HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 2012-08CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2007-03
FOR PROPERY COMPRISED OF APPROXIMATELY 30.36 ACRES LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BREA CANYON ROAD AND DIAMOND
BAR BOULEVARD, DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL
NUMBERS 8714-002-900, 8714-002-901, 8714-002-902, 8714-002-903 and
8714-015-001).
A. RECITALS
On July 1, 2007, the property ownerlco-applicant, Walnut Valley School
District, and property owner/co-applicant/lead agency, City of Diamond
Bar (City), executed a Memorandum of Understanding whereby the
parties agreed to collaborate in a specific plan process in order to consider
the possible rezoning of the site consisting of approximately 30.36 -acres,
and comprised of multiple parcels located at the southeast corner of Brea
Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond Bar, County of Los
Angeles, California, collectively identified as Site D, so that both parties
may each advance their respective objectives for the disposition and/or
use of their respective real property interests.
2. The following approvals are requested of the City Council:
(a) General Plan Amendment No. 2007-03 to change the land use
designations of Site D from Public Facility (PF) and General
Commercial (C) to Specific Plan (SP);
(b) Zone Change No. 2007-04 to change the zoning districts of Site D
from Low Density Residential (RL), Low/Medium Density Residential
(RLM), and Neighborhood Commercial (C--1) to Specific Plan;
(c) Specific Plan No. 2007-01 to adopt the Site D Specific Plan for the
approximately 30.36 acre site to facilitate the development of 200
residential dwelling units and a minimum two net acres of useable
neighborhood public park area;
(d) Development Agreement No. 2012-01 to approve an agreement
between the City and the Walnut Valley Unified School District setting
forth the obligations and benefits to the City and the Walnut Valley
Unified School District with regard to Site D; and
3. In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and its implementing guidelines (CEQA Guidelines), an
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Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the above
referenced entitlements. By prior action, the City Council of the City of
Diamond Bar (City Council): (1) certified that the EIR: (a) was completed
in compliance with CEQA; (b) was presented to the City Council and the
City Council reviewed and considered the information contained therein
prior to taking action on the project; and (c) reflects the City Council's
independent judgment and analysis; (2) made specific findings in
accordance with CEQA; and (3) adopted a mitigation 'reporting and
monitoring program.
4. The January 2012 Site D Specific Plan, identified as Specific Plan No.
2007-01 (Site D Specific Plan), that is being reviewed concurrently with
this General Plan Amendment, includes a land use plan that establishes
planning areas (Residential and Public Park/Open Space) and includes
standards and guidelines for future development of the specific plan site.
5. In recognition that no specific plan may be adopted or amended unless
the proposed plan or amendment is consistent with the agency's general
plan, as specified herein, a consistency assessment has been conducted
by the City Council and the City Council concluded that Specific Pian No.
2007-01 is consistent with the City of Diamond Bar General Plan.
6. Notification of the public hearing for this project was published in the San
Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Inland Valley Daily_ Bulletin newspapers on
February 10, 2012. Public hearing notices were mailed to property
owners within a 1,000-footradius of the project site and public notices
were posted at the City's designated community posting sites. In addition
to the published and mailed notices, the project site was posted with a
display board and the notice was posted at three other locations within the
project vicinity.
7. On April 13, April 27 and May 11, 2010, the Planning Commission of the
City of Diamond Bar (Planning Commission) a duly noticed public hearing
on the application and approved Resolution No. 2010-14 recommending
that the City Council approve Specific Plan No. 2007-01, as conditioned.
Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning Commission considered
several alternative land use plans set forth in the EIR, including various
all -residential and mixed-use scenarios.
8. On June 15, 2010, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public
hearing, solicited testimony from all interested parties, and continued the
matter to July 20, October 19, November 16, December 7, and on
December 21, 2010 closed the public hearing.
9. On February 21, 2012, the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar re-
opened the public hearing and conducted a duly noticed public hearing on
the project.
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10. The City Council has determined that the proposed General Plan
Amendment represents a consistent, logical, appropriate and rational land
use designation and implementing tool that furthers the goals and
objectives of the City of Diamond Bar General Plan (General Plan).
11. The documents and materials constituting the administrative record of the
proceedings upon which the City's decision is based are located at the
City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Department, Planning
Division, 21810 Copley Drive, Second Floor, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, it is- found, determined and resolved by the City Council of
the City of Diamond Bar as follows:
1. The City Council hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in
the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct.
2. Approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2007-03 for the Site D Specific
Plan based on the following finding, as required by Section 22.70.050 of
the Municipal Code and in conformance with California Government Code
Section 65358:
The amendment to the General Plan is internally consistent with the
adopted goals and policies of the City and is in the public interest.
General Plan Amendment No. 2007-03 will permit residential and public
park/open space, rather than public facility, in an area adjacent to existing
residential and commercial development. The General Plan Amendment
promotes the following:
Land Use Element Vision Statement states: It is the overall goal of
the land use element to ensure that the land uses and development
decisions of Diamond Bar maintain and enhance the quality of life for
its residents. Goal 1 states: Consistent with the Vision Statement,
maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of
Diamond Bar residents,. providing a balance of development and
preservation of significant open space areas to assure both economic
viability and retention of distinctive natural features of the community.
• The Site D Specific Plan project is a residential development that
provides quality low -medium to medium -density residential housing
within proximity to a new neighborhood park,, and maintains open
space hillside areas.
Land Use Element -- Goal 2 states: Manage
the location, density and intensity, and
Maintain consistency with the capabilities
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land use with respect to
quality of development.
of the City and special
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districts to provide essential services which achieve sustainable use
of environment and manmade resources.
The Site D Specific Plan project is located at the corner of a major
and a secondary arterial in the City. This Specific Plan document will
guide the build -out, use, and habitation of Site D in a manner which is
consistent with City and State policies and standards and assures
that the project is developed in a coordinated manner, to be
compatible with surrounding land uses.
• Land Use Element - Goal 3 states: Maintain recognition within
Diamond Bar and the surrounding regions as being a community with
a well planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment.
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The Site D Specific Plan is consistent with the needs of the Diamond
Bar community by offering an aesthetically pleasing development
incorporating community identity through the development of an entry
feature at the corner of Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar
Boulevard to mark the entrance into the City.
• Land Use .Element -- Goal 4 states: Encourage long-term and
regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the
expense of the quality of life for Diamond Bar residents.
Interweaving low -medium to medium -density residential housing with
a neighborhood park and open space; will allow Site D to be a quality
development that will positively contribute to the City.
• Housing Element Vision Statement states: It is the overall goal of the
housing plan that there is adequate housing in the City, both in
quality and quantity, to provide appropriate shelter for all without
discrimination. Goal 1 states: Consistent with the Vision Statement,
preserve and conserve the existing housing stock and maintain
property values and residents' quality of life.
The Site D Specific Plan has been developed in accordance with the
General Plan's land use strategy for this area and creates logical and
orderly development. Low -medium to medium -density residential
and open space land uses will be carefully sited with regards to
adjacent existing development and the project's tract map application
process. Furthermore, the project may enhance surrounding
property values, which will create a long-term positive fiscal impact to
the City of Diamond Bar.
Housing Element — Goal 2 states: Provide opportunities for
development of suitable housing to meet the diverse needs of
existing and future residents.
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The low -medium to medium -density residential housing of Site D
meets the fiscal and culturally diverse needs of both future and
existing City residents by offering additional housing stock of single-
family residences.
The Housing Element adopts the regional housing needs
assessment (RHNA) allocation prescribed by SCAG for the 2008-
2014 planning period, which requires the City to provide land
inventory to accommodate 1,090 new housing units. The project
represents about 18.3 percent of the projected housing needs for the
period 2008-2014. The total number of dwelling units proposed (200)
on Site D is less than the adopted SCAG 2008-2014 RHNA for new
construction for "above moderate" income households (440) and only
slightly more than identified new construction need for "moderate"
income households (188). Since the projected increase appears
generally consistent with regional projections, the project will further
the attainment of SCAG's regional housing needs assessment.
• Housing Element — Goal 3 states: Provide adequate sites through
appropriate land use and zoning designations to accommodate future
housing growth.
The General Plan Land Use Map designates the approximately
30.36 -acre site as a Specific Plan Overlay. The Specific Plan
Overlay designation requires a Specific Plan to be prepared and
adopted to provide direction related to site planning, architectural
design, and site specific development standards. The Site D Specific
Plan provides a means to properly develop the site in a coordinated
manner, taking into account all local goals, policies, and objectives.
Additionally, the Specific Plan area will contain low -medium to
medium -density residential housing, thereby increasing housing
opportunities within the Diamond Bar community.
• Housing Element — Goal 5 states: Encourage equal and fair housing
opportunities for all economic segment of the community.
Site D will provide low -medium to medium -density residential uses in
the form of attached and/or detached housing, which can
accommodate various economic segments of the Diamond Bar
community and its residents by supporting the variation in character
of the Diamond Bar housing stock.
• Resource Management Element Vision Statement states: It is the
overall goal of the resource management element to provide and
maintain adequate open spaces in the City to serve the diverse .
recreational needs of its residents, while fostering the wise use of
limited natural resources. Goal 1 states: Create and maintain an
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open space system which will preserve scenic beauty, protect
important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor
recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources,
and protect public health and safety.
The project will have open space, which includes manufactured
slopes and greenbelts. In addition, a minimum of two net acres of
useable neighborhood public park area will be improved and
dedicated to the City for recreational open space.
• Resource Management Element — Goal 2 states: Identify limits on the
resources needed to support existing and future uses within the City
of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, and ensure that
resources are used wisely.
The project will provide sustainability performance standards which
will, in comparison to other projects not within this specific plan area,
facilitate energy and water conservation and reduce solid wastes
through the use of specified "green" building techniques and
requirements.
• Public Health and Safety Element Vision Statement states: It is the
overall goal of the plan to provide a safe and healthy environment for
the residents of Diamond Bar. Goal 1 states: Create a secure public
environment which minimizes potential loss of life and property
damage, as well as social, economic, or environmental disruption
resulting from natural and manmade disasters.
The Site D residential development will provide a safe and secure
environment for City residents by promoting the policies and ideals
particular to the City. Specific standards are included in this Site D
Specific Plan regulating development within the project area, which
will minimize potential loss of life and property damage. Additionally,
each stage of development and occupancy permitted by this specific
plan will adequately provide vehicular access, public facilities, and
infrastructure for public health and safety.
• Circulation Element Vision Statement states: It is the overall goal of
the plan to provide a safe, adequate and environmentally sensitive
transportation system to meet the circulation needs of the citizens of
Diamond Bar. Goal 1 states: Enhance the environment of the City's
street network. Work toward improving the problems presented by
intrusion of regionally oriented commuter traffic through the City and
into residential neighborhoods. Consider programs to reinforce the
regional transportation and circulation system to adequately
accommodate regional needs.
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Project -related improvement of interior and exterior roadways and
circulation will ensure safe, direct, and convenient vehicular and
pedestrian access to and through the project's land uses.
• Circulation Element — Goal 2 states: Provide a balanced
transportation system for the safe and efficient movement of people,
goods, and services through the City.
The Site D Specific Plan will contain a strong internal circulation
network that will serve to provide direct and efficient access to the
site. While the automobile will be the predominant form of travel, the
Site D Specific Plan recognizes the importance of alternative modes
of transportation. Bus stops are located adjacent to Site D and
facilitate alternative modes of transportation. Transit is expected to
be provided by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Foothill
Transit, and the City's fixed -route transportation system.
• Circulation Element — Goal 3 states: Maintain an adequate level of
service on area roadways.
The required CEQA document and traffic impact analysis associated
with entitlement of the Site D Specific Plan includes an analysis of
project area roadways and existing and build -out levels of service.
Appropriate mitigation measures have been formulated to ensure that
the area's roadways do not operate under the required level of
service as a result of the Site D development.
• Circulation Element — Goal 4 states: Provide or regulate the provision
of the supply of parking to meeting the needs for both residents and
park users.
The Site D development will be consistent with Chapter 22.30, Off -
Street Parking, of the Diamond Bar Development Code.
• Public Services and Facilities Element Vision Statement states: It is
the overall goal of the plan that the City acquire and maintain
adequate resources to meet the needs of its resident. Goal 1 states:
Provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to
support development and planned growth.
As required, public services and utilities, including water, sewer, gas,
electricity, telephone, and cable, will be extended into the Specific
Plan area to support the Site D development.
• Public Services and Facilities Element --- Goal 2 states: Achieve a
fiscally solvent, financially stable community.
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Site D will contain a high-quality, residential development, composed
of low -medium to medium -density residential, and open space land
uses. Site D will provide housing opportunities to the City's
residents, which will generate property taxes that can be used for
improvement of public services and facilities.
The proposed General Plan Amendment is consistent with all of
these goals. Therefore, the General Plan Amendment is consistent
with City policies and is in the public interest;
3. The City Council does hereby approve General Plan Amendment No.
2007-03 based on the above finding.
4. The Community Development Director shall modify the Diamond Bar
General Plan Land Use Map in accordance with this resolution that the
real property depicted in Exhibit A.
The City Council shall:
(a) Certify to the adoption of this Resolution; and
(b) Forthwith transmit a certified copy of this Resolution, by certified mail, to:
Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 South Lemon Avenue, Walnut,
CA 91789.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21s' DAY OF FEBRUARY 2012, BY THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR.
By:
Chang, Mayor
I, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted, at a regular meeting of
the City Council held on the 21St day of February, 2012, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Member: Everett, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Tanaka
NOES: Council Member: M/Chang
ABSENT: Council Member: Nene
ABSTAIN: Council Member: None
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ATTEST: �.
Tommyef Cribbins, City Clerk
City of Diamond Bar
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EXHIBIT "A"
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT
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OLD LAND USE DESIGNATIONS: PUBLIC FACILITY (PF) &COMMERCIAL (C)
NEW LAND USE DESIGNATION: SPECIFIC PLAN (SP)
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