FROM:
Planning Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Master Case No. 23-090 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 23-003 - Fontana Municipal Code amendments to Chapter 30 (Zoning and Development Code), pursuant to a categorical exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c) and 15061(B)(3).
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Determine that this project is Categorically Exempt pursuant 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, and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and,
2. Read by title only and waive further reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1936, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fontana approving Master Case No. 23-090 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 23-003 amending Chapter 30 that will modify multiple sections, including modification of appeal hearing timeframes, addition of language to provide for minor and major planned unit developments (PUDs), modification of language related to open space requirements, modification of garage door design requirements; inclusion of language to reduce landscape setback requirements to accommodate bus turn outs and deceleration lanes, addition of language to streamline development standards within Medium Density Residential (R-2) and Multiple Family (R-3) zoning districts, and additional recreational facilities options within the Multi-Family Medium/High Density (R-4) and Multi-Family High Density Residential (R-5) zoning districts; 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.
• 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:
The Planning Commission reviewed Master Case No. 23-090 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 23-003 during its October 3, 2023, meeting. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution PC No. 2023-035 to recommend approval of Municipal Code Amendment No. 23-003 to the City Council.
Analysis:
The City is proposing approval of Municipal Code Amendment No. 23-003 to update Chapter 30, including modification of appeal hearing timeframes, addition of language to provide for minor and major planned unit developments (PUDs), modification of language related to open space requirements, modification of garage door design requirements; inclusion of language to reduce landscape setback requirements to accommodate bus turn outs and deceleration lanes, addition of language to streamline development standards within Medium Density Residential (R-2) and Multiple Family (R-3) zoning districts, and additional recreational facilities options within the Multi-Family Medium/High Density (R-4) and Multi-Family High Density Residential (R-5) zoning districts. The amendments are proposed in order to provide flexibility, clarity, and streamlining of the City’s Municipal Code.
The following is a brief summary of the proposed amendments. A detailed list of proposed amendments are provided under the Ordinance, attached to this staff report as Attachment No. 1.
Section 30-30: Hearing date and notice: Amendments to provide additional time to schedule appeal hearings. Current language requires that appeal hearing dates be set for between 30 and 60 days, which does not always provide sufficient time to provide the necessary reports for Planning Commission and City Council. This amendment provides additional time to facilitate the preparation of the staff report and associated documents.
Division 24: Planned Unit Development (PUD): Amendments to encourage the development of infill sites in the Medium Density Residential (R-2) zoning district by providing for major and minor planned unit developments, including modified development standards. The new language will provide flexibility and opportunities for development of in-fill sites in particular, and would be subject to enhanced architecture, landscaping and on-site improvements to contribute to the character of the existing neighborhood.
Section 30-417: Setback requirements: The Development Code does not currently provide a landscape setback that addresses requirements for projects adjacent to bus turn out or deceleration lanes; the proposed language will provide a development standard to accommodate conditions when a bus turn and/or deceleration lanes need to be constructed adjacent to a proposed development, thus providing for more orderly site planning.
Section 30-430: Uses Permitted: This amendment will provide for Planned Unit Developments distinguishing between a Major and Minor PUD within the permitted uses table for the residential zones.
Section 30-434: Residential development standards in R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-PC: This amendment will provide for development standards in the residential zones and add language to be consistent with the proposed language of the PUD.
Section 30-435: Plotting and design criteria: The amendment would clarify garage door design requirements.
Section 30-444: Additional development standards in R-2 and R-3 zoning districts: This section will be amended to allow developers to streamline certain developments for multi-family development within the R-2 zoning district. The amendment will simplify the permitted uses table and the developments standards for the R-2 and R-3 zone, allow smaller housing products and allow more variety of housing types within the R-2 and R-3 zoning districts.
Section 30-451: (R-4 and R-5) Recreational Facilities: This amendment will provide the Planning Commission with the ability to consider additional options when reviewing proposed amenities.
In summary, the proposed amendments are proposed in order to provide flexibility in, and streamlining of, the City’s Municipal Code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.