Division 6 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Fontana Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Fontana

Sec. 30-543. - Noise and vibration.

(a)

Noise levels. No person shall create or cause to be created any sound which exceeds the noise levels in this section as measured at the property line of any residentially zoned property:

(1)

The noise level between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. shall not exceed 70 db(A).

(2)

The noise level between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. shall not exceed 65 db(A).

(b)

Noise measurements. Noise shall be measured with a sound level meter that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Section SI4-1979, Type 1 or Type 2. Noise levels shall be measured using the "A" weighted sound pressure level scale in decibels (reference pressure = 20 micronewtons per meter squared).

(c)

Vibration. No person shall create or cause to be created any activity which causes a vibration which can be felt beyond the property line with or without the aid of an instrument.

Sec. 30-544. - Light and glare.

All lights shall be directed and/or shielded to prevent the light from adversely affecting adjacent properties. No structure or lighting feature shall be permitted which creates adverse glare. A photometric plan shall be provided that indicates the amount of light emanating from the proposed/existing light fixtures.

Sec. 30-545. - Odors.

All uses shall be operated in a manner such that no offensive odor is perceptible at or beyond the property line of that use.

Sec. 30-546. - Electromagnetic interference.

No use, activity, or process shall be conducted which produces electromagnetic interference with normal radio and television receptions beyond the property line of that use.

Sec. 30-547. - Reserved.

DIVISION 7. - DESIGN GUIDELINES

Sec. 30-548. - Purpose.

The following guidelines are to be used in conjunction with development policies and standards contained in the article to create industrial developments that are functionally compatible or enhance the surrounding users.

Sec. 30-549. - Applicability.

These guidelines apply to all new industrial development as well as additions and remodels. No activities conducted within industrial districts shall be conducted in such a manner as to constitute a public or private nuisance. The approval body may impose such conditions or mitigation measures as may be appropriate to ensure that activities conducted within an industrial district shall not constitute or become a public or private nuisance. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or otherwise modifying other applicable provisions of this chapter, all activities conducted within industrial districts shall comply with all applicable provisions of local, state and federal laws and regulations with respect to noise, vibration, smoke, odors, fire and explosive hazards, radiation, toxic and noxious matters, electromagnetic interference and lighting. The approval body may impose such conditions or mitigation measures as may be appropriate to ensure that activities conducted within any industrial district shall not violate any provisions of local, state or federal law, or regulations with respect to the matters identified in the immediate preceding sentence. See also industrial building design policy.

Sec. 30-550. - Site plan design.

(a)

Grading and drainage.

(1)

Graded slopes shall meet California Building Code.

(2)

All graded slopes in excess of three to one shall be stabilized and planted with groundcovers and trees or shrubs.

(3)

Grading shall not occur within the drip line of a tree (with a caliper size greater than ten inches at chest height) that merits observation or within ten feet of the bank of a riparian corridor unless such grading is approved by a landscape architect.

(4)

The grading of land along transportation corridors shall conform to the natural topography of the immediate area and result in a harmonious transition of the manmade grade with the natural terrain.

(5)

Site grading design shall complement and reinforce the architectural and landscape design character by helping to screen parking, loading and service areas, by helping to reduce the perception of height and mass on large buildings, by providing reasonable transitions between on-site uses, by providing elevation transitions contributing to the efficiency of on-site and off-site movement systems, and by providing reasonable transition between lots.

(b)

Building orientation.

(1)

All buildings shall be cited and oriented to reduce noise, light and glare, visual, and other conflicts. Refuse/recycle collection and loading areas shall be located in areas where noise from such operations will not adversely impact adjacent residential uses.

(2)

Buildings shall be cited for windows and entries to take advantage of views.

(3)

Buildings shall be designed and cited to minimize the impact of built forms on the natural landscape. Roof lines shall keep a low profile so as to not dominate the horizon line.

(4)

The orientation of a building and its parts shall be related to nature and the elements: sun, wind, and rain. The design and placements of windows and doors shall be considered with exposure to natural elements in mind.

(5)

In new projects, buildings shall be positioned to minimize the impact of shadows on adjacent properties. Building architecture shall be designed to provide shade in the summer and sunlight in the winter.

(6)

Placement of the industrial buildings shall provide the most aesthetic public views. Open work areas shall be located away from public views. Where overriding considerations require that the work areas remain visible to public views, they must be fully screened using walls and a combinations of berms and landscaping.

(7)

Design themes for individual projects shall integrate the constraints and opportunities provided by adjacent developments in complying with an overall street design theme.

(8)

Building area setbacks from the street shall vary to provide character to the area.

(9)

Whenever possible, buildings should be oriented on the site in a manner that will allow for solar energy devices to have access to sunlight. Running roof ridge lines east-west allows easy solar access for roof mounted solar collectors.

(10)

HVAC ducts shall be oriented away from abutting residential areas.

(c)

Access and circulation.

(1)

Pedestrian.

a.

On-site pedestrian circulation systems shall be provided to meet the movement needs of on-site users. Such systems shall provide safe, all-weather surfaces and aesthetically pleasing means of on-site foot travel. Pedestrian walkways shall be an integrated part of the overall architecture and site design concept.

b.

Pedestrian and bicycle access shall be conveniently provided to connect industrial uses with surrounding land uses.

c.

Along walkways, between buildings, expanded areas provide for occasional sitting areas are encouraged.

(2)

Vehicular.

a.

On site bus turnouts and shelters shall be installed in industrial areas that generate the highest bus passenger volume. Mass transit routes that serve areas of business use shall load passengers in clearly marked, reserved areas with pedestrian facilities provided.

b.

The access and circulation of a development shall be designed to provide safe and efficient system, both on and off the site. Points of access shall be designed in conformance with the City access regulations, and shall not conflict with other planned or existing access points.

c.

The vehicular circulation system shall be designed to reduce conflicts with pedestrian traffic, minimize impacts on adjacent properties, combine circulation and access areas where possible, and provide adequate maneuvering areas.

d.

Access drives for industrial areas shall be located as far as possible from street intersections and shall be coordinated with median openings and where median openings are not available, designed for efficient "right-turn only" ingress and egress.

e.

Access drives shall be coordinated with adjacent lots so as to minimize the number of curb cuts required and to not impede on the efficient flow of peak period traffic. Consideration shall be given to adequate separation of adjacent access drives or the development of common access drives.

f.

In no case should trucks have to use public right-of-way to maneuver into a loading space, including the necessity to have to back-in from a public right-ofway. There shall be adequate truck maneuvering area for the largest truck size anticipated for the subject industrial development. Trucks utilizing loading areas shall not encroach upon drive aisles or parking spaces. Sufficient area shall be provided for the parking of empty or stored trailers.

g.

The citing of handicap parking stalls within an industrial development shall be subject to the requirements of the current Building Code.

(d)

Relationship of parking areas to buildings.

(1)

Adequate parking shall be provided for all new industrial facilities to accommodate peak hour use. See Article XI for standards. The employees and visitors parking shall be located separate from truck loading areas.

(2)

Aisles shall be positioned perpendicular to building entries for easy pedestrian access. Pedestrian corridors shall also incorporate landscaping material.

(3)

Where design permits, parking areas located behind buildings are encouraged. Driveway access to rear parking and loading areas and clear signage identifying rear parking availability shall be incorporated into the overall design.

(4)

If vehicle parking is adjacent to the on-site truck path, the vehicle parking shall be located on the building side of the truck path.

(e)

Open space.

(1)

Open spaces shall be designed as an integral part of the overall site plan design. Open spaces shall enhance the building design, enhance public views and spaces, provide buffers and transitions, provide for a balance of solar uses, and provide screening.

(2)

The display of art and fountains is encouraged in open spaces.

(3)

Open spaces can occur within an industrial development in any scale, from an intimate low wall for sitting to an expansive plaza. These spaces are encouraged within all new industrial development and shall be designed at a scale proportionate to each individual project.

(4)

Open spaces shall provide a landscape design and access connection to the primary building entry.

(5)

Open spaces shall be integrated into the vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems as a primary focus and destination.

(6)

Open spaces shall be strongly defined by adjacent buildings with facades being visually interesting and building mass well-articulated.

(7)

The provision of ample seating/outdoor break area in open space areas is essential and should be carefully placed to allow a variety sitting environments.

(8)

Open spaces shall be designed to direct attention toward the entry statement of the project.

(f)

Lighting.

(1)

All exterior lighting shall be adequately controlled and shielded to prevent glare and undesirable illumination to adjacent properties or streets.

(2)

On-site lights shall provide a safe, functional and aesthetic design. Enough lighting should be provided to ensure a safe environment while at the same time not cause areas of intense light or glare.

(3)

Light fixtures and poles shall be designed and placed in a manner consistent and compatible with the overall site and building design.

(4)

High intensity security lighting fixtures shall not be substituted for site or landscape lighting or general building exterior illumination, but shall be limited to loading and storage locations or other similar service areas only.

(g)

Utilities.

(1)

Temporary overhead power and telephone facilities are permitted only during construction.

(2)

Transformer enclosures shall be designed of durable materials with finishes and colors used which are compatible and harmonious with the overall architectural theme.

(3)

Placement, location and screening of utilities of any kind which cannot be installed underground and must be placed above ground for function and safety reasons require approval by the Director of Planning.

(h)

Public safety.

(1)

Entrances to buildings shall be well lighted and void of any large shrubbery or obstructions.

(2)

Adequate emergency access routes for the egress/ingress of emergency vehicles shall be required for all projects.

(Ord. No. 1865, § 8(Att. 2), 3-23-21; Ord. No. 1970, § 4(Exh. A), 6-10-25)

Sec. 30-551. - Building design.

(a)

Design theme.

(1)

In order to establish and reinforce an industrial district identity, new industrial projects are encouraged to develop a central design theme around which the following architectural elements can be designed: building form, signage, light fixtures, walls and fences, landscaping and other site furnishings, as well as areas of public gathering such as plazas and courtyards.

(2)

A recognizable design theme shall be established for each facility. That theme shall be one that creates a harmonious building style, form, size, color, material and roofline, as it relates to surrounding planned or existing developments.

(3)

It is not intended that one style of architecture should be dominant but rather that individual structures shall create and enhance a high quality and harmonious community appearance. Subtle variations are required which provide visual interest but do not create abrupt changes causing discord in the overall design of the immediate area.

(4)

Electrical rooms shall be designed into new buildings as part of the building with direct access from the outside of the building.

(b)

Scale.

(1)

The height, bulk, and design of industrial development shall be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

(2)

Multi-story buildings shall be set back toward the center of the site or be designed in a stepped style.

(c)

Materials and colors.

(1)

Colors, textures, and materials shall be coordinated to achieve total compatibility of design and shall blend well with the environment.

(2)

A sensitive alternation of colors and materials shall be used to produce diversity and enhance architectural effects.

(3)

While no category of exterior materials is considered "correct," the use of a particular material should exemplify the special characteristics of the overall design theme.

(4)

Generally acceptable materials are stucco, wood siding, native rock and stone, split face, slump stone, concrete, brick, or combination thereof.

(5)

Conditionally acceptable material (only limited usage) shall be steel (painted), glass block, and black glass windows.

(d)

Lighting.

(1)

Building and landscape accent up lighting shall be incorporated into the landscape plan.

(2)

Lighting systems shall be architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings to express the unique character of the area.

(3)

All exterior lighting shall be adequately controlled and shielded to prevent glare and undesirable illumination to adjacent properties or streets.

(4)

Where possible, light fixtures shall be incorporated into the building elements to minimize their impact. Fixtures shall be appropriate for the architectural design and shall be energy efficient.

(5)

For those buildings that are located in excess of 100 feet from the front property line, street address numbers of 12 inches or greater in height shall be displayed via an internally illuminated address display box.

(e)

Architectural compatibility.

(1)

Mass and scale.

a.

The mass and scale of the buildings shall respect the visual and physical relationship to the adjacent buildings and surrounding sensitive uses. Taller building elements shall be placed towards the center of the site, with lower elements adjacent to surrounding properties.

b.

Buildings shall be stepped back when adjacent to or in close proximity to sensitive uses (e.g. residential, schools, etc.).

c.

Vertical and horizontal offsets shall be provided to reduce the visual bulk of the building.

==> picture [235 x 90] intentionally omitted <==

(2)

Building facades.

a.

Building facades shall incorporate architectural elements such as windows, pillars, and wall plane breaks to minimize blank walls, to create visual interest, and to reduce the opportunity for graffiti.

b.

All building elevations, whether front, side, or rear shall be architecturally detailed.

c.

Architectural accents (e.g., cornices, tiles, trim around windows, grooves in building faces, accent band details, bulkheads, etc.) shall be used to create variation along building facades.

==> picture [235 x 89] intentionally omitted <==

d.

Roofs shall be designed as an integral component of building form, mass, and facade. Building form shall be enhanced by sloped or offset roof planes, eave heights, and rooflines.

==> picture [235 x 74] intentionally omitted <==

(3)

Colors and materials. a.

Colors and materials for all structures on-site should consist of earth tones. Use of different colors and materials or textures is strongly encouraged. b.

Building materials shall be durable and able to withstand long-term exposure to the elements. c.

Large expanses of smooth material (e.g., concrete) shall be broken up with expansion joints, reveals, or changes in texture and color.

==> picture [527 x 387] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
(4)
Landscaping.
a.
Landscaping shall be in scale with adjacent structures, streets, and public spaces, and be sized appropriately when fully grown.
b.
Landscaped areas should incorporate a three-tiered planting system:
1.
Ground cover and flowering plants;
2.
Shrubs and vines; and,
3.
Trees.
c.
Development on corner lots shall be enhanced with a combination of specimen trees, accent plantings, upgraded perimeter wall surfaces, hardscape
treatments and landscape lighting adjacent to the street intersection.
d.
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance trees, vines, and groundcovers shall be used on-site. Drip irrigation systems shall be installed to ensure the highest
possible level of water conservation.
e.
Setbacks adjacent to sensitive uses shall include dense landscaping to provide visual screening and noise attenuation.
f.
Landscaped berms along site edges shall be used to screen parking, loading and service areas and to serve as a sound reduction measure.
----- End of picture text -----

==> picture [234 x 60] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [7 x 6] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
g.
----- End of picture text -----

Surface parking lots shall be well-landscaped to reduce heat island effect and visually reduce the expanse of paved area.

h.

Pervious paving materials are strongly encouraged for sidewalks, pathways, and parking lots or other paved surfaces on-site.

i.

An automatic irrigation system using current equipment and technology shall be provided for planted areas.

j.

Run-off retention and on-site water filtration/stormwater treatment features and bioswales should be a part of the overall landscape design and can also serve as buffering methods for adjacent businesses.

==> picture [235 x 77] intentionally omitted <==

k.

Trees shall be selected and placed to provide canopy and shade for walkways, pedestrian open spaces, and parking areas.

l.

Tree and shrub planting shall be in large masses.

m.

Plant material selected shall be suited to the specific soil and micro climatic conditions.

DIVISION 8. - TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND TRIP REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 30-552. - Purpose.

The purpose of this section is to promote the use of alternative modes of transportation other than the use of single occupant vehicle, and peak hour travel, thereby reducing congestion, reducing air pollution and improving the quality of life.

Sec. 30-553. - Applicability.

This section shall apply to all incorporated portions of the City. Prior to issuance of a building permit for any new construction project requiring a design review for which a site plan is submitted on or after this article comes into effect, provisions shall be made for all applicable trip reduction requirements of this section to be implemented. The requirements shall not be applied to existing development except when new square footage is added which exceeds 25 percent of the original development.

Sec. 30-554. - Trip reduction measures.

The following trip reduction measures shall be implemented:

(1)

Bicycle parking racks or secured bicycle lockers shall be provided for all nonresidential developments and multiple-family developments with ten or more units. Bicycle racks or lockers shall be provided at a rate of one bicycle parking space per 20 automobile parking spaces with a minimum of a two-bike rack.

(2)

On-site pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths shall be provided between adjoining buildings and connecting each building in a development to public streets and sidewalks or transit stops, for all new nonresidential developments and multiple-family developments with ten or more units.

(3)

Preferential parking spaces which are signed and striped for vanpools and carpools shall be provided at a minimum rate of ten percent of employee vehicle parking for all new nonresidential developments of 20,000 square feet or greater.

(4)

A passenger loading area equivalent to a minimum of three parking spaces shall be provided in a location close to the main building entrance or employee entrance, designed not to interfere with vehicular circulation, for all new nonresidential developments of 50,000 square feet or greater.

(5)

Parking spaces shall be designed with a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet two inches to accommodate vanpool vehicles.

(6)

Locker, shower, and changing room facility(ies) accessible to both men and women shall be provided for employees bicycling or walking to work, for all new nonresidential developments which meeting the following thresholds.

Table No. 30-554
Trip Reduction Measures
Use Threshold
Ofce/commercial 125,000 square feet
Industrial/warehouse 250,000 square feet
Hotels/motels 250 rooms

(7)

All new nonresidential developments with 20,000 square feet or greater shall provide an information area easily accessible to employees that offers information on available transportation alternatives, such as: metro link service schedules, transit route schedules and maps, rideshare matching services, available employees or customer incentives and air quality information.

(8)

Transit facilities such as bus pullouts, bus pads and bus shelters shall be provided for new developments along existing or planned transit routes at approximately one-quarter mile apart, as determined in cooperation with local transit providers and City Engineer and transportation planning staff.

(9)

A telecommuting center or contributions toward the development of such a center shall be required for all new residential developments of 200 or more units.

(10)

On-site video conferencing facilities shall be provided for all office park developments with 1,000 or more employees or office building with a capacity of 500 or more employees.

(11)

Sidewalks shall be provided for all new developments in accordance with the city's circulation element of the general plan, subject to conditions of existing, adopted specific plans.

(12)

Child care facilities shall be considered for inclusion as part of new nonresidential developments with 1,000 or more employees.

(13)

All new projects which meet the San Bernardino County Congestion Management Program thresholds shall participate in the construction or payment of fees toward the construction of bicycle facilities required during the design review or project approval process.

(Ord. No. 1865, § 8(Att. 2), 3-23-21)

Sec. 30-555. - Exception to trip reduction requirements.

The City Council, Planning Commission or Director of Community Development, as appropriate, may modify all or part of the trip reduction measures for new projects set forth above, if the following findings can be made:

(1)

One or more of the measures are not applicable due to special circumstances, including, but not limited to, the location or configuration of the project, the implementation demand management strategies, or other specific factors which make infeasible implementation, or reduce the effectiveness, of the prescribed measure(s); and

(2)

An alternative trip reduction and transportation demand management strategy will be implemented to reduce an equal amount of trips as would have occurred as a result of imposition of the prescribed measures. (Implementation of the alterative strategy shall be a condition of project approval.

Sec. 30-556—30-599. - Reserved.

ARTICLE VIII. - PUBLIC FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE ZONING DISTRICTS DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY

Sec. 30-600. - Purpose.

The purpose and intent of this article is to provide areas that are not residential, commercial, or industrial. There are four specific zoning districts that are included in this article. The public and open space zoning districts are intended to accommodate public facilities for the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City. The public and open space zoning districts are created to implement the open space policies of the general plan and to achieve the following objectives:

(1)

Protect lives and property from slope, fire, seismic, and flood hazards;

(2)

Preserve views of and natural conditions primarily within the Jurupa Hills and San Gabriel Mountains;

(3)

Prevent premature development of significant aggregate and agricultural resource areas;

(4)

Promote and manage the significant biological habitat and groundwater recharge areas; and

(5)

Provide City residents with a wide range of recreational opportunities.

Sec. 30-601. - How to use this article.

This article contains subsequent sections that describe permitted land uses within the public and open space zoning districts and the development standards and design guidelines applicable to these uses. In general, limited development is permitted in the public and open space zoning districts. However, standards and guidelines are necessary to ensure development is consistent with the intent of the general plan.

All permitted uses must comply with the development policies, use regulations, development standards, performance standards, and design guidelines established by this article.

The provisions of this article shall not be so construed as to limit or interfere with the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of any use which falls within the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission, which uses are related to public utilities purposes: water gas, electricity, telephone, and sewer.

Sec. 30-602. - Public and open space zoning districts.

Four public facilities and open space zoning districts are established as follows:

(1)

Public Facility (P-PF). A zoning district that accommodates public facilities required for the development and use of land in order to provide for a quality living environment and a dynamic economy.

(2)

Natural area (OS-N). A zoning district that accommodates those locations within the planning area which, for specific environmental reasons, have been planned to remain in largely a natural condition. Areas designated as OS-N include portions of the Jurupa Hills and the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains bordering the national forest land.

(3)

Resource area (OS-R). A zoning district that accommodates quarries, flood control channels, groundwater percolation basins, and agriculture. The OS-R category allows for the continued productive use of natural resources. The character of these areas is intended to remain as open space.

(4)

Public utility corridors (P-UC). A zoning district that accommodates public utility easements. These areas may be allowed to be developed with other uses in mind in addition to the use of utility corridor.