HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/23/2021PLANNING
COMMISSION
AGENDA
MW 23, 2021
6:30 PM
•
Chairperson Kenneth Mok
Vice Chairperson William Rawlings
Commissioner Naila Barlas
Commissioner Mahendra Garg
Commissioner Raymond Wolfe
Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on
file in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, located at
21810 Copley Drive, and are available for public inspection. If you have questions regarding
an agenda item, please call (909) 839-7030 during regular business hours.
Written materials distributed to the Planning Commission within 72 hours of the Planning Commission
meeting are available for public inspection online at
hfto.//diamondbarca.iam2.com/Citizens/Default aspx
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Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any
type of special equipment, assistance or accommodations) in order to communicate at a
City public meeting must inform the Community Development Department at
(909) 839-7030 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper
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City of Diamond Bar
Planning Commission
MEETING RULES
PUBLIC INPUT
The meetings of the Diamond Bar Planning Commission are open to the public. A member of the public
may address the Commission on the subject of one or more agenda items and/or other items of which
are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Diamond Bar Planning Commission. The teleconference
moderator will ask callers one at a time to give their name and if there is an agenda item n umber they
wish to speak on before providing their comment. If you wish to speak on a public hearing item or
commission consideration item, you will then be called upon to speak at that point in the agenda.
As a general rule, the opportunity for public comments will take place at the discretion of the
Chairperson. However, in order to facilitate the meeting, persons who are interested parties for an item
may be requested to give their presentation at the time the item is called on the calendar. The
Chairperson may limit individual public input to five minutes on any item; or the Chair person may limit
the total amount of time allocated for public testimony based on the number of people requesting to
speak and the business of the Commission.
Individuals are requested to conduct themselves in a professional and businesslike manner.
Comments and questions are welcome so that all points of view are considered prior to the
Commission making recommendations to the staff and City Council. When speaking, please direct your
questions and comments to the Commission, not to staff or other members of the public.
In accordance with State Law (Brown Act), all matters to be acted on by the Commission must be
posted at least 72 hours prior to the Commission meeting. In case of emergency or when a subject
matter arises subsequent to the posting of the agenda, upon making certain findings, the Commission
may act on item that is not on the posted agenda.
INFORMATION RELATING TO AGENDAS AND ACTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
Agendas for Diamond Bar Planning Commission meetings are prepared by the Planning Division of the
Community Development Department.
Every meeting of the Planning Commission is recorded and duplicate recordings are available for a
nominal charge.
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
Copies of Agenda, Rules of the Commission, CDs of Meetings (909) 839-7030
Email: info@diamondbarca.gov
Website: www.diamondbarca.gov
Consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order to stay at home, avoid gatherings and maintain
social distancing, this meeting will be conducted telephonically and Members of the Planning
Commission and City staff will be participating via Teleconference. There will be no physical
meeting location.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 23, 2021
AGENDA
Next Resolution No. 2021-05
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
1. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Naila Barlas, Mahendra
Garg, Raymond Wolfe, Vice Chairperson William
Rawlings, Chairperson Kenneth Mok
2. REORGANIZATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION: Selection of Chairperson
and Vice Chairperson.
3. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
This is the time and place for the general public to address the members of the
Planning Commission on any item that is within its jurisdiction, allowing the public
an opportunity to speak on non-public hearing and non-agenda items. Speakers
are limited to five minutes. The teleconference moderator will ask callers one at a
time to give their name. If you wish to speak on a public hearing item or
commission consideration item, you will then be called upon to speak at that
point in the agenda
4. APPROVAL OF
AGENDA:
Chairperson
5. CONSENT CALENDAR:
The following items listed on the consent calendar are considered routine and
are approved by a single motion. Consent calendar items may be removed from
the agenda by request of the Commission only:
5.1. Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting – February 23, 2021
6. OLD BUSINESS: None.
MARCH 23, 2021 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
7. NEW BUSINESS:
7.1 General Plan Status Report 2020
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
approve the report and forward it to the City Council to receive and file.
7.2 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
1. Receive staff report;
2. Receive public comments; and
3. Provide comments to staff regarding the Draft 2021 -2029 Housing
Element.
8. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
9. STAFF COMMENTS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
*Until further notice and consistent with the Governor’s latest Executive
Order to stay at home, all City meetings will be conducted telephonically.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:30 pm
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 6:30 pm
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL AND PLANNING
COMMISSION — ULI TECHNICAL
ADVISORY PANEL PRESENTATION ON
THE TOWN CENTER:
Friday, April 16, 2021, time TBA
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MEETING:
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 6:30 pm
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 6:30 pm
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 6:30 pm
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MEETING:
Thursday, May 27, 2021, 6:30 pm
MARCH 23, 2021 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
11. ADJOURNMENT:
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY:
Monday, May 31, 2021 – In observance
of the holiday, city offices will be closed.
City offices will re-open on Tuesday,
June 1, 2021.
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 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 Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Raymond Wolfe, Vice Chairman William
Rawlings and Chairman Kenneth Mok.
Absent: Commissioners: Naila Barlas and Mahendra Garg
Staff participating telephonically: Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; James
Eggart, Assistant City Attorney; Grace Lee, Senior Planner; Mayuko Nakajima, Associate
Planner; Joy Tsai, Associate Planner; Stella Marquez, Administrative Coordinator
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jim Pan commented that he believed the City’s Ordinance needed to address the
style of a residential project so that future applicants would be able to understand
what style would be acceptable to the City and thanked staff and the Commissioners
for their consideration.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
4.1 Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of February 9,
2021.
VC/Rawlings moved, C/Wolfe seconded, to approve the meeting minutes of
February 9th, 2021 as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Wolfe, VC/Rawlings, Chair/Mok
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Garg
5. OLD BUSINESS: None
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FEBRUARY 23, 2021 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
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6. NEW BUSINESS: None
7. CONTINUED (PUBLIC HEARING) ITEM:
7.1 Development Review Planning Case No. PL2020-142 – Under the authority
of Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 22.48, the property owner requested
Development Review approval to construct a 670 square foot addition and a
comprehensive exterior remodel to an existing two-story, single family
residence. The subject property is zoned Low Medium Residential (RLM) with
an underlying General Plan land use designation of Low Medium Residential.
(Continued from February 9, 2021)
PROJECT ADDRESS: 1523 Silver Rain Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER: Jan and Jim Pan
APPLICANT: 1523 Silver Rain Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Staff recommended the Planning Commission take the following actions:
1. Direct staff to re-notice a new public hearing to review, consider and
discuss the additional information submitted by the applicant; OR
2. Adopt the attached resolution denying Development Review
No. PL2020-142, based on the findings of Diamond Bar Municipal Code
(DBMC) Section 22.48, based on the findings contained therein.
C/Wolfe moved, VC/Rawlings seconded, to adopt the Resolution denying
Development Review No. PL2020-142, based on the findings of Diamond Bar
Municipal Code (DBMC) Section 22.48 and the findings contained therein.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Wolfe, VC/Rawlings, Chair/Mok
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Garg
8. PUBLIC HEARING(S):
8.1 Time Extension for Conditional Use Permit Planning Case
No. PL2019-103 – Under the authority of Diamond Bar Municipal Code
Section 22.66.050, the applicant submitted a request for a one-year time
extension for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. PL2019 -103, to operate a
fitness center in a 21,440 square-foot lease space, located at Diamond Hills
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FEBRUARY 23, 2021 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
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Plaza. The subject property is zoned Community Commercial (C-2) with an
underlying General Plan land use designation of Commercial (C). The project
was approved on February 25, 2020, with a one-year time frame to obtain
building permits and begin construction.
PROJECT ADDRESS: 2825 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER/ ROIC Diamond Hills Plaza LLC
APPLICANT: 11250 El Camino Real #200
San Diego, CA 92130
AP/Nakajima presented staff’s report and recommended Planning
Commission approval of the Time Extension for Conditional Use Permit
No. PL2019-103, based on the Findings of Fact, and subject to the conditions
of approval as listed within the resolution.
Chair/Mok opened the public hearing.
Greg James, architect for Planet Fitness, explained that he is aware that ROIC
is diligently working to backfill the space with another gym lessee . He
understands that is the reason they have requested the time extension to allow
another lessee to proceed through the process to opening of the business.
Chair/Mok closed the public hearing.
VC/Rawlings moved, C/Wolfe seconded, to approve the Time Extension for
Conditional Use Permit No. PL2019-103, based on the Findings of Fact, and
conditions of approval as listed within the Resolution. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Wolfe, VC/Rawlings, Chair/Mok
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Garg
9. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
VC/Rawlings thanked Mr. Pan for being conscientious and respectful about the
Commission’s decision regarding his project and wished him the best moving forward.
Chair/Mok welcomed AP/Tsai to the Diamond Bar family.
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10. STAFF COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
CDD/Gubman stated there are no items slated for the first March meeting, which is
traditionally the reorganization meeting for the Planning Commission with the
selection of a new Chair and Vice Chair. He will be in touch with Commissioners
regarding the next scheduled meeting.
CDD/Gubman welcomed and spoke about new staff member AP/Tsai and thanked
Commissioners for their support of staff.
11. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
As listed in the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission,
Chair/Mok adjourned the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m.
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 23rd Day of March, 2021.
Attest:
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________________
Greg Gubman, Community Development Director
_______________________________
Kenneth Mok, Chairperson
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PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 7.1
MEETING DATE: March 23, 2021
CASE/FILE NUMBER: General Plan Status Report 2020
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, 20 20, to December 31, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the report and forward it to
the City Council to receive and file.
PREPARED BY:
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ~ 21810 COPLEY DRIVE ~ DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765 ~ TEL. (909) 839-7030 ~ FAX (909) 861-3117
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General Plan Status Report 2020 Page 2 of 2
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
A. 2020 General Plan Status Report
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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, socia l, 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
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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
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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
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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.
Community
Development
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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 through both new development and public improvements. Placemak ing 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 proj ects 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 pro ject
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).
Public Works
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POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT
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
Public Works
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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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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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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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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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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 transportation, including autom obile 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 e nsure 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 resour ces, 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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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
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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
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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 mitigate
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 Publ ic 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 th rough 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 form al 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
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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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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.
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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 an d 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 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”) em issions 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 t hat 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 percen t 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 rang es
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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PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 7.2
MEETING DATE: March 23, 2021
CASE/FILE NUMBER: 2021-2029 Housing Element Update (Planning
Case No. PL2021-004)
PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide
SUMMARY:
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 Genera l 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.
Following the January workshop, a draft Housing Element was prepared for review by
the Planning Commission and interested stakeholders (Attachment 1). The purpose of
tonight’s meeting is to review the draft Housing Element and solicit comments from the
Commission and interested stakeholders. After this meeting, staff will incorporate
appropriate revisions to the draft Housing Element for review by the City Council at a
public meeting in the near future. Following City Council review, the draft Housing
Element must be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) for review. Additional public meetings will then be held 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
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ~ 21810 COPLEY DRIVE ~ DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765 ~ TEL. (909) 839-7030 ~ FAX (909) 861-3117
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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.
The draft Housing Element is currently formatted as a standard text document.
Subsequent drafts will be reformatted to match the style of the other General Plan
chapters, because the Housing Element and will ultimately become Chapter 9 of the
General Plan. Chapter 1 of General Plan 2040 is attached to provide an example of the
graphic layout that the Housing Element will follow.
Housing Element Content. The Housing Element focuses on establishing City policies
and programs intended to address the housing needs of current and future Diamond
Bar residents. The Draft Housing Element includes the following sections:
• An introductory overview of the Housing Element (Section I)
• Analysis of the City's demographic and housing characteristics and trends (Section
II)
• Evaluation of resources and opportunities available to address housing needs
(Section III)
• Analysis of potential governmental and non-governmental constraints to meeting the
City's housing needs (Section IV)
• The Housing Action Plan for the 2021-2029 planning period (Section V)
• Review of the City’s accomplishments during the previous planning period (App endix
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.
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 IV.A of the Housing Element
(Governmental 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 V of the Housing Element includes the following programs to comply
with State requirements:
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• 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 State law.
These changes include allowing supportive housing meeting specified criteria i n
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 density 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
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
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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 detailed 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 V of the Housing Element
describes actions the City intends to take to complete the required zoning am endments
in compliance with State law.
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. Staff will incorporate Planning Commission recommendations into
the Draft Housing Element for review by the City Council in the near future. Any
1 California Government Code Sec. 65913.4 (SB 35 of 2017)
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additional revisions will then be made to address City Council comments and the
revised draft Housing Element will 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 this
year. Cities are allowed up to three years after Housing Element adoption to complete
the zoning amendments needed to address RHNA requirements.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
1. Receive staff report.
2. Receive public comments.
3. Provide comments to staff regarding the Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
A. Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element
B. General Plan 2040 Chapter 1 (included as format reference for future drafts of
the Housing Element)
7.2
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CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR
2021-2029
HOUSING ELEMENT
Draft
March 2021
7.2.a
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element
Draft i March 2021
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1-1
A. Community Context .............................................................................................................. 1-1
B. Role of Housing Element ........................................................................................................ 1-1
C. Public Participation ................................................................................................................ 1-4
D. Relationship to Other General Plan Elements ..................................................................... 1-4
2. Housing Needs Assessment ...................................................................................................... 2-1
A. Population Characteristics .................................................................................................... 2-1
1. Population Growth Trends .................................................................................................. 2-1
2. Age ....................................................................................................................................... 2-1
B. Household Characteristics .................................................................................................... 2-2
1. Overcrowding ..................................................................................................................... 2-2
2. Household Income .............................................................................................................. 2-3
3. Housing Affordability and Overpayment ......................................................................... 2-4
C. Employment ............................................................................................................................ 2-8
D. Housing Stock Characteristics .............................................................................................. 2-9
1. Housing Type and Tenure ................................................................................................. 2-10
2. Housing Age and Conditions ........................................................................................... 2-12
E. Special Needs ....................................................................................................................... 2-13
1. Persons with Disabilities ..................................................................................................... 2-13
2. Elderly ................................................................................................................................. 2-16
3. Large Households .............................................................................................................. 2-16
4. Female-Headed Households ........................................................................................... 2-17
5. Farm Workers ..................................................................................................................... 2-18
6. Homeless Persons .............................................................................................................. 2-19
F. Assisted Housing at Risk of Conversion .............................................................................. 2-19
G. Future Growth Needs ........................................................................................................... 2-20
1. Overview of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment ................................................. 2-20
2. 2021-2029 Diamond Bar Growth Needs ......................................................................... 2-20
3. Resources and Opportunities .................................................................................................. 3-1
A. Land Resources ...................................................................................................................... 3-1
B. Financial and Administrative Resources .............................................................................. 3-1
1. State and Federal Resources ............................................................................................. 3-1
2. Local Resources .................................................................................................................. 3-2
C. Energy Conservation Opportunities ..................................................................................... 3-4
4. Constraints .................................................................................................................................. 4-1
A. Governmental Constraints .................................................................................................... 4-1
1. Land Use Plans and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4-1
2. Development Processing Procedures ............................................................................ 4-11
3. Development Fees and Improvement Requirements .................................................. 4-14
B. Non-Governmental Constraints.......................................................................................... 4-16
1. Environmental Constraints ................................................................................................ 4-16
2. Infrastructure Constraints .................................................................................................. 4-17
3. Land Costs ......................................................................................................................... 4-18
4. Construction Costs ............................................................................................................ 4-18
5. Cost and Availability of Financing .................................................................................. 4-18
C. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing .................................................................................. 4-18
5. Housing Action Plan .................................................................................................................. 5-1
A. Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................. 5-1
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B. Housing Programs ................................................................................................................... 5-2
Program H-1. Residential Neighborhood Improvement Program ........................................ 5-3
Program H-2. Home Improvement Program ............................................................................ 5-4
Program H-3. Section 8 Rental Assistance Program ................................................................ 5-4
Program H-4. Preservation of Assisted Housing ........................................................................ 5-4
Program H-5. Mobile Home Park Preservation ......................................................................... 5-4
Program H-6. First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs ...................................................... 5-5
Program H-7. Senior and Workforce Housing Development.................................................. 5-5
Program H-8. Land Use Element and Development Regulations.......................................... 5-7
Program H-9. Mixed Use Development .................................................................................... 5-7
Program H-10. Accessory Dwelling Units .................................................................................. 5-8
Program H-11. Emergency Shelters, Low Barrier Navigation Centers and
Transitional/Supportive Housing ......................................................................................... 5-8
Program H-12. Affordable Housing Incentives/Density Bonus ............................................... 5-9
Program H-13. Efficient Project Processing............................................................................... 5-9
Program H-14. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing ............................................................. 5-10
Program H-15. Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities ......................... 5-11
Appendix A – Evaluation of the Prior Housing Element
Appendix B – Residential Sites Inventory
Appendix C – Public Participation Summary
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List of Tables
Table II-1 Population Trends 2000-2020 – Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region................................... 2-1
Table II-2 Population by Age and Sex – Diamond Bar .................................................................. 2-2
Table II-3 Overcrowding by Tenure – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ...................................... 2-3
Table II-4 Extremely Low Income Households - Diamond Bar ...................................................... 2-4
Table II-5 Income Categories and Affordable Housing Costs – Los Angeles County ............... 2-5
Table II-6 Percentage of Income Spent on Rent – Diamond Bar ................................................ 2-5
Table II-7 Percentage of Income Spent on Rent by Income Category – Diamond
Bar ....................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Table II-8 Median Home Sales Price for Existing Homes – Diamond Bar and SCAG
Region ................................................................................................................................. 2-6
Table II-9 Monthly Mortgage Cost – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ....................................... 2-7
Table II-10 Monthly Mortgage Cost by Income Category – Diamond Bar ................................... 2-7
Table II-11 Overpayment by Income Category – Diamond Bar .................................................... 2-8
Table II-12 Employment by Industry – Diamond Bar ........................................................................ 2-8
Table II-13 Employment by Occupation – Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region .................................. 2-9
Table II-14 Housing by Type – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region................................................... 2-10
Table II-15 Housing by Tenure – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ............................................... 2-10
Table II-16 Housing Tenure by Age of Householder – Diamond Bar ............................................ 2-11
Table II-17 Vacant Units by Type – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region .......................................... 2-11
Table II-18 Age of Housing Stock – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region .......................................... 2-12
Table II-19 Disabilities by Type – Diamond Bar ................................................................................ 2-13
Table II-20 Disabilities by Type for Seniors 65+ – Diamond Bar and SCAG Region ..................... 2-14
Table II-21 Developmental Disabilities by Residence and Age– Diamond Bar .......................... 2-15
Table II-22 Elderly Households by Income and Tenure – Diamond Bar ....................................... 2-16
Table II-23 Household Size by Tenure – Diamond Bar .................................................................... 2-17
Table II-24 Household Type by Tenure – Diamond Bar .................................................................. 2-18
Table II-25 Poverty Status for Female-Headed Households – Diamond Bar ............................... 2-18
Table II-26 Employment in the Agricultural Industry – Diamond Bar ............................................ 2-19
Table II-27 2021-2029 Regional Housing Growth Needs – Diamond Bar ..................................... 2-20
Table IV-1 Land Use Categories – Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan ............................................. 4-2
Table IV-2 Residential Development Standards .............................................................................. 4-4
Table IV-3 Permitted Residential Development by Zoning District ................................................ 4-5
Table IV-4 Residential Parking Requirements ................................................................................... 4-9
Table IV-5 Review Authority for Residential Development ........................................................... 4-12
Table IV-6 Planning and Development Fees .................................................................................. 4-15
Table IV-7 Road Improvement Standards ...................................................................................... 4-16
Table V-1 Quantified Objectives 2021-2029 City of Diamond Bar .............................................. 5-11
List of Figures
Figure I-1 Regional Location – Diamond Bar .................................................................................. 1-3
Figure IV-1 Seismic Hazard Zones ...................................................................................................... 4-19
Figure IV-2 Fire Hazard Zones ............................................................................................................ 4-20
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element 1 Introduction
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1. INTRODUCTION
A. 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) one and a half miles to the north
and SR-60 connecting to SR-71 roughly two 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 1-1.
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 topographic 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.
B. Role 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 eight-year plan for the period 2021-2029, unlike other
General Plan elements which typically cover a 10- to 20-year planning horizon. This Housing
Element identifies strategies and programs that focus on: 1) conserving and improving
existing affordable housing; 2) providing adequate housing sites; 3) assisting in the
development of affordable housing; 4) removing governmental and other constraints to
the housing development; and 5) promoting equal housing opportunities.
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Figure 1-1
Regional Location – Diamond Bar
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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 II)
• An evaluation of resources and opportunities available to address housing
issues (Section III)
• A review of potential market, governmental, and environmental constraints to
meeting the City's identified housing needs (Section IV)
• The Housing Action Plan for the 2021-2029 planning period (Section V)
• A review of the City’s accomplishments 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)
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.
D. Relationship to 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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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).
A. Population Characteristics
1. 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 2-1), an annual growth rate of 0.1% compared to 0.7% for the SCAG
region as a whole.
Table 2-1
Population Trends 2000-2020 –
Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region
2. 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 2-2 provides a comparison of the City’s population by age
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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%.
Table 2-2
Population by Age and Sex –
Diamond Bar
B. Household Characteristics
1. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is often closely related to household income and the cost of housing. The
U.S. Census Bureau considers a household to be overcrowded 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 2-3 summarizes the incidence
of overcrowding for Diamond Bar as compared to the SCAG region as a whole.
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Table 2-3
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
overcrowding in Diamond Bar was substantially lower than is typical for the SCAG region
as a whole.
2. 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 2-4).
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Table 2-4
Extremely Low Income Households -
Diamond Bar
3. 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 2-5 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 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.
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Table 2-5
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 Housing
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 2-6).
Table 2-6
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 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 2-7).
1 The SCAG region includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial and Ventura counties.
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Table 2-7
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 2-8.
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 2-8
Median Home Sales Price for Existing Homes –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
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Table 2-9 compares typical monthly mortgage costs in Diamond Bar to the SCAG region
as a whole while Table 2-10 confirms that the percentage of income spent on mortgage
payments is higher for households at the lower income levels.
Table 2-9
Monthly Mortgage Cost –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Table 2-10
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 2-11 displays recent estimates for overpayment by income
category for Diamond Bar residents and shows that overpayment is much more frequent
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for households at the extremely-low and very-low income levels than those households in
higher income categories.
Table 2-11
Overpayment by Income Category – Diamond Bar
C. 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 2-12). 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 2-12
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 2-13).
Table 2-13
Employment by Occupation – Diamond Bar vs. SCAG Region
D. 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.
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1. 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 2-14). As seen in Table 2-
15, over three-quarters of homes in Diamond Bar were owner-occupied as compared to
only about 52% in the SCAG region).
Table 2-14
Housing by Type –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Table 2-15
Housing by Tenure –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
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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 2-16).
Table 2-16
Housing Tenure by Age of Householder –
Diamond Bar
Table 2-17 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 2-17
Vacant Units by Type –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
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2. 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 2-18 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 2-18
Age of Housing Stock –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
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 V) 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.
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E. 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, overcrowding, 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.
1. 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 2-
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 2-19
Disabilities by Type –
Diamond Bar
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 2-20).
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Table 2-20
Disabilities by Type for Seniors 65+ –
Diamond Bar and SCAG Region
Developmental Disabilities
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 developmental 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 developmentally disabled persons can live and work independently
within a conventional 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
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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.
Table 2-21
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 2-21). 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 developmental 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 Administration, Department
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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.
2. 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 2-22). 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 2-22
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.
3. Large Households
Household size is an indicator of need for large units. Large households are defined as
those with five or more members. Table 2-23 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.
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However, large families needing units with more bedrooms, generally face higher housing
costs, and as a result may benefit from several types of assistance.
Table 2-23
Household Size by Tenure –
Diamond Bar
4. 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 2-24). Approximately 3.9 percent of Diamond Bar's
households were experiencing poverty, compared to 7.9 percent of households in the
SCAG region. 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.
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Table 2-24
Household Type by Tenure –
Diamond Bar
Table 2-25
Poverty Status for Female-Headed Households –
Diamond Bar
5. Farm Workers
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 2-26).
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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 2-26
Employment in the Agricultural Industry –
Diamond Bar
6. 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 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.
F. 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 ten-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.
2 https://www.lahsa.org/data?id=42-2020-homeless-count-by-service-planning-area
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G. Future Growth Needs
1. 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 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.
2. 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 2-27.
Table 2-27
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
III - Resources and Opportunities.
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element 3 Resources and Opportunities
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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 administrative 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.
A. Land Resources
Section 65583(a)(3) of the Government Code requires Housing Elements to include an
“inventory of land suitable for residential development, 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 redevelopment 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 Section 4.B, Non-Governmental Constraints. 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 impr ovements prior
to or concurrent with development.
B. Financial and Administrative Resources
1. State and Federal Resources
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) - Federal funding for
housing programs is available through the Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment (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 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
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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 requirements that a certain percentage of units remain rent-
restricted, based upon median income, for a term of 15 years.
2. 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 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 Agreements (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 development of units
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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 homebuyers 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. 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.
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 supplements its own
efforts of producing affordable housing by entering into partnerships with private sector
and non-profit developers and housing development corporations.
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
5 https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/originating-underwriting/mortgage-products/shared-equity-
homebuyer-assistance-programs
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C. 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
rehabilitation 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 incorporation 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 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 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 improvements 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/Diamond-Bar-Connection---Monthly-Newslet,
which informs residents of energy conservation tips and cost saving programs through the
various utility providers.
6 California Energy Commission (https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-
energy-efficiency-standards )
7 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7071/Diamond-Bar-Climate-Action-Plan-
2040pdf?bidId=
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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.
A. 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.
1. 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 4-1.
8 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/961/General-Plan-2040
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Table 4-1
Land Use Categories –
Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan
Source: Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan, Table 2-2
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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.
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 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. 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 opportunities
for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. This location benefits from
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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 Development 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 4-
2. These development standards provide for a range of housing types and do not create
unreasonable constraints on the development of housing.
Table 4-2
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 4-3.
Table 4-3
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 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. The City is currently in the process of updating the Development Code to
9 Memo of June 20, 2012 from California Department of Housing and Community Development.
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establish regulations consistent with these new General Plan land use designations (see
Program H-8 in Section V).
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,
supervision, assistance, guidance, or training essential for daily living. The Development
Code explicitly references Residential Care Homes (Section 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 Sec. 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 accommodations 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
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Code. For 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 in order 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 2Housing 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 Sec. 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 two 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
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shelters located in the City. As noted in Section II, the most recent homeless survey reported
4 homeless persons living in Diamond Bar.
In order to reduce constraints to the establishment 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 accommodate 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 V 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 V 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
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Code. Development standards for these uses do not pose an unreasonable constraint to
SRO development.
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 4-4.
The required parking is not excessive and is not considered to be a constraint on the
production of affordable housing.
Table 4-4
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, care-givers and other low- and moderate-income segments of the
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population. In recent years, the State Legislature has adopted extensive changes to ADU
law in order 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 development standards. Program H-10 in Section V includes
a commitment to update the City’s ADU regulations in conformance with current State
law.
Density Bonus
Under Government Code Section 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 developments 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 V 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, manufactured 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.
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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, 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.
2. Development Processing Procedures
Residential Permit Processing
State Planning and Zoning Law provides permit processing requirements for residential
development. Within the framework of state requirements, the City has structured its
development review process in order 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 to 2 months to process. Tentative parcel maps and tentative tract maps
typically require 3 to 6 months to process. Projects reviewed by the City Counci l, such as
General Plan and Zoning Amendments, typically require between 3 to 6months to process.
Table 4-5 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.
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Table 4-5
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
Notes:
* 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.
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 4-5.
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Development Review. An application 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.
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 six 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
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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 Recommendations. 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.
• 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.
3. 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.
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Table 4-6
Planning and Development Fees
Fee Category Fee or Deposit Amounta
Planning and Application Fees
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 Actual cost
Environmental Mitigation Monitoring Program b
Engineering and Public Works
See Appendix D
Development Impact Fees SF MF
Drainage Facilities None
Traffic Facilities $900
Public Facilities None
Fire Facilities None
Park Facilities $2,175
Sewer Connection $2,410 $1,446
Total impact fees per unit $5,485 $4,521
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.
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 4-6 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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Improvement 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 4-7.
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 improve-
ments 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.
Table 4-7
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 requirements due to the limitations on property
taxes and other revenue sources needed to fund public services and improvements.
B. Non-Governmental Constraints
1. 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, there
still exist a number of potential landslide areas in the eastern portion of the City as well as
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within Tonner Canyon in the Sphere of Influence. Error! Reference source not found.
illustrates the significant areas with geological constraints.
Wildland fire hazards present another environmental constraint to housing development.
As seen in Figure 4-2, 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.
2. 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.
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3. 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 cons traint 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.
4. Construction Costs
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.
5. 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.
C. 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 V describes additional actions the City will take to
affirmatively further fair housing.
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Figure 4-1
Seismic Hazard Zones
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Figure 4-2
Fire Hazard Zones
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5. HOUSING ACTION PLAN
Sections II through IV of this Housing Element describe the housing needs, opportunities
and constraints in the City of Diamond Bar. This section presents the City's eight-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.
A. 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.
H-P-2.4 Facilitate the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as
a means to provide affordable housing opportunities in existing
neighborhoods.
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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.
B. 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:
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• 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
neighborhoods 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.
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 in order to correct
code violations. Provide focused code enforcement and rehabilitation assistance
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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 C alifornia 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.
Program H-5. Mobile Home 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.
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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 Assistance 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 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.
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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 III 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.
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 the Resources section of this Housing Element. 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 5-1.
Provide Adequate Sites to Accommodate the City’s Share of Regional Housing
Need
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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 III, 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 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
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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.
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.
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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 Sec. 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.
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
In order 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
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required for project review by identifying issues early in the process before extens ive
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.
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
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and employment offices. The City will continue to refer fair housing complaints to
the Housing Rights Center.
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 5-1
Quantified Objectives 2021-2029
City of 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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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix A – Evaluation of Prior Housing Element
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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
Ongoing In December 2019, the City adopted the
Comprehensive General Plan Update that
created community visions and blueprint for
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Housing Program Program Objectives Timeframe Implementation Status
of potential areas that may be appropriate for mixed-use development will
be initiated by 2015 as part of a comprehensive General Plan update.
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 Sections
65852.150-65852.2. Per AB 68 (Ting), AB 587
(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 V). 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
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.
7.2.a
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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 descr ibed
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
Acreage Constraints
Realistic
Density
Potential Units by Income
Category Total
Units General Plan Zoning VL/Low Mod Above
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
Acreage Constraints
Realistic
Density
Potential Units by Income
Category Total
Units General Plan Zoning VL/Low 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 IV – 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
Sec. 65583(c)(1)(A) (see Program H-8 in Section V). 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 Sec.
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
7.2.a
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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
7.2.a
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix B – Residential Land Inventory
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Address APN
Existing
Zoning Acres
Allowable
Density
Potential
Units
660 N DIAMOND BAR BLVD 188 8706002065 OP 1.4 30 43
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
7.2.a
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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
7.2.a
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Figure B-1
Sites Inventory Map
7.2.a
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Figure B-2a
Town Center Mixed Use Area Map
7.2.a
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Draft B-12 March 2021
Figure B-2b
Neighborhood Mixed Use Area Map
7.2.a
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Draft B-13 March 2021
Figure B-2c
Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Area Map
7.2.a
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix B – Residential Land Inventory
Draft B-14 March 2021
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)
7.2.a
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix C – Public Participation Summary
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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
Tracy Steinkruger
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 Branch
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 Division
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 Board
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 – Environmental Planning
100 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Robert C. Ferrante, Chief Engineer
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 District of So. CA
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 Southern 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
7.2.a
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Battalion Commander
Los Angeles County
Fire Station 120-Battalion Hdqrtrs.
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 Recreation
Alina Bokde, Deputy Director
1000 S. Fremont Avenue, 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 Coordinator
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 & Management
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, Executive Director
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
7.2.a
Packet Pg. 142
Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix C – Public Participation Summary
Draft C-5 March 2021
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 Resource 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
7.2.a
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Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix C – Public Participation Summary
Draft C-6 March 2021
Table C-2
Summary of Public Comments and Responses
7.2.a
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-1
INTRODUCTION 1.0
Diamond Bar is a scenic
community located 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.
INTRODUCTION 1.0
7.2.b
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1-2 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
1.1 SCOPE AND PURPOSE
PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN
State planning law requires that
each city and county adopt a
comprehensive, long-term general
plan for the physical development
of any lands in its jurisdiction, and
for any land outside its boundaries
which bears relation to its planning
(Government Code Section
65300). The Diamond Bar General
Plan establishes the community’s
long-term vision for development
and includes policies to carry
out that vision by directing future
growth in the city. Policies in the
Plan guide decision-making and
activity related to development,
such as land use, transportation,
conservation, environmental
quality, recreation, public services,
and safety. The General Plan has
been adopted by the City Council
and serves to:
• Establish a long-range vision
that reflects the goals and
desires of the Diamond Bar
community;
• Provide City departments, the
Planning Commission, and the
City Council with strategies
and implementing actions to
achieve the vision;
• Provide a basis for evaluating
whether individual
development proposals and
public projects are in harmony
with the General Plan vision
and policies;
Looking to the future, Diamond
Bar residents seek to maintain
what they love about the city,
including its open spaces, rural
character, and family-friendly
neighborhoods. Diamond Bar
residents also desire to create
new opportunities and places for
residents to gather, play, live, and
work. The city must also contend
with the pressures of regional
growth and its related impacts on
traffic, air quality, the demand
for housing and jobs, and the
loss of open spaces, as well as
the potential effects of climate
change and natural disasters.
Additionally, the continued
need to deliver high-quality
city programs and services will
be shaped by the community’s
changing demographics.
This General Plan is a dynamic
policy document intended to
guide the long-term development
of the City of Diamond Bar. The
Plan reflects the community’s
values and desires, as expressed
in a broad vision for the future,
and addresses important issues
such as land use and urban
design, economic development,
circulation, resource conservation,
public facilities and services,
safety, public health, and
sustainability.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-3
INTRODUCTION 1.0
GENERAL PLAN REQUIREMENTS
The State of California grants
local governments the authority
to control land use decisions
within their jurisdictions. Thus,
cities have considerable flexibility
in preparing their general plans
as long as they meet the basic
requirements of State planning
law. The California Government
Code establishes both the content
of general plans and rules for
their adoption and subsequent
amendment. Together, State law
and judicial decisions establish
three overall guidelines for
general plans, which should
be comprehensive, internally
consistent, and long-range.
• Provide standards and
guidance to allow City
departments, other public
agencies, and private
developers to design projects
that are consistent with the
General Plan vision and
policies;
• Provide the basis for
establishing other
implementing plans and
programs, such as the Zoning
Ordinance, subdivision
regulations, specific and
master plans, and the Capital
Improvement Program.
State law requires that a variety
of City actions be consistent
with the General Plan. Regular
ongoing use and review of the
General Plan is therefore essential.
Successful implementation of the
General Plan requires effective
communication among City staff,
the community, and City decision-
makers.
In 1989,
Diamond Bar
became the
86th city in
Los Angeles
County.
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1-4 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
State law requires all general
plans to include seven mandatory
elements: land use, circulation,
conservation, open space,
safety, noise, and housing. The
combination of two or more
mandated elements is permitted.
As housing elements are required
to be updated more frequently
on a State-mandated cycle, the
Diamond Bar Housing Element is
provided under separate cover.
Table 1-1 shows where required
elements can be found in the
Diamond Bar General Plan.
Government Code Section 65303
provides that a general plan may
include any other elements which,
in the judgment of the legislative
body, relate to the development
of the city. The City of Diamond
COMPREHENSIVE
The General Plan must be geographically comprehensive. That is, it
must apply throughout the entire incorporated area and other areas
that the City determines are relevant to its planning. The General
Plan must also address the full range of issues that affect the city’s
physical development.
INTERNALLY CONSISTENT
The General Plan must fully integrate its separate parts and relate
them to each other without conflict. All adopted portions of the
General Plan, whether required by State law or not, have equal legal
weight. None may supersede another, so the General Plan must
resolve conflicts among the provisions of each element. “Horizontal”
consistency applies as much to figures and diagrams as to the
General Plan text. It also applies to data and analysis as well as
policies.
LONG RANGE
The general plan must take a long-term perspective as anticipated
development will affect the city and the people who live or work
there for years to come.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-5
INTRODUCTION 1.0
Table 1-1: Relationship between General Plan Elements
and State Requirements
Required Element Location in General Plan
Land Use Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development
Circulation Chapter 4: Circulation
Conservation Chapter 5: Resource Conservation
Open Space Chapter 5: Resource Conservation
Safety Chapter 7: Public Safety
Noise Chapter 7: Public Safety
Housing Chapter 9: Provided under separate cover
Bar has determined that economic
development, community
character, public facilities and
services, and community health
and sustainability are critical
issues tied to future growth in the
community and has included these
additional elements in the chapters
of the General Plan.
HORIZON YEAR
Given the long-range requirement,
the Diamond Bar General Plan
establishes a horizon year of 2040,
representing a reasonable time
period in which to plan for the
city’s next major phase of growth,
change, and investment. The
horizon year is not an end point for
the Plan or its policies, but provides
a context for short-, medium-, and
long-term decision-making.
1.2 PLANNING CONTEXT
REGIONAL LOCATION
The City of Diamond Bar is
located on the eastern edge of
Los Angeles County in the San
Gabriel Valley. 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) one
and a half miles to the north and
SR-60 connecting to SR-71 roughly
two 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 1-1.
7.2.b
Packet Pg. 149
1-6 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
The SOI is defined as the ultimate physical boundary and service
area envisioned for the City, and encompasses both incorporated
and unincorporated territory. The Los Angeles County Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) reviews and approves
proposed boundary changes and annexations affecting the SOI.
The SOI boundary, which has remained relatively constant since
it was first approved in 1990, includes part of Tonner Canyon, an
undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches from SR-57 east to
the San Bernardino county line.
A ngeles National F o r est
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DiamondBar
a
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LOS ANGELES COUNTY
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SAN BERNADINO COUNTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
IrvineLake
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Los Angeles
Pasadena
Burbank
Inglewood
Torrance
Downey
Anaheim
Long
Beach
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Fullerton
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ly
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Santa
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Lake
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Laguna
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Laguna
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Oceanside
Lake
Elsinore
Dana
Point
RanchoPalos Verde
Monterey
Park
Alhambra Covina
Clairmont
Arcadia
BaldwinPark
Rancho
Cucamonga
YorbaLinda
Placentia
Carson
SouthGate
CulverCity
Whittier
Glendale
Norwalk
El Monte
Compton
Montebello
Rialto
Avalon
Westminster
Cypress
La Habra
Lakewood
s
Walnut
ORANGE COUNTYRIVERSIDE COUNTYSAN
D
I
E
G
O
COUNTY
RIVER
S
I
D
E
COUNTY
San Dimas
10
10
5
5
5
405
405
605
605
710
110
105
210
210
210
15
215
15
215
91
60
66
60
71
57
1
1
1
110
101
138
22
74
241
133
58
58 241
7
73
405
10
0402010
MILES
Figure 1-1: Regional Setting
City of Diamond Bar
Parks/Open Space
Freeways
Highways
Rail and Light Rail
PLANNING AREA
The Planning Area for the General
Plan, shown in Figure 1-2, is defined
as the land area addressed by the
General Plan’s policies and land
use designations. The Planning Area
encompasses 13,039 acres, of which
9,526 acres (73 percent) is in the
city limits and the remaining 3,513
acres (27 percent) is in the Sphere
of Influence (SOI). It is bounded by
the cities of Industry and Pomona to
the north, Pomona and Chino Hills
to the east, and Brea to the south,
and unincorporated Los Angeles
County to the west. While Diamond
Bar does not have jurisdiction
in areas outside of its city limits,
general plans commonly consider
land outside a city’s jurisdictional
boundaries that “bear relation to its
planning” (California Government
Code Section 65300). This typically
includes a city’s SOI and may also
include additional land.
CITY HISTORY
The area now known as the City of
Diamond Bar began as “Rancho
Los Nogales” (Ranch of the Walnut
Trees) after a Mexican land grant
in 1840. In 1918, after changes in
ownership and fragmentation,
portions of the original rancho
were reassembled as Diamond
Bar Ranch. The ranch continued
to be used mainly for agriculture
until 1956, when Christiana Oil
Corporation and the Capital
Oil Company (a subsidiary of
the Transamerica Corporation)
purchased the land and created a
comprehensive development plan,
making it one of the first master-
planned communities in Los Angeles
County. Suburbanization across
the region in the 1960s spurred
7.2.b
Packet Pg. 150
Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-7
A ngeles National F o r est
N
C lev elan d
Nation a l
F o r est
DiamondBar
a
na
d LOS ANGELES COUNTYSAN BERNADINO COUNTYRI
V
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I
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C
O
U
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T
Y
O
R
A
N
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E
C
O
U
N
T
Y
ORANGE COUNTY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
LakeElsinore
LakeMatthewsSantaAnaRiverChino Hills
State Park
Firestone ScoutReservation
PowderCanyon
ArroyoPescadero
G r it h
P ark
WhittierNarrows
Limestone
Ca nyon
Regional Park
Bommer
Canyo n
SAN BERNADINO COUNTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
IrvineLake
Fr ank G
Bonellli
Los Angeles
Pasadena
Burbank
Inglewood
Torrance
Downey
Anaheim
Long
Beach
Cerritos
Fullerton
WestCovina
Pomona Ontario
Chino
ly
Orange
Santa
Ana
Irvine
Newport
Beach
HuntingtonBeach
n
Hawthorne
Fontana
Be
Corona
Riverside
Jurupa
Valley
Lake
Forest
Laguna
Niguel
Laguna
Beach
SanClemente
Oceanside
Lake
Elsinore
Dana
Point
RanchoPalos Verde
Monterey
Park
Alhambra Covina
Clairmont
Arcadia
BaldwinPark
Rancho
Cucamonga
YorbaLinda
Placentia
Carson
SouthGate
CulverCity
Whittier
Glendale
Norwalk
El Monte
Compton
Montebello
Rialto
Avalon
Westminster
Cypress
La Habra
Lakewood
s
Walnut
ORANGE COUNTYRIVERSIDE COUNTYSAN
D
I
E
G
O
COUNTY
RIVER
S
I
D
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COUNTY
San Dimas
10
10
5
5
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405
405
605
605
710
110
105
210
210
210
15
215
15
215
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60
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110
101
138
22
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133
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58 241
7
73
405
10
0402010
MILES
Figure 1-1: Regional Setting
City of Diamond Bar
Parks/Open Space
Freeways
Highways
Rail and Light Rail
Figure 1-1: Regional Setting
7.2.b
Packet Pg. 151
1-8 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
!(T
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LOS ANGELES
COUNTY
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7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-9
INTRODUCTION 1.0
housing and population growth in
Diamond Bar, transforming it into
a primarily residential community.
In 1989, after two unsuccessful
attempts, residents voted to
incorporate and on April 18, 1989,
Diamond Bar became Los Angeles
County’s 86th city.
Today, Diamond Bar continues
to be a predominately
residential suburban community.
Development in the city has
tended towards distinct, insulated
neighborhoods with minimal
connections to one another
or to the city’s pockets of
commercial activity. Diamond
Bar has also come to be known
for its destination corporate
and government center at
the confluence of SR-57 and
SR-60, which provides a high
concentration of jobs. As with
other bedroom communities,
Diamond Bar is largely car-
oriented, with residents relying
on cars to access parks, schools,
services, and jobs, in many
cases traveling outside of the
city for entertainment and
work. Community identity in
the city draws heavily from the
cohesiveness of its individual
neighborhoods and its natural
features. Residents take pride in
their hillsides, trees, and open
spaces, which are highlighted in
the city’s public parks and trails.
As the city continues to develop, it
faces many of the same pressures
affecting the region and state,
including worsening traffic,
reduced housing affordability,
and loss of open spaces. Looking
ahead, the community is seeking
ways to stay connected to its rural
beginnings, nurture the physical
and interpersonal connections
that tie the city together, and
foster a sustainable future for
generations to come.
The City of
Diamond
Bar began
as “Rancho
Los Nogales”
(Ranch of the
Walnut Trees)
7.2.b
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1-10 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
1.3 PLANNING PROCESS
The Diamond Bar General Plan was
first adopted in 1995. Since then,
substantial changes to the planning
context of the city have occurred,
including accelerated growth in the
region and shifts in the community’s
demographics, as well as new ways
of thinking about sustainability,
public health, and placemaking.
In light of these changes, the
city undertook a comprehensive
update of the General Plan as an
opportunity to reassess and refine
its long-term vision and identify
the new challenges it will face,
opportunities it will follow, and
approaches it will use to make that
vision a reality. The update process
began in the summer of 2016 and
included the following steps.
PLAN
Fall 2016
Stakeholder
Interviews
Community
Workshop #1
Project Initiation &
Issue Identification
Fall/Winter
Exploring
Alternatives
Alternatives
Evaluation
Community
Workshop #2
Spring 2018
Preferred Plan
& Key Goals
Preliminary
Preferred Plan
Summer/Fall 2019
Draft EIR
Final EIR
Environmental
Impact Report
2016 2017 2018 2019
Existing Conditions,
Trends, & Opportunities
Assessment
Draft Existing
Conditions Report
Final Existing
Conditions Report
Winter 2016 Winter 2018
Draft
Preferred Plan
Final
Preferred Plan
Winter 2019
Public
Review Draft
Public Review
Draft Climate
Action Plan
Hearings
Adopted General
Plan and Climate
Action Plan
Adoption
PROJECT TIMELINE
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-11
INTRODUCTION 1.0
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
The planning team conducted a series of interviews with stakeholders representing a
range of local and regional interests. A total of 23 stakeholders participated, including
real estate professionals, local developers, commercial property owners, service
organization representatives, major employers, active community members, former
City Council members, school district administrators, small business owners, and youth
organizations. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide their viewpoints on
issues of significance, Diamond Bar’s future, general planning concerns, and other topics
of specific interest. The interviews provided the planning team with insight into issues of
significance for each of the stakeholder groups.
SURVEYS
Two online surveys were conducted over the course of
the planning process. The first survey occurred during the
visioning phase of the project and was intended to explore
community members’ vision for the future of the city as well
as uncover any important issues related to various aspects
of life in Diamond Bar. The survey was available online in
October 2016 in English, Korean, and Chinese, and was also
administered in person at pop-up booths at four different
community events (Barktober Fest, Quail Summit Elementary
School Carnival, Eco Expo, and Diamond Bar High School
Food Festival). The survey received a total of 501 responses.
The second survey took place between October 12
and November 12, 2017 and was focused on gathering
community reactions to the three land use alternatives. The
survey was available online in English, Chinese, and Korean,
and printed versions were also provided at the Whispering
Fountains of Diamond Bar senior housing complex, the
Diamond Bar Center, the public library, and City Hall.
Respondents also had the option of printing out the survey
from the project website to complete by hand and return to
City Hall. A total of 638 people responded to the survey.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Public participation was an essential
part of the General Plan update process.
A variety of outreach activities took
place throughout the planning process
to provide a forum to discuss priorities
and values, allow for the evaluation
of different policy options, and bring
a wide range of community members
and perspectives into the conversation.
Summaries of each activity were made
available to members of the public and
decision-makers and are part of the
public record.
7.2.b
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1-12 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
POP UPS
Over the course of the project, the
City held a number of pop-up events
to raise awareness about the planning
process and gather comments from
a large cross-section of Diamond Bar
residents. During the visioning phase of
the project, the City set up booths at
four community events to promote the
first public workshop and administer
the first survey. During the alternatives
phase, the City focused on popular
destinations such as the high schools
and local markets to promote the
alternatives workshop and survey and
receive feedback.
WORKSHOPS
The first community workshop was held
on November 9, 2016 and used activities
and discussion to collect information
from community members regarding
their visions for the future and their
perspectives on major planning issues
to be addressed during the update.
Around 80 community members
participated in the workshop, while a
number of Planning Commissioners, City
Council members, and General Plan
Advisory Committee members observed
the event. Translation services were
provided for Mandarin, Korean, and
American Sign Language.
The second community workshop took
place on October 19, 2017 and focused
on the three land use alternatives.
Participants received a presentation
on the alternatives and their potential
impacts and took part in discussions
about their preferences and concerns
for each alternative. Approximately
130 community members attended the
workshop, along with members of the
Planning Commission, City Council,
and GPAC who observed. Mandarin
and Korean translation services were
provided.
Diamond Bar community members actively
participated in two community workshops and
discussed their ideas and recommendations for the
2040 General Plan.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-13
INTRODUCTION 1.0
NEWSLETTERS
The City used direct mailings to update
community members on progress,
announce upcoming workshops and
surveys, and provide background
information on the process. Two
newsletters were mailed to all Diamond
Bar addresses to announce the start of
the project and introduce the alternatives.
The newsletters were also available online
through the project website. The City also
made announcements through its monthly
newsletter, DBConnection, and news
releases through local outlets and the
City’s website.
WEBSITE
A project website was created to
provide updates on the planning
process, meeting materials and
minutes, documents for public
review, and additional background
information on Diamond Bar and the
General Plan update.The project website provided updates on the planning
process as well as additional resources and background
information on Diamond Bar.
Two newsletters were mailed out to update community
members on the progress of the General Plan.SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT
A social media tool kit was developed
to provide key stakeholders with
copy-ready text for incorporation into
social media sites. The kit included
graphics and content to easily
convey project information. Key
stakeholders were asked to choose
the content that best resonated with
their constituents and contacts list
and copy and paste it to their social
media platforms. The social media
tool kit consisted of post for social
media venues, a brief article, and a
widget that could easily be pinned to
websites and social media platforms.
Stakeholders invited to participate
included educational institutions/
principals, homeowner associations,
and civic and professional groups.
PARTICIPATE!
General Plan Update
Community Workshop
Wednesday, November 9
6:30-8:30 PM | Grand View Ballroom
Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue
Come to the first community workshop to share your vision for the future
of Diamond Bar and give input on major planning issues to be addressed
during the General Plan Update.
The community workshop is just the start—we welcome your participation
in all phases of the General Plan Update. Look for information about the
General Plan at various community events.
Working together, we will create a long-term vision for
Diamond Bar and a roadmap to get there.
Visit www.DiamondBarGP.com for up-to-date news, to join
the email list, complete a short survey, and submit comments.
7.2.b
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1-14 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
General
Planning
Advisory
Committee
(GPAC)
members.
GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A General Plan Advisory Committee
(GPAC) was established by the City
Council to serve in an advisory role
to the Planning Commission and
City Council on matters related to
the General Plan update. The GPAC
was convened to provide input on
the project, reviewing work products
and draft policies, receiving and
considering public comments, and
sharing perspectives based on their
experiences and conversations with
community members before making
recommendations to the Planning
Commission and City Council. The
GPAC was made up of 15 volunteers
from the community who met a total
of 10 times over the course of the
project. All GPAC meetings were
open to the public and allowed for
public comment, and were subject
to the Brown Act.
PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL
The Planning Commission and City
Council held three public joint study
sessions to provide direction on
the General Plan update. The first,
held on August 10, 2016, covered
the responsibilities of the GPAC and
the identification of issues that the
project should address. The second
meeting, held on March 29, 2017,
covered findings from community
outreach and the existing
conditions research. The third
meeting, held on January 30, 2018,
covered the land use alternatives
and resulted in the selection of the
Preferred Plan.
Upon completion of the Public
Review Draft General Plan and
Environmental Impact Report,
the Planning Commission and
City Council held two joint study
sessions. The Planning Commission
held one public hearing prior to
recommending the Plan to the City
Council. The City Council held one
public hearing and adopted the
General Plan.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-15
INTRODUCTION 1.0
1.4 VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
COMMUNITY VISION
The community vision forms the
basis for the General Plan’s goals
and policies. The vision is an
expression of the collective hopes
and aspirations that members of the
Diamond Bar community have for
the City’s future, and was formed
from all of the input shared by
community members throughout
the planning process.
The
community
vision and
guiding
principles
were formed
by the
community
throughout
the planning
process.
VISION 2040
In 2040 Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail
choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an
abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively
Town Center provides community members with access to
local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an
attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to
welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a
safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents
of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live
sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration,
and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs
of current and future generations, both growing as a city
and preserving the strong connections and environmental
resources that define its “country living” identity.
7.2.b
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1-16 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The following Guiding Principles
expand upon the community
vision, establishing detailed,
actionable objectives that
support the vision and provide
a foundation for the goals
and policies in the General
Plan. The Guiding Principles
emerged from the various
comments and community
discussions that took place as
part of the planning process.
All of the General Plan’s goals
and policies advance one or
more of the Guiding Principles
in order to achieve the
community vision.
1. Maintain a welcoming, safe
small-town feel. Continue to
cultivate a welcoming, safe
small-town feel that is inclusive
of Diamond Bar’s diverse
and changing population
while preserving existing
neighborhoods.
2. Promote a family-friendly
community. Promote Diamond
Bar’s strong and high performing
school system, support the City’s
youth activities and provide
housing choices for families to
continue to make Diamond Bar
a desirable place for families.
3. Create an inviting Town Center.
Foster the development of a
vibrant, pedestrian-oriented
Town Center in Diamond Bar that
serves as a place for Diamond
Bar’s residents to shop, dine, and
gather.
4. Develop attractive commercial
centers and thriving businesses.
Help Diamond Bar’s existing
commercial centers and
businesses thrive, and attract
new businesses to centrally
located focus areas to serve the
daily needs of residents.
5. Establish a balanced circulation
network. Improve mobility for all
residents, visitors, and workers
by providing a diversity of safe
and convenient transportation
options in a cohesive network,
including active transportation,
transit, and automobile facilities.
6. Support Healthy and Sustainable
Lifestyles. Promote human
and community health and
environmental quality through
the provision of parks and open
spaces, community programs
and services, the preservation of
local and regional environmental
resources, and the reduction of
the greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Foster a strong, collaborative
community. Provide
opportunities for gatherings
among friends, families, and
the community at large and
encourage all members of the
community to participate in
planning and decision-making
for the future.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-17
INTRODUCTION 1.0
1.5 PLAN ORGANIZATION
The General Plan is organized by
topic in nine chapters, as follows.
Chapters 2 through 9 constitute
the seven required elements of a
General Plan, as well as optional
elements covering the topics
found to be important to the
community.
• Chapter 1: Introduction. This
chapter outlines the vision
for Diamond Bar’s future and
guiding principles for its growth
and development, provides a
basic context for the General
Plan Planning Area, and covers
the General Plan’s purpose,
relationships to other plans,
organization, and requirements
for administration.
• Chapter 2: Land Use and
Economic Development. This
chapter describes the existing
land use pattern and provides
an explanation of the General
Plan’s approach to citywide
growth. The goals and policies
in this chapter provide the
physical framework for land use
and development in the city. In
addition, this chapter provides
an overview of the population
and employment context in
Diamond Bar, and outlines
goals and policies to support
economic development. The
land use portion of this chapter
is required by State law, while
the economic development
portion is an optional topic.
• Chapter 3: Community
Character and Placemaking.
This chapter provides policy
direction on the desired
character of Diamond Bar at a
citywide scale. It also includes
an urban design framework for
development occurring in the
Town Center, Neighborhood
Mixed Use, Transit-Oriented
Mixed Use, and Community
Core focus areas. This chapter
is an optional General Plan
element.
• Chapter 4: Circulation. This
chapter includes policies and
standards that seek to maintain
safe and efficient circulation
for all modes of travel. It
identifies street improvements,
and addresses walking, biking,
transit, and parking to support
a multi-modal circulation
system. The Circulation Element
is required by State law.
• Chapter 5: Resource
Conservation. This chapter
includes background
information and policies
relating to the conservation
and preservation of open
space resources, biological
resources, water resources,
air quality, and cultural
resources. This chapter satisfies
the requirements for both an
Open Space Element and a
Conservation Element, which
are required by State law.
7.2.b
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1-18 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
• Chapter 6: Public Facilities and
Services. This chapter contains
background information, goals,
and policies related to schools,
community facilities and
libraries, parks and recreation,
water supply and demand,
and public utilities. This chapter
is an optional General Plan
element.
• Chapter 7: Public Safety. This
chapter provides an overview
of the public safety risks in
Diamond Bar related to seismic
and geologic hazards, flood
hazards, hazardous materials
and operations, airport
hazards, fire hazards, and
noise. This chapter satisfies the
requirements for both a Safety
Element and a Noise Element,
which are required by State
law.
• Chapter 8: Community Health
and Sustainability. This chapter
outlines public health concerns
related to the General Plan,
and includes goals and
policies to improve public
health through environmental
justice, active living, healthy
food, social connections, and
sustainable living. This chapter
is an optional General Plan
element.
• Chapter 9: Housing. This
Chapter contains the
policies and programs to
conserve and improve
existing affordable housing,
provide adequate housing
sites, assist in development of
affordable housing, removing
governmental constraints
and promote equal housing
opportunities. As the Housing
Element is required to be
updated on a state-mandated
cycle, the most recently
adopted Housing Element is
incorporated into this Chapter.
The Housing Element is required
by State law.
The Plan should
be reviewed
and revised as
new information
and community
priorities evolve
over time.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-19
INTRODUCTION 1.0
Each General Plan element contains the parts
described below.
How land is used underpins the
experience of living, working,
or visiting a place, making
land use a pivotal element of
a General Plan. The Land Use
and Economic Development
Chapter directs the location,
form, and character of future
physical development and
economic growth, shaping
where people will live, work,
and play in Diamond Bar.
LAND USE &
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT 2.0
Goals and Policies: Goals and policies are the core
of the General Plan.
– Goals are statements of broad direction,
philosophy, or standards to be achieved.
– Policies are statements that support the
implementation of the Goals.
– Clarifying Text: Italicized text included with
a policy provides additional information or
examples to clarify the intent or application of
the policy.
Chapters: Each of the General Plan chapters
gathers a number of related topics under
one big-picture umbrella. Several of the
chapters are based on State general plan
requirements, while others are based on
themes derived from the community’s values.
Figures, tables, charts, and
images: The General Plan is
illustrated with figures, tables,
charts, and images to provide
clarifying detail for the topics
covered. In some cases, figures
or tables may establish standards
or policies (such as the Land Use
Diagram or Noise Standards). In
such cases, this is clearly stated or
referenced in a policy.
Topics: Each chapter is divided
into topics that help to organize
background information
and provide context for the
accompanying policies.
7.2.b
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1-20 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
The Plan should
be reviewed
and revised as
new information
and community
priorities evolve
over time.
1.6 RELATED DOCUMENTS
GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
As part of the planning process,
the City of Diamond Bar developed
a series of documents to inform
decision-makers and members
of the public about the results of
research and analyses related to
the General Plan. These include the
three-volume Existing Conditions
Report, summaries of outreach
activities and findings, the
Alternatives Evaluation, meeting
notes, and others, and can be
referenced on the City of Diamond
Bar’s website.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
This General Plan is accompanied
by an Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) prepared according to the
California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). The EIR is a program-
level analysis of the potential
environmental effects of the
General Plan and Climate Action
Plan, evaluates alternatives to the
proposed project, and presents
ways to reduce or avoid detrimental
environmental impacts. The EIR
process ensures that environmental
concerns are identified and informs
General Plan policies that can
help to reduce potential adverse
environmental effects of future
development. CEQA requires that
the City Council certify the EIR prior
to adoption of the General Plan.
Future development consistent with
the General Plan will be able to
“tier” its environmental analysis from
the certified EIR, allowing for a more
streamlined development process.
7.2.b
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Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-21
INTRODUCTION 1.0
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
This General Plan is accompanied
by a Climate Action Plan (CAP)
prepared in accordance with the
California Air Resources Board
2017 Climate Change Scoping
Plan and Statewide targets for
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
reduction. The CAP is a detailed
analysis of the General Plan’s
contribution to climate change
and associated environmental
and socioeconomic effects. The
CAP provides GHG reduction
targets based on Statewide
thresholds established in AB 32,
SB 32, and the 2017 Scoping Plan.
To establish compliance with
these targets, the CAP includes
an inventory of existing GHG
emissions and a projection of
emissions under the General Plan
in the SB 32 target year 2030 and
General Plan buildout year 2040.
The CAP provides a framework for
the City of Diamond Bar to monitor
progress toward GHG emissions
reduction and meet emissions
targets and recommends optional
strategies for further emissions
reduction. The EIR analyzes
potential environmental effects of
the Climate Action Plan, which will
be adopted with the General Plan.
Therefore, future development
consistent with the General Plan
and Climate Action Plan will be
able to “tier” its environmental
analysis from the certified EIR and
ensure compliance with Statewide
emissions reduction goals.
OTHER PLANS AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
The City maintains several
specific, area, and master plans
that cover specific geographic
areas or facilities, such as parks
and trails. Consistent with State
law, these documents, as well as
any implementing programs, are
required to be consistent with the
General Plan. These plans and
programs will be used to provide
further specificity on General
Plan policy and provide more
detailed direction and strategies
for implementation.
7.2.b
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1-22 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040
1.7 ADMINISTRATION
IMPLEMENTATION
The General Plan is intended to be
a dynamic document. As part of
implementation, the Plan should
be reviewed regularly regardless
of the horizon year and revised as
new information becomes available
and the community’s priorities
evolve. The Plan should be updated
periodically as site-specific
circumstances change from the
time of writing, to respond to new
State or federal law, or to modify
policies that may become obsolete
or unrealistic over time.
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN
Changes in policy as well as
the development of unforeseen
opportunities or needs will require
amendment of the General Plan.
California Government Code
Section 65358 provides that no
mandatory element of this General
Plan may be amended more
frequently than four times during
any calendar year. However,
this restriction does not apply to
optional elements, to amendments
needed to comply with a court
decision, or to allow for the
development of affordable housing.
Within this limitation, amendments
may be made at any time as
determined by the Diamond Bar
City Council, and each amendment
may include more than one change
to the Plan.
ANNUAL REPORT
The California Government Code
requires that City staff submit an
annual report to the City Council on
the status of the General Plan and
progress in its implementation. This
report is submitted to the Governor’s
Office on Planning and Research
and the Department of Housing
and Community Development. The
report must include an analysis of
the progress made in meeting the
City’s share of regional housing
needs (identified in the Housing
Element) and local efforts to
remove governmental constraints
to the maintenance, improvement,
and development of affordable
housing. Finally, the report should
also include a summary of all
General Plan amendments adopted
during the preceding year, a
description of upcoming projects or
General Plan issues to be addressed
in the coming year, and a work
program.
7.2.b
Packet Pg. 166
Project Status Report CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
March 23, 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
LEGEND PH = PUBLIC HEARING
X = NON PUBLIC HEARING
AP = ASSIGNED PLANNER
PC = PLANNING COMMISSION
AR = ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
CC = CITY COUNCIL
PROPERTY LOCATION
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW File # AP Applicant PC
3/23/21
CC
4/6/21
PC
4/13/21
CC
4/20/21
PC
4/27/21
CC
5/4/21
General Plan Status Report 2020 GL Citywide X X
2021-2029 Housing Element Update GL Citywide X
24206 Gingerwood Place
(Addition to single family residence)
DR PL2020-115 MN Angelo Reginaldo PH
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
Property Location AP Applicant
None
PENDING ITEMS
Property Location File # AP Applicant Status
1625 Bears Den
(Addition to single family residence)
DR PL2021-01 MN/
JT
Pete Volbeda First Incomplete letter sent 2/5/21 - waiting for additional information
2523 Blaze Trail
(New single family residence)
DR PL2020-49 MN Pete Volbeda Third Incomplete letter sent 10/16/20 - waiting for additional information
Crooked Creek
(7-unit subdivision)
TTM, DR, CUP, TP
PL2017-203
MN New Bridge Homes Under Review
1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.
(Veterinarian office)
CUP PL2020-120 MN Dr. Ratul Kumar Under Review
2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.
(2-lot subdivision)
TPM PL20201-15 JT Samir Khoury Under Review
3333 Diamond Canyon Rd.
(CUP for medical lab)
CUP PL2021-18 MN Jordan Wang Under Review
24011 Falcons View Dr.
(Addition and remodel to single family
residence)
DR PL2020-25 MN William Edwards Third Incomplete letter sent 1/29/21 - waiting for additional information
20657 Golden Springs
(Sign program amendment)
CUP PL2019-172 MN Sign Express Incomplete letter sent 10/10/19 – waiting for additional information
10.1
Packet Pg. 167
Project Status Report CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Page 2
March 23, 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PENDING ITEMS (continued)
Property Location File # AP Applicant Status
20657 Golden Springs #111A
(Fitness Studio)
CUP PL2021-19 JT Steve Lee Under Review
2234 Indian Creek
(New single family residence)
DR PL2020-159 MN/
JT
Jeffrey Sun Incomplete letter sent 1/12/21 – waiting for additional information
2360 Indian Creek
(Addition and remodel to single family
residence)
DR PL2019-185 MN Pete Volbeda Second incomplete letter sent 2/26/20 – waiting for additional information
22909 Lazy Trail
(Addition and remodel to single family
residence)
DR PL2021-5 JT Walt Petroske Incomplete letter sent 03/09/2021 – waiting for additional infomation
22938 ½ Ridge Line Rd.
(Wireless facility)
CUP PL2020-42 NTE/
GL
Jill Cleveland Incomplete letter sent 04/01/2020 – waiting for additional information
23121 Ridge Line Rd.
(New single family residence)
DR PL2020-31 NTE/
MN
Pete Volbeda Second incomplete letter sent 12/15/20 – waiting for additional information
23135 Ridge Line Rd.
(New single family residence)
DR PL2018-233 MN Faiz Ennabe Second incomplete letter sent 2/6/20 – waiting for additional information
10.1
Packet Pg. 168
Prepared for: Diamond Bar Planning Commission
Prepared by: Responsible Land Use, a non-profit, public benefit group
Date: March 23, 2021
RESPONSIT31-E LAND USE
Diamond Bar Housing Element Update:
Transit Oriented Development Planning Area
March 23, 2021
To: Grace Lee, Senior Planner
Greg Gubman, Community Director
Diamond Bar Planning Commission
Re: Housing Element Update
When the city was creating policies for the General Plan, Responsible Land Use submitted a report to
the city about the character and constraints of the TOD area. In the final General Plan, most of our
concerns were addressed by improved policies for supporting the co -existence of area businesses with
future housing.
We respect that mixed -use infill developments, in which viable businesses compliment affordable
housing, are an important piece for meeting the city's housing needs. That said, the proposed 795
potential units for the TOD area will have significant impacts that the city will need to address to be
consistent with the General Plan. Through our comments, we hope to clearly define those impacts and
encourage solutions aligned with the General Plan.
Traffic and Safety Hazard: Given the fact that few essential services are within walking distance in the
TOD area, adding high density housing there will create even more car -centric households. The
proposed 795 additional housing units, could easily generate 7950 additional vehicle trips/day, further
aggravating the severe traffic congestion and evacuation safety hazards of this area. 1
Despite the proximity to the train station, most who use the Metrolink station drive to it, and park their
cars in the usually full parking lot and parking structure. The existing residents in the area rarely use the
train (with its limited schedule and destination) or bus to access basic services.
Brea Canyon Rd./Golden Springs Rd. are at a very poor LOS .94/E. There are traffic
bottlenecks that block Washington St. and Lycoming St. especially after the Metrolink
has arrived. Golden Springs is congested all the way to Grand Ave. The congestion has
pushed residents in this area to use services in Walnut rather than Diamond Bar.
■ The Brea Canyon Business Park project which includes a Hampton Inn Hotel and 2 multi-
level office buildings will compound the traffic on Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming
Street.
■ With Brea Canyon Road as the only point of exit, the increased traffic will create even
more of a safety hazard if an evacuation were required in an emergency?
Parking Shortage: The Brea Canyon Business Park project was approved with parking capacity below its
expected occupancy. Moreover, the planners proposed to take away street parking on Lycoming St. to
accommodate a double left -turn lane for southbound traffic going into Lycoming St. This will exacerbate
the current neighborhood parking shortage especially when parents drop-off or pick-up their children
from Walnut Elementary. If vehicles for the car -centric, high -density housing units in the TOD area were
1 Based on 10 car trips/household/day and the Federal Highway Administration Study (2010) estimate of an
average of 3.3 car trips/person with an average of 3 drivers/household.
added to neighborhood streets, the results would be catastrophic. In this context, it is imperative that
the additional 795 housing units provide for on -site parking.
To reduce car trips and make new affordable housing development of the area viable, the city should
first promote the pedestrian -friendly and vibrant community defined in the General Plan goals and
policies listed below.
• CC-G-151ncorporate into site design spaces for recreation, community gathering, amenities, and
services to fulfill the needs of nearby current and future residents.
• CC-P-53 Create a node of commercial activity at the northwest corner of Brea Canyon Road and
Washington Street, with development oriented to the street.
• CC-P-54 Encourage all new development within a quarter -mile radius of the transit facilities to
focus building design, massing, and landscaping toward the pedestrian experience through:
a. Limiting block lengths between streets generally to a maximum of 400 feet, and encouraging
four-way intersections;
b. Providing space for enhanced pedestrian connections such as internal semi-public
pathways;
c. Building design that focuses on street orientation;
d. Extensive landscaping and street trees;
e. Pedestrian furniture and site elements (for example, benches and trash receptacles);
f. Street lighting; and
g. Wayfinding signage.
• CC-P-55 Promote internal connectivity where street connections are limited by incorporating
multi -use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development.
Ensure that pathways are continuous, bikeable, and visible from the roadway and transit
facilities.
• CC-P-56 Promote pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station, making use of
existing infrastructure that connects South Brea Canyon Road to the station.
• CC-P-571mprove the pedestrian comfort and safety of crosswalks along South Brea Canyon Road
and South Lemon Avenue.
• CC-P-58 Enhance the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit -
Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as
street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian scaled lighting, where feasible.
• CC-P-59 Consolidate parking underground or in shared structures away from the street edge
where possible. Above -grade parking structures should be wrapped with residential uses where
they front onto active streets.
We know from experience that improvements to the area's infrastructure and services would not
necessarily follow housing development. As such, we emphasize that for the Transit Oriented
Neighborhood Mixed -Use to evolve successfully, the city needs to first improve pedestrian connectivity
and encourage the development of services within walking distance of the proposed units (such as
dining, healthy food, after -school programs, health-care, fitness centers and parks). Doing so would go a
long way to diminish the transportation challenges and also help to meet the economic, environmental
and health goals defined in the General Plan. It would improve the quality of life for present and future
residents of the TOD area.
Overview of the Proposed TOD Area - the Plan
Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Elemen
ix B - Residential Land Inven
Figure B-2c
Transit -Oriented Mixed Use Area Map
A fine-grained block pattern within a
Lt-.
gh-density housing clustered Retail clustered at a commercial1/4-mile radius of the Metrolink
On -site public parkland required stof Lemon Ave and adjacent node along Brea Canyon Rd Station and surrounding high -density
on all sites over 4 acres the Metrolink Station uses promotes connectivity
I
Connect roadways
where possible
A—
•! l
Building frontages and streetscape Safe, convenient and comfortable connec- Consolidation of small
designed to define the public tions between the TOD-MU focus area and parking lots and district -wide
realm and encourage pedestrian surrounding neighborhoods parking management
activity and comfort
TOD-MU area ® Parking area
0 1/4 1/2 O
Public parkland Pedestrian connection
LE
40area
an c
Notice that the m1purfided in red are hemmed in on three sides b railroad tracks, the freeway
Y
and City of Industry. There is only one way in or out for folks who live there, and that is on Brea Canyon Road.
Notice also that the orange area is slated to be a hotel, whose only entrance and exit will be on Brea Canyon also. Both
Lemon Ave and Brea Canyon Rd are heavily truck -traveled arterials.
Add 795 housing units in the TOD area (in lavender) and one can safely state that mitigating the additional traffic
created by those units will be a challenge. Sadly, Industry Station Metrolink Trains will not help much in this regard.
Industry Metrolink Train Station Issues
Only 5 daily trains run each way from the Industry Metrolink Station. As one will see below, increasing the number
of daily trains from the Industry Station is currently unfeasible.
Most Metrolink lines have two sets of tracks. One for inbound trains, the other for outbound trains. Here we see the two tracks
at the Industry Metrolink station.
Notice, however, that only one of the Industry Station tracks has a platform for the loading and unloading of passengers.
Fullerton Metrolink station, shown at left, has a safe
idestrian track crossing which allows both incoming and
oing tracks to load or unload passengers.
Wcause the Fullerton station can load and unload passengers
on both its tracks, that line can much more easily increase its
Mvice frequency.
is because trains traveling in one direction do not
fere with trains traveling in the other.
>ecause the Industry station only has one track with a
°nger platform, trains in both directions cannot run
y, as the track next to the platform must allow trains to
i uu in both directions.
'the net result of this is that attempting to increase the tre t
of service for that line ends up being a logistical nightmare.
The only way to increase the Metrolink frequency on the Indum
Station's line would be to either significantly curtail the number of
freight trains per day, or add another track.
But, there is currently no room for another track. And, the
amount of freight transported on that route is projected to
increase over time, not decrease.
Which means that, for Diamond Bar's General Planning purposes,
it would be an unfounded assumption to anticipate an increase in
. G
Is
future Metrolink service at the h
station.
The high cost of developing high
housing in our TOD area will pL
price of any units added above v
who rely on public transportatio
afford.
This, combined with the fact tha
are currently few essential servic
within walking distance, means 1
any additional housing units adc
this area will be car centric hous
Which will add even more traffic
area.
Our surveys show that very fe
Rd can be seen in the upper r.
ishington Ave, at the far right
corner of the intersection. One can see its
W only way for a pedestrian to get from the intersection above to the train station is to walk on this sidewalk, on
right, from Washington Ave along Brea Canyon Rd, under the overpass.
••';I•��'�`r-T-` , "''"ail ,:fit � ��•
rl
I
And then hike up the wheel chair
ramp at left to the station platform.
The distance is a quarter of a mile
between the driveway of 680 Brea
Canyon Rd to the station platform.
0,the route described above can
be reached by foot. But, with all
the noise and traffic, doing so is not
pleasant or inviting.
Which means that most local
residents who do use the train to
mute drive to the station.
40, 41- Every morning, but especially
40-' in the evening, Brea Canyon Rd
becomes essentially impassable.
deft and below one can see a
view looking south on Brea
Canyon Rd toward Lycoming
during evening rush hour. That
6 of cars often stretches nearly
he way from behind this
overpass to Golden Springs.
Lookinpr forqolutions-ivi
chall
Industry Metrolink Station Challenges and Ideas
Given the limited train service, and challenges facing pedestrian access to the Industry Metrolink
Station, it must be recognized that this proposed development area is a Transit Oriented
Development in name only.
Industry Metrolink Station does not improve Diamond Bar's traffic congestion as one might think a
train station would do. Industry Metrolink Station exacerbates it. Indeed, the Industry Metrolink
Station is the major contributor to Diamond Bar's afternoon commuter congestion on Brea Canyon
Road. The long line of traffic shown in the images above is mostly commuters driving home
immediately after getting off the train. The afternoon trains come close enough together that
southbound congestion on Brea Canyon Road does not have time to clear between them.
We appreciate the value of keeping Industry's Metrolink Station's up to 1400 cars off the area
freeways during rush hour. But that freeway savings comes at a serious safety and community
lifestyle cost to Diamond Bar. We therefore believe the afternoon congestion on Brea Canyon Road is
a regional traffic issue, as our observations suggest that a goodly share of the Metrolink riders do not
live in Diamond Bar.
It is the extreme congestion on Brea Canyon Road created by the Industry Metrolink Station which
limits area residents' access to Diamond Bar in the evening, forcing them to use Walnut for their
evening shopping and dining. It also creates an evacuation safety hazard.
In addition, SCAG, as a regional governmental organization, has designated the Industry Metrolink
Station area in Diamond Bar as a potential Transit Oriented Development. (Reference supplied upon
request.) Based upon the SCAG designation, Diamond Bar was well within its authority to place
some of its 2021 RHNA housing unit requirements at this location. The net result is that Diamond
Bar has ended up being overly burdened for regional traffic congestion reduction.
It is clearly imperative that the city consider every possible way of reducing traffic on Brea Canyon
Rd when planning for the proposed TOD housing units. We therefore believe it is not unreasonable
to call upon SCAG, CalTrans, and also City of Industry to assist in Brea Canyon Rd's traffic mitigation.
We see this not only for high density housing units coming in the TOD, but also to address the
historical congestion caused in Diamond Bar by Industry's Metrolink Station.
-
aaff
One idea, for example, would be to place left turn restrictions on Brea Canyon Rd from the train
station after, say 4pm on weekdays. The point being to force afternoon train traffic off of Brea
Canyon Rd onto Lemon and Grand Avenue. Possible alternative routes from Industry Metrolink
Station, circled in red, are shown above on existing Industry streets. It is not unreasonable,
however, to seek regional cooperation in creating shorter routes through Industry. Doing this would
take a great deal of pressure off of southbound Brea Canyon Rd in the evening, reducing the safety
hazard, and allowing Diamond Bar to safely fulfill its RHNA imposed Housing Element requirements
in the TOD. The goal, after what will undoubtedly be much study and careful consideration, would
be to create a better balance between the three north/south arterials.
Parking Issues Now and in the Future
Diamond Bar will also be required to add additional RHNA imposed housing units during the next
twenty years that Diamond Bar's newly updated general plan will be in force. Those additional
housing units will, of necessity, be located in infill areas as well. Many of which also have few
essential services within walking distance, and also face similar traffic congestion challenges.
It will therefore serve the city look at this specific TOD area as a test bed for the future infill, mixed
use projects which we know are coming.
Given the fact that few essential services are within walking distance in this TOD area, and other
future mixed -use areas, the reality is that, like it or not, owners of any new housing units created in
these types of developments will be car -centric households. We can reasonable expect at least one
vehicle, though those who can afford larger units will almost assuredly have two. It is imperative
that the city accept this will be the case.
Given the lack of parking on nearby streets, and given the removal of on -street parking on Lycoming
in order to accommodate the hotel, the reality is that on street parking is/will be insufficient to
accommodate all the additional parking required by the RHNA necessitated units. If the units slated
for this area are going to be a successful addition to Diamond Bar as a city, and specifically to this
neighborhood, it is therefore imperative that parking for all added housing units be located on site.
We say this because we have seen other cities create large "mixed -use" areas with similar
circumstances. They attempted to force residents to forgo their cars by not providing any provision
for on site parking. But, residents of those developments soon discovered that nearby transit lines
did not allow all their basic needs to be met, and purchased cars, which they then attempted to park
on nearby streets. The result was a neighborhood disaster.
To be clear, Responsible Land Use recognizes the need to add additional housing units in this area.
However, if Diamond Bar were to add 795 housing units, or even half that number, in the TOD area
without providing on site parking, it is not an exaggeration to say that the neighborhood would
collapse, as on street parking in this neighborhood is already in critical short supply.
Creatiro Successfuliixed Use Area
Idow RHop I RM
Transit -Oriented Mixed Use
Allows high density residential live/work units,
office, retail, commercial, and service uses, with
I RM RLM
a maximum FAR of 1.5. Residential uses, where
provided, should be at a density ranging from
G-1
20.0 to 30.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 - 30.0 du,
,�_1 rRLM
ac) of gross site area. Existing light industrial uses
M
shall be permitted to remain as conforming uses
O-�O�-
in accordance with the Light Industrial land use
designation and associated zoning regulations.
imwe'se'e'n on Diamond Bar's current zoning map segment above left, the proposed TOD area
is currently zoned light industrial and office professional.
The housing element draft proposes to
change the zoning in this area to mixed use.
It will be noted that the definition of Transit -Oriented Mixed Use in the updated General Plan, page
47, above right, is broadly defined, allowing for office, retail, commercial and services uses. The
broad definition of allowed uses is no accident.
It is no accident because one powerful way to reduce traffic congestion is to place as many essential
services as possible within walking distance of new or existing residential units.
Like water flowing downhill, people will choose the path of least resistance in order to get basic needs
met. It has been repeatedly shown that when services are within walking distance, people will gladly
walk, rather than fight congested traffic.
We believe it is therefore imperative to begin the process, now, of working to attract as many
essential service businesses as possible into the existing TOD area. Doing so will, over time, create
more of a destination area. We recognize it will be a gradual process. And we recognize the process
will be imperfect. We like to think of the goal as the creation of a neighborhood destination area.
Maybe begin with a lunch and dinner place, then encourage other dining, retail and service
businesses to come in. Done with some strategic planning, patience and continued effort, this
strategy has the potential to reduce traffic trips from not only future TOD residents, but also from
surrounding neighborhood residents. Over time, reduction of auto trips during peak hours can be
significant.
We understand that the Planning Commission and the City Council are primarily concerned with the
placement of additional housing units at this time. However, while we, as Diamond Bar home owners
and residents, are mindful of state mandated housing requirements, we are also looking at a larger
picture. We are looking for solutions to our land use challenges which maintain or improve our
quality of life and housing values.
We therefore feel that it is imperative for the city to add specific language in the new housing
element which specifically outlines the creation process of a neighborhood destination area for the
Transit -Oriented Mixed Use area. We believe this is imperative because doing so will anchor an
important city planning strategy and point the way for future housing element updates where we will
most assuredly be facing similar challenges. It will also explicitly connect the long term strategic
goals for this area to other general plan elements.
In Conclusion
We reiterate that Responsible Land Use recognizes the need to add additional housing units in
the TOD area. We also recognize that the easy land use options have been exhausted, and that
any route taken in order to fulfill our RHNA required additional housing units will be fraught with
significant challenges. We have therefore attempted to create a realistic picture not only of the
challenges faced with the housing element update in the Transit -Oriented Mixed Use area, but also
a vision of solutions which would both meet some of those challenges while enhancing the area's
livability.
Our presented solution ideas for neighborhood destination areas are not new. They have been
implemented across our country and the world in many different ways. Ways which we would
be happy to discuss in greater detail. Below, please find a couple of photographs of successful
neighborhood destination areas. We guarantee that if Diamond Bar follows in the footsteps of
these successful areas for its current and future mixed -use areas, it will benefit our city in increased
Wlity, qual' of
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
AND AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
I, Stella Marquez, declare as follows:
I am employed by the City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Department. On
March 19, 2021, a copy of the March 23, 2021, Planning Commission Agenda, was
posted at the following locations:
SCAQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive
Heritage Park, 2900 Brea Canyon Road
City website: www.diamondbarca.gov
Due to COVID-19 closures, the Planning Commission Agenda could not be posted at
the following regular posting locations:
Diamond Bar City Hall
Diamond Bar Library
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed March 19, 2021, at Diamond Bar, California.
Stella Marquez
Community Development Department
g:\ls\andavitpostins.doc
Prepared for: Diamond Bar Planning Commission
Prepared by: Responsible Land Use, a non-profit, public benefit group
Date: March 23, 2021
RESPONSIi3LE '-
Diamond Bar Housing Element Update:
Transit Oriented Development Planning Area
March 23, 2021
To: Grace Lee, Senior Planner
Greg Gubman, Community Director
Diamond Bar Planning Commission
Re: Housing Element Update
When the city was creating policies for the General Plan, Responsible Land Use submitted a report to
the city about the character and constraints of the TOD area. in the final General Plan, most of our
concerns were addressed by improved policies for supporting the co -existence of area businesses with
future housing.
We respect that mixed -use infill developments, in which viable businesses compliment affordable
housing, are an important piece for meeting the city's housing needs. That said, the proposed 795
potential units for the TOD area will have significant impacts that the city will need to address to be
consistent with the General Plan. Through our comments, we hope to clearly define those impacts and
encourage solutions aligned with the General Plan.
Traffic and Safety Hazard: Given the fact that few essential services are within walking distance in the
TOD area, adding high density housing there will create even more car -centric households, The
proposed 795 additional housing units, could easily generate 7950 additional vehicle trips/day, further
aggravating the severe traffic congestion and evacuation safety hazards of this area.'
Despite the proximity to the train station, most who use the Metrolink station drive to it, and park their
cars in the usually full parking lot and parking structure. The existing residents in the area rarely use the
train (with its limited schedule and destination) or bus to access basic services.
Brea Canyon Rd./Golden Springs Rd. are at a very poor L05.94/E. There are traffic
bottlenecks that block Washington St. and Lycoming St, especially afterthe Metronnk
has arrived. Golden Springs is congested all the way to Grand Ave. The congestion has
pushed residents in this area to use services in Walnut rather than Diamond Bar.
The Brea Canyon Business Park project which includes a Hampton Inn Hotel and 2 multi-
level office buildings will compound the traffic on Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming
Street.
• With Brea Canyon Road as the only point of exit, the increased traffic will create even
more of a safety hazard if an evacuation were required in an emergency?
Parkins Shorta¢e: The Brea Canyon Business Park project was approved with parking capacity below its
expected occupancy. Moreover, the planners proposed to take away street parking on Lycoming St. to
accommodate a double left -turn lane for southbound traffic going into Lycoming St. This will exacerbate
the current neighborhood parking shortage especially when parents drop-off or pick-up their children
from Walnut Elementary. If vehicles for the car -centric, high -density housing units in the TOD area were
' Based on 10 car trips/household/day and the Federal Highway Administration Study (2010) estimate of an
average of 3.3 car trips/person with an average of 3 drivers/household.
added to neighborhood streets, the results would be catastrophic. In this context, it is imperative that
the additional 795 housing units provide for on -site parking.
To reduce car trips and make new affordable housing development of the area viable, the city should
first promote the pedestrian -friendly and vibrant community defined in the General Plan goals and
policies listed below.
• CC-G-15 Incorporate intas e design spaces for recreation, community gathering, amenities, and
services to fulfill the needs of nearby current and future residents.
• CC-P-53 Create a node of commercial activity at the northwest corner of Brea Canyon Road and
Washington Street with development oriented to the street.
• CC-P-54 Encourage all new development within a quarter -mile radius of the transit facilities to
focus building design, massing, and landscaping toward the pedestrian experience through:
a. Limiting block lengths between streets generally to a maximum of 400 feet, and encouraging
four-way intersections;
b. Providing space for enhanced pedestrian connections such as internal semi-public
pathways;
c. Building design that focuses on street orientation;
d. Extensive landscaping and street trees;
e. Pedestrian furniture and site elements (for example, benches and trash receptacles);
f. Street lighting; and
g. Wayfindingsignage.
• CC-P-55 Promote internal connectivity where street connections are limited by incorporating
multi -use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development.
Ensure that pathways are continuous, bikeable, and visible from the roadway and transit
facilities.
• CC-P-56 Promote pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station, making use of
existing infrastructure that connects South Brea Canyon Road to the station.
• CC-P-57Improve the pedestrian comfort and safety of crosswalks along South Brea Canyon Road
and South Lemon Avenue.
• CC-P-58 Enhance the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Tronsit-
Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as
street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian scaled lighting, where feasible.
• CC-P-59 Consolidate parking underground or in shared structures away from the street edge
where possible. Above -grade parking structures should be wrapped with residential uses where
they front onto active streets.
We know from experience that improvements to the area's infrastructure and services would not
necessarily follow housing development. As such, we emphasize that for the Transit Oriented
Neighborhood Mixed -Use to evolve successfully, the city needs to first improve pedestrian connectivity
and encourage the development of services within walking distance of the proposed units (such as
dining, healthy food, after -school programs, health-care, fitness centers and parks). Doing so would go a
long way to diminish the transportation challenges and also help to meet the economic, environmental
and health goals defined in the General Plan. It would improve the quality of life for present and future
residents of the TOD area.
Overview of the Proposed TOD Area - the Plan
Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element Appendix B - Residential Land Inventory
Figure B-2c
Transit -Oriented Mixed Use Area Map
_.,,_,,,-_-, High -density housing clustered
On -site public parkland required west of Lemon Ave and adjacent
on all sites over 4 acres i to the Metrolink Station
Connect roadways
where possible I �_� �_
--- A fine-grained block pattern within a
clustered at a commercial 1XnAle radius of the Metrolink
along Brea Canyon Rd ':. Station and surrounding high -density
uses promotes connectivity
W
Building frontages and streetscape (
Safe, convenient and comfortable connec-
Consolidation of small
I designed to define the public
tions between the TOD-MU focus area and
parking
lots and district -wide
realm and encourage pedestrian 1
surrounding neighborhoods
parking
management
activityand comfort
---- -----
--""-
`--
TOD-MU area
lei
Parking area
0 1/4
1!2 r�
V Public parkland
,.,[
Pedestrian connection
MILES
Notice that the TOD area and homes surrounded in red are hemmed in on three sides by railroad tracks, the freeway
and City of Industry `There is only one way in or out for folks who live there, and that is on Brea Canyon Road.
Notice also that the orange area is slated to be a hotel, whose only entrance and exit will he on Brea Canyon also. Both
Lemon Ave and Brea Canyon Rd are heavily truck -traveled arterials.
Add 795 housing units in the TOD area (in lavender) and one can safely state that mitigating the additional traffic
created by those units will be a challenge. Sadly, Industry Station Metrolink Trains will not help much in this regard.
Industry Metrolink Train Station Issues
Only 5 daily trains run each way from the Industry Metrolink Station. As one will see below, increasing the number
of daily trains from the Industry Station is currently unfeasible.
Most Metrolink lines have two sets of tracks. One for inbound trains, the other for outUound trains. Here we see the two tracks
at the Industry Metrolink station.
Notice, however, that only one of the Industry Station tracks has a platform for the loading and unloading of passengers.
Fullerton Metrolink stationshown at left, has a safe
,
pedestrian track crossing which allows both incoming and
outgoing tracks to load or unload passengers.
Because the Fullerton station can load and unload passengers
on both its tracks, that tine can much more easily increase its
service frequency.
This is because trains traveling in one direction do not
nterfere with trains traveling in the other.
But because the Industry station only has one track with a
passenger platform, trains in both directions cannot run
freely, as the track next to the platform must allow trains to
run in both directions.
The net result of this is that attempting to increase the frequency
of service for that line ends ttp being a logistical nightmare.
The only way to increase the Metrolink frequency on the Industry
Station's line would be to either significantly curtail the number of
freight trains per day, or add another track.
But, there is currently no room for another track And, the
amount of fieighC Uansported on Chat route is projected to
ncrease over time, not decrease.
Which means that, for Diamond Bar's General Planning purposes,
it would be an unfounded assumption to anticipate an increase in
future Metrofink service at the Industry
station.
The high cost of developing high density
housing in our TOD area will push the
price of any units added above what folks
who rely on public transportation can
afford.
This, combined with the fact that there
are currently few essential services
within walking distance, means that
any additional housing units added in
this area will be car centric households.
Which will add even more traffic in the
area.
Our surveys show
that very few
residents
in the TOD
neighborhood use the train. And for those few who do, getting
to the train station
by foot from
the TOD
area, shown
above, is daunting.
Above, one can see the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Washington Ave looking north. The building at 680
Brea Canyon Rd can be seen in the upper right corner of the intersection. One can see its parking lot driveway,
circled, on Washington Ave, at the far right side of the image.
The only way for a pedestrian to get from the intersection above to the train station is to walk on this sidewalk, on
right, from Washington Ave along Brea Canyon Rd, under the overpass.