FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. (MCN) 25-0061: Design Review No. 25-0027; A request for site and architectural review and approval of a 48-unit apartment complex within two (2) three-story buildings totaling approximately 69,628 square feet, with associated site improvements, on a 1.9-acre parcel located at 7227 Oleander Ave, identified as Assessor Parcel Number: 0240-052-47, 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 2026 -___, and
1. Determine that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section No. 15332 (Class No. 32, Infill Development), 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. 25-0027.
APPLICANT:
SA Architects + Engineers
Ahmad Awad
6226 Coope Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336
LOCATION:
The project site is located at 7227 Oleander Avenue, (APN: 0240-052-47).
REQUEST:
Design Review No. 25-0027 - A request for site and architectural review and approval for the construction of a new 48-unit apartment complex, within two (2) three-story buildings that include various amenities, and associated site improvements on 1.9-acre lot.
PROJECT PLANNER:
Adelaida Bostan, Assistant Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Land Use Table
|
|
General Plan |
Zoning/Overlay |
Existing Land Use |
|
Site: |
Single Family (R-SF) |
Single Family Residential (R-1)/ R-4 Overlay zone |
Vacant |
|
North: |
Single Family (R-SF) |
Single Family Residential (R-1)/R-4 Overlay Zone |
Vacant |
|
South: |
Single Family (R-SF) |
Single Family Residential (R-1)/R-4 Overlay Zone |
Residential |
|
East: |
Single Family (R-SF) |
Single Family Residential (R-1)/R-4 Overlay Zone |
Vacant |
|
West: |
Walkable Mixed Use Corridor & Downtown (WMUX-1) |
Form Based Code (FBC)/Transitional District |
Residential |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Site Area: Approximately 1.9 acres
B. Density:
Max: 24.1 to 39 units per acre
Proposed: 28 units per acre
C. Parking:
Required: 91 parking spaces
Provided: 91 parking spaces
D. Landscaping:
Required: 8,699 square feet (15 percent)
Provided: 11,750 square feet (20.3 percent)
E. Common Open Space:
Required: 30 percent
Provided: 58 percent
ANALYSIS:
The Applicant, SA Architects + Engineers is requesting that the Planning Commission review and approve Design Review No. 25-0027 to develop a 48-unit multi-family apartment complex within two three-story buildings, totaling 69,628 square feet and associated site improvements on approximately 1.9 acres.
The applicant is requesting site and architectural approval of a new 48-unit apartment complex located within two (2) buildings that are three stories tall and total 69,628 square feet. In addition to the 48 Units, there will also be twelve (12) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), six within each building. The Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) shall be reviewed through a building permit process and are not associated with the proposed discretionary request before the Planning Commission approval.
Design:
The applicant proposes a Modern/contemporary style of architecture for the two buildings with an exterior color scheme that includes pastel green as the main color with white and dark blue accent colors. The architectural style includes smooth painted exterior, decorative wrought iron elements, decorative awnings, exterior light fixtures, stone veneer, and vinyl windows. Additionally, the building will have a dark brown color for the balcony railings.
The proposed multi-family apartment complex will be a mix of one-bedroom (with one bath), two-bedroom (with 2 baths), and three-bedroom (with 2 baths) units, ranging in size from 716 square feet to 1,360 square feet, with five (5) plan layouts. The overall unit count, inclusive of the ADUs, is eighteen (18) one-bedroom/one bath units, twenty-four (24) two-bedroom/two bath units, and eighteen (18) three-bedroom/two bath units. Private open space of 100 square feet is provided for each of the units.
The variation to the building’s faces, varying roof lines and building height of 40 feet 1 inches high will make the Project architecturally pleasing and be consistent with the surrounding area. The Project includes associated on and off-site improvements, including parking spaces, new landscaping, lighting, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and utilities related to the Project.
The proposed site is physically suitable in size and shape to support the development of the proposed residential 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 incorporates safety measures for automobiles and pedestrians in the area.
Amenities/Open Space:
The Project amenities include a trellis shade area with seating and BBQs, open lawn, and a 500 square foot fitness facility. Each unit has approximately 100 square feet of open space area
Grading/Walls:
The project site is vacant and undeveloped. The topography of the Project Site is relatively flat. The existing drainage pattern flows from the northeast to the southwest. An underground water infiltration/detention chamber system will be constructed for the Project.
A portion of the property has an existing six (6) foot high CMU wall along the perimeter, which will remain. For the remaining portions along the perimeter a new six (6) foot high screen wall will be constructed to ensure that there is a six (6) CMU wall along all the perimeter property lines.
Site Access/Circulation/Parking:
Primary vehicle access to the Project Site will be from Oleander Avenue. The internal circulation has been reviewed by the Planning, Fire, Traffic, and Engineering Departments and found to be sufficient to support this type of use.
Environmental:
Pursuant to 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 proposed Project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section No. 15332 as a Class 32, Infill Development Project. The project site is considered Infill Development and meets the CEQA requirements of Infill: (1) The Project is consistent with the Single Family (R-SF) designation of the General Plan and the Single Family (R-1)/R-4 Overlay Zone District regulations; (2) The Project Site is less than five (5) acres; (3) The Project Site is not within any known sensitive or threatened habitat area; (4) The Project will not have any significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (5) There are adequate public services for the development of the proposed residential project. Further, none of the exceptions in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to the Project.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - Vicinity Map
Attachment No. 2 - Project Plan Set
Attachment No. 3 - Planning Commission Resolution, Findings & Conditions of Approval
Attachment No. 4 - Notice of Exemption
Attachment No. 5 - Public Hearing Notice