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Planning commission approves conversion of former building into assisted living with added fire and landscaping conditions
Summary
The San Bernardino Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit to convert an existing ~66,000 sq ft building into a 115-room assisted living facility, while adding conditions addressing fire safety and landscaping after public concern about hillside vegetation and single access.
The San Bernardino Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Conditional Use Permit 23-07 to convert an existing approximately 66,000-square-foot building on about 3.96 acres into a 115-room assisted living facility.
City senior planner Mike Rosales told commissioners the interior inspections “meet code” and that a building permit is in process; operations will not begin until the building division issues a final certificate of occupancy. Rosales said much of the work performed so far was cosmetic and within the permits that were issued.
Applicant representative Oliver Mujica said inspectors had “open[ed] up some of the showers” to confirm plumbing work after the project changed tubs to ADA-accessible showers and that plumbing inspections were finalized. He asked the commission for support of the project and thanked planning and building staff for their responsiveness.
Public commenters and commissioners raised safety concerns because the site has only one road in and out. A resident recounted prior wildfires on the “North End” and asked the commission to require additional vegetation clearance on the hillside. Rosales and other staff pointed to the fire department’s review and existing conditions in the proposed resolution, and said the project must comply with the city’s fire safety overlay district.
Commissioner Quill asked for a specific condition addressing yearly landscape maintenance and reducing dense foliage near the facility; the applicant said it would work with staff to revise planting and maintenance to lower fire risk. Planning staff agreed to add conditions reflecting the commission’s direction. After discussion, a motion to adopt the resolution and approve CUP 23-07 (including the added landscape/fire-related conditions) passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance: the motion to approve the CUP and adopt the CEQA categorical exemption passed unanimously (roll call: Chair Sherrick — yes; Vice Chair Quill — yes; Commissioner Daley — yes; Commissioner Ivan Garcia — yes; Commissioner Galandi — yes).
