Rialto Planning Commission backs changing 3.83 acres on Valley Boulevard from retail to industrial park zoning
Commissioners voted 7-0 on Sept. 16 on a general plan amendment and Gateway Specific Plan amendment east of Riverside Avenue. The staff report says the changes need City Council approval.
The Rialto Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Sept. 16 in favor of redesignating about 3.83 acres on Valley Boulevard from retail commercial to industrial park use.
All seven commissioners were present, according to minutes posted with the commission's Oct. 7 agenda. Commissioner Dale Estvander made the motion and Vice Chair Jerry Gutierrez seconded.
No one from the public spoke during the hearing, the minutes say.
What would change
The item (file PC-26-0589) covers three parcels on the north side of Valley Boulevard, about 325 feet east of Riverside Avenue.
General Plan Amendment No. 2025-0002 would change the land use designation from General Commercial to Business Park. Both carry a specific plan overlay.
Specific Plan Amendment No. 2025-0001 would change the zoning within the Gateway Specific Plan from Retail Commercial to Industrial Park.
A mitigated negative declaration was prepared for the changes under the California Environmental Quality Act. The staff report says a 30-day comment period ran from March 12 to April 10 and drew no comment letters.
The minutes record the motion as one to approve the three applications. The staff report says both amendments require City Council approval and that the commission's role is to hold a hearing and forward a recommendation.
The records reviewed do not show a council hearing date.
Why the owner asked
The Planning Division staff report says two western parcels totaling 1.02 acres hold three buildings: a liquor market of about 1,650 square feet at 132 E. Valley Blvd. and two multi-tenant buildings of about 2,750 and 5,600 square feet at 128 and 124 E. Valley Blvd.
The two multi-tenant buildings are concrete block, with roll-up metal doors rather than storefronts, the report says. Staff wrote that the design "is not conducive to retail uses," which has led to high vacancy.
The proposed zoning would allow uses such as auto repair, smog testing, machine shops and contractor businesses, along with retail, according to the report.
The eastern parcel, 2.81 acres, is vacant. The report says its owner asked in November 2025 to join the application.
"No new development is associated with this project," the staff report says. It adds that the changes could lead to development of the vacant parcel.
Surroundings
Land to the east is in Colton and holds four new industrial buildings, the report says. Across Valley Boulevard to the south are a truck stop and a truck repair business. Commercial businesses, including restaurants and a tire store, are to the west.
Staff found the proposal consistent with a general plan goal to strengthen and diversify the city's economic base.
The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m. Community Development Director Christina Taylor told commissioners the next regular meeting would be Oct. 7.