1 City of Fontana
General Plan Annual Report
January 2021—December 2021
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
2 CITY OF FONTANA
2021 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
Prepared by the
Planning Department
Vision Statement
Fontana is a dynamic, thriving community that supports education, growth, safety and a positive community fabric.
Our community is creating the opportunities that courage social and economic investment. 3 PAGE
Table of Contents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Background - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -5
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING ACTIVITIES
General Plan Background- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6 Planning Division - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7-8 Building and Safety Division - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9-10 Housing Element Reporting Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11-12 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -13-14 General Plan Implementation Status- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - -- - -15 Chapter No. 5 – Housing Element - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - -- - -- 16 Chapter No. 7 – Conservation, Open Space and Trails - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Chapter No. 8 – Community Mobility and Circulation - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18 Chapter No. 15 – Land Use Zoning and Urban Design - - - - -- - -- - -- - -- 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 INTRODUCTION
Purpose of this Document
Section 65400 (b) of the State of California government Code requires planning agencies provide an annual report to their leg islative body, the Governor ’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) of the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation. The four basic purposes of the annual report are as follows:
• To provide information to assess progress on implementation of the General Plan in accordance with the stated goals, polices and implementation measures.
• Provide information to identify necessary course adjustments or modifications to the General Plan as a means to improve implementation.
• To provide a clear correlation between land use decisions made during the reporting period, and the goals, policies and implementation measures in the General Plan.
• To provide information regarding local agency progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing.
The General Plan Annual Progress Report summarizes the City of Fontana ’s progress towards implementing the goals, policies and programs of the 2015 -2035 City’s General Plan. It covers the period of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. The report provides for the annual review of the General plan to assess the level of implementation and effectiveness of the General Pla n as a guide for orderly growth and development. The General Plan Progress Report also provides information regarding the City ’s progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs.
5 BACKGROUND
The City of Fontana was incorporated on June 25, 1952. Fontana is a general -law city governed by codes adopted by the legislators of the State of California. The City of Fontana is governed by an elected Mayor and four District Council Member s.
Located in the Inland Empire, Fontana is situated 110 miles north of San Diego, 50 miles east of Los Angeles, 50 miles northe ast of the heart of Orange County and 15 miles west of the City of San Bernardino.
The Fontana planning area encompasses approximately 52.4 square miles (43.1 square miles -city limits/9.3 square miles-sphere of influence area). Since the last major revision to the General Plan in 2003, the population of the City has increased from 145,770 (source: State of California Department of Finance - 01/01/2002) to 211,390, an increase of over 45%. The population has increased by 31% over the last fifteen years. Much of this growth is due to recent annexation of unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, as well as the results of the 2010 Census which indicated growth of 52% between 2000 (128,929) and 2010 (196,069).
The City of Fontana has extensively used the specific plan process for much of the undeveloped land in its planning area.
Currently, the City of Fontana has adopted twenty -seven (27) specific plans and community plans. The specific plans and community plans within the city limits encompass almost 12,000 acres, representing over 26,000 dwelling units, 700 acres of commercial development, and 2,700 acres of industrial property.
6 GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND
The General Plan is mandated by California Government
Code Section 65300, which requires each city and county to adopt a comprehensive plan for the physical
development of the jurisdiction. It addresses land use, transportation routes, population growth, open space,
air and water quality, noise, safety issues and other
related physical, social and economic development
factors. Through the identification of goals, objectives, and policies, a General Plan creates a strategy
framework for implementation. In addition to serving as a basis for local decision making, the General Plan
establishes a clear set of development policies for
citizens, developers, decision-makers, neighboring
cities and counties, and provides the community
with an opportunity to participate in the planning and
decision-making process.
In November of 2018, the City adopted a comprehensive
update to the General Plan that contains a shared vision for the future community of Fontana, a plan outlining
strategies on how to pursue and achieve that vision, and an action plan that assists in advancing the goals,
policies, and implementation measures outlined in the
general plan.
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN
State law allows the city to amend any individual
element of its General Plan no more than four times
per year. Amendments may be proposed and acted
upon at any time during the year and one action may
include multiple amendments. Any changes to the
General Plan require a public hearing by the City
Council and evaluation of the environmental impacts as
required by the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
In 2021, the City amended the General Plan one time, on April 27, 2021, which included four entitlement
documents.
7 PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The Planning Department of the Community Development Department is the initial contact for development through the land entitlement process. From inception to completion, Planning works to ensure the highest standards for the use and design of any project submitted, while meeting the applicant ’s needs as well. This section outlines the activities of the Planning Department from January 2021 through December 2021.
The day-to-day planning activities include:
Administrating the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Development Code) Answering public inquiries on the telephone and over the public counter Processing planning applications for the Planning Commission and City Council Reviewing and approving business license applications for zoning compliance Preparing reports for the Planning Commission and City Council Reviewing development plans for compliance with City standards (Plan Checks). 8 Counter/Telephone Activity
Public Counter activity r epresents the number of counter visits recorded in the Planning Department. During the
this review period, the Planning Counter received a total of 4,083 visitors and e -mail correspondence was 230,567 for the year 2021.
Telephone activity r epresents the number of people
calling for assistance to the Planning Department. Phone calls are kept and tracked on a monthly basis. In 2021, the total number of calls received were 15,213 and
counter visits were
Planning Applications
The City of Fontan a utilizes a Master Case Number (MCN) tracking system which is assigned to every unique formal entitlement request. The Master Case Number serves as a tracking mechanism for the number of projects that have been taken in the city . For example, a proposal for a new shopping development will be assigned an MCN.
Underneath the number there will be all required
entitlement applications for the project such as
Conditional Use Permit requests, Variances, and Zone
Changes. This number does not include amendments to
previous entitlements such as Conditional Use Pe rmits
and Design Review Permits. Based on the Master Case
Number (MCN) tracking system, a total of 397 planning
entitlement applications were received during this
review period.
In addition t o the applications, planning staff reviewed business licenses and conducted plan check review to
ensure the proposed business, improvement and new
construction are in compliance with the zoning code.
9 BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT
The Building and Safety Department is responsible for a variety of tasks that include issuing permits, pro- cessing plan check submittals, and inspections. The Building and Safety Department provides professional plan checking, permitting, and inspections that assure adherence and compliance with the 2017 California Building Code. New building construction and tenant improvements require plan check review for zoning and Building Code compliance.
10 Building and Safety
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES
Construction of new single -family homes within calendar year 2021 consisted of 691 permits and 86 permits for
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU ’s).
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCES
The City issued permits to 39 multi-family housing
development projects totaling 86 units.
COMMERCIAL
Commercial development for calendar year 2021, resulted in 15 new buildin g permits issued with an approximate
valuation of $16,131,608.60.
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial development during calendar year 2021 resulted in 14 new buildin g permits that were issued fo r an
approximate valuation of $127,468,744.
11 HOUSING ELEMENT
12 Housing Element Reporting Requirements
Housing Element law requires quantification of each jurisdiction ’s existing and projected housing needs for all income levels. The City’s Department of Housing and Business Development continues to administer the Community Development Block Grant Funds in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements, the Federal HOME Program (designed for multi -family revitalization) and the City’s Low/Mod Housing Set -Aside fund. In addition to the above referenced policies and programs, existing programs in the Zoning and Development Code (i.e. Accessory Dwelling Units) provides the City with the flexibility and standards to encourage future development of low income housing.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) has identified the new housing units needed by the City of Fontana from January 2014 to October 2020 (see Table below). The Table shows the median income limits established by HUD for the Fontana area with the associated affordable rent and affordable home sales prices for each income category. Annual new home sales data for the City of Fontana is used to calculate the number of new housing units constructed in each income category to meet the RHNA housing needs.
City of Fontana Housing Need by Income Category
Income Category Units
Needed
2014-
2021
Units
Built
2018
Units
Built
2019
Units
Built
2017
Units
Built
2014
Units
Built
2016
Units
Built
2015
Re-
maining
Needed
2014-
2021
Units
Built
2020
Units
Built
2021
Extremely Low
(<30%) <$24,300
721 0 0 0 111 15 0 595 0 0
Very Low (50%)
<$31,950
1,442 0 0 0 0 70 0 1372 0 0
Low (80%)
<$51,100
974 0 0 0 0 55 0 859 60 0
Moderate (81 -
120%)
<$73,680
1090 0 0 0 4 0 0 1086 0 0
Above Moderate
(>120%) >$73,680
2,471 523 222 435 334 426 408 0 3863 1182
Totals 5,977 523 222 435 449 566 408 3912 3923 1182
13 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
14 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (CIP)
The State of California Government Code Section 66002
requires local agencies that have developed a fee program to adopt a CIP indicating the approximate location, size, timing and an estimate of the cost of all facilities or improvements to be financed by fees. The City of Fontana has such a fee program and the City ’s adopted seven -year Capital Improvement Program outlines the infrastructure needs for the future.
Projects and expenditures identified for future fiscal years are approved on a planning basis and do not receive
expenditure authority until they are part of the capital budget for that fiscal year. The public, City Council, Planning Commission, Engineering, and Parks and
Recreation Commission review of the overall seven -year program is performed annually for effective
implementation of the City ’s Vision Statement as well as the City Council’s more immediate goals and objectives.
The Seven -year Capital Improvement Program for FYs
2021/2022 through 2027/2028 sets forth infrastructure
needs and a capital plan involving 141 projects totaling approximately $806.8 million. Of this, all projects and expenditures identified for future fiscal years beyond
2021/2022 are approved on a planning basis and do not
receive expenditure authority until they are part of the capital budget for that fiscal year. A review of the seven - year program is performed annually by the Parks and
Community Services Commission, the Planning Commission
and the City Council in order to ensure effective
implementation of the City ’s Vision Statement as well as the City Council’s Goals.
The City ’s seven -year CIP continues to advance the “City Council ’s Vision” and strive to accomplish the “City Council ’s Goals and Objectives”. This vision statement and the goals and objectives adopted by the City Council will guide the development of policies, goals and objectives adopted in the City’s General Plan.
FY 2019/2020 CIP Expenditures by Category
CIP Category Amount
(Thousands)
No. Of
Projects
Flood Control & Storm Drain $15,929 5
Major Corridor/Interchanges $135,432 12
Open Space & Recreation $68,511 7
Other Capital Improvements $40,706 3
Public Building Improvements $26,673 4
Resource Mgt/Conservation $7,110 2
Sewer Improvements $10,653 5
Street Improvements $450,625 60
Technology $23,954 2
Traffic $27,222 41
Totals $806,815 141
15 GENERAL PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
16 Chapter No. 5 – Housing Element
The State of California mandates that each county and city maintain a Housing Element in their General Plan. Section 65583 of the Government Code sets forth the specific components to be contained in a community ’s housing element, including the City ’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
In addition to providing assistance and guidance for the City ’s Housing Element, the Housing Department administers a variety of community development activities including affordable housing activities and neighborhood improvement programs. Following are programs and activities supporting the goals of the Housing Element.
Updates:
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 21-002– FOR THE 2021-2029 6TH
CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT
Starting in 2020 the City held various public meetings and workshops as it relates to the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. During this review period, the Planning Department completed and released a public draft to the community as well as worked with property owners regarding zone changes for the Housing Element Update. The City aims to certify the Housing Element in early 2022.
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act, is a stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed into law that provides economic assistance for families struggling financially due to the effects of COVID -19 –19. Through an Emergency Rental/Mortgage Assistance program, the City was able to assist families struggling financially due to the effect of COVID -19 by paying up to six months rent or mortgage payments. At the end of 2021, a total of 737 checks were issued totaling $1,544,473.83.
Sierra Fountains Affordable Housing
The Fontana Housing Authority developed approximately five acres of vacant land on the southwest corner of Sierra Avenue and Ramona Avenue into a 60 -unit, affordable, multi -family community. Tax Credit Allocation Committee's (TCAC) funding was awarded from the State.
Construction was completed in the Fall of 2021 and the units were fully leased by the end of November 2021.
Other Housing Accomplishments
Provided Fair Housing Services to 161 residents
Acquired three single -family housing units to add to the City Housing Authority’s rental inventory.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program completed rehabilitation on two-single family homes.
17 Chapter No. 7 – Conservation, Open Space and
Trails
Open space and parks are key aspects to well being for Fontana residents.
Updates:
Goal 5: All Fontana residents live within walking or biking distance of a public park, and there are sufficient public parks to serve all areas of the city.
Action C: Identify opportunities for new or improved parks north of the I-10 Freeway especially in the central part of the city.
Central City Park
During this review period on July 20, 2021, the City completed construction and opened a new 14 acre park (Central City Park) comprised of three (3) lighted soccer/football fields, along with a tot lot, picnic areas, shade structures, parking lots, restroom, concession building, storage building, horseshoe club facilities and, community gardens at a site located in the center of the city, south of the I-10 freeway, between Cypress Avenue and Oleander Avenue, north of the Pacific Electric walking trail and south Upland Avenue.
Action E: Implement the plan for a sports complex in the southern part of the city to provide recreational opportunities to residents there.
South Fontana Sports Park
The City has obtain ed permits and entitlements for a 18 acre South Fontana Sports Park located in the southern part of the city, south on Santa Ana Avenue between Cypress and Juniper Avenues, comprised of four (4) lighted soccer/football fields with a tot lot, picnic areas, shade structures, parking lots, trellis, restroom, walking paths, concession buildings, and storage buildings. This project is listed as a priority one project in the Capital Improvement Program.
The city anticipates to start construction in early 2022. 18 Chapter No. 8 – Community Mobil ity and
Circulation
This element of the General Plan focuses on transportation policies.
Updates:
Goal 7: The City o f Fontana participates in shaping regional policies to reduce traffic congestion and green house gas emissions.
Action D: Support the adoption and use of technologies that reduce emissions from passenger and transit vehicles.
Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards Ordinance During this review period the City Council requested staff to research air quality improvement measures as it relates to warehouse development projects and on September 14, 2021 the City held a joint Planning Commission and City Council where staff presented information on air quality and recommended an Ordinance. On December 21, 2021 the Planning Commission considered a draft ordinance and recommended approval of this Ordinance to further improve air and environmental quality by the creating a new Article (Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards) in Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code.
This new section would include sustainability requirements for warehouse (industrial commerce center) projects to improve air and environmental quality. The Planning Commission's recommendation was forwarded to the City Council, which approved the ordinance in early 2022.
19 Chapter No. 15 -Land Use , Zoning, and Urban
Design
This element of the General Plan sets forth the policy framework for the physical development of Fontana. It is a guide for the decision-makers that sets the pattern, distribution, density and intensity of land uses that over time will assist the City in achieving the vision of Fontana for the future.
Updates:
Goal 2: Fontana development patterns support a high quality of life and economic prosperity.
Action A: Preserve, protect, and connect existing
master- planned neighborhoods.
Projects Approved Included:
Senior Housing Facility at 16796 Montgomery Avenue
A 58 unit senior housing facility with proximity to
commercial establishments, service providers, and also includes indoor community room, garden area, fireplace seating areas, a barbeque area, spa, putting green, exercise room, library, and ping pong and pool tables on site.
Ventana Specific Plan — Planning Area 6
A 257 unit attached multifamily residential with amenities Clubhouse with pool, walking paths, and courtyards.
Mixed-use development at 13381 Foothill Boulevard
A mixed use development with 24 residential units with retail and restaurant spaces that also includes the following amenities:
covered outdoor seating, picnic tables, a shuffleboard court, a horseshoe pit, outdoor exercise equipment and a hot tub.
Real Journey Academies, Inc.— Charter High School
A new three-story, 51,000 square foot school that provides education grades 9th and 12th with a maximum capacity of 800 students.