City Hall Weekly Update

🏛 City Hall Weekly Update

September 8-12th, 2025
From Councilmember James Breitling

As we close out another productive week in the City of Upland, I’m proud to report continued progress across all departments. From public safety to planning, from infrastructure projects to recreation events, your local government is hard at work preserving the quality of life we all value. Thank you for your ongoing engagement—and as always, please feel free to reach out if I can assist you or your family with any city-related matter.

From Foothill Blvd rehabilitation ($13.5M) to sidewalk gap closures and park upgrades, major projects are on the horizon.

Click here to read Part 3: Building Upland's Future CIP Summary

Click here to read September 8 City Council Meeting Summary

IMPORTANT UPDATE TO THE HOUSING ELEMENT

At Monday night's Upland City Council meeting, a comprehensive Housing Element rezoning program was approved to achieve final certification from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This action is crucial for Upland to remain in compliance with state housing law, protect against future legal and financial risks, and preserve access to state funding.

Here are the brief highlights of the approved Housing Element and rezoning:

• Purpose and Mandate: The city is required to update its Housing Element every eight years, and the current sixth cycle saw an unprecedented allocation increase to 5,686 dwelling units for Upland, up from 1,500 in the previous cycle. This allocation is set by the state through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the city's role is to provide opportunities for housing, not necessarily to build the units itself. The rezoning helps distribute sites throughout the city, fulfilling the "affirmatively furthering fair housing" (AFFH) requirement, which mandates higher density zoning in areas like North Upland for moderate-income households.

• Key Strategies Employed:

  • Transit Overlay Zone: Created over much of the area between Benson Avenue and Central Avenue, north and south of 9th Street, within a half-mile of the Montclair Transit Station. This zone allows for a density of up to 40 dwelling units per acre if a developer assembles one or more acres, accounting for 1,719 dwelling units. This area is considered appropriate for higher density due to its proximity to transit.

  • ADU Bonus Program: Allows properties of 15,000 square feet or larger to have an additional detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), adding over 200 units to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers, which are considered moderate income units.

• Approved Actions and Modifications: The project includes several related actions:

  • Modifications to the General Plan land use designations.

  • Changes to zoning districts for 261 parcels on the housing element's sites inventory.

  • Text modifications to the General Plan and the zoning code.

  • Creation of a new RM40 zoning designation (40 dwelling units per acre) in specific industrial zones near Central Avenue, land off San Antonio and 9th Street (changed from BRMU), and the Housing Authority site on Foothill Boulevard.

  • Increasing the maximum density within the Business Residential Mixed-Use (BRMU) zone from 20 to 30 dwelling units per acre through a text amendment.

  • Upzoning existing properties from RM20 to RM30 in various locations, including areas north of 9th Street, at the northwest corner of Grove Avenue and Arrow Highway, and near Campus Avenue and 14th Street.

• Significant Changes Made During the Meeting/Discussion:

  • The property at 21st and Campus was adjusted from an initial proposal of RS4 (4,000 sq ft lots) to RS10 (10,000 sq ft lots), a change recommended by the Planning Commission and supported by residents due to fire risk and infrastructure concerns.

  • For the property at 1500 West 9th Street, staff proposed to modify the zoning from Light Industrial to Business Residential Mixed-Use (BRMU) instead of RM20, to permit both light industrial and residential uses (up to 30 dwelling units per acre) and avoid non-conformity issues for the existing business.

  • During council deliberation, a change was approved for the Arrow Highway property (southwest corner of Central Avenue and 11th Street) to be zoned as Multifamily Residential Low (RM20) instead of the initially proposed RM30. This change reduces the number of accounted units by 36 but aims to address community concerns about density, privacy, and property values.

• Outcome: The City Council voted unanimously to approve the Housing Element rezoning with the discussed amendments, including the specific changes for the Arrow Highway and 9th Street properties. Council members acknowledged the state mandate's pressure, the erosion of local control, and the potential negative impacts on neighborhoods, but stressed the necessity of compliance to avoid more adverse outcomes like "builder's remedy" projects.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at (909)342-2523 or by email. jbreitling@uplandca.gov.

Administrative Services Department

Finance Division

The City of Upland continues its commitment to supporting our veterans. Military veterans applying for a business license with the City now benefit from new license fee exemptions and support services, as a small token of appreciation for their service. Full details are available on our Business License Services webpage.

Our team also launched an updated New Resident Welcome Packet, designed to help new residents easily navigate the setup of utilities, understand local services, and feel connected from day one.

In the month of August, Customer Service processed 804 utility payments totaling $220,437.39, along with 135 animal licenses valued at $4,882.00. A total of 1,290 delinquent accounts were assessed a $15.75 late fee, emphasizing the importance of timely bill payment to avoid penalties.

Human Resources Division

HR staff played a key role in facilitating the Army PaYS signing ceremony, marking Upland's continued support of post-service career opportunities for U.S. Army veterans. Special thanks to the Recreation team for logistical support.

Recruitment efforts remain strong, with new openings posted for Recreation Specialist, and interviews held for both PT Police Dispatcher I and Animal Services Officer roles. Additionally, the City processed one Worker’s Compensation claim during the week.

Information Technology (IT)

The IT Division delivered critical updates to ensure smooth city operations. Phase 1 of the Police Department CAD rehosting project was successfully completed.

Audio issues in the Council Chamber network were troubleshot and vendor coordination is underway to replace a malfunctioning amplifier. New firewalls were installed to protect the SCADA system, and the team resolved software issues affecting Library reservations, YouTube livestreaming, and the Police Department’s community engagement app.

Development Services Department

Building & Safety

From September 4–10, the Building & Safety Division conducted 192 inspections, issued 61 permits, and completed plan checks for 31 construction projects.

Planning Division

Staff reviewed zoning clearances for 9 new businesses and supported the Technical Review Committee on multiple projects, including

• A proposed jiujitsu center at 830 E. Foothill Blvd.

• A relocation and expansion of a retail firearms business.

• The Downtown Parking Structure, where staff worked with consultants on updated construction documents and cost estimates.

Staff also met with developers regarding a new townhome project near San Antonio Avenue and Arrow Highway. On September 8, the City Council adopted an amended Housing Element Rezoning Program, a critical step in aligning Upland with state housing compliance requirements.

Land Development & Transportation

• Issued grading permits for the new Quick Quack Carwash at 950 Monte Vista Ave.

• Approved fire water utility mylars for the Foothill Storage project.

• Reviewed two RUSH Grant proposals focused on infrastructure support for future housing.

Economic Development & Housing

Economic Development staff coordinated with JD Allison Bar & Grill to install a new outdoor patio dining area, including preconstruction coordination with Public Works. Under the Commercial Rehabilitation Program, staff reviewed canopy additions at RJ Union and Cats & Comics.

Other highlights:

• Worked with O’s Ice Cream to finalize a Small Business Expansion Grant application.

• Reviewed signage grant designs for Uptown Candy Shop.

• Hosted an SBDC training workshop on affordable online marketing strategies.

• Coordinated the removal of a decommissioned Nextel cell tower on 19th St.

• Helped launch the first Discover Upland business video (premiering Sept. 15).

• Reviewed the New Resident Welcome Packet, website sitemap, and GoGov integration.

• Drafted contract amendments for Architerra (Tom Thomas Magnolia Plaza) and Michael Baker Intl. (Housing Element revisions).

• Began integration of the Decision Engine into the City’s Energov system.

Police Department

Patrol & Crime Response

• Sept. 4: Man with a rock at hospital arrested for drug use and resisting arrest

• Sept. 7: Death investigation on N. Central Ave (no foul play suspected)

• Sept. 9: Workplace injury at towing yard; DUI investigation pending

• Sept. 10: Two adults arrested for retail theft in the Colonies

• Sept. 10 (midnight): Domestic violence and burglary arrest on Garnet Way

Code Enforcement

• 5 illegal vendors cited

• Church cited for homeless encampments on property

• Ongoing property violations addressed and monitored

IMPACT Team

• 4 trespassing arrests on W. Foothill

• 4 additional arrests at I-10 & Mountain for narcotics/trespassing

• 1 arrest at a park for drug possession

Public Works Department

Capital Engineering

• 11th Street Flashing Beacon & Alley Upgrades: Preconstruction meeting held 9/10. Notice of construction letters were sent to nearby residents. Work begins 9/17.

• 14th Street Rehabilitation: A community meeting is scheduled for September 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Landecena Community Center (1325 San Bernardino Rd) to discuss design concepts.

• Foothill Blvd. Rehab (Benson to Redding): Contractor submittals under review; construction slated to begin 10/13.

• Foothill Blvd. Undergrounding (Rule 20A): Crews are currently working on lateral conduit tie-overs.

• Generator Installation at Water Plant 6: Crews located underground utility lines and prepped for concrete pad installation.

• SCADA System Upgrade: Vendor progressing on long-lead hardware submittals.

• PD Shower Epoxy Project: Shower facilities are being prepped for epoxy coating.

Operations & Maintenance

• Crews completed pavement overlay on Sinclair Ave.

• Installed ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps at 15th Street.

• Removed a large, structurally compromised split tree on Ukiah.

Utilities

• Average daily water production: 20.0 million gallons/day.

  • 13.8 MGD from local groundwater

  • 6.2 MGD imported via WFA

• The San Antonio Water Treatment Plant remains offline for seasonal maintenance.

• 245 residents participated in the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off program, helping protect public health and the environment.

Recreation & Community Services

• The Recreation team had a full week of engagement and event planning:

  • Conducted a site visit to Pacific Community Center ahead of the “Bleed Safe” emergency training scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10:00 a.m.

  • Secured a 2026 Doggie Date Night partnership with Wicked Cow Upland to benefit HOPE (Helping Out Pets Everyday).

  • Opened registration for Fall “Take & Make” craft kits from The Sawdust Factory.

  • Final call for Bark’n Bingo at the Park on Saturday, Sept. 27—featuring dog-themed games and snacks for pets and owners.

  • Ceramics class continued at Gibson Center with 30+ attendees, in partnership with Mt. SAC.

  • Big thanks to Thomas & Flash for beautifying the Gibson Back Patio.

  Over 75 art entries were submitted for this Friday’s Gibson Art Gallery. Huge appreciation to Drake and John for leading the effort!

City Manager’s Office

• The City Manager participated in the San Bernardino County Transportation Advisory Committee and Inland Empire City Managers Meeting.

• Emergency planning coordination took place with the County Emergency Services Officer as part of National Preparedness Month outreach.

• The City Clerk administered the loyalty oath to a new employee this week.

• Public communications this week included:

  • Labor Day closure notices

  • Army PaYS program event recap

  • Advisory committee meeting updates

  • Upland Today magazine redesign launch

  • Wellness Committee wrap-up post on LinkedIn

  • Episode 4 of the State of the City 2025 video series

  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) workshop promo

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1433 N Second Ave
Upland, California 91786
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