HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/1995Citi COU�Rcll/ AGENDA
Monday, January 16, 1995
6:00 P.M.
General Plan Public Hearing
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Auditorium
21865 East Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, California
Interim Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Eileen R. Ansari
Phyllis E. Papen
Clair W. Harmony
Gary G. Miller
Gary H. Werner
City Manager Terrence L. Belanger
Interim City Attorney Michael Montgomery
City Clerk Lynda Burgess
Copies of staff reports, or other written documentation relating to agenda items, are on file in the office of the
City Clerk, and are available for public inspection. If you have questions regarding an agenda item,
please contact the City Clerk at (909) 860-2489 during regular business hours.
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the City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance or
accommodation(s) in order to communicate at a City public meeting, must inform the City Clerk
a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
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InVI11N11 1i.11;
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and encourages you to do the same.
MISSION STATEMENT
The City Council meeting is the forum established to
conduct the business of the City of Diamond Bar, its
citizens, property owners, and businesses. The'City
Council has chosen to conduct its business meetings in a
televised, open forum. This has been done to assure that
all community members are kept informed as to the status of
City business. It is the Council's objective to conclude
the business stated on the evening's agenda by a reasonable
hour, which is 11:00 p.m. To accomplish tonight's
objectives, the City Council requests that:
1. Public comments may be directed to Consent
Calendar items or matters of interest to the
public, which are not on this evening's agenda.
2. Public comments on scheduled matters will be
heard in conjunction with the respective
agendized subject.
3. There are to be no personal attacks toward
individual members of the City Council. Such
comments are viewed as personal attacks against
the entire City Council and will not be
tolerated.
4. There are to be no personal attacks from an
individual Council member. Such are viewed as
personal attacks from the entire City Council,
which are not conducive to a positive business
meeting environment; and, will not be tolerated.
The Diamond Bar City CounFil
Clair W. Harmony �-
Mayor Pro TemIc
Eileen R. Ansari
Councilwoman
ates your cooperation.
P
hyllis E. Papen
c o
G. Mill
Councilman
Next Resolution No. 95-02
Next Ordinance No. 02(1995)
1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Interim Mayor Ansari
ROLL CALL: Council Members Harmony, Miller,
Werner, Mayor Pro Tem Papen and
Interim Mayor Ansari
2. PUBLIC HEARING:
2.1 ADOPTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN: The General Plan is a
statement of goals, objectives and strategies to guide
the long-range physical development of the City. The
Plan is required by State law and determines the size,
form and character of the City over the next 20 years.
The City Council reviewed the Introduction to the General
Plan, Vision Statement, and began its evaluation of the
Resource Management Element (RME) on January 9, 1995.
The purpose of the January 16, 1995 continued public
hearing is to conclude commentary on the RME and review
the Public Services and Facilities Element.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City
Council complete its review of the Resource Management
Element, receive a presentation from the staff on the
Public Services and Facilities Element (PSFE), reopen the
public hearing, receive testimony, review the PSFE and
continue the public hearing.
Requested by: Community Development Director
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
4. ADJOURNMENT:
**********
Page VI -5
Strategy 1.4.2 currently reads: "Monitor plans of the University of
California to locate new campuses in Southern California."
I suggest Strategy 1.4.2 be re -written to read:
"Work with the State, the property owners and other jurisdictions
and agencies to plan and locate a new, limited enrollment (7000
students) University of California campus within the Tres Hermanos
Ranch area in Diamond Bar."
I didn't include the possibility of this proposed campus being a
private university because the University of California system has a
policy whereby EVERY U.C. Host City has the ultimate control over
the student population of the U.C. campus in their city. I don't
know if that can be said about all private university Host Cities
(i.e. Palo Alto, Claremont, etc.), and I know the potential growth
rate of ANY proposed Diamond Bar campus of higher education would be
of great concern to our citizens.
Page VI -6
Strategy 2.1.2 currently reads: "Work with State officials and local
elected representatives to make a determined effort to promote
legislation for distribution of sales taxes to local agencies
reflecting a combination of the location where the sales tax was
collected and an equitable distribution based upon population."
This Strategy may be confusing to some. Essentially, what it is
saying is aggressively work to change State law in such a manner that
Diamond Bar would, then, get some of the sales tax revenue
currently distributed to those cities (i.e., Industry, Brea,
Montclair, etc.) where there are large sales tax generating land uses
(i.e., Puente Hills Mall, Brea Mall, and Montclair Plaza.).
Now, this is an understandable approach to.securing addition
financing for local governments IF, AND ONLY IF, you happen to
be in the situation Diamond Bar finds itself in: We don't have a
large sales tax base.
I question, however, if this is a sensible suggestion as to how to
solve the REAL problem: Local governments should NOT be financed
with sales tax funds, they should be financed with property tax funds.
I'll attempt to explain: Prior to Proposition 13, local governments
were, in fact, financed for the most part with Property Taxes. After
Proposition 13 passed, in order to avoid the true intent of that
initiative, the State then re -invented how local governments were to
be financed and made Sales Taxes the most important source of
revenue for local governments. (That's a short -hand version of a
very complicated chain of events.)
The net effect of the State's action in this matter was that, now, if
local governments find themselves in a position where they need to
generate additional revenue (without creating new taxes, assessments
Message printed by JAMES ESTEFANO
From : GARY NEELY Number : 16 of 18
To : JAMES DESTEFANO Date : 01/14/95 3:41pm
Subject : 10/17/94 Drft. Gen. Plan Reference : NONE
Read : 01/16/95 4:36pm Private : NO
Conf : 2 - City Manager's Office
* Original msg to: Terry Belanger
* Carbons sent to: Phyllis Papen
Gary Werner
MEMORANDUM for the Diamond Bar City Council
FROM: Mr. Gary L. Neely
DATE: January 13, 1994
SUBJECT: Public Services and Facilities Element of the
10/17/94 Draft General Plan
I would like to request the following changes to the Public Services
and Facilities Element of the 10/17/94 Draft General Plan.
**********
Page VI -4:
Strategy 1.1.5.a. currently reads: "Monitor plans by the
Metropolitan Water District and City of Industry to locate a water
reservoir in upper Tonner Canyon."
I believe the GPAC wanted "Investigate" to read "Encourage". That
point notwithstanding, I would suggest this sentence read the same
as the wording regarding this topic that is contained in the
Resource Management Element and as suggested by the Parks &
Recreation Commission. To wit:
"Work with property owners and neighboring jurisdictions to
plan and locate an untreated potable water reservoir in the Upper
Tonner Canyon/Tres Hermans Ranch area. Planning should encourage
and emphasize recreational uses and facilities that could be developed
on lands surrounding the reservoir.
**********
Page VI -4
The former Strategy 1.1.5.b dealt with reclaimed water facilities.
I suggest re -instating this Strategy. For internal consistancy
reasons, I suggest using the exact wording as contained in the
Resource Management Element regarding -this topic
(R.M.E. Strategy 2.1.1.d):
"Work with property owners and other jurisdictions and agencies to
plan and locate reclaim water facilities within the Tres Hermanos
area."
or fees), they are FORCED to make decisions (especially land use
decisions) that frequently result in compromising opportunities to
improve their overall property values.
For instance: South Pointe.
If local government financing were to return to being based for the
most part upon Property Taxes rather than Sales Taxes, do you
really think there would have been the battle we just witnessed over
the South Pointe Master Plan? I don't think so.
Of course, ONE WAY around this dilemma is for us to support
legislation that would allow us to effectively steal Monclair's,
Brea's and the City of Industry's portion of the Sales Tax base.
Sure, that would work for Diamond Bar and some other cities in the
State, but I can tell you, there is very little sentiment in
Sacramento to allow this to happen. Therefore, I suggest this
Strategy be re -written to read:
"Work with State officials and local elected representatives to make
a determined effort to promote State-wide legislation that would
secure guaranteed, long-term, stable financing of local governments
based upon PRIMARILY Property Tax revenues. Alternatively, support
legislation that would re -distribute Sales -Tax revenue to local
agencies based upon an equitable formula that would include both
the location where the Sales Tax revenue was collected and the
population of each local agency involved."
That concludes my comments regarding the Public Services and
Facilities Element of the 10/17/94 Draft General Plan.
Respectfully submitted,
Mr. Gary L. Neely
344 Canoecove Drive
Diamond Bar, California 91765
909/861-6098
Blue Wave/QWK v2.12
Message printed by JAMES DESTEFANO
From : GARY NEELY
To : JAMES DESTEFANO
Subject : Gen. Plan - Res. Mgmf-. El
Read : 01/16/95 4:37pm
Conf : 2 - City Manager's Office
* Original msg to: Phyllis Papen
Mayor Pro Tem Papen,
Number
: 18 of 18
Date
: 01/16/95 9:31am
Reference
:NONE
Private
: YES
During the Council's last General Plan meeting, (which
you chaired), I testified as to a suggested re -wording of
Strategy 1.3.9 of the Resource Management Element.
I have subsequently received a copy of the Parks &
Recreation Commission's Memorandum to the Diamond Bar
City Council, dated January 9, 1995. (Subject: Parks &
Recreation Considerations within the Resource Element of
the Draft General Plan.)
This memorandum ALSO suggests a re -wording of Strategy
1.3.9 of the Resource Management Element.
For the record: I would like to modify my suggested
re -wording of this Strategy to agree with the re -wording
contained in the Parks & Rec Commission's memorandum.
In fact: I would endorse ALL of the Parks & Recreation
Commission's suggested changes to this element. I
believe the Commission's suggested changes should be
adopted verbatim.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Mr. Gary L. Neely
344 Canoecove Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
909/861-6098
Blue Wave/4WK v2.1.2
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
NOTICE OF PUBLIC KERTING
AND AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR )
The Diamond Bar City Council will hold a General Plan Public
Hearing at the South Coast Air Quality Management District
Auditorium, located at 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar,
California at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, January 16, 1995.
Items for consideration are listed on the attached agenda.
I, LYNDA BURGESS, declare as follows:
I am the City Clerk in the City of Diamond Bar; that a copy
of the Notice for the General Plan Public Hearing of the Diamond
Bar City Council, to be held on January 16, 1995 was posted at
their proper locations.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the
State of California that the foregoing is true and correct and
that this Notice and Affidavit was executed this 13th day of
January, 1995, at Diamond Bar, California.
/s/ Lynda Burgess
Lynda Burgess, City Clerk
City of Diamond Bar
--T , e1 ( , S-1- 2-1 --)-
CITY COUNCIL
RE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT OF GENERAL PLAN
COMMENTS BY TERRY L BIRRELL
JANUARY 9, 1995
I. The following areas of the Resource Management Element must be revised in order to be in
compliance with California Code and in order for the General Plan to have the integrity which
comes from internal consistency:
1. The existing inventory of Local Recreational Facilities on pages III -3 and 4 excludes all
areas designated as open space in the Land Use element. It is my understanding that the
California Court of Appeals in Save El Toro Assn. v. Days required the open space
element to include an inventory of open space.
Thus, Table III -1 should be amended to provide an inventory - name and open space
acreage - for the following areas:
Sandstone Canyon approx. 100 acres
portion of Sycamore Canyon owned approx. 300 acres
by Bramalea
open space land south side of Grand with approx. acreage
Avenue
former Water District land approx. 4 acres
Staff to provide exact acreage for Council review.
2. It should be noted that, since Larkstone Park, which is on the inventory of parks, is not a
park but has been allowed by the city to be taken over by the school district, the County
has the right to take this acreage away from the City.
H. The prior City Council very clearly redesignated large tracts of open space as planned
development in the two prior general plans. This general plan is less straightforward. For
example, the Planning Commissioners have tacked on the Specific Plan designation to:
City Council
Resource Management Element
Terry L Birrell
January 9, 1995
Page 2 of 2
the 300 -odd acres of open space between Grand Ave and Diamond Bar Blvd., and
the even larger acreage of agricultural land in Tonner Canyon.
By designating land as OS/SP and AG/SP, what guidance have we given future owners,
developers, planning staff, and citizens? In my opinion, the guidance given is: "Grab what you
can before anyone finds out what you're doing." In my opinion, it would be fairer to all
concerned if we gave some real guidance and called it open space or proposed development.
My preference would be open space because to develop these areas would be to allow double-
dipping by land speculators and would hurt the residents who purchased their land based on
prior land use designations.
III. Add Strategy 1. 2.6 to page III -I I as follows:
Join with neighboring cities to incorporate open space land within the City of Diamond Bar
into a wildlife corridor.
IV. Strategy 1.1. 11 with respect to development of a tree ordinance should stipulate that at
leas the following five species of tree be covered by the ordinance: the oak, black walnut,
riparian arroyo willow, sycamore, and pepper tree.
Furthermore, the GPAC provision that a natural vegetation preservation ordinance also be
developed and adopted is also crucial to the maintenance of hillsides and wildlife.
Memorandum
Date: January 9, 1995
To: Diamond Bar City Council
From: David Schey on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject: Parks and Recreation Considerations within the Resource Element
of the Draft General Plan
The following comprises recommended additions, modifications and deletions to the draft Resource
Element of the General Plan. Modifications are shown in italics, underlined or bold face as necessary.
Deletions are shown by line-outs.
A. EXISTING CONDITIONS
3. Parks and Recreation
There are several existing park and recreation facilities within the City's boundaries that provide active
and passive recreational opportunities to City residents. By any measure, the City is inadequately served
by active and passive facilities. The City has seven developed parks ranging in size from 2 acres to 26
acres. The City also has two undeveloped parks and one joint park facility with Walnut Valley Unified
School District. Small athletic fields and playgrounds areavailableexist at the 8 elementary and 2
intermediate schools in the City. More extensive fields and a gymnasium arie exist at Diamond
Bar High School. These facilities are made available on a limited basis for use by City recreational
programs and by local athletic organizations through short term agreements with the Walnut Valley
Unified School District and the Pomona Unified School District. There are also several quasi public and
private recreational facilities, including the Diamond Bar Golf Course, "The Country" park, YMCA and
Little League fields on Sunset Crossing. Table III -1 describes local recreational facilities.
C. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES
1. Open Space and Visual Resources
ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to preserve open space within the City and the sphere
of influence and to utilize portions of these preserved open spaces for
parks and recreational uses.
3. Parks and Recreation
ISSUE ANALYSIS: The City is inadequately served by park and recreation facilities.
There is a need to plan for adequate parks and recreational facilities
to serve the growing needs of local residents throughull utilization of
existing facilities within City boundaries ander within the
surrounding area; additional recreation park lands are necessary to
meet the community needs.
D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Strategies: 1.1.11 Expeditiously develop and adopt a tree ordinance designed to
retain and/or replenish native trees within the City.
Objective 1.3 Maintain a system of recreation facilities and open space preservation which meets the
active and passive recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents of'all apes
Strategies:
Strategies:
1.3.1 As quickly as possible, complete a Recreational Needs Analysis to determine
the present and future recreation and park needs and update this analysis at
intervals of not more than 5 years.
1.3.2 As quickly as possible, complete and adopt a comprehensive Master Plan of
Parks which analyzes present and future recreation, park and open space
preservation needs.
1.3.3 Through the Master Plan of Parks, strive to provide neighborhood and
community park facilities, such that a rate of 5.0 acres per 1000 residents is
ultimately achieved.
1.3.4 Maintain an inventory ................
1.3.5 Recreational Open Space shall be preserved as recreational open space
ineleding, but not Rmited to, fhe Diamond Bar Golf unless and until
said recreational open spaces are replaced with equivalent open space
properties and facilities.
1.3.6 Pursue the development of a system .................
1.3.7 Develop Recreation facilities emphasizing active and passive...........
1.3.8 Unless there is an overriding need to acquire the property for public
recreation, require that open space areas, which are set aside as part of a
development project have suitable use restrictions that will include clearly
outlined reasons and intentions for the restrictions.
1.3.9 Work with property owners and neighboring jurisdictions to plan and locate an
untreated potable water reservoir in the upper Tonner Canyon/Tres Hermanos
Ranch area. Planning should encourage and emphasize recreational or-
agriettku uses and facilities that could be developed on lands surrounding
the reservoir.
2.1.3 Encourage the use of primarily drought -tolerant plants, efficient design in
landscape application, and the use of reclaimed water systems in private as well
as public facility developments.
2.1.4 Require irrigation efficiency within the City. Encourage and upgrade irrigation
systems to the most efficient system available on public and private facilities.
2.1.5 Establish the City as a leader in the implementation of water conservation
measures through expeditious implementation of the measures outlined above.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA NO. •� I
TO: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager
MEETING DATE: January 16, 1995 REPORT DATE: January 12, 1995
FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Director
TITLE: Adoption of the General Plan
SUMMARY: The General Plan is a statement of goals, objectives and strategies to guide the long-range
physical development of the City. The Plan is required by State law and determines the size, form and
character of the City over the next 20 years. The City Council reviewed the Introduction to the General Plan,
Vision Statement, and began its evaluation of the Resource Management Element (RME) on January 9, 1995.
The purpose of the January 16, 1995 continued public hearing is to conclude commentary on the RME and
review the Public Services and Facilities Element. (PSFE)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council complete its review of the Resource
Management Element, receive a presentation from the staff on the Public Services and Facilities Element,
reopen the public hearing, receive testimony, review the PSFE and continue the public hearing.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:X Staff Report
_ Resolution(s)
_ Ordinances(s)
_ Agreement(s)
Other
EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION: Library
SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST:
_ Public Hearing Notification
_ Bid Specification (on file in City Clerk's Office)
1.
Has the resolution, ordinance or agreement been reviewed
_ Yes _ No
by the City Attorney?
N/A
2.
Does the report require a majority or 4/5 vote?
MAJORITY
3.
Has environmental impact been assessed?
X Yes _ No
4.
Has the report been reviewed by a Commission?
_ Yes No
Which Commission?
5.
Are other departments affected by the report?
X Yes _ No
Report discussed with the following affected departments:
ALL
:tor
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
AGENDA NO.
MEETING DATE: January 16, 1995
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of the General Plan
ISSUE STATEMENT: State law requires the preparation and adoption of a comprehensive, long
term General Plan for the physical development of all property within the
City and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its
planning. The Draft 1994 General Plan contains a statement of
development policies and includes diagrams, tables, maps, and text setting
forth goals, objectives and strategies.
BACKGROUND:
On January 9, 1995 the City Council reviewed the Introduction to the General Plan, Vision Statement,
and began its evaluation of the Resource Management Element (RME). The purpose of the January 16,
1995, continued public hearing is to conclude commentary on the RME and review the Public Services
and Facilities Element (PSFE).
Public Services and Facilities Element
The Public Services and Facilities Element as described within Section VI of the General Plan seeks to
coordinate land development and necessary public services with financial resources. A discussion of
public services is found within several Elements of the General Plan. This Element focuses on further
identifying needed City services and facilities, long range planning to provide funding, and coordination
with various agencies.
Public Services and Facilities policy issues include levels of existing services, development of community
facilities and infrastructure, joint use of facilities, and financing.
Please reference the Resource Management Element beginning on page III -10 and the Public Services and
Facilities Element starting on page VI -1. Please also review the Master Environmental Assessment
( Note Sections II -C, D, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, and S ); the Environmental Impact Report;
and the OPR General Plan Guidelines within the Reference Material booklet.
1
PLANNING CONDMSION REVIEW
The General Plan Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission have reviewed the Resource
Management Element and the Public Services and Facilities Element. Revisions to the base document are
identified within the text of the General Plan. The Planning Commission recommends City Council
adoption of the Elements.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council complete its review of the Resource Management Element,
receive a presentation from the staff on the Public Services and Facilities Element (PSFE), reopen the
public hearing, receive testimony, review the PSFE and continue the public hearing
PREPARED BY:
James DeStefano
Community Development Director
attachments - City Council Staff report dated Jan. 9, 1995
- Memorandum from the Parks and Recreation
Commission dated January 9, 1995
- Comments from Ms. Terry L. Birrell dated January 9, 1995
- City Council revisions to the Introduction section and Resource Management
Element as approved January 9, 1995
2
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
AGENDA NO.
MEETING DATE: January 9, 1995
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of the General Plan
ISSUE STATEMENT: State law requires the preparation and adoption of a
comprehensive, long term General Plan for the
physical development of all property within the City
and any land outside its boundaries which bears
relation to its planning. The Draft 1994 General
Plan contains a statement of development policies
and includes diagrams, tables, maps, and text
setting forth goals, objectives and strategies. The
City Council has received the recommendations of the
Planning Commission and will begin its review of the
1994 General Plan.
BACKGROUND:
On November 29, 1994 the City Council began the public hearing adoption
process for the General Plan. The City Council received a presentation
on the General Plan including its purpose, significance, components, and
the process utilized to craft the documents. The City Council
established a hearing schedule for review of the Plan beginning with the
Introduction and the Resource Management Element.
Introduction•
The Introduction section discusses the purpose of the General Plan, State
requirements, City history, and the community participation process. The
Introduction outlines the organization of the General Plan and describes
its documents.
The Introduction contains a "Vision Statement" combining the hopes and
aspirations of the community with the practical reality of preparing for
the social, economic, and physical needs that lie ahead. The Vision
1
Statement is the starting point of the General Plan because it serves as
a means of defining the overall scope and emphasis of the Plan. The
components of the Diamond Bar Vision include the following
characteristics.
Retention of the rural/ country living community
character.
Preservation of open space resources.
Reduction of regional traffic impacts on local
streets.
Promotion of viable commercial activity.
Provision of well maintained, attractive housing
which accommodates all people.
Creation of a community environment which nurtures
social, cultural, religious, educational and
recreational opportunities for its citizens.
The General Plan is based upon these major components of the community
vision for its future. The goals, objectives, and strategies as outlined
within the General Plan support the Vision Statement. Approval of the
Vision Statement is the necessary first step in the adoption of the
General Plan for the community.
Resource Manaaement Element
The Resource Management Element as described within Section III of the
General Plan is comprised of the State mandated Open Space Element and
Conservation Element. The Open Space Element is required pursuant to
Government Code Section 65302 (e) and details plans and measures for
preserving open space for natural resources, the managed production of
resources, and active and passive recreational areas. The Conservation
Element pursuant to Government Code Section 65302 (d) addresses the
conservation, development, and use of natural resources, including trees,
water, soil, visual features, and mineral deposits.
Resource Management issues include open space and visual resources,
biological resources, parks and recreation, water, energy, solid waste,
agriculture, and mineral resources. The most significant community issues
within this element are those related to open space, visual resources,
biological resources and parks and recreation.
Diamond Bar is known as a master planned community developed upon,
within, and adjacent to hillside slopes and ridges providing a
distinctive visual identity for the City. A portion of the City's sphere
2
of influence contains a "Significant Ecological Area" due to its
extensive stands of riparian, oak, and walnut woodland. The City and its
sphere of influence contain several areas with identified biological
resources. Pressure for development of the remaining vacant land
combined with the desire to maintain the existing environment
necessitates a careful balance of development and preservation policy.
The City needs to determine which areas of open space (including those
with biological or visual resources) should be preserved and what means
to use to assure their protection.
There exist a number of recreational opportunities within the region
available to residents. Over 470 acres of identified public and private
recreational facilities have been developed within Diamond Bar. However,
of the 135 acres owned by the City, only 59 acres are developed for the
community's 54,500 residents. -
Although school sites are utilized for a portion of the residents'
recreational needs, Citywide there is a significant deficiency in active
parkland to support the existing and future population of the City. The
National Park and Recreation Association standard of 5 acres of parkland
per 1000 residents means that the City should currently have
approximately 272 acres of developed parkland and ultimately require 285
acres to support a buildout population of 57,000 residents.
The policy issues incorporate the need to plan for the growing demands of
local residents through the utilization of existing facilities and the
necessity to plan for additional recreational facilities.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and the Planning Commission
have reviewed the Introduction and Resource Management Element. Changes
to the former General Plan are identified within the text of the Plan.
GPAC's recommended changes were reviewed by the Planning Commission. The
Commission recommends adoption of the Introduction and Resource
Management Element as presented.
PREPARED BY:
James DeStefano
Community Development Director
PLEASE NOTE: Please refer to the Resource Management Element of the
General Plan starting on page III -1; also Sections II -D, H, K, M, N, O,
P and S of the Master Environmental Assessment; and the OPR guidelines
within the REFERENCE MATERIAL booklet.
3
City Council
Resource Management Element
Terry L Birrell
January 9, 1995
Page 2 of 2
the 300 -odd acres of open space between Grand Ave and Diamond Bar Blvd., and
the even larger acreage of agricultural land in Tonner Canyon.
By designating land as OS/SP and AG/SP, what guidance have we given future owners,
developers, planning staff, and citizens? In my opinion, the guidance given is: "Grab what you
can before anyone finds out what you're doing." In my opinion, it would be fairer to all
concerned if we gave some real guidance and called it open space or proposed development.
My preference would be open space because to develop these areas would be to allow double-
dipping by land speculators and would hurt the residents who purchased their land based on
prior land use designations.
III. Add Strategy 1.2.6 to page III -1 l as follows:
Join with neighboring cities to incorporate open space land within the City of Diamond Bar
into a wildlife corridor.
IV. Strategy 1.1.11 with respect to development of a tree ordinance should stipulate that at
leas the following five species of tree be covered by the ordinance: the oak, black walnut,
riparian arroyo willow, sycamore, and pepper tree.
Furthermore, the GPAC provision that a natural vegetation preservation ordinance also be
developed and adopted is also crucial to the maintenance of hillsides and wildlife.
Draft
GENERAL PLAN
CrrY Comm Revisions
January 9, 1995
Please Note:
GPAC-recommended changes to the former General Plan are highlighted by ; and deletions are
noted by steilmut in this Draft General Plan. Planning Commission recommended changes are
indicated by double underline. BOLD SMALL CAPS were used to indicate errata on the first draft.
Other technical changes made to the Plan by staff and the consultant are identified through
underlining. City Council revisions are shown in MkWlsmi Enll Tm L Page numbers may vary
from original numbering due to additional text. Once adopted by Council, the shading, small caps,
strikeout and underlining will be removed.
Diamond Bar General Plan
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions
INTRODUCTION
A. VISION STATEMENT
The General Plan for the City of Diamond Bar has a major role to play in the future of its residents. As the
"foundation for City public policy", it must be a statement of the hopes and aspirations of its citizens and
should include a shared mental picture or "vision" of #heir our future goela. This vision of the future is
an important component of the Plan because it serves to communicate the unified intentions of the community.
The vision must be imaginative since it includes conditions that do not yet exist. But it must also be practical
in order to motivate appropriate action and sustain commitment toward a common direction. Accordingly,
a Vision Statement is useful in the General Plan as a means of defining scope and emphasis of the Plan. The
following Vision Statement is intended to facilitate consensus on overall community growth and change; and
help define key policy issues and resolution strategies.
What are the major components of the Diamond Bar Vision? What do the citizens of Diamond Bar seek for
their community future?
Retention of the raral/comW living community character. There is a strong, long -held goal
among residents to maintain and protect distinctive, physical attributes of Diamond Bar which
make it a desirable place in which to live, through a careful balance of: Heeded housing,
businesses and services, public facilities, and preservation of
significant natural environmental resources.
Preservation of ones space resources. Significant open -space privately and publicly
owned vacant areas exist within the boundaries of Diamond Bar and within its Sphere of
Influence (SOI). The preservation of these resources contributes to the goal of retaining the
City's distinctive character and offers educational and recreational opportunities.
Portions of the 3,591 acre Sphere of Influence (SOI) and abutting lands within the City have
been included in Significant Ecological Area 15 by the County of Los Angeles. SEA 15 is
considered to be a major significant ecological opea-spaee asset to the community.
The City will play a proactive role in the preservation of this resource by assuring that
extensive analysis and review precede any changes from its current uses and aedviiies
possibilities.
Reduction of regional traffic impacts on local streets: Through traffic seriously encroaches
on the City's local streets because of the preexisting inadequate regional freeway/circulation
system. Commuters from neighboring cities make use of City streets in order to avoid the
congested freeway system, to the detriment of local traffic, with attendant adverse impacts.
The City is committed to a proactive involvement in regional efforts to solve and/or reduce
circulation impacts on the local community. Current plans and programs for implementation
of the Circulation Element are designed to reduce congestion;
Diamond Bar General Plan Introduction
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions I
Promotion of viable commercial activity: The City will play a proactive role in
bwinew and economic development. Availability of a full range of desired retail
goods and services and production of needed City sales tax revenue will be addressed by an
Economic Resource Strategic Plan;
Provision of well-maintained, attractive housing which accommodates people of all ages,
cultures, occupations and levels of financial status; and
Creation of a community environment which nurtures social, cultural, religious, educational
and recreational opportunities for its citizens.
The constellation of all parts of this vision should produce and project an identity which is characterized by
a peaceful, safe community which cherishes the rights of its citizens to grow and prosper, to assemble and
interact constructively, to create and protect family life, and to be represented by an effective, caring and
productive city government.
The Diamond Bar Vision Statement recognizes that a strong, viable partnership between its citizens and elected
officials will be necessary to make the General Plan work towards attainment of the Vision. The "path" to
the future will require a mutual commitment.
"The future is not a probable place we are being taken to, but a preferred place we are creating. The
tracks to it are not found andfollowed, but made by laying and constructing a trail "— Peter Ellyard,
PhD, 1993.
B. PURPOSE
State planning law requires that each city and county adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the
physical development of any lands in its jurisdiction, and for any land outside its boundaries which bears
relation to its land use planning activities. The General Plan must contain a statement of development policies
as well as diagrams and text that identify objectives, principals, standards, and plan proposals.
Seven elements are mandated by the Government Code:
• Land Use • Conservation
• Circulation • Safety
• Housing • Noise
• Open Space
In addition, Section 65303 of the Government Code provides that the plan may include any other elements
which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the City. The
combination of two or more mandated elements is permitted. Since many development and environmental
issues are so interrelated, the Diamond Bar General Plan has been organized into five elements.
Neither the organization or presentation of the elements are placed with implication of priority or order of
importance. Similarly, the listing of goals, objectives, and strategies do not imply priority or magnitude of
importance.
Diamond Bar General Plan Introduction
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions 2
1. Land Use
While much of the City is already developed, there are still substantial vacant parcels of land in the
community and the SOI. Some vacant properties are suitable for development and others should be preserved
for open space because of their significant environmental resource value. Three major sub -issues affect
formulation of land use policy for Diamond Bar. First, economic pressure for development of vacant land
conflicts with the community desire to maintain the quality of the existing environment. Second, the status of
deed and map restrictions affed the development potential of vacant properties. Resolution of this conflict
will require a careful balancing of appropriate development and retention of open space.
Third, the status of significant environmental resources within SEA 15 (Toner Canyon/Chino Hills Significant
Ecological Area) requires further analysis and definition. As defined by the County of Los Angeles, it is "a
regional, riparian woodland complex." It is part of a three -county regional environmental system. The
Firestone Boy Scout Reservation, Tonner Canyon Road and cattle grazing have been the only intrusive uses.
However, regional circulation studies have considered a various proposedals including a "regional
bypass roadway" within the SOI which would help resolve local traffic congestion impacts. Definition of the
precise configuration and alignment of that roadway in order to avoid disruption of sensitive environmental
resources requires further study.
2. Circulation
The City's location at the interchange of major east/west and north/south freeways (State Routes 60 and 57)
and pre -incorporation decisions effectively limit the City's ability to achieve an efficient circulation system.
While the local circulation system is adequate for ordinary local traffic requirements, the deficient freeway
interchange forces regional commuter traffic onto local streets creating extreme congestion during peak travel
periods. The multiplicity of relevant county and local jurisdictions and State agencies both challenges and
complicates regional planning solutions. Solutions must include consideration of a full range of options,
including improvement of freeway capacity and access, transportation demand management and sensitively
planed and compatible expanded regional arterial system. The key to effective solutions is through continued
intergovernmental and inter -agency cooperation.
3. Economics
While Cityhood has brought local control, attendant to that is responsibility for planning for the economic well
being of the City. Short and long term revenue projections are inadequate to support current levels of
municipal services and provision of needed capital improvements. The reasons include limited opportunities
for generation of sales tax; diminishing availability of federal, State and County funding; and property tax
limitations. Further, the City has an inadequate mix and a limited range of viable retail uses.
Underlying all proposed responsibilities of government is a fundamental fiscal fact: virtually all governmental
activity and programs are financed by taxpayer dollars. Whether city, county, regional, state, or national
economic cycles reflect growth and prosperity, or reflect recessive constriction and depression, the ability of
a community and its servant government to pay for services must be a dominant concern. This General Plan,
conceived in a time of regional and state economic recession, recognizes the need for fiscal prudence and
effective, efficient management of the community's resources. The General Plan is also designed to allow
for some prudent, careful future expansion when the area's economy has improved to warrant change. Such
recognition embraces a range of imperatives from fiscal survival to enhancement of Quality of Life.
H. DOCUMENT CONTENTS
Diamond Bar General Plan Introduction
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions 9
The following elements of the Diamond Bar General Plan have been designed to address the variety of
environmental issues that affect the City.
Diamond Bar State Mandated
General Plan General Plan Elements Issues
Land Use Element Land Use Land Use
Housing Element Housing Housing
Resource
Open Space
Visual Resources
Management
Conservation
Biological Resources
Element
Park and Recreation
Water Resources
Energy Resources
Solid Waste
Mineral Resources
Agriculture
Safety
Geology
Public Health
Seismicity
and Safety Element
Flooding
Fire Protection
Crime Protection
Emergency Services
Hazardous Materials
Air Quality
Noise
Noise
Public Services and
City Financing
Facilities Element
Economic Development
Circulation
Circulation
Trails
Circulation Element
Automobile
Bicycle
Equestrian
Aviation
Track Boutin
Public Transit
Railroad
Diamond Bar General Plan Introduction
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions 10
I. GENERAL PLAN FORMAT
The IM 1994 Diamond Bar Draft General Plan is divided into We Irce documents for ease of reference.
1. Document 1: General Plan
The first document contains the &g giA actual divisions of the General Plan proper, that is, the compilation
of the goals, objectives, and implementation strategies of the Plan. This document contains an introduction,
and the Land Use, Housing, Resource Management, Public Health and Safety, Public Services and Facilities,
and Circulation Element.
2. Document 2: Final Environmental Impact Report/Technical Appendices
(Certified 7/14/92) (Inelndes Mitigation Monitoring Plan)
This document contains the Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan, including the Notice of
Preparation and Responses. The FIR contains the appropriate environmental documentation for the General
Plan as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) including detailed analyses of the
various impacts of ultimately development Diamond Bar. This document also contains all of the technical
appendices not specifically related to the EIR, such as noise, air quality, land use summaries and alternatives,
etc. An Addendum tS gLe FEIR w=$rU casted gg & 1993 revised General Plan. 11d andA d— e� V- will
IM reguired 1Dri0r 12 addO tom► 2f f 1994 General B�L
men 3' M=r Environmental Asse� bam e 714/92
The Master Environmental Assessment for the City, which provides a comprehensive and consistent baseline
of environmental data from which further (project -specific) environmental analyses can be performed, was
adopted on 7/14/92 and is income by mfg as io 21 Aie ,1994 neral Phan.
The organization of the General Plan can thus be visualized as follows:
Document 1
Introduction
Land Use Element
Housing Element
Resource Management Element
Public Health and Safety Element
Public Services and Facilities Element
Circulation Element
Document 2
Environmental Impact Report
Technical Appendices
Master Environmental Assessment
Diamond Bar General Plan Introduction
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions 11
EXISTING CON"`MONS
1. Open Space and Visual Resources
Diamond Bar is well known as a master-plonua&hillside residential community with outstanding views
of natural slopes and ridgelines. There are a number of undeveloped areas in the City that constitute potential
open space resources. The portion of Tonner Canyon that is within the City's sphere of influence offers
tremendous open space opportunities and visual resources.
The natural slopes and ridges have provided a distinctive visual identity to the community's natural and
developed areas.
2. Biological Resources
While Diamond Bar still contains several areas that support native plants and animals, these resources have
undergone considerable transition over the years. The native flora and fauna which once inhabited the City
have been largely eliminated in developed areas. Historical agricultural and recent urban development have
removed large areas of natural vegetative cover. Animals that once inhabited the valley floor have lard
been forced into nearby undisturbed areas to the southwest, south, southeast, and east of the City limits.
The City's sphere of influence, encompasses the middle 3,600 acres of Tonner Canyon, a portion of which
is considered a "Significant Ecological Area" (SEA) by Los Angeles County due to its wealth of biological
resources. This portion of the canyon contains extensive stands of riparian, oak, and walnut woodland plants,
which are considered sensitive and important native plant habitats by the California Department of Fish and
Game. Toner Canyon supports a diverse population of native animals, including the California ground
squirrel, cottontail rabbit, coyote,and deer. The canyon habitat may also
support other animals such as- well -as-pessibly the endangered Stephen's kangaroo rat, several
species of mice and possibly the California gnatcatcher. Numerous birds also utilize this area, including
several species of hawks and owls, which are all protected under California Fish and Game laws. A sensitive
species of pond turtle was also observed in the upper portion of the canyon, although it was just outside the
City limits and sphere of influence.
3. Parks and Recreation
There are several existing park and recreation facilities within the City's boundaries that provide active and
passive recreational opportunities to City residents. `
:.::..v:.:.4]:•. .; • „r::{:. :c<c:� r.:,�... •: �:•:, 4 '•os;.tirr .:;;,�......... ti« . .. , .. .•.
,. %tv: •' 'yik ':'4'�iJ. .'i'.'{214:L '4[: :::••f••J.5»Yu4iY�.C+.•Y.' .4}:vK>'Svi',:::
Y00$t The City has seven developed parks ranging in size from 2
acres to 26 acres. The City also has two undeveloped parks and one joint park facility with Walnut Valley
Unified School District. Small athletic fields and playgrounds ai'o ar--�le exist at the 8 elementary and
2 intermediate schools in the City. More extensive fields and a gymnasium exist at
Diamond Bar High School. These facilities are made available on a limited basis for use by
City recreational progrf ms and by local athletic organizations through short term
agreements with the Walnut Valley Uniliied School District and the Pomona Unified
School Districts. There are also several quasi -public and private recreational facilities, including the
Diamond Bar golf course, "The Country" park, YMCA and Little League fields on Sunset Crossing. Table
III -1 describes local recreation facilities.
Diamond General an Resource Management Element
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions IH -2
deposits are present. However, a particular bedrock formation (Puente) underlies scattered portions of the
City. This formation is classified as MRZ-3, which identifies areas that may contain aggregate mineral
deposits but whose significance cannot be evaluated from available data. Based on available data, development
in Diamond Bar will have to import substantial quantities of aggregate materials anyway, since none of the
surrounding areas contain extensive deposits.
C. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES
1. Open Space and Visual Resources
There are several major vacant hillside or open space areas remaining in the City, which are under various
pressures to develop. The City needs to determine which areas will be preserved and what means to use to
best assure their protection. Portions of these areas should be preserved for parks.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to ISM pravWe-is bakuwed open space pregervatiere-ar�E
within
the G1ty and the sphere of hyMuenee and to utilize portions of theme
preserved open Map es for perdu and recreational roses, where
feasible and safe.
2. Biological Resources
The City and its sphere of influence contains several areas with significant biological resources. These areas
should be considered for preservation in conjunction with important open space and visual resource areas.
This includes wildlife corridors to prevent isolation, loss of diversity in biological "islands" if they are cut off
from larger and more diverse areas, and to maintain a sustainable quality (food, water, shelter, nesting)
habitat.
ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to protect areas with important biological resources, both
within the City and the sphere of influence.
3. Parks and Recreation
The City has a variety of recreational facilities presently available for local residents. While there are
numerous facilities in the area, some local parks are small or isolated. There are few additional parks planned
for the future. As the City grows, there will be additional demands placed on existing facilities.
ISSUE ANALYSIS:
There is a need to plan for ate- additional parks
and recreational facilities to serve the growing needs of local residents
through the troll utilization of existing facilities within City boundaries and
iheealhewt 41w within the sanZoandinII area; additional recreation
parklands are necessary to meet the community needs.
4. Water
Water is a scarce, and expensive, natural resource. The City already makes use of reclaimed water, and this
source will Feb" be depended on more in the future to "free up" potable water for additional domestic use.
The level of additional population growth in the City will be modest, but water may continue to be a limiting
factor in long-range planning.
Diamond Bar General Plan Resource Management Element
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions III -7
GOAL 1 "CommSdemt aviitL Ae VNi dns Statemund. Create and maintain an open space
system which will preserve scenic beauty, protect important biological resources,
provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve
natural resources, and protect public health and safety."
Objective 1.1 Preserve signifIcant visual features which are within, or are visible from the City of Diamond
Bar, with an emphasis on the preservation of rernaining natural hillside areas.
Strategies:
1.1.1 Develop regulations for the protection of ridgelines, slope areas, canyons, and
hilltops. Require contour or landform grading, clustering of development, or other
means to minimize visual _ impacts to ridgelines or prominent
slopes.
1.1.2 Require that all excess excavated and waste materials be properly removed and
disposed of, or otherwise placed so as to become an integral part of the site
development.
1.1.3 Require that dwelling units and structures within hillside areas be sited in such a
manner as to utilize ridgelines and landscape plant materials as a backdrop for the
structures and the structures themselves to provide maximum concealment of cut
slopes.
1.1.4 Preserve to the maximum extent possible feasible existing vegetation within
undeveloped hillside develepmeat areas not designmed for eenswiefien.
1.1.5 When deemed necessary by the City, require that significant vegetation web:
eonmei- be preserved ' or transplanteding,-be
rrloeaied as deternsined by a gaali$ed biota report approved by the
City .
1.l.ir' NWkepe To THE GREATEST ExTENT possible and praefie , require that dwelling
units, structures and landscaping be sited in a manner which:
" Protects views for existing development
0 Retains opportunities for views from dwellings
" Preserves or enhances vistas, particularly those seen from public places
" Preserves mature trees, natural hydrology, native plant materials, and areas
of visual interest.
• Permits removal of vegetation as part of a City or Fire District approved
fuel modification program.
Diamond Bar General Plan Resource Management Element
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions M-9
1.1.E Uti"grading permit procedures to ensure d, Rite designs for development
pros nls for hillside areas conform to the UtUL. ZdU. Ed COII5 & ChO YiNg
aspects.
1.1.85 Work with the appropriate jurisdictions to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and
hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its sphere of influence, such as SEA 15,
Tonner Canyon, the hills in the City of Industry, west of the 57 Freeway at Grand
Avenue, the hills within the County of Los Angeles (Rowland Heights), west of the
57 Freeway, south of Brea Canyon Cutoff, the portion of Tonner Canyon within the
Chino Hills Specific Plan, and the portion of Tonnes Canyon within the City of Brea
(Orange County).
1. 1. Enact provisions and techniques that enhance groundwater recharge and local water
recovery.
1. 1.44
J = gEdW=designed to
retain and/or replace native trees within the Cit,.
----------------------
trees2f culturalLr hiWrical vX L
1 1.1 Dem A 1' $ r vi mecs four ng ur u die vrese of
doiggged 22Ln soQ
Objective 1.2 "`""` ' ` "` "' '` ` "`' ` '`"` W ` aintain, protect, and preserve biologically
signs ant areas, incing SETTY, S, riparian areas, oaKA and walnut woodlands, and other
areas of natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural opportunities
as can be developed in a manner sensitive to the environment.
Strategies:
1.2.2 Ensure that all development, including roads, proposed adjacent to riparian and
other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts to such areas.
Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to:
• Minimize or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas;
• Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by
providing vegetative buffering;
• Provide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter and nesting;
• Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along
roadsides; and
Diamond Bar General Plan Resource Management Element
January 9, 1995 - City Council Revisions III -10