FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. (MCN) 25-0056; Design Review No. 25-0025; A request for the site and architectural review for a proposed mixed-use development consisting of approximately 10,440 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 30 transitional housing units on the second and third floors, with associated site improvements, on 3.16 acres, located at 16029 Arrow Boulevard (APNs: 0232-201-13), pursuant to a Categorical Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the information contained in the staff report and subject to the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. PC 2025 - _____, and
1. Determine that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section No. 15332 (Class No. 32, Infill Development) of the California Environmental Quality Act, 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. 25-0025.
APPLICANT:
Mark Nuaimi
Water of Life Community Church
14418 Miller Avenue, Suite K
Fontana, CA 92336
LOCATION:
The project site is located at 16029 Arrow Boulevard (APN: 0232-201-13)
REQUEST:
Design Review (DRP) No. 25-0025 - A request for site and architectural approval for a mixed-use development project, totaling 30 transitional units and approximately 10,440 square feet of commercial space within a three-story building, and associated site improvements on approximately 3.16 acres.
PROJECT PLANNER:
Cecily Session-Goins, Associate Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On June 21, 2022, the Planning Commission heard and approved Conditional Use Permit No. 22-0014 and Design Review No. 22-0024, for Phase One of the development plan. Phase One includes the first building on the CityLink campus and other associated site improvements. Phase One has been permitted, constructed, and currently in operation as a result of this approval, including all on and off-site improvements. The current operations include social services, ministry services and other support functions.
Land Use Table:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Site Area: 138,024 square feet/3.17 acres
B. Density: Maximum Allowed: 36 units
Proposed: 30 units
C. Parking:
Required: 156 spaces (including Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Provided: 174 spaces (including Phase 1 and Phase 2)
ANALYSIS:
The applicant, Mark Nuaimi on behalf of Water of Life Community Church, is requesting that the Planning Commission review and approve Design Review No. 25-0025 for development of a mixed-use building consisting of commercial space and transitional housing units, with associated site improvements on approximately 3.16 acres.
Design Review (DRP) No. 25-0025:
The development seeks site and architectural approval of a new multi-use building totaling approximately 30,000 square feet, with 10,440 square feet of commercial space on the first floor, and 30 transitional housing units on the second and third floors. The proposed 30 transitional units will feature five (5) unit types and will be a mixture of studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms, ranging in size from 390 square feet to 1,030 square feet. There will be eight (8) studios, sixteen (16) one-bedrooms, two (2) one-bedroom with an elevator, two (2) two-bedrooms, and two (2) three-bedrooms.
The applicant proposes a multiplex building type designed with a Modern architectural style. The building will feature an exterior light tan color palette scheme, with rust and dark brown accents. The architectural style will be exemplified with ample glazing, metal awnings and railing, and a flat and varying roofline. The project will be aesthetically pleasing and be complementary to the existing building on the southwest portion of the site. The proposed 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 project is phase two of the CityLink campus. Phase one includes provides support services such as a food pantry, counseling services, ministry support rooms etc. Phase two will provide transitional and supportive housing on top of retail and office uses. The commercial uses will provide services for both the residents and surrounding community by providing local service providers and on the job training for residents.
Grading/Walls:
The project site is vacant and undeveloped. The topography of the project site is relatively flat. The existing drainage pattern flows from north to south. A six-foot tall block wall is existing on the southern property line and will remain in place. Existing split-rail fencing is located along the northern and eastern property lines and will be removed at the time of construction.
Site Access/Circulation/Parking:
Access onto the project site will be provided from Citrus Avenue, Tokay Avenue and Arrow Boulevard. 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. Parking provided on site will serve both buildings on the site and exceeds the requirements in the Zoning and Development Code.
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 Walkable Mixed Use Corridor and Downtown (WMXU-1)) designation of the General Plan and the Form Based Code/Transitional 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