Categorical Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the information in the staff report and subject to the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. PC 2024-____; and
1.Determine that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section No. 15332 (Class No. 32, Infill Development) of the California Environmental Quality Act, and Section No. 3.22 (Categorical Exemption) of the Local 2019 Guidelines for Implementing the CEQA, and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and
2. Approve Design Review (DRP) No. 23-005
APPLICANT:
Jerrald Huang of JR, Acacia LLC.
8285 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd
Ste 135-188, Anaheim, CA 92808
LOCATION:
The project site is located south of Randall Avenue and west of Acacia. (APNs: 0194-091-22, -23, -24, and 0194-101-16).
REQUEST:
Design Review (DRP) No. 23-005 - A request for site and architectural approval of a 109-unit apartment complex, consisting of four (4) three-story buildings, totaling approximately 100,367 square feet, and associated site improvements on approximately 2.8 acres.
PROJECT PLANNER:
Angelica Martinez, Assistant Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Land Use Table:
|
|
General Plan |
Zoning/Overlay |
Existing Land Use |
|
Site: |
Walkable Mixed-Use Downtown and Corridors (WMXU-1) |
Form Based Code/Transitional District |
Partially Vacant/Residential unit |
|
North: |
Walkable Mixed-Use Downtown and Corridors (WMXU-1) |
Form Based Code/Transitional District |
Residential |
|
East: |
R-SF |
Single-Family Residential R-1 |
Residential |
|
South: |
Walkable Mixed-Use Downtown and Corridors (WMXU-1) |
Form Based Code/Transitional District |
Residential |
|
West: |
Walkable Mixed-Use Downtown and Corridors (WMXU-1) |
Form Based Code/Sierra Gateway District |
Residential |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Project Area: Approximately 2.8 acres
B. Density: Max 39 units per acre
Proposed: 38.8 units per acre
C. Building Analysis:
Building Height:
Maximum: 40 feet
Proposed: 35 feet 11 inches
D. Setbacks:
Front: 10 feet minimum
Proposed: 10 feet 2 inches
Side: 5 minimum
Proposed: 78 feet
Rear: 20’ minimum
Proposed: 54 feet
E. Parking Analysis:
Vehicle Required: 116 spaces
Vehicle Provided: 127 spaces
F. Landscaping:
Required: 18,416 square feet (15 percent)
Provided: 18,804 square feet (15.3 percent)
ANALYSIS:
The applicant, Jerrald Huang, is requesting that the Planning Commission review and approve Design Review (DRP) No. 23-005 for the development of a 109-unit multi-family apartment complex consisting of four (4) three-story buildings and associated site improvements on approximately 2.8-acres.
Design Review (DRP) No. 23-005:
The proposed multi-family residential apartment complex, totaling approximately 100,367 square feet, will be comprised of 109 units, within four, three-story buildings. There are nineteen different floor plan unit layouts. The unit mix will include 62 one-bedroom units, ranging size from 685 square feet to 936 square feet and 47 two-bedroom units, ranging size from 914 square feet to 1,245 square feet, including one manager’s unit.
The applicant proposes a Spanish style architecture. The architectural features for the proposed buildings will feature a light earth neutral tone color palette with a dark brown accent color. The architectural style includes a smooth stucco coated exterior, tiled roof, decorative wood and metal window shutters. Additional architectural features include arched doorways with Spanish tiles, iron window flower boxes, and exposed wood beams.
The proposal has been designed to be compatible with surrounding residential uses with the inclusion of paved walkways for pedestrians which allow for onsite circulation to units, amenities and other areas on the site. The project will include off-site improvements for sidewalks, curb and gutter, as well as a streetlight along Acacia Avenue. The project site is physically suitable in size and shape to support the development of the proposed apartment complex. Applicable building codes, zoning codes, and fire codes and standards will be met and make for a safe, attractive, and well-designed project. The project design incorporates safety measures for automobiles and pedestrians in the area.
Amenities/Open Space:
The proposed development includes a BBQ area with a sink and food counter, outdoor dining tables and chairs, a kids play area, a swimming pool and spa with cabana’s, two (2) common courtyard areas with turf, and a play area with benches. Each unit has adequate private open space directly accessible from the private unit ranging from 64 square feet to 117 square feet, depending on the unit size. There will be a clubhouse and a leasing office, an employee lounge and a bike repair station within the complex.
Grading/Walls:
The topography of the project site is relatively flat. The project plans indicate a new six (6) foot high slump concrete block wall with cap along the west, south, north sides of the property, and three-foot-high block wall wall/fence/gate within 10 feet from the Acacia Avenue setback.
Site Access/Circulation/Parking:
Ingress and egress to the project site will be provided via a gated entry on Acacia Avenue. An Emergency Vehicle Access (EVA) is located on the southern end of the property on Acacia Avenue. The internal circulation has been reviewed by Planning, Fire, Traffic, and Engineering. The internal circulation is sufficient to support this type of use.
Environmental:
This project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section No. 15332 (Class No. 32, Infill Development) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and Section No. 3.22 (Categorical Exemption) of the City of Fontana’s 2019 Local Guidelines for Implementing CEQA. The project site meets the CEQA requirements of the In-fill exemption as follows: (1) The project is consistent with the Walkable Mixed Use Corridor (WMXU-1) General Plan land use designation, and the Form Based Code/Transitional District regulations; (2) The project site is less than five (5) acres at approximately 2.8 adjusted gross acres; (3) The project site is not within any known sensitive or threatened habitat area; (4) The project site will not have any significant effect related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (5) There are adequate public utilities services for the development of the proposed residential complex. Further, none of the exceptions in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to the project.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Project Plans
3. Planning Commission Resolution, Findings and Conditions of Approval
4. Notice of Exemption
5. Public Hearing Notice