On the agenda: Dinuba Planning Commission — Data Center (Nov 3)

PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 / 6:30 PM / City Hall / 405 East El Monte Way,
Dinuba
District 1
Sergio Alvarado
Chair

District 2
Albert Cendejas
Commissioner

District 3
Vacant
Commissioner

District 4
Estevan Benavides
Commissioner

District 5
Tim Conklin
Vice Chair

All attendees are advised that electronic devices should be placed on silent
upon entering the Council Chambers.
The Board will take action on all items listed on the agenda.

1.

OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1. Welcome and Call to Order
1.2. Invocation
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance

2.

SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER- Nick Villalobos, District 3

3.

ROLL CALL

4.

AGENDA CHANGES OR DELETIONS
To better accommodate members of the public or convenience in the order of
presentation, items on the agenda may not be presented or acted upon in the order
listed. Additions to Agenda may be added only pursuant to California Government
Code section 54954.2(b).

5.

REQUEST TO ADDRESS COMMISSION
This portion of the meeting is reserved for any person who would like to address
the Planning Commission on any item that is not on the agenda. Please be advised
that State law does not allow the Planning Commission to discuss or take any
action on any issue not on the agenda. The Planning Commission may direct staff
to follow up on such item(s). Speakers may be limited to three (3) minutes. If there
is any person wishing to address the Planning Commission at this time please
approach the podium and state your name and nature of the request.

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6.

CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be
enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these
items. If discussion is desired, a member of the audience or a Commission Member
may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and it will be
considered separately.
6.1. SUBJECT
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 6, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Planning Commission approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes for
October 6, 2026.

7.

PUBLIC HEARING
7.1. SUBJECT
Application 2026-16 - General Plan Amendment and zone change on 30
acre parcel on north side of Kamm Avenue and east side of Road 74.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Commission conduct a public hearing and consider
adoption of Resolution No. 1180 (Attachment “A”) recommending approval to
the City Council of the subject zone change and General Plan Amendment
request.

8.

COMMISSION REPORTS

9.

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

10. ADJOURNMENT

This agenda was posted at least 72 hours prior to the regular meeting per GC Section
54954.2(a). A Citizens' Packet regarding this meeting is available at the City Clerk's
Office located at City Hall, 405 East El Monte Way, Dinuba CA 93618.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special assistance is needed to
participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 559-591-5900.
Please provide at least 48 hours notification prior to the meeting to allow staff to make
reasonable arrangements. (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II)
559.591.5900 / FAX 559.591.5902 . e-mail address: [email protected].
www.dinuba.org

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Planning Commission Staff Report
Department: PUBLIC WORKS

November 3, 2026

To:

Planning Commission

From:

George Avila, Public Works Director

By:

Lesli Vasquez

Subject:

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 6, 2026

RECOMMENDATION:
Planning Commission approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes for October
6, 2026.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on October 6, 2026, and minutes for
said meeting are attached for approval by the PC.
OUTSTANDING ISSUES:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARING:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
None

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October 6, 2026
MINUTES
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alvarado, Conklin, Benavides, Cendejas
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Vasquez, Shoettler
1.

OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1. Welcome and Call to Order

Chair Alvarado called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm
1.2. Invocation
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Benavides led the flag salute.
2.

ROLL CALL

Alvarado, Cendejas, Benavides and Conklin all present.
3.

AGENDA CHANGES OR DELETIONS
To better accommodate members of the public or convenience in the order of
presentation, items on the agenda may not be presented or acted upon in the order
listed. Additions to Agenda may be added only pursuant to California Government
Code section 54954.2(b).

There were no agenda changes or deletions.
4.

REQUEST TO ADDRESS COMMISSION
This portion of the meeting is reserved for any person who would like to address
the Planning Commission on any item that is not on the agenda. Please be advised
that State law does not allow the Planning Commission to discuss or take any
action on any issue not on the agenda. The Planning Commission may direct staff
to follow up on such item(s). Speakers may be limited to three (3) minutes. If there
is any person wishing to address the Planning Commission at this time please
approach the podium and state your name and nature of the request.

There were no requests to address the Commission.
5.

CONSENT CALENDAR
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Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be
enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these
items. If discussion is desired, a member of the audience or a Commission Member
may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and it will be
considered separately.
5.1. SUBJECT
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 4,2026
RECOMMENDATION
Planning Commission approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes for
August 4, 2026.
A motion was made by Commissioner Cendejas, seconded by Commissioner
Benavides to approve the minutes for August 4, 2026.
6.

PUBLIC HEARING
6.1. SUBJECT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Prohibit Data Centers in All Zones
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Commission conduct a public hearing and consider
adoption of Resolution No. 1178 (Attachment “A”) recommending approval to
the City Council of an amendment to the Dinuba Zoning Ordinance to prohibit
the establishment of Data Centers in all zones and to establish a definition of
the term “Data Center”.

Shoettler presented a zoning ordinance amendment prohibiting data centers in all
zoning districts due to concerns regarding their operational impacts, including significant
water consumption, energy use, fire risks, and noise generation. The amendment
revises the permitted-use tables for each zoning district by adding data centers as a use
while leaving the corresponding entries blank, thereby establishing that data centers are
not permitted in any zone. Additionally, a definition of “data center” was added to the
Definitions section of the City’s Zoning Code to provide clarity and prevent
misinterpretation. The definition specifies that “A data center does not include a
telecommunications facility or a server room or computer room that is clearly accessory
and incidental to a different principal use of the premises.”
Discussion was made between Schoettler and the Commissioners.
Public Hearing Opened: Chair Alvarado opened the hearing for public comment.
Public Hearing Closed: Chair Alvarado closed the hearing for public comment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Benavides, seconded by Commissioner
Cendejas, to adopt Resolution No. 1178, recommending that the City Council approve
the zoning ordinance amendment prohibiting data centers.
Ayes: Benavides, Cendejas, Conklin, Alvarado
6.2. SUBJECT
Amendment to Dinuba Zoning Ordinance to adopt a color palette for
commercial buildings.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Commission conduct a public hearing and consider
adoption of Resolution No. 1179 (Attachment “A”) recommending approval to
the City Council of an amendment to the Dinuba Zoning Ordinance to establish
a city-approved palette of colors to be used for new and existing commercial
buildings.
Schoettler presented an amendment to the City of Dinuba Zoning Ordinance to
establish a color palette for commercial buildings. Commercial color regulations are
intended to enhance visual quality, preserve community character, and reduce visual
clutter. The proposed amendment would establish an approved palette of paint colors
for commercial buildings in Dinuba, consisting of two categories: wall colors and trim
colors. Staff’s intent is to interpret and apply the color regulations as broadly and flexibly
as possible while maintaining the overall purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Discussion was made between Schoettler and the Commissioners.
Public Hearing Opened: Chair Alvarado opened the hearing for public comment.
Public Hearing Closed: Chair Alvarado closed the hearing for public comment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Benavides, seconded by Commissioner
Cendejas, to adopt Resolution No. 1179, recommending that the City Council approve
the establishment of regulations pertaining to the exterior colors of commercial
buildings.
Ayes: Benavides, Cendejas, Alvarado
Nays: Conklin
7.

COMMISSION REPORTS

Commissioners brought up concerns about the downtown businesses.
8.

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

There were no staff communications.
9.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Alvarado adjourned the meeting at 7:15 PM.
[MIN_SIGNATURES]

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Planning Commission Staff Report
Department: PLANNING
To:

Planning Commission

From:

Schoettler Karl, City Planner

November 3, 2026

By:
Subject:

Application 2026-16 - General Plan Amendment and zone change on 30
acre parcel on north side of Kamm Avenue and east side of Road 74.

RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Commission conduct a public hearing and consider adoption of
Resolution No. 1180 (Attachment “A”) recommending approval to the City Council of the
subject zone change and General Plan Amendment request.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Public Hearing to consider Application 2026-16 - a request for approval of a zone
change and General Plan Amendment for a 30-acre parcel located on the north side of
Kamm Avenue and the east side of Road 74.
OUTSTANDING ISSUES:
None.
DISCUSSION:
The application is a request to change the zoning and land use designations on a 30acre parcel situated on the north side of Kamm Avenue and the east side of Road 74, a
short distance northwest of Dinuba High School. Attachment “B” shows the Location
Map and Attachment “C” shows an aerial photo of the site.
The site is currently in agricultural use with one single family dwelling located on the
Kamm Avenue frontage of the site Surrounding parcels are mostly in agricultural use,
with some rural homes.
There are currently two zoning designations on the site:
The bulk of the site (about 22.5 acres) is zoned “RM-1.5” (Multi-Family Residential) with
a smaller portion in the northwest corner (about 7.5 acres) zoned “RCO” (Resource
Conservation). This is shown on Attachment “D”.

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The multi-family zoning was applied as a result of the 2023 Dinuba Housing Element,
which required the City to rezone approximately 52 acres of land around the City to the
RM-1.5 zone to meet the City’s projected affordable housing needs, as required by the
State of California.
The owner of the subject parcel met with City staff and expressed concern about his
parcel being saddled with such a large quantity of multi-family zoning. He felt that this
would make it very difficult to market the property, as nobody would be interested in
establishing that much multi-famly development in one location.
This caused staff to go back and examine the land demand calculations contained
within the Housing Element, to see if it would be possible to reduce the amount of land
zoned for multi-family residential development at this site.
After reviewing the calculations (and consulting with the consultant who prepared the
Housing Element) staff determined that it would be possible to reduce the multi-family
zoning on this site from 22 acres to 5 acres.
Staff has examined the acreage calculations and determined that the City will still have
enough undeveloped land zoned “RM-1.5” (about 35 acres) to accommodate the City’s
assignment for Lower Income housing groups contained within the Housing Element.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The action is covered by the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that was prepared for
the Dinuba General Plan. No new significant impacts not already acknowledged by the
EIR will occur.
CONSULTATION/PUBLIC COMMENT
As required by municipal code, the City mailed notices of the proposed use and public
hearing to property owners within 300 feet of the site, and tenants within 100 feet of the
site. As of the writing of this staff report, no inquiries had been made.
FINDINGS
The application complies with the required Findings of the Dinuba Municipal Code for
approval of a Zone Change/General Plan Amendment contained in the attached
resolution.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
APPLICANT:

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Jesus Rodriguez
39296 Road 68
Dinuba, CA 93618
LOCATION: North side of Kamm Avenue and the east side of Road 74.
ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER: 017-020-015.
SITE SIZE: 30± acres.
ZONING: Existing: “RM-1.5” (Multi-Family Residential) and “RCO” (Resource
Conservation); Proposed: “R-1-6” (Single Family Residential) and RM-1.5 (Multi-Family
Residential)
GENERAL PLAN: Existing: “High Density Residential” and “Public/SemiPublic”; Proposed: “Medium Density Residential” and “High Density Residential”.
EXISTING LAND USE: Agriculture and single family home.
ADJACENT LAND USES, ZONING, AND GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS
Direction

Current Use

Zoning

General Plan

North

Percolation pond and
solar field

“M-1” (Light
Industrial)

“Public/Semi-Public”

South

Agriculture (orchards)
and single family
dwelling

Tulare County
agricultural zoning

East

Vacant, agriculture
and single family
dwelling
Agriculture

“R-1-6” (Single Family
Residential)

“Medium Density
Residential” and
“Medium-High
Density Residential”
“Medium Density
Residential”

West

“M-1” (Light
Industrial)

“Light Industrial”

FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A public hearing was published and also mailed at least ten days prior to the Planning

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Commission's hearing.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. A. Resolution
2. B. Location Map
3. C. Aerial Photo
4. D. Existing and Proposed Zoning
5. E. Existing and Proposed Gen Plan

Page 10 of 18

ATTACHMENT “A”

RESOLUTION NO. 1180
BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF DINUBA
COUNTY OF TULARE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DINUBA
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION 2026-16 - A GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO A 30-ACRE PARCEL
ON THE NORTH SIDE OF KAMM AVENUE AND THE EAST SIDE OF ROAD 74 (ASSESSOR
PARCEL NUMBER 017-020-015 (RODRIGUEZ))
WHEREAS, an application for a General Plan amendment and zone change was
submitted by Jesus Rodriguez, 39296 Road 68, Dinuba, CA 93618, for a 30-acre parcel
located on the north side of Kamm Avenue and the east side of Road 74. The Assessor
Parcel Number of the site is 017-020-015, and
WHEREAS, the subject site is currently zoned “RM-1.5 (Multi-Family Residential)
and also “RCO” (Resource Conservation). Approximately 22.5 acres was zoned “RM-1.5”
in an effort of the City to comply with its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) as
part of the 2023-2031 Dinuba Housing Element. Approximately 7.5 acres in the
northwest corner of the site were zoned “RCO” to enable development of a stormwater
ponding basin. The City has determined this basin is no longer needed; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has expressed concern about the large amount of “RM1.5” zoning applied to the site and the ability to market the site for development, and
has requested the City consider reducing the amount of “RM-1.5” zoning and replacing
that with the “R-1-6” zone (Single Family Residential); and
WHEREAS, the City has reexamined calculations contained in the 2023-2031
Dinuba Housing Element and determined that reducing the acreage of RM-1.5 zoning on
the site is appropriate and still allows the City to accommodate its Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA); and
WHEREAS, the revised zoning and General Plan land use designations are shown
in Exhibit “A” (attached); and
WHEREAS, property owners within 300 feet and occupants within 100 feet of the
subject parcels were notified of the Planning Commission’s meeting and a public hearing
notice was published ten (10) days prior to the Planning Commission’s meeting; and

Page 1 of 4
Page 11 of 18

Dinuba Planning Commission
Resolution No. 1180
(Application 2026-16 (Rodriguez))
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has prepared a staff report and
environmental finding; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this action and
accepted testimony.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission, after
considering all the evidence presented, determined the following findings were relevant
in evaluating these actions:
1. The proposed actions are consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of
the Dinuba General Plan, including the 2023-2031 Dinuba Housing Element.
2. The action still allows the City to meet its Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) obligations under the “No Net Loss” requirements of
California Housing Element law. The City is required to maintain a minimum
of 31.3 acres of land zoned “RM-1.5”; the proposed action would result in
the City having approximately 35 acres of land zoned “RM-1.5”.
3. The City has determined the action will have no significant impacts on the
environment beyond those previously identified in the Final Environmental
Impact Report prepared for the Dinuba General Plan.
4. The proposed actions will not have an adverse impact on the health, safety
and welfare of residents in the neighborhood or community.

Page 2 of 4
Page 12 of 18

Dinuba Planning Commission
Resolution No. 1180
(Application 2026-16 (Rodriguez))

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Application 2026-16 (including the
General Plan Amendment and Zone Change, as shown in Exhibit “A”) is hereby
recommended by the Dinuba Planning Commission for approval.
The foregoing resolution was adopted upon a motion of Commission member
___________________, second by Commission member ___________________, at a
regular meeting of the Dinuba Planning Commission on the 3rd day of November, 2026,
by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
_______________________________________
Secretary, Dinuba Planning Commission

Page 3 of 4
Page 13 of 18

Dinuba Planning Commission
Resolution No. 1180
(Application 2026-16 (Rodriguez))

ROAD 74

Exhibit “A”: Proposed Zoning and Land Use Designations

Proposed General Plan
designation:
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‡ôŜĖîôIJťĖÍīЋϙ
Proposed Zoning:
Њ‡-1-͕Ћϙϼ‹ĖIJČīôϙ>ÍıĖīƅϙ
Residential)

Proposed General Plan
designation:
ЋFĖČēϙ"ôIJŜĖťƅϙ‡ôŜĖîôIJťĖÍīЋϙ
Proposed Zoning:
Њ‡a-͐ϟ͔ЋϙϼaŪīťĖ-Family
Residential)

KAMM AVE.

north

Page 4 of 4
Page 14 of 18

Attachment B: Location Map

Page 15 of 18

Road 74

Attachment B: Location Map

Site
Kamm Ave.

north

Page 16 of 18

Attachment D: Existing and Proposed Zoning

Page 17 of 18

Attachment E: Existing and Proposed General Plan Designations

Existing General Plan Designations

Site

Road 74

m

Kamm Ave.

Proposed General Plan Designations

Road 74

Site

Density

Kamm Ave.

Page 18 of 18