Chula Vista City Zoning Code
19.40 C-T
Thoroughfare Commercial Zone
19.40.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the C-T zone is to provide for areas in appropriate locations adjacent to thoroughfares where activities dependent upon or catering to thoroughfare traffic may be established, maintained and protected. The regulations of this district are designed to encourage the centers for retail, commercial, entertainment, automotive and other appropriate highway-related activities. C-T zones are to be established in zones of one acre or larger, and shall be located only in the immediate vicinity of thoroughfares, or the service drives thereof. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(A)).
19.40.020 Permitted uses.
Principal permitted uses in a C-T zone are as follows:
A. Stores, shops and offices supplying commodities or performing services for residents of the City as a whole or the surrounding community, such as department stores, banks, business offices and other financial institutions and personal service enterprises;
B. New car dealers and accessory sale of used cars (see CVMC 19.40.030 for used car lots); electric vehicle (“EV”) service and sales; boat and equipment sales and rental establishments, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.070;
C. Hotels/motels, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.210;
D. Retail shops for the sale of auto parts and accessories, souvenirs, curios and other products, primarily to serve the traveling public;
E. Restaurants and cocktail lounges (dance floors subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.115 and Chapter 5.26 CVMC);
F. Animal hospitals and veterinary clinics, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.050;
G. Bakery and creamery establishments;
H. Printing and publishing or lithographic shops;
I. Commercial recreation facilities, such as swimming pools, bowling alleys, and skating rinks, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.040;
J. Plant nurseries;
K. Accessory uses and buildings customarily appurtenant to a permitted use and satellite dish antennas in accordance with the provisions in CVMC 19.22.030(F)(1) through (9) and (11) through (13);
L. Electrical substations and gas regulator stations, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.140;
M. Agricultural uses as provided in CVMC 19.16.030;
N. Sexually oriented businesses, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.024;
O. Used clothing sales;
P. Knitting and weaving shops;
Q. Upholstery shops;
R. Massage parlors, subject to the provisions of Chapter 5.36 CVMC. (Ord. 3575 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3544 § 7, 2023; Ord. 3442 § 2(J), 2018; Ord. 3316 § 5, 2014; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2273 § 7, 1988; Ord. 2160 § 1, 1986; Ord. 2108 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1954 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(B)).
19.40.022 Accessory uses and buildings.
A. Private and emergency electrical generating facilities, as defined in subsections (3) and (4) of the definition “electrical generating facilities” in CVMC 19.04.002, and subject to the following standards:
1. Private: the standards prescribed in CVMC 19.58.142(D).
2. Backup and emergency: the standards prescribed in CVMC 19.58.142(E). (Ord. 3279 § 3, 2013).
19.40.030 Conditional uses.
The following uses shall be permitted in the C-T zone; provided, a conditional use permit is issued in accordance with the provisions of CVMC 19.14.030(A) or 19.14.040, as may be applicable, and CVMC 19.14.050 through 19.14.090:
A. Used car lots and motorcycle sales and repair, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.070;
B. Trailer and equipment sales and rental establishments and towing service;
C. Automobile service stations, garages for major and minor repairs, as defined herein, and car-washing establishments, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.060 and 19.58.280;
D. Carpenter, electrical, plumbing or heating shops;
E. Building material sales yards, not including concrete mixing;
F. Automobile storage, contractor’s equipment storage yards, or storage, sale and rental of equipment commonly used by contractors;
G. Bait and tackle shops;
H. Lumberyards;
I. Roof-mounted satellite dishes, subject to the standards set forth in CVMC 19.30.040;
J. Recycling collection centers, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.345.
The following uses shall be permitted in the C-T zone; provided, a conditional use permit is issued by the Planning Commission, or for unclassified uses as defined in CVMC 19.54.020:
K. Drive-in theaters, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.120; and provided, that the screen shall be so located and designed that it is not visible from adjacent thoroughfares, and said screen shall be set back not less than 100 feet from any street or thoroughfare;
L. Dancehalls, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.040;
M. Commercial recreation facilities (outdoor);
N. Automobile paint and body shops;
O. Wholesale bakeries;
P. Laundries, except industrial, and cleaning and dyeing plants;
Q. Radiator repair shops;
R. Truck and trailer service, including major repair;
S. Cardrooms;
T. Emergency shelters subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.143;
U. Unclassified uses, see Chapter 19.54 CVMC. (Ord. 3544 § 2, 2023; Ord. 3442 § 2(K), 2018; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2252 § 7, 1988; Ord. 2233 § 7, 1987; Ord. 2160 § 1, 1986; Ord. 2152 § 3, 1986; Ord. 2108 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1954 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1855 § 3, 1979; Ord. 1757 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1746 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1716 § 1, 1976; Ord. 1464 § 1, 1973; Ord. 1456 § 1, 1973; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.522(C)).
19.40.040 Sign regulations.
Repealed by Ord. 2924 § 3, 2003. (Ord. 2309-A § 10, 1989; Ord. 1575 § 1, 1974; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1295 § 1; Ord. 1251 § 1, 1969; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(D)).
19.40.050 Height regulations.
No building or structure shall exceed three and one-half stories or 45 feet in height, except as provided in CVMC 19.16.040; provided, however, that said limitation may be adjusted by conditional use permit. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(E)).
19.40.060 Area, lot coverage and yard requirements.
The following minimum area, lot coverage and yard requirements shall be observed, except as provided in CVMC 19.16.020 and 19.16.060 through 19.16.080 and where increased for conditional uses:
Setbacks in Feet | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Front and Exterior Side Yards | Side | Rear | |
5,000 | 50% | 10 feet* for buildings | None, except when abutting an R district, then not less than 25 feet | 10 feet, except when abutting an R district, then not less than 25 feet; zero when abutting a zero side yard. |
*Or not less than that specified on the building line map shall be provided and maintained. The setback requirements shown on the adopted building line map for Chula Vista shall take precedence over the setbacks required in the zoning district. | ||||
(Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1251 § 1, 1969; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(F)).
19.40.070 Setbacks from residential zone – Parking and loading facilities.
In any C-T district directly across a street or thoroughfare (excluding a freeway) from any R district, the parking and loading facilities shall be distant at least 10 feet from said street, and the buildings and structures at least 20 feet from said street. All access drives or curb cuts across a street from any R district are prohibited unless specifically approved by the staff. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(G)(1)).
19.40.080 Landscaping.
The site shall be landscaped in conformance with the landscaping manual of the City, and approved by the Director of Development Services or designee. (Ord. 3544 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(G)(2)).
19.40.090 Site plan and architectural approval required.
19.40.100 Off-street parking and loading facilities.
19.40.110 Enclosures required for all uses – Exceptions.
All uses in a C-T zone shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building, except for outdoor restaurants, service stations, off-street parking and loading facilities, and other open uses specified under conditional use permits as determined by the Planning Commission. Permanent and temporary outside sales and display shall be subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.370. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1436 § 1, 1972; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(G)(5)).
19.40.120 Outdoor storage.
Outdoor storage of merchandise, material or equipment shall be permitted in a C-T zone only when incidental to a permitted or accessory use located on the premises; and provided, that:
A. Storage areas shall be completely enclosed by walls, fences or buildings, and shall be part of an approved site plan;
B. No outdoor storage of materials or equipment shall be permitted to exceed a height greater than that of any enclosing wall, fence or building. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(G)(6)).
19.40.130 Wall requirements.
Zoning walls shall be provided in a C-T zone, subject to the conditions of CVMC 19.58.150 and 19.58.360. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(G)(7)).
19.40.140 Trash storage areas.
19.40.150 Performance standards.
All uses in a C-T zone shall be subject to initial and continued compliance with the performance standards set forth in Chapter 19.66 CVMC. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.511(H)).