As used in this title, "mixed use zones" means the MU-N, MU-C, MU-E and MU-TOD zones.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

The purpose and intent of the MU zones are to implement the "mixed use" land use category of the city's general plan. This section regulates developments that combine residential uses with one or more of the following uses: commercial, office professional, light industrial, or community facilities. These regulations facilitate safe, comfortable, and attractive mixed use developments that support pedestrian connections/activities and public transit. The city requires a higher standard of design quality in the Mixed Use zones, in exchange for increased development flexibility for the developer.

It shall not be the intent of this title to render previously legally created building lots or legally constructed buildings which do not comply with the new property development regulations or other requirements of this title to be nonconforming where these lots or buildings complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of their creation or construction. However, proof of compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of creation or construction shall be the sole burden of the applicant or property owner. Such proof may include building permits, minutes of council or commission action, case files, or other documentation. An exception to this may be for a development that is located in an adopted vision plan, in which the existing development may be required to conform in design to match the vision plan.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

The mixed use zones under the mixed use category each allow for a combination of residential and commercial, office professional and community facilities. The mixed uses are differentiated by their intent and concentration of development type, in consideration of their specific locations and proximity to surrounding uses and public transportation access.

A.

Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N). This zone emphasizes compact residential development, built in close proximity to daily commercial/office uses and services, offering pedestrian connections and gathering spaces, including trails and neighborhood parks. Typical developments in the mixed use neighborhood zone include attached multi-family uses, such as apartments and condominiums, small-lot single-family subdivisions, and smaller commercial and office uses. Neighborhoods containing these developments would have a highly connected street pattern, such as a grid block layout for small-lot single family developments.

B.

Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C). This zone emphasizes a more fully integrated residential and commercial mixed use development, characterized by "destination features" and social gathering areas. Mixed use commercial developments are typically located along major arterial streets, and are intended to contribute to the local streetscape through vertical elements of multi-storied structures, built closer to the front property line.

C.

Mixed Use-Employment (MU-E). This zone is intended to provide an area for non-retail employment uses in close proximity to residential uses. Mixed use employment development would typically include multi-family residential uses in conjunction with office professional, business park-type, and some light industrial uses. This zone is not intended for heavier industrial uses.

D.

Mixed Use-Transit Oriented Development (MU-TOD). These zones provide the foundation for a complementary mixture of appropriately intensive commercial and high-density residential land uses in close proximity to a defined transit facility. Adopted and incorporated by reference into this category are the following:

1.

Lancaster T.O.D. Zones as adopted by the city council on February 24, 2015, generally covering 186 acres within the Downtown Lancaster Transit Village District as established by the Lancaster General Plan.

2.

Residential projects and mixed-use developments consisting of residential and nonresidential uses with at least two-thirds of the square footage designated for residential use shall be subject to the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV and those objective design standards contained within an applicable master plan or specific plan. If there is a conflict between the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV and those in the applicable master plan or specific plan, the standards of the master plan or specific plan shall prevail.

E.

Mixed Use-Health District (MU-H). This zone provides the foundation for the implementation of the Lancaster Health District which allows a mix of commercial, office, medical, and residential uses. Incorporated by reference in the Lancaster Health District Master Plan as adopted by the City Council on April 27, 2021.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1003, §§ 1, 2, 2-24-2015; Ord. No. 1082, § 3, 5-11-2021; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

Editor's note— The Lancaster T.O.D. Zones referenced in § 17.10.030.D.1 are on file in and available from the city clerk's office. They are also available by going online to the City of Lancaster's website.

A person shall not use any premises in the MU zones, except as hereafter permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. Development and new land uses proposed within the mixed use zones shall comply with the standards in this section for the applicable zones, as follows.

A.

Use. Only the land uses allowed by Section 17.10.050 shall be established in the applicable zone.

B.

Development Standards. Each proposed structure shall comply with the development standards in Section 17.10.060 as required for the applicable zone and development type.

C.

Parking. On-site parking shall be provided, located, and designed in compliance with Section 17.10.060 for the applicable zone.

D.

Other Design Requirements. All other requirements listed in Section 17.10.060, Section 17.10.070 and all applicable guidelines in the Lancaster Design Guidelines shall apply. All residential developments which meet the objective development standards in Section 17.10.060 and the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV, shall be deemed to have met the discretionary design standards in 17.10.070 and applicable guidelines.

E.

Cargo containers utilized exclusively for the storage of emergency supplies to be used for the benefit of the public by a recognized governmental agency, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in the event of a disaster or emergency situation, may be approved in the MU zones through a director's review. Placement of a cargo container for the storage of private supplies is not allowed.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 964, § 1, 5-24-2011; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A.

Uses and Permit Requirements. The uses and permit requirements applicable to the mixed use zones are identified in the Uses Matrix below and further modified by the use limitation in Section 17.10.050.B. Uses which do not fall into any other category, and are not temporary uses, uses subject to director's review, or uses subject to permit in these zones, shall be subject to interpretation of the director. Site plan review may be required in accordance with Section 17.10.050.C.

B.

Use Limitations.

1.

Limitation on the Sale of Alcohol in All Zones. The sale of alcohol is subject to Chapter 17.42.

2.

Auto-Oriented Retail/Service. Existing auto-oriented retail/services uses are permitted in MU-N. New auto-oriented retail/service uses are not permitted in the MU-N zone.

3.

Light Industrial Structures or Uses. Light industrial uses or structures are not permitted in the MU-N and MU-C zones. Light industrial uses in the MU-E zone shall be conducted indoors.

4.

Non-Residential Uses in the MU-N Zone.

a.

The size of individual non-residential uses (e.g., individual commercial tenant spaces) within a development shall be limited as specified below. For the purposes of this standard, the size of a use includes the net building area plus any exterior display, storage, work and other exterior activity area associated with that use.

5.

Residential Uses in the MU-C Zone. Single-family and duplex structures are not permitted.

C.

Site Plan Review. Except as specified in subsection D, a site plan (with vicinity map) and building elevations, drawn to scale and reflecting the accurate dimensions of the buildings and property, shall be required of any person seeking to erect new buildings or structures, make additions to any existing buildings or structures, site temporary commercial coaches, or otherwise grade, improve or develop any lot or portion thereof for a permitted use prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The site plan shall be accompanied by an appropriate development application and both shall be filed with the community development department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisions of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conformance with height regulations, property development regulations, sign regulations or a sign program required by the city for multiple-tenant projects, off-street parking requirements, the adopted City of Lancaster Design Guidelines, any other requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in which the property(ies) is (are) located, and any other applicable city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies.

In addition to the conditions and requirements imposed by the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines and policies, the director may place conditions on the approval of the site plan where the director finds that such action is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. At such time as the site plan complies with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies, the site plan shall be approved by the director or his designated representative.

The site plan approval shall be valid for 2 years from the date of approval. A site plan shall be considered "used" when the slab of a major building in the project is poured and inspected, although circumstances in each case may vary and the final determination as to "use" of a site plan review shall be made by the director. Three one-year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than 60 days prior to expiration, and any significant environmental changes which have occurred since the original approval have been addressed. Any extension granted shall be conditioned to comply with the city's current design guidelines as adopted by the city council, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that such compliance will impose an undue hardship on the project. In the event the site plan or an extension thereof is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Section 17.36.030. All projects constructed in accordance with an approved site plan shall be permanently maintained as approved. Any desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prior to occupancy the site shall be inspected for compliance with the site plan. All improvements shall be installed and functioning before occupancy will be allowed.

When the appropriate development application is filed per subsection A of this section it shall be accompanied by the filing fee established by resolution of the city council.

D.

Exempt From Site Plan Review.

1.

Site plan review is not required for the following uses where these uses are identified as a permitted use in the Mixed Use Zones—Uses Matrix in subsection A:

a.

Detached single-family unit or duplex.

b.

Residential facilities.

c.

Low barrier navigation centers (subject to Chapter 17.41, Article V).

d.

Home occupation/artist studio/home office.

e.

Day care as residential accessory use.

f.

Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling units (Subject to Chapter 17.41, Article I).

g.

Automated banking, movie rental, food vending machines.

2.

Site plan review is not required for uses subject to director's review (D). Where the director determines that the requirements of site plan review surpass the city's need for project review of a particular development proposal, the director may exercise discretion and apply the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review, in its place.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 999, § 4, 8-26-2014; Ord. No. 1007, § 5, 10-13-2015; Ord. No. 1093, § 4(Exh. A), 10-11-2022; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A.

Lot Dimensions. The following minimum lot dimensions shall apply to all lots in the MU-N, MU-C and MU-E zones created after the adoption of this section, except those lots created within the boundaries of an approved shopping center or mixed use development to accommodate individual tenants. (Those lots which were legally created, prior to the adoption of this section, in compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of their creation need not comply unless involved in a new subdivision or change in lot configuration other than a lot line adjustment as provided in Title 16 of this code.)

See Section 17.40.070, 17.40.080, 17.40.090.A or 17.40.090.B in the event public use or required street dedication would reduce the net lot area, lot width, or lot depth of an existing lot to less than the required minimum.

B.

Minimum Setbacks and Street Frontage Standards.

1.

Minimum setbacks and street frontage standards are established below.

2.

Street Frontage Standards. The street frontage standards apply to the street-facing lot line where pedestrian or vehicular access is available to the site from that frontage.

a.

New buildings, or additions to existing buildings, shall be designed and located so that at least the specified minimum percentage of frontage is occupied by buildings that are located no further from the street frontage(s) than the specified maximum setback.

b.

For those buildings located to comply with the street frontage standards, vehicular driveways and parking areas shall not be located between the facade of a building and the back of the public sidewalk. In areas of the site where buildings are not located required to be located in compliance with the street frontage standard, a minimum landscaped area of 10 feet in width shall be provided from the back of the sidewalk to any parking area. Such width may be reduced by the approving authority where a parkway design is used to separate the sidewalk from the street curb. Landscaping installation and maintenance shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8.50.

c.

Use limitations on development sites with frontage on a major or secondary arterial street.

(1)

Within the MU-C zone, at least 50% of the ground floor that fronts on the arterial must be committed to one or more of the following use categories: Retail/Service, Lodging, or Public/Semi-Public (see Use Matrix).

(2)

Within the MU-E zone, at least 50% of the ground floor that fronts on the arterial must be committed to one or more of the following use categories: Office/Professional/Light Industrial, Lodging, or Public/Semi-Public (see Use Matrix).

(3)

For a building's ground floor to be considered committed to a use, the ground floor interior spaces that front on the arterial street must be constructed to building code standards for the use or planned for the use upon completion.

d.

Exceptions to Maximum Setback Standards. Exceptions to the maximum setbacks established in subsection may be granted by the approval authority in the following circumstances:

(1)

On a corner or multiple frontage development sites, an exception may be granted to reduce the percent of frontage required on one of the frontages where another frontage exceeds the minimum requirement and the overall intent street frontage standard is met.

(2)

Where people-oriented activity areas, such as outdoor dining locations, are provided at the between the building and the street and designed in such a way as to meet the intent street frontage standard an exception may be granted.

3.

Projections and Encroachments. The following encroachments are permitted within the area established by street frontage standard.

a.

Residential porches may encroachment up to 6 feet into front setback. Additional projections may be permitted into yards subject to Section 17.08.160.

b.

Dining patios associated with restaurants/cafe/bakery/deli uses may encroach into the front setback up to front property line.

C.

Building Height.

1.

Except as specified in Section 17.10.060.C.2, the height of buildings or structures shall be as follows:

2.

Exceptions to building height.

a.

The exceptions to height regulations in Section 17.40.630 shall apply.

b.

Solar collectors may exceed the height limit when mounted on the roof of a legal, conforming building. The right to exceed the height limit shall be exercised only in the event that: there is no other practical means or location for achieving an efficient placement on the building or site in question; such collectors may exceed the height limit only to the extent necessary to achieve efficient placement; in no case shall such solar collectors (or related equipment) encroach more than 5 feet beyond the limit. Also, the placement of a solar collector shall not shade or otherwise diminish the efficiency of existing solar collectors on neighboring property or preclude such property from sufficient solar access to successfully operate a solar energy system sufficient to serve the needs of the business or occupants.

D.

Parking. The automobile parking facilities required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following parking requirements shall be complied with in the mixed use zones:

1.

Residential uses (including when a part of a mixed use development) shall be subject to the parking requirements in Section 17.08.100 (Parking and loading in Residential zones) as follows:

a.

Detached single family dwellings shall be subject to the standards in Section 17.08.100 applicable to a single-family house.

b.

Multi-family dwelling units with individual enclosed garages serving the unit shall be subject to the standards in Section 17.08.100 applicable to a duplex/triplex/four-plex unit.

c.

Multi-family dwelling units where parking is provided in one or more shared parking structures, shall be subject to the standards in Section 17.08.100 that are applicable to apartments with 5 or more units apply.

d.

In addition, following standards apply:

(1)

Enclosed garages serving individual units shall meet the following standards:

• The garage door shall be a minimum of 40 feet from the front property line. Detached garage may abut rear property line unless access is from an alley in which case a minimum 26 feet from back of alley is required for sufficient back-up clearance.

• A covered breezeway, connecting the primary residence to a detached garage, is permitted, provided it is not enclosed.

• Garages shall include a 100 cu. sq. ft. shelving area for storage. This storage area is intended to encourage residents to use garages for vehicle parking.

• Maximum driveway width: 12 feet for a driveway providing access to one garage or 26 feet total for driveways providing access to more than one garage. Driveways providing access to one garage shall be separated from other driveways by a minimum buffer of 4 feet of landscaping.

(2)

On sites with 4 or more dwelling units, one uncovered off-street guest parking space is required for every 4 dwelling unit.

2.

Nonresidential uses (including when a part of a mixed use development) shall be subject to the parking requirements in Section 17.12.220 and Section 17.16.210 (Off-street parking standards in commercial zone and industrial zone) that are applicable to the use type. In addition, the following standards apply:

a.

On-site parking shall be located a minimum 40 feet from the front property line for light industrial buildings; on-site parking for all other nonresidential uses shall be located a minimum of 36 feet from the front property line.

b.

Reciprocal driveway access between multiple parcels, connecting adjacent parking lots, is required where feasible.

c.

Truck loading docks shall be a minimum of 40 feet from the front property line and screened from street view.

3.

Mixed-Use Building. For residential and commercial/office uses, the number of parking spaces shall be in accordance with the requirements listed by use in this section. Parking spaces between residential and commercial/office uses shall not be shared and be specifically identified on site as private residence parking versus public customer parking.

4.

Parking requirements may be reduced, at the discretion of the director, if the builder can sufficiently demonstrate, through research and analysis, that the development warrants fewer parking than is required.

E.

Open Space and Landscaping. The landscaping and open space required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following landscaping and open space requirements shall be complied with in the mixed use zones:

1.

Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance; Title 8, Chapter 8.30, Residential Landscaping Installation and Maintenance; and Title 15, Chapter 15.48, Specifications for Landscape Development of the Lancaster Municipal Code, as applicable.

2.

Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by an automatic system with separate stations for each hydrozone. The irrigation system shall be designed and equipped to incorporate water conservation techniques, such as drip systems, moisture sensors and anti-drain valves. Sprinkler systems shall be designed to prevent water from falling onto impervious surfaces. The system shall comply with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, landscaping installation and maintenance; and Title 8, Chapter 8.30, residential landscaping installation and maintenance of this code, if applicable.

3.

All areas which are not utilized for buildings, sidewalks, vehicle access, or parking, shall be permanently landscaped and maintained.

4.

All landscaped planters for interior parking areas shall be completely bordered by a 6-inch concrete curb to prevent runoff.

5.

Required Landscaping. The following basic standards shall be observed:

a.

All interior areas of parking lots shall be landscaped with a minimum of one shade tree plus one shade tree for each 4 parking spaces along with other required plant materials.

b.

The minimum required landscaping for parking lots shall be the percentage shown below of the total area used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.

c.

Where off-street parking areas abut local or collector public streets, such areas shall be separated from an abutting street by a continuous landscaped planter which extends parallel to the street frontage of the parking area. The planter shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width exclusive of perimeter curbs. Up to one-half of the area of this required landscape planter may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements of the required landscaping for lots under 20,000 square feet.

6.

All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.

7.

At least 25% of all trees installed shall be from a 24 inch box, and no tree shall be less than 15 gallon size. At least 50% of all shrubs shall be of 5-gallon size, and no shrub shall be less than one-gallon size. Ground covers shall be planted at no further apart than 6 inches on center.

F.

Fences, Walls, and Screening. Fences, walls and screening for residential development (excluding residential development when a part of a mixed use development) shall comply with the standards in Section 17.08.130.

G.

Building Design Requirements.

1.

Primary Entries. All buildings located entirely or partially within the maximum setback shall have a primary entrance directly facing the street frontage and provide direct pedestrian access to the primary entrance from the adjacent street frontage. A primary entrance may be located on the side of a building not directly facing a street frontage provided that the entrance is clearly visible to people from the adjacent street, direct public access is provided, and the building facade directly facing the street has sufficient fenestration and other design elements and treatment to create a visible connection with that street frontage. If necessary, dual building entrances shall be provided; one facing the street frontage, connected to the sidewalk; another facing the parking area. Except for entrances into individual dwellings, primary entrances shall be designed to provide public access to the building.

2.

Windows. The street facing facades of buildings located entirely or partially within the maximum setback should be designed to include windows as a significant percentage of the facade. Blank, windowless facades are not permitted. Windows in nonresidential buildings should be designed to allow views into working area; however, display windows can be provided as an alternative. Residential windows should also consider privacy. Windows of a facade along a zero-lot line facing a neighboring side yard shall be small and have a high sill height, typically 6 feet above the finished floor, or have translucent glazing.

3.

Commercial and Mixed Use Buildings.

a.

Mixed-use buildings are designed to accommodate a combination of both commercial/office and residential uses. "Vertical" mixed-use developments are designed with retail, service, and/or office uses on the ground floor, with upper floors used for those uses or for residential dwelling units. "Horizontal" mixed-use developments have retail, service and/or office uses on the same project site as residential uses, but not within the same building. For "vertical" mixed use developments, residential uses shall be located above non-residential uses. For "horizontal" mixed use developments, non-residential uses shall be oriented closer to the street than residential uses.

b.

Design of ground floor building facades facing a street shall provide the appearance of a storefront. Design elements may include arcades, patios, awnings, and overhangs as appropriate to enhance appearance and use of the space.

c.

Uses and facilities such as shared parking and open space shall be connected by pedestrian pathways.

4.

Trash enclosure shall meet the following requirements:

a.

Trash enclosures shall be located or screened so that they are not visible from primary entrances drive or streets;

b.

Trash enclosure shall be a minimum of 165 square feet;

c.

Source separation of recyclable materials shall be accommodated in accordance with state requirements;

d.

Trash enclosures shall be constructed with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and

e.

Trash enclosures shall be separated from adjacent parking by at least a 6-foot wide planter.

H.

Signs. A person shall not use, install, or construct any sign in the MU-N, MU-C or MU-E zone except as specifically permitted in this section.

1.

Signs for commercial developments shall adhere to the standards in Sections 17.12.140 through 17.12.210 of the zoning code (Commercial zone), as well as the design and performance standards in Section 17.10.070.

2.

Signs for residential developments shall adhere to the standards in Sections 17.08.120 of the zoning code (Residential zone), as well as the design and performance standards in Section 17.10.070.

3.

Signs for light industrial developments shall adhere to the standards in Sections 17.16.140 through 17.16.200 of the zoning code (industrial zone), as well as the design and performance standards in Section 17.10.070.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

The following design and development standards shall be met in all mixed use zones. All residential development which meets the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV shall be deemed to have met these measures.

A.

Site Design. Develop projects that enhance the sense of place and reflect a commitment to functional efficiency, quality, and neighborhood context.

1.

Utilize a grid, or modified-grid block pattern to maximize access and circulation efficiency, with direct pedestrian access to buildings and building entrances that are oriented toward the street, wherever possible.

2.

Design loading and service areas away from street frontage.

3.

Carefully design, locate and integrate utilitarian aspects, including trash containers, mail boxes, vending machines, utility boxes, and other similar structures. Use a combination of solid masonry walls, berm and landscaping for screening.

4.

Provide attractive lighting for safety and comfort, consistent with building style, materials, finishes and colors.

5.

Use "safe by design" criteria for visibility, lighting, and access control. Maintain visibility of doors and windows from the street and from within the development.

6.

Provide noise-attenuating protection for noise-sensitive uses and provide privacy for residential uses.

B.

Pedestrian Connections and Amenities. Develop projects with safe and aesthetically-pleasing pedestrian connections, bringing varying uses into close proximity to each other.

1.

Use a combination of trees and landscaping for all pedestrian areas, including but not limited to plazas and walkways, for shade and definition. Include amenities such as patios, accent lighting, outdoor seating areas, and other similar enhancements to encourage use and social gathering.

2.

Incorporate paseos, or walk/bike trails, separated from vehicular paths, to provide connectivity throughout developments and to adjacent amenities and services.

3.

Where appropriate, use traffic calming measures to reduce the speed of automobiles within developments and in local residential streets through corner bulbouts and mid-block bumpouts, tree plantings, enhanced paving at crosswalks, and traffic circles or round-a-bouts.

C.

Building Architecture and Form. Provide articulation on all building façades, and include variation in massing, roof form and wall planes. Architecture shall be provided at a pedestrian scale, through the reduction of large wall planes and massing.

1.

Articulate walls using details such as insets, awnings, canopies, wing walls, trellises, arcades and colonnades.

2.

Use multiple colors, materials, textures, and applied finishes to help break up wall massing. Avoid blank walls, but also avoid façade repetition.

3.

Provide distinctive entries and window treatments.

4.

Establish continuity and consistency in the design and location of signage.

5.

For all non-residential uses, include parapets to conceal rooftop equipment, chimneys, cooling towers, and solar panels. When possible, place equipment in an enclosure on the ground, in lieu of rooftop.

D.

Transitions and Buffering. Encourage transitions between proposed higher intensity developments and adjacent, less intensive uses to keep disturbance to a minimum.

1.

Avoid placement on a project site, elements that may conflict with neighboring residential properties, or other sensitive uses.

2.

Carefully examine the placement of buffers, buildings and parking, where more intense uses are adjacent to sensitive uses, such as residential development. At the same time, provide access between uses.

3.

Step down heights of structures at the edge of developments to be compatible with those in adjacent projects.

4.

Enhance buffers with additional width or increased landscaping. Plant trees and shrubs in voids created by wall variations, at an appropriate scale.

5.

Vary setbacks and wall alignments to soften the edge of the development.

6.

Offset windows from one another between residential units.

7.

Provide a clear distinction between public and private spaces, through the use of height separation, fencing, berm, or a combination of these elements.

E.

Open Space and Common Areas. Provide open space and common areas to enhance quality of life, and to encourage opportunities for social gathering and interaction.

1.

For commercial, office and employment centers, provide open space plaza areas for activity, interaction and rest. Provide seating with trees and other furniture providing shade. Decorate plaza areas with enhanced landscaping, lighting, and other ornamental amenities.

2.

Create recognizable focal points by using community amenities in public open spaces and other commonly used community spaces.

F.

Parking and Access. Locate parking areas away from street view, while ensuring functional vehicular access.

1.

Use a combination of low masonry walls, berm or landscaping, where no building is screening parking from street view.

2.

Use reciprocal access drives to connect with adjacent properties.

3.

Design on-site circulation system to minimize pedestrian and vehicle conflicts.

4.

Design parking lots by dividing a large parking lot into a series of smaller, connected lots.

5.

Use paving materials varied in texture and color where pedestrian and vehicular areas overlap to minimize the negative impact of large expanses of asphalt. The use of stamped concrete, stone, brick, or granite pavers, exposed aggregate or colored concrete is preferred.

6.

For commercial shopping centers, provide functional, but aesthetically pleasing, cart return areas that are architecturally integrated with the building and site.

G.

Signs. Promote the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of street graphics to foster high quality developments and enhance the economic vitality of business and industry.

1.

Ensure that signs associated with multitenant buildings are complementary to one another; a sign program should be prepared in conjunction with applications for development.

2.

Place signs in accordance with façade rhythm, scale and proportion. Signs shall not cover or obscure windows, doors, storefronts, building entrances, cornices, columns, or other architectural elements or details.

3.

Offer a clear, simple message that is unique to a particular business. The number of lettering styles should be limited, and the use of identifiable symbols should contrast with back-ground materials to achieve readability.

4.

Construct signs with durable and weatherproof materials so that they will not discolor, face, crack, rust, or erode.

5.

Signs should show depth and cast shadows. Depth and shadows can be created by mounting individually cut letters and symbols on the sign base or carving letters and by symbols into the base or carving letters and symbols into the base of the sign.

6.

Sign materials and colors should complement the building façade. Basic and simple color applications are encouraged and vibrant and fluorescent colors should be avoided.

7.

The color of letters and symbols should contrast the base or background color of the sign to maximize readability.

8.

Integrate Signage and Lighting. Appropriate methods of sign illumination include unobtrusive and attractive external fixtures, individually illuminated letters, and colorful exposed neon tubing script.

9.

Sign lighting should be directed and shielded to illuminate the sign and not to spill over to other parts of the building or site.

10.

In order to avoid sign clutter, signage shall only be allowed on façades that have building entrances.

11.

The following signs are prohibited in the MU zones: internally illuminated plastic cabinet signs ("can signs"), pole-mounted or lollipop signs, roof-mounted signs and billboards.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A.

Purpose and intent. A developer may choose to propose a project that does not entirely meet the standards in Section 17.10.060, but does meet the overall design intent, through the submittal of a mixed-use planned development (MPD) application. The purpose and intent of the MPD is to allow for greater flexibility and creativity in design, to encourage well-planned neighborhoods and developments, and to provide for appropriate use of land which is sufficiently unique in its physical characteristics.

B.

Applicability. The following standards are applicable for all mixed-use planned developments in zones in which they are allowed, subject to the granting of a conditional use permit.

C.

Standards. The following standards shall apply to all mixed-use planned development:

1.

Area. The proposed development plan shall encompass a gross area of not less than 3 acres.

2.

Open Space. The open space requirements listed in Section 17.10.060 shall apply for mixed-use planned developments.

3.

Landscaping. The landscaping requirements listed in Section 17.10.060 shall apply for mixed-use planned developments.

D.

Findings. In reviewing and approving a mixed-use planned development application for a conditional use permit, the following findings shall be made:

1.

The mixed-use planned development meets the goals of the Lancaster General Plan, pertaining to community design, and the objectives to "enhance overall community form, create a vibrant sense of place," and to "improve the city's visual identity by utilizing design standards that instill a sense of pride and well-being in the community."

2.

The mixed-use planned development adheres to the Lancaster Design Guidelines and the design and performance standards listed in Section 17.10.070, and is consistent with the mission statement of "implementing quality design for timeless architecture that enhances the community's image, pride and quality of life."

3.

The mixed-use planned development is comprehensive, covers a logical planning area, and provides the opportunity for unique and creative designs that are not possible under the city's typical development regulations.

(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010)