Diamond Bar : General Plan Referendum

Last week’s filing of a petition for a referendum on the city’s first General Plan requires suspension of all land use decisions that require guidance from the plan, city officials have concluded.

A residents’ group on Aug. 10 presented the city clerk with more than 4,000 signatures asking for repeal of the plan, about 60% more than required to force a referendum. Although the petition is still under review for validity, the filing alone requires the city to set aside its General Plan, Assistant City Atty. Bill Curley said. Opponents of the General Plan contend that it inadequately protects Tonner Canyon and encourages development.

Two people complained Tuesday that the city would not approve their permits. One said he was denied a grading permit and another could not add an extension to his home. The council also struck two items involving map adjustments from its agenda because of the referendum.

The council will discuss the potential referendum’s impacts on the city at an emergency meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Building, 21865 E. Copley Drive.