FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. 22-120 and Design Review No. 22-055; A request for the site and architectural review and approval for the construction of 174 detached condominiums and two (2) parks in the Arboretum Specific Plan.
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 PC No. 2023-____; and,
1. Determine that the project has been reviewed under a previous Final Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2006071109), pursuant to Section 15162 through 15164 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and Section 8.10 of the City of Fontana’s 2019 Local Guidelines for Implementing CEQA and direct staff to file a Notice of Determination; and,
2. Approve Design Review No. 22-055.
APPLICANT:
Stacey Sassaman
North Fontana Investment Company, LLC
1156 N. Mountain Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
LOCATION:
The project site is located on the east side of Cypress Avenue, north and south of Gardens Street (APNs: 1118-421-01 and 1118-441-01)
REQUEST:
Design Review No. 22-055 is a request for site and architectural review and approval for the construction of 174 detached condominiums and two (2) parks in planning areas G-3 and G-4 of the Arboretum Specific Plan.
PROJECT PLANNER:
Cecily Session-Goins, Associate Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A. Land Use Designations:
B. Previous Approvals:
1. On September 23, 2009, the City Council approved the Arboretum Specific Plan and the Arboretum Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (Resolution 2009-089)
2. On June 22, 2021, the City Council approved a specific plan amendment to allow for a density transfer from within the Gardens Village Planning Area as well as Tentative Tract Map No. 20362 to subdivide the subject site for condominium purposes.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Project Area: Approximately 18.33 acres
B. Building Analysis:
Planning Area G3
Plan 1: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms 1,829 square feet
Plan 2: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms 1,750 square feet
Plan 3: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 1,841 square feet
Plan 4: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 1,942 square feet
Planning Area G4
Plan 1: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 1,843 square feet
Plan 2: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms 1,941 square feet
Plan 3: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms 2,059 square feet
Plan 4: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms 2,121 square feet
C. Park Analysis:
Planning Area G3: .32 acres
Planning Area G4: .82 acres
ANALYSIS:
The applicant, Stacey Sassaman on behalf of North Fontana Investment, LLC, requests that the Planning Commission review and approve Design Review No. 22-055 to construct 174 detached condominiums and two (2) parks. The proposed condominiums range in size from 1,750 square feet to 2,121 square feet and will be constructed within the Garden Village planning area (G-3 and G-4) of the Arboretum Specific Plan.
Design Review:
The applicant is proposing Santa Barbara, Prairie and Farmhouse architectural styles. The styles are included in the menu of residential architectural styles in the Arboretum Specific Plan. The Santa Barbara elevations will utilize white and light earth tone colors, concrete “S” tiles for roofing, arched porch openings, decorative shutters, and other embellishments to exemplify the style. The Prairie elevations will feature concrete flat tile roofs, light siding tones, stone veneer, and hip roofs. Homes utilizing the Farmhouse style will have neutral-toned siding, board and batten siding, stone veneer, pot shelves, and decorative shutters.
The applicant is also proposing to construct two (2) park sites as part of this project as stipulated by the Arboretum Specific Plan. The park in Planning Area G3 will be named the Enchantment Park and will be .32 acres. It will feature plant archways, colorful furniture of different sizes for adults and children, and sculptural elements to promote the storybook theme of the park. The main focal element will be the playhouse in the tot lot areas. The park in Planning Area G4 will be named Space Park and will be .82 acres. The park will feature several play elements laid out in a circuit to promote the exploration theme of the park. The area will also include a family picnic pavilion with barbecues and a moderately sized turf area for open field play.
The development will comply with the required setbacks and will not exceed the maximum height or maximum lot coverage. All other applicable development standards in the Arboretum Specific Plan have been met.
Grading/Walls
The existing site is vacant and undeveloped. Decorative block walls and retaining walls will be constructed around the boundaries of Planning Areas G3 and G4, north and south of Gardens Street.
The grade slopes gradually on the site and tends to be higher from north and lower on the south. Decorative block walls that are a combination of retaining and boundary walls are existing on the northern and southern boundaries of the project site and will remain in place. The grades from east and west are not significant and will not require retaining walls. The proposed development will not be gated.
Circulation and Access
Both planning areas may be accessed from Gardens Street, which is a public street. Planning Area G3 will also have connectivity to and from Cassava Drive. Planning Area G4 will have internal connectivity to the adjacent residential development.
Environmental
Pursuant to the Initial Student (IS) prepared for the Arboretum Specific Plan, a Final EIR (SCH No. 2006071109) was prepared for the project and was certified by the City Council on September 23, 2009. Based on CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15162 through 15164 et seq, and Section 8.10 of the City of Fontana’s 2019 Local CEQA Guidelines, staff has determined that the previously certified Final EIR has adequately identified the impacts associated with Design Review No. 22-055. A Notice of Determination is determined to be adequate for this project and has been prepared for the Planning Commission’s consideration. The Final EIR for the Arboretum Specific Plan can be viewed at the following link: https://www.fontana.org/1278/Arboretum-Specific-Plan.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Project Plans
3. Planning Commission Resolution, Finding, and Conditions of Approval
4. Notice of Determination
5. Notice of Public Hearing