Cupertino City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 19

60: GENERAL COMMERCIAL CG ZONES*

19.60.010 Purpose.

The purpose of the general commercial zoning district is to establish regulations for retailing, offices and service establishment offering goods and services to the general public which will assure maximum compatibility with surrounding residential areas as well as minimize adverse traffic impacts resulting from commercial development.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995)

19.60.020 Applicability of Regulations.

No building, structure, or land shall be used, and no building or structure shall be erected, structurally altered, or enlarged in a CG zone, otherwise than in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of this title.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995)

19.60.030 Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses.

Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses that may be conducted from property zoned general commercial (CG), are identified in Table 19.60.030, Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses in General Commercial Zoning Districts below.

19.60.050 Land Use Activity.

Land Use Criteria. Unless otherwise provided by a conditional use permit, the following regulations shall apply to all users governed by this chapter.
1. The activity must be conducted entirely within a building or enclosed patio or atrium except for:
  1. Vehicular parking including the parking of business related vehicles that comply with the sign, off-street parking, and noise regulations;
  2. Outdoor seating for restaurants in accordance with the requirements of Section 19.60.0430.
  3. Special promotional events undertaken by permitted businesses;
  4. The display of merchandise in front of stores must be displayed under a roof overhang or canopy and must be displayed in an organized, neat, and safe fashion, in accordance with the requirements of Section 19.60.0430.
  5. Incidental activities directly related to the permitted business. The incidental activity must comply with noise standards, all other applicable health and safety regulations and must use equipment which, when not in use, is stored in an approved enclosed space.
2. The activity must comply with the City noise standards, including pick-up and delivery times. Some activities are permitted when located in a sound-proof space. A sound-proof space is an enclosed area which is designed to prevent internally generated noise from being audible from a receptor located outside of the structure. An acoustical engineer shall certify the design and operating conditions of a sound-proof space.
3. The activity must involve direct retailing of goods or services to the general public. The retailing and servicing activity must comprise at least fifty percent of the floor space, including enclosed patio and atrium space, and must represent the primary emphasis of the business. Window displays shall reflect the retail emphasis.
4. Certain activities which require a hazardous material plan are permitted subject to permitting or licensing by an authorized public agency charged with the responsibility to protect the public health and welfare regarding the involved hazardous material. Examples: swimming pool and spa supply, photo finishing, dental office.
5. The activity complies with applicable off-street parking standards including shared parking arrangements specified in the off-street parking ordinance.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

19.60.060 Development Standards.

Table 19.60.060 sets forth the rules and regulations pertaining to the development of property located in the General Commercial (CG) zoning district.

Table 19.60.030: Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses in General Commercial Zoning Districts

Zoning Districts	CG
Uses
1. Retail businesses, such as, but not limited to: food stores (excluding convenience markets), drugstores, apparel shops, variety stores and hardware stores	P
2. Restaurants (without bar facilities), where: all public entrances face away from low-density residential (1-5 Dwelling Units an Acre) developments that share property lines and where the required customer parking is located within close proximity of the entrance	P
3. Farmer's Market	CUP - Admin.
4. Eating establishments
a. Full-service restaurants with bar facilities, and	CUP - Admin.
b. Any entertainment facilities (e.g., dancing, live music) in association with full-service or fast-food restaurant	P
5. Any commercial establishments with drive-through facilities	CUP - PC
6. Late evening activities which occur between eleven p.m. through seven a.m.	CUP - Admin.
7. Offices such as those below, provided that such uses do not comprise more than twenty-five percent of the building space in a shopping center: Professional, General, Administrative, Business offices, Business services, such as: advertising bureaus, credit reporting, accounting and similar consulting agencies, stenographic services, and communication equipment buildings	P
8. Commercial Office uses such as those below which directly serve the public Banks, Financial institutions, Insurance agencies Real estate agencies, Travel agencies, Photography, and Similar studios	P
9. Laundry facilities, including those below, provided that the solvents used in the cleaning process shall not be used or stored in any manner not approved by the State Fire Marshal and provided the establishment received approval from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Self service operations Full service operations; and Retail dry cleaning establishments. Dry cleaning is limited to items directly delivered to the establishment by retail customers	P
10. Private clubs, lodges, or fraternal organizations
a. Uses in (10) above as subordinate uses in buildings intended primarily for other permitted uses provided for in this section	P
b. Uses in (10) above as principal use buildings	CUP - PC
11. Fraternity and sorority houses	CUP - PC
12. Limited repair services, such as: Jewelry, Household appliance, Business machine repair shops Personal electronic devices	P
13. Personal service establishments such as: Barbershops, Beauty parlors, Massage establishments, Shoe repair shops, and Tailor shops	P
14. Accessory facilities and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses and otherwise conforming with provisions of Chapter 19.100 of this title	P
15. A maximum of four video game machines, provided these machines are incidental to the main activity of the business	P
16. Pet shops facilities for pet services such as, bathing, clipping, trimming, grooming, pet day care, and similar services for pets
a. Uses in (16) above which are located in a sound-proof structure and are in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department regulations and chapter 8.05 of this Code.	P
b. Uses in (16) above which are not located in a sound-proof structure and are in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department regulations and chapter 8.05 of this Code.	CUP - Admin.
17. Child care centers, Day nurseries, and Playgrounds	CUP - PC
18. Vocational and specialized schools, dance and music studios, gymnasiums and health clubs
a. When the uses in (18) above cumulatively comprise < 50% of the space in a shopping center, provide adequate parking as determined by Chapter 19.124 and meet noise requirements as determined by Chapter 10.48	P
b. When the uses in (18) above cumulatively comprise 50% of the space in a shopping center, provide adequate parking as determined by Chapter 19.124 and meet noise requirements as determined by Chapter 10.48	CUP - Admin.
19. Retail/service kiosks that meet the following: Are located in an unenclosed space visible from public streets or other publicly owned space, Where adequate parking is provided as determined by Chapter 19.124, Which do not result in traffic or circulation impacts, Have attractive designs and landscaping, and Are compatible with the surrounding architecture	CUP - Admin.
20. Other uses which, in the opinion of the Director of Community Development, are similar to the permitted uses in the CG zoning district, and which do not have the potential to create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding area due to odor, dust, smoke, glare, fumes, radiation, vibrations, noise, traffic or litter	P
21. Commercial parking and parking garages	CUP - PC
22. Convenience markets	CUP - PC
23. Hotels, motels, and boardinghouses	CUP - PC
24. Liquor stores	CUP - PC
25. Drinking establishments	CUP - PC
26. Commercial recreation establishments, such as: Indoor theaters, Bowling alleys, Billiard and pool parlors, Dance halls, Skating rinks, and Arcades	CUP - PC
27. Mortuaries	CUP - PC
28. Automotive service stations, automobile washing facilities	CUP - PC
29. Automobile, trailer, tire and boat sales and rental, limited to new and used vehicles in operable condition	CUP - PC
30. Automobile and Tire repair shops	CUP - PC
31. Business activities which display merchandise in an unenclosed space visible from a public street or adjoining residential property, except activities which display merchandise in compliance with requirements of Section 19.60.050:
a. The display of merchandise in front of stores with ≥ 20,000 square feet of ﬂoor area.	P
b. The display of merchandise in front of stores with < 20,000 square feet of ﬂoor area.	CUP - Admin
32. Business activities which provide services in an unenclosed space visible from a public street or adjoining residential property, except activities which provide services in compliance with requirements of Section 19.60.050.	CUP - Admin
33. Outdoor Seating compatible with Chapter 19.124 of this code	P
34. Business activities which incorporate contracting services for which a contracting license issued by the State is required	CUP - PC
35. Other commercial uses which are neither permitted uses nor excluded uses and which are, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, consistent with the character of a general commercial (CG) zone of the same general character listed in this section, and which do not create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding area due to odor, dust, fumes, glare, radiation, vibration, noise, traffic or litter	CUP - PC
36. Businesses where the primary activity is related to the on-site manufacturing, assembly or storage of building components intended for use by general contractors or wholesalers	Ex
37. Storage garages, and other wholesale businesses, except computer hardware and software and communications businesses for which the City may generate sales tax revenue where the primary activity is to conduct sales and services to other businesses rather than to direct retail customers	Ex
38. Other uses which, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, are objectionable by reason of odor, dust, smoke, glare, fumes, radiation, vibration, noise, traffic or litter shall be excluded	Ex
39. Warehouses	Ex
40. Lumberyards	Ex
41. Nurseries and greenhouses	Ex
42. Commercial excavating of building or construction materials	Ex
Key: P – Permitted Use - – Not Allowed CUP - Admin. – Conditional Use Permit issued by the Director of Community Development CUP - PC – Conditional Use Permit issued by the Planning Commission CUP - CC – Conditional Use Permit issued by the City Council Ex – Excluded Uses

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 2056, (part), 2010; Ord. 1844, § 1 (part), 2000; Ord. 1784, (part), 1998; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024)

Table 19.60.060: Development Standards

A. Lot Area and Coverage	No minimum lot area or coverage. However, if specified in the General Plan or applicable Specific Plan, must comply with that standard. Must have sufficient area to satisfy off-street parking and loading requirements contained in this title.
B. Height of Buildings and Structures	30 feet unless otherwise permitted by the General Plan or applicable Specific Plan.
C. Required Setbacks for Buildings and Enclosed Patio/Atrium Space – Setbacks are established based upon policies contained in the General Plan and/or applicable Specific Plan. When setbacks are not established in other land use or zoning documents, the setbacks in the CG zone shall apply.
1. Front Yard	Established based upon special policies contained in the General Plan and/or applicable specific plan to: Insure sufficient space to provide adequate light, air and visibility at intersections; Assure general conformity to yard requirements of adjacent or nearby zones, lots or parcels; and Promote excellence of development.
2. Minimum Side and Rear Yard	No side or rear yard setback required unless lot abuts any residential or agricultural-residential zone in which case the following regulations apply:
a. Side Yard Setback
i. Interior Side	12 feet, or a total setback equal to one foot of additional setback for each foot of height of a commercial building measured from its eave line or top of parapet, whichever is more restrictive.
ii. Street Side of Corner Lot	12 feet
b. Rear Yard Setback	20 feet, or a total setback equal to one and one-half feet of additional setback for each foot of height of a commercial building measured from its eave line or top of parapet, whichever is more restrictive.
D. Noise Standards
1. New Construction and uses that have a high probability of generating noise that adjoin residential districts shall be:
a. Exterior Walls	Designed to attenuate all noise emanating from interior retail space.
b. Loading Docks and Doors	Located away from residential districts. Required Fire Doors are excluded.
c. Mechanical and other equipment	Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment shall be acoustically isolated to comply with the noise ordinance
d. Sound Wall	Install a minimum eight-foot-high masonry sound wall on or adjacent to the common property line
e. Acoustical Engineer	Design and operational space must be certified by an acoustical engineer that the above sound attenuation measures comply with the intent of the regulation and the City's community noise ordinance
2. In addition to (1) above, retail structures in a mixed use residential development shall employ noise attenuation techniques recommended by an acoustical engineer to comply with the community noise ordinance.
E. Odors – New construction and uses that have a high probability of generating odors adjoining residential developments or in mixed-use residential developments shall employ odor abatement techniques, including but not limited to, the installation of activated charcoal filtration systems and/or similar odor abatement systems certified by an air quality specialist for use.
F. Lighting – New lighting fixtures for any new site construction or building improvements: shall meet the requirements in Chapter 19.102
G. Landscaping Plan	Shall be designed to provide an effective year-round landscaping screen in the setback area adjoining any lower-density residential property. The intent of the plan is to screen the building from the rear yard of a residence within five years. Shall be maintained, with appropriate irrigation, provided to all landscaped areas. Shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.15 of the Municipal Code. Shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 14.18 of the Municipal Code.
H. Utilities	The following amenities and utilities shall be installed subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance: All utilities including water, gas, sanitary and storm sewers, underground power systems, and Amenities including, lighting electroliers, curbs, gutters, streets and sidewalks and Connections to main systems shall be installed subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance of the City. All wires, pipes, cables, utilities and connections shall be placed in underground or subsurface conduits subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance of the City. Underground vaults, or, utility spaces integrated within buildings, if allowed, or alternatively, well screened areas, if underground vaults or spaces integrated within buildings are deemed to be infeasible by the City Engineer and the Director of Community Development, must be provided for the installation of the necessary utilities.
I. Mechanical Equipment	Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment shall be visually screened.

(Ord. 21-2225, Att. A (§ 4), 2021; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024)

Cupertino City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 19

60: GENERAL COMMERCIAL CG ZONES*

19.60.010 Purpose.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995)

19.60.020 Applicability of Regulations.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995)

19.60.030 Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses.

19.60.050 Land Use Activity.

Land Use Criteria. Unless otherwise provided by a conditional use permit, the following regulations shall apply to all users governed by this chapter.
1. The activity must be conducted entirely within a building or enclosed patio or atrium except for:
  1. Vehicular parking including the parking of business related vehicles that comply with the sign, off-street parking, and noise regulations;
  2. Outdoor seating for restaurants in accordance with the requirements of Section 19.60.0430.
  3. Special promotional events undertaken by permitted businesses;
  4. The display of merchandise in front of stores must be displayed under a roof overhang or canopy and must be displayed in an organized, neat, and safe fashion, in accordance with the requirements of Section 19.60.0430.
  5. Incidental activities directly related to the permitted business. The incidental activity must comply with noise standards, all other applicable health and safety regulations and must use equipment which, when not in use, is stored in an approved enclosed space.
2. The activity must comply with the City noise standards, including pick-up and delivery times. Some activities are permitted when located in a sound-proof space. A sound-proof space is an enclosed area which is designed to prevent internally generated noise from being audible from a receptor located outside of the structure. An acoustical engineer shall certify the design and operating conditions of a sound-proof space.
3. The activity must involve direct retailing of goods or services to the general public. The retailing and servicing activity must comprise at least fifty percent of the floor space, including enclosed patio and atrium space, and must represent the primary emphasis of the business. Window displays shall reflect the retail emphasis.
4. Certain activities which require a hazardous material plan are permitted subject to permitting or licensing by an authorized public agency charged with the responsibility to protect the public health and welfare regarding the involved hazardous material. Examples: swimming pool and spa supply, photo finishing, dental office.
5. The activity complies with applicable off-street parking standards including shared parking arrangements specified in the off-street parking ordinance.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

19.60.060 Development Standards.

Table 19.60.060 sets forth the rules and regulations pertaining to the development of property located in the General Commercial (CG) zoning district.

Table 19.60.030: Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses in General Commercial Zoning Districts

Zoning Districts	CG
Uses
1. Retail businesses, such as, but not limited to: food stores (excluding convenience markets), drugstores, apparel shops, variety stores and hardware stores	P
2. Restaurants (without bar facilities), where: all public entrances face away from low-density residential (1-5 Dwelling Units an Acre) developments that share property lines and where the required customer parking is located within close proximity of the entrance	P
3. Farmer's Market	CUP - Admin.
4. Eating establishments
a. Full-service restaurants with bar facilities, and	CUP - Admin.
b. Any entertainment facilities (e.g., dancing, live music) in association with full-service or fast-food restaurant	P
5. Any commercial establishments with drive-through facilities	CUP - PC
6. Late evening activities which occur between eleven p.m. through seven a.m.	CUP - Admin.
7. Offices such as those below, provided that such uses do not comprise more than twenty-five percent of the building space in a shopping center: Professional, General, Administrative, Business offices, Business services, such as: advertising bureaus, credit reporting, accounting and similar consulting agencies, stenographic services, and communication equipment buildings	P
8. Commercial Office uses such as those below which directly serve the public Banks, Financial institutions, Insurance agencies Real estate agencies, Travel agencies, Photography, and Similar studios	P
9. Laundry facilities, including those below, provided that the solvents used in the cleaning process shall not be used or stored in any manner not approved by the State Fire Marshal and provided the establishment received approval from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Self service operations Full service operations; and Retail dry cleaning establishments. Dry cleaning is limited to items directly delivered to the establishment by retail customers	P
10. Private clubs, lodges, or fraternal organizations
a. Uses in (10) above as subordinate uses in buildings intended primarily for other permitted uses provided for in this section	P
b. Uses in (10) above as principal use buildings	CUP - PC
11. Fraternity and sorority houses	CUP - PC
12. Limited repair services, such as: Jewelry, Household appliance, Business machine repair shops Personal electronic devices	P
13. Personal service establishments such as: Barbershops, Beauty parlors, Massage establishments, Shoe repair shops, and Tailor shops	P
14. Accessory facilities and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses and otherwise conforming with provisions of Chapter 19.100 of this title	P
15. A maximum of four video game machines, provided these machines are incidental to the main activity of the business	P
16. Pet shops facilities for pet services such as, bathing, clipping, trimming, grooming, pet day care, and similar services for pets
a. Uses in (16) above which are located in a sound-proof structure and are in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department regulations and chapter 8.05 of this Code.	P
b. Uses in (16) above which are not located in a sound-proof structure and are in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department regulations and chapter 8.05 of this Code.	CUP - Admin.
17. Child care centers, Day nurseries, and Playgrounds	CUP - PC
18. Vocational and specialized schools, dance and music studios, gymnasiums and health clubs
a. When the uses in (18) above cumulatively comprise < 50% of the space in a shopping center, provide adequate parking as determined by Chapter 19.124 and meet noise requirements as determined by Chapter 10.48	P
b. When the uses in (18) above cumulatively comprise 50% of the space in a shopping center, provide adequate parking as determined by Chapter 19.124 and meet noise requirements as determined by Chapter 10.48	CUP - Admin.
19. Retail/service kiosks that meet the following: Are located in an unenclosed space visible from public streets or other publicly owned space, Where adequate parking is provided as determined by Chapter 19.124, Which do not result in traffic or circulation impacts, Have attractive designs and landscaping, and Are compatible with the surrounding architecture	CUP - Admin.
20. Other uses which, in the opinion of the Director of Community Development, are similar to the permitted uses in the CG zoning district, and which do not have the potential to create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding area due to odor, dust, smoke, glare, fumes, radiation, vibrations, noise, traffic or litter	P
21. Commercial parking and parking garages	CUP - PC
22. Convenience markets	CUP - PC
23. Hotels, motels, and boardinghouses	CUP - PC
24. Liquor stores	CUP - PC
25. Drinking establishments	CUP - PC
26. Commercial recreation establishments, such as: Indoor theaters, Bowling alleys, Billiard and pool parlors, Dance halls, Skating rinks, and Arcades	CUP - PC
27. Mortuaries	CUP - PC
28. Automotive service stations, automobile washing facilities	CUP - PC
29. Automobile, trailer, tire and boat sales and rental, limited to new and used vehicles in operable condition	CUP - PC
30. Automobile and Tire repair shops	CUP - PC
31. Business activities which display merchandise in an unenclosed space visible from a public street or adjoining residential property, except activities which display merchandise in compliance with requirements of Section 19.60.050:
a. The display of merchandise in front of stores with ≥ 20,000 square feet of ﬂoor area.	P
b. The display of merchandise in front of stores with < 20,000 square feet of ﬂoor area.	CUP - Admin
32. Business activities which provide services in an unenclosed space visible from a public street or adjoining residential property, except activities which provide services in compliance with requirements of Section 19.60.050.	CUP - Admin
33. Outdoor Seating compatible with Chapter 19.124 of this code	P
34. Business activities which incorporate contracting services for which a contracting license issued by the State is required	CUP - PC
35. Other commercial uses which are neither permitted uses nor excluded uses and which are, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, consistent with the character of a general commercial (CG) zone of the same general character listed in this section, and which do not create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding area due to odor, dust, fumes, glare, radiation, vibration, noise, traffic or litter	CUP - PC
36. Businesses where the primary activity is related to the on-site manufacturing, assembly or storage of building components intended for use by general contractors or wholesalers	Ex
37. Storage garages, and other wholesale businesses, except computer hardware and software and communications businesses for which the City may generate sales tax revenue where the primary activity is to conduct sales and services to other businesses rather than to direct retail customers	Ex
38. Other uses which, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, are objectionable by reason of odor, dust, smoke, glare, fumes, radiation, vibration, noise, traffic or litter shall be excluded	Ex
39. Warehouses	Ex
40. Lumberyards	Ex
41. Nurseries and greenhouses	Ex
42. Commercial excavating of building or construction materials	Ex
Key: P – Permitted Use - – Not Allowed CUP - Admin. – Conditional Use Permit issued by the Director of Community Development CUP - PC – Conditional Use Permit issued by the Planning Commission CUP - CC – Conditional Use Permit issued by the City Council Ex – Excluded Uses

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 2056, (part), 2010; Ord. 1844, § 1 (part), 2000; Ord. 1784, (part), 1998; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024)

Table 19.60.060: Development Standards

A. Lot Area and Coverage	No minimum lot area or coverage. However, if specified in the General Plan or applicable Specific Plan, must comply with that standard. Must have sufficient area to satisfy off-street parking and loading requirements contained in this title.
B. Height of Buildings and Structures	30 feet unless otherwise permitted by the General Plan or applicable Specific Plan.
C. Required Setbacks for Buildings and Enclosed Patio/Atrium Space – Setbacks are established based upon policies contained in the General Plan and/or applicable Specific Plan. When setbacks are not established in other land use or zoning documents, the setbacks in the CG zone shall apply.
1. Front Yard	Established based upon special policies contained in the General Plan and/or applicable specific plan to: Insure sufficient space to provide adequate light, air and visibility at intersections; Assure general conformity to yard requirements of adjacent or nearby zones, lots or parcels; and Promote excellence of development.
2. Minimum Side and Rear Yard	No side or rear yard setback required unless lot abuts any residential or agricultural-residential zone in which case the following regulations apply:
a. Side Yard Setback
i. Interior Side	12 feet, or a total setback equal to one foot of additional setback for each foot of height of a commercial building measured from its eave line or top of parapet, whichever is more restrictive.
ii. Street Side of Corner Lot	12 feet
b. Rear Yard Setback	20 feet, or a total setback equal to one and one-half feet of additional setback for each foot of height of a commercial building measured from its eave line or top of parapet, whichever is more restrictive.
D. Noise Standards
1. New Construction and uses that have a high probability of generating noise that adjoin residential districts shall be:
a. Exterior Walls	Designed to attenuate all noise emanating from interior retail space.
b. Loading Docks and Doors	Located away from residential districts. Required Fire Doors are excluded.
c. Mechanical and other equipment	Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment shall be acoustically isolated to comply with the noise ordinance
d. Sound Wall	Install a minimum eight-foot-high masonry sound wall on or adjacent to the common property line
e. Acoustical Engineer	Design and operational space must be certified by an acoustical engineer that the above sound attenuation measures comply with the intent of the regulation and the City's community noise ordinance
2. In addition to (1) above, retail structures in a mixed use residential development shall employ noise attenuation techniques recommended by an acoustical engineer to comply with the community noise ordinance.
E. Odors – New construction and uses that have a high probability of generating odors adjoining residential developments or in mixed-use residential developments shall employ odor abatement techniques, including but not limited to, the installation of activated charcoal filtration systems and/or similar odor abatement systems certified by an air quality specialist for use.
F. Lighting – New lighting fixtures for any new site construction or building improvements: shall meet the requirements in Chapter 19.102
G. Landscaping Plan	Shall be designed to provide an effective year-round landscaping screen in the setback area adjoining any lower-density residential property. The intent of the plan is to screen the building from the rear yard of a residence within five years. Shall be maintained, with appropriate irrigation, provided to all landscaped areas. Shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.15 of the Municipal Code. Shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 14.18 of the Municipal Code.
H. Utilities	The following amenities and utilities shall be installed subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance: All utilities including water, gas, sanitary and storm sewers, underground power systems, and Amenities including, lighting electroliers, curbs, gutters, streets and sidewalks and Connections to main systems shall be installed subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance of the City. All wires, pipes, cables, utilities and connections shall be placed in underground or subsurface conduits subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance of the City. Underground vaults, or, utility spaces integrated within buildings, if allowed, or alternatively, well screened areas, if underground vaults or spaces integrated within buildings are deemed to be infeasible by the City Engineer and the Director of Community Development, must be provided for the installation of the necessary utilities.
I. Mechanical Equipment	Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment shall be visually screened.

(Ord. 21-2225, Att. A (§ 4), 2021; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024)

Cupertino City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 19

60: GENERAL COMMERCIAL CG ZONES*

19.60.010 Purpose.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995)

19.60.020 Applicability of Regulations.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995)

19.60.030 Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses.

19.60.050 Land Use Activity.

Land Use Criteria. Unless otherwise provided by a conditional use permit, the following regulations shall apply to all users governed by this chapter.
1. The activity must be conducted entirely within a building or enclosed patio or atrium except for:
  1. Vehicular parking including the parking of business related vehicles that comply with the sign, off-street parking, and noise regulations;
  2. Outdoor seating for restaurants in accordance with the requirements of Section 19.60.0430.
  3. Special promotional events undertaken by permitted businesses;
  4. The display of merchandise in front of stores must be displayed under a roof overhang or canopy and must be displayed in an organized, neat, and safe fashion, in accordance with the requirements of Section 19.60.0430.
  5. Incidental activities directly related to the permitted business. The incidental activity must comply with noise standards, all other applicable health and safety regulations and must use equipment which, when not in use, is stored in an approved enclosed space.
2. The activity must comply with the City noise standards, including pick-up and delivery times. Some activities are permitted when located in a sound-proof space. A sound-proof space is an enclosed area which is designed to prevent internally generated noise from being audible from a receptor located outside of the structure. An acoustical engineer shall certify the design and operating conditions of a sound-proof space.
3. The activity must involve direct retailing of goods or services to the general public. The retailing and servicing activity must comprise at least fifty percent of the floor space, including enclosed patio and atrium space, and must represent the primary emphasis of the business. Window displays shall reflect the retail emphasis.
4. Certain activities which require a hazardous material plan are permitted subject to permitting or licensing by an authorized public agency charged with the responsibility to protect the public health and welfare regarding the involved hazardous material. Examples: swimming pool and spa supply, photo finishing, dental office.
5. The activity complies with applicable off-street parking standards including shared parking arrangements specified in the off-street parking ordinance.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

19.60.060 Development Standards.

Table 19.60.060 sets forth the rules and regulations pertaining to the development of property located in the General Commercial (CG) zoning district.

Table 19.60.030: Permitted, Conditional and Excluded Uses in General Commercial Zoning Districts

Zoning Districts	CG
Uses
1. Retail businesses, such as, but not limited to: food stores (excluding convenience markets), drugstores, apparel shops, variety stores and hardware stores	P
2. Restaurants (without bar facilities), where: all public entrances face away from low-density residential (1-5 Dwelling Units an Acre) developments that share property lines and where the required customer parking is located within close proximity of the entrance	P
3. Farmer's Market	CUP - Admin.
4. Eating establishments
a. Full-service restaurants with bar facilities, and	CUP - Admin.
b. Any entertainment facilities (e.g., dancing, live music) in association with full-service or fast-food restaurant	P
5. Any commercial establishments with drive-through facilities	CUP - PC
6. Late evening activities which occur between eleven p.m. through seven a.m.	CUP - Admin.
7. Offices such as those below, provided that such uses do not comprise more than twenty-five percent of the building space in a shopping center: Professional, General, Administrative, Business offices, Business services, such as: advertising bureaus, credit reporting, accounting and similar consulting agencies, stenographic services, and communication equipment buildings	P
8. Commercial Office uses such as those below which directly serve the public Banks, Financial institutions, Insurance agencies Real estate agencies, Travel agencies, Photography, and Similar studios	P
9. Laundry facilities, including those below, provided that the solvents used in the cleaning process shall not be used or stored in any manner not approved by the State Fire Marshal and provided the establishment received approval from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Self service operations Full service operations; and Retail dry cleaning establishments. Dry cleaning is limited to items directly delivered to the establishment by retail customers	P
10. Private clubs, lodges, or fraternal organizations
a. Uses in (10) above as subordinate uses in buildings intended primarily for other permitted uses provided for in this section	P
b. Uses in (10) above as principal use buildings	CUP - PC
11. Fraternity and sorority houses	CUP - PC
12. Limited repair services, such as: Jewelry, Household appliance, Business machine repair shops Personal electronic devices	P
13. Personal service establishments such as: Barbershops, Beauty parlors, Massage establishments, Shoe repair shops, and Tailor shops	P
14. Accessory facilities and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses and otherwise conforming with provisions of Chapter 19.100 of this title	P
15. A maximum of four video game machines, provided these machines are incidental to the main activity of the business	P
16. Pet shops facilities for pet services such as, bathing, clipping, trimming, grooming, pet day care, and similar services for pets
a. Uses in (16) above which are located in a sound-proof structure and are in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department regulations and chapter 8.05 of this Code.	P
b. Uses in (16) above which are not located in a sound-proof structure and are in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department regulations and chapter 8.05 of this Code.	CUP - Admin.
17. Child care centers, Day nurseries, and Playgrounds	CUP - PC
18. Vocational and specialized schools, dance and music studios, gymnasiums and health clubs
a. When the uses in (18) above cumulatively comprise < 50% of the space in a shopping center, provide adequate parking as determined by Chapter 19.124 and meet noise requirements as determined by Chapter 10.48	P
b. When the uses in (18) above cumulatively comprise 50% of the space in a shopping center, provide adequate parking as determined by Chapter 19.124 and meet noise requirements as determined by Chapter 10.48	CUP - Admin.
19. Retail/service kiosks that meet the following: Are located in an unenclosed space visible from public streets or other publicly owned space, Where adequate parking is provided as determined by Chapter 19.124, Which do not result in traffic or circulation impacts, Have attractive designs and landscaping, and Are compatible with the surrounding architecture	CUP - Admin.
20. Other uses which, in the opinion of the Director of Community Development, are similar to the permitted uses in the CG zoning district, and which do not have the potential to create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding area due to odor, dust, smoke, glare, fumes, radiation, vibrations, noise, traffic or litter	P
21. Commercial parking and parking garages	CUP - PC
22. Convenience markets	CUP - PC
23. Hotels, motels, and boardinghouses	CUP - PC
24. Liquor stores	CUP - PC
25. Drinking establishments	CUP - PC
26. Commercial recreation establishments, such as: Indoor theaters, Bowling alleys, Billiard and pool parlors, Dance halls, Skating rinks, and Arcades	CUP - PC
27. Mortuaries	CUP - PC
28. Automotive service stations, automobile washing facilities	CUP - PC
29. Automobile, trailer, tire and boat sales and rental, limited to new and used vehicles in operable condition	CUP - PC
30. Automobile and Tire repair shops	CUP - PC
31. Business activities which display merchandise in an unenclosed space visible from a public street or adjoining residential property, except activities which display merchandise in compliance with requirements of Section 19.60.050:
a. The display of merchandise in front of stores with ≥ 20,000 square feet of ﬂoor area.	P
b. The display of merchandise in front of stores with < 20,000 square feet of ﬂoor area.	CUP - Admin
32. Business activities which provide services in an unenclosed space visible from a public street or adjoining residential property, except activities which provide services in compliance with requirements of Section 19.60.050.	CUP - Admin
33. Outdoor Seating compatible with Chapter 19.124 of this code	P
34. Business activities which incorporate contracting services for which a contracting license issued by the State is required	CUP - PC
35. Other commercial uses which are neither permitted uses nor excluded uses and which are, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, consistent with the character of a general commercial (CG) zone of the same general character listed in this section, and which do not create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding area due to odor, dust, fumes, glare, radiation, vibration, noise, traffic or litter	CUP - PC
36. Businesses where the primary activity is related to the on-site manufacturing, assembly or storage of building components intended for use by general contractors or wholesalers	Ex
37. Storage garages, and other wholesale businesses, except computer hardware and software and communications businesses for which the City may generate sales tax revenue where the primary activity is to conduct sales and services to other businesses rather than to direct retail customers	Ex
38. Other uses which, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, are objectionable by reason of odor, dust, smoke, glare, fumes, radiation, vibration, noise, traffic or litter shall be excluded	Ex
39. Warehouses	Ex
40. Lumberyards	Ex
41. Nurseries and greenhouses	Ex
42. Commercial excavating of building or construction materials	Ex
Key: P – Permitted Use - – Not Allowed CUP - Admin. – Conditional Use Permit issued by the Director of Community Development CUP - PC – Conditional Use Permit issued by the Planning Commission CUP - CC – Conditional Use Permit issued by the City Council Ex – Excluded Uses

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 2056, (part), 2010; Ord. 1844, § 1 (part), 2000; Ord. 1784, (part), 1998; Ord. 1687, Exh. A (part), 1995; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024)

Table 19.60.060: Development Standards

A. Lot Area and Coverage	No minimum lot area or coverage. However, if specified in the General Plan or applicable Specific Plan, must comply with that standard. Must have sufficient area to satisfy off-street parking and loading requirements contained in this title.
B. Height of Buildings and Structures	30 feet unless otherwise permitted by the General Plan or applicable Specific Plan.
C. Required Setbacks for Buildings and Enclosed Patio/Atrium Space – Setbacks are established based upon policies contained in the General Plan and/or applicable Specific Plan. When setbacks are not established in other land use or zoning documents, the setbacks in the CG zone shall apply.
1. Front Yard	Established based upon special policies contained in the General Plan and/or applicable specific plan to: Insure sufficient space to provide adequate light, air and visibility at intersections; Assure general conformity to yard requirements of adjacent or nearby zones, lots or parcels; and Promote excellence of development.
2. Minimum Side and Rear Yard	No side or rear yard setback required unless lot abuts any residential or agricultural-residential zone in which case the following regulations apply:
a. Side Yard Setback
i. Interior Side	12 feet, or a total setback equal to one foot of additional setback for each foot of height of a commercial building measured from its eave line or top of parapet, whichever is more restrictive.
ii. Street Side of Corner Lot	12 feet
b. Rear Yard Setback	20 feet, or a total setback equal to one and one-half feet of additional setback for each foot of height of a commercial building measured from its eave line or top of parapet, whichever is more restrictive.
D. Noise Standards
1. New Construction and uses that have a high probability of generating noise that adjoin residential districts shall be:
a. Exterior Walls	Designed to attenuate all noise emanating from interior retail space.
b. Loading Docks and Doors	Located away from residential districts. Required Fire Doors are excluded.
c. Mechanical and other equipment	Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment shall be acoustically isolated to comply with the noise ordinance
d. Sound Wall	Install a minimum eight-foot-high masonry sound wall on or adjacent to the common property line
e. Acoustical Engineer	Design and operational space must be certified by an acoustical engineer that the above sound attenuation measures comply with the intent of the regulation and the City's community noise ordinance
2. In addition to (1) above, retail structures in a mixed use residential development shall employ noise attenuation techniques recommended by an acoustical engineer to comply with the community noise ordinance.
E. Odors – New construction and uses that have a high probability of generating odors adjoining residential developments or in mixed-use residential developments shall employ odor abatement techniques, including but not limited to, the installation of activated charcoal filtration systems and/or similar odor abatement systems certified by an air quality specialist for use.
F. Lighting – New lighting fixtures for any new site construction or building improvements: shall meet the requirements in Chapter 19.102
G. Landscaping Plan	Shall be designed to provide an effective year-round landscaping screen in the setback area adjoining any lower-density residential property. The intent of the plan is to screen the building from the rear yard of a residence within five years. Shall be maintained, with appropriate irrigation, provided to all landscaped areas. Shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 14.15 of the Municipal Code. Shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 14.18 of the Municipal Code.
H. Utilities	The following amenities and utilities shall be installed subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance: All utilities including water, gas, sanitary and storm sewers, underground power systems, and Amenities including, lighting electroliers, curbs, gutters, streets and sidewalks and Connections to main systems shall be installed subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance of the City. All wires, pipes, cables, utilities and connections shall be placed in underground or subsurface conduits subject to the specifications of the subdivision ordinance of the City. Underground vaults, or, utility spaces integrated within buildings, if allowed, or alternatively, well screened areas, if underground vaults or spaces integrated within buildings are deemed to be infeasible by the City Engineer and the Director of Community Development, must be provided for the installation of the necessary utilities.
I. Mechanical Equipment	Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment shall be visually screened.

(Ord. 21-2225, Att. A (§ 4), 2021; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2266, Att. A, 2024)