Recap: Chino City Council meeting of 2026-09-15

The Chino City Council met on September 15, 2026, at the Chino Senior Center, beginning with a closed session at 4:30 p.m. and convening the open session at 6:12 p.m. The council voted 4-1 to approve an appeal and development agreement for the Dirac Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, sent the East Chino Specific Plan Amendment back to staff, and approved several capital improvement projects meeting page.

Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-012 - East Chino Specific Plan Amendment (PL25-0119)

The council held a public hearing on a request to amend the East Chino Specific Plan to allow homes to front onto loop roads, permit on-street parking on Amsterdam and Aguerre avenues, and reduce the minimum front yard setback to 15 feet for homes with swing-in garages in the RD 4.5 land use designation agenda item. Residents raised concerns about traffic safety, the narrowness of Amsterdam Avenue, and the violation of the existing specific plan. The applicant, PLC Communities, argued the amendment was needed for a safer project design transcript. A motion by Council Member Comstock, seconded by Council Member Lucio, to send the item back to staff to work with the applicant and return to the council after re-noticing the public hearing, carried unanimously minutes.

Appeal of the Planning Commission Action Denying the Dirac Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project

The council considered an appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of the Dirac BESS project, a 400 megawatt facility on 13.89 acres between Oaks and Benson avenues, north of Edison Avenue agenda item. Staff recommended approval, while residents and Mayor Pro Tem Burton raised concerns about fire safety, proximity to residential areas, and potential health impacts transcript. The applicant presented additional safety measures, including a 1,100-foot setback from the nearest home and a $10.6 million development agreement transcript. A motion by Council Member Flores, seconded by Council Member Lucio, to grant the appeal, approve the project entitlements, and introduce Ordinance No. 2026-013, carried 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Burton voting no minutes.

Establish a New Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project - Edison Avenue Ultimate Improvements and Cypress Creek Trail Extension

The council approved establishing a CIP project to design improvements on Edison Avenue, including a trail extension and right-of-way evaluation for a future six-lane corridor agenda item. A resident spoke about the deteriorating pavement and ground shaking from trucks. The motion, which included appropriating $170,906.50 from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund and $200,000 of Measure I funds, and awarding a design agreement to HR Green Pacific, Inc., carried unanimously minutes.

Establish a New Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project - Pavement Improvements Zone 2 (Chino Ave and Various Streets)

The council approved establishing a project to design pavement improvements on Chino Avenue between Magnolia Avenue and Cypress Avenue and other streets in zone 2 agenda item. The motion included appropriating $60,000 from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund for engineering design services and carried unanimously minutes.

Intersection Improvements (Moonspinner Street and West Preserve Loop)

The council approved plans and specifications for construction and authorized solicitation of bids for intersection improvements at Moonspinner Street and West Preserve Loop agenda item. The motion carried unanimously minutes.

• Consent Calendar (Items 1-17): Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Burton, seconded by Council Member Comstock, to approve. Carried 5-0 (Ulloa: AYES, Burton: AYES, Comstock: AYES, Flores: AYES, Lucio: AYES) vote source.
• Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-012: Motion by Comstock, seconded by Lucio, to send back to staff. Carried 5-0 vote source.
• Appeal of the Planning Commission Action Denying the Dirac Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project: Motion by Flores, seconded by Lucio, to grant the appeal and approve. Carried 4-1 (Ulloa: AYES, Burton: NOES, Comstock: AYES, Flores: AYES, Lucio: AYES) vote source.
• Establish a New Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project - Edison Avenue Ultimate Improvements and Cypress Creek Trail Extension: Motion by Comstock, seconded by Lucio, to establish project and award design services. Carried 5-0 vote source.
• Establish a New Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project - Pavement Improvements Zone 2 (Chino Ave and Various Streets): Motion by Burton, seconded by Comstock, to establish project. Carried 5-0 vote source.
• Intersection Improvements (Moonspinner Street and West Preserve Loop): Motion by Lucio, seconded by Comstock, to approve plans and authorize bid solicitation. Carried 5-0 vote source.

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