The Southwest Industrial Park
Specific Plan Update and Annexation Project
Mercedes Benz
In 1984, the City of Fontana adopted the Southwest Industrial Park
(SWIP) Specific Plan to develop the southwestern portion of the City into an industrial
area to accommodate manufacturing uses. In August 2007, City staff gained City Council
approval to update the specific plan in an effort to modernize land uses, create jobs,
update development standards, encourage infrastructure development, and expand the
economic base in the area.
Over the years, the plan for the area, which now includes a proposed
total of 3,161 acres in four noncontiguous areas, has experienced a series of modifications
to reflect changes in both development and the market. The proposed SWIP boundaries
encompass two small areas north of the 10 freeway, parcels south of the 10 freeway
between Mulberry and Citrus Avenues, and a largely built out industrial area in the
southwestern corner of the City.
After a recent detailed report analysis covering the market area
and the availability of industrial space to meet future demand, the City of Fontana
is preparing to move forward to update to the plan, to include 472 acres south of
the I-10 Freeway, between Mulberry and Almond Avenues.
The goal of the SWIP update and annexation is to enable the City
of Fontana to coordinate infrastructure improvements and services within the designated
areas. The focus is on diversifying the land uses, enhancing the aesthetic quality,
especially among properties fronting the I-10 freeway, creating an integrated street
network for pedestrians, and provide a range of public service locations and facilities.
The enhancement will offer all parcels in the designated area an opportunity to be
developed or possibly re-developed to achieve their ultimate potential and encourage
new industry that will create jobs and expand business in the area. The City will
also address issues associated with land use, roadways, drainage, and utilities.
By updating the Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, the City
of Fontana can:
The Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan provides design
guidance that help business and the community.
- Attract new property owners;
- Design roads to improve traffic flow, streetscapes, and improve access to underutilized
land;
- Provide new ways for property owners to better use their property, expand business,
and create jobs;
- Provide design guidance for existing and new developments, improving aesthetics
in the area;
- Create development opportunities for industrial uses that can generate jobs in
this part of the City;
- Provide better controls for industrial developments located close to residential
areas;
- Improve development standards to meet current market conditions and safety requirements.
Common Questions about Annexation
Annexation allows the City to better coordinate infrastructure
improvements and services.
The City of Fontana Annexation program is an award winning program
which has been recognized for the successful annexation of parcels of land while increasing
the level of services to new residents and maintaining the safety and quality of life
issues for current residents. While the program has had a successful past, many
may have questions about the proposed annexation. The following lists frequently asked
questions about the Fontana Annexation Program.
Q: Will annexation raise my taxes?
A: It will not raise property taxes. For residential
properties, the utility tax ended in June 2004. For non-residential properties (commercial
and industrial), the utility tax will end in June 2009.
Q: How does annexation affect police and fire response times?
A: Firefighter and paramedic response times will remain the same
after annexation, since the provider will remain the same. Police protection will
be more effective by eliminating concerns over jurisdictional boundaries.
Q: Can I continue to keep animals on my property?
A: Yes. You will be allowed to continue to keep animals on your
property—as long as it is legal now in the County, it will be legal in Fontana.
Q: Must I hook up to City sewers?
A: Current septic systems may be left in place at the discretion
of the property owner—as long as it is legal now in the County, it will be
legal in Fontana.
What now?
Those within the annexed areas may look forward to improved
roads and ease of traffic conditions.
While current market conditions and demand will be taken into consideration,
the recommended development of industrial and office properties may be absorbed over
a period of approximately 10 to 15 years with a projected start date in 2010.
Initial development will be industrial-based. During this phase,
there may be limited amounts of general office building, with most of the users accommodated
in flex office structures within business parks. Flex office structures accommodate
both industrial and commercial uses. As the area evolves, general office development
will begin to occur near the freeway exits that are located within the SWIP boundaries.
The City also anticipates the development of ancillary uses (i.e. food establishments,
gas stations, etc.) to support industrial park users.
The City of Fontana wants to hear from the public. For SWIP Update
inquiries please call (909) 422-3408. For Annexation inquiries, please call (909)
422-3405. Future meetings will be held to inform the public about the SWIP Update
and Annexation Project. To read more about the Annexation program and the project,
please visit the City’s website at www.fontana.org
