RESOLUTION NO. 2025-69
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-69 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, DENYING APPEAL REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE (DHS-000048-2025) AND UPHOLDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION’S DECISION DETERMINING THAT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1533 INDIAN HILL BOULEVARD (APN: 8321-018-012) IS HISTORIC WHEREAS, the applicant, Salim Kassis, has filed an application for a Determination of Historical Significance (DHS-000048-2025) to determine the historic significance of a property located at 1533 Indian Hill Boulevard (APN: 8321-018-012); WHEREAS, the existing commercial structure and pole sign at the site were originally built in approximately 1960; WHEREAS, the subject site is currently located within the “Activity Center District 1” zone of the Pomona Zoning and Development Ordinance (PZO) and SB330 Overlay; WHEREAS, the subject site is currently designated “Urban Neighborhood” Place Type as well as “T4-B” Transect Zone by the City’s General Plan; WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 800.C. and Section 1190.C., of the Pomona Zoning and Development Code, which identifies findings to make a determination of historic significance; approval of the Historic Preservation Commission is required to deem a structure historic; WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission held a public hearing on April 2, 2025, concerning the requested Determination of Historic Significance (DHS-000048-2025) and after careful consideration to all pertinent testimony and the staff report offered in the case presented at the public hearing, Commission determined the existing structure as historically significant on a 6-1-0-0 vote; WHEREAS, on April 21, 2025, the applicant, Salim Kassis, submitted an application to appeal the decision of the Historic Preservation Commission for Determination of Historical Significance (DHS-000048-2025) which deemed the existing commercial structure at 1533 Indian Hill Boulevard as historic; WHEREAS, the City Council has, after giving notice thereof as required by law, held a public hearing on July 21, 2025, concerning the appeal of the Determination of Historical Significance (DHS-000048-2025); WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully considered all pertinent testimony, the recommendation of the Planning Division staff and the staff report offered in the case as presented at said noticed public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Pomona, California:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines, this action is not a project. Section 15060 of the Guidelines exempts actions from CEQA that would not result in either an indirect or direct impact on the environment and that do not meet the Section 15378(a) definition of a project. Section 15378(a) defines a project as one that has the potential for resulting in a physical change to the environment. No physical change to the environment is anticipated with the determination of historic significance.
SECTION 2. If any part, provision, or section of this resolution is determined by a court or other legal authority with jurisdiction over the subject matter of this resolution to be unenforceable or invalid, the remainder of the entirety of this resolution shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this resolution are severable.
SECTION 3. In accordance with Section 1130.C.2 of the Zoning Ordinance, the City Council must make findings in order to approve Determination of Historical Significance (DHS-000048-2025). Based on consideration of the whole record before it, including but not limited to, the staff report, public testimony received at the public hearing on this matter, and evidence made part of the public record, the City Council hereby finds as follows:
It is one of the few remaining examples in the City of Pomona, region, state, or nation possessing distinguishing characteristics of an architectural of historical type of specimen (Criterion 10 in previous ordinance).
The existing Googie style commercial structure possesses distinguishing characteristics and is one of the few remaining examples of auto-oriented development showcasing Pomona’s 1950’s car culture that was prevalent after World War II. This structure is one of two existing drive-thru diaries located within the city that are still standing and contain distinguishing characteristics of the Googie architectural style.
It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City of Pomona’s cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural or natural history (Criterion 1 in previous ordinance).
The existing drive-thru dairy market and Mr. Milk Bottle pole sign are both considered to contain special elements of the City of Pomona’s cultural history. The subject structure was constructed post-World War II, during an influx of development in all sectors, directly related to the population boom at the time. Moreover, Indian Hill Boulevard is a minor arterial street that is identified, in the Historic Context Statement, as an area in the City where commercial development rapidly boomed and expanded into. Additionally, it functioned as a drive-in dairy, a use popularized during this time due to the rise in consumer and car culture. Overall, this structure is an intact remnant of Pomona’s early suburbanization patterns, rise in suburban leisure activities, and increasing popularity of car culture.
SECTION 4. Based upon the above findings, the City Council hereby denies the appeal request and determines the Determination of Historic Significance (DHS-000048-2025) as historic and upholds Historic Preservation’s determination.
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and forward the original to the City Clerk.
APPROVED AND PASSED THIS 21ST DAY OF JULY, 2025.
CITY OF POMONA:
Tim Sandoval
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
Sonia Carvalho Rosalia A. Butler, MMC
City Attorney City Clerk
I, HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Pomona at a regular meeting thereof held on July 21, 2025, by the following vote of the Council:
AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
Rosalia A. Butler, MMC
City Clerk
CC Resolution No 2025-69
DHS 00048-2025 – 1533 Indian Hill Boulevard
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Attachment No. 1