Oct 19 → Nov 16, 2026City Council (ordinance Nov 16: confirm on final agenda)
1. Tobacco retail license: a proposed cap of 62 licenses for 112 retailers
What's happening: Council discussed a new Tobacco Retail License (TRL) ordinance on Oct 19. Staff counts 112 retailers selling tobacco in Pomona, including convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores, supermarkets and smoke shops. Staff proposed a cap of one license per 2,500 residents (62 licenses), a moratorium on new licenses until the count falls below 62, retiring licenses that are revoked or not renewed, and ending a license when 50% or more of the ownership changes. Staff plans to bring the ordinance to Council on Nov 16.
Why it matters: Any store that sells tobacco or vape products: a license may become required, and a sale of your business could cancel it. Buyers and brokers of convenience stores and gas stations should factor this into deals now.
Source: Oct 19 City Council agenda (item 10)
Staff report
Oct 19, 2026City Council special meeting
2. Rent cap ordinance expires Dec 31 unless Council funds it
What's happening: Pomona's Rent Stabilization and Eviction Control Ordinance (No. 4359) sets a 5% annual rent increase cap for covered units, plus just-cause and relocation rules. It runs through Dec 31, 2026. It stays in effect only if Council adopts a resolution funding it on or before that date. On Oct 19 Council weighed three options: keep the ordinance ($273,801 from reserves this year), keep it and add a rental registry ($355,401), or let it expire.
Why it matters: Landlords and property managers: whether the 5% cap and its petition rules continue in 2027 depends on this decision. A rental registry would add a registration step and a cost-recovery fee. Check the Council's final action in the meeting minutes.
Source: Oct 19 special meeting agenda (item 1)
Staff report
Oct 19, 2026City Council
3. Peak-hour bus and bike lanes on Holt Avenue
What's happening: Council took up a resolution approving the scope of the SGV Forward "Jump Start" project: dedicated peak-hour bus and bike lanes on Holt Avenue between Fairplex Drive (SR-71) and Main Street, with new striping, signs and bus stop upgrades. The design keeps existing curb parking. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments would build it with LA Metro funding, to be finished before the 2028 Olympics.
Why it matters: Businesses and property owners on Holt Avenue: expect lane changes, restriping work and new bus stops in front of storefronts. Watch for construction timing and any changes to turning or loading.
Source: Oct 19 City Council agenda (item 11)
Staff report
Oct 28, 2026Planning Commission public hearing
4. Removing 7 oak trees at 878-898 N. Garey Ave to open the site for housing
What's happening: The owner of the Bonham Professional Building, at the southeast corner of N. Garey Ave and E. Kingsley Ave, asks for a Major Oak Tree Permit to remove seven mature oaks. Staff says the trees would limit the footprint of future development, including housing at the density the Pomona Corridors Specific Plan allows (up to 80 units per acre, 6 floors). Staff recommends approval, with 12 replacement 36-inch box oaks paid for through an in-lieu fee.
Why it matters: Owners and tenants along the Garey Avenue Downtown Gateway: this is an early sign a larger project may follow on this corner. Developers: it shows how Pomona prices oak removal (2:1 replacement for healthy large trees).
Source: Oct 28 Planning Commission agenda (item G.1)
Staff report
Oct 28, 2026Planning Commission (consent calendar)
5. More time for two industrial projects: 1614 S. Reservoir St and 910 E. Second St
What's happening: The Commission will consider one-year extensions of two conditional use permits. One is for a new 19,034 sq ft wholesale and distribution building with offices at 1614 S. Reservoir St. The other is for two new industrial buildings of about 9,552 sq ft each at 910 E. Second St. Staff recommends approval of both. The same agenda includes a staff overview of a Complete Streets Ordinance.
Why it matters: Industrial neighbors, brokers and contractors in Council District 3: these projects stay alive for another year, so construction and new tenants may still come. A Complete Streets ordinance could later shape street improvements tied to new projects.
Source: Oct 28 Planning Commission agenda (items F.2, F.3, H.2)
Meeting page