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Orland City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 17

36 - C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONE

Sections:


17.36.010 - Purpose and applicability.

The neighborhood commercial or C-1 zone is intended to provide for neighborhood shopping centers which will provide convenient sales and service facilities to residential areas, without detracting from the residential desirability of such areas. The regulations of this chapter and the provisions of Chapter 17.76 shall apply in all neighborhood commercial or C-1 zones.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.020 - Principal permitted uses.

Principal permitted uses in the C-1 zone are as follows:

A.

Social halls, fraternal and social organizations and clubs;

B.

Professional and business offices, private schools and instruction studios;

C.

Stores, agencies and services of a light commercial character, conducted entirely within an enclosed building, such as:

1.

Alcoholic beverage sales off-site,

2.

Bakeries,

3.

Banks,

4.

Barber and beauty shops,

5.

Bookstores,

6.

Cafes and delis,

7.

Chamber of commerce office,

8.

Clothing apparels,

9.

Coin-operated dry cleaning and laundry facilities,

10.

Copy and quick print store,

11.

Crop and tree farming,

12.

Electronics stores,

13.

Flower shops,

14.

Food markets under five thousand (5,000) square feet,

15.

Gift stores,

16.

Hardware and appliance stores,

17.

Public utility buildings less than five thousand (5,000) square feet,

18.

Jewelry shops,

19.

Meat markets,

20.

Music stores,

21.

Novelty and specialty shops,

22.

Nursery,

23.

Radio and television sales and services,

24.

Restaurants with no on-site or off-site alcoholic sales (outside seating acceptable),

25.

Sewing and crafts,

26.

Sporting goods,

27.

Studios,

28.

Tailor shops,

29.

Travel agency,

30.

Tux rentals,

31.

TV sales and service,

32.

Utility office,

33.

Variety stores;

D.

Other uses which the city planner determined by written findings are similar to the above.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.030 - Administratively permitted uses.

Administratively permitted uses in the C-1 zone are as follows:

A.

Antique shops.

B.

Catering trucks.

C.

Food trucks.

D.

Used furniture store.

E.

Stands for the purpose of displaying and selling agricultural, floricultural or products produced or grown on the premises, provided that there shall be only one for contiguous land under single ownership. The ground coverage of the stand shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet and be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the adjacent street or highway. Other uses which the city planner determined by written findings are similar to the above.

I.

Electric vehicle charging stations. For use in a new automobile service station, see Section 17.36.040.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

(Ord. 2003-03 § 3 (part) and Ord. 2007-05; 9-4-07; Ord. No. 2012-06, § 1; Ord. No. 2022-02, Exh. A)

17.36.040 - Conditional uses requiring use permits.

Conditional uses requiring use permits in the C-1 zone are as follows:

A.

Dwellings, associated with a permitted or conditional use; multiple family dwellings subject to the provisions of the R-3 zone district;

B.

Stores, agencies, and services of a light commercial character, conducted entirely within an enclosed building, such as:

1.

Automobile service station,

2.

Communication towers and support facilities in accordance with Chapter 17.85,

3.

Drugstores, over five thousand (5,000) square feet,

4.

Dry cleaning and laundry agencies,

5.

Food markets over five thousand (5,000) square feet,

6.

Private institutions including day care centers, hospitals, rest homes, sanitariums, convalescent homes, homes for the elderly and similar operations,

7.

Public utility buildings over five thousand (5,000) square feet;

C.

Uses which the city planner determines by written findings are similar to the above, pursuant to Section 17.04.030.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.050 - Lot requirements.

Lot requirements in the C-1 zone are as follows:

A.

Minimum lot area: six thousand (6,000) square feet for parcels located within a C-1 zone district existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Six thousand (6,000) square feet for parcels being rezoned and located adjacent to an existing C-1 zone. Twenty thousand (20,000) square feet for parcels being rezoned to C-1 not adjacent to an existing C-1 zone and for parcels created after adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

B.

Minimum lot width: one hundred (100) feet except those parcels existing at the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter with a width less than one hundred (100) feet, shall not be reduced to less than sixty (60) feet.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.060 - Design requirements.

New development shall adhere to the character of the existing neighborhood and be integrated into the surrounding development. New development shall not dominate or interfere with the established character of its neighborhood. Site design of projects shall be cohesive both functionally and visually.

Design requirements for structures in the C-1 zone are as follows:

A.

Compliance with parking and landscaping requirements of Sections 17.76.100 and 17.76.110;

B.

Maximum building coverage not to exceed sixty (60) percent of the lot;

C.

At a minimum, the following landscaping is required:

1.

The required front yard shall be landscaped and not used for parking. The only area not landscaped within the required front yard is the driveway access to the required parking area, which shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in width,

2.

Landscaping within the front setback area shall include one fifteen (15) gallon-sized tree for each fifty (50) feet of frontage, and at least one gallon-sized shrub for each five feet of frontage,

3.

In addition to the required trees and shrubs, the landscaped area may also be planted with lawn or ground cover plants. Other decorative non-plant ground covers may be used as long as they do not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of this landscaped area,

4.

Where landscaping is provided, adequate irrigation and maintenance thereof shall be provided, including replacement of dead trees, shrubs, vines or other ground cover required pursuant to this section;

D.

When the subject site immediately adjacent to a residential zone district, the following standards shall apply:

1.

A solid six-foot masonry wall shall be placed on the property line, reduced to thirty-six (36) inches within the required C-1 zone front setback area,

2.

All exterior lighting shall be designed to reflect away from the adjacent residential area, or down to the ground within the commercial site.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.065 - Site design.

A.

New projects shall be compatible with their surrounding development in intensity, setbacks, building forms, material, color, and landscaping:

1.

Site design shall respect existing roadway patterns and driveways. New curb cuts shall be aligned with existing driveways and streets, when applicable.

2.

Develop transition between projects with different uses and intensities to provide a cohesive visual and functional shift. Create transition by using appropriate setbacks, gradual building height, bulk, and landscaping.

3.

Integrate perimeter landscaping with the landscaping of adjacent developments.

4.

Minimize paved areas for curb cuts and parking on the street frontage of projects to maintain a continuous and attractive streetscape.

5.

Preserve natural site features such as mature trees, views, etc., and incorporate into the site design of the new project.

6.

Site design of projects shall be compatible with and protect existing nearby heritage structures and trees.

7.

Link on-site walkways to the public sidewalk system outside the project site for ease of pedestrian access.

8.

Provide pedestrian links between residential developments and nearby employment and shopping center, schools, and parks to encourage pedestrian activities.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.070 - Site organization.

A.

Locate site components such as structures, parking driveways, walkways, landscaping and open spaces to maximize visual appeal and functional efficiency. Security kiosks and gates shall be located to allow queuing for at least three cars.

B.

Emphasize the pleasant components of the project such as existing trees and views, and disguise its less desirable scenes such as parking areas, loading and service areas through placement and design of structures and landscaping.

C.

Siting of noise and odor generating functions on a site shall not create a nuisance for the adjacent properties.

D.

Orientation of buildings on a site shall relate to each other and to buildings on adjacent sites for aesthetic organization. The front of one building shall not face the back of another. In these instances, an increased setback between buildings may be required to meet the standards of the California Building Code.

E.

Street frontages shall not be dominated by surface parking to encourage pedestrian orientation and a continuous streetscape. Limit paved areas on street frontages to one double row of parking and locate the rest of the parking elsewhere on the site.

F.

Where half or more of the parking is located at the rear of a retail/office building, provide main entries in the front and rear of buildings for convenient access.

G.

Site design of projects shall have external orientation for a positive street experience. Orient buildings toward public streets and provide view corridors into the project site. View corridors may be provided by controlling the spacing and angles of building on the site and by providing open vistas and plazas.

H.

Building facades shall be lively and include windows and main entries which face public streets for a pedestrian friendly environment.

I.

Provide convenient and safe pedestrian and automobile access to the site from adjacent streets.

J.

Define site boundaries by landscaping and bands of decorative paving to announce entry into the site.

K.

Every project shall have a main entry, defined by landscaping and other decorative features. Main entrances to all buildings shall be well defined.

L.

Design and locate a project's internal circulation pattern for maximum ease of movement and a minimum of safety hazards.

M.

Consider energy efficiency in the siting of buildings. Shading of structures and parking areas is recommended.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.075 - Open space.

A.

Design each project site for maximum utility of open space for ventilation, sunlight, recreation, and views for both new and existing buildings.

B.

In business parks and strip shopping centers, open space areas are recommended.

C.

Open space areas may include benches, art, landscape, water, and hardscape features, as approved by the city.

D.

Provide direct access to common useable open space from all buildings. Common open spaces shall be useable for recreational purposes (landscaping strips of less than fifty (50) feet in width between buildings does not constitute useable common open space).

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.080 - Scale and character.

A.

Break up large buildings into groups of smaller segments whenever possible, to appear smaller in mass and bulk. This may require increasing setbacks to comply with the standards of the California Building Code.

B.

Adjacent buildings shall be compatible in height and scale.

C.

Buildings and additions shall not shade more than ten (10) percent of the structures or open space areas on adjacent properties for proper solar access.

D.

Buildings shall maintain similar horizontal and vertical proportions with the adjacent facades to maintain architectural unity.

E.

Step back upper stories of buildings three stories or taller from public roads and adjacent low scale development to reduce the bulk impact.

F.

Maintain the dominant existing scale of an area.

G.

Placement of windows and openings on second story additions shall not create a direct line of sight into the living space or the back yard of adjacent properties to maintain privacy.

H.

Buildings shall maintain visually interesting activities at the street level by placing active facades with windows and openings on the street side to promote pedestrian activities.

I.

Interrupt front facades on large structures by various architectural elements such as trellises, balconies, steps, openings, etc., about every thirty (30) feet to appear smaller in scale.

J.

Choose inset, multi-pane windows over a continuous band of single pane windows, to create a sense of scale.

K.

Maintain the scale and character of the existing main structure in building additions by retaining similar proportions and rhythm present on the main structures.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.085 - Architecture and design.

A.

Maintain diversity and individuality in style but be compatible with the character of the neighborhood.

B.

In areas where no prevailing architectural style exists, maintain the general neighborhood character by the use of similar scale, forms and materials providing that it enhances the neighborhood. The scale, forms, and materials shall be approved by the city.

C.

Develop a comprehensive architectural theme for multi-building complexes. Unify various site components through the use of similar designs, material, and colors. The designs, material, and colors shall be approved by the city.

D.

"Corporate architecture" and generic designs are not recommended. Design each project specifically with respect to its own surrounding environment.

E.

Buildings shall have three distinct components: base, middle, and top. Define each component by horizontal and vertical articulation.

F.

Link buildings and sites together by proper building orientation, landscaping, and similarly designed building and site components.

G.

Buildings on corner lots shall demonstrate a strong tie to the public streets. Enhance street corners by special design features such as celebrated main entrances, or landscape features.

H.

Include decorative building elements in the design of all buildings. Add more interest to buildings by incorporating changes in wall plane and height, arcades, porticos, trellises, porches, balconies, dormers, windows, openings, etc.

I.

Repeat design and decorative building elements in all elevations and the roof as well as the front facade.

J.

Windows and openings shall be consistent with the architectural style of buildings and maintain similar proportions and rhythm with those on adjacent buildings.

K.

Provide clear windows on street level on retail buildings to create interest for pedestrians.

L.

Define building entries by use of human scale architectural elements such as arches, posts, awnings, etc. Orient main entries toward public streets.

M.

Awnings and canopies shall be compatible with the building design and shall conform to Section 17.78.200 of this title.

N.

Awnings shall not cover or replace facade articulation by wrapping around buildings in continuous bands. Place awning only on top of doors, windows, and other openings.

O.

Design fire escapes and exterior stairs, elevator shafts, and balconies as part of the building, not as separate elements.

P.

Exterior remodeling of older buildings being occupied by new tenants is strongly encouraged.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.090 - Accessory utility buildings.

A.

The style, material, and color of accessory buildings visible from public streets shall be the same as those of the main building.

B.

Accessory buildings shall be proportional to the main structures in size and bulk. Accessory buildings may not dominate any site areas.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.095 - Roof.

A.

New roofs shall be consistent in form and shape with the dominant roof form in the neighborhood.

B.

Buildings in, or adjacent to, residential neighborhoods, with predominately gabled roofs, shall have gabled roofs to create a residential scale and character.

C.

Long horizontal roof lines are not allowed. Interrupt roof line by architectural treatment and features. The maximum allowable unbroken roof line is thirty (30) feet.

D.

Vary roof levels and forms on a large building to create diversity and to decrease the apparent scale of the building.

E.

Include roofs on all elevations, not just on the front facades of buildings. Roof forms shall express entrances to buildings.

F.

Roofs shall be an integral part of building design. False mansard roofs are not allowed.

G.

Include architectural elements such as projecting cornices in design of flat roofs to define the edge of the roof.

H.

Parapets and roof screens shall be integrated architecturally into building designs. Placement, material, and color of roof screens shall not impact the building architecture or roof form.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.100 - Material and color.

A.

Develop a comprehensive material and color scheme for each project to tie in the various parts of the project. Choose variety of colors and materials to add interest to buildings. Colors and materials shall be approved by the city.

B.

Avoid large expanses of smooth surfaces such as concrete or glass. Use materials with a sense of scale and texture.

C.

Avoid large expanses of highly reflective surfaces and mirror glass exterior walls to prevent heat and glare impacts on the adjacent public streets and properties.

D.

Choose high quality materials and paint to prevent degradation and for ease of maintenance.

E.

Use wrought iron, cast iron, or high quality wood for decorative features and trims. Vertical sliding panels (i.e. T-111) are prohibited.

F.

Coordinate exterior colors of adjacent structures on the same or adjacent sites.

G.

Strong, bright contrasting colors shall be used for ornaments and accent only.

H.

Coordinate color and material of building additions with those of the principal structure.

I.

Wall and ground sign design material and color shall be compatible with the principal building on the site and shall comply with Chapter 17.78, Sign Ordinance, of the Orland Municipal Code.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.105 - Service facilities.

A.

Locate service areas and drives away from public streets and nearby residential uses. Place service facilities in the least visible areas.

B.

Provide convenient access for all service and emergency vehicles. Separate service drives from other on-site circulation patterns when possible.

C.

Fully screen all service facilities from the public street and adjoining properties. Doors for service facilities shall be recessed and integrated into the overall design of the building.

D.

Screening devices shall have a similar design and material to the main structures on the site, and shall be incorporated into the site design of the project.

E.

Fences, walls, dense landscaping, berming, or any combination of the above, may be used to screen service areas and facilities.

F.

In multi-building complexes, service areas shall be combined or located next to each other to minimize the visual and noise impact on the surrounding uses.

G.

Service facilities shall be easily accessible for service vehicles and tenants. Service yards shall be located so as to minimize interaction between service vehicles and automobiles.

H.

Service facilities shall be separated from pedestrian walkways to increase safety.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.110 - Mechanical equipment.

A.

Mechanical equipment shall not be located in any front setback area between the public street and building.

B.

Mechanical equipment shall be located far enough from adjacent properties to not cause noise impacts. Noise level at property line may not exceed fifty (50) dBA in or adjacent to residential areas and seventy-five (75) dBA in all commercial and industrial zones.

C.

Fully screened roof top equipment by parapet walls or a roof well on all four sides.

D.

Avoid individual screening of a group of equipment on a single roof. Contain all equipment within same roof screen.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.115 - Lighting.

A.

Light fixture design shall be compatible with the design and the use of the principal structure on the site. Light fixtures shall be equipped with appropriate reflectors and shielded to prevent illumination of the adjacent properties.

B.

Incorporate placement of light fixtures into the landscape scheme of the project. Show location and type of all exterior lights on the landscape plans.

C.

Height of any light poles shall be appropriate for the project and surrounding environment. Height of the light poles shall not exceed that of the main building.

D.

Use bollard type luminaries, maximum of eight feet high for pedestrian areas.

E.

Shield light sources to prevent any glare or direct illumination on public streets, adjacent properties, highways, or Interstate "5."

F.

All area lights shall be energy efficient type (High Pressure Sodium or equivalent).

G.

All on-site pedestrian and automobile traffic areas shall be well lit for safety and security.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.120 - Trash enclosures.

A.

All development in this zoning district shall provide for adequate storage of trash and recyclable materials in containers in enclosed areas.

B.

Trash enclosures shall be conveniently accessible by collection trucks. Access driveways shall be a minimum of sixteen (16) feet in width.

C.

Enclosures shall not be located in setback, landscaped, or parking areas.

D.

Adequate turn around areas for collection trucks shall be provided.

E.

A concrete pad in front of and within enclosures to prevent damage to pavement is required.

F.

Trash enclosures shall screen trash containers on all four sides. The height of enclosures shall fully screen the containers.

G.

A roof shall be provided for trash enclosures when visible from any upper story.

H.

The style, material, and color of enclosures shall be similar to those of the main structure.

I.

Enclosures shall be made of masonry or wood and match the main building in finish and color. Enclosures may be masonry or wood, painted to match the main building.

J.

Steel enclosure gates are required as a minimum standard.

K.

When visible from public rights-of-way, redwood slatted cyclone fencing may be acceptable, but depending on the design of the main buildings, wood, concrete, or stucco is encouraged.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.125 - Professional offices and buildings.

A.

Professional office buildings shall have the highest quality architecture and be oriented toward streets.

B.

For office buildings, a combination of hardscape such as textured paving, water fountains, and landscaping shall be used to provide strong emphasis to focal points and entrances to the buildings.

C.

In multi-building complexes, buildings and offices shall be most visible from a public right-of-way.

D.

When there are two or more buildings located on site, buildings shall be oriented toward public streets and provide view corridors into the project site. View corridors may be provided by controlling the spacing and angles of buildings on the site and by providing vistas and plazas.

E.

The site boundaries and main entrances shall be defined by both landscaping and decorative paving.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.130 - Setbacks.

Minimum yards in the C-1 zone are as follows:

A.

Front: ten (10) feet, except that where frontage is in a block which is partially in residential zone, the front yard shall be the same as that required in such residential zone;

B.

Rear: fifteen (15) feet, except that where a rear yard abuts on an alley, such rear yard shall not be less than five feet;

C.

Side: none, except that a side yard of an interior lot abutting a residential zone shall be not less than the front yard required in such residential zone;

D.

Adjacent buildings shall have compatible front setbacks to maintain visual continuity of the streetscape. Setback infill projects in areas with different front setbacks at a distance equal to the average setbacks of buildings on either side not to exceed fifty (50) percent of the minimum setback requirements of the Zoning Code.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.135 - Height.

Maximum building height in the C-1 zone is thirty-five (35) feet (single story).

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.140 - Site plan review.

Prior to application for a building permit, the applicant shall submit to the city of Orland a complete site plan application with all applicable fees and all other documents necessary for review by the city to ensure compliance with all requirements of the Orland Municipal Code (OMC). A "site plan" application may be approved by the city manager or his/her nominee, without the necessity of public notice, a public hearing or planning commission action if findings required for approval (Section 17.82.050 of this title) can be made.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

17.36.145 - Fences and walls.

See Section 17.76.190 - Fence standards for fence height and setback regulations.

(Ord. 2007-05 § 3 (part))

(Ord. No. 2021-01, (Att. B))