FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. 26-0046 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 26-0005: Fontana Municipal Code amendments to Chapter 30 to modify multiple sections of the Zoning and Development Code to revise the Auto Center Overlay boundary map to reflect previously approved changes, provide additional time for certain entitlements and administrative approval processes, address frontage coverage requirements for nonconforming sites in the Form-Based Code zoning districts, address driveway paving and access requirements for garages and parking facilities, and modify parties authorized to approve home-based businesses.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on information on the staff report staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. PC 2026-___; and,
1. Determine that the Ordinance is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c), 15061(B)(3) (the common-sense exemption), and 15378 and Sections No. 3.01, 3.22, and 10.59 of the 2019 Local Guidelines for Implementing CEQA, in that the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment where it can be with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA; and,
2. Approve a resolution recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance for Municipal Code Amendment (MCA) No. 26-0005 to amend Chapter 30 of the Municipal Code.
APPLICANT:
City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
LOCATION:
Citywide
REQUEST:
Municipal Code Amendment (MCA) No. 26-0005 to amend multiple sections of the Zoning and Development Code, including the Auto Center Overlay boundary map to reflect previously approved changes, clarify the entitlement time extensions timeline, address frontage coverage requirements for nonconforming sites in the Form-Based Code zoning districts, address driveway paving and access requirements for garages and parking facilities, and modify parties authorized to approve home-based businesses.
PROJECT PLANNER:
Cecily Session-Goins, Senior Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
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, clarification, and/or redefinition to help streamline zoning and facilitate the development process.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City initiated Municipal Code Amendment No. 26-0005 to update Chapter 30 (Zoning and Development Code) as summarized below; a detailed list of the proposed amendments is provided within Exhibit “A” of the Planning Commission Resolution provided as Attachment No. 1.
ANALYSIS:
Auto Center Overlay Map - The Auto Center Overlay planning area boundaries were amended in 2022. The map graphic delineating the planning areas adopted at the time is unclear. Therefore, the requested modification is to clean up the map graphic to ensure clarity.
Entitlement Timing & Process - Currently, entitlements are allowed up to a two-year time extension beyond the time granted by the original approval. The requested amendment would allow for extensions of up to three years, which would grant additional time for the applicants/developers to vest the entitlements. Additionally, the requirement that the Director of Planning forward to the Planning Commission administratively approved amendments to design review entitlements has been omitted.
Frontage Coverage Requirements in Form-Based Code Zone - Non-conforming buildings and sites are required to comply with the development standards in the underlying zoning district when remodeling and reconstructing. The requirement for frontage coverage in the Form-Based Code zoning district requires that at least 50% of the site adjacent to the front property line be covered by buildings. However, this requirement can be prohibitive to sites with existing development looking to remodel or reconstruct buildings. Therefore, the modification exempts certain sites from the frontage coverage development standards and instead imposes alternative screening requirements.
Garage and Parking Facility Width and Paving Requirements - The proposed modification includes the addition of clarifying language for the requirement that all drive aisles and driveways are to be paved. Additionally, the proposed amendment includes changes to drive aisle and driveway width requirements in alignment with current Fire Department requirements for access for emergency access.
Parties Authorized to Approve Home-Based Businesses - There are several standards and requirements applicable to home-based businesses, including the requirement for authorization by the property owner if the businesses is to be conducted on a property that is being rented or leased. The proposed modification would allow the owner of a manufactured home to submit the authorization, which will assist in the case of residents who own a manufactured home that is located on leased land.
In summary, the proposed amendments will provide for flexibility and streamlining of the City’s Zoning and Development Code to facilitate desirable development within the City.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - Planning Commission Resolution and Exhibit A
Attachment No. 2 - Notice of Exemption
Attachment No. 3 - Public Hearing Notice