FROM:
Planning Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Master Case No. 25-0047 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0008: Fontana Municipal Code amendments to Chapter 30 to modify multiple sections of the Zoning and Development Code, including modifications to the definition of and operating standards for restaurants, allowance for certain temporary buildings during commercial reconstruction or remodeling, development standards for the Multi-Family Medium/High Density Residential (R-4) zone, administrative procedures pertaining to administrative site plan and design review entitlements; modification to Chapter 26 pertaining to time extensions for tentative maps; and modification to Chapter 33 to provide additional delivery standards for cannabis retail storefront businesses, pursuant to a categorical exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(C), 15061(B)(3) and Section 15378.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Determine that this Ordinance is not a project pursuant to Sections 15060(C), 15061(B)(3) and 15378 of the State of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section No. 3.22 and 3.04 of the 2019 Local Guideline for Implementing CEQA, because it does not have potential for resulting in physical change in the environment, directly or indirectly, and it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have significant effect on the environment and is therefore not subject to CEQA; and
2. Read by title only and waive further reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1973, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fontana approving Master Case No. 25-0047 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0008 to amend Chapters 26, 30 (Zoning and Development Code) and 33 of the Fontana Municipal Code, including modifications to the restaurant definition and operating standards, temporary use permits for temporary offices, development standards for the R-4 zone and overlay, administrative procedures for administrative site plan and design review entitlements, tentative parcel map and tentative tract map time extensions and curbside delivery for cannabis retail storefronts; and the reading of the title constitutes the first thereof.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Promote economic development by pursuing business attraction, retention, and expansion.
• Provide a diverse range of housing types and levels of affordability while addressing homelessness in the community by construction of affordable high-quality multi-family housing.
• Enhance the local environment for future generations and create a healthy economic and environmental future by creating neighborhoods that are attractive, safe and convenient for walkers and bicyclists.
• Enhance the local environment for future generations and create a healthy economic and environmental future by adopting policies that promote compact and efficient development in new and existing communities.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
The Planning Commission reviewed Master Case No. 25-0047 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0008 during its September 16, 2025, meeting. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution PC No. 2025-029 to recommend approval of Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0008 to the City Council.
Analysis:
Municipal Code Amendment (MCA) No. 25-0008 is a request to amend Chapter 30 to modify multiple sections of the Zoning and Development Code, including modifications to the definition and operating standards for restaurants, development standards for the Multi-Family Medium/High Density Residential (R-4) zone, administrative procedures pertaining to administrative site plan and design review entitlements; amendments to Chapter 26 pertaining to time extension for tentative maps; and amendments to Chapter 33 to provide additional delivery standards for curbside delivery for cannabis retail storefront businesses.
Restaurant Definition and Operating Standards - A modification to the definition of restaurant land uses to align with the land uses changes made with the establishment of the Entertainment Center Overlay District along with other changes in Chapter 30.
Temporary Use Permits for Temporary Offices - The allowance for temporary commercial buildings to be placed on commercial sites actively undergoing reconstruction or major remodeling to limit disruption to businesses in the city.
Development Standards for the R-4 zone - The addition of standards pertaining to development in the Medium High Density Multi-Family Residential (R-4) Overlay District and to removal the restriction on the number of bedrooms residential dwellings in the Medium High Density Multi-Family Residential (R-4) zone may have.
Administrative Procedures for Administrative Site Plan and Design Review Entitlements - Added language to provide differentiation between, and clarification of, amendments and modifications to administrative site plan and design review entitlements. The amended language delineates which changes to development projects may be approved by the Director of Planning and which changes necessitate review and approval by the original approving body.
Tentative Parcel Map and Tentative Tract Map time extensions - Modifications to allow the Director of Planning to approve time extensions for tentative parcel maps and tentative tract maps.
Curbside Delivery for Cannabis Retail Storefronts - Added language related to curbside delivery for cannabis retail storefronts.
In summary, the proposed amendments will provide a consistent and streamlined development process, clarified residential development standards, and flexibility for commercial businesses, thereby encouraging attractive development and supporting commercial business operation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No.1 - Ordinance
Attachment No. 2 - Planning Commission Packet
Attachment No. 3 - Planning Commission Minutes
Attachment No. 4 - Notice of Exemption
Attachment No. 5 - Public Hearing Notice