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Council approves development-code amendment after union speakers warn about reduced public notice
Summary
The Ontario City Council voted 5–0 to adopt development code amendment PDCA-25-002, despite public testimony from Unite Here Local 11 speakers who said a provision allowing 'minor adjustments' would limit public notice and hearings in the Convention Center/Sports/Commercial zone.
The Ontario City Council voted unanimously Oct. 21 to adopt development-code amendment PDCA-25-002, which revises several administrative and development provisions in the city’s development code.
City Clerk Mary Leon opened a public hearing on PDCA-25-002, and two Unite Here Local 11 representatives urged the council to reject a provision that would allow certain projects in the Convention Center/Sports/Commercial zone to use a streamlined "minor adjustment" process.
"This process generally requires very little public notification," Andrea Romero said, adding that the minor-adjustment procedure typically notifies only adjacent property owners and does not trigger a public hearing unless an affected party requests one. Romero said much of the land in the area is publicly owned and may later be sold, making it harder for the public to learn about or contest changes.
Charlie Carno, a research analyst with Unite Here Local 11, told the council that the development standards for the Ontario Regional Sports Complex were adopted only last year after a series of noticed hearings and environmental analysis. He said allowing a 10% increase in height through a minor adjustment would be a significant change "that should not be allowed to go through a streamlined limited process."
Despite those objections, Councilmember Bowman moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and an electronic vote recorded a 5–0 approval. The council closed the public hearing and directed that the updated exhibits be incorporated into the public record for the consent calendar where applicable.
The ordinance text (file number PDCA-25-002) revises language on administration, permits, actions and decisions, and development and subdivision regulations. The record shows written communications were placed at council seats prior to the hearing.
Next steps: the ordinance was adopted at the hearing. The council did not amend the minor-adjustment provision during deliberations, and no additional direction to staff was recorded during the vote.
