Los Alamitos City Zoning Code

Division II

Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations

§ 17.04.010 Purpose.

This chapter establishes the zones applied to properties within the City, sets forth how the zones are applied on the zoning map, establishes the general permit requirements for development and land uses Citywide.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.04.020 Zones Established.

The City shall be divided into zones that implement the General Plan land use designations. The zones into which the City is divided are defined in Table 2-01 (Zones and General Plan Designations).

Table 2-01: Zones and General Plan Designations
Zone Symbol	Zone Name	General Plan Land Use Designation
Residential Zones
R-1	Single-Family Residential Zone	Single-Family Residential
R-2	Limited Multi-Family Residential Zone	Limited Multi-Family Residential - 20
R-3	Multi-Family Residential Zone	Multi-Family Residential - 25
R-4	Multi-Family Residential Zone	Multi-Family Residential - 36
M-H	Mobile Home Park Zone	Limited Multi-Family Residential
Commercial and Industrial Zones
C-O	Commercial/Professional Office Zone	Professional Office
C-G	General Commercial Zone	Retail Business
P-L-I	Planned Light Industrial Zone	Planned Industrial
Mixed Use Zones
TCMU	Town Center Mixed Use Zone	Mixed Use
Special Purpose Zones
O-A	Open Area Zone	Open Area/Easement Overlay
C-F	Community Facilities Zone	Community & Institutional and Community & Institutional/JFTB
SP	Specific Plan	Specific Plan
Overlay Zones
MOZ	Medical Overlay Zone	Medical Overlay
ROZ	Retail Overlay Zone	Retail Overlay
LWOZ	Live/Work Overlay Zone	Limited Multi-Family Residential; Mixed Use

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 15-03 § 2, 2015; Ord. 15-09 § 2, 2015; Ord. 16-03 § 3, 2016; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 3, 2023)

§ 17.04.030 Zoning Map Adopted.

The designations, locations, and boundaries of the zones established are delineated upon the map entitled "Zoning Map of the City of Los Alamitos, California." Materials, references, data, and other information shown on the zoning map and as amended from time to time are made a part of this title by reference. The Director shall be responsible for the custody and maintenance of and amendments to the zoning map.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.04.040 Zoning of Annexed Areas and Undesignated Properties.

Annexed/Unincorporated Areas. Where adjoining unincorporated land has been prezoned in compliance with the methods provided by this Zoning Code for zoning within the City, the zone applied by the prezoning action shall become effective when lands are annexed to the City.

Undesignated Land. Land now or later included within the City boundaries that is not a public right-of-way or pre-zoned in compliance with subsection A of this section or is designated on the zoning map as being included in a zone shall be designated as R-1 (Single-Family Residential).

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.010 Purpose.

This chapter establishes general requirements for the approval of proposed development and new land uses in the City. The land use permit requirements for specific land uses are established by Division 2 (Zones, Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), and Division 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.020 General Requirements for Development and New Land Uses.

Uses of land and/or structures shall be established, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or replaced in compliance with the following requirements.

Allowable Uses. The land uses for lots of land shall be identified by Chapter 17.08 (Residential Zones), Chapter 17.10 (Commercial/Industrial Zones), or Chapter 17.14 (Special Purpose and Overlay Zones). The Director may determine whether a land use is allowable in compliance with Section 17.02.020 (Rules of Interpretation)

Permit/Approval Requirements. Land use permits or other approvals required by Section 17.08.020 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones), Section 17.12.020 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zones), and Section 17.14.020 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Special Purpose and Overlay Zones) shall be obtained by the applicant before the proposed use is established, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, altered, moved, or otherwise put into operation, unless the proposed use is exempt as provided in Section 17.06.030 (Exemptions from Land Use Permit Requirements).

Development Standards. The use of land and/or structure shall comply with applicable requirements of this Zoning Code, including the zone standards of this article and the provisions of Division 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

Conditions of Approval. The use of land and/or structure shall comply with applicable conditions imposed by a previously granted land use permit or other approval.

Legal Lot. The use of land and/or structure shall only be established on a lot of land that has been legally created in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act (Section 66410 et seq., of the California Government Code) and Title 16 (Subdivisions), as applicable at the time the lot was created.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.030 Exemptions from Land Use Permit Requirements.

The land use permit requirements of this Zoning Code shall not apply to the following activities, uses of land, and/or structures:

Governmental Facilities. Facilities of the City, State, Federal government, or special districts (e.g., school district, sanitation district) on land owned or leased by a governmental agency, for governmental operations, to the extent that the facilities are exempted by State or Federal law.

Interior Remodeling. Interior alterations that do not increase the number of rooms or the gross floor area within the structure or change the approved use of the structure.

Repairs and Maintenance. Ordinary repairs and routine maintenance that do not result in a change in the approved land use of the site or structure, addition to, or enlargement/expansion of the land use and/or structure.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.040 Additional Permits and Approvals May Be Required.

An allowed land use that has been granted a land use permit, or is exempt from a land use approval, may still be required to obtain City permits or approvals before the use is constructed or otherwise established and put into operation. Nothing in this chapter shall eliminate the need to obtain permits or approvals required by other Municipal Code provisions or applicable County, State, or Federal agency regulations.

Necessary permits shall be obtained before starting work or establishing a new use.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.08.010 Purpose of Zones.

Generally. The purpose of the residential zones is to:

Provide for a full range of housing types and densities consistent with the General Plan;

Preserve, protect, and enhance the character of Los Alamitos' residential neighborhoods and the quality of life of City residents;

Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling; and

Ensure that the scale and design of new development and alterations to existing structures are compatible with surrounding homes and appropriate to the physical characteristics of the site and the area where the project is proposed.

Individual Zones. The purposes of the individual residential zones and the manners in which they are applied are as follows:

Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1). The R-1 zone identifies lots designed to accommodate single-family dwellings on individual lots and planned-unit developments consisting exclusively of detached single-family dwellings. The maximum permitted density is six dwelling units per net acre. The R-1 zone implements the General Plan Single-Family Residential land use designation.

Limited Multi-Family Residential - 20 Zone (R-2). The R-2 zone applies to lots providing low-density multi-family housing consisting of more than one detached individual dwelling unit on one lot or attached dwelling units consisting of no more than three units in one structure. The maximum permitted density is six to 20 dwelling units per net acre. The R-2 zone implements the General Plan Limited Multi-Family Residential land use designation.

Multi-Family Residential - 25 Zone (R-3). The R-3 zone apples to lots intended to provide multi-family housing. Housing types permitted include those permitted in the R-1 and R-2 zones, as well as structures containing four or more dwelling units. The maximum permitted density is 20 to 25 dwelling units per net acre. The R-3 zone implements the General Plan Multi-Family Residential land use designation.

Multi-Family Residential - 36 Zone (R-4). The R-4 zone apples to lots intended to provide multi-family housing. Housing types permitted include those permitted in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones, as well as structures containing four or more dwelling units. The maximum permitted density is 30 to 36 dwelling units per net acre. The R-4 zone implements the General Plan Multi-Family Residential-36 land use designation.

Mobile Home Residential Zone (M-H). The M-H zone is established to accommodate and preserve mobile home park housing developments and subdivisions. The M-H zone implements the General Plan Limited Multi-Family Residential land use designation.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 4, 2023)

§ 17.08.020 Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones.

Use Regulations. This section, and Table 2-02 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones) in particular, identifies the uses of land that may be allowed within each of the zones established in Section 17.04.020 (Zones Established) and indicates whether any special permit is required for each allowable use.

Permitted Uses, Use Permits, and Uses Not Allowed.

Permitted Use ("P"). A permitted use is a use permitted as a matter of right, subject to compliance with applicable provisions of this Zoning Code, including Site Development Permit—Major and Minor (Chapter 17.44) and a building permit or other permit required by the Municipal Code.

Permitted as an Accessory Use ("A"). Accessory uses are uses clearly incidental to a primary permitted or conditionally permitted use are permitted as a matter of right, subject to the requirements of this Zoning Code, including Section 17.38.030 (Accessory Structures/Uses— Residential).

Administrative Use Permit ("AUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Conditional Use Permit ("CUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Temporary Use Permit ("TUP"). Temporary uses are subject to the approval of a Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 17.46).

Uses Not Allowed ("—"). Uses with an "—" indication in Table 2-02 are not allowed in the specified zone.

Specific Use Regulations. All uses, regardless of the type of permit that may be required, shall comply with applicable provision of this Zoning Code. In addition, if there is a section number in the last column of the Table 2-02 labeled Specific Use Regulations, the use is also subject to the referenced provisions.

Zoning Permit Required. For any use permitted as a matter of right, such use shall require approval of a Zoning Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.50 (Zoning Consistency Review).

Multiple Uses on a Single Site. When a proposed project includes multiple land uses and more than one type of land use permit is required, the most restrictive land use permit shall apply to the entire project application.

Director Determination. Land uses are defined in Division 7 (Definitions). In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification substantially similar in character, pursuant to Section 17.02.020 (Rules of Interpretation). Land uses not listed in Table 2-02 or not found to be substantially similar to the land uses, as determined by the Director, are prohibited.

Table 2-02: Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones
P: Permitted Use	CUP: Conditional Use Permit
A: Permitted as an Accessory Use	TUP: Temporary Use Permit
AUP: Administrative Use Permit	—: Use Not Allowed

Use	Land Use Regulation					Specific Use Regulations
Use	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-4	M-H	Specific Use Regulations
CANNABIS USES
Cannabis Delivery	—	—	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cannabis Activities	—	—	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Cultivation, even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers	—	—	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory Dwelling Unit	P	P	P	P	P	See Section 17.28.020
Accessory Structures and Uses	A	A	A	A	A	See Section 17.28.030 (Accessory Structures/Uses—Residential)
Boarding House	—	—	CUP	CUP	—
Group Home—6 Residents or Fewer	P
Live/Work Unit	—	AUP	—	—		Subject to the regulations in Section 17.28.180 (Live/Work Units)
Mobile Home Parks	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Multiple-Family Dwelling	—	P	P	P	—
Resident Manager's Unit	—	AUP	AUP	AUP	—
Single-Family Dwelling	P	P	P	P	P
Senior Housing	—	P	P	P	P
Supportive Housing	P	P	P	P	P
Transitional Housing	P	P	P	P	P
Two-Unit Dwelling (Duplex)	—	P	P	P	—
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY AND RECREATION USES
Public Assembly Facilities	—	—	CUP	CUP	A	Only associated with a mobile home park
Religious Assembly Facilities	—	—	CUP	CUP	—
Recreation Facilities, Private— Indoor or Outdoor	A	A	A	A	A	Only associated with the primary permitted use and intended to serve the residents of the associated development
Schools, K-12—Private	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	—
SERVICE AND CARE USES
Day Care Centers	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	—	See Section 17.28.130 (Day Care, General)
Family Day Care Homes—Large	P	P	P	P	—	See Section 17.28.140 (Day Care Home—Large Family (9-14 children))
Family Day Care Homes—Small	P	P	P	P
Residential Care Facilities—7 or More Persons	—	—	CUP	CUP	—
OTHER USES
Chickens, Female (hens)	P	P	P	P	P	Subject to Chapter 6.20
Temporary Uses/Activities	TUP	TUP	TUP	TUP	TUP	See Chapter 17.46 (Temporary Use Permits)
Utility Facilities
Facilities with No On-Site Staff	AUP	AUP	AUP	AUP	AUP
Facilities with On-Site Staff	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	Ground-mounted equipment in residential zones shall be screened by landscaping to the satisfaction of the Director
Vehicle Charging Facilities	A	A	A	A	A	Only as accessory to a permitted use
Wireless Communication Facilities—Major	—	—	—	—	—	Except as may be preempted by Federal law Section 17.28.270(K) (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Communication Facilities—Minor	—	—	—	—	—	Except as may be pre-empted by Federal law Section 17.28.270(L) (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, Satellite Dish Antenna	P	P	P	P	P	Subject to size limitations per Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities) and as otherwise regulated by this section

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 13-04 § 3, 2013; Ord. 14-03 § 3, 2014; Ord. 14-07 § 2, 2014; Ord. 15-11 § 4, 2016; Ord. 17-08 § 6, 2017; Ord. 17-09 § 3, 2017; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 20-04 § 3, 2020; Ord. 22-02 § 3, 2022; Ord. 23-01 § 5, 2023)

§ 17.08.030 Development Standards in Residential Zones.

The general property development standards for the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MH zones shall be as set forth in Table 2-03: Development Standards for Residential Zones.

In the R-2 zone, where a lot has been subdivided for the purpose of establishing one single-family residential unit per lot, the standards for the R-1 zone shall apply, except the minimum lot size shall be 5,000 square feet and the minimum lot width shall be 50 feet.

In addition to the standards set forth in Table 2-03, Section 17.08.045 (Design Standards for Multi-Family Housing) shall apply.

Table 2-03: Development Standards in Residential Zones
Development Feature	Requirement by Zone
Development Feature	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-4	M-H	Additional Requirements
Lot and Density Standards
Maximum Density	6 du/ac; 1 du per lot	6-20 du/ac	20-25 du/ac	30-36 du/ac	10 du/ac	In MH zone, minimum lot or space size for individual mobile home is 2,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Size	6,000 sq. ft.	9,000 sq. ft.	7,200 sq. ft.	7,200 sq. ft.	5 acres
Minimum Lot Width
Interior Lot	60 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.		See also Title 16 (Subdivisions) regarding dimensions for cul-de-sac and other unusual lots
Corner Lot	60 ft.	70 ft.	70 ft.	70 ft.	—
Reversed Corner Lot	60 ft.	75 ft.	—		—
Minimum Lot Depth	100 ft.	135 ft.	100 ft.	100 ft.	—
Maximum Lot Coverage	50%	60%	50%	60%	—	Excludes swimming pools and any open-sided patio structure
Building Form and Location
Minimum Dwelling Area	Gross floor area
Studio	No minimum for R-1 zone	800 sq. ft.	450 sq. ft.	450 sq. ft.	—	Excludes garage area
1 bedroom			650 sq. ft	650 sq. ft
2+ bedrooms			800 sq. ft.	800 sq. ft.
Maximum Height	Structures
Main	30 ft.	35 ft.	35 ft.	40 ft.	20 ft.	See Section 17.16.040 (Height Measurement and Exceptions) 1) Except in the R-4 zone, along an interior side yard lot line, any structure taller than 25 feet shall be set back an additional 5 feet minimum (relative to minimum required setback) for any portion of the building taller than 25 feet 2) Structures on lots with a common property line with an R-1 zoned property shall not exceed 2 stories and 25 feet in height within 30 feet of the R-1 lot line
Accessory	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.	Accessory dwelling units shall conform to the setback requirements for the main structure
Minimum Setbacks						See Sections 17.08.070 and 17.28.030 regarding setback exceptions
Front Yard	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	—
Turn-Around End of a Cul-de-Sac	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.
Side Yard—Interior	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	—
Side Yard—Corner Lot	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.
Rear Yard	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	—
Garage Setback	Applies to garages associated with individual dwelling units				—
Street (Front)	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	—
Alleyway	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	—
Street (side yard) (corner lot)	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	—
Maximum Rear Yard Coverage by Patio or Accessory Structure	30%	—	—	—	—	Applies to all rear yard area, not just required rear setback area
Distance (minimum) Between Structures on 1 Lot	—	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	N/A	A minimum of 10 feet between structures shall be free of any eaves or other projections
When Main Structures Face Across a Court	—	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.
Storage Space in a Garage or Carport (minimum)	N/A	200 cubic ft./unit			N/A	Storage space shall be required for new development only
Outdoor Living Space
Combination of Private and Common Area	—	400 sq. ft. per unit, with a minimum of 100 sq. ft. of private space per unit	200 sq. ft. per unit of common area, with a minimum of 60 sq. ft. of private space per unit	200 sq. ft. per unit of common area, with a minimum of 50 sq. ft. of private space per unit	200 sq. ft. per unit of private open space adjacent to the unit, plus 50 sq. ft. per unit of common open space	1) For developments with 5 or more units, at least 1 common open space area with minimum dimensions of 20 feet by 20 feet shall be provided 2) For common open space areas, a minimum space of at least 20 feet by 20 feet shall be required. All common open space areas other than swimming pools shall be kept clear of mechanical equipment and other obstructions that would inhibit use of the open areas 3) In the MH zone, common outdoor area shall be at least 125 sq. ft. and accessible to all mobile home park residents 4) Private open space must be clear of mechanical equipment and other obstructions that would inhibit use of area

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 21-02 § 3, 2021; Ord. 23-01 § 6, 2023)

§ 17.08.040 R-1 Zone Front Yard Landscaping Requirement.

A minimum of 50 percent of the required front yard setback shall be landscaped with plant materials.

The required front yard landscaped area shall include landscaping (plant materials) along each side property line with minimum dimensions of four feet wide by 16 feet in length (see Figure 2-01). This requirement shall only apply to the development of a new residential use or renovation of an existing residential use which includes modifications to the existing garage or front yard that occurs after April 15, 2014.

Figure 2-01: Required Front Yard Landscaping

The Director shall have the authority, through the Minor Modifications process pursuant to Chapter 17.40 (Minor Modifications), to allow an exception to the requirements of subsections A and B, above, if necessary to provide safe and adequate property ingress and egress.

A Site Development Permit—Minor pursuant to Chapter 17.44 (Site Development Permit—Major and Minor) shall be required to deviate from the requirements of subsections A and B, above, for any purpose—including to allow access to a parking pad in a side or rear setback—other than providing for safe and adequate property ingress and egress.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.08.045 Design Standards for Multi-Family Housing.

Building Design.

Except in the R-4 and TCMU districts, for buildings higher than two stories, the third story shall step back a minimum of five feet from the story below to minimize building bulk and create façade articulation.

Building façades shall incorporate details such as window trim, window recesses, cornices, changes in material, color, or other design elements in an integrated composition.

Roofs shall be designed to drain away from neighboring properties.

On multi-story buildings, windows shall be placed to provide privacy for adjacent properties, such as avoiding having windows directly facing each other across lot lines.

Carport roofs visible from the public right-of-way or on-site buildings shall incorporate roof slopes and materials to match adjacent buildings.

Pedestrian Access.

Clearly marked pedestrian walkways shall be provided from parking areas to building entryways and shall be designed to minimize pedestrian/vehicle conflicts.

Interior and exterior pedestrian walkways with access within and to the residential or mixed-use projects shall be defined by landscaping and lighting that are consistent with the scale and architecture of the buildings they serve.

Other Design Standards.

Transformers shall not be located within any required private open space area.

Transformers, other on-site utility equipment, and on-site fire department connections shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way by landscaping or ground-mounted structures/fencing of materials and colors that match on-site architecture.

Stormwater retention ponds, where provided, shall be designed as a landscape feature.

Design Standards Specific to R-4 Zone.

Balconies.

No more than 40 percent of balconies on a project shall extend beyond the façade of the building; and the maximum projection shall be 25 percent of the balcony's full depth. All other balconies shall be recessed into the building façade.

No balconies shall overhang into the public right-of-way or sidewalk not including the portion of the building setback behind the existing property line.

Balconies can overhang the area of the building setback, behind the property line.

Indoor Common Area.

25 percent of the required common area up to a maximum area of 3,000 square feet may be located indoors.

A minimum area of 400 square feet with a minimum dimension of 20 feet in each direction is required to qualify as indoor common area.

Indoor common areas shall have a minimum floor to ceiling height of 12 feet.

At least one wall on an indoor common area shall be a glazed building exterior.

Indoor common areas shall connect directly to an outdoor common area.

Indoor common areas shall not include spaces used primarily for circulation.

Materials. No more than 60 percent of the building façade shall be clad with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) or stucco.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 7, 2023)

§ 17.08.050 Laundry Facilities for Multi-Family Housing.

If a laundry area is not provided in every unit, a common laundry area shall be provided with a minimum of one washer and one dryer for each eight units. Such common laundry area shall be centrally located to the units to be served.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.08.060 Mobile Home Park and Subdivision Standards.

Use.

No mobile home shall be used for any purpose other than a dwelling.

Each mobile home shall be located on an approved mobile home site, and all mobile home sites shall be designed to accommodate independent mobile homes. No home site shall be used as the location for more than one mobile home or trailer.

Property Boundary Setback. Mobile homes and other structures shall not be located closer than five feet from any property line of the mobile home park or subdivision.

Space Boundary Setback. Mobile homes shall not be located closer than three feet from their space boundary line.

Compliance with State Law. All mobile home parks shall comply with the regulations contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Article I, Chapter 2.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.08.070 Exceptions to Development Standards in Residential Zones.

Setbacks—Exceptions.

Front Yard Setback in R-2 and R-3 Zones. When a lot in an R-2 or R-3 zone is approved for single-family residential use by means of a subdivision or lot split and a resulting lot has an area of less than 9,000 square feet, the lot may have a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet.

Front Yard Setback in R-3 Zone. In the R-3 zone, front yard setbacks may vary provided an average building setback of 20 feet is maintained along an entire block face, with no setback less than 15 feet.

Figure 2-02: Front Yard Setback in R-3 Zone

Side Yard Setback in R-2 and R-3 Zones. Where a dwelling or dwellings have an entry facing a common property line, the entry must open onto a minimum 15-foot by 15-foot outdoor court.

Heights of Institutional Facilities. Private schools, places of religious assembly, and utility facilities may include structures up to 50 feet high. Such additional height above the maximum height requirement for the applicable zone shall be granted through a Conditional Use Permit. Any structure taller than 25 feet shall be set back an additional five feet minimum (relative to minimum required setback) for any portion of the building taller than 25 feet.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 21-02 §§ 4—5, 2021)

§ 17.08.080 Other Applicable Regulations in Residential Zones.

New land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Division 3—Site Planning and General Development Standards and Division 4—Regulations for Specific Land Uses and Activities.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.10.010 Purpose of Zones.

The purposes of the commercial and industrial zones are as follows:

Commercial-Professional Office Zone (C-O). The C-O zone is established to accommodate administrative and professional offices, retail commercial uses, restaurants and other food service uses, and other complementary uses and facilities. The C-O zone implements the General Plan Professional Office land use designation.

General Commercial Zone (C-G). The C-G zone is established to accommodate a wide range of retail sales, business, dining, personal, and professional services, as well as entertainment and lodging. The land uses allowed in this zone will generally serve the entire community and the region. The C-G zone implements the General Plan Retail Business land use designation.

Planned Light Industrial Zone (P-L-I). The P-L-I zone is established to accommodate manufacturing, research and development, product assembly, equipment repair, and other light manufacturing businesses that have limited environmental impact in terms of noise, traffic, odors, hazardous materials use/production, and vibration. Other allowed uses include indoor commercial recreation uses such as fitness studios, sports courts/fields, and sports instructional facilities, provided such uses can be found compatible with and not detrimental to the operations of the primary permitted light industrial uses. The regulation of uses and standards of development identified for the P-L-I zone are those deemed necessary to provide the proper environment for industrial businesses, and to provide the proper safeguards to protect nearby residential, commercial, and public uses. The P-L-I zone implements the General Plan Planned Industrial land use designation.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 16-03 § 4, 2016; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.10.020 Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zones.

Use Regulations. This section, and Table 2-04 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zones) in particular, identifies the uses of land that may be allowed within each of the zones established in Section 17.04.020 (Zones Established) and indicates whether any special permit is required for each allowable use.

Permitted Uses, Use Permits, and Uses Not Allowed.

Permitted as an Accessory Use ("A"). Accessory uses that are clearly incidental to a primary permitted or conditionally permitted use are permitted as a matter of right, subject to the requirements of this Zoning Code, including Section 17.28.035 (Accessory Structures— Nonresidential Zones).

Administrative Use Permit ("AUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Conditional Use Permit ("CUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Temporary Use Permit ("TUP"). Temporary uses are subject to the approval of a Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 17.46).

Uses Not Allowed ("—"). Uses with an "—" indication in Table 2-04 are not allowed in the specified zone.

Specific Use Regulations. All uses, regardless of the type of permit that may be required, shall comply with applicable provision of this Zoning Code. In addition, if there is a section number in the last column of the Table 2-04 labeled Specific Use Regulations, the use is also subject to the referenced provisions.

Zoning Permit Required. For any use permitted as a matter of right, such use shall require approval of a Zoning Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.50 (Zoning Consistency Review).

Director Determination. Land uses are defined in Division 7 (Definitions). In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification substantially similar in character. Land uses not listed in Table 2-04 or not found to be substantially similar to the land uses, as determined by the Director, are prohibited.

Prohibited Uses. The following uses are specifically prohibited in all commercial and industrial zones:

All Cannabis Activities, including Cannabis Deliveries, Commercial Cannabis Activities, and Commercial Cultivation, even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers

Donation Boxes

Freight and/or Truck Terminals

Gun and Ammunition Stores

Manufacturing—Heavy

Recycling, Large Collection

Recycling, Processing Facility

Salvage Yard

Secondhand Stores

10.

Swap Meets—Indoor or Outdoor

11.

Tobacco and Vape Stores

Table 2-04: Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zones
P: Permitted Use	CUP: Conditional Use Permit
A: Permitted as an Accessory Use	—: Use not allowed
AUP: Administrative Use Permit	TUP: Temporary Use Permit

Use	Permit Required by Zone			Specific Use Regulations
Use	C-O	C-G	P-L-I	Specific Use Regulations
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture—Commercial Indoor	—	—	CUP
Community Gardens	AUP	AUP	—
BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)— Drive-Up	AUP	AUP	AUP
Business Support Services	P	P	P
Check Cashing and/or Payday Loans	CUP	—	—
Financial Institutions and Related Services (without drive-through facilities)	P	P	—
Office, Business and Professional (not including Medical and Dental Office, or Industrial Support Office)	P	P	CUP	1) In the C-G zone in multi-story structures, offices may occupy up to 100 percent of the gross floor area in the second and higher stories, and up to 15 percent of the ground floor upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space on the ground floor exceed 3,000 square feet total 2) In the C-G zone, in single-story structures located in shopping centers, up to 15 percent of the gross floor area of the center is allowed for office uses upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space exceed 3,000 square feet total
Office, Industrial Support Office	P	P	P
Office, Medical and Dental Office	See Medical-Related and Care Uses
Office, Public Utility Commercial	P	P/CUP	P	In the C-G zone, permitted on properties with non-arterial street frontage. CUP required for ground-floor tenant spaces on properties with arterial street frontage
CANNABIS USES
Cannabis Deliveries	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cannabis Activities	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cultivation, Even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers	—	—	—
EATING AND DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS
Bars, Lounges, Nightclubs, and Tasting Rooms	CUP	CUP	CUP
Food Preparation/Catering (no on-site sales or service)	—	AUP	P
Restaurant—Full or Limited Service, Serving Alcohol	CUP	CUP	CUP	See Section 17.28.060 (Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales)
Restaurant—Full or Limited Service, No Alcohol Sales	P	P	CUP
Restaurant—Accessory Outside Seating Areas			—	Any outdoor dining area with alcoholic beverage sales shall require a CUP See Section 17.28.200 (Outdoor Dining)
300 sf or less	AUP/CUP	AUP/CUP
301 sf or more	CUP	CUP
Restaurant with Drive-Through Facilities	CUP	CUP	—
Snack Bar	A	A	A
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING, AND WAREHOUSING
Brewery, Winery, or Distillery	—	AUP	CUP	In C-G zone, only as microbrewery, winery, or distillery with associated retail sales or restaurant use
Data Centers	—	—	CUP
Hazardous Waste Facilities	—	—	CUP	See Section 17.28.170 (Hazardous Waste Facilities)
Food Processing	—	—	P
Furniture and Fixtures Manufacturing, Cabinet Shops, and Woodworking Shops (wholesale sales only)	—	—	P
Laboratory—Medical, Analytical, Research, Testing	P	P/CUP	P	In C-G zone, CUP required on ground-floor tenant spaces of properties with arterial street frontage
Laundries and Dry-Cleaning Plants	—	—	P
Manufacturing—Heavy	—	—	—
Manufacturing—Light	—	—	P	Pottery manufacturing and underground bulk storage of petroleum or gas require CUPs
Recycling, Small Collection Facility	—	—	CUP	See also Municipal Code Chapter 8.12 (Integrated Waste Management)
Research and Development	—	—	P
Reverse Vending Machine	—	—	CUP	See also Municipal Code Chapter 8.12 (Integrated Waste Management)
Storage—Outdoor	—	—	A	See Section 17.28.220 (Outdoor Storage)
Warehouse, Wholesaling and Distribution	—	—	P
LODGING
Hotel and Motel	CUP	P	CUP
Homeless Shelters—up to 20 beds	—	—	P	See Section 17.28.160 (Emergency Shelters)
Homeless Shelters—more than 20 beds	—	—	CUP	See Section 17.28.160 (Emergency Shelters)
MEDICAL-RELATED AND CARE USES
Ambulance Fleet	—	—	CUP
Clinic and Urgent Care	P	P/CUP	P	1) In C-G, CUP required on properties with arterial street frontage 2) In P-L-I zone, allowed only as incidental to an allowed industrial use
Day Care Center	CUP	CUP	CUP	See Section 17.28.130 (Day Care, General) In P-L-I zone, day care limited to use by employees of the primary use
Health Facilities, Therapy and Rehabilitation	P	P/CUP	—	In C-G zone, CUP required on properties with arterial street frontage
Hospital	CUP	CUP	—
Office, Medical and Dental Office	P	P/CUP	P	1) In the C-G zone, CUP required on ground-floor tenant spaces on properties with arterial street frontage 2) In the C-G zone, in multi-story structures, offices may occupy up to 100 percent of the gross floor area in the second and higher stories, and up to 15 percent of the ground floor upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space on the ground floor exceed 3,000 square feet total. These standards shall apply to all office uses, including Professional. Such determination/ verification shall occur through the Zoning Permit process 3) In single-story structures located in shopping centers, up to 15 percent of the gross floor area of the center is allowed for office uses upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space exceed 3,000 square feet total. These standards shall apply to all office uses, including Professional. Such determination/verification shall occur through the Zoning Permit process 4) In P-L-I zone, allowed only as incidental to an allowed industrial use
Residential Care Facilities	CUP	CUP	—
PUBLIC AND ASSEMBLY USES
Cultural Institutions	P	P	—
Public Assembly Facilities	CUP	—	—
Religious Assembly Facilities	CUP	—	CUP
Schools, Private	CUP	CUP	—
Trade and Vocational Schools	CUP	CUP	CUP
Traffic School	P	P	P
Tutoring and Education Centers	AUP	P	—
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
Adult Businesses	—	—	P	See Section 17.28.040 (Adult Businesses)
Arcade (Electronic Game Center)	CUP	CUP	—	See Section 17.28.070 (Arcades)
Commercial Recreation—Indoors	CUP	CUP	CUP
Commercial Recreation—Outdoors	—	CUP	—
Entertainment, Indoor¹	CUP²	CUP²	—	1) Excludes uses that are regulated under Section 17.28.40 (Adult Businesses) 2) Auditoriums, meeting halls, and theaters allowed in C-G only
Health/Fitness Facilities
Health/Fitness Facilities—Small	P	P	P
Health/Fitness Facilities—Large	CUP	CUP	CUP
RETAIL USES
Alcohol Beverage Sales
Alcohol Sales, for Off-Site Consumption	—	CUP	—	See Section 17.28.060 (Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales)
Alcoholic Beverage Sales (for on-site or off-site consumption, in conjunction with an allowed use)	CUP	CUP	CUP	In grocery stores of 8,000 square feet or more in size, a CUP is not required if the total alcoholic beverage sales area is less than 20% of the total sales area, as determined by the Director See Section 17.28.060 (Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales)
Animal Retail Sales	—	CUP	CUP
Building Materials and Services, Indoor	—	CUP	P
Building Materials and Services, Outdoor	—	—	CUP	Must be located at least 300 feet away from R-1, R-2, R-3, MH, and C-F zones
Convenience Store	CUP	P	CUP	Any convenience store with alcohol sales requires a CUP
Farmers' Market	CUP¹	P	CUP	CUP for recurring farmers' market
Grocery Store	—	P	—
Nurseries and Garden Centers	—	P	P
Outdoor Temporary and/or Seasonal Sales	TUP	TUP	TUP
Recreational Equipment Rentals—Indoor Only	P	P	P
Retail Sales—General	P	P	CUP	In P-L-I zone, only allowed in storefronts facing Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos Boulevard, and Cerritos Avenue
Retail Sales—Restricted	CUP	CUP	CUP	In P-L-I zone, only allowed in storefronts facing Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos Boulevard, and Cerritos Avenue
Vehicle Sales and Rental	—	P	P	Incidental repair allowed only in P-L-I zone
Large Vehicle, Construction, and Heavy Equipment Sales, Service, and Rental	—	—	CUP
SERVICE USES
Animal Care, Services
Animal Boarding/Kennels, Grooming	—	—	CUP
Veterinary Services, Large Animal	—	—	CUP
Veterinary Services, Small Animal	CUP	CUP	CUP
Funeral Parlors and Internment Services	CUP	—	—
Instructional Services	P	P	CUP
Maintenance and Repair Services—Indoor	—	—	P
Moving Companies, Storage Allowed	—	—	CUP
Personal Services, General	P	P	P	In P-L-I zone, allowed only as incidental to an allowed industrial use
Personal Services, Restricted	—	CUP	CUP
Recording Studio	—	—	P
Social Service Facilities	CUP	—	—
Storage
Storage—Personal	—	—	CUP
Storage—Outdoor Recreational Vehicle Storage	—	—	CUP
Vehicle Repair and Services
Impound Yard - no dismantling or wrecking	—	—	CUP	Storage and activities shall be conducted within an enclosed structure or an area enclosed by solid, decorative masonry walls with solid gates not less than six feet in height. Walls and gates shall be maintained in a sound and aesthetically pleasing fashion. Vehicles shall be screened from public view and shall not be stacked higher than the block wall. Vehicles may not be stored outside the enclosed yard area. Storage areas shall be paved and landscaped in compliance with applicable standards
Service/Fueling Station	CUP	CUP	CUP	See Section 17.28.080 (Automobile Service Stations and Automobile Repair Uses)
Vehicle Washing/Detailing	—	CUP	CUP	Mobile vehicle washing/detailing permitted if meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements
Vehicle Service, Major	—	—	AUP	1) Vehicle storage and repair activities shall be conducted within an enclosed structure or an area enclosed by solid, decorative masonry walls with decorative solid gates not less than 6 feet in height 2) Vehicles shall be screened from public view and shall not be visible above the block wall 3) Vehicles may not be stored outside the enclosed yard area 4) Vehicle storage areas shall be paved and landscaped in compliance with applicable standards
Vehicle Service, Minor	—	CUP	P
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE USES
Car Sharing—Parking	AUP	AUP	AUP	Car sharing parking spaces may not occupy any space required for another use
Parking Facility—Temporary	TUP	TUP	TUP
Utility Facilities—Staffed	CUP	CUP	P
Utility Facility—Unstaffed	AUP	AUP	AUP
Vehicle Charging Stations—Commercial	AUP	AUP	AUP	Does not include private parking spaces
Vehicle Storage	—	—	CUP
Wireless Communication Facilities— Minor	AUP	AUP	AUP	See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Communication Facilities— Major	CUP	CUP	CUP	See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, Satellite Dish Antenna	P	P	P	Subject to Site Development Permit—Minor (see Section 17.44.020(C)) See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
OTHER USES
Caretaker Quarters	—	—	AUP	Permitted only when used exclusively by a caretaker or superintendent incidental to an allowed primary use
Donation Boxes—Outdoors	—	—	—
Drive-Through or Drive-Up Facilities	CUP	CUP	—
Vending Machine	A	A	A	Allowed indoors only as accessory to a permitted use

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 691 § 1, 2006; Ord. 09-09 § 1, 2009; Ord. 11-06 § 2, 2011; Ord. 13-02 § 1, 2013; Ord. 13-04 § 4, 2013; Ord. 14-03 § 4, 2014; Ord. 14-08 § 2, 2014; Ord. 14-09 § 2, 2014; Ord. 15-08 § 2, 2015; Ord. 15-11 § 5, 2016; Ord. 15-12 § 3, 2016; Ord. 16-03 § 5, 2016; Ord. 16-05 § 1, 2016; Ord. 17-09 § 4, 2017; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 21-02 §§ 6—12, 2021)

§ 17.10.030 Development Standards for Commercial and Industrial Zones.

The general property development standards for the C-O, C-G, and P-L-I zones shall be as set forth in Table 2-05: General Development Standards for Commercial and Industrial Zones. Exceptions to these standards are set forth in Section 17.10.040 (Exceptions to Development Standards in Commercial and Industrial Zones).

Table 2-05: General Development Standards for Commercial and Industrial Zones
Development Feature	Requirement by Zone			Additional Requirements
Development Feature	C-O	C-G	P-L-I	Additional Requirements
Lot size	Minimum area, width, and depth for newly created lots
Lot area	No requirement	6,000 sq. ft.	6,000 sq. ft.
Lot width	No requirement	60 ft.	60 ft.; 160 ft. when adjacent to a residential zone, school, or park
Lot depth	No requirement	100 ft.	100 ft.; 200 ft. when adjacent to a residential zone, school, or park
Floor area ratio (FAR)	1.50 FAR	1.00 FAR	1.50 FAR
Height limit—Main structures	3 stories or 40 ft.	3 stories or 40 ft.	3 stories or 40 ft.	1) See Sections 17.16.040 (Height Measurement and Exceptions) for exceptions and 17.16.020(C) for restrictions adjacent to residential zones 2) In all zones, buildings up to 60 feet in height allowed with a Conditional Use Permit
Setbacks	Minimum setbacks required. Also see Section 17.16.130 (Sight Safety Triangle)
Front	15 ft.	None required	15 ft.	See Section 17.10.040 (Front Setbacks in CO Zone)
Sides	Not required unless abutting a residential zone, then 10 ft.	Not required unless abutting a residential zone, then 15 ft.	Not required unless abutting a residential zone, then 40 ft.
Street side yard (Corner lot)	10 ft.	None required	15 ft.
Rear	10 ft.; where rear lot abuts a C-G or P-L-I zone, no setback is required	Not required unless abutting a residential zone, then 15 ft.	10 ft., unless abutting a residential zone, then 40 ft.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 16-03 § 6, 2016; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.10.040 Exceptions to Development Standards in Commercial and Industrial Zones.

Height of Public Facilities Structures. Structures at schools, religious institutions, hospitals, and other permitted institutional uses may have a maximum height of 50 feet. For any structure that exceeds the height limit for the zone in which it is located, the front, rear, and side setbacks shall be increased one foot for each one foot by which each structure exceeds the height limit established for the zone.

Additional Height via CUP. For all other uses, a maximum height of five stories/60 feet may be allowed upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Factors to be considered by the Planning Commission in whether to grant the additional height are as follows:

A structure with increased height shall be located at least 100 feet from a residential zone.

The Planning Commission may require that vision into adjacent residences be limited from a structure with increased height.

Open space shall constitute 10 percent of the total site area, in addition to any amount required to be landscaped.

The structure shall have no more gross floor area than could have been achieved if the structure were 40 feet or less in height. In computation of gross floor area, floor area devoted to parking shall be disregarded.

C-O Height Restrictions Adjacent to Residential Zone. When adjacent to a residential zone, in the C-O zone height limits shall be:

25 feet/one story within 25 feet of a residential zone.

35 feet/two stories within 25 to 75 feet of a residential zone.

50 feet/three stories within 76 to 150 feet of a residential zone.

Front Setbacks within C-O Zone. Front setbacks within the C-O zone shall extend across the full width of the lot (except for access drives, walks, fences, and minor ornamental structures). The Planning Commission may allow staggering of setbacks as part of a total development plan, but in no case shall a setback of less than 10 feet be allowed.

Metal Structures Setbacks in P-L-I Zone.

Metal structures may be located closer than 100 feet to the street if the following conditions prevail:

The sheet metal comprises 25 percent or less of the exterior wall area of the structure; or

The sheet metal consists of panels with baked enamel or similar finish; or

The structure is concealed from view from the public street by walls, fences, landscaping, or other structures.

Metal structures shall be set back a minimum of 150 feet from any property line along a freeway or major/secondary highway, and 100 feet from the property line along any other street.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.10.050 Other Applicable Regulations.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.12.010 Purpose of Zone.

The Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU) zone is established to provide opportunities for commercial and residential mixed-use development that takes advantage of easy access to transit and proximity to commerce, and that encourages pedestrian activity. A wide range of integrated commercial and residential uses are appropriate. The Town Center Mixed-Use zone requires the inclusion of ground-floor, street-frontage commercial or live/work components for all projects. Exclusive residential structures are permitted as part of horizontal mixed-use developments. This zone implements the General Plan Mixed-Use land use designation and the Town Center Strategic Plan.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 8, 2023)

§ 17.12.020 Land Uses and Permit Requirements.

Use Regulations. This section, and Table 2-06 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Town Center Mixed-Use Zone) in particular, identifies the uses of land that may be allowed within the TCMU zone and indicates whether any special permit is required for each allowable use.

Permitted Uses, Use Permits, and Uses Not Allowed.

Administrative Use Permit ("AUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Conditional Use Permit ("CUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Temporary Use Permit ("TUP"). Temporary uses are subject to the approval of a Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 17.46).

Uses Not Allowed ("—"). Uses with an "—" indication in Table 2-06 are not allowed in the specified zone.

Specific Use Regulations. All uses, regardless of the type of permit that may be required, shall comply with applicable provision of this Zoning Code. In addition, if there is a section number in the last column of the Table 2-06 labeled Specific Use Regulations, the use is also subject to the referenced provisions.

Zoning Permit Required. For any use permitted as a matter of right, such use shall require approval of a Zoning Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.50 (Zoning Consistency Review).

Director Determination. Land uses are defined in Division 7 (Definitions). In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification substantially similar in character. Land uses not listed in Table 2-06 or not found to be substantially similar to the land uses, as determined by the Director, are prohibited.

Prohibited Uses. The following uses are specifically prohibited in the TCMU zone:

All Cannabis Activities, including Cannabis Deliveries, Commercial Cannabis Activities, and Commercial Cultivation, even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers

Donation Boxes

Freight and/or Truck Terminals

Gun and Ammunition Stores

Manufacturing—Heavy

Recycling, Large Collection

Recycling, Processing Facility

Salvage Yard

Secondhand Stores

10.

Swap Meets—Indoor or Outdoor

11.

Tobacco and Vape Stores.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.12.030 Commercial Uses Required Along Street Frontages.

To maintain an active pedestrian environment in the TCMU zone, commercial uses shall be the predominant along street frontages. At least 75 percent of the ground floor frontage along Katella Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard shall be occupied by commercial uses and/or live/work units. At least 75 percent of the ground floor frontage along Pine Street shall be occupied by commercial and/or cultural uses.

Table 2-06: Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Town Center Mixed-Use Zone
P: Permitted Use	CUP: Conditional Use Permit
A: Permitted as an Accessory Use	—: Use not allowed
AUP: Administrative Use Permit	TUP: Temporary Use Permit
	UF: Permitted Only on Upper Floor(s)

Land Use	TCMU	Special Use Regulations
BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, AND PROFESSIONAL
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)—Drive Up	—
Business Support Services	P
Check Cashing and/or Payday Loans	—
Financial Institutions and Related Services (without drive-through facilities)	P
Offices—Business, and Professional (but not including Medical and Dental Office)	P	1) In multi-story structures, offices may occupy up to 100 percent of the gross floor area in the second and higher stories, and up to 15 percent of the ground floor upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space on the ground floor exceed 3,000 square feet total 2) In single-story structures located in shopping centers, up to 15 percent of the gross floor area of the center is allowed for office uses upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space exceed 3,000 square feet total
CANNABIS USES
Cannabis Deliveries	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cannabis Activities	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cultivation, even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
EATING AND DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS
Bars, Lounges, Nightclubs, and Tasting Rooms	CUP
Restaurant—No Alcohol Sales	P
Restaurant—Accessory Outside Seating Areas	AUP	See Section 17.28.200 (Outdoor Dining) and Chapter 17.32 (Administrative Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits)
Restaurant—Full or Limited Service with Late Hours (open between midnight and 6:00 a.m.)	CUP
Restaurant—Full or Limited Service, Serving Alcohol	CUP	See Section 17.28.060 (Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales)
Restaurant with Drive-Through Facilities	—
EDUCATION
Schools, Private	CUP
Trade and Vocational Schools	CUP
Traffic School	CUP
Tutoring and Education Centers	CUP
LODGING
Hotel and Motel	CUP
Homeless Shelters—up to 20 beds	—
Homeless Shelters—more than 20 beds	—
MEDICAL-RELATED AND CARE USES
Ambulance Services	—
Clinic and Urgent Care	—
Day Care Center	CUP	See Section 17.28.130 (Day Care, General)
Health Facilities, Therapy and Rehabilitation	CUP	Prohibited on ground floor. No larger than 3,000 sq. ft.
Hospital	—
Medical and Dental Office	P/CUP	1) CUP required on ground-floor tenant spaces on properties with arterial street frontage 2) In multi-story structures, offices may occupy up to 100 percent of the gross floor area in the second and higher stories, and up to 15 percent of the ground floor upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space on the ground floor exceed 3,000 square feet total. These standards shall apply to all office uses, including Professional. Such determination/verification shall occur through the Zoning Permit process 3) In single-story structures located in shopping centers, up to 15 percent of the gross floor area of the center is allowed for office uses upon verification of the square footage by the Director. In no case shall any single office space exceed 3,000 square feet total. These standards shall apply to all office uses, including Professional. Such determination/verification shall occur through the Zoning Permit process
Residential Care Facilities	—
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
Arcade (Electronic Game Center)	CUP	See Section 17.28.070 (Arcades)
Commercial Recreation—Indoors	CUP
Commercial Recreation—Outdoors	—
Entertainment, Indoor	CUP	Excludes uses that are regulated under Section 17.28.040 (Adult Businesses)
Health/Fitness Facilities, Small	AUP
Health/Fitness Facilities, Large	CUP
RESIDENTIAL
Live/Work Unit	AUP
Multi-Family Dwelling	AUP	Required to be integrated into a project as either horizontal or vertical mixed use, but not permitted as a stand-alone use
Senior Residential Housing Projects	P	See Section 17.28.250 (Senior Citizen Housing)
Single-Family Dwelling	—
Supportive Housing—Housing Type	AUP
Transitional Housing—Housing Type	AUP
RETAIL SALES
Alcohol Beverage Sales
Alcohol Sales, for Off-Site Consumption	CUP	See Section 17.28.060 (Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales)
Alcoholic Beverage Sales (for on-site or off-site consumption, in conjunction with an allowed use)	CUP	See Section 17.28.060 (Alcoholic Beverage Retail Sales)
Animal Retail Sales	—
Building Materials and Services, Indoor	—
Building Materials and Services, Outdoor	—
Convenience Store	CUP
Farmers' Market	TUP
Outdoor Temporary and/or Seasonal Sales	TUP
Recreational Equipment Rentals—Indoor Only	P
Retail—General	P
Retail—Restricted	CUP
Vehicle Sales and Rental	P	Office only; no storage of cars on property.
Large Vehicle, Construction, and Heavy Equipment Sales, Service, and Rental	—
SERVICE USES
Animal Boarding/Kennels, Grooming	—
Cultural Institutions	CUP
Funeral Parlors and Interment Services	—
Instructional Services	P
Maintenance and Repair Services—Indoor	—
Moving Companies, Storage Allowed	—
Personal Services, General	P
Personal Services, Restricted	CUP
Service/Fueling Station	—
Social Service Facilities	CUP
Vehicle Repair and Services	—
Vehicle Washing/Detailing	—
Vehicle Service, Major	—
Veterinary Services, Large Animal	—
Veterinary Services, Small Animal	CUP	All operations must be conducted completely within a masonry structure. No overnight boarding permitted
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS, AND INFRASTRUCTURE USES
Car Sharing—Parking	AUP	Car sharing parking spaces may not occupy any space required for another use
Freight/Truck Terminals	—
Utility Facilities	CUP
Vehicle Charging Stations	A
Vehicle Storage	—
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities—Major	CUP	See Section 17.28.270(K) (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities—Minor	AUP	See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, Satellite Dish Antenna	P	See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
OTHER USES
Caretaker Quarters	—
Drive-Through or Drive-Up Facilities	—
Public Assembly Facilities	CUP
Religious Assembly Facilities	CUP
Vending Machine	A	Allowed indoors only accessory to an allowable use

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 21-02 §§ 13—14, 2021; Ord. 23-01 § 8, 2023)

§ 17.12.040 Development Standards for Town Center Mixed-Use Zone.

General. The general property development standards for the TCMU zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-07: General Development Standards for Town Center Mixed-Use Zone.

Calculation of Density and Intensity.

Horizontal Mixed Use. For residential and nonresidential uses on the same development site but separate legal lots, the residential density shall be calculated for the lot or lots dedicated solely to residential use. The FAR for the nonresidential use shall be calculated for the lot or lots dedicated solely to the nonresidential use.

Vertical Mixed Use. For a development project consisting of residential and nonresidential uses in the same building or group of buildings, the residential density and FAR shall be additive, meaning that the development in total shall not exceed the allowed residential density as calculated for the residential component plus the maximum FAR as calculated for the nonresidential component.

Table 2-07: General Development Standards for Town Center Mixed-Use Zone
Development Feature	Requirement by Zone	Additional Requirements
Development Feature	TCMU	Additional Requirements
Minimum Lot Area (for new mixed-use development)	5,000 sq. ft.	For new mixed-use development. Single-purpose uses can be constructed on lots smaller than 5,000 sq. ft.
Structure Form and Location Standards
Residential Density—Maximum	60 units/acre	The cumulative residential development in the TCMU district shall not exceed 588 total units
FAR Maximum—Nonresidential Components	2.00
Storefront Width—Minimum	50% of street frontage lot width
Minimum Setback
Fronting Los Alamitos Boulevard and/or Katella Avenue	12 ft. minimum	The setback shall be developed as passable walkway, contiguous with the public sidewalk. Shade trees (species to be required by the City) shall be planted in the first 4 ft. of the setback; the rear 5 ft. of the setback may be used for outdoor dining or other outdoor commercial uses
Fronting Pine Street	6 ft. minimum
Front or Adjacent to a Street	0 ft. minimum; 10 ft. maximum
Side—Interior
Abutting Nonresidential or Mixed-Use Zone	0 ft. minimum
Abutting Residential Zone	10 ft. minimum
Side—Street Side	10 ft. minimum
Rear
Abutting Nonresidential Zone	0 ft. minimum
Abutting Residential Zone	15 ft. minimum
Height—Maximum	60 ft.
Open Space for Residential Uses	150 sq. ft. per unit combined common and private

Parking Restricted Within Front and/or Street Side Setbacks. Parking shall only be allowed within required front and/or street side setbacks where the responsible review authority finds that no feasible alternative exists to design a project and further, where such parking can be well integrated into overall project design and can adequately screened.

Minimum Ground Floor Height. The minimum ground-floor height for structures with commercial uses on the ground floor shall be not less than 12 feet, six inches.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 8, 2023)

§ 17.12.050 Design Standards.

Generally. All new development shall be designed to achieve the following objectives:

Site and building design shall provide for internal compatibility among the different uses in terms of noise, hours of operation, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, access, use of open space, and similar operating characteristics.

Potential noise, odors, glare, pedestrian traffic, and other potentially significant impacts on residents shall be minimized to allow a compatible mix of residential and nonresidential uses on the same site.

The design of any live/work or mixed-use project shall take into consideration potential impacts, including, but not limited to, noise, odors, and hours of operation, on adjacent properties. The design shall include specific design features to minimize potential impacts.

The design of the mixed-use project shall ensure that the residential units are of a residential character and that privacy between residential units and between other uses on the site is maximized.

The design of the structures and site planning shall encourage integration of the street pedestrian environment with the nonresidential uses through the use of plazas, paseos, courtyards, and walkways, as well as pedestrian scale amenities and street furniture.

Site planning and building design shall be compatible with and enhance the adjacent and surrounding built environment in terms of scale, building design, color, exterior materials, roof styles, lighting, landscaping, and signage.

Any mixed-use development in which two-thirds or more of the gross floor area is developed with residential uses, in addition to complying with the design standards set forth in this section, shall comply with the provisions of Section 17.08.045 (Design Standards for Multi-Family Housing).

Building Orientation, Entrances, and Articulation.

Orientation. The main building of a development shall be oriented to face a public street. Building frontages shall be generally parallel to streets. For all residential, retail, and office uses, at least one primary entrance to a ground-floor use shall face the adjacent street right-of-way. Ground-related entrances include entrances to ground-floor uses.

Ground Floor Transparency. At least 65 percent of the exterior walls on the ground floor facing the street shall include windows, doors, or other openings.

Nonresidential Entrances. Entries shall include clearly defined features of front façades and be of a scale that is in proportion to the size of the building and number of units being accessed. Larger buildings shall have a more prominent building entrance while maintaining a pedestrian scale.

Transitional Space at Residential Entries. New residential buildings shall provide transitional spaces in the form of stoops, overhangs, and porches between public areas fronting the primary street(s) and entrances. This type of element or equivalent shall be required for each unit or group of units, but no less than one of this type of element shall be provided.

Building Articulation. No street frontage wall may run in a continuous plane for more than 25 feet without building openings or offsets, or as approved by the Review Authority if the project is constrained by unusual parcel size, shape, use, or other features that the responsible Review Authority accepts as rendering this requirement infeasible. Offsets shall vary in depth and/or direction of at least 18 inches, or a repeated pattern of offsets, recesses, or projections of similar depth.

Structured Parking. Structured parking facing public streets shall be fronted or wrapped with actively occupied spaces such as storefronts, live/work units, residential community amenities, and lobbies. Access to parking shall be designed so that it is not prominent and ties into the adjacent architectural style.

Stoops. Stoops are a unique opportunity to engage residential entries with the public realm, creating activation, opportunities for engagement, and safety. Additionally, stoops create a design aesthetic that supports a residential character on appropriate urban streets. All stoops shall conform to the following design standards:

Stoops shall be required for ground level residential units on all streets, regardless of typology.

Stoops shall be designed to address the street to provide the most direct access path and allow for the greatest amount of landscaping.

Stoop or storefront access shall be required for all ground level live-work units, where the street frontage of the building exceeds 100 feet, unless otherwise explicitly approved by the design review authority, provided an alternative accessible path is included.

Stoops shall be elevated a maximum of 36 inches above grade or sidewalk.

Stoop porches, not including stairs, shall be a minimum of 20 square feet.

Stoops shall correspond directly to the building entry and be at least four feet wide.

Stoops and/or adjacent entry porches shall not be enclosed with solid walls or railings, or vegetation that creates a visual obstruction between the stoop/porch and the public sidewalk in order to maintain a sense of openness.

Stoops may have an overhanging roof or awning no wider than the stoop.

Planter or porch walls parallel to the sidewalk and taller than 18 inches shall have an irrigated 18-inch planting bed at its base.

Courtyards and Plazas. Courtyards and plazas are outdoor rooms designed for public use and are defined by surrounding buildings and/or streets. Primary functions are to encourage a diversity of opportunities for social interaction and activities, to provide relief and relaxation, to expand and reinforce the public realm, and to contribute to the livability and general amenity of the Town Center and adjacent parts of the City. Proposed uses and design should be determined as part of the overall project design process and shall comply with the established design standards:

Dimensions. Courtyards and plazas shall have a minimum area of 1,200 square feet and minimum dimensions of 30 feet by 40 feet.

Accessibility.

Courtyards and plazas shall be open to a public street and sidewalk, on one or two sides with an unobstructed opening dimension of 30 feet on any open side. An alley shall not be considered a public street.

Security fences, walls, and entry gates shall not obstruct access from the sidewalk.

Raised planters shall not be located along the perimeter and used to privatize publicly accessible open space.

Courtyards and plazas shall be open and accessible to the public at a minimum from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Signage shall identify the open space as a public amenity and the hours of accessibility.

Vehicular access, loading and parking uses shall be prohibited.

Materials. Courtyards and plazas shall be of high-quality materials. Careful detailing shall include consideration of materials, their durability and appearance. No more than 25 percent of the area may be paved in standard concrete.

Landscaping.

At least 25 percent of the courtyard surface shall be landscaped with live vegetation. Shade trees and gardens are strongly encouraged. All landscaped areas shall contain a combination of low, medium, and tall plant materials as appropriate.

A minimum of one 36-inch box shade tree shall be provided per 600 square feet of publicly accessible open space in a planting area of at least six feet by six feet by three feet deep. At the time of planting, trees shall be at least 12 feet tall with a two-inch caliper (trunk), six inches above the topmost root.

The property owner or agent shall maintain open space and landscaping within the publicly accessible open space.

Amenities.

Seating at the ratio of one seat per 200 square feet of courtyard/plaza area shall be provided, in addition to any permitted outdoor dining, in dispersed locations throughout the space. Seating shall be either movable chairs, or fixed seats or benches, where such seats shall be 18 lineal inches each. Movable seating is strongly encouraged.

Storefront and unit entries fronting on the open space shall be designed and lighted to address safety and avoid unsafe conditions such as limited visibility, poor illumination, or dark corners.

A majority of the open space should have access to sunlight for the duration of daylight hours. A mix of direct sunlight and shade is encouraged. Freestanding shading devices (single installation on the ground, such as trellis, patio covers, etc) shall be permitted within the open space, provided no more than 50 percent of the open space is covered.

Permanent building projections, including cantilevered overhangs or balconies, may not project over the open space.

Open space shall be inviting and well-illuminated at night with pedestrian-scaled lighting to address public safety. Fixtures may include low-level lights and overhead lights attached to building walls.

A special feature (public art, water feature, specimen tree, or other such focal point) shall be provided for each publicly accessible open space plaza or courtyard.

Bike racks, scooter parking areas, waste receptacles, and other street furnishings shall be provided.

All publicly accessible open space shall follow the safety standards and considerations as defined by Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Lighting shall be pedestrian-scaled and may include low-level bollard lights or overhead wall mounted fixture for a well illuminated area.

Paseos. Paseos are narrow pedestrian passages that serve as mid-block crossings or access to interior courtyards. Their intimate scale and safety from vehicular traffic/noise makes them potentially vibrant destinations. Paseos are common to warm climates, where their sense of enclosure and relative shade also makes them an attractive alternative to street retail. Paseos should comply with the following design standards:

Dimensions. Paseos shall not be more than 30 feet nor less than 20 feet wide. The directly adjacent building walls framing the paseo may not be greater than three times in elevation height than the width of the paseo. The building above this height must be set back a minimum of 20 feet.

Accessibility.

Paseos shall be physically and visually accessible from the public sidewalk, and must connect a public street with a different public street, alley or interior courtyard.

Paseos must be at the same elevation as the public sidewalk. No security fences, walls or entry gates shall block passage during established hours.

Signage shall identify the paseo as a public amenity.

Vehicular access, loading and parking uses shall be prohibited within the paseo during hours of public accessibility.

Materials.

Paseos shall feature high quality, durable materials applied in a carefully detailed manner.

Decorative paving compatible with the style of the adjacent structures shall be applied with no more than 25 percent of the paseo being paved in standard concrete.

Street-level façade standards shall be applied to façades fronting onto the open space.

Landscaping.

A minimum of 10 percent of the paseo area shall be landscaped with live landscaping. All landscaped areas shall contain a combination of low, medium, and tall plant materials as appropriate.

A minimum of one 24-inch box shade tree shall be installed per 750 square feet of paseo area.

Planters shall have a minimum soils area of 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches, except where a tree is required, at which point the area and depth shall be increased to a minimum of 42 inches by 42 inches by 36 inches.

The property owner or agent shall maintain open space and landscaping within the publicly accessible open space.

Amenities.

Seating at the ratio of one seat per 200 square feet of paseo area shall be provided, in addition to any permitted outdoor dining, in dispersed locations throughout the space. Seating shall be either movable chairs, or fixed seats or benches, where such seats shall be construed to be 18 lineal inches each. Movable seating is strongly encouraged.

Storefronts, unit entries or stoops shall front onto the paseo when possible and shall be designed and lighted to address safety.

A majority of the paseo should have access to sunlight for the duration of daylight hours. A mix of direct sunlight and shade should be provided.

Overhead structures, including canopies, awnings, cantilevered overhangs, or balconies, cannot cover greater than 25 percent of the paseo area. The remaining 75 percent must be open to the sky, although freestanding shade structures (trellises, patio covers, etc.) shall be allowed, but a minimum of 50 percent of the paseo must remain uncovered.

Bike racks, scooter parking areas, waste receptacles, and other street furnishings shall be provided in the paseo.

Lighting shall be pedestrian-scaled and may include low-level bollard lights or overhead wall mounted fixtures for a well illuminated area.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 8, 2023)

§ 17.12.060 Live/Work Standards.

All live/work units shall comply with the regulations established in Division 4, Section 17.28.180 (Live/Work Units) of this title.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.12.070 Open Space Requirements for Residential Uses.

Type. Open space shall be in the form of private or common open space such as balconies, courtyards, at-grade patios (rear and side of the units), rooftop gardens, or terraces. Open standards for the R-3 zone shall apply.

Minimum Dimension. Balconies that are 30 inches or less in width or depth shall not be counted as open space.

Encroachment. Balconies that project over a public right-of-way shall be subject to approval by the City Engineer.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.12.080 Mixed-Use Lot Consolidation Incentive Program.

To encourage the assemblage of smaller lots into larger lots that can be developed more efficiently into a mixed-use project, the following incentives may be provided to a qualifying development at the Director's discretion:

Reduction of planning permit application fees.

Priority in permit processing.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.12.090 Other Applicable Regulations.

(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.14.010 Purpose of Zones.

Applicability. This chapter establishes regulations applicable to development and new land uses in the special purpose zones established by Section 17.04.020 (Zones Established). The regulations for the overlay zones are supplemental to the standards of the primary zone. Overlay zones shall be indicated in parentheses following the primary zone, for example R-2 (LW).

Purpose. The purposes of the individual special purpose or overlay zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

Open Area Zone (O-A). The O-A zone is intended to provide regulations and standards for areas reserved for parks, recreation, open space, and governmental public uses, or in areas where a physical hazard to the public may exist. The O-A zone implements the General Plan Special Use land use designation. Development standards will be determined through the Conditional Use Permit and/or Site Plan approval process.

Community Facilities Zone (C-F). The C-F zone is intended to provide for the orderly establishment of public facilities, expansion of their operations, or change in the use of lands owned by governmental agencies and for the orderly establishment of semi-public institutional uses. The C-F zone implements the General Plan Special Use land use designation. Development standards will be determined through the Conditional Use Permit and/or Site Development Permit approval process.

Medical Overlay Zone (M).

Use Regulations. The (M) overlay zone is intended to encourage and permit medical businesses as primary uses on certain lots north of the Los Alamitos Medical Center campus, while still maintaining the underlying zone. The uses allowed in the (M) overlay zone shall be those uses listed under the category Medical-Related and Care Uses in Table 2-04 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial/Industrial Zones) in the same manner that such uses are allowed or conditionally allowed in the Commercial Office (C-O) zone, as well as all uses allowed or conditionally allowed in the primary zone.

Development Standards. The development standards for any medical service shall be the same as in the C-O zone. The development standards for any use allowed or conditionally allowed in the primary zone shall be as set forth in that zone.

Retail Overlay Zone (R).

Purpose of Zone. The (R) overlay zone is intended to allow the development of retail businesses on certain lots, while still maintaining the primary zoning.

Uses Allowed. The uses allowed in the (R) overlay zone shall be those uses allowed in the General Commercial (C-G) Zone as set forth in Table 2-04 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial/Industrial Zones) in the same manner that such uses are allowed or conditionally allowed in the C-G zone, as well as all uses allowed or conditionally allowed in the primary zone.

Development Standards. The development standards for the primary zone shall apply to the (R) overlay zone.

Live/Work Overlay Zone (LW).

Purpose of Zone. The (LW) overlay zone is intended to allow live/work development and uses on certain lots, while still maintaining the primary zoning.

Uses Allowed. In addition to the uses allowed in the primary zone, the following uses shall be allowed in the (LW) overlay zone as a matter of right:

Business and Professional Offices

ii.

Instructional Services

iii.

Personal Services—General

Development Standards. All live/work uses in the (LW) overlay zone shall comply with the development standards applicable to the primary zone and the supplemental standards established in Section 17.28.180 (Live/Work Standards).

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 15-03 § 3, 2015; Ord. 15-09 § 3, 2015; Ord. 16-03 § 7, 2016; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.14.020 Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Special Purpose and Overlay Zones.

Use Regulations. This section, and Table 2-08 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Special Purpose Zones) in particular, identifies the uses of land that may be allowed within the Special Purpose zones and indicates whether any special permit is required for each allowable use.

Permitted Uses, Use Permits, and Uses Not Allowed.

Administrative Use Permit ("AUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Conditional Use Permit ("CUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Temporary Use Permit ("TUP"). Temporary uses are subject to the approval of a Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 17.46).

Uses Not Allowed ("—"). Uses with an "—" indication in Table 2-08 are not allowed in the specified zone.

Specific Use Regulations. All uses, regardless of the type of permit that may be required, shall comply with applicable provision of this Zoning Code. In addition, if there is a section number in the last column of the Table 2-08 labeled Specific Use Regulations, the use is also subject to the referenced provisions.

Zoning Permit Required. For any use permitted as a matter of right, such use shall require approval of a Zoning Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.50 (Zoning Consistency Review).

Director Determination. Land uses are defined in Division 7 (Definitions). In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification substantially similar in character. Land uses not listed in Table 2-08 or not found to be substantially similar to the land uses, as determined by the Director, are prohibited.

Uses Not Listed. Land uses that are not listed in Table 2-08 or not shown in a zone are not allowed, except as otherwise provided by Section 17.02.020 (Rules of Interpretation) or Section 17.06.030 (Exemptions from Land Use Permit Requirements).

Table 2-08: Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Special Purpose and Overlay Zones
P: Permitted Use	CUP: Conditional Use Permit
A: Permitted as an Accessory Use	—: Use not allowed
AUP: Administrative Use Permit	TUP: Temporary Use Permit

Land Use	Permit Required by Zone		Specific Use Regulations
Land Use	O-A	C-F	Specific Use Regulations
AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACE
Agriculture	CUP	—
Facilities Necessary to Preserve Open Space, Including Public Facilities	AUP	AUP
Parks and Playgrounds—Public	P	P
Parks and Playgrounds—Private	CUP	CUP
CANNABIS USES
Cannabis Delivery	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cannabis Activities	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Cultivation, even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
EDUCATION, PUBLIC ASSEMBLY, AND RECREATION
Commercial Recreation Establishments, Outdoor	CUP	CUP
Community/Cultural Centers	CUP	CUP
Educational and Research Institutions	CUP	CUP
Schools—Private	—	CUP
Golf Courses/Country Clubs	CUP	CUP
Religious Assembly Facilities	—	CUP
RESIDENTIAL
Senior Residential Housing Projects for Low-and Very Low-Income Households	—	CUP	See Sections 17.28.250 (Senior Citizen Housing) and 17.28.050 (Affordable Housing)
SERVICE USES
Animal Shelters	—	CUP
Cemeteries, Crematories, Columbaria, and Related Facilities	—	CUP
Hospitals	—	CUP
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS, AND INFRASTRUCTURE USES
Utility Facilities—Staffed	CUP	CUP
Utility Facilities—Unstaffed	AUP	AUP
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities—Minor	AUP	AUP	See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities—Major	CUP	CUP	See Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, Satellite Dish Antenna	P	P	Subject to Site Development Permit— Minor (See Section 17.44.020(C)) See also Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
OTHER USES
Accessory Structures, Incidental to Allowed/Conditional Uses on the Same Lot	A	A
Corporation Yards (City)	—	P
Flood Control Facilities	P	P
Public Safety Facilities	P	P
Temporary Uses/Activities	TUP	TUP	Chapter 17.46

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 14-03 § 5, 2014; Ord. 14-08 § 3, 2014; Ord. 15-11 § 6, 2016; Ord. 16-03 § 8, 2016; Ord. 17-09 § 5, 2017; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

Los Alamitos City Zoning Code

Division II

Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations

§ 17.04.010 Purpose.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.04.020 Zones Established.

The City shall be divided into zones that implement the General Plan land use designations. The zones into which the City is divided are defined in Table 2-01 (Zones and General Plan Designations).

Table 2-01: Zones and General Plan Designations
Zone Symbol	Zone Name	General Plan Land Use Designation
Residential Zones
R-1	Single-Family Residential Zone	Single-Family Residential
R-2	Limited Multi-Family Residential Zone	Limited Multi-Family Residential - 20
R-3	Multi-Family Residential Zone	Multi-Family Residential - 25
R-4	Multi-Family Residential Zone	Multi-Family Residential - 36
M-H	Mobile Home Park Zone	Limited Multi-Family Residential
Commercial and Industrial Zones
C-O	Commercial/Professional Office Zone	Professional Office
C-G	General Commercial Zone	Retail Business
P-L-I	Planned Light Industrial Zone	Planned Industrial
Mixed Use Zones
TCMU	Town Center Mixed Use Zone	Mixed Use
Special Purpose Zones
O-A	Open Area Zone	Open Area/Easement Overlay
C-F	Community Facilities Zone	Community & Institutional and Community & Institutional/JFTB
SP	Specific Plan	Specific Plan
Overlay Zones
MOZ	Medical Overlay Zone	Medical Overlay
ROZ	Retail Overlay Zone	Retail Overlay
LWOZ	Live/Work Overlay Zone	Limited Multi-Family Residential; Mixed Use

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 15-03 § 2, 2015; Ord. 15-09 § 2, 2015; Ord. 16-03 § 3, 2016; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 3, 2023)

§ 17.04.030 Zoning Map Adopted.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.04.040 Zoning of Annexed Areas and Undesignated Properties.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.010 Purpose.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.020 General Requirements for Development and New Land Uses.

Uses of land and/or structures shall be established, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or replaced in compliance with the following requirements.

Conditions of Approval. The use of land and/or structure shall comply with applicable conditions imposed by a previously granted land use permit or other approval.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.030 Exemptions from Land Use Permit Requirements.

The land use permit requirements of this Zoning Code shall not apply to the following activities, uses of land, and/or structures:

Interior Remodeling. Interior alterations that do not increase the number of rooms or the gross floor area within the structure or change the approved use of the structure.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.06.040 Additional Permits and Approvals May Be Required.

Necessary permits shall be obtained before starting work or establishing a new use.

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.08.010 Purpose of Zones.

Generally. The purpose of the residential zones is to:

Provide for a full range of housing types and densities consistent with the General Plan;

Preserve, protect, and enhance the character of Los Alamitos' residential neighborhoods and the quality of life of City residents;

Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling; and

Individual Zones. The purposes of the individual residential zones and the manners in which they are applied are as follows:

(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 23-01 § 4, 2023)

§ 17.08.020 Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones.

Permitted Uses, Use Permits, and Uses Not Allowed.

Administrative Use Permit ("AUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Conditional Use Permit ("CUP"). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

Temporary Use Permit ("TUP"). Temporary uses are subject to the approval of a Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 17.46).

Uses Not Allowed ("—"). Uses with an "—" indication in Table 2-02 are not allowed in the specified zone.

Zoning Permit Required. For any use permitted as a matter of right, such use shall require approval of a Zoning Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.50 (Zoning Consistency Review).

Table 2-02: Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones
P: Permitted Use	CUP: Conditional Use Permit
A: Permitted as an Accessory Use	TUP: Temporary Use Permit
AUP: Administrative Use Permit	—: Use Not Allowed

Use	Land Use Regulation					Specific Use Regulations
Use	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-4	M-H	Specific Use Regulations
CANNABIS USES
Cannabis Delivery	—	—	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Commercial Cannabis Activities	—	—	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
Cultivation, even by Qualified Patients and Caregivers	—	—	—	—	—	See Section 17.28.090 (Cannabis Uses)
RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory Dwelling Unit	P	P	P	P	P	See Section 17.28.020
Accessory Structures and Uses	A	A	A	A	A	See Section 17.28.030 (Accessory Structures/Uses—Residential)
Boarding House	—	—	CUP	CUP	—
Group Home—6 Residents or Fewer	P
Live/Work Unit	—	AUP	—	—		Subject to the regulations in Section 17.28.180 (Live/Work Units)
Mobile Home Parks	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Multiple-Family Dwelling	—	P	P	P	—
Resident Manager's Unit	—	AUP	AUP	AUP	—
Single-Family Dwelling	P	P	P	P	P
Senior Housing	—	P	P	P	P
Supportive Housing	P	P	P	P	P
Transitional Housing	P	P	P	P	P
Two-Unit Dwelling (Duplex)	—	P	P	P	—
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY AND RECREATION USES
Public Assembly Facilities	—	—	CUP	CUP	A	Only associated with a mobile home park
Religious Assembly Facilities	—	—	CUP	CUP	—
Recreation Facilities, Private— Indoor or Outdoor	A	A	A	A	A	Only associated with the primary permitted use and intended to serve the residents of the associated development
Schools, K-12—Private	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	—
SERVICE AND CARE USES
Day Care Centers	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	—	See Section 17.28.130 (Day Care, General)
Family Day Care Homes—Large	P	P	P	P	—	See Section 17.28.140 (Day Care Home—Large Family (9-14 children))
Family Day Care Homes—Small	P	P	P	P
Residential Care Facilities—7 or More Persons	—	—	CUP	CUP	—
OTHER USES
Chickens, Female (hens)	P	P	P	P	P	Subject to Chapter 6.20
Temporary Uses/Activities	TUP	TUP	TUP	TUP	TUP	See Chapter 17.46 (Temporary Use Permits)
Utility Facilities
Facilities with No On-Site Staff	AUP	AUP	AUP	AUP	AUP
Facilities with On-Site Staff	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	Ground-mounted equipment in residential zones shall be screened by landscaping to the satisfaction of the Director
Vehicle Charging Facilities	A	A	A	A	A	Only as accessory to a permitted use
Wireless Communication Facilities—Major	—	—	—	—	—	Except as may be preempted by Federal law Section 17.28.270(K) (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Communication Facilities—Minor	—	—	—	—	—	Except as may be pre-empted by Federal law Section 17.28.270(L) (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, Satellite Dish Antenna	P	P	P	P	P	Subject to size limitations per Section 17.28.270 (Wireless Communications Facilities) and as otherwise regulated by this section

§ 17.08.030 Development Standards in Residential Zones.

The general property development standards for the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MH zones shall be as set forth in Table 2-03: Development Standards for Residential Zones.

In addition to the standards set forth in Table 2-03, Section 17.08.045 (Design Standards for Multi-Family Housing) shall apply.

Table 2-03: Development Standards in Residential Zones
Development Feature	Requirement by Zone
Development Feature	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-4	M-H	Additional Requirements
Lot and Density Standards
Maximum Density	6 du/ac; 1 du per lot	6-20 du/ac	20-25 du/ac	30-36 du/ac	10 du/ac	In MH zone, minimum lot or space size for individual mobile home is 2,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Size	6,000 sq. ft.	9,000 sq. ft.	7,200 sq. ft.	7,200 sq. ft.	5 acres
Minimum Lot Width
Interior Lot	60 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.	60 ft.		See also Title 16 (Subdivisions) regarding dimensions for cul-de-sac and other unusual lots
Corner Lot	60 ft.	70 ft.	70 ft.	70 ft.	—
Reversed Corner Lot	60 ft.	75 ft.	—		—
Minimum Lot Depth	100 ft.	135 ft.	100 ft.	100 ft.	—
Maximum Lot Coverage	50%	60%	50%	60%	—	Excludes swimming pools and any open-sided patio structure
Building Form and Location
Minimum Dwelling Area	Gross floor area
Studio	No minimum for R-1 zone	800 sq. ft.	450 sq. ft.	450 sq. ft.	—	Excludes garage area
1 bedroom			650 sq. ft	650 sq. ft
2+ bedrooms			800 sq. ft.	800 sq. ft.
Maximum Height	Structures
Main	30 ft.	35 ft.	35 ft.	40 ft.	20 ft.	See Section 17.16.040 (Height Measurement and Exceptions) 1) Except in the R-4 zone, along an interior side yard lot line, any structure taller than 25 feet shall be set back an additional 5 feet minimum (relative to minimum required setback) for any portion of the building taller than 25 feet 2) Structures on lots with a common property line with an R-1 zoned property shall not exceed 2 stories and 25 feet in height within 30 feet of the R-1 lot line
Accessory	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.	Accessory dwelling units shall conform to the setback requirements for the main structure
Minimum Setbacks						See Sections 17.08.070 and 17.28.030 regarding setback exceptions
Front Yard	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	—
Turn-Around End of a Cul-de-Sac	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.
Side Yard—Interior	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	—
Side Yard—Corner Lot	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.
Rear Yard	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	—
Garage Setback	Applies to garages associated with individual dwelling units				—
Street (Front)	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	—
Alleyway	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	—
Street (side yard) (corner lot)	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	—
Maximum Rear Yard Coverage by Patio or Accessory Structure	30%	—	—	—	—	Applies to all rear yard area, not just required rear setback area
Distance (minimum) Between Structures on 1 Lot	—	10 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.	N/A	A minimum of 10 feet between structures shall be free of any eaves or other projections
When Main Structures Face Across a Court	—	15 ft.	15 ft.	15 ft.
Storage Space in a Garage or Carport (minimum)	N/A	200 cubic ft./unit			N/A	Storage space shall be required for new development only
Outdoor Living Space
Combination of Private and Common Area	—	400 sq. ft. per unit, with a minimum of 100 sq. ft. of private space per unit	200 sq. ft. per unit of common area, with a minimum of 60 sq. ft. of private space per unit	200 sq. ft. per unit of common area, with a minimum of 50 sq. ft. of private space per unit	200 sq. ft. per unit of private open space adjacent to the unit, plus 50 sq. ft. per unit of common open space	1) For developments with 5 or more units, at least 1 common open space area with minimum dimensions of 20 feet by 20 feet shall be provided 2) For common open space areas, a minimum space of at least 20 feet by 20 feet shall be required. All common open space areas other than swimming pools shall be kept clear of mechanical equipment and other obstructions that would inhibit use of the open areas 3) In the MH zone, common outdoor area shall be at least 125 sq. ft. and accessible to all mobile home park residents 4) Private open space must be clear of mechanical equipment and other obstructions that would inhibit use of area