Council advances amendment to Historic Downtown Upland Specific Plan to limit building heights and refine land‑use definitions

The Upland City Council took up the fourth amendment to the Historic Downtown Upland Specific Plan (SP250003, Amendment 4) on May 26 and voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance and find the project exempt from CEQA under the common‑sense exemption.

Project planner Joshua Winner and Development Services Director Robert Dahlquist said the amendment responds to applications and the earlier housing element changes by adding development standards for the Citrus Transportation District (notably 530 E. Ninth Street). Key standards discussed include limiting new buildings to a maximum of two stories within 50 feet of the right‑of‑way on Ninth Street, prohibiting driveway and garage access directly from Ninth Street (access required from side streets), and requiring an architectural style consistent with the historic craftsman character of the Pleasant View neighborhood. Staff also proposed new definitions ("unique retail" and separate classifications for "brewery" and "distillery") and clarified use tables and permit classifications to reduce ambiguity in reviews.

Council action: The planning commission recommended approval; staff recommended holding first reading and finding the amendment exempt from CEQA because it does not change the physical environment. Councilmember Zuniga moved and Councilmember Breitling seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Implications: The changes are intended to allow compatible increased density where appropriate while protecting adjacent single‑family areas from out‑of‑scale development. The ordinance was introduced by title and will return for subsequent readings as required.