TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: WARREN MORELION, AICP, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SUBJECT
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Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-004 (ZOA PL23-0119).
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
1) Conduct a Public Hearing; and 2) approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-004, a proposed amendment to Title 20 (Zoning) and Title 16 (Sign Code) of the Chino Municipal Code consisting of modifications and additions to Chapter 20.08 (Agricultural, Open Space, and Public Zoning Districts) and Chapter 20.24 (Glossary), to be read by number and title only, and waive further reading of the Ordinance.
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FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts resulting from these changes to the Zoning and Sign Codes. This item is an update to assist in the implementation of the Zoning and Sign Codes and does not involve future expenditures.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above will further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Positive City Image
• Responsible Long-Range Planning
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BACKGROUND
Staff is proposing amendments to Title 20, Zoning, of the Chino Municipal Code. The proposed changes consist of modifications to Chapter 20.08 (Agricultural, Open Space, and Public Zoning Districts), and Chapter 20.24 (Glossary) to allow for Temporary Commercial Recreation facilities to be permitted in the General Agricultural (AG), and Open Space Natural (OS-2) zoning districts with the approval of a Special Conditional Use Permit (SCUP). An amendment to Title 16, Sign Code of the Chino Municipal Code is also proposed to exempt certain signs on City owned properties or facilities from sign regulations.
A summary of all the proposed Zoning Code and Sign Code changes are outlined in detail below. In addition, the draft ordinance (Ordinance No. 2024-004) identifying the new and/or moved text highlighted in red, and deleted text as bolded and strikethrough is attached as Exhibit “A”. This update promotes a positive City image and responsible long-range planning by evaluating land uses and updating the Zoning and Sign Codes accordingly.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments at the February 21, 2024, Planning Commission meeting and recommended approval of the changes to the City Council by a 7-0 vote.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Summary of Amendments
Temporary Commercial Recreation
An amendment to the City’s Zoning Code is being proposed to allow for more recreational opportunities in the City’s open space areas on a temporary basis, subject to approval by the City.
Many cities allow for temporary commercial recreational facilities such as venues for live entertainment, outdoor festivals, large outdoor inflatable theme parks or obstacle courses on a temporary basis, mostly during the summer months. Currently, these types of uses are not listed in Chapter 20.08 of the Zoning Code as an allowed land use, meaning the City has no current mechanism to approve this type of recreation.
One of the goals, policies and objectives identified in the City’s General Plan is to “Provide a wide range of recreational opportunities in Chino that will meet the changing needs of the City” (Goal PR-2). Within that Goal, Policy P1 states that “The City shall support and expand public activities and resources that enhance the City’s small-town feel such as cultural events, street fairs, parades, farmers market, outdoor concerts…” Policy P2 states that “the City shall provide recreational programs and activities that are accessible and appealing to residents of all age groups, abilities and income levels.” To help implement the goals and policies by allowing temporary recreational opportunities in the City, Chapter 20.08 and Chapter 20.24 (Glossary) of the Zoning Code is proposed to be amended to allow for Temporary Commercial Recreation Facilities in the AG, and OS-2 zones with the approval of a SCUP, consistent with the approval process for permanent commercial recreation facilities. The AG and OS-2 zones are primarily located near the Prado Golf Course west of Euclid Avenue and north and south of Pine Avenue (see attached zoning map for AG and OS-2). It is important to note that the proposed change to allow Temporary Commercial Recreation Facilities in the AG, and OS-2 zones excludes any property within The Preserve or any other specific plan in the City. The SCUP is a discretionary approval by the Planning Commission, which would allow for the implementation of various conditions to be applied to the temporary use. The conditions could include hours of operation, parking and traffic routing plans, noise mitigation, security and policing, etc.
Sign Code
An amendment is also proposed to the City’s Sign Code to exempt certain signs on City owned properties or facilities from sign regulations to allow for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that include digital displays for advertisement. The charging stations are planned to be installed at a number of City parks and facilities and the displays on the charging stations are not intended to be readable from adjacent streets or private properties.
The use of EV vehicles within the City has expanded as EV vehicles have become more popular and readily available. Currently, EV charging stations are located at some City facilities including City Hall and the Carolyn Owens Center for use by staff and the public. In an effort to expand the City’s EV charging infrastructure and make it more cost effective for residents and visitors, the City is aggressively looking to expand the number and locations of EV charging stations located on City properties and at City facilities. One way to make the use of charging stations more cost effective for use is to allow for advertising at EV charging stations. The intent of the displays at EV charging stations would be viewable for persons charging their vehicles and not intended to provide advertising visible from outside of the property where the EV stations are located. The City is currently working with EV charging station vendors to determine the best EV charging station infrastructure plan for the City.
PUBLIC NOTICE
A notice was published in the Chino Champion on March 9, 2024, and the City sent information out on the City’s social media platforms. The notice exceeds the legal noticing requirements and is adequate in scope for this project. No comments have been received to date.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Zoning Ordinance Amendment is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this action to have a significant effect on the environment, individual development applications will be reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed, and the changes are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.
Attachments: Ordinance No. 2024-004
Zoning Map for AG and OS-2