Holtville, CA Zoning Ordinance

§ 17.15.010 Intent.

This zone is designated for and intended to provide areas for publicly owned community facilities. It is the purpose of the CF community facilities zone to provide regulations for the use and development of publicly owned land in order to implement the city's adopted general plan, including administrative offices, public recreation, service systems and circulation. The following regulations shall apply in the CF community facilities zone.

(Ord. 450 § 1, 2007; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.15.020 Permitted uses.

Uses permitted in the CF community facilities zone are set forth in Table 17.15-1.

(Ord. 450 § 1, 2007; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.15.030 Conditional uses.

Uses that shall be permitted in the CF community facilities zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.15-1.

Table 17.15-1 Permitted and Conditional Uses – CF Community Facilities Zone
Uses	Permitted Use	Conditional Use¹
Government administrative buildings, structures, and offices	✓
Public libraries, art galleries and museums	✓
Parks and recreational facilities	✓
Public schools		✓
Post offices and related facilities		✓
Fire stations and police stations		✓
Public health facilities, including clinics and hospitals		✓
Service facilities including water plants, water treatment facilities and maintenance yards		✓
Electrical substations		✓
Reservoirs		✓

Notes:
¹These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 450 § 1, 2007; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.15.040 Minimum property development standards – Generally.

All development within a CF community facilities zone shall require a site plan review to be approved by the planning commission. The minimum development standards for any development permitted under a CF zone shall be those of the most comparable adjoining zone. The phrase "adjoining zones" refers to the zones on properties abutting, across the street or alley from or having a common corner with the subject property. If there are two or more adjoining zones with similarly comparable land uses, the development standards of the uses permitted by the most restrictive comparable zone shall be allowed.

Parking requirements are those contained in Chapter 17.52 HMC for the corresponding land use.

Setbacks, building height, etc., are to be the same requirements as whatever the comparable zone allows.

All projects are to be consistent with development standards reviewed and approved by the planning commission.

(Ord. 450 § 1, 2007; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.16.010 Intent.

This zone is designated for and intended to provide open space for the preservation of natural resources, managed production of resources, open space for outdoor recreation, and for the protection of public health and safety, as well as to preserve natural scenic areas for the existing and future population.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.16.020 Permitted uses.

Uses permitted in the OS open space zone are set forth in Table 17.16-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.16.030 Conditional uses.

Uses that shall be permitted in the OS zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.16-1.

Table 17.16-1 Permitted and Conditional Uses – OS Open Space Zone
Uses	Permitted Use	Conditional Use¹
Agricultural land used for production of food or fiber	✓
Plant and animal preservation	✓
Special management areas including fault zones, unstable soil and high fire risk areas	✓
Outdoor recreation – Parks, utility easements, trails and scenic highway corridors	✓
City Hall and fire station		✓
Commercial recreation facilities		✓
Electrical substations		✓
Public utility structures		✓
Reservoirs		✓
Residential uses on lots, or parcels with a minimum size of 20 acres		✓

Notes:
¹These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.18.010 Intent.

The general agricultural zone is intended to provide areas with large parcels that are conducive to growing crops and the keeping of farm animals and poultry for the production of milk, wool, eggs, and other farm products. This zone is also intended to permit limited commercial and light industrial activities that support agriculture or are connected to the agricultural industry. Examples of such uses would include tractor repair shops and welding shops. This zone is not intended to permit feed lots, slaughterhouses, rendering plants, and other uses that: (A) create offensive odors; (B) attract large numbers of insects; or (C) create quantities of dust on a daily basis.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.18.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the A-1 agricultural zone are set forth in Table 17.18-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.18.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the A-1 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.18-1.

Table 17.18-1 A-1 Agricultural Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use	Conditional Use¹
Single-family homes and mobile homes subject to the density limits contained in the general plan	✓
Farm worker housing, consisting of no more than 36 beds in group quarters or 12 units or spaces each designed for use by a single family or household	✓
Growing and harvesting of agricultural crops	✓
Farm animals and poultry for the production of farm products, such as milk and eggs (excluding feed lots, slaughterhouses, rendering plants and similar offensive uses)	✓
Orchards and nurseries	✓
Commercial and light industrial uses which support or are connected to the agricultural industry. The following uses are permitted: 1. Tractor and other farm implement repair and/or service shops 2. Welding shops which repair agricultural equipment 3. Agricultural equipment sales offices and display yards for the sale of farm equipment 4. Commercial fruit stands and other stands which sell agricultural products to the general public Other commercial and light industrial uses which are agriculturally related and compatible with surrounding uses are: 1. Accessory buildings and structures 2. Home occupations as provided in the home occupation regulations	✓
Churches, temples or other places used exclusively for religious worship		✓
Communications equipment buildings		✓
Country clubs		✓
Golf courses		✓
Electric distribution substations, including microwave facilities		✓
Fire stations		✓
Libraries		✓
Museums		✓
Police stations		✓
Schools, through grade 12, accredited, including appurtenant facilities, which offer instruction required to be taught in the public schools by the Education Code of the State of California, but excluding trade or commercial schools		✓
Service stations/convenience stores		✓
Storage, temporary, of materials and construction equipment used in construction or maintenance of streets and highways, sewers, storm drains, underground conduits, flood control works, pipelines and similar uses		✓
Day care centers		✓

Notes:
¹These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.18.040 Minimum property development standards.

The following development standards set forth in Table 17.18-2 shall apply to all land and buildings in the A-1 agricultural zone, except that any lot or parcel depicted on an official subdivision map or parcel map that is duly approved and recorded, or any lot or parcel for which a bona fide deed has been duly recorded prior to December 1991, may be used as a building site as further provided in this title.

Table 17.18-2 A-1 Agricultural Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	A-1 Agricultural Zone
Minimum lot area¹	10 acres
Maximum density²	1 dwelling unit/legal lot or parcel
Maximum lot coverage by buildings and structures	10 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet or two stories
Minimum distance between buildings	10 feet
Minimum lot width	375 feet
Minimum lot depth	900 feet
Minimum front yard requirement	100 feet
Minimum side yard requirement	25 feet
Minimum rear yard requirement	75 feet

Notes:
¹Pre-existing legal lots or parcels are exempt from this minimum.
²Farm worker housing is exempt from this maximum density.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.20.010 Intent.

The RR-1 low density rural residential zone is intended to provide for areas where the rural atmosphere can be maintained and where limited farming operations such as general crop farming, suburban horse ranchettes and growing of orchards can be conducted. This zone is not intended to allow intense farming operations, feed lots or other uses that could create offensive odors or large amounts of dust or insects. Typical lot or parcel sizes for this zone are five acres to 20 acres, with lots/parcels in excess of 20 acres being more appropriate for agricultural uses. The numbers of large animals are restricted depending upon the size of the parcel.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.20.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the RR-1 zone are set forth in Table 17.20-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.20.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the RR-1 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.20-1.

Table 17.20-1 RR-1 Low Density Rural Residential Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Accessory buildings and structures	✓
Agricultural crops	✓
Animals on lots or parcels at least one-half acre in size with large animals restricted to one per half-acre, except that parcels larger than five acres could have one large animal per half-acre for the first five acres and four per acre for all acres beyond the initial five acres	✓
Hatching, raising and fattening of chickens, rabbits or cattle for domestic use only. There shall be no killing or dressing of any such animals or poultry on the premises for commercial purposes	✓
Orchards and nurseries	✓
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.46 HMC	✓
Single-family homes and mobile homes	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care	✓
Churches, temples or other places used exclusively for religious worship		✓
Communications equipment buildings		✓
Country clubs		✓
Electric distribution substations, including microwave facilities		✓
Fire stations		✓
Golf courses		✓
Libraries		✓
Museums		✓
Police stations		✓
Service stations/convenience stores		✓
Schools, through grade 12, accredited, including appurtenant facilities, which offer instruction required to be taught in the public schools by the Education Code of the State of California, but excluding trade or commercial schools		✓
Storage, temporary, of materials and construction equipment used in construction or maintenance of streets and highways, sewers, storm drains, underground conduits, flood control works, pipelines and similar uses		✓

Notes:
¹ Other similar uses shall be allowed subject to recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.20.040 Minimum property development standards.

The development standards set forth in Table 17.20-2 shall apply to all land and buildings in the RR-1 zone, except that any lot or parcel depicted on an official subdivision map or parcel map for which a bona fide deed has been duly recorded prior to December 1991 may be used as a building site as further provided in this title.

Table 17.20-2 RR-1 Low Density Rural Residential Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	RR-1 Low Density Rural Residential Zone
Minimum lot area¹	5 acres
Maximum density	1 dwelling unit/5 acres of lot area
Maximum lot coverage	10 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet or two stories, whichever is less
Minimum distance between buildings	10 feet
Minimum lot width	250 feet
Minimum lot depth	650 feet
Minimum front yard requirements	75 feet
Minimum side yard requirements	15 feet
Minimum rear yard requirements	50 feet

Notes:
¹ Pre-existing legal lots or parcels are exempt from this minimum.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.22.010 Intent.

The RR-2 medium density rural residential zone is intended for rural areas adjacent to the developed land in the city where the land use patterns are in a state of transition from agricultural to urban uses. This zone provides for the development of "rural atmosphere" type land uses that allow for half-acre to five-acre lot sizes developed for principally residential uses. This zone would allow limited agricultural operations and would allow limited numbers of small and large animals, depending on the lot size.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.22.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the RR-2 zone are set forth in Table 17.22-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.22.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the RR-2 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.22-1.

Table 17.22-1 RR-2 Medium Density Rural Residential Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Accessory buildings and structures	✓
Agricultural crops	✓
Animals, large and small, subject to the following limitations: (A) In order to keep large animals such as cattle and horses, the parcel size shall be at least one-half acre, except that no more than 10 large animals shall be kept regardless of the parcel size; and (B) the number of small animals such as goats, sheep and swine shall be limited to no more than two per one-half acre lot or parcel, with a limit of 10 per lot or parcel	✓
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.46 HMC	✓
Single-family homes and mobile homes	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care	✓
Orchards and nurseries	✓
Churches, temples or other places used exclusively for religious worship		✓
Communication equipment buildings		✓
Country clubs		✓
Day care centers		✓
Electric distribution substations, including microwave facilities		✓
Fire stations		✓
Golf courses		✓
Libraries		✓
Museums		✓
Police stations		✓
Service stations/convenience stores		✓
Schools, through grade 12, accredited, including appurtenant facilities, which offer instruction required to be taught in the public schools by the Education Code of the State of California, but excluding trade or commercial schools		✓
Storage, temporary, of materials and construction equipment used in construction or maintenance of streets and highways, sewers, storm drains, underground conduits, flood control works, pipelines and similar uses		✓

Notes:
¹ Other similar uses shall be allowed subject to recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.22.040 Minimum property development standards.

The development standards set forth in Table 17.22-2 apply to all land and buildings in the RR-2 zone, except that any lot or parcel depicted on an official subdivision map or parcel map that is duly approved and recorded prior to December 1991 may be used as a building site as further provided in this title.

Table 17.22-2 RR-2 Medium Density Rural Residential Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	RR-2 Medium Density Rural Residential Zone
Minimum lot area	21,780 square feet
Maximum density	1 dwelling unit/21,780 square feet of lot area
Maximum lot coverage	50 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet or two stories
Minimum distance between buildings	10 feet
Minimum lot width	90 feet
Minimum lot depth	150 feet
Minimum front yard requirements	25 feet
Minimum side yard requirements	10 feet
Minimum rear yard requirements	20 feet

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.24.010 Intent.

The R-1 single-family residential zone is intended to provide for the development of low density single-family homes on small lots and the protection of these homes from incompatible uses.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.24.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the R-1 zone are set forth in Table 17.24-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.24.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the R-1 zone, subject to the regulations of a conditional use permit, are set forth in Table 17.24-1.

Table 17.24-1 R-1 Single-Family Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Accessory buildings and structures including auto-mobile garages and carports	✓
Animals in accordance with Chapter 7.12 HMC and usual household pets	✓
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.46 HMC	✓
Private greenhouses and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens	✓
Single-family detached residential dwellings including mobile homes	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care	✓
Churches, convents, monasteries, and other religious institutions		✓
Day nurseries and nursery schools		✓
Educational institutions		✓
Flag poles, radio towers, masts or aerials in excess of 35 feet above the ground		✓
Public libraries and museums		✓
Public parks and recreational facilities		✓
Public utility and public service facilities		✓

Notes:
¹ Similar uses shall be permitted subject to a recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.24.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.24-2 shall apply to all land and buildings in the R-1 zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded, or any lot for which a bona fide deed has been duly recorded prior to November 15, 1977, may be used as a building site as provided in HMC § 17.10.060.

Table 17.24-2 R-1 Single-Family Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	R-1 Single-Family Zone
Minimum lot area	6,000 square feet
Maximum density	1 dwelling unit/6,000 square feet of lot area
Maximum lot coverage	50 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet or two stories, whichever is less
Minimum distance between buildings	10 feet
Minimum lot width	50 feet
Minimum lot depth	100 feet
Minimum front yard requirements	20 feet
Minimum side yard requirements	5 feet for interior side and 10 feet for side adjacent to street; 5 feet for side adjacent to alley
Minimum rear yard requirements	20 feet

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 456 § 1, 2007; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.24.050 Mobile home construction and design standards.

A mobile home shall be placed on a permanent foundation system constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code adopted by the city.

A mobile home shall be constructed in accordance with the National Mobile Home Association Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, or successive regulations, and shall not have been altered without approval of the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

Mobile home dimensions shall not be less than 20 feet in length and 20 feet in width.

Exterior siding shall be of wood, stucco, masonry, or other approved materials with the same qualities and appearances as approved by the city planning commission, whose decision shall be final, and the siding shall extend to the ground level or to a solid masonry wall which extends to ground level.

Roof eaves shall extend at least 16 inches from the side of the mobile home.

The above construction and design standards are in addition to the requirements outlined in the Uniform Building Codes for the construction of single-family dwellings.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.26.010 Intent.

The R-2 two-family zone is intended to provide for the development of medium density duplexes and the protection of such residential units from incompatible uses.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.26.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the R-2 zone are set forth in Table 17.26-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.26.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the R-2 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.26-1.

Table 17.26-1 R-2 Two-Family Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Accessory buildings and structures	✓
Animals in accordance with Chapter 7.12 HMC and usual household pets	✓
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.46 HMC	✓
Single-family residential dwellings, including mobile homes	✓
Two-family residential dwelling units	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care	✓
Transitional care facilities and emergency shelters serving six or fewer persons	✓
Day nurseries and nursery schools		✓
Educational institutions		✓
Flag poles, radio towers, masts or aerials of 35 feet above the ground		✓
Public libraries		✓
Public parks and public recreation facilities		✓
Public utility and public service facilities		✓
Religious institutions		✓

Notes:
¹ Similar uses shall be allowed subject to a recommendation of the planning commission and adopted by the city council.
²These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.26.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.26-2 shall apply to all land and buildings in the R-2 zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded, or any lot for which a bona fide deed has been duly recorded prior to November 15, 1977, may be used as a building site as provided in HMC § 17.10.060.

Table 17.26-2 R-2 Two-Family Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	R-2 Two-Family Zone
Minimum lot area	8,400 square feet
Maximum density	8 dwelling units/acre
Maximum lot coverage	50 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet or two stories, whichever is less
Minimum distance between buildings	10 feet
Minimum lot width	60 feet
Minimum lot depth	120 feet
Minimum front yard requirements	20 feet
Minimum side yard requirements	5 feet for interior side and 10 feet for side adjacent to street
Minimum rear yard requirements	20 feet

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.26.050 Special objective standards for transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters.

All transitional housing and emergency shelters in the R-2 zone shall meet all the applicable development standards as listed above, and in addition meet the following requirements:

Facilities and emergency shelters shall be limited to a maximum of six beds.

Parking requirements shall be the same as for nursing homes and convalescent hospitals as described in Table 17.52-1.

All waiting and intake areas shall be within an enclosed building and shall have a legal occupancy rating of six people.

Each facility shall accommodate a minimum daytime staff of one staff member per six occupied beds, and a minimum nighttime staff of one staff per six occupied beds.

No parcel with a transitional home or emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another parcel with a transitional home or emergency shelter use.

The length of stay within a transitional housing facility or emergency shelter shall be limited to a maximum of six months.

The exterior lighting of the building housing the transitional housing facility or emergency shelter shall be provided to adequately illuminate all sides of the building to allow for security to monitor all sides of the structure.

Security staff or electronic cameras with video monitors that can be viewed by nighttime staff shall be provided to monitor the exterior of the building housing the transitional housing or emergency care facilities. The exterior of the building shall be monitored by security staff or electronic cameras between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.28.010 Intent.

This zone is intended for the development of apartments, condominiums, townhouses or other group dwellings with provisions for adequate light, air, open space and landscaped areas.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.28.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the R-3 residential zone are set forth in Table 17.28-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.28.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the R-3 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.28-1.

Table 17.28-1 R-3 Multifamily Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Accessory buildings and structures	✓
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.46 HMC	✓
Household pets in accordance with Chapter 7.12 HMC	✓
Multiple housing units, including apartments, condominiums and townhouses	✓
Single-family and two-family residential dwellings, including mobile homes	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care	✓
Transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters serving six or fewer persons	✓
Day nurseries and nursery schools		✓
Educational institutions		✓
Flag poles, radio towers, masts or aerials in excess of 35 feet above the ground surface		✓
Hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities		✓
Public libraries and museums		✓
Public parks and public recreational facilities		✓
Public utility and public service facilities		✓
Religious institutions		✓
Roominghouses and boardinghouses		✓

Notes:
¹ Similar uses shall be allowed subject to a recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.28.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.28-2 shall apply to all land and buildings in the R-3 zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded, or any lot for which a bona fide deed has been duly recorded prior to November 15, 1977, may be used as a building site as provided in HMC § 17.10.060.

Table 17.28-2 R-3 Multifamily Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	R-3 Multifamily Zone
Minimum lot area	1 acre
Maximum density	20 dwelling units/acre
Maximum lot coverage	40 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet
Minimum distance between buildings	20 feet
Minimum lot width	150 feet
Minimum lot depth	120 feet
Minimum front yard requirements	20 feet
Minimum side yard requirements	10 feet each side
Minimum rear yard requirements	20 feet

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.28.050 Landscaping requirements.

A minimum of 25 percent of the site area shall be landscaped and shall consist predominantly of plant materials. A landscaping and sprinkler plan shall be approved by the city building inspector prior to issuance of a building permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.28.060 Special objective standards for transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters.

All group care facilities and emergency shelters in the R-3 zone shall meet all the applicable development standards listed in the applicable zone, and in addition meet the following requirements:

Facilities and emergency shelters shall be limited to a maximum of six beds.

Parking requirements shall be the same as for nursing homes and convalescent hospitals as described in Table 17.52-1.

All waiting and intake areas shall be within an enclosed building and shall have a legal occupancy rating of six people.

Each facility shall accommodate a minimum daytime staff of one staff member per six occupied beds, and a minimum nighttime staff of one staff per six occupied beds.

No parcel with a transitional home or emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another parcel with a transitional home or emergency shelter use.

The length of stay within a transitional housing facility or emergency shelter shall be limited to a maximum of six months.

(Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.010 Intent.

The R-4 residential zone is intended to provide a zone that is applied to mobile home parks only to provide a satisfactory living environment for those living in mobile homes. This section also applies to travel trailer parks and recreational vehicle parks.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the R-4 zone are set forth in Table 17.30-1.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the R-4 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.30-1.

Table 17.30-1 R-4 Mobile Home Park Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Accessory buildings and/or structures	✓
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.46 HMC	✓
Household pets in accordance with Chapter 7.12 HMC	✓
Mobile homes not on a permanent foundation	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care	✓
Apartments, at the same density and standards as permitted in this zone but limited to 15 feet or one story		✓
Commercial recreation facilities		✓
Flag poles, radio towers, masts or aerials in excess of 35 feet above the ground		✓
Incidental uses³: 1. Dwelling for owner and/or manager 2. Food markets related only to the park 3. Restroom facilities 4. Nonalcoholic beverage services related only to the park 5. Personal services 6. Recreation facilities 7. Restaurants, including dancing and alcoholic beverage sales for park use only 8. Sale of items related to maintenance and operations of mobile homes within the park		✓
Recreational vehicle park: 1. Motor homes 2. Recreation vehicles 3. Campers 4. Camp cars 5. Tent campers		✓
Trailers occupied for uses other than habitation		✓
Travel trailer park: 1. Trailers		✓

Notes:
¹ Similar uses shall be permitted subject to recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.
³ Incidental uses operated primarily for the convenience of mobile home park residents. There shall be no sign advertising such uses visible from the street. The incidental uses shall be located not less than 50 feet from any street.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.30-2 and in HMC § 17.30.050 through § 17.30.200 shall apply to all uses in the R-4 zone, subject to approval of a mobile home park plan by the planning commission.

Table 17.30-2 R-4 Mobile Home Park Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	R-4 Mobile Home Park Zone
Minimum parcel size	5 acres
Maximum density	5,000 square feet/space¹
Building height	15 feet or one story
Minimum space – Size	2,500 square feet/space
Minimum space – Size width	40 feet
Minimum space – Size depth	60 feet
Space – Dimensions	A. No mobile home space shall be closer than 20 feet from the exterior property line of the mobile home park or subdivision when said line abuts a public street. B. No mobile home space shall be closer than 5 feet from any other portion of the property line of said mobile home park.
Minimum front yard setback³	3 feet
Minimum side yard setback⁴	3 feet
Minimum rear yard setback⁴	3 feet
Distance between mobile homes⁵	10 feet

Notes:
¹ Total area may include access roadways, accessory building space and recreational areas.
² Structures two stories in height and not more than 35 feet in height may be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.
³ The trailer tongue may encroach into the front yard setback.
⁴ Where a side or rear yard abuts an access road, public parking area, or walk, and yards shall not be less than 10 feet in width.
⁵ Where residential mobile homes are located near any permitted building, other than another residential mobile home, ramada or cabana, the minimum space between the mobile home and such building shall be 15 feet.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.050 Patio and skirting.

A cement concrete patio or other metal or wood deck having a minimum area of 300 square feet shall be installed as part of each mobile home space.

The area between the ground level and the floor of a mobile home shall be screened from view by an opaque skirt entirely around the mobile home as approved by the city building inspector.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.060 Tenant storage.

Tenant storage may be provided for in any manner consistent with requirements of the State of California Division of Building and Housing Codes and Standards.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.070 Access roads.

Access roads within a mobile home park shall be paved to a width of not less than 25 feet.

Portland cement and concrete curbs and gutters shall be installed on both sides of all access roads.

Access roads with paved width of less than 32 feet shall not be used for automobile parking at any time.

Access roads with paved width of less than 40 feet shall not be used for automobile parking on more than one side at any time.

Access roads around the recreational area shall be paved to a minimum width of 36 feet with off-street parking provisions, and no on-street parking shall be permitted around the recreational area.

All access roads shall be adequately lighted.

Each mobile home shall have frontage on an access road. A minimum 15-foot wide unobstructed access shall be provided to approved access roads for the movement of mobile home service vehicles.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.080 Sanitary sewer.

Each mobile home space shall be provided with a connection to a sewer line. Mobile homes that cannot be connected to a sanitary sewer system shall not be permitted to be used for human habitation. The sewer system and connection plans shall be subject to the approval of the building department.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.090 Electrical service.

All electrical, telephone and television services within the mobile home park shall be underground.

All services to individual spaces shall be a minimum of 100-amp service.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.100 Management office.

Each mobile home park shall maintain a management office with a gross floor area of not less than 200 square feet. The office shall include space for usual office furniture and supplies and shall contain a lavatory and toilet. Suitable facilities shall also be provided for mail distribution.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.110 Park storage.

Storage space for supplies, maintenance materials, and equipment shall be provided in a separate building or in a building with other public facilities.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.120 Laundry facilities.

Laundry facilities equipped with washing machines and dryers shall be provided.

Outside drying yards shall be enclosed with a six-foot-high solid fence.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.130 Removal of axles.

Axles, or similar devices, shall not be removed from mobile homes. Mobile homes shall not be attached to or placed on the ground in a manner that would prevent or obstruct the ready movement of said mobile home, except for the purpose of making repairs.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.140 Accessory structures.

No accessory building shall be constructed as a permanent part of the mobile home. Accessory structures such as cabana, ramada, patio, carport and/or storage are permitted.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.150 Trash enclosures.

There shall be adequate trash enclosures provided to a standard approved by the public works department.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.160 Off-site improvements.

All mobile home parks shall connect to city water and sewer facilities. Extension from existing facilities shall be borne by the developer.

All streets abutting a park shall be improved to city standards.

All plans shall be approved by the city engineer prior to issuance of a building permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.170 Recreational vehicle storage yard.

Recreational vehicle storage yards shall be provided and shall conform to the following standards:

No recreational vehicle, travel trailers, boat and trailer or accessories shall be kept on the mobile home space, but shall be stored as provided in this section, except that one recreational vehicle or travel trailer which is the primary residence of the occupant of the space may be permitted.

The area shall be graded and graveled or surfaced with asphalt concrete.

The storage yard shall be enclosed by a six-foot-high fence and landscaped to shield the interior of the area from view on all sides. The wall or fence shall be broken only by a solid gate.

No sewer connection other than a standard trailer sanitation station shall be permitted within the storage yard.

Electrical connections may be provided for maintaining the air conditioners in the recreational vehicles.

The storage yard shall not be used for living purposes.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.180 Conditions of approval.

Three copies of a plot plan providing sufficient detail of the proposed mobile home park shall be submitted for the building department and the city engineer to review and determine the sufficiency of the plans.

Upon approval of the building department and city engineer, the application shall be submitted to the planning commission for its recommendation. The planning commission shall submit its recommendation to the city council that a conditional use permit be issued or that the application be denied.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.190 Establishment, enlargement.

No mobile home park, as defined in HMC § 17.04.140, shall be established and maintained in the city, nor shall any mobile home park already existing in the city be enlarged unless such mobile home park is established, maintained or enlarged in compliance with all provisions of this title and further complies with the provisions of Chapter 5, Title 25 of the California Administrative Code.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.30.200 Walls, fences, landscaping.

Each mobile home park shall be entirely enclosed at its exterior boundaries by a fence or wall six feet in height, and by screen landscaping not less than six feet in height. Said wall or fence shall run along and be contiguous to the boundary line or property line except where abutting a front street.

The type of fence or wall shall be a condition of the approval by the planning commission at the time of review of the plot plan and issuance of the use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.010 Intent.

The intent of the RC residential commercial zone is to promote and protect a vital central business district and maximize the use of land within this area. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the development of higher density residential units in combination with commercial land use and protect this zone from incompatible uses.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.020 Boundaries.

As depicted on the city's official zoning map, the RC residential commercial mixed use zone consists of the following:

–	Block 19 – Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24;
–	Block 20 – Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30;
–	Block 27 – Lots 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34;
–	Block 28 – Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48;
–	Block 30 – Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19; and
–	Block 123 – Parcels 1, 2 and 10.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.030 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the RC zone are set forth in Table 17.32-1. Such uses shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.040 Conditional uses.

As indicated in Table 17.32-1, all new development or uses within the RC zone will require a conditional use permit in order to ensure compatibility, zoning and general plan consistency, and to assure the uses and development do not undermine the intent of the RC zone.

Table 17.32-1 RC Residential Commercial Mixed Use Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
All uses permitted in Chapters 17.26, 17.28 and 17.36 HMC existing on October 7, 1996	✓
Residential care homes serving up to six clients, includes foster family homes and small family homes for nonmedical assisted group care		✓
A conditional use permit will be required for all new development or uses within the residential/commercial mixed use zone to ensure compatibility, zoning and general plan consistency, and to ensure they do not undermine the intent of the RC zone.		✓

Notes:
¹ Similar uses shall be permitted subject to a recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² This use shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.050 Prohibition.

No new development or use shall be permitted to any person who has not first obtained a conditional use permit from the planning commission.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.060 Minimum property development standards.

The development standards set forth in Table 17.32-2 shall be required for all new construction or use within the RC zone.

Table 17.32-2 RC Residential Commercial Mixed Use Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	RC Residential Commercial Mixed Use Zone
Maximum density	20 dwelling units/acre or 10 dwelling units per acre when in combination with commercial development
Maximum lot coverage	100 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet
Minimum front yard requirement	0 feet
Minimum side yard requirement	0 feet
Minimum rear yard requirement	0 feet

Notes:
¹ All multifamily residential units (R-2 and R-3) shall meet the building requirements of the R-3 multifamily residential zone.
² Any commercial development shall meet the development standards as set forth for the C-2 general commercial zone.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.32.070 Required findings and conditions.

A conditional use permit in accordance with this chapter shall not be issued by the planning commission unless the following findings are made:

The proposed development or use is consistent with the general plan and in conformity with the standards of the zone and other applicable ordinances, excluding any approved variance;

The location, size, design and operating characteristics of the proposed use will be compatible with the adjacent uses and will not adversely impact the neighborhood character; and

Off-street or off-alley parking spaces are provided as required in Chapter 17.52 HMC.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.010 Intent.

The intent of the C-1 neighborhood commercial zone is to provide centers for convenience shopping in residential neighborhoods, planned and controlled to the extent that any such center will perform a vital service to the neighborhood in which it is located.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the C-1 zone are set forth in Table 17.34-1. Such uses shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the C-1 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.34-1.

Table 17.34-1 C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Barbershops	✓
Beauty salons	✓
Drugstores	✓
Grocery stores	✓
Laundromats	✓
Variety stores	✓
Service stations		✓
Liquor stores		✓
Restaurants		✓

Notes:
¹ Other general service uses shall be permitted subject to a recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.34-2 and HMC § 17.34.050 through § 17.34.070 shall apply to all land and buildings permitted in the C-1 zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title may be used as a building site. Each building shall have a minimum 20-foot-wide vehicular access to a street.

Table 17.34-2 C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Zone
Minimum lot area	1 acre
Maximum lot coverage	35 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet
Minimum lot width	200 feet
Minimum lot depth	200 feet
Minimum front yard requirements	25 feet
Minimum side yard requirements	10 feet
Minimum rear yard requirements	10 feet

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.050 Landscaping requirements.

Required front and street yards shall be landscaped to a depth of not less than 10 feet. Remaining front and street side yard areas or setbacks may be used for required off-street parking. Such landscaping shall consist predominantly of plant materials, except for necessary walks and drives.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.060 Property abutting a residential zone.

A minimum setback of 20 feet shall be required wherever a lot in any residential zone abuts a neighborhood commercial zone. Such setback may be used for required open off-street parking areas.

Where a commercial use abuts property in a residential zone, a masonry wall six feet in height and screen landscaping between wall and property line at least five feet in width shall be erected and maintained between such uses and the residential zone.

Wherever off-street parking areas are situated across the street from property in a residential zone, a masonry wall or berm three feet in height shall be erected between the required landscaped area and the parking area to adequately screen said parking areas from the residential properties.

A landscaping and sprinkler plan shall be approved by the city prior to issuance of a building permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.34.070 Noise.

In accordance with the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, the noise level emanating from any commercial use or operation shall not exceed five decibels above the ambient noise level of the area.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.010 Intent.

The intent of the C-2 general commercial zone is to provide areas within the community that are primarily retail and service business in character with related hotel, office, cultural, institutional and public uses, and to provide, under closely controlled conditions, for light industrial uses that are frequently accomplished at the commercial place of business.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the C-2 zone are set forth in Table 17.36-1. Such uses shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the C-2 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.36-1.

Table 17.36-1 C-2 General Commercial Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
All permitted uses allowed in Chapter 17.34 HMC	✓
Fee-based commercial recreation	✓
Financial, professional services and office uses which are conducted in office buildings or clinics	✓
Garment assembly, manufacturing and wholesale distribution	✓
General service uses, primarily engaged in rendering services to individuals and business establishments	✓
Motel, hotel, motor hotel	✓
Newspaper publishing, printing, and publishing establishments	✓
Parking lots	✓
Nonprofit private institutions and organizations which operate on a membership basis for the promotion of the interest of their members	✓
Radio and television broadcasting studios	✓
Retail uses engaged in selling merchandise for personal, household or farm consumption, and rendering services incidental to the sale of the goods	✓
Schools, business and professional, including art, barber, beauty, dance, drama, music and swimming	✓
Trade schools	✓
Transportation terminals	✓
Telephone exchanges	✓
All conditional uses allowed in Chapter 17.34 HMC		✓
Automotive body repair and/or automotive painting		✓
Automotive repair		✓
Automobile/truck washes or laundries		✓
Building materials		✓
Contractor's storage yard		✓
Distribution agencies		✓
Equipment rental		✓
Feed and fuel		✓
Lumberyard		✓
Machinery and equipment rentals		✓
Material storage yard		✓
Residential facilities and group care facilities serving more than six persons for the 24-hour nonmedical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance; includes transitional care facilities and emergency shelters		✓
Long-term care facilities		✓
Places of assembly with a seating capacity for more than 100 persons		✓
Public libraries, fire stations, and other public offices and related uses		✓
Sales of new and used vehicles		✓
Truck terminals		✓
Utility service yards		✓

Notes:
¹ Other similar uses shall be permitted subject to a recommendation by the planning commission and adoption by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.36-2 and contained in HMC § 17.36.050 through § 17.36.070 shall apply to all land and buildings permitted in the C-2 zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded may be used as a building site as provided in HMC § 17.10.060. Each building site shall have a minimum 20-foot-wide vehicular access to a street.

Table 17.36-2 C-2 General Commercial Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	C-2 General Commercial Zone
Minimum lot area	10,000 square feet
Maximum lot coverage	100 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet
Minimum lot width	60 feet
Minimum lot depth	120 feet
Yard requirements	No requirements except as may be required by specific plan

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.050 Landscaping requirements.

Required front yards shall be landscaped to a depth of not less than 10 feet. Remaining front yard areas or setbacks may be used for required off-street parking. Said landscaping shall consist predominantly of plant materials except for walk and drives.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.060 Property abutting a residential zone.

A minimum setback of 20 feet shall be required wherever a lot in a C-2 zone abuts a lot in a residential zone. Said setbacks may be used for required open off-street parking areas.

Where a commercial use abuts property in any residential zone, a masonry wall six feet in height and screen landscaping at least five feet in width shall be erected and maintained between each use and the residential zone.

Wherever off-street parking areas are situated across the street from property in a residential zone, a masonry wall or berm three feet in height shall be erected between the required landscape area and the parking area to adequately screen said parking areas from the residential properties.

A landscaping and sprinkler plan shall be approved by the city prior to the issuance of a building permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.070 Noise.

In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the noise level emanating from any commercial use or operation shall not exceed five decibels above the ambient noise level of the area.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.36.080 Special objective standards for transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters.

All group care facilities and emergency shelters in the C-2 zone shall meet all the applicable development standards listed in the applicable zone, and in addition meet the following requirements:

Parking requirements shall be the same as for nursing homes and convalescent hospitals as described in Table 17.52-1.

All waiting and intake areas shall be within an enclosed building and shall have a legal occupancy rating as determined by the conditional use permit.

Each facility shall accommodate a minimum daytime staff of one staff member per six occupied beds, and a minimum nighttime staff of one staff per six occupied beds.

No parcel with a transitional home or emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another parcel with a transitional home or emergency shelter use.

The length of stay within a transitional housing facility or emergency shelter shall be limited to a maximum of six months.

(Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.010 Intent.

The intent of the I-1 light industrial zone is to provide for wholesale and warehousing uses as well as those industrial uses that include fabrication, manufacturing, assembly or processing of materials that are in refined form and that do not in their transformation create smoke, gas, odor, dust, noise, vibration of earth, soot or lighting to a degree that is offensive when measured at the property line of subject property.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the I-1 zone are set forth in Table 17.38-1. Any retail sales portion of such uses shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the I-1 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.38-1.

Table 17.38-1 I-1 Light Industrial Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use¹	Conditional Use²
Agricultural processing plants	✓
Bakeries	✓
Building material and lumber storage	✓
Cabinetmaking and carpenter shops	✓
Distributing plants (except petroleum products with flash point below 70 degrees Fahrenheit)	✓
Electric power transformer substations	✓
Food processing (except fish, dairy, poultry and meat products, sauerkraut, vinegar, yeast and rendering of fats and oils)	✓
Fruit or vegetable packing plants	✓
Ice and cold storage	✓
Kennels, dog and cat pounds	✓
Laboratories for research and development	✓
Light manufacturing and assembly	✓
Machine shops	✓
Mechanized equipment storage and sale	✓
Municipal waterworks	✓
Nonhazardous material, bulk storage and related uses	✓
Railroad yards and freight stations	✓
Sheet metal shops	✓
Storage building for household goods	✓
Tractor repair shops	✓
Trucking yard or terminal	✓
Wholesale and warehouse uses	✓
Towing yards and vehicle storage		✓
Chemical manufacturing plants		✓
Concrete products manufacturing plants		✓
Grain milling		✓
Treatment of wastewater		✓
Uses involving handling, storage, or shipping		✓

Notes:
¹ Other similar uses shall be allowed subject to a recommendation by the planning commission and adopted by the city council.
² These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.38-2 and HMC § 17.38.050 through § 17.38.080 shall apply to all land and buildings in the light industrial zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded, or any lot for which a bona fide deed has been duly recorded prior to November 15, 1977, may be used as a building site as provided in HMC § 17.10.060.

Table 17.38-2 I-1 Light Industrial Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	I-1 Light Industrial Zone
Minimum lot area	10,000 square feet
Maximum lot coverage	80 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet
Minimum lot width	100 feet
Minimum lot depth	120 feet
Minimum front yard requirement	10 feet
Minimum side yard requirement	None
Minimum rear yard requirement	None

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.050 Landscaping requirements.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.060 Accessory structures.

Accessory structures shall not be located in front of the main building.

Accessory structures shall meet all of the setback requirements for main buildings.

Porches, steps, architectural features such as canopies and eaves, and chimneys, balconies or stairways may project not more than four feet into any required yard area.

Accessory structures used for the selling of agricultural products shall be reviewed by the planning commission.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.070 Walls and fences.

All improved property shall be fenced with chain link, block wall or other type fence as may be approved by the city.

In any required rear or interior side yard area, a wall or fence shall not exceed six feet in height as measured from the highest grade.

A wall or fence adjacent to a driveway providing vehicular access to an abutting lot shall not exceed 30 inches in height within 15 feet of the intersection of said driveway and street right-of-way.

A solid masonry wall not less than six feet in height shall be erected along the property line (side and rear) that forms a common boundary with any residential or any commercial zone.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to a wall or fence required by any law or regulation of the state of California or any agency thereof.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.38.080 Property abutting/across a street from a residential zone.

When an I-1 zone abuts or is situated across a street from a property in any residential zone, a minimum building setback of 100 feet shall be required from such residential zone; provided, that the 25 feet of said setback nearest the street or zone boundary line shall be landscaped, and the remainder may be used for off-street parking purposes. A three-foot-high wall or berm shall be constructed in back of the landscaped area along street setbacks. Along all other lot lines adjacent to residential zones, a six-foot-high wall shall be constructed.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.40.010 Intent.

The intent of the I-2 heavy industrial zone is to provide a zone for a variety of industrial uses which frequently require large storage areas.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.40.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses allowed in the I-2 zone are set forth in Table 17.40-1. Any retail sales portion of such uses shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.40.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses allowed in the I-2 zone, subject to the conditional use permit regulations, are set forth in Table 17.40-1.

Table 17.40-1 I-2 Heavy Industrial Zone – Permitted and Conditional Uses
Uses	Permitted Use	Conditional Use¹
Batching and mixing plants, asphalt, cement and concrete	✓
Brewing or distilling of liquor	✓
Building wreckers and house mover storage yards	✓
Foundries	✓
Manufacture of paper products	✓
Natural gas storage, above surface storage in excess of 500,000 cubic feet	✓
Storage of oil, gasoline or petroleum products in any quantity exceeding 25,000 barrels on any one lot or parcel of land, except oil storage in conjunction with an oil well being drilled or in production	✓
Structural steel fabrication	✓
Electric power generating plants		✓
Heavy salvage, junk and auto wrecking yards		✓
Slaughterhouses		✓

Notes:
¹ These uses shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.40.040 Minimum property development standards.

The property development standards set forth in Table 17.40-2 and HMC § 17.40.050 shall apply to all land and buildings permitted in the I-2 zone, except that any lot shown on an official subdivision map duly approved and recorded prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title may be used as a building site as provided in HMC § 17.10.060.

Table 17.40-2 I-2 Heavy Industrial Zone – Minimum Property Development Standards
Development Standards	I-2 Heavy Industrial Zone
Minimum lot area	1 acre
Maximum lot coverage	80 percent
Maximum building height	35 feet
Minimum lot width	100 feet
Minimum lot depth	120 feet
Minimum front yard requirement	None
Minimum side yard requirement	None
Minimum rear yard requirement	None

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.40.050 Walls and fences.

All improved property shall be fenced with chain link, block wall or other type fences as may be approved by the city.

In any required rear or interior side yard area, a wall or fence shall not exceed six feet in height as measured from the highest grade.

A wall or fence adjacent to a driveway providing vehicular access to an abutting lot shall not exceed 30 inches in height within 15 feet of the intersection of such driveway and the street right-of-way.

A solid masonry wall not less than six feet in height shall be erected along the property line (side and rear) that forms a common boundary with any residential or any commercial zone.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to a wall or fence required by any law or regulation of the state of California or any agency thereof.

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.41.010 Purpose, intent, and applicability.

Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this chapter is to establish unique allowed use and development standards for subject property within the downtown area of Holtville. It is the intent of these standards to help preserve and protect the existing, historic, and unique character of the downtown by requiring new construction, remodels, and existing construction to complement the existing built environment. Additionally, through the application of these standards, the downtown will continue to be the pedestrian-oriented shopping, dining, entertainment, and living center of the Holtville community. Funding for this project was provided by the State of California Community Development Block Grant.

Applicability.

Standards and Entitlement Review. The standards of this chapter apply to all property zoned either Downtown-A (D-A) or Downtown-B (D-B) as shown on the regulating plan (HMC § 17.41.040). All qualifying projects under HMC § 17.63.020 (Applicability) within the D-A or D-B zones shall be subject to design review prior to issuance of building permit. Additionally, those uses that require a use permit as listed in HMC § 17.41.050 (Allowed uses) shall obtain a use permit prior to establishment of the use. In addition to the application of the D-A and D-B zoning districts, the downtown is also governed by the regulating plan. The regulating plan addresses how development interacts with the street and how the street is developed. The application of both the zoning district and the regulating plan are described in more detail in HMC § 17.41.020(A) (Defining the Downtown Code) and 17.41.040 (Regulating plan and street typologies and standards). Generally, the zoning district designation (D-A or D-B) defines the character and allowed use provisions for the subject site while the regulating plan defines the development standards (setbacks, building typology, street standards).

Applicability of Regulating Plan Standards. Generally, the development standards applicable to a property shall be those for the respective zone (either D-A or D-B) as well as the street frontage as reflected in the regulating plan.

Compliance Required.

If the Holtville planning department finds and determines that a property has not complied or cannot comply with the requirements set forth by this code and thus determines that the activities or improvements constitute a nuisance, the city shall provide property owner with notice and opportunity to comply with the enforcement or abatement order. If, after receipt of the order, (a) property owner fails to comply and/or (b) property owner cannot comply with the requirements, then the matter shall be referred to the appropriate enforcement authority.

As between the city and the property owner, any violation of this code may be a nuisance per se. The city may enforce the terms and conditions of this code in accordance with its codified ordinances and/or state law. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any claim of nuisance per se brought by a third party.

Property owner shall not be permitted to maintain a nuisance, which is anything which:

Is injurious to health, or is indecent or offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property; and/or

Affects at the same time an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, although the extent of the annoyance or damage inflicted upon individuals may be unequal; and/or

Occurs during or as a result of actions or improvements produced by the business.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

§ 17.41.020 Introduction to the downtown code.

Defining the Downtown Code.

The downtown code is the regulating document for development within the downtown of Holtville. The basis for this code is in two unique zoning districts – the D-A and D-B zones. The downtown code recognizes the historic character of the downtown and identifies a special set of development standards, allowed use regulations, and other special use regulations that, when applied to new construction and qualifying remodels/expansions (as identified in HMC § 17.63.020, Applicability), will ensure that the historic character is positively complemented.

The standards in this chapter are presented in a format that is unique to the downtown, through a form-based code. Form-based zoning provides a method of regulating development to achieve a desired urban form. Form-based provisions address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings, and the size, character and type of streets and blocks. The central focus of form-based provisions is the regulating plan that designates the appropriate form (and character) of development rather than only distinctions in land use types, which is the basis of conventional zoning.

This downtown code also includes regulations for the street – the space between buildings. Part of the historical context of the downtown includes how individual developments relate and interact with the street. This is because the street acts as a unifying thread across all development.

Relationship to Other Zoning Provisions. Generally, the regulations of this chapter shall govern development within the downtown, specifically within the D-A and D-B zoning districts. In cases where there is a conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the regulations elsewhere in the zoning code, this chapter shall prevail. However, with regard to topics that this chapter is silent on, provisions elsewhere in the zoning code shall prevail.

Administration of the Downtown Code.

Review of Development Applications. Generally, review of development applications (e.g., design review, use permit, variance) located within the downtown (D-A, D-B) zoning districts is the responsibility of the planning commission. The designated approval authority for each planning permit is listed under the regulations for each permit type in the zoning code:

Conditional Use Permits, Chapter 17.60 HMC;

Variances, Chapter 17.62 HMC;

Design Review, Chapter 17.63 HMC.

Amendments to the Downtown Code. Amendments to the downtown code shall be processed like any other zoning code amendment as described under Chapter 17.64 HMC.

Findings for Approval. When approving an application for a development application and/or amendment to the downtown code, the designated approving authority shall, in addition to any other findings required by this zoning code, make the following findings:

Development Application. That the proposed development complies with the regulations of the downtown code, promotes the spirit of the downtown by integrating into the fabric of its public and private built environment (the downtown's DNA – what makes its unique character) and complementing the architectural quality of the downtown.

Amendment to the Downtown Code. The proposed amendments to the downtown code are consistent with the intent of the downtown code by helping to preserve and protect the existing, historic, and unique character of the downtown.

How to Use the Downtown Code. The downtown code regulates many aspects of development, but is structured to be as user-friendly as possible. The following outline is intended as an orientation that walks a user through the primary aspects of the code:

Determine the district and street typology governing the parcel with HMC § 17.41.040. First, refer to the regulating plan in this chapter (see HMC § 17.41.040(A)) to determine which district the parcel falls under. The district is necessary for understanding the majority of the document; it determines applicable development standards and allowed uses. Next, use the regulating plan to determine which street typology applies to the parcel. Street typology standards dictate factors such as street widths, lane widths, and right-of-way dimensions. Most private development projects will not affect or need to consider street typology standards. These are primarily for the city to use when it makes larger-scale infrastructure improvements.

Determine the allowed uses with HMC § 17.41.050. The downtown code specifies which land uses are allowed, conditionally allowed, and prohibited for the two districts established for downtown. Refer to HMC § 17.41.050 (Allowed uses) to see which uses are allowed for the parcel and to find definitions of land uses.

Determine basic development standards with HMC § 17.41.060. For any development to take place on a parcel, it must be done in conformance with the regulations provided in the downtown code. The primary development standards for all development are provided in HMC § 17.41.060(B) (Area-Wide Standards) and 17.41.060(C) (Development Standards). HMC § 17.41.060(B) applies to all development, regardless of zoning district. HMC § 17.41.060(C) provides standards by zoning district, including building height and placement. These regulations essentially create a building envelope for each parcel based on its district, determining the space on the parcel in which development can take place. HMC § 17.41.060(D) (Storefront Regulations) also provides storefront standards that provide further regulation on the dimensions of building frontage features; unlike the general development standards, these standards are only applicable to commercial uses with gallery, arcade, and storefront frontage types.

Determine form-based requirements with HMC § 17.41.070. The downtown code goes beyond the traditional zoning code; whereas traditional zoning codes simply regulate uses and dimensions, the downtown code actually regulates building form and style to work towards an enhanced character and appearance in downtown. It does so by establishing allowed building styles and frontage types for each district. New development not only must comply with the standards established in Chapter 17.32 HMC, but also must comply with the form-based requirements in HMC § 17.41.070 (Building and frontage types). Refer to HMC § 17.41.070 for descriptions of allowed building and frontage types for each district.

Determine sign and parking standards with HMC § 17.41.080 and § 17.41.090. The downtown code provides regulations that govern allowed sign types and parking standards in the downtown. HMC § 17.41.080 (Signs) establishes allowed sign types for each district in downtown, design standards, and limitations for sign size and number based on the size of the building and type of sign. HMC § 17.41.090 (Parking) establishes allowed parking types and ratios by district and land use. Parking ratios are expressed as a ratio of parking spots to total square footage of the land use.

Determine additional design guidelines with HMC § 17.41.100. To ensure that downtown Holtville develops a high-quality aesthetic environment, the downtown code provides additional design considerations. Whereas HMC § 17.41.070 (Building and frontage types) provides form-based guidelines for specific structures that are allowed by district, HMC § 17.41.100 (Architectural and design standards) provides broader design considerations for all projects in downtown, regardless of the district they fall in. Unlike other standards provided in the downtown code, most of the design guidelines provided in HMC § 17.41.100 are guidelines (and not requirements) that provide ways to achieve attractive design. While these are only guidelines, the designated approving authority may still require them as conditions of project approval, so they should still be considered in all design and development. HMC § 17.41.100 provides general design guidelines for multiple aspects of design, including architectural styles, building massing, lighting, landscaping, colors and materials, and lighting.

Determine regulations specific to special uses in HMC § 17.41.110. There are additional uses that may occur in downtown that, due to their unique nature, are not adequately addressed elsewhere in the document. Regulations governing these special uses are provided in HMC § 17.41.110 (Special use regulations). These special uses include live/work spaces, public art, and storefront vacancy. Regulations are specific to these uses, and not determined by district.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

§ 17.41.030 Definitions.

General Definitions.

The following terms are used throughout the downtown code and are defined as follows:

"Alleys"

are narrow public drives serving commercial and residential development. (See HMC § 17.41.040(A)(3) for further discussion.)

Arcade Frontage.

An arcade frontage is nearly identical in character to the gallery frontage except that the upper stories of the building may project over the public sidewalk and encroach into the public right-of-way. The sidewalk must be fully absorbed within the colonnade so that a pedestrian may not bypass it. (See HMC § 17.41.070(E) for further discussion.)

"Awning"

is a temporary shelter that is supported from the exterior wall of a building. It is typically constructed of canvas or a similar fabric that is sturdy and flexible.

"Building type"

defines the type of structure based on massing, layout, and use. (See HMC § 17.41.070(C) for further discussion.)

"Build-to line (BTL)"

means an urban setback dimension that delineates the maximum distance from the property line a front or street side building facade can be placed. Typically, build-to lines range from zero to 10 feet.

"Bulkhead"

means the portion of a commercial facade located between the ground and the bottom of the street level display windows. It is typically constructed of stone, brick, or concrete.

"Bulkhead height"

refers to the height of the bulkhead (see definition of "Bulkhead"). (See HMC § 17.41.060(D) for further discussion.)

"Canopy"

is a permanent shelter that is supported from the exterior wall of a building and another form of external support, such as columns. Canopies are often constructed of wood.

"Colonnade"

is the extension of a building over a public sidewalk, supported by columns and creating a shaded overhang.

"Cornice"

means the horizontal projection that crowns or finishes the top of a wall where it meets the edge of the roof; sometimes ornamented.

"Courtyard housing building type"

means a group of dwelling units arranged to share one or more common courtyards upon a qualifying lot in any zone. Dwellings take access from the street or the courtyard(s). Dwelling configuration occurs as townhouses, apartments, or apartments located over or under townhouses. The courtyard is intended to be a semi-public space that is accessable to the general public but designed for use by residents. (See HMC § 17.41.070(C) for further discussion.)

"Display windows"

means tall windows on the ground floor of a building that are designed to display goods or activities inside the building.

DNA.

The DNA of an urban environment is composed of the public and private built environment; it is the identity of a place that makes it special and unique. Each environment has a unique DNA code, which is composed of its composite values and connections.

"Dwelling unit"

means any room or group of connected rooms that have sleeping, cooking, eating, and bathroom facilities, and are intended for long-term occupation.

"Expression line"

is an architectural embellishment that delineates the end of the ground floor and the start of the second floor of a building. (See HMC § 17.41.060(D) for further discussion).

"Facade"

means the architecturally finished side of a building, typically facing onto a public right- of-way or street.

"Form-based code (FBC)"

means a development code emphasizing the regulation of building form, scale, and orientation, rather than zoning and land use. This downtown code is a form-based code.

"Frontage line"

means a lot line fronting a street, public right-of-way, paseo, plaza, or park.

"Frontage type"

refers to the architectural composition of the front facade of a building; particularly concerning how it relates and ties into the surrounding public realm. (See HMC § 17.41.070(E) for further discussion.)

"Front yard housing building type"

means a detached building designed as a single-family residence, duplex, triplex, or quadplex. Front yard housing is accessed from the sidewalk adjacent to the street build-to line. (See HMC § 17.41.070(C) for further discussion.)

Gallery Frontage.

A gallery frontage is characterized by a facade which is aligned close to or directly on the right-of-way line with the building entrance at sidewalk grade, and with an attached colonnade that projects over the public sidewalk and encroaches into the public right-of-way. The sidewalk must be fully absorbed within the colonnade so that a pedestrian may not bypass it. Nearly identical to the arcade frontage, except the building is not allowed to encroach over the public right-of-way. (See HMC § 17.41.070(E) for further discussion.)

"Ground floor height"

refers to the height of the front facade's first story as measured from the sidewalk level up to the bottom of the expression line (see "Expression line"). (See HMC § 17.41.060(D) for further discussion.)

"Half-block liner building type"

means an attached building with a frontage of approximately one-third to one-half the length of a downtown block, and zero side yard setbacks. It is used for mixed use, residential, and commercial development. (See HMC § 17.41.070(C) for further discussion.)

"Height"

means the vertical distance of a building measured between the point where the final grade intersects a building or its foundation to the highest point of the building directly above that point.

"Infill building type"

means an attached building with a frontage that is less than one-third the length of a downtown block. It is used for mixed use, residential, and commercial development. (See HMC § 17.41.070(C) for further discussion.)

"Inset of front door from build-to line"

refers to the distance from the front door of the building to the build-to line (see "Build-to line"). (See HMC § 17.41.060(D) for further discussion.)

"Main Street"

is the term applied to 5th Street, which is the historic commercial heart of downtown Holtville and serves as the primary connecting route through town. It is primarily four lanes wide, but where it enters and exits town it narrows to two or three lanes. (See HMC § 17.41.040(A) for further discussion.)

"Maximum awning extension from building"

refers to the maximum distance allowed between the building and the end of a fully extended awning (see "Awning") or canopy (see "Canopy"). (See HMC § 17.41.060(D) for further discussion.)

"Neighborhood yard frontage"

is characterized by deep front yard setbacks. The building facade is set back substantially from the front property line. The resulting front yard is unfenced and is visually continuous with adjacent yards, supporting a common landscape. (See HMC § 17.41.070(E) for further discussion.)

"Parking type"

refers to the type of parking allowed for motorized vehicles including automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. (See HMC § 17.41.090 for further discussion.)

"Paseos"

are local and private pathways serving as alternative pedestrian and bicycle routes that do not accommodate vehicles. These paths are oriented towards the pedestrian, and provide spaces that engage users with their surroundings. Landscaping, street furniture, and pedestrian-scaled features make these engaging routes of travel while offering safe routes separated from vehicular uses. (See HMC § 17.41.040(A) for further discussion.)

"Regulating plan"

designates building form and streetscape standards based on location, street hierarchy, and character. More specifically, it addresses how development interacts with the street and how the street is developed, and it defines the development standards (through setbacks, building typology, and street standards). (See HMC § 17.41.040 for further discussion.)

Secondary Street.

The two-lane secondary streets of downtown Holtville display a mix of local retail, light industrial, and residential development. In contrast to other streets, they are characterized by narrower sidewalks and street widths, and an abundance of street trees and landscaping. (See HMC § 17.41.040(A) for further discussion.)

"Setback"

means the required distance between a property line and a building or ancillary structure.

"Storefront frontage"

is characterized by a facade which is aligned close to or directly on the right-of-way line with the building entrance at sidewalk grade. Storefront frontage has substantial window space on the ground floor. Storefront frontages provide awnings or canopies cantilevered over the sidewalk. (See HMC § 17.41.070(E) for further discussion.)

"Storefront width"

refers to the front facade width as measured from one corner of the front facade to the other. (See HMC § 17.41.060(D) for further discussion.)

"Street typology"

classifies street, sidewalk, and related standards based on the primary use of the street. (See HMC § 17.41.040(B) for further discussion.)

"Surface parking, behind building"

means a ground level public or private parking lot located in the rear yard setback behind a building. If possible, access to the parking should be taken from an alley. (See HMC § 17.41.090 for further discussion.)

"Surface parking, next to building"

means a ground level public or private parking lot located in the side yard setback next to a building. If possible, access to the parking should be taken from an alley. (See HMC § 17.41.090 for further discussion.)

"Transom"

means a horizontal band of glass that is mounted above the storefront display windows.

"Upper facade"

refers to the facade of the upper stories of a building, including the windows, window hoods/lintels, and masonry pier.

"Window hoods/lintels"

means ornamentation above a window that surrounds the upper termination of the window, such as a type of hood or pediment.

Allowed Use Definitions.

The following terms are used throughout the downtown code and are defined as follows:

"Attached single-family residential"

means a building designed exclusively for occupancy by one family on a single lot that has zero side yard setbacks, and shares a wall with the adjacent building(s) (e.g., townhouse).

"Commercial recreation and entertainment"

means establishments providing indoor or outdoor recreation and entertainment services including: bars, movie theaters, dance halls, electronic game arcades, bowling alleys, billiard parlors, ice/roller skating rinks, health clubs, skateboard parks.

"Detached single-family residential"

means a building designed exclusively for occupancy by one family on a single lot. This classification includes manufactured homes (defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18007).

Government/Institutional.

This use includes government agency and service facilities (e.g., post office, civic center, police department, fire department), as well as public educational facilities, and publicly owned parkland.

"Home occupation"

means an occupation or business that is conducted within a dwelling unit or residential site and employing occupants of the dwelling, with the business activity being subordinate to the residential use of the property. Examples include, but are not limited to, accountants and financial advisors, architects, artists, attorneys, and real estate sales.

"Hotels and motels"

means facilities with guest rooms or suites provided with or without kitchen facilities, and rented to the general public for transient lodging (less than 30 days). Hotels provide access to most guest rooms from an interior walkway, and typically include a variety of services in addition to lodging; for example, restaurants, meeting facilities, personal services, etc. Motels provide access to most guest rooms from an exterior walkway. Also includes accessory guest facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor athletic facilities, accessory retail uses, etc.

"Live/work unit"

means an integrated housing unit and working space, occupied and utilized by a single household in a structure, either single-family or multifamily, that has been designed or structurally modified to accommodate joint residential occupancy and work activity, and which includes:

Complete kitchen space and sanitary facilities in compliance with the city building code; and

Working space reserved for and regularly used by one or more occupants of the unit;

The "work" component of a live/work unit is secondary to its residential use, and may include only commercial activities and pursuits that are compatible with the character of a quiet residential environment.

"Mixed use facilities"

are characterized by commercial retail use on the ground floor, and office, hotel, or residential uses on the upper floors.

"Multifamily residential"

means a building designed and intended for occupancy by two or more families living independent of each other, each in a separate dwelling unit, which may be owned individually or by a single landlord (e.g., duplex, triplex, quadplex, apartment, apartment house, condominium).

Offices.

This use includes businesses providing direct services to consumers (e.g., insurance companies, utility companies), professional offices (e.g., accounting, attorneys, doctors, dentists, employment, public relations), personal services (e.g., barber and beauty shops, shoe repair, tailors), and offices engaged in the production of intellectual property (e.g., advertising, architectural, computer programming, photography studios). Also includes banks and other financial institutions.

"Retail commercial"

means stores and shops selling multiple lines of merchandise. These stores and lines of merchandise include but are not limited to art galleries, bakeries (all production in support of on-site sales), clothing and accessories, collectibles, department stores, drug stores, dry goods, fabrics and sewing supplies, florists and houseplant stores, furniture, home furnishings and equipment, general stores, gift shops, hardware, hobby materials, musical instruments, parts and accessories, newsstands, pet supplies, specialty shops, day spas, sporting goods and equipment, and stationery stores.

"Sit-down restaurant"

means a retail business selling food and beverages prepared and/or served on the site, for on-premises consumption where most customers are served food at tables, but may include providing food for take-out. Also includes coffee houses, and accessory cafeterias as part of office and industrial uses. Alcohol sales are allowed for on-site consumption only.

"Warehousing, manufacturing, wholesaling and distribution"

means facilities dedicated to the manufacturing, processing, and assembling of materials; the storage of commercial goods of any nature, including cold storage; and those engaged in the selling of merchandise to retailers, to industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, or professional business users, or to other wholesalers, or acting as agents or brokers in buying merchandise for selling merchandise to such companies.

Definitions of Sign Types.

The following are types of signs referred to within this chapter:

"A-frame sidewalk sign"

means a sign made of wood, cardboard, plastic, or other lightweight and rigid material having the capability to stand on its own support(s) and being portable and movable.

"Awning/canopy sign"

means a sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other material, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. For the purposes of the downtown code, awning signs shall be regulated as a type of wall sign.

"Directory sign"

means a pedestrian-oriented sign that identifies or lists the names and locations of tenants at a multi-tenant site.

"Monument sign"

means a sign constructed upon a solid-appearing base or pedestal (typically stone, brick, or concrete), the total width of which is at least 50 percent of the overall height of the sign.

"Projecting sign"

means a sign that projects perpendicular from a structure or is hung beneath a canopy.

"Temporary sign"

means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use. Typically, temporary signs are not physically suitable for display longer than 30 days. If a sign does not qualify as a structure under the building code, it is presumably a temporary sign, but subject to the interpretation of the city planner.

"Wall sign"

means a sign attached directly to an exterior wall of a building or dependent upon a building for support with the exposed face of the sign located in such a way as to be substantially parallel to such exterior building wall to which it is attached or supported by. For the purposes of the downtown code, awning signs and window signs shall be regulated as types of wall signs.

"Window sign"

means a sign attached to, suspended behind, placed, or painted upon the window or glass door of a building and is intended for viewing from the exterior of such building. This definition does not include merchandise offered for sale on site when on display in a window. For the purposes of the downtown code, window signs shall be regulated as a type of wall sign.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

§ 17.41.040 Regulating plan and street typologies and standards.

Establishment of the Regulating Plan and Street Hierarchy and Character. In addition to the application of the downtown (D-A or D-B) zoning districts, development within the downtown is also governed by the regulating plan. The regulating plan codes development based upon the street it is located along. This plan is based on the following street hierarchy and character, and as illustrated on the regulating plan (see Figure 17.41.040-1 (The Regulating Plan)):

Main Street. Main Street/5th Street is the historic commercial heart of downtown Holtville. It serves as a central spine, containing the majority of the city's major uses and acting as the primary route within town and through town. This area benefits from the presence of retail businesses, restaurants, and other community-serving businesses.

Secondary Streets. The secondary streets of downtown Holtville display a mix of local retail uses. They have a more intimate nature, as is reflected in the narrower sidewalks and streets, and abundance of street trees and landscaping. They are primarily oriented around Holt Park.

Alleys. Alleys bisect downtown Holtville and provide supplementary forms of access and lively forms of public space, with a confluence of commercial, office, and complementary residential uses. They provide alternative routes between uses, but also provide supplemental service space.

Paseos. Paseos are local and private pathways serving as alternative pedestrian and bicycle routes that do not accommodate vehicles. These paths are oriented towards the pedestrian, and provide spaces that engage users with their surroundings. Landscaping, street furniture, and pedestrian-scaled features make these engaging routes of travel while offering safe routes separated from vehicular uses.

Figure 17.41.040-1: The Regulating Plan

Street Typologies and Standards. The purpose of this subsection is to provide roadway standards that will facilitate the creation of streets that are inviting, multimodal public places for vehicular traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians. These streetscape typologies and standards are unique to this chapter and are intended to implement the vision by acting as building blocks for the distinct components and unique street types that compose downtown.

Street Typologies. The streetscape typologies allowed in zones D-A and D-B are listed below:

Main Street. The "main street" of Holtville is 5th Street. It runs in an east-west direction through the city and serves as the primary arterial and commercial corridor of the community. It also functions as a state highway route. As such, special design considerations and approvals will be necessary for development along the street. Characteristics of the main street include:

Street trees should frequently interrupt the parking lanes to soften visual impact of the parked vehicles and to help cool the air heated by the pavement.

ii.

Parallel parking and wide sidewalks should create a safe, inviting environment for both pedestrians and motorists.

iii.

Primary intersections should provide pedestrians with safe passage. Features may include pedestrian bulbouts, differentiated accent paving within the intersection, and in-street crossing lights (if there is no crosswalk signal).

iv.

Turning movements typically occur from within the main travel lanes: however, short (one to two car-lengths) turn pockets may be provided at some intersections in lieu of parking on one side of the street.

Because 5th Street is an arterial roadway, it provides unique opportunities for gateway monumentation, as expressed in the vision plan, at the entrances to the downtown area.

Secondary Streets. Secondary streets in downtown Holtville are all other neighborhood streets in downtown other than 5th Street, such as Holt Street. These neighborhood streets are home to community-serving retail stores. These streets have a more intimate nature than other areas. Characteristics of secondary streets include the following:

Landscaping and larger street trees should frequently interrupt the parking lanes to soften the visual impact of the parked vehicles and to help cool the air heated by the pavement.

ii.

Parallel or diagonal parking should be used for convenient store access and to slow traffic. Wide storefront sidewalks should create a walkable, pedestrian-oriented atmosphere.

Alleys. Alleys are narrow public drives primarily serving commercial development. Alleys provide the primary service access and loading areas for businesses. Additional characteristics of alleys include the following:

Customer entrances may also be located off of alleys. In addition, if it does not obstruct the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, portions of the alley may be used for outdoor retail space, patios, art gardens, and related uses.

ii.

Alley street lighting and landscaping should be designed at a pedestrian scale with an emphasis on creating a safe and secure environment. Additionally, landscaping shall not impede automobile or pedestrian visibility within or immediately adjacent to an alley.

iii.

For complementary residential development that is adjacent to the primary commercial uses located off of alleys, parking should be accessed via alleys.

Paseos. Paseos are local and private pathways serving pedestrians and bicyclists only, and may also provide limited service access during specified periods of the day. Characteristics of paseos include the following:

If it does not obstruct the flow of pedestrian traffic, portions of the paseo may be used for outdoor dining, retail space, patios, art gardens, and related uses.

ii.

Paseo street lighting and landscaping should be designed at a pedestrian scale. Larger canopy trees should be used where possible for shade.

Street Typology Standards. Table 17.41.010-1 (Street Typology Standards) displays standards for each street typology.

Table 17.41.040-1: Street Typology Standards
	Main Street	Secondary Streets	Alleys	Paseos
Throughfare Type	Avenue	Local	Alley	Pathway
Right-of-Way Width	(see note 1)		15' – 20'	10' – 20'
Through Traffic Lanes	4 lanes	2 lanes	1 lane	Emergency only
Parking Lanes	7' – 9' wide, parallel, two sides (see note 2)	7' – 9' wide, parallel, or 19' – 20' wide, diagonal, one or two sides	N/A	N/A
Pedestrian and Landscape Area	10' – 14' (see note 1)	8' – 12' (see note 1)	N/A	N/A
Curb Radius	25'	25'	25'	25'
Bike Facilities	Class II on-street, stripped	Class III on-street, not stripped	N/A	Designated bicycle lane(s), where adequate width exists

Notes:
1. Main Street varies in width. Refer to the street cross sections for the appropriate road width and through traffic lane standards.
2. On-street parking is only permitted along that section of 5th Street between Pine and Holt Avenues.

Street Typology Cross Sections. Figures 17.41.040-2 through 17.41.040-5 depict the street standards for each street typology.

Figure 17.41.040-2: Main Street

Figure 17.41.040-3: Secondary Street

Figure 17.41.040-4: Alley

Figure 17.41.040-5: Paseo

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

§ 17.41.050 Allowed uses.

District Descriptions. The downtown code establishes two districts that will regulate development and drive design standards for downtown Holtville, the D-A and D-B district. These districts are described below.

D-A District. This district is the core downtown district. It offers a variety of mixed commercial, retail, and residential uses, oriented around the heart of downtown: Holt Park. This central node offers more potential for unique, boutique storefronts and destination shopping. Oriented around the park, uses are easily accessed through pedestrian travel.

D-B District. This district applies to areas of the downtown/central business district not within the D-A district. While also offering a variety of mixed commercial, retail, and residential uses, it offers more opportunity for redevelopment and infill residential development. This district can accommodate larger building footprints. The area is characterized by a predominance of commercial and retail uses, with complementary light industrial use, mixed use, and residential units.

Allowed Uses. Table 17.41.050-1 (Allowed Uses) identifies the allowed uses within the downtown. These allowed use regulations are listed by zoning district (D-A or D-B). The uses listed are defined in HMC § 17.41.030(B) (Allowed Use Definitions). The symbols in the table are defined as:

P – Permitted use (permitted by right)

C – Conditionally permitted use (conditional use permit required)

N – Not permitted

Uses not listed as allowed are by default prohibited.

Table 17.41.050-1: Allowed Uses
Uses	D-A Zone	D-B Zone
Attached Single-Family Residential	N	C
Commercial Recreation and Entertainment	P¹	P¹
Detached Single-Family Residential	N	C
Government/Institutional	P	P
Home Occupation	N	P
Hotel/Motel	P	P
Single-Room Occupancy	N	P
Live/Work Space	P	P
Mixed Use	P	P
Multifamily Residential	C	C
Offices	P	P
Retail Commercial	P¹	P¹
Sit-Down Restaurants	P	P
Warehousing, Manufacturing, Wholesaling and Distribution	N	C

Notes:
1. Alcohol sales permitted on premises.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 472 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.41.060 Development standards.

Mandatory Conformance. Standards listed in this chapter are mandatory requirements that must be satisfied for all new projects and modifications to existing development. Projects shall be reviewed for conformance with these provisions as part of design review. For qualifying modifications to existing development that only require issuance of a building permit and do not require design review approval, conformance with these standards shall be reviewed as part of plan check during building permit review. "Qualifying modifications" are all modifications to a structure such as repair, restoration, or reconstruction of a structure where such work, as determined by the city planner, maintains the outer dimensions and surface relationships of the existing structure (e.g., repainting, replacement of windows or doors with matching size and style, repair of exterior materials such as stucco and wood).

Area-Wide Standards.

Area-Wide Height Requirements and Exceptions. Refer to subsection C of this section for district height requirements. The planning commission may approve architectural features such as tower elements, elevator service shafts, and roof access stairwells that extend above the height limit through design review. Telecommunications antennas and service structures located on rooftops may also exceed the maximum building height but shall be hidden to the maximum extent possible using appropriate screening and stealth technologies. As part of design review, the planning commission may approve buildings that exceed the maximum height adopted in the D-A or D-B zones.

Area-Wide Maximum Allowable Residential Development. The maximum allowable residential development in downtown Holtville is 20 dwelling units per acre as determined by the general plan land use plan map.

Area-Wide Maximum Allowable Commercial Development. The maximum allowable commercial development in downtown Holtville is a floor area ratio of 1.0:1 as determined by the general plan land use plan.

Area-Wide Parking Standards. In an effort to attract retail development to downtown Holtville, parking requirements have been reduced. Please see HMC § 17.41.090 for district parking requirements.

Development Standards. The development standards are intended to preserve the compact, walkable, historic downtown core while stimulating economic development in the commercial heart of the city. They also serve to enhance social interactions while providing appropriate levels of privacy in residential areas. Used properly, they will rejuvenate the city by creating more visual interest and architectural consistency, facilitating development that relates to the pedestrian and site user, and enhancing the character of downtown. The development standards for the D-A and D-B district are provided below in Table 17.41.060-1 (Development Standards) and displayed in Figure 17.41.060-1 (Building Placement).

Table 17.41.060-1: Development Standards
Development Standard		D-A Zone	D-B Zone
Maximum Building Height		35'	45'
Building Placement	Build-To Front Line Maximum¹	5'	10'^2,3
	Minimum Side Yard	5'	5'
	Minimum Rear Yard	0'	20'

Notes:
1. "Build-to lines" are defined as the edge where the public right-of-way ends and the private property boundary begins.
2. Through design review, larger sites may provide additional buildings with larger setbacks from the public right-of-way than otherwise permitted by the build-to line standard; provided, that a minimum of 8,000 square feet of new building area is proposed.
3. Residential buildings may be constructed with a build-to line between 10 feet and 30 feet, provided all residential buildings are sited in a manner consistent with the setbacks of adjacent properties. The appropriate setback shall be determined through design review to achieve a balance between the existing character of neighborhoods and the desired level of change. Residential uses include attached single-family, detached single-family, and multifamily residential uses. For all other uses, the 10-foot build-to front line maximum applies. For single-family homes, which are exempt from design review, the build-to line determination shall be made as part of plan check.

Figure 17.41.060-1: Building Placement

Storefront Regulations. The following storefront standards are intended to provide continuity of building form at street level in downtown Holtville. Additionally, standards are meant to enhance the relationship between buildings and the sidewalk, subsequently encouraging more pedestrian activity.

Applicability. Storefront design standards are only applicable to commercial uses with the gallery, arcade, and storefront frontage types. Descriptions of these frontage types can be found in HMC § 17.41.070(E) (Frontage Type Descriptions).

Standards. Table 17.41.060-2 (Storefront Design Standards) lists the storefront design standards. "Tags" refer to those elements labeled in Figure 17.41.060-2 (Storefront Design Standards) and described in subsection (D)(3) of this section.

Table 17.41.060-2: Storefront Design Standards
Storefront Standards	D-A	D-B
Storefront Width See tag "A" in Figure 17.41.060-2	15' – 45'	15' – 60'
Ground Floor Height See tag "B" in Figure 17.41.060-2	10' – 20'	10' – 20'
Bulkhead Height See tag "C" in Figure 17.41.060-2	1' – 3'	0' – 4'
Inset of Front Door from Build-To Line See tag "D" in Figure 17.41.060-2	2' – 6'	3' – 8.5'
Maximum Awning Extension from Building See tag "E" in Figure 17.41.060-2	6'	6'

Notes:
1. Buildings having an area larger than 8,000 square feet may have a larger storefront considered and approved by the planning commission during the design review process.

Storefront Design Standards Definitions.

"Bulkhead"

means the portion of the commercial facade located between the ground and the bottom of the street level display windows. It is typically constructed of stone, brick, or concrete.

"Bulkhead height"

refers to the height of the bulkhead which is the portion of a commercial facade located between the ground and the bottom of the street level display windows. It is typically constructed of stone, brick, or concrete.

"Cornice"

means the horizontal projection that crowns or finishes the top of a wall where it meets the edge of the roof; sometimes ornamented.

"Display windows"

means tall windows on the ground floor of a building that are designed to display goods or activities inside the building.

"Expression line"

is an architectural embellishment that delineates the end of the ground floor and the start of the second floor of a building.

"Ground floor height"

refers to the height of the front facade's first story as measured from the sidewalk level to the top of the expression line.

"Inset of front door from build-to line"

refers to the distance from the front door of the building to the build-to line. A "build-to line" is an urban setback dimension that delineates the maximum distance from the property line a front building facade can be placed. Typically, build-to lines range from one foot to 10 feet. See Table 17.41.060-1 (Development Standards) for build-to line regulations in downtown Holtville.

"Maximum awning extension from building"

refers to the maximum distance allowed between the building and the end of a fully extended awning. An "awning" is a temporary shelter that is supported from the exterior wall of a building. It is typically constructed of canvas or a similar fabric that is sturdy and flexible.

"Storefront width"

refers to the front facade width as measured from one corner of the front facade to the other.

"Transom"

means a horizontal band of glass that is mounted above the storefront display windows.

"Upper facade"

refers to the facade of the upper stories of a building, including the windows, window hoods/lintels, and masonry pier.

"Window hoods/lintels"

means ornamentation above a window that surrounds the upper termination of the window, such as a type of hood or pediment.

Figure 17.41.060-2: Storefront Design Standards

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 477 § 3, 2012; Ord. 496 § 1, 2024)

§ 17.41.070 Building and frontage types.

Overview. This section provides general development standards for maintaining and enhancing the character of downtown Holtville, including building height, setbacks, and storefront standards. This section further guides development in downtown Holtville through a form-based approach by providing building and frontage typologies for all development in downtown Holtville. All new development must comply with these form-based types. HMC § 17.41.060 (Development standards) provides the detailed schematics and dimensions for development standards of downtown Holtville, while this section establishes building block typologies that best display the desired building character for downtown Holtville. "Building types" refers to the building massing, layout, and use. "Frontage types" refers to the architectural style of the front facade of a building (the part of the building that faces the street). Together, these two typologies shape building character and the building's relation to semi-public spaces, areas accessable to the general public but designed for use by residents.

Allowed Building Types. The following building types are intended to provide a variety of flexible building styles appropriate for the small-town character of Holtville that can be used to guide future development. These provisions work in coordination with the underlying district and other development standards. Allowed building types in the different districts are listed in Table 17.41.070-1 (Allowed Building Types) and defined below. Building types are organized by intensity from most (half-block liner) to least (front yard housing) intense. An "X" means that the building type is allowed; a blank cell means that the building type is not allowed.

Table 17.41.070-1: Allowed Building Types
	D-A Zone	D-B Zone
Half-Block Liner	X	X
Infill	X	X
Terraced	X	X
Multifamily Faux House		X
Duplex, Triplex, and Quadplex		X
Side Yard Housing		X
Side Yard House		X
Courtyard Housing		X
Front Yard Housing		X

Building Type Descriptions.

Allowed Frontage Types. Frontage type refers to the architectural composition of the front facade of a building; particularly, the frontage type concerns how the building relates to surrounding semi-public spaces, areas accessible to the general public but designed for use by residents. The downtown Holtville frontage types are intended to enhance social interactions in the historic downtown retail core while simultaneously providing appropriate levels of privacy in residential areas. Allowed frontage types in the different districts are listed in Table 17.41.070-2 (Allowed Frontage Types) and defined below. Frontage types are organized by intensity, from most (arcade) to least (door yard) intense. An "X" means that the frontage type is allowed; a blank cell means that the frontage type is not allowed.

Table 17.41.070-2: Allowed Frontage Types
Allowed Frontage Types	D-A Zone	D-B Zone
Arcade	X	X
Gallery	X	X
Storefront	X	X
Neighborhood Yard		X

Frontage Type Descriptions.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

§ 17.41.080 Signs.

The following sign standards are intended to encourage creative sign design as an integral part of a building's architecture, rather than treating signs as an add-on or afterthought. Additionally, stimulating retail and wayfinding signage in downtown Holtville will increase economic activity and city legibility. While this section addresses permanent signage within the downtown, additional provisions for temporary signs, prohibited signs, and other general provisions may be found in Chapter 17.56 HMC (Signs). Where this section is silent on signage standards, Chapter 17.56 HMC shall prevail. Where the standards of this section and Chapter 17.56 HMC conflict, this section shall prevail.

Allowed Sign Types. Allowed types of signs that are permitted by right are listed in Table 17.41.080-1 (Allowable Sign Types) by district. An "A" means that the sign type is allowed; a "P" means that the sign type is preferred and highly encouraged. An "N" means that the sign type is not allowed. Sign types are defined in HMC § 17.41.030(C) (Definitions of Sign Types) and also depicted in Figure 17.41.080-1 (Sign Types). Signs that are not specifically listed as allowed or preferred are by default prohibited.

Table 17.41.080-1: Allowable Sign Types
Allowed Sign Types	D-A	D-B
A-Frame Sidewalk Sign	A¹	N
Awning Sign	A	A
Projecting Sign	P	P
Directory Sign	A	A
Electronic Message Sign	A²	N
Monument Sign	A³	A³
Temporary Signs	A	A
Wall Sign	P	A
Window Sign	P	P
Pole Sign (Freestanding Sign)	A⁴	A⁴

Notes:
1. A-frame signs are permitted; provided, that they do not interfere with activity in the pedestrian right-of- way.
2. Electronic message signs are only permitted when located on city property.
3. Monument signs allowed only if landscaped and shared by two or more businesses on a parcel that is a minimum size of three acres.
4. Pole signs are permitted; provided, that they are architecturally compatible, do not interfere with activity in the pedestrian right-of-way, are a minimum of five feet from the main building, and are subject to a planning commission design review.

Figure 17.41.080-1: Sign Types

Sign Size and Number. When a sign type is allowed for a district as established in Table 17.41.080-1 (Allowable Sign Types), the maximum allowed number and size for signs in downtown shall be as follows:

Monument Sign. For parcels that are five acres or more, one monument sign (free-standing identification sign) per site allowing one-quarter foot of sign area per foot of lot frontage on which the sign is to be located, not to exceed 20 square feet in area nor eight feet in height on a site where all buildings are set back at least 10 feet from the street curb or street pavement edge on which the use fronts. Where the subject property exceeds three acres in size, the maximum sign area may be increased to 40 square feet and height to 10 feet. Gateway entry signs established in the public right-of-way at entry points to the downtown are exempt from these restrictions. See Figure 17.41.080-2 (Monument Sign) for an example of a monument sign.

Figure 17.41.080-2: Monument Sign

Wall Sign. One wall sign per building frontage. Maximum wall sign area is determined as follows, not to exceed 100 square feet:

One square foot of area for each lineal foot of property frontage, or portion thereof, shall be permitted on each side of the building fronting on a street, parking lot, or paseo. No more than two total signs are permitted per establishment.

Window signs and awning signs shall be subject to the same area rules as wall signs and shall count towards the overall total area allowed.

Projecting Signs. One projecting sign per building, in lieu of a wall sign, not to exceed 0.4 square feet for every linear foot of main entrance facade frontage, not to exceed a maximum of 15 square feet. A blade/bracket sign shall be at least eight feet above grade directly below the sign.

Directory Sign. One directory wall sign for each primary building entry to identify occupants in a multistory building. The sign may not exceed five square feet in area.

A-Frame Signs. One freestanding A-frame sign not exceeding an area of four square feet and three feet in height per establishment. The location of the A-frame sign shall be such that a minimum of four feet of clear pedestrian path is provided.

Electronic Message Signs. The maximum area for an electronic message sign shall be 20 square feet. Only one such sign shall be allowed per site.

Sign Design. Design, color, materials, size, and placement are all important in creating signs that are architecturally attractive and integrated into the overall site design. Signs that are compatible with the surroundings and effectively communicate a message will promote a quality visual environment. The standards that follow address these issues and others, and are intended to help business owners provide quality signs that add to and support the character of downtown Holtville.

General Design Standard Requirements.

Design signs in harmony with the style and character of the development and as an integral design component of the building architecture, building materials, landscaping, and overall site development.

Sign letters and materials shall be professionally designed and fabricated.

Exposed conduit and tubing (raceway) is prohibited. All transformers and other equipment shall be concealed.

All signs shall be maintained in good repair, including the display surface, which shall be kept neatly painted or posted.

The exposed back of all signs visible to the public shall be suitably finished and maintained.

The use of retractable awnings as a signage tool is acceptable.

Placement.

Signs should be generally free of obstructions when viewed from different angles. However, trees or other landscaping that grow to a point that they obstruct the view of a sign or make it illegible shall not be grounds for removal or trimming of the trees/landscaping.

Utilize a consistent proportion of signage to building scale, such as one-third text to two-thirds wall area or one-fourth text to three-fourths wall area. See Figure 17.41.080-3 (Text Scale), which displays a ratio of one-third signage to two-thirds wall area.

Figure 17.41.080-3: Text Scale

Materials.

Materials should be consistent with the building. See Figure 17.41.080-4 (Sign Materials).

Paper and cloth signs are appropriate for interior temporary use only and are not permitted on the exterior of a building.

The use of neon is permitted in both the D-A and D-B zones if it fits with the style of the architecture and is not a nuisance (e.g., producing glare) to the surrounding properties.

Figure 17.41.080-4: Sign Materials

Sign Legibility. Avoid spacing letters and words too close together. Crowding of letters, words, or lines will make any sign more difficult to read. Conversely, overspacing these elements causes the viewer to read each item individually, again obscuring the message. As a general rule, letters should not occupy more than 75 percent of the sign panel area. See Figure 17.41.080-5 (Sign Legibility).

Figure 17.41.080-5: Sign Legibility

Sign Illumination.

The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will create glare or other negative effects on residential properties. See Figure 17.41.080-6 (Sign Illumination).

Whenever indirect lighting fixtures are used (fluorescent or incandescent), care shall be taken to properly shield the light source to prevent glare from spilling over into residential areas and any public right-of-way.

Internally illuminated plastic box canned signs are an acceptable design so long as other design requirements are followed and the sign does not exceed 100 square feet.

Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.

Light sources shall utilize energy efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible and shall comply with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (California Building Standards Code).

Figure 17.41.080-6: Sign Illumination

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 496 §§ 2, 3, 2024)

§ 17.41.090 Parking.

Parking requirements have been designed to encourage pedestrian activity and economic growth in downtown Holtville. In the design of parking facilities, consideration should be given to locating parking in the back or sides of buildings in order to maintain a continuous retail facade for pedestrians along downtown streets.

Allowable Parking Types. Allowable parking types are listed in Table 17.41.090-1 (Parking Types and Ratios) and defined below. An "A" means that the parking type is allowed; a "P" means that the parking type is preferred and highly encouraged. An "N" means that the parking type is not allowed. Parking types are also depicted in Figure 17.41.090-1 (Parking Types).

Table 17.41.090-1: Parking Types and Ratios
Allowed Parking Types	D-A Zone	D-B zone
Surface Parking – Behind Building	P	P
Surface Parking – Next to Building	P	P
Alley Access	A	A

Vehicle Parking Ratios	D-A Zone	D-B-Zone
Commercial Uses	1 sp/400 sf¹	1 sp/400 sf¹
Office Uses	1 sp/500 sf¹	1 sp/500 sf¹
Residential Uses	1.5 sp/unit	1.75 sp/unit

Notes:
1. Exceptions to parking requirements are provided by land use in the design review process. Refer to subsection C of this section, Parking Exemptions.

Figure 17.41.090-1 Parking Types

Parking Standards.

Downtown Holtville should encourage one-stop parking where shoppers park once and visit multiple stores on foot. In addition, reduced parking requirements and shared parking lots will help create a pedestrian-oriented downtown environment.

Locating parking lots between the front property line and the building storefront is prohibited in the D-A zone. Instead, parking should be located to the rear of the building.

When off-street parking in the rear is not possible, the visual impact of headlight spill and visual impact of the asphalt parking surface shall be minimized by landscaping and/or fences/walls with a maximum height of three feet.

Rear parking lots should be designed and located contiguously, or adjacent to alleys, so that vehicles can travel from one private parking lot to the other either directly or via an alley without having to enter a street. This may be achieved with reciprocal shared access agreements.

Locate rear parking lots or structure entries on side streets or alleys in order to minimize pedestrian/vehicular conflicts.

Create wide, well-lit, landscaped pedestrian walkways connecting on-site pedestrian circulation systems in parking lots to off-site public sidewalks and building entries.

In order to minimize conflicting vehicle turning movement along major roadways, the city encourages shared access drives within and between integrated nonresidential developments. This reduces the number of driveway curb cuts. The city also encourages reciprocal access between nonresidential developments to provide for convenience, safety, and efficient circulation. If incorporated, a reciprocal access agreement shall be recorded with the land by the owners of abutting properties to ensure that there will be continued availability of the shared access.

The layout of parking areas should be designed so that pedestrians walk parallel to moving cars.

Parking areas that accommodate a significant number of vehicles should be divided into a series of connected smaller lots. Landscaping and offsetting portions of the lot are effective in reducing the visual impact of larger parking areas.

10.

Demarcation of parking spaces should be legible, and the spaces should be adequately sized.

Parking Exemptions. In an effort to encourage desired commercial activity in downtown Holtville, the designated approving authority has the discretion to eliminate, in all or in part, parking requirements for the following uses in either the D-A or D-B district. This is based on the assumptions that (1) many businesses are discouraged from opening in downtown because of the burden of providing parking on small, built-out lots, and (2) the city is working to supplement existing parking supplies with city-owned parking lots. The following land uses are eligible for parking exemptions, subject to approval of the designated approving authority and the findings that the parking exemption would not negatively impact the parking supply in downtown and that the exemption would facilitate commercial activity:

Commercial recreation and entertainment.

Mixed use.

Neighborhood commercial.

Retail commercial.

Sit-down restaurants.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 477 § 3, 2012)

§ 17.41.100 Architectural and design standards.

Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these architectural and design standards is to guide preservation, improvements, renovations, and future development in downtown Holtville. These provisions describe and illustrate architectural and design standards that are appropriate for downtown Holtville. They establish the criteria used by the city in reviewing proposed development, and are intended to encourage high quality design and development, creativity and innovation in downtown Holtville.

Please note that the mandatory development standards contain the words "shall," "must," or "will." Standards that contain the word "should" mean that an action is required unless a determination is made that the intent of the standard is satisfied by other means.

Site Design. Siting involves a project's relationship to the property, the street, and adjacent buildings. In the downtown area, buildings should be sited in ways that provide a comfortable and safe environment for pedestrians while accommodating vehicles.

Building Siting.

Most of the building street wall should meet the front setback lines, except for special entry features, architectural articulation, and plaza areas or other public spaces. See Figure 17.41.100-1 (Building Siting).

Figure 17.41.100-1: Building Siting

Residential buildings should be oriented towards the street for safety considerations as well as to encourage social interaction among neighbors.

Compatibility with Adjacent Uses.

Commercial uses shall reduce potential nuisances to adjoining residential property by locating trash enclosures, loading areas, and restaurant vents away from residential uses and by proper screening of utilities and equipment.

Commercial uses developed as part of a mixed use project (with residential units) should not be noise intensive.

Refuse, Storage, and Equipment Areas.

Trash storage must be fully enclosed and incorporated within the main structures or separate freestanding enclosures. Where practical, storage at each unit is preferred over common enclosures. Trash storage cannot be placed under stairways. See Figure 17.41.100-2 (Refuse Storage).

Figure 17.41.100-2: Refuse Storage

All trash and garbage bins should be stored in an approved enclosure. Refuse containers and service facilities should be screened from view by solid masonry walls with wood or metal doors. Chain link fencing with slatting is generally discouraged. Use landscaping (shrubs and vines) to screen walls and help deter graffiti.

Trash enclosures should allow convenient access for commercial tenants. Siting service areas in a consolidated and controlled environment is encouraged.

Trash enclosures shall be located away from residential uses to minimize nuisance for the adjacent property owners. The enclosure doors should not interfere with landscaping, pedestrian, or vehicle path of travel.

Trash enclosures shall be architecturally compatible with the project.

Refuse storage areas that are visible from an upper story of adjacent structures should provide an opaque or semi-opaque horizontal cover/screen to reduce unsightly views. The screening should be compatible with the design of adjacent development and shall be approved by the fire department.

Every public, quasi-public, commercial, or mixed use development containing two or more units or businesses shall provide at least one publicly accessible on-site trash receptacle.

Architectural Standards. The purpose of the architectural standards section is to guide improvements, renovations, and future development in downtown Holtville to be consistent with the vision and goals for the area as detailed in this title and the city's general plan, in addition to the vision established in the downtown vision plan. These guidelines describe and illustrate building and landscape designs that are appropriate for downtown Holtville. They establish the criteria used by the city in reviewing proposed development and are intended to encourage high quality design and development, creativity, and innovation.

General Design Standards.

Awnings and overhangs should be used in conjunction with landscaping to provide shade for pedestrians.

Any seismic structural upgrading should be conducted in the interior of the building, if possible, unless the structural elements blend into the architecture of the exposed facade. Seismic structural upgrades should not block or alter the original design of storefront windows.

Building Height, Form, and Mass.

Create a comfortable and human scale of structures. Incorporate elements into the design of large structures which provide a transition to the human scale, particularly at the ground. Such elements may be provided through, but not limited to, covered walkways, building arcades, and trellises.

Corner buildings should have a strong tie to the front setback lines of each street. Angled building corners or open plazas are encouraged at corner locations. See Figure 17.41.100-3 (Corner Building Definition).

Figure 17.41.100-3: Corner Building Definition

On sites with multiple structures, buildings should be linked visually and physically. These links can be accomplished through architecture and site planning, such as trellises, colonnades or other open structures combined with landscape and walkway systems.

As a general rule, the scale of building(s) on a site edge should be compatible with the scale of adjoining development. Where surrounding development is of a small scale, large-scale buildings should be located internal to the site and transition down in scale as the outer edge of the site approaches.

Backs of buildings shall not be placed along a street frontage. Include entrances or public views into the site or building. If the rear of the building must be located along a street because of site constraints, then architectural detailing shall be included that provides the illusion of being a front to the building.

Building mass should be parallel or on axis with adjacent street(s) (e.g., building walls should be aligned with adjacent streets, and not angled differently than adjacent streets).

Architectural Style. New development should enhance the existing character of downtown Holtville by complementing the historic architectural themes in the community. Common names for the historic architecture in Holtville include classical revival, mission revival, and California desert architectural styles; however, the general theme of the appropriate architecture of Holtville includes, but is not limited to, the following general architectural features:

Elements that overhang the pedestrian walkway, including arcades, galleries, porticos, balconies, awnings, and canopies (see Figure 17.41.100-4 (Shaded Pedestrian Walkways));

Figure 17.41.100-4: Shaded Pedestrian Walkways

Smooth-surface building wall textures, except where brick is used;

Recessed entries and windows;

Trim around doors and windows, expecially the use of window ledges; and

Flat roofs with parapet walls (see Figure 17.41.100-5 (Roof Styles)).

Figure 17.41.100-5: Roof Styles

The subsequent sections describe individual design criteria that implement the architectural style for the downtown.

Facades, Windows, and Doors. Entries and facades define a building; they should create a statement and serve to unify its design. The entry and front facade function as the primary focal point of the structure, and they should create visual interest, enhancing the public realm and the pedestrian experience. Recessed entries are typical of commercial structures for the architectural styles established for the downtown. The following identify desirable entryway, facade, and window features:

Facades that front on public streets should have a variety of architectural features, including arcades, canopies, display windows, entries, or awnings, unless the structural integrity of the building is at stake. See Figure 17.41.100-6 (Building Facades).

Figure 17.41.100-6: Building Facades

Design building entrances as prominent and easily identifiable and create a transition between the exterior and interior. Main building entries should be accented with strong architectural definition to pedestrians. Secondary entrances should have minor detailing that adds architectural distinction to that portion of the facade. Any building with more than 50 feet of street frontage should have at least one primary entry. Entryways should be accentuated from the overall building facade through the use of features such as crowning and sashes around doors, recessed entries, and awnings. See Figure 17.41.100-7 (Entry Definition).

Figure 17.41.100-7: Entry Definition

Building entrances should be designed to protect patrons and employees from the elements. The use of awnings and covered walkways is highly encouraged.

Elements of architecture including window and door placement shall be designed in such a way as to add variety and interest to the project.

The physical design of building facades should vary at least every 50 linear feet (quarter block). This can be achieved through such techniques as listed below. In no case shall any facade consist of a blank wall.

Architectural division into multiple buildings;

ii.

Break or articulation of the facade;

iii.

Significant change in facade design;

iv.

Placement of window and door openings; or

Position of awnings and canopies.

Each building facade should include a repeated pattern of design and at least three of the following features:

Roof-top or mid-belt cornice moldings;

ii.

Dentil;

iii.

Parapet;

iv.

Window or door crowning;

Decorative brackets; and/or

vi.

Trim.

Architectural features, including crownings, sashes, recesses, or other forms of ornamentation shall be included over doors or windows. These architectural features can be varied in form but shall be consistent with the architectural style of the structure. Generally, windows and doors should be recessed between six and 12 inches from the building face. In lieu of this, trim around windows and doors and window ledges should be provided.

The design of the project shall be expressed on all exterior elevations of the building visible from a public right-of-way, alley, paseo, or parking area. See Figure 17.41.100-8 (Design of Building Facades).

Figure 17.41.100-8: Design of Building Facades

If maintaining a horizontal rhythm or alignment as a result of infill construction is not feasible, the use of canopies, awnings, or other horizontal devices should be included to maintain a (shared) horizontal rhythm.

Mullions, true divided light windows or sectional windows are recommended on residential buildings where a divided window design is desired; snap-in grilles or mullions shall not be used. Mullions are vertical bars that separate window panes, set in a series.

Windows shall not be blocked from inside a building due to retail display racks, plywood sheets, posters, or any other goods or storage.

The use of security grilles at windows and doors is highly discouraged. If security grilles are necessary, they shall be placed inside the building, behind the window display area, or otherwise hidden from public view.

Roofs and Upper Story Details.

Roofs should be given design considerations and treatment equal to that of the rest of the building exteriors. See Figure 17.41.100-9 (Roofline Treatment).

Figure 17.41.100-9: Roofline Treatment

Roofline elements should be developed along all public-facing elevations.

Articulate side and rear parapet walls by using height variations, relief elements, and thoughtfully designed scuppers (openings for draining water), downspouts, and expansion joints.

Cornice lines of new buildings (a horizontal rhythm element) should transition with buildings on adjacent properties to avoid clashes in building height.

The visible portion of sloped roofs should be sheathed with a roofing material complementary to the architectural style of the building and other surrounding buildings. See Figure 17.41.100-10 (Roofing Materials).

Figure 17.41.100-10: Roofing Materials

Avoid exaggerated roof slopes.

Access to roofs should be restricted to interior access only.

Generally, flat roofs are the appropriate roof treatment in the downtown; however, other roof materials such as shake and terra cotta may be considered as part of design review.

Walls and Fences.

The use of chain link, fabric, or concrete block fencing is generally prohibited, except that concrete block walls may be used to enclose trash containers. Exemptions to these provisions may be allowed for industrial uses through design review approval.

Fencing shall not obscure the front elevation of the primary structure on the property. Therefore, front yard privacy fences, particularly on residential property, should not be allowed. Structural members of a fence should be turned in to face the property.

The finished side of the fence should be presented to the street. On corner lots, the guidelines apply to the front yard and street side yard of the property.

Building Materials and Colors.

Projects should be designed using a limited assortment of materials, textures, and colors. Too many materials or textures lead to fragmented design.

Design projects with durable, low-maintenance, and timeless building materials of the same or higher quality as surrounding developments.

Architectural details that are integrated into the building structure and design.

The use of stone is acceptable as an accent material, such as on columns.

ii.

The use of tile on building walls is discouraged, unless it is used as an accent material. For instance, tile may be used as an accent material at the base of or as a thin trim around windows.

Structures shall utilize smooth-face stucco or plaster on facades, or other durable and high-quality material. See Figure 17.41.100-11 (Smooth-Face Facades). The use of brick on facades is allowed; provided, that it is consistent with the overall architectural style of the structure and includes detailing elements such as around windows and at the cornice.

Figure 17.41.100-11: Smooth-Face Facades

Metal seam, clay tile, concrete tile, or a similar grade of roofing material shall be used on all visible pitched roofs.

Factory-built, prefabricated, pre-manufactured buildings, portable, and similar structures, while generally discouraged, may be allowed by the approving authority and shall be designed in accordance with these standards.

All building materials shall be properly installed.

Horizontal material changes should not occur at external corners, but may occur at interior corners, or at other logical terminations.

Reflective materials should not be used to clad a building; however, if reflective materials must be used to protect the integrity of the architectural design, then the material shall not be a nuisance to the occupants of the existing surrounding structures, or a safety hazard to any type of traffic.

All abandoned materials including pipes, conduits, wires, and signs shall be removed and sign anchors shall be patched to match adjacent surfaces. Operational pipes, conduits, etc., must be hidden.

Mixed use commercial developments that contain residential units on the upper levels shall utilize materials with known vibration and sound-reduction qualities in order to minimize noise impacts.

Colors should be consistent with a historic, small, rural, desert town including, but not limited to, warm and natural desert colors and earth tones: shades of brown and sand beige, reds and oranges, ochres, and mauve. White storefronts may be acceptable as well.

Hardscape Materials.

Hardscape materials used in pedestrian-oriented spaces such as plazas, paths and sidewalks shall be attractive, durable, slip-resistant, of high quality, and compatible in color and pattern with a project's design. Surfaces in pedestrian circulation areas shall be constructed from materials that provide a hard, stable surface and that permit maneuverability for people of all abilities. See Figure 17.41.100-12 (Hardscape Materials).

Figure 17.41.100-12: Hardscape Materials

Pedestrian pathways crossing an on-site vehicle drive aisle, loading area, or parking area shall be made identifiable by the use of an alternative hardscape material such as pavers, patterned, stamped, or colored concrete.

The primary hardscape materials used for pedestrian spaces shall be high quality poured in place concrete and silver-toned concrete. See Figure 17.41.100-13 (Use of Hardscape Materials in Pedestrian Spaces).

Figure 17.41.100-13: Use of Hardscape Materials in Pedestrian Spaces

Franchise/Corporate.

The scale, design, and materials of franchise/corporate architecture should be consistent with adjacent buildings.

The city recognizes the unique development constraints for corporate retailers to accommodate the sales volume and demand of its users. The city encourages creative design solutions for franchise retail development to minimize the "one size fits all" look of corporate architecture.

10.

Security.

Create a secure development for both the site and its occupants by minimizing opportunities for crime and undesirable activities through natural surveillance, access control, and activities.

Locate buildings and windows to maximize visibility of entryways, pathways, and parking lots.

Adequate security and safety lighting for pedestrians from parking spaces to all building entries and exits shall be provided.

Street addresses for commercial, public, or multi-use residential buildings shall be easily visible on the front of the building both during the daytime, and at night.

Landscaping. Landscaping in downtown Holtville should be pedestrian-oriented and reflect and enhance the area's small town charm. These provisions emphasize the use of potted plants, trees, landscaping along urban streetscapes, and within urban parking lots. Landscaping shall be provided on site consistent with the standards set forth below:

Landscaping Standards.

Street Trees and Other Landscaping. Street trees shall be provided every 30 to 50 feet on center within the required landscape area and along public streets. Additional landscaping, such as accent plants, shall also be provided within dedicated landscape areas. Plant selection shall be from the suggested landscaping list in Table 17.41.100-1 (Suggested Planting List) and as approved through design review.

Table 17.41.100-1: Suggested Planting List
Plant Type	Species
Trees
Street Trees	California Fan Palm Arabian Desert Date Palm Queen Palm Mexican Fan Palm
Shade Trees	Modesto Ash Drake Elm Chilean Mesquite
Trees for Walkways and Courtyards	Desert Willow Honey Mesquite Texas Ebony Blue Palo Verdo
Trees for Parking Areas	Argentine Mesquite Tipu Tree Ironwood
Accent Trees	Soaptree Yucca Jacaranda Crape Myrtle
Shrubs
Small Shrubs (3')	Black Dalea Ruellia Lantana Camara
Medium Shrubs (6')	Desert Cassia Mexican Bird of Paradise Red Bird of Paradise Texas Ranger
Large Shrubs (12')	Arizona Rosewood Texas Mountain Laurel Texas Olive
Ground Covers, Grasses, Wildflowers
Ground Covers	Damianita Trailing Lantana Dwarf Rueilla
Ornamental Grasses	Deer Grass Mexican Thread Grass Bull Grass Red Fountain Grass
Cacti and Succulents	Desert Spoon Murphey's Agave Cape Aloe
Desert Wildflowers	Desert Marigold Desert Lupine Desert Poppy

Standard Design Concepts.

Use landscaping to complement the architecture, to minimize the impact of incompatible land uses, and to establish a transition between adjacent developments. Plant materials can absorb sound, filter air, curtail erosion, provide shade, and maintain privacy.

ii.

Provide landscaping to break up blank walls, shade pedestrians, accent entries, and soften the connection of paving for vehicles to buildings.

iii.

Landscaped areas should generally utilize a three-tiered hierarchy of plants: grasses and groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. All areas in downtown that are not covered by structures, walkways, driveways, and parking spaces should be landscaped in this manner.

iv.

New development should look established as quickly as possible. Utilizing mature trees and plants in landscaping is encouraged to achieve this.

Preservation and incorporation of existing mature trees and other forms of vegetation are encouraged for new development. When removal is necessary, all natural vegetation should be salvaged and replaced where possible.

vi.

The use of drought-tolerant low desert landscaping is strongly encouraged. Standard grass strips are strongly discouraged. See Figure 17.41.100-14 (Low Desert Landscaping).

Figure 17.41.100-14: Low Desert Landscaping

vii.

Water conservation should be an important factor in plant selection. Xeriscaping, the use of plants that require low amounts of water, is encouraged. See Figure 17.41.100-15 (Xeriscaping).

Figure 17.41.100-15: Xeriscaping

viii.

Landscaped areas should be protected from vehicular and pedestrian encroachment by raised planting surfaces, depressed planters, or the use of curbs.

ix.

Parking facilities shall attain a minimum of 35 percent tree canopy coverage within 15 years of completion of construction to provide shade and minimize visual and environmental impacts. As an alternative to landscaping, shade structures may be used, provided there is landscaping at their base. See Figure 17.41.100-16 (Shade Structures).

Figure 17.41.100-16: Shade Structures

When streets and other public areas are being redesigned and improved (or otherwise completed as part of a development project), include at-grade landscape areas.

xi.

In surface parking lots, trees should be installed at a ratio of one tree per three parking stalls for the perimeter of the parking lot, and one tree per six spaces for the interior of the parking lot.

xii.

Consider placement of trees and shrubs to avoid conflict with vehicular overhangs, traffic and visibility patterns, and on-site structures.

xiii.

Owners of vacant lots that contain structures shall maintain the existing landscaping on a regular basis so that the lot(s) should not give an overgrown appearance.

xiv.

Landscape should be oriented in accordance with the demands of the species for sunlight and its susceptibility to the prevailing wind.

Irrigation. Irrigation of landscaping shall only be directed onto the landscaping. Spillover onto hardscape shall be minimized to the maximum extent feasible. Drip irrigation systems are highly encouraged.

Tree Grates/Guards.

Tree grates should be utilized along all pedestrian pathways, including sidewalks to provide a continuous walking surface while providing adequate space for the tree to grow.

ii.

Install structural soil systems to direct new root growth downward below hardscape areas. This helps to postpone root damage caused to the surrounding hardscape and structures. By providing deep watering and air to root systems as appropriate when trees are planted within five feet of any permanent structure/paving/curb, additional service life may be achieved. Structural soil systems are preferred over root barriers as they are often more effective.

iii.

A minimum of six feet of structural soil shall be provided for trees. The area of enhanced root zone environment shall be enlarged beyond this minimum according to the species size planted. The structural soil can be provided under tree grates and pavement.

iv.

Trees and landscaping installed in parking lots should be protected from vehicle damage by a minimum six-inch-tall concrete curb surrounding the planter area. Planter barriers to protect landscaping should also be designed with intermittent curb cuts to allow parking lot runoff to drain into landscape areas.

Pots and Planters.

Due to the built-out nature of much of downtown, the use of alternative, creative landscaping measures is highly encouraged. This can be achieved through boxed planters and pots.

ii.

Boxed and container plants in decorative planters of ceramic, terra cotta, or other durable materials that complement architectural styles and materials should be used to enhance public areas. See Figure 17.41.100-17 (Use of Decorative Planters).

Figure 17.41.100-17: Use of Decorative Planters

iii.

Pots and planters should have natural color tones that complement the adjacent structures and desert character of downtown.

iv.

Large planters may also be incorporated into seating areas. Such planters should be open to the earth below and be provided with a permanent irrigation system.

Water Quality and Urban Runoff in Redevelopment Areas. Because of the proximity of the downtown to the Alamo River and the potential impact of urban activities on the natural environment, water quality and urban runoff in downtown areas is of particular concern. The use of bioswales and landscaped water quality basins represent the preferred approach to urban runoff and stormwater quality control in downtown. Bioswales are landscaping elements that are used to collect and purify water before it saturates the ground, and are filled with vegetation or other materials conducive to draining. Such features add aesthetic character, utilize natural materials, and serve as a functional element that allows for stormwater management.

On lots that permit it, bioswales and similar natural landscaped runoff control facilities should be used to enhance appearance of stormwater management methods and allow for groundwater recharge. See Figure 17.41.100-18 (Bioswales).

Figure 17.41.100-18: Bioswales

ii.

On large enough lots that are not paved or developed over, bioswales should be used to collect surface runoff before it crosses pavement areas and to reduce ponding and damage to walkways. Bioswales should be graded to direct water away from paved areas into detention basins.

iii.

Bioswales should utilize a slope that is steep enough to prevent ponding and shallow enough to slow water velocity. Soils must not readily drain water; the goal is to get cleaner water to flow downstream. Recommended slopes of one to four percent should be used. Flow should be sufficiently low enough to provide adequate residence time within the channel. Flow depth should not be taller than the vegetation (a maximum depth of four inches is recommended). Final design of any bioswales shall be subject to approval of the city engineer.

Lighting. In downtown Holtville lighting fixtures within developments should be attractively designed to complement the architecture of the project and surrounding development, and should improve the visual identification and safety of residences and businesses. Additionally, consideration should be given to the effects of light pollution on the environment, as well as energy conservation technologies.

General Design Standards.

Lighting shall provide security and visual interest.

All exterior doors, aisles, passageways and recesses shall be equipped with a lighting device providing a minimum maintained one foot-candle of light at ground level during hours of darkness. Vandal-resistant covers should protect lighting devices.

Decorative accent lighting and fixtures above the minimum one foot-candle illumination levels of surrounding parking lots should be provided at vehicle driveways, entry throats, pedestrian paths, plaza areas, and other high activity areas.

Exterior lighting shall be sited and installed in a manner to minimize glare and light spillage beyond property lines. Outdoor light fixtures shall be the lowest wattage necessary to accomplish adequate lighting. Lighting shall be downlit, shielded, and directed away from areas not intended to be lit and from the night sky. All light fixtures shall be installed and shielded in such a manner that no visible light is emitted from the fixture at angles above the horizontal plane.

Lighting fixtures should be attractively designed to complement the architecture of the project. See Figure 17.41.100-19 (Attractive Lighting Fixtures).

Figure 17.41.100-19: Attractive Lighting Fixtures

Lighting should improve visual identification of residences and businesses and create an inviting atmosphere for passersby.

Wall mounted lights should be used to the greatest extent possible to minimize the total number of freestanding light standards.

Parking lot lighting fixtures should not exceed 35 feet in height. When within 50 feet of residentially zoned properties, fixtures should not exceed 20 feet.

Light standards within parking lots should be designed with concrete raised bases to protect them from damage by vehicles.

Provide street lighting that is scaled for the pedestrian while still meeting vehicular needs. On local streets and within project sites, fixtures should be primarily oriented toward pedestrians' needs. On major streets, light fixtures serve to both illuminate pedestrian areas and roadways. Consider the location and intended audience when choosing a light fixture for a project.

Lighting for parking lots should be evenly distributed and provide pedestrians and drivers with adequate visibility and safety level at night.

The light source used in outdoor lighting should provide a white light for better color representation and to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Low pressure sodium (yellow light) lamps are prohibited.

Lighting should be consistent with the historic small town character of Holtville.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

§ 17.41.110 Special use regulations.

Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the following special use regulations is to address concerns and provide standards for the following types of development and issues specific to downtown Holtville. These standards should ensure consistency with the vision and goals defined in this zoning code, by providing guidance to planners, developers, and residents on these unique topics.

Live/Work. Live/work units are built spaces that function predominantly as work spaces and secondarily as residences. Live/work units are permitted in buildings through a conditional use permit which demonstrates compliance with the following standards:

The unit must contain a cooking space and bathroom in conformance with applicable building standards.

Adequate and clearly defined working space must constitute no less than 50 percent of the gross floor area of the live/work unit. Said working space shall be reserved for and regularly used by one or more persons residing there.

At least one residence in each live/work unit shall maintain at all times a valid city business license for a business on the premises.

Persons who do not reside in the live/work unit may be employed in a live/work unit when the required parking is provided.

Customer and client visits are allowed when the required parking is provided.

No portion of a live/work unit may be separately rented or sold as a commercial space for a person or persons not living on the premises, or as a residential space for a person or persons not working on the premises.

Public Art. For the purpose of this section, "public art" in downtown Holtville is defined as permanent or temporary works of art in the public realm, whether part of a building or freestanding.

Public art shall be incorporated into public plazas, parks, and municipal buildings. Additionally, the incorporation of public art into private development projects is strongly encouraged.

Possible types of public art include but are not limited to the following options:

Building features and enhancements such as bike racks, gates, benches, water features, or shade screens, which are unique and/or produced in limited editions by a professional artist.

Landscape art enhancements such as walkways, bridges, or art features within a garden.

Murals or mosaics covering walls, floors, and walkways. Murals may be painted or constructed with a variety of materials, including the use of imbedded and nontraditional materials.

Sculptures, which can be freestanding, wall-supported or suspended, kinetic, electronic, and made of endurable materials suitable for the site.

Fiberwork, neon, or glass artworks, photographs, prints, and any combination of media including sound, film, and video systems, or other interdisciplinary artwork applicable to the site.

Community arts projects resulting in tangible artwork, such as community murals, sculptures, or kiosks.

As part of design review, the approving authority may allow for reduction in the minimum number of parking spaces required (maximum 10 percent reduction) or reductions in the amount of required landscaping (e.g., 10 percent reduction in street trees; 10 percent reduction in parking facility shading) in exchange for the incorporation of public art as part of the project.

Storefront Vacancy. For the purpose of this section, a "storefront vacancy" in downtown Holtville is defined as a vacant commercial ground floor (street level) space in any otherwise occupied or unoccupied building.

Vacant storefronts shall be properly locked and secured to prevent unauthorized trespassing during the period of vacancy.

The exterior facade of vacant storefronts shall be maintained by the property owner at the same level of quality as surrounding occupied storefronts and buildings.

Property owners of vacant storefronts shall use creative temporary alternative uses of storefront window areas such as using them as a display area for community info, public art by local artists, and merchandise from other stores.

Property owners of vacant storefronts should consult with the city and Chamber of Commerce regarding possible available tenants.

Vacant storefronts shall not be boarded up, or otherwise appear derelict or abandoned.

An adequate level of exterior security lighting shall be regularly maintained regardless of storefront occupancy status.

Cargo Containers. Subject to approval of a minor use permit, cargo containers may be located as an accessory structure within the Downtown B zone only when it is used for storage directly related to the primary use. The following development standards shall apply:

Cargo containers must be improved to comply with the architectural design requirements and all other requirements of the Downtown Code.

The parcel of land for which the cargo container is to be located must meet minimum lot size requirements as established for the General Commercial zone. A maximum of one cargo container, regardless of size, is allowed per parcel.

Cargo containers may only be located in the rear yard. The installation of cargo containers within the front yard or side yard is strictly prohibited.

A maximum of one cargo container, regardless of size, is allowed per parcel.

The maximum square footage of the cargo container cannot exceed 320 square feet.

Cargo containers shall meet the setback requirements.

Cargo containers shall not be used for any advertising purpose and shall be kept clean of all alpha-numeric signage and writing.

As a condition of placement, cargo containers may be required to be fenced or screened from abutting properties and/or rights-of-way pursuant to the provisions of the Downtown Code.

Cargo containers shall be included in the calculation of overall lot coverage.

10.

Cargo containers shall not occupy required off-street parking, loading or landscaping areas.

11.

Materials stored within cargo containers are subject to review and approval by the fire department.

12.

A building permit is required for any cargo containers exceeding 120 square feet in size.

(Ord. 469 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 494 § 1, 2024)

Holtville City Zoning Code

Division II

§ 17.15.010 Intent.

§ 17.15.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.15.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.15.040 Minimum property development standards – Generally.

§ 17.16.010 Intent.

§ 17.16.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.16.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.18.010 Intent.

§ 17.18.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.18.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.18.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.20.010 Intent.

§ 17.20.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.20.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.20.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.22.010 Intent.

§ 17.22.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.22.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.22.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.24.010 Intent.

§ 17.24.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.24.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.24.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.24.050 Mobile home construction and design standards.

§ 17.26.010 Intent.

§ 17.26.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.26.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.26.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.26.050 Special objective standards for transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters.

§ 17.28.010 Intent.

§ 17.28.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.28.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.28.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.28.050 Landscaping requirements.

§ 17.28.060 Special objective standards for transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters.

§ 17.30.010 Intent.

§ 17.30.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.30.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.30.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.30.050 Patio and skirting.

§ 17.30.060 Tenant storage.

§ 17.30.070 Access roads.

§ 17.30.080 Sanitary sewer.

§ 17.30.090 Electrical service.

§ 17.30.100 Management office.

§ 17.30.110 Park storage.

§ 17.30.120 Laundry facilities.

§ 17.30.130 Removal of axles.

§ 17.30.140 Accessory structures.

§ 17.30.150 Trash enclosures.

§ 17.30.160 Off-site improvements.

§ 17.30.170 Recreational vehicle storage yard.

§ 17.30.180 Conditions of approval.

§ 17.30.190 Establishment, enlargement.

§ 17.30.200 Walls, fences, landscaping.

§ 17.32.010 Intent.

§ 17.32.020 Boundaries.

§ 17.32.030 Permitted uses.

§ 17.32.040 Conditional uses.

§ 17.32.050 Prohibition.

§ 17.32.060 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.32.070 Required findings and conditions.

§ 17.34.010 Intent.

§ 17.34.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.34.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.34.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.34.050 Landscaping requirements.

§ 17.34.060 Property abutting a residential zone.

§ 17.34.070 Noise.

§ 17.36.010 Intent.

§ 17.36.020 Permitted uses.

§ 17.36.030 Conditional uses.

§ 17.36.040 Minimum property development standards.

§ 17.36.050 Landscaping requirements.

§ 17.36.060 Property abutting a residential zone.

§ 17.36.070 Noise.

§ 17.36.080 Special objective standards for transitional housing facilities and emergency shelters.

§ 17.38.010 Intent.