Planning Commission Meeting 3 10 26

The Planning Commission meeting of San Bernardino city government on March 12, 2026, focused on several key land use and development issues. The commission approved updates to conditions of approval for a storage building project, including variances for setback reductions to accommodate future street improvements. A significant discussion centered on a proposed McDonald's restaurant with a drive-through in a transit-oriented development (TOD) overlay district. The commission debated the appropriateness of a drive-through in a TOD area, considering the city's goals for walkability, mixed-use development, and public health concerns related to fast food density. Ultimately, the commission voted to deny the conditional use permit for the McDonald's project, emphasizing the importance of aligning development with long-term land use and health objectives. Additionally, the commission received updates on revocation of conditional use permits for motel properties undergoing unpermitted renovations, with building code compliance efforts now managed at the staff level. The meeting also included discussions on the general plan land use element update, with commissioners requesting further presentations and data on zoning, development trends, and coordination with state housing goals. Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's role in balancing development proposals with community health, urban planning, and regulatory compliance considerations.