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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/2022PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ______________________________________________ Tuesday, March 8, 2022 6:30 PM PUBLIC ADVISORY: Consistent with State Assembly Bill 361, members of the Planning Commission may be present or participate telephonically. Members of the public are encouraged to participate and address the Planning Commission during the public comment portion of the meeting either in per son or via teleconference. If you would like to attend the meeting in person, please note that face coverings are required to be worn at all times. _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ How to Observe the Meeting From Home: Members of the public can observe the meeting by calling +1 (415) 930 -5321 , Access Code: 248-356-191 or visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4478254106726506509 . How to Submit Public Comment: The public may provide public comment by attending the meeting in person, by sending an email, or by logging into the teleconference. Please send email public comments to Planning@DiamondBarCA.gov by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting and indicate in the Subject Line “FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.” Written comments will be distributed to the Planning Commission members and read into the record at the meeting, up to a maximum of five minutes. Alternatively, public comment may be submitted by logging onto the meeting through this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4478254106726506509 . Members of the public will be called upon one at a time during the Public Comment portion of the agenda. Speakers are limited to five minutes per agenda item, unless the Chairperson determines otherwise. American Disability Act Accommodations: Pursuant to the Executive Order, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the Planning Commission Meeting, please contact the Community Development Office (909) 839-7030 within 72 hours of the meeting. Commission recordings will be available upon request the day following the Planning Commission Meeting. CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM RAWLINGS VICE CHAIRPERSON MAHENDRA GARG COMMISSIONER NAILA BARLAS COMMISSIONER KENNETH MOK COMMISSIONER RAYMOND WOLFE City of Diamond Bar Planning Commission MEETING RULES PUBLIC INPUT Members of the public may address the Planning Commission on any item of business on the agenda during the time the item is taken up by the Planning Commission. In addition, members of the public may, during the Public Comment period address the Planni ng Commission on any Consent Calendar item or any matter not on the agenda and within th e Planning Commission’s subject matter jurisdiction. Any material to be submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting should be submitted through the Minutes Secretary. Speakers are limited to five minutes per agenda item, unless the Chairperson determines otherwise. The Chairperson may adjust this time limit depending on the number of people wishing to speak, the complexity of the matter, the length of the agend a, the hour and any other relevant consideration. Speakers may address the Planning Commission only once on an agenda item, except during public hearings, when the applicant/appellant may be afforded a rebuttal. Public comments must be directed to the Planning Commission. Behavior that disrupts the orderly conduct of the meeting may result in the speaker being removed from the meeting. INFORMATION RELATING TO AGENDAS AND ACTIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION Agendas for regular Planning Commission meetings are available 72 hours prior to the meeting and are posted in the City’s regular posting locations and on the City’s website at www.diamondbarca.gov. The Planning Commission may take action on any item listed on the agenda. 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 upon request. If you have questions regarding an agend a item, please call (909) 839-7030 during regular business hours. HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION Copies of Agenda, Rules of the Planning Commission, Recordings of Meetings (909) 839-7030 Email: info@diamondbarca.gov Website: www.diamondbarca.gov The City of Diamond Bar thanks you in advance for taking all precautions to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION March 8, 2022 AGENDA Next Resolution No. 2022-03 CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 1. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Naila Barlas, Kenneth Mok, Raymond Wolfe, Vice Chairperson Mahendra Garg, Chairperson William Rawlings 2. REORGANIZATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION: Selection of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chairperson 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: "Public Comments" is the time reserved on each regular meeting agenda to provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the Plannin g Commission on consent calendar items or other matters of interest not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the council. Although the Planning Commission values your comments, pursuant to the brown act, members of the Planning Commission or staff may briefly respond to public comments if necessary, but no extended discussion and no action on such matters may take place. There is a five-minute maximum time limit when addressing the Planning Commission. Please complete a speaker card and hand it to the Minutes Secretary (completion of this form is voluntary). The city will call on in-person speakers first and then teleconference callers, one at a time to give their name and if there is an agenda item number they wish to speak on before providing their comment. If you wish to speak on a public hearing item or Planning Commission consideration item, you will then be called upon to speak at that point in the agenda.. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following items listed on the consent cale ndar are considered routine and are approved by a single motion. Consent calendar items may be removed from the agenda by request of the Planning Commission only: 5.1 Minutes of the Planning Commission Regular Meeting – February 22, 2022 6. OLD BUSINESS: None. MARCH 8, 2022 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION 7. NEW BUSINESS: 7.1 General Plan Status Report for 2021 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the report and forward it to the City Council to receive and file. 8. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 9. STAFF COMMENTS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING: Thursday, March 10, 2022, 6:30 pm Windmill Community Room Diamond Bar City Hall 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 6:30 pm Windmill Community Room Diamond Bar City Hall 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 6:30 pm Windmill Community Room Diamond Bar City Hall 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING: Thursday, March 24, 2022, 6:30 pm Windmill Community Room Diamond Bar City Hall 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 FREE COVID-19 DRIVE- THROUGH TESTING: (Free PCR and Rapid Antigen tests are available and required appointments may be made by visiting totaltestingsolutions.com) Monday – Thursday, 7:30am-3pm Diamond Bar Center 1600 Grand Avenue Diamond Bar, CA 91765 MARCH 8, 2022 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION 11. ADJOURNMENT: BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY: (Contact Recreation Services for details and to register for the event at 909/839-7070) Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:30am Diamond Bar Center 1600 Grand Avenue Diamond Bar, CA 91765 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION February 22, 2022 Consistent with State Assembly Bill 361, this meeting was conducted telephonically and Members of the Planning Commission and staff participated via teleconference. There was no physical meeting location for this meeting and members of the public were encouraged to participate and address the Planning Commission during the public comment portion of the meeting via teleconference. CALL TO ORDER: Chair/Rawlings called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Rawlings led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Naila Barlas, Kenneth Mok, Vice Chairman Mahendra Garg, Chairman William Rawlings Commissioners Raymond Wolfe was excused. Staff Present : Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; James Eggart, Assistant City Attorney; Grace Lee, Senior Planner; Mayuko Nakajima, Associate Planner; Daniel Kim, Planning Intern; Stella Marquez, Administrative Coordinator. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered 4. CONSENT CALENDAR: 4.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 9, 2021. 4.2 Continued use of teleconferencing in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 for meetings of the Planning Commission subject to State open meeting laws. C/Barlas moved, VC/Garg seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented with C/Mok abstaining on Item 4.1. Motion carried 4-0 by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Mok, VC/Garg, Chair/Rawlings NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Wolfe 5. OLD BUSINESS: NONE 6. NEW BUSINESS: NONE 5.1 Packet Pg. 6 __________________________________________________________________________ FEBRUARY 22, 2022 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ 7. PUBLIC HEARING(S): 7.1 Conditional Use Permit Planning Case No. PL2021-97 – Under the authority of Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 22.58, the applicant and property owner requested Conditional Use Permit approval to operate an 1 ,850 square foot veterinarian clinic (Phillip An Veterinary Services) at The Ranch Shopping Center where overnight boarding was not being offered. The subject property is zoned Professional Office (OP) with an underlying General Plan land use designation of Neighborhood Mixed Use (MU-N). PROJECT ADDRESS: 838 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER: Foremost Diamond Ranch, LLC 27271 Las Ramblas, Suite 100 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 APPLICANT: Phillip An, DVM 220 East Bonita Avenue #175 San Dimas, CA 91773 PI/Kim presented the staff report and recommended Planning Commission approval of Conditional Use Permit Planning Case No. PL2021 -97, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions of approval as listed within the resolution. VC/Garg asked if in the event of emergency would the clinic house the animal overnight and PI/Kim responded that emergencies will be accepted only during the proposed business hours. After hours, owners would be referred to an existing neighboring animal hospital. C/Mok thanked PI/Kim for his great presentation and stated that the proposed clinic would be a good addition to the neighborhood and reminded Commissioners that there is an emergency hospital around the corner to the south of the bowling alley which is open after hours. Chair/Rawlings opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak on this item, Chair/Rawlings closed the public hearing. 5.1 Packet Pg. 7 __________________________________________________________________________ FEBRUARY 22, 2022 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ Motion by VC/Garg, second by C/Mok to approve Conditional Use Permit Planning Case No. PL2021-97, based on the findings of fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as listed within the resolution. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Mok, VC/Garg, Chair/Rawlings NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Wolfe 8. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: VC/Garg congratulated Mr. An on his business opening and was concerned about why tonight’s meeting was virtual instead of in-person. C/Barlas thanked PI/Kim for his presentation. C/Mok noticed Mr. An was logged in and wondered if he was given an opportunity to say anything about his business. Chair/Rawlings responded that Mr. An was offered the opportunity to speak but did not raise his hand. C/Mok congratulat ed Mr. An on his new business opening. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and commented that today was 2-22-2022 and National Margarita Day. Chair/Rawlings congratulated Mr. An on his new business and said he has missed in - person meetings with his colleagues, said he was honored to serve as Chair during the past year and asked everyone to support local businesses. 9. STAFF COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: CDD/Gubman reported that staff anticipates returning to an in -person hybrid meeting format beginning with the March 8th Planning Commission meeting in the Windmill Room. The agenda for the March 8th meeting includes reorganization of the Planning Commission with selection of a new Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming year as well as, the presentation of the Annual General Plan Status report. The project report that corresponds to this item in the agenda packet lists the Crooked Creek Residential Subdivision as scheduled for hearing on March 8 th; however, the hearing date will be moved forward to one of the April meetings. 10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As listed in the agenda. 5.1 Packet Pg. 8 __________________________________________________________________________ FEBRUARY 22, 2022 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair/Rawlings adjourned the Regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:52 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 8th day of March, 2022. Attest: Respectfully Submitted, _______________________________________ Greg Gubman, Community Development Director _____________________________ 5.1 Packet Pg. 9 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 7.1 MEETING DATE: March 8, 2022 CASE/FILE NUMBER: General Plan Status Report for 2021 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. 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 legislat ive 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, 2021 to December 31, 2021. 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 7.1 Packet Pg. 10 General Plan Status Report for 2021 Page 2 of 2 REVIEWED BY: Attachments: A. General Plan Status Report Matrix for 2021 7.1 Packet Pg. 11 Page 1 of 43 City of Diamond Bar General Plan Status Report 2021 Period beginning January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2021 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 Goals 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 $ 836,902.45 for FY 2021-2022. Measure W funds were used to design a drainage solution for the persistent groundwater that seeps onto public streets at Flapjack Drive, creating algae and potential slip hazards. Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 12 Page 2 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT Also applies to Community, Character, and Placemaking Chapter policies CC-P-5 and CC-P-6, and Resource Conservation Chapter goal RC-G-12. 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. In November 2021, the City Council adopted the Housing Element Update for the 2021-2029 planning period (sixth cycle) which included analyses 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. On July 20, 2021, the City adopted its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to comply with current ADU law pursuant to AB 3182 (2020) and SB 13, AB 68, 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 and JADUs which provides an affordable housing option for lower income households.17 building permits for ADUs totaling 12,654 sq. ft. were issued. Community Development 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 13 Page 3 of 43 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. Adaptive Traffic Control System The City's Adaptive Traffic Control System (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. The system's deployment (hardware and software) was completed in 2020. Considering the unusual fluctuations in the traffic load in the City's main arterials during 2020 and parts of 202 1, the system proved to be responsive to those changes by updating signal timing in real-time. Staff continues to fine-tune the system for a robust coverage of the traffic circulation on arterials. Diamond Bar Boulevard/SR60 Eastbound Ramp Intersection project (Diamond Bar Blvd dual left turn to SR-60 East onramp) • In 2016, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), in partnership with Caltrans, Metro, and the cities of Diamond Bar and Industry, initiated the SR57/SR60 Confluence Supplemental Needs Study to evaluate key operational issues that were not fully addressed in the feasibility study completed in 2010. This Study evaluated four improvements component that would address congestion, safety, weaving, traffic diversion, goods movement, freeway- to-freeway traffic diversion onto local roadways, and other related issues. Based on the evaluation results and the input from the City of Diamond Bar City Council, the Study recommended the City of Diamond Bar (City) should work with Caltrans and Metro to advance the Component "1" local intersection improvements at the Diamond Bar Boulevard/SR60 ramp intersections. • Per recommendations of the SR57/SR60 Confluence Supplemental Needs Study, the City initiated the Diamond Bar Boulevard/SR60 Eastbound Ramp Intersection project (Diamond Bar Blvd dual left turn to SR-60 East onramp) Community Development Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 14 Page 4 of 43 (Project) in cooperation with Caltrans and Metro. After several iterations, in late 2021, the City submitted the 100% design plans (PS&E) of the project and other Caltrans- required documentation, e.g., environmental summary, Right- of-Way documentation, Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER), etc. to Caltrans for their final approval and issuing their permit. • Concurrently, in 2021, the City worked with Metro and San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to include the funding request for the construction of the project (currently estimated at around $1M) in the SGVCOG's regional funding request (Measure M) to the Metro Board. The SGVCOG Board approved the funding request to be submitted to Metro Board for approval in 2022. • The City designed and prepared this project to be constructed concurrently with State Route 57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Program (SR57/60 Project). Close collaborations have been taken among Metro, Caltrans, and the City of Diamond Bar on the two ongoing projects. Per the coordination between the two projects and as part of the SR57/60 Confluence Project design, the SR60 Eastbound onramp would widen to include one HOV preferential lane and two mixed-flow lanes to address the high demand at this onramp. MIXED USE Goals – General LU-G-14 Land Use Foster development of nodes or clusters of mixed-use centers to promote city and neighborhood identity, improve accessibility to stores, parks, natural open spaces, and services, and promote walkable, pedestrian-scaled retail and dining destinations. Staff prepared Request for Proposals for preparation of the Diamond Bar Town Center Specific Plan for release in January 2022. The Specific Plan will define the overall vision, policies, objectives, land use regulations, development standards and design guidelines, infrastructure and public realm improvements, and implementation and financing strategies for the Town Center focus area. Community Development Goals – Town Center Mixed Use LU-G-22 Land Use Promote and support the commercial area on both sides of Diamond Bar Boulevard from Golden Springs Drive to SR-60 as a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented Town Center that serves as Diamond Bar’s primary specialty retail and dining destination and is accessible to all Diamond Bar residents. The City enlisted the assistance of the Urban Land Institute -Los Angeles (ULI-LA), which convened a technical assistance panel (TAP) in April 2021 to gain a better understanding of the market possibilities, implementation strategies, and design frameworks to consider as it plans the Diamond Bar Town Center. A Technical Community Development 7.1.a Packet Pg. 15 Page 5 of 43 Assistance Panel Report was published in June 2021 and posted on the ULI-LA and City websites. PUBLIC FACILITIES, OPEN SPACE, AND HILLSIDES Goals 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; 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. 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. Grading, Encroachment, Transportation Permits, and Violation Prevention Pursuant to the Municipal Code and the General Plan goals, in 2021, the City reviewed plans for and issued 5 grading permits, 223 Encroachment Permits, 55 dumpster permits, and 35 Oversized Load Transportation Permits. To preserve resources and prevent code violations, the City issued 15 NPDES Notices of Violation 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. Community Development Public Works ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Goals ED-G-7 Economic Development Monitor and regularly evaluate economic conditions and economic development goals. 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. See Land Use goal LU-G-22 Community Development 7.1.a Packet Pg. 16 Page 6 of 43 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. Businesses that alter the character of residences or change the occupancy classification are prohibited, as are 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. 79 home based business licenses were issued. On December 7, 2021, the City amended sections of the Development Code pertaining to the regulation of family day care homes, in compliance with SB 234. SB 234 requires cities to treat all family day care homes as a residential use of property for purposes of all local ordinances. A family day care home offers care for minor children at the provider’s residential home. Community Development 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. Placemaking elem ents include features such as monuments and decorative treatments that define City entry points, public art installations, decorati ve 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-4 Community Character & Placemaking Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods and ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. 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 ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. Community Development 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. The construction cost for the project is estimated to be around $6 million. The City has secured $3 million Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 17 Page 7 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT in Metro grant funding for construction. In August, the City submitted a letter of intent for MSP Funding through SGVCOG. While the project was not selected for grant funding consideration, the SGVCOG agreed to partner with the City or provide support letters for future funding opportunities. Diamond Bar Blvd from Pathfinder Road to Mountain Laurel Way Rehabilitation The City improved approximately 1 mile of bike lanes as a part of the Diamond Bar Blvd Rehabilitation Project completed in August. The existing Class II bike lanes were re-striped to add a 4’ wide buffered zone, providing greater separation between bicyclists and vehicles. This design is being incorporated into all future arterial rehabilitation projects. 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 The City continued working with the LA County Transportation Authority (Metro) in 2021. The City’s community identifiers have been included in the SR-57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief Program Project (project) plans. That includes the City’s community identifiers on about 100,000 sq. ft. of retaining walls, sound walls, and the Grand Avenue bridge. It also includes an entry monument on Grand at the Grand Ave on/off-ramp. The project will fully pay for all of these improvements that have been negotiated with Metro. Also applies to Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policies CC-P-2 through CC-P-4 Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Drive Intersection Improvements The construction of the intersection improvements project commenced in 2021 and will continue through 2022. Several components of the work were completed in 2021, i.e., slope grading, parts of the sidewalk work, decorative street lights, traffic signal poles installation, decorative retaining walls. The relocation of the golf course tunnel, storm drain improvements, pavement of the Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 18 Page 8 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT street widening, completion of the sidewalks, and landscaping on medians and slops will be completed during 2022. 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 The new design for street name signs designed and approved in 2020 was installed in 2021 in pilot locations. Thew new design incorporates the City’s new branding elements and patterns and will be used for the illuminated signs at arterials. For the residential street name signs, a draft design was prepared to be used in 2022. Also applies to Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-20 and CR-P-21. 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 19 Page 9 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 quality purposes. The City was awarded $300,000 in TRP funding that will be used to fund the feasibility study prepared by Technical Assistance Teams from the County, 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 is the first step towards potential construction funding for several park elements. The City is awaiting notification from the County to schedule a kickoff meeting. 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 Public Works 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 See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 and policy CC-P-1 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 20 Page 10 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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. 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. Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) In residential neighborhoods, the 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 the first two NTMP meetings with the North Del Sol Lane neighborhood to introduce the program and review the initial design with the community. Construction documents were prepared for the suggested traffic calming measures for the community. Staff collected traffic data for the Hawkwood Drive NTMP where residents expressed concerns regarding speeding and driver behavior. Speed radar trailers were placed in the neighborhood and the Sheriff’s Department was asked to monitor the area to temporarily reduce driver speeds. An introductory NTMP meeting was scheduled to gather neighborhood feedback before design plans are prepared. Also applies to Circulation Chapter policies CR-P-22 and CR-P-23 and Community Health & Sustainability Policy CHS-P-29. Public Works Policies – Site Planning & Parking CC-P-17 Community Character & Placemaking Encourage the aggregation of individual small lots into larger development parcels within mixed-use areas that will support an appropriately-scaled, cohesive and economically viable development. See Land Use goal LU-G-22 Community Development Policies – Building Massing and Design 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- Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 21 Page 11 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 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. The new TSG has been used for at least one development project in 2021. Meanwhile, during 2021, the City worked with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Government and other cities in the region to establish a framework for a regional VMT bank under which the cities and the County can cooperate in using the VMT mitigation funds from developments projects on projects that have a regional impact rather than limiting the process to the jurisdiction’s boundaries. The study is going to conclude in 2022 and will provide its recommendations for such a framework to the policy-makers. 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 22 Page 12 of 43 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-8 Community Character & Placemaking Promote vertical and horizontal mixed-use development along Diamond Bar Boulevard. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter goal CC-G-5 Public Works Policies 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 2021 IFRA and TCEP Grant Application for the SR-57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief Program The City of Diamond Bar, in partnership 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 2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program for the SR-57/60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief Program. Working with the other project partners, in May 2021, the City hosted a visit and briefing for Congressmember Young Kim and her Legislative Director from Washington DC, Alex Cisneros, about the 57/60 project, at the Grand Avenue overpass. Congressmember Kim made this Project one of her biggest priorities. She led a bipartisan letter of support for LA Metro’s application for a $30 million U.S. Department of Transportation INFRA grant, testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about the great importance of the 57/60 Project to our region, California and the entire Nation, and submitted a Member Designated Project request for $18 million in funding to the House T&I Committee. With all the efforts of the City and its local and regional partners, after two unsuccessful attempts, in 2021, the application was successful, and the project was awarded $30M in INFRA grant. Previously the project was awarded $217.9 of SB1 funding from the State of California SB1 grant program. Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 23 Page 13 of 43 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 million which will be paid from the Metro Regional fund, the State SB1, and the Federal INFRA grant fundings. Construction work on this project is anticipated to start in 2022-23. 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 an d access across a variety of modes of transportation, including automobile travel, public transit, non-motorized transportation and goods movement through a Complete Streets approach. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK AND STREET DESIGN Goals CR-G-1 Circulation Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works CR-G-2 Circulation Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role of streets as corridors for movement but also reflects a Complete Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive 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. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 24 Page 14 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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. Citywide Bus Shelter Replacement In November 2021, the City Council approved the design concept for replacing all bus shelters and the amenities at the unsheltered locations. Using the City’s local Prop A fund, this project will replace and install new bus shelters, benches, trash bins, and solar panels (where feasible) at the bus stops. The approved design includes v - shaped advertising panels. An RFP was issued for the construction work in late 2021. The replacement and construction work is planned to commence in 2022. Meanwhile, the City will be issuing an RFP for the franchise and maintenance agreement with an advertisement firm. Additionally, in 2021, the Foothill Transit Grant program re-opened its call for applications after one year delay. The City applied for a grant to replace two bus shelters. If awarded in 2022, this project grant will be coordinated with the citywide bus shelter replacement project. Also applies to Circulation Chapter goal CR-P-3, 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. The City’s LRSP was completed in 2021, and its findings were presented to the City’s Traffic and Transportation Commission. The City will be using the project opportunities recommended by the LRSP in its application for the Caltrans HSIP grant application, on which LRSP is considered a required document. Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 25 Page 15 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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-3 Circulation Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit -Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian -scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. See Circulation Chapter policies goal CR-P-1 See Circulation Chapter public transportation goal CR-G-13 Public Works 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. 57/60 Confluence Traffic Management Plan As part of the City’s collaboration and participation in the design of the 57/60 Confluence project with the other project partners (Metro, Caltrans, SGVCOG), the City played an active role by commenting and reviewing in the revision and improvement of the Project’s Traffic Management Plan (TMP). The TMP is used during the project construction to mitigate or minimize the project impact on local traffic, including the traffic on the City streets. Among many improvements that the City required and was addressed by the project team on the TMP was changing the detour path for freight trucks during the extended closures of the freeways during the construction of the Project. 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 See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 26 Page 16 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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. 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 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-15 Circulation Limit street right-of-way dimensions where appropriate to maintain desired neighborhood character. Consider allowing narrower street rights-of-way and pavement widths for local streets in new residential subdivisions. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-34 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 27 Page 17 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 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 Construction of the Diamond Bar Blvd Rehabilitation Project between Pathfinder Road and Mountain Laurel Way was completed in August 2021. The new project consists of a 2” - 4” pavement grind/overlay and upgraded or newly constructed ADA curb ramps where the existing ramps do not meet current ADA standards. Design and preparation of plans specifications were completed for the Area 1 Slurry Seal and Golden Springs Drive from Lemon Avenue to Brea Canyon Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project which will consists of a slurry seal on residential roads, a 2” - 4” pavement grind/overlay and upgraded or newly constructed ADA curb ramps where the existing ramps do not meet current ADA standards. Also applies to Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-43 Battery Back-Up and CCTV Replacement Program 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. CCTV cameras allow display live feeds of the City’s most heavily used intersections, providing staff with the ability to quickly view and diagnose any traffic or Public Safety concerns. The City implemented a multi-year program to replace battery backup systems that have reached their useful life on the City’s 66 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 28 Page 18 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT signalized intersections. The City is also implementing CCTV cameras at intersections which do not already have them. 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 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. Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans for Traffic Detour During SR-57 Pavement Rehabilitation Caltrans District 7 roadway resurfacing and restoration project along the State Route 57 (SR-57) freeway (the "Project") between the County line and near Grand Ave continued in 2021. Under California Streets and Highways Code Section 93, Caltrans is authorized to construct and maintain detours that may be necessary to facilitate traffic movement 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 eight two -day weekends) for the Project's duration, which will be scheduled to be implemented during the low traffic hours. No long full closure was scheduled in 2021, but two closures have been scheduled for early 2022. City staff and traffic consultants will be monitoring the traffic Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 29 Page 19 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 and additional Sheriff's Department 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, evaluated the condition of streets before and after the Project. The City is in discussion with the 57/60 Confluence project team for a similar arrangement during that Project's construction (commencing late 2022 or early 2023). See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-2 and Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-64 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 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 30 Page 20 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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. SGV Public Transit Feasibility Study In 2021, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) – in partnership with Los Angeles Metro (Metro) – started conducting a feasibility study to evaluate and improve mobility in the San Gabriel Valley. The City has been actively participating in the Technical Advisory Committee of the study. After the study provided its project concepts, the City, in coordination with the other cities in the region, reviewed the alternatives and provided its feedback on the alternatives in an official letter. Also applicable to Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-3 See Circulation Chapter policy CR-P-1 Public Works and City Manager’s Office 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 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 31 Page 21 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 resource s, including water quality and hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and others as applicable to each jurisdiction. An open space element is intended to ensure that cities an d 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, biologic al resources, water and air quality, and cultural resources. OPEN SPACE Goals RC-G-1 Resource Conservation Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure public health and safety. The City worked with an environmental consultant (Michael Baker International) to complete an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Canyon Loop Trail renovation project. Additional surveys and mitigation measures are required in order to best protect the trail and surrounding open space. Parks & Recreation Policies BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Goals RC-G-6 Resource Conservation Utilize native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, site stabilization and restoration where practical to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into natural open spaces. During project review, the Planning Division ensures that the plant palette is diverse, Southern California native and drought-tolerant vegetation is utilized, and that planting and irrigation plans are designed and installed in compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance. Community Development Policies RC-P-9 Resource Conservation Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist. Staff is processing entitlements for a residential project that includes the development of seven new single-family residences. As part of the CEQA process, the applicant submitted a biological resources assessment and arborist report. The biological resources Community Development 7.1.a Packet Pg. 32 Page 22 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of the target species. Wildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources. The report shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. assessment included a general biological survey and a focused botanical survey. The City was provided a list of recommended mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. The Planning Commission and City Council will consider the environmental findings and recommended mitigation measures during the public hearings for the proposed project. RC-P-10 Resource Conservation Require, to the greatest extent feasible, new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. The Planning Division reviews each project to evaluate if a protected tree can be preserved or retained on site. If preservation is not feasible, trees are required to be replanted at a minimum 3:1 ratio pursuant to the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Currently, the Planning Division is processing entitlements for a residential project which includes the development of seven single- family residences. As part of the project, a Tree Permit is being requested for the removal of 62 existing protected trees consisting of 58 Southern California black walnuts and four coast live oaks. Consistent with the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance, the applicant is proposing to replant mitigation trees on site with 201 Southern California black walnuts and 12 coast live oaks. All other protected trees that are not within the development area are being retained and preserved in place. Community Development WATER RESOURCES Goals 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, See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-6 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 33 Page 23 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. 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, energy efficient switching and sensors, certified cooktop hoods, rooftop solar installations in new construction, 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 filtration removes contaminants and outdoor air circulation reduces carbon dioxide levels within structures. Community Development 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. The Building & Safety Division follows various SCAQMD rules including requiring SCAQMD proof of notification before some projects are demolished, preventing wood burning fireplaces from being installed, prevention of excessive dust on construction sites, and requiring notification of SCAQMD for char-broilers. Community Development 7.1.a Packet Pg. 34 Page 24 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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. The Building & Safety Division requires all construction projects to provide proper mechanical ventilation systems pursuant to the California Mechanical Code. The California Building Code limits 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. EV Charging Stations at City Hall Five (5) public Level 2 EV Charging stations were installed at the City Hall in 2021 by using grant funding received from AQMD. Community Development Public Works 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 and 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 and 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 seven-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. On September 23, 2020, the City received a letter from the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians (Kizh Nation), indicating that the Project area lies in an area where the ancestral territories of the Kizh (Kitc) Gabrieleño villages adjoined and overlapped and requested Community Development 7.1.a Packet Pg. 35 Page 25 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT consultation. The City met with representatives of the Kizh Nation on December 9, 2020. If the project is approved, the project will comply with the tribe's request to retain a culturally-affiliated Native American monitor to observe earthmoving activities for the purpose of identifying the potential presence of any significant historic or prehistoric cultural resources. 5. Public Facilities and Services 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, continues to update outdoor court lighting, youth playgrounds, and design Canyon Loop Trail renovations. Facility Maintenance Software The City transitioned its maintenance software to a cloud -based system which will facilitate using the software at all parks and facilities regardless of access to the City Hall network and Wi-Fi. Heritage Park Building Roof In 2021, the City completed retrofitting of the roof of the Heritage Park building, which will extend the life of an important City facility. See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC-P-6 Parks and Recreation 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. Staff applied for Proposition 68 State funding, Measure A and Measure W funding to improve and create parks and open space. Parks and Recreation PF-P-12 Public Facilities & Services Routinely review existing funding mechanisms and seek new funding opportunities to support additional parks and recreation Landscape Assessment Districts Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 36 Page 26 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT facilities and programs, such as State and federal grants, Park Bonds and property tax assessments, Community Facility Districts, and Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts. Landscape Assessment District Nos. 39 and 41 have been subsidized by the City’s General Fund for over ten years. After an unsuccessful balloting process to increase the assessment amount, in 2019, the City initiated the process to dissolve both districts in 2021. Subsequently, in response to the request by the communities in both districts, the City postponed the dissolution for District 39 to 2022 and moved forward with the dissolution and another round of balloting for District 41. As a result, District 41 was dissolved in 2021, and District 41-2021 was formed to replace the dissolved district with an identical service area. Due to the higher assessment (with the option to increase by CPI up to 3% annually), District 41 is self-supporting again after over a decade. This eliminated the need to subsidize the district by General Fund. It’s a success story of cooperation between the community and the City. Building on the same experience and lessons learned for community outreach and involvement, the City initiated a similar process for District 39 in 2021. The balloting process for District 39 is scheduled for March 2022. Also see Community Character & Placemaking Chapter policy CC- P-6 PF-P-16 Public Facilities & Services Continue to provide programming and services for seniors, including active programs, classes, and activities and outings, adjusting programming based on needs and preferences, particularly as Diamond Bar’s residents age. The Parks and Recreation Department has modified many programs to include virtual delivery methods and implemented Covid-19 safety measures to re-open safely per guidelines issued by LA County Department of Public Health. Parks and Recreation Policies – Trails PF-P-21 Public Facilities & Services Seek grants and alternative funding mechanisms for trail development and maintenance. Staff applied for Proposition 68, Measure A, Measure W, and Habitat Conservation Grant funding. Parks and Recreation 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 In 2019, a wastewater system master plan was prepared. 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. In 2021, the City assisted the County in field investigations and stakeholder meetings to prepare conceptual design alternatives for two pump stations in the City. Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 37 Page 27 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT New Underground Utility District In 2021 the City studied different project alternatives to create a new Underground Utility District (UUD) by using the City’s $1.6M Rule 20A undergrounding work credit. Subsequently, the City worked with Southern California Edison (SCE) to evaluate financial feasibility and constructability for each option. Eventually, the most feasible alternatives were shared were the City Council. The City Council approved Brea Canyon Dr. UUD to go through the formation process. The City Council established the UUD by adopting a Resolution after a public hearing and an approval letter from SCE. The Resolution was shared with SCE to activate the City’s Rule 20A program. The project is currently under design by SCE’s consultant. The Design work is anticipated to complete by mid-2022. Also applies to Public Facilities & Services Chapter policies PF-P-37 and PF-P-38 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 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 p rograms 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 Public Safety Chapter addresses noise and serves to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. The Goals and Policies emphasize partnerships with local, regional and State agencies to ensu re the City’s readiness for public safety threats through action plans and educational efforts. 7.1.a Packet Pg. 38 Page 28 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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. 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-2 Public Safety Require areas identified as having significant liquefaction potential (including secondary seismic hazards such as differential compaction, lateral spreading, settlement, rock fall, and landslide) to undergo site-specific geotechnical investigation prior to development and to mitigate the potential hazard to a level of insignificance or, if mitigation is not possible, to preserve these areas as open space or agriculture. Figure 7-3 (Page 7-8 of the Public Safety Element) shows areas where historical occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical, and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements. Through the development review process, all projects proposing development on lands with known geotechnical and/or geological issues, including lands identified as Restricted Use Area (RUA), are required to prepare a Geotechnical Study, acceptable to the City Engineer, pursuant to Municipal Code requirements as provided in Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 15.00.320. Public Works 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 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 39 Page 29 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 analyses of the subsurface soil conditions were complete. This data was utilized to prepare a formal soil report to develop design plans and project specifications. The design of a slope stabilization engineering solution was completed in 2021. The construction work will be recommended to be included in the CIP for FY 2022/23. 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-4 Public Works Department 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 has prepared a comprehensive update to the City’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan) with the assistance of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. The Plan Update includes 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. The Plan review process included a public comment period in late 2021, with submission of the Plan to CalOES and FEMA in early 2022. Very High Severity Fire Zones have been mapped throughout the City hillside areas requiring new construction to be fire-resistant at exterior surfaces exposed to wildland areas. 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 40 Page 30 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT 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 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. See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office 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, emergency alert system, 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-16 Public Safety For privately-owned property within areas designated for development that are subject to high wildfire risk, condition approval of development upon the implementation of measures to reduce risks associated with that development, including, but not limited to, fuel modification plans and Fire Code requirements in effect at the time of project approval. Prior to building permit issuance, all residential projects located in the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone are required to submit landscape plans designed to comply with the requirements of the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines in terms of plant selection, placement and maintenance. The final landscape and fuel modification plans are submitted to the Los Angeles Fire Department for review and approval. Community Development 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 41 Page 31 of 43 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 poten tial 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 visited each business in person, educated the business owners on permit requirements, and performed inspections identifying any NPDES compliance issues. The first round of inspections for about 100 businesses was completed between January – March 2021. Also applies to Resource Conservation Chapter goal RC-G-7 Public Works Policies 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 Element. 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. All City and LA County environmental programs are promoted through a wide variety of outlets, and on an ongoing basis. Program specific flyers and post cards are distributed at City Hall, the Diamond Bar Library, Diamond Bar Center, Heritage Park, during events, and as billing inserts. City media outlets include the annual EnviroLink newsletter, the monthly City newsletter DB Connection, an extensive website, and DBTV Channel 3. Additionally, each of the City's waste haulers maintains a website that highlights available programs and instructions for participation. Used motor oil recycling kits (containing a drain container, funnel, filter bags, shop towels, and a filter wrench) were distributed to interested do -it-yourselfers community events, and from City Hall. The City also works with Los Angeles County Public Works to provide a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event in the City once a year. The HHW event takes most forms of electronic and hazardous waste including paint, batteries, and other toxic materials City Manager’s Office 7.1.a Packet Pg. 42 Page 32 of 43 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. 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 distribute information through its “Let’s Talk Public Safety” program in a socially distanced format, primarily through law enforcement safety blogs and videos. 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 “Coffee with a Cop” meetings were placed were held when possible, and placed on hiatus when necessary under public health guidelines. 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-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. Wildfire Prevention in Assessment Districts The City continues to provide fire brush and other wildfire prevention related maintenance at the Landscape Assessment Districts 39 and 41-2021. 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 through 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, City Manager’s Office 7.1.a Packet Pg. 43 Page 33 of 43 the City EOC has been activated virtually to monitor impacts to the City and coordinate response efforts with County Office OEM, local school districts, and adjoining municipalities. Also applies to Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-7 and policies PS- P-40, PS-P-41, and PS-P-43 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 conditions in the Planning Area and new emergency management techniques. See Public Safety Chapter goal PS-G-2 City Manager’s Office 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 44 Page 34 of 43 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 launched a new Emergency Alert notification system and continues to promote registration of 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), the City continues to manage a dedicated resource hub on the City web to provide COVID-19 prevention and education, information regarding temporary changes to City operations, virtual programs and meetings. Additionally, information is distributed to residents and businesses via print, electronic notices and signage posted at City facilities. Public Information 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-14 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 policy PS-P-37 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 2022 Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 45 Page 35 of 43 for the design and construction of the quiet zone establishment pre - requisites. The City of Industry is the lead agency on this project. PS-P-52 Public Safety Ensure that noise attenuation facilities are installed as feasible in all noise-sensitive areas impacted by County, State, or federal highways through coordination with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter Public Health And Environmental Justice policies goal CHS-P-29 Public Works 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. Staff revised and 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 and 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 and 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. City-wide, outdoor special events were implemented again beginning Summer of 2021. Parks and Recreation PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE 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. 57/60 Confluence Sound Walls The 57/60 Confluence project design was completed by Metro in 2021 and is being reviewed for final approval by Caltrans. The City was participated in the design process and ensured the new project included adequate noise barriers and sound walls. Public Works 7.1.a Packet Pg. 46 Page 36 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT Also applies to Public Safety Chapter policies goal PS-P-52 See Community Character & Placemaking Chapter Policy CC-P-11 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. Information is made available to residents via the City website, electronic newsletters, social media platforms, the City’s printed monthly newsletter (Diamond Bar Connection), and virtual presentations. • In response to COVID-19 safety guidelines restricting in- person gatherings, the City continues to offer all City Council and Commission meetings in a teleconference format t o ensure public participation. • The City hosted its inaugural Citizen’s Academy in May 2021. Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidance, the series was held virtually using live video and a prepared presentation. Participants learned about a wide variety of topics, including how the City was formed, how the City is governed and the role of the City Council, City Manager, and staff, how the City operates and the services each department provides, and finally, how the City is funded. • The City launched a new and updated mobile application, Diamond Bar Connected, which provides residents with comprehensive City information via any mobile device. The app allows users to request services, access various interactive maps, search a directory of phone numbers and emails to contact staff, and view the latest news releases from city hall. • A new Citizen Request Manager, or online public service request platform, was implemented offering a streamlined, user-friendly way for residents to contact city hall via a desktop computer and mobile device. The system, SeeClickFix, allows users to communicate directly with staff responsible for the request and allow them to receive updates via email, text or view on an online map. Public Information 7.1.a Packet Pg. 47 Page 37 of 43 POLICY # CHAPTER GOALS & POLICIES STATUS DEPARTMENT • New Appointment System was put into place to address COVID-19 in-person service restrictions. Those wishing to do business with the City may go online and request an appointment for a variety of services, including business license applications, construction permits or facility reservation tours. Users may select to have their appointment take place over video, through a phone call, or in-person. • The City has launched a new Open Data Portal to provide various city service data sets. The first data set is public safety-focused and contains statistics on calls for service, arrests, and incidents of serious offenses, known as Part 1 crimes, that took place within city limits and were reported to the local sheriff’s station. Additional data sets about other City services and operations will be made accessible as the information becomes available. 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 State Laws, which regulate waste management and recycling. The City continues to offer various economic incentives that encourage source reduction and recycling: 1) Residential refuse rates are based on a pay-as-you-throw system. Three refuse cart sizes are available (35, 64, and 96 gallon), and cost increases with cart size; 2) one additional recycling cart, and one additional green waste cart, are available to each residence at no cost; 3) residents may earn a yard waste discount equal to 12% if they implement backyard composting, and agree to relinquish their green waste cart; 4) a recycling rebate is issued to residents in any year that the residential waste hauler earns recycling revenues that exceed a specified threshold; 5) all commercial and multi-family waste is processed at the hauler's MRF, however recycling bins are available at a greatly discounted price; 6) used oil drain containers and reusable shopping bags are distributed to residents at no c ost, and; 7) businesses and schools may apply for the City's Recycling Bins Grant, which provides free recycling receptacles (7 to 50 gallon capacity) to qualifying applicants. City Manager’s Office 7.1.a Packet Pg. 48 Page 38 of 43 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-43 Community Health & Sustainability Explore participating in new high efficiency technology programs such as LED lighting for City facilities, safety lighting in parks and other public spaces, and LED street lighting conversion for all City- owned street lights. In December, staff applied for Prop. 68 funding to renovate Pantera Park parking lot lights with LED lighting for enhanced safety and efficiency. Parks and Recreation 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 through requiring all waste hauling 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 low water suage in plumbing. Community Development 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. The City's waste haulers are required by contract to divert at least 75% of all C&D debris, including inert material. 100% of concrete/asphalt dirt is diverted by both waste haulers. Residential and Commercial haulers have met and exceeded the C&D requirement. The City worked with the haulers to identify specific projects that fall under the C&D requirement including roof projects, demolitions, additions, new construction and remodels. The residential waste hauler operates a C&D facility in Los Angeles, this location began processing more projects and resulted in an 83.3% diversion in the C&D category. City ordinance requires that for all City Manager’s Office 7.1.a Packet Pg. 49 Page 39 of 43 C&D projects of at least 1,000 square feet, a diversion deposit and a Recycling and Waste Reduction Application be submitted before work begins; a Final Compliance Report and associated weight tickets must be submitted after project completion. Also applies to Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-50 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. The City continues to contract with Waste Management, At Your Door Special Collections, to provide curbside recycling of HHW materials. The City participates in and promotes the LA County Household Hazardous Waste Roundup program. LA County sponsored its annual HHW roundup in Diamond Bar. The listed events were advertised by the City through the distribution of flyers and/or placement of event information on its online event calendar. Numerous schools and non-profit organizations hold e-waste collection events throughout the year as a fundraising effort. 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 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 City Manager’s Office 7.1.a Packet Pg. 50 Page 40 of 43 as City resources including website, social media, mail and email distribution. Also applies to Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-52 CHS-P-49 Community Health & Sustainability Continue to educate residential, commercial, and industrial generators about source reduction and recycling programs and encourage their participation in these programs through promotional campaigns and incentives. See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-47 City Manager’s Office 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. Albertsons, Sprouts, Target and Walmart have internal food waste recycling programs that include donation and composting. All franchise green waste collections, as well as third-party green waste collections are taken to facilities that process this material into soils products. The City is currently exploring options to contract with a food recovery organization. See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-46 City Manager’s Office CHS-P-51 Community Health & Sustainability Encourage residents and businesses to compost leaves, grass clippings, food waste, and other organic materials by promoting existing food waste pickup services, residential waste hauler rate composting discounts, and residential backyard composting. The City’s contracted residential and commercial waste haulers continue to offer comprehensive waste collection and curbside recycling services citywide. Organics collection is provided by the City’s commercial provider Valley Vista Services, with residential service scheduled to take place middle 2022. 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 CHS-P-53 Community Health & Sustainability Support and cooperate with County and State regulatory agency efforts to require commercial and industrial gene rators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. See Community Health & Sustainability Chapter policy CHS-P-47 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 7.1.a Packet Pg. 51 Page 41 of 43 8. Housing – 2013-2021 Housing Element Program Evaluation PROGRAM # OBJECTIVES STATUS HOUSING The Housing Element, which has been certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), identifies and makes provisions for existing and future housing needs. While most of these enabling policies require the participation of the private sector, the City also actively participates in implementation by budgeting a portion of its annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation to fund the City’s Home Improvement Program (HIP). The HIP provides zero-interest deferred loans of up to $20,000 to eligible low-income households to perform essential home repairs and improvements. Low-income households are also eligible to participate in the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission’s CDBG-funded Home Ownership Program (HOP) for first-time homebuyer assistance. The City filed the Housing Element Annual Progress (APR) with HCD and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) on March 26, 2021, which outlined progress on the implementation of the adopted 2013-2021 Housing Element. The table below summarizes the 2013-2021 Housing Element housing programs offered through the Community Development Department along with program objectives, accomplishments, and implementation status. 1. Residential Neighborhood Improvement Program Proactive program conducts neighborhood inspections on a regular basis throughout the entire city/focused code enforcement linked with rehabilitation assistance to correct code violations. The City continues to operate the code enforcement program. This program is successful and is being continued. 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 24,335 sq. ft. and twenty-seven (27) building permits for residential additions totaling 12,939 sq. ft. were issued. 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 This program is being continued. 7.1.a Packet Pg. 52 Page 42 of 43 PROGRAM # OBJECTIVES STATUS local colleges and universities annually to identify potential partnership opportunities for affordable housing. 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. In April 2021, the City enlisted the assistance of the Urban Land Institute -Los Angeles (ULI-TAP) to commence a technical assistance panel (TAP) to gain a better understanding of the market possibilities, implementation strategies, and design frameworks to consider as it plans the Diamond Bar Town Center. A Technical Assistance Panel Report was prepared and posted on the City’s website. 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. Seventeen (17) building permits for ADUs totaling 12,654 sq. ft. were issued. 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 processin g, 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. 7.1.a Packet Pg. 53 Page 43 of 43 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 greenhou se gas (“GHG”) emissions that originate within its jurisdiction. The City of Diamond Bar adopted a Climate Action Plan concurrently with the General Plan Update to document how it will be able to reduce its GHG emissions in compliance with State mandates and goals to the year 2040, which is the horizon year for the General Plan Update. The table below lists the General Plan Update goals and policies that have been implemented to reduce GHG emissions, quantifies emissions reductions, and explains how these policies and actions will be implemented and organized according to the following categories: 1. Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Conne ctivity; 2. Bikeway System Improvements; 3. Traffic Calming; 4. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure; 5. Parking Facilities and Policies; and 6. Transportation Improvements. 1. Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity The General Plan Update includes policies that create more walkable, livable neighborhoods by expanding the multi - modal transportation system and creating a safe, pedestrian -oriented environment. Providing an improved pedestrian network and increasing connectivity encourages people to walk more and results in people driving less, causing a reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). LU-P-9: See status above. LU-P-14: See status above. CC-G-5: See status above. CC-P-4: See status above. CC-P-7: See status above. CC-P-9: See status above. CC-P-64: See status above. 2. Bikeway System Improvements The General Plan Update provides strategies for maximizing multi -modal accessibility to and connectivity within mixed use areas, including the Metrolink Station and new Town Center. With the total bicycle improvements listed in the General Plan Update, there would be approximately 2.4 miles of bike lanes per square mile. Diamond Bar currently has approximately 2,840 people per square miles. This corresponds to a 0.06 percent reducti on 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 c lean fuel and electric vehicles in order to reduce energy use and cost and transportation related GHG emissions. RC-P-28: See status above. 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. 7.1.a Packet Pg. 54 Project Status Report CITY OF DIAMOND BAR March 8, 2022 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT LEGEND PH = PUBLIC HEARING X = NON PUBLIC HEARING AP = ASSIGNED PLANNER PC = PLANNING COMMISSION CC = CITY COUNCIL PROPERTY LOCATION PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW File # AP Applicant PC 3/8/22 CC 3/15/22 PC 3/22/22 CC 4/5/22 PC 4/12/22 CC 4/19/22 General Plan Status for 2021 GL Citywide X X 850 Brea Canyon Rd. (Modification to hotel and office project) TPM/CUP/DR/PP/CSP PL2017-169 GL Philip Lee PH ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW Property Location AP Applicant None PENDING ITEMS Property Location File # AP Applicant Status 1625 Bears Den Rd. (Addition to single family residence) DR PL2021-01 MN Pete Volbeda Second incomplete letter sent 8/31/21 – waiting for additional information 2020 Brea Canyon Rd. (2-Lot Subdivision) TPM PL2022-07 GL Nathaniel Williams First Incomplete Letter Sent 02/22/22 – waiting for additional information 1198 Chisolm Trail Dr. (New single-family residence) DR PL2021-51 JT/DT Michael Wu First incomplete letter sent 7/21/21 – waiting for additional information 2939 Crooked Creek (Addition and remodel to single family residence) DR PL2022-16 DT Walt Patroske Under Review Crooked Creek (7-unit subdivision) VTTM, DR, CUP, TP PL2017-203 MN New Bridge Homes Under Review 20221 Damietta Dr. (Addition and remodel to single-family residence) DR PL2021-83 MN/ DK Chen Lee Under Review 2001 Derringer Ln. (2-lot subdivision) TPM 83036/DR PL2021-46 MN Gurbachan S. Juneja Under Review Gentle Springs Ln. and S. Prospectors Rd. GPA, ZC, VTTM, DR PL2021-23 GL Tranquil Garden LLC First incomplete letter sent 4/16/21 – waiting for additional information 2234 Indian Creek Rd. (New single-family residence) DR PL2020-159 MN Jeffrey Sun Second incomplete letter sent 9/30/21 – waiting for additional information 9.1 Packet Pg. 55 Project Status Report CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Page 2 March 8, 2022 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PENDING ITEMS (continued) Property Location File # AP Applicant Status 22909 Lazy Trail Rd. (Addition and remodel to single family residence) DR, MCUP PL2021-05 JT/DT Walt Patroske Second incomplete letter sent 9/8/21 – waiting for additional information 23121 Ridge Line Rd. (New single-family residence) DR PL2020-31 MN Pete Volbeda Third incomplete letter sent 8/13/21 – waiting for additional information 23712 Ridge Line Rd. (New single-family residence) DR PL2022-01 GL/ DT Peng Jiang Under review Walnut Valley Unified School District (Billboard Ordinance) PL2021-43 GL/ MN WVUSD Under review 9.1 Packet Pg. 56 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR NOTICE OF PUBIC MEETING AND AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CITY OF DIAMOND BAR I, Stella Marquez, Administrative Coordinator for the City of Diamond Bar, CA, declare as follows: I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that on March 4, 2022, 1 posted the March 8, 2022, Planning Commission Agenda, pursuant to Government Code Section 54950 et.seq. at the following locations: Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive SCAQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive Heritage Park, 2900 Brea Canyon Road Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive City website: www.diamondbarca.gov Executed on March 4, 2022, at Diamond Bar, California. Lt Stella Marquez Community Developm ept. y1\s\andaviryosf ng.doc