Division 6 — WAREHOUSING — Fontana Municipal Code

Sec. 30-646. - Warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district regulations.¶

(a)

Applicability. The provisions of this division may be applied to any property with a general plan land use designation of regional mixed use (RMU), and a zoning designation of regional mixed use (R-MU), located on the east side of Sierra Avenue and north of Interstate 210 (I-210) as identified in Figure 1.

Figure 1

(b)

Relation to underlying zoning. The warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district is a flexible designation that is intended to apply in conjunction with, or as an alternative to the provisions in the underlying zoning. When utilized in conjunction with the underlying zone, if the provisions of this division are in conflict with the provisions of the underlying zoning district, the provisions of this division shall apply.

(c)

Intent. The intent of the warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district is to provide for the limited, well planned and orderly development of warehousing distribution/logistic uses on properties within the R-MU zone located on the east side of Sierra Avenue, north of Interstate 210 (I-210), and south of Casa Grande Drive. Additionally, the further intent of this overlay district is to eliminate or adequately mitigate adverse impacts on the community related to such developments and, therefore, projects taking advantage of the overlay development regulations shall be required to provide access to Mango Avenue, thereby limiting and/or prohibiting access onto Sierra Avenue, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission and/or the City Council.

(d)

Access. In line with Section 30-646(c), to further ensure the intent of the warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district, Mango Avenue, a collector street as classified in the City's general plan circulation master plan, shall be required to be constructed from Casmalia Avenue to Summit Avenue prior to the establishment of any proposed project-level development, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. This requirement is to provide an alternate route to Sierra Avenue for properties within the overlay district as a connection to Interstate 210 (I-210). For the purpose of this section, Mango Avenue need not be developed to its ultimate right-of-way width but must otherwise be constructed to a minimum roadway width to provide for two-way truck traffic and any other circulation needs such as maintenance vehicle turn outs, emergency vehicles, etc., as determined by the City Engineer.

(Ord. No. 1830, § 8(Exh. A), 6-9-20)

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Sec. 30-647. - Uses permitted.¶

(a)

General. Any use permitted in the underlying zoning district shall be permitted in the warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district, subject to Section 30-647(b).

(b)

Warehousing distribution/logistics. The following warehousing distribution/logistics uses require a conditional use permit (CUP):

(1)

Warehousing, standard;

(2)

Warehousing, with distribution;

(3)

Warehousing, high-cube;

(4)

Similar uses as determined by the Director of Community Development to be compatible pursuant to Article II, Division 16, Other Uses to be Determined by the Director of Community Development.

(c)

Prohibited uses. The following uses are specifically prohibited:

(1)

Any use not permitted in the underlying zoning district;

(2)

Multi-family dwellings;

(3)

Senior housing;

(4)

Day care/child care;

(5)

Day care/child care 24-hour;

(6)

Other uses deemed incompatible by the Director of Community Development pursuant to Article II, Division 16, Other Uses to be Determined by the Director of Community Development.

(Ord. No. 1830, § 8(Exh. A), 6-9-20)

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Sec. 30-648. - Zone change required.¶

An application for a change of zone to establish the warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district on one or more parcels eligible to receive the overlay, shall be filed with the Planning Division pursuant to Article II, Division 7 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 1830, § 8(Exh. A), 6-9-20)

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Sec. 30-649. - Design review or administrative site plan review required.¶

Any development proposal within the warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district shall be subject to a design review or administrative site plan review process pursuant to Article II, Divisions X and XI et seq. of this Code.

(Ord. No. 1830, § 8(Exh. A), 6-9-20)

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Sec. 30-650. - Development standards and design guidelines.¶

(a)

General. The development standards and design guidelines in this division shall be minimum requirements for warehousing distribution/logistics type uses. Those standards and guidelines not fully addressed in this section shall be as otherwise stated in the appropriate section(s) of the Fontana Municipal Code, including, but not limited to, Section 30-479 et seq., Section 30-520 et seq., Section 30-664 et seq., and Section 30-679 et seq. of this Code. When this division provides for discretionary authority on the part of the Director of Community Development, Planning Commission, or City Council, that discretion may be exercised to impose more stringent requirements, if deemed necessary, to accomplish the overall intent/objective of the warehousing distribution/logistics overlay district.

(b)

Minimum lot size.

(1)

The minimum lot size shall be four acres.

(c)

Lot dimensions.

(1)

The minimum lot dimensions shall be:

Minimum width of 300 feet.

Minimum depth of 300 feet.

(d)

Maximum building height.

(1)

The maximum building height shall be 60 feet.

(e)

Maximum lot coverage.

(1)

The maximum lot coverage shall be 50 percent.

(f)

Floor-area ratio (FAR).

(1)

The maximum base FAR shall be 0.50.

(g)

Building setbacks. All required yard areas (setbacks) shall be clear of all structures and other required site features such as parking areas, loading areas, fire lanes, etc., and shall be landscaped and maintained in a neat, healthy, aesthetically pleasing condition in accordance with the landscaping provisions of this division. Due to the lot configuration and depth of parcels eligible to receive the overlay district, for the purpose of this division, all buildings are assumed to be fronting on Sierra Avenue.

(1)

Minimum front yard setbacks.

The minimum front yard setback for Sierra Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum front yard setback for Casa Grande Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum front yard setback for Mango Avenue shall be 15 feet.

The minimum front yard setback for lots abutting local streets shall be 15 feet.

(2)

Minimum rear yard setbacks.

The minimum rear yard setback for parcels abutting Sierra Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum rear yard setback for parcels abutting Casa Grande Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum rear yard setback for parcels abutting Mango Avenue shall be 15 feet.

For lots abutting R-MU zoning districts, or any residential district, the minimum rear yard setback shall be 40 feet. For lots abutting C-2 zoning districts, the minimum rear yard setback shall be 15 [feet]. This setback may be increased to provide an appropriate separation between uses in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare if alternative means of providing separation are not practical.

(3)

Minimum interior side yard setbacks.

The minimum side yard setback for parcels abutting Sierra Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum side yard setback for parcels abutting Casa Grande Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum side yard setback for parcels abutting Mango Avenue shall be 15 feet.

For lots abutting M-1 zoning districts, or any residential district, the minimum interior side yard setback shall be 40 feet. For lots abutting C-2 zoning districts, the minimum interior side yard setback shall be 15 [feet]. This setback may be increased to provide an appropriate separation between uses in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare if alternative means of providing separation are not practical.

(h)

Parking and drive aisle setbacks (yard areas).

(1)

Street yard (measured from property line).

The minimum setback for lots abutting Sierra Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum setback for lots abutting Casa Grande Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum setback for lots abutting Mango Avenue shall be 15 feet.

The minimum setback for lots abutting local streets shall be 15 feet.

(2)

Rear yard.

The minimum setback for lots abutting Sierra Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum setback for lots abutting Casa Grande Avenue shall be 40 feet.

The minimum setback for lots abutting Mango Avenue shall be 15 feet.

The minimum setback for lots abutting local streets shall be 15 feet.

(3)

Interior side yard.

For lots abutting R-MU zoning districts, or any residential district, the minimum interior side yard setback shall be 20 feet. For lots abutting C-2 zoning districts, the minimum interior side yard setback shall be 15 [feet]. This setback may be increased to provide an appropriate separation between uses in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare if alternative means of providing separation are not practical.

(i)

Parking location. Off-street parking shall be located at the rear of the building, but may be considered elsewhere if its use is to further set back buildings from adjacent and/or surrounding sensitive uses (e.g., residential uses across a public right-of-way). Furthermore, visitor and/or employee parking may be located at the front of the building adjacent to the main entry. Service and loading areas may be located at the sides and rear of the building, except where such building sides are adjacent to a public right-of-way.

(j)

Parking and loading requirements. The following are regulations for off-street parking and loading. They identify required number of parking and loading spaces for all new development projects and those proposing substantial modifications to existing buildings. For all parking and loading-related information or regulations not specifically addressed in this section, refer to Section 30-679 et seq. of this Code.

(1)

General parking and loading requirements.

Methods of calculation.

Multiple uses. If more than one use is located on a site, the total number of required off-street parking and loading spaces shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately. If individual uses on the same site have a floor area less than that for which loading spaces would be required, then the total gross floor area of all uses on the site or lot shall be used in determining the required number of loading spaces.

Fractional number. Whenever the computation of the required number of off-street parking or loading spaces results in a fractional number, one additional space shall be required for a fraction of .5 or more, but shall not be required for a fraction of .4 or less.

Off-site location. Required off-street parking spaces shall be located on the same parcel as the use that they are intended to serve, unless reciprocal parking and access agreements are recorded between multiple parcels on the same site.

Shared use facility. Required off-street parking and loading spaces may be considered as providing parking or loading spaces for another use where joint facilities serving more than one use contain no less than the total number of spaces deemed necessary for each individual use added together with other uses. Where adjoining uses on the same site have different hours of operation with minimal conflict, the Director of Community Development may determine that some or all of the same spaces may be counted as satisfying the requirements for both uses, provided that the number of spaces shall not be less than the number prescribed for the use requiring the greater number.

(2)

Required number of parking spaces.

Each land use shall provide the number of off-street parking spaces indicated in Table 1—Parking Requirements by Land Use, except as otherwise may be determined by the Director of Community Development per Section 30-650(j)(1)(c) above.

Table 1—Parking Requirements by Land Use
Land Use	Motor Vehicle Spaces (Minimum #) GFA—Gross Floor Area	Bicycle Spaces (Minimum #)
Distribution, Wholesaling and Warehousing Uses
Logistics and Distribution Facilities (High Cube)	Vehicle Parking: 1 space/1,000 sq. ft. GFA for the first 20,000 sq. ft.; 1 space/2,000 sq. ft. for the second 20,000 sq. ft.; 1 space/5,000 sq. ft. for that portion over 40,000 sq. ft. No add'l spaces if office area less than 10% of total building square footage. Office space rate if office area over 10% of total building square footage.	None
Warehousing Facilities	1 space/1,000 sq. ft. GFA for the initial 40,000 sq. ft.; 1 space/4,000 sq. ft. of additional GFA greater than 40,000 sq. ft.; 4 spaces/1,000 sq. ft. GFA of office space. Where multiple tenants and or uses occupy the same building, the parking shall be calculated based upon the floor area used by each tenant or use Trailer Parking: 1 trailer space 12 feet x 52 feet for every four bay doors for buildings 199,999 square feet and smaller (round up to nearest whole number). 1 oversized trailer space (12 feet x 52 feet)/5,000 sq. ft. GFA* for buildings 200,000 square feet and larger for the entire building square footage; Parallel parking for trailers (12 x 80 feet) may be utilized as required trailer parking for up to 25 percent of required spaces when demonstrated as usable trailer parking. The area in front of the bay doors and knock out doors shall not be utilized as required trailer parking. *Truck docks and knock out doors shall not be included in this calculation.	None

(3)

Required number of loading spaces.

Each land use shall provide the number of off-street parking spaces indicated in Table 2—Loading Space Requirements by Land Use. Requirements for uses not specifically listed shall be determined by the Director of Community Development based upon the requirements for comparable uses and upon the particular characteristics of the proposed use. For other standards (e.g., size of loading spaces, location, turning radius, etc.), refer to Section 30-704 et seq. of this Code.

Table 2—Loading Space Requirements
Land Use	Loading Spaces (Minimum #)	Type
Distribution, Wholesaling and Warehousing Uses
Warehousing Facilities	5,000—30,000 sq. ft.: 1 space; and 1 additional space for each additional 30,000 sq. ft.	Tractor Trailer

Note: A tractor trailer loading space shall be a minimum of 12 feet wide by 70 feet long with a minimum 14 feet overhead clearance.

(k)

Fences, walls, and screening. The following are standards and guidelines for fences, walls, and screening.

(1)

Heights. Fences and walls may not exceed eight feet in height when located in a required side or rear yard, and may not exceed three and one-half feet in height when located in any required setback adjacent to a street. In the latter case, however, a fence with a maximum height of eight feet as measured from the sidewalk elevation may be permitted where required for security purposes. Such fencing shall not interfere with or obstruct the line-of-sight for motorists. Incidental outdoor storage areas, and loading areas and doors shall be screened from the public right-of-way by an eight foot high solid block masonry wall (see Table 3). Additional screening may be required and shall not interfere with or obstruct the line-of-sight for motorists.

Table 3—Standards for Fences, Walls, and Screening
Location	Materials (1)	Maximum Height (2)
Within front setback area	Solid fencing/wall	42 inches
	Open fencing/wall	6 ft.
Within street side setback area	Solid fencing/wall	42 inches
Within interior side setback area	Solid fencing/wall	8 ft.
Within rear setback area	Solid fencing/wall	8 ft.
Screening of incidental outdoor storage from view from the public right-of-way	Solid fencing/wall	8 ft.

Note(s):

(1) All fences and walls shall be finished on both sides with a decorative material (e.g., stucco, split-face, and/or slump stone).

(2) All fences and walls shall not interfere with or obstruct the line-of-sight for motorists.

(2)

All warehousing distribution/logistics uses adjoining or abutting a residential zoning district shall be screened by a solid masonry wall not less than eight feet in height. However, in the front yard area abutting the residential lot, the wall may be lower as determined through the site plan review process.

(3)

Electric fences, barbed wire fencing, chain link, wood and/or similar fencing materials are prohibited.

(4)

Fences and walls shall be compatible in terms of design and materials with the main structures on the site.

(5)

Roof-mounted and ground-mounted mechanical equipment, utilities, storage, and solid waste storage areas shall be screened from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way by a visual barrier (e.g., wall, fence, landscape material, etc.) to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.

(6)

No loading bays shall be permitted facing Sierra Avenue or Casa Grande Avenue to eliminate noise and negative visual impacts.

(7)

All loading bays shall be completely screened, and a sight-line analysis shall be taken from public right-of-way(s) to demonstrate such screening of all bays. Such analysis shall at a minimum contain a site plan and cross section graphics demonstrating the line of sight from the right-of-way to the loading areas at six feet above the right-of-way surface at three points: The centerline of the right-of-way and the property lines on either side of the right-of-way. The graphics shall be to scale, fully dimensional, and contain all building elevations, berms, walls, landscaping, setbacks, fences, and other structures as they are being proposed to be built.

(8)

All incidental storage of materials, including trucks, shall be screened from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way by a visual barrier (e.g., wall, fence, etc.) to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development. Furthermore, such storage shall not be located on any required parking area.

(l)

Building orientation.

(1)

All buildings shall be sited and oriented to reduce noise, light and glare, visual and other conflicts. For example, loading areas shall be located in areas where noise from such operations will not adversely impact adjacent, noise sensitive uses.

(2)

Placement of the industrial buildings shall provide the most aesthetic public views. Open work areas shall be located away from public views.

(m)

Landscaping.

(1)

Landscaping shall be used alone or in conjunction with other features (e.g. open space buffer, topography) to reduce potential visual and light and glare conflicts.

(2)

Landscape setbacks along public rights-of-way shall incorporate landscape buffers with undulating and variable height earth-mounding (berms), and/or low walls, preferably in a three-tier planting design.

(n)

Design guidelines. The design guidelines in this subsection shall apply to all warehousing distribution/logistics projects within the overlay district. Those design guidelines not fully addressed in this section shall be as otherwise stated in the appropriate section(s) of this Code, including, but not limited to, Section 30-479 et seq., Section 30-520 et seq., Section 30-664 et seq., and Section 30-679 et seq. of this Code.

(1)

Site design.

Site layout.

The arrangement of multiple buildings and associated circulation, and parking areas should reflect a well-organized site plan.

Site development may utilize variations on building placement and landscaping when located near a public street.

The design and location of accessory buildings (e.g., security kiosks, maintenance buildings, and outdoor equipment enclosures) shall be incorporated into and be compatible with the overall design of the project and the main buildings on the site.

With the exception of security kiosks, accessory buildings shall be located as far back from the front and street side yard setback area as possible.

Sea/train-type metal containers are prohibited.

Incidental outdoor storage, work, and loading areas shall be incorporated within the building design and located to the rear or side of buildings unless such building side(s) are adjacent to a public street where it would be prohibited.

Courtyards and plazas.

Buildings should be arranged to create opportunities for open space amenities (e.g., plazas, courtyards, outdoor eating areas, etc.). See Figure 2.

Figure 2

(2)

Building orientation.

The organization of buildings, parking areas, and landscaping shall recognize the existing characteristics of the site and shall relate to the surrounding development in scale and character.

Buildings should be oriented in a manner that takes advantage of passive solar design.

Buildings shall be oriented to provide a buffer between sensitive uses (i.e. residential, schools, parks, and medical facilities) and outdoor work areas, loading, and incidental storage.

(3)

Site elements.

Fences and walls.

Walls and fencing materials shall consist of wrought iron, tubular steel, stone, stucco, or brick, and shall be compatible with the overall design character/style of the development. The use of chain-link fence and similar materials is prohibited. See Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Walls and fences shall be integrated with landscaping along the base of the wall or fence.

Wall heights and surfaces shall be articulated with varying facade depths or pilasters to promote architectural interest, and shall include a cap along the top of the wall.

Landscaping shall be used in combination with walls and fences to visually soften blank surfaces and to deter graffiti. Additionally, all walls shall have an anti-graffiti coating to further deter graffiti, to the satisfaction of the City. See Figure 5.

Figure 5

Screening.

Loading bays and service areas shall be completely screened from public right-of-way(s) by building placement and/or decorative walls. Landscaping may be used in addition to such building placement and/or walls, but shall not be the sole means of screening. A sight-line analysis shall be taken from public right-of-way(s) to indicate screening of all items.

Trash storage enclosures and outdoor mechanical equipment shall be completely screened from public view.

Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened from public view through use of parapet walls or other approved screening devices. Special consideration shall be given to the screening of roof-mounted equipment on building rooftops that are visible from the public right-of-way. See Figure 7.

Figure 7

Lighting.

Outdoor lighting plans shall take into consideration the location and potential growth pattern of nearby trees (existing and planned) so that appropriate lighting levels are maintained over time.

Energy efficiency shall be considered through use of proper light location and placement, as well as use of energy-efficient bulbs and/or fixtures.

Lighting fixtures shall include hoods or other design techniques to reduce glare and light pollution, especially along major streets, and to prevent light spillover onto adjacent properties.

Lighting shall be provided in project entryways, walkways, and parking lots to promote safety.

Lighting may be mounted on poles or bollards, affixed to building walls, or placed within paved or landscaped areas. Appropriate materials and construction methods shall be used to ensure proper function of project lighting fixtures.

Decorative light fixtures shall be consistent with the architectural design of the building.

Truck and truck trailer parking areas shall incorporate lighting to increase real and perceived security.

(4)

Parking and access.

Parking.

Parking lots shall not be the dominant visual element on the site.

Surface parking areas shall integrate trees and landscape improvements to reduce the heat island effect and to promote better visual aesthetics.

Large parking lots (usually over 100 spaces) shall be divided into multiple, smaller areas and provided with canopy trees located throughout the parking area to reduce the effects of heat and the visual impacts of large parking areas.

Parking lot design shall include water quality storm water facilities consistent with City standards. See Figure 8.

Figure 8

Access.

The use of common (shared) access points and driveways is required for all service and loading areas pursuant to Traffic Engineering's Standard Plan No. 701 Access Management Requirements, to reduce curb cuts along streets. Additionally, placement of vehicle access points close to building entries shall be avoided to minimize pedestrian and vehicular conflicts.

Entry drives shall be clearly marked by special features, (e.g., enhanced paving, prominent landscape features, low-level decorative walls, and well- designed monument-type signs). See Figure 9.

Figure 9

(5)

Architecture.

Mass and scale.

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.

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

Vertical and horizontal offsets shall be provided to reduce the visual bulk of the building. See Figure 10.

Figure 10

Building facades.

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.

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

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. See Figure 11.

Figure 11

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. See Figure 12.

Figure 12

Colors and materials.

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

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

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

(6)

Landscaping.

Landscaping shall be in scale with adjacent structures, streets, and public spaces, and be sized appropriately when fully grown.

Landscaped areas should incorporate a three-tiered planting system:

Ground cover and flowering plants;

Shrubs and vines; and,

Trees.

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.

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.

Setbacks adjacent to sensitive uses shall include dense landscaping to provide visual screening and noise attenuation.

Landscaped berms along site edges shall be used to screen parking, loading and service areas and to serve as a sound reduction measure. See Figure 13.

Figure 13

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

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

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

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. See Figure 14.

Figure 14

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

Tree and shrub planting shall be in large masses.

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

(Ord. No. 1667, § 3(Exh. A), 8-14-12; Ord. No. 1830, § 8(Exh. A), 6-9-20; Ord. No. 1865, § 8(Att. 2), 3-23-21)

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