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PUBLIC HEARING
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: July 16, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Bill Gallardo, Interim City Manager
Gabriel Elliott, Director of Community Development & Housing Department: Community Development & Housing
Subject: Development Permit Type D 23-19 (Adaptive Reuse) to convert existing commercial office space into four
residential units (Ward 1)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2025-324, approving Development Permit Type-D 23- 19, allowing the conversion of an existing commercial office building containing approximately 2,430 square feet into four (4) residential units containing 607.50 square feet each, and the construction of new 819 square-foot covered parking area; and finding the project subject to a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Executive Summary
The applicant is requesting approval to allow the conversion of an existing commercial office building containing approximately 2,430 square feet into four (4) residential units containing 607.50 square feet each, and the construction of new 819 square-foot covered parking area. The project was heard and approved unanimously by the Planning Commission on May 13, 2025. The project site is located at 975 North D Street, on a 0.15-acre parcel, within the Commercial Office (CO) zone, 589 liner feet west of N. Arrowhead Avenue (Ward 1).
Background
On March 21, 2018, the Mayor and City Council proposed an Ordinance to amend Chapter 19.19 of the City of San Bernardino Development Code, which added an Adaptive Reuse Overlay designation to convert commercial office buildings into residential units within specific areas. The Ordinance's second reading was on April 4, 2018, and it became effective on May 4, 2018.
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On May 13, 2025, pursuant to the requirements of Section 19.52.040 (Hearings and Appeals - Hearing Procedures) the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and considered the request for Development Permit Type-D 23-19, including the adoption of the Categorical Exemption per the State CEQA Guidelines. After public testimony, and with no opposition from the public, the Planning Commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025-024 approving the project based on the Finding of Facts and recommended Conditions of Approval.
The Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Orlando Garcia and seconded by Commissioner Ivan Garcia and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Sherrick, Quiel, Lopez, I. Garcia, Ngalande, Pratt, Carlone, O. Garcia Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Daily
On July 5, 2025, Legal advertisement was published in the San Bernardino Sun Newspaper alerting the public of the Mayor and City Council meeting held on July 16, 2025, where Development Permit Type-D 23-19 would be considered.
Discussion
The Adaptive Reuse Overlay area is a flag-shaped area within the Commercial Office Zone. The area is bordered by Highland Avenue to the north, D Street to the west, Waterman Avenue to the east, and Baseline Street to the south. The purpose of the Overlay is to discourage blight by encouraging reuse of commercial office buildings in areas experiencing acute vacancies, underutilization, or vandalism. With reduced need for traditional office spaces because of technological advances, commercial buildings within this designation struggle to maintain occupancy, while housing demand persists. Converting underutilized office spaces into housing helps revitalize blighted areas and meet the City's housing needs. The Adaptive Reuse Overlay considers that these conversions may not fully comply with the City's Development Code for multi-family residential standards (e.g., unit size, parking, open space).
Projects are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, it is important that these buildings adhere to the California Building and Fire Codes and significant modifications like fire sprinklers, wall separations, and exit provisions could be required when changing occupancy from commercial to residential.
The proposed Adaptive Reuse project proposed under Development Permit Type-D 23-19 complies with the City of San Bernardino’s General Plan and Development Code, allowing the conversion of a long-vacant commercial property into residential use. The updated design includes modern energy-efficient windows and doors, smooth stucco with decorative foam molding, Hardie siding, outdoor lighting, and new landscaping. Reviewed by the City’s Traffic Engineering Division, the project is not expected to impact local traffic and maintains compatible circulation with the neighborhood. Access to the project will be from North D Street, with parking provided per code. A decorative block wall will enclose the property, and drought-tolerant, low- water plants will be used in compliance with city landscaping standards. 2 7
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2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
Development Permit Type-D 23-19 aligns with Key Target No. 3: Improved Quality of Life. The Adaptive Reuse project will revitalize a deteriorating building, help the City meet its State mandated housing requirements and provide market rate housing stock.
Fiscal Impact
There is no Fiscal impact associated with this action.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2025-324, approving Development Permit Type-D 23- 19, allowing the conversion of an existing commercial office building containing approximately 2,430 square feet into four (4) residential units containing 607.50 square feet each, and the construction of new 819 square-foot covered parking area; and finding the project subject to a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Resolution No. 2025-324
Attachment 2 Resolution No. 2025-324 (Exhibit A project plans) Attachment 3 Executed Planning Commission Resolution 2025-024 Attachment 4 PowerPoint Presentation
Attachment 5 Newspaper Publication
Ward:
First Ward
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
No previous Council action