DATE: May 20, 2026
TO: CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: ANDREA GILBERT, CITY PLANNER
SUBJECT
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Review Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program Project List for General Plan Conformance and Review Environmental Determinations.
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RECOMMENDATION
1) Find the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project list consistent with the City’s General Plan, and 2) Find the environmental determinations for the City’s CIP projects to be categorically exempt in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and the environmental regulations of the City.
BACKGROUND
The City of Chino prepares the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project list in conjunction with the development of the City’s annual budget. The City’s CIP includes major City-financed construction projects in areas such as 1) road construction and rehabilitation; 2) installation and modification of traffic signals; 3) construction of new public facilities; 4) park construction and improvement projects; 5) installation of new sidewalks/curb ramps and streetlights; and 6) improvements to the City’s water, sewer, and storm drain infrastructure. The goals of the CIP are to reflect the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, sustainable financial planning, and continued investment in essential services.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
California Government Code Section 65401 requires the Planning Commission to annually review the list of proposed CIP projects and verify their conformance with the City’s General Plan. Staff determined the FY 2026-27 CIP projects independently and collectively provide essential improvements to enable the orderly planned development of the City, furthering the goals and policies of the City’s General Plan. Exhibit “A” includes the 17 new CIP projects proposed for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Carryover projects that were deemed consistent with the General Plan in prior years by the Commission are not listed for review.
The proposed FY 2026-27 CIP project list will be provided to City Council through the budget workshop to be held on May 26, 2026. City Council is anticipated to approve the CIP project list along with the FY 2026-27 Budget in June 2026.
In accordance with the provisions of CEQA, all projects shall receive an individual and appropriate environmental review prior to commencement of any construction. Staff identified the CIP projects which are intended to be advertised for construction before the end of FY 2026-27. These projects have been assessed and evaluated in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines and the environmental regulations of the City. Each project’s environmental clearance category is provided in Exhibit “B” for Commission consideration. A Notice of Exemption for each Categorically Exempt Project will be filed with the San Bernardino County Recorder following the findings of the Commission.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The requested action of reviewing the FY 2026-27 CIP project list for conformance with the City’s General Plan is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines as the action itself will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachment: Exhibit “A” - FY 2026-27 CIP Projects Requiring General Plan Conformance Determination
Exhibit “B” - FY 2026-27 CIP Projects Requiring Environmental Categorical Exemption Determination
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