Zoneomics Logo
search icon

Bakersfield City Zoning Code

17.54 PCD

Planned Commercial Development Zone

*Prior code history: prior code §§ 17.47.01017.47.130

17.54.010 Intent and purpose.

It is recognized that an integrated development provides an opportunity for cohesive design when flexible regulations are applied. The planned commercial development zone is intended to allow for innovative design and diversification in the relationship of various uses, buildings, structures, lot sizes and open spaces while ensuring compliance with the general plan and the intent of the municipal code. In addition, the development would provide adequate improvements and standards necessary to satisfy the requirements of the public health, safety and general welfare. This zone is not to be used to restrict commercial development or to compromise other zoning districts that may be more appropriate for a site. Instead, it enables a developer to obtain approval of a specific, detailed plan for a commercial development which ensures that the uniqueness of the project design being proposed is preserved. Standards shall be observed without unduly inhibiting the advantages of modern site planning techniques and innovative planning of commercial and professional office neighborhoods. Land may be classified as being solely within a PCD zone (exclusive zone), or the PCD zone may be used as a combining zone in a C-O, C-1, C-2, or CC zone to assign a base zone defining allowable uses and ensure future site development will be compatible with surrounding development and/or to recognize unique site characteristics. (Ord. 4305 § 1, 2006; Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.020 Uses permitted.

A. Uses permitted in a PCD zone used as a combining zone are those uses permitted by the base zone with which the PCD zone is combined.

B. Uses for land classified as being within a PCD zone are as follows:

1. Any permitted use listed in Chapters 17.20 (C-O), 17.22 (C-1) and 17.24 (C-2) of this code. Any use that is conditional in these zones may be requested as part of the initial zone change and approved as conditional uses subject to the findings, conditions and revocation of rights as set forth in Chapter 17.64 of this code. Uses which are conditional that are proposed once the PCD zone is effective shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.64 of this code.

2. Uses and structures which are incidental or accessory to any of the uses permitted in PCD zones.

C. The permitted uses may be allowed in combinations in this zone, provided such use or uses are in harmony with each other and serve to fulfill the intent and purposes of the planned commercial development. (Ord. 4542 § 2, 2008; Ord. 4305 § 2, 2006; Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3752 § 1, 1997; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.030 Application.

A. When the PCD zone is to be assigned as an exclusive zone classification, the zone change application shall include the following:

1. A preliminary development plan, drawn to scale, which shall be at the minimum scale indicated and shall include all the information as required for site plan review pursuant to Section 17.08.080(A)(3). The number and type of plans shall be as follows:

a. Eight copies at scale of all plans submitted;

b. One copy of each plan reduced to a size of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches;

c. One color rendition at scale of the site/landscape plan, and elevation plan;

2. If the proposed project is to be developed in several stages, indicate the anticipated sequence of development;

3. Show the proposed methods by which the applicant will govern the maintenance and continued protection of the development including any common areas;

4. Indicate all proposed signs for the development;

5. A completed zone change application on such forms as provided by the city, signed by the owner or owners in fee of the subject land and the owner of any option to purchase the property or any portion thereof, if any;

6. Any additional information, plans, drawings, elevations, photos, diagrams and improvements as may be required by the planning director to adequately review the project.

B. When the PCD zone is used as a combining zone, the zone change application is not required to include development plans. Development plans as indicated in subsections (A)(1) through (A)(4) and (A)(6) shall be required prior to approval of a subdivision map pursuant to Section 16.28.170(O) or prior to issuance of a building permit as appropriate, and shall be considered at an advertised public hearing before the planning commission. A complete application and fee shall be required. The application and fee shall be the same as that for a site plan review hearing. The hearing shall constitute the review and approval of the preliminary development plans. Modifications to approved plans will be subject to the provisions set forth in Section 17.54.100.

C. When the PCD zone is used as a combining zone, approval of development plans by the planning commission is final. If appealed, development plans shall be presented to the city council for final action at a noticed public hearing in accordance with Section 17.64.050(B). (Ord. 4305 § 3, 2006; Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3835 § 31, 1998; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.040 Rezoning procedure.

An application shall be processed as follows:

A. Pursuant to Chapter 17.64 of this code regarding zone changes.

B. If the application is approved by the city council, the zoning map of the area shall be changed by identifying the area with the map symbol PCD. If the PCD zone is approved as a combining zone, the base zone shall be identified, followed by the map symbol PCD (Example: C2/PCD).

C. The preliminary development plan as approved with a PCD exclusive zone, shall be filed with the city and shall, by reference, be incorporated into and thereby become a part of the zoning ordinance of the city.

D. After the effective date of the ordinance change to an exclusive PCD zone, no building or structure shall be erected, moved or altered on the subject property except when in compliance with the final development plan as approved by the site plan review committee. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3903 § 5, 1999; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.050 Final development plan.

A. Contents. The final development plan shall be drawn to the same scale and include the information as required for a preliminary development plan, together with any modifications or conditions that were required by the planning commission and city council.

B. Procedure. The final development plan for a building permit shall be submitted and processed the same as required for a final site plan pursuant to Section 17.08.080B5. The site plan review committee shall review the plan for substantial compliance with the approved preliminary plan and satisfaction with all conditions set forth in the city council’s final decision. In instances where the planning commission desires to review the final plan, they may place a condition on the project requiring said plan to be brought back before them for review and approval. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3903 § 7, 1999; Ord. 3874 § 2, 1998; Ord. 3835 § 31, 1998; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.060 Latitude of regulations.

In the approval of PCD plans, the planning commission or city council may approve or require in the final development plan, standards, regulations, limitations and restrictions either more or less restrictive than those specified elsewhere in the municipal code and which are designed to protect and maintain property values and provide or protect community amenities which would foster and maintain the health, safety and general welfare of the community, including and relating to but not limited to the following:

A. Height limitations or any bulk requirements of buildings or structures, lot and yard requirements and distances between buildings;

B. Percent coverage of land by buildings and structures;

C. Parking ratios and areas expressed in relation to use of various portions of the property and/or building floor area;

D. Limitations upon the size, design, number, lighting and location of all signs;

E. The location, width and improvement of vehicular and pedestrian access to various portions of the property including portions within abutting streets;

F. Construction of fences and walls;

G. Arrangement and spacing of buildings and structures to provide appropriate open spaces around same;

H. Location and size of off-street loading areas and docks;

I. Uses of buildings and structures by general classification and specific designation when there are unusual requirements for parking; or when use involves noise, dust, odor, fumes, smoke, vibrations, glare or radiation incompatible with present or potential development of surrounding property or of other property in the development;

J. Architectural design of buildings and structures;

K. Schedule of time for construction and establishment of the proposed buildings, structures, or land uses or any stage of development thereof,

L. Requiring of performance bonds to insure development as approved;

M. Planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, plants and lawns in accordance with a landscape plan;

N. Any additional improvements and dedications reasonably necessary to fulfill public needs for the general health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood and the city. (Ord. 4305 § 4, 2006; Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.070 Required findings.

In approving and adopting the rezoning application with the preliminary development plan, the planning commission and city council shall find the following:

A. The proposed planned commercial development zone and preliminary development plan is consistent with the general plan and objectives of this ordinance;

B. The proposed development will constitute a commercial environment of sustained desirability and stability, and it will compliment and harmonize with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and community;

C. The proposed development justifies exceptions from the normal application of this code in that it integrates such elements as the location of structures, circulation pattern, parking, landscaping and utilities, together with a program for provision, operation and maintenance of all areas, improvements, facilities and services provided on the property. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.080 Expiration of zone or plans.

A. When the PCD zone is assigned as an exclusive zone, the following shall apply:

1. The applicant shall commence construction no later than three years from the effective date of the zoning change. If, within such period, the construction specified in the approved preliminary development plan has not been commenced, the planning director shall notify the planning commission of same and the commission shall consider whether changed circumstances justify a zone change to rescind the PCD zone or if additional time is necessary to be conditioned in order to commence construction of the project. Initiation of a zone change to rescind the PCD zone, or to change any conditions of approval including those extending time periods, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 17.64.070 of this code.

2. With the exception of satellite pads, if a certificate of occupancy has not been issued for a substantial portion of the commercial structures in the first phase of a PCD zone within five years of the effective date of the PCD zone as determined by the planning director, he/she shall notify the planning commission of same and the commission shall consider whether changed circumstances justify a zone change to rescind the PCD zone or if additional time is necessary to be conditioned for the project to be completed. Initiation of a zone change to rescind the PCD zone, or to change any conditions of approval including those extending time periods, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 17.64.070 of this code.

3. With the exception of satellite pads, where the first phase is substantially developed and the remaining phases are undeveloped or in various stages of development and five years have lapsed since the effective date of the PCD zone as determined by the planning director, he/she shall notify the planning commission of same and the commission shall consider whether changed circumstances justify a zone change to rescind the PCD zone for the area containing the uncompleted phases or if additional time is necessary to be conditioned for the project to be completed. Initiation of a zone change to rescind the PCD zone, or to change any conditions of approval including those extending time periods, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 17.64.070 of this code.

B. When the PCD zone is used as a combining zone, no status review or other notification shall be required. Approved preliminary plans shall be subject to the same time periods as an approved site plan (Section 17.08.080D). If more than one preliminary development plan is approved for a site, the most recent approval shall supersede all previously approved plans. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.090 Minimum site area.

The minimum area for a PCD zone shall be one acre. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.100 Modifications to approved preliminary and final development plans.

A. An approved preliminary development plan may be modified by submitting an application for such modification according to the same procedure as is required in the initial review and approval of said plan.

B. The flexibility of code requirements ordinarily required in other zones permitted in any initial approval of a PCD zone shall not be considered as a precedent setting, or as a lone compelling reason for approving any modification.

C. Any application for a modification to an approved preliminary plan may be approved only after it has been found that it does not deviate from the intent and purpose of this zone and the required findings in Section 17.54.070 can be made.

D. The planning director shall have the authority to administratively approve minor changes, modifications, alternations, deviations, or substitutions to an approved preliminary development plan with respect to colors, materials, architectural elevations, landscape plans and other physical changes of a similar nature provided any such change does not alter any use, environmental mitigation measure, condition of approval or substantially affect the basic character of the architecture or landscape architecture as established in the planning commission or city council’s approval of the project. Such minor changes, modifications, alterations, deviations, or substitutions to an approved preliminary or final development plan shall be reported to the planning commission at its next regular meeting. At that time, the planning commission may accept the planning director’s report, may further modify the planning director’s approved changes or may direct staff to set the matter for hearing in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.64 of this code. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3903 §§ 6, 8, 1999; Ord. 3874 § 1, 1998; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)

17.54.110 Maintenance of common areas and non-dedicated improvements and facilities.

A. All common areas, if any, including open or green spaces, community recreation facilities, common walkways, parking areas, private streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters and any improvements listed in Section 16.32.060 of the subdivision regulations of the city which are not dedicated and accepted may be constructed only upon full and adequate provision for their preservation and future maintenance in a manner acceptable to the city.

B. Where ownerships are to be separate, such provision may be satisfied by a declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions duly signed and acknowledged by the original owner or owners; articles of incorporation to be filed with the Secretary of State forming a corporation or association, which shall include provision for empowering such entity created to own and maintain all the properties within its jurisdiction and to exercise the powers and duties of such entity to be fully set forth in the declaration; bylaws of the entity which shall set forth rules of membership, required fees and assessments to be used for maintenance purposes, membership rights and duties; and forms of deeds incorporating the declaration by reference to its recording data.

C. All documents must be referred to the city attorney for review and have the approval of the planning director as to their sufficiency to accomplish their purpose.

D. The owners of the properties shall, as a condition of such ownership, be required to participate in the legal entity so formed and be responsible to said legal entity for the cost of performing the necessary maintenance. (Ord. 4009 § 2, 2001; Ord. 3656 § 2, 1995)