An Introduction to the City’s General Plan
On October 21, 2003, the City of Fontana adopted its most recent General Plan, which can be thought of as the City’s “constitution” or long-range blueprint for its physical development. The State of California mandates that every city and county adopt a general plan. The General Plan details the community’s vision by identifying goals and objectives over the next 10 to 20 years. The community’s Vision Statement serves as a guide for the plan and its implementation. Based on the Vision, proposals and initiatives can be analyzed to determine if they are in accordance with the long-range future potential of the City, and thus, beneficial to the community. Aside from the Vision Statement, all general plans must incorporate seven elements mandated by the State (Section 65302 of the State Government Code). These elements include Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Open Space, Conservation, Safety, and Noise. Additional elements are optional and may be included in the plan per state law. The City of Fontana has adopted the following optional elements: Community Design, Economic Development, Public Facilities, Services & Infrastructure, Parks, Recreation & Trails, and Air Quality. The General Plan is the guiding document that provides residents, elected officials, business owners and other stakeholders with direction on how to meet the needs of a growing city and provide a greater quality of life for its current and future residents. All of this can be accomplished by carrying out the policies within the plan.
About the City of Fontana
The City of Fontana was incorporated on June 25, 1952. The City and its Sphere of Influence (SOI) encompass an area of approximately 52.4 square miles and contain a population of approximately 188,498 people. It is located in San Bernardino County approximately 50 miles east of Los Angeles. Due to Its geographic location, the City is identified as “…the crossroads of the Inland Empire” (Fontana Chamber of Commerce, 2008).
Fontana began as an agricultural community in 1913 and became a thriving industrial town by 1942 due to the opening of the Kaiser Steel Mill on the outskirts of town. Kaiser Steel remained a primary source of employment and revenue until 1984 when it ceased
operation. Since then, the City has continued to grow rapidly due to several factors, including, but not limited to, the development of Kaiser Permanente Hospital (one of the largest medical facilities in the region), and unparalleled population growth stimulating major residential, commercial and industrial development. Since the year 2000, Fontana has been one of the fastest growing cities in Southern California (Los Angeles Times, 2003). In 2008, after reviewing data from the United States Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the American Bar Association, Best Life magazine deemed Fontana the 24th best place to raise a family in the United States. Of the first 100 cities chosen by Best Life as outstanding family oriented communities, Fontana was the 5th best place to raise a family in the State of California.
The City’s Vision Statement – Fontana: One Community We're All Proud to Call Home.
The City’s Vision statement is supported by several topical areas which have shaped the Fontana General Plan and Development Code. These include balanced land uses, economic vitality, enhanced community character and image, downtown Fontana vitality, community connectivity and access, and an increased emphasis on Fontana citizens.
Aside from the City, there are other key players that help realize the Vision. These include residents of Fontana, private businesses, community leaders, school districts, and neighboring cities. Collaboration among the groups is important to sustain Fontana’s visionary course, which can only be attained if key stakeholders take actions that carry out the policies in the General Plan, which is a long-term commitment.
Confident in the continual expansion of prosperity in Fontana, City leaders foresee bright prospects for the City’s future over the next 20 years as Fontana and the Inland Empire approach build out. The City has already embarked upon several dynamic projects and programs that will set the course for the continued successful development of the City:
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Valley Boulevard Transition District (VBTD) – An overlay zone which will help improve the Valley Boulevard commercial corridor by providing incentives for businesses and land uses to “transition” to legal, conforming uses and standards over time, while becoming more attractive and remaining economically successful at the same time.
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Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP) Update – An update of the existing specific plan, which will address many of the issues associated with existing developments located within that portion of Fontana and encourage new development. This update will also promote economic development, and provide opportunities for existing property owners and new developments.
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The I-10 Freeway Interchange Construction Projects – Construction of freeway interchanges along Cherry Avenue, Citrus Avenue, Beech Avenue, and Cypress Avenue. These are long-term projects but they are underway.
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The Campus Parking Project – A redesign and expansion of the City Hall campus, which will provide increased parking and improved pedestrian and vehicular circulation for residents in and around the City’s Civic Center and the Lewis Library and Technology Center.
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Central Park – A proposed park in the City’s core, which will expand recreational opportunities for residents in the central part of the City. Though only in early planning stages now, the new Central Park will be approximately 20 acres in size.
With the implementation of these projects and programs, the City is well on its way to establishing Fontana as the most desirable location in the Inland Empire…and beyond!
Contact Information
Should you have any questions regarding the City of Fontana General Plan, please contact:
Stephanie Hall,
Senior Planner
p: 909.350.6656
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