FROM:
Planning Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Master Case No. 25-0019 and Municipal Code Amendment (MCA) No. 25-007: Fontana Municipal Code amendments to multiple sections of the Fontana Zoning and Development Code to revise signage regulations within the Downtown Core, streamline the approval process for various sign types and to prohibit feather and yard signs pursuant to the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse [SCH] No. 2016021099) and Public Resources Code Section 21083.3
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Determine that the proposed amendments in the Ordinance are consistent with the Fontana General Plan and certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2016021099) and so qualifies for an exemption from CEQA specifically Public Resources Code 20183.3 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 as the proposed amendments will have no new or more severe significant environmental effect “peculiar to” the Ordinance than discussed in the certified EIR and will have no significant off-site and cumulative impacts not discussed in that EIR as long as all applicable mitigation measures in the certified EIR will be undertaken; and
2. Read by title only and waive further reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1974, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fontana approving Master Case No. 25-0019 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0007 to modify the sign code section to encourage attractive signage in the Downtown Core by allowing flexibility in design requirements and streamlining the approval process for creative signs, sign programs, wall signs, directional signage, awning signs, canopy signs, inlay signs, graphic projecting signs, projecting signs, holiday window signs and roof signage, and prohibiting feather and yard signs.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Promote economic development by pursuing business attraction, retention, and expansion.
• Promote economic development by establishing a quick, consistent development process.
• Promote economic development by being business friendly at all levels and striving to constantly improve the city's competitiveness.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
1. The City of Fontana Zoning and Development Code regulates the development of commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Staff conducts ongoing reviews of the municipal code to determine where language within the code would benefit from updates, clarifications, and/or redefinition to help streamline zoning and facilitate the development process.
2. In 2018, the City adopted its current General Plan, which includes goals and objectives aimed at making a positive visual image of the Downtown Core area through new sign programs to allow attractive, creative signage.
3. In 2019, the City adopted the Form Based Code, which established mixed-use districts throughout the City to encourage residential and commercial uses with a focus on walkability and the pedestrian experience.
4. In 2023, the City amended Chapter 30 of the FMC (“the Zoning and Development Code”) for the Downtown Core Project under the SB2 Grant to focus on creating a more viable area through amendments to the Zoning and Development Code, including signage.
Analysis:
The amendments to the Zoning and Development code will add regulations for Sign Programs and allow creative signs within the Downtown Core. The amendments will align with the 2015-2035 General Plan goal of making a positive visual image of the Downtown Core and integrating clear way finding, artistic signage, scaled for the pedestrian visibility to help explore the Downtown area on foot. Clear signage helps to attract local and regional visitors that would help drive economic growth for the city.
Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0007:
The Municipal Code Amendments will modify the sign section of the zoning code to allow for attractive signage in the Downtown Core. The amendments will regulate sign programs and allow creative signs for the district.
The sign types referenced below are currently regulated in the Zoning and Development Code. The following amendments are intended to provide greater flexibility and a more streamlined approval process.
The following is a summary of the sign code amendments:
Downtown Core Creative Sign: Allows for creative signage that deviates from the other regulations of the Zoning and Development Code. Signs must be creative in design and match or enhance the architecture of the building. Façade improvements are permitted in the design but must be in close proximity of the creative sign. Businesses may use commercial murals, which are considered as a Downtown Core Creative sign that reflect imagery of their brand, products or services that will create visual interest in the Downtown. High quality electronic signs are limited to businesses advertising live events and screenings such as movie theaters and event venues. A Minor Use Permit will be required for electronic signs to ensure no other types of businesses are advertised. All other creative signs will require a Design Review Sign Application which are reviewed ministerially without a public hearing.
Downtown Core Sign Programs: The Sign Program will allow commercial areas to set their own development standards for signage. Commercial sites must be at least one acre or be made up of a two-story building to qualify. Like the Downtown Core Creative Sign, signage is permitted to have façade changes in proximity of signage, electronic messages for screenings and live events and allow for commercial murals. The standards set for this signage must be attractive and compatible with the buildings and area.
Wall Signs: The current Zoning Code allows up to 100 square feet for a wall sign, which has commercial businesses flexibility in having larger signs. This amendment will allow commercial tenants the ability to build a secondary sign. Secondary signs are often used to add graphics or slogans which often enhance the character of the frontage. Similar to the signs mentioned above, wall sign applicants have the opportunity to modify facades to enhance the visual aesthetics of a building. Wall sign applicants will be required to provide extra signage such as a secondary sign or any sign listed in this amendment. This will ensure that attractive signage is built in the Downtown Core.
Projecting Signs: Projecting signs are popular in many historic Downtowns. These signs extend from building facades and extend vertically. The current code only allows fifteen square feet for projecting signs, but this amendment will allow them at one and a half square feet per adjacent building frontage.
Other changes to the sign requirements:
• Awning Signs:
o Current: Allowed 25% square footage of an awning area.
o Proposed: Allowed 30% square footage coverage of awning area.
• Canopy Signs:
o Current: Allowed 25% square footage of surface area of canopy.
o Proposed: Allowed one square foot of sign area per each lineal foot of tenant frontage.
• Driveway/on-site traffic directional sign:
o Current: Only allowed on driveways.
o Proposed: Allowed along the right-of-way to help locate parking areas.
• Floor Inlay Sign:
o Current: Must be located within tenant’s parcel.
o Proposed: Allowed in right-of-way with City Engineer approval.
• Graphic Project Sign:
o Current: Allowed up to ten square feet.
o Proposed: Allowed up to twenty square feet.
• Roof Sign:
o Current: Not permitted.
o Proposed: Allowed for larger buildings and may only be used to name the local area or building.
• Yard and Feather Signs:
o Current: Permitted.
o Proposed: Not permitted.
Planning Commission:
On July 1, 2025 the Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of the Zoning Code Amendment as recommended by Planning Department staff and approved Resolution 2025-023. Planning Commissioner Dylan Keetle voted against the Resolution in favor of a motion that would require that Creative Signs and Sign Programs be reviewed by the Planning Commission instead of the Planning Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - Planning Commission Resolution Recommendation for City Council
Attachment No. 2 - Exhibit A
Attachment No. 3 - Planning Commission Minutes
Attachment No. 4 - Notice of Exemption
Attachment No. 5 - Public Hearing Notice