HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 03 (2026)ORDINANCE NO. 03 (2026)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ADOPTING THE
TOWN CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN, AMENDING TITLE 22
(DEVELOPMENT CODE) OF THE DIAMOND BAR CITY CODE TO ADD
NEW CHAPTER 22.11 (MIXED USE DISTRICTS) AND TO ESTABLISH
THE TOWN CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN (TCSP) ZONING DISTRICT, AND
AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND
BAR TO REZONE ALL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE TOWN CENTER
MIXED USE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION TO THE TOWN
CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN (TCSP) DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, On November 3, 1998 the City of Diamond Bar adopted a
Development Code (Title 22 of the Diamond Bar City Code); and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2019, the City Council adopted the Diamond Bar
General Plan 2040 and the Climate Action Plan 2040 to create a vision and blueprint for
development through 2040. The Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 establishes the Town
Center Mixed -Use, Neighborhood Mixed -Use, Transit Oriented Mixed -Use, and
Community Core Overlay focus areas and corresponding land use designations,
estimates that up to 3,750 new housing units could be built in the city by 2040, and
anticipates that much of this growth will occur within these four focus areas; and
WHEREAS, the Town Center Mixed -Use focus area and land use designation
encompasses those properties within an approximately 45-acre area along Diamond Bar
Boulevard, between Golden Springs Drive and the SR-60 Freeway; and
WHEREAS, on August 11, 2022, the City Council adopted the City's 2021-2029
General Plan Housing Element (2021-2029 Housing Element"), which was subsequently
found by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to
be in full compliance with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Government
Code) on October 5, 2022. The 2021-2029 Housing Element identifies sites to
accommodate the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 2,516 residential
units, including through rezoning of underutilized sites in the Town Center Mixed -Use,
Neighborhood Mixed -Use, Transit Oriented Mixed -Use focus areas. The 2021-2029
Housing Element expressly contemplates the implementation of a specific plan for mixed -
use development in the Town Center Focus Area and encourages incentives to
encourage and facilitate redevelopment in the Town Center Focus Area; and
WHEREAS, on January 27, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-
04 approving an amendment to the Land Use Element of the General Plan to establish a
minimum residential density of 20 dwelling units per acre and a maximum residential
density of 30 dwelling units per acre on sites within the Town Center Mixed -Use and
Neighborhood Mixed -Use Land Use Designations, as required under Program H-8 of the;
and
WHEREAS, on February 4, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 01
(2025), establishing the housing element site (H) overlay district to provide development
Ordinance No. 03 (2026)
and land use regulations for the development of multifamily dwellings on specified sites
identified in the City of Diamond Bar 2021-2029 Housing Element to accommodate the
City's RHNA requirements. The Zoning Map was concurrently amended to apply the H
overlay district designation to those parcels with a General Plan land use designation of
Town Center Mixed -Use, Neighborhood Mixed -Use, and Transit -Oriented Mixed -Use.
The H overlay district establishes a maximum residential density of 30 dwelling units per
acre; and
WHEREAS, to implement the Land Use and Economic Development and Housing
Elements of the General Plan, the City of Diamond Bar initiated preparation of the Town
Center Specific Plan ("TCSP") pursuant to Government Code sections 65450 through
65457 and corresponding amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Economic
Development Element, Development Code, and Official Zoning Map to establish the
TCSP as the regulatory document governing the Town Center Mixed -Use land use
designation and to revise the General Plan criteria and the zoning designation applicable
to the Planning Area covered by the Specific Plan as necessary to ensure consistency
with, and implementation of, the Specific Plan's framework, including maximum
residential density and permitted uses; and
WHEREAS, the proposed TCSP would establish a regulatory framework to guide
the transformation of the Town Center from the existing suburban -style retail shopping
centers into a pedestrian -oriented downtown, providing housing opportunities, retail,
restaurants, and entertainment uses within the City of Diamond Bar. Implementation of
the TCSP is anticipated to result in the development of up to 2,055 housing units (an
increase of 705 units); 200 hotel rooms (an increase of 103 rooms); 40,000 square feet
of public open space (an increase of 40,000 square feet); and 446,000 square feet of
commercial space (a net decrease of 64,000 square feet), including retail, dining, and
entertainment uses, as compared to development anticipated for the area under the
General Plan, as amended by the 2021-2029 Housing Element. Supporting infrastructure
and development standards will be implemented through the TCSP and associated
entitlements; and
WHEREAS, the proposed General Plan Amendment would amend the Land Use
and Economic Development Element to ensure consistency between it and the TCSP by
specifying that the Town Center Mixed Use Land Use designation is implemented by the
TCSP and project density may be increased over the maximum base residential density
of 30.0 dwelling units per acre in certain circumstances only through application of either
the State Density Bonus Law or the TCSP Inclusionary Incentive Program Standards
described in the TCSP, or through density transfers as permitted in the TCSP; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Development Code Amendment would establish a new
Town Center Specific Plan zoning district that implements the TCSP and would
incorporate the TCSP into the Development Code by reference. These provisions are
proposed to be set forth in a new chapter 22.11 of the Development Code entitled "Mixed
Use Zoning Districts," which will provide a framework for the incorporation of future
specific plans implementing General Plan goals and policies for the the Neighborhood
Mixed -Use and Transit Oriented Mixed -Use land use designations; and
Ordinance No. 03 (2026)
WHEREAS, the proposed Zoning Map Amendment would rezone all properties
within the Town Center Mixed Use General Plan land use designation to the new Town
Center Specific Plan (TCSP) District; and
WHEREAS, the proposed General Plan Amendment, Town Center Specific Plan,
Development Code Amendment, and Zoning Map Amendment are collectively referred
to herein as the "Project"; and
WHEREAS, on February 10, 2026, the City of Diamond Bar Planning Commission
held a duly noticed public hearing regarding the Project and adopted Resolution No.
2026-02 making specified findings and recommending that the City Council adopt the
proposed Town Center Specific Plan and corresponding General Plan, Development
Code, and Zoning Map amendments; and
WHEREAS, on February 20, 2026, notification of the City Council public hearing
for the Project was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Public hearing notices
were mailed to property owners within a 1000400t radius of the TCSP Planning Area,
inclusive of the Planning Area, and notices were posted at the City's designated
community posting sites; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2026, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing
regarding the proposed Project; and
WHEREAS, following the public hearing held on March 3, 2026, the City Council
(1) adopted Resolution No. 2026-05 certifying the Final SIR for the Project, finding that
the Final SIR was completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
("CEQK) ; finding that the Final SIR reflects the independent judgment and analysis of
the City Council; finding that the Final SIR was presented to, and revised and considered
by the, City Council; adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and adopting a
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and (2) adopted Resolution No. 2026-06
approving a text amendment to the General Plan Land Use and Economic Development
Element to ensure consistency between it and the TCSP by specifying that the Town
Center Mixed Use Land Use designation is implemented by the TCSP and project density
may be increased over the maximum base residential density of 30.0 dwelling units per
acre in certain circumstances only through application of either the State Density Bonus
Law or the TCSP Inclusionary Incentive Program Standards described in the TCSP, or
through density transfers as permitted in the TCSP; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar does hereby find,
determine and ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals
The foregoing recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by
reference.
K?
Ordinance No. 03 (2026)
SECTION Z. Findings
The City Council hereby finds and determines as follows:
A. The City Council of the City of Diamond Bar has considered the proposed Town
Center Specific Plan ("TCSP"), prepared pursuant to Government Code Sections
65450-65457.
B. The TCSP is being adopted by ordinance in accordance with Government Code
Section 65453, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission and after
a duly noticed public hearing.
C. The TCSP is consistent with the General Plan, as amended pursuant to City Council
Resolution No. 2026-06, as required by Government Code Section 65454, in that it
implements the General Plan's goals, policies, and land use framework applicable to
the Town Center Mixed -Use land use designation, and provides regulatory standards
and development guidance that further the General Plan's vision for orderly,
compatible, and well -planned development.
D. The TCSP complies with Government Code Section 65451 by including a statement
of land uses, circulation and infrastructure provisions, development standards, and
implementation measures necessary to carry out the General Plan within the Specific
Plan area.
E. The proposed Development Code and Zoning Map Amendments are internally
consistent with the General Plan, the TCSP, and other adopted goals and policies of
the City.
F. The City Council hereby adopts the facts and reasons stated in Planning Commission
Resolution No. 2026-02 recommending City Council approval of the Project, a copy
of which is on file with the City Clerk and which is incorporated herein by reference
with the same force and effect as if set forth in full.
SECTION 3. CEQA Compliance
The City determined that the appropriate environmental document for the Project would
be a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report ("SIR") to the Diamond Bar General
Plan 2040 ("General Plan") and Climate Action Plan Program EIR, State Clearinghouse
Number 2018051066, certified on December 18, 2019, as addended on August 11, 2022
with adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, and an SIR has been prepared
for the Project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the State
CEQA Guidelines. On March 3, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-05
certifying the Final SIR for the Project, finding the Final SIR was completed in compliance
with CEQA; finding that the Final SIR reflects the independent judgment and analysis of
the City Council; finding that the Final SIR was presented to, and reviewed and
considered by, the City Council; adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and
adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
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Ordinance No. 03 (2026)
SECTION 4. Adoption of Specific Plan
The Town Center Specific Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference as Exhibit 1, is hereby adopted.
SECTION 5. Development Code Amendment
Title 22 of the Diamond Bar City Code is hereby amended to add new Chapter 22.11,
entitled "Mixed Use Districts," to read in its entirety as follows:
"CHAPTER 22.11 —MIXED-USE ZONING DISTRICTS
Sec. 22.11.010. —Purpose of chapter.
This chapter provides regulations for development and new land uses in
the mixed -use zoning districts established by section 22.11.020.
Sec. 22.11.020. —Purpose of mixed -use zoning districts.
The purposes of the individual mixed -use zoning districts and the manner
in which they are applied are as follows:
(1) TCSP (town center specific plan) district. The TCSP district implements
the "Town Center Specific Plan" and is consistent with the town center
mixed use land use category of the general plan.
Sec. 22.11.030. —Mixed-use zoning district land uses, permit
requirements, and development standards.
(1) TCSP (town center specific plan) district. All development within the town
center specific plan district shall be subject to the Town Center Specific
Plan, as it may be amended from time to time. The Town Center Specific
Plan is on file with the City Clerk and is incorporated herein by reference.
Sec. 22.11.040. —Special provisions applicable to lower -income sites
within mixed -use zoning districts.
(1) TCSP (town center specific plan) district. In accordance with subdivision
(h) of Government Code Section 65583.2, the following additional
regulations shall apply to each site within the town center specific plan
district identified in Table B-3 of Appendix B to the City of Diamond Bar
2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element to accommodate the City's low -
or very low-income housing needs: (a) at least sixteen (16) dwelling units
may be developed on the site; (b) 100% of the uses on the site may be
residential; (c) residential uses shall occupy at least 50 percent of the total
gross floor area of any new development on the site; (c) for developments
in which 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower income
households, multifamily dwellings shall be considered a use by right and
Ordinance No. 03 (2026)
shall be reviewed ministerially pursuant to section 22.18.040(f)."
SECTION 6. Zoning Map Amendment
The Zoning Map of the City of Diamond Bar is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit 2 to
this Ordinance to rezone all properties within the Town Center Mixed Use General Plan
Land Use designation to the Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) District and to denote the
Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) District for the applicable properties.
SECTION 7. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after adoption pursuant to Government Code
Section 36937, provided, however, that the effectiveness of this Ordinance shall be
contingent upon the adoption and effectiveness of City Council Resolution No. 2026-06
approving and adopting the associated General Plan Amendment, Should Resolution
No. 2026-06 not be adopted or take effect, this Ordinance shall automatically be deemed
null and void.
SECTION 8. Severability Clause
If any section,
for any reason
validity of the
that it would h
subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is
held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the
emaining portions of this Ordinance. The City
Council hereby declares
section, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase had been
SECTION 9. Certification and Posting of Ordinance
declared invalid
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause
a certified copy of this Ordinance to be posted within fifteen (15) days after this Ordinance
is passed and adopted, in the Office of the City Clerk and two additional public places,
together with the vote for and against the same.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City
of Diamond Baron the 17t" day of March, 2026.
CITY OF --DIAMOND BAR
Tye, Mayo
Ordinance No. 03 (2026)
ATTEST:
I, Kristina Santana, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance was duly introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the
City of Diamond Bar held on the 3rd day of March, 2026, and was finally passed at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar held on the 17t" day of
March, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Chou, Liu, Teng, M/Tye
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: MPT/Low ABSTAIN: Councilmembers: None loe
Krist na Santana, City Clerk
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Exhibit 1
Town Center Specific Plan
Bound separately due to document size.
The full document has been provided to the City Council.
Also available at www.downtown4db.com
Exhibit 2
Amended Zoning Map
Adopted
July
25, 1995a As
Amended
Last Amended: ,
2026
City Council
Ordinance
No.
XX
(2026)
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