[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6475228,"mediaKeyId","5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2","parentId",5736144,"title","Upland council adopts rezoning changes to pursue state housing certification, narrows density for one contentious site","audioSeconds",3025,"startMs",2475000,"endMs",5500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2&start=2475&end=5500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2/thumbnail_2475000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475228/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Upland-council-adopts-rezoning-changes-to-pursue-state-housing-certification-narrows-density-for-one-contentious-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475228-9fc218d10ba2da4ab6b80d051e089ff8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568553&Signature=h3iCuIAVc7wARFMoc5kS5F26hCmZ2SZBhQq9RdDkWLkgnU9g1dBC3tvZt1dBzSazJ5ZRD15sAwwpMzCdqKs2vDs11V1SgbJMLKt00dUQIO8LPOnGY~vuHM-WaEaXcpFVCyUDtWhomb2PGxygNcGqYsrrzLv0elQUlgFZYXPcG~Pao9sM7M9iezmyL9EA1DOW4HqWp06XmzlZWrORCmyFKPGCwNOlGRbDbO80bxc7LNj3Usv0HbgVXZyCY9lyFMq-lPTMW51Kqh8LkD-728RFyf2XsjIvzLHsmzX3Uiga48Jzyleig8JXJssWvbiJbd9iX8yuDYHarnrmxySWPEeHfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Upland","date","2025-09-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Upland City Council on Monday approved a suite of rezoning and Municipal Code changes intended to secure final state certification of the city’s sixth‑cycle housing element and add zoning capacity for nearly 5,700 state-assigned units. Council members voted unanimously to adopt the zone change and specific-plan amendments after making a targeted change to lower the maximum density on one parcel that prompted extensive public opposition.

The package before the council implements zoning actions the city had previously included in its 2024 housing element and that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) required to obtain full certification. “Tonight’s action does not result in any construction or any project approvals. It’s only for the underlying zones,” Joshua Winter, the city’s senior planner and project planner, told the council during the presentation.

City staff and consultants said the rezoning program combines several strategies: creation of a new RM-40 multifamily zoning district (40 dwelling units per acre), a transit overlay zone near the Montclair Transit Station that allows higher densities on assembled parcels, raising allowed densities in the Business‑Residential Mixed Use (BRMU) zone from 20 to 30 dwelling units per acre in selected areas, targeted upzones from RM‑20 to RM‑30 at specific sites, and an ADU bonus program that lets lots larger than 15,000 square feet add a second detached accessory dwelling unit to help meet the moderate‑income allocation.

Why it matters: final HCD certification protects Upland from certain legal and funding penalties and preserves the city’s eligibility for state grants. Winter said the city’s Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) regional allocation for this cycle was 5,686 units; staff told the council they identified zoning changes across roughly 261 parcels and used the transit overlay and an ADU bonus to avoid rezoning many more properties.

Residents who live near several proposed rezoning sites urged the council to reduce the proposed densities. Dozens of speakers addressed the public hearing, citing concerns about privacy, parking, fire risk, infrastructure capacity and property values for single‑family neighborhoods abutting proposed higher‑density parcels. “If you put up the three‑story condos, they’re literally going to be looking into our backyard,” said Paulette Feeney, an Arrow Highway resident. Several speakers asked the council to preserve lot sizes and neighborhood character on the parcels closest to single‑family homes.

Council and staff adjustments: The planning commission had recommended several changes that staff included in the packet before council. During council discussion the body agreed to a last‑minute modification for one parcel along Arrow Highway (referred to in the hearing as the 20 First / Campus property) — reducing the proposed zoning to RM‑20 (multifamily residential, 20 du/ac) and changing the general plan designation accordingly rather than the higher RM‑30 originally recommended in staff materials. Council also directed that a parcel on Ninth Street be assigned a BRMU general plan and zoning designation. City staff told the council those targeted changes reduce the city’s planned buffer for RHNA accounting (the project buffer built into the sites inventory) from about 15% to roughly 12.7%.

Process and limits: Winter, Planning Manager Worley Ferris and consultants from Michael Baker International said the council action creates development opportunity only; every future project on rezoned parcels must go through entitlement review, public notice, and applicable environmental review and development standards. Winter and a consultant also told the council the state recently enacted Senate Bill 131 and related rules that provide a CEQA exemption or streamlined path for housing‑element‑implementing rezones in many cases — the staff report relies on an addendum to the prior EIR and the state exemption for the related environmental determination.

Council members emphasized outreach and next steps for impacted neighborhoods. Council member Shannon Miles asked staff to clarify that the parcels north of the 210 Freeway were included to meet moderate‑ and above‑moderate‑income site needs required by HCD and by the AFFH (affirmatively furthering fair housing) analysis for the sixth cycle. Council members said they would require developers to meet design compatibility expectations — including perimeter walls and landscape buffers — during project review.

What the council voted on and outcome: The council adopted two ordinances and a specific‑plan amendment by unanimous vote to implement the changes in the zoning code and the downtown specific plan, with the Arrow Highway parcel set to RM‑20 and the Ninth Street parcel changed to Business‑Residential Mixed Use as described during the hearing. The motion included adoption of CEQA findings (an addendum to the city’s 2015 EIR and reliance on the state’s housing‑element exemption) and direction to transmit the adopted rezoning package to HCD for final certification.

Next steps and risk: Staff noted that HCD reviews adopted rezonings and could request changes; lowering the density on a contested parcel reduces the city’s buffer (the margin above the RHNA requirement) but staff said the city would still retain a positive buffer. Council members warned residents that, if the city fails to maintain a certified housing element, developers could seek ‘builder’s remedy’ approvals that would remove more local control.

Speakers quoted in this story spoke during the public hearing or in staff presentations as recorded in the city council transcript. The council’s action does not authorize any physical work; it only changes underlying land‑use and zoning rules that will govern future development proposals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Upland - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The Upland City Council on Monday approved a suite of rezoning and Municipal Code changes intended to secure final state certification of the city’s sixth‑cycle housing element and add zoning capacity for nearly 5,700 state-assigned units.","taxTitle","Upland, San Bernardino County, California","taxId",4300,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475218,"Cooper Museum director outlines exhibits, programs; council presents recognition",349,187000,536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2&start=187&end=536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2/thumbnail_187000.jpg","/articles/6475218/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Cooper-Museum-director-outlines-exhibits-programs-council-presents-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475218-df041b6cb5e1ae49fccf939be25a4a6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568553&Signature=Too-2PZd9EJcqFZjdUF~fcrU~-K0aeKo0yZJiolRrKpfFN7mwgRNPixPaqGPDjo4h5~dP9IV4zfV50IQx~bfC23G0HtodpYSLkT8e3iOI3xKkAz7rp0UHFx-L4mzTf5kN57jDV024gvBn89nKk~3SrKTPws4OSaZXmmEaODSm4zgEHgvrSwezZryEk7sSO1usAC~q2mLx~gbtAZZu~GzSaaF1vnMEVX8li2R4kZrIbp4JH87SqTiuOXd4N4APae9PxR2Y6Po-tsyqhVWWmedkZb5ZYRVPunD3ouETk8Dm9FouqBLpV09ESj6XNQptN~TG3ka9uOBRhOWPvCtaKajUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ann Laura, director of the Cooper Museum in Downtown Upland, briefed the Upland City Council Monday on the museum’s recent exhibits, attendance and volunteer program and received a certificate of recognition from the mayor.

Ann Laura described the museum’s mission as documenting the history and culture of Upland and nearby communities, including recognition of local Gabrielino Tongva indigenous history. She gave a rundown of recent exhibits, noting a collectors’ showcase that drew more than 300 attendees and a new “Collective Canvas” exhibit featuring 18 local artists that runs through Nov. 8; an opening reception is scheduled for Oct. 4. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., uses donation‑based admission and plans to launch a membership program in October for 2026 benefits.

The mayor and Council Member Breitling presented a certificate of recognition, thanking the director and museum volunteers for their work preserving downtown history and for making the facility interactive and accessible. Ann Laura invited residents and local nonprofits to contact director@coopermuseum.org about participating in an upcoming “Community Champions” exhibit that will run Nov. 21–Jan. 24 and described volunteer opportunities and membership benefits.

The council noted the museum’s role as a downtown anchor during revitalization and encouraged residents to visit and support upcoming events.","Ann Laura, director of the Cooper Museum in downtown Upland, updated council on recent exhibits, attendance and upcoming programming; the council presented a certificate recognizing museum efforts to preserve local history.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475223,"Anonymous donor covers $107,534 for Upland Police Foundation canine replacement; council acknowledges gift",166,1914000,2080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2&start=1914&end=2080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736144-b66695f5a953cb6aa31a04fb903999c2/thumbnail_1914000.jpg","/articles/6475223/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Anonymous-donor-covers-107534-for-Upland-Police-Foundation-canine-replacement-council-acknowledges-gift","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475223-b325b5e541112948e29aae73046d303c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568553&Signature=Kkc0lAfIFsxeZX~l2-HSICVcinQWsTshUGDZrLkVPg9QFbfwyN4nA2dAMXx3LdXhGUdnZkXuMVNbBwX8AsY12xaStAfE1U6NUI2VVMiORHbp0aOggHSkfxprhH55ndpdxgPwKDR6xQPzOAVJ31h-iwx~SIJbcs8bH1CvIpdmYt4hagxt6riOf-~JStoZAVSakQhNVgazS2nhPwkiBiMJbv-B9fHB6iZ8gnD-yyHnOkqMIE7~qnwbVaGstqPqkngDQuyAEFIRikQMPKCrA6lnOHgdeR3X76JGE6JfdFRu-qo12Omsuyc2qw5OWPbOJXUULrY6kUKGsxpxdFfIUiOVGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upland City Council on Monday publicly acknowledged an anonymous $107,534 donation to the Upland Police Officers Foundation earmarked to replace the department’s second K‑9 and pay for a vehicle, outfitting and related training.

Chief Marcela Blanco (identified in the meeting as “the chief”) explained the foundation had raised funds specifically to replace a retired canine and that the anonymous gift covered the full estimate for a dog, vehicle and training. “We had an anonymous donor, legitimately anonymous... donated the total amount for the K‑9 program to our foundation,” the chief said.

The council pulled the consent item briefly so staff and the chief could describe how the foundation uses donated funds. According to the chief, the foundation operates three primary programs: officer training beyond state POST minimums, equipment that falls outside the department’s budget, and youth scholarships (up to $302.50 per child) to enable participation in recreation programs. The foundation, formed more than 28 years ago, also plans a Topgolf fundraiser on Oct. 5 and has social‑media donation links available.

City council members thanked the donor and the foundation. Council member Breitling and other members encouraged public support for the foundation’s fundraising events. Staff said the foundation would identify and purchase a suitable vehicle and complete officer and handler training before bringing the canine program into service, with staff estimating the replacement canine could be in place by early next year.

No formal expenditure ordinance was required in the meeting; the donation was presented as a foundation gift that supports the police department’s charitable foundation and programmatic needs.","The Upland Police Officers Foundation received an anonymous pledge of $107,534 to fund a second police canine, vehicle outfitting and training; council members and the police chief publicly acknowledged the donation during the consent calendar discussion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Upland council adopts rezoning changes to pursue state housing certification, narrows density for one contentious site

Cooper Museum director outlines exhibits, programs; council presents recognition

Anonymous donor covers $107,534 for Upland Police Foundation canine replacement; council acknowledges gift