The Upland Planning Commission on Thursday voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council approve two fourth‑quarter general plan amendments and associated zone changes brought forward by private applicants.

Item 1: 460 South Campus Avenue — The commission recommended changing the general plan and zoning designation of 460 S. Campus Ave. from multifamily residential low (RM-20) to Neighborhood Commercial. Staff said the parcel contains a 2,650-square-foot convenience store constructed in 1967 and in continuous use as a Circle K-type market since then. The property owner sought the change to legalize the existing commercial use that is not permitted under the current RM-20 zoning. Staff recommended the change as a ministerial map correction to allow the continuing use; the commission recommended approval 5-0.

Item 2: 852 Alpine Street — The commission recommended changing the general plan and zoning designation of 852 Alpine St. from public/institutional (PBI) to multifamily residential medium (RM-30). Staff said the parcel historically contained dormitory housing for a college and later operated as multifamily units. The applicant proposes to convert the existing large dormitory units into smaller senior apartments (proposed conversion from 8 large units to about 15 one-bedroom units as an initial phase). Staff noted the change would convert an existing legal nonconforming residential use into a conforming RM-30 use and would add residential capacity; the upzoning also helps the city meet SB 330 no-net-loss requirements tied to other concurrent zoning changes.

Both amendments were found by staff to qualify for a categorical exemption under the CEQA general rule (Guidelines §15061(b)(3)); the commission agreed and voted to forward both recommendations to City Council. Commissioners had no additional conditions beyond staff’s environmental and zoning provisions. The Planning Commission’s decisions are recommendations to City Council; the council retains final authority.

Votes at a glance: (1) 460 S. Campus Ave. — recommend GP and zone change to Neighborhood Commercial; vote 5-0. (2) 852 Alpine St. — recommend GP and zone change to RM-30 to legalize and facilitate conversion to senior apartments; vote 5-0.