Major Projects Summary
The Major Projects Summary page serves as a comprehensive resource that outlines the status of various development projects currently underway. It tracks each project’s progress, beginning from the initial pre-submittal phase and following through to its eventual completion. This page provides insights into the current stage of each project, allowing stakeholders and interested parties to gauge where each project stands within the overall development pipeline.
Click on the links below to access information about specific projects. This includes timelines, objectives, and any relevant updates. This information will help you stay informed about the key developments and milestones for each project.
- 1270 Garvey Street Digital Billboard Project
- 529 Cutter Way (US Self-Storage)
- 578 N. Azusa Avenue (Avid Hotel)
- 747 N. Barranca Avenue (Blossom Residential Development)
- 270 W. Dexter Street
- 230 N. Citrus Avenue (Bravado Restaurant & Bar)
- 128 E. College Street (Chismosa Café)
- 1318 N. Azusa Avenue (Flaming Buffet)
- 707 N. Barranca Avenue (Zest 1.0 – Residential Development)
City Initiatives
Zoning Code Update 2025 – 2026
This two-year work program, by the Community Development Department’s Planning Division, is designed to revise the Zoning Code with the objective of enhancing usability. It will involve the removal of duplicated and outdated sections as well as the consolidation of chapters. By categorizing development standards specific to each zoning district into tables and matrices, we aim to establish a more streamlined and efficient process. These enhancements will not only address significant issues but will also promote advanced and effective city planning.
The Zoning Code Update and Modernization will be executed in two distinct phases, with an anticipated overall completion date within a two-year timeframe. Informational progress updates will be presented to the Planning Commission and the community to facilitate feedback, promote open communication, and encourage dialogue.
Planning Commission Meeting held October 22, 2024
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Contact Planning Manager Mercy Lugo via email at mlugo@covinaca.gov
The City of Covina has seen a substantial increase in the number of dwelling units, whether they be single-family residences, multiple-family residences, guest houses, accessory dwelling units, or junior accessory dwelling units, being used as short-term rentals. With the rise in the number of short-term rentals, the City is concerned over the adverse impacts caused by this transient use on adjacent properties. Accordingly, there is a need to balance the City’s desire to promote economic development and tourism with the City’s obligation to mitigate the adverse impacts often associated with short-term rentals. The purpose and intent of this Ordinance is to promote the public peace, morals, health and safety by regulating the location, occupancy and operations of short-term rentals to protect residential neighborhoods against:
- Undue noise
- Overcrowding
- Disturbances caused by parties and the accompanying police response
- Excessive litter and trash
- Public drug use
- Reduction of street parking
- Increased vehicular violations
- Disruptions of safe traffic flow
- The frequent coming, going and transient occupation of residential homes by strangers not known to or invested in the neighborhood quality of life.
This Ordinance will establish and impose operational requirements and regulations for the use of privately-¬owned residential dwellings as short-¬term rentals in order to reduce the burden on City services; minimize the negative secondary effects of such use on residential neighborhoods; ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons residing in residential neighborhoods and patronizing short-¬term rentals; and ensure the City is collecting required transient occupancy taxes.
The Planning Commission held a Short-Term Rental Study Session on August 27, 2024. A Planning Commission Meeting is tentatively planned for Summer 2025.
Artificial Turf Ordinance
Contact Consultant Planner Lisette Sanchez-Mendoza via email at Lsanchez-mendoza@covinaca.gov
Due to ongoing drought concerns, California has updated its legislation to encourage water conservation in landscaping, making artificial turf a feasible option. In 2014, Senate Bill 47 mandated that the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (EHHA), in collaboration with the Department of Resource Recycling and Recovery, the State Department of Public Health, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control, conduct a study analyzing synthetic turf. In 2015, Assembly Bill 349 went into effect, allowing the use of synthetic or artificial turf, while Assembly Bill 1164 prohibited cities from creating regulations that ban artificial turf. Most recently, in 2023, Assembly Bill 1423 enacted a ban on the manufacturing and sale of artificial turf containing toxic substances known as “forever chemicals” (PFAS), effective January 1, 2026.
Current landscaping trends show increasing demand for artificial turf, with numerous requests for its inclusion in both new and existing developments. The city has established guidelines for the use, installation, and maintenance of artificial turf. However, staff has reviewed these guidelines and identified the need for revisions, particularly regarding aesthetics, durability, installation, and maintenance. The staff’s concerns stem from ambiguities in the current standards. The proposed changes will aim to provide clearer guidelines that specify the location, quantity, and design of artificial turf, as well as update the sections related to installation and maintenance.
Planning Commission Meeting Date: To be determined
