HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.04.06 Agenda Packet - Regular MeetingCity Council/Special Public
Financing Authority Agenda
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
6:30 PM
PUBLIC ADVISORY:
Consistent with the Governor’s latest Executive Order to Stay at Home, avoid gatherings and
maintain social distancing, the regular meeting portion of the agenda will be conducted
telephonically and Members of the City Council and staff will be participating via
Teleconference. There will be no physical meeting location for the regular meetin g.
How to Observe the Meeting:
To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of
the public can observe the meeting by calling +1 (562) 247-8321, Attendee Access Code: 553-
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How to Submit Public Comment:
Members of the public may provide public comment by sending written comments to the City
Clerk by email at cityclerk@DiamondBarCA.gov by 5:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Please
indicate in the Subject Line “FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.” Written comments will be distributed to
the Council Members and read into the record at the meeting, up to a maximum of five
minutes.
Alternatively, public comment may be submitted by logging onto the meeting through this link:
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will be called upon one at a time during the Public Comment portion of the agenda, and will be
asked to state their name and agenda item they wish to comment on. Speakers are limited to
five minutes per agenda item, unless the Mayor determines otherwise.
American Disability Act Accommodations:
Pursuant to the Executive Order, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if
you need special assistance to participate in the Council Meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s
Office (909) 839-7010 within 72 hours of the meeting. City Council video recordings with
transcription will be available upon request the day following the Council Meeting.
The City of Diamond Bar thanks you in advance for taking all precautions to prevent
spreading the COVID-19 virus.
ANDREW CHOU
Council Member
STAN LIU
Council Member
STEVE TYE
Council Member
NANCY A. LYONS
Mayor
RUTH M. LOW
Mayor Pro Tem
City Manager Dan Fox • City Attorney David DeBerry • City Clerk Kristina Santana
DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING RULES
Welcome to the meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council. Meetings are open to the public and
are broadcast on Spectrum Cable Channel 3 and Frontier FiOS television Channel 47. You are
invited to attend and participate. Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating
to agenda items are on file and available for public inspection by contacting the Office of the
City Clerk. If requested, the agenda will be made available in an alternative format to a person
with disability as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you
have questions regarding an agenda item, please contact the City Clerk at (909) 839-7010
during regular business hours.
PUBLIC INPUT
Members of the public may address the Council on any item of business on the agenda during
the time the item is taken up by the Council. In addition, members of the public may, during the
Public Comment period address the Council on any Consent Calendar item or any matter not on
the agenda and within the Council’s subject matter jurisdiction. Any material to be submitted to
the City Council at the meeting should be submitted through the City Clerk.
Speakers are limited to five minutes per agenda item, unless the Mayor determines otherwise.
The Mayor may adjust this time limit depending on the number of people wishing to speak, the
complexity of the matter, the length of the agenda, the hour and any other relevant
consideration. Speakers may address the Council only once on an agenda item, except during
public hearings, when the applicant/appellant may be afforded a rebuttal.
Public comments must be directed to the City Council. Behavior that disrupts the orderly
conduct of the meeting may result in the speaker being removed from the meeting.
INFORMATION RELATING TO AGENDAS AND ACTIONS OF THE COUNCIL
Agendas for regular City Council meetings are available 72 hours prior to the meeting and are
posted in the City’s regular posting locations, on DBTV Channel 3, Spectrum Cable Channel 3,
Frontier FiOS television Channel 47 and on the City’s website at www.diamondbarca.gov. The
City Council may take action on any item listed on the agenda.
HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Copies of agendas, rules of the Council, Video of meetings: (909) 839-7010
Computer access to agendas: www.diamondbarca.gov
General information: (909) 839-7000
Written materials distributed to the City Council within 72 hours of the City Council meeting are
available for public inspection immediately upon distribution in the City Clerk’s Office at 21810 Copley
Dr., Diamond Bar, California, during normal business hours.
THIS MEETING IS BEING VIDEO RECORDED AND BY PARTICIPATING VIA
TELECONFERENCE, YOU ARE GIVING YOUR PERMISSION TO BE TELEVISED.
THIS MEETING WILL BE RE-BROADCAST EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT
9:00 A.M. AND ALTERNATE TUESDAYS AT 8:00 P.M. AND IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR
LIVE VIEWING AT
HTTPS://ATTENDEE.GOTOWEBINAR.COM/REGISTER/5352661612070564879 AND
ARCHIVED VIEWING ON THE CITY’S WEB SITE AT WWW.DIAMONDBARCA.GOV.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL/SPECIAL PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA
April 06, 2021
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor
ROLL CALL: Chou, Liu, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Low,
Mayor Lyons
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Proclamation Condemning Discrimination, Hate and Bigotry in All Forms
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
"Public Comments" is the time reserved on each regular meeting agenda to
provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the Council
on Consent Calendar items or other matters of interest not on the agenda that
are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Although the City Council
values your comments, pursuant to the Brown Act, members of the City Council
or Staff may briefly respond to public comments if necessary, but no extended
discussion and no action on such matters may take place. There is a five -minute
maximum time limit when addressing the City Council. At this time, the
teleconference moderator will ask callers one at a time to give their name and if
there is an agenda item number they wish to speak on before providing their
comment. If you wish to speak on a public hearing item or council consideration
item, you will then be called upon to speak at that point in the agenda.
APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 2
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
All items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered by the City Council to be
routine and will be acted on by a single motion unless a Council Member or
member of the public request otherwise, in which case, the item will be removed
for separate consideration.
4.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MARCH 16, 2021 STUDY SESSION
AND REGULAR MEETING.
4.1.a March 16, 2021 Study Session Minutes
4.1.b March 16, 2021 City Council Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the March 16, 2021 Study Session and Regular City Council
meeting minutes.
Requested by: City Clerk
4.2 CITY COUNCIL RECEIPT OF COMMISSION MINUTES.
4.2.a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 24, 2020
4.2.b Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of January 28, 2021
4.2.c Planning Commission Minutes of February 9, 2021
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting
minutes of September 24, 2020 and January 28, 2021; and
2. Receive and file the Planning Commission meeting minutes of
February 9, 2021.
Requested by: City Clerk
4.3 RATIFICATION OF CHECK REGISTER DATED MARCH 11, 2021
THROUGH MARCH 24, 2021 TOTALING $312,703.29.
Recommended Action:
Ratify the Check Register.
Requested by: Finance Department
4.4 TREASURER'S STATEMENT
Recommended Action:
Approve the November 2020 Treasurer’s Statement.
Requested by: Finance Department
APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 3
4.5 GENERAL PLAN STATUS REPORT FOR 2020
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
Requested by: Community Development Department
4.6 SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTANT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH LANCE, SOLL & LUNGHARD, LLP CPA'S FOR
AUDIT SERVICES THROUGH THE COMPLETION AND AUDIT OF THE
FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
Recommended Action:
Approve, and authorize the Mayor to sign, the Second Amendment to the
Consultant Services Agreement with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP CPA's
for auditing services.
Requested by: City Manager
4.7 ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIAMOND BAR DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY.
Recommended Action:
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2021 -11 approving the
Diamond Bar Debt Management Policy as required by and in compliance
with Government Code Section 8855(i).
Requested by: City Manager
4.8 AGREEMENTS FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORY, AND BOND COUNSEL
AND DISCLOSURE SERVICES RELATED TO REFUNDING THE
DIAMOND BAR CENTER FIXED RATE LEASE REVENUE BONDS.
Recommended Action:
That the City Council:
A. Approve, and Authorize the City Manager to sign the Professional
Services Agreement with Fieldman Rolapp & Associates; and
B. Approve, and Authorize the City Manager to sign the Engagement
Letter with Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth.
Requested by: City Manager
APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 4
RECESS TO THE SPECIAL PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING:
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. ROLL CALL:
Authority Members Liu, Low, Lyons, Vice
Chair Tye, Chair Chou
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
"Public Comments" is the time reserved on each special meeting agenda to
provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the Authority
only on agenda items. Although the Authority values your comments, pursuant
to the Brown Act, the Authority generally cannot take any action on items not
listed on the posted agenda. There is a five-minute maximum time limit when
addressing the Authority.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
All items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered by the Authority to be
routine and will be acted on by a single motion unless a Authority Member or
member of the public request otherwise, in which case, the item will be removed
for separate consideration.
4.1 APPROVAL OF PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES.
Recommended Action:
Approve the December 1, 2020 meeting minutes.
Requested by: City Clerk
4.2 ESTABLISHING REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE DIAMOND BAR
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY.
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. PFA 2021-01 establishing regular meetings
of the Public Finance Authority.
Requested by: City Manager
4.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIAMOND BAR DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY.
Recommended Action:
That the Public Financing Authority adopt Resolution No. 2021 -02
adopting by reference the Diamond Bar Debt Management Policy
(City Council Policy 2021-21) as required by and in compliance with
Government Code Section 8855(i).
Requested by: City Manager
APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 5
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
6. AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS:
Items raised by individual Authority members are for Authority Discussion.
Direction may be given at this meeting or the item may be sc heduled for action at
a future meeting.
7. ADJOURN SPECIAL PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING:
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
6. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
6.1 FORMATION OF LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 41-2021
TO REPLACE EXISTING DISTRICT NO. 41.
Recommended Action:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-12 initiating proceedings for the formation
of a new landscape assessment district No. 41-2021 and designating
SCI Consulting Group as the Engineer of Record; and
B. Approve, and authorized the Mayor to sign, the First Amendment to the
Consulting Services Agreement with SCI Consulting Group to provide
the special assessment engineering and balloting services in the
amount of $13,600.
Requested by: Public Works Department
6.2 REVIEW OF DRAFT 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT (PLANNING CASE
NO. PL2021-004)
Recommended Action:
A. Receive staff report;
B. Receive public comments; and
C. Provide direction to staff regarding the Draft 2021 -2029 Housing
Element.
Requested by: Community Development Department
7. COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
8. ADJOURNMENT:
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WWHHEERREEAASS,, the First Amendment to the Constitution established the United States as a country
committed to the principles of tolerance and religious freedom, and the Fourteenth Amendment to the
Constitution established equal protection of the laws as the heart of justice in the United States; and
WWHHEERREEAASS,, adherence to these principles is vital to the progress of the American people and the diverse
communities of the United States; and
WHEREAS, discrimination, oppression, hate, bigotry, and racism threaten democracy, and have no place
in our society. Persecution of any American is an assault on the rights and freedoms of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, a number of groups have been exploited and persecuted with verbal attacks, incitement, and
violence, including African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and
other people of color, as well as Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, other religious groups, the LGBTQ
community, immigrants, and others; and
WHEREAS, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Asian Americans have been forced to
endure demeaning and disgusting acts of bigotry and hate, consisting of everything from verbal assaults to
physical attacks, some even blaming Asian Americans for the spread of the coronavirus. This increase in
violence and hate crimes has resulted in a rise in fear and instability within our community; and
WHEREAS, all Americans have a stake in fighting every form of discrimination, hatred, and bigotry and
the City of Diamond Bar supports and seeks to protect all of its residents no matter their ethnicity, race,
faith, sexual orientation, or gender.
NNOOWW,, TTHHEERREEFFOORREE,, BBEE IITT RREESSOOLLVVEEDD,, that the City of Diamond Bar City Council wholeheartedly
rejects and condemns discrimination, hate and bigotry in all forms against anyone because of their race,
religion, nationality, and gender, as this is contrary to the values of the United States; and
BBEE IITT FFUURRTTHHEERR RREESSOOLLVVEEDD that the City of Diamond Bar City Council is proud to support and is
committed to protecting all Diamond Bar residents, regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, sexual
orientation, or gender. We are committed to advancing equity and justice for all people and stand against
those who preach hate and incite violence, and encourage all persons to live up to the transcendent
principles of tolerance, religious freedom, and equal protection as embodied in the First and Fourteenth
Amendments to the Constitution.
April 6, 2021
Nancy A. Lyons
Mayor
Ruth M. Low Andrew Chou
Mayor Pro Tem Council Member
Stan Liu Steve Tye
Council Member Council Member
1.1
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Agenda #: 4.1
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MARCH 16, 2021 STUDY SESSION
AND REGULAR MEETING.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Open, Engaged & Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the March 16, 2021 Study Session and Regular City Council meeting minutes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Minutes have been prepared and are being presented for approval.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
4.1
Packet Pg. 9
Attachments:
1. 4.1.a March 16, 2021 Study Session Minutes
2. 4.1.b March 16, 2021 City Council Minutes
4.1
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
MARCH 16, 2021
STUDY SESSION: M/Lyons called the Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Lyons announced that consistent with COVID-19 regulations, all Council Members
and staff participated via teleconference. There was no physical location for public
attendance and the public was invited to join the meeting online or by phone at the
numbers printed on the agenda.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Andrew Chou, Stan Liu, Steve Tye
Mayor Pro Tem Ruth Low, Mayor Nancy Lyons
Staff participating telephonically: Dan Fox, City Manager; Dave DeBerry, City Attorney;
Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager;
Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Dianna
Honeywell, Director of Finance; Ken Desforges, Director of Information Services;
Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information
Coordinator; Kristina Santana, City Clerk
► CONSIDERATION OF REFUNDING OPTIONS FOR THE DIAMOND BAR
CENTER FIXED RATE BONDS.
CM/Fox introduced Anna Sarabian, Principal, Fieldman Rolapp & Associates
who provided a presentation and timeline for the refunding process. CM/Fox
stated that no action is being asked of the Council; however, if there is
consensus to move forward with the refunding, staff would proceed to prepare
the necessary financing documents through the Public Finance Authority for
final approval and implementation.
Ms. Sarabian explained to C/Tye that the City’s implied general bond obligation
rating is AAA, the highest possible rating.
C/Chou asked if the new bond would have the same callable date or would the
new bond be non-callable. Ms. Sarabian responded that the City has about 12
years remaining on the note and typically, lenders require 10 years of call
protection so the basic callable date on the bonds will be required . Fieldman
Rolapp will evaluate whether a shorter call will require additional penalties and
what it means in terms of savings. The minimum will be a 10 -year par call.
M/Lyons asked about loan fees and Ms. Sarabian said that the analysis included
a conservative estimate of $255,000 in fees in the net value refunding savings
of $1.33 million.
MPT/Low asked where the estimated $255,000 in fees fell in the marketplace
and Ms. Sarabian said she believed that $255,000 was a conservative realistic
estimate with the average falling slightly south of that estimate. For the most
4.1.a
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MARCH 16, 2021 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
part, the line items are generally standard, with the rating agency fee being
driven by the size of the bonds (par) and that when the option is exercised,
Diamond Bar will be on par with all other jurisdictions.
C/Liu asked if at a certain point the City would be able to lock in the rate and
Ms. Sarabian responded that if the City decided to pursue the refunding,
Fieldman Rolapp will work with legal counsel to prepare the necessary financing
and legal documents which will be presented to the rating agency to obtain the
rating. Once the information is brought back to Council for approval of refunding
and documentation, the underwriter will be able to free-market the bonds and
when completed, the rate will be locked in with closing to occur about two weeks
after pricing.
Ms. Sarabian responded to C/Chou that Fieldman Rolapp is a registered
Municipal Advisor and has fiduciary duty to the City only. Fieldman Rolapp is a
non-broker dealer and does not represent the underwriters.
C/Liu asked if there will be one or multiple bids for the refunding and Ms.
Sarabian explained that there are two types of sales. One is negotiated with the
underwriter who will pursue bonds at the price they offer and Fieldman Rolapp
working with the City to ensure the best price reflected by the price of the market
positions. Once the bonds are in place, the lender owns the bonds and sells
them to retail and institutional investors with no risk to the City. A second type
of sale is a “competitive” sale. In that environment competitive sales are very
often used for general obligation bond credits and have been used for lease
revenue bonds. Given this is a refunding and given the current environment,
Fieldman Rolapp believes a negotiated sale would make better sense fo r the
City.
C/Liu asked if the Council would be voting on the negotiated rate or would it be
determined after the Council approved the refunding. Ms. Sarabian explained
that the City could determine the rate if it chose a private placement by reaching
out to several banks such as Bank of America, Western Alliance or Compass
Bank and in this case, the City would be provided one rate for each year left in
the term. Bottom line is that Diamond Bar will get a much better result selling
these bonds publicly.
Public Comments: None
Following discussion, Council concurred to proceed with the refunding.
C/Tye expressed that in 2002 the City Council decided to float a bond to build
the Diamond Bar Center which was a great decision that has inured to the
benefit of the City and its residents. In 2011 the Council decided to refund the
variable rate to a fixed rate to save money, and the City has an opportunity to
save another $1.3 million dollars and not extend the life of the bonds which
makes complete sense to him.
4.1.a
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MARCH 16, 2021 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/Low, C/Liu, C/Chou and M/Lyons concurred with C/Tye and Council
concurred to move forward with the refunding process as recommended.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council,
M/Lyons recessed the Study Session at 6:11 p.m. to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
__________________________
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of April, 2021.
__________________________
Nancy Lyons, Mayor
4.1.a
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 16, 2021
STUDY SESSION: 5:30 p.m.
► Refunding Options for the Diamond Bar Center Fixed
Rate Bonds.
Public Comments: None
Study Session adjourned to the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:11 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lyons called the Regular City Council meeting
to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Lyons announced that consistent with COVID-19 regulations, all Council
Members and staff participated via teleconference and there was no physical location
for public attendance. The Public was invited to join the meeting online or by phone at
the numbers printed on the agenda.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: M/Lyons led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Andrew Chou, Stan Liu, Steve Tye,
Mayor Pro Tem Ruth Low, Mayor Nancy Lyons
Staff participating telephonically: Dan Fox, City Manager; Dave DeBerry, City
Attorney; Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the
City Manager; Amy Haug, Human Resources and Risk Manager; Ryan Wright,
Parks and Recreation Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Hal Ghafari, Public
Works Manager/Assistant City Engineer; Anthony Jordan, Parks and Maintenance
Superintendent; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Dianna
Honeywell, Director of Finance; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Cecilia
Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; Kristina Santana, City Clerk
Also Present: Lieutenant Steven Tousey, LA County Sheriff’s
Deputy; Leticia Pacillas, Los Angeles County Fire Department Community Services
Liaison; Jim Robinson, Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As submitted.
1. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CM/Fox announced that FD/Honeywell, who has been with the City for almost 10
years, would be leaving Diamond Bar end of day Friday, April 2 nd to become the
new Finance Director for the City of Yorba Linda.
4.1.b
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MARCH 16, 2021 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Tye moved, MPT/Low seconded, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chou, Liu, Tye, MPT/Low, M/Lyons
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
3.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR THE MARCH 2, 2021
REGULAR MEETING
3.2 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2021 THROUGH
MARCH 10, 2021 TOTALING $1,051,629.61.
3.3 APPROVED TREASURER’S STATEMENT FOR THE MONTH OF
OCTOBER 2020.
3.4 APPROVED THE 2020 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS
REPORT FOR FILING WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD) AND THE GOVERNOR’S
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH (OPR).
3.5 PROCLAIMED MARCH AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
5. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
5.1 INTENT TO DISSOLVE LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 41.
C/Liu recused himself from consideration of Item 5.1 because he lives in
District 41, and did not participate in the discussion.
PWM/Ghafari presented the staff report.
M/Lyons opened Item 5.1 for public comment.
CC/Santana read the following emails into the record:
John Catanzaro expressed his dismay about how this item will negatively
affect residents and suggested the City seek grant funds to continue
servicing the area and help defray costs during the pandemic.
Linda and Dwight Baumann complained about the lack of information and
reduced maintenance of the District.
Joseph Lo Bue opposed the dissolution of District No’s 39 and 41 and
4.1.b
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MARCH 16, 2021 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
favored an increase in the assessment fees.
Joyce Mar said that while she voted in favor to increase assessments to
bring revenues in line with ongoing maintenance costs, the measure failed
and she would like for staff to pursue an alternative to dissolving District
No. 41 while reducing costs such as, reducing frequency of landscape
services to twice a month or less often and reducing the duration and
frequency of irrigation to once a week.
James Bagwell expressed his displeasure about the rush to dissolve
District No. 41 instead of coming to consensus on an amicable and well
thought out plan.
Mindy Farabee was concerned about the City’s intent to dissolve District
No. 41 with very little warning, information and input from the residents ,
and requested an independent report on the health and quality of the
current landscape provided.
Buck Bullock was opposed to dissolving the district but supported an
increase in assessment fees and was concerned about why the City
Council waited so long to adjust the assessment fees to keep up with
costs for maintaining District No’s 39 and 41.
Alex Stewart felt that the City did not adequately address costs over the
years and asking for an increase of over 100 percent at one time was ill
advised, leaving HOA’s with a massive undertaking to ta ke over the duties
required to properly manage the landscaping requirements. He proposed
the Council consider a moratorium while studying the situation for possible
solutions as a prelude to reintroduction of Proposition 218.
Don Pearce asked for clarification of the budget item for LLAD No. 41 for
fiscal year 2019-2020.
Tony Lee asked if dissolving the districts meant that developers would
have access to develop the open space and whether if prior to budget
deficits, there were surpluses. He proposed that property owners and the
City work together to maintain and improve these areas.
Alan Karlin felt the Council should listen to the residents and work with
them to resolve this issue.
MPT/Low asked staff to recap the timeline for consideration of deficits for
these districts. PWD/Liu explained that on an annual basis, the Council
has the details of each of the three landscape assessment districts (No’s
38, 39 and 41). The discussion about General Fund subsidies began in
2005 and since that time, Council has looked at the expenditures/costs of
operating and maintaining these districts while attempting to work within
the incoming revenues. When Diamond Bar became a City in 1989 and
before Prop 218, the City had the ability to annually adjust the
4.1.b
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MARCH 16, 2021 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
assessments, collect the revenues and make sure they were properly
allocated and spent within the respective districts. The passage of Prop
218 tied the City’s hands so that unless the City was able to get the voters
to support increases, there were no other options but to continue to seek
other financial resources. As a result, the City has been subsidizing each
district accordingly, based on the annual landscaping efforts.
MPT/Low asked if there had been an accumulation of surplus that was
used to fund maintenance up to this point and PWD/Liu explained that, the
City is obligated to make sure that revenues collected are properly
allocated and spent within each district.
MPT/Low asked for confirmation that during the past 10 years, any
reserves collected during the early years would have been long gone
because otherwise, General Fund monies would not have b een used.
PWD/Liu said that MPT/Low’s statement was correct.
MPT/Low asked how much the City has contributed from the General
Fund during the past five years in order to maintain District No. 41.
PWD/Liu responded that in fiscal year 2019/2020 the am ount was
$265,000. Over the years the amount has varied depending on the
adopted maintenance effort and adjusted services including elimination of
certain types of maintenance work, none of which are safety related.
PWD/Liu further stated that in 2019 when Council initiated the process for
the Prop 218 election, staff began its outreach to property owners and
conducted noticed community meetings to answer questions and provide
information to the property owners as well as, on the City’s website in
order to meet the August 15th deadline to make adjustments to the annual
assessments in addition to having the districts consolidated for the tax roll.
With the passage of Prop 218 it was made clear that if a public agency
wanted to consider any increases in assessments, it would require a
simple majority of approval by the property owners. In District No. 41,
Prop 218 was defeated by a 75 percent “no” votes.
MPT/Low asked for comment on a speakers question about whether a
developer could develop open spaces that are currently mapped in LLAD
No. 41. CM/Fox responded that it would not be possible because the
property is owned by the homeowners association as pa rt of the
development that currently exists and they exist as non-developable lots.
To be clear, none of the property being discussed is publicly or City
owned, it is all privately owned property and what would normally be the
responsibility of a homeowners association or individual homeowner for
normal maintenance. Mr. Pearce also referred to a 2019 report and
budget which in fact, was the Prop 218 budget that was proposed to
increase the assessments for that district which was overwhelmingly
rejected by the voters.
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MPT/Low said that because the maintenance area belongs to the HOA
and property owners, the City has no jurisdiction to get the homeowners to
do anything. CM/Fox stated that the property lines are drawn and the
individual property owners/HOA would be held accountable for
maintaining their property in conformance with the City’s Property
Maintenance Standards.
C/Chou asked for response to public comments regarding concerns about
service levels and in what condition the City would be returning the
property to the homeowners. PMS/Jordan responded that with respect to
current conditions, the City’s priority was and continues to be, that
anything safety related such as fire breaks and fire brushing, including
hand work behind individual properties to clear brush and tractor work in
larger open space areas as well as, goat work to perform fuel reduction
continue to be maintained on an annual basis. Currently, there are areas
that are better served. Staff has attempted to maintain all areas as
consistently as possible, but unfortunately, funding levels experienced
over the years have not been sufficient for the City to maintain, replenish,
and renew several of the landscaping areas. As a result, there are slopes
that are bare and others that have gone from maintained slopes to
firebreak areas where water has been turned off. While those areas are
not ignored, staff modifies the types of maintenance performed by
converting them from a maintained slope to a firebreak, as previously
mentioned. Staff does the best with what is available and prioritizes
slopes with more visibility such as those along Pathfinder Road and
Peaceful Hills.
C/Chou asked if moving forward, the City expects the HOA and/or
homeowners to install sprinkler systems in the hillsides. PMS/Jordan
responded that the current irrigation systems would remain in place and
intact so that the HOA/property owners would not incur the expense of
installing new irrigation systems. In some areas, system maintenance
was halted so there may be some expense to rehab and repair some of
the systems. As a whole, the majority of the irrigation systems will remain
intact and be serviceable. If the homeowners decide to collectively
maintain some of the slopes they commonly share, there are s ystems in
place that would be adequate to fulfill all of the irrigation needs.
C/Chou asked if this were put to a vote once again, would it mean that the
homeowners would be responsible for everything or could the City build in
a tiered system to help the homeowners absorb the increase over a
number of years. CM/Fox responded that there may be an opportunity to
phase certain things in or out, but the problem is that every year the City
would be subject to a Prop 218 vote to establish new assessments whi ch
becomes very challenging to predict and implement.
CA/DeBerry responded to C/Chou that if the assessment is not being
increased it is a different type of majority protest , which is that a majority
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of property owners in the district would have to send in ballots
disapproving of the assessment and that has never happened to the City
when it is maintaining the assessment at its present level. The other
majority protest procedure applies when cities are attempting to increase
the assessment and in that case, the City receives ballots. If the majority
of the ballots received are “no” the assessment increase cannot be
imposed. In the past, as a backstop to assessments not being approved,
the City has retained the current assessments. CA/DeBerry said he is not
sure there is a procedure for weaning the property owners off of the
districts which would mean the City would continue to subsidize the
maintenance of the private property with General Fund monies. There
have been prior efforts to gauge the community’s interest in increasing the
assessment, which never went to the extent of putting it to a vote as was
done in 2019 because in prior years there did not seem to be an appetite
within the district for increasing the assessments and the City’s response
until 2019 was to decrease the maintenance rather than attempt to
increase assessments.
C/Chou said he was asking if there was a way to gradually increase the
landscaping assessment over the next three to five years and according to
CA/DeBerry it would require an approval vote every year. CA/DeBerry
responded that C/Chou was absolutely correct. It is possible that through
one vote there could be a tiered approach over a period of years.
C/Chou felt that flexibility in structuring the increase might be helpful and
more acceptable to the property owners/HOA.
C/Tye said that a speaker asked what Diamond Bar would give up if it
dissolves LLAD No’s 41 and 39 and his response is that the City would
give up its fiscal burden of an LLAD that was not keeping up with costs
related to it. Another speaker said that the City waited 30 years to
implement the increase. C/Tye responded that as a policy decision of
other Councils that decision was driven by what PWD/Liu and CA/DeBerry
indicated, that at some point the assessment was lowered and at other
points it was raised incrementally until it reached the cap. At this point in
time, the City cannot go beyond that cap without an affirmative vote of
Prop 218. Prop 218 does not necessarily handicap the City a s much as
provide an opportunity to reach out to the public to let them know the
situation and ask how they want it handled. And when that vote went out
everyone was told what they were paying and what it would be if they
voted “yes” and this is what it will be if they vote “no” and the vote was
overwhelmingly “no”. Having said that, it sounds to him like residents
were unsure or confused about the information that was shared and what
a “yes” vote meant on a Prop 218 vote. He said he found it interesting
that everyone who spoke on this matter tonight or submitted an email
indicated that they voted affirmatively for the increase.
C/Tye asked for confirmation that a subsidy of $265,000 was just for LLAD
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No. 41. PWD/Liu respondedthat he previously misspoke. Specifically, for
the General Fund subsidy in the current Fiscal Year the subsidy is about
$143,000 for LLAD No. 41 only and the total of $265,000 includes both
districts.
C/Tye responded to a speaker that this is not an accounting mess and
nothing has been hidden. This is about making a decision year by year to
decide whether the City shall continue to subsidize the LLADs and to be
clear, no surplus has ever been put to other uses.
C/Tye said he heard a couple of ideas that make sense to him. Someone
said there should be a one-year moratorium on any action so the
consequences could be thoroughly vetted. Another speaker said he
would like to see everyone work together to work something out and
C/Tye said he believes that was the best path forward because folks now
better understand the situation. There are about 1800 residents in a
community of 60,000 who are being subsidized to the tune of hundreds of
thousands of dollars, a situation that needs to be rectified. This Council
(prior to C/Liu’s service) made a decision with the Prop 218 vote to go
lump sum because if the increases were tiered over a period of time, the
City would continue to subsidize both districts well into the future. It is
now 2021 and this Council finds itself in a position of having to find a
solution for having to subsidize these LLAD’s over a period of many years,
which is a major subsidy in today’s budget and has been such over the
past several years.
M/Lyons said she greatly appreciates the discussion among he r
colleagues and issues brought to the Council by folks who spoke on this
item. M/Lyons suggested that the Council move forward with the
resolution of intent to dissolve the districts and at the same time, allow the
HOA’s the option of putting together a plan for why their homeowners
should vote for this increase, pass the resolution and have the election to
see if they wanted to vote for the increase to allow the City to continue its
maintenance program for the districts.
CA/DeBerry said there could be a dual process moving forward wherein
the Council would adopt the Resolution of Intent to Dissolve and move
forward with the dissolution making it effective only if the property owners
of LLAD No’s 41 and 39 again voted against an increase in assessment s.
CA/DeBerry said this situation has occurred in a coupl e of jurisdictions he
represented. In both cases, the voters turned down the increase in
assessments and the city had to reduce the maintenance the next year to
stay within budget and informed the property owners they would have to
dissolve the LLAD’s because they could not maintain them. In this case
the HOA’s gathered together for meetings with the property owners and
assured the City Council they could get the increases. A Prop 218
hearing was held on the increased assessments and the property owners
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approved it.
CM/Fox outlined the process for moving forward with the dual plan
timeline and related costs.
C/Tye felt it was time for everyone to work together which means the City
might be subsidizing the LLAD’s for another year to get it done right. It is
important that the Council respect the large number of homeowners who
have spoken on this issue this evening and i t behooves Council to move
forward and get this done as comfortably as possible for all parties.
M/Lyons felt the Resolution should be adopted and the process should
move forward to keep the momentum going to eliminate the subsidy from
the budget. In the meantime, if the residents are willing to approve the
increases and continue having the City perform landscape maintenance
they can make that decision and vote “yes” on Prop 218 and continue
paying the assessments with their property taxes.
CM/Fox said he agreed with M/Lyons that the process forward as
proposed to not lose the opportunity to get the new assessments on next
year’s tax rolls.
MPT/Low moved, C/Chou seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2021-09
declaring the City’s Intention to Dissolve Landscape Assessment District
No. 41, direct staff to advertise the Public Hearing before the City Council
at its May 4, 2021 regular meeting and direct staff to work with the HOAs
to prepare a new Prop 218 ballot measure by July 2021.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chou, Tye, MPT/Low,
M/Lyons
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu
Councilmember Liu returned to the meeting.
5.2 INTENT TO DISSOLVE LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 39.
C/Chou and MPT/Low recused themselves from consideration of Item 5.2
because they live in District 39, and did not participate in the discussion.
PWM/Ghafari presented the staff report.
M/Lyons asked for Public Comment on Item 5.2.
Robin Smith said that landscape costs are soaring due to conventional
landscape practices and shorter-lived plantings of invasive exotic species
requiring irrigation rather than native conservatio nal landscape practices.
She suggested the City consider cost-effective natural habitat and
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California native plants for open space areas and that Council establish a
subcommittee of Council members and residents to seek education
about the opportunity to move forward with restoring open spaces, brush
areas and slope areas with improved native slope materials.
M/Lyons closed Public Comments.
C/Tye believed the Council should move forward with approval of the
Resolution as it did for District No. 41 to make it as accommodating as
possible to work something out.
CM/Fox responded to M/Lyons that there are no Homeowner Associations
within District No. 39 and what staff has consistently heard is whether the
City will continue to maintain the private mini-parks, trails and other City-
owned properties and the answer to that question is “yes”.
C/Liu asked for the voter turnout numbers for District No. 39 on Prop 218
and PWD/Liu responded that within District No. 39 there are
approximately 1,250 parcels and a total of 481 ballots were validated in
the Prop 218 vote. Of the 481 ballots cast, the count was 103 “yes” and
378 “no”.
C/Liu asked if staff had collaborated with homeowners to bring the
maintenance costs down and what would the roles be of the City and
homeowners before and after the solution. CM/Fox responded that as
with the other LLAD’s, staff has worked to reduce the amount of subsidies
through lower levels of service before the Proposition 218 increase vote,
which was overwhelmingly rejected which was substantially less than the
District No. 41 subsidy. CM/Fox reiterated that upon dissolving the
LLAD’s, all properties will be returned to the homeowners as private
property and the City will continue to maintain the public pro perty which
includes the five mini-parks, trails and the large open space area adjacent
to the Diamond Bar Center.
M/Lyons said she did not believe it was necessary to take a dual track
approach for District No. 39 and C/Tye said he agreed.
C/Tye moved, C/Liu seconded, to Adopt Resolution No. 2021-10 declaring
the City’s Intention to Dissolve Landscape Assessment District No. 39 and
direct staff to advertise the Public Hearing bef ore the City Council at its
May 4, 2021 Regular Meeting. Motion carried by the following Roll Call
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu, Tye, M/Lyons
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chou, MPT/Low
C/Chou and MPT/Low returned to the meeting.
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5.3 PUBLIC SAFETY ANNUAL REPORT.
ACM/McLean presented the staff report which included information related
to the City’s Animal Control program, the Diamond Bar Fire Department
Team, the Diamond Bar Law Enforcement Team, Statistics an d Trends for
each department and an overview of ongoing public engagemen t efforts
which is available on the City’s website.
C/Chou said he was very proud of the work done and the way in which the
City Council, staff and public came together to provide these services and
keep the crime statistics low.
C/Liu said he appreciated staff’s work on Public Safety and community
programs and the dedication of the 2400 member Volunteer Patrol. He
asked what more could be done to assist the Volunteer Patrol and asked
for an explanation of the increase in non-stranger rape case.
ACM/McLean responded that each year the City Council approves funding
to assist the Volunteer Patrol with equipment and promotion of the
program. With respect to rape cases in Diamond Bar, the alleged
perpetrator of the incident was someone that was known to and
associated with the victim.
C/Tye said that in his opinion, the Inland Valley Humane Society does a
terrific job, the fire department provides great support and noted th e
reduction in numbers due to COVID. Overall, Diamond Bar is a great
place to live and this Council stays on top of the Sheriff’s Department to
make sure they are providing the service residents expect and that they
are focusing on specific areas as called out. Thanks to ACM/McLean for a
great report.
MPT/Low thanked ACM/McLean for a great report and said she was very
proud of the City’s law enforcement team, animal control, fire department
and the LASD team who assist the City Council with its goal to provide for
the safety of the community, borne out by the empiric al numbers. She
asked if the SR57/60 collision numbers included collisions that occur on
the freeway or collisions that occur on the City’s streets and ACM/McLean
responded that they are collisions that occur on City streets and
information about freeway collisions come from the California State Patrol.
MPT/Low asked if this report was posted on the City’s website and
ACM/McLean responded that it will be posted on the website immediately
after the Council receives and files the report.
MPT/Low asked if news blast information is available to the public and
ACM/McLean responded that the information is available through the
Sheriff’s Department. The City's process for distribution is to repost the
information posted by the Sheriff’s Department, on the City’s website and
social media, as well as on the monthly updates on open Dashboard
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In addition, members of the public can always call City Hall for information.
M/Lyons said it was a terrific report and such a pleasure to live in a safe
City. In addition to missing the Volunteer Patrol dinner this year, there
was no Public Safety dinner and she hopes by this fall the Volunteer
Patrol can be recognized for their accomplishments.
The Council moved to receive and file the Public Safety A nnual Report by
consensus
6. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chou spoke about the LLAD’s, the COVID shutdown announced a ye ar ago,
and students returning to school. He thanked staff for their wor k during a very
difficult year and said he was anxious for a return to business as usual.
C/Liu announced the opening of the elementary schools on April 19 th, 7th and 8th
grade on April 26th and the yet unscheduled opening of the high schools with the
option for students to continue distance learning at home. He thanked staff for
the detailed presentations, his colleagues for the discussions and the community
for continuing to provide a safe environment during COVID. He thanked the
public and law enforcement for the discussion regarding catalytic converter thefts
which impacted many residents and thanked M/Lyons for attending and listening
to residents’ concerns regarding the dissolution of the landscape districts. He
thanked FD/Honeywell for her 10 years of amazing service to the City and
wished her the best, and thanked PRD/Wright and his staff for creating the 32 nd
Diamond Bar Birthday Windmill Hunt for the month of April. Please enjoy and
celebrate Easter safely.
C/Tye said it was great hearing from Dr. Bob Taylor, Superintendent, Walnut
Valley Unified School District and two of his principals during the recent Rotary
meeting about the process for reopening of schools. He congratulated
FD/Honeywell, thanked her for her imprint on Diamond Bar finances and for her
imprint on the Diamond Bar Finance Department which has been transformed
since she joined the Diamond Bar family, and wished her Godspeed in future
ventures as she heads to Yorba Linda.
MPT/Low echoed C/Tye’s comments regarding FD/Honeywell who has helped
Diamond Bar with initiation of so many good policies and procedures as well as,
a total upgrade of the finance system, balanced budgets and budget
presentations. She thanked ACM/McLean for his report and the Volunteer Patrol
for the great work on behalf of the community and residents who participated in
tonight’s meeting. Happy Birthday and best wishes for a wonderful year to
M/Lyons.
M/Lyons announced that yesterday she nominated C/Liu to the Contract Cities
Los Angeles County Liability Trust Fund Committee who, with his business
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background, she felt would make a great addition to the group and hopes he gets
the votes to serve. Before the Council meets agai n, some will be celebrating
Passover and some will be celebrating Easter, all of whom she wished a joyous
celebration and happy holiday. FD/Honeywell is a hard worker who has done a
great job with the City’s investment portfolio and her audits are superb, but most
importantly, she is a very patient person who answers all City Council questions
openly and thoroughly. On a personal note, M/Lyons said she appreciates the
great help she has received from FD/Honeywell and that Yorba Linda is very
lucky to have her join their staff. Congratulations to FD/Honeywell.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Lyons adjourned the
Regular City Council Meeting at 8:59 p.m. in honor of FD/Honeywell.
Respectfully submitted:
__________________________
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 16th day of March, 2021.
__________________________
Nancy Lyons, Mayor
4.1.b
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Agenda #: 4.2
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: CITY COUNCIL RECEIPT OF COMMISSION MINUTES.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Open, Engaged & Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive and file the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting minutes of
September 24, 2020 and January 28, 2021; and
2. Receive and file the Planning Commission meeting minutes of February 9, 2021.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
It is the practice of the City of Diamond Bar to provide the City Council with approved
Commission meeting minutes. The attached minutes have been approved and are
being transmitted to the Council for your information.
PREPARED BY:
4.2
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REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.2.a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 24, 2020
2. 4.2.b Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of January 28, 2021
3. 4.2.c Planning Commission Minutes of February 9, 2021
4.2
Packet Pg. 27
4.2.a
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4.2.a
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4.2.a
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4.2.a
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4.2.b
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4.2.b
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4.2.b
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4.2.b
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4.2.c
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4.2.c
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4.2.c
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4.2.c
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4.2.c
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4.2.c
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4.2.c
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Agenda #: 4.3
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: RATIFICATION OF CHECK REGISTER DATED MARCH 11, 2021
THROUGH MARCH 24, 2021 TOTALING $312,703.29.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
Ratify the Check Register.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Expenditure of $312,703.29.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The City has established the policy of issuing accounts payable checks on a weekly
basis with City Council ratification at the next scheduled City Council Meeting.
The attached check register containing checks dated March 11, 2021 through March 24,
2021 totaling $312,703.29 is being presented for ratification. All payments have been
made in compliance with the City’s purchasing policies an d procedures, and have been
reviewed and approved by the appropriate departmental staff . The attached Affidavit
affirms that the check register has been audited and deemed accurate by the Finance
Director.
PREPARED BY:
4.3
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REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.3.a Check Register Affidavit 4-6-2021
2. 4.3.b Check Register 4-6-2021
4.3
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4.3.a
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City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
1447 3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
239 21109 $100.15
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
241 21109 $100.15
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
201 21109 $127.51
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
238 21109 $200.30
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
250 21109 $241.93
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
207 21109 $405.13
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
206 21109 $477.30
3/18/2021 VANTAGEPOINT TRNSFR AGNTS-
303248
DEF COMP CONTRIBUTIONS/LOAN
PYMTS 03/19/2021
100 21109 $12,534.74
CHECK TOTAL $14,187.21
1448 3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
106 21110 $41.12
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
239 21110 $75.33
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
241 21110 $75.33
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
238 21110 $150.66
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
201 21110 $428.95
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
207 21110 $504.71
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
206 21110 $560.11
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
250 21110 $999.02
3/18/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 2/27/21-
3/12/21 MISC
100 21110 $33,579.10
CHECK TOTAL $36,414.33
1449 3/24/2021 TENNIS ANYONE INC TENNIS INSTRUCTION 100520 55320 $1,346.03
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Packet Pg. 46
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
CHECK TOTAL $1,346.03
1450 3/19/2021 CALPERS PENSION CONTRIBUTION 03/01/21-
03/31/21 CC
100 21110 $462.55
CHECK TOTAL $462.55
1451 3/19/2021 TASC FLEX SPENDING MEDICAL & CHILDCARE
03/19/2021
207 21118 $11.90
3/19/2021 TASC FLEX SPENDING MEDICAL & CHILDCARE
03/19/2021
250 21118 $25.57
3/19/2021 TASC FLEX SPENDING MEDICAL & CHILDCARE
03/19/2021
206 21118 $29.21
3/19/2021 TASC FLEX SPENDING MEDICAL & CHILDCARE
03/19/2021
100 21118 $1,303.59
CHECK TOTAL $1,370.27
1452 3/24/2021 AIRGAS INC ARGON & HELIUM 100630 51200 $7.22
3/24/2021 AIRGAS INC ARGON & HELIUM 100520 51200 $84.00
CHECK TOTAL $91.22
1453 3/24/2021 ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES
INC
INSURANCE FOR PAPER SHREDDING
EVENTS
250170 57220 $321.00
CHECK TOTAL $321.00
1454 3/24/2021 ANDREW WONG T&T COMMISSION STIPEND -
JUL,SEP,NOV 2020
100610 52525 $135.00
CHECK TOTAL $135.00
1455 3/24/2021 JOHN E BISHOP INSTURCTOR PAYMENT W/S 2021 100520 55320 $120.00
CHECK TOTAL $120.00
1456 3/24/2021 BULLSEYE TELECOM INC ANALOG PHONE LINES/FAX &
EMERGENCY 2/2021
100230 52200 $1,628.89
CHECK TOTAL $1,628.89
1457 3/24/2021 CALIFORNIA BUILDING
STANDARDS COMMISSION
BSAS FEES JUL-SEP'20 100 20604 ($198.54)
3/24/2021 CALIFORNIA BUILDING
STANDARDS COMMISSION
BSAS FEES JUL-SEP'20 100 20604 $508.17
CHECK TOTAL $309.63
1458 3/24/2021 CITY CLERKS ASSOC OF
CALIFORNIA
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION 100130 52415 $125.00
CHECK TOTAL $125.00
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City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
1459 3/24/2021 CITY OF WALNUT NANCY STOOPS SHARED AGREEMENT
CITY OF WALNUT 2021
280310 54900 $4,900.00
CHECK TOTAL $4,900.00
1460 3/24/2021 CNC PRINTWERKS CITY LOGO WINDOW ENVELOPES 100130 52110 $650.43
CHECK TOTAL $650.43
1461 3/24/2021 COLLEY AUTO CARS INC VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - ROAD
MAINTENANCE
502655 52312 $247.40
CHECK TOTAL $247.40
1462 3/24/2021 CSGPR ABC PUBLIC RELATIONS REC BUNNY BOX AD 100520 52160 $500.00
CHECK TOTAL $500.00
1463 3/24/2021 CYNTHIA T QUAN T&T COMMISSION STIPEND
JUL,SEPT,NOV 2020
100610 52525 $135.00
CHECK TOTAL $135.00
1464 3/24/2021 DAPEER ROSENBLIT & LITVAK LLP CITY PROSECUTOR - CODE
ENFORCEMENT-JANUARY 2021
100120 54024 $2,633.10
CHECK TOTAL $2,633.10
1465 3/24/2021 CAROL A DENNIS MINUTE SECRETARY FOR T&T
COMMISSION - JAN 2021
100610 54900 $100.00
3/24/2021 CAROL A DENNIS MINUTE SECRETARY FOR COUNCIL
MEETING IN MARCH 2021
100130 54900 $300.00
CHECK TOTAL $400.00
1466 3/24/2021 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LIVESCAN FEES 100220 52510 $32.00
CHECK TOTAL $32.00
1467 3/24/2021 DMPR 4 LLC STORAGE RENTAL APR. 2021 100130 52302 $1,576.00
CHECK TOTAL $1,576.00
1468 3/24/2021 DOGGIE WALK BAGS INC DOGGIE BAGS - APRIL 2021 250170 51200 $1,752.00
CHECK TOTAL $1,752.00
1469 3/24/2021 FEHR & PEERS PS /ENGR - VARIOUS TRAFFIC RELATED
PROJ - JAN 2021
100615 54410 $2,972.99
CHECK TOTAL $2,972.99
1470 3/24/2021 FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS
CORP
INTERNET SERVICES - SUMMARY ACCT.
2/28/21
100230 52200 $365.82
CHECK TOTAL $365.82
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 48
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
1471 3/24/2021 GOVCONNECTION INC LOGITECH USB HEADSET 100230 51300 $41.61
CHECK TOTAL $41.61
1472 3/24/2021 GRAFFITI CONTROL SYSTEMS GRAFFITI ABATEMENT-JULY 2021 100430 55540 $2,975.00
3/24/2021 GRAFFITI CONTROL SYSTEMS GRAFFITI ABATEMENT-AUGUST 2021 100430 55540 $2,975.00
CHECK TOTAL $5,950.00
1473 3/24/2021 HARDY & HARPER INC ROAD MAINTENANCE SERVICES 100655 55512 $922.00
3/24/2021 HARDY & HARPER INC ROAD MAINTENANCE SERVICES 100655 55512 $29,663.09
3/24/2021 HARDY & HARPER INC ROAD MAINTENANCE SERVICES 100655 55512 $7,928.25
CHECK TOTAL $38,513.34
1474 3/24/2021 HUMANE SOCIETY OF POMONA
VALLEY INC
ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES IN MARCH
2021
100340 55404 $16,690.33
CHECK TOTAL $16,690.33
1475 3/24/2021 INLAND SOCAL MEDIA GROUP
LLC
DBC ADVERTISEMENT FOR APRIL 2021 100510 52160 $750.00
CHECK TOTAL $750.00
1476 3/24/2021 J & J'S SPORTS & TROPHIES CITY BIRTHDAY LOGO MASKS 100240 51400 $3,100.78
CHECK TOTAL $3,100.78
1477 3/24/2021 KEVIN D JONES CS TRAFFIC - SR57-60 ADVOCACY - FEB
2021
100615 54400 $4,000.00
CHECK TOTAL $4,000.00
1478 3/24/2021 LOOMIS COURIER SERVICES - MARCH 2021 100210 54900 $395.13
3/24/2021 LOOMIS COURIER SERVICES - MARCH 2021 100510 54900 $395.13
CHECK TOTAL $790.26
1479 3/24/2021 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT AUTH
HIPLOAN - MARIA & CARLOS ORTIZ-
1731 KIOWA CREST DR
225 48935 $24,375.00
CHECK TOTAL $24,375.00
1480 3/24/2021 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC
WORKS
SUMP PUMP MAINT @ SYC CANYON
PARK - THRU JAN 2021
100630 52320 $886.47
CHECK TOTAL $886.47
1481 3/24/2021 LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S
DEPT
FY2020-21 SHERIFF'S LAW ENF - STREET
SWEEP 01/2021
100310 55402 $1,104.21
CHECK TOTAL $1,104.21
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 49
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
1482 3/24/2021 LOWE'S BUSINESS ACCOUNT ROAD MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 100655 51300 $38.89
3/24/2021 LOWE'S BUSINESS ACCOUNT ROAD MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 100655 55532 $46.02
CHECK TOTAL $84.91
1483 3/24/2021 LW POSTNET INC PRINTING OF PH NOTICE FOR DISTRICTS
39 AND 41
100240 52110 $772.96
CHECK TOTAL $772.96
1484 3/24/2021 MCE CORPORATION STREET MAINTENANCE & VEGETATION
CONTROL - FEB 2021
100655 55530 $37.61
3/24/2021 MCE CORPORATION STREET MAINTENANCE & VEGETATION
CONTROL - FEB 2021
100655 55532 $787.14
3/24/2021 MCE CORPORATION STREET MAINTENANCE & VEGETATION
CONTROL - FEB 2021
100655 55528 $9,615.24
CHECK TOTAL $10,439.99
1485 3/24/2021 MERCURY DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
INC
HHW DISPOSAL/ACE HARDWARE 250170 55000 $2,007.64
CHECK TOTAL $2,007.64
1486 3/24/2021 MICHAEL ANTHONY GONZALEZ T&T COMMISSION STIPEND -
JUL,SEP,NOV 2020
100610 52525 $135.00
CHECK TOTAL $135.00
1487 3/24/2021 MNS ENGINEERS INC ATP GRANT WRITING SERVICES - JAN
2021
100615 54410 $234.35
CHECK TOTAL $234.35
1488 3/24/2021 NETWORK PARATRANSIT SYSTEMS
INC
DIAMOND RIDE SERVICES - JANUARY
2021
206650 55560 $10,927.22
3/24/2021 NETWORK PARATRANSIT SYSTEMS
INC
DIAMOND RIDE SERVICES - SEPT 2020 206650 55560 $11,417.28
CHECK TOTAL $22,344.50
1489 3/24/2021 ONE TIME PAY VENDOR JENNIFER WANG EVENT REFUND 100 20202 $1,684.28
CHECK TOTAL $1,684.28
1490 3/24/2021 ONE TIME PAY VENDOR JOSHUA HSU GRADING BOND REFUND - 24401 STAR
COURT
100 22109 $3,700.00
CHECK TOTAL $3,700.00
1491 3/24/2021 ONE TIME PAY VENDOR LE VONG C&D REFUND-DEPOSIT 100 22105 $250.00
CHECK TOTAL $250.00
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 50
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
1492 3/24/2021 ONE TIME PAY VENDOR SAL -NB ROOFING C&D REFUND-DEPOSIT 100 22105 $250.00
CHECK TOTAL $250.00
1493 3/24/2021 ONE TIME PAY VENDOR SUNSHINE ROOFING C&D REFUND-DEPOSIT 100 22105 $250.00
CHECK TOTAL $250.00
1494 3/24/2021 PROTECTION ONE INC BURGLAR ALARM 03.01.21 - 05.31.21 100510 52320 $171.06
CHECK TOTAL $171.06
1495 3/24/2021 PUBLIC STORAGE #23051 STORAGE RENTAL APRIL 2021 100130 52302 $466.00
CHECK TOTAL $466.00
1496 3/24/2021 PYRO COMM SYSTEMS INC FIRE ALARM TESTING AGREEMENT
03.01.21 - 08.31.21
100510 52310 $585.00
CHECK TOTAL $585.00
1497 3/24/2021 REGIONAL TAP SERVICE CENTER FOOTHILL PASSES - FEBRUARY 2021 206650 55620 $324.00
3/24/2021 REGIONAL TAP SERVICE CENTER FOOTHILL PASSES - FEBRUARY 2021 206650 55610 $1,296.00
CHECK TOTAL $1,620.00
1498 3/24/2021 SC FUELS FLEET VEHICLE FUEL - MAR 2021 502130 52330 $37.30
3/24/2021 SC FUELS FLEET VEHICLE FUEL - MAR 2021 502430 52330 $71.22
3/24/2021 SC FUELS FLEET VEHICLE FUEL - MAR 2021 502620 52330 $173.43
3/24/2021 SC FUELS FLEET VEHICLE FUEL - MAR 2021 502630 52330 $531.27
3/24/2021 SC FUELS FLEET VEHICLE FUEL - MAR 2021 502655 52330 $629.36
CHECK TOTAL $1,442.58
1499 3/24/2021 SCHAFER CONSULTING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR ERP
PROJECT - FEB 2021
503230 56135 $7,725.00
CHECK TOTAL $7,725.00
1500 3/24/2021 SHEPPARD MULLIN RICHTER &
HAMPTON
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DEC 2020 -
FEB 2021
100120 54022 $1,221.58
CHECK TOTAL $1,221.58
1501 3/24/2021 SOCIAL VOCATIONAL SERVICES WEED ABATEMENT - FEB 2021 100645 55528 $2,825.00
CHECK TOTAL $2,825.00
1502 3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 20671 GOLD SP & 575 S DBB - 2.1.21 -
3.3.21
238638 52210 $27.80
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 51
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON SAFETY LIGHTS - BREA
CANYON/OAKCREST LS-2
100655 52210 $3.35
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON TRAFFIC CONTROL - BREA
CYN/FALLOWFIELD & VARIOUS
100655 52210 $150.19
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON SAFETY LIGHTS - 24230 GOLDEN
SPRINGS LS-2
100655 52210 $69.40
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON SAFETY LIGHTS - 21010 WASHINGTON ST
LS-2
100655 52210 $87.19
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON TRAFFIC CONTROL - 21010
WASHINGTON ST TC-1
100655 52210 $84.23
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON SAFETY LIGHTS - 22805 GOLDEN
SPRINGS LS-2
100655 52210 $91.41
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON TRAFFIC CONTROL - DBB N/W @ TEMPLE
TC-1
100655 52210 $14.40
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON SAFETY LIGHTS - 1978 DBB/22566
GOLDEN SPRINGS LS-2
100655 52210 $164.05
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON DIAMOND BAR CENTER - 2.2.21 - 3.4.21 100510 52210 $2,909.84
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 633 GRAND 02.10.21 - 03.12.21 238638 52210 $14.60
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 20850 HIGH COUNTRY 2.11.21 - 3.15.21 241641 52210 $15.55
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 21208 WASHINGTON 2.11.21 - 3.15.21 100630 52210 $16.28
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 20980 E CANYON RIDGE - 2.11.21 -
3.15.21
241641 52210 $15.67
3/24/2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 1000 S. LEMON 2.12.21 - 3.16.21 238638 52210 $16.14
CHECK TOTAL $3,680.10
1503 3/24/2021 SPECTRUM BUSINESS INTERNET SERVICES - DEDICATED
ACCESS 10MB - CH
100230 54030 $1,719.27
3/24/2021 SPECTRUM BUSINESS CABLE TV SERVICE FOR DBC - 3/1/21 100230 54030 $123.03
CHECK TOTAL $1,842.30
1504 3/24/2021 SURENDRA R MEHTA T&T COMMISSION STIPEND JULSEP-NOV
2020
100610 52525 $135.00
CHECK TOTAL $135.00
1505 3/24/2021 TASC MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE FEES 100220 52515 $117.00
CHECK TOTAL $117.00
1506 3/24/2021 THE COMDYN GROUP INC PROF SERVICES - GIS SUPPORT JAN-FEB
2021
100230 54900 $4,050.93
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 52
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
CHECK TOTAL $4,050.93
1507 3/24/2021 THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
NEWSPAPER GR
2/23/21 PUBLIC HRG LEGAL AD - 2825
DIA BAR BLVD
100 22107 $665.00
3/24/2021 THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
NEWSPAPER GR
1/28/21 PUBLIC HRG LEGAL AD - 3255
DIA BAR BLVD
100 22107 $614.00
3/24/2021 THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
NEWSPAPER GR
2/9/21 PUBLIC HRG LEGAL AD - 1523
SILVER RAIN
100 22107 $687.50
CHECK TOTAL $1,966.50
1508 3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING
CONTEST
100520 52110 $325.00
3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
BUNNY BOX SIGNS AND STICKERS 100520 52110 $595.99
3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
BUNNY BOX DESIGN, FLYER, AD, POST 100520 52110 $800.00
3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
BIRTHDAY PARTY LOGO 100520 52110 $450.00
3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
BIRTHDAY PARTY DESIGN, FLYER AND
POST
100520 52110 $275.00
3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
WINDMILL HUNT SIGNS 100520 52110 $308.38
3/24/2021 THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVICES
INC
E-SPORTS POST UPDATE - APRIL 100520 52110 $35.00
CHECK TOTAL $2,789.37
1509 3/24/2021 THE TAIT GROUP INC CS-ENGR. - TRAFFIC RELATED PROJECTS
- FEB 2021
100615 54410 $3,900.00
CHECK TOTAL $3,900.00
1510 3/24/2021 US BANK CALCARD STATEMENT - FEB 2021 999 28100 $6,076.82
CHECK TOTAL $6,076.82
1511 3/24/2021 VALLEY VISTA SERVICES , INC. STREET SWEEPING SERVICES - FEB 2021 100655 55510 $12,303.54
CHECK TOTAL $12,303.54
1512 3/24/2021 VERIZON WIRELESS WIRELESS PHONE SERVICE - PW & CD
1/17 - 2/16/21
100230 52200 $4,496.14
CHECK TOTAL $4,496.14
1513 3/24/2021 WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT DISTRICT 38 - FEB 2021 238638 52220 $4,805.03
3/24/2021 WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT DISTRICT 39 - FEB 2021 239639 52220 $2,890.45
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 53
City of Diamond Bar Check Register
CHECK #
CHECK DATE
VENDOR NAME
OTP VENDOR NAME
INVOICE DESCRIPTION
ORG
OBJECT
AMOUNT
3/24/2021 WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT DISTRICT 41 (PART 1) FEB 2021 241641 52220 $33.58
3/24/2021 WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT CITY HALL - FEB 2021 100620 52220 $525.19
3/24/2021 WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT DIAMOND BAR CENTER - FEB 2021 100510 52220 $225.41
3/24/2021 WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT PARKS - FEB 2021 100630 52220 $7,042.40
CHECK TOTAL $15,522.06
1514 3/24/2021 WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC CITYWIDE TREE WATERING 2.16.21 -
2.28.21
100645 55522 $1,360.00
3/24/2021 WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC DIST 38 TREE CARE AND MAINT 2.16.21 -
2.28.21
238638 55522 $6,551.00
3/24/2021 WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC CITYWIDE TREE CARE AND MAINT -
2.16.21 - 2.28.21
100645 55522 $3,201.00
CHECK TOTAL $11,112.00
1515 3/24/2021 WEST COAST MEDIA INC DBC ADVERTISEMENT 100510 52160 $500.00
CHECK TOTAL $500.00
1516 3/24/2021 WISCONSIN QUICK LUBE INC VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - PARKS &
FACILITIES
502630 52312 $98.36
3/24/2021 WISCONSIN QUICK LUBE INC VEHICLE MAINT - NEIGHBORHOOD
IMPROVEMENT
502430 52312 $73.69
3/24/2021 WISCONSIN QUICK LUBE INC VEHICLE MAINT - CIVIC CENTER 502620 52312 $46.76
CHECK TOTAL $218.81
1517 3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100120 54020 $161.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 103410 54300 $184.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100 22107 $230.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100 22107 $253.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100120 54020 $1,035.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100120 54020 $1,886.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100120 54020 $2,323.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100120 54020 $3,266.00
3/24/2021 WOODRUFF SPRADLIN & SMART LEGAL SVCS - JANUARY 2021 100120 54020 $7,567.00
CHECK TOTAL $16,905.00
GRAND TOTAL $312,703.29
4.3.b
Packet Pg. 54
Agenda #: 4.4
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: TREASURER'S STATEMENT
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the November 2020 Treasurer’s Statement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Consistent with City policy, the Finance Department presents the monthly Treasurer’s
Statement to the City Council for review and approval. This statement shows the cash
balances with a breakdown of various investment accounts and the yield to maturity
from investments. This statement also includes an investment portfolio management
report which details the activities of investments. All investments have been made in
accordance with the City’s Investment Policy.
PREPARED BY:
4.4
Packet Pg. 55
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.4.a Treasurer's Report - November 2020
2. 4.4.b Investment Portfolio - November 2020
4.4
Packet Pg. 56
4.4.a
Packet Pg. 57
4.4.a
Packet Pg. 58
4.4.b
Packet Pg. 59
4.4.b
Packet Pg. 60
4.4.b
Packet Pg. 61
4.4.b
Packet Pg. 62
Agenda #: 4.5
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: GENERAL PLAN STATUS REPORT FOR 2020
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
State Law requires each city to prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long-term General
Plan to guide its physical development. The General Plan is a policy document
comprised of goals and policies for implementation. The City of Diamond Bar has
periodically amended the General Plan as needed since its adoption on July 25, 1995.
In the fall of 2016, the City embarked on a comprehensive update to the General Plan to
create a community vision and blueprint for the City through 2040. The City Council
adopted Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 on December 17, 2019.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 65400(b), the City is required
to submit an annual General Plan status report to the local legislative body (City
Council), the State Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and State
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on the status of the
General Plan, its implementation progress, and how the City is meeting the region’s
housing needs. The attached report lists the City’s progress toward the implementation
of the updated General Plan for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
On March 23, 2021, the Planning Commission reviewed the report and directed staff to
forward it to the City Council with a recommendation to receive and file.
PREPARED BY:
4.5
Packet Pg. 63
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.5.a General Plan Status Report for 2020
4.5
Packet Pg. 64
Page 1 of 36
City of Diamond Bar General Plan Status Report 2020
Period beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020
OVERVIEW
On December 17, 2019, the City Council adopted Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, which is a State mandated document that the City uses to plan the framework for its future physical, social, and economic
development. The General Plan is considered a long-term document that projects development within a community for approximately 20 years. The General Plan serves as the foundation for all land use decisions
and provides a vision and blueprint about how a community will grow, reflecting community priorities and values while shaping the future.
The City of Diamond Bar General Plan consists of the following eight elements (“Chapters”):
1) Land Use & Economic Development 2) Community Character & Placemaking 3) Circulation 4) Resource Conservation
5) Public Facilities & Services 6) Public Safety 7) Community Health & Sustainability 8) Housing
The following information summarizes the status of the goals and policies that the City has implemented for each chapter of the updated General Plan in 2020. Each chapter is organized by color scheme for
navigation.
1. Land Use & Economic Development
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This chapter provides the overall framework for the physical development of the community and the distribution and intensity of land uses upon which many of the goals and policies in other chapters are based.
GENERAL
Policies
LU-P-5 Land Use
Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure
are available or provided to support new development, including
water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public
safety, and parks.
Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W)
Staff prepared and submitted the City’s Measure W Annual Plan and
executed Fund Transfer Agreement to the County of Los Angeles for
processing as the final items required by the County to disperse the
local return funds to Diamond Bar. The Annual Plan outlined the
City’s proposed Measure W expenditures for the fiscal year including
CIP projects, routine maintenance, consultant costs, efforts to
pursue grant funding, and staff time. As a result, Diamond Bar
received approximately $880,000 for FY 2020-2021.
Also applies to Community, Character, and Placemaking Chapter
policies CC-P-5 and CC-P-6, and Resource Conservation Chapter
goal RC-G-12.
Public Works
RESIDENTIAL
Goals
LU-G-7 Land Use Promote a variety of housing and neighborhood types that respond
to a range of income, household sizes, and accessibility levels.
Staff embarked on preparing a Housing Element Update for the
2021-2029 planning period (sixth cycle) which will include analyses
Community
Development
4.5.a
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Page 2 of 36
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
of the community’s housing needs, opportunities and constraints, as
well as policies and programs to facilitate the construction,
rehabilitation, and preservation of housing for all economic
segments of the community.
The City received two planning grants. On March 10, 2020, the
California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) notified the City of a conditional commitment of $160,000
Senate Bill 2 Planning Grants Program award to use the funds
towards accelerating housing production by streamlining the
approval of affordable housing and promoting development
consistent with the state’s planning priorities, among other related
activities. On October 16, 2020, HCD also notified the City of a
conditional commitment of $129,000 Local Early Action Planning
(LEAP) Grants Program award to use the funds for the preparation
and adoption of planning documents, process improvements that
accelerate housing production, and to facilitate compliance in
implementing the sixth cycle of the Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA).
Policies
LU-P-8 Land Use
Ensure that new residential development be compatible with the
prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of
building scale, density, massing, and design. Where the General
Plan designates higher densities, provide adequate transitions to
existing development.
All new residential development requires review and approval by the
Planning Commission through a Development Review application
process to assess a project’s compatibility, architectural design, size,
scale and massing with the neighborhood. The Planning
Commission reviews the design to ensure compliance with the City’s
General Plan policies and design guidelines, and to minimize
adverse effects of the proposed project upon the surrounding
properties and the City in general.
Community
Development
LU-P-9 Land Use
Incorporate architectural and landscape design features in new
development that create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods,
such as orientation to the street; set-back, or detached garages;
tree-lined streets; and landscaped parkways between streets and
sidewalks.
Through the development review process, all new development is
reviewed to promote high functional and aesthetic architectural and
landscape standards to complement and add to the economic,
physical, and social character of Diamond Bar.
Community
Development
COMMERCIAL, OFFICE, AND INDUSTRIAL
Policies
LU-P-14 Land Use
Improve vehicular accessibility, traffic flow, and parking availability
as well as pedestrian and bicycle access and amenities within
office, commercial, and industrial areas.
During project review, staff ensures that all office, commercial, and
industrial areas provide improved vehicular accessibility, traffic flow,
and parking availability as well as review for opportunities to
incorporate pedestrian and bicycle access and amenities.
Community
Development
4.5.a
Packet Pg. 66
Page 3 of 36
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
Adaptive Traffic Control System
The City applied for and was awarded a $1.4 million grant fund by
Metro for the development and implementation of an Adaptive Traffic
Control System (ATCS). ATCS is a traffic management strategy in
which traffic signal timing changes, or adapts, based on actual traffic
demand. This is accomplished using an adaptive traffic control
system consisting of both hardware and software. In October 2018,
the Council awarded a contract with Siemens to implement the new
ATCS. The implementation work (hardware and software) was
completed in 2020 and the system is currently fully functional.
Considering the unusual fluctuations in the traffic load in the main
arterials of the City during 2020, the system proved to be responsive
to those changes by updating signal timing in real-time. As the
system collects more data through 2021 and after the traffic goes
back to its normal course, it will be possible to have a data-driven
before/after analysis of the improvements in the City’s traffic
management and show the effectiveness of the system.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-20 and CR-P-21.
Public Works
PUBLIC FACILITIES, OPEN SPACE, AND HILLSIDES
Policies
LU-P-56 Land Use
Ensure that development on privately owned, residentially
designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding
natural areas promoting the following design principles:
a) Minimize—as articulated by the landform grading criteria of
the Development Code’s Hillside Management regulations—
excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural
vegetation and topography;
b) Preserve existing vistas of significant hillside features such
as ridgelines, particularly from public places;
All new residential development requires review and approval by the
Planning Commission through a Development Review application
process to ensure compliance with the design principles listed.
Community
Development
4.5.a
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Page 4 of 36
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
c) Do not create unsafe conditions;
d) Incorporate site and architectural designs that are sensitive
to natural contours and land forms and hydrological features;
e) Preserve natural watersheds, including existing vegetation
within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent
feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials;
f) Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire Department’s
approved fuel modification program;
g) Utilize planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire
resistant, non-invasive plants that are native to or compatible
with those in the surrounding area; and
h) Group plants within swale areas to more closely reflect
natural conditions within landform graded slopes.
Grading, Encroachment, Transportation Permits, and Violation
Prevention
Pursuant to the Municipal Code and the General Plan goals, in 2020,
the City reviewed plans for and issued 4 grading permits, 211
Encroachment Permits, 33 dumpster permits, and 30 Oversized
Load Transportation Permits. To preserve resources and prevent
code violations, the City issued 8 NPDES Notice of Violations that
mostly were related to illicit discharges into the storm drain system.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-60, CR-P-62, and
CR-P-64, Resource Conservation Chapter goals and policies RC-G-
7, RC-P-23, and RC-P-33, and Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-3.
Public Works
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Policies – Commercial Centers
ED-P-5 Economic Development
Work with existing commercial center owners and commercial real
estate professionals to enhance commercial development
opportunities that meet the needs of adjacent neighborhoods and
other nearby uses by facilitating communication between
developers and target populations, identifying additional
development or redevelopment sites in and around the centers, and
improving exposure along adjacent transportation corridors.
Staff enlisted Urban Land Institute (ULI) to assist the City in
assessing the strategies for transforming the Town Center Mixed
Use district into a viable downtown. ULI is assembling a Technical
Advisory Panel (TAP), comprised of experts in various disciplines
including architecture, finance, land development, land use law,
urban design and economics. TAP will identify opportunities,
constraints and strategies, and publish a report containing findings
and recommendations for developing and implementing a
downtown.
Community
Development
Policies – Community-Serving Uses
ED-P-7 Economic Development Allow for home occupations where compatible with the privacy and
residential character of the neighborhood.
Home based businesses are allowed and required to comply with
the operating standards in Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section
22.42.070 where the business shall be incidental and secondary to
the residential use of the property, alterations that alters the
character of the residence or change its occupancy classification
would be prohibited, and activities that create nuisance such as
levels or glare, light, noise, solid waste, or other characteristics in
excess of that customarily associated with similar residential uses
are prohibited.
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2. Community Character & Placemaking
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING
This Chapter guides the physical form and character of the City by providing strategies to strengthen the City’s identity thr ough both new development and public improvements. Placemaking elements include
features such as monuments and decorative treatments that define City entry points, public art installations, decorative streetscape elements at key intersections or districts, and landscaping that creates a
memorable and unified character. The Goals and Polices contained in this Chapter provide direction to incorporate such elements into both new development projects and public improvements. The majority of
the Goals and Policies are related to the new opportunities within the four mixed-use focus areas and encourage walkable and pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods.
OVERALL CHARACTER & DESIGN
Goals
CC-G-5 Community Character &
Placemaking
Provide an expanded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure network
to improve connectivity throughout the city where topography and
technology permit.
Diamond Bar Boulevard Complete Streets Corridor
The design of the Diamond Bar Boulevard Complete Streets Project
was completed in 2020.
Complete streets are designed and operated to prioritize safety,
comfort, and access to destinations for all people who use the street.
Complete Streets make it easy for pedestrians to cross the street,
walk to shops, jobs, schools, bicycle to work, and move actively with
assistive devices. They allow buses to run on time and make it safe
for people to walk or move actively to and from train stations. The
Diamond Bar Boulevard Complete Street will also include
sustainable stormwater management through bioswales and
landscaping that prioritize native and drought-tolerant plants.
Staff received, reviewed, and approved the 100% Plans,
Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) documents from the project
consultant. Staff continued to pursue additional funding for the
construction phase of the project and submitted grant application
packages.
The construction cost for the project is estimated to be around $6
million. The City has secured $3 million in Metro grant funding for
construction. On September 15, the City applied for an additional
$2.6 million of Cycle 5 Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant
funds, a program funded by the California Transportation
Commission (CTC) and managed by Caltrans. The ATP grant is a
competitive program that funds active transportation projects
throughout the State. If not successful in the statewide competition,
there is a second opportunity to receive grant funds through the
regional competition through the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG).
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Also applies to Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goals
CC-G-7 and CC-G-10 and policies CC-P-5 through CC-P-7, CC-P-
9, and Circulation Chapter goal CR-G-2 and policies CR-P-4, CR-P-
14, and CR-P-29
Policies – City Identity
CC-P-1 Community Character &
Placemaking
Develop visual gateways at entry points to the city and at the
entrances to the Neighborhood Mixed Use, Town Center, Transit-
Oriented Mixed Use, and Community Core areas. Establish a
gateway design palette and guidelines consistent with the existing
gateway at Grand Avenue and Longview Drive, employing the
same or a similar elements of streetscape design, monument
signage, lighting, and building massing and setback.
57/60 Project Community Identifiers
For most of 2020, the City has been in negotiations with Metro, as
the project owner of SR-57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief
Program Project to include the City’s community identifiers and entry
monuments in the design of the project and to cover the cost of the
design and construction of these improvements by the project. So
far, the negotiation has been successful and the City identifiers, such
as the iconic windmills, the hills, diamond-shape theme, and City
seal will be included in the design of the sound walls, retaining walls,
and the bridge. Additionally, the project will include entry monuments
per the City’s standard entry monument design.
Also applies to Community Character & Placemaking Chapter
policies CC-P-2 through CC-P-4
Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Dr Intersection Improvements
The intersection improvements project will include slope grading at
the southeast corner of the intersection. To prepare for and create
space for the regraded slopes, Hole #3 of Diamond Bar Golf Course
needed to be relocated. In 2020, Hole #3 was relocated and graded;
and irrigation lines and new sods were installed. This is separate
from the Diamond Bar Golf Course Renovation Project, a major
improvements project and a precursor to the 57/60 Confluence
Project. As for the main intersection improvements project, which
includes construction work on the roadway, storm drain, tunnel
relocation, retaining walls, and grading, the necessary agreements
were put in place in 2020. The intersection construction is tentatively
scheduled to commence in early 2021.
Also applies to Community Character & Placemaking Chapter
policies CC-P-4 through CC-P-7, CC-P-9, and CC-P-64 and
Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-27
Street Name Sign Design
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
As part of the City’s community branding, a new street sign design
was developed in 2020 and was approved to be used on a pilot
installation. The new design will be used in the illuminated street
name replacement project that is planned for 2021.
Also applies to Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy
CC-P-34
CC-P-2 Community Character &
Placemaking
Incorporate prominent corner architectural features, such as
prominent entries or corner towers, on new development at key
intersections or gateways.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-1 Public Works
CC-P-3 Community Character &
Placemaking
Encourage new mixed-use development to incorporate public art
that celebrates the history and character of Diamond Bar to
reinforce community identity, create unique places, and provide a
basis for community pride and ownership. Encourage diversity in
content, media, and siting to reflect an array of cultural influences.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-1 Public Works
CC-P-4 Community Character &
Placemaking
Continue to support community identity with streetscape
improvement and beautification projects in both existing residential
areas and commercial centers, as well as new mixed-use areas that
incorporate unified landscaping and pedestrian amenities.
Amenities should include seating, bus shelters, pedestrian safety
treatments such as sidewalk bulb-outs and widening and improved
crosswalks, and city-branded decorative elements such as street
lighting, concrete pavers, tree grates, and theme rails.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-1 Public Works
CC-P-5 Community Character &
Placemaking
Establish a landscaping palette made up of native, drought-tolerant
plants and stormwater management systems with a view to
enhancing beautification and sustainable landscaping practices.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-5 and
Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and
policy CC-P-1
Public Works
CC-P-6 Community Character &
Placemaking
Prioritize sustainability in site design. When incorporating on-site
stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain
gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact
development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically
integrated into the site design.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-5 and
Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and
policy CC-P-1
Sunset Crossing Park
The proposed Sunset Crossing Park is located adjacent to the
Diamond Bar Channel, which handles the drainage from
approximately 1,600 acres within the City of Diamond Bar. This
makes the park an excellent candidate for a water quality treatment
facility that can be incorporated into the proposed park’s design. To
further study the feasibility of such a treatment facility, staff submitted
an application to the LA County Flood Control District for funding
through their Measure W Technical Resources Program (TRP),
which funds the development of Project Feasibility Studies for water
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
quality purposes. If awarded, Technical Assistance Teams from the
County will work with Diamond Bar to complete a feasibility study,
add the Sunset Crossing Park project to an eligible water quality
plan, and address other prerequisites to apply for the Infrastructure
Program, which awards construction funding to water quality
projects.
Note that only the stormwater capture/treatment-related elements
and certain landscape elements would be eligible for Measure W
funding. While there are several steps before the opportunity to
apply for the Infrastructure Program, a successful TRP application
would mean the first steps towards potential construction funding for
several park elements. The results of the application review will be
available in mid-2021.
Also applies to Resource Conservation Chapter policy RC-P-22 and
Public Facilities & Services Chapter goal PF-G-1 and policies PF-P-
3 and PF-P-12
Policies – Streetscapes & Building to Street Interface
CC-P-7 Community Character &
Placemaking
Ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of
roadways, bicycle routes and paths, and pedestrian connections
within and between neighborhoods that are safe, comfortable, and
accessible sidewalks for people of all ages and abilities.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and
policy CC-P-1 Public Works
CC-P-9 Community Character &
Placemaking
Encourage pedestrian orientation in mixed-use development using
a variety of site planning and architectural strategies, such as
locating and orienting buildings to street frontages, plazas, or
pedestrian paseos; providing visual transparency through
fenestration; entries and arcades close to the street edge and
sidewalk; and/or incorporating porches, patios, or outdoor spaces
that overlook or interact with front yards or sidewalks.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and
policy CC-P-1 Public Works
CC-P-11 Community Character &
Placemaking
In residential and mixed-use areas, use traffic calming measures
such as pavers, bollards, sidewalk bulb-outs, and speed humps to
slow travel speeds.
NTMP and Other Traffic Calming Measures
In residential neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Traffic Management
Program (NTMP) continues to be an effective tool in providing a
procedure to implement traffic calming devices in neighborhoods
that experience speeding and cut-through traffic. The program’s goal
is to improve the livability of neighborhoods by empowering
residents with the right calming devices to modify driver behavior.
Staff completed NTMP on Castle Rock Road neighborhood and
continued working with Pantera Road neighborhood on which the
initial design of traffic calming measures has been completed. On
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
the new North Del Sol Lane NTMP traffic data was collected and
neighborhood meetings are being scheduled. Additionally, there has
been a neighborhood request for an NTMP on the Hawkwood Drive
area, where staff discussed neighborhood concerns and assigned
neighborhood captains for the program.
As part of the NTMP and the City’s continuous monitoring of the
traffic flow and safety city-wide, traffic calming and improvement
measures were installed or updated. As part of these efforts, in
August 2020, the City installed delineators on Grand Avenue in the
right turn pocket at Cleghorn Drive to protect the right turn and hinder
thru-traffic drivers from using that lane to continue along Grand
Avenue towards Diamond Bar Boulevard. This will prevent potential
accidents between westbound traffic and vehicles exiting (right turn)
from Cleghorn Drive and its associated communities to Grand
Avenue.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-22 and CR-P-23
and Community Health & Sustainability Policy CHS-P-29.
Policies - Building Massing and Design
CC-P-30 Community Character &
Placemaking
Ensure that infill residential development is designed to be sensitive
to the scale, character, and identity of adjacent existing
development.
All infill residential development requires review and approval by the
Planning Commission through a Development Review application
process to ensure that the project is designed to be sensitive to the
scale, character, and identity of adjacent existing development.
Community
Development
CC-P-34 Community Character &
Placemaking
Update the City of Diamond Bar Citywide Design Guidelines as
needed to reflect the design guidance articulated in the General
Plan.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-1
New City of Diamond Bar Transportation Study Guidelines for
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and Level of Service Assessment
Changes in state law have fundamentally redefined how project-
generated traffic impacts are measured under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Rather than evaluating how a
project affects motorists, CEQA now requires the impact of project-
generated traffic to be measured in terms of its contribution to
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The new metric used to assess
such impacts is “Vehicle Miles Traveled” (VMT), replacing “Level of
Service” (LOS) as the measure of transportation impacts in
environmental impact reports and other CEQA documents.
To establish new baselines and thresholds of significance to
evaluate VMT impacts the City Council, at its July 21, 2020 meeting
adopted Resolution No. 2020-30. Subsequently, the City’s Traffic
Impact Analysis Guidelines (TIA, Rev. 2009) was updated to reflect
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
the change to the project evaluation process. The City, with the
assistance of a consultant, completed a comprehensive update of
the City’s TIA. The new document “City of Diamond Bar
Transportation Study Guidelines for Vehicle Miles Traveled and
Level of Service Assessment” (TSG) will completely replace the TIA.
The TSG establishes the methodology for determining the baselines
from which VMT thresholds are measured.
Outside of the CEQA process, the City has the option to continue to
evaluate projects using the LOS metric, and may continue to assess
fair share fees for intersection and other roadway improvements,
and Diamond Bar will continue to do so per General Plan Goals and
Policies, and the new TSG.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter goals CR-G-1, CR-G-2, and CR-
G-6 through CR-G-8 and policies CR-P-2, CR-P-5 through CR-P-7,
CR-P-12, CR-P-13, CR-P-16, CR-P-30, and CR-P-54
NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED USE FOCUS AREA
Goals
CC-G-7 Community Character &
Placemaking
Create a well-designed, walkable, mixed-use neighborhood that
encourages community interaction, showcases the city’s identity,
and is integrated with residential uses to the east.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 Public Works
CC-G-10 Community Character &
Placemaking
Establish a visual gateway into the city at the north end of the focus
area. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 Public Works
COMMUNITY CORE FOCUS AREA
Policies
CC-P-64 Community Character &
Placemaking
Provide streetscape and intersection improvements along Golden
Springs Drive to enhance comfort and safety for all modes of travel
and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-1
2020 IFRA and TCEP Grant Application for the SR-57/60
Confluence Chokepoint Relief Program
The City of Diamond Bar along with Caltrans, the San Gabriel Valley
Council of Governments (SGVCOG), and the City of Industry,
actively participated in the preparation of the grant application FY
2020 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary
grant program for the SR-57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief
Program. No INFRA grant fund was for this project in 2020.
On August 3, 2020, the LA County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (Metro), in partnership with Caltrans, submitted a grant
application for the SR-57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief Program
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
Project to the California Transportation Commission, seeking $217.9
million in funding from the Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Trade Corridors
Enhancement Program (TCEP). The City of Diamond Bar actively
participated in the preparation of this application along with Caltrans,
the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), and the
City of Industry.
Key project components include the construction of an additional
travel lane on the northbound SR-57, construction of a new
eastbound SR-60 bypass off-ramp of Grand Avenue, reconstruction
of the south half of the Grand Avenue Interchange, and construction
of new eastbound on-ramps from Grand Avenue. This project has a
total cost of $420,200,000.
On December 3, 2020, the California Transportation Commission
awarded $217.9 million to Metro for the SR-57/60 Confluence
Project. LA County Measure M funds will be utilized to cover the
remainder of this project’s costs. Construction work on this project is
anticipated to start in 2022.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-26, CR-P-27, and
CR-P-29
3. Circulation
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
CIRCULATION
This Chapter is aimed at improving the transportation network within the City, balancing the circulation needs with safety and access across a variety of modes of t ransportation, including automobile travel,
public transit, non-motorized transportation and goods movement through a Complete Streets approach.
TRANSPORTATION NETWORK AND STREET DESIGN
Goals
CR-G-1 Circulation
Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by
reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for
other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements
that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that
reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce
single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-G-2 Circulation
Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role
of streets as corridors for movement but also reflects a Complete
Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
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access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all
ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and
complementary to adjacent land uses, including neighborhood
schools.
CR-G-6 Circulation
Track the use of future transportation options such as
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and
autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City requirements, such as
roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety
and access for all users and modes.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
Policies
CR-P-1 Circulation
When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by
incorporating elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe
pedestrian-friendly crossings/ intersections, lighting at the
pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes,
transit amenities, etc.
Bus Shelter Replacement at Diamond Bar Blvd & Temple Ave
In May 2020, the City installed two new bus shelters, benches, trash
bins, and solar panels for the northbound and southbound bus stops
at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue.
The new shelters, designed and installed by using grant funds
provided by the Foothill Transit Authority, were painted to match the
current decorative traffic signal poles as established by the City of
Diamond Bar’s Streetscape Standards.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter goal CR-G-13 and policies CR-
P-8 and CR-P-48
Public Works
CR-P-2 Circulation
Promote new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in
residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as
appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency
vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and
policy CC-P-34
Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP)
Federal regulations require each state to develop a Strategic
Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) to reduce traffic accident fatalities and
serious injuries on all public roadways. While the SHSP is used as a
statewide approach for improving roadway safety, a Local Road
Safety Plan (LRSP) is the means for providing City-owned roads with
the opportunity to address unique highway safety needs in their
jurisdictions while contributing to the SHSP. The City applied for and
was awarded a grant by Caltrans to develop an LRSP. In 2020, staff
started working with a traffic consultant firm to develop an LRSP for
the City. As part of the effort, virtual meetings were held with the
school districts, Sheriff’s Department, and Fire Department. The
City’s consultant has completed a collision data analysis and is
currently completing a countermeasures report, which incorporates
the feedback from all stakeholders to develop a proposed LRSP.
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Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-19, CR-P-26, CR-
P-45, and CR-P-65, and Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-35
CR-P-4 Circulation
Develop traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard
between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive in order to
provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian-friendly environment
along and through the Neighborhood Mixed Use and Town Center
Mixed Use areas.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 Public Works
CR-P-5 Circulation
Necessary transportation improvements should be in place, or
otherwise guaranteed to be installed in a timely manner, before or
concurrent with new development. In evaluating whether a
transportation improvement is necessary, consider alternatives to
the improvement consistent with CR-G-1, and the extent to which
the improvement will offset the traffic impacts generated by
proposed and expected development.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-P-6 Circulation
Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure
that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion
based on defined level of service (LOS) standards.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-P-7 Circulation
Support the development of City street design standards that:
a) Address the needs of different modes according to roadway
classification
b) Reduce the potential for conflicts and safety risks between
modes; and
c) Support and manage the use of transportation options that
will become increasingly popular in the future, such as TNCs,
AVs, micro-transit (privately operated transit), and other
emerging transportation technologies.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-P-8 Circulation
Plan for passenger pick-up/drop-off locations within both public
right-of-way and on private properties for AVs, TNCs, and micro-
transit to limit traffic disruptions and increase safety by identifying
and designating specific locations for pick-ups and drop-offs.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-1 Public Works
VEHICLE CIRCULATION
Goals
CR-G-7 Circulation
Ensure smooth traffic flows by maintaining or improving traffic levels
of service (LOS) that balance operational efficiency, technological
and economic feasibility, and safety.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-G-8 Circulation Encourage reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as part of a
strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
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Policies – Level of Service (LOS) Standards
CR-P-12 Circulation
Balance meeting LOS standards with the need to reduce VMT
through maintaining and supporting multi-modal connectivity such
as transit, bicycling, walking, and by encouraging infill development
with a pedestrian-friendly urban design character.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-P-13 Circulation
Maintain a standard of LOS D during peak hour conditions on all
streets in the City’s jurisdiction, with exceptions as noted below:
a) Brea Canyon Rd south of Diamond Bar Blvd (LOS F)
b) Brea Canyon Rd north of Diamond Bar Blvd (LOS E)
c) Grand Ave west of Country View Dr (LOS E)
d) Diamond Bar Blvd at SR-60 Eastbound Ramps (LOS F).
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-P-14 Circulation
Prioritize pedestrian movement and safety— through wider
sidewalks, more frequent pedestrian crossings, sidewalk bulbouts,
median pedestrian refuges etc.—rather than LOS in Community
Character Priority Areas, which are areas designated for higher
density mixed-use development in the General Plan.
See Section 4.4 for more detailed policies on bicycle and
pedestrian movement in mixed-use areas.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 Public Works
CR-P-16 Circulation
Allow exceptions to LOS standards upon findings by the City
Council that achieving the designated LOS would:
a) Be technologically or economically infeasible; or
b) Compromise the City’s ability to support other important
policy priorities, including but not limited to:
i. Promoting alternate modes of transportation;
ii. Ensuring pedestrian, bicycle and automobile safety,
comfort, and convenience;
iii. Reducing VMT and GHG emissions; and
iv. Preserving and enhancing character of the
community.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
CR-P-19 Circulation
Develop a prioritized program to implement measures to reduce
traffic collisions at collision hot spots. Continue to monitor collision
data for type, location, severity, and cause and update the collision
reduction program as needed.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-2 Public Works
Policies – Adaptive Traffic Control (ATCS) & Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS)
CR-P-20 Circulation
Implement measures such as additional signal timing and
synchronization, speed limit regulations, and ITS techniques to
increase safety and reduce congestion. Maintain a pavement
management system and maintenance program for all public
roadways throughout the City.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter Policy LU-P-14
Pavement Rehabilitation Projects
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Construction of the Residential Area 7 Road Maintenance Project
was completed in 2020. The project included pavement repair, curb
ramp replacements, and slurry seal.
The Diamond Bar Blvd Rehabilitation Project between Mountain
Laurel and Clear Creek Canyon was completed in March 2020.
Additionally, design and preparation of plans specifications were
completed for the pavement rehabilitation project on Diamond Bar
Boulevard where the previous phase of the project left off on
Mountain Laurel Way and ending at Pathfinder Road. The new
project consists of a 2” - 6” pavement grind/overlay and upgraded or
newly constructed ADA curb ramps where the existing ramps do not
meet current ADA standards. The bidding process for the
construction work is scheduled for early 2021.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-43
Traffic Signal Battery Backup Project
Battery backup units are a critical part of the City’s public safety
efforts as they allow traffic signals to fully operate for a short period
then operate on red flash for several hours in an emergency resulting
in a power outage. The City implemented a multi-year program to
install battery backup systems on the City’s 66 signalized
intersections. With the installation of the last 11 battery backup
systems, this program was completed in 2020.
Also applies to Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-21
CR-P-21 Circulation
On an ongoing basis, examine opportunities to avoid delay,
spillover, or cut-through traffic onto Diamond Bar’s roadways
through techniques such as adaptive traffic control systems along
major corridors and traffic calming measures along cut-through
routes that would reduce speeds and discourage drivers from
electing to drive on them. Consider financial and technological
feasibility and community priorities to determine whether and how
strategies should be implemented.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter Policy LU-P-14
and Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-20 Public Works
Policies – Safety
CR-P-22 Circulation
Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic on local and
collector residential streets and prioritize these measures over
congestion management where appropriate and feasible.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter Policy CC-P-11 Public Works
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CR-P-23 Circulation
Maintain the integrity of existing residential areas and discourage
cut-through traffic by retaining cul-de-sacs and implementing other
traffic calming measures that promote safe driving at speeds
appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood, particularly at
Prospectors Road, Chaparral Drive, Sunset Crossing Road,
Lycoming Street, and Washington Street.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter Policy CC-P-11 Public Works
Policies – Inter-Jurisdictional Coordination
CR-P-26 Circulation
As opportunities arise, coordinate with other jurisdictions, including
neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County,
and Caltrans, on improvements to street segments common to the
City of Diamond Bar and other jurisdictions.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-2 and Community Character &
Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-64
Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans for Traffic Detour During
SR-57 Pavement Rehabilitation
On August 24, 2020, Caltrans District 7 commenced a roadway
resurfacing and restoration project along the State Route 57 (SR-57)
freeway (the “Project”) for approximately 4.5 lane miles. The three-
year project will cover both northbound and southbound lanes along
SR-57 between the Orange County line towards Los Angeles
County, where SR-57 merges with State Route 60 near Grand
Avenue. Under California Streets and Highways Code Section 93,
Caltrans is authorized to construct and maintain detours as may be
necessary to facilitate the movement of traffic where state highways
are closed or obstructed by construction or otherwise. The City of
Diamond Bar roadways will be affected during Project-related traffic
detours. The Project estimates 16 extended weekend closure
detours (over 8 two-day weekends) for the duration of the project,
which will be scheduled to be implemented during the low traffic
hours. City staff and traffic consultants will be monitoring the traffic
flow and adjusting the City traffic signals timing as needed to ensure
a steady flow of traffic during the detours. The City and Caltrans
negotiated a Traffic Detour Cooperative Agreement; the City will be
reimbursed for the traffic monitoring and signal adjustment, as well
as additional Sheriff’s services, as applicable. Per the Agreement
and upon completion of the Project, Caltrans, at its costs, will restore
the City streets impacted by the detours to their original condition
before the detours. To achieve that goal, Caltrans, in coordination
with the City staff, will evaluate the condition of streets before and
after the Project.
Public Works
CR-P-27 Circulation
Encourage improvements to regional routes and arterial streets to
account for environmental, aesthetic, and noise concerns, as well
as to provide adequate buffers to adjacent land uses.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policies CC-P-1
and CC-P-64 Public Works
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
CR-P-29 Circulation Solicit State and Federal funds to improve area freeways and local
streets.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and
policy CC-P-64 Public Works
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION
Policies – Bicycle & Pedestrian Network
CR-P-30 Circulation
Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for
undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the
community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a
more detailed implementation strategy.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
Policies – Safety
CR-P-43 Circulation
When planning capital improvement programs, ensure that projects
incorporate measures that strengthen the protection of cyclists in
bike lanes by implementing improvements such as increasing
visibility of lane markings and signage, increasing bike lane widths,
raising lanes, designing safer intersection crossings and turns, and
buffering lanes from traffic wherever feasible, prioritizing bicycle
lanes along arterials.
See Circulation Chapter Policy CR-P-20 Public Works
CR-P-45 Circulation
Routinely review pedestrian and cyclist collision data for type,
location, severity, and cause, and develop strategies to prevent
these collisions.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-2 Public Works
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Goals
CR-G-13 Circulation Support the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of public
transit service. See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-1 Public Works
Policies
CR-P-48 Circulation
As opportunities arise, work with Foothill Transit to maintain and
improve bus stops and shelters, as well as identify areas where
service can be improved or expanded to increase system use.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-1 Public Works
PARKING
Policies
CR-P-54 Circulation Incorporate criteria in the Development Code to allow reductions in
parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works
GOODS MOVEMENT
Policies – Truck Routes
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CR-P-60 Circulation Use Figure 4-4: Goods Movement as the guide for designating truck
routes in the City. See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56 Public Works
CR-P-62 Circulation
Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and
freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential
neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing
software providers.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56 Public Works
CR-P-64 Circulation
Continue prohibiting trucks heavier than 5 tons from operating on
designated residential streets, except for emergency, maintenance,
residential moving trucks, and transit vehicles, to maintain
pavement integrity.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56 Public Works
CR-P-65 Circulation
Periodically review collision data for type, location, severity, and
cause. Develop countermeasures for sites with recurrent truck-
involved collisions.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-2 Public Works
4. Resource Conservation
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
A conservation element is required to provide guidance for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, including water quality and hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters,
harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and others as applicable to each jurisdiction. An open space element is intended to ensure that cities and counties recognize that open space land is a limited and valuable
resource, and that they prepare and carry out open space plans to guide the comprehensive long-range preservation and conservation of open space land. The Resource Conservation Chapter provides policies
to guide the City’s stewardship of its resources, ensuring the conservation and enhancement of open spaces, biological resources, water and air quality, and cultural resources.
OPEN SPACE
Goals
RC-G-1 Resource Conservation
Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will
preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important
biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and
the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure
public health and safety.
The City worked with an environmental consultant (Michael Baker
International) to complete a CEQA analysis for the proposed Canyon
Loop Trail renovation project. This review will guide the project while
respecting the condition of the existing environment.
Parks & Recreation
Policies
RC-P-6 Resource Conservation
Update, as appropriate, standards for planning, design,
management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks,
preserves, open space, and rights-of-way.
During project review, staff ensures that the plant palette is diverse,
Southern California native and drought-tolerant vegetation is utilized,
as well as compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping
Ordinance.
Community
Development
WATER RESOURCES
Goals
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
RC-G-7 Resource Conservation
Protect waterways—including creeks, riverines, artesian springs,
seeps, and wetlands—and watersheds in Diamond Bar from
pollution and degradation as a result of urban activities.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56
and Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-4 Public Works
RC-G-12 Resource Conservation Pursue methods to control, capture, and reuse stormwater runoff
for the purposes of groundwater recharge and local water recovery. See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-5 Public Works
Policies – Water Quality
RC-P-22 Resource Conservation
Protect and, where feasible, enhance or restore the City’s
waterways and drainages, preventing erosion along the banks,
removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and
buffers.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-6 Public Works
RC-P-23 Resource Conservation
Ensure that post-development peak stormwater runoff discharge
rates do not exceed the estimated predevelopment rate and that dry
weather runoff from new development not exceed the pre-
development baseline flow rate to receiving water bodies.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56 Public Works
AIR QUALITY
Policies
RC-P-24 Resource Conservation
Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality
through the following measures: a. Use of building materials and
methods that minimize air pollution. b. Use of fuel-efficient heating
equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming
pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler
units, and low or zero-emitting architectural coatings. c. Use of
clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air
Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local
funding sources.
• Building & Safety implements the California Green Building
Code (CALGreen). Whenever a building permit is issued for
construction, CALGreen requires the building inspector to
verify the reduction of dust and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). Dust control measures include watering of dirt on
projects that are moving earthwork and VOCs are limited in
quantity by requiring materials with certified lower VOCs be
used.
• Through the implementation of the California Energy Code
and CALGreen, more efficient equipment and reduced VOC’s
are required respectively. The CA Energy Code requires
highly efficient heating and cooling systems through requiring
high seasonal energy efficiency ratings and energy efficient
materials such as low-E (low emissivity) windows. The CA
Energy Code also requires high efficacy lighting, certified
cooktop hoods, and mostly instantaneous water heaters for
new construction. CALGreen requires low emitting
architectural coatings through limiting the VOC’s and
requiring certified listed low-emitting products including paints
and sealants.
• CALGreen requires clean air within buildings including
through requiring higher minimum efficiency reporting value
(MERV) filters and minimum outdoor air circulation. Higher
Community
Development
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filtration removes contaminants and outdoor air circulation
reduces carbon dioxide levels within structures.
RC-P-26 Resource Conservation
Ensure that new development projects are designed and
implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality
Management Plan.
Building & Safety follows various AQMD rules including requiring
AQMD proof of notification before some projects are demolished,
preventing wood burning fireplaces from being installed, and
requiring notification of AQMD for char-broilers.
Community
Development
RC-P-28 Resource Conservation
Cooperate with the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), SCAQMD, the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG), and the State of California Air
Resources Board in improving air quality in the regional air basin.
Building & Safety requires all construction projects to provide proper
mechanical ventilation systems per the California Mechanical Code.
The California Building Code would also limit the amount of
hazardous materials on a site which could lead to further Toxic Air
Contaminants. During construction, dust mitigation and erosion
control are required and enforced by the building inspector on any
construction project. The remainder of this work is conducted
through the Public Works Department.
Community
Development
RC-P-30 Resource Conservation
For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust,
odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors, require the
business owners to obtain all necessary SCAQMD clearances or
permits prior to business license or building permit issuance.
Sensitive receptors include residences, schools, childcare
centers, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities,
nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical care facilities.
The Public Works Department requires an erosion control plan to be
provided prior to permit issuance which would include sandbags
around the property and intermittent watering of a grading site. Prior
to any demolition, the Building & Safety Division requires that AQMD
to be notified before permits are issued.
Community
Development
Public Works
RC-P-33 Resource Conservation
Require construction and grading plans to include State and
AQMD-mandated measures to the maximum extent possible
fugitive dust and pollutants generated by construction activities and
those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling and
maintenance as well as mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions
from vehicle and equipment operations.
Public Works implements all dust control measures during grading
with assistance from Building & Safety during construction.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56
Community
Development
Public Works
CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
Policies – Tribal Cultural Resources
RC-P-46 Resource Conservation
Conduct project-specific Native American consultation early in the
development review process to ensure adequate data recovery and
mitigation for adverse impacts to significant Native American sites.
Ensure that City staff and local developers are aware of their
responsibilities to facilitate Native American consultation under
Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52.
On September 22, 2020, the City sent notification letters via certified
mail and email to the designated representatives of eight California
Native American tribes to identify tribal cultural resources in or near
the proposed 12.9-acre 11-lot residential subdivision project site
located between the southern terminus of Crooked Creek Drive and
the southern City limits and east of the SR-57 Freeway and Brea
Canyon Road.
Community
Development
5. Public Facilities and Services
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES
This Chapter sets forth the policy framework for the City to manage infrastructure and services, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that public utilities, services, and programs can meet the needs of the community
into the future.
PARKS & RECREATION
Goals
PF-G-1 Public Facilities &
Services
Maintain and expand the system of parks, recreation facilities, open
spaces, and trails that meet the active and passive recreational
needs of residents of all ages and abilities.
The Parks and Recreation Department, along with Public Works
Department, contracted renovations for an existing tennis court at
Maple Hills Park to create four Pickleball courts for this ever-
increasing sport. These courts are used daily by over a dozen
participants and provide a healthy alternative for those who may not
be able to play tennis.
Parks & Recreation
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-6 Public Works
Policies – General
PF-P-3 Public Facilities &
Services
Identify and pursue funding and financial resources to acquire land
for parks and to continue providing high quality maintenance of
parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-6 Public Works
PF-P-5 Public Facilities &
Services
Continue cooperative efforts with the Walnut Valley and Pomona
Unified School Districts through joint use agreements for park and
recreational facilities.
The City Council adopted a revised Joint Use Agreement with the
Walnut Valley Unified School District in November that provides
updates, clearer language, and relevant improvements to the
original document created in 1994. This document serves primarily
as an agreement for the City to utilize space on school district
property for programs, services, and activities.
Parks & Recreation
Policies – Parks & Recreation Facilities
PF-P-12 Public Facilities &
Services
Routinely review existing funding mechanisms and seek new
funding opportunities to support additional parks and recreation
facilities and programs, such as State and federal grants, Park
Bonds and property tax assessments, Community Facility Districts,
and Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-6 Public Works
PF-P-17 Public Facilities &
Services
Address the recreational needs of all children and adults, including
persons with disabilities, seniors, and dependent adults, be
addressed in recreational facility planning efforts.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, City staff revised the Athletic
Facility Use and Allocation Policy to implement LA County
Health Department guidance which ensures the health and
safety requirements for the local non-profit youth sports
organizations (i.e., AYSO or Diamond Bar Girls Softball)
wishing to utilize City parks for league training and exercise.
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This guidance is unique to each organization and allowed
young athletes to return to a semblance of youth sports
programming.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City partnered with other
non-profit organizations to provide several hundred seniors
with lunches and senior resource bags in order to share much
needed supplies, support, and information for those who tend
to not have internet access or local family to assist.
UTILITIES
Goals
PF-G-6 Public Facilities &
Services
Ensure that public facilities and services, including water,
wastewater, sewage, electricity, natural gas, and solid waste, are
provided in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to meet the current
and future needs of the city.
Sewer Pump Stations Refurbishment
A wastewater system master plan was prepared in 2019. In 2020,
the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works hired a
consultant to design two of the pump stations that were assigned the
highest priority for refurbishment in the master plan. The City is
involved in the process to facilitate the progress and implementation
of the design.
Also applies to Public Facilities & Services Chapter policies PF-P-37
and PF-P-38
Public Works
Policies – Water & Wastewater
PF-P-37 Public Facilities &
Services
As opportunities arise, work with the Los Angeles County Public
Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation
District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance
systems and treatment facility capacity is available to serve planned
development within Diamond Bar.
See Public Facilities & Services Chapter goal PF-G-6 Public Works
PF-P-38 Public Facilities &
Services
Continue to monitor and assess wastewater and sewer system
operations to identify and subsequently address system
deficiencies.
See Public Facilities & Services Chapter goal PF-G-6 Public Works
6. Public Safety
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
The purpose of this Chapter is to identify the natural and man-made public health and safety hazards that exist within the City, and to establish preventative and responsive policies and programs to m itigate
their potential impacts, particularly in light of our unique environmental, seismic, and topographic conditions. This Chapter also addresses the excellent public safety services provided by the L.A. County Sheriff’s
and Fire Departments, and endorses the continuation of the contract model of government for the continuation of these services. Lastly, the Public Safety Chapter addresses noise and serves to limit the exposure
of the community to excessive noise levels. The Goals and Policies emphasize partnerships with local, regional and State agencies to ensure the City’s readiness for public safety threats through action plans
and educational efforts.
SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Goals
PS-G-1 Public Safety
Partner with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments
in community education efforts aimed at preventing potential loss of
life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and
nuisances from seismic ground shaking and other geologic hazards
such as landslides and mudslides.
With the third consecutive year of declining crime rates, the City and
its public safety partners continue outreach efforts to residents on
safety, including earthquake, fire, emergency preparedness topics,
and most importantly the COVID-19 pandemic. The City’s public
safety partners work in coordination with the City’s Public
Information Division to communicate time sensitive information to
residents through the City’s website, as well as the Neighborhood
Watch Program. The City also distributes outreach materials via
print and electronic media that focuses on public safety and
emergency preparedness related topics, such as earthquake
preparedness, as well as important and timely public health orders
and social distancing guidelines.
Also applies to Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-5 and goal PS-G-
5
City Manager’s Office
Policies
PS-P-3 Public Safety
Periodically update the grading standards to supplement the State
and local building and construction safety codes with detailed
information regarding rules, interpretations, standard specifications,
procedures requirements, forms, and other information applicable
to control excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, and
provide guidelines for preparation of geotechnical reports in the city.
See Land Use & Economic Development Chapter policy LU-P-56 Public Works
PS-P-4 Public Safety
Carry out a review of City-owned critical facilities that may be
vulnerable to major earthquakes and landslides and develop
programs to upgrade them.
Diamond Bar Center Slope Stabilization Project
The City became aware of concrete separations along the northern
side of the Diamond Bar Center. A decision was made to take
preventative measures to ensure long-lasting slope stability and
prevent any potential risk to the facility. Therefore in 2020, the City
conducted a geotechnical investigation and sampled the soil
conditions of the northern slope at the facility. All geotechnical
characterization and lab analysis of the subsurface soil conditions
were complete. This data was utilized to prepare a formal soils
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report, in preparation for the development of design plans, and
project specifications. The preliminary design of a slope stabilization
engineering solution was completed in late 2020. The design work is
expected to be complete in 2021.
Also applies to Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-6
PS-P-5 Public Safety
Develop a City-based public awareness/ earthquake preparedness
program to educate the public about seismic hazards and what to
do in the event of an earthquake.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-1 City Manager’s Office
PS-P-6 Public Safety
Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks
on public property and in conjunction with new private development
through hillside protection and management.
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-6 Public Works
FLOOD HAZARDS AND PROTECTION
Goals
PS-G-2 Public Safety
Implement measures aimed at preventing the potential for loss of
life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and
nuisances from the effects of a 100- year storm and associated
flooding.
The City is moving forward with updating its Natural Hazard
Mitigation Plan (Plan) with the assistance of a Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) grant. The Plan will include an all-
hazards summary of potential risks to the City from earthquakes,
fires, floods, severe storms, and other natural disasters. The Plan
will provide information to assist the City in planning for 100-year
floods, significant earthquakes, all with the ultimate goal of
minimizing the loss of life and damage to property. The Plan, in
concert with the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), can
eventually be used to support resilient planning, mitigation,
reconstruction strategies, and response efforts to climate conditions
and incidents impacting the community.
Also applies to Public Safety Chapter goals PS-G-3 and PS-G-8 and
policies PS-P-7, PS-P-38, PS-P-39, and PS-P-44
City Manager’s Office
Policies
PS-P-7 Public Safety
Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as
needed to ensure that the City’s floodplain information is up to date
with the latest available hydrologic and hydraulic engineering data.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office
FIRE HAZARDS
Goals
PS-G-3 Public Safety Partner with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and affiliated
agencies to implement hazard mitigation plans and community See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office
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education efforts aimed at preventing the potential for loss of life,
physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and
nuisances from wildland and urban fires.
Policies – General
PS-P-14 Public Safety
Educate the public about fire hazards and fire prevention. Work with
the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and CAL FIRE to
disseminate information on fire weather watches and fire risks and
encourage all Diamond Bar residents to engage in risk reduction
and fire preparedness activities.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department maintains
information on family fire preparedness plans and risk
reduction measures such as vegetation management.
The City continues to expand upon public education and outreach
efforts to educate residents, including the COVID-19 pandemic, fire
and weather-related hazards, through a variety of platforms such as
City’s website, monthly DBConnection newsletter, public
presentations, and informational videos. The information, in
collaboration with City and Public Safety partners with Los Angeles
County Sheriff and Fire Departments, is aimed at improving public
safety preparedness efforts, increase resident awareness, and
ensure compliance with State and County Public Health Orders.
Also applies to Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-9 and policies PS-
P-18 and PS-P-42
City Manager’s Office
PS-P-18 Public Safety
Work cooperatively with the County of Los Angeles Fire
Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring
jurisdictions to address regional wildfire threats.
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-14 City Manager’s Office
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND OPERATIONS
Goals
PS-G-4 Public Safety
Support the enforcement of applicable local, County, State, and
federal regulations pertaining to the manufacture, use,
transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and
wastes in the City with the primary focus on preventing injury, loss
of life, and damage to property resulting from the potential
detrimental effects (short- and long-term) associated with the
release of such substances.
NPDES Business Inspections
Per the State Water Board’s NPDES MS4 permit, the City of
Diamond Bar is required to perform stormwater inspections every 5
years for certain commercial/industrial facilities identified in the
permit. Diamond Bar has roughly 200 applicable facilities which
include restaurants, auto repair shops, and retail gasoline outlets,
among others. The City prepared all required information and
coordinated with a consultant, who performed these inspections on
the City’s behalf. The inspector will visit each business in person,
educate the business owners on permit requirements, and perform
inspections identifying any NPDES compliance issues. The first
round of inspections for about 100 businesses will be done between
January – March 2021.
Also applies to Resource Conservation Chapter goal RC-G-7
Public Works
Policies
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
PS-P-28 Public Safety
Promote public awareness and participation in household
hazardous waste management, solid waste, and recycling
programs.
For additional policies related to household hazardous waste
management, solid waste, and recycling programs, see
Chapter 8: Community Health and Sustainability Chapter.
The City’s contracted residential and commercial waste haulers
continue to offer comprehensive waste collection and curbside
recycling services citywide. Curbside recycling services include
collection of green waste; bulky items; and household hazardous
waste, including electronic waste, used oil, paint products, batteries,
garden chemicals, household chemicals and hypodermic needles.
The City also works with Los Angeles County Public Works to
provide a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event in the City
once a year in February. The HHW event takes most forms of
electronic and hazardous waste including paint, batteries, and other
toxic materials that are recycled and do not enter the waste stream.
The City promotes the Los Angeles County Public Works HHW
events throughout the year in addition to promoting the County’s
hotline 1-888-CLEAN LA and their dedicated website.
City Manager’s Office
SHERIFF, FIRE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Goals
PS-G-5 Public Safety
Maintain safety services that are responsive to citizens’ needs to
ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in
the community.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-1 City Manager’s Office
PS-G-6 Public Safety
Support community-based policing partnerships to enhance public
awareness of crime prevention and strengthen the relationship
between the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and
neighborhoods throughout the city.
The City continued to offer its popular “Let’s Talk Public Safety”
outreach efforts geared to educating and informing residents about
emergency preparedness, fire safety, and crime prevention in early
2019. This is a collaboration between the City, the Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County Fire
Department, and is an extension of the existing Neighborhood
Watch and Business Watch programs. The program also includes
monthly “Coffee with a Cop” meetings with law enforcement, safety
blogs and information tips. However, this program ceased physical
meetings during the pandemic, with the goal to bring back once
public health guidelines allow for in-person meetings.
Also applies to Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-30
City Manager’s Office
PS-G-7 Public Safety Provide effective emergency preparedness and response
programs. See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-37 City Manager’s Office
Policies
PS-P-30 Public Safety
Continue to promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and
business watch programs to encourage community participation in
the patrol of neighborhoods.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-6 City Manager’s Office
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PS-P-35 Public Safety
Work cooperatively with the Los Angeles County Fire Department,
CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions
to ensure that all portions of the Planning Area are served and
accessible within an effective response time.
See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-2 Public Works
PS-P-37 Public Safety
Maintain area-wide mutual aid agreements and communication
links with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating
jurisdictions.
The City continues to expand upon its emergency preparedness and
response capabilities and staff training through live and simulated
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and exercises. In
combination with frequent testing and exercises, the dedicated EOC
provides the City with added flexibility to coordinate and respond to
emergencies, provide redundant communications to public safety
agencies, and enable added communications to residents. City Hall
also has a backup power generator to ensure critical systems are
operational in the event of a prolonged emergency outage, with
redundant communications capabilities including the Sheriff’s
Department and County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the City EOC
has been activated virtually to monitor impacts to the City and
coordinate response efforts with County Office OEM.
Also applies to Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-7 and policies PS-
P-40, PS-P-41, and PS-P-43
City Manager’s Office
EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Goals
PS-G-8 Public Safety
Use the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations
Plan to address mitigation and response for local hazards, including
seismic hazards, flood hazards, fire hazards, hazardous materials
incidents, and hazardous sites, and to plan for the protection of
critical facilities (i.e., schools, hospitals), disaster and emergency
response preparedness and recovery, evacuation routes, peak load
water supply requirements, and minimum road width and clearance
around structures.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office
PS-G-9 Public Safety
Conduct emergency and disaster management planning in a
collaborative manner with State and local agencies and neighboring
jurisdictions, while striving for self-sufficiency in City-level
emergency response.
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-14 City Manager’s Office
Policies
PS-P-38 Public Safety Maintain, review, and update Diamond Bar’s Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan as needed to take into account new hazard See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
conditions in the Planning Area and new emergency management
techniques.
PS-P-39 Public Safety
Adopt, implement and update as necessary the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan to develop strategies to address changing risks from
flood, drought, fire, landslides, seismic activity, hazardous
materials, and other potential hazards, including strategies related
to monitoring, emergency preparedness, development policies,
conservation, vulnerable populations, and community resilience.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office
PS-P-40 Public Safety
Continue to coordinate the City’s emergency preparedness and
response plans and operations with the State Office of Emergency
Management, Los Angeles County, schools, and other neighboring
jurisdictions.
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-37 City Manager’s Office
PS-P-41 Public Safety
Maintain and expand as necessary community emergency
preparedness resources including personnel, equipment, material,
specialized medical and other training, and auxiliary
communications.
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-37 City Manager’s Office
PS-P-42 Public Safety
Continue to disseminate public information and alerts regarding the
nature and extent of possible natural and manmade hazards,
resources identifying measures residents and businesses can take
to prepare for and minimize damage resulting from these hazards,
citywide response plans, and evacuation routes.
• The City and its public safety partners continue outreach
efforts on safety topics, including earthquakes, wild fires,
weather-related impacts, and emergency preparedness.
Information and education resources are made available to
residents and businesses through a variety of print and
electronic platforms, including the City’s monthly newsletter-
Diamond Bar Connection and City website.
• The City continues to promote registration for its emergency
alert system for residents and businesses to receive time-
sensitive notices by email, text or voicemail regarding
emergency situations, such as evacuations or roadway
closures.
• In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), a
dedicated resource hub was created on the City web to
provide COVID-19 prevention and education, information
regarding temporary changes to City operations, virtual
programs and meetings, business sector closures and
regulations and the City’s Business Recovery Program.
Additionally, information was distributed to residents and
businesses via print, electronic notices and signage posted at
City facilities.
Public Information
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-14 City Manager’s Office
PS-P-43 Public Safety
Require all City staff to be adequately trained to respond to
emergency situations, and conduct regular emergency
preparedness drills with local organizations including the Los
Angeles County fire and Sheriff’s departments.
See Public Safety Chapter policy PS-P-37 City Manager’s Office
PS-P-44 Public Safety
Leverage pre- and post-disaster assistance programs to support
resilient planning, mitigation, and reconstruction strategies that
consider future climate conditions, such as the California
Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program and California Disaster Assistance Act.
See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office
NOISE
Policies
PS-P-51 Public Safety
Coordinate with the Union Pacific Railroad and other agencies and
private entities to consider the implementation of a railroad quiet
zone and other methods of reducing railroad noise impacts on
surrounding noise-sensitive uses along the Union Pacific Railroad
line adjacent to the city.
Lemon Ave Railroad Quiet Zone
The City has been working with the City of Industry and Union Pacific
Railroad (UPRR) to establish a quiet zone on Lemon Ave and the
railroad intersection area. In a quiet zone, railroads have been
directed to cease the routine sounding of their horns when
approaching public highway-rail grade crossings. An agreement
with UPRR was developed and is anticipated to be signed in 2021
for the design and construction of the quiet zone establishment pre-
requisites. The City of Industry will be the lead agency on this
project.
Public Works
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7. Community Health & Sustainability
POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY
The Goals and Policies in this Chapter identify strategies to facilitate healthy and active lifestyles, social connections and celebrating diversity, access to healthy food, and climate change resilience. Many of
these strategies could be incorporated into existing or future City programs and Development Code standards.
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
Policies
CHS-P-2 Community Health &
Sustainability
As resources become available and appropriated through the
municipal budget process, improve signs directing residents and
visitors to public parks and recreational facilities from all parts of the
community. Integrate parks and recreation signage with bikeway
and pedestrian-oriented signage systems throughout Diamond Bar.
The Parks and Recreation Department implemented the Healthy DB
program which encourages residents to participate and complete in
monthly healthy challenges. This program encourages residents to
utilize City parks or their own homes to discover new opportunities
that promote well-rounded health and a sense of comradery.
Parks & Recreation
CHS-P-3 Community Health &
Sustainability
Promote physical activity and active transportation programs
through events sponsored by the City, particularly the Parks &
Recreation Department.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City created a virtual recreation
webpage to encourage social distancing while continuing to actively
participate in Parks and Recreation programs, events, and services.
These events included exercise classes, cooking demonstrations,
and Tiny Tot educational experiences to name a few.
Parks & Recreation
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Policies
CHS-P-7 Community Health &
Sustainability
Continue to support and promote citywide events that integrate
families, schools, and the greater community.
Although many events in 2020 were virtual, the Parks and
Recreation Department continued to provide community-wide
special events such as Forts for the Fourth, pumpkin carving
contests, and holiday decoration contests. These events created a
sense of community pride and well-being during the pandemic.
Parks & Recreation
PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Policies
CHS-P-29 Community Health &
Sustainability
Incorporate noise mitigation measures, which could include buffers,
noise barriers, or natural open space, and vegetation, between new
sensitive uses such as residential units and schools, and major
noise polluters such as SR-57 and SR-60, the Metrolink Riverside
rail line, and heavy industry.
See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter Policy CC-P-11 Public Works
CHS-P-30 Community Health &
Sustainability
Support a better informed and civically engaged community by
making information available both in print and electronic format,
and, to the extent possible, provide this information in the
languages predominantly spoken in the community.
• The City continues to use a variety of print, electronic and
online communication tools to provide information about local
and regional programs and services that may affect resident
quality of life. The City distributes information to residents via
the City website, electronic newsletters, social media
Public Information
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
platforms, the City’s printed monthly newsletter (Diamond Bar
Connection), and virtual or in-person presentations.
• The City continues to identify sectors of the community that
are not being reached via electronic communication methods
as they do not utilize the internet or social media platforms
and prefer traditional print media, specifically our older adult
population. To address this as part of the Coronavirus
Pandemic (COVID-19) outreach, resource information was
translated into multiple languages and mailed out in a
postcard format to these households. In addition, a Senior
Resource phone line was established to provide recorded
information identifying food and medical resources aimed at
the City’s older adult population.
• In response to COVID-19 safety guidelines restricting in-
person gatherings, the City has transitioned all City Council
and Commission meetings to a teleconference format to
ensure public participation.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES
Goals
CHS-G-14 Community Health &
Sustainability
Encourage waste reduction and diversion practices to meet State
targets and reduce GHG emissions.
The City is compliant with Assembly Bill 1594, which regulates
diversion credits associated with the use of Green Waste as
Alternative Daily Cover beginning January 1, 2020. Alternative Daily
Cover (ADC) means cover material other than earthen material
placed on the surface of the active face of a municipal solid waste
landfill at the end of each operating day to control vectors, fires,
odors, blowing litter, and scavenging. The City’s residential and
commercial waste haulers had zero green waste reported as ADC in
2019. The Green Waste collected from residents and businesses is
processed for composting materials and diverted from the landfills.
City Manager’s Office
Policies – Energy Efficiency & Conservation
CHS-P-39 Community Health &
Sustainability
Support Southern California Edison (SCE) and Southern California
Gas Company's (SoCalGas) efforts to increase public awareness
of energy conservation technology and best practices.
The City has partnered with the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments (SGVCOG) and the Southern California Regional
Energy Network (SoCalREN) to increase public awareness of
energy conservation technologies and best practices from Southern
California Edison and the Gas Company. Information is distributed
through the City’s Envirolink newsletter, as well as direct
communication from partner agencies and utility providers.
City Manager’s Office
CHS-P-44 Community Health &
Sustainability
Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings
through the implementation of the Green Building Codes.
The Building & Safety Division implements CALGreen by requiring
all construction projects to meet State requirements. This is done
Community
Development
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
through requiring all waste hauling to be by the City’s franchise
hauler or to a recycling facility, requiring low emitting vehicle parking
for new commercial projects, limiting VOCs, inspecting erosion
control, and requiring lowering water usage in plumbing.
Policies – Waste Reduction & Recycling
CHS-P-46 Community Health &
Sustainability
In order to achieve compliance with the source reduction goals set
forth under Assembly Bill (AB) 939 amendments thereto,
incorporate solid waste diversion goal performance standards into
the contracts with the City’s franchise waste haulers, and enforce
the City’s Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance.
The City made significant tonnage improvements to meet the State
Recycling mandates, including AB1826, aimed at diverting organic
food waste from the landfills. The City will continue outreach efforts
to ensure large generators including Diamond Bar schools and large
grocery stores are in compliance with State recycling laws. The City
will continue to build on the successful implementation of food waste
diversion programs, with targeted outreach by providing technical
assistance for businesses wishing to start a food recycling, recovery,
or donation program. Eventually, the program will be expanded to
include residential accounts as directed by CalRecycle and in
compliance with future State laws.
Also applies to Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy
CHS-P-50
City Manager’s Office
CHS-P-47 Community Health &
Sustainability
Reduce the disposal of household hazardous wastes in landfills
through continued cooperation with waste pick-up service
providers, the County Sanitation Districts, and the Los Angeles
County Department of Public Works in the provision of curbside
pick-up and annual household waste round up events.
The City’s contracted residential and commercial waste haulers
continue to offer comprehensive waste collection and curbside
recycling services citywide. Curbside recycling services include
collection of green waste; bulky items; and household hazardous
waste, including electronic waste, used oil, paint products, batteries,
garden chemicals, household chemicals and hypodermic needles.
The City also works with Los Angeles County Public Works to
provide a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event in the City
once a year in February. The HHW event takes most forms of
electronic and hazardous waste including paint, batteries, and other
toxic materials that are recycled and do not enter the waste stream.
The City promotes the Los Angeles County Public Works HHW
events throughout the year in addition to promoting the County’s
hotline 1-888-CLEAN LA and their dedicated website.
Also applies to Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy
CHS-P-48
City Manager’s Office
CHS-P-48 Community Health &
Sustainability
Continue to promote the safe disposal of household hazardous
waste through public education and incentives.
See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-47
The City’s contracted residential and commercial waste haulers
continue to offer comprehensive waste collection and curbside
City Manager’s Office
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
recycling services citywide. Curbside recycling services include
collection of green waste; bulky items; and household hazardous
waste, including electronic waste, used oil, paint products, batteries,
garden chemicals, household chemicals and hypodermic needles.
Information on these programs is distributed by the haulers, as well
as City resources including website, social media, mail and email
distribution.
Also applies to Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy
CHS-P-52
CHS-P-50 Community Health &
Sustainability
Encourage generators of edible food to have contracts or
agreements with food rescue organizations to minimize edible food
from being disposed of or destroyed.
See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-46 City Manager’s Office
CHS-P-52 Community Health &
Sustainability
Collaborate with the City’s contract waste haulers to educate and
encourage residents and businesses about waste reduction
strategies.
See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-48 City Manager’s Office
Policies – Climate Change Resiliency
CHS-P-57 Community Health &
Sustainability
Encourage water conservation, drought-tolerant landscaping and
the use of greywater and reclaimed and recycled water, where
appropriate, with a view to reducing water use.
During project review, staff ensures that the plant palette is drought-
tolerant vegetation to minimize irrigation and reduce the area of turf
and sod ground cover planting.
Community
Development
8. Housing – 2013-2021 Housing Element Program Evaluation
PROGRAM # OBJECTIVES STATUS
HOUSING
The Housing Element, which has been certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), identifies and makes provisions for existing and future housing needs. While most of these
enabling policies require the participation of the private sector, the City also actively participates in implementation by budgeting a portion of its annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation to fund the
City’s Home Improvement Program (HIP). The HIP provides zero-interest deferred loans of up to $20,000 to eligible low-income households to perform essential home repairs and improvements. Low-income households
are also eligible to participate in the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission’s CDBG-funded Home Ownership Program (HOP) for first-time homebuyer assistance.
The City filed the Housing Element Annual Progress (APR) with HCD and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) on March 26, 2021, which outlined progress on the implementation of the adopted 2013-2021 Housing
Element. The table below summarizes the 2013-2021 Housing Element housing programs offered through the Community Development Department along with program objectives, accomplishments, and implementation
status.
1. Residential Neighborhood Improvement
Program
Proactive program conducts neighborhood inspections on a regular basis
throughout the entire city/focused code enforcement linked with rehabilitation
assistance to correct code violations.
The City continues to operate the code enforcement program. This program is
successful and is being continued.
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PROGRAM # OBJECTIVES STATUS
2. Home Improvement Program
Improve neighborhoods evidencing deferred maintenance through property
maintenance and rehab. Provide minor repair and rehabilitation to 10 units
annually.
The HIP is continued at available funding levels.
Five (5) building permits for new single-family residences totaling 49,645 sq. ft.
and twenty-four (24) building permits for residential additions totaling 14,005 sq.
ft. were issued in 2020.
3. Single-Family Rehabilitation Program Provide ongoing advertisement of loans available through the County for
qualified homeowners. The program has been merged with Program 2 (HIP).
4. Section 8 Rental Assistance Program Direct eligible households to the County Section 8 program. The City continues to coordinate with the County on the Section 8 program. The
program is being continued.
5. Preservation of Assisted Housing Preserve 100 percent of the 149 low- and moderate-income units in The
Seasons Apartments.
The Seasons Senior Apartments continued its affordability covenant throughout
the planning period. This program will be continued.
6. Mobile Home Park Preservation
Support preservation of City's two mobile home parks as important affordable
housing resources. Maintain residential zoning, and enforce State closure
requirements as necessary.
Zoning for mobile home parks is being continued. No proposals to close the
parks were submitted. The program is being continued.
7. First-time Homebuyer Assistance
Programs
Advertise County's Home Ownership Program (HOP) and Mortgage Credit
Certificate (MCC) and provide information to interested homebuyers. In addition,
the City will work with realtors to make them aware of these programs.
Continue to provide information on this County program. The program is being
continued.
8. Senior and Workforce Housing
Development
Identify and evaluate sites suitable for new senior and workforce housing. The
City will post information on the City website during the first year of the planning
period regarding the City's interest in assisting in the development of senior and
workforce housing, provide information on available regulatory and financial
incentives, and assist developers in applying for funds. The City will also contact
local colleges and universities annually to identify potential partnership
opportunities for affordable housing.
This program is being continued.
9. Land Use Element and Zoning Maintain adequate sites commensurate with the Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA).
The City has maintained adequate sites for housing development at all income
levels and ensure compliance with No Net Loss requirements. This program is
being continued.
10. Mixed Use Development
The City will prepare a handout and marketing materials encouraging mixed use
development where appropriate and make it available to interested developers
during the first year of the planning period. A review of potential areas that may
be appropriate for mixed-use development will be initiated by 2015 as part of a
comprehensive General Plan update.
In December 2019, the City adopted the Comprehensive General Plan Update
that created community visions and blueprint for growth and development in the
City through 2040. This program is being continued.
11. Second Units
Continue to encourage construction of accessory dwelling units pursuant to the
provisions of its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance, and make an
informational handout available for distribution at the public counter.
On May 2, 2017, the City approved an amendment to the municipal code
pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to satisfy all of the requirements
of Government Code Sections 65852.150-65852.2.
The City is in the process of amending the municipal code section pertaining to
ADUs consistent with current ADU law per AB 3182 (2020) and SB 13, AB 68,
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PROGRAM # OBJECTIVES STATUS
AB 881, AB 587, AB 670, and AB 671 (2019). The City has been processing
new ADUs in accordance with the new State laws and continues to encourage
ADUs. This program is being continued.
Seven (7) building permits for ADUs totaling 3,976 sq. ft. were issued in 2020.
12. Emergency Shelters and Transitional/
Supportive Housing
Continue to facilitate emergency shelters and transitional/supportive housing,
and continue participating in the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
(SGVCOG) homeless study to address homelessness.
This program is being continued.
13. Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites Encourage interested property owners to pursue redevelopment of underutilized
properties though the provision of incentives and concessions.
The City has continued to encourage the redevelopment of underutilized sites.
This program is being continued.
14. Affordable Housing Incentives/ Density
Bonus
Encourage the production of affordable housing through the use of density
bonus, and provide a handout summarizing the benefits and requirements of
affordable housing incentives/density bonus provisions.
This program is being continued.
15. Efficient Project Processing Continue to offer streamlined development processing, and periodically review
departmental processing procedures to ensure efficient project processing.
The City continues to offer efficient permit processing. This program is being
continued.
16. Fair Housing Program
Continue to promote fair housing practices, provide educational information on
fair housing to the public, and cooperate with the Greater Los Angeles
Apartment Association in providing fair housing information to landlords and at
libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, and Social Security and
employment offices. Continue to refer fair housing complaints to the San Gabriel
Valley and Long Beach Fair Housing Foundation, and maintain an open
dialogue with the Foundation regarding the nature of complaints received.
This program is being continued.
17. Reasonable Accommodation for
Persons with Disabilities
Continue to implement reasonable accommodation procedures for persons with
disabilities in compliance with SB 520. This program is being continued.
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Climate Action Plan
CAP POLICIES AND ACTIONS IMPLEMENTATION GENERAL PLAN GOALS & POLICIES
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (“CAP”)
A Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive inventory of specific activities a public agency should undertake to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions that originate within its jurisdiction. The City of Diamond Bar
adopted a Climate Action Plan concurrently with the General Plan Update to document how it will be able to reduce its GHG emissions in compliance with State mandates and goals to the year 2040, which is the horizon
year for the General Plan Update. The table below lists the General Plan Update goals and policies that have been implemented to reduce GHG emissions, quantifies emissions reductions, and explains how these
policies and actions will be implemented and organized according to the following categories: 1. Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity; 2. Bikeway System Improvements; 3. Traffic Calming; 4. Electric
Vehicle Infrastructure; 5. Parking Facilities and Policies; and 6. Transportation Improvements.
1. Pedestrian Improvements and
Increased Connectivity
The General Plan Update includes policies that create more walkable, livable neighborhoods by expanding the multi-
modal transportation system and creating a safe, pedestrian-oriented environment. Providing an improved pedestrian
network and increasing connectivity encourages people to walk more and results in people driving less, causing a
reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
LU-P-9: See status above.
LU-P-14: See status above.
CC-G-5: See status above.
CC-P-4: See status above.
CC-P-7: See status above.
CC-P-9: See status above.
CC-P-64: See status above.
2. Bikeway System Improvements
The General Plan Update provides strategies for maximizing multi-modal accessibility to and connectivity within mixed
use areas, including the Metrolink Station and new Town Center. With the total bicycle improvements listed in the General
Plan Update, there would be approximately 2.4 miles of bike lanes per square mile. Diamond Bar currently has
approximately 2,840 people per square miles. This corresponds to a 0.06 percent reduction in VMT emissions.
LU-P-14: See status above.
CC-G-5: See status above.
CC-P-7: See status above.
CR-G-2: See status above.
CR-P-30: See status above.
CR-P-43: See status above.
3. Traffic Calming
A 0.25 percent reduction in VMT was assumed to occur from the traffic calming improvements to make streets safer and
more comfortable for pedestrian travel. Traffic calming devices include roundabouts, corner bulb-outs, speed cushions,
surface textures, raised pavement, road narrowing, and other devices that encourage people to drive more slowly or to
walk or bike instead of using a vehicle, especially for short trips in and around residential neighborhoods.
CR-P-4: See status above.
CR-P-21: See status above.
CR-P-22: See status above.
CR-P-23: See status above.
4. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
A 0.05 percent reduction in VMT was assumed to occur from installation of electric vehicle infrastructure, which will
encourage Diamond Bar residents, businesses, and the City vehicle fleet to switch to clean fuel and electric vehicles in
order to reduce energy use and cost and transportation related GHG emissions.
N/A
5. Parking Facilities and Policies
Parking policies reflect both the necessity of providing for adequate and appropriately located vehicle and bicycle parking
in existing and new development, and priorities related to safety, urban design, and transportation management. Reduced
parking standards and other policies reducing parking availability have an estimated 5 to 12.5 percent VMT reduction.
Conservatively assuming the effect of General Plan parking reduction strategies would result in the lower end of VMT
reduction, the cumulative reduction from implementations would result in a 5 percent VMT reduction.
N/A
6. Transportation Improvements
Transit service can provide an alternative to automobile travel and is a critical mode of transportation for those who cannot
drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The General Plan policies support Metrolink ridership by improving bus, bicycle,
and pedestrian connections to the station and by introducing Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use development around the station.
Conservatively assuming the combined effect of these strategies, summing the low end of the VMT reduction ranges
gives a 0.62 percent reduction in VMT emissions.
CR-G-13: See status above.
CR-P-48: See status above.
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Agenda #: 4.6
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTANT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH LANCE, SOLL & LUNGHARD, LLP CPA'S FOR
AUDIT SERVICES THROUGH THE COMPLETION AND AUDIT OF
THE FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30,
2025.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve, and authorize the Mayor to sign, the Second Amendment to the Consultant
Services Agreement with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP CPA's for auditing services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This Second Amendment would increase the total not-to-exceed compensation under
the Agreement by $192,789, with the annual cost for FY 21/22 estimated at $36,314.
The cost for each following year would be increased by 3 percent. Sufficient funds will
be included in the subsequent Finance Department annual budgets to cover the cost of
such services.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The City is required to engage the services of an outside, independent audit firm to
audit the books and records of the City at the close of each fiscal year. This is required
in order to provide the public and its constituents a comprehensive financial report that
presents complete, accurate and understandable information about the City’s financial
condition.
Lance, Soll & Lunghard LLP, CPA’s has provided audit services to the City under the
current contract for the last six years. On May 19, 2020, the City Council approved the
First Amendment extending the original term through completion of the financial reports
for FY ending June 30, 2020. Over the years, Lance, Soll & Lunghard LLP has
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provided exceptional service to the City, and has worked well with the City Council,
Audit Subcommittee and City Staff. Based on this past perfo rmance, it is recommended
that the City Council extend the existing contract with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP,
CPA’s professional audit services an additional five years through completion of the
financial reports for FY 24/25.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the amended agreement as to form.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.6.a LSL CPA - Second Amendment to Agreement
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1450826.1
SECOND AMENDMENT
TO
CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
(Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP)
This Second Amendment to Consultant Services Agreement (“Second Amendment”)
is made and entered into as of April 6, 2021, by and between the City of Diamond Bar, a
municipal corporation ( “City”), and Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP CPA’s, a California limited
liability company (herein referred to as the “Consultant”) with reference to the following:
A. The City and the Consultant entered into that certain Consultant Services
Agreement dated as of April 7, 2015, which is incorporated herein by this reference (the
“Original Agreement”); and
B. The City and Consultant entered into a First Amendment to the Original
Agreement dated May 19, 2020, which is incorporated herein by this reference (“First
Amendment), which First Amendment and Original Agreement are collectively referred to
herein as the “Agreement”; and
C. The City and the Consultant desire to amend, modify, amend and supplement
certain portions of the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Defined Terms. Except as otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the Original Agreement.
2. Revised Scope of Services. The Scope of Services, Exhibit "A" to the Original
Agreement and First Amendment, is hereby amended, modified and supplemented to include
the services described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference.
3. Term. The Term of the Original Agreement as set forth in Section 2 therein
was from April 7, 2015 to the completion and audit of the financial reports for the Fiscal Year
ending June 30, 2019. This First Amendment extended the Term up to and including the
completion and audit of the financial reports for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2020. This
Second Amendment extends the Term up to and including the completion and audit of the
financial reports for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025.
4. Compensation. The total not-to-exceed compensation set forth in Section 3
of the Original Agreement was the sum of one hundred sixty-four thousand six hundred and
thirty-five dollars ($164,635). The First Amendment increased that amount by thirty-five
thousand two hundred and fifty-five dollars ($35,255) for a total not-to-exceed compensation
amount of one hundred ninety-nine thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars ($199,890).
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1450826.1 2
That amount is further amended and increased by this Second Amendment by one hundred
ninety-two thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine dollars ($192,789) for a new not-to-
exceed total compensation amount in the sum of three hundred ninety two thousand six
hundred and seventy nine dollars ($392,679), which amount may not be exceeded without
prior written authorization by the City.
5. Integration. This Second Amendment and all attachments hereto (if any)
integrate all of the terms and conditions mentioned herein, and supersede all negotiations
with respect hereto. This Second Amendment amends, as set forth herein, the Original
Agreement and except as specifically amended hereby, the Original Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect. To the extent that there is any conflict or inconsistency between the
terms and provisions of this Second Amendment and the terms and provisions of the Original
Agreement, the terms and provisions of this Second Amendment shall control.
IN WITNESS hereof, the parties enter into this Second Amendment on the year and
day first above written.
“CONSULTANT” “CITY”
Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP CPA’s CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
*By: By:
Nancy A. Lyons, Mayor
Printed Name:
Title:
*By:
Printed Name:
Title: ATTEST:
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
David DeBerry, City Attorney
4.6.a
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1450826.1
EXHIBIT “A”
ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF SERVICES
[Behind this page.]
4.6.a
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March 18, 2021
City of Diamond Bar
Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 92765
Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP is pleased to respond to your request for a five-year extension. As
a leader in the field of governmental accounting and auditing, we appreciate this opportunity given
to us to continue to provide you our best service. Because of our extensive public sector
experience, dedication to excellence and determination to retain the brightest and most talented
professionals, we are certain that Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP is the most qualified accounting
firm to continue to provide professional auditing services to the City of Diamond Bar. For the one-
year extension, we will continue to provide our services with the standard 3% increase as
previously agreed to the existing contract. The services and fees for fiscal year ending
June 30, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 would be as follows:
Perform a financial audit of the City of Diamond Bar in accordance with Generally
Accepted Government Auditing Standards. A CAFR will be prepared and word processed
by LSL. The CAFR will be in full compliance with all current GASB pronouncements. LSL
will render its auditors’ report on the basic financial statements, which will include both
Government-Wide Financial Statements and Fund Financial Statements. The audit firm
will also apply limited audit procedures to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and
required supplementary information. LSL understands that we will prepare the financial
section of the City’s CAFR. (FY 2020 price was $27,750):
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
28,583$ 29,440$ 30,323$ 31,232$ 32,170$
If required, Perform a single audit on the expenditures of federal grants in accordance with
OMB Uniform Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In addition, LSL will assist the City
with the annual filing of the Single Audit report with the Federal Audit Clearing House.
(FY 2020 price was $3,385 – no single audit required in FY 2020)
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
4,244$ 4,371$ 4,502$ 4,637$ 4,776$
Quoted price is for one program, each additional major program is $1,500
Issue a separate “management letter” that includes a report on the City’s internal control
over financial reporting in addition to recommendations for improvements in internal
control, accounting procedures and other significant observations that are considered to
be non-reportable conditions. Price: included with financial audit
203 N. Brea Blvd., Suite 203 Brea, CA 92821 Phone: 714.672.0022
An Association of Independent Accounting Firms
4.6.a
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Perform agreed-upon audit procedures pertaining to the City’s Appropriations Limit
Worksheet and render a letter, annually, to the City regarding compliance.
Price: included with financial audit
Prepare the City’s State Controller’s Report annually. (FY 2020 price was $3,385)
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
3,487$ 3,591$ 3,699$ 3,810$ 3,924$
LSL will be available for occasional consultation throughout the year as a financial
resource for the City of Diamond Bar and will be available for additional work as required.
This proposal describes the benefits your organization would receive from Lance, Soll &
Lunghard, LLP. We are committed to provide the services presented in our proposal in
accordance with the timetable specified in your request for proposal. This proposal is a firm
and irrevocable offer for a period no less than 90 calendar days from the date of submittal. For
purposes of this proposal, Deborah A. Harper, Partner is authorized to make representations for
our firm. I can be reached at the address below, by phone at (714) 592-0250 or by email at
Deborah.Harper@lslcpas.com.
Deborah. A. Harper, Partner
LANCE, SOLL & LUNGHARD, LLP
203 N. Brea Blvd., Suite 203
Brea, CA 92821
4.6.a
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Agenda #: 4.7
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIAMOND BAR DEBT MANAGEMENT
POLICY.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2021-11 approving the Diamond Bar Debt
Management Policy as required by and in compliance with Government Code Section
8855(i).
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
In 1981 the California Legislature established the California Debt Adviso ry Commission
as the State's clearinghouse for public debt issuance information and required it to
assist state and local agencies with the monitoring, issuance and management of public
debt. In 1996 the Legislature changed the name to the California Debt and Investment
Advisory Commission (CDIAC) and expanded its mission to cover public investment
and to provide information, education and technical assistance on debt issuance and
public fund investments to local agencies and public finance professionals.
In September 2016 the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1029 which became effective
January 1, 2017, which further amended the CDIAC requirements. In particular,
Government Code Section 8855(i) was amended to require that all governmental
entities establish a Debt Management Policy (“Debt Policy”) if any form of debt is being
contemplated or anticipated to be issued by the entity. Attachment No. 3 contains the
text of the legislation.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
4.7
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A Debt Management Policy, consistent with the Government Code Section 8855(i), is
being presented for Council consideration. Government Code Section 8855(i), as
amended by SB 1029, requires:
• CDIAC to track and report on all state and local outstanding debt until fully repaid or
redeemed.
• The report of proposed debt includes a certification by the issuer that it has adopted
local debt policies, which include specified provisions concerning the use of debt and
that the contemplated debt issuance is consistent with those local debt policies.
• A state or local public agency to submit an annual report for any issue of debt.
The City staff, financial advisor Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc., and bond and
disclosure counsel Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth have prepared the City’s
proposed Debt Management Policy (Attachment No. 2) for City Council consideration
and approval as required by CDIAC, which meets all of the requirements of SB 1029,
yet preserves flexibility for the City in managing its debt.
As presented in the proposed Debt Management Policy, the primary objectives of the
City's debt and financing-related activities are to:
a) Maintain the City's sound financial position;
b) Ensure the City has the flexibility to respond to possible changes in future service
obligations, revenues, and operating expenses;
c) Ensure that all debt is structured in order to protect both current and future
taxpayers, ratepayers and constituents of the City;
d) Minimize debt service commitments through efficient planning and cash
management;
e) Protect the City's credit worthiness and achieve the highest practical credit ratings,
when applicable; and
f) Ensure the City is in compliance with all relevant State and Federal securities laws
and other applicable laws and regulations.
Establishing this new Debt Management Policy is timely and a necessary part of the
City undertaking the proceedings to refund the 2011 Fixed Rate Lease Revenue Bonds
for the Diamond Bar Center. Thus, it is now timely and necessary for the City Council to
consider and adopt a debt management policy that meets the requirements of
Government Code section 8855(i), as amended by SB 1029. The Debt Policy
presented with this agenda report meets these State Law requirements, while
preserving flexibility for the City in the management o f its debt.
4.7
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LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the proposed Debt Management Policy
as to form.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.7.a Resolution No. 2021-11 Debt Management Policy
2. 4.7.b CC 2021-01 Debt Management Policy 04-06-2021
3. 4.7.c Gov Code Section 8855i
4.7
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RESOLUTION NO. 2021-11
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND
BAR APPROVING A DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY.
The City Council of the City of Diamond Bar does hereby find, order and resolve
as follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
A. In order to issue bonds, Section 8855(i) of the California Government Code
(“Section 8855(i)”) requires each bond issuer and bond obligor to adopt a debt
management policy.
B. In order to enable the City of Diamond Bar (the “City”) to issue bonds or to
serve as an obligor with responsibility for payments securing bonds issued by the City of
Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority or other agencies in the future, the City wishes
to approve a debt management policy (the “Debt Policy”) in the form that is presented at
this meeting.
C. The City Council has been presented with the form of Debt Policy that is
referred to herein, and the City Council has examined and approved the Debt Policy and
desires to adopt the Debt Policy as the debt management policy of the City pursuant to
Section 8855(i).
D. All acts, conditions and things that are required by the laws of the State of
California to exist, to have happened and to have been performed precedent to and in
connection with the consummation of the matters that are authorized hereby do exist,
have happened and have been performed in regular and due time, form and manner as
required by law, and the City is now duly authorized and empowered, pursuant to each
and every requirement of law, to consummate such matters for the purpose, in th e manner
and upon the terms herein provided.
Section 2. Approval of Debt Policy. The form of Debt Policy presented at this
meeting and attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved and adopted as the debt
management policy of the City pursuant to Section 8855(i).
Section 3. Further Action. The Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem, the City Manager
and the Finance Director are hereby authorized, empowered and directed, individually, to
execute such other documents in addition to those enumerated herein and t o take such
other actions as each deems necessary or advisable in order to effectuate the purposes
of this Resolution and any such actions previously taken by such officers are hereby
ratified, confirmed and approved.
Section 4. Attestations. The City Clerk and such person or persons as may
have been designated by the City Clerk to act on the City Clerk’s behalf, are hereby
authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Authorized Officers designated
4.7.a
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Resolution No. 2021-11
2
herein to execute any documents described herein, and to affix and attest the seal of the
City, as may be required or appropriate in connection with the execution and delivery of
the documents that are described herein.
Section 5. Effect. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its
passage.
Section 6. Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption
of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED on this 6th day of April, 2021.
__________________________
Nancy A. Lyons, Mayor
ATTEST:
I, Kristina Santana, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, California, do hereby
certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by
the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar, California, at its regular meeting held on
the 6th day of April, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
4.7.a
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Resolution No. 2021-11
3
EXHIBIT A
DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY
CITY COUNCIL POLICY 2021-01
4.7.a
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City Council Policy and Procedure
Number: (2021-01) Reviewed: Annually/As-Needed
Effective Date:
04/06/2021
Revised Date(s): N/A
City Council Policy (2021-01) Effective Date: 04/06/2021 Page 1 of 10
Debt Management Policy
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this Debt Policy is to establish guidelines and parameters
for the effective governance, management and administration of debt
and other financing obligations issued by the City and its related entities
(such as, but not exclusive to, the Diamond Bar Public Financing
Authority). This Debt Policy is intended to improve and direct decision
making, assist with the structure of debt issuance, identify policy goals,
and demonstrate a commitment to long-term planning, including the
City’s Five-Year Financial Plan. Adherence to a debt policy helps to
ensure the City’s debt is issued and managed prudently to maintain a
sound financial position and credit worthiness. When used in this Debt
Policy, “debt” refers to all indebtedness and financing obligations of the
City and its related entities (together referred to as “City”).
2. Objectives
2.1 This Debt Policy is intended to comply with the requirements of Senate
Bill 1029 (SB 1029), codified as part of California Government Code
Section 8855(i), effective on January 1, 2017 and shall govern all debt
undertaken by the City. The primary objectives of the City's debt and
financing related activities are to:
2.1.1 Maintain the City's sound financial position.
2.1.2 The City will strive to maintain at least a long-term credit rating of
“A” or its equivalent from any nationally recognized securities
rating agency selected by the City.
2.1.3 Ensure the City has the flexibility to respond to possible changes in
future service obligations, revenues, and operating expenses.
2.1.4 Ensure that all debt is structured in order to protect both current
and future taxpayers, ratepayers and constituents of the City.
2.1.5 Minimize debt service commitments through efficient planning
and cash management.
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2.1.6 Protect the City's credit worthiness and achieve the highest
practical credit ratings, when applicable.
2.1.7 Ensure the City is in compliance with all relevant State and Federal
securities laws and other applicable laws and regulations.
3. Acceptable Uses of Debt Proceeds
3.1 The City will consider the use of debt financing primarily for assets and
capital projects only if the term of debt shall not exceed the asset(s) or
project’s useful life or will otherwise comply with Federal tax law
requirements. An exception to this long-term driven focus is the issuance
of short-term instruments, such as tax and revenue anticipation notes,
which are to be used for reasonable cash management purposes, as
described below. Bonded debt should not be issued to finance normal
operating expenses. General Fund debt will not be issued to support
ongoing operational costs unless such debt issuance achieves net
operating cost savings and such savings are verified by independent
analysis.
3.1.1 Long-Term Debt
a. Long-term debt may be issued to finance the construction,
acquisition, and rehabilitation of capital improvements and
facilities, equipment, and land to be owned and/or operated
by the City. Long-term debt financings are appropriate when
any of the following conditions exist:
(1) When the project to be financed is necessary to provide
basic municipal services;
(2) When the project to be financed will provide benefit to the
City’s constituents over a duration of more than five years;
(3) When the total debt financing would not impose an
unreasonable burden on the City and its taxpayers and/or
ratepayers, as applicable; or
(4) When the debt is used to refinance outstanding debt in
order to produce debt service savings or to benefit from
debt restructuring.
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b. The City may use long-term debt financings subject to each of
the following conditions:
(1) The project to be financed has been or will be considered
and approved by the City Council;
(2) Generally, the weighted average maturity of the debt
should not exceed 120 percent of the weighted average
economic life of the projects or equipment being financed,
unless there are specific circumstances that would mitigate
the extension of time to repay the debt and it would not
result in violation of any covenants to maintain the tax-
exempt status of such debt, if applicable;
(3) The City estimates that sufficient revenues will be available
to service the debt through its maturity; and
(4) The City determines that the issuance of the debt will
comply with the applicable requirements of State and
Federal law.
3.1.2 Short-Term Debt - Short-term debt may be issued to provide
financing for the City's operational cash flows in order to maintain
a steady and even cash flow balance. Short-term debt may also
be used to finance the City's short-lived capital projects, such as
undertaking lease-purchase financing for equipment.
3.1.3 Financings on Behalf of Other Entities - The City may also issue debt
on behalf of other governmental agencies or private third parties
in order to further the public purposes of the City. In such cases,
the City shall take reasonable steps to confirm the financial
feasibility of the project to be financed, the financial solvency of
any borrower, and that the issuance of such debt is consistent with
the policies set forth herein.
4. Standards for Use of Debt Financing
4.1 The City recognizes that there are numerous types of financing structures
and funding sources available, each with specific benefits, costs, and
risks. The City will consider debt issuance only in those cases where
public policy, equity and economic efficiency favor debt financing over
cash funding. Prior to the issuance of debt or other financing obligations,
the City will carefully consider the overall long-term affordability of the
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proposed debt issuance by conducting an objective analysis of the
City's ability to support additional debt service payments. The City will
consider its long-term revenue and expenditure trends, the impact on
operational flexibility and the overall debt burden on the
taxpayers/ratepayers. The evaluation process shall include a review of
generally accepted measures of affordability and will strive to achieve
and/or maintain debt levels consistent with its current operating and
capital needs.
5. Types of Debt
5.1 In order to maximize the financial options available to benefit the public,
it is the City’s policy to allow the consideration of issuing all generally
accepted types of debt, including, but not exclusive to the following:
5.1.1 General Obligation (GO) Bonds:
a. GO Bonds are suitable for use in the construction or acquisition
of improvements to real property that benefit the public at
large. The California Government Code, Division 4, Chapter 4,
Article 1 commencing with section 43600 authorizes cities to
finance certain municipal improvements through GO bonds
when a city determines the public interest and necessity
demands the acquisition, construction or completion of such
municipal improvements, including property or structures
necessary or convenient to carry out the objects, purposes,
and powers of a city.
b. Examples of projects include but are not limited to libraries,
parks, public services, and public safety facilities. All GO bonds
shall be authorized by the requisite number of voters in order
to pass.
5.1.2 Revenue Bonds/Certificates of Participation (COPs) - Revenue
Bonds and COPs are limited-liability obligations tied to a specific
enterprise or special fund revenue stream where the projects
financed clearly benefit or relate to the enterprise or are otherwise
permissible uses of the special revenue. Generally, no voter
approval is required to issue this type of obligation but in some
cases, the City must comply with proposition 218 regarding rate
adjustments.
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5.1.3 Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Lease Revenue Bonds - As an
alternative to COPs, the City may obtain financing through the
issuance of debt by a joint exercise of powers agency with such
debt payable from amounts paid by the City under a lease,
installment sale agreement, or contract of indebtedness.
5.1.4 Loans - The City is authorized to enter into loans, installment
payment obligations, or other similar funding structures secured
by a prudent source or sources of repayment.
5.1.5 Special Assessment/Special Tax Debt - The City will consider
requests from developers for the use of debt financing secured by
property-based assessments or special taxes in order to provide
for necessary infrastructure for new development under
guidelines adopted by City Council, which may include minimum
value-to-lien ratios and maximum tax burdens. Examples of this
type of debt are Assessment Districts (ADs) and Community
Facilities Districts (CFDs), also known as Mello-Roos Districts. In
order to protect bondholders as well as the City's credit rating, the
City will also comply with all State guidelines regarding the
issuance of special tax or special assessment debt.
5.1.6 Tax Increment Financing - Tax Increment Financing provides
options to finance infrastructure and economic development
projects using as a repayment stream property tax revenues
generated above an established “base year” value (tax
increment). The City may consider tax increment financing to the
extent permitted under State law. Examples include tax allocation
bonds, which are special obligations secured by the allocation of
tax increment revenues generated by increased property taxes in
a designated redevelopment project area, as well as debt issued
by Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) or
Community Revitalization and Investment Authorities (CRIAs).
When considering tax increment financing mechanisms
permitted by law, the City should analyze the practical viability of
the proposed financing and take into account the potential
impact of the proposed structure on existing debt limitations.
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5.1.7 Short-Term Debt:
a. Short-term borrowing, such as commercial paper, Tax and
Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANS), and lines of credit, will be
considered as an interim source of funding in anticipation of
long-term borrowing and may be issued to generate funding
for cash flow needs. The final maturity of the debt issued to
finance the project shall be consistent with the useful life of the
project.
b. Short-term debt may also be used to finance short-lived capital
projects such as lease-purchase financing for equipment.
5.1.8 Refunding Bonds:
a. The City shall refinance debt pursuant to the authorization that
is provided under California law, including but not limited to
Articles 10 and 11 of Chapter 3 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5
of the California Government Code, as market opportunities
arise. Refundings may be undertaken in order:
(1) To take advantage of lower interest rates and achieve debt
service costs savings;
(2) To eliminate restrictive or burdensome bond covenants; or
(3) To restructure debt to lengthen the duration of repayment,
relieve debt service spikes, reduce volatility in interest rates
or free up reserve funds.
b. Generally, the City shall strive to achieve a minimum of 3% net
present value savings. The net present value assessment shall
factor in all costs, including issuance, escrow, and foregone
interest earnings of any contributed funds on hand.
Refundings which produce a net present value savings of less
than 3% will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon the
advice of the Finance Director and with the assistance of a
financial advisor and bond counsel, the City will consider
undertaking refundings for other than economic purposes
based upon a finding that such a restructuring is in the City's
overall best financial interest.
4.7.b
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The City may from time to time find that other forms of debt
would be beneficial to further its public purposes and may
approve such debt without an amendment of this Debt Policy.
However, the other form or forms of debt must comply with this
Debt Management Policy.
c. Debt shall be issued as fixed rate debt unless the City makes a
specific determination as to why a variable rate issue would be
beneficial to the City in that circumstance.
6. Relationship to Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget
6.1 The City intends to issue debt for the purposes stated in this Debt Policy
and the decision to incur new indebtedness should be integrated with
the City Council-adopted annual Operating Budget and Capital
Improvement Program Budget. Prior to issuance of debt, a reliable
revenue source shall be identified to secure repayment of the debt and
the annual debt service payments shall be included in the Operating
Budget.
The City shall integrate its debt issuances with the goals of its Capital
Improvement Program by timing the issuance of debt to ensure that
projects are available when needed in furtherance of the City's public
purposes.
7. Policy Goals Related to Planning Goals and Objectives
7.1 This Debt Policy has been adopted to assist with the City’s goal of
financial sustainability and financial prudence. In following this Debt
Policy, the City shall pursue the following policy goals:
7.1.1 The City is committed to financial planning, maintaining
appropriate reserves levels and employing prudent practices in
governance, management and budget administration. The City
intends to issue debt for the purposes stated in this Debt Policy and
to implement policy decisions incorporated in the City's annual
Operating Budget;
7.1.2 It is a policy goal of the City to protect taxpayers, ratepayers and
constituents by utilizing conservative financing methods and
techniques so as to obtain the highest practical credit ratings, if
applicable, and the lowest practical borrowing costs;
4.7.b
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7.1.3 It is a policy goal of the City to reduce the unfunded liabilities for
employee pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB);
7.1.4 The City will comply with applicable State and Federal law as it
pertains to the maximum term of debt and the procedures for
levying and imposing any related taxes, assessments, rates and
charges; and
7.1.5 When refinancing debt, it shall be the policy goal of the City to
achieve, whenever possible and subject to any overriding non-
financial policy, minimum aggregate net present value debt
service savings of at least 3% of the refunded principal amount.
8. Internal Control Procedures
8.1. When issuing debt, in addition to complying with the terms of this Debt
Policy, the City shall comply with any other applicable policies regarding
initial bond disclosure, continuing disclosure, post-issuance compliance,
and investment of bond proceeds.
The City will periodically review the requirements of and will remain in
compliance with the following:
a. Federal securities law, including any continuing disclosure
undertakings under SEC Rule 15c2-12;
b. Any federal tax compliance requirements including without limitation
arbitrage and rebate compliance, related to any prior bond issues;
c. The City's investment policies as they relate to the investment of bond
proceeds; and
d. Government Code section 8855(k) and the annual reporting
requirements therein.
8.2 The City shall be vigilant in using bond proceeds in accordance with the
stated purpose at the time that such debt was issued. The City Manager,
Finance Director or designee will monitor the expenditure of bond
proceeds to ensure they are used only for the purpose and authority for
which the bonds were issued. Whenever reasonably possible, proceeds
of debt will be held by a third-party trustee and the City will submit
written requisitions for such proceeds. The City will submit a requisition
4.7.b
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only after obtaining the signature of the City Manager and the Finance
Director.
9. Amendment and Waivers of Debt Policy
9.1 This Debt Policy will be reviewed and updated periodically as needed.
Any amendments to this Debt Policy are subject to specific City Council
approval.
While adherence to this Debt Policy is required in all applicable
circumstances, on rare occasions there might be circumstances when
strict adherence to a provision of this Debt Policy is not possible or not in
the best interest of the City. If the City staff has determined that a waiver
of one or more provisions of this Debt Policy should be considered by the
City Council based on a strong and compelling reason, it will prepare
an analysis for the City Council describing the rationale for the waiver
and the impact of the waiver on the proposed debt issuance and on
taxpayers, if applicable. Upon a super majority vote of the City Council,
one or more provisions of this Debt Policy may be waived for a debt
financing.
The failure of a debt financing to comply with one or more provisions of
this Debt Policy shall in no way affect the validity of any debt issued by
the City in accordance with applicable laws.
10. SB 1029 Compliance
10.1 SB 1029, signed by Governor Brown on September 12, 2016, and
enacted as Chapter 307, Statutes of 2016, requires issuers to adopt debt
policies addressing each of the five items below:
10.1.1 The purposes for which the debt proceeds may be used.
a. Section 3 (Acceptable Uses of Debt Proceeds) addresses the
purposes for which debt proceeds may be used.
10.1.2 The types of debt that may be issued.
a. Section 5 (Types of Debt) provides information regarding the
types of debt that may be issued.
10.1.3 The relationship of the debt to, and integration with, the issuer's
capital improvement program or budget, if applicable.
4.7.b
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a. Section 6 (Relationship to Capital Improvement Program and
Operating Budget) provides information regarding the
relationship between the City's debt and Capital Improvement
Program and annual Operating Budget.
10.1.4 Policy goals related to the issuer's planning goals and objectives.
a. Section 2 (Debt Policy Objective) and Section 7 (Policy Goals
Related to Planning Goals and Objectives) address some of
the City’s policy goals and how this Debt Policy has
implemented them.
10.1.5 The internal control procedures that the issuer has implemented,
or will implement, to ensure that the proceeds of the proposed
debt issuance will be directed to the intended use.
a. Section 8 (Internal Control Procedures) provides information
regarding the City's internal control procedures designed to
ensure that the proceeds of its debt issues are spent as
intended.
10.2 This Debt Policy, as written, complies with and meets the requirements
of SB 1029.
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TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA [8000 - 22980] ( Title 2 enacted
by Stats. 1943, Ch. 134. )
DIVISION 1. GENERAL [8000 - 8899.72] ( Division 1 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 134. )
8855.
GOVERNMENT CODE - GOV
CHAPTER 11.5. California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission [8855 - 8859] ( Heading of
Chapter 11.5 amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 7, Sec. 2. )
(a) There is created the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission, consisting of nine members, selected as
follows:
(1) The Treasurer, or his or her designee.
(2) The Governor or the Director of Finance.
(3) The Controller, or his or her designee.
(4) Two local government finance officers appointed by the Treasurer, one each from among persons employed by a county and by a
city or a city and county of this state, experienced in the issuance and sale of municipal bonds and nominated by associations
affiliated with these agencies.
(5) Two Members of the Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(6) Two Members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.
(b) (1) The term of office of an appointed member is four years, but appointed members serve at the pleasure of the appointing
power. In case of a vacancy for any cause, the appointing power shall make an appointment to become effective immediately for the
unexpired term.
(2) Any legislators appointed to the commission shall meet with and participate in the activities of the commission to the extent that
the participation is not incompatible with their respective positions as Members of the Legislature. For purposes of this chapter, the
Members of the Legislature shall constitute a joint interim legislative committee on the subject of this chapter.
(c) The Treasurer shall serve as chairperson of the commission and shall preside at meetings of the commission.
(d) Appointed members of the commission shall not receive a salary, but shall be entitled to a per diem allowance of fifty dollars
($50) for each day’s attendance at a meeting of the commission not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300) in any month, and
reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this chapter, including travel and other necessary
expenses.
(e) The commission may adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business.
(f) The commission shall meet on the call of the chairperson, at the request of a majority of the members, or at the request of the
Governor. A majority of all nonlegislative members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
(g) The office of the Treasurer shall furnish all administrative assistance required by the commission.
(h) The commission shall do all of the following:
(1) Assist all state financing authorities and commissions in carrying out their responsibilities as prescribed by law, including
assistance with respect to federal legislation pending in Congress.
(2) Upon request of any state or local government units, to assist them in the planning, preparation, marketing, and sale of debt
issues to reduce cost and to assist in protecting the issuer’s credit.
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(3) Collect, maintain, and provide comprehensive information on all state and all local debt authorization and issuance, track and
report on all state and local outstanding debt until fully repaid or redeemed, and serve as a statistical clearinghouse for all state and
local debt. This information shall be available to the public.
(4) Maintain contact with state and municipal bond issuers, underwriters, credit rating agencies, investors, and others to improve the
market for state and local government debt issues.
(5) Undertake or commission studies on methods to reduce the costs and improve credit ratings of state and local issues.
(6) Recommend changes in state laws and local practices to improve the sale and servicing of state and local debts.
(7) Establish a continuing education program for local officials having direct or supervisory responsibility over municipal
investments and debt issuance. The commission shall undertake these and any other activities necessary to disclose investment and
debt issuance practices and strategies that may be conducive for oversight purposes.
(8) Collect, maintain, and provide information on local agency investments of public funds for local agency investment.
(9) Publish a monthly newsletter describing and evaluating the operations of the commission during the preceding month.
(i) (1) The issuer of any proposed debt issue of state or local government shall, no later than 30 days prior to the sale of any debt
issue, submit a report of the proposed issuance to the commission by any method approved by the commission. This subdivision
shall also apply to any nonprofit public benefit corporation incorporated for the purpose of acquiring student loans. The commission
may require information to be submitted in the report of proposed debt issuance that it considers appropriate. Failure to submit the
report shall not affect the validity of the sale. The report of proposed debt issuance shall include a certification by the issuer that it
has adopted local debt policies concerning the use of debt and that the contemplated debt issuance is consistent with those local debt
policies. A local debt policy shall include all of the following:
(A) The purposes for which the debt proceeds may be used.
(B) The types of debt that may be issued.
(C) The relationship of the debt to, and integration with, the issuer’s capital improvement program or budget, if applicable.
(D) Policy goals related to the issuer ’s planning goals and objectives.
(E) The internal control procedures that the issuer has implemented, or will implement, to ensure that the proceeds of the proposed
debt issuance will be directed to the intended use.
(2) In the case of an issue of bonds the proceeds of which will be used by a governmental entity other than the issuer, the issuer may
rely upon a certification by that other governmental entity that it has adopted the policies described in subparagraphs (C), (D), and
(E) of paragraph (1), and references to the “issuer” in those subparagraphs shall be deemed to refer instead to the other governmental
entity.
(j) The issuer of any debt issue of state or local government, not later than 21 days after the sale of the debt, shall submit a report of
final sale to the commission by any method approved by the commission. A copy of the final official statement for the issue shall
accompany the report of final sale. If there is no official statement, the issuer shall provide each of the following documents, if they
exist, along with the report of final sale:
(1) Other disclosure document.
(2) Indenture.
(3) Installment sales agreement.
(4) Loan agreement.
(5) Promissory note.
(6) Bond purchase contract.
(7) Resolution authorizing the issue.
(8) Bond specimen.
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The commission may require information to be submitted in the report of final sale that it considers appropriate. The issuer may
redact confidential information contained in the documents if the redacted information is not information that is otherwise required
to be reported to the commission.
(k) (1) A public agency, whether state or local, shall submit an annual report for any issue of debt for which it has submitted a report
of final sale pursuant to subdivision (j) on or after January 21, 2017. The annual report shall cover a reporting period from July 1 to
June 30, inclusive, and shall be submitted no later than seven months after the end of the reporting period by any method approved
by the commission. Before approving any annual method of reporting pursuant to this subdivision, the commission shall consult
with appropriate state and local debt issuers and organizations representing debt issuers for purposes that shall include, but not be
limited to, making a proposed reporting method more efficient and less burdensome for issuers. The annual report shall consist of
the following information:
(A) Debt authorized during the reporting period, which shall include the following:
(i) Debt authorized at the beginning of the reporting period.
(ii) Debt authorized and issued during the reporting period.
(iii) Debt authorized but not issued at the end of the reporting period.
(iv) Debt authority that has lapsed during the reporting period.
(B) Debt outstanding during the reporting period, which shall include the following:
(i) Principal balance at the beginning of the reporting period.
(ii) Principal paid during the reporting period.
(iii) Principal outstanding at the end of the reporting period.
(C) The use of proceeds of issued debt during the reporting period, which shall include the following:
(i) Debt proceeds available at the beginning of the reporting period.
(ii) Proceeds spent during the reporting period and the purposes for which it was spent.
(iii) Debt proceeds remaining at the end of the reporting period.
(2) Compliance with this subdivision shall be required for each issue of debt with outstanding debt, debt that has been authorized but
not issued, or both, during the reporting period.
(3) The commission may, if technology permits, develop an alternate reporting method, provided that any alternate reporting method
is in furtherance of the purpose of collecting the data required by this subdivision. Before approving any alternate annual method of
reporting pursuant to this subdivision, the commission shall consult with appropriate state and local debt issuers and organizations
representing debt issuers for purposes that shall include, but not be limited to, making a proposed reporting method more efficient
and less burdensome for issuers.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 307, Sec. 2. (SB 1029) Effective January 1, 2017.)
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Agenda #: 4.8
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: AGREEMENTS FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORY, AND BOND COUNSEL
AND DISCLOSURE SERVICES RELATED TO REFUNDING THE
DIAMOND BAR CENTER FIXED RATE LEASE REVENUE BONDS.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
A. Approve, and Authorize the City Manager to sign the Professional Services
Agreement with Fieldman Rolapp & Associates; and
B. Approve, and Authorize the City Manager to sign the Engagement Letter with
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Fieldman Rolapp & Associates fee proposal is not -to-exceed $47,500. The
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth fee proposal is not -to-exceed $55,000. In both cases,
the fees would be due upon a successful transaction and would be paid from proceeds
resulting from the transition. The total cost of the transaction, including underwriting
fees, and all other expenses, fees and services, is estimated to be approx imately
$210,000 - $225,000.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
On March 16, 2021, the City Council held a study session to consider options to refund
of the Diamond Bar Center Fixed Rate Bonds. A presentation was made by the City’s
Financial Advisors Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates regarding the process, and the
potential to refund the outstanding principal at a lower rate which would result in annual
savings during the remainder of the bond term. It is expected that the current bond
maturity date of June 1, 2033 would remain the same.
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In efforts to efficiently and expeditiously implement the refunding process, specialized
services are required as it relates to this type of transaction. An Agreement to retain the
services of Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates to serve as Financial Advisors (Attachment
1) is provided for Council approval in connection with this transaction. In addition, an
Engagement Letter with Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth to serve as Bond and
Disclosure Counsel (Attachment 2) is also recommended for Council approval in
connection with the transaction. These two firms were part of the same team of special
services that was utilized in the successful conversion of the initial variable lease rate
bonds to fixed rate bonds in 2011. It is anticipated that the necessary legal documents
and resolutions that require considered and approved by the City Council will be
presented at the May 4, 2021 meeting.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 4.8.a Professional Services Agreement For Municipal Advisor; Fieldman 2021
2. 4.8.b Diamond Bar Engagement Letter; Stradling 2021
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOR MUNICIPAL ADVISOR
This agreement (“Agreement”) has been entered into this 6th day of April, 2021 by and between the
City of Diamond Bar (the "City") and Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc. (herein, the
"Consultant").
WHEREAS, the City desires independent municipal advisory services to be performed in
connection with the refunding of the City’s outstanding City of Diamond Bar Public Financing
Authority Fixed Rate Lease Revenue Bonds, 2002 Series A (Community/Senior Center Project)
(herein, the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the City desires to retain the professional and technical services of the Consultant for
the purpose of debt issuance and financial planning, (as more fully described in Exhibit A, the
"Services"); and
WHEREAS, the Consultant is well qualified to provide the Services; and
WHEREAS, the Consultant is registered as a municipal advisor with both the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual covenants and
conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:
Section 1 Municipal Advisory Services.
Consultant will provide the Services in connection with the Project as such
Services are fully described in Exhibit A attached to this Agreement, which is
incorporated herein by this reference. Consultant is engaged in an expert financial
advisory capacity to the City only. It is expressly understood that the Services
rendered hereunder are rendered solely to the City. Consultant does not undertake
any responsibility to review disclosure documents on behalf of owners or
beneficial owners of bonds or debt which may arise from the Consultant's work
hereunder.
Section 2 Additional Requested Services (Amendment of Services).
The City may request that Consultant provide additional services beyond the scope
of the Services. The Services to be provided under this Agreement may only be
amended by a modification as provided for in Section 6.
Section 3 Compensation
3.01 For Consultant's performance of Services, the Consultant's compensation will be
as provided in Exhibit B attached to this Agreement, which is incorporated herein
by this reference.
3.02 Payment of Consultant’s expenses shall be made at the time and in the form as
provided for in Exhibit B to this Agreement.
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3.03 Unless otherwise specified, payment of Consultant's compensation and expenses
is due thirty (30) days after submission of Consultant's invoice for Services.
3.04 In the event City terminates or abandons the Services of the Consultant prior to
completion of Consultant's work, Consultant shall be compensated for Services
performed to the point of termination or abandonment at the hourly rates specified
in Exhibit B. An act of abandonment shall be deemed to have occurred when no
action has been taken by the City relative to the Services for a period of six (6)
months from the date of the initial performance of the Services, and there has been
a written notification to the Consultant of an abandonment of the Project by the
City.
3.05 The schedule of Consultant fees set forth in this Agreement and Exhibit B is
guaranteed by Consultant for the term of this Agreement.
Section 4 Personnel.
Consultant has, or will secure, all personnel required to perform the Services under
this Agreement. Consultant shall make available other qualified personnel of the
firm as may be required to complete Consultant's services. The City has the right
to approve or disapprove any proposed changes in Consultant's staff providing
Services to the City. The City and Consultant agree that such personnel are
employees only of Consultant and shall not be considered to be employees of the
City in any way whatsoever.
Section 5 Term of Agreement.
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless terminated, with or
without cause by the City upon not less than thirty (30) days written notice.
Consultant may terminate this Agreement for cause or upon abandonment as set
forth in Section 3. This Agreement may be extended from time to time as agreed
by the City and the Consultant pursuant to Section 6.
Section 6 Modification.
This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties. It may be amended
in whole or in part from time to time by mutual consent of the parties; provided
that the Disclosures (as defined herein) required by Section 16 will be updated by
the Consultant as required by law. This shall not prohibit the City and Consultant
from entering into separate agreements for other services.
Section 7 Work Products.
All work products or any form of property developed by the Consultant in
providing the Services shall be provided to the City on request. Work products
developed by the Consultant shall be the property of the City, provided that
Consultant may use such work products developed for the City and may employ
those work products to develop refinements or additional work products in the
course of its business.
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Section 8 Assignment.
The rights and obligations of the City under this Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the City. This
Agreement may not be assigned by the Consultant without the consent of the City.
Section 9 Disclosure.
Consultant does not assume the responsibilities of the City, nor the responsibilities
of the other professionals and vendors representing the City, in the provision of its
Services and the preparation of the financing documents, including initial and
secondary market disclosure, for financings undertaken by the City. Information
obtained by Consultant and included in any disclosure documents is, by reason of
experience, believed to be accurate; however, such information is not guaranteed
by Consultant.
Section 10 Confidentiality.
The Consultant agrees that all financial, statistical, personal, technical and other
data and information designated by the City as confidential shall be protected by
the Consultant from unauthorized use or disclosure. The City acknowledges that
the Consultant is required to comply with applicable laws governing disclosure of
public information.
Section 11 Indemnification.
The City and Consultant shall each indemnify and hold harmless the other from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses, including legal fees for
defense, or liabilities (collectively, “damages”), to which either may be subjected
by reason of the other's acts, errors or omissions, except however, neither will
indemnify the other from or against damages by reason of changed events and
conditions beyond the control of either or errors of judgment reasonably made.
Section 12 Insurance.
12.01 Consultant shall maintain workers' compensation and employer’s liability
insurance during the term of this Agreement.
12.02 Consultant, at its own expense, shall obtain and maintain insurance at all times
during the term of this Agreement. Such insurance must be written with a Best
Guide "A"-rated or higher insurance carrier admitted to write insurance in
California.
12.03 Insurance coverages shall not be less than the following:
A. Workers' Compensation
1. State worker's compensation statutory benefits
2. Employer's Liability - policy limits of not less than $1,000,000
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B. Comprehensive General Liability coverage with policy limits of not less than
$1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage and
including coverage for the following:
1. Premises operations
2. Contractual liability
3. Products
4. Completed operation
C. Errors and omissions with policy limits of $2,000,000.
12.04 Consultant shall provide an endorsement or a copy of the policy provision naming
the City as an additional insured on its General Liability coverage and provide
certificates of insurance to the City evidencing the required coverages, limits and
locations of operations to which the insurance applies, and the policies of insurance
shall contain a 30-day notice of cancellation or non-renewal.
Section 13 Permits/Licenses.
The Consultant shall obtain any permits or licenses, as may be required for it to
complete the Services required under this Agreement.
Section 14 Binding Effect.
14.01 A waiver or indulgence by the City of a breach of any provision of this Agreement
by the Consultant shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent
breach by the Consultant.
14.02 All agreements contained herein are severable and in the event any of them shall
be held to be invalid by any competent court, this Agreement shall be interpreted
as if such invalid agreements or covenants were not contained herein, and the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected by such determination
and shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement shall not fail because
any part or any clause hereof shall be held indefinite or invalid.
14.03 Each party hereto represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly
authorized and executed by it and constitutes its valid and binding agreement, and
that any governmental approvals necessary for the performance of this Agreement
have been obtained.
Section 15 Choice of Law.
The validity, interpretation and construction of this Agreement and of each part
hereof shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue for any
lawsuit concerning this Agreement is Los Angeles, California.
Section 16 Conflict of Interest and Other Required Disclosures.
Consultant covenants and agrees to provide to the City disclosures of material
conflicts of interest and certain legal or disciplinary events required by Municipal
Securities Rulemaking Board Rule G-42 (the “Disclosures”). The Disclosures, and
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each delivery thereof, as provided from time to time, shall be incorporated by
reference as of the date thereof into this Agreement to the same extent as if set
forth herein. The initial Disclosures are as set forth in Exhibit C to this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS Whereof, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above set forth.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
21810 Copley Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
By: Title:
Date:
FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC.
19900 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 1100
Irvine, CA 92612
By: Title: Principal
Date: March 26, 2021
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EXHIBIT A
TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR MUNICIPAL ADVISOR
BY AND BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AND
FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Scope of Services
A. General Services.
The Consultant shall perform all the duties and services described in Section 1 of this Agreement
and shall provide such other services as it deems necessary or advisable to accomplish the Project,
consistent with the standards and practice of professional financial advisors prevailing at the time
such services are rendered to the City.
The City may, with the concurrence of Consultant, expand this Agreement to include Additional
Services not specifically identified within the terms of this Agreement. Any Additional Services
may be described in an addendum to this Exhibit A and are subject to compensation described in
Exhibit B to this Agreement.
B. Transaction Services.
The Consultant shall assume primary responsibility for assisting the City in coordinating the
planning and execution of each debt issue relating to the Project. Insofar as the Consultant is
providing Services which are rendered only to the City, the overall coordination of the financing
shall be such as to minimize the costs of the transaction coincident with maximizing the City's
financing flexibility and capital market access. The Consultant's proposed debt issuance Services
may include the following:
Develop the Financing Schedule
Monitor the Transaction Process
Review the Official Statement, both preliminary and final
Procure and Coordinate Additional Service Providers
Provide Financial Advice to the City Related to Financing Documents
Compute Sizing and Design Structure of the Debt Issue
Plan and Schedule Rating Agency Presentation
Conduct Credit Enhancement Procurement and Evaluation
Conduct Market Analysis and Evaluate Timing of Market Entry
Recommend Award of Debt Issuance
Provide Pre-Closing and Closing Assistance
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Specifically, Consultant will:
1. Develop the Financing Timetable.
The Consultant shall take the lead role in preparing a schedule and detailed description of
the interconnected responsibilities of each team member and update this schedule, with
refinements, as necessary, as the work progresses.
2. Monitor the Transaction Process.
The Consultant shall have primary responsibility for the successful implementation of the
financing strategy and timetable that is adopted for each debt issue relating to the Project.
The Consultant shall coordinate (and assist, where appropriate) in the preparation of the
legal and disclosure documents and shall monitor the progress of all activities leading to
the sale of debt. The Consultant shall prepare the timetables and work schedules necessary
to achieve this end in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner and will coordinate and
monitor the activities of all parties engaged in the financing transaction.
3. Review the Official Statement.
The Consultant shall review the official statement for each debt issue relating to the Project
to insure that the City's official statement is compiled in a manner consistent with industry
standards. Consultant does not undertake any responsibility to review disclosure
documents on behalf of owners or beneficial owners of bonds or debt which may arise from
the Consultant's work hereunder.
4. Procure and Coordinate Additional Service Providers.
The Consultant may act as City’s representative in procuring the services of financial
printers for the official statement and related documents, and for the printing of any
securities. In addition, the Consultant may act as the City's representative in procuring the
services of trustees, paying agents, fiscal agents, feasibility consultants, redevelopment
consultants, or escrow verification agents or other professionals, if the City directs.
5. Provide Financial Advice to the City Relating to Financing Documents.
The Consultant shall assist the managing underwriters, bond counsel and/or other legal
advisors in the review of the respective financing resolutions, notices and other legal
documents. In this regard, the Consultant shall monitor document preparation for a
consistent and accurate presentation of the recommended business terms and financing
structure of each debt issue relating to the Project, it being specifically understood however
that the Consultant’s services shall in no manner be construed as the Consultant engaging
in the practice of law.
6. Compute Sizing and Design Structure of Debt Issue.
The Consultant shall work with the City's staff bond counsel and other professionals of the
City to design a financing structure for each debt issue relating to the Project that is
consistent with the City's objectives, that coordinates each transaction with outstanding
issues and that reflects current conditions in the capital markets.
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7. Plan and Schedule Rating Agency Presentation
The Consultant shall develop a plan for presenting the financing program to the rating
agencies. The Consultant shall schedule rating agency visits, if appropriate, to assure the
appropriate and most knowledgeable rating agency personnel are available for the
presentation and will develop presentation materials and assist the City officials in
preparing for the presentations.
8. Conduct Credit Enhancement Evaluation.
Upon the City’s direction, the Consultant will initiate discussions with bond insurers, letter
of credit providers and vendors of other forms of credit enhancements to determine the
availability of and cost benefit of securing financing credit support.
9. Conduct Market Analysis and Evaluate Timing of Market Entry.
The Consultant shall provide summaries of current municipal market conditions, trends in
the market and how these may favorably or unfavorably affect the City's proposed
financing.
a. Competitive Sales.
For all types of competitive sale of debt, the Consultant shall undertake such
activities as are generally required for sale of securities by competitive bid
including, but not limited to the following:
Review and comment on terms of Notice of Sale Inviting Bids
Provide advice on debt sale scheduling
Provide advice on the use of electronic bidding systems
Contact potential bidders
Coordinate bid opening with the City officials
Verify bids received and make recommendations for acceptance
Provide confirmation of issue sizing, based upon actual bids received,
where appropriate
Coordinate closing arrangements with the successful bidder(s)
b. Negotiated Sales.
In the case of a negotiated sale of debt, the Consultant shall perform an evaluation
of market conditions preceding the negotiation of the terms of the sale of debt and
will assist the City with the negotiation of final issue structure, interest rates,
interest cost, reoffering terms and gross underwriting spread and provide a
recommendation on acceptance or rejection of the offer to purchase the debt. This
assistance and evaluation will focus on the following areas as determinants of
interest cost:
Size of financing
Sources and uses of funds
Terms and maturities of the debt issue
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Review of the rating in pricing of the debt issue
Investment of debt issue proceeds
Distribution mix among institutional and retail purchasers
Interest rate, reoffering terms and underwriting discount with comparable
issues
Redemption provisions
c. Private or Direct Placement
In the case of a private placement or direct placement of debt with a commercial
bank or other similar institution, the Consultant will provide assistance and advice
to the City in negotiating the terms of the debt, including the size, structure, interest
rates, prepayment terms and compensation to lender, if any. The Consultant will
provide a recommendation on the acceptance or rejection of the terms of the
placement. The Consultant cannot provide a specific list of potential lenders and
cannot serve as placement agent for the financing, but can assist the City with
implementing a financing with a lender or lenders selected by the City without
advice from the Consultant.
10. Recommend Award of Debt Issuance.
Based upon activities outlined in Task 10(a), 10(b) and 10(c) above, the Consultant
will recommend accepting or rejecting offers to purchase the debt issue. If the City
elects to award the debt issue, the Consultant will instruct all parties and help facilitate
the actions required to formally consummate the award.
11. Provide Pre-Closing and Closing Activities.
The Consultant shall assist in arranging for the closing of each financing. The
Consultant shall assist counsel in assuming responsibility for such arrangements as
they are required, including arranging for or monitoring the progress of bond printing,
qualification of issues for book-entry status, signing and final delivery of the securities
and settlement of the costs of issuance.
4.8.a
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR/FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC. Exhibit B, Page 1
FRA Project No. 21158
1568494.1
EXHIBIT B
TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR MUNICIPAL ADVISOR
BY AND BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AND
FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Compensation and Expenses
Part 1 Transaction Based Compensation
For Services referenced in Section 1 of this Agreement, including Services performed after the
adoption by the City Council, the Consultant will be compensated a fee of $47,500.
For transactions that include new money and refunding, or multiple series of refunding’s, a fee of
not to exceed $15,000 per series being refunded will be added to the transaction fee above.
Payment of compensation earned by Consultant pursuant to this Part 1 shall be contingent on, and
payable at the closing of the debt issue(s) undertaken to finance the Project.
Part 2 Hourly Compensation
For Services and Additional Services referenced in Section 1 and Section 2 of this Agreement,
including Services performed prior to the adoption by City Council, the Consultant will be
compensated at the then current hourly rates. The table below reflects the rates in effect as of the
date of execution of this Agreement.
Personnel Hourly Rate
Executive Officer .............................................................. $375.00
Principal ............................................................................ $345.00
Executive / Senior Vice President ..................................... $330.00
Vice President ................................................................... $275.00
Assistant Vice President .................................................... $235.00
Senior Associate ................................................................ $200.00
Associate ........................................................................... $180.00
Analyst .............................................................................. $115.00
Administrative Assistant ..................................................... $90.00
Clerical ................................................................................ $55.00
Hourly Compensation will be billed on a monthly basis and are due thirty (30) days from invoice
date. Invoices not paid within sixty (60) days are subject to a two percent (2.00%) late fee for every
month payment is late.
4.8.a
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR/FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC. Exhibit B, Page 2
FRA Project No. 21158
1568494.1
Expenses
Expenses will be billed for separately and will cover, among other things, travel, lodging,
subsistence, overnight courier, conference calls, and computer charges. Advances made on behalf
of the City for costs of preparing, printing or distributing disclosure materials or related matter
whether by postal services or electronic means, may also be billed through to the City upon prior
authorization. Additionally, a surcharge of six percent (6.00%) of the compensation amount is
added to verifiable out-of-pocket costs for recovery of costs such as telephone, postage, document
reproduction and the like.
Limiting Terms and Conditions
The above compensation is based on completion of work orders within six months of the City's
authorization to proceed, and assumes that the City will provide all necessary information in a
timely manner.
The fee referenced in Part 1 above, presumes attendance at up to 6 meetings in the City's offices or
such other location within a 25-mile radius of the City place of business as the City may designate.
Preparation for, and attendance at City Council meetings on any basis other than "by appointment"
may be charged at our normal hourly rates referenced in Part 2 above.
4.8.a
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR/FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC. Exhibit C, Page 1
FRA Project No. 21158
1568494.1
EXHIBIT C
TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR MUNICIPAL ADVISOR
BY AND BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AND
FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC.
MSRB Rule G-42 requires that municipal advisors provide to their clients disclosures relating to
all material conflicts of interest, including certain categories of potential conflicts of interest
identified in Rule G-42, if applicable. With respect to all aspects of the relationship between
Consultant and the City, Consultant adheres to its fiduciary duty to the City, which includes a duty
of loyalty to the City in performing all municipal advisory activities for the City. The duty of
loyalty obligates Consultant to deal honestly and with the utmost good faith with the City and to
act in the City’s best interest without regard to any interest Consultant has or may have. Consultant
has a wide range of clients so our success and profitability are not dependent on maximizing short-
term revenue generated from individual recommendations to our clients but is instead dependent
on long-term profitability based on a foundation of integrity, quality and adherence to our fiduciary
duty. Furthermore, Consultant’s supervisory structure provides strong safeguards against
individual representatives of Consultant violating their duty due to personal interests.
Consultant makes the following representations to the City with regard to the Services:
A. Other than the compensation described in the Agreement, we have no other interest, direct
or indirect, that would interfere with or impair in any matter or degree the performance of
our obligations. During our work on the Services, we do not intend to acquire or obtain
any such interest, direct or indirect. If any such interest is acquired or obtained, we will
immediately advise the City.
B. We have not provided any gift or consideration to any officer, employee or agent of the
City to either obtain the Agreement or any assignment from the City, including the
Services. Neither our firm, nor its officers or employees will provide any such gift or
consideration to any officer, employee or agent of the City to influence decisions with
regard the Services or our obligations under the Agreement.
C. Our compensation for the Services and is contingent on the completion of the Project.
While this form of compensation is customary in the market for financial services to
municipal entities, this may present conflict of interest as we would have an incentive to
recommend to the City the Project even if it is unnecessary or provides insufficient benefit
or advise the City to increase the size of the Project. This potential conflict is mitigated by
Consultant’s fiduciary duty to the City.
D. The City has employed and may employ Consultant through its d/b/a Applied Best
Practices (“ABP”), with regard to the performance of its continuing disclosure obligations.
This relationship has the potential to result in a conflict of interest by creating an incentive
for Consultant to recommend to the City a course of action that would increase the City’s
business activity with ABP or conversely that would discourage a course of action that
would decrease the City’s business activity with ABP. The conflict is mitigated by
Consultant’s fiduciary duty to the City. Moreover, if Consultant makes a recommendation
that could influence the level of business with ABP, Consultant will consider alternatives
to the recommendation, which will be disclosed to the City.
4.8.a
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR/FIELDMAN, ROLAPP & ASSOCIATES, INC. Exhibit C, Page 2
FRA Project No. 21158
1568494.1
Information Regarding Legal Events and Disciplinary Actions
MSRB Rule G-42 requires that municipal advisors provide their clients disclosures of legal or
disciplinary events material to the evaluation of the municipal advisor or the integrity of the
municipal advisor’s management or advisory personnel. Consultant sets out required disclosures
and related information below:
A. There are no legal or disciplinary events material to the City’s evaluation of Consultant or
the integrity of Consultant’s management or advisory personnel disclosed, or that should
be disclosed, on any Form MA or Form MA-I with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”).
Consultant’s most recent Form MA and each most recent Form MA-I filed with the SEC are
available on the SEC’s EDGAR system at http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-
edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0001612429
Contents of Client Brochure
The MSRB requires us to provide you with the following information: Consultant is registered as
a “Municipal Advisor” pursuant to Section 15B of the Securities Exchange Act and rules and
regulations adopted by the SEC and the MSRB.
The MSRB has made available on its website (www.msrb.org) a municipal advisory client brochure
that describes the protections that may be provided by MSRB rules and how to file a complaint
with the appropriate regulatory authority.
4.8.a
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4.8.b
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Terms of Retention
April 6, 2021
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The undersigned hereby agrees that the terms and conditions in this letter and the
accompanying Terms of Retention shall apply to services rendered by Stradling Yocca Carlson &
Rauth.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
By:
City Manager
4.8.b
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NG-U9ZQVMF2/4843-5979-2610v3/200928-0001
TERMS OF RETENTION
OF
STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON & RAUTH
1. Fees and Costs. Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional Corporation (the
“Firm”), is compensated for its services based primarily on the value of the services and the time
spent performing them. Such compensation may include the time spent on client conferences, travel,
research, drafting documents and other activities. The amount of fees charged on a statement is
determined by the hours expended by the different attorneys and other professional personnel
involved and the applicable rates.
Except for bond and disclosure counsel matters described below, payment is due within thirty
days of the date of receipt of each fee and costs statement of the Firm. Statements paid more than 60
days after the date of submission will be charged interest of 10% per annum. If the City of Diamond
Bar or the City of Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority (collectively, the “City”) wishes to
question any charge, the City agrees to do so within thirty days of the statement date. The City
agrees to contact a primary attorney in charge of the City’s matters with any questions about any of
the City’s bills.
For bond and disclosure counsel matters, payment is contingent on the bond issuance
and is payable upon closing from bond proceeds. A scope of service and the not-to-exceed fixed
fee for the proposed bond issuance is set forth in the attached Exhibit A, which is incorporated
herein by this reference.
The Firm also charges for various costs such as copying, telephone charges, computerized
legal research, word processing and/or other computer time, overtime costs, messenger services,
travel, filing fees and other costs. Bills for some costs are passed on directly, such as bills for
certified shorthand reporters, technical consultants and other professional fees. For bond and
disclosure counsel matters, these expenses are all included in the fixed amount that is set forth in
Exhibit A.
Services unrelated to specific transactions, including but not limited to post-closing
compliance matters, arbitrage rebate compliance, continuing disclosure compliance and
representation of the City in connection with Internal Revenue Service, federal or state securities law
or other regulatory matters and other post-closing matters, shall be subject to a written amendment to
this agreement and will be billed in accordance with such written amendment.
2. Termination by the Firm. The Firm reserves the absolute right to withdraw from
representing the City if the City fails to honor the terms of this agreement or fails to cooperate fully
or follow the Firm’s advice on a material matter, or any fact or circumstance occurs that would, in
the Firm’s view, render the Firm’s continuing representation unlawful or unethical. If the Firm elects
to withdraw, the City will take all steps necessary to free the Firm of any obligation to perform
further services, including the execution of any documents necessary to complete the Firm’s
withdrawal, and the Firm will be entitled to be paid at the time of withdrawal for all services
rendered and costs and expenses paid or incurred on the City’s behalf. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no portion of any contingent bond or disclosure counsel fee shall be payable in the event
4.8.b
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that the Firm terminates its representation of the City as discussed above prior to closing of the
proposed transaction. If necessary in connection with litigation, the Firm will request leave of court
to withdraw.
3. Termination by City. The Firm understands that it serves at the pleasure of the City
and this agreement may be terminated by the City at any time, upon 10 days written notification with
or without cause. In the event that the Firm’s services are terminated prior to completion of a bond
issuance, no portion of any contingent bond or disclosure counsel fee shall be payable to the Firm,
but actual out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
4. Date of Termination. The Firm’s representation of the City will be considered
terminated at the earlier of: (i) the City’s termination of the Firm’s representation; (ii) the Firm’s
withdrawal from representation of the City; or (iii) the completion of the Firm’s substantive work for
the City.
5. Related Activities. If any third-party claim or action is brought against us or any
personnel or agents of the Firm based on the City’s sole negligence or sole misconduct, or if the Firm
must defend the confidentiality of the City’s communications in any proceeding, the City agrees to
pay the Firm the actual cost of any resulting fees, costs or damages, including the Firm’s time, even
if the Firm’s representation of the City has ended.
6. No Guarantee of Outcome. The Firm will provide its services consistent with the
level and quality of expertise expected of a nationally recognized firm specializing in securities law
and the transaction contemplated by this agreement. The Firm does not and cannot guarantee any
outcome in a matter.
7. Insurance and Indemnification.
A. The Firm shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers,
employees, agents and volunteers (“City indemnitees”), from and against any and all causes of
action, claims, liabilities, obligations, judgments, or damages, including reasonable legal counsels’
fees and costs of litigation (“claims”), arising out of the Firm’s performance of its obligations under
this agreement or out of the operations conducted by the Firm, including the City’s active or passive
negligence, except for such loss or damage arising from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of
the City up to the limits of the Firm’s professional errors and omission insurance coverage described
in Part C.3 below. In the event the City indemnitees are made party to any action, lawsuit, or other
adversarial proceeding arising from the Firm’s performance of this agreement, the Firm shall provide
a defense to the City indemnitees, or at the City’s option, reimburse the City indemnitees their costs
of defense, including reasonable legal counsels’ fees, incurred in defense of such claims up to the
limits of the Firm’s professional errors and omission insurance coverage described in Part C.3 below.
B. As respects to all acts or omissions which do not arise directly out of the
performance of services, including but not limited to those acts or omissions normally covered by
general liability insurance, the Firm agrees to indemnify, defend (at the City’s option), and hold
harmless the City, its elected and appointed officers, agents, employees, representatives, and
volunteers from and against any and all claims, demands, defense costs, liability, or consequential
4.8.b
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damages of any kind or nature arising out of or in connection with the Firm (or the Firm’s
subcontractors, if any) performance or failure to perform, under the terms of this Agreement up to the
limits of the Firm’s professional errors and omission insurance coverage described in Part C.3 below;
except to the extent those which arise out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City.
C. Without limiting the City’s right to indemnification, it is agreed that the Firm
shall secure prior to commencing any activities under this Agreement, and maintain during the term
of this Agreement, insurance coverage as follows:
1. Workers Compensation and Employer’s Liability: The Firm shall
maintain Workers’ compensation insurance as required by California statutes and Employer’s
Liability Insurance with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000). The Firm shall submit to
the City, along with the certificate of insurance, a waiver of subrogation endorsement in favor of
City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers.
2. Commercial General Liability: The Firm shall maintain commercial
general liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00
01, in an amount not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury,
personal injury, and property damage, including without limitation, blanket contractual liability. If a
general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this
project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. The
Firm’s general liability policies shall be primary and shall not seek contribution from the City’s
coverage and be endorsed using Insurance Services Office form CG 20 10 (or equivalent) to provide
that the City and its officers, officials, employees, and agents shall be additional insureds under such
policies. The Firm shall submit to the City a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage.
Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies by the Firm shall not affect
coverage provided the City.
Coverage shall state the Firm’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against
whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
Coverage shall contain a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City.
3. Professional Liability Insurance: The Firm shall maintain professional
liability insurance that insures against professional errors and omissions that may be made in
performing the Services to be rendered in connection with these Terms of Retention, in the minimum
amount not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per claim and in the aggregate. Any policy
inception date, continuity date, or retroactive date must be before the effective date of this agreement,
and the Firm agrees to maintain continuous coverage through a period no less than three years after
completion of the services required of this agreement. The Firm shall submit to the City a certificate
of insurance evidencing such coverage.
8. Client. The City Council of the City is the Firm’s client. Unless expressly agreed,
the Firm is not undertaking the representation of any related or affiliated person or entity, nor any
4.8.b
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parent, subsidiary or affiliated corporation or entity, nor any of the City’s or their officers, directors,
agents, or employees.
9. Payment Notwithstanding Dispute. In the event of any dispute that relates to the
Firm’s entitlement to any payment from the City, all undisputed amounts shall be paid by the City to
the Firm’s client trust account. Any amounts in any client trust account held on the City’s behalf,
sufficient to pay the disputed amounts, shall continue to be held in such trust account until the final
disposition of the dispute.
10. Arbitration. The Firm appreciates the opportunity to serve as the City’s attorneys
and anticipates a productive and harmonious relationship. If the City should feel for any reason that
there is a problem with the services that the Firm has performed or with the Firm’s charges, the Firm
encourages the City to bring such matters to the Firm’s attention immediately. If the Firm perceives
a problem with representation of the City, the Firm will likewise endeavor to discuss it with the City.
Most problems should be rectified by communication and discussion. However, a dispute might
arise between the Firm and the City which could not be resolved by negotiation. The Firm believes
that such attorney-client disputes are most satisfactorily resolved through final and binding
arbitration rather than by litigation. Both the United States Supreme Court and the California
Supreme Court have endorsed arbitration as an accepted and favored method of resolving disputes,
because it is economical and expeditious.
In arbitration, there is no right to a trial by jury and the arbitrator’s legal and factual
determinations are generally not subject to appellate review. Arbitration rules of evidence and
procedure are often less formal and less rigid than the rules which apply in courts. Arbitration
usually results in a decision much more quickly than proceedings in courts, and the attorneys’ fees
and other costs incurred by both sides may be substantially less. The City is free to discuss the
advisability of arbitration with the Firm or with the City’s own independent counsel or any of the
City’s other advisors, and to ask any questions which the City may have.
By signing this Terms of Retention, the Firm and the City agree that, in the event of any
dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this agreement, such dispute or claim shall be resolved
by submission to final and binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, before a retired
judge or justice. By agreeing to arbitrate the parties waive any right they may have to a court or jury
trial. Venue with regard to any ancillary proceedings arising out of such dispute or claim shall also
be in Los Angeles County. If the Firm and the City are unable to mutually agree on a retired judge or
justice, then each side will name one retired judge or justice and the two named persons will select a
neutral judge or justice who will act as the sole arbitrator. The fees of the arbitrator will be paid
equally by both the Firm and the City.
In arbitration, the Firm and the City shall both be entitled to conduct discovery in accordance
with the provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure, but either the Firm or the City may
request that the arbitrator limit the amount or scope of such discovery and, in determining whether to
do so, the arbitrator shall balance the need for the discovery against the parties’ mutual desire to
resolve disputes expeditiously and inexpensively.
4.8.b
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Under California law, the City has the right, if desired, to request arbitration of any fee
dispute before an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators selected by a local bar association or the State Bar
(a “Bar Arbitration”) and a trial de novo in court if dissatisfied with the result. If the City does
request a Bar Arbitration, the law provides that evidence of any claim of malpractice or professional
misconduct is admissible only concerning the fees or costs in dispute and that the Bar Arbitrators
shall not award any affirmative relief in the form of damages, offset or otherwise on account of such
claim. By signing this agreement, the City agrees that if a Bar Arbitration is conducted, that Bar
Arbitration or any trial de novo in court thereafter shall determine only the issue of the amount of
fees properly chargeable to the City, if any, and that such Bar Arbitration or trial de novo in Court
thereafter shall have no effect on the provisions set forth above which require arbitration before a
retired judge or justice of any claims for affirmative relief based on alleged professional malpractice,
errors or omissions, breach of conduct, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud or violation of any statute.
Any such claims shall be solely determined in an arbitration proceeding by a retired judge or justice
without regard to the result of any Bar Arbitration or trial de novo thereafter.
11. Other Clients. As a law firm with many diverse clients and practice areas, the Firm
seeks to retain the ability to accept unrelated matters for all of the Firm’s clients. We may thus
request your informed written consent in the event that the Firm seeks to represent any other client in
any future matter that is not substantially related to this matter and does not involve material
confidential information that the Firm obtained while representing the City in this matter. Such
matters could arise during our representation of the City in this matter. The City may determine to
consent or not consent to such request and should feel free to consult independent counsel of the
City’s choice before deciding whether to grant any consent should it be requested.
The Firm represents various public agencies throughout California on bond and disclosure
counsel matters. The Firm has not represented and will not represent such agencies on any matter
adverse to the City while engaged by the City on this matter.
The Firm represents various investment banks, placement agents and underwriters from time
to time on transactions for public agencies other than transactions for the City. The Firm is not
representing any investment bank, placement agent or underwriter (or any other party other than the
City) on this transaction.
12. Primary Attorneys. The primary attorney with responsibility for this representation
will be Brian P. Forbath and Cyrus Torabi. The parties agree that the Firm is being retained based on
the unique skill, experience, and expertise of Messrs. Forbath and Torabi and no change will be made
in the primary attorney without the prior, written consent of the City.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
By:
City Manager
4.8.b
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4.8.b
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NG-U9ZQVMF2/4843-5979-2610v3/200928-0001
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
As bond counsel and disclosure counsel, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Professional
Corporation (the “Firm”), will undertake the following Scope of Services on the proposed
transaction:
1. Preparation of Legal Documents on Behalf of City. Provide bond counsel services
in connection with the proposed refinancing of the City of Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority
Fixed Rate Lease Revenue Bonds, 2002 Series A (Community/Senior Center Project), including but
not limited to:
advice and consultation with the City Manager, Finance Director, City Attorney and
City Council regarding the proposed issuance of bonds by the City, proposed
financial covenants and the financing process;
preparation of all legal proceedings of the City in connection with the proposed bond
issuance;
drafting various resolutions, documents and agreements for consideration by the City
Council;
participating in meetings, hearings or negotiations with City staff, the City Council,
the City’s municipal advisor, underwriter, underwriter’s counsel and other financing
team members as the circumstances require;
review and negotiate a bond purchase contract prepared by counsel to the
underwriter;
prepare final closing documents to be executed by the City to effect delivery of bonds
and coordinate the adoption and execution of all documents and of the closing; and
deliver a final approving opinion with respect to the proposed obligations and a
supplemental opinion to the underwriter with respect to the enforceability of the bond
purchase contract and the accuracy of the summaries of certain transaction documents
contained under specified captions in the official statement.
2. Assistance in Preparation of Offering Documents on Behalf of City. Provide
disclosure counsel services in connection with the proposed refinancing of the City of Diamond Bar
Public Financing Authority Fixed Rate Lease Revenue Bonds, 2002 Series A (Community/Senior
Center Project), including but not limited to:
prepare federal securities law disclosure policies and procedures for the City, if
requested;
conduct federal securities law disclosure training for City staff, if requested;
4.8.b
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draft a continuing disclosure undertaking compliant with Securities and Exchange
Commission Rule 15c2-12;
conduct a due diligence review of two years of City Council meeting minutes;
assist the City in the preparation of a preliminary official statement and final official
statement; and
deliver a final negative assurance letter to the underwriter pursuant to Securities and
Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5.
3. Fixed Fee Proposed. In accordance with our proposal:
Bond and Disclosure Counsel: The Firm proposes an all-inclusive not-to-exceed fee
of $55,000 to serve as bond counsel (including the preparation of a transcript and the delivery of
standard closing tax and validity opinions) and disclosure counsel (including the preparation of a
preliminary official statement and an official statement and the delivery of a standard negative
assurance letter) for the refinancing of the City of Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority Fixed
Rate Lease Revenue Bonds, 2002 Series A (Community/Senior Center Project).
The above fee quotation will in all cases be contingent upon the issuance of the bonds.
Moreover, the above fee quotation is inclusive of costs. The Firm does not propose to charge the
City any amounts in addition to those set forth above for costs in connection with the bond financing,
including travel to and from the City for appearances at one or more City Council meetings and/or
one or more working group conferences, but excluding travel to and from rating agency offices in
San Francisco, if required.
4.8.b
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Agenda #: L.1
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Financing Authority
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: APPROVAL OF PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING
MINUTES.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Open, Engaged & Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the December 1, 2020 meeting minutes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The minutes of the Annual Public Financing Authority meeting on December 1, 2020
have been prepared and are being presented for approval.
PREPARED BY:
L.1
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REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. L.1.a December 1, 2020 Public Financing Authority Minutes
L.1
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
ANNUAL MEETING
DECEMBER 1, 2020
Consistent with COVID-19 regulations, all Authority Members and staff participated via
teleconference and there was no physical location for public attendance. The Public
was invited to join the meeting online or by phone at the numbers printed on the
agenda.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chou called the meeting to order at
7:07 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: Authority Members Liu, Lyons, Tye, VC/Low
and Chair/Chou
Staff participating telephonically: Dan Fox, City Manager; Dave DeBerry, City
Attorney; Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager; Anthony Santos, Assistant
to the City Manager; Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Director; David Liu,
Public Works Director; Hal Ghafari, Public Works Manager/Assistant City
Engineer; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Dianna
Honeywell, Director of Finance; Amy Haug, Human Resources and Risk
Manager; Ken Desforges, Director of Information Services; Marsha Roa,
Public Information Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator;
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
AM/Lyons moved, AM/Tye seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented with AM/Liu abstaining on Con sent Calendar Item 4.1. Motion carried
by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: Liu, Lyons, Tye, VC/Low, Chair/Chou
NOES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
4.1 APPROVED PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MINUTES – Annual
Meeting of December 3, 2019 – As submitted.
4.2 APPROVED PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY TREASURER’S
STATEMENT - for November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2020.
5. PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY REORGANIZATION:
5.1 SELECTION OF CHAIR:
AM/Low nominated AM/Chou to serve as Chairman of the Public Finance
Authority. There were no other nominations offered. AM/Chou was
L.1.a
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DECEMBER 1, 2020 PAGE 2 PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of the Public Financing
Authority by the following Roll Call vote:
AM/Liu Yes
AM/Low Yes
AM/Lyons Yes
AM/Tye Yes
AM/Chou Yes
5.2 SELECTION OF VICE CHAIR:
AM/Low nominated AM/Tye to serve as Vice Chair of the Public Financing
Authority. There were no other nominations offered. AM/Tye was
unanimously elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Public Financing
Authority by the following Roll Call vote:
AM/Liu Yes
AM/Low Yes
AM/Lyons Yes
AM/Tye Yes
Chair/Chou Yes
6. AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS:
AM/Low congratulated Chair/Chou on his reappointment.
AM/Liu thanked Chair/Chou and VC/Tye for serving.
VC/Tye thanked his colleagues and congratulated Chair/Chou.
ADJOURN PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING: With no further business to
conduct, Chair/Chou adjourned the Public Financing Authority meeting at 7:13 p.m.
back to the Regular City Council meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of April, 2021.
__________________________
Andrew Chou, Chair
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Agenda #: L.2
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Financing Authority
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: ESTABLISHING REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE DIAMOND BAR
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. PFA 2021-01 establishing regular meetings of the Public Finance
Authority.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Public Financing Authority Resolution No. 2011 -03 establishes the regular meeting
schedule for the Authority to coincide with the first regular City Council meeting in
December. As part of the Diamond Bar Center Bond Refunding process, the Authority
will be required to take certain actions at a Regular meeting. Therefore, it is necessary
to amend the current schedule. The attached Resolution would rescind the previous
Resolution No. PFA 2011-03 and establish regular Public Financing Authority meetings
to coincide with all Regular City Council meetings.
PREPARED BY:
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REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. L.2.a PFA Resolution No. 2021-01 Regular Meeting Dates
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RESOLUTION NO. PFA 2021-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY ESTABLISHING REGULAR MEETING DATES
The Board of Directors of the City of Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority
does hereby find, order and resolve as follows:
SECTION I. Recitals.
A. The City of Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority (the "Authority") is a
joint exercise of powers authority organized and existing under Article I and Article
4 of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title I of the Government Code of the State of
California (the "JPA Act") for the purpose of assisting its members and any related
agencies or subdivisions (the "City") in the financing or refinancing of particular projects;
and
B. To fulfill its purposes, the Authority, from time to time, authorizes the
issuance of bonds or purchases bonds of other local agencies pursuant to the JPA Act;
and
C. Government Code Section 6592.1 provides that the Authority may adopt
a resolution authorizing bonds or any issuance of bonds or accepting the benefit of
any bonds or the proceeds of bonds only during a regular meeting of the
Authority held pursuant to Government Code Section 54954; and
D. Pursuant to Section 3.04(b) of the JPA Agreement, the Board of Directors
of the Authority may establish regular meeting dates of the Authority by resolution.
E. Pursuant to Authority Resolution Nos. 2011-01 adopted on October 4, 2011
and 2011-03 adopted on December 6, 2011 (the “Prior Resolutions”), the Authority
previously established regular meetings dates to coincide with the first regular meeting
dates of the City Council of the City in each December, together with certain dates in
2011.
F. The Board of Directors desires to rescind the Prior Resolutions and
establish regular meeting dates of the Authority to coincide with all regular meeting dates
of the City.
G. The Authority desires to adopt this resolution in accordance with the
provisions of Government Code Section 54954 to establish regular meeting dates.
SECTION 2. Regular Meeting Dates. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary in the joint powers agreement establishing the Authority, any bylaws of the
Authority or in any prior resolutions or actions of the Board of Directors of the Authority,
from the date hereof, the regular meetings of the Authority shall be held on the same
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PFA Resolution No. 2021-01
2
day and time as the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council. In the event
that the Secretary determines that there is no business of the Authority to be
conducted at a regular meeting, then the Chair, the Secretary and other officers of
the Authority are authorized to take whatever actions are required by law to cancel
such regularly scheduled meeting.
SECTION 3. Other Actions. The Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Director,
Treasurer, Secretary and other officers of the Authority are authorized and directed,
jointly and severally, to do any and all things which they may deem necessary or
advisable in order to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution, and such actions
previously taken by such officers are hereby ratified and confirmed.
SECTION 4. Effect. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its date of
adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of April, 2021.
______________________________
Andrew Chou, Chair
ATTEST:
I, Kristina Santana, Secretary of the Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority of
the City of Diamond Bar, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution
was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the Public Financing Authority of the
City of Diamond Bar, California, at its Special Meeting held on the 6th day of April,
2021, by the following vote:
AYES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
NOES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
ABSENT: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
______________________________
Kristina Santana, Authority Secretary
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Agenda #: L.3
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Financing Authority
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIAMOND BAR DEBT MANAGEMENT
POLICY.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Public Financing Authority adopt Resolution No. 2021 -02 adopting by
reference the Diamond Bar Debt Management Policy (City Council Policy 2021 -21) as
required by and in compliance with Government Code Section 8855(i).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
In a separate action by the City Council at the April 6, 2021 meeting, the Council
reviewed and approved the Diamond Bar Debt Management Policy (City Council Policy
2021-01). It is appropriate for the Public Financing Authority to also adopt the Debt
Management Policy by reference. A Resolution adopting City Council Policy 2021 -01 is
included in Attachment 1.
In 1981 the California Legislature established the California Debt Advisory Commission
as the State's clearinghouse for public debt issuance information and required it to
assist state and local agencies with the monitoring, issuance and management of public
debt. In 1996 the Legislature changed the name to the California Debt and Investment
Advisory Commission (CDIAC) and expanded its mission to co ver public investment
and to provide information, education and technical assistance on debt issuance and
public fund investments to local agencies and public finance professionals.
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In September 2016 the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1029 which became e ffective
January 1, 2017, which further amended the CDIAC requirements. In particular,
Government Code Section 8855(i) was amended to require that all governmental
entities establish a Debt Management Policy (“Debt Policy”) if any form o f debt is
being contemplated or anticipated to be issued by the entity. Attachment No. 3
contains the text of the legislation.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
A Debt Management Policy, consistent with the Government Code Section 8855(i), is
being presented for Council consideration. Government Code Section 8855(i), as
amended by SB 1029, requires:
• CDIAC to track and report on all state and local outstanding debt until fully repaid or
redeemed.
• The report of proposed debt include a certification by the issuer that it has adopted
local debt policies, which include specified provisions concerning the use of debt and
that the contemplated debt issuance is consistent with those local debt policies.
• A state or local public agency to submit an annual report for any issue of debt.
The City staff, financial advisor Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc., and special
counsel Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth have prepared the City’s proposed Debt
Management Policy (Attachment No. 2) for City Council consideration and approval as
required by CDIAC, which meets all of the requirements of SB 1029, yet preserves
flexibility for the City in managing its debt.
As presented in the proposed Debt Management Policy, the primary objectives of the
City's debt and financing-related activities are to:
a) Maintain the City's sound financial position;
b) Ensure the City has the flexibility to respond to possible changes in future service
obligations, revenues, and operating expenses;
c) Ensure that all debt is structured in order to protect both current and future
taxpayers, ratepayers and constituents of the City;
d) Minimize debt service commitments through efficient planning and cash
management;
e) Protect the City's credit worthiness and achieve the highest practical credit ratings,
when applicable; and
f) Ensure the City is in compliance with all relevant State and Federal securities laws
and other applicable laws and regulations.
Establishing this new Debt Management Policy is timely and a necessary part of the
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City undertaking the proceedings to refund the 2011 Fixed Rate Lease Revenue Bonds
for the Diamond Bar Center. Thus, it is now timely and necessary for the City Council to
consider and adopt a debt management policy that meets the requirements of
Government Code section 8855(i), as amended by SB 1029. The Debt Policy
presented with this agenda report meets these State Law requirements, while
preserving flexibility for the City in the management of its debt.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the Diamond Bar Debt Management
Policy as to form.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. L.3.a PFA Resolution No. 2021-02 Debt Management Policy
2. L.3.b CC 2021-01 Debt Management Policy 04-06-2021
3. L.3.c Gov Code Section 8855i
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RESOLUTION NO. PFA 2021-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY
OF DIAMOND BAR ADOPTING THE DIAMOND BAR DEBT
MANAGEMENT POLICY.
The Board of Directors of the City of Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority
does hereby find, order and resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. In order to issue bonds, Section 8855(i) of the California Government Code
(“Section 8855(i)”) requires each bond issuer and bond obligor to adopt a debt
management policy.
B. In order to enable the City of Diamond Bar (the “City”) to issue bonds or to
serve as an obligor with responsibility for payments securing bonds issued by the City of
Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority or other agencies in the future, the City wishes
to approve a debt management policy (the “Debt Policy”) in the form that is presented at
this meeting.
C. The Board of Directors has been presented with the form of Debt Policy that
is referred to herein, and the Board of Directors has examined and approved the Debt
Policy and desires to adopt the Debt Policy as the debt management policy of the City
pursuant to Section 8855(i).
D. All acts, conditions and things that are required by the laws of the State of
California to exist, to have happened and to have been performed precedent to and in
connection with the consummation of the matters that are authorized hereby do exist,
have happened and have been performed in regular and due time, form and manner as
required by law, and the City is now duly authorized and empowered, pursuant to each
and every requirement of law, to consummate such matters for the purpose, in the manner
and upon the terms herein provided.
SECTION 2. Approval of Debt Policy. The form of Debt Policy presented at this
meeting and attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved and adopted as the debt
management policy of the City pursuant to Section 8855(i).
SECTION 3. Further Action. The Chair, the Vice Chair, the Executive Director
and the Finance Director are hereby authorized, empowered and directed, individually, to
execute such other documents in addition to those enumerated herein and to take such
other actions as each deems necessary or advisable in order to effectuate the purposes
of this Resolution and any such actions previously taken by such officers are hereby
ratified, confirmed and approved.
SECTION 4. Attestations. The Secretary and such person or persons as may
have been designated by the Secretary to act on the Secretary’s behalf, are hereby
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PFA Resolution No. 2021-02
2
authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Authorized Officers designated
herein to execute any documents described herein, and to affix and attest the seal of the
City, as may be required or appropriate in connection with th e execution and delivery of
the documents that are described herein.
SECTION 5. Effect. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its
passage.
SECTION 6. Certification. The Secretary shall certify to the passage and adoption
of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED on this 6th day of April, 2021.
______________________________
Andrew Chou, Chair
ATTEST:
I, Kristina Santana, Secretary of the Diamond Bar Public Financing Authority of
the City of Diamond Bar, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution
was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the Public Financing Authority of the
City of Diamond Bar, California, at its Special Meeting held on the 6th day of April,
2021, by the following vote:
AYES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
NOES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
ABSENT: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: AUTHORITY MEMBERS:
______________________________
Kristina Santana, Authority Secretary
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PFA Resolution No. 2021-02
3
EXHIBIT A
DIAMOND BAR DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY
CITY COUNCIL POLICY 2021-01
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City Council Policy and Procedure
Number: (2021-01) Reviewed: Annually/As-Needed
Effective Date:
04/06/2021
Revised Date(s): N/A
City Council Policy (2021-01) Effective Date: 04/06/2021 Page 1 of 10
Debt Management Policy
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this Debt Policy is to establish guidelines and parameters
for the effective governance, management and administration of debt
and other financing obligations issued by the City and its related entities
(such as, but not exclusive to, the Diamond Bar Public Financing
Authority). This Debt Policy is intended to improve and direct decision
making, assist with the structure of debt issuance, identify policy goals,
and demonstrate a commitment to long-term planning, including the
City’s Five-Year Financial Plan. Adherence to a debt policy helps to
ensure the City’s debt is issued and managed prudently to maintain a
sound financial position and credit worthiness. When used in this Debt
Policy, “debt” refers to all indebtedness and financing obligations of the
City and its related entities (together referred to as “City”).
2. Objectives
2.1 This Debt Policy is intended to comply with the requirements of Senate
Bill 1029 (SB 1029), codified as part of California Government Code
Section 8855(i), effective on January 1, 2017 and shall govern all debt
undertaken by the City. The primary objectives of the City's debt and
financing related activities are to:
2.1.1 Maintain the City's sound financial position.
2.1.2 The City will strive to maintain at least a long-term credit rating of
“A” or its equivalent from any nationally recognized securities
rating agency selected by the City.
2.1.3 Ensure the City has the flexibility to respond to possible changes in
future service obligations, revenues, and operating expenses.
2.1.4 Ensure that all debt is structured in order to protect both current
and future taxpayers, ratepayers and constituents of the City.
2.1.5 Minimize debt service commitments through efficient planning
and cash management.
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2.1.6 Protect the City's credit worthiness and achieve the highest
practical credit ratings, when applicable.
2.1.7 Ensure the City is in compliance with all relevant State and Federal
securities laws and other applicable laws and regulations.
3. Acceptable Uses of Debt Proceeds
3.1 The City will consider the use of debt financing primarily for assets and
capital projects only if the term of debt shall not exceed the asset(s) or
project’s useful life or will otherwise comply with Federal tax law
requirements. An exception to this long-term driven focus is the issuance
of short-term instruments, such as tax and revenue anticipation notes,
which are to be used for reasonable cash management purposes, as
described below. Bonded debt should not be issued to finance normal
operating expenses. General Fund debt will not be issued to support
ongoing operational costs unless such debt issuance achieves net
operating cost savings and such savings are verified by independent
analysis.
3.1.1 Long-Term Debt
a. Long-term debt may be issued to finance the construction,
acquisition, and rehabilitation of capital improvements and
facilities, equipment, and land to be owned and/or operated
by the City. Long-term debt financings are appropriate when
any of the following conditions exist:
(1) When the project to be financed is necessary to provide
basic municipal services;
(2) When the project to be financed will provide benefit to the
City’s constituents over a duration of more than five years;
(3) When the total debt financing would not impose an
unreasonable burden on the City and its taxpayers and/or
ratepayers, as applicable; or
(4) When the debt is used to refinance outstanding debt in
order to produce debt service savings or to benefit from
debt restructuring.
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b. The City may use long-term debt financings subject to each of
the following conditions:
(1) The project to be financed has been or will be considered
and approved by the City Council;
(2) Generally, the weighted average maturity of the debt
should not exceed 120 percent of the weighted average
economic life of the projects or equipment being financed,
unless there are specific circumstances that would mitigate
the extension of time to repay the debt and it would not
result in violation of any covenants to maintain the tax-
exempt status of such debt, if applicable;
(3) The City estimates that sufficient revenues will be available
to service the debt through its maturity; and
(4) The City determines that the issuance of the debt will
comply with the applicable requirements of State and
Federal law.
3.1.2 Short-Term Debt - Short-term debt may be issued to provide
financing for the City's operational cash flows in order to maintain
a steady and even cash flow balance. Short-term debt may also
be used to finance the City's short-lived capital projects, such as
undertaking lease-purchase financing for equipment.
3.1.3 Financings on Behalf of Other Entities - The City may also issue debt
on behalf of other governmental agencies or private third parties
in order to further the public purposes of the City. In such cases,
the City shall take reasonable steps to confirm the financial
feasibility of the project to be financed, the financial solvency of
any borrower, and that the issuance of such debt is consistent with
the policies set forth herein.
4. Standards for Use of Debt Financing
4.1 The City recognizes that there are numerous types of financing structures
and funding sources available, each with specific benefits, costs, and
risks. The City will consider debt issuance only in those cases where
public policy, equity and economic efficiency favor debt financing over
cash funding. Prior to the issuance of debt or other financing obligations,
the City will carefully consider the overall long-term affordability of the
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proposed debt issuance by conducting an objective analysis of the
City's ability to support additional debt service payments. The City will
consider its long-term revenue and expenditure trends, the impact on
operational flexibility and the overall debt burden on the
taxpayers/ratepayers. The evaluation process shall include a review of
generally accepted measures of affordability and will strive to achieve
and/or maintain debt levels consistent with its current operating and
capital needs.
5. Types of Debt
5.1 In order to maximize the financial options available to benefit the public,
it is the City’s policy to allow the consideration of issuing all generally
accepted types of debt, including, but not exclusive to the following:
5.1.1 General Obligation (GO) Bonds:
a. GO Bonds are suitable for use in the construction or acquisition
of improvements to real property that benefit the public at
large. The California Government Code, Division 4, Chapter 4,
Article 1 commencing with section 43600 authorizes cities to
finance certain municipal improvements through GO bonds
when a city determines the public interest and necessity
demands the acquisition, construction or completion of such
municipal improvements, including property or structures
necessary or convenient to carry out the objects, purposes,
and powers of a city.
b. Examples of projects include but are not limited to libraries,
parks, public services, and public safety facilities. All GO bonds
shall be authorized by the requisite number of voters in order
to pass.
5.1.2 Revenue Bonds/Certificates of Participation (COPs) - Revenue
Bonds and COPs are limited-liability obligations tied to a specific
enterprise or special fund revenue stream where the projects
financed clearly benefit or relate to the enterprise or are otherwise
permissible uses of the special revenue. Generally, no voter
approval is required to issue this type of obligation but in some
cases, the City must comply with proposition 218 regarding rate
adjustments.
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5.1.3 Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Lease Revenue Bonds - As an
alternative to COPs, the City may obtain financing through the
issuance of debt by a joint exercise of powers agency with such
debt payable from amounts paid by the City under a lease,
installment sale agreement, or contract of indebtedness.
5.1.4 Loans - The City is authorized to enter into loans, installment
payment obligations, or other similar funding structures secured
by a prudent source or sources of repayment.
5.1.5 Special Assessment/Special Tax Debt - The City will consider
requests from developers for the use of debt financing secured by
property-based assessments or special taxes in order to provide
for necessary infrastructure for new development under
guidelines adopted by City Council, which may include minimum
value-to-lien ratios and maximum tax burdens. Examples of this
type of debt are Assessment Districts (ADs) and Community
Facilities Districts (CFDs), also known as Mello-Roos Districts. In
order to protect bondholders as well as the City's credit rating, the
City will also comply with all State guidelines regarding the
issuance of special tax or special assessment debt.
5.1.6 Tax Increment Financing - Tax Increment Financing provides
options to finance infrastructure and economic development
projects using as a repayment stream property tax revenues
generated above an established “base year” value (tax
increment). The City may consider tax increment financing to the
extent permitted under State law. Examples include tax allocation
bonds, which are special obligations secured by the allocation of
tax increment revenues generated by increased property taxes in
a designated redevelopment project area, as well as debt issued
by Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) or
Community Revitalization and Investment Authorities (CRIAs).
When considering tax increment financing mechanisms
permitted by law, the City should analyze the practical viability of
the proposed financing and take into account the potential
impact of the proposed structure on existing debt limitations.
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5.1.7 Short-Term Debt:
a. Short-term borrowing, such as commercial paper, Tax and
Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANS), and lines of credit, will be
considered as an interim source of funding in anticipation of
long-term borrowing and may be issued to generate funding
for cash flow needs. The final maturity of the debt issued to
finance the project shall be consistent with the useful life of the
project.
b. Short-term debt may also be used to finance short-lived capital
projects such as lease-purchase financing for equipment.
5.1.8 Refunding Bonds:
a. The City shall refinance debt pursuant to the authorization that
is provided under California law, including but not limited to
Articles 10 and 11 of Chapter 3 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5
of the California Government Code, as market opportunities
arise. Refundings may be undertaken in order:
(1) To take advantage of lower interest rates and achieve debt
service costs savings;
(2) To eliminate restrictive or burdensome bond covenants; or
(3) To restructure debt to lengthen the duration of repayment,
relieve debt service spikes, reduce volatility in interest rates
or free up reserve funds.
b. Generally, the City shall strive to achieve a minimum of 3% net
present value savings. The net present value assessment shall
factor in all costs, including issuance, escrow, and foregone
interest earnings of any contributed funds on hand.
Refundings which produce a net present value savings of less
than 3% will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon the
advice of the Finance Director and with the assistance of a
financial advisor and bond counsel, the City will consider
undertaking refundings for other than economic purposes
based upon a finding that such a restructuring is in the City's
overall best financial interest.
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The City may from time to time find that other forms of debt
would be beneficial to further its public purposes and may
approve such debt without an amendment of this Debt Policy.
However, the other form or forms of debt must comply with this
Debt Management Policy.
c. Debt shall be issued as fixed rate debt unless the City makes a
specific determination as to why a variable rate issue would be
beneficial to the City in that circumstance.
6. Relationship to Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget
6.1 The City intends to issue debt for the purposes stated in this Debt Policy
and the decision to incur new indebtedness should be integrated with
the City Council-adopted annual Operating Budget and Capital
Improvement Program Budget. Prior to issuance of debt, a reliable
revenue source shall be identified to secure repayment of the debt and
the annual debt service payments shall be included in the Operating
Budget.
The City shall integrate its debt issuances with the goals of its Capital
Improvement Program by timing the issuance of debt to ensure that
projects are available when needed in furtherance of the City's public
purposes.
7. Policy Goals Related to Planning Goals and Objectives
7.1 This Debt Policy has been adopted to assist with the City’s goal of
financial sustainability and financial prudence. In following this Debt
Policy, the City shall pursue the following policy goals:
7.1.1 The City is committed to financial planning, maintaining
appropriate reserves levels and employing prudent practices in
governance, management and budget administration. The City
intends to issue debt for the purposes stated in this Debt Policy and
to implement policy decisions incorporated in the City's annual
Operating Budget;
7.1.2 It is a policy goal of the City to protect taxpayers, ratepayers and
constituents by utilizing conservative financing methods and
techniques so as to obtain the highest practical credit ratings, if
applicable, and the lowest practical borrowing costs;
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7.1.3 It is a policy goal of the City to reduce the unfunded liabilities for
employee pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB);
7.1.4 The City will comply with applicable State and Federal law as it
pertains to the maximum term of debt and the procedures for
levying and imposing any related taxes, assessments, rates and
charges; and
7.1.5 When refinancing debt, it shall be the policy goal of the City to
achieve, whenever possible and subject to any overriding non-
financial policy, minimum aggregate net present value debt
service savings of at least 3% of the refunded principal amount.
8. Internal Control Procedures
8.1. When issuing debt, in addition to complying with the terms of this Debt
Policy, the City shall comply with any other applicable policies regarding
initial bond disclosure, continuing disclosure, post-issuance compliance,
and investment of bond proceeds.
The City will periodically review the requirements of and will remain in
compliance with the following:
a. Federal securities law, including any continuing disclosure
undertakings under SEC Rule 15c2-12;
b. Any federal tax compliance requirements including without limitation
arbitrage and rebate compliance, related to any prior bond issues;
c. The City's investment policies as they relate to the investment of bond
proceeds; and
d. Government Code section 8855(k) and the annual reporting
requirements therein.
8.2 The City shall be vigilant in using bond proceeds in accordance with the
stated purpose at the time that such debt was issued. The City Manager,
Finance Director or designee will monitor the expenditure of bond
proceeds to ensure they are used only for the purpose and authority for
which the bonds were issued. Whenever reasonably possible, proceeds
of debt will be held by a third-party trustee and the City will submit
written requisitions for such proceeds. The City will submit a requisition
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only after obtaining the signature of the City Manager and the Finance
Director.
9. Amendment and Waivers of Debt Policy
9.1 This Debt Policy will be reviewed and updated periodically as needed.
Any amendments to this Debt Policy are subject to specific City Council
approval.
While adherence to this Debt Policy is required in all applicable
circumstances, on rare occasions there might be circumstances when
strict adherence to a provision of this Debt Policy is not possible or not in
the best interest of the City. If the City staff has determined that a waiver
of one or more provisions of this Debt Policy should be considered by the
City Council based on a strong and compelling reason, it will prepare
an analysis for the City Council describing the rationale for the waiver
and the impact of the waiver on the proposed debt issuance and on
taxpayers, if applicable. Upon a super majority vote of the City Council,
one or more provisions of this Debt Policy may be waived for a debt
financing.
The failure of a debt financing to comply with one or more provisions of
this Debt Policy shall in no way affect the validity of any debt issued by
the City in accordance with applicable laws.
10. SB 1029 Compliance
10.1 SB 1029, signed by Governor Brown on September 12, 2016, and
enacted as Chapter 307, Statutes of 2016, requires issuers to adopt debt
policies addressing each of the five items below:
10.1.1 The purposes for which the debt proceeds may be used.
a. Section 3 (Acceptable Uses of Debt Proceeds) addresses the
purposes for which debt proceeds may be used.
10.1.2 The types of debt that may be issued.
a. Section 5 (Types of Debt) provides information regarding the
types of debt that may be issued.
10.1.3 The relationship of the debt to, and integration with, the issuer's
capital improvement program or budget, if applicable.
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Debt Management Policy
City Council Policy (2021-01) Effective Date: 04/06/2021 Page 10 of 10
a. Section 6 (Relationship to Capital Improvement Program and
Operating Budget) provides information regarding the
relationship between the City's debt and Capital Improvement
Program and annual Operating Budget.
10.1.4 Policy goals related to the issuer's planning goals and objectives.
a. Section 2 (Debt Policy Objective) and Section 7 (Policy Goals
Related to Planning Goals and Objectives) address some of
the City’s policy goals and how this Debt Policy has
implemented them.
10.1.5 The internal control procedures that the issuer has implemented,
or will implement, to ensure that the proceeds of the proposed
debt issuance will be directed to the intended use.
a. Section 8 (Internal Control Procedures) provides information
regarding the City's internal control procedures designed to
ensure that the proceeds of its debt issues are spent as
intended.
10.2 This Debt Policy, as written, complies with and meets the requirements
of SB 1029.
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TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA [8000 - 22980] ( Title 2 enacted
by Stats. 1943, Ch. 134. )
DIVISION 1. GENERAL [8000 - 8899.72] ( Division 1 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 134. )
8855.
GOVERNMENT CODE - GOV
CHAPTER 11.5. California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission [8855 - 8859] ( Heading of
Chapter 11.5 amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 7, Sec. 2. )
(a) There is created the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission, consisting of nine members, selected as
follows:
(1) The Treasurer, or his or her designee.
(2) The Governor or the Director of Finance.
(3) The Controller, or his or her designee.
(4) Two local government finance officers appointed by the Treasurer, one each from among persons employed by a county and by a
city or a city and county of this state, experienced in the issuance and sale of municipal bonds and nominated by associations
affiliated with these agencies.
(5) Two Members of the Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(6) Two Members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.
(b) (1) The term of office of an appointed member is four years, but appointed members serve at the pleasure of the appointing
power. In case of a vacancy for any cause, the appointing power shall make an appointment to become effective immediately for the
unexpired term.
(2) Any legislators appointed to the commission shall meet with and participate in the activities of the commission to the extent that
the participation is not incompatible with their respective positions as Members of the Legislature. For purposes of this chapter, the
Members of the Legislature shall constitute a joint interim legislative committee on the subject of this chapter.
(c) The Treasurer shall serve as chairperson of the commission and shall preside at meetings of the commission.
(d) Appointed members of the commission shall not receive a salary, but shall be entitled to a per diem allowance of fifty dollars
($50) for each day’s attendance at a meeting of the commission not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300) in any month, and
reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this chapter, including travel and other necessary
expenses.
(e) The commission may adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business.
(f) The commission shall meet on the call of the chairperson, at the request of a majority of the members, or at the request of the
Governor. A majority of all nonlegislative members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
(g) The office of the Treasurer shall furnish all administrative assistance required by the commission.
(h) The commission shall do all of the following:
(1) Assist all state financing authorities and commissions in carrying out their responsibilities as prescribed by law, including
assistance with respect to federal legislation pending in Congress.
(2) Upon request of any state or local government units, to assist them in the planning, preparation, marketing, and sale of debt
issues to reduce cost and to assist in protecting the issuer’s credit.
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(3) Collect, maintain, and provide comprehensive information on all state and all local debt authorization and issuance, track and
report on all state and local outstanding debt until fully repaid or redeemed, and serve as a statistical clearinghouse for all state and
local debt. This information shall be available to the public.
(4) Maintain contact with state and municipal bond issuers, underwriters, credit rating agencies, investors, and others to improve the
market for state and local government debt issues.
(5) Undertake or commission studies on methods to reduce the costs and improve credit ratings of state and local issues.
(6) Recommend changes in state laws and local practices to improve the sale and servicing of state and local debts.
(7) Establish a continuing education program for local officials having direct or supervisory responsibility over municipal
investments and debt issuance. The commission shall undertake these and any other activities necessary to disclose investment and
debt issuance practices and strategies that may be conducive for oversight purposes.
(8) Collect, maintain, and provide information on local agency investments of public funds for local agency investment.
(9) Publish a monthly newsletter describing and evaluating the operations of the commission during the preceding month.
(i) (1) The issuer of any proposed debt issue of state or local government shall, no later than 30 days prior to the sale of any debt
issue, submit a report of the proposed issuance to the commission by any method approved by the commission. This subdivision
shall also apply to any nonprofit public benefit corporation incorporated for the purpose of acquiring student loans. The commission
may require information to be submitted in the report of proposed debt issuance that it considers appropriate. Failure to submit the
report shall not affect the validity of the sale. The report of proposed debt issuance shall include a certification by the issuer that it
has adopted local debt policies concerning the use of debt and that the contemplated debt issuance is consistent with those local debt
policies. A local debt policy shall include all of the following:
(A) The purposes for which the debt proceeds may be used.
(B) The types of debt that may be issued.
(C) The relationship of the debt to, and integration with, the issuer’s capital improvement program or budget, if applicable.
(D) Policy goals related to the issuer ’s planning goals and objectives.
(E) The internal control procedures that the issuer has implemented, or will implement, to ensure that the proceeds of the proposed
debt issuance will be directed to the intended use.
(2) In the case of an issue of bonds the proceeds of which will be used by a governmental entity other than the issuer, the issuer may
rely upon a certification by that other governmental entity that it has adopted the policies described in subparagraphs (C), (D), and
(E) of paragraph (1), and references to the “issuer” in those subparagraphs shall be deemed to refer instead to the other governmental
entity.
(j) The issuer of any debt issue of state or local government, not later than 21 days after the sale of the debt, shall submit a report of
final sale to the commission by any method approved by the commission. A copy of the final official statement for the issue shall
accompany the report of final sale. If there is no official statement, the issuer shall provide each of the following documents, if they
exist, along with the report of final sale:
(1) Other disclosure document.
(2) Indenture.
(3) Installment sales agreement.
(4) Loan agreement.
(5) Promissory note.
(6) Bond purchase contract.
(7) Resolution authorizing the issue.
(8) Bond specimen.
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The commission may require information to be submitted in the report of final sale that it considers appropriate. The issuer may
redact confidential information contained in the documents if the redacted information is not information that is otherwise required
to be reported to the commission.
(k) (1) A public agency, whether state or local, shall submit an annual report for any issue of debt for which it has submitted a report
of final sale pursuant to subdivision (j) on or after January 21, 2017. The annual report shall cover a reporting period from July 1 to
June 30, inclusive, and shall be submitted no later than seven months after the end of the reporting period by any method approved
by the commission. Before approving any annual method of reporting pursuant to this subdivision, the commission shall consult
with appropriate state and local debt issuers and organizations representing debt issuers for purposes that shall include, but not be
limited to, making a proposed reporting method more efficient and less burdensome for issuers. The annual report shall consist of
the following information:
(A) Debt authorized during the reporting period, which shall include the following:
(i) Debt authorized at the beginning of the reporting period.
(ii) Debt authorized and issued during the reporting period.
(iii) Debt authorized but not issued at the end of the reporting period.
(iv) Debt authority that has lapsed during the reporting period.
(B) Debt outstanding during the reporting period, which shall include the following:
(i) Principal balance at the beginning of the reporting period.
(ii) Principal paid during the reporting period.
(iii) Principal outstanding at the end of the reporting period.
(C) The use of proceeds of issued debt during the reporting period, which shall include the following:
(i) Debt proceeds available at the beginning of the reporting period.
(ii) Proceeds spent during the reporting period and the purposes for which it was spent.
(iii) Debt proceeds remaining at the end of the reporting period.
(2) Compliance with this subdivision shall be required for each issue of debt with outstanding debt, debt that has been authorized but
not issued, or both, during the reporting period.
(3) The commission may, if technology permits, develop an alternate reporting method, provided that any alternate reporting method
is in furtherance of the purpose of collecting the data required by this subdivision. Before approving any alternate annual method of
reporting pursuant to this subdivision, the commission shall consult with appropriate state and local debt issuers and organizations
representing debt issuers for purposes that shall include, but not be limited to, making a proposed reporting method more efficient
and less burdensome for issuers.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 307, Sec. 2. (SB 1029) Effective January 1, 2017.)
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Agenda #: 6.1
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: FORMATION OF LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 41-2021
TO REPLACE EXISTING DISTRICT NO. 41.
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-12 initiating proceedings for the formation of a new
landscape assessment district No. 41-2021 and designating SCI Consulting Group
as the Engineer of Record; and
B. Approve, and authorized the Mayor to sign, the First Amendment to the Consulting
Services Agreement with SCI Consulting Group to provide the special assessment
engineering and balloting services in the amount of $13,600.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In FY 2020/21, the revenue from assessments in District 41 were $122,157, which
necessitated a General Fund subsidy of $142,824 to cover the existing District’s total
budget of $264,981. Forming a new district with the intent to be self-supporting will
relieve the General Fund of this burden.
Costs to perform the mail ballot process and other required services under the SCI
contract amendment will be $13,600. There is sufficient fund available in the FY
2020/21 Public Works operating budget to cover this cost.
BACKGROUND:
Landscape Assessment District 41 (District) was created in 1985 to pay for the
maintenance and upkeep of certain landscape and recreation features in the
neighborhood. The District was formed upon the request of developer William Lyon
Company. At that time before the 1989 incorporation of the City of Diamond Bar (City),
the County of Los Angeles (County) approved the formation of this District and provided
6.1
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maintenance and administration. Upon incorporation in 1989, the City took over the
administration of the District (maintenance as well as the annual assessment
responsibilities). The District was created to be self-supporting with the ability of the
County (and, subsequently, the City) to set assessment levels sufficient to raise the
required revenues.
In 1996 California voters approved Proposition 218, which changed the legal
requirements of increasing assessments such as these. From that year forward any
increase in assessments would need to be approved by a vote of the property owners
within the District by a simple majority (50% plus 1) of returned ballots. This new
requirement effectively froze assessment levels for most assessments across the State,
including District 41. For a few years, costs increases were modest and fiscal reserves
were sufficient to fund maintenance activities. Once the reserves were depleted, the
City’s General Fund was utilized to cover the shortfalls.
Because the District was originally structured to be self-supporting, this burden on the
General Fund was unintended and is unsustainable. The simplest remedy is to in crease
assessments for the District to cover costs. Other options include scaling back
landscape services to fit within available revenues or dissolving the District and ceasing
all services.
After years of study and discussion, the City Council initiated a new assessment district
formation in 2019 pursuant to Proposition 218 procedures to put increased
assessments in place. The result of that ballot process was an overwhelming rejection
of the City’s proposed assessments (with only 25.3% support). The C ity proceeded to
continue with the same assessment levels for the two following years, FY 2019/20 and
FY 2020/21.
Due to the increase in the cost of District services over the years and the inability to
increase assessments to cover those costs, the City Council at its February 16, 2021
meeting directed staff to take the necessary steps to dissolve the District. On March 16,
2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021 -09 declaring the City’s intention to
dissolve Landscape Maintenance District No. 4 1 and scheduling a public hearing for the
May 4, 2021 Council meeting. Public hearing letters/notices were mailed to the property
owners and the public hearing notices have been published accordingly.
ANALYSIS:
Prior to and during the March 16, 2021 meeting, the Council heard substantial
comments from the residents and representatives of the homeowner’s associations in
the District that another Proposition 218 ballot proceeding might be received more
favorably than before. Based on that input along with assurances from the homeowners’
associations that they would spearhead all community engagement, the City Council is
being requested to initiate proceedings for a new Proposition 218 assessment district
formation proceeding to re-establish this landscape assessment district (to be
designated District No. 41-2021) in time to be assessed on the FY 2021/22 property tax
bills. Therefore, the City Council directed staff to explore this option. In the meantime,
the dissolution of the existing District No. 41 will proceed as planned.
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Staff contacted the City’s Assessment Engineer, SCI Consulting Group (Consultant), to
explore the scope, timing, and costs of this request. The Consultant states that the
assessment engineering work from the 2019 effort is still valid in its basic structure but
would need to be updated based on new cost projections and any new parcel
information. Based on this and the absence of any community engagement effort, their
cost proposal of $13,600 is less than it was for the 2019 effort. This cost includes all
updated parcel data, financial analysis, printing and mailing of ballot materials, and
tabulation. A contract amendment, as shown in Attachment 2, would be required to
secure the Consultants services.
The timeline for this effort is governed by the early August deadline for submitting direct
charges to the County Auditor-Controller to place the assessments on the FY 2021/22
tax bills. The primary milestone dates are shown below.
• April 6: Resolution of Intent and Authorize SCI to Proceed on Engineer’s Report
(Attachment 1)
• May 4: Draft Engineer’s Report available
• May 18: Resolution to Approve Engineer’s Report and Set Public Hearing Date
• May 21: Prop 218 Ballot Packets and Hearing Notices to be mailed
• July 6: Conduct Public Hearing and Tabulate Ballots.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the Resolution and the First Amendment
to the Consultant Agreement as to form.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
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Attachments:
1. 6.1.a Resolution No. 2021-12; LLAD 41-2021
2. 6.1.b First Amendment to Consultant Agreement; SCI
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RESOLUTION NO. 2021-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND
BAR INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE FORMATION OF A
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT (NO. 41-2021) PURSUANT TO
PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 15, PART 2, OF THE STREETS AND
HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND
DESIGNATING SCI CONSULTING GROUP AS THE ENGINEER OF
RECORD
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby proposes the formation of a landscaping and
lighting district pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Part 2 of Division
15 of the California Streets and Highways Code (commencing with Section 22500 thereof)
(“the Act”); and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the landscaping and lighting district shall be to install,
maintain and service those improvements described in Section 2 below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Diamond Bar does hereby:
Section 1. The new landscaping and lighting district proposed in this Resolution
is hereby given the distinctive designation of Landscape Maintenance District No. 41-
2021 (the “Assessment District”), which proposed landscaping and lighting district is
primarily described as all of the lands within the current boundaries of Landscape
Maintenance District No 41, a shown in Exhibit “A”.
Section 2. It is proposed the Assessment District undertake the following
improvements: installation, maintenance and servicing of public and/or private areas and
facilities, including but not limited to, landscaping, sprinkler systems, landscape corridors,
ground cover, shrubs and trees, street frontages, lighting, fencing, entry monuments,
graffiti removal and repainting, and labor, materials, supplies, utilities and equipment, as
applicable, for property owned and/or maintaine d by the City. Installation means the
construction of landscape improvements, including, but not limited to, land preparation,
such as grading, leveling, cutting and filling, sod, landscaping, irrigation systems,
sidewalks and drainage, and lights. Maintenance means the furnishing of services and
materials for the ordinary and usual maintenance, operation and servicing of said
improvements, including (a) repair, removal, or replacement of all or part of any
improvement; (b) providing for the life, growth, health and beauty of landscaping,
including cultivation, irrigation, trimming, spraying, fertilizing, or treating for disease or
injury; (c) the removal of trimmings, rubbish, debris, and other solid waste; and (d) the
cleaning, sandblasting, and painting of walls and other improvements to remove or cover
graffiti. Servicing means the furnishing of (a) electric current or energy, gas, or other
illuminating agent for any public lighting facilities or for the lighting or operation of any
other improvements, and (b) water for the irrigation of any landscaping, the operation of
any fountains, or the maintenance of any other improvements.
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Resolution No. 2021-12
2
Section 3. SCI Consulting Group is hereby designated as Engineer of Work for
purposes of these proceedings and is hereby ordered to prepare an Engineer's Report in
accordance with Article 4 of Chapter 1 of the Act and Article XIIID of the California
Constitution. Upon completion, the Engineer shall file the Engineer's Report with the City
Clerk for submission to the City Council.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 6th day of April, 2021.
_____ _____
Nancy A. Lyons, Mayor
ATTEST:
I, Kristina Santana, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, do hereby certify that
the foregoing Resolution was passed, approved and adopted at the regular meeting of
the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar held on the 6th day of April, 2021, by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAINED: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
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Resolution No. 2021-12
3
Exhibit “A”
Landscape Assessment District No. 41-2021 Map
6.1.a
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1450826.1
FIRST AMENDMENT
TO
CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
This First Amendment to Consultant Services Agreement (“First Amendment”) is
made and entered into as of April 6, 2021, by and between the City of Diamond Bar, a
municipal corporation ( “City”), and SCI Consulting Group, a California corporation (herein
referred to as the “Consultant”) with reference to the following:
A. The City and the Consultant entered into that certain Consultant Services
Agreement dated as of May 5, 2020, which is incorporated herein by this reference (the
“Original Agreement”); and
B. The City and the Consultant desire to amend the Original Agreement to
modify, amend and supplement certain portions thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Defined Terms. Except as otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms
used herein shall have the meanings set forth for such terms in the Original Agreement.
2. Revised Scope of Services. The Scope of Services, Exhibit "A" to the
Original Agreement, is hereby amended, modified and supplemented to include the
services described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference.
3. Term. The Term of the Original Agreement as set forth in Section 2 therein is
from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023. This First Amendment does not change the Term.
4. Compensation. The total not-to-exceed compensation set forth in Section 3
of the Original Agreement was the sum of Fifty-two thousand and two hundred and
eight Dollars ($52,208). Section 3 of the Original Agreement is hereby amended to
provide for an increase of Thirteen thousand and six hundred Dollars ($13,600) so that
the total not-to-exceed compensation, as amended by this First Amendment shall not
exceed Sixty-five thousand and eight hundred and eight Dollars ($65,808) without the
prior authorization of the City.
5. Integration. This First Amendment and all attachments hereto (if any)
integrate all of the terms and conditions mentioned herein, and supersede all negotiations
with respect hereto. This First Amendment amends, as set forth herein, th e Original
Agreement and except as specifically amended hereby, the Original Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect. To the extent that there is any conflict or inconsistency
6.1.b
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1450826.1
between the terms and provisions of this First Amendment and the terms and provisions of
the Original Agreement, the terms and provisions of this First Amendment shall control.
IN WITNESS hereof, the parties enter into this First Amendment on the year and day
first above written.
“CONSULTANT” “CITY”
SCI CONSULTING GROUP CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
*By: By:
Printed Name: Nancy A. Lyons, Mayor
Title:
*By: ATTEST:
Printed Name:
Title:
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
David DeBerry, City Attorney
*NOTE: If Consultant is a corporation, the City requires the following signature(s):
-- (1) the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice-President, AND (2) the Secretary, the
Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer. If
only one corporate officer exists or one corporate officer holds more than one corporate
office, please so indicate. OR
-- The corporate officer named in a corporate resolution as authorized to enter into this
Agreement. A copy of the corporate resolution, certified by the Secretary close in time to the
execution of the Agreement, must be provided to the City.
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1450826.1
EXHIBIT “A”
ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF SERVICES
[Behind this page.]
6.1.b
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1
March 26, 2021 VIA Email
David Liu, Public Works Director
City of Diamond Bar
21810 Copely Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Re: SECOND REVISED Proposal for Assessment Engineering, Formation, Balloting Services and Other
Professional Consulting Services
Dear David:
SCIConsultingGroup (“SCI”) is pleased to submit, for your review, this proposal to provide City of Diamond
Bar (“City”) with special assessment engineering, balloting services and other professional consulting
services.
The City conducted a Proposition 218 ballot proceeding in 2019 to replace the existing Landscape
Maintenance District 41 (“LMD 41”) that was unsuccessful. More recently, the City Council had decided
to adopt a resolution of intent to dissolve LMD 41. However, there may be some interest by community
members in revisiting the Proposition 218 balloting as support levels for a higher assessment may have
increased.
SCI has prepared this proposal with the understanding that we will update the 2019 documents
(engineer’s report, resolutions, ballot guide and ballots) and conduct the full Proposition 218 process. The
primary difference from our 2019 proposal is that SCI will not participate in the community outreach
process. In addition, there will be certain efficiencies realized as the 2019 assessment engineering work
is still valid and would only require an updated costs basis.
SCOPE OF WORK
The purpose of this proposal is to outline the responsibilities SCI Consulting Group would assume in
assisting with a Proposition 218 assessment ballot proceeding and formation of a new Assessment District.
This proposal includes all engineering services, mailing and design services, data analysis, voter tabulation,
project coordination and other related tasks associated with such formations and ballot proceeding.
1. Project Analysis and Development:
a. Meet with City Staff as needed to confirm the boundaries to be used, timeline and a
description of the work to be performed.
b. Review the City’s budgets and other cost of service information.
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2
2. Preparation of Assessments and Engineer's Report:
a. Obtain data from the County Assessor for all parcels within the Assessment District
boundaries.
b. Obtain copies of Assessor Parcel Maps and prepare the Boundary Map and Assessment
Diagrams.
c. Research and determine other property information required for benefit
apportionment such as assessable land area, number of residential dwelling units,
proximity to improvements to be financed, etc.
d. Analyze the potential tax base and estimate special benefit received by each assessable
parcel in compliance with the provisions of Proposition 218. In addition, evaluate and
quantify general benefits.
e. Describe the improvements to be financed.
f. Develop cost estimates for improvements and expenses to be paid by the proposed
Assessment District formations.
g. In conjunction with City staff, determine the recommended method of assessments.
h. Using the project cost estimates and the assessment rules, allocate the estimated cost
of improvements and expenses to all parcels within the Assessment District based on
special benefit received.
i. Prepare an Assessment Diagram for the proposed Assessment District formation.
j. Prepare the Assessment Rolls listing parcel number, assessment number, owner name
and assessment amount for each Assessor Parcel within the Assessment District.
k. Prepare an Engineer's Report in compliance with the provisions of Article XIIID of the
California Constitution which includes the boundaries of the Assessment District,
description of improvements, improvement plans, facility locations, benefit analysis, all
costs, analysis of general verses special benefit, assessments, assessment diagrams and
other information and data.
3. Assessment Ballot Proceedings:
a. Compile and format address data and specific assessment amount for all owners of
record within Assessment Districts. This data would be used for mailing of Notices of
Hearing and property owner ballots.
b. In conjunction with City staff, prepare the Notices of Hearing and Assessment Ballots.
c. Print and mail Notices and Assessment Ballots to all record owners within the
Assessment District. Each notice/ballot shall include all information required by law.
d. Assist with responding to property owner inquiries regarding their proposed
assessment, voting procedures or other issues regarding the Assessment District
formation. Any property owners or other parties who have questions about their
assessment or other issues with the Assessment District can directly contact SCI
Consulting Group on our toll-free 800 phone line: (800-273-5167)
e. Tabulate all assessment ballots.
f. Attend two City Council meetings ( 1. Approve Engineer’s Report, 2. Public Hearing )
and respond to all questions and make presentations as required. It is assumed that the
second City Council meeting would require an in-person attendance as the ballot
tabulation will occur immediately following the Public Hearing.
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3
4. Other Responsibilities:
a. All services will be performed on a timely basis and in accord with a timeline developed
in conjunction with City staff.
b. Submission of levies to the County Auditor-Controller will be paid for under the existing
City-SCI contract for annual levy administration.
5. City Responsibilities:
a. City staff will provide cost projections for LMD 41.
b. City staff will make presentations at any community meetings as needed.
c. City will host any websites developed for the formation including any documents
translated into languages other than English.
TIMELINE
Key Task
Dates
Responsible
Party
Project Kick-Off Meeting March 25 City / SCI
Resolution 1 – Initiate Process; Award SCI
Contract
April 6 City / SCI
Deliver Draft Engineers Report May 4 SCI
Deliver Draft Resolutions and Staff Report May 11 SCI
Resolution 2 – Approve ER, set hearing
date, authorize ballots
May 18 City / SCI
Mail ballot packets May 21 SCI
Respond to inquiries, ballot requests May 24 – July 6 City / SCI
Resolution 3 – Conduct hearing, tabulate
ballots, order levies (if approved)
July 6 City / SCI
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4
FEE SCHEDULE
The compensation for performance of services described under the Scope of Work shall be as follows:
Task AD 41
* Engineer's Report & Resolutions
* Public Inquiries 10,000$
Notice and Ballot
* Design
* Print
* Mail
* Tabulation
3,000$
Base Contract 13,000$
Incidentals (not to exceed)
* One in-person meetings
* Data & other misc expenses
600$
Total Contract Authorization 13,600$
SCI may bill for services on a monthly basis with the full amount due upon tabulation of ballots.
Incidental costs incurred by SCI for the purchase of property data, maps, travel and other out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in performing the scope of work for the measure shall be reimbursed at actual cost by
City, with a total cost not to exceed $1,100 without prior authorization from City. This amount is based
on up to two SCI staff travelling to the second City Council Meeting for ballot tabulation. Other meetings
are assumed to be done in a virtual format (i.e., no travel expenses).
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can
be reached at (707) 430-4300 or via email at Jerry.bradshaw@sci-cg.com. We look forward to this
opportunity to assist the City of Diamond Bar with this important project and stand ready to proceed.
Sincerely,
Jerry Bradshaw
Senior Engineer
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Agenda #: 6.2
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: REVIEW OF DRAFT 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT (PLANNING
CASE NO. PL2021-004)
STRATEGIC
GOAL:
Open, Engaged & Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION:
A. Receive staff report;
B. Receive public comments; and
C. Provide direction to staff regarding the Draft 2021 -2029 Housing Element.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The City entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with JHD Planning LLC to
prepare the Housing Element for a not-to-exceed fee of $75,364. The consultant’s fees
are fully reimbursable through SB-2 and a Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grants
that the State of California awarded to the City. In addition, $6,450 in administrative
costs incurred by staff to manage the Housing Element are reimbursable through the
LEAP grant.
BACKGROUND:
On January 26, 2021 the Planning Commission and City Council conducted a joint
workshop to initiate the process of updating the Housing Element of the Diamond Bar
General Plan for the 2021-2029 planning period as required by State law.
As discussed at the January workshop, the 2019 General Plan Update did not include
an update to the Housing Element because State law establishes a separate schedule
for updating Housing Elements. The next required update for the Housing Element
covers the 2021-2029 planning period.
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Following the January workshop, a draft Housing Element was prepared and on March
23, 2021, a public meeting was conducted to allow the Planning Commission and
interested stakeholders an opportunity to provide comments on the draft. Public
comments from the March 23, 2021 meeting are summarized below.
The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to continue the public review process for the draft
Housing Element and solicit comments from the City Council and interested
stakeholders. After this meeting, staff will incorporate appropriate revisions to the draft
Housing Element. The draft Housing Element must then be submitted to the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. Additional
public meetings will be scheduled by the Planning Commission and City Council prior to
final adoption of the Housing Element.
ANALYSIS:
Background material regarding the Housing Element update is provided in the staff
report for the January 26, 2021 workshop, and is available for review on the City
website at: http://diamondbarca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx. The following is a brief
summary of the key Housing Element issues and how those issues are addressed in
the draft Housing Element.
Housing Element Content. The Housing Element focuses on establishing City policies
and programs intended to address the housing needs of current and future Dia mond
Bar residents. The Draft Housing Element includes the following sections:
• An introductory overview of the Housing Element (Section 9.1)
• Analysis of the City's demographic and housing characteristics and trends (Section
9.2)
• Evaluation of resources and opportunities available to address housing needs
(Section 9.3)
• Analysis of potential governmental and non-governmental constraints to meeting the
City's housing needs (Section 9.4)
• The Housing Action Plan for the 2021-2029 planning period (Section 9.5)
• Review of the City’s accomplishments during the previous planning period (Appendix
A)
• An inventory of sites that could accommodate the City’s new housing needs
(Appendix B); and
• A description of opportunities for stakeholders to participate in the preparation of the
Housing Element (Appendix C)
Generally, the most significant issues to be addressed in the Housing Element are: 1)
whether City plans and regulations accommodate housing for persons with special
needs in compliance with State law; and 2) how the City will accommodate its share of
regional housing needs assigned through the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
(“RHNA”) process.
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Housing for Persons with Special Needs. State law establishes specific requirements
related to City regulation of housing for persons with special needs, including the
homeless and persons with disabilities. Section 9.4 of the Housing Element
(Constraints) contains an analysis of City plans and regulations for a variety of housing
types. The analysis concluded that while current City regulations are consistent with
most laws regarding special needs housing, some recently adopted laws will require
that the Municipal Code be amended in order to ensure consistency with State law.
Section 9.5 (Housing Action Plan) of the Housing Element includes the following
programs to comply with State requirements:
• Program H-10. Accessory Dwelling Units. State law has been amended several
times over the past few years to establish mandatory local standards and
procedures intended to encourage production of ADUs. This program includes a
commitment to process a Development Code amendment in conformance with
current State law.
• Program H-11. Emergency Shelters, Low Barrier Navigation Centers and
Transitional/Supportive Housing. The Development Code establishes standards and
procedures for these types of housing targeted for persons who are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless. This program includes a commitment to process a
Development Code amendment in conformance with recent changes to Sta te law.
These changes include allowing supportive housing meeting specified criteria in
zones where multi-family and mixed uses are permitted, and allowing low barrier
navigation centers meeting specified standards in areas zoned for mixed use and in
non-residential zones permitting multi-family uses. Low barrier navigation centers
are defined as “Housing first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelters focused on
moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while
case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public
benefits, health services, shelter, and housing.”
• Program H-12. Affordable Housing Incentives/Density Bonus. Density bonus refers
to the State law requiring cities to allow increased densi ty and other incentives for
housing developments that include long -term commitments to provide units
affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Recent changes to State
Density Bonus Law have increased the amount of density bonus and other
incentives for affordable housing. This program includes a commitment to amend the
City’s density bonus regulations consistent with current State law.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment
(“RHNA”) is the process established in State law by which future housing needs are
determined for each city. On March 4, 2021 SCAG adopted the final RHNA Plan, which
assigns Diamond Bar the following housing needs.
2021-2029 RHNA Allocation – Diamond Bar
Extremely Low +
Very Low Low Moderate Above
Moderate Total
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844 434 437 806 2,521
Source: SCAG, 3/4/2021
The RHNA allocation identifies the amount of additional housing a jurisdiction would
need in order to have enough housing at all price levels to fully accommodate its
assigned share of the region’s housing need during the 8 -year planning period. The
RHNA is a planning requirement based upon housing need, not a construction quota or
mandate. Jurisdictions are not required to build housing or issue permits to achieve their
RHNA allocations, but some provisions of State law establish specific requirements
when housing production falls short of RHNA allocations. One such requirement is
streamlined review and approval of housing development applications that meet specific
standards.1 Other than requirements for streamlined permit processing, there are
currently no legal or financial penalties imposed on cities for failing to achieve their
RHNA allocations so long as a Housing Element has been adopted in compliance with
State law.
The Housing Element is required to provide an evaluation of potential capacity for
additional housing based on land use patterns, development regulations, other
development constraints (such as infrastructure availability and environmental
conditions) and real estate market trends. The analysis must be prepared at a parcel-
specific level of detail and identify properties (or “sites”) where additional housing could
be built consistent with City regulations. This evaluation is referred to as the “sites
analysis” and State law requires the analysis to demonstrate that the city has adequate
sites with appropriate zoning to fully accommodate additional housing development
commensurate with its RHNA allocation in each income category. If the sites analysis
does not demonstrate that adequate capacity exists to fully accommodate the RHNA,
the Housing Element must describe what steps will be taken to increase capacity
commensurate with the RHNA – typically through amendments to land use and zoning
regulations that could facilitate additional housing development. Appendix B of the
Housing Element includes a parcel-level analysis of sites that could accommodate the
City’s RHNA allocation.
Diamond Bar’s new General Plan, adopted in December 2019, estimates that up to
3,750 new housing units could be built in the city by 2040, depending on market
conditions. It is expected that much of this growth will occur within the Town Center
Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit Oriented Development and Community
Core Overlay focus areas, while most existing residential neighborhoods will experience
less growth and change.
The 2019 General Plan provides the guiding framework for development in these Focus
Areas; however, zoning regulations have not yet been amended to reflect General Plan
policy for these areas. The City is currently in the process of updating the Development
Code to revise land use regulations for these Focus Areas consistent with the standards
established in the new General Plan. Program H-8 in Section 9.5 of the Housing
Element describes actions the City intends to take to complete the required zoning
amendments consistent with the 2019 General Plan and in compliance with State law.
1 California Government Code Sec. 65913.4 (SB 35 of 2017)
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Planning Commission Review. On March 23rd the Planning Commission conducted a
public meeting to review the draft Housing Element and receive public comments. Prior
to the meeting a letter was submitted by Lee Paulson on behalf of Responsible Land
Use (Attachment 3). Among the oral comments offered at the meeting were the
following:
• We have a housing crisis.
• The housing market is strongly influenced by investors.
• Children who grew up in Diamond Bar have difficulty finding affordable housing that
enables them to continue living here.
• Should the City consider an inclusionary housing program?
• Diamond Bar doesn’t have sufficient transportation and parking infrastructure to
handle the amount of development assigned in the RHNA, such as streets serving
the Metrolink station.
• Future planning and development of the Focus Areas needs to be done thou ghtfully
so that these areas enhance the quality of life in Diamond Bar.
At the conclusion of the meeting the consensus of the Planning Commission was that
no substantial changes are needed in the draft Housing Element.
Housing Element Update Process. Cities are required to submit draft Housing
Elements to HCD for review, and must address any comments from HCD prior to final
adoption of the Housing Element. After tonight’s meeting staff will incorporate City
Council recommendations into the Draft Housing Element and the revised draft Housing
Element must then be submitted to HCD for review.
Following receipt of HCD’s comments, staff will prepare a proposed final Housing
Element for review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council later thi s
year. Cities are allowed up to three years after Housing Element adoption to complete
the zoning amendments needed to address RHNA requirements.
PREPARED BY:
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REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 6.2.a Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
2. 6.2.b Draft Minutes of the March 23, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting
3. 6.2.c Letter from Responsible Land Use Dated March 23, 2021
6.2
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1
9.0 HOUSING
ELEMENT
2021 -2029
9.0
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Contents
9.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 9-1
Community Context .............................................................................................................. 9-1
Role of Housing Element ....................................................................................................... 9-1
Public Participation ................................................................................................................ 9-3
Relationship to Other General Plan Elements .................................................................... 9-3
9.2 Housing Needs Assessment ............................................................................................ 9-4
Population Characteristics .................................................................................................... 9-4
Household Characteristics .................................................................................................... 9-5
Employment .......................................................................................................................... 9-10
Housing Stock Characteristics ............................................................................................ 9-11
Special Needs....................................................................................................................... 9-14
Assisted Housing at Risk of Conversion .............................................................................. 9-20
Future Growth Needs........................................................................................................... 9-20
9.3 Resources and Opportunities ....................................................................................... 9-22
Land Resources .................................................................................................................... 9-22
Financial and Administrative Resources ........................................................................... 9-22
Energy Conservation Opportunities ................................................................................... 9-25
9.4 Constraints ...................................................................................................................... 9-27
Governmental Constraints .................................................................................................. 9-27
Development Processing Procedures ............................................................................... 9-37
Non-Governmental Constraints ......................................................................................... 9-42
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing .................................................................................. 9-44
9.5 Housing Action Plan ...................................................................................................... 9-47
Goals and Policies ................................................................................................................ 9-47
Housing Programs ................................................................................................................ 9-49
Appendix A – Evaluation of the Prior Housing Element
Appendix B – Residential Sites Inventory
Appendix C – Public Participation Summary
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9-iv HOUSING ELEMENT 2021-2029 │ Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
List of Tables
Table 9-1 : Population Trends, 2000-2020, Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region ............................... 9-4
Table 9-2 : Population by Age and Sex, Diamond Bar ................................................................ 9-5
Table 9-3 : Overcrowding by Tenure, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ................................... 9-5
Table 9-4 : Extremely-Low-Income Households, Diamond Bar ................................................... 9-6
Table 9-5 : Income Categories and Affordable Housing Costs, Los Angeles County ............. 9-7
Table 9-6 : Percentage of Income Spent on Rent, Diamond Bar .............................................. 9-7
Table 9-7 : Percentage of Income Spent on Rent by Income Category, Diamond Bar ........ 9-8
Table 9-8 : Median Home Sales Price for Existing Homes, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region .. 9-8
Table 9-9 : Monthly Mortgage Cost, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ..................................... 9-9
Table 9-10 : Monthly Mortgage Cost by Income Category, Diamond Bar .............................. 9-9
Table 9-11 : Overpayment by Income Category, Diamond Bar ............................................. 9-10
Table 9-12 : Employment by Industry, Diamond Bar .................................................................. 9-10
Table 9-13 : Employment by Occupation – Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region ......................... 9-11
Table 9-14 : Housing by Type, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region .............................................. 9-12
Table 9-15 : Housing by Tenure, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region........................................... 9-12
Table 9-16 : Housing Tenure by Age of Householder, Diamond Bar ........................................ 9-12
Table 9-17 : Vacant Units by Type, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ...................................... 9-13
Table 9-18 : Age of Housing Stock, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ..................................... 9-13
Table 9-19 : Disabilities by Type, Diamond Bar ........................................................................... 9-14
Table 9-20 : Disabilities by Type for Seniors 65+, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ................ 9-15
Table 9-21 : Developmental Disabilities by Residence and Age, Diamond Bar .................... 9-16
Table 9-22 : Elderly Households by Income and Tenure, Diamond Bar................................... 9-17
Table 9-23 : Household Size by Tenure, Diamond Bar ............................................................... 9-18
Table 9-24 : Household Type by Tenure, Diamond Bar.............................................................. 9-18
Table 9-25 : Poverty Status for Female-Headed Households, Diamond Bar ........................... 9-19
Table 9-26 : Employment in the Agricultural Industry, Diamond Bar........................................ 9-19
Table 9-27 : 2021-2029 Regional Housing Growth Needs, Diamond Bar ................................. 9-21
Table 9-28 : Land Use Categories, Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan ...................................... 9-28
Table 9-29 : Residential Development Standards ...................................................................... 9-30
Table 9-30 : Permitted Residential Development by Zoning District ........................................ 9-31
Table 9-31 : Residential Parking Requirements ........................................................................... 9-35
Table 9-32 : Review Authority for Residential Development ..................................................... 9-37
Table 9-33 : Planning and Development Fees ........................................................................... 9-41
Table 9-34 : Road Improvement Standards ................................................................................ 9-42
Table 9-35 : Quantified Objectives 2021-2029, Diamond Bar ................................................... 9-58
List of Figures
Figure 9-1 Regional Location, Diamond Bar ............................................................................. 9-2
Figure 9-2 Seismic Hazard Zones ............................................................................................... 9-45
Figure 9-3 Fire Hazard Zones ...................................................................................................... 9-46
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9.1 INTRODUCTION
COMMUNITY CONTEXT
Diamond Bar is a scenic community
located in the San Gabriel Valley on
the eastern edge of Los Angeles
County, within minutes of Orange,
Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
With its origin as a center for ranching
perched among a landscape of rolling
hills in the East San Gabriel Valley,
suburban-style growth later established
Diamond Bar as a residential
community known for its friendly
country-living atmosphere, abundant
open spaces, exceptional public
facilities, well-maintained parks and
hiking trails, and excellent schools.
With convenient access to State Route
57 (SR-57) and SR-60, Diamond Bar is
within 30 miles driving distance of the
cities of Los Angeles, Riverside, and
Irvine, making it a desirable part of the
region to live and work. Diamond Bar is
bounded by the cities of Industry and
Pomona to the north and Chino Hills to
the east, and unincorporated Los
Angeles County to the south and west.
The western edge of the city lies at the
intersection of SR-57 and SR-60, with
SR-57 connecting the city to Interstate
10 (I-10) 1½ miles to the north and SR-60
connecting to SR-71 roughly 2 miles to
the east. The Industry Metrolink Station
lies on Diamond Bar’s northern border
with the City of Industry, providing east-
west transit connections to Los Angeles
and Riverside. The regional setting is
depicted in Figure 9-1.
Most of the easily buildable land in the
City has already been developed, and
much of the remaining land has a
variety of geotechnical and topo-
graphic conditions that may constrain
future development. As a result, a
significant portion of future residential
growth in Diamond Bar is expected to
occur through redevelopment of
commercial or light industrial properties,
particularly those designated for mixed-
use development in the 2019
comprehensive General Plan update.
R OLE OF HOUSING ELEMENT
Diamond Bar is faced with various
important housing issues that include a
balance between employment and
housing opportunities, a match
between the supply of and demand for
housing, preserving and enhancing
affordability for all segments of the
population, preserving the quality of
the housing stock, and providing new
types of housing necessary to
accommodate growth and the
changing population. This Housing
Element provides policies and
programs to address these issues.
Diamond Bar's Housing Element is an
8-year plan for the period 2021-2029,
unlike other General Plan elements
which typically cover a 10- to 20-year
planning horizon.
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9-2 HOUSING ELEMENT 2021-2029 │ Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
Figure 9-1 Regional Location, Diamond Bar
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 │ HOUSING ELEMENT 2021-2029 9-3
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The Diamond Bar Housing Element
consists of the following major
components:
• This Introduction to the Housing
Element
• An analysis of the City's
demographic and housing
characteristics and trends
(Section 9.2)
• An evaluation of resources and
opportunities available to address
housing issues (Section 9.3)
• A review of potential market,
governmental, and environmental
constraints to meeting the City’s
identified housing needs
(Section 9.4)
• The Housing Action Plan for the
2021-2029 planning period
(Section 9.5)
• A review of the City’s accomplish-
ments during the previous
planning period (Appendix A)
• A detailed inventory of the
suitable sites for housing
development (Appendix B); and
• A description of opportunities for
stakeholders to participate in the
preparation of the Housing
Element (Appendix C)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Residents, businesses and interest
groups were provided the opportunity
to participate in the Housing Element
update process and were an
important component of the overall
program. Details regarding
opportunities for public involvement
during the preparation and adoption
of this Housing Element are provided in
Appendix C.
RELATIONSHIP T O OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
In addition to the Housing Element, the
City of Diamond Bar General Plan
consists of the following Chapters:
• Land Use & Economic
Development
• Community Character &
Placemaking
• Circulation
• Resource Conservation
• Public Facilities & Services
• Public Safety
• Community Health & Sustainability
This Housing Element builds upon and is
consistent with the other General Plan
chapters. For example, residential land
use designations established in the
Land Use Element and potential
constraints described in the Resource
Conservation and Public Facilities and
Services elements are reflected in the
Housing Element sites inventory
(Appendix B). As the General Plan is
amended from time to time, the
Housing Element will be reviewed for
consistency, and amended as
necessary to maintain an internally
consistent General Plan.
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9.2 HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
This section examines Diamond Bar’s
general population and household
characteristics and trends, such as age,
employment, household composition
and size, household income, and
special needs. Characteristics of the
existing housing stock (e.g., number of
units and type, tenure, age and
condition, costs) are also addressed.
Finally, the City’s projected housing
needs based on the 2021-2029
Regional Housing Needs Assessment
(RHNA) are examined.
The data presented in this section has
been compiled by the Southern
California Association of Governments
(SCAG) based upon recent data from
the U.S. Census, California Department
of Finance (DOF), California
Employment Development Department
(EDD) and other relevant sources and
has been pre-approved by the
California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD).
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Population Growth Trends
Diamond Bar was incorporated in 1989
with much of its territory already
developed. From 2000 to 2020 the
City’s population increased from 56,287
to an estimated population of 57,177
(see Table 9-1), an annual growth rate
of 0.1% compared to 0.7% for the SCAG
region as a whole.
Table 9-1: Population Trends, 2000-2020, Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region
Age
Housing needs are influenced by the
age characteristics of the population.
Different age groups require different
accommodations based on lifestyle,
family type, income level, and housing
preference. Table 9-2 provides a
comparison of the City’s population by
age group. The population of Diamond
Bar is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The share of the population of
Diamond Bar below 18 years of age is
20.3%, which is lower than the regional
share of 23.4%. Diamond Bar's seniors
(65 and above) make up 15.6% of the
population, which is higher than the
regional share of 13%.
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Table 9-2: Population by Age and Sex, Diamond Bar
HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Overcrowding
Overcrowding is often closely related to
household income and the cost of
housing. The U.S. Census Bureau
considers a household to be over-
crowded when there is more than one
person per room, excluding bathrooms
and kitchens, and severely overcrowded
when there are more than 1.5
occupants per room. Table 9-3
summarizes the incidence of over-
crowding for Diamond Bar as compared
to the SCAG region as a whole.
Table 9-3: Overcrowding by Tenure, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
According to recent Census data
overcrowding was more prevalent
among renters than for owner-
occupied units. Approximately 10.9%
of the City’s renter-occupied
households were overcrowded
compared to 2.4% of owner-occupied
households. The incidence of over-
crowding in Diamond Bar was
substantially lower than is typical for
the SCAG region as a whole.
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Household Income
Household income is a primary factor
affecting housing needs in a
community, particularly for extremely-
low-income households, defined as 30%
of median income or less. According to
recent Census data, approximately
7.9% of households in Diamond Bar
were within the extremely-low-income
(ELI) category, and renters were much
more likely than owners to fall within the
ELI category (Table 9-4).
Table 9-4: Extremely-Low-Income Households, Diamond Bar
Housing Affordability and Overpayment
Housing Affordability Criteria
State law establishes five income
categories for purposes of housing
programs based on the area (i.e.,
county) median income (AMI):
extremely-low (30% or less of AMI), very-
low (31-50% of AMI), low (51-80% of
AMI), moderate (81-120% of AMI) and
above moderate (over 120% of AMI).
Housing affordability is based on the
relationship between household
income and housing expenses.
According to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
and the California Department of
Housing and Community Development
(HCD), housing is considered
“affordable” if monthly housing cost is
no more than 30% of a household’s
gross income. In some areas such as Los
Angeles County, these income limits
may be increased to adjust for high
housing costs.
Table 9-5 shows affordable rent levels
and estimated affordable purchase
prices for housing in Diamond Bar (and
Los Angeles County) by income
category. Based on State-adopted
standards for a 4-person family, the
maximum affordable monthly rent for
extremely-low-income households is
$845, while the maximum affordable
rent for very-low-income households is
$1,407. The maximum affordable rent
for low-income households is $2,252,
while the maximum for moderate-
income households is $2,319. Maximum
purchase prices are more difficult to
determine due to variations in
mortgage interest rates and qualifying
procedures, down payments, special
tax assessments, homeowner
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association fees, property insurance
rates, etc. With this caveat, the
maximum affordable home purchase
price for moderate-income households
has been estimated based on typical
conditions. Affordable prices have not
been estimated for the lower-income
categories because most for-sale
affordable housing is provided at the
moderate-income level.
Table 9-5: Income Categories and Affordable Housing Costs, Los Angeles County
2020 County Median Income = $77,300 Income Limits* Affordable Rent Affordable Price (est.)
Extremely Low (<30%) $33,800 $845 *
Very Low (31-50%) $56,300 $1,407 *
Low (51-80%) $90,100 $2,252 *
Moderate (81-120%) $92,750 $2,319 $375,000
Above moderate (120%+) Over $92,750 Over $2,319 Over $375,000
Assumptions:
-Based on a family of 4 and 2020 State income limits
-30% of gross income for rent or principal, interest, taxes & insurance plus utility allowance
-10% down payment, 3.75% interest, 1.25% taxes & insurance, $300 HOA dues
* Because of State adjustments in high housing cost areas, some of these income limits are higher than the percentages of median income
Source: Cal. HCD; JHD Planning LLC
Rental Ho using
Across Diamond Bar's 4,263 renter
households, 2,131 (50%) spend 30% or
more of gross income on housing cost,
compared to 55.3% in the SCAG
region.1 Additionally, 1,360 renter
households in Diamond Bar (31.9%)
spend 50% or more of gross income on
housing cost, compared to 28.9% in the
SCAG region (Table 9-6).
Table 9-6: Percentage of Income Spent on Rent, Diamond Bar
Recent Census data also allows for the
analysis of Diamond Bar's 3,893 renter
households (for which income data are
available) by spending on rent by
income bracket. As one might expect,
the general trend is that low-income
1 The SCAG region includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial and
Ventura counties.
households spend a higher share of
income on housing (often more than
50%) while high-income households are
more likely to spend under 20% of
income on housing (Table 9-7).
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Table 9-7: Percentage of Income Spent on Rent by Income Category, Diamond Bar
For -Sale Housing
Median sales price trends for existing
homes during 2000-2018 are shown in
Table 9-8. Between 2000 and 2018,
median home sales prices in Diamond
Bar increased 186% while prices in the
SCAG region increased 151%. 2018
median home sales prices in Diamond
Bar were $660,000. Prices in Diamond
Bar have ranged from a low of 98.5% of
the SCAG region median in 2005 and a
high of 150.2% in 2009.
Table 9-8: Median Home Sales Price for Existing Homes, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
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Table 9-9 compares typical monthly
mortgage costs in Diamond Bar to the
SCAG region as a whole while Table 9-10
confirms that the percentage of
income spent on mortgage payments
is higher for households at the lower
income levels.
Table 9-9: Monthly Mortgage Cost, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Table 9-10: Monthly Mortgage Cost by Income Category, Diamond Bar
According to State housing policy,
overpaying occurs when housing costs
exceed 30% of gross household
income. Table 9-11 displays recent
estimates for overpayment by income
category for Diamond Bar residents
and shows that overpayment is much
more frequent for households at the
extremely-low and very-low income
levels than those households in higher
income categories.
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Table 9-11: Overpayment by Income Category, Diamond Bar
EMPLOYMENT
Employment is an important factor
affecting housing needs within a
community. The jobs available in each
employment sector and the wages for
these jobs affect the type and size of
housing residents can afford.
According to recent Census data,
Diamond Bar had 27,198 workers living
within its borders who work across 13
major industrial sectors (Table 9-12). The
most prevalent industry is Education &
Social Services with 6,726 employees
(24.7% of total) and the second most
prevalent industry is Professional
Services with 3,894 employees (14.3% of
total).
Table 9-12: Employment by Industry, Diamond Bar
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In addition to understanding the
industries in which the residents of
Diamond Bar work, it is also possible to
analyze the types of jobs they hold. The
most prevalent occupational category
in Diamond Bar is Management, in
which 14,448 (53.1% of total)
employees work. The second-most
prevalent type of work is in Sales, which
employs 7,228 (26.6% of total) in
Diamond Bar (Table 9-13).
Table 9-13: Employment by Occupation – Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region
HOUSING STOCK CHARACTERISTICS
This section presents an evaluation of
the characteristics of the community’s
housing stock and helps in identifying
and prioritizing needs. The factors
evaluated include the number and
type of housing units, tenure, vacancy,
housing age and condition. A housing
unit is defined as a house, apartment,
mobile home, or group of rooms,
occupied as separate living quarters, or
if vacant, intended for occupancy as
separate living quarters.
Housing Type and Tenure
Diamond Bar's housing stock contained
a total of approximately 17,645 total
units in 2020, of which about 72% were
single-family detached homes (Table 9-
14). As seen in Table 9-15, over three-
quarters of homes in Diamond Bar were
owner-occupied as compared to only
about 52% in the SCAG region).
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Table 9-14: Housing by Type, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Table 9-15: Housing by Tenure, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
In many places, housing tenure varies
substantially based on the age of the
householder. In Diamond Bar, the age
group where renters outnumber owners
the most is 15-24. The age group where
owners outnumber renters the most is
65-74 (Table 9-16).
Table 9-16: Housing Tenure by Age of Householder, Diamond Bar
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Table 9-17 shows recent data for
vacant units in Diamond Bar and the
SCAG region. The largest categories of
vacant units in Diamond Bar were units
for rent and units held for seasonal use.
Table 9-17: Vacant Units by Type, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Housing Age and Conditions
Housing age is often an important
indicator of housing condition. Housing
units built prior to 1978 before stringent
limits on the amount of lead in paint
were imposed may have interior or
exterior building components coated
with lead-based paint. Housing units
built before 1970 are the most likely to
need rehabilitation and to have lead-
based paint in a deteriorated
condition. Lead-based paint becomes
hazardous to children under age six
and to pregnant women when it peels
off walls or is pulverized by windows
and doors opening and closing.
Table 9-18 shows the age distribution of
the housing stock in Diamond Bar
compared to the SCAG region as a
whole. This table shows that about half
of housing units in Diamond Bar were
constructed before 1980. These findings
suggest that there may be a need for
maintenance and rehabilitation,
including remediation of lead-based
paint, for a substantial number of
housing units.
Table 9-18: Age of Housing Stock, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
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The majority of Diamond Bar's housing
stock is in good to excellent condition.
However, some housing units in older
neighborhoods exhibit signs of deferred
maintenance such as peeling paint,
worn roofs, and cracked asphalt
driveways. The Housing Action Plan
(Section 9.5) establishes a program
directed at improving housing stock in
these areas through targeted
rehabilitation assistance. Fewer than
100 units are estimated to need
rehabilitation citywide, and no units
require replacement.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Certain groups have greater difficulty in
finding decent, affordable housing due
to special circumstances. Such
circumstances may be related to one’s
employment and income, family
characteristics, disability, or other
conditions. As a result, some Diamond
Bar residents may experience a higher
prevalence of overpayment, over-
crowding, or other housing problems.
State Housing Element law defines
“special needs” groups to include
persons with disabilities, the elderly,
large households, female-headed
households with children, homeless
people, and farm workers. This section
contains a discussion of the housing
needs facing each of these groups.
Persons with Disabilities
According to recent Census estimates,
the most prevalent types of disabilities
for Diamond Bar residents were
ambulatory, independent living and
cognitive disabilities (see Table 9-19).
Housing opportunities for those with
disabilities can be maximized through
housing assistance programs and
providing universal design features such
as widened doorways, ramps, lowered
countertops, single-level units and
ground floor units.
Table 9-19: Disabilities by Type, Diamond Bar
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In Diamond Bar, the most commonly
occurring disability among seniors 65
and older was an ambulatory disability,
experienced by 17.4% of Diamond Bar's
seniors and 22.9% of seniors in the
SCAG region (Table 9-20).
Table 9-20: Disabilities by Type for Seniors 65+, Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Developmental Disab ilities
As defined by federal law,
“developmental disability” means a
severe, chronic disability of an
individual that:
• Is attributable to a mental or
physical impairment or
combination of mental and
physical impairments;
• Is manifested before the individual
attains age 22;
• Is likely to continue indefinitely;
• Results in substantial functional
limitations in three or more of the
following areas of major life
activity: a) self-care; b) receptive
and expressive language;
c) learning; d) mobility; e) self-
direction; f) capacity for
independent living; or
g) economic self-sufficiency; and
• Reflects the individual’s need for a
combination and sequence of
special, interdisciplinary, or
generic services, individualized
supports, or other forms of
assistance that are of lifelong or
extended duration and are
individually planned and
coordinated.
The Census does not record develop-
mental disabilities as a separate
category of disability. According to the
U.S. Administration on Developmental
Disabilities, an accepted estimate of
the percentage of the population that
can be defined as developmentally
disabled is 1.5 percent. Many develop-
mentally disabled persons can live and
work independently within a conven-
tional housing environment. More
severely disabled individuals require a
group living environment where
supervision is provided. The most
severely affected individuals may
require an institutional environment
where medical attention and physical
therapy are provided. Because
developmental disabilities exist before
adulthood, the first issue in supportive
housing for the developmentally
disabled is the transition from the
person’s living situation as a child to an
appropriate level of independence as
an adult.
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Table 9-21: Developmental Disabilities by Residence and Age, Diamond Bar
The California Department of
Developmental Services (DDS) currently
provides community-based services to
persons with developmental disabilities
and their families through a statewide
system of 21 regional centers, four
developmental centers, and two
community-based facilities. The San
Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
(SG/PRC) located in Pomona
(http://www.sgprc.org/) provides
services to approximately 925 people
with developmental disabilities in
Diamond Bar (Table 9-21). The SG/PRC
is a private, non-profit community
agency that contracts with local
businesses to offer a wide range of
services to individuals with develop-
mental disabilities and their families.
There is no charge for diagnosis and
assessment for eligibility. Once eligibility
is determined, most services are free
regardless of age or income. There is a
requirement for parents to share the
cost of 24-hour out-of-home
placements for children under age 18.
This share depends on the parents’
ability to pay. There may also be a co-
payment requirement for other
selected services.
Regional centers are required by law to
provide services in the most cost-
effective way possible. They must use
all other resources, including generic
resources, before using any regional
center funds. A generic resource is a
service provided by an agency that
has a legal responsibility to provide
services to the general public and
receives public funds for providing
those services. Some generic agencies
may include the local school district,
county social services department,
Medi-Cal, Social Security Administra-
tion, Department of Rehabilitation and
others. Other resources may include
natural supports. This is help that
disabled persons may get from family,
friends or others at little or no cost.
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Elderly
Federal housing data define a
household type as “elderly family” if it
consists of two persons with either or
both age 62 or over. Of Diamond Bar's
3,985 such households, 13.8% earn less
than 30% of the surrounding area
income (compared to 24.2% in the
SCAG region) and 34% earn less than
50% of the surrounding area income
(compared to 30.9% in the SCAG
region) (Table 9-22). Many elderly
persons are dependent on fixed
incomes or have disabilities. Elderly
homeowners may be physically unable
to maintain their homes or cope with
living alone. The housing needs of this
group can be addressed through
smaller units, accessory dwelling units
on lots with existing homes, shared living
arrangements, congregate housing
and housing assistance programs.
Table 9-22: Elderly Households by Income and Tenure, Diamond Bar
The elderly tend to have higher rates of
disabilities than younger persons;
therefore, many of the programs noted
in the previous section also apply to
seniors since their housing needs
include both affordability and
accessibility.
Large Households
Household size is an indicator of need
for large units. Large households are
defined as those with five or more
members. Table 9-23 illustrates the
range of household sizes in Diamond
Bar for owners, renters, and overall. The
most commonly occurring household
size is of two persons (29.2%) and the
second-most commonly occurring
household is of three persons (23.1%).
Diamond Bar has a lower share of
single-person households than the
SCAG region overall (14.1% vs. 23.4%)
and a lower share of 7+ person
households than the SCAG region
overall (1.8% vs. 3.1%). This distribution
indicates that the need for large units
with four or more bedrooms is
expected to be significantly less than
for smaller units. However, large families
needing units with more bedrooms,
generally face higher housing costs,
and as a result may benefit from
several types of assistance.
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Table 9-23: Household Size by Tenure, Diamond Bar
Female-Headed Households
Of Diamond Bar's 17,645 total
households, 13.1% were female-
headed (compared to 14.3% in the
SCAG region), 4% are female-headed
and with children (compared to 6.6% in
the SCAG region), and 0.3% are
female-headed and with children
under 6 (compared to 1.0% in the
SCAG region) (Table 9-24). Approxi-
mately 3.9 percent of Diamond Bar's
households were experiencing poverty,
compared to 7.9 percent of households
in the SCAG region (Table 9-25).
Poverty thresholds, as defined by the
ACS, vary by household type. In 2018, a
single individual under 65 was
considered in poverty with an income
below $13,064/year while the threshold
for a family consisting of 2 adults and 2
children was $25,465/year.
Table 9-24: Household Type by Tenure, Diamond Bar
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Table 9-25: Poverty Status for Female-Headed Households, Diamond Bar
Farm W orkers
Farm workers are traditionally defined
as persons whose primary income is
from seasonal agricultural work.
Diamond Bar was at one time one of
the largest working cattle ranches in
the western United States. However,
urban development and shifts in the
local economy have significantly
curtailed agricultural production within
Los Angeles County. Today, Diamond
Bar is a mostly developed city, with a
strong local economy that is no longer
tied to an agricultural base. According
to recent Census estimates, about 45
Diamond Bar residents were employed
in agricultural, forestry, fishing and
hunting, and only 12 of those were
employed full-time in these industries
(Table 9-26).
The nearest agricultural area to
Diamond Bar is in San Bernardino
County to the east. Since there are no
major agricultural operations within
Diamond Bar and housing costs are
significantly lower in the Inland Empire,
there is little need for farm worker
housing in the City.
Table 9-26: Employment in the Agricultural Industry, Diamond Bar
Homeless Persons
Homelessness is a continuing problem
throughout California and urban areas
nationwide. A homeless count
conducted by the Los Angeles
Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in
2020 indicated that on any given day
there are an estimated 63,706 homeless
persons Los Angeles County. These
include families that might be
displaced through evictions, women
and children displaced through
abusive family life, persons with
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substance abuse problems, veterans, or
persons with serious mental illness.
Diamond Bar is located within the San
Gabriel Valley Service Planning Area
(SPA), which had a 2020 homeless
estimate of 4,555 people, of which four
unsheltered persons were reported in
Diamond Bar.2
The City has adopted a Homelessness
Response Plan that seeks to both
address the needs of those who are
currently unsheltered and to implement
strategies that can prevent an increase
in incidents of homelessness within the
City. In addition, the City is a member
of the San Gabriel Valley Regional
Housing Trust, a joint powers authority
created to finance the planning and
construction of homeless housing, and
extremely-low-, very-low- and low-
income housing projects.
ASSISTED HOUSING AT RISK OF CONVERSION
Assisted housing at risk of conversion
are those housing projects that are at
risk of losing their low-income
affordability restrictions within the 10-
year period from 2021 to 2031.
According to the California Housing
Partnership there are no assisted
housing units in the City of Diamond Bar
at risk of conversion.
FUTURE GROWTH NEEDS
Overview of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) is a key requirement
for local governments to plan for
anticipated growth. The RHNA
quantifies the anticipated need for
housing within each jurisdiction for the
6th Housing Element cycle extending
from July 2021 to October 2029.
Communities then determine how they
will address this need through the
process of updating the Housing
Elements of their General Plans.
The RHNA for the 6th cycle was
adopted by the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG) in
March 2021. The need for housing is
determined by the forecasted growth
in households as well as existing need
due to overcrowding and
2 https://www.lahsa.org/data?id=42-2020-homeless-count-by-service-planning-area
overpayment. Each new household
created by a child moving out of a
parent’s home or by a family moving to
a community creates the need for a
housing unit. The housing need for new
households is then adjusted to maintain
a desirable level of vacancy to
promote housing choice and mobility.
An adjustment is also made to account
for units lost due to demolition, natural
disaster, or conversion to non-housing
uses. Total housing need is then
distributed among four income
categories on the basis of the county’s
income distribution, with adjustments to
avoid an over-concentration of lower-
income households in any community.
More information about the RHNA
process may be found on SCAG’s
website at https://scag.ca.gov/rhna.
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2021-2029 Diamond Bar Growth Needs
The total housing growth need for the
City of Diamond Bar during the 2021-
2029 planning period is 2,521 units. This
total is distributed by income category
as shown in Table 9-27.
Table 9-27: 2021-2029 Regional Housing Growth Needs, Diamond Bar
Very Low Low Moderate
Above
Moderate Total
844* 434 437 806 2,521
*Per state law, half of the very-low units are assumed to be in the extremely low category
Source: SCAG 3/4/2021
It should be noted that SCAG did not
identify growth needs for the extremely-
low-income category in the RHNA. As
provided in Assembly Bill (AB) 2634 of
2006, jurisdictions may determine their
extremely-low-income need as one-
half the need in the very-low category.
The City’s inventory of land to
accommodate the RHNA allocation is
discussed in Section 9.3, Resources and
Opportunities.
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9.3 RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
A variety of resources are available for
the development, rehabilitation, and
preservation of housing in the City of
Diamond Bar. This section provides a
description of the land resources and
adequate sites to address the City’s
regional housing need allocation, and
discusses the financial and administra-
tive resources available to support the
provision of affordable housing.
Additionally, opportunities for energy
conservation that can lower utility costs
and increase housing affordability are
addressed.
LAND RESOURCES
Section 65583(a)(3) of the California
Government Code requires Housing
Elements to include an “inventory of
land suitable for residential develop-
ment, including vacant sites and sites
having potential for redevelopment,
and an analysis of the relationship of
zoning and public facilities and services
to these sites.” A detailed analysis of
vacant land and potential redevelop-
ment opportunities is provided in
Appendix B, Table B-1, which shows
that the City’s land inventory, including
projects approved and the potential
development of vacant and
underutilized parcels, is sufficient to
accommodate the RHNA for this
planning period in all income
categories.
A discussion of public facilities and
infrastructure needed to serve future
development is contained in “Non-
Governmental Constraints” in
Section 9.4. There are currently no
known service limitations that would
preclude the level of development
described in the RHNA, although
developers will be required to pay fees
or construct public improvements prior
to or concurrent with development.
FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES
State and Federal Resources
Community Development Block Grant
Program (CDBG) - Federal funding for
housing programs is available through
the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). Diamond Bar
participates in the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program and receives its allocation of
CDBG funds through the Los Angeles
County Development Authority
(LACDA). The CDBG program is very
flexible in that the funds can be used
for a wide range of activities. The
eligible activities include, but are not
limited to, acquisition and/or disposition
of real estate property, public facilities
and improvements, relocation,
rehabilitation and construction of
housing, homeownership assistance,
and clearance activities. In 2002 the
City Council approved the
establishment of a Home Improvement
Program (HIP) to provide housing
rehabilitation assistance to qualified
low- and moderate-income
households. CDBG funds are allocated
to the HIP on an annual basis. HIP funds
are used for exterior property
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improvements and for repairs to
alleviate health and safety issues and
to correct code violations. In addition,
HIP funds may be used to improve
home access to disabled persons and
for the removal of lead-based paint
hazards.
The City’s CDBG allocation for the 2020-
21 Program Year was $243,522, which
included an allocation for the HIP of
$100,000. Under CDBG regulations, the
HIP is eligible to receive unexpended
CDBG funds from the previous fiscal
year that are reallocated by the
LACDA. Each household that qualifies
for the HIP program is eligible to receive
up to $20,000 as a no-interest, deferred
loan. The City actively promotes the
program and consistently exhausts its
funding allocation each year.
The City anticipates receiving
approximately $232,000 in CDBG funds
from LACDA during 2021-22.
Section 8 Rental Assistance – The City of
Diamond Bar cooperates with the
LACDA, which administers the Section 8
Voucher Program. The Section 8
program provides rental assistance to
low-income persons in need of
affordable housing. There are two types
of subsidies under Section 8: certificates
and vouchers. A certificate pays the
difference between the fair market rent
and 30% of the tenant’s monthly
income, while a voucher allows a
tenant to choose housing that may
cost above the fair market figure, with
the tenant paying the extra cost. The
voucher also allows the tenant to rent a
unit below the fair market rent figure
with the tenant keeping the savings.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
Program - The Low-Income Housing Tax
Credit Program was created by the Tax
Reform Act of 1986 to provide an
alternate method of funding low-and
moderate-income housing. Each state
receives a tax credit, based upon
population, toward funding housing
that meets program guidelines. The tax
credits are then used to leverage
private capital into new construction or
acquisition and rehabilitation of
affordable housing. Limitations on
projects funded under the Tax Credit
programs include minimum require-
ments that a certain percentage of
units remain rent-restricted, based upon
median income, for a term of 15 years.
Local Resources
Tax Exempt Multi-Family Revenue
Bonds – The construction, acquisition,
and rehabilitation of multi-family rental
housing developments can be funded
by tax exempt bonds which provide a
lower interest rate than is available
through conventional financing.
Projects financed through these bonds
are required to set aside 20% of the
units for occupancy by very low-
income households or 40% of the units
to be set aside for households at 60% of
the area median income (AMI). Tax
exempt bonds for multi-family housing
may also be issued to refinance existing
tax-exempt debt, which is referred to as
a refunding bond issue.
The Seasons Diamond Bar Senior
Apartments was refinanced in 1999
under the California Community
Development Authority’s Multifamily
Housing Re-funding Bond. According to
the terms of the new bond agreement,
income restrictions for residents and
corresponding rent limits were set. For
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the duration of the bond which expires
in December of 2034, all units will be
affordable: 30 units will be very low
income at 50% AMI, 82 units will be low
income at 80% AMI, and 37 units will be
moderate income at 100% AMI. The
Seasons Apartments are owned by the
Corporate Fund for Housing, a non-
profit organization.
Housing Agreements – The City can
assist in the development of new
affordable housing units by entering
into Disposition Development Agree-
ments (DDA) or Owner Participation
Agreements (OPA) with developers.
DDAs or OPAs may provide for the
disposition of Agency-owned land at a
price which can support the develop-
ment of units at an affordable housing
cost for low- and moderate-income
households. These agreements may
also provide for development
assistance, usually in the form of a
density bonus or the payment of
specified development fees or other
development costs which cannot be
supported by the proposed
development.
Mortgage Credit Certificates – The
Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC)
program3 is designed to help low- and
moderate-income first-time home-
buyers qualify for conventional first
mortgage loans by increasing the
homebuyer’s after-tax income. The
MCC is a direct tax credit for eligible
homebuyers equal to 20% of the
mortgage interest paid during the year.
The other 80% of mortgage interest can
still be taken as an income deduction.
3 https://wwwa.lacda.org/for-homeowners/homebuyer/mortgage-credit-certificate-program
4 https://wwwa.lacda.org/for-homeowners/homebuyer/southern-california-home-financing-
authority
Diamond Bar is a participating city in
the County-run MCC program.
Home Ownership Program – The Home
Ownership Program (HOP) provides
assistance to low-income, first-time
homebuyers in purchasing a home. It is
administered by the Los Angeles
County Development Authority’s
Housing Development and Preservation
Division. The program has provided
hundreds of Los Angeles County
residents with the means to afford to
fulfill their dream of home ownership.
The maximum gross annual income for
eligible participants is 80% of the
median income for Los Angeles
County.
Southern California Home Financing
Authority Programs – SCHFA4 is a joint
powers authority between Los Angeles
and Orange Counties formed in 1988 to
issue tax-exempt mortgage revenue
bonds for low- to moderate-income
First-Time Homebuyers. SCHFA has
helped thousands of individuals and
families fulfill their dreams of owning a
home. This program makes buying a
home more affordable for qualifying
homebuyers by offering a competitive
30-year fixed rate loan and a grant for
down-payment and closing costs
assistance. The program is administered
by the Los Angeles County
Development Authority and the Public
Finance Division of the County of
Orange. SCHFA does not lend money
directly to homebuyers. Homebuyers
must work directly with a participating
lender. The income limit for Los Angeles
County households as of 2021 is
$135,120.
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Fannie Mae Down Payment Assistance
Program5 – The Federal National
Mortgage Association, known as
“Fannie Mae,” offers a program that
provides second mortgages to
homeowners. The second mortgage
can serve as the down payment and
closing costs on home purchases.
Under this program, a city or county is
required to post a reserve fund equal to
20% of an amount that Fannie Mae
then makes available for such
mortgages.
Non-Profit Organizations – Non-profit
organizations play a major role in the
development of affordable housing in
Los Angeles County. LACDA supple-
ments its own efforts of producing
affordable housing by entering into
partnerships with private sector and
non-profit developers and housing
development corporations.
ENERGY CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES
As residential energy costs rise, the
subsequent increasing utility costs
reduce the affordability of housing.
Although the City is mostly developed,
new infill development and rehabilita-
tion activities could occur, allowing the
City to directly affect energy use within
its jurisdiction.
State of California Energy Efficiency
Standards for Residential and
Nonresidential Buildings were
established in 1978 in response to a
legislative mandate to reduce
California's energy consumption. The
standards are codified in Title 24 of the
California Code of Regulations and are
updated periodically to allow
consideration and possible incorpora-
tion of new energy efficiency
technologies and methods. The most
recent update to State Building Energy
Efficiency Standards were adopted in
2019. Building Energy Efficiency
Standards have saved Californians
billions of dollars in reduced electricity
bills. They conserve nonrenewable
resources, such as natural gas, and
5 https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/originating-underwriting/mortgage-products/shared-
equity-homebuyer-assistance-programs
6 California Energy Commission (https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-
topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards )
ensure renewable resources are
extended as far as possible so power
plants do not need to be built.6
Title 24 sets forth mandatory energy
standards and requires the adoption of
an “energy budget” for all new
residential buildings and additions to
residential buildings. Separate
requirements are adopted for “low-rise”
residential construction (i.e., no more
than three stories) and non-residential
buildings, which includes hotels, motels,
and multi-family residential buildings
with four or more habitable stories. The
standards specify energy saving design
for lighting, walls, ceilings and floor
installations, as well as heating and
cooling equipment and systems, gas
cooling devices, conservation
standards and the use of non-depleting
energy sources, such as solar energy or
wind power. The home building industry
must comply with these standards while
localities are responsible for enforcing
the energy conservation regulations
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through the plan check and building
inspection processes.
In addition to State energy regulations,
the City encourages energy efficiency
through its Climate Action Plan7 and
Home Improvement Program, which
provides low- and moderate-income
households funds for home improve-
ments that may include insulation and
energy-efficient windows and doors.
The City also encourages mixed-use
development, which facilitates energy
efficiency by reducing vehicular trip
lengths. The City also publishes a
monthly Diamond Bar Connection
newsletter at
https://www.diamondbarca.gov/208/D
iamond-Bar-Connection---Monthly-
Newslet, which informs residents of
energy conservation tips and cost
saving programs through the various
utility providers.
7 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7071/Diamond-Bar-Climate-Action-
Plan-2040pdf?bidId=
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9.4 CONSTRAINTS
This section evaluates potential
constraints to the development,
maintenance and improvement of
housing, and identifies appropriate
steps to mitigate potential constraints,
where feasible. Potential constraints to
housing are discussed below, and
include both governmental and non-
governmental factors.
GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Governmental regulations, while
intended to protect the public health,
safety and welfare, can also
unintentionally increase the cost of
housing. Potential governmental
constraints include land use controls,
building codes and their enforcement,
site improvements, fees and other
exactions required of developers, and
local development processing and
permit procedures.
Land Use Plans and Regulations
General Plan
Each city and county in California must
prepare a comprehensive, long-term
General Plan to guide its future. The
land use element of the General Plan
establishes the basic land uses and
density of development within the
various areas of the City. Under State
law, the General Plan elements must
be internally consistent and the City’s
zoning and development regulations
must be consistent with the General
Plan. Thus, the land use plan must
provide suitable locations and densities
to implement the policies of the
Housing Element.
In 2019 the City adopted a
comprehensive General Plan update8
that provides guiding policies for land
use and development through the 2040
horizon year. The 2040 Diamond Bar
General Plan Land Use Element
provides for seven residential land use
designations and four mixed-use
designations allowing residential use, as
shown in Table 9-28.
The Land Use & Economic
Development Chapter designates
approximately 5,148 acres (54%) of the
land area within City limits for residential
uses, and mixed-use designations
allowing residential use comprise an
additional 284 acres. These land use
designations provide for a wide range
of residential types and densities
throughout the City.
8 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/961/General-Plan-2040
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Table 9-28: Land Use Categories, Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan
Source: Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan, Table 2-2
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General Plan Focus Areas
The 2040 General Plan identifies four
focus areas where major land use
changes are planned as part of a
strategy to provide walkable mixed-use
activity centers. These focus areas
provide opportunities for infill develop-
ment that can incorporate a range of
housing, employment, and recreational
uses to meet the needs of families,
young people, senior citizens, and
residents of all incomes. These focus
areas were designed in response to
community priorities including a desire
for expanded access to entertainment
and community gathering places, and
the need to accommodate the City’s
growing and diverse population. New
land use designations were established
for each of these focus areas to
facilitate development, as described
under Land Use Classifications, below.
• The Town Center Mixed Use focus
area, located along Diamond Bar
Boulevard between SR-60 and
Golden Springs Drive, is intended
to build on the success of recent
commercial redevelopment in
that area. The Town Center is
designated for mixed-use
development that would serve as
a center of activity for residents
and provide housing,
entertainment and retail
opportunities and community
gathering spaces in a pleasant,
walkable environment. A
maximum residential density of
20.0 dwelling units per acre is
permitted.
• The Neighborhood Mixed Use
focus area is envisioned as a
combination of residential and
ancillary neighborhood-serving
retail and service uses to promote
revitalization of the segment of
North Diamond Bar Boulevard
between the SR-60 interchange
and Highland Valley Road. This
neighborhood has potential to
benefit from its proximity to Mt.
San Antonio College and Cal Poly
Pomona. This land use designation
has an allowable residential
density of up to 30.0 dwelling units
per acre.
• The Transit-Oriented Mixed Use
focus area leverages underutilized
sites adjacent to the Metrolink
commuter rail station to provide
for higher-density housing, offices,
and supporting commercial uses
close to regional transit. This focus
area allows for new employment
and housing development in a
key location that emphasizes
multi-modal transportation
options. This General Plan
designation allows residential
development at a density of 20.0
to 30.0 dwelling units per acre.
• The Community Core focus area
covers the existing Diamond Bar
Golf Course, which is currently
operated by Los Angeles County.
Should the County choose to
discontinue operation of the golf
course or to reduce its size, the
Community Core would be the
City’s preferred approach to
reuse of the site. The Community
Core is envisioned as a master-
planned mixed-use, pedestrian-
oriented community and regional
destination. The majority of the
northern portion is envisioned to
support a park or consolidated
golf course along with additional
community or civic uses. The
southern portion is envisioned to
accommodate a mix of uses
emphasizing destination and
specialty retail, dining, and
entertainment, including
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opportunities for residential,
hospitality, and community and
civic uses. This location benefits
from proximity to the freeways
and nearby commercial uses. The
General Plan does not specify
density or intensity standards for
this focus area and a master plan
will be required for the entire
property to ensure its cohesive
development.
Zoning Designations
The City regulates the type, location,
density, and scale of residential
development through the Develop-
ment Code (Title 22 of the Diamond Bar
Municipal Code) and Zoning Map.
These regulations serve to implement
the General Plan and are designed to
protect and promote the health,
safety, and general welfare of
residents. The Development Code and
Zoning Map set forth residential
development standards and review
procedures for each zoning district.
The seven zoning districts that allow
residential units as a permitted use are
as follows:
RR Rural Residential
RL Low Density Residential
RLM Low Medium Density
Residential
RM Medium Density Residential
RMH Medium High Density
Residential
RH High Density District
RH-30 High Density District (30 units
per acre)
A summary of the development
standards for these zoning districts is
provided in Table 9-29. These develop-
ment standards provide for a range of
housing types and do not create
unreasonable constraints on the
development of housing.
Table 9-29: Residential Development Standards
Development Standard1
Zoning District Designations
RR RL RLM RM RMH RH/RH-30
Maximum density (units/acre) 1 3 5 12 16 20/30
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) 1 acre 10,000 sf 8,000 sf 5,000 sf 5,000 sf 5,000 sf
Minimum Front Yard (ft.) 30 ft 20 ft 20 ft 20 ft 20 ft 20 ft
Minimum Side Yard (ft.) 15 ft. on one
side, and 10 ft.
on the other2
10 ft. on one
side, and 5 ft.
on the other3
10 ft. on one
side, and 5 ft.
on the other3
5 ft. 5 ft.
5 ft. plus 1 ft.
for each story
over 2
Minimum Street Side Setback
(ft.) 15 ft., reversed
corner lot; 10
ft. otherwise
10 ft., reversed
corner lot; 5 ft.
otherwise
10 ft., reversed
corner lot; 5 ft.
otherwise
10 ft., reversed
corner lot; 5 ft.
otherwise
7.5 ft.,
reversed
corner lot; 5 ft.
otherwise
7.5 ft.,
reversed
corner lot; 5 ft.
otherwise
Minimum Rear Yard (ft.) 25 ft.4 20 ft.4 20 ft.4 25 ft.4 20 ft.4 20 ft.4
Maximum Lot Coverage (%) 30% 40% 40% 30% 30% 30%
Maximum Building Height (ft.) 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft
Source: Diamond Bar Zoning Ordinance
Notes:
1. Development standards in the planned communities are governed by a master plan, specific plan, or similar document and may vary from current
zoning.
2. There cannot be less than 25 ft. between structures on adjoining parcels.
3. There cannot be less than 15 ft. between structures on adjoining parcels.
4. From the property line or building pad on a descending slope, whichever is applicable.
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A summary of the types of housing
permitted by the City’s Development
Code is provided in Table 9-30.
Table 9-30: Permitted Residential Development by Zoning District
Housing Type RR RL RLM RM RMH RH/RH-30
Single-Family Detached P P P P P P
Single-Family Attached P P P
Multi-Family P P P
Manufactured Housing P P P P P P
Mobile Home Park CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP
Second Units P P
Emergency Shelters1
Transitional & Supportive Housing 2 2 2 2 2 2
Residential Care Home (6 or fewer persons)3 P P P P P P
Residential Care Home (7 or more persons)3 CUP CUP CUP
Senior Housing P P P P P P
Single Room Occupancy4
Source: Diamond Bar Zoning Ordinance P = Permitted, ministerial zoning clearance required CUP = Conditional Use Permit
Notes:
1. Emergency shelters are permitted in the Light Industrial zone.
2. Transitional and supportive housing are permitted in any residential zone subject to the same standards and procedures as apply to other
residential uses of the same type in the same zone.
3. Residential Care Homes are defined as facilities providing residential social and personal care for children, the elderly, and people with some limits
on their ability for self-care, but where medical care is not a major element. Includes children's' homes; family care homes; foster homes; group
homes; halfway houses; orphanages; rehabilitation centers; and similar uses.
4. SROs are conditionally permitted in the I (light industrial) zone
The Development Code provides for a
variety of housing types including
single-family homes (both attached
and detached), multi-family (both
rental and condominiums),
manufactured housing, special needs
housing, and accessory dwelling units.
Effect of Zoning and Development
Standards on Housing Supply and
Affordability
Development standards can affect the
feasibility of development projects,
particularly housing that is affordable to
lower- and moderate-income
households. The most significant of
these standards is density. Higher
densities generally result in lower per-
unit land costs, thereby reducing
overall development cost, although this
is not always the case. For example, at
9 Memo of June 20, 2012 from California Department of Housing and Community Development.
some point higher density may require
more expensive construction methods
such as parking structures, or below-
grade garages.
Pursuant to AB 2348 of 2004, the
“default density” for Diamond Bar is 30
dwelling units per acre9. The default
density refers to the density at which
lower-income housing development is
presumed to be feasible, although
State law allows jurisdictions to propose
alternative densities that are sufficient
to facilitate affordable housing based
on local experience and
circumstances. The RH-30 district allows
multi-family development at the default
density of 30 units per acre. In addition,
the Neighborhood Mixed Use and
Transit-Oriented Mixed Use land use
designations allow residential
development at up to 30 units/acre.
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The City is currently in the process of
updating the Development Code to
establish regulations consistent with
these new General Plan land use
designations (see Program H-8 in
Section 9.5).
Although appropriate development
standards are necessary for affordable
housing to be feasible, large public
subsidies are typically necessary to
reduce costs to the level that lower-
income households can afford.
Special Needs Housing
Persons with special needs include
those in residential care facilities,
persons with disabilities, the elderly,
farm workers, persons needing
emergency shelter or transitional living
arrangements, and single room
occupancy units. The City’s provisions
for these housing types are discussed
below.
Residential Care Facilities
Residential care facilities refer to any
family home, group home, or
rehabilitation facility that provides non-
medical care to persons in need of
personal services, protection, super-
vision, assistance, guidance, or training
essential for daily living. The
Development Code explicitly
references Residential Care Homes
(§22.80.020). In accordance with State
law, residential care homes that serve
six or fewer persons are permitted by-
right in all residential districts with only a
ministerial zoning clearance required.
Residential care homes serving more
than six persons are permitted by
conditional use permit in the RM, RMH,
and RH Districts. There are no
separation requirements for residential
care facilities. These provisions are
consistent with State law and do not
pose a significant constraint on the
establishment of such facilities.
Definition of Family
Development Code §22.80.020 defines
family as “one or more persons living
together as a single housekeeping unit
in a dwelling unit.” Single housekeeping
unit means “the functional equivalent
of a traditional family, whose members
are an interactive group of persons
jointly occupying a single dwelling unit,
including the joint use of and
responsibility for common areas, and
sharing household activities and
responsibilities such as meals, chores,
household maintenance, and
expenses, and where, if the unit is
rented, all adult residents have chosen
to jointly occupy the entire premises of
the dwelling unit, under a single written
lease with joint use and responsibility for
the premises, and the makeup of the
household occupying the unit is
determined by the residents of the unit
rather than the landlord or property
manager.” These definitions are
consistent with fair housing law and do
not pose an unreasonable constraint to
housing.
Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Both the federal Fair Housing Act and
the California Fair Employment and
Housing Act impose an affirmative duty
on local governments to make
reasonable accommodations (i.e.,
modifications or exceptions) in their
zoning laws and other land use
regulations when such accommoda-
tions may be necessary to afford
disabled persons an equal opportunity
to use and enjoy a dwelling. The
Building Codes adopted by the City of
Diamond Bar incorporate accessibility
standards contained in Title 24 of the
California Administrative Code. For
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example, apartment complexes of
three or more units and condominium
complexes of four or more units must
be designed to accessibility standards.
Compliance with building codes and
the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) may increase the cost of housing
production and can also impact the
viability of rehabilitation of older
properties required to be brought up to
current code standards. However,
these regulations provide minimum
standards that must be complied with
to ensure the development of safe and
accessible housing.
Senate Bill 520 of 2001 requires cities to
make reasonable accommodation in
housing for persons with disabilities. The
City has adopted procedures
(Development Code §22.02.060) for
reviewing and approving requests for
reasonable accommodation for
persons with disabilities consistent with
State law.
Farm Worker Housing
As discussed in Section 9.2, Housing
Needs Assessment, the City of Diamond
Bar has no major agricultural areas and
no significant need for permanent on-
site farm worker housing. Commercial
agriculture is not permitted in any
residential zoning district. The City’s
overall efforts to provide and maintain
affordable housing opportunities will
help to support the few seasonal farm
workers that may choose to reside in
the City.
Housing for the Elderly
Senior housing projects are a permitted
use in all residential districts. A density
bonus is also permitted for the
construction of senior housing pursuant
to Government Code §§65915-65918.
Development Code §22.30.040
establishes reduced parking
requirements for senior housing of 1
space for each unit with half the
spaces covered, plus 1 guest parking
space for each 10 units. These
regulations are not considered to be a
constraint to the development of senior
housing because the regulations are
the same as for other residential uses in
the same districts.
Emergency Shelters, Transitional/
Supportive Housing and Low Barrier
Navigation Centers
Emergency shelters are facilities that
provide a safe alternative to the streets
either in a shelter facility, or through the
use of motel vouchers. Emergency
shelter is short-term and usually for 30
days or less. Transitional housing is
longer-term, typically up to 2 years,
while supportive housing may have no
occupancy limit. Programs that
operate transitional and supportive
housing generally require that the
resident participate in a structured
program to work toward established
goals so that they can move on to
permanent housing and may include
supportive services such as counseling.
SB 2 of 2007 strengthened the planning
requirements for emergency shelters
and transitional/supportive housing. This
bill requires jurisdictions to evaluate
their need for shelters compared to
available facilities to address the need.
If existing shelter facilities are not
sufficient to accommodate the need,
jurisdictions must designate at least one
zone where year-round shelters can be
accommodated. There are currently
no emergency shelters located in the
City. As noted in Section 9.2, the most
recent homeless survey reported 4
homeless persons living in Diamond Bar.
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To reduce constraints to the establish-
ment of emergency shelters, the
Development Code was amended to
allow shelters with up to 30 beds by-
right in the Light Industrial (I) zone
subject to objective development
standards. This zone encompasses
approximately 98 acres with an
average parcel size of 1.6 acres and
contains underutilized parcels and
vacant buildings that could accommo-
date at least one emergency shelter.
In 2019 the San Gabriel Valley Council
of Governments initiated a study to
assess the needs of the homeless and
develop a coordinated strategy to
address those needs. As a member
jurisdiction, Diamond Bar is cooperating
in this study and is committed to a fair-
share approach to providing the
necessary services and facilities for the
homeless persons and families
identified in the community.
SB 2 also requires that transitional and
supportive housing be considered a
residential use that is subject only to the
same requirements and procedures as
other residential uses of the same type
in the same zone. The Development
Code establishes regulations for
transitional and supportive housing in
compliance with State law. In 2018 AB
2162 amended State law to require
that supportive housing be a use by-
right in zones where multi-family and
mixed uses are permitted, including
non-residential zones permitting multi-
family uses, if the proposed housing
development meets specified criteria.
Program H-11 in Section 9.5 includes a
commitment to process an
amendment to the Development Code
in compliance with this requirement.
In 2019 the State Legislature adopted
AB 101 establishing requirements
related to local regulation of low barrier
navigation centers, which are defined
as “Housing first, low-barrier, service-
enriched shelters focused on moving
people into permanent housing that
provides temporary living facilities while
case managers connect individuals
experiencing homelessness to income,
public benefits, health services, shelter,
and housing.” Low Barrier means best
practices to reduce barriers to entry,
and may include, but is not limited to:
(1) The presence of partners if it is
not a population-specific site,
such as for survivors of domestic
violence or sexual assault,
women, or youth
(2) Accommodation of residents’
pets
(3) The storage of possessions
(4) Privacy, such as partitions
around beds in a dormitory
setting or in larger rooms
containing more than two beds,
or private rooms”
Low barrier navigation centers meeting
specified standards must be allowed
by-right in areas zoned for mixed use
and in nonresidential zones permitting
multi-family uses. Program H 11 in
Section 9.5 includes a commitment to
process an amendment to the
Development Code in compliance with
this requirement.
Single Room Occupancy
Single room occupancy (SRO) facilities
are small studio-type units and are
conditionally permitted in the Light
Industrial District pursuant to Sec.
22.42.160 of the Development Code.
Development standards for these uses
do not pose an unreasonable
constraint to SRO development.
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Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City’s parking requirements for
residential uses vary by residential type.
Single-family dwellings and duplex
housing require two parking spaces per
unit in a garage. Mobile homes require
two parking spaces plus guest parking.
Studio units require one space for each
unit in a garage, plus guest parking.
Multi-family dwellings, condos, and
other attached dwellings are required
to have two spaces in a garage for
each unit plus 0.5 space for each
bedroom over two, and guest parking.
Accessory dwelling units are required to
have one space in addition to that
required for the single-family unit. Senior
housing projects are required to
provide one space for each unit with
half of the spaces covered, plus one
guest parking space for each ten units.
Senior congregate care facilities are
required to have 0.5 space for each
residential unit, plus one space for each
four units for guests and employees.
Extended care facilities are required to
provide one space for each three beds
the facility is licensed to
accommodate. These parking
requirements are summarized in Table
9-31.
The required parking is not excessive
and is not considered to be a
constraint on the production of
affordable housing.
Table 9-31: Residential Parking Requirements
Type of Unit Minimum Parking Space Required
Single Family Detached Dwellings 2 off-street parking spaces per dwelling (in a garage)
Duplex Housing Units 2 off-street parking spaces for each unit (in a garage)
Mobile Homes (in M.H. parks) 2 off-street parking spaces for each mobile home (tandem parking allowed in an
attached carport), plus guest parking*
Accessory Dwelling Units 1 off-street parking space in addition to that required for a single-family unit
Multi-Family Dwellings, Condominiums, and Other Attached Dwellings*
Studio 1.0 off-street parking space per dwelling unit (in a garage), plus guest parking*
1 or More Bedrooms 2.0 off-street parking spaces per unit (in a garage), plus 0.5 additional spaces for
each bedroom over 2, plus guest parking**
Senior Housing Projects 1 off-street parking space per unit with half of the spaces covered, plus 1 guest
parking space for each 10 units
Senior Congregate Care Facilities 0.5 space for each residential unit, plus 1 space for each 4 units for guests and
employees
Extended Care Facilities (elderly, skilled
nursing facilities and residential care
homes)
1 space for each 3 beds the facility is licensed to accommodate
*Reduced parking is allowed for projects that provide affordable housing pursuant to state Density Bonus law.
** Guest parking shall be provided at a ratio of one space for each four required parking spaces.
Source: Diamond Bar Development Code, 3/2021
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) provide
an important source of affordable
housing for seniors, young adults,
caregivers and other low- and
moderate-income segments of the
population. In recent years, the State
Legislature has adopted extensive
changes to ADU law to encourage
housing production. Among the most
significant changes is the requirement
for cities to allow one ADU plus one
“junior ADU” on single-family residential
lots by-right subject to limited develop-
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ment standards. Program H-10 in
Section 9.5 includes a commitment to
update the City’s ADU regulations in
conformance with current State law.
Density Bonus
Under Government Code §§65915-
65918, a density increase over the
otherwise maximum allowable
residential density under the Municipal
Code is available to developers who
agree to construct housing develop-
ments with units affordable to low- or
moderate-income households or senior
citizen housing development. AB 2345
of 2019 amended State law to revise
density bonus incentives that are
available for affordable housing
developments. Program H 12 in
Section 9.5 includes a commitment to
amend the Development Code to
include these changes to State density
bonus law.
Mobile Homes/Manufactured
Housing
There is often an economy of scale in
manufacturing homes in a plant rather
than on site, thereby reducing cost. State
law precludes local governments from
prohibiting the installation of mobile
homes on permanent foundations on
single-family lots. It also declares a
mobile home park to be a permitted
land use on any land planned and
zoned for residential use, and prohibits
requiring the average density in a new
mobile home park to be less than that
permitted by the Municipal Code.
In the City of Diamond Bar, manufac-
tured housing is allowed in all residential
zones as a permitted use provided the
installation complies with the site
development standards for the
applicable zoning district. Mobile home
parks are allowed as conditional use
within all residential districts. There are
two mobile home parks in Diamond Bar,
both located in the western portion of
the City: Diamond Bar Estates and
Walnut Creek Estates.
Condominium Conversions
In order to reduce the impacts of
condominium conversions on residents of
rental housing, some of which provides
housing for low- and moderate-income
persons, the City’s Municipal Code
requires that in addition to complying
with all of the regulations and noticing
requirements of the Subdivision Map Act
for condo conversions, the applicant
must propose a relocation assistance
program that will assist tenants displaced
through the conversion in relocating to
equivalent or better housing, assess the
vacancy rate in multi-family housing
within the City, and provide a report to
all tenants of the subject property at
least three days prior to the hearing.
When a condo conversion is permitted,
the increase in the supply of less
expensive for-sale units helps to
compensate for the loss of rental units.
The ordinance to regulate condominium
conversions is reasonable to preserve
rental housing opportunities and does not
present an unreasonable constraint on
the production of ownership housing.
Building Codes
State law prohibits the imposition of
building standards that are not
necessitated by local geographic,
climatic or topographic conditions and
requires that local governments making
changes or modifications in building
standards must report such changes to
the Department of Housing and
Community Development and file an
expressed finding that the change is
needed.
The City’s building codes are based
upon the California Building, Plumbing,
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Mechanical and Electrical Codes.
These are considered to be the
minimum necessary to protect the
public's health, safety and welfare. No
additional regulations have been
imposed by the City that would
unnecessarily add to housing costs.
DEVELOPMENT PROCESSING PROCEDURES
Residential Permit Processing
State Planning and Zoning Law
provides permit processing require-
ments for residential development.
Within the framework of state require-
ments, the City has structured its
development review process to
minimize the time required to obtain
permits while ensuring that projects
receive careful review. All residential
development is reviewed by City staff
for zoning, building, and fire code
compliance prior to issuance of
building permits.
Processing times vary and depend on
the size and complexity of the project.
Projects reviewed by the Planning
Commission, such as Conditional Use
Permits, typically require between 1
and 2 months to process. Tentative
parcel maps and tentative tract maps
typically require 3 to 6 months to
process. Projects reviewed by the City
Council, such as General Plan and
Zoning Amendments, typically require
between 3 and 6months to process.
Table 9-32 identifies the review
authority responsible for making
decisions on land use permits and other
entitlements, as well as the estimated
processing time for each type of
application.
Table 9-32: Review Authority for Residential Development
Type of Permit or Decision (*)
Est. Processing
Time Director
Hearing
Officer
Planning
Commission
City
Council
Administrative Development Review (SF or MF) 6-8 weeks Final Appeal Appeal
Development Review (SF or MF) 8 weeks Final Appeal
Development Agreement** 12-24 weeks Recommend Final
Minor Conditional Use Permit 4-6 weeks Final Appeal Appeal
Conditional Use Permit 8 weeks Final Appeal
Minor Variance 2-4 weeks Final Appeal Appeal
Variance** 4-8 weeks Final Appeal
General Plan Amendment** 12-24 weeks Recommend Final
Specific Plan** 12-24 weeks Recommend Final
Zoning Map or Development Code Amendment 12-24 weeks Recommend Final
Tentative Map** 12-24 weeks Recommend Final
Plot Plan 4 weeks Final Appeal Appeal
Zoning Clearance (over the counter) 1 week Final Appeal Appeal
Source: Diamond Bar Development Code; Community Development Department
* The Director and Hearing Officer may defer action on permit applications and refer the item(s) to the Commission for final decision.
** Permit typically involves environmental clearance pursuant to CEQA and is subject to the Permit Streamlining Act.
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Certain steps of the development
process are required by State rather
than local laws. The State has defined
processing deadlines to limit the
amount of time needed for review of
required reports and projects. The
following describes the five-step
development review process in
Diamond Bar:
• Application Submittal.
Applications for land use permits
and other matters pertaining to
the Development Code must be
filed on a City application form,
together with all necessary fees
and/or deposits, exhibits, maps,
materials, plans, reports, and
other information required by the
Development Services
Department. Prior to submitting an
application, applicants are
strongly encouraged to request a
pre-application conference with
staff. The purpose of the pre-
application conference is to
inform the applicant of City
requirements as they pertain to
the proposed development
project, review the procedures
outlined in the Development
Code, explore possible
alternatives or modifications, and
identify necessary technical
studies and required information
related to the environmental
review of the project.
Single-family residential uses are
permitted by-right in all residential
zoning districts. Multi-family
residential uses are permitted by-
right in the RM, RMH and RH zones.
All new residential construction
and some additions to existing
residences are subject to
“Development Review.”
Development Review and
Administrative Development
Review applications for projects
that also require the approval of
another discretionary permit (e.g.
conditional use permit) shall be
acted upon concurrently with the
discretionary permit and the final
determination shall be made by
the highest level of review
authority in compliance with Table
9-32.
Development Review. An applica-
tion for Development Review is
required for residential projects
that propose one or more dwelling
units (detached or attached) and
that involve the issuance of a
building permit for construction or
reconstruction of a structure(s)
meeting the following criteria:
• New construction on a vacant
lot and new structures,
additions to structures, and
reconstruction projects which
are equal to 50% or greater of
the floor area of existing
structures on site, or have 5,001
square feet or more of
combined gross floor area in
any commercial, industrial, and
institutional development; or
• Projects involving a substantial
change or intensification of
land use (e.g. the conversion of
and existing structure to a
restaurant, or the conversion of
a residential structure to an
office or commercial use); or
• Residential, commercial,
industrial, or institutional
projects proposed upon a
descending slope abutting a
public street.
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Administrative Development
Review. An application for
Administrative Development
Review is required for residential,
industrial, and institutional
developments that involve the
issuance of a building permit for
construction or reconstruction of a
structure(s) meeting the following
thresholds of review:
• Commercial, industrial, and
institutional developments that
propose up to 5,000 square
feet of combined floor area; or
• Projects that do not meet the
specific criteria for
Development Review.
Development Review and
Administrative Development
Review are non-discretionary
review procedures intended to
address design issues such as
landscaping and building
massing, and do not include a
review of the merits or suitability of
the use itself.
• Initial Application Review. The
Director reviews all applications
for completeness and accuracy
before they are accepted as
being complete and officially
filed. Processing of applications
does not commence until all
required fees and deposits have
been paid. Without the
application fee or a deposit, the
application is not deemed
complete.
Within 30 days of a submittal, staff
reviews the application package
and the applicant is informed in
writing of whether or not the
application is deemed complete
and has been accepted for
processing. If the application is
incomplete, the applicant is
advised regarding what
additional information is required.
If a pending application is not
deemed complete within 6
months after the first filing with the
Department, the application
expires and is deemed withdrawn.
Any remaining deposit amount is
refunded, subject to
administrative processing fees.
• Environmental Review. After
acceptance of a complete
application, a project is reviewed
for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). A determination is made
regarding whether or not the
proposed project is exempt from
the requirements of CEQA. If the
project is not exempt, a
determination is made regarding
whether a Negative Declaration,
Mitigated Negative Declaration,
or Environmental Impact Report
will be required based on the
evaluation and consideration of
information provided by an initial
study. If an EIR is required, a
minimum of nine months to one
year is typically required to
complete the process.
• Staff Report and Recommenda-
tions. A staff report is prepared by
the Director that describes the
conclusions and findings about
the proposed land use
development. The report includes
recommendations on the
approval, approval with
conditions, or disapproval of the
application. Staff reports are
provided to the applicant at the
same time they are provided to
the Hearing Officer, or members
of the Commission and/or
Council, before a hearing on the
application.
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• Notice and Hearings. An
application for a development
review or administrative
development review is scheduled
for a public hearing once the
department has determined the
application complete.
Administrative development
reviews and minor CUPs are heard
by a Hearing Officer (staff) while
more significant applications are
heard by the Planning
Commission. Legislative acts such
as General Plan amendments,
zone changes, specific plans and
development agreements require
City Council approval. Upon
completion of the public hearing,
the review authority shall
announce and record the
decision within 21 days following
the conclusion of the public
hearing. The decision shall contain
the required findings and a copy
of the resolution shall be mailed to
the applicant.
These processes are typical of most
California jurisdictions and help to
ensure that the development review
process does not act as a constraint to
housing development.
Development Fees and Improvement Requirements
After the passage of Proposition 13 and
its limitation on local governments’
property tax revenues, cities and
counties have faced increasing
difficulty in providing public services
and facilities to serve their residents.
One of the main consequences of
Proposition 13 has been the shift in
funding of new infrastructure from
general tax revenues to development
impact fees and improvement
requirements on land developers. The
City requires developers to provide on-
site and off-site improvements
necessary to serve their projects. Such
improvements may include water,
sewer and other utility extensions, street
construction and traffic control device
installation that are reasonably related
to the project. Dedication of land or in-
lieu fees may also be required of a
project for rights-of-way, transit facilities,
recreational facilities and school sites,
consistent with the Subdivision Map
Act.
State law limits fees charged for
development permit processing to the
reasonable cost of providing the
service for which the fee is charged.
Various fees and assessments are
charged by the City and other public
agencies to cover the costs of
processing permit applications and
providing services and facilities such as
schools, parks and infrastructure. Table
9-33 provides a list of fees the City of
Diamond Bar charges for new,
standard residential development. The
City periodically evaluates the actual
cost of processing development
permits when revising its fee schedule.
The last fee schedule update was
adopted in 2020.
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Table 9-33: Planning and Development Fees
Fee Category Fee or Deposit Amounta
Planning and Application Feesa
Administrative Development Review $1,912.94 Application plus $2,000 deposit (RFD)
Development Agreement $10,000 deposit (RFD)
General Plan Amendment $10,000 deposit (RFD)
Zone Change/Map Amendment
Specific Plan
$10,000 deposit (RFD)
$10,000deposit (RFD)
Conditional Use Permit $2,174.56 Application plus $4,000 deposit (RFD)
Minor Conditional Use Permit $1,738.56 Application plus $2,000 deposit (RFD)
Tentative Tract Map $5,000 deposit (RFD)
Tentative Parcel Map
Density Bonus
Variance
Minor Variance
$5,000 deposit (RFD)
$5,000 deposit (RFD)
$5,000 deposit (RFD)
$1,547.80 Application
Environmental
Environmental Analysis (b)
Environmental Mitigation Monitoring Program (b)
Development Impact Fees
Drainage Facilities None
Traffic Facilities (d)
Public Facilities None
Fire Facilities None
Park Facilities (d)
Water/Sewer Connection (d)
Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2021
a Items with deposits are based on actual processing costs which may exceed initial deposit amount.
b Cost determined as part of the environmental review
c (RFD) Deposit based fees will be charged at the fully allocated hourly rates for all personnel involved plus any outside
costs, with any unused portion of a deposit-based fee being refunded to the applicant at the conclusions of the
project. In certain circumstances where project costs are higher than the available deposit, the applicant will be
required to submit additional funds into the deposit account.
d Development impact fees are determined by the project’s scope, location, and existing conditions. The developer
must prepare the appropriate study and provide the report for staff to review. When applicable, public improvements
may be conditioned with, or in lieu of, development impact fees.
Improvem ent Requirements
Throughout California, developers are
required to construct on- and off-site
improvements needed to serve new
projects, including streets, sidewalks,
and utilities. City road standards vary by
roadway designation as provided in
Table 9-34.
A local residential street requires a 44-
to 60-foot right-of-way, with two 12-foot
travel lanes. These road standards are
typical for cities in Los Angeles County
and do not act as a constraint to
housing development.
The City’s Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) contains a schedule of
public improvements including streets,
bridges, overpasses and other public
works projects to facilitate the
continued build-out of the City’s
General Plan. The CIP helps to ensure
that construction of public
improvements is coordinated with
private development.
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Table 9-34: Road Improvement Standards
Roadway Designation Number of Lanes Right-of-Way Width Curb-to Curb Width
Major arterial 4 100-120 N/A
Boulevard 2-4 60-100 N/A
Collector street 2-4 60-80 N/A
Local street 2 44-60 28-36
Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2021
Although development fees and
improvement requirements increase
the cost of housing, cities have little
choice in establishing such require-
ments due to the limitations on property
taxes and other revenue sources
needed to fund public services and
improvements.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Environmental Constraints
Environmental constraints include
physical features such as steep slopes,
fault zones, floodplains, sensitive
biological habitat, agricultural lands,
and wildland fire hazards. In many
cases, development of these areas is
constrained by State and federal laws
(e.g., FEMA floodplain regulations, the
Clean Water Act, the Endangered
Species Act, the State Fish and Game
Code and the Alquist-Priolo Act).
Most of the level, easily buildable land
in Diamond Bar has already been
developed, and much of the remaining
land has a variety of geotechnical and
topographic conditions that may
constrain the development of lower-
priced residential units. Large portions
of the City contain steep slopes that
pose a significant constraint to
development.
In addition to slope constraints, many of
the hillsides in Diamond Bar have a
potential for landslides. Slope stability is
affected by such factors as soil type,
gradient of the slope, underlying
geologic structure, and local drainage
patterns. The rolling topography and
composition of local soils throughout
Diamond Bar create numerous areas
for potential landslide hazards.
Although many historical landslide
locations have been stabilized, a
number of potential landslide areas still
exist in the eastern portion of the City as
well as within Tonner Canyon in the
Sphere of Influence. Figure 9-2 illustrates
the significant areas with geological
constraints.
Wildland fire hazards present another
environmental constraint to housing
development. As seen in Figure 9-3,
significant portions of the city are within
designated fire hazard zones. As the
frequency and intensity of wildfires
have increased in recent years, housing
development becomes more difficult in
these areas.
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Infrastructure Constraints
As discussed under Development Fees
and Improvement Requirements, the
City requires developers to provide on-
site and off-site improvements
necessary to serve their projects.
Dedication of land or in-lieu fees may
also be required of a project for rights-
of-way, transit facilities, recreational
facilities and school sites, consistent
with the Subdivision Map Act.
Additionally, the City’s Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) contains a
schedule of public improvements
including streets and other public works
projects to facilitate the continued
build-out of the City’s General Plan. The
CIP helps to ensure that construction of
public improvements is coordinated
with development. As a result of these
policies, any infrastructure constraints
which currently exist must be fully
mitigated and financed as growth
occurs.
Wastewater
Wastewater conveyance and
treatment in Diamond Bar is provided
by the County of Los Angeles Sanitation
District No. 21. Although much of the
physical sewage infrastructure appears
in generally good condition, there have
been repeated failures of the pump
stations needed to lift flows to the
regional collectors. Presently, there are
no sewer lines in place in the
developed southeastern end of the
1,250-acre development known as the
Country Estates. Approximately 144 lots
are utilizing on-site wastewater disposal
systems.
Water
Water for City residents is supplied by
the Walnut Valley Water District, which
receives its water supply from the Three
Valleys Municipal Water District and
ultimately from the Metropolitan Water
District (MWD) of Southern California.
Almost all of the water supply is
purchased from MWD, which imports
water from the Colorado River
Aqueduct (a small portion comes from
Northern California through the State
Water Project). Domestic water supply
is not expected to limit development
during the planning period.
Storm Water Drainage
Flood control is provided by the County
Flood Control District. Flood control
facilities are in fairly good condition.
Development proposals are assessed
for drainage impacts and required
facilities. With these existing facilities
and review procedures in place, the
City’s flood control system is not
expected to limit development during
the planning period.
Land Costs
Land represents one of the most
significant components of the cost of
new housing. Land values fluctuate
with market conditions, and changes in
land prices reflect the cyclical nature
of the residential real estate market.
A major constraint to providing
affordable housing on remaining vacant
hillside parcels in Diamond Bar is the high
cost of construction in hillside areas.
Another cost constraint for construction
in areas with steep topography is the low
ratio of developable area to total land
area. Residential projects in hillside areas
have large amounts of open space and
only about 25-30% developable land.
Construction Costs
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Construction cost is affected by the
price of materials, labor, development
standards and general market
conditions. The City has no influence
over materials and labor costs, and the
building codes and development
standards in Diamond Bar are not
substantially different than most other
cities in Los Angeles County.
Construction costs for materials and
labor have increased at a slightly
higher pace than the general rate of
inflation according to the Construction
Industry Research Board.
Cost and Availability of Financing
Diamond Bar is typical of Southern
California communities with regard to
private sector home financing
programs. As discussed in the previous
section, Diamond Bar utilizes tax
exempt multi-family revenue bonds
which provide a lower interest rate than
is available through conventional
financing. This program helps to
address funding for low-income multi-
family projects.
Under State law, it is illegal for real
estate lending institutions to
discriminate against entire
neighborhoods in lending practices
because of the physical or socio-
economic conditions in the area
(“redlining”). There is no evidence of
redlining being practiced in any area
of the City.
AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING
State law prohibits discrimination in the
development process or in real
property transactions, and it is the City’s
policy to uphold the law in this regard.
As a participating city in the Los
Angeles County Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program, the City of Diamond Bar has
access to services of the Long Beach
Fair Housing Foundation for fair housing
outreach and education, and
counseling on housing discrimination
complaints. Program H 14 in Section 9.5
describes additional actions the City
will take to affirmatively further fair
housing.
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Figure 9-2 Seismic Hazard Zones
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Figure 9-3 Fire Hazard Zones
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9.5 HOUSING ACTION PLAN
Sections 9.2 through 9.4 of this Housing
Element describe the housing needs,
opportunities and constraints in the City
of Diamond Bar. This section presents
the City's 8-year Housing Action Plan for
the 2021-2029 planning period. This Plan
sets forth Diamond Bar's goals, policies,
and programs to address the identified
housing needs of the City.
GOALS AND POLICIES
It is the overall goal of the plan that
there be adequate housing in the City,
both in quality and quantity, to provide
appropriate shelter for all without
discrimination.
The goals and policies of the Housing
Element presented below address
Diamond Bar's identified housing needs
and are implemented through a series
of housing programs offered through
the Community Development
Department. Within this overarching
goal, the City has established goals
and policies to address the
development, maintenance and
improvement of the housing stock.
H-G-1 Preserve and conserve the existing housing stock and maintain property
values and residents' quality of life.
H-P-1.1 Continue to offer home improvement and rehabilitation
assistance to low- and moderate-income households, including
seniors and the disabled.
H-P-1.2 Continue to facilitate improvement of substandard units in
compliance with City codes and improve overall housing
conditions in Diamond Bar.
H-P-1.3 Promote increased awareness among property owners and
residents of the importance of property maintenance to long-
term housing quality.
H-G-2 Provide opportunities for development of suitable housing to meet the
diverse needs of existing and future residents.
H-P-2.1 Provide favorable home purchasing options to low- and
moderate-income households through County and other
homebuyer assistance programs.
H-P-2.2 Continue outreach and advertising efforts to make more
residents aware of homebuyer assistance programs and to
enhance program utilization.
H-P-2.3 Maintain affordability controls on government-assisted housing
units in the City.
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H-P-2.4 Facilitate the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
as a means to provide affordable housing opportunities in
existing neighborhoods.
H-G-3 Provide adequate sites through appropriate land use and zoning
designations to accommodate future housing growth.
H-P-3.1 Maintain an inventory of potential sites available for future
housing development.
H-P-3.2 Encourage infill and mixed-use opportunities within the General
Plan Focus Areas.
H-P-3.3 Coordinate with local colleges and universities to expand the
availability of housing for faculty and staff.
H-G-4 Mitigate potential governmental constraints which may hinder or
discourage housing development in Diamond Bar.
H-P-4.1 Continue to provide regulatory incentives and concessions to
facilitate affordable housing development in the City.
H-P-4.2 Promote the expeditious processing and approval of residential
projects that meet General Plan policies and City regulatory
requirements.
H-P-4.3 Pursuant to the City's Affordable Housing Incentives Ordinance,
allow modifications to development standards for projects with
an affordable housing component.
H-P-4.4 Periodically review City regulations, ordinances, departmental
processing procedures and residential fees related to
rehabilitation and/or construction to assess their impact on
housing costs, and revise as appropriate.
H-G-5 Encourage equal and fair housing opportunities for all economic
segments of the community.
H-P-5.1 Continue to support enforcement of fair housing laws
prohibiting arbitrary discrimination in the building, financing,
selling or renting of housing on the basis of race, religion, family
status, national origin, physical handicap or other such
circumstances.
H-P-5.2 Refer persons with fair housing complaints to the appropriate
agency for investigation and resolution.
H-P-5.3 Encourage apartment managers and owners to attend fair
housing seminars offered by the Apartment Association of
Greater Los Angeles.
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HOUSING PROGRAMS
Housing Element goals and policies are
implemented through a series of
housing programs described below.
Pursuant to §65583 of the Government
Code, a city’s housing programs must
address the following major areas:
• Conserve and improve the
condition of the existing supply of
affordable housing;
• Assist in the development of
adequate housing to meet the
needs of extremely-low, very-low,
low, and moderate-income
households;
• Provide adequate sites to
accommodate the city’s share of
the regional housing need for
households of each income level;
• Remove governmental constraints
to the maintenance,
improvement, and development
of housing, including housing for
all income levels and housing for
persons with disabilities;
• Promote the creation of
accessory dwelling units that can
be offered at affordable rents;
• Affirmatively furthering fair housing
and promote equal housing
opportunity
• Include a diligent effort to
achieve public participation of all
economic segments of the
community in the development of
the housing element.
Diamond Bar’s programs for addressing
these requirements are described in this
section.
Conserve and Improve the Condition of Existing Affordable Housing
Conserving and improving the
condition of the housing stock is an
important goal for Diamond Bar.
Although the majority of the City's
housing stock is in good condition, a
significant portion of the housing stock
is over 30 years old, the age when most
homes begin to require major
rehabilitation improvements. By
identifying older residential neighbor-
hoods for potential housing
rehabilitation, the City has taken a
proactive approach to maintaining the
quality of its current housing stock. The
focus neighborhoods identified by this
Plan as evidencing physical problem
conditions can be specifically targeted
for City housing improvement
assistance.
Program H -1. Residential Neighborhood Improvement Program
The City implements a proactive Neighborhood Improvement Program and
neighborhood inspections are conducted on a regular basis throughout the
entire City. The checklist for residential violations includes inoperable
vehicles, trash storage, parking on paved areas only, structure maintenance,
landscape maintenance, and fence and wall maintenance. After the
neighborhood inspection, letters are sent out to all property owners in areas
where violations have been observed. A follow-up inspection will be
conducted, at which time any noticed properties found to be in violation of
the Municipal Code are subject to a $100 citation.
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When problems are observed, inspectors may refer residents to the Home
Improvement Program (see Program H-2).
Eight-year objective: Continue to implement the code enforcement
program, and direct eligible households to available rehabilitation
assistance to correct code violations. Provide focused code
enforcement and rehabilitation assistance for 5 to 6 households in
neighborhoods evidencing concentrations of deteriorating units.
Program H -2. Home Improvement Program
The City uses CDBG funds for minor home repair through the Home
Improvement Program, where low/moderate income householders may
receive up to a $20,000 no interest, deferred loan for home repair and
rehabilitation.
Eight-year objective: Minor repair and rehabilitation for 4 units annually.
Program H -3. Section 8 Rental Assistance Program
The Section 8 Rental Assistance Program extends rental subsidies to
extremely-low- and very-low-income households who spend more than 30%
of their gross income on housing. Rental assistance not only addresses
housing affordability, but also overcrowding by assisting families that may be
"doubling up" in order to afford rent. The Los Angeles County Development
Authority coordinates Section 8 rental assistance on behalf of the City.
Eight-year objective: Continue to direct eligible households to the
County Section 8 program.
Program H -4. Preservation of Assisted Housing
Diamond Bar contains only one assisted housing project, the 149-unit
Seasons Apartments (formerly Heritage Park) for senior citizens. This project
was constructed in 1988 and was originally financed under the Los Angeles
County Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue Bond program. The project was
refinanced in November 1999 under the California Community Development
Authority's Multi-Family Housing Re-funding Bond, and was transferred to the
Corporate Fund for Housing, a non-profit organization. According to the
terms of the new bond agreement, income restrictions for residents and
corresponding rent limits were set. For the duration of the bond, which
expires December 2, 2034, all units will be affordable: 30 units (20%) will be
very-low-income, 82 units (55%) will be low-income, and 37 units will be
moderate-income (defined as 100% AMI).
Eight-year objective: Preserve 100% of the 149 low- and moderate-
income units in the Seasons Apartments.
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Program H -5. Mobile H ome Park Preservation
There are two mobile home parks in Diamond Bar, both located in the
western portion of the City: Diamond Bar Estates and Walnut Creek Estates.
These mobile home parks were developed before incorporation of the City
on land previously designated as Industrial under the County's jurisdiction.
The Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Map adopted in 2019 designated
both mobile home parks "residential" in order to preserve their status and
prevent future inconsistencies. This designation in the General Plan works to
preserve the parks since any proposed land use change would require an
amendment to the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, as well as
adherence to State mobile home park closure requirements.
Eight-year objective: The City will continue to support preservation of its
two mobile home parks as important affordable housing resources.
Assist in the Development of Affordable Housing
To enable more households to attain
homeownership in Diamond Bar, the
City participates in two mortgage
assistance programs: the Homebuyer
Assistance Program and the Mortgage
Credit Certificate (MCC). These
programs are very important given that
housing prices in Diamond Bar rank
among the highest in eastern Los
Angeles County and northern Orange
County. The City is also supportive of
the development of senior housing to
meet the needs of its growing senior
population and multi-family rental
housing for lower-income households,
including working families and university
students.
Program H -6. First -Time Homebuyer As sistance Programs
Los Angeles County offers a first-time homebuyer assistance program and
Mortgage Credit Certificates. To be eligible, families must meet the specified
income requirements and be able to pay a 1% down payment on their
home. The City of Diamond Bar provides referral information to prospective
buyers at the public counter and on the City website.
6.a Home Ownership Program (HOP)
The Los Angeles County Home Ownership Program (HOP) provides zero-
interest loans with no repayment due until the home is sold, transferred,
or refinanced. The loan is secured by a second trust deed and a
promissory note. The home must be owner-occupied for the life of the
loan.
6.b Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program is a federal program
that allows qualified first-time homebuyers to take an annual credit
against federal income taxes of up to 15% of the annual interest paid
on the applicant's mortgage. This enables homebuyers to have more
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income available to qualify for a mortgage loan and make the monthly
mortgage payments. The value of the MCC must be taken into
consideration by the mortgage lender in underwriting the loan and
may be used to adjust the borrower's federal income tax withholding.
The MCC program has covenant restrictions to ensure the affordability
of the participating homes for a period of 15 years. MCCs can be used
in conjunction with the Home Ownership Program (HOP).
Eight-year objective: The City will advertise these programs and provide
information to interested homebuyers. In addition, the City will work with
realtors to make them aware of these programs.
Program H -7. Senior and Workforce Housing Development
With a growing portion of the City's population 65 years of age and above,
Diamond Bar will continue to need housing and services for seniors.
Particularly those seniors 75 years and older will begin to require housing with
a supportive service component.
In addition, occupations for which high housing costs make it difficult for
working-age households to live in Diamond Bar include teachers, police and
firefighters. Several colleges and universities are also located within
commuting distance of Diamond Bar. The City will continue to coordinate
with these institutions to identify potential partnership opportunities for
affordable faculty/staff housing.
The City will encourage the development of senior and workforce housing,
including units affordable to very-low- and extremely-low-income persons as
well as units with 3-4 bedrooms suitable for large families, if feasible, in several
ways. First, the City will identify suitable sites for multi-family development in
the Housing and Land Use Elements, including zoning to encourage and
facilitate lower-cost housing options such as SROs. Second, the City will offer
regulatory incentives, and/or direct financial assistance appropriate to the
project when feasible. The following are among the types of incentives
which may be provided:
• Coordination with off-site infrastructure improvements
• Flexible development standards
• Density bonuses
• City support to developers in affordable housing funding applications
It must be recognized that the City’s ability to offer direct financial subsidies is
limited, particularly in light of current fiscal conditions. The City has no local
source of housing assistance funds, and its CDBG revenue is only about
$232,000 per year currently (see Section 9.3 for further discussion of the City’s
financial resources). Given these financial limitations, the City’s primary
efforts to encourage and facilitate affordable housing production are
through its land use regulations and staff support to interested developers in
applying for grant funds, and cooperation with the Los Angeles County
Development Authority (LACDA) on its assistance programs.
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Pursuant to the City's Affordable Housing Incentives Ordinance, the City
provides modified development standards, including parking reductions, for
senior and affordable projects. A portion of the City's CDBG funds can be
used to help finance senior and workforce housing projects. New housing
developments in Diamond Bar may also be eligible for funding sources
identified in Section 9.3, Resources and Opportunities. Typically, local
assistance can serve as gap financing to bridge the difference between the
total project cost and the equity investment plus debt.
Eight-year objective: The City will identify sites suitable for new senior
and workforce housing and post information on the City website
throughout the planning period regarding the City's interest in assisting
in the development of senior and workforce housing, provide
information on available regulatory and financial incentives, and assist
developers in applying for funds. The City will also collaborate with local
colleges and universities to identify potential partnership opportunities
for affordable housing. The City’s quantified objectives for housing
production during the 2021-2029 planning period are described in Table
9-35.
Provide Adequate Sites to Accommodate the City’s Share of Regional
Housing Need
A major element in meeting the
housing needs of all segments of the
community is the provision of adequate
sites for all types, sizes and prices of
housing. The City's General Plan,
Development Code and specific plans
describe where housing may be built,
thereby affecting the availability of
land for residential development.
Specific housing sites are identified in
Appendix B.
Program H -8. Land Use Element and Development Regulations
The City completed a comprehensive update to the General Plan in 2019.
The Land Use Element of the General Plan, as discussed previously in
Section 9.3, provides for a variety of housing types in Diamond Bar, with
densities ranging up to 30 dwelling units per acre. In addition, the new
General Plan established several “focus areas” where additional
development and redevelopment are encouraged, including multi-family
residential and mixed-use. As described in Appendix B, General Plan land
use designations provide adequate capacity to accommodate the City’s
RHNA allocation at all income levels for the 2021-2029 period. The City is
currently processing amendments to the Development Code to align
development regulations with new General Plan land use designations.
The City shall continue to comply with the “no net loss” provisions of
Government Code §65863 through ongoing project-by-project evaluation to
ensure that adequate sites are available to accommodate the City’s RHNA
share throughout the planning period. The City shall not reduce the
allowable density of any site in its residential land inventory, nor approve a
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development project at a lower density than assumed in the Housing
Element sites inventory, unless both of the following findings are made:
a) The reduction is consistent with the adopted General Plan,
including the Housing Element; and
b) The remaining sites identified in the Housing Element are adequate
to accommodate the City’s remaining share of regional housing
need pursuant to Government Code §65584.
If a reduction in residential density for any parcel would result in the
remaining sites in the Housing Element land inventory not being adequate to
accommodate the City’s share of the regional housing need pursuant to
§65584, the City may reduce the density on that parcel if findings are made
identifying sufficient additional, adequate and available sites with an equal
or greater residential density so that there is no net loss of residential unit
capacity.
Eight-year objectives: Maintain adequate sites for housing
development at all income levels in conformance with the RHNA and
ensure compliance with No Net Loss requirements. Process a
Development Code amendment within three years of Housing Element
adoption to update land use regulations consistent with the 2040
General Plan.
Program H -9. Mixed Use Development
The 2040 General Plan encourages mixed-use development in three focus
areas, which could provide housing close to transit and places of
employment (see additional discussion in Appendix B). The City will
encourage property owners and developers to pursue mixed-use
development in these focus areas to accommodate a portion of the city’s
low- and moderate-income housing needs during this planning period.
Mixed-use can also reduce vehicle trips, make more efficient use of land
and parking areas, and facilitate energy conservation.
Incentives the City may offer to encourage and facilitate redevelopment in
these areas include the following:
• Coordination with off-site infrastructure improvements)
• Flexible development standards
• Density bonuses
• Support to developers in seeking funding for affordable housing
Eight-year objective: The City will prepare a handout and marketing
materials encouraging mixed-use development where appropriate and
make it available to interested developers throughout the planning
period.
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Program H -10. Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) provide an important source of affordable
housing for seniors, young adults and other low- and moderate-income
households. The City is currently processing an amendment to the
Development Code to incorporate recent changes to State ADU law, and
will continue to encourage ADU production through public information
available at City Hall and on the City website.
Eight-year objective: Process a Development Code amendment
consistent with current ADU law in 2021 and continue to encourage
construction of ADUs through an informational handout available at
City Hall and on the City website throughout the planning period.
Removing Governmental Constraints to Housing
Under current State law, the Housing Element must address, and where legally
possible, remove governmental constraints affecting the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing. The following programs are designed
to mitigate government constraints on residential development and facilitate the
development of a variety of housing.
Program H -11. Emergency Shelters, Low Barrier Navigation Centers and
Transitional/Supportive Housing
Senate Bill 2 of 2007 strengthened planning requirements for emergency
shelters and transitional/supportive housing. The Development Code allows
emergency shelters by-right in the Light Industry (I) zone in compliance with
SB 2 and also allows transitional and supportive housing as a residential use
subject to the same standards as other residential uses of the same type in
the same zone.
In 2018 AB 2162 amended State law to require that supportive housing be a
use by-right in zones where multi-family and mixed uses are permitted,
including non-residential zones permitting multi-family uses, if the proposed
housing development meets specified criteria.
AB 101 (2019) added the requirement that low barrier navigation centers
meeting specified standards be allowed by-right in areas zoned for mixed
use and in non-residential zones permitting multi-family uses pursuant to
Government Code §65660 et seq.
The City is currently processing a Development Code amendment to allow
supportive housing and low barrier navigation centers consistent with State
law.
The City will also continue to work cooperatively with the Los Angeles
Homeless Services Authority and the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments in its efforts to develop a regional strategy for addressing
homelessness.
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Eight-year objectives:
1. Continue to facilitate emergency shelters and transitional/
supportive housing, and continue participating with LAHSA and
SGVCOG on efforts to address homelessness throughout the
planning period.
2. Process an amendment to the Development Code in 2021 to
allow supportive housing and low barrier navigation centers
consistent with State law.
Program H -12. Affordable Housing Incentives/Density Bonus
To facilitate the development of affordable housing, the City utilizes
Affordable Housing Incentives/Density Bonus Provisions (Development Code
Chapter 22.18). Incentives described in Chapter 22.18 apply to
developments of five or more dwelling units. If a density bonus and/or other
incentives cannot be accommodated on a parcel due to strict compliance
with the provisions of the Development Code, the Council may waive or
modify the development standards as necessary to accommodate bonus
units and other incentives to which the development is entitled. AB 2345 of
2020 revised State Density Bonus Law to increase incentives for affordable
housing. The City is currently processing an amendment to the Development
Code in conformance with AB 2345.
Eight-year objective: The City will amend the Development Code in
2021 consistent with current Density Bonus Law and continue to
encourage the production of affordable housing through the use of
density bonus and other incentives.
Program H -13. Efficient Project Processing
The City is committed to a streamlined development process and has
adopted procedures to facilitate efficient permit processing. Prospective
applicants are strongly encouraged to request a pre-application
conference with the Community Development Department before formal
submittal of an application. The purpose of this conference is to inform the
applicant of City requirements as they apply to the proposed development
project, review the procedures outlined in the Development Code, explore
possible alternatives or modifications, and identify necessary technical
studies or other supporting materials relating to the proposed development.
This process helps to minimize the time required for project review by
identifying issues early in the process before extensive engineering and
architectural design work has been done.
Eight-year objective: The City will continue to offer the pre-application
conference and streamlined development processing, and periodically
review departmental processing procedures to ensure efficient project
processing.
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Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and Equal Housing Opportunities
To adequately meet the housing needs
of all segments of the community, the
City promotes housing opportunities for
all persons regardless of race, religion,
gender, family size, marital status,
ancestry, national origin, color, age, or
physical disability.
Program H -14. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
As a participating city in the Los Angeles County CDBG program, Diamond
Bar has access to the services of the Housing Rights Center for fair housing
outreach, education, and counseling on housing discrimination complaints.
The City will continue to advertise the fair housing program through
placement of fair housing service brochures at the public counter, at the
Senior Center, through the City's newsletter, and on the City website.
Apartment owners and managers are provided with current information
about fair housing issues, rights and responsibilities. The Apartment
Association of Greater Los Angeles conducts seminars on State, Federal and
local Fair Housing laws and compliance issues. In addition, the City will:
• Ensure that all development applications are considered, reviewed,
and approved without prejudice to the proposed residents,
contingent on the development application’s compliance with all
entitlement requirements.
• Accommodate persons with disabilities who seek reasonable waiver
or modification of land use controls and/or development standards
pursuant to procedures and criteria set forth in the applicable
development regulations.
• Work with the County to implement the regional Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and HUD Consolidated Plan.
• Facilitate public education and outreach by posting informational
flyers on fair housing at public counters, libraries, and on the City’s
website.
• Conduct public meetings at suitable times, accessible to persons with
disabilities, and near public transit. Resources will be invested to
provide interpretation and translation services when requested at
public meetings when feasible.
• Encourage community and stakeholder engagement during
development decisions.
Eight-year objective: The City will continue to promote fair housing
practices, provide educational information on fair housing to the
public, and cooperate with the Greater Los Angeles Apartment
Association in providing fair housing information to landlords and at
libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, and Social Security and
employment offices. The City will continue to refer fair housing
complaints to the Housing Rights Center.
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Program H -15. Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
State law requires cities to remove constraints or make reasonable
accommodations for housing occupied by persons with disabilities. The City
will continue to implement adopted procedures for reviewing and
approving requests for reasonable housing accommodations pursuant to
State law.
Eight-year objective: The City will continue to implement reasonable
accommodation procedures for persons with disabilities in compliance
with State law.
Table 9-35: Quantified Objectives 2021-2029, Diamond Bar
Income Category
Totals Ex. Low V. Low Low Mod Above Mod
New constructiona 422 422 434 437 806 2,521
Rehabilitation 5 5 10 20 - 40
Conservationb - 30 82 37 - 149
a Quantified objective for new construction is for the period 7/1/2021 – 10/15/2029 per the RHNA projection period
b The Seasons senior apartments
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Appendix A
Evaluation of the Prior Housing Element
Section 65588(a) of the Government Code requires that jurisdictions evaluate the
effectiveness of the existing Housing Element, the appropriateness of goals,
objectives and policies, and the progress in implementing programs for the previous
planning period. This appendix summarizes the results of the City’s review of the
housing goals, policies, and programs of the previous housing element, and
evaluates the degree to which these programs have been implemented during the
previous planning period.
Table A-1 summarizes the programs contained in the previous Housing Element
along with program objectives, timeframe and accomplishments.
Table A-2 presents the City’s progress toward the quantified objectives from the
previous Housing Element.
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Table A-1
2013-2021 Housing Element Program Evaluation
City of Diamond Bar
Housing Program Program Objectives Timeframe Implementation Status
1. Residential Neighborhood
Improvement Program
Proactive program conducts neighborhood inspections
on a regular basis throughout the entire city/focused
code enforcement linked with rehabilitation assistance to
correct code violations.
Ongoing The City continues to operate the
code enforcement program. This
program is successful and is being
continued.
2. Home Improvement Program Improve neighborhoods evidencing deferred
maintenance through property maintenance and rehab.
Provide minor repair and rehabilitation to 10 units
annually.
Ongoing The HIP is continued at available
funding levels.
3. Single-Family Rehabilitation
Program
Provide ongoing advertisement of loans available
through the County for qualified homeowners.
Ongoing The program has been merged with
Program 2.
4. Section 8 Rental Assistance
Program
Direct eligible households to the County Section 8
program.
Ongoing The City continues to coordinate with
the County on the Section 8 program.
The program is being continued.
5. Preservation of Assisted
Housing
Preserve 100 percent of the 149 low- and moderate-
income units in The Seasons Apartments.
Ongoing The Seasons Senior Apartments
continued its affordability covenant
throughout the planning period. This
program will be continued.
6. Mobile Home Park Preservation Support preservation of City's two mobile home parks as
important affordable housing resources. Maintain
residential zoning, and enforce State closure
requirements as necessary.
Ongoing Zoning for mobile home parks is
being continued. No proposals to
close the parks were submitted. The
program is being continued.
7. First-time Homebuyer
Assistance Programs
Advertise County's Home Ownership Program (HOP)
and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) and provide
information to interested homebuyers. In addition, the
City will work with realtors to make them aware of these
programs.
Ongoing Continue to provide information on
this County program. The program is
being continued.
8. Senior and Workforce Housing
Development
Identify and evaluate sites suitable for new senior and
workforce housing. The City will post information on the
City website during the first year of the planning period
regarding the City's interest in assisting in the
development of senior and workforce housing, provide
information on available regulatory and financial
incentives, and assist developers in applying for funds.
The City will also contact local colleges and universities
annually to identify potential partnership opportunities for
affordable housing.
Ongoing This program is being continued.
9. Land Use Element and Zoning Maintain adequate sites commensurate with the RHNA. Ongoing The City has maintained adequate
sites for housing development at all
income levels and ensure compliance
with No Net Loss requirements. This
program is being continued.
10. Mixed Use Development The City will prepare a handout and marketing materials
encouraging mixed use development where appropriate
and make it available to interested developers during the
first year of the planning period. A review of potential
areas that may be appropriate for mixed-use
development will be initiated by 2015 as part of a
comprehensive General Plan update.
Ongoing In December 2019, the City adopted
the Comprehensive General Plan
Update that created community
visions and blueprint for growth and
development in the City through
2040. This program is being
continued.
11. Second Units Continue to encourage construction of accessory
dwelling units pursuant to the provisions of its Accessory
Dwelling Unit Ordinance, and make an informational
handout available for distribution at the public counter.
Ongoing On May 2, 2017, the City approved
an amendment to the municipal code
pertaining to accessory dwelling units
to satisfy all of the requirements of
Government Code §§65852.150-
65852.2. Per AB 68 (Ting), AB 587
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Housing Program Program Objectives Timeframe Implementation Status
(Friedman), AB 671 (Friedman), AB
881 (Bloom), SB 13 (Wieckowski)
that went into effect January 1, 2020.
The City has been processing new
ADUs in accordance with the new
State laws. The City continues to
encourage accessory dwelling units
and this program is being continued.
12. Emergency Shelters and
Transitional/ Supportive
Housing
Continue to facilitate emergency shelters and
transitional/supportive housing, and continue
participating in the SGVCOG homeless study to address
homelessness.
Ongoing This program is being continued.
13. Redevelopment of
Underutilized Sites
Encourage interested property owners to pursue
redevelopment of underutilized properties though the
provision of incentives and concessions.
Ongoing The City has continued to encourage
the redevelopment of underutilized
sites. This program is being
continued.
14. Affordable Housing Incentives/
Density Bonus
Encourage the production of affordable housing through
the use of density bonus, and provide a handout
summarizing the benefits and requirements of affordable
housing incentives/density bonus provisions.
Ongoing This program is being continued.
15. Efficient Project Processing Continue to offer streamlined development processing,
and periodically review departmental processing
procedures to ensure efficient project processing.
Ongoing The City continued to offer efficient
permit processing. This program is
being continued.
16. Fair Housing Program Continue to promote fair housing practices, provide
educational information on fair housing to the public, and
cooperate with the Greater Los Angeles Apartment
Association in providing fair housing information to
landlords and at libraries, senior centers, recreation
centers, and Social Security and employment offices.
Continue to refer fair housing complaints to the San
Gabriel Valley and Long Beach Fair Housing
Foundation, and maintain an open dialogue with the
Foundation regarding the nature of complaints received.
Ongoing This program is being continued.
17. Reasonable Accommodation
for Persons with Disabilities
Continue to implement reasonable accommodation
procedures for persons with disabilities in compliance
with SB520.
Ongoing This program is being continued.
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Table A-2
Progress in Achieving Quantified Objectives – 2013-2021
City of Diamond Bar
Program Category
Quantified
Objective Progress
New Construction
Very Low (Ex. Low) 308 (154) 1 (0)
Low 182 12
Moderate 190 0
Above Moderate 466 312
Total 1,146 325
Rehabilitation
Very Low
Low 25
Moderate 25
Above Moderate
Total 50
Conservation
Very Low 76* 76*
Low 82 82
Moderate 37 37
Above Moderate
Total 195 195
*46 Section 8 units + 30 senior apartments (The Seasons)
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Appendix B
Residential Sites Inventory
The assumptions and methodology for the residential sites inventory are provided
below and summarized in Table B-1.
Methodology for the Sites Inventory Analysis
The residential sites inventory is comprised of four components: 1) approved
projects; 2) vacant sites; 3) underutilized (non-vacant) sites with potential for
additional residential development or redevelopment; and potential accessory
dwelling units (ADUs).
Potential sites for residential development during the 2021-2029 planning period are
summarized in Table B-1. As shown in this table, adequate capacity is available to
accommodate the City’s RHNA allocation in all income categories; however,
zoning amendments are required to reconcile development regulations with the
recently adopted General Plan (see Program H-8 in Section 9.5). Additional analysis
to support this finding is provided in the discussion below and in Tables B-2 through
B-6.
Table B-1
Residential Sites Summary
Site Category
Income Category
VL Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
Approved projects (Table B-2) 12 12
Vacant sites (Table B-3) 14 14
Underutilized sites (Table B-4) 3 3 6 48 60
Town Center Mixed Use Sites to be Rezoned (Table B-5a) 411 411
Neighborhood Mixed Use Sites to be Rezoned (Table B-5b) 800 500 500 1,094 2,894
Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Sites to be Rezoned (Table B-5c) 400 395 795
Potential ADUs (Table B-6) 15 28 1 20 64
Total sites inventory 1,218 926 918 1,188 4,250
RHNA 2021-2029 842 433 436 805 2,516
Adequate Sites? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2021
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Approved Projects
Table B-2 summarizes residential developments that have received some form of
approval and will become available during the planning period. The income levels
for these projects are based upon the expected sales prices or rents.
Table B-2
Approved Projects
Project / Location
Income Category
VL Low Mod
Above
Mod Total
Custom homes (Country) 12 12
Total Units 12 12
Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2021
Vacant Sites
Table B-3 summarizes vacant sites designated for residential development. These
parcels can accommodate a total of 14 dwelling units. Potential income levels for
these sites are based on the default density10 provisions of State law. Sites that allow
residential or mixed-use development at a density of at least 30 units/acre were
assigned to the very-low or low income categories, while sites allowing residential
development at a density of 16 to 30 units per acre were assigned to the moderate
income category. Sites allowing residential development at less than 16 units per
acre were assigned to the above-moderate income category.
Underutilized Sites
Underutilized sites with potential for additional residential development or
redevelopment are listed in Tables B-4 and B-5. The most significant opportunities for
additional housing development are within the General Plan Focus Areas (Tables B-
5a through B-5c). Assumptions regarding the income categories for these sites are
the same as described above for vacant sites.
10 California Government Code §65583.2(c)(3)(B)(iv)
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Table B-3
Vacant Sites Inventory
Site / Address APN
General Plan Zoning Acreage Constraints
Realistic
Density
Potential Units by Income
Category
Total
Units
VL/Lo
w Mod
Abov
e
Summitridge 8701-013-
902
Low Density
Res.
RPD-
20,000-2U
1.25 3 du/ac 3 3
End of Fern Hollow 8293-001-
022
Rural
Residential
RR & RL 21.42 Hillside
topography
1 du/ac 11 11
Totals 14 14
Table B-4
Underutilized Sites Inventory
Site / Address APN General Plan Zoning
Acreag
e Constraints
Realistic
Density
Potential Units by Income
Category
Total
Units
VL/Lo
w Mod Upper
1101 Diamond Bar Blvd.
(LDS Church)
8717-031-
006
High Density
Residential
RM Approx.
4.5
acres
Approx. 2 acres
developed with
church (2 acres
vacant)
20 du/ac 4 4 32 40
2335 S. Diamond Bar
Blvd. (Diamond Bar
United Church of Christ)
8292-009-
004
Medium High
Density
Residential
RM 1.5 Vacant portion
of church
campus
16 du/ac 2 2 16 20
Totals 6 6 48 60
Notes:
Includes only sites not within Focus Areas (Tables B-5a, B-5b and B-5c)
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Focus Areas. As described in Section 9.4, Constraints, the City adopted a comprehensive
General Plan update11 in 2019. One of the key features of the new General Plan was the
establishment of several new Focus Areas where substantial land use changes are
planned as part of a strategy to provide walkable mixed-use activity centers. These
Focus Areas provide opportunities for infill development that can incorporate a range of
housing, employment, and recreational uses to meet the needs of families, young
people, senior citizens, and residents of all incomes. Three of these Focus Areas,
summarized below, are expected to facilitate the development of a significant portion
of the City’s RHNA allocation during the planning period.
• The Town Center Focus Area, located along Diamond Bar Boulevard between
SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, is intended to build on the success of recent
commercial redevelopment in that area. The Town Center is designated for
mixed-use development that would serve as a center of activity for residents
and provide housing, entertainment and retail opportunities and community
gathering spaces in a pleasant, walkable environment. The General Plan
establishes a maximum residential density of 20.0 dwelling units per acre for this
Focus Area.
• The Neighborhood Mixed Use Focus Area is envisioned as a combination of
residential and ancillary neighborhood-serving retail and service uses to
promote revitalization of the segment of North Diamond Bar Boulevard between
the SR-60 interchange and Highland Valley Road. This neighborhood has
potential to benefit from its proximity to Mt. San Antonio College and Cal Poly
Pomona. This General Plan land use designation has an allowable residential
density of up to 30.0 dwelling units per acre.
• The Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Focus Area leverages underutilized sites
adjacent to the Metrolink commuter rail station to provide for higher-density
housing, offices, and supporting commercial uses close to regional transit. This
area encourages new employment and housing development in a key location
that emphasizes multi-modal transportation options. This General Plan
designation allows residential development at a density of 20.0 to 30.0 dwelling
units per acre.
The 2019 General Plan provides the guiding framework for development in these Focus
Areas; however, zoning regulations have not yet been amended to reflect General Plan
policy for these areas. The City is currently in the process of updating the Development
Code to revise land use regulations for these Focus Areas consistent with the standards
established in the new General Plan within three years, pursuant to Government Code
§65583(c)(1)(A) (see Program H-8 in Section 9.5). The development assumptions reflected
in Tables B-5a through B-5c are based upon the new General Plan land use designations
rather than current zoning designations. Since the General Plan designation for these
Focus Areas is for mixed use and does not require residential development on every
parcel, the capacity for new housing is estimated as 50% of the total allowable number
of units in each Focus Area. In addition, parcels smaller than 0.5 acre have been
excluded from the potential unit totals pursuant to Government Code §65583.2(c)(2)(A).
11 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/961/General-Plan-2040
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Table B-5a
Town Center Mixed Use Sites to be Rezoned
Address APN
Existing
Zoning Acreage
Allowable
Density
Total
Potential
Units
23525 GOLDEN SPRINGS DR 8281010047 C-2 0.91 20 18
206 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010049 C-3 0.54 20 10
218 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010050 C-3 1.23 20 24
240 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010051 C-3 2.40 20 47
350 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010054 C-3 0.56 20 11
300 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010057 C-3 1.16 20 23
Not assigned 8281010060 C-3 2.16 20 43
324 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010061 C-3 0.40 20 0
334 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281010062 C-3 0.70 20 14
150 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8281024052 C-3 0.86 20 17
23525 PALOMINO DR NO 45E 8281024053 C-2 3.24 20 64
121 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008001 C-3 0.25 20 0
121 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008002 C-3 0.16 20 0
141 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008003 C-3 0.39 20 0
141 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008004 C-3 0.33 20 0
205 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008005 C-3 0.46 20 0
205 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008006 C-3 0.21 20 0
Not assigned 8717008010 C-3 0.06 20 0
249 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008019 C-3 7.24 20 144
235 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008020 C-3 0.87 20 17
301 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008026 C-3 0.18 20 0
301 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008027 C-3 0.07 20 0
315 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008028 C-3 0.60 20 12
303 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008029 C-3 3.96 20 79
23341 GOLDEN SPRINGS DR 8717008032 C-2 0.66 20 13
23347 GOLDEN SPRINGS DR 8717008033 C-2 2.46 20 49
414 S PROSPECTORS RD 8717008034 C-2 1.01 20 20
225 GENTLE SPRINGS LN 8717008038 C-3 0.65 20 13
233 GENTLE SPRINGS LN 8717008039 C-3 0.62 20 12
325 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008185 C-2 4.20 20 83
379 S DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8717008186 C-2 0.53 20 10
245 GENTLE SPRINGS LN 8717008187 C-3 1.33 20 26
259 GENTLE SPRINGS LN 8717008188 C-3 2.71 20 54
Not assigned 8717008189 C-3 0.96 20 19
Not assigned 8717008902 C-3 0.02 20 0
Not assigned 8717008903 C-3 0.14 20 0
Totals 44.2 822
@50% 411
Notes:
1. Parcels less than 0.5 acre are excluded from unit totals
2. Total capacity estimated as 50% of allowable residential units
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Table B-5b
Neighborhood Mixed Use Sites to be Rezoned
Address APN
Existing
Zoning Acres
Allowable
Density
Potential
Units
574 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001001 OP 0.8 30 23
542 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001003 OP 0.3 30 0
530 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001004 OP 0.4 30 0
504 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001007 OP 0.5 30 0
23425 SUNSET CROSSING RD 8706001008 OP 1.2 30 36
554 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001013 OP 0.5 30 15
556 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001014 OP 2.8 30 83
520 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001015 OP 0.4 30 0
506 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001016 OP 0.8 30 24
554 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706001800 OP 0.1 30 0
732 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002012 OP 1.1 30 32
780 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002015 OP 1.0 30 31
796 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002016 OP 1.1 30 33
900 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002021 OP 4.3 30 129
990 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002022 OP 0.9 30 27
600 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 1B 8706002027 OP 5.1 30 154
600 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 1A 8706002028 OP 5.1 30 154
612 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002029 OP 5.1 30 154
618 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002030 OP 5.1 30 154
620 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 4B 8706002031 OP 5.1 30 154
620 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 4A 8706002032 OP 5.1 30 154
628 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 5A 8706002033 OP 5.1 30 154
628 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 5B 8706002034 OP 5.1 30 154
634 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 6A 8706002035 OP 5.1 30 154
634 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 6B 8706002036 OP 5.1 30 154
640 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 7B 8706002037 OP 5.1 30 154
640 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD NO 7A 8706002038 OP 5.1 30 154
646 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 8A 8706002039 OP 5.1 30 154
646 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 8B 8706002040 OP 5.1 30 154
654 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 9B 8706002041 OP 5.1 30 154
654 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 9A 8706002042 OP 5.1 30 154
700 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 10A 8706002043 OP 5.1 30 154
700 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 10B 8706002044 OP 5.1 30 154
706 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 11B 8706002045 OP 5.1 30 154
706 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 11A 8706002046 OP 5.1 30 154
712 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 12A 8706002047 OP 5.1 30 154
712 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD UNIT 12B 8706002048 OP 5.1 30 154
718 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD NO 13B 8706002049 OP 5.1 30 154
718 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD NO 13A 8706002050 OP 5.1 30 154
724 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002051 OP 5.1 30 154
724 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002052 OP 5.1 30 154
730 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002053 OP 5.1 30 154
730 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002054 OP 5.1 30 154
750 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002055 OP 2.1 30 63
800 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 8706002056 OP 5.4 30 161
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD. 100 8706002058 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 108 8706002059 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 118 8706002060 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 128 8706002061 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 138 8706002062 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 168 8706002063 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 178 8706002064 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 188 8706002065 OP 1.4 30 43
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Address APN
Existing
Zoning Acres
Allowable
Density
Potential
Units
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 198 8706002066 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 200 8706002067 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 208 8706002068 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 218 8706002069 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 228 8706002070 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 238 8706002071 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 258 8706002072 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 268 8706002073 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 278 8706002074 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 288 8706002075 OP 1.4 30 43
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 298 8706002076 OP 1.4 30 43
Totals 194.5 5,788
@50% 2,894
Notes:
1. Parcels less than 0.5 acre are excluded from unit totals
2. Total capacity estimated as 50% of allowable residential units
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Table B-5c
Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Sites to be Rezoned
Address APN Existing Zoning Acres
Allowable
Density
Potential
Units
21035 WASHINGTON AVE 8719010009 I: Light Industrial 3.5 30 104
680 BREA CANYON RD 100 8719010023 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 158 8719010024 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 168 8719010025 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 178 8719010026 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 188 8719010027 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 200 8719010028 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 208 8719010029 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 258 8719010030 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 268 8719010031 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 278 8719010032 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
680 BREA CANYON RD 8719010033 I: Light Industrial 0.9 30 28
618 BREA CANYON RD UNIT A 8719010035 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD UNIT B 8719010036 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD C 8719010037 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD D 8719010038 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD E 8719010039 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD F 8719010040 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD G 8719010041 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD H 8719010042 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD I 8719010043 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
618 BREA CANYON RD J 8719010044 I: Light Industrial 1.7 30 50
655 BREA CANYON RD 8760021005 I: Light Industrial 18.7 30 560
20955 LYCOMING ST 8760027001 I: Light Industrial 1.0 30 30
20955 LYCOMING ST 8760027002 I: Light Industrial 0.4 30 0
780 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027003 I: Light Industrial 0.5 30 0
760 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027004 I: Light Industrial 0.4 30 0
750 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027005 I: Light Industrial 0.6 30 17
755 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027006 I: Light Industrial 0.8 30 23
761 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027007 I: Light Industrial 0.3 30 0
773 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027008 I: Light Industrial 0.1 30 0
773 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027009 I: Light Industrial 0.2 30 0
787 PINEFALLS AVE 8760027010 I: Light Industrial 0.4 30 0
770 PENARTH AVE 8760027011 I: Light Industrial 0.4 30 0
766 PENARTH AVE 8760027012 I: Light Industrial 0.3 30 0
750 PENARTH AVE 8760027013 I: Light Industrial 0.8 30 23
751 PENARTH AVE 8760027014 I: Light Industrial 0.8 30 24
761 PENARTH AVE 8760027015 I: Light Industrial 0.2 30 0
767 PENARTH AVE 8760027016 I: Light Industrial 0.1 30 0
767 PENARTH AVE 8760027017 I: Light Industrial 0.3 30 0
771 PENARTH AVE 8760027018 I: Light Industrial 0.5 30 0
Totals 57.3 1,589
@50% 795
Notes:
1. Parcels less than 0.5 acre are excluded from unit totals
2. Total capacity estimated as 50% of allowable residential units
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Figure B-1
Sites Inventory Map
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Figure B-2a
Town Center Mixed Use Area Map
Source: Figure 3-3: Town Center Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration; Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
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Figure B-2b
Neighborhood Mixed Use Area Map
Source: Figure 3-2: Neighborhood Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration; Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
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Figure B-2c
Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Area Map
Source: Figure 3-4: Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration; Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
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Potential Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) represent a significant opportunity for affordable
housing, particularly for single persons or small households including the elderly,
college students, young adults, and caregivers. Recent changes in State law have
made the construction of ADUs more feasible for homeowners, and the City has
seen an increase in ADU development applications recently.
Table B-6 shows ADU permit trends during 2017-2020 in Diamond Bar. At the most
recent rate of 8 ADUs during 2020, it is estimated that approximately 64 additional
ADUs will be permitted during the 2021-2029 planning period. Based on recent
analysis conducted by SCAG12 over two-thirds of future ADUs are expected to be
affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
Table B-6
Accessory Dwelling Units Permitted
Year Permits Issued
2017 2
2018 2
2019 6
2020 8
Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2021
12 SCAG, Regional Accessory Dwelling Unit Affordability Analysis, 2020
(https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/adu_affordability_analysis_120120v2.pdf?1606868527)
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Appendix C
Public Participation Summary
Public participation is an important component of the planning process, and this
update to the Housing Element has provided residents and other interested
stakeholders numerous opportunities to provide comments and recommendations.
Early in the update process a Housing Element Frequently Asked Questions13 was
prepared and posted on the City’s website. Public notice of all Housing Element
meetings was provided in advance of each meeting through direct mail as well as
posting on the City’s website. The draft Housing Element was made available for
review on the City’s website. The draft Housing Element was also made available to
housing advocates and non-profit organizations representing the interests of lower-
income persons and special needs groups (see Table C-1).
After receiving comments on the draft Housing Element from the State Housing and
Community Development Department, a proposed final Housing Element was
prepared and made available for public review prior to adoption by the City
Council.
The following is a list of opportunities for public involvement in the preparation of this
Housing Element update.
Joint Planning Commission/City Council study session January 26, 2021
Planning Commission hearing to review
Draft Housing Element March 23, 2021
A list of interested parties that were notified of meetings is provided in Table C-1
and a summary of comments is provided in Table C-2.
13 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/963/Housing-Element-Update
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Table C-1
Public Notice List
Southern California Association of
Non Profit Housing
501 Shatto Place, Suite 403
Los Angeles, CA 90020
National Community Renaissance
Attn: John Seymour
4322 Piedmont Drive
San Diego, CA 92107
LINC Housing Corporation
110 Pine Ave., Suite 500
Long Beach, CA 90802
C & C Development
Attn: Barry Cottle
14211 Yorba Street, Suite 200
Tustin, CA 92870
City Ventures
Attn: Bill McReynolds
2850 Red Hill Avenue, Suite 200
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Jamboree Housing Corp.
Laura Archuleta
17701 Cowan Avenue, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92614
The Related Companies of
California Frank Cardone
18201 Von Karman Ave Ste 900
Irvine, CA 92612
Abode Communities
701 East 3rd Street, Suite 400
Los Angeles, California 90013
Meta Housing
1640 S Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
SOCAL Housing Development Corp
9065 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Mercy Housing
1500 South Grand Ave., Suite 100
Los Angeles, California 90015
Abundant Housing LA
515 S Flower Street, 18th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Gary Busteed
20850 Gold Run Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Community Development Director
City of Brea
1 Civic Center Circle
Brea, CA 92821
City of Pomona
Community Development
Director
505 South Garey Avenue
Pomona, California 91766
Brittany Irvin
Province Group/Newport Equities
LLC
26 Corporate Plaza, Suite 260
Newport Beach, CA 92660
City of Walnut
Community Development Director
21201 La Puente Road
Walnut, CA 91789
City of La Habra Heights
City Manager
1245 North Hacienda Road
La Habra Heights, CA 90631
Robert A. Hamilton, President
316 Monrovia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90803
Joann Lombardo
City of Chino Hills Com. Dev. Dept.
14000 City Center Dr.
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Troy Helling, City Manager
City of Industry
15625 East Stafford Street
Industry, CA 91744
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Richard Martinez, Superintendent
Pomona Unified School District
800 S. Garey Ave.
Pomona, CA 91766
Richard Macedo, Branch Chief
CA Department of Fish & Wildlife
Habitat Conservation Planning
1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Ed Pert, Regional Manager
California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
South Coast Region 5
3883 Ruffin Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2177 Salk Ave., Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008
State Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 3044
Sacramento, CA 95814
Colonel Kirk E. Gibbs, 61st
Commander
US Army Corps of Engs. LA District
915 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Lijn Sun, Program Supervisor
SCAQMD
Intergovernmental Review
21855 Copley Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182
Michael Y. Takeshita, Acting Chief
Los Angeles County
Fire Department - Forestry Div
1320 N. Eastern
Los Angeles, CA 90063-3294
Alfred Reyes, Captain
Los Angeles County Sheriff Dept
21695 Valley Boulevard
Walnut, CA 91789
Deborah Smith, Executive Officer
Regional Water Quality Control Bd
Los Angeles Region
320 W. 4th Street, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90013-2343
John Andres
Southern California Gas Company
9400 Oakland Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County
Sheriff Department
4700 Ramona Boulevard
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Erik Hitchman, General Manager
Walnut Valley Water District
271 South Brea Canyon Road
Walnut, CA 91789
San Bernardino County
Planning Department
County Government Center
385 North Arrowhead Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Anthony Nyivih
LA County Department of Public
Works Land Development Division
P.O. Box 1460
Alhambra, CA 91802-2460
Mark Pestrella, Director
Los Angeles County
Department of Public Works
900 S. Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803
Pui Ching Ho, Library Manager
Los Angeles County Public Library
Diamond Bar Branch
21800 Copley Dr
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Amy J. Bodek, Director
County of Los Angeles
Department of Regional Planning
320 W. Temple St, 13th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Jared Dever, District Manager
San Gabriel Valley
Mosquito & Vector Control District
1145 N. Azusa Canyon Road
West Covina, CA 91790
Miya Edmonson
California Dept. of Transportation
District 7 – Env Planning
100 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Robert C. Ferrante, Chief Eng
County Sanitation Districts of
Los Angeles County
1955 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90607-4998
Robert Taylor
Walnut Valley Unified School Dist.
880 S. Lemon Street
Walnut, CA 91789
Metropolitan Water Dist. of So. Calif
Attention: Environmental Planning
700 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Marisa Creter, Executive Director
San Gabriel Valley Council of Gov.
1000 S. Fremont Avenue #42
Alhambra, CA 91803
Kome Ajise
Exec. Director of So. California
Association of Governments
900 Wilshire Blvd. #1700
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Daniel J. Johnson,
Interim AVP Facilities Planning
Cal Poly Pomona
3801 W Temple Ave, Bldg 81
Pomona, CA 91768
Eileen Sobeck, Executive Director
State Water Quality Control Board
1001 I Street
P.O. Box 100
Sacramento, CA 95814
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Battalion Commander
Los Angeles County
Fire Station 120-Battalion
1051 S. Grand Avenue
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-2210
Skye Patrick
County Library Director
LA County Library
7400 E. Imperial Highway
Downey, CA 90242
County of Los Angeles
Department of Parks and Rec
Alina Bokde, Deputy Director
1000 S. Fremont Ave, Unit #40
Alhambra, CA 91803
Anita D. Gutierrez, AICP
Acting Dev Services Director
City of Pomona - Dev Svcs.
505 South Garey Avenue
Pomona, CA 91766
Metro Development Review
Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transp. Authority
One Gateway Plaza, MS 99-22-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952
Julianne Polanco, SHPO
Calif. Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Office of Historic Preservation
1725 23rd Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Tom Weiner
Director of Community Dev
City of Walnut
21201 La Puente Road
Walnut, CA 91789
Salvador Flores
Southern California Edison
2 Innovation Way
Pomona, CA 91768
Southern California Gas Co
Centralized Correspondence
PO Box 3150
San Dimas, CA 91773
David Perez
Valley Vista Services, Inc.
17445 E Railroad Street
City of Industry, CA 91748
Steven D. Lowry
Southern California Edison Co
Real Prop, Title & Real Estate Svcs
2131 Walnut Grove Blvd. 2nd Fl
Rosemead, CA 91770-3769
Southern California Edison Co.
Local Governmental Affairs – Land
Use/Environmental Coord
2244 Walnut Grove Avenue
Rosemead, CA 91770
Grace P. Brandt
Department of Conservation
5816 Corporate Ave #100
Cypress, CA 90630
Orange County Planning &
Development Department
P.O. Box 4048
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Rowland Heights Community
Coordinating Council
P.O. Box 8171
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Three Valleys Municipal
Water District
1021 E Miramar Ave
Claremont, CA 91711
Douglas Bassett
Spectrum Cable Company
4781 Irwindale Avenue
Irwindale, CA 91706
Asia Powell
Frontier Communications
510 Park Ave.
San Fernando, CA 91340
Gary Nellesen, Director
Facilities Planning & Mgmt
Mt. San Antonio College
1100 N. Grand Ave
Walnut, CA 91789
Teri G. Muse
Public Sector Solutions Rep
Waste Mgmt San Gabriel/Pomona
13940 E. Live Oak Avenue
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Claire Schlotterbeck, Exec Dir
Hills for Everyone
P.O. Box 9835
Brea, CA 92822-1835
Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians-
Kizh Nation
Andrew Salas, Chairperson
P.O. Box 393
Covina, CA 91723
La City/County
Native American Indian Comm.
3175 West 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
San Gabriel Band of Mission
Indians
Anthony Morales, Chief
P.O. Box 693
San Gabriel, CA 91778
California Native American Heritage
Commission
1550 Harbor Blvd, Suite 100
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe
Charles Alvarez
23454 Vanowen Street
West Hills, CA, 91307
Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe
Linda Candelaria, Co-Chairperson
23453 Vanowen St
West Hills, CA 91307
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Gabrielino Tongva Nation
Sandonne Goad, Chairperson
106 1/2 Judge John Aiso St, #231
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians –
Pauma & Yuima Reservation
Temet Aguilar, Chairperson
PO Box 369
Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Gabrielino Tongva Indians of
California Tribal Council
Robert F. Dorame, Chairperson
P.O. Box 490
Bellflower, CA 90707
San Fernando Band of
Mission Indians
Donna Yocum, Chairperson
P.O. Box 221838
Newhall, CA, 91322
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians
Joseph Ontiveros
Cultural Resource Director
PO Box 487
San Jacinto, CA 92581
Torres Martinez
Desert Cahuilla Indians
Michael Mirelez, Cultural Res Co
PO Box 1160
Thermal, CA 92274
Douglas Barcon
23535 Palomino Dr #545
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra
Club Task Force
324 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. #230
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Janet Cobb & Angela Moskow
CA Wildlife Foundation/CA Oaks
428 13th Street, #10A
Oakland, CA 94612
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Table C-2
Summary of Public Comments and Responses
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
MARCH 23, 2021
CONSISTENT WITH THE GOVERNOR’S LATEST EXECUTIVE ORDER TO STAY AT
HOME, AVOID GATHERINGS, AND MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING, THIS MEETING
WAS CONDUCTED TELEPHONICALLY AND PLANNING COMMISSIONERS, CITY
STAFF, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATED VIA TELECONFERENCE.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair/Mok called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Garg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Naila Barlas, Mahendra Garg, Raymond
Wolfe, Vice Chairman William Rawlings and Chairman
Kenneth Mok.
Staff participating telephonically: Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; James
Eggart, Assistant City Attorney; Grace Lee, Senior Planner; Mayuko (May) Nakajima,
Associate Planner; Joy Tsai, Associate Planner; Stella Marquez, Administrative Coordinator
2. REORGANIZATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION – Selection of Chairperson and
Vice Chairperson.
Chair/Mok nominated Commissioner Rawlings to serve as Chairperson of the
Planning Commission. Commissioner Barlas seconded the nomination. With no
other nominations offered, Commissioner Rawlings was unanimously elected to
serve as Chairperson of the Planning Commission by the following Roll Call vote:
Barlas Yes
Garg Yes
Wolfe Yes
Rawlings Yes
Mok Yes
Chair/Rawlings thanked C/Mok for his leadership during the past year.
Commissioner Barlas nominated Commissioner Wolfe to serve as Vice Chairperson
who respectfully declined the nomination and nominated Commissioner Garg to
serve as Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Mok seconded the nomination. With no
other nominations offered, Commissioner Garg was unanimously elected to serve as
Vice Chairperson of the Planning Commission by the following Roll Call vote:
Barlas Yes
6.2.b
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Garg Yes
Wolfe Yes
Rawlings Yes
Mok Yes
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR:
5.1 Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of February 23,
2021.
C/Wolfe moved, C/Mok seconded, to approve the meeting minutes of February 23rd,
2021, as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Wolfe, Mok, Chair/Rawlings
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, VC/Garg
5. OLD BUSINESS: None
7. NEW BUSINESS:
7.1 General Plan Status Report 2020:
SP/Lee presented staff’s report and recommend that the Planning
Commission approve the General Plan Status Report for 2020 and forward it
to the City Council to Receive and File.
C/Wolfe complimented staff on a very thorough General Plan Status Report.
He asked if the City has been monitoring SB1 regarding duplexes and
subdivision maps, which seeks to make them ministerial, meaning that local
control will be superseded and disrupt community identity (land use, public
facilities, open space and hillsides, community character and Placemaking
chapters) as the City will not have the authority to regulate the addition of
dwelling units in existing single family residential neighborhoods, which will
increase pressure on first responder services, utilities and traffic congestion.
Cut-through traffic remains a huge issue for Diamond Bar and as pointed out
by the Responsible Land Use group, the southern part of the town adjacent to
the Industry Metrolink station is already severely impacted, as well as are the
main thoroughfares of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. C/Wolfe
corrected Responsible Land Use’s statement that limitations to train
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operations on the Riverside Metrolink line serving the Industry station would
require an additional track; however, due to the growing freight demand in the
region, there are no slots available for more frequent passenger service s on
that line, which does impact the ongoing TOD conversation in that vicinity.
Chair/Rawlings thanked staff for a very informative report that contains helpful
information for the community. He was pleasantly surprised to see the
branding efforts in conjunction with the SR57/60 Confluence project he
believes will prove to be a good Placemaker landmark of activities along with
other projects called out in the report.
Chair/Rawlings asked for public comments.
Paul Deibel echoed C/Wolfe’s comment that this is an excellent overview of
the efforts the City has undertaken and the report answered a number of
questions he had regarding the improvements to the SR57/60 interchange
including interesting comments about detours that will take place during
construction. He appreciates the reference to NPDES and permits issued to
the City that entail monitoring of City businesses that might have an adverse
impact on the environment as a result of their discharges into the soil or into
gutters, etc., and wondered if the results would be relayed to the public.
Finally, Mr. Deibel asked if there would be opportunities available for local
participation/comment on options for Placemaking in the primary focus area.
Chair/Rawlings closed public comments.
C/Mok moved, VC/Garg seconded, to approve the General Plan Status Report
2020 and forward the report to the City Council to Receive and File. Motion
carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Wolfe, Mok, VC/Garg,
Chair/Rawlings
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
7.2 2021-2029 Housing Element Update:
CDD/Gubman gave opening remarks and John Douglas, Housing Element
consultant, JHD Planning, LLC, presented staff’s report and recommended
that the Planning Commission receive public comments and offer questions,
discussion and direction to staff in preparing a revised Housing Development
for review by the City Council.
C/Mok asked if the 2521 RHNA units were new construction or if the number
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included infill and use of buildings and facilities that are currently underused.
Mr. Douglas responded that there is very little vacant residential land left in the
City and the vast majority of the units listed in the Housing Element to
accommodate the RHNA are referred to as underutilized where there is some
building or use on properties today and in order to produce housing there
would be a redevelopment of the property or housing units built in some portion
of the property such as a non-essential parking lot.
C/Mok asked how churches could be approached to offer their properties for
this purpose. Mr. Douglas explained that the Housing Element which is part
of the City’s General Plan, is a fairly high-level policy document and does not
include every single action that might be necessary to bring a project to fruition.
The focus of the Housing Element is to identify the parcels where housing
could be built based on the City’s plans and regulations what kinds of actions
the City would take in order to try to encourage development to happen such
as adopting density bonus regulations that would provide incentives for
property owners to build housing to accomplish the goals that are set forth in
the Housing Element.
CDD/Gubman stated that the City would not be the developer of these housing
units but would facilitate development through its zoning regulations. For
example, rather than property owners initiating rezoning, the City might
propose to rezone the two churches at a residential density level to incentivize
the development. Most church properties are currently residentially zoned and
some are already at higher density in the site inventory. For example, half of
the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ property is vacant land offering an
opportunity for housing, the LDS property north of the Big Lots renovated
building has a large undeveloped piece of land on its property , and Calvary
Chapel has a large opportunity for repurposing some of its acreage for more
housing. While those properties are not significant contributors toward
reaching the City’s RHNA goals, the more significant push will be to establish
zoning for the General Plan’s Mixed-Use Districts with higher density being
described in the General Plan is where Diamond Bar would ask HCD to accept
those designations, thus enabling the City to proceed with the zoning to make
that land available. Once the zoning is implemented, the City has complied
with its part of the RHNA process by creating zoning that would then facilitate
developers to come in and develop the properties.
VC/Garg asked if the church properties could be mixed use as well.
CDD/Gubman said that by virtue of two uses on one property it becomes small
“m” mixed use and the named Mixed-Use Districts are a more conventional
classification of residential on top of or behind commercial storefronts.
Chair/Rawlings asked if it is common practice to update the Development
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Code and does the state respond well to that. Mr. Douglas explained that it is
fairly common practice, particularly in this Housing Element cycle because the
RHNA numbers are such that many cities will have to look at rezoning in order
to accommodate the RHNA, and state law explicitly allows cities up to three
years to do the rezoning. Fortunately for Diamond Bar, much of that work has
already gone into this through the General Plan Update process that
culminated in late 2019. It is important for the Commission and public to
realize that the zoning changes being discussed in the Hou sing Element are
simply changes that have already been anticipated as part of the General Plan
Update process. When the City finally adopted the General Plan, it was
recognized that the new General Plan created changes to land use
designations that created inconsistencies between those and the old zoning
and the normal course of events is for the City to adopt the new General Plan
and then follow that with amendments to the detailed zoning and development
regulations in order to bring everything back into consistency.
Chair/Rawlings asked that the letter from Responsible Land Use be entered
into the record and opened public comments.
Lee Paulsen, President, Responsible Land Use, said he takes no issue with
the number of units in the TOD area and understands that those houses have
to go somewhere and he would like for the City to facilitate or restart a
conversation about what it will take to make Mixed-Use areas work. RLU
supports the work that staff and the consultants have done and understands
the tough task of getting this to pass HCD. At the same time, residents are
looking for solutions that will actually make the City better and more livable.
The possibility of having a Mixed-Use area in that location brings forth
wonderful possibilities of adding units and providing a neighborhood meeting
place or destination for the entire neighborhood.
Paul Deibel commented that he is very much in favor of the articles of the
Housing Element, particularly with respect to increasing the potential for
affordable housing in the community to accommodate growing families,
pensioners and essential workers with a cradle to grave mindset. He is excited
by the potential of a vibrant Mixed-Use pedestrian-oriented commercial center
in Diamond Bar, which he thinks would be great for the identity community to
the function of the community for affordable housing and for economic
development that would bring in customers from surrounding areas. He was
curious about the timeline for zoning changes and believed the City should
consider additional incentives for affordable housing development beyond
state stipulated density bonus requirements such as inclusionary zoning
provisions for the provision of affordable housing in most housing projects or
fees in-lieu of affordable housing and asked if there was tax increment
financing available for affordable housing and whether an agency could be
6.2.b
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formed in the City to establish bonds or other mechanisms as well as,
inclusionary zoning with in lieu fees to finance affordable housing.
Grace Lim-Hayes also affirmed that it makes sense to consider Mixed-Use in
developments as the solution to housing challenges for the future and the
present. As a resident in the TOD, it will be a challenges to include the high -
density units (795) in the area, but it is feasible with a lot of imagination and a
lot of creativity with special consideration of traffic congestion. It will take a lot
of creativity and imagination to make sure all issues are properly addressed to
create housing units that provide parking, walkable areas with connections
services and recreation. RLU is not seeking to challenge or prevent rezoning
of the area, but wants to make sure it is understood that those challenges need
to be met with a lot of imagination and conversation among all stakeholders in
the community inclusive of the homeowner associations and mobile
homeowners who live nearby.
Chair/Rawlings closed public comments.
Chair/Rawlings said he recalls hearing some of these same comments during
the General Plan Update hearings and the hearing regarding the development
of the Hampton Inn Hotel/Office Suite Project and assured speakers that they
were heard then and have been heard this evening.
C/Wolfe thanked staff for putting together a very detailed report outlining the
demographics and statistical comparisons that will be important to guiding the
conversation for the next eight years. The state has a severe housing crisis
which has been brought about by many factors. Currently, there is no
legislation that has been introduced in this session to effectively assist in
curtailing the issue even though this has been identified by the administration
as its top priority which is unfortunate, because planning is critical. The reality
is that the housing supply will continue to be dictated by investors who, without
real incentives, remain focused on market demand. The cost to develop
housing in California is high and climbing with increasing regulations, which is
not an indictment, but simply a statement of fact. Finally, the City has a plan
for the state-imposed RHNA numbers and the City will struggle to meet the
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) requirements and the existing traffic congestion,
not to mention the additional traffic congestion that will be created. These
issues need to be in the forefront of any discussi ons surrounding new
development because the City simply does not have the transit infrastructure
to serve the community and it cannot ignore the fact that development will bring
more cars.
C/Mok agreed with C/Wolfe and with Lee Paulson and Grace Lim-Hayes about
the TOD area which currently suffers from significant traffic but could, with
6.2.b
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creative thinking and prudent planning, become a very vibrant, active and
attractive area for Mixed-Use as a great place for people to live and for
commuters to enjoy. He thanked speakers for their input.
VC/Garg said he concurred with C/Wolfe and C/Mok and to him, this looks like
a very good plan that should comply with all of the comments and help make
Diamond Bar a better place to live, work and play.
Chair/Rawlings said that he also believes there is a lot of potential for these
areas and in particular, the TOD area and that the City needs to be able to
address some of the underlying issues voiced by Mr. Paulson and Ms. Lim -
Hayes. He asked if there were items within the Housing Element th at could
address some of the concerns stated by RLU because he recalls much of the
discussion during the General Plan Update process about adjusting specific
language to help address those concerns. During the Public Hearing for the
Hampton Inn/Business Center project, traffic engineers that spoke had some
pretty clear ideas on how to improve the Level of Service for the traffic in th e
area. Adding the TOD element and recognizing the RLU concerns, is the
Housing Element the place those concerns would be addressed or are these
concerns addressed as the City gets into the Development Code or Site
Specific plans.
CDD/Gubman responded to Chair/Rawlings that the updated General Plan
has all of the new land-use districts and residential densities allowed in those
districts and the policies that would be guiding the implementation of building
out those areas. The Housing Element is part of the General Plan. It is not
synched with the rest of the General Plan because t here is a statutory
timeframe for the lifespan of each Housing Element update. In the context of
the overall General Plan, staff is seeking to get HCD’s acceptance that the
City’s housing potential/development potential at buildout in these Mixed -Use
Districts would achieve our RHNA goals as far as creating the zoning to
facilitate the development, whether or not t hat development occurs. And the
City must implement projects through Zoning and/or Specific Plans and other
ordinances to bring up the City’s density bonus regulations and other
regulations in conformance with updated state laws. The City needs to begin
the Specific Plans for those three Mixed-Use Districts as it is currently
preparing the budget for the next Fiscal Year which requires making decisions
about appropriating funds to begin those Specific Plan Update processes. As
SP/Lee mentioned in the General Plan Status Report, there is grant money
that would help defray the costs of doing those Specific Plans which consist of
high level content and requires a major effort in itself. Site specific land
planning will be challenging and of the three Mixed-Use Districts, the TOD area
will be the hardest and something that requires cooperation with other
agencies to meet the challenges that go beyond what is envisioned for that
6.2.b
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area. The next step is to commence that process with the first exploratory step
being the ULI exercise during the week of April 12 th where experts will be
brought in to do a deep dive into the opportunities and constraints for the Town
Center area and to tell staff what can be realistically aimed for when the City
embarks on the Specific Plan process. If that turns out to be a successful
exercise and provides the City with good guidance for implementing the Town
Center Goals, Objectives and Policies, ULI may be brought back to help with
a similar deep dive for the TOD area. ULI has the knowledge about
infrastructure district financing and other tools that can be used to incentivize
economically feasible development of structured parking, for example,
because there is no more room for surface parking and land is too expensive
for that and they can tell the City if and how structured parking is feasible which
will be one of the variables to allow for enough density and how other potential
funding sources like the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust can be put
in place to help defray some of the costs.
Mr. Douglas said that he heard concerns regarding transportation, congestion,
etc. The General Plan is intended to work as an integrated whole and the
Circulation Element of the General Plan includes polic ies and programs to
address those specific issues. He encouraged everyone to look at the whole,
which includes the Land Use Element and the Circulation Element , as well as
the Housing Element.
The Planning Commission concurred to direct staff to take the updated draft
document with public and Commission comments to the City Council.
8. PUBLIC HEARING(S): None
9. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
C/Mok encouraged residents to frequent local eateries.
10. STAFF COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
CDD/Gubman congratulated Chair Rawlings and Vice Chair Garg on their
appointments.
CDD/Gubman said there were no agenda items scheduled for April 13 th which is the
week ULI will deploy the Technical Advisory Panel. There will be a joint Planning
Commission/City Council GoToWebinar meeting on Friday, April 16th to allow ULI to
present their findings and recommendations. The public will be invited to attend and
individual stakeholders within the area will receive meeting notices as well.
CDD/Gubman stated that Mr. Deibel would receive a call from the ULI panel asking
him if he would participate in a stakeholder interview. The next regular Commission
6.2.b
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meeting is scheduled for April 27th.
11. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
As listed in the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission,
Chair/Rawlings adjourned the regular meeting at 8:27 p.m. to the Joint April 16th meeting
with City Council.
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this ____________________________, 2021.
Attest:
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________________
Greg Gubman, Community Development Director
_______________________________
William Rawlings, Chairperson
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1
Kristina Santana
From:Mike Ramirez <insurancemarketinggroup@ymail.com>
Sent:Friday, April 2, 2021 7:16 AM
To:Kristina Santana
Subject:Possible Spam: “FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.”
Attachments:2021-golf-sponsorship-letter-3.jpg; 2021-golf-sponsorship-form-4 (1).jpg
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
Hello,
My name is Michael Ramirez, Tournament Chair for the Diamond Bar Community Foundation. I would like to
make an announcement for our 10 Anniversary Golfing "FORE" the kids, Golf Tournament.
Attached is the a copy of my announcement and flyer.
Best Regards,
Michael Ramirez / Broker/Agent
insurancemarketinggroup@ymail.com
To help protect yMicrosoft Office pautomatic downlopicture from the In su ran ce Marke
Insurance Marketing Group
Office: (281) 968-3240 / Cell: (949) 842-5937
http://ushagent.com/michaelramirez
Health, Accident, Disability, Critical Illness, Dental, Life,
https://card.get-card.com/michael-ramirez/
1
Kristina Santana
From:Pui-Ching Ho <PCHo@library.lacounty.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 12:39 PM
To:Kristina Santana
Subject:FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
This is Pui‐Ching Ho from Diamond Bar Library. I'm wondering if you would please make the following
announcement at the 4/6/2021 City Council Meeting during the public comment? Thanks!
"We are almost back! We are excited to announce that the LA County Library will start reopening designated
libraries for select in‐person services on Monday, April 19, 2021. Diamond Bar Library is one of the designated
libraries.
Library customers can browse the collection, pickup holds, checkout items and use the public computer for up
to 1 hour per customer.
We are committed to keeping our customers and staff safe during our in-person service hours.
We ask that all library customers maintain 6‐feet of physical distance from other customers and
library staff, when in line and inside the library; wear a face covering over mouth and nose at all
times; adhere to posted library capacity limits; make your visit to your library quick and efficient; and
do not bring food or drink into the library.
Starting April 19, 2021, the Sidewalk Pickup service will be available on Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday from 10am to 11am, and on Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm. The in-person
services will be available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 6pm, and
on Tuesday from 1pm to 8pm.
For more information, please visit: https://lacountylibrary.org/reopening/"
Thank you!
PUI CHING HO | COMMUNITY LIBRARY MANAGER
LA County Library | Diamond Bar Library
21800 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
P: 909.861.4978
LACountyLibrary.org | @LACountyLibrary
To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.LA County Library Logo
1
Kristina Santana
From:Katherine Madarazo <katherinemadarazo@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 4:15 PM
To:Kristina Santana; Kristina Santana
Subject:Public Comment
Attachments:KatherineComments.docx
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
Hello Kristina,
How are you? Attached is my public comments for tonight's meeting. I wish to read it, if it's possible. Thank you so much
for everything you do.
Regards,
Katherine Madarazo
April 06, 2021 Diamond Bar City Council Meeting
RE: Road Widening Impacts, Golf Course Project
Public Comments
Honarable Madam Mayor and City Councilmembers,
My name is Katherine Madarazo and I am a Diamond Bar
resident. I thank you for the opportunity to speak to you tonight.
I wish to comment on the current construction, road-widening
project located at the corner of Grand Ave., and Golden Springs
where the Diamond Bar Golf Course is.
As our city is progressively developed, please do not forget the
negative impacts of development on our natural resources.
I understand this project was planned and approved in June 2020,
with the Lead Agency being San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments. Yet, the project is at the city border, and is an
important buffer to freeway traffic. I expect Diamond Bar City
Council has a responsibility to monitor and guide best practices
for projects impacting the city.
The environmental plan in the IS/MND documents is not working
to protect the wildlife, like birds, which nest in the trees during this
season. I saw Cooper hawks and other birds being disrupted and
distressed by the construction.
Spring is nesting season. Birds are impacted by tree removal and
pruning. I did not read in the documents, how wildlife birds may
be helped or conserved during construction
It appears the city does nothing to assure the preservation of its
natural resources. So I implore the council to change and take a
measurable stance on authentic conservation.
Many residents think the multi-million dollar road widening project
is a waste of taxpayer money and a temporary fix, since it is
certain to add increased traffic. The transportation company, Fehr
& Peers, teaches road widening increases traffic congestion. (1)
This project appears the road widening is purposed to
accommodate City of Industry’s new warehouse trucking center.
I ask the council to monitor this active construction project and
discover what is being done to mitigate wildlife disruption and the
restoration of the 29 native trees which were impacted. Will you
please report back to me about the status of the matter? We
must assure conservation is prioritized.
Diamond Bar natural resources make our community a very
special place to live.
Respectfully,
Katherine Madarazo
(909) 401- 0776 Katherinemadarazo@gmail.com
Reference:
1) Closing the Induced Vehicle Travel Gap Between Research and Practice
Ronald T. Milam, Marc Birnbaum, Chris Ganson, ...
January 1, 2017
Several studies have rigorously documented the induced travel effect, in which added highway capacity
leads to added vehicle travel. Despite the evidence, transportation planning practice does not fully
account for this phenomenon, with the result that estimates of the potential congestion-reducing benefits
of added highway capacity may be overstated and estimates of potential environmental impacts
understated.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3141/2653-02
1
Kristina Santana
From:JC_Heartsonics <johncatanzaro@mindspring.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 3, 2021 5:28 PM
To:Kristina Santana
Cc:Kristina Santana; Kristina Santana
Subject:LAD-41 Letter for April 6th city coundil meeting
Attachments:DbarCiryCouncilLtr2.docx
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
Hi Kristina,
I'm John Catanzaro, President of Ridgeline HOA in Diamond Bar. I wrote a letter that was read at the
beginning of the City Council meeting on March 16th (agenda 5.1 I believe?). I would ask that the following
correspondence also be read into the record on the April 6th meeting at the appropriate place on the agenda.
It is a follow up to the progress by our local HOA's and some concerns that I feel would be helpful to the
dialogue on the current circumstances before us. I appreciate your support of this request. Please confirm
receipt of this letter and that it will be read into the record by you, hopefully at the start!
Thank you very much,
John Catanzaro
==============================================================================
==
Subject: LAD -41
Date: Apr 3, 2021 2:49 PM
Honorable mayor and members of the city council of Diamond Bar,
This is the second time I am addressing you regarding the matter of the dissolution of LAD-41. In the
past several weeks since the meetings on March 16th and subsequently on March 18th, the four
HOA's in this district (of which I'm president for Ridgeline) have been meeting a number of times
online via zoom.
As is usually the case when united by a common cause, new friendships are forged and synergy is
expanded in powerful ways. We stand together where before by default we were just neighbors in
passing, each occupied with our own concerns.
In a sense I am appreciative for this part of the circumstance that has brought us together in unity
and strength. We find that there is much more that unites rather than divides us, and although we do
not seek an adversarial situation, we find ourselves having to respond in a timely manner to
distressing circumstances knowing full well the consequences, (both expected and unintended) that
will befall our members if this does not go forward in a positive situation with a YES vote!
Just as you are doing what you feel you must do, so we are also likewise engaged in communicating
with our members via email and walking our communities and having in-person contact and putting
up signage and doing everything possible to communicate the message of the significance of the
2
decision that is coming up in a month.
Our HOA's are doing the best we can to prepare for the possible outcomes and will be meeting with
the city staff as well as arborists and landscapers to seek out bids so that we have more accurate
information as regards the cost involved. But a lot of that will be impacted by the engineers report
which we are still anticipating. We are not equipped or set up to do this on such a massive scale;
nevertheless we will not be alone in bearing the consequences of these actions.
As I said in my previous communication, cities and governments exist to serve those who live within
them; it is a mutual understanding of responsibility for the care of the property that falls on all of
us. No person or entity will be exempt from the impact of the results. Simply turning over the
responsibility to individuals and local volunteer HOA boards will have overwhelming concerns far and
wide and extend long into the future in ways that we cannot anticipate.
We exist in a society based on mutual trust and support and although we acknowledge that because
of the city's decision to subsidize the landscaping over these many years through the general fund,
we are now suffering the shortcomings of that action and it is not for us to bear alone, for it will also
potentially impact how you operate going forward. Future city councils and HOA boards will have to
work with the outcomes of the judgements we make here in this place and time.
Since your decision to dissolve LAD-41 appears to be final, we ask that you continue to extend every
support possible to the citizens who you represent and serve in good faith. What you are turning
over to us is a massive ongoing undertaking with a potential annual cost running in the thousands of
dollars individually and/or collectively, as each of the 4 HOA boards fully recognizes. The freedom to
vote, to be responsibly informed, and to understand the issues can be a complicated and difficult
thing for some people to comprehend until the full force and impact of the result lands on their
doorstep.
This has cast a new light of understanding and commitment of the work that the municipal agency
has been doing over these past years and we intend for that to continue being the responsibility of
the city through our mutual support and pledge to impress upon our members the importance of
voting YES on the change in the prop 218 property tax fee increase for district 41.
Thank you again for your time and attention to our mutual concerns
John Catanzaro, President
Ridgeline Homeowners Association Diamond Bar, CA
April 3, 2021
1
Kristina Santana
From:David Takeda <dtco@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 2:09 PM
To:Kristina Santana
Subject:FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Attachments:Diamond Bar City Council - Landscape Dissolution.docx
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
Dear Sir ‐ Attached is my letter that I hope will be read during tonight's City Council meeting (April 6,
2021). Thank you in advance for forwarding my letter to the appropriate party.
Sincerely,
David Takeda
Diamond Bar City Council
Dear Council Members,
My name is David Takeda. I moved to Diamond Bar in 1976 and my current address, since October
1986, is 1302 Summitridge Dr. I have seen our city grow from a small community to a fairly large city.
The many City Councils that we’ve had over the years have, for the most part, done a great job keeping
our city beautiful and a great place to live. I haven’t always agreed with some of the policies, but I’ve
managed to live with them. Until now. I am against the Landscape Assessment District Dissolution.
I’ll be the first to admit that I probably ignored the early communications but now I am concerned that
we must rethink the decision. I’ve been told that the City Council has not yet signed off on the plan and
that there will be another public hearing in early May. After the two Informational Meetings on March
18 for Districts 39 and 41, I believe that there is still much confusion. Residents with hillsides/slopes
abutting their properties which have been maintained by the city are not sure what their new
responsibilities might or might not be. Residents who live next to or close to certain corners which the
city has maintained are not sure who will now be responsible. I could go on and on and your standard
response seems to be to “call us with an exact location and we’ll advise you of your
options/responsibilities – one of which might be to form a mini HOA.”
My hope is that the Dissolution can be delayed until the residents of Diamond Bar are more fully
informed of the consequences of dissolution. I, for one, voted to approve the increased assessment,
and I will vote for approval again even though my little corner of the world (1302) has never required
the city’s help in maintaining my landscape. I can only hope that the majority of the residents can see
the benefit of having the city continue to maintain the two districts and keep Diamond Bar beautiful.
Thank You,
David Takeda
1
Kristina Santana
From:Garret Rukes <grukes@martinezsteel.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 4:11 PM
To:Kristina Santana
Subject:FOR PUBLIC COMMENT - Intent to dissolve landscape assessment district 39
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
The suggestion to dissolve the Landscape Assessment District 39 in hopes that individual property owners will maintain
the landscape (that is typically separated from properties by walls and/or fences) is not a workable solution. Property
owners cannot be expected to maintain these parcels of property that the city has maintained since conception, and the
landscape will deteriorate to the point that our city’s property values will fall. The property owners have already paid
for the existing landscape and irrigation from the many years of property tax subsidies, but there is no way to tie into
the existing irrigation that has already been paid for, and the parcels in question cannot typically be accessed from the
property owner’s properties.
Is anything being done to come up with a better solution?
Regards,
Garret Rukes
1505 Longview Drive