Norco City Council
February 19, 2025

REVISED AGENDA
City Council
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 5:30 PM
ROLL CALL Greg Newton, Mayor
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor Pro Tem
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Gregory Bowen, Council Member
Fia Sullivan, Council Member

CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (1 potential case) a property owner requesting a sound wall alleged via email City's actions violate federal guidelines and civil rights and also references damages.

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore Unrepresented employee: City Manager

NEW - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: APN 131140005
Agency negotiator: City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development Director, Finance Director
Negotiating party: Wang Zhenyan
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
NEW - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (1 potential case)
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:00 PM

REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Sullivan
INVOCATION Pastor Michelle Ehrenberg
The Redeemer's Community Church
PRESENTATIONS Introduction of New Fire Battalion
Chief
Black History Month Proclamation
City Council Agenda - February 19, 2025

1. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL BOARDS

2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time when persons wishing to address the presiding governmental body regarding the Consent Calendar, Legislative Matters or items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Please submit a speaker card to the Meeting Clerk. Please limit comments to three minutes or less. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the governmental body’s ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. The governmental body shall not discuss or act relative to any general public comment.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR
All items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and may be enacted by one motion. Prior to the motion to consider any action by the presiding governmental body, any public comments on any of the Consent Items will be heard. There will be no separate action unless members of the governmental body request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar. Items removed from the Consent Calendar will be separately considered under Item 4 of the Agenda.

3.A. Waive Reading of all Ordinance Adoptions on this Agenda and Read by Title Only
RECOMMENDATION:

Waive reading, by title only, of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

Staff Report - Pdf

3.B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 05, 2025.

Staff Report - Pdf

3.C. Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on February 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on February 12, 2025.

Staff Report - Pdf

City Council Agenda - February 19, 2025

3.D. Maintenance of Backyard Trails to the Existing Trail Maintenance Contract Currently Funded by Measure R
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve additional Measure R funding for maintenance of backyard trails on an ongoing annual basis and authorize the City Manager to increase the purchase order for Nova Landscape Group.

Staff Report - Pdf

3.E. Approve Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Part 1 to the Measure R Budget
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Part 1 related to four (4) intersections to the Measure R budget in the amount of $330,000 and authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order to Yunix Traffic in the amount of $326,173.

Staff Report - Pdf

3.F. Acceptance of the Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project as Complete (Project No. 5411.9)
RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.

Staff Report - Pdf

3.G. Housing Consultant Services for Affordable Housing Programs RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the contract with RSG, Inc. (our existing Housing Consultant) in the amount not to exceed $115,198, and appropriate $115,198 of housing funds to provide consulting services to help the City develop and administer affordable housing programs in the City of Norco.

Staff Report - Pdf

4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)

City Council Agenda - February 19, 2025
Order of Presentation for Discussion Items:

1. Staff Report Presentation

2. Council Questions of Staff

3. Public Comment

4. Council Discussion and Action

5.A. California Rehabilitation Center Advisory Committee participation RECOMMENDATION:

Discuss participation in the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) Advisory Committee and assign Council Members and/or Staff to the Committee as appropriate.

Staff Report - Pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Order of Presentation for Public Hearing Items:

1. Staff Report Presentation

2. Council Questions of Staff

3. Open Public Hearing
a. Public Comment

4. Close Public Hearing

5. Council Discussion and Action

6.A. Introduction and First Read of Ordinance No. 1130 Adding Section

15.01.185 to the Norco Municipal Code to Establish the City Planning Commission as the City's Local Appeals Board
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve Alternative No. 1: Introduce and approve a first read of Ordinance No. 1130 adding Section 15.01.185 to the Norco Municipal Code to create a Local Appeals Board to hear appeals of building and building code related decisions, citations, and other matters.

Staff Report - Pdf

6.B. Ordinance 1129-1: Consideration of an extension of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1129, establishing a temporary moratorium on new development hotels and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in guestrooms
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt the extension of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1129 establishing a temporary moratorium on new hotels with kitchens in the guestroom and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in guestrooms.

Staff Report - Pdf

City Council Agenda - February 19, 2025

6.C. Appeal Hearing: An appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06 (Yu), which is a request to allow a 557 square-foot detached garage at 3332 Vandermolen Drive, within the Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan. APN: 123-661-009
RECOMMENDATION:

Revert the applicant's revised proposal back to the Planning Commission for review and reconsideration.

Staff Report - Pdf

7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

8. ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office at (951) 270-5623 or [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the meeting so that reasonable arrangements can be made to ensure accessibility. Staff reports are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the presiding governmental body regarding any item on this agenda will be available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours at Norco City Hall, located at 2870 Clark Avenue in Norco. The meeting is recorded.

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.A.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Dana Roa, City Clerk
Prepared By: Sophia Thompson, Deputy City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

Waive Reading of all Ordinance Adoptions on this Agenda and Read by Title Only RECOMMENDATION:

Waive reading, by title only, of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.B.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Dana Roa, City Clerk
Prepared By: Sophia Thompson, Deputy City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 05, 2025.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

City Council - Feb 05 2025 - DRAFT Minutes

DRAFT - MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 4:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL Greg Newton, Mayor
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor Pro Tem
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Gregory Bowen, Council Member
Fia Sullivan, Council Member

STREET, TRAILS AND UTILITIES

COMMISSION ROLL CALL
Jim Pollard, Chair
Michael Williams, Vice Chair
Michael Thompson, Member
Sherry Walker, Member
ABSENT Audrey Pavia, Member
Courtney Cieslik, Youth Commissioner

JOINT WORKSHOP - WATER AND SEWER RATE STUDY
Public Works Direct Chad Blais introduced the Water and Sewer Rate Study to the City Council and the Street, Trails and Utilities Commission. He explained the overall rate study schedule with dates and goals to be met in 2025. He introduced the Consultant, David Hyder, to present the details of the study to the City Council and the Commission.

Consultant reviewed the Study Objectives and Financial Planning Overview.

Public Works Director Blais reviewed the Water System Overview.

Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns from City Council Members and Commission Members regarding the Water System Overview.

Public Works Director Blais and Consultant Hyder presented the Sewer System Overview.

Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns from City Council Members and Commission Members regarding the Sewer Rate Overview.

Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
There were no public comments at this time.

Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.

Council Members and Commission Members discussed the priorities for next steps regarding the Capital Improvement Projects and what they wish to see added in the next overview of the Water and Sewer Rate Study.

Public Works Director Blais addressed comments and concerns.

Mayor Newton adjourned the Joint Workshop at 5:50 PM.

CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Newton adjourned to Closed Session at 6 PM.

City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session items into the record.

WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: APN: 126-050-002, 126-050-004 & 129-380-010
Agency negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Parties: City of Norco
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (2 potential cases)

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore Unrepresented employee: City Manager
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:08 PM

REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns stated there were no reportable actions and that item, Conference with Labor Negotiators, was not discussed.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Bowen
INVOCATION Chaplain Vincent Ball
Riverside County Sheriff

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
PRESENTATIONS General Plan Update - Consultant Jean
Ward

1. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL BOARDS
The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members provided reports on their recent individual participation in committees, commissions, regional boards, and community organizations.

2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Charlie Sampson provided his history regarding his rodeo career and announced the rodeo on June 28, 2025, that he will be hosting at the Ingalls Event Center.

Albert Nelson spoke regarding the rodeo on June 28, 2025, and the events and booths for all ages of the community. He spoke regarding his concern for item 3.J. and that there needs to be parking on one side of the street at minimum.

Judy Tompkins spoke regarding her concerns for the safety of those who walk at Pikes Peak Park and the lack of signage for leash laws and picking up after your pet signs. She asked that signage be added at the park and on electronic signs.

Jim Pollard spoke regarding item 3.J. and his concerns for no parking on Valley View Ave.

Rocky Lowstetter spoke regarding his concern for the pavers in the horse trail in front of his house and asked that the City Council allow the pavers to remain.

Trisha Autrey spoke regarding her concerns for the speeding and reckless driving on Vine Avenue between Bluff Street and Corydon Avenue. She provided information on an accident that occurred on January 28, 2025 due to reckless driving and the need for traffic calming measures.

Kristen Jimenez spoke regarding her concerns for the reckless driving on Vine Avenue and discussed the accident on January 28, 2025, and asked that speed bumps be considered to help with the speeding issues.

Connie Fagerlind spoke regarding her concerns for the reckless driving on Vine Avenue and her recommendation for speed bumps.

Gary R. Wolcott spoke regarding his concerns for his property being stolen for high density and low-income housing and his concern for corruption in the courts.

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Bill Gunn spoke regarding his concerns with the process for approving ADU's and the frustration he has had with some of the staff. He asked the City Council for assistance in resolving the problems with his proposed ADU for his property.

Dr. Sigrid Williams spoke regarding her experience in law enforcement and spoke regarding her concerns for the traffic and speeding around Norco and asked that more law enforcement officers be provided to help with traffic control.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Consent Calendar as Presented.

Council Member Bash asked that item 3.J. be pulled for discussion.

Mayor Newton asked that item 3.I. be pulled for discussion.

Council Member Bash complimented the Finance Department on item 3.E. and complimented Public Works Director Blais and his team for item 3.H. and 3.I.

M/S BASH/SULLIVAN Approve of Consent Calendar as presented with item 3.I. and 3.J. pulled for discussion. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE

3.A. Waive Reading of all Ordinance Adoptions on this Agenda and Read by Title Only
Action: Waived reading, by title only, of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

3.B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes and Special Meeting Minutes Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes and Special Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2025.

3.C. Report on Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audited Financial Reports

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Action: Received and filed the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audited Financial Reports.

3.D. Resolution Making Findings and Continuing Existing Benefit Assessment Rates (BAU) for Maintaining Flood Control Channels within County Service Area CSA152 for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2027-28 Action: Adopted Resolution 2025-01, making findings and continuing existing Benefit Assessment Rates (BAU) for maintaining flood control channels within County Service Area CSA-152 for Fiscal Years (FY) 2025-26 through 2027-28.

3.E. Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ended December 31, 2024 Action: Received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024.

3.F. Quarterly Purchase Orders Listing Between $25,000 to $49,999 Action: Received and filed the Quarterly Purchase Orders Listing for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024.

3.G. Appointments to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly Meeting to be Held on May 2, 2025.

Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-02, appointing Council Member Kevin Bash as the delegate and Mayor Greg Newton as the alternate for the Southern California Association of Governments General Assembly Meeting on May 2, 2025.

3.H. Acceptance of Bids and Award of Contract for the 2024-25 Slurry Seal and Veterans Way Improvement Project
Action: Accepted the bids and awarded a contract for the 2024-25 Slurry Seal and Veterans Way Improvement Project to American Asphalt South, Inc. in the amount of $268,613; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.

4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

3.I. Acceptance of Bids and Award of Contract for the Third Street Improvements (Hamner Ave to Valley View Ave)

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Mayor Newton suggested that the contract be approved with the deduction of line item 14 and 32, removal and installation of horse trail fencing, to allow the contractor used for horse trail fencing to complete the work.

Public Works Director Blais clarified that the contract would be approved as presented and once awarded the scope of work would be reduced to remove line item 14 and 32.

Council Members had no further questions or concerns.

Motion was made.

M/S NEWTON/BASH Accept bids and award a contract to Eagle Paving LLC for the Third Street Improvements - Hamner Ave to Valley View Ave in the amount of $590,000 and authorize the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount; with the scope of work to be reduced to remove line items 14 and 32. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE

3.J. Resolution updating the City's restricted parking areas by adding "No Parking" along the easterly frontage of Valley View Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street.

Public Works Director Blais presented the staff report and clarified the reasoning for the No Parking along the easterly frontage of Valley View Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street.

Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.

Jim Pollard spoke regarding his concerns for the parking restriction and for the residents not being made aware of the change.

Albert Nelson stated he spoke during General Public Comment.

Sigrid Williams spoke regarding her concerns for taking away the parking for the residents and the neighbors and that this item was not brought to the Street, Trails and Utilities Commission before being brought to the City Council.

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.

Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns regarding the item not being brought to the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission.

Council Members discussed the importance of communication and education to the community with the help of the Commissions.

Following discussion, motion was made.

M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Resolution 2025-03 to add "No Parking" along the easterly frontage of Valley View Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE

5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

5.A. Second Reading: Ordinance, Zone Code Amendment 2024-04 (City of Norco):

A City initiated amendment to Title 18, Chapter 18.43 (Hearings and Appeals Therefrom), Chapter 18.68 (Accessory Building Use Permits), and Chapter

18.40 (Site Plan Review), increasing the public noticing radius requirements from 300 feet with a minimum number of 25 properties captured, to 600 feet with a minimum of 40 properties captured, and to require noticing for Site Plan Review applications.

Council Members had no further questions or concerns regarding Ordinance No.1128.

Motion was made.

M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Adopt Second Reading: Ordinance No.1128, approving Zone Code Amendment 2024-04. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025

6. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)

6.A. Planning Commission Unscheduled Vacant Seat, Term Ending June 2026 City Clerk Roa presented the report for the Planning Commission Unscheduled Vacancy.

Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.

The following spoke on their behalf regarding their desire to be appointed as Planning Commissioner: Jarret Young, Mike Williams, Shannon Chudzicki and Catherine Fiore.

City Clerk Roa provided information for the following two applicants who were unable to make it to the meeting and emailed their comments for consideration as Planning Commissioner: Dean Chase and Michelle Heasley.

Gary R. Wolcott spoke regarding his concern for corruption and his desire to be a part of improving peace and education.

Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.

Council Members discussed their options to appoint applicants or to schedule interviews for further consideration.

Council Member Sullivan spoke regarding the importance of further consideration for the vacant seat.

Following discussion, motion was made.

M/S BASH/BOWEN Consider the applications received and:
(A) appoint an applicant to the Planning Commission unscheduled vacant seat, term ending June 2026. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, AND BOWEN
NOES: SULLIVAN
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Ballots were completed for the Planning Commission Vacant Seat, Term Ending June 2026 with the following votes:

Catherine Fiore - 3
Shannon Chudzicki - 2
Catherine Fiore was appointed as Planning Commissioner for the term ending June 2026.

7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk Roa thanked everyone for the warm wishes as her and her husband recovered from the car accident.

Public Works Director Blais recommended that Mr. Lowstetter's concern regarding his pavers in the horse trail be brought to the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission for further discussion.

City Attorney Burns answered questions regarding the process for the discussion to be brought to the Commission and to City Council.

Council Members discussed the item and directed Public Works Director Blais to have the discussion with the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission for a recommendation to be brought back to the City Council.

Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton provided an update on Pikes Peak Park.

Council Member Bowen recommended the Eagle Scouts do a signage project at Pumpkin Rock.

Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton provided information on possible projects for the Eagle Scouts.

Lieutenant Hall addressed the speeding concerns across the City and provided information on their active efforts to combat the issues.

Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer thanked staff for all of the events at the various venues.

Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered questions from Council Member Bash regarding community access to Pikes Peak Park during construction.

City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Council Member Bash recommended that a discussion be had regarding Vine Avenue speeding issues.

Mayor Newton stated there may be more dramatic ways to help combat the speeding issues on Vine Avenue and across the City and made a motion to agendize a discussion.

M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Agendize a discussion regarding the speeding issues on Vine Avenue and other streets with public safety concerns. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE

8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton adjourned the meeting at 9:02 PM.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.C.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Alma Robles, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Sophia Thompson, Deputy City Clerk
Department: Planning
SUBJECT:

Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on February 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on February 12, 2025.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

Planning Commission - Feb 12 2025 - DRAFT Minutes

DRAFT - MINUTES
Planning Commission
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 7:00 PM
OATH OF OFFICE Catherine Fiore, Member
Sarah Langlois, Youth Commissioner
ROLL CALL Danny Azevedo, Vice Chair
Catherine Fiore, Member
Patricia Hedges, Member
Jeff Shyu, Member
Tara Young, Member
Sarah Langlois, Youth Commissioner

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR

1. Election of Planning Commission Chair
M/S AZEVEDO/SHYU Elect Member Patricia Hedges as Chair for the remainder of the 2024-2025 Term. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: AZEVEDO, FIORE, HEDGES, SHYU, AND YOUNG
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LANGLOIS: AYE
PRESENTATIONS General Plan Update
Community Development Director Robles read the Appeal Notice into the record.

APPEAL NOTICE: In the event that you disagree with the action taken by the Planning Commission in regards to your application, or with any condition for approval of the application which is not a specific requirement of the Norco Municipal Code, you are entitled to appeal such determination or conditions to

Planning Commission Minutes - February 12, 2025
the Norco City Council, provided that such appeal is filed with the Norco City Clerk within ten calendar days after the requirements for appeals, inclusive of payment of an appeal fee.

1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.

2. CONSENT CALENDAR

2.A. Approval of Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes M/S SHYU/YOUNG Approve the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2024. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: HEDGES, AZEVEDO, FIORE, SHYU, AND YOUNG
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LANGLOIS: AYE

3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
No items were pulled from the Consent Calendar.

4. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)

4.A. Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-16 (Hines): A request to allow the construction of a 1,000 square-foot detached RV garage with a 400 square-foot workshop at 3767 Temescal Avenue, within the A-1-20 (Agricultural, LowDensity) zone. APN: 133-221-020.

Community Development Director Robles presented the report on Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-16.

Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns.

Chair Hedges offered the Applicant to speak and answer questions.

Applicant Hines answered questions regarding the small pool on the property.

Planning Commission Minutes - February 12, 2025
Chair Hedges opened Public Comment.

There were no public comments at this time.

Chair Hedges closed Public Comment.

Commission Members had no further questions or concerns.

Motion was made.

M/S YOUNG/SHYU Approval of Site Plan 2024-16 subject to the attached Conditions of Approval on Resolution 2025-05. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: HEDGES, AZEVEDO, FIORE, SHYU, AND YOUNG
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LANGLOIS: AYE

4.B. Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-01 (Nunez): A request to allow a 340 square-foot detached workshop with an attached 480 square-foot covered patio at 1539 Second Street, within the A-1-20 (Agricultural, Low-Density) Zone. APN:
125-100-045.

Associate Planner Woods-Diaz presented the report on Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-01.

Associate Planner Woods-Diaz answered questions and concerns regarding the already demolished structure and the unpermitted concrete slab that is to be demolished during the project.

Chair Hedges opened Public Comment.

There were no public comments at this time.

Chair Hedges closed Public Comment.

Member Shyu discussed his concerns regarding adding clarifying wording to conditions of approval to ensure the unpermitted concrete slab is demolished and that the north and south overhang of the proposed structure be confirmed at 2 feet.

Planning Commission Minutes - February 12, 2025
Commission Members had no further questions or concerns.

Motion was made.

M/S SHYU/AZEVEDO Approve Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-01 subject to the attached Conditions of Approval on Resolution 2025-01; with the addition of clarifying language to ensure the unpermitted concrete slab is demolished and the north and south overhang of the proposed structure is 2 feet. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: HEDGES, AZEVEDO, FIORE, SHYU, AND YOUNG
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LANGLOIS: AYE

5. PUBLIC HEARING(S)

5.A. Site Plan 2022-01 and Conditional Use Permit 2022-02 (Dorbayan): A request to approve an 11,780 square foot shopping center and a 1,384 square-foot drivethru food service facility, located at 1461 Sixth Street within the C-4 (Commercial) Zone. APNs: 131-140-026, -033, -036, and -037.

Community Development Director Robles presented Site Plan 2022-01 and Conditional Use Permit 2022-02.

Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns regarding the 10-foot setback, horse staging areas, parking spaces and the height of the surrounding wall.

Chair Hedges invited the Applicant and the developer team up to speak.

The Architect, Cyrus Dorbayan, spoke regarding the path of travel, the standard requirements for stacked parking which include the drive-thru as parking spaces, ADA parking requirements, and the municipal code requirement of western elements in relation to a 10-foot setback.

Community Development Director Robles answered questions regarding parking requirements in relation to zoning code and building code.

Planning Commission Minutes - February 12, 2025
Applicants Legal Adviser, Stephen Weaver, commented on the allowance of stacked parking to meet the parking space requirements.

Chair Hedges opened Public Comment.

Stephen Weaver spoke regarding his appreciation towards the City and all of the staff involved with the project. He spoke regarding being able to accommodate additional conditions if necessary.

Bonnie Slager spoke regarding the height of the surrounding wall should be done as high as possible in order to protect neighboring residents and their animals.

She spoke regarding her concern for having enclosed horse corals and having them in view so owners can see their horses as they shop. She commented on the parking spaces and the need for more spaces especially for trucks and trailers.

Bill Naylor spoke in agreement with Bonnie Slager and his concerns for horse safety and the height of the surrounding wall. He provided an alternate idea for organizing the parking to allow for more parking spaces.

Mary Hendrickson spoke regarding her concern for wanting a surrounding wall as high as allowed to protect the neighboring properties from people coming over the walls or trying to feed animals. She also spoke regarding her concern for the limited parking spaces for employees and shoppers.

Chair Hedges closed Public Comment.

Commission Members discussed their overall support for the design but had concerns regarding the technical aspects of the parking, horse staging areas, the height of the surrounding wall and the proposed 10-foot setback.

Commission Members agreed the site plan needs adjustments to address these concerns before any conditions can be approved.

City Attorney Halfman recommended the item be continued to a date certain meeting.

Member Shyu requested that the Building Official review the parking to ensure they meet all building code requirements.

Community Development Director Robles addressed the Applicant and the developer team to ensure the next regular scheduled Planning Commission meeting would be sufficient to address these concerns and make adjustments to the site plan for review.

Planning Commission Minutes - February 12, 2025
Following discussion, motion was made.

M/S SHYU/HEDGES Continue Site Plan Review 2022-01 and Conditional Use Permit 2022-02, to the regular scheduled Planning Commission meeting of March 12, 2025. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: HEDGES, AZEVEDO, FIORE, SHYU, AND YOUNG
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LANGLOIS: AYE

6. COMMISSION / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Commission or Staff communications.

7. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hedges adjourned the meeting at 8:32 PM.

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.D.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Chad Blais, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Chad Blais, Public Works Director
Department: Public Works
SUBJECT:

Maintenance of Backyard Trails to the Existing Trail Maintenance Contract Currently Funded by Measure R
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve additional Measure R funding for maintenance of backyard trails on an ongoing annual basis and authorize the City Manager to increase the purchase order for Nova Landscape Group.

SUMMARY:

The City has been actively working on rehabilitating the backyard trails as resources are available. While the process has been slow, the impacts to those backyard trails already rehabilitated is being noticed by the community. However, post rehab, those completed backyard trails are already seeing regrowth in weeds due to transient water from adjacent properties. Public Works, Streets, Trails, and Utilities Commission (STUC), and the Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC) reviewed and recommended for City Council approval of additional Measure R funding to provide ongoing annual maintenance of the backyard trails.

BACKGROUND:

Over the past couple years STUC, COC, and City Council has wrestled with the poor condition of the backyard trails around Norco (see attached map). While adjacent property owners to backyard trails are required by Norco Municipal Code to maintain their portion of the backtrail, the City has not actively enforced this requirement which has resulted in undesirable trail conditions. In 2022, STUC used a subcommittee to develop recommendations and the full STUC recommended the City Council consider taking over maintenance obligations of the backyard trails. As part of the FY 2024-25 budget process, the City Council considered the issue of backyard trail maintenance and the recommendation from STUC. Ultimately, the COC and City Council authorized $50,000 from Measure R to help begin remediating the backyard trails using CalFire

Prison Fire Crews to remove heavy weeds and Nova Landscape Group would touch up the trail as needed to make them traversable and safe.

While the CalFire resources are very cost effective for weed removal, they are also not readily available to timely clear all the trails due to CalFire supporting fire response demands or obligations to other agencies. This has created a backlog in the City's efforts to clear the backyard trails, but staff believes CalFire can get through each of the backyard trails within 12 months. However, the critical issue is there is no ongoing maintenance being conducted on a backyard trail once it has been rehabilitated. Weeds are already growing back in backyard trails that were rehabilitated.

As a reminder the existing budget provided by Measure R for trail maintenance is $517,296 annually or $43,108 per month. Public Works discussed the issue with Nova Landscape Group and determined adding annual trail maintenance within the existing contract for approximately 9.5 miles or 583,447 square feet of backyard trails would cost approximately $69,432 annually or $5,786 monthly.

Public Works reviewed this information with STUC on January 6, 2024, and STUC unanimously recommended the backyard trails be added to the existing trail maintenance contract once each trail segment is rehabilitated to ensure each backyard trail remains in good condition.

The COC also reviewed this recommendation on January 22, 2025, and voted (4 in favor, 1 against) to support the recommendation from STUC.

If approved by City Council, Nova Landscape Group would incrementally increase their monthly invoice to reflect the additional square footage added as each trail is fully rehabilitated. The current budget impact for the remainder of the fiscal year is an additional $29,000 and the total budget impact for next fiscal year 2025-26 is anticipated to be $586,728.

Note: If the City Council elects to authorize the additional Measure R funding to perform annual maintenance of the backyard trails, Public Works would also recommend revising the Norco Municipal Code to remove the maintenance requirement of adjacent property owners. This municipal code revision would be brought to City Council after all the backyard trails have been fully rehabilitated.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Trail Maintenance project was approved for FY 2024-25 for $650,000 which includes $50,000 for backyard trail rehabilitation efforts. The additional funding for the remaining of the fiscal year 2024-25 for ongoing maintenance of backyard trails is $29,000 (account no. 127-850-32400) which will be included as part of the mid-year budget recommendation. The estimated available Measure R fund balance as of June 30, 2025 is $308,672 including the addition of backyard ongoing trail maintenance.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with Strategic Direction No. 5. - Infrastructure & Asset Management: Ensure timely preservation, replacement, improvement and acquisition of infrastructure and capital assets.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

Backyard Trails Map

Cucamongo Creek
Chino Cor ona Rd
man Ave Hellman Ave
Chandler St
San ta
Ana
River
Bluff St
River Rd
Hellman Ave
Koroneburg
Faire Site
Corona
Municipal
Airport
Chandler St
River Dr
Harrison Ave
Citrus St
7th St
Pedl ey
Ave
Schleisman Rd
Arlington Ave
Archibald St
15 River Trails
Park
Goose
Creek
Golf Club
5th St
Corona Ave
6th St
Parkridge Ave
2nd St
V ni
e A ve
Temescal Ave
Corydon
Ave
Mountain Ave
Norco Hi lls Rd
Hillside Ave Hillside Ave
Pedley Ave
N
Cota
St
5th St
River Rd
N
Main St
Co rydon Ave
Norco Dr
Ar chibald St
15 15
15 Naval Surface
Warfare Center
Corona Division
Butterfield Park
Riverside
Community
College - Norco
Campus
NORCO
Jones
Ave
Tyler St
Cypress Ave
Mitchell Av e
Campbell Ave
Sierra
Vista
Ave
Golden Ave
Keller Ave
Raley Dr
Fillmore
St
Buchanan
St
La
Sierra Ave
Rive
wr alk
Pkw y
91 La Sierra
University
Backyard Trails Map
County of Riverside, California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA,

NPS, USDA, USFWS
Backyard
City Boundary
1/25/2025, 12:58:35 PM 0 0.42 0.85 1.7 mi
0 0.5 1 2 km
1:60,000

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.E.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Chad Blais, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Chad Blais, Public Works Director
Department: Public Works
SUBJECT:

Approve Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Part 1 to the Measure R Budget
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Part 1 related to four (4) intersections to the Measure R budget in the amount of $330,000 and authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order to Yunix Traffic in the amount of $326,173.

SUMMARY:

Public Works developed a five-year capital improvement program to implement citywide critical traffic signal upgrades. In this second year of the planned improvements, staff has already completed the approved replacement of all incandescent traffic and pedestrian signal lights with new LED lights. Public Works is now seeking to add critical traffic management and safety improvements at four (4) intersections, including adding battery backups and vehicle video detection.

BACKGROUND:

As part of the City's five-year capital improvement program, Public Works is upgrading and modernizing all the traffic signals maintained by the City. Some of the planned future improvements include adding battery backups, vehicle video detection, new traffic cabinets as needed, and upgrading to LED for the safety lights and signal heads.

However, the cost to implement all the planned upgrades per intersection is estimated to be about $150,000 each. With over 27 intersections below desired standards, that would require nearly $4,000,000 to complete all the work at once. There are eight (8) traffic signals that were previously upgraded during various street improvement projects or as part of development projects to meet current standards and will not be part of overall improvement goals. Please note the upgrade for the safety lights to LED was completed in fiscal year 2023-24 and the upgrade to LED for signal heads was completed in December 2024.

As part of the recent wind events, the City has been subject to random and often extended power outages by SCE that left some of our traffic signals without power for hours. This creates a significant safety issue for the public as the traffic signals are blacked out because there is no battery backup in place. Public Works would now like to begin the incremental upgrade of the traffic signals to add battery backup systems and traffic signal cameras. Yunix Traffic is the City's current traffic signal maintenance provider and has provided a quote in the amount of $326,173 to install Clary Battery Backup Units and Iteris Camera Systems & Swarco Controllers (see attached quote).

On January 22, 2025, the Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee reviewed and recommended for City Council approval for the Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Part 1 as a project in the amount of $330,000 under Measure R.

Staff is recommending the City Council approve adding the Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Part 1 related to four (4) intersections to the Measure R budget in the amount of $330,000 and authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order to Yunix Traffic in the amount of $326,173.

Please note that Public Works does plan to request funding to complete similar upgrades to the remaining traffic signals as part of the next budget cycle, if funding is available.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Traffic Signal Management & Safety Upgrade Project - Park 1 cost is $330,000 (132.930.43160) which will be included as part of the mid-year budget recommendations. Based on the FY 2024-25 Measure R budget, the estimated available Measure R fund balance as of June 30, 2025 is $308,672 including the addition of the project.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with Strategic Direction #5 – Infrastructure and Asset Management: Ensure timely preservation, replacement, improvement and acquisition of infrastructure and capital assets.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

Yunix Intersection Modifications

Unrestricted
Yunex Traffic
2240 Business Way
Riverside, Ca. 92501
951.784.6600
951.784.6700 Fax
January 2, 2025
Chad Blais
City of Norco
RE: Various 4 Locations – Intersection Modifications/Upgrades Dear Mr. Blais:

We offer to perform the following work, on the terms and conditions stated below, and at the prices shown, as follows:

Pending your authorization, Yunex Traffic will install Clary BBS Units, Clary Red Light Indicator Sensors, Iteris Camera Systems & Swarco Controllers at the locations listed below.

Item
#
Item Description Unit Quantity Unit Price Total Price
1 North & Crestview - Intersection Modifications (Iteris Camera System, Clary BBS & Swarco Controller with 2033 Software) LS 1 $74,942.50 $74,942.50 2 Sixth & Crestview - Intersection Modifications (Iteris Camera System, Swarco 332 Cabinet, Controller & 2033 Software) LS 1 $85,940.90 $85,940.90 3 Sixth & California - Intersection Modifications (Iteris Camera System, Clary BBS & Swarco Controller with 2033 Software) LS 1 $82,644.70 $82,644.70 4 Sixth & Pedley - Intersection Modifications (Iteris Camera System, Clary BBS & Swarco Controller with 2033 Software) LS 1 $82,644.70 $82,644.70 1 Total Bid $326,172.80
This proposal is an estimate, if unexpected problems arise we will notify you before we proceed and a change order for the extra work will be provided. Additionally, the price listed above does not include any bond or permit fees.

This offer shall expire 60 days from the date hereof and may be withdrawn by us at any time prior thereto with or without notice. This offer supersedes any prior offers, commitment or orders, contains all terms, conditions and warranties and when accepted, constitutes the entire contract between the parties. The resulting contract shall not be modified except by formal written amendment. This offer shall be accepted by delivery to us of a copy of this offer duly signed by you in the space provided.

The foregoing offer is hereby accepted this _______ day of __________, 2025.

CITY OF NORCO YUNEX TRAFFIC
Candace Gallaher

By: Candace Gallaher
Title: Service Project Manager

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.F.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Amanda Hamilton, Facilities and Maintenance
Director
Prepared By: Amanda Hamilton, Facilities and Maintenance Director
Department: City Council
SUBJECT:

Acceptance of the Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project as Complete (Project No. 5411.9)
RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.

SUMMARY:

On September 18, 2024, the City Council approved a $265,900 contract with Metrocell Construction Inc. for the Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project, which involved removing the existing concrete pad and constructing a new reinforced concrete pad with a barrier wall and drainage. Work began in October 2024 and was completed in December 2024 with minimal disruption to events. A change order for additional materials raised the total cost to $280,424. After a successful inspection confirming full compliance with the contract, City staff recommended accepting the work as complete and filing the Notice of Completion.

BACKGROUND:

On September 18, 2024, the City Council approved a contract with Metrocell Construction Inc. for the Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project, valued at $265,900. The scope of work included the removal of the existing reinforced concrete pad, grading of the area, and the construction of a new 5-inch reinforced concrete pad with a barrier wall. The project also featured the installation of a trench drain to enhance drainage and mitigate potential future issues. The contract granted the City Manager authority to approve change orders up to 10% of the original contract amount.

The project commenced in October 2024 and was completed in December 2024. To minimize disruption to events at The Arenas at Ingalls Event Center, the contractor coordinated closely with the City, ensuring work was paused on event days. During the course of the project, a change order was issued for additional concrete and base materials, totaling $14,524, which brought the final project cost to $280,424.

Following a thorough inspection by the City Engineer, it was confirmed that Metrocell Construction Inc. fully adhered to the contract’s plans and specifications.

Based on the successful completion of the work and the findings of the inspection, City staff recommends that the City Council accept the work as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the County Recorder’s Office.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Not applicable for this item.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item closely aligns with Strategic Directive No. 5 – Infrastructure and Asset Management: Ensure timely preservation, replacement, improvement and acquisition of infrastructure and capital assets.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

Completed Project Pictures _ Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project Notice of Completion_Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad Project

Moreno Arena Bleacher Support Pad (Project No. 5411.9)
Completed Pictures
Support Pad

Concrete Wall/Barrier

Trench Drain

RECORDING REQUESTED BY: THIS DOCUMENT IS FILED AT THE REQUEST

REQUEST CITY OF NORCO OF THE CITY OF NORCO PURSUANT TO
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO: SECTION 6103 OF THE GOVERNMENT
2870 CLARK AVENUE CODE. NO FEE IS CHARGED THEREFORE.

NORCO, CA 92860
ATTN: CITY CLERK

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BY THE CITY OF NORCO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, STATE OF CALIFORNIA THAT THE

WORK DESCRIBED AS MORENO ARENA BLEACHER SUPPORT PAD PROJECT IN THE CITY OF NORCO IN

ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND WRITTEN CONTRACT DATED BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORCO AND METROCELL CONSTRUCTION INC. WAS COMPLETED AND ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF NORCO ON THE NINETEENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025.

THE WORK DONE: CONSISTED OF REMOVING THE EXISTING CONCRETE PAD AND CONSTRUCTING A NEW REINFORCED CONCRETE PAD WITH A BARRIER WALL AND DRAINAGE.

THAT THE CITY OF NORCO, A PUBLIC BODY, CORPORATE AND POLITIC, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 2870 CLARK AVENUE, NORCO, CALIFORNIA, 92860 IS THE OWNER OF SAID IMPROVEMENT WORK; AND THAT SAID WORK WAS PERFORMED BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, IN THE CITY OF NORCO. THE NATURE OF INTEREST IS VENDEE UNDER CONTRACT.

THAT SAID WORK OF IMPROVEMENT WAS SO PERFORMED BY METROCELL CONSTRUCTION INC. IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID WRITTEN AGREEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, AND THE DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS WHICH WERE A PART OF SAID CONTRACT.

THIS NOTICE OF COMPLETION IS GIVEN BY THE CITY OF NORCO PURSUANT TO THE APPROPRIATE PROVISIONS OF TITLE XV, PART IV, DIVISION 1 OF THE CIVIL CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND UPON ORDER OF THE CITY OF NORCO.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025
DATED:

CITY OF NORCO

A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
BY: __________________________

DANA ROA, CMC

CITY CLERK
VERIFICATION FOR NON-INDIVIDUAL OWNER:

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THAT I AM THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF NORCO; THAT I HAVE SIGNED THE SAID NOTICE, THAT I KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE CONTENTS THEREOF, AND THAT THE FACTS STATED THEREIN ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025 ______________________________

DATE DANA ROA, CMC

CITY CLERK

CITY OF NORCO

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

3.G.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Alma Robles, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Alma Robles, Community Development Director Department: Planning
SUBJECT:

Housing Consultant Services for Affordable Housing Programs RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the contract with RSG, Inc. (our existing Housing Consultant) in the amount not to exceed $115,198, and appropriate $115,198 of housing funds to provide consulting services to help the City develop and administer affordable housing programs in the City of Norco.

SUMMARY:

This contract will authorize RSG, Inc. to develop and administer affordable housing programs in the City of Norco.

BACKGROUND:

RSG, Inc. presented a proposal to provide consulting services to help the City develop affordable and administer housing programs as committed to in the City of Norco Housing Element (see the attached proposal).

The City currently has Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Funds (LMIHAF) that may be available for affordable housing programs. The City is interested in reestablishing emergency home repair programs, home rehabilitation, first time homebuyer programs, and utility bill assistance programs with the use of LMIHAF. With the use of LMIHAF, the affordable programs would need to be redesigned to meet the specific LMIHAF expenditure requirements. The affordable program parameters would need to be centered to promote or expand specific income-restricted affordable housing development or homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The amount not to exceed $115,198 will be appropriated from the City's LMIHAF. The budget for contractual services related to the Planning Division will be increased by $115,198 in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget under account number 018.5010.34100.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This Item is consistent with Strategic Plan No.1 - Public Health, Safety and Wellness:

Enhance quality of life by promoting public health, safety and wellness initiatives for all community members.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

RSG Contract and Proposal_City of Norco Housing Programs

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

CITY OF NORCO

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

HOUSING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR ARRORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this 19th day of February, 2025, between the City of Norco, a municipal corporation, of the State of California, (hereinafter the “City”), located at 2870 Clark Avenue, Norco California 92860, and RSG, INC, an independent contractor, with its principal place of business located at Vista, California (hereinafter “Contractor”). City and Contractor are sometimes individually referred to as “Party”, and jointly as “Parties” in this agreement.

ARTICLE 1 TERM OF CONTRACT
Section 1.01. This Agreement will become effective on February 19, 2025, and will continue in effect for a period of one year from the effective date, unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 2. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS
Section 2.01. It is the express intention of parties that Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint-ventures, or partner of City.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of employer and employee between City and Contractor or any employee or agent of Contractor. Both parties acknowledge that Contractor is not an employee for state or federal tax purposes. Contractor shall retain the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 3. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR
Section 3.01. Contractor shall provide Housing Consulting Services for Affordable Housing Program as more particularly described in Exhibit A, that Proposal submitted by RSG, Inc., attached hereto and made a part hereof as if set forth in full (the “Project”).

ARTICLE 4. COMPENSATION
Section 4.01. In consideration for the services to be performed by Contractor, the City agrees to pay Contractor a fee not-to-exceed $115,198 charged on a time and material basis for the performance of all tasks related to the Project, on those hourly fees as more specifically set forth in Exhibit A.

Section 4.02. Contractor shall submit monthly itemized statements for payment to the City Manager.

Section 4.03. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incident to the performance of services for the City. The City shall be responsible for no expenses incurred by Contractor in performing services for the City, unless otherwise authorized by the City.

ARTICLE 5. OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTOR
Section 5.01. Contractor agrees that the City will not provide workers' compensation insurance for Contractor's employees and agents and agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the City for any and all claims arising out of any injury, disability, or death of any of Contractor's employees or agents.

Section 5.02. Contractor agrees to defend, hold harmless and indemnify City, its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all losses, liability or damages including reasonable attorneys' fees arising out of, in consequence of or resulting from the acts and/or omissions of Contractor, its subcontractor, consultants, agents or employees, intentional, negligent or otherwise. Contractor assumes no responsibility to indemnify City for the negligent acts or omissions of City, its officers, agents (excluding consultant) and employees.

Section 5.03. It is agreed upon and understood that the Contractor will maintain a policy of general liability insurance in the minimum amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per incident, naming the City as an additional insured to cover any liability imposed or claimed, including, attorney's fees and any legal expenses, for acts or omissions of Contractor or Contractor's agents occurring outside the normal course and scope of performance and function of duties undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.

Section 5.04. Neither this Agreement nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by Contractor without the prior written consent of the City.

Section 5.05. As Contractor is not the City's employee, Contractor is responsible for paying all required state and federal taxes. In particular:
• City will not withhold FICA (Social Security) from Contractor's payments. • City will not make state or federal unemployment insurance contributions on Contractor's behalf.
• City will not withhold state or federal income tax from payment to Contractor. • City will not make disability insurance contributions on behalf of Contractor. • City will not obtain workers' compensation insurance on behalf of Contractor; and
• City will not contribute to CalPERS or any alternative pension plan on behalf of Contractor.

ARTICLE 6. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY
Section 6.01. The City agrees to comply with all reasonable requests of Contractor and provide access to all personnel and documents reasonably necessary for the

performance of Contractor's duties under this Agreement.

ARTICLE 7. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
Section 7.01. Contractor acknowledges, understands, agrees and warrants that it serves at the pleasure of the City, and has no vested rights whatsoever in continuation of the business relationship with the City, or in compensation which may be provided beyond the stated terms of this Agreement. The City shall have the right to terminate this Agreement without cause at any time. In such event, Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for all reasonable and necessary work performed.

ARTICLE 8. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Section 8.01 Contractor covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict or appear as a conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required to be performed under this Agreement. In the event that an activity of the Contractor may be construed to constitute a conflict of interest with its responsibilities hereunder, Contractor shall obtain permission for such activity from the City before proceeding further with such activity. In the event a conflict of interest is alleged, the City shall finally and conclusively determine if a conflict of interest in fact exists, or can be foreseen. In such cases, where a conflict of interest is deemed to occur or is determined to occur, the City may terminate this Agreement in accordance with Article 7.

ARTICLE 9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 9.01. Any notices to be given hereunder by either party to the other may be affected either by personal delivery in writing or by U.S. mail to the following addresses:

AGENCY: City of Norco
Attn: City Manager
2870 Clark Avenue
Norco, CA 92860
CONTRACTOR: RSG, Inc.

Attn: Tara Matthews
170 Eucalyptus Avenue
Vista, CA 92084

Section 9.02. The formation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California Section 9.03. This Agreement constitutes the sole and complete Agreement between the parties. This Agreement supersedes any and all written and oral agreements between the parties and any ordinance, rule, regulation, policy, or procedure of the City that is inconsistent with the Agreement. No amendments may be made to this Agreement except in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

Section 9.04. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement the day and year first written above.

Name of Contractor: RSG, Inc
By:
_____________________________
Tara Matthews, Principal
NOTE: SIGNATURES OF CORPORATE OFFICIALS MUST BE NOTARIZED Attach Certificate of Notary Acknowledgment
Agency: CITY OF NORCO, a Municipal Corporation
By:
_______________________________
Greg Newton
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC, City Clerk
Approved as to Form:
_______________________________
Harper & Burns, LLP
City Attorney

EXHIBIT A
Scope of Work and Payment Terms

S A N D I E G O • L O S A N G E L E S • O A K L A N D
170 Eucalyptus Ave., Suite 200, Vista, CA 92084 ½ 714.541.4585 ½ rsgsolutions.com December 10, 2024 Via Electronic Mail
Alma Robles
Director of Community Development

CITY OF NORCO
2870 Clark Ave.

Norco, CA 92860
PROPOSAL – HOUSING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

PROGRAMS
Dear Ms. Robles:

RSG, Inc. (“RSG”) is pleased to present this proposal to the City of Norco (“City”) to provide consulting services to help the City develop affordable housing programs. The City currently has Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Funds (LMIHAF) that may be available for affordable housing programs. It’s our understanding that the City is interested in reestablishing emergency home repair programs, home rehabilitation, first time homebuyer programs, and utility bill assistance programs. Should the City wish to use the LMIHAF, the affordable programs would need to be redesigned to meet the specific LMIHAF expenditure requirements. The affordable program parameters would need to be centered to promote or expand specific income-restricted affordable housing development or homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. There are income targeting requirements articulated in the California Health and Safety Code 34176.1(a)(3) that the program design must accommodate. This letter proposal presents the scope of services and fee estimate to assist the City with these services, which would be completed under our existing Housing Consulting Services contract.

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Affordable Housing Programs
RSG understands the City desires to develop affordable housing programs such as a home rehabilitation program and a first time homebuyer program to assist the local community with access and retention of affordable housing options. Based upon the City’s funding availability, the City may reestablish the following affordable housing programs:

1. Emergency Repair Grant

2. Home Improvement Grant

3. Deferred Loan Payment

4. First Time Homebuyer Program

5. Utility Bill Assistance

Alma Robles
Director of Community Development

CITY OF NORCO
December 10, 2024

RSG needs to meet with City staff to review the older program guidelines, requirements, maximum amounts, and targeted household income. For each program, RSG would initiate the following:

All Programs

1. Guidelines – Review and update existing guidelines, policies and procedures for each program. These guidelines establish the basis for applicant eligibility to receive program assistance. RSG would provide the first draft to the City to confirm any changes, edits, comments and revisions. The Guideline exhibits will include the applications for each type of program. RSG can also help develop the guidelines to ensure each program meets the LMIHAF expenditure requirements, based on our previous suggested modifications from RSG expenditure requirement plan memo, which suggested the following:
a. Emergency Repair Grant
i. Increase the award level to qualify as “substantial rehabilitation”, an amount that is at least 25% of the post-rehabilitation value of the units. ii. As a means of meeting substantial rehab value, combined with the Home Improvement Grant program.
iii. Rather than offering a grant, assist in the form of a forgivable interest-free loan with a 45-year affordability covenant
b. Home Improvement Grant
i. Increase the award level to qualify as “substantial rehabilitation”, an amount that is at least 25% of the post-rehabilitation value of the units. ii. Rather than offering a grant, assist in the form of a forgivable interest-free loan with a 45-year term affordability covenant.
c. Deferred Payment Loan
i. Increase the award level to qualify as “substantial rehabilitation”, an amount that is at least 25% of the post-rehabilitation value of the units. ii. Rather than a grant program, assist in the form of a forgivable interest-free loan with a 45-year term affordability covenant.
d. First Time Homebuyer
i. This program would qualify as the development of affordable housing if it were applied to new homes.
ii. The affordability covenants would need to increase to a 45-year term. iii. Increase the maximum loan amount and purchase price to attract a larger pool of applicants. Continue to ensure the income eligibility is below the 80% AMI required level.
e. Utility Bill Assistance
i. Program expenditures should comply with homelessness prevention if it can be shown that applicants are housing cost-burdened and at risk of losing their homes.

Alma Robles
Director of Community Development

CITY OF NORCO
December 10, 2024

Home Improvement Rehabilitation Programs Services

1. Program Administration – RSG can create a program flier depending on the outcome of the guidelines and establish a database to keep track of each application and manage the process of each program.

2. Application Review for Home Rehabilitation related Programs – Once applications are received, RSG will analyze all applications for correctness, completeness, and required supporting documentation to determine income eligibility. RSG will contact applicants who submitted incomplete applications to inform them of the additional information needed.

Bilingual staff who speak Spanish fluently and will be available to assist with Spanish speaking residents. RSG will prepare applicant files; including files for those not granted assistance and share the files in a secure, shared file with City staff.

3. Document Preparation and Coordination of Closing for Home Rehabilitation related programs – RSG will prepare all loan program documents and affordability covenant agreements for the applicant and City to execute upon approval. The City will finalize and record the loan documents and agreements.

4. Scope of Work, Payment Approval and File Monitoring – Depending on the program, RSG will work with the City staff (code enforcement or building), selected applicants and their contractors to develop or review the scope of work based on prioritizing health and safety improvements. The City will utilize this information to issue a purchase order. The City might consider creating an approved contractor list to ensure the contractors are familiar with the City’s permit process, project scoping, insurance requirements, and are familiar with the various program requirements.

For the home rehabilitation programs, RSG will undertake the following:
• Work with code enforcement on the inspection list and procedures for City comments and approval.
• Work with City code or building staff to review the scope of work. • Monitor the rehabilitation or emergency repair of each selected applicant’s home, ensuring that the proper permits are obtained.
• Work with code enforcement to ensure the improvements were made and sign off on the contractor’s request for payment.
• Submit an approved request for payment to the City’s designated project manager. • Periodically monitor applicant files for compliance.

5. Monitoring & Reporting – RSG will provide the City monthly and annual reports. The reports will identify the number of loans issued, borrower, amount, affordability period and household income. RSG will work with City staff to implement the monthly billing and monitoring to ensure borrowers are making payments and notices are provided if a payment is missed. RSG guidelines will include borrower annual monitoring requirements to ensure that the borrowers are meeting the occupancy requirements.

Alma Robles
Director of Community Development

CITY OF NORCO
December 10, 2024

First Time Homebuyer Program

1. Participating Lenders – RSG can provide guidelines and inform lenders about the program and requirements. Lenders who receive guidelines and meet with RSG staff to review the process will be deemed “Participating Lenders”.

2. Loan Underwriting and Closing for First Time Homebuyers – Once an applicant finds a home that meets the pre-approval and program requirements, RSG will review funding requests submitted by the Participating Lender. RSG would process all down payment assistance applications, including preparation and processing of all loan documents, verifying homebuyer eligibility, issuing approval letters for eligible borrowers, preparation of lender instructions, review of all loan packages and signing of documents, and monitoring of closing and recording. RSG would work closely with the participating lender, borrower, and escrow agent to ensure a fluid and efficient process. These tasks are outlined below:
a. Receive funding requests with transaction details and updated loan packages (as necessary) from Participating Lenders for previously pre-approved borrowers via secured email.
b. Confirms borrower eligibility and sends a tentative approval letter based on updated information on the initial loan package. Turn around approximately 7-10 business days from the date of the complete loan package. c. Draft closing loan documents, and escrow instructions to be sent to the Participating Lender and escrow agent.
d. Coordinate with the City to send all closing loan documents to the Participating Lender and escrow agent within approximately 48 hours from request. e. Work with City to request wire transfer once preliminary closing statement is received.
f. Coordinate with the Participating Lender and escrow agent, as necessary, to ensure timely closing.

Utility Bill Assistance Program

1. Application Review – Depending on the outcome of the guidelines, RSG will analyze all applications for correctness, completeness, and required supporting documentation to determine income eligibility. Maintain and track a database of the applicants. RSG will contact applicants who submitted incomplete applications to inform them of the additional information needed. Bilingual staff who speak Spanish fluently and will be available to assist with Spanish-speaking residents. Files can be shared with City staff in a secured shared folder.

2. Payment Processing – RSG can assist with a payment claim form for each participant who is eligible for the payment assistance. The claim forms can be filed, tracked in a database and shared with City staff to process the payment.

Alma Robles
Director of Community Development

CITY OF NORCO
December 10, 2024

Additional Research
RSG can research funding for homeownership, rehabilitation and utility assistance programs. The City of Norco is also a Participating Community with the County of Riverside HUD 5-Year Consolidated Plan. The County of Riverside received the Emergency Solutions Grant Funds, HOME, and Community Development Block Grant, and all formulaic State funds for the Permanent Local Housing Assistance, homeless and homeless prevention funds. There are opportunities to analyze how these funds are used that can benefit Norco in its affordable housing goals.

PROJECT TEAM
To provide the best, most transparent services, RSG dedicates at least one Principal and a Project Manager to each project and creates a core group of people that works with each client consistently throughout all stages of the assignment. We employ a passionate and talented team of associates and analysts, who blend an understanding of each client’s situation with our expertise in researching, analyzing, modeling, and ultimately developing recommendations and results.

This engagement will be led by Tara Matthews, Principal, Dena Fuentes, Director and Rosa Romero, Senior Associate, serving as the Project Manager, providing oversight and day-to-day management of this engagement. Other RSG staff may be assigned as needed. Staff resumes may be found on our company website at www.rsgsolutions.com.

FEE ESTIMATE
The proposed fee for this engagement is $115,198 charged on a time-and-materials basis by our hourly billing rates. RSG cost estimate assumes the number applications that will be processed.

CITY OF NORCO
Affordable Housing Programs
Principal/Director Sr. Associate Analyst Total
$275 $200 $135
All Programs

1. Guidelines Preparation 27 27 0 $12,825
Home Improvement Rehabilitation Program

1. Program Administration 5 11 10 $4,925

2. Application Review- $1,200 per application, fee assumes 10 applications 5 30 34 $12,000

3. Document Preparation - $1,000 per loan, fee assumes 10 loans 5 43 0 $10,000

4. Rehab Loans: Scope of Work, Payment Approval & File Monitoring 15 45 45 $19,200

5. Monitoring and Reporting 10 25 50 $14,500
First Time Home Buyer Program

1. Participating Lender 2 10 10 $3,900

2. Loan Underwriting and Loan Closing - $2,200 per loan, fee assumes 5 loans 0 38 25 $11,000 Utility Bill Assistance Program

1. Application Review - $1,000 per application, assumes 10 applications 2 25 33 $10,000

2. Payment Processing, fee assumes 10 payments 2 20 11 $6,000 Additional Research 20 20 10 $10,850
Total 93 294 228 $115,198

Alma Robles
Director of Community Development

CITY OF NORCO
December 10, 2024

Any services in excess of the quoted amounts will be conducted with City staff’s authorization and may require a contract amendment. Our services for this engagement would be charged on a time-and-materials basis using the billing rates below.

HOURLY BILLING RATES:

Principal/Director $ 275
Senior Associate 200
Associate 180
Senior Analyst 150
Analyst 135
Research Assistant 125
Technician 100
Clerical 60
Reimbursable Expenses Cost plus 10%
RSG does not charge clients for mileage (except direct costs related to field surveys), parking, standard telephone/fax expenses, general postage or incidental copies. However, we do charge for messenger services and overnight shipping/express mail costs. We also charge for copies of reports, documents, notices, and support material in excess of five (5) copies. These costs are charged back at the actual expense plus a 10% surcharge.

RSG issues monthly invoices payable upon receipt, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.

Invoices identify tasks completed to date, hours expended, and the hourly rate. Our Federal Tax ID is 95-3435849.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal with you in further detail. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tara Matthews at (714) 541-4585 or [email protected]. If this proposal is acceptable as written, please sign below indicating the tasks to be completed, or forward a contract in the City’ preferred format. Thank you for the opportunity to assist the City.

Sincerely,
RSG, INC.

Tara Matthews
Principal
APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED TO PROCEED:

Signature:

Printed
Name:

Title:

Date:

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

5.A.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Dana Roa, City Clerk
Prepared By: Dana Roa, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
SUBJECT:

California Rehabilitation Center Advisory Committee participation RECOMMENDATION:

Discuss participation in the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) Advisory Committee and assign Council Members and/or Staff to the Committee as appropriate.

SUMMARY:

On Tuesday February 11, 2025, the City Council received an email from the State of California, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, inviting community leaders and stakeholders to participate in the California Rehabilitation Center Advisory Committee that is being established.

BACKGROUND:

California Rehabilitation Center (CRC), is establishing an Advisory Committee with the intention of continuing to build a working relationship with neighboring community leaders and stakeholders. CRC has extended an invitation to Norco’s City Council to join the Committee in providing a better opportunity to bring concerns, suggestions, solicit interest in community service projects, and simply establishing a better line of communication. This will allow CRC to provide an opportunity to share information that may impact stakeholders, allows partnerships with others to further their mission, and to simply field concerns from citizens.

CRC administration will look to meet with the committee on a quarterly basis, and while a time and place hasn’t been predetermined, they would hope to meet in March 2025.

Staff is asking for direction on participation in the CRC Advisory Committee and if the pleasure of the Council is to have Council Members and/or Staff attend the future meetings.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact at this time.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with the Strategic Direction #4 - Communication and Stakeholder Experience: Enhance the stakeholder experience, engage the community, and build brand awareness through proactive, effective and consistent communication.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

6.A.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Alma Robles, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Colin Burns, City Attorney
Department: Economic Development
SUBJECT:

Introduction and First Read of Ordinance No. 1130 Adding Section 15.01.185 to the Norco Municipal Code to Establish the City Planning Commission as the City's Local Appeals Board
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve Alternative No. 1: Introduce and approve a first read of Ordinance No. 1130 adding Section 15.01.185 to the Norco Municipal Code to create a Local Appeals Board to hear appeals of building and building code related decisions, citations, and other matters.

SUMMARY:

Proposed for City Council consideration is an ordinance adding Section 15.01.185 to the Norco Municipal Code to create a Local Appeals Board to hear appeals of building and building code related citations. The City’s Planning Commission is proposed to serve as the Local Appeals Board.

BACKGROUND:

All California cities are required by state law to adopt the California Building Code as their jurisdiction’s building code. Section 1.8.8.1 of the California Building Code requires every city to establish a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the enforcing agency (here, the enforcing agency is the City via its Building and Code Enforcement divisions) relative to the application of regulations governing construction, use, maintenance and change of occupancy.

The California Building Code further provides that the governing body of any city may establish a local appeals board to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the enforcing agency. If a city does not have a local appeals board, the City Council must itself hear and decide such appeals.

Recent case law in California (Temple of 1001 Buddhas v. City of Fremont, 100 Cal.

App. 5th 456) cast doubt upon the validity of appeals before single hearing officers adjudicating matters related to building code violations and public nuisance determinations based thereon. Therefore, following that ruling, California cities are creating Local Appeals Boards in order to continue enforcing building code violations without burdening their City Councils with hearing all appeals of building code related matters. Note that a decision of the Local Appeals Board can be appealed in the same manner as a decision of the Planning Commission.

Alternative No. 1: Introduce and approve a first read of Ordinance No. 1130 adding Section 15.01.185 to the Norco Municipal Code to create a Local Appeals Board to hear appeals of building and building code related decisions, citations, and other matters. This is the recommended alternative for the above reasons.

Alternative No. 2: Do not approve the attached Ordinance and City Council must itself
hear and decide such appeals.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no anticipated financial impact associated with this amendment.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with Strategic Direction No. 4 – Communication & Stakeholder Experience: Enhance the stakeholder experience, engage the community, and build brand awareness through proactive, effective and consistent communication.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

Ordinance 1130

1 ORDINANCE NO. 1130

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORCO ADDING SECTION 15.01.185 TO THE NORCO MUNICIPAL

CODE TO ESTABLISH THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION AS THE
CITY’S LOCAL APPEALS BOARD
WHEREAS, Section 1.8.8.1 of the California Building Code requires that every city establish a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the enforcing agency relative to the application of regulations governing construction, use, maintenance and change of occupancy.

WHEREAS, the California Building Code further provides that the governing body of any city may establish a local appeals board and a housing appeals board to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the enforcing agency.

WHEREAS, Temple of 1001 Buddhas v. City of Fremont, 100 Cal. App. 5th 456 cast doubt upon the validity of appeals before single hearing officers adjudicating matters related to building code violations and public nuisance determinations based thereupon.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Norco does hereby ORDAIN as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 15.01.185 of the Norco Municipal Code is added as follows:

15.01.185 Local Appeals Board.

The City of Norco hereby establishes a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the enforcing agency relative to building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, or any other applicable rule or regulation adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or any lawfully enacted ordinance by the city relating to the same, including Title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code. The City Planning Commission shall serve as the City’s Local Appeals Board for this purpose. Members of the appeals board(s) shall not be employees of the enforcing agency and shall be knowledgeable in the applicable building codes, regulations and ordinances as determined by the governing body of the city.

Except as otherwise provided in law, any person, firm or corporation adversely affected by a decision, order or determination by the city relating to the application of building standards

Ordinance No. 1130 Adding NMC 15.01.185

2 published in the California Building Standards Code, or any other applicable rule or regulation adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or any lawfully enacted ordinance by the city relating to the same, including Title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code, may appeal the issue for resolution to the Local Appeals Board as appropriate.

A decision of the Local Appeals Board may be appealed by following the procedures for appealing a decision of the Planning Commission contained in the Norco Municipal Code.

SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall become effective 30 days after final passage thereof.

SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, sentences, clauses, or phrases here of irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 4. POSTING: The Mayor shall sign this Ordinance and the City clerk shall attest hereto and shall cause the same within 15 days of its passage to be posted at no less than five public places within the City of Norco.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Norco, California at a regular meeting held March 05, 2025.
__________________________
Greg Newton, Mayor
City of Norco, California
ATTEST:
________________________
Dana Roa, CMC, City Clerk
City of Norco, California

Ordinance No. 1130 Adding NMC 15.01.185

3 I, DANA ROA, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Norco, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, duly held on February 19, 2025 and thereafter at a regular meeting of said City Council duly held March 05, 2025, it was duly passed and adopted by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Norco, California, on March 05, 2025. ________________________
Dana Roa, CMC, City Clerk
City of Norco, California

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

6.B.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Alma Robles, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Alma Robles, Community Development Director Department: Planning
SUBJECT:

Ordinance 1129-1: Consideration of an extension of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1129, establishing a temporary moratorium on new development hotels and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in guestrooms
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt the extension of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1129 establishing a temporary moratorium on new hotels with kitchens in the guestroom and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in guestrooms.

SUMMARY:

This is an extension of an Interim Urgency Ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on new hotels with kitchens in the guestroom and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 regarding the definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in guestrooms.

BACKGROUND:

On January 15, 2025, the City Council adopted an interim urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on new hotels with kitchens in the guestroom and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in the guestrooms of hotels.

The secondary impacts caused by long-term tenancy in hotels continues to be a matter of City-wide concern. Pursuant to Government Code section 65858, subdvs. (a), the City Council adopted the interim urgency ordinance because it is necessary to prevent new hotels that might conflict with City’s potential development standards to restrict kitchens in guestrooms of hotels. An extension of the moratorium, prohibiting kitchens in guestrooms of hotels, is necessary because there is a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare presented by new construction hotels with kitchens in

guestrooms that will exasperate the secondary impacts desired to be prevented by future zoning code amendments.

The City Council desires to continue to consider, and study the secondary impacts associated with kitchens in the guestrooms of hotels, including but not limited to residential density, long term rentals, tenancy to determine if a permanent ban on these uses is necessary, who are the customers using hotels with kitchens, what is the potential impact on weekend uses of these hotels without kitchens, is there an undue hardship on activities at Silverlakes by prohibiting Kitchens in hotels. The proposed extension includes the requisite urgency findings.

An interim urgency ordinance is in force and effect for 45 days after the date of its adoption. After notice pursuant to Government Code Section 65090 and public hearing, the City Council may extend the interim ordinance for 10 months and 15 days and subsequently extend the interim ordinance for one year. No more than two extensions may be adopted.

The ordinance must be approved on a 4/5 vote. As an urgency ordinance, it is passed immediately upon its introduction and becomes effective immediately upon its adoption.

If adopted, the ordinance is effective for 10 months and 15 days from the date of its adoption. After further notice pursuant to section Government Code 65090 and a public hearing, the Council, by four fifths (4/5) vote, may extend the effectiveness of the ordinance for one year in accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 65858, subdivision (a).

This actionis exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15061(b)(3) (there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment).

This item was agendized in compliance with the Brown Act and noticed as a public hearing as required by Government Code 65858, subdvs. (a).

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact for this item.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with Strategic Plan Direction No. 3 - Economic Development and Financial Stability: Assure financial stability by expanding development efforts, diversifying revenue sources and continuing prudent financial management.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney

ATTACHMENT(S):

Ord 1129-1 Interim Extension Moratorium Kitchens

ORDINANCE NO. 1129-1

AN EXTENSION OF AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORCO ESTABLISHING

A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON NEW DEVELOPMENT

HOTELS AND AMENDING NORCO MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 18.02.04 DEFINITION OF HOTEL TO PROHIBIT

KITCHENS IN GUESTROOMS
WHEREAS, On January 15, 2025, the City Council adopted an interim urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on new hotels with kitchens in the guestroom and amending Norco Municipal Code section 18.02.04 definition of hotel to prohibit kitchens in the guestrooms of hotels pursuant to Government Code section 65858, subdvs. (a);
WHEREAS, the City Council may adopt an extension of an interim urgency ordinance to protect the public safety, health and welfare by prohibiting any use that conflicts with a zoning proposal that the legislative body is considering or intends to study; WHEREAS, the City Council finds that an extension of the moratorium is necessary to prevent new hotels that might conflict with City’s potential development standards to restrict kitchens in guestrooms of hotels; WHEREAS, The City Council desires to continue to consider, and study the secondary impacts associated with kitchens in the guestrooms of hotels, including but not limited to residential density, long term rentals, and tenancy to determine if a permanent ban on these uses is necessary;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that an extension of the moratorium, prohibiting kitchens in guestrooms of hotels, is necessary because there is a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare presented by new construction hotels with kitchens in guestrooms that will exasperate the secondary impacts desired to be prevented by future zoning code amendment;
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is necessary an urgency ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public, health, safety, and welfare within the meaning of Government

Code section 65858 and therefore, shall be passed immediately upon its introduction and shall become effective immediately upon its adoption;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this ordinance is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15061(b)(3) (there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment); and WHEREAS, the City Council considered the adoption of this Ordinance at a publicly noticed meeting in accordance with State law and the Norco Municipal Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Norco does hereby ORDAIN as follows:

Section 1. Findings and Purpose. All of the findings set forth above are true and correct and are adopted as the City Council’s findings.

Section 2. Ordinance 1129 is hereby extended, effective immediately, and shall be effective for an additional ten (10) months and fifteen (15).

Section 3. During the extension of Ordinance 1129, the City Council will consider and study the secondary impacts associated with kitchens in guestrooms of hotels to determine development code standards that will address these issues.

Section 4. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause it to be published as required by law.

Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance is declared to be an urgency measure adopted pursuant to the provisions of Government code section 65858. As set forth in the findings above, this Ordinance is necessary for preserving the public safety, health, and welfare. Pursuant to Government Code section 65858, this Ordinance is effective immediately and shall be in full force and effect for ten (10) months and fifteen (15) from the date of its adoption. After further notice pursuant to section Government Code 65090 and a public hearing, the Council, by four fifths (4/5) vote, may extend the effectiveness

of this Ordinance for one year in accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 65858, subdivision (a).

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Norco, California at a regular meeting held February 19, 2025.
_____________________
Greg Newton, Mayor
City of Norco, California
ATTEST:
_______________________
Dana Roa, CMC, City Clerk
City of Norco, California
I, DANA ROA, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Norco, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Interim Urgency Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, duly held on February 19, 2025, and was duly passed and adopted by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Norco, California, on February 19, 2025.

City Council

STAFF REPORT
Date: February 19, 2025 Agenda Item:

6.C.

To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Alma Robles, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Vince Acuna, Senior Planner
Department: Planning
SUBJECT:

Appeal Hearing: An appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06 (Yu), which is a request to allow a 557 square-foot detached garage at 3332 Vandermolen Drive, within the Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan. APN:
123-661-009
RECOMMENDATION:

Revert the applicant's revised proposal back to the Planning Commission for review and reconsideration.

SUMMARY:

The applicant, Andy Yu, appealed the decision by the Planning Commission to deny Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06 (Yu), which is a request to allow a 557 squarefoot detached garage at 3332 Vandermolen Drive. The applicant has redesigned the project plans in direct response to the Planning Commission's concerns and would like the City Council to review the revised proposal and approve the project. Staff recommends that the City Council revert the applicant's revised proposal back to the Planning Commission for review and reconsideration.

BACKGROUND:

Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06 went before the Planning Commission on December 11, 2024 (ref. Exhibit A - Staff Report with all Exhibits), with the applicant requesting the approval of a 557 square-foot detached garage. The Planning Commission denied the application, citing concerns about the proposed new PAKA access driveway along the north property line. Specifically, the Planning Commission was concerned about the proposed driveway's feasibility as a horse trailer access, due to proposed 16% slope from the existing horse trail to the house.

The applicant appealed the Planning Commission's decision and provided staff with a revised design for the driveway. The revised design keeps the original location of the

garage, but lengthens proposed PAKA access driveway along the northern property line, which in turn reduces the driveway slope from the originally proposed 16% to 5% (ref. Exhibit B - Revised Project Plans).

The City Council can consider the new grade for the access way to the PAKA and approve or deny the project, or the City Council can revert the project back to the Planning Commission for consideration in light of the new grade for the access way.

Staff recommends that the City Council revert the applicant's revised proposal back to the Planning Commission for review and reconsideration.

Should the City Council decide to approve the project, staff will bring back a resolution of approval at the next available meeting.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Not applicable for this item.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with Strategic Direction No. 4 – Communication & Stakeholder Experience: Enhance the stakeholder experience, engage the community, and build brand awareness through proactive, effective and consistent communication.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Certified as to Availability of Funds: Daphne Liu, Accounting Manager Approved by: Lisette Free, City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

Exhibit A - Staff Report with All Exhibits
Exhibit B - Revised Project Plans

Planning Commission

STAFF REPORT
Date: December 11, 2024 Agenda Item:

4.C.

To: Honorable Chair and Commission Members
From: Alma Robles, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Vince Acuna, Senior Planner
Department: Planning Commission
SUBJECT:

Continued Item from Planning Commission Meeting of November 13, 2024. Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06 (Yu): A request to allow a 557 square-foot detached garage at 3332 Vandermolen Drive, within the Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan (NRRSP). APN: 123-661-009.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06 subject to the attached Conditions of Approval on Resolution 2024-29.

SUMMARY:

This application is a request to allow a 557 square-foot detached garage. The garage has been analyzed in accordance with the criteria “All Other Accessory Buildings,” pursuant to Norco Municipal Code (NMC) Chapter 18.68 – “Accessory Building Use Permits.”
BACKGROUND:

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: The project site is an irregular-shaped parcel with an area of .49 acres (21,344 square-feet), having a frontage along the west side of Vandermolen Drive of about 98 feet, and a maximum depth of about 200 feet (ref.

Exhibit “A” – Location Map and Exhibit “B” – APN Map). The subject parcel is primarily flat, with the parcel having a drainage pattern occurring generally from west to east. The property is developed with a 4,749 square-foot single-family dwelling, attached garages (753 and 212 square feet) two attached patio covers, and a 1,092 square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that is currently under construction (ref. Exhibit “C” – Aerial). The property has a recorded Primary Animal Keeping Area (PAKA) of 2,730 square feet.

Exhibit A

The table below summarizes the existing land uses, Zoning, and General Plan Designations of the subject property as well as the surrounding area.

EXISTING LAND

USE ZONING GENERAL PLAN
Project Site Single-Family
Residence
Norco Ridge
Ranch
Specific Plan
Hillside Areas
North Single-Family
Residence
Norco Ridge
Ranch
Specific Plan
Hillside Areas
South Single-Family
Residence
Norco Ridge
Ranch
Specific Plan
Hillside Areas
East Open Space
Norco Ridge
Ranch
Specific Plan
Hillside Areas
West Single-Family
Residence
Norco Ridge
Ranch
Specific Plan
Hillside Areas
This project went before the Planning Commission on November 13, 2024. During the meeting, the Planning Commission expressed concerns about the viability of the proposed secondary driveway access to the PAKA along the north property line, and questioned how the proposed driveway will interact with the existing grades of the residence, as well as the property line wall. The Planning Commission requested for additional information such as engineered sections to better understand the proposed driveway. This information has been provided in the updated project plans.

CODE ENFORCEMENT: There is no active code case for this property.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The detached garage is proposed toward the southerly portion of the property, between the main residence and the ADU (ref. Exhibit “D” – Project Plans). Architectural treatments and materials found in the main residence are applied to the façade of the detached garage, including a stucco finish and a brick wainscot. Access to the garage is provided through an existing 24-foot-wide driveway south of the main residence. The property has a recoded Primary Animal Keeping Area (PAKA) toward the rear of the lot.

Since the construction of the proposed detached garage will block PAKA access, a new 15-foot-wide driveway is proposed north of the main residence in order to maintain PAKA access from the street. To accommodate for this new accessway, the project proposes to construct a new 15-foot-wide vehicular gate along the new northern driveway to serve the PAKA. This proposed driveway will have a slope of approximately 21% from the existing horse trail to the house (ref. Exhibit “D” – Project Plans). The NRRSP do not have a specific limit on the slope of a PAKA access driveway. However, Norco Municipal Code Section 18.13.11 limits PAKA access ramps to a 25% slope if the PAKA is on a different grade than the main residence. This number has been used as a

benchmark by staff in the past to determine the maximum slope allowed for a PAKA access driveway. If approved, the project will be conditioned to require construction of the PAKA access driveway at the same time as the proposed detached garage.

ANALYSIS: Residential accessory buildings that exceed 240 square feet require approval of an Accessory Building Use Permit by the Planning Commission. There are three categories of residential accessory buildings: 1) Large Vehicle Parking Building, 2) Animal-Keeping Shelters for Large Animals, and 3) All Other Accessory Buildings.

The proposed detached garage complies with all pertinent standards under “All Other Accessory Buildings,” as summarized in the table below:

ACCESSORY BUILDING ANALYSIS

DEVELOPMENT
STANDARD REQUIRED PROPOSED MEETS STANDARDS?
Size Max. 864 SF 557 SF Yes
Height Max 8’ at roof eave
Max 14’ at roof peak
7’-10” at roof eave
12’-3” at roof peak Yes
Lot Coverage Max 40% of flat pad

27.04% of flat pad
(includes all
proposed
structures)
Yes
Setbacks
Properties with a
recorded PAKA is not
subject to gradated
setbacks.

Min. 5’ at roof eave 5’ at roof eave
15’-6” at roof peak Yes
Washroom Size Max. 50 SF 49 SF Yes
Wall Articulation
Doors and Windows
required for any side
of building
exceeding 20’
Doors and windows
provided for all
building expanses
exceeding 20’
Yes
Interior Walls
No interior wall
separations allowed
with the exception
of the
washroom/restroom.

No interior wall
separations with the
exception of the
washroom/restroom.

Yes

APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
Grading
How many cubic yards of
soil will need to be moved
in the preparation of a pad
site?
Minimal. less than 60
cubic yards of soil will be
moved since the buildings
will be placed on relatively
flat land. Moving 60 cubic

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
yards or more will require
a grading permit.

Drainage
What is the existing
drainage pattern and how
will the building impact that
flow?
Less than significant.

With the subject buildings,
the drainage must and will
emulate existing drainage
pattern.

Animal Keeping Area Property has a recorded
PAKA.

PAKA and PAKA access
will be maintained with the
construction of the
proposed structure. The
project site already has a
permitted, 1,092 square
ADU under construction.

Therefore, no new
detached ADU may be
constructed on the
property that has the
potential to encroach on
the animal keeping area.

View
Does the location for size
of the proposed building
negatively impact the view
of adjoining properties?
Minimal. Based on a
proposed maximum height
of 12’-3,” the proposed
structure is expected to be
roughly the same height
as the surrounding
buildings and will therefore
the impact to surrounding
views is minimal.

PROJECT REVIEWS: Architectural Review Sub-Committee (ARC): The ARC reviewed the proposed structures and had no concerns over the architecture but requested that the applicant provide physical color and material boards during the Planning Commission hearing.

IMPACT ANALYSIS PER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA): Staff has determined that this project is exempt from CEQA review under Class 32 – In-fill Development Projects. The project occurs within a previously disturbed site under 5 acres.

NOTICING: Notices were mailed to surrounding property owners within the required radius notifying them of the project as required by the Accessory Building Ordinance.

No written comments were received at the time this report was written.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Not applicable for this item.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is consistent with Strategic Direction #4 - Communication and Stakeholder Experience: Enhance the stakeholder experience, engage the community, and build brand awareness through proactive, effective and consistent communication.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Approved by: Lisette Free, Interim City Manager
Approved as to Form: Harper and Burns, LLP, City Attorney ATTACHMENT(S):

Resolution 2024-29 for ABUP 2024-06
Exhibit A - Location Map
Exhibit B - APN Map
Exhibit C - Aerial
Exhibit D - Project Plans

RESOLUTION 2024-29

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF

NORCO GRANTING WITH CONDITIONS, AN ACCESSORY BUILDING
USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A DETACHED 557 SQUARE-FOOT
DETACHED GARAGE AT 3332 VANDERMOLEN DRIVE, LOCATED
WITHIN THE NORCO RIDGE RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN. ACCESSORY
BUILDING USE PERMIT 2024-06
WHEREAS, Andy Yu submitted an application for an Accessory Building Use Permit to the City of Norco, California under the provisions of Chapter 18.68, Title 18 of the Norco Municipal Code, on property located at 3332 Vandermolen Drive (APN 123- 661-009 and
WHEREAS, on November 13, 2024, within the Council Chambers at 2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, California, 92860, said application was heard by the Planning Commission for the City of Norco, but no determination was made and was continued to the next regular Planning Commission hearing; and
WHEREAS, at the time set at 7 p.m. on December 11, 2024, within the Council Chambers at 2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, California, 92860, said application was heard by the Planning Commission for the City of Norco; and
WHEREAS, at said time and place set, said Planning Commission considered the aforesaid application and received both oral and written testimony pertaining to said application; and
WHEREAS, the City of Norco, acting as the Lead Agency, has determined that the proposed project is categorically exempt from environmental assessment.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Norco does hereby make the following FINDINGS AND DETERMINATION:

I. FINDINGS:

A. The requested accessory building use permit is consistent with the General Plan and zoning requirements of the zone in which the property in question is located including the protection of adequate open animal areas on lots where the keeping of large animals is permitted.

B. The requested accessory building use permit will not adversely affect on the public convenience or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood thereof and will not adversely affect adjoining land uses including runoff and drainage impacts and architectural compatibility.

Resolution 2024-29

December 11, 2024
C. The City of Norco, acting as lead agency, has determined that the project is categorically exempt from environmental assessment per Class 32 – In-fill Development Projects of the Californian Environment Quality Act (CEQA).

II. DETERMINATION:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Norco, California, in session assembled December 11, 2024, that the application for Accessory Building Use Permit application is approved, subject to the conditions provided in Chapter 18.68 of the Municipal Code of Norco, and including, but not limited to the following conditions:

1. Approval is based on Exhibit “D” – Project Plans dated December 2, 2024, incorporated herein by reference and on file with the Planning Department.

Development shall occur as shown unless otherwise noted in these conditions.

2. The recorded owner of the property shall submit to the Planning Department for record purposes written evidence of agreement with all conditions of this approval before said permit shall become effective.

3. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall provide a grading and drainage impact analysis, signed and stamped by a certified engineer to the Planning Department, for approval by the City.

4. The project shall be in compliance with all City of Norco Municipal Codes, Ordinances and Resolutions. Non-compliance with any provisions of the Norco Municipal Code (NMC) not specifically waived in compliance with City procedures shall constitute cause for revocation and/or termination of the approvals granted under authority of permit. All mandatory requirements of the NMC are applicable as they pertain to accessory buildings.

5. In the event conditions for approval by the Planning Commission or City Council (as the case may be) require the revision of plans as submitted, the applicant shall submit four copies of the approved plan (revised to incorporate conditions for approval) to the Planning Department for record purposes for approval of any grading and/or building permits.

6. No occupancy and/or use of the buildings shall be permitted which is not in compliance with approved plans and excepting upon specific review and approval of any “as built” modifications by the Planning Director as appropriate.

Provided further, that no expansion of use beyond the scope and nature described in this application which would tend to increase the projected scale of operations shall be permitted except upon application for, and approval of, modification of this application in compliance with all procedures and requirements thereof.

Resolution 2024-29

December 11, 2024

7. The applicant shall comply with all requirements from the Planning, Engineering, and Building Divisions; and the Fire and Sheriff’s Departments; and all other applicable departments and agencies.

8. A home occupation business shall not be permitted from the subject building.

9. Any restrictions or conditions required by the approving body or other approving body on appeal in the granting of an accessory building use permit under the provisions of Chapter 18.68 must be complied with. If such conditions or requirements are not met, the Planning Commission shall hold a hearing in the manner as set forth in Chapter 18.46 (Revocation and Expiration of Permits and Variances).

10.This is not an approval to begin work/construction. No work/construction shall commence and or be completed until the applicant has obtained building permits and has paid all applicable fees for the subject building.

11. Building permits for accessory buildings are issued within the confines of this approval. Any violation of a condition resulting in a revocation of this approval may result in an order to remove the accessory building at the owner’s expense.

12. A copy of the approved site plan, together with the conditions, shall be recorded with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office prior to the issuance of a building permit.

13.During building plan check, the developer shall provide construction details for the proposed 15-foot-wide vehicular side gate along the northerly portion of the property, for the purposes of Primary Animal Keeping Area (PAKA) access.

14.Prior to issuance of any building permits, the developer shall obtain an encroachment permit with the Engineering Department for a second driveway intended for PAKA access that is at least 15 feet wide along the northerly portion of the property. This new PAKA access driveway shall be designed to have a slope no greater than 21.4% from the public right of way to the PAKA.

Construction for the PAKA access driveway as shown on the project plans must be started at the same time as the detached garage. A stop work order will be issued for the first inspection of the detached garage if the construction of the PAKA access driveway is not started.
##

Resolution 2024-29

December 11, 2024
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission at a regular meeting held on December 11, 2024.

__________________________
Fia Sullivan, Chair
Planning Commission
City of Norco, California
ATTEST:
____________________
Alma Robles, Secretary
Planning Commission
City of Norco, California

Resolution 2024-29

December 11, 2024
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Norco at a regular meeting thereof held December 11, 2024, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
____________________
Alma Robles, Secretary
Planning Commission
City of Norco, California

Exhibit "A"
Accessory Building Use Permit 2024-06
Andy Yu
3332 Vandermolen Drive
PROJECT:

APPLICANT:

LOCATION:

E Not to Scale
Location Map
0 0
0 159
0 0
119
0 0
3439
0 0
160
3459
0 160
149
3341
3321
139
150
3449
3221
3201
3281
0 3371
3231
110
3402
3301
140
3241
320
3261
130 120
0 3401
3320
3300
3222
3202
3302
3280
3372
3260
3332
3240
3230
3220
3242
3262
3282
3181 3180
0 0
3182
129 119 109 149
139
3181
0 C

RESTVIEW
D
R

VANDERMOLEN DR

TRAKHENER PL

PAINT CT

APN MAP
Exhibit B

AERIAL
Exhibit C
N

SITE PLAN
N
EXISTING 2-STORY
DWELLING (4,749 SF)
EXISTING 1-STORY
DETACHED ADU (1,092 SF) PROPOSED 2-CAR
GARAGE (557 SF)

SECTION A-A'

SECTION B-B'
A000

AS NOTED
SHEET CONTENT:PROJECT SUMMARYSITE PLANSHEET INDEXGENERAL NOTES

SHEETS OF
DATE:SCALE:DRAWN:FILE NO:SHEET:

REVISION
JOB ADDRESS:
01-16-2024
2023-302
-
3332 VANDERMELON DRIVENORCO, CA. 92860
p 6 2 6 . 4 5 8 .8 1 1 1
residential &
commercial

AP DESIGN
[email protected]

PROPOSED GARAGE FLOOR PLAN
N

PROPOSED GARAGE ROOF PLAN
A100

AS NOTED
SHEET CONTENT:PROPOSED GARAGEFLOOR PLANDOOR AND WINDOWSCHEDULESELEVATIONS

SHEETS OF
DATE:SCALE:DRAWN:FILE NO:SHEET:

REVISION
JOB ADDRESS:
01-16-2024
2023-302
-
3332 VANDERMELON DRIVENORCO, CA. 92860
p 6 2 6 . 4 5 8 .8 1 1 1
residential &
commercial

AP DESIGN
[email protected]

PL PROPERTY LINE200.00'

SITE PLAN VANDERMOLEN DRIVE
N

PROPERTY LINE
PL
125.18'

PROPERTY LINE
PL

97.59'
PL PROPERTY LINE200.00'
EXISTING 2-STORY
DWELLING (4,749 SF)
EXISTING 1-STORY
DETACHED ADU (1,092 SF) PROPOSED 2-CAR
GARAGE (557 SF)
DETACHED 2-CAR GARAGE
3332 VANDERMOLEN DRIVE, NORCO, CA. 92860
A000

AS NOTED

PROJECT SUMMARY

SITE PLAN

SHEET INDEX

GENERAL NOTES
SHEET CONTENT:

OF SHEETS
SHEET:

FILE NO:

DRAWN:

SCALE:

DATE:

REVISION
JOB ADDRESS:
01-16-2024
2023-302
-
DETACHED 2-CAR GARAGE
3332 VANDERMELON DRIVE
NORCO, CA. 92860
p 6 2 6 . 4 5 8 .8 1 1 1
residential
&
commercial

AP DESIGN
[email protected]
aP Page 81 of 83

SECTION A-A' B B' C C'

SECTION C-C' SECTION B-B'
A001

AS NOTED

DRIVEWAY SECTIONS
SHEET CONTENT:

OF SHEETS
SHEET:

FILE NO:

DRAWN:

SCALE:

DATE:

REVISION
JOB ADDRESS:
01-16-2024
2023-302 -
DETACHED 2-CAR GARAGE
3332 VANDERMELON DRIVE
NORCO, CA. 92860
p 6 2 6 . 4 5 8 .8 1 1 1
residential &
commercial

AP DESIGN
[email protected] aP Page 82 of 83

PROPOSED GARAGE FLOOR PLAN N

PROPOSED GARAGE ROOF PLAN
A100

AS NOTED

PROPOSED GARAGEFLOOR PLAN

DOOR AND WINDOW

SCHEDULES

ELEVATIONS
SHEET CONTENT:

OF SHEETS
SHEET:

FILE NO:

DRAWN:

SCALE:

DATE:

REVISION
JOB ADDRESS:
01-16-2024
2023-302 -
DETACHED 2-CAR GARAGE
3332 VANDERMELON DRIVE
NORCO, CA. 92860
p 6 2 6 . 4 5 8 .8 1 1 1
residential &
commercial

AP DESIGN
[email protected] aP Page 83 of 83