This § 155.304 establishes supplemental standards that apply to specific land uses and development in all zoning districts.

      (1)   An accessory use must be related to and serve the purpose of the primary use on the site.

      (2)   An accessory use must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary use on the site, which may be demonstrated by factors such as the floor area of the use, economic importance of the use, and the number of customers/visitors generated by the use.

      (3)   If the primary use is destroyed or removed, the accessory use is no longer allowed.

      (1)   When an accessory use other than a structure for residential vehicle parking and/or storage is located within a building, the total floor area of the accessory use may not exceed 49% of the habitable floor area of the building containing the associated primary use.

      (2)   The floor area of a residential garage or a shed may not exceed 100% of the habitable floor area of the building containing the associated primary use.

      (3)   The Director may allow the floor area of an accessory use to exceed the limitation with an administrative adjustment. To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find that:

         (a)   The accessory use complies with § 155.304.020(A) (Relationship to Primary Use); and

         (b)   Unique circumstances associated with the primary use warrant the additional floor area for the accessory use.

      (1)   Home occupations in conformance with § 155.304.070 (Home Occupations);

      (2)   Garage and yard sales in conformance with § 155.336.040(B) (Garage Sales);

      (3)   Keeping of domestic pets in conformance with Municipal Code Chapter 91 (Animals);

      (4)   Vehicle parking serving on-site uses in conformance with § 155.324 (Parking);

      (6)   Storage of personal household property inside a permitted structure; and

      (7)   Personal hobbies for non-commercial purposes.

      (1)   Administrative offices for the primary use;

      (2)   Vehicle parking serving on-site uses in conformance with § 155.324 (Parking);

      (3)   Wholesale or retail sales to a buyer's custom order of goods produced by the primary use;

      (4)   Back-of-the-house niche manufacturing of products sold in a retail facility (such as chocolate production in the back of a candy store, craft beer brewing in a restaurant/brewery, or guitar fabrication in the back of a music instrument store);

      (5)   The storage of goods associated with the primary use in conformance with § 155.304.110 (Outdoor Storage);

      (6)   Tasting rooms associated with a food or beverage production use;

      (7)   Caretaker units in the industrial and public zoning districts; and

      (8)   Other similar uses as determined by the Director through a zoning clearance.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (1)   Applications to establish adult entertainment shall be reviewed by the City of Eureka Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall recommend to the Planning Commission conditions of approval necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

      (2)   Conditions of approval may address hours of operation, lighting, management supervision, security, visibility, signage, access by minors, live performances, the configuration of interior spaces, and other development and operational standards as needed.

      (3)   To approve an adult entertainment use, the Planning Commission must make all findings in § 155.412.120(F) (Findings for Approval) and may attach any additional conditions of approval in accordance with § 155.408.110 (Conditions of Approval).

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

         (a)   For retail, commercial service, and office home occupations, no more than one client or customer may be on-site at any given time.

         (b)   For instructional services, tutoring, gyms, and other similar home occupations as determined by the Director, a maximum of ten students, clients, or customers may be on-site at any given time.

      (1)   The cottage food operation must comply with home occupation standards in § 155.304.070(E) (Standards).

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (2)   Screening fences and walls may not exceed the maximum allowed height identified in Table 320-1 of § 155.320 (Fences and Walls) and may not use prohibited fence materials identified in Table 320-2.

      (1)    Outdoor storage areas must be surfaced with an all-weather material (such as asphalt, concrete or comparable surfacing material approved by the Public Works Director) and graded to provide adequate storm water drainage.

      (2)   Outdoor storage areas may be surfaced with partially permeable materials if adequate drainage, erosion and dust control are provided. Unpaved outdoor storage areas are not subject to the parking lot landscaping requirements contained in § 155.324.080 (Parking Lot Landscaping).

      (3)   Outdoor storage of hazardous materials requires a roof or awning over the materials and either a dead-end sump to contain spills or containment in the form of berms, dikes or curbs. All hazardous materials regulated by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control must be placed on a surface as deemed appropriate by the permitting agency. In addition, the surface must conform to all applicable federal and state air and water quality standards.

      (1)   A metal shipping container must be located at least five feet from a property line, and shipping containers that are accessory to the main occupancy use, and are located less than ten feet from the primary structure, are limited to no more than 10% of the floor area of the primary structure.

      (2)   The size of a shipping container shall not exceed 45 feet in length, ten feet in height, and the storage area shall not exceed 400 square feet.

      (3)   When a metal shipping container is located within ten feet of a property line adjoining an alley, the side of the container parallel to the alley may not be longer than one-half the length of the alley frontage. For example, when a shipping container is placed within ten feet of a property line adjoining an alley on a 50-foot-wide parcel, the side of the shipping container parallel to the alley may not be more than 25 feet long, or ½ the width of the alley frontage. See Figure 304-1

      (4)   When a permanent structure and a proposed metal shipping container are located within ten feet of a property line adjoining an alley, the side of the container parallel to the alley may not be longer than one-half the length of the open alley frontage. Open alley frontage is that portion of the alley frontage where no permanent structure is located on the site within ten feet of the property line adjoining the alley. For example, on a 50-foot-wide parcel, if a 28-foot-wide structure already exists within ten feet of the property line adjoining an alley, and the metal shipping container is proposed within ten feet of the alley property, the side of the shipping container parallel to the alley may not be more than 11 feet long, or ½ the width of the open alley frontage (50 - 28 = 22/2 = 11 ft). See Figure 304-2

      (5)   When a proposed metal shipping container is located ten or more feet from a property line adjoining an alley, the width of the side of the container facing the alley is limited only by Building and Fire Code standards. See Figure 304-3

      (6)   When a shipping container is used for the storage of hazardous materials, quantities of hazardous materials may not exceed those listed in California Building Code Table 307.1(1), or Table 307.1(2), and must be stored in compliance with the California Building and Fire Codes.

      (7)   Installation of a metal shipping container may require a Building Permit as required by the California Building Code.

      (1)   Metal shipping containers in the SC zoning district must:

         (a)   Be located behind the primary structure when space permits. Where it is physically impossible to locate the shipping container behind the primary structure, the container must be located as close to the rear of the site as possible. A metal shipping container may not be located within the area between the front or exterior side property line and the plane of the primary structure wall.

         (b)   Painted to match or complement the existing primary structure on the site and must be maintained in good condition and avoid conditions that contribute to blight, including but not limited to, rust, peeling paint, and other visible forms of deterioration. Inclusion or installation of public art on the shipping container is permissible and is not required to match or complement the existing primary structure.

         (c)   Be located on the ground, and may not be stacked on top of another shipping container.

      (2)   Section 155.304.110(H) (Shipping Containers in the SC zoning district) is effective only until October 1, 2031, at which time it will expire and be of no further effect. Shipping containers existing in the SC zoning district as of the expiration of this section must either be removed from the site on or before October 31, 2031, or will continue as a non-conforming use and structure, and will be subject to the requirements in § 155.424 (Nonconformities).

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 925-C.S., passed 9-7-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (1)   Minimize adverse impacts that could result from tiny houses on wheels in residential neighborhoods;

      (2)   Ensure tiny houses on wheels do not significantly impact the supply of permanent housing available to Eureka residents; and

      (3)   Provide opportunities for homeowners to generate supplemental income by allowing tiny houses on wheels.

         (a)   A tiny house on wheels may be up to 102 inches wide and 40 feet long.

         (b)   A tiny house on wheels shall not be smaller than 150 square feet.

         (c)   A tiny house on wheels may be up to 14 feet in height.

         (a)   A tiny house on wheels may not be located between the primary dwelling and the street, except on a through lot.

         (b)   A tiny house on wheels may not be located in, or block access to, a required off-street parking space.

         (a)   National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1192 RV standards or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 119.5 Park Model standards. Certification for NFPA or ANSI compliance must be made by a qualified third-party inspector. Proof of compliance must be submitted with the tiny house on wheels permit application.

         (b)   State building standards for dwellings as determined by the Chief Building Official, including 2019 Cal. Residential Code Appendix Q Tiny Houses or other adopted alternatives. A building permit must be obtained to demonstrate compliance with state building standards.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (1)   Protect and preserve trees that are important to the character of the city and its neighborhoods;

      (2)   Protect the public's safety by allowing hazardous tree removal; and

      (3)   Allow for tree removal and mass reduction as necessary to allow for residential developments and supporting solar arrays.

 

            1.   Presents an immediate danger of collapse; and

            2.   Poses an imminent threat to the public safety or general welfare.

         (a)   Within 15 feet of the footprint of a proposed new structure or within the boundary of the associated access road; and

         (b)   Identified on the site plan of the proposed project.

         (a)   Avoid or minimize adverse impacts to remaining trees on the property that would not be removed.

         (b)   Address issues associated with drainage, erosion, land stability, windscreen, and visual buffers along roads and between neighbors resulting from the tree removal.

         (a)   Complies with requirements of this subsection; and

         (b)   Incorporates adequate measures to minimize and mitigate adverse impacts resulting from the tree removal.

      (1)   Trees to be removed or altered from March 15 through August 15 shall be surveyed by a qualified biologist to determine the presence or absence of nesting birds.

      (2)   If the biologist encounters an active nest, no work may begin until the biologist, in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), prepares species-specific measures to avoid nest abandonment or other harm, and the measures are approved by city staff and implemented.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 911-C.S., passed 12-15-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 962-C.S., passed 7-15-25)

      (1)   Minimize adverse impacts that could result from vacation rental uses in residential neighborhoods;

      (2)   Ensure that vacation rentals do not significantly impact the supply of permanent housing available to Eureka residents;

      (3)   Provide opportunities for homeowners to generate supplemental income by renting individual rooms or entire residential units to visitors;

      (4)   Provide visitors with a range of lodging options to support the local tourism economy; and

      (5)   Ensure the city is able to collect transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and other taxes as required by city ordinances.

      (1)   This subsection applies to dwelling units, or portions thereof, located in a residential zoning district that are rented to transient patrons for 30 consecutive days or less.

      (2)   This subsection does not apply to lodging uses in a residential unit in a mixed-use or other non-residential zoning district. All lodging uses outside of a residential zoning district are regulated as a commercial lodging use, regardless of whether the lodging use occupies or replaces an existing residential or commercial use.

      (1)   An accessory dwelling unit that received a certificate of occupancy after January 1, 2020 may not be utilized as a vacation rental.

      (2)   A second single-family home created on a parcel in the RE or R1 zoning district pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 65852.21 may not be utilized as a vacation rental.

      (3)   A single-family home created on a parcel resulting from an urban lot split subdivision may not be utilized as a vacation rental.

      (1)   The number of vacation rentals with no proprietor on-site permitted/licensed each year may not exceed the annual limit set by the City Council. Alternatively, the total number of vacation rentals with no proprietor on-site permitted/licensed by the city may not exceed the total limit set by City Council.

      (2)   Vacation rentals with a proprietor on-site are exempt from the annual limit for new vacation rentals.

   (G)   City taxes. All vacation rental uses are subject to a transient occupancy tax ("TOT") and any other mandated taxes. Each vacation rental owner, proprietor, and/or manager must comply with Municipal Code § 35.070, which addresses the collection, record keeping, reporting and remittances of applicable TOT.

         (a)   All vacation rental uses must be inspected to residential standards by the Building Department prior to approval.

         (b)   If the dwelling unit was previously inspected by the Building Department within one year of the vacation rental application, the Building Official may waive the requirement for a new inspection.

         (a)   No on-site parking is required to utilize an existing residential use as a vacation rental use.

         (b)   Except to allow conversion to an accessory dwelling unit as provided by § 155.316 (Accessory Dwelling Units), if on-site parking exists at the time the vacation rental use is established, that parking may not be removed while the vacation rental use remains in operation.

         (a)   Each applicant for a vacation rental with no proprietor on-site must designate a local emergency contact person on the application form, including a 24-hour-emergency contact phone number.

         (b)   The emergency contact person may be the property owner, property manager, or designee, and must live within 50 miles of the city limits.

         (c)   The Department will provide the emergency contact information to all neighboring properties within 200 feet of the use and to the Eureka Police Department.

         (d)   The property owner must immediately notify the Department in writing of any changes to the designated emergency contact information.

         (a)   Vacation rental permits shall be subject to annual review and no-fee renewal by the Department.

         (b)   A vacation rental permit shall lapse and become void by February 1 of each year, unless the business license for the vacation rental is renewed and in good standing, all applicable taxes and fees are paid, and there are no outstanding Police, Fire, or Building Department violations.

         (c)   If a vacation rental permit lapses, a new vacation rental permit shall be required.

         (d)   Unless a lapse occurs, approval of a vacation rental permit shall run with the land and shall be fully transferable to the new property owner, provided the new property owner obtains a business license within two months of the purchase of the property.

      (1)   The Director may revoke a permit for a vacation rental use upon finding one or more of the following:

         (a)   The proprietor, property owner, or emergency contact has been negligent in responding to an emergency situation more than two times in a rolling 12-month period.

         (b)   More than two documented law enforcement violations related to the vacation rental have occurred in a rolling 12-month period.

         (c)   The vacation rental use has been chronically non-compliant with the requirements of this subsection.

         (d)   The vacation rental owner has failed to pay required transient occupancy taxes despite warnings from the Finance Department.

         (e)   The proprietor or property owner has failed to correct noted Building or Fire Code violations.

      Documented, significant violations may include copies of citations, written warnings, or other documentation maintained by law enforcement, Fire Department, Finance Department, or Building Department.

(Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22)

      (8)   Amateur radio facilities and receive-only radio and television antennas;

      (9)   Flag poles; and

      (10)   Other similar building features as determined by the Director.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20)

      (1)   In residential zoning districts, the following building features may project a maximum of three feet into required setbacks, but may not cross property lines without an easement or encroachment permit:

         (a)   Cornices, awnings, eaves, and other similar roof projections;

         (b)   Bay windows, balconies, sills, louvers, fireplaces, chimneys, and similar wall projections;

         (c)   Unenclosed balconies, decks, stairways, fire escapes, and other emergency egress structures (all unenclosed); and

         (d)   On demand water heaters, utility meters and/or connections, and other equipment normally associated with a structure.

      (2)   In residential zoning districts, the total length of all building wall projections (excluding eaves and other roof projections) in required setback areas may not exceed 50% of the length of the wall to which the projection is attached. See Figure 308-1.

      (3)   In non-residential zoning districts, a building feature may extend across a property line into the public right-of-way with an encroachment permit.

      (1)   The following site features and accessory structures may be located within required setbacks:

         (a)   At-grade flatwork such as concrete paving and patios;

         (b)   Landing places, patios, steps and decks 18 inches or less above grade;

         (c)   Wheelchair ramps and similar features for the disabled;

         (d)   Trellis structures and arbors up to ten feet in height and at least 50% transparent. See Figure 508-1 and 508-8 in § 155.508 (Glossary) for examples of a trellis and an arbor;

         (e)   Retaining walls, seating, planter boxes and other similar landscaping features up to four feet in height;

         (f)   Decorative ornamental features up to six feet in height;

         (g)   Children’s play equipment, movable dog house and similar moveable objects;

         (h)   Movable sheds, greenhouses and other similar buildings without a foundation, less than 120 square feet, and without electrical, water or sewer connections;

         (i)   Rain harvest tanks up to eight feet in height; and

         (j)   Ground-mounted mechanical and utility equipment up to 36 inches in height.

      (2)   The following accessory structures must be set back a minimum of five feet from side and rear property lines, and may not be located within a front or exterior side setback:

         (a)   Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and other similar entertainment features.

         (b)   Emergency generators.

         (c)   Pergolas. See Figure 508-6 in § 155.508 (Glossary) for an example of a pergola.

      (3)   Fences and walls within required setbacks must comply with maximum height limitations in § 155.320 (Fences and Walls).

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (1)   The Director, in consultation with, and concurrence by the Public Works Director and Chief of Police, may approve an administrative adjustment to allow an exception to the vision clearance area requirement.

      (2)   To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find that compliance with the vision clearance area standard is unnecessary for traffic safety.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (1)   Lighting installed and maintained by the city, another public agency, or a public utility;

      (2)   Athletic field lights used within a school campus or public or private park;

      (3)   Temporary construction and emergency lighting;

      (4)   Seasonal lighting displays related to cultural or religious celebrations; and

      (5)   Low intensity string lights.

      (1)   The modification to the lighting standard is necessary for public safety or security purposes; or

      (2)   The modification allows for creative accent lighting of building and/or site features visible from public vantage points, and the lighting has been designed to minimize light pollution.

      (1)   Lights must be directed downward and away from adjacent lots and nearby wildlife habitat to minimize illumination of adjacent properties, nearby wildlife habitat, and the public right-of-way to the maximum extent possible.

      (2)   Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights may not be directed into an adjacent property or the public right-of-way.

      (3)   No lighting may produce an illumination level greater than one foot-candle on any adjacent residential property.

      (1)   Bare bulbs without fixtures or hoods;

      (2)   Mercury vapor lights; and

      (3)   Searchlights, laser lights, or any other lighting that flashes, blinks, alternates, or moves.

      (1)   Light fixtures in any residential zoning district may not exceed a height of 16 feet. Motion sensor lights, light fixtures used to light upper floor decks and balconies, and exterior stairs leading to upper floors, must be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and the right-of-way, and may exceed the 16-foot height limitation.

      (2)   Multi-family residential development with more than four units must provide lighting along all on-site vehicular access ways and pedestrian walkways.

      (3)   Lighting of at least one-foot candle must be provided within all covered and enclosed parking areas serving multi-family uses.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

      (1)   Uses that do not store solid waste/recyclable materials outdoors.

      (2)   Structures with an existing site coverage of 100%.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   This § 155.312 establishes design standards for new development in the residential and mixed-use zoning districts.

      (1)   All new primary buildings in the R2 and R3 zoning districts and all new non-residential primary buildings in the R1 zoning district;

      (2)   All new primary buildings in the DT, DW, HC, SC, WA, NC, HM and OR zoning districts; and

      (3)    Additions adding 30% or more floor area to the total existing floor area of a primary building in the R2 or R3 zoning districts, a primary building in a mixed-use zoning district, or a non-residential primary building in the R1 zoning district.

      (1)   Single-family homes, including accessory dwelling units and other structures accessory to a single-family home;

      (2)   Hospitals, medical offices and clinics, and other health care-related uses in the Hospital Medical (HM) zoning district; and

      (3)   Public infrastructure and public utility uses in any zoning district.

      (1)   For buildings located on sites with multiple street frontages, such as buildings on corner or double frontage lots, each side of the building facing a street must feature:

         (a)   An equivalent quality of materials; and

         (b)   An equivalent degree and quality of detailing.

      (2)   For example, on a corner lot, the quality and design detail of windows on the side of the building that faces the side street must be comparable to windows on the front building wall.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20)

         (a)   Projecting non-fabric awnings or canopies above an entry (covered entry);

         (b)   Taller building mass above an entry, such as a tower that protrudes from the rest of the building surface;

         (c)   Special corner building treatments, such as rounded or angled facets on the corner, or an embedded corner tower, above the entry;

         (d)   Special architectural elements, such as columns, porticos, overhanging roofs and ornamental light fixtures;

         (e)   Projecting entries or projecting bays in the façade;

         (f)   Recessed entries or recessed bays in the façade; and

         (g)   Changes in roofline or articulation in the surface of the subject wall.

      (1)   Where a building or ground floor unit/tenant space has frontage on two streets (e.g., on a corner), only one of the two sides must have an entrance.

      (2)   The Director may allow an exception to the building entry requirement in this section with an administrative adjustment.

      (3)   To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find that:

         (a)   The street-facing building wall incorporates architectural features and design details beyond the minimum requirements in § 155.312.050 (Architectural Features); and

         (b)   The exception allows for a clearly superior project to that which can be achieved while complying with the building entry requirement.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

         (a)   At least 25% of the linear frontage of the building’s street-facing roof line incorporates at least one element of variable roof form that is different from the remainder of the street-facing roof form. See Figure 312-3. The following are examples of how to meet this requirement:

            1.   Recessed or projecting gabled roof elements;

            2.   Roof dormers;

            3.   Changes in roof heights;

            4.   Changes in direction or pitch of roof slopes; and

            5.   Other similar methods.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) above.

         (a)   At least 80% of the linear frontage of the building’s street-facing roof line incorporates roof detail and/or ornamentation. The following are examples of how to meet this requirement:

            1.   Parapet wall that is an average of at least one-foot tall and has a cornice;

            2.   Periodic and articulated corbelling or dentils;

            3.   An ornamental soffit;

            4.   A projecting roof eave with decorative fascia and eave returns;

            5.   A projecting roof eave with exposed rafters;

            6.   An offset gable clearstory;

            7.   A half story in which the building features a habitable uppermost story lighted by dormer windows where a sloping roof replaces the upper part of the front wall; and

            8.   Other similar methods.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 25% of the linear frontage of the ground floor street-facing building wall has a projection or recess of at least one-foot deep. If located on a building with two or more stories, the articulated elements must be greater than one story in height. See Figure 312-3. Horizontal articulation may also include an articulated corner tower, angled facet or other special articulated corner treatments.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)    For at least 25% of the linear frontage of the street-facing building wall, an upper story building wall projects at least two feet from the ground floor building wall.

         (b)   Traditional designs must include decorative features such as knee braces. Contemporary, minimalistic designs do not require decorative features.

         (c)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   Each balcony must be either:

            1.   A traditional balcony that is at least four feet in depth; or

            2.   A Juliet balcony that is served by French doors and that includes metal or glass railings that allow unobstructed visibility.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 25% of all windows on the street-facing building wall consist of projecting windows. The furthest extent of each projecting window must project at least one foot from the building wall. This requirement may be satisfied with bay windows, oriel windows, bow windows, canted windows and other similar designs.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 75% of all windows on the street-facing building wall feature trim that surrounds the entire window and meets one or more of the following criteria:

            1.   Crown molding projects at least two inches from the building wall;

            2.   Trim material visually contrasts with the building wall; and

            3.   Sill projects at least two inches from the building wall.

         (b)   Trim material must be constructed of materials such as wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, stucco, concrete or cellular PVC. Foam does not meet this requirement.

         (c)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 75% of all windows on the street-facing building wall are recessed at least four inches from the building wall.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 50% of all windows on the street-facing building wall have rigid window coverings, such as rigid awnings, shade devices, above-window cornices or crowns, projecting arches or other window coverings of equivalent quality. Flexible materials such as fabric and vinyl do not satisfy this requirement.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 40% of the street-facing building wall surface area is covered in masonry such as brick, stone, terrazzo, ceramic tile, or comparable material. Exposed cinder block does not satisfy this requirement.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 40% of the street-facing building wall surface area is covered in high-grade wood that is finished with a clear sealer or semi-transparent stain. Wood may not be painted or finished with an opaque stain. Faux wood products made from synthetic materials, including vinyl, cellular PVC and fiber cement do not satisfy this requirement.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 40% of the street-facing building wall surface area is covered in glass, including window glass.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 40% of the street-facing building wall surface area is covered in, concrete tile, stone, ceramic, high-grade metal or comparable material.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 20% of the street-facing building wall surface area is covered in a directly integrated living wall or building integrated vegetation. Plans submitted for living walls and building integrated vegetation must include a long-term maintenance plan that includes documentable evidence of on-going maintenance and operation strategies to ensure the long-term viability of the wall. Living walls and building integrated vegetation must include an integrated water delivery system.

         (b)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   At least 40% of the street-facing building wall surface area is covered in a combination of two or more of the following materials: masonry; stone; high-grade wood; glass; metal/ceramic cladding; or living wall. Materials used to satisfy this requirement must comply with requirements in divisions(A)(9) through (A)(13) above (excluding wall area percentage requirements in these paragraphs).

         (b)   The combination of materials facade option may not be double-counted with any of the other façade materials options (i.e. masonry facade, glass facade, cladding facade or living wall) to satisfy the architectural features requirement. For example, a building wall that is 40% masonry and 10% wood siding can qualify for combination of materials facade, but cannot simultaneously qualify for masonry facade. However, a wall that is 20% masonry, 20% living wall and 40% glass may satisfy two architectural features requirements, with the masonry and living wall satisfying the combination of materials option and the glass satisfying the glass facade option.

      (3)   The rule to measure this architectural feature is provided in division (B)(1) below.

         (a)   Percent of linear frontage is used to measure roof form variation, roof detail and ornamentation, horizontal articulation, cantilevered upper story and balconies.

         (b)   Percent of linear frontage is calculated by measuring the total horizontal length of the frontage of a building’s street-facing wall relative to the total horizontal length of the architectural feature to be evaluated. For example, a three-story building with a street-facing wall that is 100 feet long has a total horizontal length of 100 feet. If that building has a cantilevered section on the second floor that has a 25-foot horizontal length, then the cantilevered section constitutes 25% of the street-facing wall’s linear frontage (25 divided by 100). In this case, the building meets the criteria for cantilevered upper story. Alternatively, if a two-story building with a 50-foot total horizontal length had two separate 20-foot long balconies on the second floor, then 80% of the street-facing wall’s linear frontage contains balconies (40 divided by 50). In this case, the building exceeds the criteria for balconies.

         (a)   Percent of all windows is used to measure projecting windows, recessed or protruding windows, window trim and rigid window coverings.

         (b)   Percent of all windows is calculated by counting the total number of windows on the building’s street-facing wall and then dividing that number into the architectural feature to be evaluated. For example, a building wall that contains 100 windows, 75 of which are recessed from the building wall, has 75% recessed windows. In this case, the building meets the criteria for recessed windows.

         (a)   Percent of street-facing building wall surface area is used to measure masonry façade, wood façade, living wall, glass façade, cladding materials façade and combination of materials façade.

         (b)   Percent of street-facing building wall surface area is the total area of the building’s street-facing wall relative to the total surface area of the architectural feature to be evaluated. The building wall area measurement includes doors, windows and other openings within the wall area. For example, a building wall that is 100 feet long and 30 feet high has a total surface area of 3,000 square feet (including the wall’s windows and doors). If that same wall includes a section of exposed brick that is 50 feet long and 30 feet high, then 50% of the total wall surface area has a masonry facade. The 50% calculation may include windows and doors inset into brick wall material. In this example, the building meets the criteria for masonry facade. A street-facing building wall that is at least 80% glass may double-qualify as satisfying two architectural features. No other materials (such as masonry, green wall or cladding) may double-qualify as satisfying two architectural features.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22)

      (1)   A break in a blank building wall may be provided by any of the following:

         (a)   Doors, windows, or other building openings;

         (b)   Building projections or recesses, doorway and window trim, or other details that provide architectural articulation and design interest;

         (c)   Varying wall planes where the wall plane projects or is recessed at least six inches;

         (d)   Non-fabric awnings, canopies or arcades;

         (e)   Substantial variations in building material. For example, adding brick or stone veneer to a stucco building or changing from vertically-oriented board and baton style siding to horizontally-oriented lap siding; and

         (f)   A living wall as defined in § 155.312.050.

      (2)   The following do not qualify as a break in blank wall:

         (a)   Variation in exterior building wall color;

         (b)   Vegetation or landscaping;

         (c)   Mechanical appurtenances such as water heaters, vents, or utility meters;

         (d)   Gutters;

         (e)   Signage; and

         (f)   Murals.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   Roof- and ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way through the use of landscaping, building design and/or other types of screening. Examples of screening include parapet walls for roof-mounted equipment, and hedge planting for ground-mounted equipment. The use of barbed wire, chain-link, or razor wire for screening is not permitted.

(Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   This section establishes standards for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in conformance with Cal. Government Code §§ 66310 - 66324. See § 155.304.130 (Tiny Houses on Wheels) for regulations to use a tiny house on wheels as an accessory dwelling unit.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

      (1)   On lots with an existing single- or multi-family dwelling, an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall be approved or denied within 45 days of submission of a complete application.

      (2)   If an applicant applies for both a new primary dwelling and an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, the city may delay approving or denying the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit the city approves or denies the primary dwelling.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

   An accessory dwelling unit is permitted on any lot where single- or multi-family dwellings are a permitted use, and where there is an existing or proposed primary dwelling.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

      (1)   On a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, the following maximum number of accessory dwelling units are allowed:

         (a)   Two attached or detached accessory dwelling units; and

         (b)   One junior accessory dwelling unit pursuant to Cal. Government Code §§ 66333 - 66339.

         (a)   In no case shall the total number of primary dwellings, accessory dwelling units, and junior accessory dwelling units exceed four on any given lot in the RE or R1 Zoning Districts.

         (b)   When a lot split occurs under Cal. Government Code § 66411.7 and § 155.332.030 (Urban Lot Split Subdivisions), each resulting lot is limited to three dwelling units: one single-family home, one junior accessory dwelling unit, and either one additional single-family home or one accessory dwelling unit.

      (1)   On a lot with an existing multi-family dwelling, the following maximum number of accessory dwelling units are allowed:

         (a)   Up to eight detached accessory dwelling units, provided the number of accessory dwelling units does not exceed the number of existing primary dwelling units on the lot (detached accessory dwelling units are not required to be detached from each other but must be detached from the multi-family dwelling); and

         (b)   One or more accessory dwelling units within portions of the existing multi-family dwelling that are not used as liveable space. Examples of such areas include garages, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, and basements that are not used as habitable space. The number of these internal accessory dwelling units may not exceed 25% of the total number of dwelling units in the existing structure, or at least one accessory dwelling unit, whichever is greater.

      (2)   On a lot with a proposed multi-family dwelling, not more than two attached or detached accessory dwelling units are allowed.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

   An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit in a residential or mixed-use zoning district may not be converted to, or utilized as, a short-term, transient, vacation rental or commercial lodging if the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit was granted a certificate of occupancy after January 1, 2020.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

      (1)   Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are not considered for the purposes of evaluating the density requirements established by the general plan; are considered residential uses; and may count as a dwelling unit for purposes of identifying adequate sites for housing.

      (2)   Accessory dwelling units may be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit(s) only as permitted by Cal. Government Code §§ 66341 or 66342.

      (3)   Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units must comply with the state building standards for dwellings as determined by the Building Official, except as provided by division (I)(2) below.

      (4)   The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit may not be less than the floor area required for an efficiency dwelling unit.

      (1)   Accessory dwelling units are subject to the same height standards that apply to primary dwellings on the lot in the applicable zoning district.

      (2)   FAR and site coverage standards do not apply to accessory dwelling units.

      (1)   An accessory dwelling unit may be within, attached to, or detached from a single- or multi-family residential structure.

      (2)   A junior accessory dwelling unit must be contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family residence. For purposes of this standard, enclosed uses within the residence, such as attached garages, are considered a part of the residence.

      (3)   An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit within a proposed or existing primary residence must have its own separate exterior access.

      (4)   An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit must have kitchen and bathroom facilities that are separate from the primary dwelling, except as allowed by division (C)(5) below.

      (5)   A junior accessory dwelling unit may have an efficiency kitchen as defined in Cal. Government Code § 66333(f). Bathroom facilities, but not the efficiency kitchen, may be shared with the primary dwelling. If the bathroom is shared with the primary dwelling, the junior accessory dwelling unit must have an interior entry to the primary dwelling's main living area.

         (a)   The floor area for an accessory dwelling unit (either attached or detached) may not exceed 1,200 square feet.

         (b)   Accessory dwelling units that qualify for approval under Cal. Government Code § 66323(a)(1), (3), or (4) are exempt from this maximum size requirement.

         (a)   An existing structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit;

         (b)   An accessory dwelling unit constructed above an existing structure; or

         (c)   An accessory dwelling unit constructed in the same location as an existing structure, provided any modifications to the dimensions do not expand the footprint in the nonconforming setback area.

         (a)    A new-construction accessory dwelling unit that is 800 square feet or smaller in floor area and complies with minimum four-foot side and rear yard setbacks.

         (b)   Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units that qualify for approval under Cal. Government Code § 66323(a)(1) - (4).

      (1)   On-site parking is not required for accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units.

      (2)   When an existing parking space (covered or uncovered) is eliminated in conjunction with the creation of an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, replacement parking is not required for the eliminated parking space.

      (1)   A new-construction, detached accessory dwelling unit not located between a historic building and the street.

      (2)   The conversion of an existing interior space or structure to an accessory dwelling unit where no exterior alterations are proposed (interior construction only).

      (3)   A new-construction attached accessory dwelling unit that is not visible from the sidewalk, alley or street because it is blocked from view by permanent structures.

      (4)   Accessory dwelling units that qualify for approval under Cal. Government Code § 66323(a)(1) - (4).

      (1)   New construction, exterior alterations or additions for an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit are not subject to § 155.424.030(B) (Required Compliance), and do not trigger the need to correct nonconforming zoning conditions, building code violations, or unpermitted structures that do no present a threat to public health and safety and are not affected by the creation of the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit.

      (2)   An application for an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit constructed before January 1, 2020 that violates building or zoning standards shall be approved unless the Building Official finds that correcting the violation is necessary to protect the health and safety because the building is substandard pursuant to Cal. Health and Safety Code § 17920.3.

      (1)   The owner of the property must reside in either the remaining portion of the single-family residence or the junior accessory dwelling unit, except if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust or housing organization.

      (2)   A deed restriction must be filed including:

         (a)   A prohibition on the sale of the junior accessory dwelling unit separate from the sale of the single-family residence; and

         (b)   A restriction on the size and attributes of the junior accessory dwelling unit in conformance with Government Code §§ 66333 - 66339.

(Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

   Any ambiguities in this section shall be interpreted to be consistent with state law.

(Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23; Am. Ord. 965-C.S., passed 8-19-25)

   This § 155.320 establishes standards for fences and walls in all zoning districts.

      (1)   The height of a fence or wall is measured as the vertical distance from the highest finished grade at the base of the fence or wall to the top edge of the fence or wall. See Figure 320-1.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20)

 

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   Table 320-2 identifies prohibited fence materials.

 

 

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   Existing fences and walls that do not comply with this section may remain and may be repaired and modified in accordance with § 155.424.030(D) (Repairs and Modifications). When an existing fence or wall conflicts with § 155.308.040 (Vision Clearance Area), the conflict must be corrected when compliance with vision clearance area standards is triggered by § 155.424.030(B) (Required Compliance).

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   This § 155.324 establishes on-site parking requirements to:

      (1)   Exempted by this division (A); or

      (2)   Reduced by § 155.324.040 (Reductions and Alternatives to Automobile Parking).

      (1)   Accessory dwelling units;

      (2)   New residential units 500 square feet or less, regardless of the size of the overall structure;

      (3)   New residential units that are deed restricted to households earning 80 percent or less of the Humboldt County area median income, including one, on-site, deed restricted or market rate, manager's unit;

      (4)   New construction or conversion of existing non-residential space to create eight or fewer residential units in the Downtown (DT), Downtown West (DW), and Hinge Industrial (HN) zoning districts. Where nine or more new units are created, parking must be provided only for the units in excess of eight. This parking exemption applies to exempt units in perpetuity regardless of future development on the site;

      (5)   New construction or conversion of existing non-residential space to create four or fewer residential units in the Henderson Center (HC), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Wabash Avenue (WA), Office Residential (OR), Hospital Medical (HM), and Service Commercial (SC) zoning districts. Where five or more new units are created, parking must be provided only for the units in excess of four. This parking exemption applies to exempt units in perpetuity regardless of future development on the site;

      (6)   Division of an existing residential unit to create one or more additional residential units;

      (7)   Conversion of existing covered parking to create one or more additional residential units. When a covered parking space is eliminated to create an additional residential unit, replacement parking is not required for the eliminated parking space;

      (8)   New second residential units in the RE and R1 zoning districts created pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 65852.21, and new residential units created as a result of an R1 urban lot split subdivision pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 66411.7; and

      (9)   Residential units on a lot with a dedicated pedestrian access in lieu of vehicular access pursuant to § 155.308.010(C)(1)(b).

      (1)   New construction of a building less than 1,000 square feet;

      (2)   New construction on lots less than 4,000 square feet;

      (3)   Existing non-residential buildings enlarged by less than 1,000 square feet;

      (4)   All new construction in the Downtown (DT), Downtown West (DW), Henderson Center (HC) and Hinge Industrial (HN) Zoning Districts and in the Neighborhood Market (NMO) Overlay Zone;

      (5)   All new construction within the Parking Assessment District. See Figure 508-5 in § 155.508 (Glossary) for parking assessment district boundaries; and

      (6)   In all zoning districts, a change from an existing non-residential use to a different non-residential use within an existing building.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

 

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20)

      (1)   This section identifies allowed reductions and alternatives to on-site automobile parking spaces required by § 155.324.030  (Number of On-Site Parking Spaces Required).

 

 

         (a)   On-site parking is not required for a multi-family rental unit within 900 feet of a public transit stop if the lease agreement includes a complementary bus pass for use by the resident, paid for by the property owner during the entire duration of the rental.

         (b)   The Department will authorize this reduction only after the property owner or the property owner's authorized representative has submitted to the Department a signed agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney guaranteeing that the complementary bus pass will be provided as required for the parking reductions.

         (a)   Bicycle or motorcycle parking may replace up to two required automobile spaces or 10% of the required number of on-site automobile parking spaces, whichever is less.

         (b)   Each automobile parking space must be replaced by space for at least six bicycles or four motorcycles. Bicycle parking spaces must comply with development standards in § 155.324.070 (Bicycle Parking).

         (c)   Bicycle spaces replacing an automobile space must be in addition to the minimum bicycle parking spaces required by § 155.324.070 (Bicycle Parking).

         (a)   Shared parking is the practice of allowing land uses with different peak and off-peak parking demand schedules to share required on-site parking spaces.

         (b)   Shared parking is allowed with an administrative adjustment for uses on a single lot, on adjacent lots, and on lots within 100 feet of one another.

         (c)   An applicant requesting shared parking must submit a parking demand study justifying the shared parking. The study must be prepared by a qualified transportation planning consultant or consist of materials that provide satisfactory evidence as determined by the Director.

         (d)   The total number of parking spaces in a shared parking arrangement must be equal to or greater than the number of spaces ordinarily required for any one of the participating uses.

         (e)   To approve an administrative adjustment for shared parking, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval).

         (f)   The Director may require that additional documents, covenants, deed restrictions or other agreements are executed to ensure that:

            1.   The required parking spaces are maintained for the duration of the uses served; and

            2.   Uses with similar hours and parking requirements as those uses sharing the parking remain for the life of the building.

         (a)   Required parking may be provided off-site if the parking is located no more than 300 feet from the lot serving the use. An administrative adjustment is required only if parking is to be provided on a non-adjoining lot.

         (b)   To approve an administrative adjustment for off-site parking at a non-adjoining lot, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find that the off-site parking is located and designed in a manner that will conveniently meet the parking needs of the use that it serves.

         (c)   Prior to establishing any required parking off-site, a covenant record ("parking indenture"), approved by the city, must be filed with the County Recorder guaranteeing that off-site parking will be maintained exclusively for the use served for the duration of the use.

         (a)   The number of required parking spaces may be reduced by up to 25% with an administrative adjustment for uses with unique operating characteristics that result in a lower parking demand than otherwise would be required.

         (b)   An applicant requesting reduced parking for a low demand use must submit evidence to the satisfaction of the Director that the use requires fewer parking spaces than otherwise required by § 155.324.030 (Number of On-site Parking Spaces Required). Acceptable evidence may include parking surveys, sales receipts, and examples of comparable uses in Eureka or similar communities.

         (c)   To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and the following additional findings:

            1.   Evidence submitted by the applicant demonstrates that the use requires fewer parking spaces required by § 155.324.030 (Number of On-Site Parking Spaces Required) for the use; and

            2.   The use will provide a sufficient amount of on-site parking to accommodate its expected parking demand.

         (a)   Required parking spaces may be reduced by up to 15%, not to exceed four spaces, with an administrative adjustment in cases where the parking requirement conflicts with the city's storm water system (MS4) permit requirements.

         (b)   To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find that providing all of the on-site parking while complying with the city's storm water system (MS4) permit requirements is not possible due to physical site constraints.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

         (b)    For non-residential uses in residential zoning districts and in all other zoning districts, the maximum number of driveways will be the minimum number necessary to serve the intended use. The Director, in consultation with the Public Works Director, will determine the permitted number of driveways based on the needs of the intended use and traffic, circulation and safety concerns.

         (a)   Uncovered parking space: eight feet six inches in width by 18 feet in length.

         (b)   Uncovered parking space parallel to an alley: eight feet six inches in width by 20 feet in length.

         (c)   Covered parking space in a garage or carport: ten feet in width by 18 feet in length.

         (d)   The width of a carport space may be reduced to eight feet six inches if one side is open without a solid wall or physical barrier obstructing a car door.

         (a)     Except as allowed by division (F)(2) below, all parking areas and drive aisles must be paved with an asphalt, concrete or comparable all-weather surfacing material approved by the Public Works Director. Unpaved areas may not be used for parking or maneuvering.

         (b)    Ribbon driveways (parallel strips of paved surface for tires separated by an open, unpaved area) are allowed for single-family home driveways.

         (c)   Permeable paving materials, such as porous concrete/asphalt, open-jointed pavers and turf grids, are a permitted surface material, subject to approval by the Public Works Director.

         (d)   Parking areas must be graded to dispose of all surface water consistent with the city’s MS4 permit storm water requirements to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director.

            3.    All uses in the Parks and Recreation (PR) and Public Facilities (PF) Zoning Districts.

         (b)   Where alternative surface materials are allowed by division (F)(2)(a) above, asphalt, concrete or comparable all-weather surfacing material must be used for:

            1.   The first 20 feet of the access way from a public street serving residential uses; and

            2.   The first 50 feet of the access way from a public street serving uses in the Hinge Industrial (HN), Light Industrial (LI), Parks and Recreation (PR) and Public Facilities (PF) Zoning Districts.

         (c)   Construction methods must be approved by the Public Works Director.

         (b)   For parking lots within ten feet of a residential zoning district or ground floor residential use, screening must have a minimum height of six feet.

         (b)   Parking lots within ten feet of a residential zoning district or ground floor residential use must be screened by a six-foot solid wall or fence. Bushes, vines, and other vegetation may be incorporated into the design of required fence or wall.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

 

      (1)   Minimum dimensions of two feet by six feet must be provided for each bicycle parking space. Spaces may be configured horizontally or vertically. Minimum ceiling height is prescribed by the California Building Code.

      (2)   An aisle of at least five feet must be provided behind all bicycle parking to allow room for maneuvering.

      (3)   A minimum two feet of clearance must be provided between bicycle parking spaces and adjacent walls, poles, landscaping, pedestrian paths and other similar features.

      (4)   A minimum four feet of clearance must be provided between bicycle parking spaces and adjacent automobile parking spaces and drive aisles.

         (a)   Must be located on or within 250 feet of the use that it is intended to serve;

         (b)   May be located within a garage;

         (c)   May not be located within required front setbacks; and

         (d)   Must be permanently available and maintained to provide bicycle parking for the use they serve (e.g., immovable equipment, such as water heaters and washer/dryers, may not be located within a required parking area).

         (a)   The spaces are in a locked room or area enclosed by a fence with a locked gate;

         (b)   The spaces are within view or within 100 feet of an attendant or security guard; and

         (c)   The spaces are visible from employee work areas.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

         (a)   All portions of a parking lot not occupied by a parking space, drive aisle, pedestrian way or trash collection and storage area must be landscaped.

         (b)   A minimum of one tree that reaches a mature height of at least 20 feet must be planted within the parking lot at a minimum ratio of one tree for each 15 parking spaces.

         (c)   When the calculation of required trees results in less than one tree (i.e., parking lots with fewer than 15 spaces), a minimum of one tree must be provided.

         (a)   Where space permits, a landscaped island, at least four feet in all interior dimensions, and containing at least one tree, must be provided at each end of each interior row of automobile parking stalls and between every eight consecutive automobile parking stalls. Horizontal curb surfaces may not be included in the landscaped island area calculation. Trees in landscape islands may count towards the required number of trees hereunder.

         (b)   Parking lots with more than 50 spaces must provide a concentration of landscape elements at primary parking lot entrances, such as trees, shrubs, flowering plants and enhanced paving.

         (c)   Landscaping must be located and designed so that pedestrians are not required to cross landscaped areas to reach building entrances from parked cars. This may be achieved through the orientation of the landscaped fingers and islands, and by providing dedicated pedestrian access through landscaped areas where needed.

         (a)   Parking areas adjacent to a street must include a landscaped planting strip between the street and parking area at least four feet wide with at least 50% of the plant material attaining a minimum plant height at maturity of 36 inches. See § 155.324.060(K) (Screening) for when a low-profile wall or fence is required along the perimeter of a parking lot in addition to landscaping.

         (b)   Plantings and screening materials may include a combination of plant materials, earth berms, solid decorative masonry walls, raised planters, or other screening devices that are determined by the Director to meet the intent of this requirement.

         (c)   Trees must be provided within the planting strip at a rate of at least one tree for each 30 feet of street frontage with a minimum distance of not more than 60 feet between each tree. Tree species must reach a mature height of at least 20 feet. Planting strip tree requirements are in addition to required interior parking lot trees.

         (d)   Landscaping must comply with intersection and driveway vision clearance requirements in § 155.308.040 (Vision Clearance Area).

      (1)   The Director may approve an administrative adjustment to allow alternative landscape design that deviates from the requirement in this section.

      (2)   To approve an administrative adjustment for an alternative landscape design, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find that adjustments to landscape design requirements are warranted to provide relief for existing site constraints or to achieve a superior aesthetic or environmental design.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)

   This section establishes landscaping standards to enhance the aesthetic appearance of developed areas in Eureka and to promote the efficient use of water resources.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 962-C.S., passed 7-15-25)