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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Land Use Element Update.pdf Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 i I. LAND USE ELEMENT Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE A. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ I-1 B. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. I-1 C. EXISTING CONDITIONS ............................................................................................... I-1 D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES…………………………………………….I-7 E. LAND USE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES ......................................... I-10 F. LAND USE PLAN ......................................................................................................... I-25 Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 iii LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE PAGE I-1 Existing Land Use ............................................................................................................. I-6 I-2 Proposed Land Use Map ................................................................................................. I-29 I-3 Possible Building Configurations for 0.25:1 Floor Area Ratio ...................................... I-30 LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE I-1 City-Wide Existing Land Uses (1993) .............................................................................. I-4 I-2 Sphere of Influence Existing Land uses (1993) ................................................................ I-5 I-3 General Plan Land Use (By Category) ........................................................................... I-27 I-4 Potential Residential and Commercial Growth............................................................... I-28 Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-1 I. LAND USE ELEMENT A. INTRODUCTION It is the desire of the citizens of Diamond Bar to maintain a rural and country living environment. Planning for the long-range use of land in the City is like fitting together the pieces of a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. Each “piece” of land has unique opportunities and constraints, but may also have many needs or conditions that are shared by surrounding pieces, such as utilities, fire protection, and protection from excessive noise. Each piece must be weighed individually, as well as together with surrounding pieces as an integrated whole. Finally, all pieces must be weighed together to assure that their combined pattern best fulfills the short and long-term needs of the community. The Land Use Element of the General Plan provides a framework to unify and organize these “pieces” around several central themes, so that development of remaining open land will enhance these themes and work toward achievement of the Diamond Bar Vision. B. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS California law requires that each city and county prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long term general plan for its physical development. Government Code Section 65302(a) requires that local general plans include a land use element as part of the required general plan. This requirement is intended to ensure that communities achieve and maintain a logical land use pattern, as well as standards for population density and development intensity which is consistent with community goals and objectives. Thus, the land use element has the broadest scope of the general plan elements required by State law. C. EXISTING CONDITIONS Diamond Bar is located at the junction of two major Southern California freeways (57 and 60) in the southeastern corner of Los Angeles County. Although conceived as one of the first planned communities in the west, it developed mainly as individual and unrelated detached single-family residential tracts, with a minimal amount of commercial and other non-residential uses. The City incorporated in 1989, after developing under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County for-almost 30 years. Historical patterns of development under the County have created isolated multi-family areas, small commercial centers with limited access, and a general fragmentation of uses in the City. 1. Residential Uses Diamond Bar is comprised of rolling hills and valleys between rapidly urbanizing freeway corridors (west and north) and the largely undisturbed Sphere of Influence (south). According to the California Department of Finance, the City has a total of 18,276 dwelling units that presently house a population of 60,207 residents (2007). The City is primarily residential. Single family detached units represent the majority of the City's housing stock. Approximately five percent of the single family units are on large, "rural" residential lots (one acre or more). In general, development densities are greater in the flatter portions of the City (west), while larger lots predominate in the hillside areas (east). Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-2 Along the 57 and 60 freeway corridors, single family lots are generally under 10,000 square feet. Detached single family developments in these areas have been built at 3-5 dwelling units per acre, which represents over half of the City's entire housing stock. While single family development predominates, multi-family projects can be found along Diamond Bar Boulevard, south of Grand Avenue and on Golden Springs Drive, north of Diamond Bar Boulevard. These developments usually occupy small sites along major roadways, and are built at 10-20 units per acre. The more dense multi-family projects (16 units per acre) are older condominiums approved by Los Angeles County prior to incorporation. This western half of the City generally contains the older housing, built in the 1960s and early 70s. The City also has apartment complexes of moderate density (10.9-16.7 units per acre), with most located on major arterials such as Diamond Bar Boulevard. Typical of most affluent suburban communities in hillside areas; lot size, unit size, and unit price in Diamond Bar generally increase with the degree of slope. East of Diamond Bar Boulevard, development density (units/acre) decreases as lot size increases. “The Country Estates”, a private gate -guarded community, contains 638 homes and occupies 855.5 acres along and just west of the ridge separating the City from Tonner Canyon. Here, lots may be several acres or more in size, depending on the severity of the slope. 2. Non Residential Uses Non-residential uses comprise about 20 percent of the City's land area. Commercial uses occupy approximately two percent of the City's land area and are mainly located along Diamond Bar Boulevard and portions of Golden Springs Drive. Office uses occupy approximately 140 acres, with a major 110- acre corporate office complex located just east of the southern intersection of the 57 and 60 freeways; this Gateway Corporate Center is presently less than half completed. Approximately 84 acres of industrial/business park uses are located along Brea Canyon Road, north of Lycoming Avenue. Parks, public facilities, open space, and roads occupy the remaining area. The building areas shown in Tables I-1 and I-2 are for existing commercial, office, and light industrial uses and were calculated based on representative samples of shopping centers, office parks, and industrial parks within Diamond Bar. Building area can be estimated based on Floor Area Ratio (FAR), or the ratio of building area in square feet divided by the total area of the site (in square feet). For example, a building with 17,500 square feet on a 1 acre site (43,560 square feet) has an FAR of 0.40 (17,500 divided by 43,560). Local leasing companies were contacted to obtain total site and building square footages. Detailed data on local FARs was not available, because most shopping centers support a variety of commercial, office, and/or business park uses. However, a selective representative survey of local centers indicates the following FARs are most applicable to Diamond Bar uses, and can be considered representative for planning purposes: Commercial = 0.24, Office = 0.38, and Business Park = 0.32. Other major non-residential land uses include public facilities which encompass schools (158 acres) and other government facilities; developed and undeveloped parks (470.8 acres); which includes the Diamond Bar Golf Course (178 acres). At present, there are 2,757.1 acres of vacant land potentially available for development and/or preservation. Many of these vacant lands are subject to existing map and deed restrictions which limit their future development potential, and are separately identified in Figure I-1. The largest parcel of vacant land is the Tres Hermanos property (approximately 800 acres), at the northeast corner of the City, between Grand Avenue and the Pomona (60) Freeway. Figure I-1 shows the location of existing land uses within Diamond Bar. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-3 3. Sphere of Influence The City of Diamond Bar's Sphere of Influence was first approved by the Los Angeles County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) on August 8, 1990, and encompasses 3,591 acres immediately south of the City limits to the Los Angeles County/Orange County border. This sphere area includes the middle portion of Tonner Canyon - an undeveloped northeast/southwest trending wooded canyon, which extends beyond the City's Sphere of Influence into Orange County to the south and San Bernardino County to the east. Pursuant to the Cortese/Knox Local Agency Reorganization Act, the Sphere of Influence serves as an area designated as future area to be annexed to the City. However, until such time as the property is annexed to the City of Diamond Bar the area remains under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. 4. Potential Regional Impacts State law provides that each city and county may include in a proposed general plan any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its land use planning activities. Government Code Section 65303 provides that the General Plan may address other subjects which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the city, noting that “no city… is an island in the regional setting”. Areas of potential impact upon the City of Diamond Bar include proposals for development of a Materials Recovery Facility near the northwest boundary of Diamond Bar; a proposal to locate potable/non-potable water facilities; an institute of higher education on the Tres Hermanos Ranch in Chino Hills and Diamond Bar; potential development surrounding the new City of Industry Metrolink Station (rail facility) adjacent to the westerly border of Diamond Bar; potential development of vacant land or hills adjacent to the 57 and 60 freeways and the Union Pacific right-of-way in the City of Industry; potential development of vacant land south of Brea Canyon Cutoff Road and west of 57 freeway and Brea Canyon Road; and Diamond Ranch High School in Tres Hermanos. These proposals should be carefully monitored by the City and the City should proactively participate in the planning process where necessary to achieve General Plan goals. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-4 Table I-1 City-Wide Existing Land Uses (1993) Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-5 Table I-2 Sphere of Influence Existing Land uses (1993) Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-6 I-1 Existing Land Use Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-7 D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES The four major land use issues identified in the master Environmental Assessment are: 1) land use mix; 2) capacities of the natural and man-made environment to accommodate growth; 3) City image; and 4) local versus regional needs and short-term versus long-term solutions. 1. Land Use Mix a. Disposition of Remaining Vacant Lands Including, but Not Limited to, a Determination of Deed and Map Restriction Status. Determining the status of remaining vacant lands is a major policy decision facing the City. As part of the General Plan program, an “Open Land Survey” was conducted to identify possible development restrictions that might have previously been approved by the County. The survey found that various types of notations and restrictions had been placed by the County on the subdivision maps creating certain identified vacant lands. In some cases, deed restrictions were imposed to ensure that development would not occur without further legislative review on vacant lands; however, many other notations and “restrictions” were ambiguous. ISSUE ANALYSIS: Those lands which have been deed and/or map restricted should be pursued as public open space. There is a need for examination of original and existing deed and map restrictions which affect vacant land proposed for development. Past confusion resulting from Los Angeles County transmittal of development entitlements should be resolved. b. Open Space Definition and Preservation There are different types of undeveloped lands in the City. These include natural undisturbed hillsides, ridges and canyon bottoms. Man-made open space can range from graded hillsides that appear “natural,” to open space areas which have been or may in the future be subject to deed or subdivision map restrictions which preclude development. Other open space areas include improved properties such as parks, golf courses, recreational facilities and cemeteries. This General Plan categorizes these different types of open space areas into distinct and clearly understood designations. Presently undisturbed hillsides, ridgelines and canyon bottoms located on privately owned property are susceptible to future development. Therefore, this General Plan sets forth strategies for land use development that will preserve significant environmentally sensitive areas through the use of techniques such as transfer of development rights and clustering. ISSUE ANALYSIS: Open space areas must be given clearly understood and identifiable designations and preservation strategies must be identified. c. Economics The City presently has a modest budget with a small operating reserve. Municipal costs generally tend to increase faster than revenues, and service needs can be expected to increase faster than services can be provided. Therefore, the City should control service costs while seeking ways to increase City revenues. City governments have two basic sources of revenue: Local residents and businesses. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-8 As a means of increasing revenues, the City could attempt to increase property tax revenues by establishing Diamond Bar as an exclusive community. This might be accomplished by significantly lowering allowable densities on remaining vacant land and encouraging development of remaining vacant lands as gate-guarded communities. While resale and new houses in the City command fairly high prices (slightly over $300,000), market research shows that home prices must exceed half a million dollars before property tax revenues will qualify the area as an exclusive community. For areas of lower-priced housing, the City receives a much lower proportion of their revenues from local property taxes. Available data also indicates that lower priced single family dwellings, condominiums, and other attached multi- family housing cost proportionately more for services than they generate revenues. A second source of additional revenue to the City is sales taxes generated by existing or new local businesses. In general, market research shows that retail commercial uses generate significantly more municipal revenues as compared to costs. By comparison, business park uses generally “break even,” while office uses cost more to serve than the revenues they produce for a city. Potential sources of additional revenues for the City would be new or higher user fees, taxes, or service assessments. There are a variety of such charges available to cities that can be applied to either residents and/or businesses. For these reasons, economic factors are closely tied to land use decisions; the amount and variety of non- residential (especially commercial) uses allowed in the City will largely define its revenue options as it determines the types of services it can provide. Aside from property taxes and per capita subventions, sales taxes are often the largest source of municipal revenues. However, the pro rata share of dollars to municipalities may shift outside of the City's control. It is important for the City to make sound land use decisions based on the long-term quality of the living environment, rather than solely on the economic benefits of unpredictable market trends. Fundamental marketing strategies that cities typically employ, relative to commercial land, to generate positive municipal revenues/costs are as follows. Cities can choose to attract low-to middle-range shoppers, or they may decide to focus on upper-or high-end buyers. Depending on location, cities can also choose between attracting local buyers, or exploiting more regional shoppers. Diamond Bar can target all of these marketing strategies to maximize its economic return. The City could develop an area with good freeway visibility and access for high-end specialty commercial and offices uses. These uses could attract local, as well as a considerable amount of regional shoppers. High-end office uses could also be located nearby to support these commercial uses. There are also several large shopping centers in the City with good freeway visibility and access, which can support regional, freeway-serving, or community commercial uses. Smaller shopping centers located on major streets within the developed portions of Diamond Bar should be oriented mainly for local use. The City also has the potential to take advantage of regional mid-range shopping opportunities in the undeveloped northeastern portion of the City, along the Pomona Freeway. ISSUE ANALYSIS There is a need to encourage a variety of new or expanded commercial uses and other non-residential development, as well as investigate other funding mechanisms, to help finance City services, infrastructures and amenities. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-9 2. Capabilities Of The Natural And Man Made Environment a. Natural Resources Events of this decade have highlighted our limited regional resources, such as air quality, water, and solid waste disposal. As a new City, Diamond Bar needs to establish its own position on these environmental issues. Although the City is largely built out, additional growth could place unacceptable limits on sensitive or scarce resources or on areas subject to hazards such as flooding (refer to flood hazard maps in MBA). ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need for the City to plan for growth in ways that protect and conserve natural resources and the environment. b. Infrastructure Capabilities At present, the City has a fairly new infrastructure system and operates its services with a slight surplus of revenues. However, as the City ages, maintenance and service costs go up faster than municipal revenues increase. The current mix of land uses within the City is insufficient to adequately fund long-range capital and operating needs. ISSUE ANALYSIS There is a need to plan now for the anticipated increase in traffic, the maintenance of existing facilities, fund new facilities, and support future services to enhance the quality of life in Diamond Bar. 3. City Image a. Balanced, Residential Community Although originally intended to be developed as a master-planned community, Diamond Bar has not developed in an orchestrated manner subject to a master set of covenants, conditions and restrictions. It is, rather, a more traditional bedroom community, consisting primarily of single -family residential tract development, punctuated with local commercial businesses and multiple family housing at arterial intersections. Although the City lacks a “downtown” area which might contribute to a focused image, it has the reputation of a desirable and attractive place to live, containing many features of a more rural environment. The vision of the General Plan offers the opportunity to crystallize the image of the community. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to define and promote a City image that reflects the City's many attributes and its long-term vision. b. Land Use Compatibility A major goal of the community is to protect existing neighborhoods and their character. There are outside pressures on the City to help solve regional traffic problems. At the same time, there are outside pressures on the City adversely affecting the City due to outside regional development and traffic. In general, housing densities, types of units, and lot sizes should be maintained in established residential areas. In some cases, the desire to protect the character of existing neighborhoods may require remedial action to eliminate uses that are not compatible or that are not appropriate for a specific area. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-10 ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to protect the character of existing neighborhoods from incompatible land uses. 4. Local versus-Regional Needs/Short-Term versus Long-Term Solutions a. Circulation Diamond Bar presently provides a number of “short cuts” for regional commuters during peak traffic periods and during periods of local freeway congestion. The City may choose to take appropriate measures to relieve regional congestion which would ultimately free up local roads for predominately local use. The City of Diamond Bar should proactively and aggressively work with and lobby adjacent/regional agencies to develop regional circulation solutions that directly benefit Diamond Bar local access needs. Local community residents should be given an opportunity for participation in the discussion of these needs and possible solutions. ISSUE ANALYSIS: There is a need to prevent regional commuter traffic from impacting local traffic and local activities. E. LAND USE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES “IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE LAND USE ELEMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS OF DIAMOND BAR MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ITS RESIDENTS.” GOAL 1 “Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of Diamond Bar residents, providing a balance of development and preservation of significant open space areas to assure both economic viability and retention of distinctive natural features of the community.” Objective 1.1 Establish a land use classification system to guide the public and private use of land within the City and its Sphere of Influence. Strategies: 1.1.1 Identify residential land use categories to provide an appropriate range of housing types for residential development within the City and its Sphere of Influence. (a) The maximum gross density of Rural Residential (RR) will be 1.0 dwelling unit per gross acre (1 du/ac) or less, depending upon the establishment of a slope density ordinance. (b) Designate existing developed single family detached residential parcels as Low Density Residential (RL) on the Land Use Map. The maximum density of such Low Density Residential parcels will be 3.0 dwelling units per gross acre (3.0 du/ac), or existing density, whichever is greater. (c) Designate existing single family detached subdivisions as Low Medium Residential (RLM) on the Land Use Map. The maximum density of Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-11 Low Medium Residential areas will be 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre (5.0 du/ac), or existing density, whichever is greater. (d) Designate existing planned townhome, condominium, apartment, mobile home, and other multiple family residential properties as Medium Density Residential (RM) on the Land Use Map. Maintain a maximum density of 12.0 dwelling units per gross acre (12 du/ac) within these areas. (e) Designate existing, and planned townhome, condominium, apartment, and other multiple family residential properties as Medium High Residential (RMH) on the Land Use Map. Maintain a maximum density of 16.0 dwelling units per gross acre (16 du/ac) within these areas. (f) Designate existing and proposed high density condominium and apartment developments and other high density properties as High Density Residential (RH) on the Land Use Map. Maintain a maximum density of 20.0 dwelling units per gross acre (20 du/ac) within these areas. (g) Designate properties for high-density multi-family use as High Density Residential-30 (RH-30) allowing a maximum net density of 30 units/acre and a minimum net density of 20 units/acre to accommodate the City’s share of the regional affordable housing need as required by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Net density is the number of dwelling units divided by the net site area. Net site area is comprised of all portions of the project site, prior to site development, except for those portions of the project site which: lie within the setbacks of state or federally designated jurisdictional wetlands; contain plant communities which should be avoided, based on the findings of professional biological surveys; are located within pre-existing public streets, utility easement, and drainage channels or basins. (h) Develop a slope density ordinance which shall be applied to all land use designations in the City. Such slope density shall reduce the number of dwelling units otherwise designated for the property as a function of average slope of the land in question in excess of 25 percent. Average slope is defined as follows: I = Contour interval in feet Slope = 0.002296 I L L = Summation of length of all A contours in feet A = area in acres of parcel considered 1.1.2 Ensure that the land use classification system provides adequate separation and buffering of less active residential uses from more intense land uses, major streets, and highways. (Amended September 3, 2013 – City Council Resolution No. 2013-29) Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-12 1.1.3 Identify commercial land use categories to provide for a range of retail and service uses to serve City needs and to guide development within the City and its Sphere of Influence. (a) Encourage active pursuit of commercial development in Gateway Corporate Center as a means of increasing City revenues. (b) Establish General Commercial (C) areas to provide for regional, freeway-oriented, and/or community retail and service commercial uses. Development of General Commercial areas will maintain a floor area ratio (FAR) between 0.25 and 1.00. (c) Designate Commercial Office (CO) land use areas on diverse, mixed use commercial retail, office and service properties. Development within Commercial Office areas will maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.00. (d) Designate Professional Office (OP) areas to provide for the establishment of office-based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as support uses. Development within Professional Office areas will maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.00. 1.1.4 Areas designated Light Industrial (I) on the General Plan Land Use Map are to provide for light industrial, research and development, and office-based industrial firms seeking a pleasant and attractive working environment, as well as for business support services, and commercial uses requiring more land area than is available in General Commercial or Commercial Office areas. This designation also is intended to accommodate the need for emergency shelters and single- room occupancy housing as identified in the City’s Housing Element. These areas will maintain a maximum floor area ratio of 0.25 to 1.00. 1.1.5 The Public Facilities (PF) designation is designed to identify existing or potential (future) sites for necessary public facilities or infrastructure improvements. The primary purpose of land designated as Public Facilities, is to provide areas for the conduct of public and institutional activities, such as public schools, parks and water facilities, including but not necessarily limited to local, State, and Federal agencies, special districts, and both public and private utilities. These uses maintain development standards which do not exceed that of the most restrictive adjacent designation. 1.1.6 Areas designated as Open Space (OS) provide recreational opportunities, preservation of scenic and environmental values, protection of resources (water reclamation and conservation), protection of public safety and preservation of animal life. This designation also includes lands which may have been restricted to open space by map restriction, deed (dedication, condition, covenant and/or restriction), by an Open Space Easement pursuant to California Government Code (CGC), Section 51070 et seq. and Section 64499 et seq. This designation carries with it a maximum development potential of one single family unit per existing parcel, unless construction was previously restricted or prohibited on such properties by the County of Los Angeles. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-13 1.1.7 Provide Park (PK) designations for existing and future public parks. Designate the Diamond Bar Country Club as Golf Course (GC). Designate major private recreational facilities (e.g. Little League ball fields, YMCA) as Private Recreation (PR). The Private Recreation designation may be applied to lands required to be set aside for recreational use which have not been dedicated to or accepted by a public agency; no development may take place on these lands other than open space uses specifically permitted by the applicable Planned Unit Development and/or deed restrictions. 1.1.8 Areas designated as Planning Areas (PA) are designed to conserve open space resources and are to be applied to properties where creative approaches are needed to integrate future development with existing natural resources. All proposed development within these designated areas shall require the formation of a Specific Plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450. Land uses which may be appropriate within the planning areas may be subject to public hearings and approval of the City Council. Each Specific Plan must incorporate innovation and superior design addressing the uniqueness of each area and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved through conventional development. 1.1.9 Encourage the innovative use of land resources and development of a variety of housing and other development types, provide a means to coordinate the public and private provision of services and facilities, and address the unique needs of certain lands by recognizing Specific Plan (SP) overlay designation: (a) for large scale development areas in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facilities, and other land uses may be permitted; and, (b) large acreage property(ies) in excess of ten (10) acres that are proposed to be annexed into the City. At such time as development might be proposed, require formulation of a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 for the Sphere of Influence area that will protect its unique biological and open space resources, create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infrastructure, while minimizing future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the City, as well as the region (see Strategy 1.1.4 of the Circulation Element). 1.1.10 Within the Agricultural (AG) designation, permit single family residential at a maximum density of 1.0 dwelling unit per 5 gross acres (1.0 du/5ac), agricultural and compatible open space, public facility, and recreation uses (see also Land Use Element Strategies 1.6.3 and 1.6.4). Objective 1.2 Preserve and maintain the quality of existing residential neighborhoods while offering a variety of housing opportunities, including mixed land uses. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-14 Strategies: 1.2.1 Maintain a system of identifiable, complementary neighborhoods, providing neighborhood identity signage, where appropriate, and ensuring that such signage is well maintained over time. 1.2.2 Maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods by discouraging through traffic and preventing the creation of new major roadway connections throu gh existing residential neighborhoods. 1.2.3 Maintain residential areas which protect natural resources, hillsides, and scenic areas. (a) Development in hillside areas should be designed to be compatible with surrounding natural areas, compatible to the extent practical with surrounding development, aesthetically pleasing, and provide views from development, but not at the expense of views of the development. (b) Earthwork in hillside areas should utilize contour or landform grading. (c) Minimize grading to retain natural vegetation and topography. 1.2.4 Maintain residential areas which provide for ownership of single family housing and require that new development be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood. 1.2.5 Enact Development Code Provisions for the development of second units on a single family parcel. Ensure that the single family character and integrity of the neighborhood be protected and that road, water, and sewer systems are capable of supporting such development. 1.2.6 Broaden the range of, and encourage innovation in, housing types. Require developments within all Residential areas to provide amenities such as common usable, active open space and recreational areas, when possible. 1.2.7 Where consistent with the other provisions of the Diamond Bar General Plan, encourage the provision of low and moderate cost housing (see also Housing Goals, Objectives, and Strategies in this document). Objective 1.3 Designate adequate land for retail and service commercial, professional services, and other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City's needs. Strategies: 1.3.1 Designate such lands for commercial use as are necessary to minimize sales tax leakage out of Diamond Bar and to capture the City's fair share of sales tax revenue. (a) Identify retail needs which are not being met in the community. (b) Define and implement an economic development program to attract needed commercial uses to the City. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-15 1.3.2 Encourage the development of businesses that take advantage of locations visible from the freeway, where appropriate. 1.3.3 Encourage neighborhood serving retail and service commercial uses. (a) Typical uses in the Commercial Office category include uses such as general retail, specialty retail, markets, food and drug stores, commercial services, restaurants, automotive repair and service, hardware and home improvement centers, recreation, professional and business offices, financial institutions, medical offices, and real estate offices. 1.3.4 Encourage the retention, rehabilitation, refurbishment, and/or expansion of existing business establishments. Residentially compatible home occupations where consistent with other provisions of the General Plan and Development Code should be allowed subject to standards enacted to protect the privacy and residential character of the neighborhood. 1.3.5 Encourage revenue generating uses in locations that serve the City's needs. (a) Professional Office areas are to provide for the establishment of office- based working environments for general, professional, and administrative offices, as well as necessary support uses. (b) The Gateway Corporate Center in particular offers large lots with a capacity for multi-story buildings: and is designed to take advantage of unique locations with good freeway access, as well as access to miscellaneous support uses. Buildings adjacent to the freeways along Gateway Center Drive and Bridgegate Drive should have a maximum of six (6) stories. Buildings along Copley Drive and Valley Vista Drive should have a maximum of eight (8) stories. Trees native to the area should be used to obstruct unsightly views. 1.3.6 Encourage consolidation of individual lots into a coordinated project; encoura ge provision of enhanced amenities such as public art, plaza areas, open space and landscaping, and pedestrian facilities in excess of required minimums; or provision of housing within a mixed use project. 1.3.7 Undertake programs to target revitalization of existing commercial uses and selected new retail uses needed to expand the range of goods and services available to local residents and to generate needed sales tax revenue. Objective 1.4 Designate adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. Strategies: 1.4.1 Ensure that land owned and purchased for public use by public agencies is designated on the Land Use Map for public purposes. Specific uses within the Public Facilities category, as shown on the Land Use Map include water facilities, fire stations, schools, parks, libraries, and similar facilities. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-16 1.4.2 Promote joint development and use of parks and open space facilities with adjacent jurisdictions; promote development of joint school/park sites and public amenities. 1.4.3 When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer needed, ensure that the property is offered to other agencies, including the City of Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. 1.4.4 Designate and pursue acquisition of a centralized site for use as a civic/multi - purpose community center. 1.4.5 Pursue development of major joint use recreation and meeting facilities as part of educational facility development. 1.4.6 Work with Tres Hermanos property owner(s) to incorporate, where appropriate, educational/cultural, recreational and public services to include arterial highway access to future schools. 1.4.7 Work with neighboring jurisdictions and other agencies in the coordination and designation of educational, cultural and recreational plans to include arterial highway access to future schools. Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the community by identifying and preserving an adequate amount of open land. Strategies: 1.5.1 Develop an Open Space program which will identify and preserve open space land and rank its importance consistent with community needs, objectives and financial capability. As part of the Slope Density Scale Ordinance, develop a formula for the preservation of open space. 1.5.2 On all applications for subdivision and development approval, require the submission of a title report or other acceptable documentation of deed and map restrictions. 1.5.3 Land designated as Open Space by deed (dedication, condition, covenant and/or restriction) by open space easement (CGC Section 51070 et seq.) or by map restriction (explicit or previous subdivision) must comply with an established review and decision making process prior to the recision, termination, abandonment and/or removal of an open space dedication easement and/or restriction. Any decision to rescind, terminate, abandon, remove or modify a deed must be supported by findings that the decision is of significant benefit to the City. (a) Vacant land which deed is burdened by an open space dedication, condition, covenant and/or restriction shall be required to be subject to the abandonment process substantially similar to that which is set forth in CGC Section 51090 et seq. (Amended March 2, 1999 – City Council Resolution No. 99-12) Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-17 (b) Vacant land which is burdened by an open space easement pursuant to CGC Section 51070 et seq. shall be required to be subject to the abandonment process set forth in CGC 51090 et seq. (c) Vacant land which is burdened by an explicit open space designation delineated upon a map which was the result of a previous subdivision approval shall be required to be subjected to at least one public hearing before the City Council prior to any action to remove said restriction. A decision to rescind, terminate, abandon, remove or modify an open space deed, map restriction or OS land use designation must be preceded by both a finding by the City Council that the decision confers a significant benefit on the City and a favorable vote of the electorate at a regular or special election. 1.5.4 Vacant land and/or existing residential lots burdened by map restrictions which delineate limitations or prohibitions related to building construction allowable residential units, or other such non open space restrictions, shall be required to be subject to a process established by the City Council prior to removal of such restrictions. (a) Vacant land burdened by non open space restrictions shall be required to be subjected to public hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council before any action can be taken to remove any such restrictions. Any decision to remove said map restrictions must be supported by findings that such. removal is of significant benefit to the City. (b) Existing residential lots that are burdened by non open space map restrictions shall be required to be subject to a process established by the City Council prior to removal of any such restrictions. 1.5.5 Obtain Open Space land through feasible acquisition and management techniques such as: (a) Acquisition of land for parks and natural area conservation through a process of entitlement review and density transfer among land uses of like designation and entitlements review. (b) Investigation of a bond issue for purchase of open space areas not already protected by open space restrictions. (c) Establishment of lighting and landscape districts for open space improvements and maintenance. (d) Through the entitlement process where the landowner/developer would agree to sell at less than market value or dedicate property in exchange for development rights. 1.5.6 To preserve significant environmental resources within proposed developments, allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of the Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-18 entire site to a portion of the site, thus preserving the resources as open space, and mandating the dedication of those resources to the City or a conservancy. Objective 1.6 Consistent with the Vision Statement, provide flexibility in the planning of new development as a means of encouraging superior land use by means such as open space and public amenities. Strategies: 1.6.1 A master plan shall be developed for each area of the City designated as a Planning Area (PA). The location of each Planning Area is shown on Figure I-2. Descriptions of each area and the contemplated land use designations are defined as follows: (a) Planning Area 1 PA-1 is located within the incorporated City south of the Pomona Freeway west of Chino Hills Parkway. This 720± acre vacant area is part of the larger Tres Hermanos Ranch property spanning Grand Avenue, including property within the City of Chino Hills. PA-1 incorporates the Agriculture (AG) land use designation permitting single family residential at a maximum density of 1.0 dwelling unit per 5 gross acres. Facilities appropriate for this site should be designed based upon a vision for the future and not merely extend the patterns of the past. Such facilities may include educational institutions, reservoir for practical and aesthetic purposes, commercial developments which are not typical of those found in the area and a variety of residential, churches, institutional and other uses which are complementary to the overall objective of having a master planned area. Development within the Tres Hermanos area should be designed so as to be a part of the Diamond Bar community as well as compatible with adjacent lands. (b) Planning Area 2 PA-2 is comprised of approximately 400 vacant acres located in two non-contiguous areas. Sub-Area A consists of approximately 325 acres located east of Diamond Bar Boulevard, north of Grand Avenue, south of Gold Rush Drive, at the terminus of Highcrest Drive. Sub-Area B consists of approximately 75 acres located east of Pantera Park. Appropriate land uses for this 400 ± acre non-contiguous area include a maximum of 130 single family detached residential dwelling units concentrated along the anticipated extension of Highcrest Drive, a minimum of 75 percent of the total 400 acre area set aside as dedicated open space. A two-acre area located at the southeast corner of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Gold Rush Drive should be developed for public facility or commercial uses. In order to minimize environmental impacts and maximize clustering, residential lots shall range in size from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-19 (c) Planning Area 3 PA-3 located south of Grand Avenue and east of Golden Springs Drive incorporates approximately 55 acres of developed and undeveloped land. Appropriate land uses for this multiple ownership area include mixed-use commercial retail and office professional uses. PA-3 is comprised of approximately 15 acres designated General Commercial (C) at the intersection of Grand Avenue at Golden Springs Drive and Professional Office (OP) uses for the remainder of the planning area. The maximum intensity of development for this planning area is a FAR of 1.00. (d) Planning Area 4 PA-4 consists of 82 vacant acres and is located west of Brea Canyon Road, north of Peaceful Hills Road and south of South Pointe Middle School. Land use designations appropriate for this planning area include Park (PK), Public Facilities (PF) and Open Space (OS). The most sensitive portion of the site shall be retained in permanent open space. The site plan shall incorporate the planning and site preparation to accommodate the development of Larkstone Park of a suitable size and location to serve the neighborhood as approved by the City. (e) Planning Area 5 PA-5 entirely surrounded by PA-1, adjacent to Diamond Ranch High School. PA-5 incorporates a 30-acre (gross) area designated RH-30 to accommodate a maximum of 490 high density multi-family housing units consistent with the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and the Housing Element. 1.6.2 Require that Planning Area projects provide a greater level of community amenities and cohesiveness, achieve superior land use, and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved through conventional subdivision design and requirements. 1.6.3 Designate the following larger properties as future Specific Plan (SP) areas. This designation is an overlay to the base land use category providing for mixed use projects in the future subject to approval of a Specific Plan consistent with Government Code Section 65450. The issues to be addressed and the type and maximum intensity of development within the future Specific Plan area are defined below. (a) Planning Areas 1-5 as described within Strategy 1.6.1 (b) Sphere of Influence The 3,600 acre multiple ownership Sphere of Influence area contains unique biological and open space resources. The formulation of a future Specific Plan should incorporate provisions to protect existing resources while minimizing (Amended September 3, 2013 – City Council Resolution No. 2013-29) Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-20 future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the City, as well as the region (see Strategy 1.1.4 of the Circulation Element). 1.6.4 Encourage clustering within the most developable portions of project sites to preserve open space and/or other natural resources. Such development should be located to coordinate with long-term plans for active parks, passive (open space) parks, and preserve natural open space areas. (a) Encourage offers to dedicate additional open space land to the City or a conservancy. 1.6.5 Where feasible within new developments, encourage a mixture of complementary development types (e.g. commercial, residential, recreational, sales tax and employment-generating uses) which can be provided in an integrated manner. GOAL 2 “Consistent with the Vision Statement, manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development. Maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services which achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources.” Objective 2.1 Promote land use patterns and intensities which are consistent with the Resource Management Element and Circulation Element. Strategies: 2.1.1 Ensure that planning programs and individual development projects within and affecting the City recognize, and are sensitive to, environmental resource limitations. (a) Prior to approving new development or the intensification of existing development within the City of Diamond Bar, ensure that the environmental consequences of the proposed action have been recognized adjacent jurisdictions, insist that there be a recognition and appropriate mitigation of the environmental consequences of the proposed action. 2.1.2 Ensure that new development utilizes feasible contemporary technologies to reduce energy and water consumption, generation of solid and hazardous wastes, and air and water pollutant emissions. 2.1.3 Ensure that time-specific issues are evaluated as part of the review of new development and intensification of existing development. For example, when deemed appropriate by the City, require prior to approval that biological assessments be prepared through the seasonal cycle of plants and migration of wildlife for a period of not less than one year. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-21 Objective 2.2 Maintain an organized pattern of land use which minimizes conflicts between adjacent land uses. Strategies: 2.2.1 Require that new developments be compatible with surrounding land uses. 2.2.2 Prohibit the development of adjacent land uses with significantly different intensities, or that have operating characteristics which could create nuisances along a common boundary, unless an effective buffer can be created. 2.2.3 Where land uses of significantly different intensity or use are planned adjacent to each other, ensure that individual site designs and operations are managed in such a manner as to avoid the creation of nuisances and hazards. 2.2.4 Require that new developments be designed so-as to respect the views of existing developments; provide view corridors which are oriented toward existing or proposed community amenities, such as a park, open space, or natural features. As part of the Development Code, adopt clear standards to identify the extent to which views can, and will, be protected from impacts by new development and intensification of existing development. Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the availability and adequacy of public services and facilities. 2.3.1 Through the environmental and development review processes, ensure that adequate services, facilities, sand infrastructure are available to support each development. 2.3.2 Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. GOAL 3 “Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as being a community with a well planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment.” Objective 3.1 Create visual points of interest as a means of highlighting community identity. Strategies: 3.1.1 Develop and locate City entry monuments, highlighting key community entry points and open space areas to identify Diamond Bar to local and commuter traffic. 3.1.2 Where feasible and appropriate, add areas for landscaping, such as in medians or by widening parkways within the primary arterial roadway system, as a means of traffic control, providing pedestrian amenities, and as an aesthetic feature for the community. 3.1.3 Pursue the establishment and expansion of landscape maintenance districts as a means of ensuring the ongoing maintenance of medians and community entry Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-22 statements, as well as maintenance of landscaping of hillsides along major roadways. 3.1.4 Consider a program to place public art at prominent locations throughout the City of Diamond Bar. 3.1.5 Encourage the provision and maintenance of neighborhood identification signage. Objective 3.2 Ensure that new development, and intensification of existing development, yields a pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. Strategies: 3.2.1 Within the urban residential portions of the City, require the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new projects. Within topographically rugged and rural areas, emphasize the preservation of natural landforms and vegetation. 3.2.2 Require in the Development Code that setbacks from streets and adjacent properties relate to the scale of the structure as well as the size of the street right- of-way. Require that building setbacks along roadways be varied so as to avoid a monotonous street scene. 3.2.3 Minimize the use of block walls unless they are needed for a specific screening, safety, or sound attenuation purpose. Where feasible, provide instead a wide open area with informal clusters of trees, defined by split rail, wrought iron, or similar open fencing. Where construction of a solid wall which will be visible along a public street is necessary, provide landscaping such as trees, shrubs, or vines to break the visual monotony, and soften the appearance of the wall, and to reduce glare, heat, or reflection. Where solid walls currently exist along the primary roadway system, and it is possible to retrofit landscape screens, establish a funding mechanism for the construction of such screens. 3.2.4 Enhance pedestrian activity within residential, commercial, office, and light industrial areas. (a) Ensure that non-residential facilities are oriented to the pedestrian, by the incorporation of seating areas, courtyards, landscaping, and' similar measures. (b) Utilize “street furniture” (decorative planters, bike racks, benches) to create and enhance urban open spaces. (c) Design commercial and office projects so as to have a central place, main focus, or feature. (d) Utilize varied building setbacks and staggered elevations to create plaza- like areas which attract pedestrians, whenever possible. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-23 3.2.5 Require that automobile service facilities and commercial loading areas be oriented away from the street frontage and from residential edges wherever possible to minimize sight and sound impacts. 3.2.6 Where the rear or sides of commercial, office, or other non-residential buildings will be visible within a residential neighborhood, ensure that the visible elevations will be treated in such a manner as to provide a pleasing appearance. 3.2.7 Ensure that commercial developments are designed with a precise concept for adequate signage, including provisions for sign placement and number, as well as sign scale in relationship to the building, landscaping, and readability as an integral part of the signage concept. Ensure that signs are integrated into the overall site and architectural design theme of commercial developments. 3.2.8 In conjunction with area utility companies, pursue a program of undergrounding overhead utility lines. 3.2.9 Include within the Development Code requirements for the size and quantity of trees to be planted within new development and intensification of existing development. 3.2.10 New development shall comply with the City's Hillside Management Ordinance. 3.2.11 In Rural Residential (RR) minimize right-of-way width to the extent feasible. Objective 3.3 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensure that hillside development does not create unsafe conditions. Strategies: 3.3.1 Balance the retention of the natural environment with its conversion to urban forms. 3.3.2 Promote incorporation of hillside features into project designs. 3.3.3 As part of the Development Code, maintain hillside development regulations that are sensitive to natural contours and land forms. 3.3.4 Limit grading to the minimum necessary. 3.3.5 Require that all manufactured slopes be landscaped and that, where practical, landform grading and planting techniques be implemented in the construction of manufactured slopes. (a) Foliage used in planting palettes should be drought tolerant, fire resistant, and have colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area. (b) Within landform graded slopes, plants should be grouped within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-24 GOAL 4 “Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the Quality of Life for Diamond Bar residents.” Objective 4.1 Promote and cooperate in efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and transportation/circulation planning programs. Strategies: 4.1.1 Take a proactive role to coordinate Diamond Bar's land use plan with those of surrounding cities and other agencies. 4.1.2 Consider the potential impacts of proposed Diamond Bar developments on neighboring jurisdictions as part of the development review process. Notify neighboring jurisdictions when considering changes to the City's existing land use pattern. 4.1.3 Monitor the progress of major regional developments; cooperate with appropriate City, County, State, and Regional organizations to achieve maximum interaction and cooperation; participate fully in relevant regional development patterns. 4.1.4 Encourage coordination with adjacent cities and other agencies to lobby the State and Federal government on regional issues which affect the City of Diamond Bar. 4.1.5 Monitor and evaluate potential impacts upon the City of Diamond Bar, of major proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments, in order to anticipate land use, circulation, and economic impacts and related developmental patterns of the City of Diamond Bar. 4.1.6 Relate major regional impacts to planning action which might be required to safeguard the best interests and Quality of Life of the City of Diamond Bar. Objective 4.2 Maintain City boundaries which are reasonable in terms of existing service capabilities, social and economic interdependencies, citizen desires, and City revenues and expenditures. Strategies: 4.2.1 Seek annexation of those areas which have primary access through Diamond Bar and whose residents and businesses are most logically served by the City. 4.2.2 Consider annexation of additional areas west of the City boundaries including expansion of the adopted Sphere of Influence, where the following findings can be made: (a) Compatibility exists with the goals and desires of the people and the City of Diamond Bar; Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-25 (b) The proposed annexation is consistent with goals and objectives of the General Plan; (c) Significant benefits will; be derived by the City and affected property owners/residents upon annexation; (d) There exists a significant social and economic interdependence and interaction between the City of Diamond Bar and the area proposed for annexation. F. LAND USE PLAN The Land Use Plan describes the extent of future development in Diamond Bar and identifies standards for that development. The geographic locations of land uses are presented in the Land Use Map, Figure I-2, and the standards for development and resulting General plan buildout are presented in the General Plan Land Use Table I-3. Table I-4 presents a summary of potential residential and commercial growth under the General Plan. 1. Land Use Designations Land use designations are necessary to identify the type of development that is allowed in a given location. While terms such as “residential”, “commercial”, and “industrial” are generally understood, State general plan law requires a clear and concise description of the land use categories shown on the Land Use Map. The City of Diamond Bar Land Use Element provides for 21 land use designations. General Plan land use categories are defined above in Section E - Land Use Goal, Objectives and Strategies. Strategy 1.1.1 outlines residential land use and includes seven classifications ranging from rural residential to high density residential use. Strategies 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 define commercial land uses for a range of retail and service uses including general commercial, commercial office, professional office, and light industrial. Strategies 1.1.5 through 1.1.10 describe other land use categories including public facilities, open space, park, planning area, agriculture and specific plan. The Land Use Plan Development Capacity Summary Table I-3 illustrates these classifications, each of which has a residential density or a land use intensity. Additional non-residential land use categories include golf course, private recreation, fire, school, and water. 2. Land Use Intensity/Density The Element uses certain terminology to describe the land use designations. The term “density” refers to residential uses and to the population and development capacity of residential land. Density is described in terms of dwelling units per gross acre of land (du/ac) unless stated otherwise. For example, 100 dwelling units occupying 20 acres of land is 5.0 du/ac. The land use designations, or categories, in this Element are described in terms of intensity and density. The term “intensity” which applies to non-residential uses, refers to the extent of development on a parcel of land or on a lot. It includes the total building square footage, building height, the floor area ratio, and/or the percent of lot coverage. Intensity is often used to describe non -residential development levels, but in a broader sense, intensity is used to express overall levels of both residential and non-residential development types. In this Element, floor area ratio and building square footage are used as measures of non-residential development intensity. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-26 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) represents the ratio between the total gross floor area of all buildings on a lot and the total area of that lot. To determine FAR, divide gross floor area of all buildings on a lot by the land area of that lot. For example, Figure I-3 illustrates that a 10,000 square foot building on a 40,000 square foot lot yields an FAR of 0.25:1. The FAR controls the intensity of use on a lot. A 0.25:1 FAR can yield a building of one story in height which covers one-quarter of the lot area, or a taller building which covers less of the lot and provides for more open space around the building. State General Plan law requires that the Land Use Element indicate the maximum densities and intensities allowed under each land use designation. The land use designations shown on the Land Use Map are described in detail in this Element. Strategies 1.1.1 through 1.1.10 describe each land use designation shown on the Land Use Map and provide a corresponding indication of maximum density or intensity of developments. Maximum allowable development on individual parcels of land is governed by these measures of density or intensity. Table I-3 identifies the acreage dedicated to each land use category. Table I-4 presents the overall future development in Diamond Bar under General Plan buildout. Average residential densities are 100% of the maximum permitted density. Average commercial/industrial FARs is based on existing development patterns. For various reasons, many parcels in the community have not been developed to their maximum density or intensity and, in the future, maximum development as described in this Element can be expected to occur only on a limited number of parcels. Development at an intensity or density between the expected and maximum levels can occur only where projects offer exceptional design quality, important public amenities or benefits, or other factors that promote important goals and policies of the General Plan. For the residential land use designations, projects are expected to build to a density at least as high as the lowest density allowed by their respective designations. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-27 Table I-3 General Plan Land Use (By Category) Land Use Designations Permitted Density / Intensity Gross Acres In the City Gross Acres In Sphere Total Gross Acres Residential Designations RR Rural Residential RL Low Density Residential RLM Low-Medium Residential RM Medium Density Residential RMH Medium High Residential RH High Density Residential RH-30 High Density Residential (30 units/net acre) (1 ac/du) (up to 3 du/ac) (up to 5 du/ac) (up to 12 du/ac) (up to 16 du/ac) (up to 20 du/ac) (up to 30 du/net ac) 1,392 3,089 838 275 197 66 30 1,392 3,089 838 275 197 66 30 Subtotal 5,887 5,887 Non-Residential Designations C General Commercial CO Commercial / Office OP Professional Office I Light Industrial (.25 – 1 FAR) (.25 – 1 FAR) (.25 – 1 FAR) (.25 – 1 FAR) 172 63 178 93 172 63 178 93 Subtotal 506 506 Mixed Use Designations PA Planning Areas PA-1 PA-2 PA-3 PA-4 PA-5 (see text) 690 401 55 82 30 690 401 55 82 30 Subtotal 1,258 1,258 Other Designations(a) PF Public Facilities W Water F Fire S School PK Park GC Golf Course OS Open Space PR Private Recreation AG Agriculture Fwy / Major Roads 1 du / 5 ac 27 19 1 345 158 178 642 15 0 684 2 3,589 27 21 1 345 158 178 642 15 3,589 684 Total 9,690 3,591 13,281 (a) No F.A.R. or potential square footage has been identified for these quasi-public and recreational land use categories due to the wide range of uses permitted (e.g., civic center, schools, etc.) and because buildings are often part of large open space areas such as golf courses. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-28 Table I-4 Potential Residential and Commercial Growth Land Use Existing Units/Sq. Ft. Potential Additional Units/Sq. Ft. Expected Total Development Population at General Plan Buildout Residential City Sphere Commercial/ Industrial 18,276 DUS(1) 0 5,865,000 Sq. Ft.(2) 1,284 DUS(3) 718 DUS(4) 1,550,000 Sq.Ft.(5) 19,560 718 7,415,000 64,920(6) 2,200(7) (1) Housing units as of 1/1/2007 (Source: California Department of Finance and City of Diamond Bar 2008-2014 Housing Element, Adopted April 19, 2011). (2) The Planning Network, 1990 (3) City of Diamond Bar 2008-2014 Housing Element (Table B-1), Adopted April 19, 2011. Residential Densities include Vacant sites and Projects currently approved/not built. (4) Residential Densities on Vacant Land are assumed at 100% of the maximum permitted density. Includes projects currently under construction (7/94) (5) Based on average development intensities consistent with current development patterns on vacant land. Includes projects currently under construction (7/94) (6) 2007 Dept. of Finance. Population based on 3.313 persons per household at a 1.71% vacancy rate. (7) Population based on 3.19 persons per household at a 4.5% vacancy rate. Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-29 Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-30 I-3 Possible Building Configurations for 0.25:1 Floor Area Ratio Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Element Updated September 3, 2013 I-31 This page intentionally left blank. CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2013- 2 9 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAND USE AND ZONING DESIGNATION PROJECT PLANNING CASE NO. PL2013-227) ON PROPERTY LOCATED WEST OF CHINO HILLS PARKWAY, SOUTH OF DIAMOND RANCH HIGH SCHOOL, DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA (EASTERLY PORTION OF ASSESSORS PARCEL NUMBER 8701- 022-273). A. RECITALS 948305.1 State housing element law requires each city to make available adequate sites with appropriate zoning to accommodate its .fair share of regional housing needs as established in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment; and 2. On April 19, 2011, the Diamond Bar City Council adopted the 2008-2014 Housing Element update, which includes a program to establish a new land use district allowing High Density Residential development at 30 dwelling units per acre and redesignate sufficient sites to accommodate at least 466 lower-income residential units for the 2008- 2014 planning period; and 3. The 2014-2021 Regional Housing Needs Assessment identifies the City's share of regional housing need for lower-income households as 490 units for the planning period; and 4. In order to provide adequate sites with appropriate zoning to accommodate the City's fair share of regional housing need, a General Plan Amendment (hereinafter the "Amendment") is necessary to establish a new High Density Residential -30 (RH-30) land use designation and to make corresponding text amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element, as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto, and change the land use designation on the Land Use Map for the property identified as "Site A" in Exhibit B, attached hereto, from Planning Area 1/Specific Plan (PA 1/SP) to Planning Area 5/High Density Residential -30 (PA-51RH-30); and 5. In accordance to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act CEQA), Section 15168 et seq., an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared for the Amendment and related zoning approvals, which found that the Amendment would not have a significant effect on the environment; and 2013-29 6. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15090 through 15093, the City Council adopted a resolution certifying the EIR and adopting a mitigation reporting and monitoring program for the project; and 7. Notification of the public hearing for this project was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers on August 23, 2013. Public hearing notices were mailed to property owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the parcel on which the zone change is proposed, as well as all speakers who have previously attended the scoping meeting or the Planning Commission hearing, or who have submitted comments in writing, and public notices were posted at the City's designated community posting sites. In addition to the published and mailed notices, the project site was posted with a display board in two locations (Chino Hills Parkway and Rockbury/Deep Springs Drive) and the notice was posted at three other locations within the project vicinity; and 8. On August 13, 2013, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the Amendment and related actions, solicited testimony from all interested individuals, and concluded said hearing on that date; and 9. The Planning Commission has determined that the Amendment and related zoning approvals represent a consistent, logical, appropriate and rational land use designation and implementing tool that furthers the goals and objectives of the City's General Plan, and has recommended its approval by the City Council; and 10. On September 3, 2013, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the Amendment -and related actions, solicited testimony from all interested individuals, and concluded said hearing on that date; and 11. The documents and materials constituting the administrative record of the proceedings upon which the City Council's decision is based are located at the City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Department, Planning Division, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. B. RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined and resolved by the City Council as follows: That all of the facts set forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct; 2. The City Council hereby approves the proposed General Plan Amendment 2 GPA and ZG PL2013-227 2013-29 for the Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project Planning Case No. PL2013-227) based on the following findings, as required by Section 22.70.050 of the Municipal Code and in conformance with California Government Code Section 65358: Finding: The Amendment is internally consistent with the General Plan and other adopted goals and policies of the City. Facts in Support of Finding: a. The Amendment will establish a new High Density Residential -30 RH-30) designation in the General Plan Land Use Element to allow owner- and renter -occupied multi -family residential development at a density of up to 30 units per acre, as required by Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B); and will amend the Land Use Map Figure 1-2 of the Land Use Element) to redesignate the property identified as "Site A" in Exhibit B, attached hereto, from Planning Area 1/Specific Plan (PA 11SP) to Planning Area 5/High Density Residential -30 (PA-5/RH-30) to accommodate the need for lower- income housing commensurate with the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the City. b. For the reasons set forth below, the Amendment is consistent with the following goals and policies of the 2008-2014 Housing Element: GOAL 2 Provide opportunities for development of suitable housing to meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents. The RH-30 designation will facilitate a greater diversity of housing at higher densities than allowed under current land use regulations, which limit density to 20 units/acre. GOAL 3 Provide adequate sites through appropriate land use and zoning designations to accommodate future housing growth. The Amendment will accommodate future housing growth for all economic segments of the community, including lower-income households. Policy 3.1 Maintain an inventory of potential sites available for future housing development. The Amendment will expand the City's inventory of potential housing development sites. Policy 3.3 Integrate multi -family residential uses within the Tres Hermanos Specific Plan. 3 GPA and ZG PL2013-227 201.3-29 The Amendment will allow multi -family residential uses within a portion of the Tres Hermanos area, and would not constrain the future adoption of a specific plan for the entire Tres Hermanos area. GOAL 4 Mitigate potential governmental constraints which may hinder or discourage housing development in the City. The RH-30 land use designation will serve to mitigate governmental constraints by allowing higher density development than is currently permitted in the City. Policy 4.1 Continue to provide regulatory incentives and concessions to facilitate affordable housing development in the City. The increased density permitted under the RH-30 designation will serve as an incentive to affordable housing development by reducing the per-unit land cost. GOAL 5 Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage equal and fair housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community. The RH-30 designation will facilitate the production of lower-cost housing, which furthers equal housing opportunities for all economic segments and persons with special needs. C. For the reasons set forth below, the Amendment is consistent with Goal 1 and related strategies of the Land Use Element: Goal 1 Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life for City residents, providing a balance of development and preservation of significant open space areas to assure both economic viability and retention of distinctive natural features of the community. The Amendment would expand the mix of land uses in the City to include higher -density residential product types and would also preserve a significant portion of the site for open space as required by the Hillside Management Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 22.22). Strategy 1.2.3 Maintain residential areas which protect natural resources, hillsides, and scenic areas. (a) Development in hillside areas should be designed to be compatible with surrounding natural areas, compatible to the extent practical with surrounding 4 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 P&MI IM& development, aesthetically pleasing, and provide views from development, but not at the expense of views of the development. b) Earthwork in hillside areas should utilize contour or landform grading. (c) Minimize grading to retain natural vegetation and topography_ All development within the RH--30 area will be required to be consistent with this strategy through required compliance with the Hillside Management Ordinance. Strategy 1.2.6 Broaden the range of, and encourage innovation in, housing types. Require developments within all Residential areas to provide amenities such as common usable, active open space and recreational areas, when possible. The RH-30 designation will facilitate greater innovation in housing types by allowing higher density than currently permitted. New developments will be required to provide amenities such as open space and recreational areas in conformance with zoning regulations. Strategy 1.2.7 Where consistent with the other provisions of the Diamond Bar General Plan, encourage the provision of low and moderate cost housing_ The RH-30 land use designation will encourage the provision of low- and moderate cost housing by reducing the land cost per unit compared to lower density development. Strategy 1.5.6 Preserve significant environmental resources within proposed developments, allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of the entire site to a portion of the site, thus preserving the resources as open space, and mandating the dedication of those resources to the City or a conservancy. The RH-30 land use designation will allow development clustering in order to preserve sensitive resources and open space. Strategy 1. 6.4 Encourage clustering within the most developable portions of project sites to preserve open space and/or other natural resources. Such development should be located to coordinate with long-term plans for active parks, passive (open space) parks, and preserve natural open space areas. Site A comprises approximately 30 gross acres, of which a net development area of approximately 16.33 acres is required to 5 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29 accommodate 490 units at a density of 30 units/acre. The gross site area allows for clustering development to preserve the most valuable natural resources and open space on the site. Strategy 2.2.1 Require that new development be compatible with surrounding land uses. Zoning regulations for the RH-30 area require design review to ensure that future development is compatible with surrounding uses. Strategy 2.2.2 Prohibit the development of adjacent land uses with significantly different intensities or that have operational characteristics which could create nuisances along a common boundary, unless an effective buffer can be created. Site A is not immediately adjacent to any residential use. Diamond Ranch High School is adjacent to the north of the site, and can be buffered by the difference in elevation as well as placement of development on the site. Strategy 3.2.9 Within the urban residential portions of the City, require the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new projects. Within topographically rugged and rural areas, emphasize the preservation of natural landforms and vegetation. Required compliance with the RH-30 zoning regulations and the Hillside Management Ordinance will ensure that open space and recreational areas will be incorporated into the design of any new development on Site A. Strategy 3.2. 10 New development shall comply with the City's Hillside Management Ordinance_ Any residential development within the RH-30 area will be required to comply with the Hillside Management Ordinance. strategy 3.3.9 Balance the retention of the natural environment with its conversion to urban form_ Site A comprises approximately ,30 gross acres, of which a net development area of approximately 16.33 acres is required to accommodate 490 units at a density of 30 units/acre. The gross site area allows for clustering development to preserve the most valuable natural areas on the site. 6 GPA and ZG PL2013-227 2013-29 Strategy 3.3.2 Promote the incorporation of hillside features into project design. Required compliance with the Hillside Management Ordinance will ensure that hillside features are incorporated into future project design on Site A. d. For the reasons set forth below, the Amendment is consistent with Strategy 1.1.3 of the Resource Management Element: Strategy 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. Required compliance with the Hillside Management Ordinance will ensure that any new development within Site A will be sited in conformance with this strategy. e. For the reasons set forth below, the Amendment is consistent with the Circulation Element: Goal 2 Provide a balanced transportation system for the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services through the City. Future development within Site A will be required to provide an internal circulation network that includes streets and also accommodates alternative modes of transportation. This site is also adjacent to transit routes along Chino Hills Parkway. Goal Maintain an adequate level of service on area roadways. The ElR prepared for the project included an analysis of project area roadways and levels of service. With the identified mitigation measures, no significant impacts to roadway level of service would occur. f. For the reasons set forth below, the Amendment is consistent with the Public Services and Facilities Element: Goal 1 Provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support development and planned growth. Public services and utilities, including water, sewer, gas, electricity, 7 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29 and other utilities are available to serve future development of Site A. 3. The City Council hereby authorizes the Community Development Director to make such other clerical revisions to the General Plan and Development Code text and statistical tables as may be necessary to maintain consistency with the intent of the Amendment. 4. The City Council further directs the Community Development Department, as part of the 5th Cycle (2014-2021) Housing Update, to evaluate sites other than Site A, including "Tres Hermanos South" (as described in the aforementioned E1R under Section 6/Alternatives Analysis as Alternative 3) and the Kmart property, to accommodate the City's fair share of the region's lower-income housing need. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 3R° DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2013, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR. BY: Jack Tanaka, Mayor I, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was passed, approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 3rd day of September, 2013, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members: Chang, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: Council Members: None ABSENT: Council Members: None ABSTAIN: Council Members: None 1 ATTEST: , L"r, L. Tom ye Cribbins, City Clerk City of Diamond Bar GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29 ATTACHMENTS - Exhibit A: Land Use Element Text Revisions Exhibit B: Amended Land Use Element Map 9 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 Exhibit A Land Use Element Text Revisions Section E., Strategy 1.1.1 is amended to add a new paragraph (g) as follows: g) Designate properties for high-density multi -family use as High Density, Residential -30 (RH-30)allowing a maximum net density of 30 units/acre and a minimum net density of 20 units/acre to accommodate the Cites share of the regional affordable housing need as required by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Net density is the number of dwelling units divided by the net site area. Net site area is comprised of all portions of the project site, prior to site development, except for those portions of the project site which: lie within the setbacks of state or federally designated iurisdictiona_ I wetlands; contain plant communities which should be avoided based on the findings of professional biological surveys; are located within pre-existing public streets, utility easement, and drainage channels or basins. Section E., Strategy 1.0.1 is amended to add a new paragraph (e) as follows: e) PlanningArea 5 PA -5 is entirely surrounded by PA -1, adjacent to Diamond Ranch High School. PA -5 incorporates a 30 -acre (gross) area designated RH-30 to accommodate a maximum of 490 high-density multi -family housing units consistent with the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and the Housing Element. The first paragraph of Section F.2 is amended as follows: The Element uses certain terminology to describe the land use designations. The term "density" refers to residential uses and to the population and development capacity of residential land. Density is described in terms of dwelling units per gross acre of land (du/ac) unless stated otherwise. For example, 100 dwelling units occupying 20rg oss acres of land is 5.0 du/ac." 10 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29 Exhibit A (continued) Table 1-3, General Plan Land Use (By Category) is amended as follows: Table I-3 General Plan Land Use (S (Category) 11 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29 Permitted Density 1 Gross Acres Gross Acres Total Gross Land Use Designations Intensity In the City In Sphere Acres Residential Designations RR Rural Residential I ac/du) 1,392 1,392 RL Lour Density Residential up to 3 du/ac) 3,089 3,089 RLM Low -Medium Residential up to 5 du/ac) 838 838 RM Medium Density Residential up to 12 du/ac) 275 275 RMF[ Medium High Residential up to 16 du/ac) 197 197 RH High Density Residential up to 20 du/ac) 66 66 RH-30 High Density Residential (30 up to 30 du/net ac 30 30 units/net acre Subtotal 5,887 5,887 Non -Residential Designations C General Commercial 25 -- 1 FAR) 172 172 CO Commercial I Office 25 — I FAR) 63 63 OP Professional Office 25 — I FAR) 178 178 1 Light Industrial 25 —1 FAR) 93 93 Subtotal 506 506 Mixed Use Designations PA Planning Areas see text) PA 1 690 690 PA -2 401 401 PA -3 55 55 PA -4 82 82 PA -5 30 30 Subtotal 1,258 1,258 Other Designations(e) PF Public Facilities 27 27 W Water 19 2 21 F Fire 1 1 S School 345 345 PK Park 158 158 GC Golf Course 178 178 OS Open Space 642 642 PR Private Recreation 15 15 AG Agriculture 1 du/5 ac 0 3,589 3,589 Fwy /Major Roads 684 684 Total 9,690 3,591 13,281 11 GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29 Exhibit A continued Table 1-3, General Plan Land Use (By Category) is amended as follows: Table I-4 Potential Residential and Commercial Growth M 2) The Planning Network, 1990 3) City of Diamond Bar 2008-2014 Housing Element (Table B-1). Adopted April 19- 2011. Residential Densities include Vacant sites and Proiects currently approved/not built. 4) Residential Densities on Vacant Land are assumed at 100% of the maximum permitted density. Includes projects currently under construction (7194) 5) Based on average development intensities consistent with current development patterns on vacant land. Includes projects currently under construction (7194) 6) 2007 Debt. of Finance. Population based on 3.313 persons per household at a 1.71 % vacancy rate. Population based on 3.19 persons per household at a 4.5% vacancy rate. 12 GPA and 7C PL2013-227 2013-29 Existing Potential Expected Population at Land Use UnitslSq, Ft. Additional Total General Plan Units/Sq. Ft. Development Buildout Residential City 18,276 DUS(" 1 284 DD 19,560 64 0Sphere 718 DUS 718 2,200 5,865,000 Sq. Ft. (2) 1,550,000 Sq.Ft.( S) 7,415,000 Commercial/ Industrial M 2) The Planning Network, 1990 3) City of Diamond Bar 2008-2014 Housing Element (Table B-1). Adopted April 19- 2011. Residential Densities include Vacant sites and Proiects currently approved/not built. 4) Residential Densities on Vacant Land are assumed at 100% of the maximum permitted density. Includes projects currently under construction (7194) 5) Based on average development intensities consistent with current development patterns on vacant land. Includes projects currently under construction (7194) 6) 2007 Debt. of Finance. Population based on 3.313 persons per household at a 1.71 % vacancy rate. Population based on 3.19 persons per household at a 4.5% vacancy rate. 12 GPA and 7C PL2013-227 2013-29 City of Diamond Bar C Exhibit B RR-Finar Fesitleniial-(mar, 4tlularre) Yf-Vlvter RL-LowD—t5Residen:ial(mve.] tlufeere) M PK. P.rk P049 Le'N-WeYNm FeSiCentla3 (rnar_5 ¢ur¢ge) C-d¢Ift¢urse5 RN-MetlLm Dex[y fte9tlBntisl (max.II nV faire) A-,Y,08-VOOShp3ee Fra H-rCetlium HlOh Pennq Recdeniia!{mav, l6 ilu v[rxj PR-Pmale Zeuexlien WW-FAs§4en6ti ResiCenlCl(rnar.?Gtl¢rdfl!) nJ-Agtlrelluro (rear, IEW¢acres) R[ Ai High DensityRlldanllll-36 OrAn. and rias.]U dura Lf6) PA -45P C.4lnCral Carngicrrlal lrnaX t.A FA Ry PA -LSP O - CV vdilil Ee(mn, 1.0 FAR) PA L3P CP- 10FRA) PAUSP I- Lighl IICIs51a1(maa. 1.0FAR) N peeed PA -1 W-50 PF - Puhgc FaNlity SP - 3P.Ir" Plan Overray F- FiR 501- Sghe,Of I¢11Vln{¢ 5• Sthnnl Cib Eountlary 13 Land Use Map Allp, N 0 0.5 1 I I I Miles Figure 1-2 Proposed Land Use Map GPA and ZC PL2013-227 2013-29