La Habra City Zoning Code
ARTICLE II
Zone Standards
Ord- CC 2025-11_0
§ 18.23.010 Description and purpose - Applicability.
A.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern all matters relating to signs and sign structures within the city that are visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent properties.
B.
The purposes of these provisions are to:
1.
Maintain and enhance the physical appearance and economic value of the city;
2.
Direct and inform persons as to the location and nature of enterprises and activities;
3.
Provide guidance for design of advertising displays, structures and devices which will harmonize with their surroundings, avoid confusion or excessive competition for visual attention, and result in signage which is architecturally compatible with adjacent buildings or structures;
4.
Reduce the potential for distraction of or hazard to motorists or pedestrians; and
5.
Reduce the potential for creation of visual nuisances.
C.
The intent of these provisions is to provide a reasonable system of controls to assist in the preservation and enhancement of the visual environment, protection of property values, and the protection of the public safety and general welfare.
D.
Applicability. This chapter does not apply to the following:
1.
Anything erected or installed for the purpose of or used for displaying official notices issued by any court or public body or officer;
2.
Official notices issued and/or posted by any court or public body or officer in performance of a public duty or by any person giving legal notice.
3.
Anything erected or installed for the purpose of or used for displaying notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by any person in giving legal notice;
4.
Directional, warning or information signs or structures required by or authorized by law or by federal, state, county, or city authority;
5.
A structure erected near a city or county boundary, which contains the name of such city or county;
6.
Traffic or Other Municipal Signs (Signs Required by Law). Railroad crossing signs, legal notices, and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs as may be authorized by the city council;
7.
The display of the flag of the city, United States or the flag of the state of California, or any structure used exclusively for displaying these flags;
E.
Substitution Clause. Whenever a sign for a commercial message is permitted by this chapter, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for the duly allowed commercial message contained therein.
F.
Signs on Public Property. No person, except a public officer or city employee in the performance of his duty, shall paste, post, paint or erect any flag, pennant, banner, notice or sign of any kind or cause the same to be done upon public property, street, street median, parkway, bridge or sidewalk within the city, except for the following:
1.
Signs for special events to the benefit of the entire community and authorized by the city council;
2.
Signs affixed to temporary construction fences located within the public right-of-way during construction, when associated with a public works project, to advertise the architect, construction company or future development; provided, that no sign shall exceed twenty-four square feet in area;
3.
Signs for advertisements on bus benches and bus shelters under a regulated program authorized by the city council.
G.
Signs on Private Utility Company Poles. No person shall attach any item to private utility company poles without prior written approval from the utility company to which such poles belong.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.020 Definitions.
See Chapter 18.04 (Definitions).
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.030 Sign matrix.
A.
Sign Matrix. Signs shall be permitted (P), conditionally permitted (CUP), temporarily permitted (T), or not permitted (-), as identified in Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix.
Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Permitted = P Conditional Use Permit = CUP Temporarily Permitted = T Banner Permit = B Not Permitted = - | Single-Unit Residential | Multi-Unit Residential | Mobilehome Park | Mixed-Use Residential | Nonresidential |
Animated | - | - | - | - | - |
Attached | - | P | - | P | P |
Awning | - | P | - | P | P |
Banner | - | B | - | B | B |
Bench | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Billboard | - | - | - | - | - |
Bulletin board | - | - | - | - | P |
Campaign | T | T | T | T | T |
Canopy | - | P | - | P | P |
Changeable copy | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Construction | T | T | T | T | T |
Convenience | P | P | P | P | P |
Digital Display | - | - | - | - | - |
Directory | - | P | P | P | P |
Electronic message | - | - | - | - | - |
Feather sign | - | - | - | - | - |
Flashing | - | - | - | - | - |
Freestanding | - | P | P | P | P |
Future development | T | T | T | T | T |
Human advertisement | - | - | - | - | - |
Inflatable advertising device | - | - | - | - | - |
Inflatable character | T | T | T | T | T |
Marquee | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Memorial | P | P | P | P | P |
Menu board | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Monument | P | P | P | P | P |
Multi-tenant | - | - | - | - | P |
Nameplate | P | P | P | P | P |
Neon or neon lighting | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Non-appurtenant | - | - | - | - | - |
Off-site or off-premises | - | - | - | - | - |
On-site or on-premises | P | P | P | P | P |
One-Time Event (Residential) | T | T | T | T | - |
Painted | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Portable | - | - | - | P | P |
Projecting | - | CUP | - | CUP | CUP |
Pump-top video display | - | - | - | - | CUP |
Real Estate | T | T | T | T | T |
Revolving | - | - | - | - | - |
Roof | - | - | - | - | - |
Seasonal Commercial Sales Lots | - | - | - | - | T |
Subdivision | T | T | - | - | - |
Under-canopy | - | - | - | - | P |
Vehicle | - | - | - | - | - |
Wall | - | P | P | P | P |
Window | - | - | - | - | T |
C.
Signs Within the Public Right-of-Way. Except as provided for in Section 18.23.060(F) no signs shall be erected or displayed on city property or in a public right-of-way by any person. Any sign erected on city property or in a public right-of-way in violation of this section may be summarily removed by the city. The city will hold such signs at the city yard for ten calendar days after they are removed.
E.
Conditionally Permitted Signs. Signs that are conditionally permitted are subject to the approval of a conditional use permit and shall be processed as a conditional use permit, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.66, in addition to the requirements for a sign permit pursuant to Section 18.23.040, and any requirement for a sign program pursuant to Section 18.23.050.
G.
Not Permitted. In addition to any sign listed as not permitted in Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix, any signs which are not specifically listed in said table are also prohibited unless, pursuant to a review by the planning commission, the commission makes a determination that the proposed sign is substantially similar to another permitted or conditionally permitted sign.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.040 Sign permit required.
A.
Applicability. No person shall erect any sign regulated by this chapter without first obtaining a sign permit, which for this section shall also include, as applicable, a temporary sign permit, banner permit or special event permit, issued by the Chief Building Official, unless said sign is exempt pursuant to subsection 18.23.010(D).
B.
Number of Sign Permits Required. A separate sign permit shall be required for each sign installed; provided, however, the chief building official may allow one permit to cover a group of similar type signs for a single business entity, a group of signs on a single supporting structure, or a group of independently-mounted letters, words, or symbols intended to convey a single message; provided, that such group of signs or letters can be normally inspected at the same time and in the same manner as normally required for a single sign.
C.
Application Materials. The applicant for the sign permit shall submit sign plans that include a site plan, and building and sign elevations rendered in color that identify the following:
1.
Sign area with dimensions, sign colors, sign type, sign materials and method of illumination.
2.
Structural details and calculations (when applicable), electrical wiring diagrams, footing and anchoring details.
3.
Such other information as the chief building official deems reasonable and necessary to ensure safety of construction and compliance with this chapter and all other city ordinances.
D.
Fees. All applicable building permit fees shall be paid as established in the city of La Habra Master Schedule of Fees.
E.
Consent of Owner. No person shall erect any sign regulated by this chapter without first obtaining and filing with the community and economic development department the written consent of the owner and/or the lessee or person having possession of the property upon which the sign is situated.
F.
Approval. The sign permit shall be subject to the approval of the chief building official, pursuant to the standards contained herein.
G.
Other Applicable Permits. The approval of a sign permit does not negate the requirement for any other applicable permit, such as a conditional use permit, or any requirement for the submittal of sign plans as part of a design review.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.050 Sign program required.
A.
Applicability. A sign program is sign criteria created by a property owner that provides details on the number, location, types, height, style, illumination etc. of all signs located on a property. A sign program shall be required for:
1.
New multi-tenant shopping centers, office parks, other multi-tenant and mixed- use developments consisting of three or more separate suites/tenants that share the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities.
2.
Redesign, remodel, or redevelopment of existing multi-tenant or mixed-use developments that do not have an existing sign program adopted after the effective date of this chapter.
B.
Application. A completed application shall be submitted to the community and economic development department for review and approval. A review fee shall be paid at the time of submittal as established in the master schedule of fees.
C.
The sign program shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:
1.
A site plan of the property with dimensions that identifies all proposed signs.
2.
Building elevations drawn to scale that identify the location of all proposed building attached signs, tenant doors, windows and architectural building elements such as arches, columns etc.
3.
A sign table that lists each tenant suite with storefront dimensions (length and height) that identifies the maximum area allotted for all building attached signs.
4.
Written guidelines that include:
a.
Purpose and intent.
b.
Written general requirements and approval process by property owner or management company.
c.
Approved sign design styles, lighting and colors.
d.
Description of prohibited signs.
e.
Construction requirements.
f.
Installation requirements.
g.
Tenant guarantee and insurance requirements.
D.
Approval.
1.
Design Review. A sign program that complies with all of the requirements of this chapter shall be processed as a design review, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.68 (Design Review).
2.
Conditional Use Permit. A sign program that deviates from the design standards of this chapter, and/or includes signs that are subject to the approval of a conditional use permit, shall be processed as a conditional use permit, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.66.
3.
Implementation. Individual tenant sign proposals shall be approved by the property owner prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit and shall be in compliance with an approved sign program, unless such program is not applicable to the subject property.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.060 Design standards - General.
Notwithstanding the sign provisions of the zone(s) in which located, the following regulations shall apply to all zones:
A.
Signs shall comply with the following general design standards.
1.
Compatibility. Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architectural style of the main structure or structures on the site where the signs are to be located and shall incorporate matching or similar construction materials, colors, and other design details.
2.
Illumination. The illumination of signs, from either an internal or an external source, shall not cast stray light on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. All illuminated signs shall comply with the following:
a.
External light sources shall not illuminate any object other than the sign.
b.
Unless otherwise allowed by another provision of this chapter, signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or intermittent lights or other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.
c.
The use of colored lights in a manner that could be confused or interpreted as traffic control devices are prohibited.
d.
Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures compliant with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
e.
Any illuminated signs that identifies a business within, or adjacent to, a residential zone shall be turned off within two hours after the business is closed.
B.
Projection and Clearance. All sign types shall conform to the clearance and projection requirements of this section.
1.
Signs that encroach on public property. No sign of any type as defined by this chapter or any portion thereof shall extend or project over any public sidewalk, street, alley or other public property, unless as otherwise permitted by Section 18.23.060(F).
2.
Clearance. No projecting sign shall have a clearance of less than eight feet above finish grade of the walkway below.
3.
Interference with traffic or right-of-way. No sign shall be located in a manner which may obstruct or interfere with the view of a traffic signal or other traffic regulatory signs as determined by the director of public works or designee. No sign shall, as determined by the director of public works or designee, be so located as to create a hazard to the life or property of any person using the public right-of-way.
4.
Clearance from opening, fire exits or standpipes. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that will interfere in any way or obstruct any opening, fire exit or standpipe.
C.
Construction Requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof shall be manufactured, assembled, and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal, and city laws and regulations. All signs shall comply with the following criteria:
1.
Method of Attachment. All signs shall be safely and securely attached or anchored to the ground, wall, building, or the like in accordance with the requirements and specifications in the City's Building Code (Title 15) and as required by the chief building official.
2.
Screening. All transformers, equipment, programmers, and other related items shall be screened and/or painted to match the structure or shall be concealed within the sign and shall be install in compliance with the applicable electrical codes as required by the chief building official.
3.
Materials. All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, wood, glass, and acrylic. Techniques shall be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due to other elements.
4.
Lighting. All freestanding signs that incorporate lighting shall have underground utility service.
D.
Maintenance Requirements. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guy and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and in a proper state of preservation in accordance with this section.
1.
General Maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to maintain every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof at all times in a state of safe and good repair.
a.
All signs shall be maintained in a neat, attractive condition, and in adequate repair, as determined by the director of community and economic development or a designee, at all times.
b.
Sign maintenance includes periodic repairs to prevent sign deterioration such as fading paint, fading colors, and peeling letters.
c.
The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion.
d.
Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy, or other non-maintained or damaged portions of a sign shall be repaired or replaced by the property owner within thirty calendar days following notification by the city.
2.
General Sign Removal. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that support the sign shall also be removed. Affected surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure including wall texture and paint colors. This requirement does not apply to routine maintenance.
E.
Calculating the Area of Signs. For sign applications and permits, all sign plans shall incorporate the following methodology for calculating the area of signs.
1.
General Area Calculation. Generally, the area of a sign including logos shall be measured as the overall length of the sign multiplied by the overall height of each segment of copy or logo inclusive of background. See Figure 18.23.060-1 (General Sign Area Measurement).
2.
Sign Area Allowance. Allowable sign area either is a set square footage per establishment or is based on a ratio of allowable sign area to primary building frontage (e.g., one square foot of sign area per one linear foot of primary building frontage). Where a ratio is listed, a maximum sign area also applies.
Figure 18.23.060-1 General Sign Area Measurement  |
3.
Awning Sign Area. Sign copy area which is applied to an awning and/or canopy, shall be computed at one hundred percent of the area within a single rectangle enveloping the sign copy. See Figure 18.23.060-2 (Awning or Canopy Sign Area).
Figure 18.23.060-2 Awning or Canopy Sign Area  |
4.
Height of Freestanding Signs. The height of any freestanding sign shall be measured from the uppermost point of the sign/frame, structure to the finished grade immediately below such point. See Figure 18.23.060-3 (Height of a Freestanding Sign)
Figure 18.23.060-3 Height of a Freestanding Sign | |
 |  |
F.
Signs on City Property and Within the Public Right-of-Way. The following signs may project over the right-of-way, provided that the owner has obtained an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department:
1.
Signs attached under canopies or marquees, which shall not exceed a dimension of twelve vertical inches by forty-eight horizontal inches, and shall clear the surface below by not less than eight feet.
2.
Signs affixed to the vertical face or valance of an awning or canopy for buildings located in an MX Mixed Use Overlay may be permitted subject to approval of a Design Review.
G.
Signs that advertise or identify the business, service, entity or activity conducted onsite in a language other than English are encouraged to include an English description of the use (i.e., "restaurant," "medical office," "grocery store," etc.) on the sign.
H.
Freestanding Signs. All freestanding signs shall be located within a landscaped area or planter, as approved through a Design Review. The base of any freestanding sign shall be constructed of masonry, wood, or other suitable building materials which are architecturally harmonious with the development to which the sign is appurtenant.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.070 Sign regulations - Residential.
Zone | Attached Signs | Freestanding Signs |
|---|---|---|
Single-Family Residential Zones (R-1a-c) | Not allowed | Not allowed |
(R-2 to R-7) Multiple-Family Residential Zones | 1 or more signs with a collective sign area not to exceed 30 square feet. | 1 monument sign per street frontage, with a maximum area of 20 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of frontage, plus 10 square feet for each additional 100 lineal feet of frontage, or fraction thereof. Maximum sign size is limited to 50 square feet in area and a maximum height of 6 feet. |
Mobile Home Park (MHP) | Not allowed | 1 monument sign per street frontage, with a maximum area of 20 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of frontage, plus 10 square feet for each additional 100 lineal feet of frontage, or fraction thereof. Maximum sign size is limited to 50 square feet in area and a maximum height of 6 feet. |
Mixed Use (Residential Development) | 1 or more signs with a collective sign area not to exceed 30 square feet. | 1 monument sign per street frontage, with a maximum area of 20 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of frontage, plus 10 square feet for each additional 100 lineal feet of frontage, or fraction thereof. Maximum sign size is limited to 50 square feet in area and a maximum height of 6 feet. |
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.080 Sign Regulations - Nonresidential.
Wall Signs | |
|---|---|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements | Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements |
Sign Height/Length • Maximum height of all portions of a wall sign (including logo and multiple lines of copy) shall not exceed 15% of the total wall height. • Maximum length of a wall sign shall not exceed 75% building façade length. | Number • Maximum of one wall sign per business elevation that faces a street and/or provides a public entrance. |
Location • No sign shall encroach into the public right-of-way, unless approved through an encroachment permit by the director of public works or designee and the director of community and economic development or designee. | Area • Commercial land uses: Maximum area of each sign shall not exceed 30% of the area of each building elevation where a sign is permitted. • Light manufacturing and/or planned commercial Industrial land uses: Maximum area of each sign shall not exceed 15% of the area of the building elevation where a sign is permitted. |
Other • Channel letters, reverse channel letters and push pin letters are preferred. • Signage containing multiple elements (e.g. logo and text) on 1 façade shall be designed so that the multiple elements are located and scaled with relationship to each other. • Internal and/or external illumination allowed. External light shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures compliant with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Any illuminated signs that identify a business within, adjacent to, a residential zone shall be turned off within 2 hours after the business is closed. • Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architectural style of the main structure or structures on the site where the signs are to be located and shall incorporate matching or similar construction materials, colors, and other design details. | |
Freestanding Signs | |
|---|---|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements | Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements |
Sign Height/Length • Maximum height: 8 feet high | Number • 1 freestanding sign per street frontage of a property. • A freestanding sign shall not be permitted for each individual tenant(s). • Multiple freestanding tenant signs shall be subject to the approval of a Sign Program. |
Letter Height • Minimum letter height shall be 12 inches. • The maximum letter height shall be 36 inches. | Area • Allowable sign area shall not exceed 1 square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage. • The sign area excludes the-framework (e.g., post, masonry column or beam). For double-faced (two-sided) freestanding signs, only 1 side of the sign shall be used to determine the sign area. |
Location • Freestanding sign(s) shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the public right-of-way. Exceptions may be granted through the review and approval of a line-of-sight study, prepared by a licensed traffic or civil engineer. • No freestanding sign shall be located within 250 feet of any other freestanding sign on the same business property. • All freestanding signs shall be placed in a landscaped area and shall have a minimum horizontal clearance of 3 feet from any adjacent area used for vehicle traffic or parking. | Other • Materials, design and colors for freestanding signs shall be complementary to the materials, design and colors of the buildings for the related development. • All monument and pylon type signs must have a base element. The base element must be designed to "ground" the sign through materials, including but not limited to, rock masonry, or wood, or through decorative treatment consistent with that found on the associated building. |
Projecting Signs | |
|---|---|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements | Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements |
Sign Height/Length • Not applicable | Number • 1 per primary façade adjacent to designated pedestrian walkway. |
Location • Attached to an exterior building wall (not permitted on freestanding exterior walls, fences or light fixtures). Projecting signs shall be placed only on ground-floor façades, except for businesses located above the ground level with direct exterior pedestrian access. In the case of a one-story building, the top of the sign shall, exclusive of the suspension structure, be no higher than the roof eave line. • Projecting signs shall be mounted perpendicular to the exterior building façade, or when located on the corner of the building, at a 45-degree angle to the corner of the building. • Where located above a pedestrian walkway, the lowest point of a blade or bracket sign shall be a minimum of 8 feet above grade. • A sign may project a maximum of 5 feet from the building, but is not permitted to project over or onto the public right-of-way, without the approval of an encroachment permit by the director of public works or his/her designee. • The sign shall be suspended with a clear space of at least 6 inches between the sign and the structure. Exceptions may be granted consistent with applicable Building Code requirements. | Area • Maximum 6 square feet for each blade and/or bracket signs. |
Other • Sign materials shall match those used on the buildings on the site and any other signs on the site. • Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the design and scale of the sign. | |
Awning and Canopy Signs | |
|---|---|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements | Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements |
Sign Height/Length • Not applicable | Number • Maximum of 1 sign per individual awning and/or canopy. |
Location • Awning and/or canopy signs shall only be allowed for first-story occupancies. | Area • Signage shall only be permitted on the valance. • Signage shall not exceed 70% of the valance area. |
Other • The shape of the awning or canopy must reflect the architectural style of the building to which it relates. • Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the awning or architectural projection shall be allowed. Temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings. | |
Automobile Service Station Signs | |
|---|---|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements | Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements |
• One freestanding sign, or 1 monument sign; each sign may include name of fuel business, and name of convenience store, price of fuel, credit cards accepted, and existence of a car wash. • One attached sign to each device providing air or water service, recharging for electric vehicles and similar services. • One pump-top video display terminal per pump dispenser. | • Maximum of 1 canopy sign per street frontage and limited to 20 square feet not to exceed 70% of the vertical face on which the sign is located. • Attached signs that identify onsite services (air, water, recharging etc.) are limited to 4 square feet and shall not be illuminated. • Pump-top video displays are limited to a maximum viewable screen area of 19 inches measured diagonally. • Pump-top video display terminals shall be located a minimum of 40 feet to any residential zone or residential use boundary line. |
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.090 Sign regulations - Temporary signs.
Construction Signs | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
• A temporary sign permit must be obtained prior to the erection of a construction sign. • The placement of multiple on-site construction signs shall be subject to review and approval by the chief building official. | • A construction sign not exceeding 45 square feet may be maintained on any lot or parcel that is undergoing construction. • Any such sign(s) shall be removed no later than 3 working days after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. |
Real Estate Signs ("For Sale, Lease, Rental and/or Open House Signs") | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
Temporary On-Site Residential • Signs shall not exceed 8 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height. Temporary On-Site Commercial and Industrial • Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height. Temporary Residential Open House Signs • Signs shall not exceed 6 square feet in area and shall not exceed 4 feet in height. • One open house directional sign may be placed in the parkway at any 2 intersections closest to the open house property within the city. The sign location shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular access or pose a safety hazard. • 2 flags and open house sign may be placed in the parkway of the open house. • No signs shall be posted at any time along any street median or parkway, street tree or utility pole. General Standards for All Real Estate Signs • A permit for temporary real estate signs is not required. • All signs shall be placed not less than 10 feet back from the curb face and not within the public right-of-way. • No sign shall be so located as to create a hazardous condition. | Temporary On-site Residential, Commercial or Industrial • Sign shall be removed not more than 15 days after the close of escrow, lease or rental. Temporary Residential Open House Signs • No open house signs shall be allowed on any day of the week except Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays only from sunrise to sunset. • Any open house signs remaining in the parkway after the weekend or holiday shall be subject to confiscation by the city and a citation may be issued after 1 written warning. |
Subdivision Signs | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
• A temporary sign permit must be obtained prior to the erection of a subdivision sign. • Subdivision signs may be erected along each street frontage of the subject lot for the purpose of advertising building sales in residential tracts. • No sign shall exceed an area of 50 square feet or 12 feet in height. | • Subdivision signs shall be removed within 12 months from the date of the approval or within 15 days after the close of escrow or date of lease or rental of such property, whichever period is the lesser, provided however, that such time limitation may be extended (for good cause shown) by the director of community and economic development. |
Banners | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
• A banner permit must be obtained prior to installation. • The maximum area of any banner shall not exceed 45 square feet. • Must be constructed of plastic, vinyl, canvas or other weather resistant material. Banners may not be constructed of paper, cardboard, clear plastic or similar material. • Banners may not be used in lieu of a permanent sign. • Must be attached to an exterior building wall, located below the eave or roof parapet. No banners are allowed above the eave or roof line, on freestanding light fixtures, ancillary buildings, vehicles, landscape features or plant materials. | • Shall not be displayed more than 30 consecutive days. • Shall be obtained no more than 3 times per calendar year with a minimum period of 30 days between each permit. |
Seasonal Commercial Sales Lots | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
• Signs related to a seasonal commercial sales lot may be displayed upon the approval of the special event permit. • Signs shall not exceed a collective total of 100 square feet of area. • No sign shall exceed a height of 8 feet. • Only one sign shall be allowed per commercial street frontage. | • All signs related to a seasonal commercial sales lot shall be removed upon the expiration of the special event permit. |
Window Signs | |
|---|---|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements | Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements |
Sign Height/Length Not applicable | • A permit for window signs is not required. Number • Maximum 3 signs for windows up to 50 square feet in area. • Maximum 5 signs for windows up to 100 square feet in area. |
Location • Window signs must be located on the interior of the window. | Area • Window signs must not obscure more than 33% of the total window or door area visible from a public street, right-of-way or parking lot. |
Portable Signs | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
• A permit for the use of a portable sign is not required. • Shall not extend into the public right-of-way or adjacent properties. • Shall not be placed within any required parking spaces. • Sign may be placed within building recesses or in a manner as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic flow. • Sign shall not exceed a collective total of 12 square feet of area. • No sign shall exceed a height of 36 inches measured from the pavement to the highest point of the sign and 24 inches in width measured between the outer most edges of the sign or frame, whichever is greater. • Only one sign shall be allowed per business. | • The use of a portable sign is only permitted during the established hours of operation of the business. • The sign shall be removed and stored inside the building at the close of each business day. |
Campaign Signs | |
|---|---|
Standards | Time Limitation |
• A permit for the use of campaign signs is not required. Location • Shall not be posted without prior written approval of the property owner. • Shall not be posted upon any public property, including, but not limited to: streets, traffic signs, sidewalks, parkways, medians, and city parks. • Shall not be attached to any tree, fence, utility pole, nor affixed in any permanent manner to any structure. • Shall not be located as to constitute a hazard to auto and pedestrian traffic. • Shall not be located within 100 feet of a polling place in accordance with the Elections Code. Sign Height/Length/Illumination/Content • Shall not exceed 4 square feet in area and shall not exceed an overall height of 5 feet. • Shall not be illuminated either directly or indirectly. • Shall include the name and address of the sponsor or individual responsible for posting of the political sign. | • Shall be removed within 10 calendar days after the election. • Any campaign sign posted in violation of this Chapter may be removed by the city after providing 24 hour notice to the property owner. • The cost of removal of any campaign signs will be charged to the candidate, committee or the organization whose name appears on the sign as sponsor or responsible person or entity for such sign. • The city shall hold campaign signs removed pursuant to this section at the city yard for 10 calendar days after they are removed for pick-up by the owner. |
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.100 Removal of illegal signs and abandoned signs - Public nuisance abatement.
In addition to any other lawful method for enforcement of the provisions of the La Habra Municipal Code (LHMC), the city may follow the provisions of this chapter.
A.
Illegal Signs. Any sign which was not lawfully erected or maintained, or was not in conformance with the ordinance in effect at the time of the erection of the sign, or which was not installed with a valid permit from the city, or which poses a danger to persons or property, shall be considered illegal.
1.
Illegal signs shall be abated or removed by the property owner and/or tenant within thirty days after receiving notice of the violation.
2.
In the event that the property owner and/or tenant does not remove an illegal sign, within the given time, then such sign shall be required to be removed through an abatement process pursuant to the provisions of LHMC Chapter 18.74. The duty to abate arises upon notice by a city official. Such notice shall give property owners thirty calendar days to cure/abate by conformance to current law and/or current permit requirements, to abate by removal or other remedial action. If the property owner and/or sign owner fails or refuses to cure/abate within thirty calendar days of said notice, a designated city official may initiate nuisance abatement proceedings pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 18.74.
B.
Abandoned Signs. The following standards shall apply to conforming and nonconforming abandoned signs.
1.
Abandoned or Vacated Business Signs. Any sign that pertains to a business/use or occupation which has vacated or is no longer using the particular property for a period of thirty calendar days or more, or which relates to a time or event which no longer applies, or constitutes false advertising/identification, shall conform to the following:
a.
The sign or sign copy shall be removed within thirty calendar days after the associated business/use, occupation, or event has vacated the premises. An abandoned sign is prohibited, and the removal shall be the responsibility of the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises.
b.
If the sign structure is maintained, the sign copy shall be replaced with a blank sign copy within thirty calendar days of the close of the associated business/use, occupation, event or operation (e.g., no utility service, business/use is not open for more than thirty calendar days).
c.
A blank sign copy shall mean, a sign face or sign copy that does not display any visible advertising matter. No exposed light fixtures or exposed internal wiring is permitted for vacated business signs.
d.
A sign structure that is maintained with a blank copy shall only be allowed to remain for twelve consecutive months from the date of the closure of the business/use. At the conclusion of this time period, if no new business/use utilizes the sign structure, the entire sign structure shall be removed by the property owner. If the sign is not removed, a code enforcement officer or designated city personnel may have the sign removed in accordance with the public nuisance abatement provisions of LHMC Chapter 18.74 and the property owner will be held responsible for the cost of removal.
e.
Any prior exceptions, adjustments, or modifications granted for the abandoned or obsolete sign are void forty-five calendar days after the business is no longer in operation, provided the sign structure was continually maintained with a blank sign copy pursuant to this chapter.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.23.110 Nonconforming signs.
Every sign in existence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and which was legal at the time of installation, and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, is a legal, nonconforming sign. The following requirements shall apply to all legal, nonconforming signs.
B.
No new sign shall be approved for a site, structure, building, or use that contains nonconforming signs unless such nonconforming signs are removed or modified to conform with the provisions of this chapter.
C.
No building permit or discretionary permit shall be issued for any structures, building expansion, or new building construction on a site which contains nonconforming signs, unless all signs on the site are brought into conformance with this chapter. This does not apply to interior alterations which do not substantially change the character or intensity of the site.
D.
All nonconforming signs shall be removed at such time as the use of any site, building, or structure is changed. A change in business ownership shall not be deemed a change of use, pursuant to this section.
E.
Removal/Abatement. Any sign which becomes nonconforming as a result of the provisions of this chapter shall be protected from removal by applicable provisions of state law and may be removed only as allowed by state law. The city shall order signs to be abated by the property owner and/or person or entity responsible for the sign installation and/or maintenance.
F.
Maintenance and Repair. Any sign currently in use that was legally installed but does not conform to the requirements of this chapter may continue with routine maintenance and repair, such as repainting, or replacement of the sign face or sign copy. No enlargement or physical change or the construction of additional sign area is permitted. For the purposes of this section "physical change" means any type of change to the structure of a sign.
G.
Restoration of Damaged Signs. As determined by the director of community and economic development, whenever fifty percent or less of a nonconforming sign is destroyed by fire or other calamity (not including intentional acts), the sign may be restored to its nonconforming condition and the sign modified as necessary to comply with current code requirements. Any nonconforming sign destroyed by more than fifty percent of its assessed value shall not be restored unless it is brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.24.010 Generally.
The regulations contained in this chapter shall apply in the R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c single-unit dwelling zones unless otherwise provided in this title.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.24.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.24.030 Accessory uses permitted.
In the R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c zones, the following accessory uses are permitted:
A.
The accessory buildings necessary to such use located on the same lot or parcel of land including a private garage, the capacity of which shall not exceed three automobiles (for occupancy and storage of trailers, boats, etc., see Section 18.12.090).
C.
Private greenhouses of not to exceed one thousand two hundred square feet in area and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
D.
Poultry, rabbits or similar livestock raised for food, scientific or fur bearing purposes; provided that not more than twelve of any one or combination of such animals may be maintained on one lot. The keeping of such fowl and animals shall conform to all other provisions of law governing same, and no fowl or animals, nor any pen or coop, shall be kept or maintained within fifty feet of any dwelling or other building used for human habitation, or within one hundred feet of the front lot line of the lot upon which it is located, or within one hundred feet of any public park, school, hospital or similar institution. (See Title 6 of this code for more restrictive provisions for specifically named animals and fowl.)
E.
Yard Sales. "Yard sale" shall mean any event where items of personal property owned, utilized, or maintained by the occupants of the premises, other than a licensed commercial business, are to be offered for sale to the general public, including garage, estate and moving sales. Rummage sales by licensed non-profit organizations are not included within this definition.
1.
It is unlawful for any person to conduct, or allow to be conducted, a yard sale in violation of the following regulations:
a.
Yard sales shall only be conducted on properties owned and permitted for residential use;
b.
All items sold at a yard sale must be used goods, wares or merchandise of a household or personal nature, from that household, and not acquired elsewhere for resale;
c.
A yard sale may not be held for more than three consecutive weekend days;
d.
Yard sales may only be conducted on the second weekend of every month with a maximum of four yard sales per calendar year per residentially zoned parcel. For purposes of this section, "weekend" is defined as a consecutive Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Exception: The director of community development may under special circumstances approve yard sales on alternate weekends;
e.
Yard sale activity shall be limited to the hours of eight a.m. to five p.m.;
f.
Yard sale activity shall not be conducted in the public right-of-way including sidewalks, parkways, streets or alleys;
g.
Yard or garage sales advertising signs may not be posted on telephone poles, streetlights, traffic signs, or any other structure in the public right-of-way. Signs may be posted on premises other than those of the sale, only with the written permission of the owner of those premises. Signs may be posted two days prior to the event and shall be removed at the termination of the sale.
2.
Penalty. Violation of this section shall be deemed an infraction, except as provided for herein. The city upon the first offense for failing to comply with the provisions relating to yard sales, shall advise the property owner/resident of the regulations of this section. The city upon the fourth yard sale shall provide a letter to the property owner/resident warning that the next such event will result in violation of this section. For the first violation of this section, the fine shall be one hundred dollars within the calendar year period. For the second violation of this section within the calendar year period, the fine shall be two hundred dollars. The fine for the third and each additional violation of this section within the calendar year period shall be five hundred dollars, or may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and at the discretion of city authorities. The city, at its discretion, may pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Pursuit of one remedy does not preclude the pursuit of any other remedies.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1727 § 3, 2011; Ord. 1813 § 1, 2019)
§ 18.24.040 Standards of development.
In the R-1A, R-1B, and R-1C zones, the following standards of development shall apply:
A.
Building Height.
1.
Two and one-half stories and not to exceed thirty-five feet.
2.
Accessory Buildings. All detached accessory structures, including, but not limited to, garages, garden and storage sheds, and accessory living quarters, shall not exceed a height of one story or fifteen feet, whichever is less. All accessory buildings shall be architecturally and visibly compatible with the main dwelling unit. This provision shall not apply to structures that comply with the setback requirements for the main dwelling.
3.
No penthouses or roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment; towers, steeples or other structures shall exceed the height limit provided in this title. Radio and television masts, camouflaged wireless communication facilities, flagpoles, chimneys and smokestacks may extend not more than thirty-five feet above the height limit provided in this title; provided, however, that the same may be safely erected and maintained at such height in view of the surrounding conditions and circumstances.
B.
Front Yard.
1.
There shall be a front yard of not less than that identified in Table 18.24.040.B or twenty-five percent of the depth of the lot, whichever is less, except where lots comprising forty percent of the frontage on one side of a street between intersecting streets are developed with buildings having an average front yard with a variation of not more than ten feet, no building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall project beyond the average front yard line established. In determining such front yard depth, buildings located more than thirty-five feet from the front property line or buildings facing a side street on a corner lot shall not be counted.
Table 18.24.040.B | |
|---|---|
Zone | Distance from Front Property Line |
R-1a | 25 feet |
R-1b | 25 feet |
R-1c | 20 feet |
2.
For all buildings or houses fronting on a cul-de-sac, there shall be a minimum setback of fifteen feet from the property line to all parts or portions of such buildings or houses.
3.
Where yards are required in this chapter, they shall be not less in depth or width than the minimum dimension specified for any part, and they shall be at every point open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as follows:
a.
Cornices, canopies, carports, eaves or other similar architectural features not providing additional floor space within the building may extend into a required front, side or rear yard not to exceed two feet six inches.
b.
Open, unenclosed, uncovered porches, platforms or landing places which do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, may extend into any front, yard not more than six feet; provided, however, that an open work railing not more than thirty inches in height shall be installed or constructed on any such porch, platform or landing place.
4.
The area of the required front yard setback, except for required driveways and walkways, shall be landscaped with evergreen or similar plant and lawn materials and maintained to provide a consistent greenbelt along all residential neighborhoods. At no time shall any portion of the required landscaped front yard setback be used for the parking or storage of any vehicle of any kind or any vehicle parts or similar item except as provided in Section 18.12.050(F) of this title.
C.
Side Yards.
1.
There shall be a side yard on each side of a main building of not less than five feet; provided, that there shall be a side yard along the street side of all corner lots of not less than ten feet. Where a garage is attached to or built into the main building, such garage shall be set back a minimum of twenty feet from the side lot line along the street side of a corner lot when the garage door faces the street.
3.
On a corner lot no detached accessory buildings shall be located at a distance less than ten feet from the side street line. A detached garage shall be located at least twenty feet from the side street line when the garage door faces the street.
D.
Rear Yard.
1.
There shall be a rear yard behind every main building of not less than twenty-five feet or twenty-five percent of the depth of the lot, whichever is less.
3.
A private garage of not to exceed six hundred square feet may be a part of the main building if the garage and the main building have a common wall of not less than five feet in length, or if connected by a roof of not less than five feet in width. Such attached garage may extend into the required rear yard for a distance of not more than fifteen feet.
4.
A private garage may be connected to a single-unit residence with an unenclosed breezeway, and in such cases the garage need not be considered part of the main building for purposes of maintaining the required rear yard.
5.
On through lots, either line separating such lot from a public thoroughfare may be designated by the owner as the front lot line. In such cases, the minimum rear yard shall be the average of the yards on lots next adjoining. If such lots next adjoining are undeveloped, the minimum rear yard shall conform to the front yard setback for the zone in which the property is located.
6.
A patio roof may extend into a required rear yard setback no more than fifteen feet; provided, however, the patio is unenclosed on no less than two sides. For purposes of this subsection, an enclosure shall be a wall of solid material either transparent or opaque that is higher than three feet.
7.
An addition for habitable purposes to an existing single-unit structure may encroach a maximum of fifteen feet into the required rear yard setback subject to the following provisions:
a.
For the purposes of this chapter, an existing single-unit structure shall be one for which the certificate of occupancy was issued at least one year prior to the approval of any encroachment allowed by this chapter.
b.
Any addition allowed by this chapter shall be deemed by the planning division of the city to be similar to and compatible with the architecture of the existing structure with particular reference to the roof line, the roof covering and the exterior wall surface.
c.
A minimum of one thousand square feet of usable yard area as defined in subsection F of this section.
d.
A minimum setback of ten feet from the rear property line shall be maintained.
E.
Area Requirements.
1.
The minimum lot area shall be not less than identified in Table 18.24.040.E.
Table 18.24.040.E | ||
|---|---|---|
Zone | Minimum Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit | Minimum Ground Floor Area |
R-1a | >10,000 sf per dwelling | >1,500 sf |
R-1b | >7,200 sf per dwelling | >1,200 sf |
R-1c | >5,500 sf per dwelling | >1,000 sf |
Except any lot with less area than herein required and was recorded prior to the passage of this section may be developed with a single-unit dwelling unit and any accessory use permitted by this title. Minimum floor areas shall not include open or enclosed porches, patios or garages.
F.
Usable Yard Area.
1.
For each dwelling unit placed on a lot or parcel there shall be provided one thousand square feet of usable yard area. Such usable yard space shall have no dimension less than fifteen feet, except that not more than fifty percent of the required usable yard area may have a minimum dimension of twelve feet. This area may be provided at any location on the lot except in the required front yard or in a required side yard abutting a street. Such space may be divided into not more than two separate subareas.
2.
Such usable area shall not be used for parking, driveways, automobile turning area or accessory buildings. Maximum gradient for usable yard area shall be five percent.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023; Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.24.050 Special development standards.
In the R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c zones, the following special development standards shall apply:
C.
Miscellaneous Requirements.
1.
Every dwelling shall be on a lot having a minimum of sixty feet frontage upon a dedicated street, or access to a dedicated street via a private roadway or easement. The minimum frontage onto a private roadway or easement shall be twenty feet. Where a lot has less than sixty feet but more than forty-four feet of frontage as herein required, and recorded prior to the passage of the ordinance codified in this title, the lot may be improved with new, reconstructed and/or additions to single-unit homes.
D.
The director of community development or his/her designee may approve variations from subsections B, C, D, E and F of Section 18.24.040 and subsection A of this section for existing legal nonconforming conditions. The director of community development or his/her designee may approve variations from subsection G of Section 18.24.040 as hereinbefore prescribed; providing further, that there is no building floor increase and that the expense of such rehabilitation of the building does not exceed fifty percent of the fair market value of the building or structure. Administrative consideration of the project is subject to appropriate conditions which may be placed on the property as determined by the director of community development or his/her designee. Any decision may be appealed to the planning commission within ten working days. Any decision of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council within ten working days.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1748 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1813 § 2019; Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.26.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards, land use regulations and permit processes for the development of multiple family housing; and to implement the general plan goals and policies.
(Ord. 1803 § 3, 2019)
§ 18.26.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1803 § 3, 2019)
§ 18.26.030 Accessory uses permitted.
In the R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 and R-7 zones the following accessory uses are permitted:
A.
Accessory Buildings. The accessory buildings necessary to such use located on the same lot or parcel of land.
(Ord. 1803 § 3, 2019)
§ 18.26.040 Standards of development.
A.
All development shall comply with the basic development standards as set forth in Table 18.26.040.A and in the following subsections.
Table 18.26.040.A | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regulations | Zones | Additional Requirements | |||
R-2 | R-3 R-4 | R-5 R-6 | R-7 | ||
Allowed Density (dwelling units per acre) | |||||
Maximum | 14 | R-3: 15 R-4: 24 | R-5:30 R-6:36 | 50 | |
Minimum Setbacks (feet) | |||||
Front, First 2 Stories | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | See Section 18.26.040.C |
Front, 3rd Story and Above | 20 | 20 | See Section 18.26.040.C | ||
Side Corner, First 2 Stories | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 | |
Side Corner, 3rd Story and Above | 15 | 20 | 20 | ||
Side Interior, First 2 Stories | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 | |
Side Corner, 3rd Story and Above | 10 | 15 | 15 | ||
Rear, First 2 Stories | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 | |
Rear, 3rd Story and Above | 15 | 20 | 20 | ||
Maximum Lot Coverage (percentage) | |||||
Lot Coverage | 35% | 40% | 50% | 60% | See Section 18.26.040.D.1 |
Maximum Height and Number of Stories (feet) | |||||
Primary Building | 35 | 36 | 48 | 60 | See Section 18.26.040.B |
Accessory Building | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | |
Number of Stories | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
Open Space Requirement (square feet per dwelling unit) | |||||
Private Usable Yard Area | 250 | See Section 18.26.040.E | |||
Common Useable Yard Area | 400 | ||||
Minimum Dwelling Unit Size (square feet per dwelling unit) | |||||
One-Unit Dwelling | 1,000 | ||||
Multi-Unit Studio Unit | 480 | ||||
Multi-Unit 1 Bedroom Unit | 700 | ||||
Multi-Unit 2 Bedroom Unit | 900 | ||||
Multi-Unit 3 Bedroom Plus | 900 + 150 for each additional bedroom | ||||
Area Requirements | |||||
Under 10,000 square feet | 3,350 | R-3: 3,000 R-4: 2,850 | R-5: 1,800 R-6: 1,450 | 1,200 | |
10,001 through 20,000 square feet | 3,100 | R-3: 2,600 R-4: 2,100 | R-5: 1,600 R-6: 1,300 | 1,000 | |
20,001 square feet + | 2,850 | R-3: 2,350 R-4: 1,800 | R-5: 1,450 R-6: 1,200 | 870 | |
B.
Building Height.
1.
Maximum Height—Other Structures. Roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, towers, steeples, or other rooftop equipment may exceed the height limit provided in this title. Provided, that they are architecturally compatible with the design and scale of the building.
2.
Rooftop deck and patio may be permitted and may have a railing/wall that does not exceed six feet.
C.
Yard Setbacks.
1.
Cul-de-sacs. For all buildings, fronting on a cul-de-sac there shall be a minimum yard and building setback of fifteen feet from the property line to all parts or portions of such buildings or houses.
2.
Definition. Yards and setbacks where required in this title shall be required for an overall development and shall not pertain to individual units within the development. They shall be at every point open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as follows:
a.
Cornices, canopies, eaves or other similar architectural features, not providing additional floor space within the building may extend into required setbacks as approved by the planning commission.
b.
Open, unenclosed, uncovered porches, platforms or landing places, which do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building not more than six feet into the front setback; provided, however, that an open work railing not more than thirty-six inches in height may be installed or constructed on any such porch, platform or landing place.
c.
Fountains, public art, and plants as approved by the planning commission.
3.
Patio Location. No patio area designed for or used for outdoor recreational purposes shall be located within the required front yard or within a required side yard abutting a street.
4.
The roof platform created by the difference between the first-story setback and the second-story setback may be used for as approved by the planning commission.
5.
Accessory buildings shall not be placed in required front yard setbacks and shall not be more than one story in height nor located closer than five feet to any interior property line.
6.
Through Lots. On through lots, the planning commission will designate the front lot line. In such cases, the minimum rear yard shall be the average of the yards on the lots next adjoining. If such lots next adjoining are developed, the minimum rear yard area shall conform to the front yard set-back for the zone in which the property is located.
D.
Area Requirements.
E.
Usable Yard Area.
1.
Minimum Area per Parcel. All parcels in the zone shall have a minimum of one thousand square feet of usable yard area in any combination described below.
2.
Minimum Area per Dwelling Unit. The minimum required usable yard area shall be not less than two hundred fifty square feet for each dwelling unit, either as a private usable open space or as a combination of private and common open space with at least thirty percent of the total number of dwelling units having private usable open spaces.
3.
Private Usable Yard Area.
a.
The required private usable yard area when located on open ground, utilized as patios, terraces, atriums or surfaces of courts shall have a minimum dimension of eight feet, and minimum area of ninety-six square feet.
b.
The required usable yard area when located on balconies, porches or decks shall have a minimum area of seventy square feet and a minimum dimension of seven feet.
4.
Common Usable Yard Area.
a.
The remaining required usable open space, when not a part of the private usable open space shall be a part of the common usable open space, and shall be not less than four hundred square feet in area, having no dimension less than fifteen feet.
b.
All common yard area shall be conveniently located and readily accessible from all dwellings; shall be screened from adjacent streets and highways and shall be landscaped with lawns, trees, shrubs and other permanently maintained plant material excepting for swimming pools, game courts and other recreational facilities.
5.
Description.
a.
Any usable yard area required by this chapter shall not be used for parking, driveways, automobile turning area or accessory buildings. Maximum gradient of usable yard area shall be five percent unless approved by the planning commission as an integral part of a landscaped scheme.
b.
Such usable yard area shall not be located within a required front yard or in a required side yard abutting a street, or in a required rear yard abutting a street.
(Ord. 1803 § 3, 2019; Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.26.050 Special development standards.
In all multi-unit zones, the following special development standards shall apply:
A.
The distance between buildings on the same lot shall comply with the applicable section of the most current adopted version of the building and fire code.
D.
Miscellaneous Requirements.
1.
Street Access. Every dwelling shall be on a lot having a minimum of sixty feet frontage upon a dedicated street, or upon a private roadway or easement providing access to a dedicated street. Where a lot was improved with a single-unit dwelling and has less than sixty feet, but more than forty-four feet of frontage as herein required, was recorded prior to the passage of this title, the lot may be improved with a replacement of no more than one single-unit dwelling, unless approved by the planning commission and/or city council.
2.
Unit Access. No access to any unit shall be designed so as to place a stairway or projecting walkway immediately adjacent to windows opening into any habitable room, unless specifically approved by the planning commission.
3.
Storage of Refuse. Each development shall be provided with adequate refuse and trash storage areas. All outdoor trash, garbage and refuse storage shall be screened from public view on all sides by a minimum six-foot-high concrete or solid masonry wall provided with a gate of durable wood or other approved material. Such areas shall be located as to be easily accessible for trash pickup. All trash, garbage and refuse storage shall be deposited in such form or manner so as to prevent transferral by natural cause or force. Any waste which may cause fumes, dust or which constitutes a fire hazard or which may be edible by rodents or otherwise attractive to rodents or insects shall be stored in closed containers. All parcels having more than ten dwelling units shall utilize bins approved by the director of public works. Each development shall be provided with one bin per each ten units.
4.
Storage. Each carport space shall contain an enclosed storage cabinet of at least seventy-five cubic feet capacity. All storage of furniture, appliances or other items or equipment shall be kept within permanent buildings and completely screened from public view.
5.
Landscaping. All required yard areas abutting on public rights-of-way shall be entirely landscaped with approved ground cover, trees, shrubs and other plant materials. Landscape plans shall be submitted and approved, pursuant to Chapter 18.16 of this title.
7.
Lighting. All lighting of buildings, landscaped parking areas or similar facilities shall be arranged so as not to reflect or spill onto adjoining properties.
8.
Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical and rooftop equipment shall be screened from public view behind a permanent parapet wall that is architectural consistent with the structure on which it sits. Such screening shall be as high as the highest portions of equipment.
10.
Utilities. All utilities (poles, lines, cables, etc.) shall be placed underground. All meters or above-ground utility equipment such as transformers shall be outside of a recreational area and shall be screened on all sides from public view by a landscaped screen, fence or wall not less than six feet in height. All developments shall be wired for a master TV antenna system or cable TV.
11.
Mailboxes. All mailboxes shall be located under a roofed area to the satisfaction of the director of community development and or his/her designee area and shall be located in accordance with U.S. Postal Regulations.
E.
Design Review. All new construction and major remolding shall comply with the requirements and procedures of Chapter 18.68.
Exceptions: Patio roofs and shade structures to multi-unit units. In addition minor outbuildings, additions or replacement of a single-unit residence with a new single-unit residence within the multi-unit zones may be approved as an administrative adjustment at the discretion of the director of community development.
F.
The director of community development or designee may approve variations from Section 18.26.040 and Section 18.26.050 in any area deemed eligible for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Any decision may be appealed to the planning commission within ten days. Any decision of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council within ten days.
(Ord. 1803 § 3, 2019; Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023; Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.28.010 Generally.
The mobile home park residential zone is designated to provide for the accommodation of residential mobile homes at a standard consistent with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the community. Such zone is herein deemed to be multiple family residential zone.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.28.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.28.030 Accessory uses permitted.
In the MHP zone, the following accessory uses are permitted:
Incidental uses related to the convenience needs of the mobile home zone residents; provided, however, that such uses shall not include commercial or other nonresidential facilities for use by persons not residing within the zone.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.28.040 Standards of development.
In the MHP zone, the following standards of development shall apply:
A.
Building Height. No building or structure erected in this zone shall have a height greater than two and one-half stories, not to exceed thirty-five feet.
B.
Front Yard. Each MHP zone mobile home park which abuts a dedicated street shall have a front yard of not less than twenty-five feet extending for the full width of the mobile home park. Such yard shall be landscaped and maintained with evergreen materials.
C.
Side Yard. Each MHP zone mobile home park shall have a side yard on both sides of the mobile home park of not less than five feet, except for corner and reversed corner lots, in which case the side yard on the street side shall be not less than ten feet.
D.
Rear Yard. Each mobile home park shall have a rear yard extending across the full width of the mobile home park of not less than five feet.
E.
Area Requirements.
1.
A mobile home park residential zone shall be not less than five acres in size.
2.
Each mobile home space shall have a minimum area of one thousand five hundred square feet. Mobile home parks existing on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section which provide spaces having less than this requirement in the existing spaces may continue to operate, but no additions or alterations affecting more than twenty-five percent of the park area will be permitted unless the space requirements herein provided are complied with.
3.
Each mobile home space shall be not less than thirty feet in width, nor less than thirty feet in depth.
4.
There shall be a minimum of three thousand three hundred fifty square feet of gross area for each dwelling in a mobile home park. In computing the gross area, access, landscaped area, mobile home parking, automobile parking, out-building space, recreational areas and other similar uses may be included.
F.
Usable Yard Area. None.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.28.050 Special development standards.
In the MHP zone, the following special development standards shall apply:
A.
Distance Between Buildings and Mobile Home Units. Comply with the requirements of Title 25, Article 7 of the California Code of Regulations.
B.
Walls and Fences.
1.
A mobile home park shall be entirely enclosed with a six-foot high solid masonry wall or other fencing as approved by the director of community development. No such wall or fence in the required street front setback area shall exceed three feet in height.
2.
No fence or wall over six feet in height shall be located in a MHP zone.
C.
Signs. Signs conforming to Chapter 18.23 shall be permitted in the MHP zone, which advertise the mobile home park.
D.
Design Review. Before the planning commission or the city council may approve the location of any residential mobile home park and before any buildings for mobile home park purposes are erected, the applicant for such use shall submit the project for design review per the requirements of Chapter 18.68.
E.
Miscellaneous.
1.
Mobile homes, either without toilet facilities or with toilet facilities that cannot be connected to a sanitary sewer line shall not be permitted in the MHP zone.
2.
Accessory buildings, cabanas, and other structures constructed as a permanent part of a mobile home shall comply with the requirements of Title 25, Article 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
3.
All utilities required for service to structures shall be placed underground.
4.
Each mobile home park shall be connected to a sanitary sewer. Each mobile home space shall be provided a connection to such sanitary sewer.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010: Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.30.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform standards, land use regulations and permit processes for the development of emergency shelters, low barrier navigation centers, single-room occupancy housing (SROs), supportive housing, and transitional housing; and to implement general plan policies, consistent with state law, regarding special needs households to ensure equality of treatment for all residential uses regardless of the occupant(s).
(Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.30.020 Definitions.
See Chapter 18.04, Definitions.
(Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.30.030 Applicability.
§ 18.30.040 Emergency shelters.
A.
Allowed Zones. Emergency shelters are allowed ministerially within the ES overlay zone. In all cases, an emergency shelter shall conform to all standards of development of the zone in which it is located except as provided in this section.
B.
Development Standards.
2.
Recreational and Usable Yard Area. Each facility shall provide recreational and usable yard area as follows:
a.
There shall be no less than five hundred square feet of usable yard area plus ten square feet of additional usable yard area per each additional bed over twenty-five.
b.
Usable yard area shall have no dimension of less than fifteen feet. Subareas may be divided into not more than two separate sub-areas.
(Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.30.050 Low barrier navigation centers.
A.
Allowed Zones. Low barrier navigation centers shall be permitted in any zone that allows mixed use and in nonresidential zones that allow multi-unit dwelling uses provided they meet the requirements of this chapter. In all cases, a low barrier navigation center shall conform to all standards of development of the zone in which it is located except as provided in this section.
B.
Requirements. Low barrier navigation centers shall be subject to a building permit and shall comply with the following requirements:
1.
The low barrier navigation center offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing;
2.
The low barrier navigation center is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the interim facility or staff who co-locate in the facility may conduct assessments and provide services to connect individuals to permanent housing. "Coordinated entry system" is generally described as a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to Section 576.400(d) or Section 578.7(a)(8), as applicable, of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as those sections read on January 1, 2020, and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals;
C.
Development Standards.
1.
Density. For a low barrier navigation center in high density residential land use designated areas within a multi-unit dwelling zone or within the MX overlay zone, the number of beds shall be limited to three times the maximum density permitted within the zoning designation in which the facility is located as established in Section 18.26.040.A, Table 18.26.040.A of this title.
3.
Recreational and Usable Yard Area. Recreational and usable yard area shall be as follows:
a.
Usable yard area shall have no dimension of less than fifteen feet. This area may be provided at any location on the lot except in the required front yard or in a required side yard abutting a street. Subareas may be divided into not more than two separate sub-areas.
b.
For low barrier navigation centers located within the MX overlay zone, there shall be no less than five hundred square feet of usable yard area plus ten square feet of additional usable yard area per each additional bed over twenty-five.
(Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.30.060 Single-room occupancy housing (SROs).
A single-room occupancy housing (SRO) project shall conform to all standards of development of the zone in which it is located except as provided below.
A.
Density.
1.
In high density residential land use designated areas within multi-unit residential zones, the number of units shall not exceed the number permitted pursuant to the zoning designation as provided in Section 18.26.040, Table 18.26.040.A of this title, plus twenty-five percent.
2.
In all commercial and industrial zones, the number of units shall be limited by the maximum floor area ratio (FAR), as established within the applicable land use designation of the general plan land use element.
B.
Unit Design.
1.
SRO units shall be a minimum of one hundred seventy square feet in size and a maximum of four hundred square feet in size.
2.
Each unit shall contain a kitchen and bathroom.
a.
Kitchens shall contain a sink with garbage disposal, countertop that measures a minimum of sixteen inches by twenty-four inches, refrigerator, and stove or microwave oven.
b.
If stoves are not provided in each unit, then stoves shall be provided in a common kitchen area(s) accessible to the entire SRO project.
c.
Bathrooms shall contain a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub.
3.
Each unit shall have a minimum of forty-eight cubic feet of closet/storage space.
C.
Recreational and Usable Yard Area. Recreational and usable yard area shall be as follows:
1.
Within multi-unit zones, no parcel of land shall have less than one thousand square feet of common usable yard area plus one hundred square feet per unit.
2.
Within the commercial and industrial zones, no parcel of land shall have less than five hundred square feet of common usable yard area plus fifteen square feet per unit for projects over twenty-five units. Such usable yard area shall have no dimension of less than fifteen feet. This area may be provided at any location on the lot except in the required front yard or in a required side yard abutting a street.
3.
Common recreational space may be indoor or outdoor provided there is at least forty percent allotted towards outdoor space; the balance may be indoors or outdoors.
E.
Occupancy. No more than one person shall be permitted to reside in any unit which is less than two hundred twenty square feet in size. No more than two persons shall be permitted to reside in any unit.
(Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.30.070 Supportive and transitional housing.
A.
Supportive and transitional housing shall be permitted in any zone that allows residential uses, and subject only to the provisions and development standards applicable to residential uses of the same type in the same zone.
B.
Supportive housing shall be permitted by-right in any zone where multi-unit dwellings and mixed uses are permitted, if the proposed housing development satisfies all of the requirements of California Government Code Section 65651(a). The housing shall be subject to the provisions and development standards applicable to the zone in which it is located.
(Ord. 1853, 12/18/2023)
§ 18.32.010 Generally.
The regulations set out in this chapter shall apply in the C-P, C-1, C-2, C-2s, C-2sH, and C-3 commercial zones unless otherwise provided in this title.
A.
The C-P zone is intended to provide for the establishment of medical and other professional offices and related types of uses and facilities.
B.
The C-2s and C-2sH zones are intended to serve as a planned unified shopping center.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1750 § 3, 2014)
§ 18.32.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.32.030 Accessory uses permitted.
A.
In the C-P zone accessory uses consisting of commercial facilities related and incidental to the uses permitted.
B.
In the C-1 and C-2, C-2s, C-2sH, and C-3 zones the following accessory uses are permitted:
1.
The accessory buildings necessary to such use located on the same lot or parcel of land, including storage structures for the exclusive use of the patrons of the stores or businesses listed in Section 18.06.040.
2.
Processing or treatment of products which is clearly incidental to the business conducted on the premises; and provided, that no more than five persons and not more than fifty percent of the full area of the building is used in the manufacture or manufacturing or treatment of products and that such operations or products are not objectionable due to noise, odor, dust, smoke, vibration or other similar causes.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1750 § 3, 2014)
§ 18.32.040 Standards of development.
In the C-P, C-1, C-2, C-2s, C-2sH, and C-3 zones the following standards of development shall apply:
A.
Building Height.
Table 18.32.040.A.1 | |
|---|---|
Zone | Maximum Height Limit |
C-P | 2.5 stories not to exceed 35 feet |
C-1 | 2.5 stories not to exceed 35 feet |
C-2 | 4 stories not to exceed 50 feet |
C-2s | 4 stories not to exceed 50 feet |
C-2sH | 5 stories not to exceed 60 feet |
C-3 | 6 stories not to exceed 75 feet |
1.
No penthouse or roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment; towers, steeples, or other structures shall exceed the height limit provided in this title.
2.
Exception: Radio and television masts, camouflaged wireless communication facilities, flagpoles, chimneys and smokestacks may extend not more than thirty feet above the height limit provided in this chapter; provided, however, that the same may be safely erected and maintained at such height in view of the surrounding conditions and circumstances.
B.
Front Yard. There shall be a front yard of not less than fifteen feet. In cases where a structure is built adjacent to this setback and the building height exceeds twenty-five feet, the front yard setback shall be increased to twenty feet in front of the structure.
Exception: Existing properties with approved building structures are exempt from this requirement but must maintain existing front yard setbacks. No new improvements will be permitted within the front fifteen- or twenty-foot setback area based on the location and height of the structures on the property. Total new construction shall be limited to fifty percent of the assessed value of the existing structures as established by the county assessor's office.
C.
Side Yard. Where a lot abuts upon a lot in any R zone, there shall be a side yard of five feet. There shall be a side yard along the street side of all corner lots of ten feet. In all other cases, a side yard for a commercial building shall not be required.
D.
Rear Yard. There shall be behind every building a rear yard having a minimum depth of twenty feet. Where there is an alley at the rear of the lot, such rear yard may be measured to the center of the alley.
E.
The maximum intensity of development shall be equal or less than the following floor area ratios:
Table 18.32.040.E | |
|---|---|
Zone | Floor Area Ratio |
C-P | 70% |
C-1 | 30% |
C-2 | 30% |
C-2s | 50% |
C-2sH | 80% |
C-3 | 30% |
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1750 § 3, 2014; Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.32.050 Special development standards.
In the C-P, C-1, C-2, C-2s, C-2sH, and C-3 zones the following special development standards shall apply:
C.
Design Review. In the C-P, C-1, C-2, C-2s, C-2sH, and C-3 zones site plan/design review is required as follows:
1.
Design plans for the parking lot (new and rehabilitation), minor repair to the exterior of the building, walls and fences, minor exterior or site changes, exterior colors, installation of mechanical equipment, minor exterior building changes such as doors and windows, freestanding signs and neon sign, and similar projects shall be reviewed and approved by the director of community development or designee, prior to the issuance of any building permits. The decision of the director may be appealed to the planning commission.
2.
All new development, major remodeling or structural rehabilitation of more than twenty-five percent of the building area, and additions which results in additional floor area, shall be subject to design review by the planning commission in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.68 of this title.
D.
Miscellaneous Requirements.
1.
Such stores, shops or businesses except automobile service stations, newsstands, and outdoor garden centers shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.
2.
All public entrances to such stores, shops or businesses shall be from the principal street upon which the property abuts or within fifty feet thereof, except that a rear or side entrance from the building to a public parking area may be provided.
3.
Every dwelling, commercial, manufacturing or industrial building shall be on a lot having frontage upon a dedicated street or upon a private roadway or easement providing access to a dedicated street.
4.
Exception: No building permits shall be issued on any lot not having frontage on a dedicated street until the applicant has applied for and secured a zone variance as per Chapter 18.76.
5.
All mechanical equipment shall be screened behind a permanent structure and all roof-top equipment shall be screened by a permanent parapet wall and shall not be visible from grade level or adjacent higher street elevations. Such screening shall be as high as the highest portion of equipment and shall be readily accessible for maintenance.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1748 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1750 § 3, 2014; Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.33.010 Generally.
The C-R zone is intended to provide an area where a planned, integrated relationship can be developed utilizing certain commerce, office and high-density residences.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.33.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.33.030 Accessory uses permitted.
In the C-R zone, the following accessory uses are permitted:
The accessory buildings and structures necessary to such use of the permitted uses set out in Section 18.33.020.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.33.040 Standards of development.
In the C-R zone, the following standards of development shall apply:
A.
Building Height. No limit except for structures in excess of four stories or fifty feet in which case a conditional use permit is required.
B.
Front Yard.
1.
There shall be a front yard of not less than fifteen feet. In cases where a structure is built adjacent to this setback and the building height exceeds twenty-five feet, the front yard setback shall be increased to twenty feet in front of the structure.
Exception: Existing properties with approved building structures are exempt from this requirement but must maintain existing front yard setbacks. No new improvements will be permitted within the front fifteen or twenty-foot setback area based on the location and height of the structures on the property. Total new construction shall be limited to fifty percent of the assessed value of the existing structures as determined by the county assessor's office.
2.
Where buildings exceed two stories in height, the side yard shall be increased by one foot for each additional one story above two stories; provided, however, that such side yard need not exceed sixteen feet.
3.
Where a garage is attached to or built into the main building such garage shall set back a minimum of twenty feet from the front property line when the garage door faces the street.
4.
Where yards are required in this title, they shall be not less in depth or width than the minimum dimension specified for any part, and they shall be at every point open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as follows:
a.
Cornices, canopies, carports, eaves or other similar architectural features not providing additional floor space within the building may extend into a required front, side or rear yard not to exceed two feet six inches.
b.
Open, unenclosed, uncovered porches, platforms or landing places which do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, may extend into any front, side or rear yard not more than six feet; provided, however, that an open work railing not more than thirty inches in height may be installed or constructed on any such porch, platform or landing place.
d.
A patio roof may extend into a required rear yard fifteen feet; provided, however, the patio is unenclosed on no less than two sides. For the purposes of this chapter a wall of a height of three feet or less shall not be considered to constitute an enclosure.
5.
Front yards shall be landscaped and maintained.
C.
Side Yards.
1.
There shall be a side yard on each side of a main building of not less than five feet; provided, that there shall be a side yard along the street side of all corner lots of not less than ten feet. Where a garage is attached to or built into the main building, such garage shall be set back a minimum of twenty feet from the side lot line along the street side of a corner lot when the garage door faces the street.
2.
No accessory buildings, if two stories in height, shall be located nearer than five feet to any interior property line.
3.
On a corner lot no detached accessory buildings shall be located at a distance less than ten feet from the side street line. On a corner lot no detached garage shall be located at a distance less than twenty feet from the side street line when the garage door faces the street.
4.
No accessory buildings on the rear twenty-five feet of a reversed corner lot shall be located nearer to the side lot line on the street side of such reversed corner lot than the front yard depth required on the key lot in the rear.
5.
Side yards may be used for access to parking or loading, but may not be used for parking.
D.
Rear Yard.
1.
There shall be behind every commercial building a rear yard having a minimum depth of twenty feet. Where there is an alley at the rear of the lot, such rear yard may be measured to the center of the alley. There shall be behind every residential building a yard area having a minimum depth of fifteen feet.
Exception: Multistory buildings shall have rear yards not less than the following: Two-story buildings, fifteen feet; three-story buildings, twenty feet; four-story buildings and over, twenty-five feet.
2.
The rear yard may be used for parking, access to parking or loading.
3.
On through lots, either line separating such lot from a public thoroughfare may be designated by the owner as the front lot line. In such cases, the minimum rear yard shall be the average of the yards on lots next adjoining. If such lots next adjoining are undeveloped, the minimum rear yard shall conform to the front yard setback for the zone in which the property is located.
E.
Area Requirements.
1.
Residential Uses.
a.
For one-family dwelling, each lot or parcel of land shall have a minimum lot area of three thousand square feet per dwelling unit.
3.
For single residential units the minimum floor area exclusive of open porches or garages shall be not less than seven hundred and fifty square feet. The following uses shall be subject to minimum square feet of gross floor area per living unit, exclusive of garages, carports and open porches:
F.
Usable Yard Area.
1.
For each dwelling unit placed on a lot or parcel there shall be provided one thousand square feet of usable yard area. Such usable yard space shall have no dimension less than fifteen feet and may be provided at any location on the lot except in a required front yard or in a required side yard abutting a street. Such space may be divided into not more than two separate subareas.
2.
Usable yard area shall not be used for parking, driveways, automobile turning area or accessory buildings. Maximum gradient for usable yard area shall be five percent.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.33.050 Special development standards.
In the C-R zone, the following special development standards shall apply:
A.
Distance Between Buildings on the Same Lot.
1.
When the subject lot is used for residential purposes the following space between buildings shall apply:
a.
Buildings side to side, no entry or exit into space: ten feet;
b.
Buildings side to side, rear to side, front to end, only one entry or exit into space: fifteen feet;
c.
Buildings side to side, rear to side, front to end, front to rear, rear to front, more than one entry or exit into space: twenty feet;
d.
Buildings front to front arranged about an interior court, permitting a ten-foot wide driveway in such interior court, such driveway being accessible to parking area or building: thirty feet;
e.
Where U-shaped buildings, forming an interior open space, are proposed, the opposing wings of such U-shaped buildings shall be separated by a space of not less than twenty feet.
2.
When the subject lot is used exclusively for commercial purposes there shall be no minimum space between buildings requirements.
3.
When the subject lot is used for commercial and residential uses, there shall be a minimum space between commercial and residential uses of not less than fifteen feet.
E.
Miscellaneous Requirements.
1.
Every dwelling shall be on a lot having frontage upon a dedicated street.
Exception: No building permits shall be issued on any lot not having frontage on a dedicated street until the applicant has applied for and secured a zone variance as per Chapter 18.78.
2.
All mechanical equipment shall be screened behind a permanent structure and all roof-top equipment shall be screened by a permanent parapet wall and shall not be visible from grade level or adjacent higher street elevations. Such screening shall be as high as the highest portion of equipment and shall be readily accessible for maintenance.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1748 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
§ 18.36.010 Generally.
The objective of the planned commercial-industrial development is to secure a fuller realization of the general plan of the city than that which would result from the application of present zone district regulations. It is intended to be applied to those parcels which by the nature of their size, location, topography, configuration or other considerations require overall planning design and control in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the general plan. The planning design and control will secure to the community, the future occupants, and the developer, values and amenities greater than those likely to be achieved by the relatively inflexible provisions necessary to regulate the successive development of individual lots by numerous different owners. For industrial development, the planned development provides a method whereby land may be designed and developed as a unit by taking advantage of modern site planning techniques in order to produce an environment of stable, desirable character which will be in harmony with existing or potential development of the surrounding neighborhood. For commercial development, the zone is intended to serve as a planned unified shopping center or as an integrated combination of uses for a compatible commercial industrial business park.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.030 Accessory uses permitted.
§ 18.36.040 Standards of development.
In the PC-I zone, the following standards of development shall apply:
A.
Those standards required by the M-1 zone or such standards which are clearly designated on the master plan or on the precise plan as approved by the planning commission and city council.
B.
Area Requirements. The minimum lot or parcel area developed under the standards of this zone shall not be less than four acres in size.
Exception: Where individual lots are adjacent to each other to form an overall integrated site of not less than four acres providing that appropriate covenants or agreements which run with the land in perpetuity. The maximum floor area ratio shall be 0.80.
C.
Usable Yard Area. None is required; however, consideration should be given to provide common rest area for employees at the site.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1750 § 3, 2014)
§ 18.36.050 Special development standards.
In the PC-I zone, the following special development standards shall apply:
A.
Those standards required by the M-1 zone Section 18.38.070 or such standards which are clearly designated in the master plan or on the precise plan approved by the planning commission and city council pursuant to this chapter.
B.
Commercial stores, shops or businesses except automobile service stations, newsstands, and outdoor garden centers shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.060 Application.
A.
Master Plan and Precise Plan Required. Planned commercial-industrial developments in the PC-I zone shall require the approval of both a master plan and a precise plan. Such master plan and precise plan shall be subject to the regulations and requirements of this title and, except otherwise provided herein, shall be processed in accordance with this chapter.
B.
Master Plan Application. All the information listed below is required at the time a master plan application is submitted to the community development department:
1.
A complete application on the form provided by the city and signed by the property owner or its authorized representative;
2.
A fee as set forth by the city master fee schedule as adopted by the city council;
3.
A legal description or boundary survey map of the property (a tentative subdivision map may be substituted for this requirement if the applicant proposes to subdivide the property);
4.
A letter of justification describing and explaining how the proposed project will satisfy the findings required in Section 18.36.090;
5.
Information required for public meetings and hearings, as determined by the director of community development;
6.
A dimensioned master plan showing/providing the following information shall be submitted for each land use area:
a.
The dimensions of the total site, including gross and net acreage,
b.
The project density calculated on gross acreage and net acreage for each land use,
c.
General building locations,
d.
General interior circulation system in relationship to the exterior circulation system,
e.
General location of interior water and sewer system in relationship to the exterior water and sewer system to each land use,
f.
A calculation of the total number of parking spaces required for the use and general location of the parking area,
g.
An economic analysis of the cost and benefits of the proposed use and the projected cost to provide city services to the project,
h.
A time schedule for the proposed development with evidence of the intent and the ability of the applicant to carry out the plan within such time,
i.
Other information as determined to be necessary to facilitate review by the planning commission and city council by the director of community development.
C.
Precise Plan Application. The information listed below is required at the time a precise plan application is submitted to the community development department:
1.
A complete application on the form provided by the city and signed by the property owner or its authorized representative;
2.
A deposit or fee as set forth by an ordinance or resolution of the city council;
3.
A legal description or boundary survey map of the property (a tentative subdivision map may be substituted for this requirement if the applicant proposes to subdivide the property);
4.
A letter of justification describing and explaining how the proposed project will satisfy the findings required in Section 18.36.100;
5.
Information required for public meetings and hearings, as determined by the director of community development;
6.
A precise development plan with at least the following details shown to scale and dimensioned:
a.
The proposed land ownerships, the uses, dimensions and locations of all proposed structures, the areas reserved for vehicular and pedestrian circulation, open spaces, landscaping, recreation or other public uses,
b.
Architectural drawings and sketches showing the design and character of the proposed uses and their relation to one another,
c.
Height and approximate location of all proposed walls and fences and statement setting forth the method by which such walls and fences shall be preserved and maintained,
d.
Location and design of automobile parking areas and signs,
e.
Type of surfacing proposed for walks and driveways,
f.
Preliminary plans showing the proposed method for control and disposal of water flowing into, across or from the development,
g.
Tables showing the total number of acres and their distribution by use, and the percentage of the whole designated for dwellings of different types, nonindustrial uses, streets, off-street parking, public uses and open spaces,
h.
A time schedule for the proposed development with evidence of the intent and ability of the applicant to carry out the plan,
i.
A complete traffic impact study indicating trip generation, traffic impacts and mitigation measures,
j.
Such other pertinent information as the planning commission may require to complete its evaluation of the intent and impact of the proposal.
D.
Joint Processing. An applicant may, but need not submit a precise plan application at the same time as submitting a master plan application. If applications are concurrently submitted, they may, at the applicant's election, be processed concurrently. In the absence of concurrent processing, the master plan shall remain valid until such time as the zoning is amended in a manner which would prevent development under the approved master plan. Development under the master plan however shall not be permitted until such time as a precise plan is approved pursuant to Section 18.36.100.
E.
Phased Development Authorized. Build-out of an approved master plan can be pursued and completed in a single phase or over several phases with the filing of individual, phased precise plans.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.070 Master plan pre-application coordination.
There is created a planning coordinating committee composed of the director of community development (chair), city engineer, planning manager, chief building official, police chief and fire chief, or their authorized representatives, and any other department representative as requested by the chair. Before filing any application for a master plan for a planned commercial-industrial development, the prospective applicant shall submit to the planning coordinating committee preliminary plans, sketches, and basic site information for consideration and advice as to the relation of the proposal to general developmental objectives to be attained, in the area, and as to the policies of the planning commission and city council with reference thereto.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.080 Public hearing.
A.
Following the receipt in proper form of any properly completed master plan application and/or a precise plan application, a public hearing before the planning commission and city council shall be conducted as provided herein. The secretary of the planning commission or the city clerk shall fix a time and place of public hearing thereon. Not less than ten days before the date of such public hearing, notice of the date, time, place of hearing and location of the property and the nature of the request shall be given in the following manner:
1.
By publishing once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city; and
2.
By mailing a notice, postage prepaid, to the applicant, to each member of the planning commission, city council, and to the owners of all property within three hundred feet of the exterior boundaries of the property involved, using for this purpose the last-known name and address of such owners as shown upon the last assessment roll of the city or county.
B.
Public hearings as provided for in this chapter shall be held before the planning commission or the city council at the time and place for which public notice has been given as required in this section. The planning commission or city council may establish their own rules for the conduct of such hearings. A summary of all pertinent testimony offered at a public hearing, together with the names and addresses of all persons testifying, shall be recorded and made a part of the permanent files of the case. Any such hearing may be continued; provided, that prior to the adjournment or recess thereof, the presiding officer at such hearing shall announce the time and place to which such hearing will be continued.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.090 Master plan approval and findings.
In order for the planning commission or city council to approve a master plan, the planning commission or city council shall find that:
A.
The proposed master plan is consistent with the city's general plan;
B.
The proposed master plan is consistent with the city's zoning ordinance;
C.
The proposed master plan is in the best interests of the public health, safety and welfare of the community;
D.
The nature of the proposed land uses and the maximum intensity provided for in the master plan is appropriate for the proposed locations depicted on the master plan and is not inconsistent with the surrounding land uses;
E.
The project complies with all applicable requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.100 Precise plan approval and findings.
In order for the planning commission or city council to approve a precise plan, the planning commission or city council shall find that:
A.
The location, design and proposed uses are compatible with the character of existing development in the vicinity;
B.
The plan for development will produce internally an environment of stable and desirable character, and not tend to cause any traffic congestion on surrounding or access streets;
C.
The standards of development applicable to the planned commercial-industrial development project as shown on the precise plan are subject to one of the following or any combination thereof:
D.
The proposed development will be well integrated into its setting;
E.
Provision is made for both public and private open spaces, at least equivalent to that required by the underlying preceding zoning regulations;
F.
Suitable provision is made, where appropriate, for the protection and maintenance of private areas reserved for common use;
G.
The proposed development does not negatively impact the city's ability to provide services over the short and long term to city residents because the projected cost of providing city services to the property outweighs the economic benefits of the project to the city;
H.
There is substantial compliance with the spirit and intent of this code;
I.
That the phasing of development under the master plan as provided for by the proposed precise plan, if any, is appropriate;
J.
The proposed project complies with all appropriate requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.110 Conformance.
A.
The precise plan shall be recorded, and a notation of reference thereto shall be made forthwith upon the zoning map. No permit shall thereafter be issued for any building, structure or use except in substantial conformance with the precise plan.
B.
The applicant shall submit to the city attorney a draft of covenants, conditions and restrictions which shall apply to the subject development for approval. Once approved the covenants, conditions, and restrictions shall be recorded with the county recorder along with the conditions of approval and map of the subject development prior to the issuance of any building permits.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.120 Violation.
A violation of any part of the approved precise plan or of any condition of the approval shall constitute a violation of this chapter. The planning commission shall hold a public hearing within forty days in accordance with the procedures prescribed in Section 18.66.080 for appeals, and if not satisfied that the regulation, general provision, or condition is being complied with, may revoke all previous precise plan approvals or take such action as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the regulation, general provision, or condition. Within fifteen days following the date of a decision of the planning commission revoking any previous approvals, the secretary shall transmit to the city council written notice of the decision. The decision shall be final thirty days following the date on which previous approval was revoked unless an appeal has been filed.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.36.130 Expiration.
A.
Master plans are of unlimited duration and will not expire. The city council has the authority to adopt an ordinance/resolution either amending or rescinding a master plan. If no development is commenced under the approved precise plan within twelve months after the date of approval and no time extension has been approved by the planning commission, the precise plan shall become null and void, and the approval of a new precise plan shall be required for any use and/or development under the approved master plan.
B.
For purposes of this section, "development" shall mean commencement of construction on the site consistent with the precise plan, which shall not include the commencement of any predevelopment work on the site, including surveying, preliminary construction staking, installation of erosion control measures or construction fencing, but which shall include review and approval by the city of proposed building plans and the issuance of building permits authorizing construction to commence, and actual construction shall have commenced on the site, such as final grading, pouring of footings and/or foundation, or similar activities. Should the building permit expire and no time extension has been approved by the planning commission, the precise plan shall become null and void, and the approval of a new precise plan shall be required for any use and/or development under the approved master plan.
C.
The planning commission and/or city council may by resolution extend any specified time limit for starting or completing development under the precise plan upon the showing of good faith and effort to comply therewith.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1727 § 3, 2011)
§ 18.36.140 Previously approved PUD permits and/or precise plan permits.
All previously approved PUD permits and/or precise plans for development in the PC-I zone shall be deemed to be approved master plans under this chapter.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.38.010 Generally.
The M-1 light manufacturing zone is intended to provide for the development of industrial uses which include fabrication, manufacturing, assembly or processing of materials that are in already processed form and which do not in their maintenance, assembly, manufacture or plant operation create smoke, gas, odor, dust, sound, vibration, soot or lighting to any degree which might be termed obnoxious or offensive to persons residing in or conducting business in either this or any other zone.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.38.020 Uses.
See Section 18.06.040.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.38.030 Accessory uses permitted.
In the M-1 zone, the following accessory uses are permitted:
A.
Commercial uses customarily incidental and directly related to the service or operation of the permitted industrial uses, based upon a planning commission interpretation;
B.
Administrative research or sales office related to a permitted industrial use, excluding sales limited to retail operations only.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010)
§ 18.38.040 Standards of development.
In the M-1 zone, the following standards of development shall apply:
A.
Building Height.
1.
For M-1 property not abutting or across the street from a residential zone two and one-half stories and not to exceed thirty-five feet unless the building sets back from each street, alley and lot line at least one foot for each three feet of height above the two and one-half stories or thirty-five feet. No building shall exceed seventy-five feet or six stories in height.
2.
For M-1 property abutting or across the street from a residential zone:
a.
Between front yard setback and front one hundred feet, no building or structure erected shall have a height greater than thirty-five feet or two stories.
b.
To the rear of the one-hundred-foot distance from the front lot line, and within fifty feet of a rear property line when such line is a zone boundary with a residential zone, no building or structure shall have a height greater than fifty feet.
3.
Roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building, and fire or parapet walls, skylights, towers, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, silos, water tanks or wireless masts or similar structures may be erected above the height limits prescribed in this subsection; provided, that the same may be safely erected and maintained at such height in view of the surrounding conditions and circumstances. No roof structure, or any space above the height limit, shall be allowed to provide additional floor space.
B.
Front Yard.
1.
There shall be a front yard of not less than fifteen feet. In cases where a structure is built adjacent to this setback and the building height exceeds twenty-five feet, the front yard setback shall be increased to twenty feet in front of the structure.
Exception: Existing properties with approved building structures are exempt from this requirement but must maintain existing front yard setbacks. No new improvements will be permitted within the front fifteen or twenty-foot setback area based on the location and height of the structures on the property. Total new construction shall be limited to fifty percent of the assessed value of the existing structures as determined by the county assessor's office.
2.
Across the street from a residential zone:
3.
When a M-1 zone fronts on a block frontage which is in more than one zone, the most restrictive front yard requirements shall apply.
4.
In no case shall a building or structure be located less than fifty feet from any boundary which separates a M-1 zone from any residential zone.
C.
Side Yard. These provisions shall not apply to those lots on record on the effective date of this amendment (September 2, 1960) in an existing industrial district where such lots have a width or depth of less than one hundred fifty feet.
1.
Across a street from a manufacturing or commercial zone there shall be a yard of not less than ten feet extending along the full depth or width of the lot. If the yard is on an alley, it may be used for loading.
2.
Across a street from a residential zone:
3.
Across an alley from a residential zone:
a.
There shall be a yard of not less than forty-five feet measured from the opposite side of the alley, extending along the full depth or width of the lot, this yard to be a buffer.
b.
Such yard may also be used for storage providing the entire storage area is enclosed by a solid masonry wall six feet in height and that no materials stored are at a height greater than the height of the enclosing wall.
4.
On a boundary between the M-1 zone and residential zone, which is not a street, highway or alley:
a.
There shall be a yard of not less than twenty-five feet extending along the full depth or width of the lot, this side yard to be a buffer.
b.
There shall be a solid masonry wall six feet in height on the property line abutting the residential zone.
c.
The entire yard area enclosed by the wall may be used for parking or for storage, providing that no materials stored in such yard shall be at a height greater than the height of the enclosing wall.
5.
When a M-1 zone sides or rears on a block frontage which is in more than one zone, the most restrictive yard requirements shall apply.
6.
In no case shall a building or structure be located less than fifty feet from any boundary which separates a M-1 zone from any residential zone.
E.
The maximum intensity of development shall be equal to or less than a floor area ratio of eighty percent.
F.
Usable Yard Area. None.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1750 § 3, 2014)
§ 18.38.050 Special development standards.
In the M-1 zone, the following special development standards shall apply:
A.
Distance between buildings on the same lot. None.
D.
Design Review. In the M-1 zone design review is required as follows:
1.
Design plans for the parking lot (new and rehabilitation), minor repair to the exterior of the building, walls and fences, minor exterior or site changes, exterior colors, installation of mechanical equipment, minor exterior building changes such as doors and windows, freestanding signs and neon sign, and similar projects shall be reviewed and approved by the director of community development or his/her designee, prior to the issuance of any building permits. The decision of the director may be appealed to the planning commission.
2.
All new development, major remodeling or structural rehabilitation of more than twenty-five percent of the building area, and additions which will result in increased floor area, shall be subject to design review and approved by the planning commission in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.68 of this title.
E.
Miscellaneous Requirements.
1.
Performance Standards. All uses established or placed into operation after the effective date of this subsection (September 2, 1960) shall comply at all times thereafter with the following limitations or performance standards. All uses actually established and in operation on the effective date of this subsection shall be made to comply with the following limitations or performance standards on or before January 1, 1965 and shall comply at all times thereafter:
a.
Fire and Explosion Hazards. All activities involving, and all storage of, flammable and explosive materials shall be provided with adequate safety devices against the hazard of fire and explosions and adequate firefighting and fire-suppression equipment and devices standard in industry. All incineration is prohibited.
b.
Radioactivity or Electrical Disturbance. Devices which radiate radio-frequency energy shall be so operated as not to cause interference with any activity carried on beyond the boundary line of the property upon which the device is located. Radio-frequency energy is electromagnetic energy at any frequency in the radio spectrum between ten kilocycles and three million megacycles.
c.
Noise.
i.
The maximum sound pressure level radiated by any use or facility when measured at the boundary line of the property on which sound is generated shall not exceed the values shown in the following table:
Table 18.38.050.E.1.c.i | |
|---|---|
Octave-Band Range in Cycles per Second | Sound Pressure Level in Decibels 0.0002 dyne/cm2 |
Below 75 | 72 |
75—150 | 67 |
151—300 | 59 |
301—600 | 52 |
601—1200 | 46 |
1201—2400 | 40 |
2401—4800 | 34 |
Above 4800 | 32 |
ii.
If the noise is not smooth and continuous or is not present between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. one or more of the following corrections shall be applied to the octave levels specified in Table 18.38.050.E.1.c.i above:
Table 18.38.050.E.1.c.ii | |
|---|---|
Correction in Decibels | |
Daytime operation only | + 5 |
Noise source operates less than 20% of any one-hour period | + 5 |
Noise source operates less than 5% of any one-hour period | +10 |
Noise of impulsive character such as hammering | - 5 |
Noise of periodic character such as humming or screeching | - 5 |
iii.
The sound pressure level shall be measured with a sound level meter and associated octave band analyzer conforming to standards prescribed by the American Standards Association as set forth in a pamphlet published by the association entitled, "American Standard Sound Level Meters for Measurement of Noise and Other Sounds No. Z 24.3," published in 1944, and in another pamphlet published by the same association entitled, "American Standard Specification for an Octave-Bank Filter Set for the Analysis of Noise and Other Sounds No. Z 24.10," published in 1953.
d.
Vibration. Every use shall be so operated that the ground vibration inherently and recurrently generated is not perceptible, without instruments, at any point on any boundary line of the lot on which the use is located.
e.
Emission of Dust, Heat and Glare. Every use shall be so operated that it does not emit dust, heat or glare in such quantities or degree as to be readily detectable on any boundary line of the lot on which the use is located.
f.
Outdoor Storage and Waste Disposal. All outdoor storage facilities for fuel, raw materials and products shall be enclosed by a fence or wall adequate to conceal such facilities from adjacent properties. All outdoor storage facilities shall be paved pursuant to the surfacing standards established for off-street parking lots in Chapter 18.14, Off-Street Parking Requirements. No materials or wastes shall be deposited upon a subject lot in such form or manner that they may be transferred to the lot by natural causes or forces. All materials or wastes which might cause fumes or dust or which constitute a fire hazard or which may be edible by or otherwise be attractive to rodents or insects shall be stored outdoors only in closed containers.
(Ord. 1719 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1748 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)