Fontana council introduces zoning update allowing three-year entitlement extensions, awards 10-year towing franchises

Fontana's City Council on Nov. 10 introduced an ordinance revising several sections of the city's zoning code, including a change that gives developers more time to keep project approvals in force.

The council voted 5-0 after a public hearing, according to the city's online roll-call record. Minutes of the meeting were not among the records reviewed.

Zoning code changes

City rules now allow entitlements to be extended up to two years past the original approval period. Ordinance No. 1998 would raise that to three years, according to the Planning Department staff report.

It also ends a requirement that the planning director send administratively approved changes to design review approvals on to the Planning Commission. The report calls that a streamlining step.

Other changes in the ordinance:

• Some existing properties zoned under the Form-Based Code that remodel or rebuild would no longer have to meet a rule that buildings cover at least half the frontage. Screening would be required instead.
• The code would state that all driveways and drive aisles must be paved, and their widths would track current Fire Department access requirements.
• A resident who owns a manufactured home on leased land could sign the owner's authorization for a home-based business.
• The Auto Center Overlay map, amended in 2022, would be redrawn so its boundaries are clear.

The report lists no fiscal impact.

The Planning Commission recommended the changes 3-0 on Oct. 6, with two commissioners absent, according to its minutes. No one spoke for or against the item.

At that hearing, staff said the change would let the planning director approve minor amendments without the commission. Director Nevins added that any disagreement would still go to the commission so the applicant could be heard, the minutes say.

Gateway Specific Plan

The council also voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance No. 1999. It would reduce required building setbacks from interior side and rear lot lines in the Fontana Gateway Specific Plan from six feet down to none.

The council approved a site plan for a prefabricated metal storage building of 5,075 square feet behind an iron fabrication business at 10880 Mulberry Avenue. The applicant is MTZ Construction Management.

The staff report says most nearby buildings already sit zero to five feet from property lines. Planning commissioners recommended approval 3-0 on Oct. 20, with two commissioners absent, the minutes say.

Towing and jail services

The council's consent calendar passed 5-0, according to the roll-call record.

It included 10-year towing franchises for Armada Towing Services, Edwins Towing and Pepe's Towing Service. Five companies applied, and the three picked had the highest scores among those meeting minimum requirements, according to the Police Department report.

The calendar also included an agreement with Allied Universal Security Services for booking, jail and transport services, using a contract the City of Ontario awarded. The report lists yearly pricing from $692,793.80 in the first year to $778,697.80 in the fifth.