Fontana Municipal Code Div. 2 Development Policies

This section establishes development policies for all open space and public facility uses. The policies are to be used in concert with the development standards outlined here-in.

All open space and public facility uses must be consistent with the following plans:

(1) All elements of the general plan;

(2) Applicable specific plans (Note: Any specific plans adopted subsequent to the adoption of this development code shall meet or exceed the minimum development standards contained herein.);

(3) San Bernardino County flood control master plans; and

(4) San Bernardino County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

(5) Fire hazard, a fire protection/fuel modification plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to an entitlement approval.

(a) Open space uses. The following features shall be incorporated into open space uses to ensure the use is compatible with surrounding land uses:

(1) For open space uses which include some type of development (for example, golf courses, recreational parks, single-family dwelling), open space buffer zones shall be used as appropriate to separate the active land uses from adjacent more sensitive uses.

(2) Landscaping shall be used alone or in conjunction with other features (topography, fencing) to reduce potential visual conflicts.

(3) Lighting and especially lighting provided at recreation facilities, shall be shielded and directed to minimize impact on surrounding uses.

(b) Public facility uses. The citing and design of a project shall recognize that conflicts between abutting or nearby land uses can arise due to such factors as the operating characteristics of an existing use, hazards posed by a use, or the physical orientation of a building. On a city-wide scale, the general plan land use policy map establishes a pattern of land use designed to minimize land use conflicts. At the project level, the following features should be incorporated into a project as appropriate to assure the compatibility of different land uses.

(1) Landscaped parkways and similar open space features will be used as appropriate to separate public facilities uses from potentially incompatible uses. The width and treatment of the open space buffer will vary depending upon the types of potential land use conflicts to be resolved. To soften visual impacts, the open space buffer should include landscaping.

(2) Grading plans will incorporate natural earth forms and graded earthen berms as appropriate to create visual screens and to buffer noise.

(3) Street design and site access will be configured to prevent through traffic from using adjacent residential streets. Features such as medians which restrict turning movements can discourage such through traffic.

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

(5) Physical barriers such as masonry walls shall be provided as specified in these regulations to reduce noise, visual impacts. These features may also be used to prevent trespass between abutting land uses.

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

(7) Infill development in established areas shall be especially sensitive to compatibility concerns and shall be developed in a manner sensitive to existing uses in terms of scale, design theme, etc.

(a) Biological resources. Areas containing significant biological habitat, as identified in the general plan, shall be preserved and protected.

(b) Water resources. Groundwater recharge areas and natural drainage courses shall be protected.

(c) Grading and landform. If any grading is required, natural terrain shall be incorporated into grading plans. The amount of terrain alteration shall be minimized. Significant topographic features shall be preserved. No grading or development shall be permitted on hilltops. Views to the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto Mountains, and Jurupa Hills shall be protected.

(d) Natural flood control. Wherever possible, natural flood control features such as swales and vegetated drainage courses shall be maintained.

(e) Energy conservation. New projects shall incorporate passive and active solar systems into site and building design per the California Building Code (CBC).

(a) Emergency access. Access for emergency vehicles shall be incorporated into project design.

(b) Fire hazards. Projects constructed within or adjacent to areas identified in the general plan, noise and safety element as "fire hazard" a fire protection/fuel modification plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to an entitlement approval.

(c) Geological hazards.

(1) Geological reports shall be required for development on properties lying within an Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone. The development must incorporate citing and design features recommended in the geological study.

(2) In the San Gabriel Mountains and Jurupa Hills, no grading shall be permitted on hill slopes in excess of 15 percent unless detailed geologic studies are prepared to show that hill slopes can be stabilized.

(d) Corner cut-off. The provisions regarding unobstructed visibility shall be required to follow the engineering standards for sight triangle requirements, and shall be in compliance with all applicable standards of this chapter to ensure a clear sight triangle.

(e) Flooding. Structures built within the flood plain shall comply with regulations established by Chapter 12 of the Fontana Municipal Code and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

(Ord. No. 1865, § 8(Att. 2), 3-23-21)

(a) Streets. All new development and expansion of existing development shall provide public street and/or private street improvements consistent with the community, mobility, and circulation element of the general plan. Appropriate improvements and dedications shall be provided as determined through the entitlement review process.

(b) Sewer. All new development and expansion of existing development shall provide appropriate sewer service that is acceptable to the engineering standards.

(c) Water. All applicants must verify that adequate water facilities are or will be available to serve the planned use. Project proponents are encouraged to incorporate recycling systems and decorative or water elements for gray water reuse into building and site design in order to provide for more efficient water use.

(d) Sewer. All projects shall be served by a sewer system either public or private. Applicants shall verify that an adequate sewer system is or will be available to serve the project. If no sewer is available, then all applicants shall provide correspondence from the Santa Ana Reginal Water Board identifying that the project shall be permitted to utilize a septic system.

(e) Storm drains. All applicants shall provide storm drain and other flood control and drainage facilities consistent with the San Bernardino County Flood Control District's comprehensive drainage plan and City master plan for drainage. All improvements shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12 and Chapter 26 of the Municipal Code.

(f) Logical extension of facilities. Development shall be phased in accordance with the logical, incremental extension of necessary infrastructure of streets and utilities.

(g) Developer impact fees. One-time public improvement costs related to extension or expansion of infrastructure necessary to serve a particular development will be the responsibility of the project developer.

(h) Impact fee amounts. Where developer impact fees have been adopted, the developer/applicant shall pay the fees according to appropriate rates and schedules.

(i) Mitigation charges. Where mitigation charges are determined, a fair share amount shall be assessed by means of a special study or analysis prepared and/or reviewed by appropriate City staff.