The general commercial (GC) district is intended to provide for a full range of high-intensity, automobile-oriented general commercial and professional services. These uses tend to locate along arterials, and, by the nature of their activity, create a high degree of turning movements which impede the flow of traffic and create traffic and pedestrian hazards. The commercial development extending along arterials generally reflects a low aesthetic quality in maximum-visibility areas. (Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

Permitted uses in the GC district are as listed in the land use matrix, Section 20.06.030 of this title and as follows:

A.    Residential uses shall be allowed on the second, third and/or fourth floors of a commercial building that is located within one block or two hundred forty feet of the downtown district (DT); provided, that commercial uses shall occupy the ground floor or floors below and are separate from the residential uses in order to preserve a residential atmosphere for upper floors. (Ord. 1618-0504 § 1, 2004: Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

A.    Light manufacture of consumer goods that is incidental to an on-premises retail use, provided that:

1.    There shall be no unusual fire, explosion or safety hazards;

2.    Applicant shall demonstrate to the site plan review committee that there shall be no production of noise at any boundary of the property in excess of the average intensity of street noise at this point;

3.    There shall be no emission of smoke in excess of any density prescribed by the air pollution control authority;

4.    There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, or toxic or offensive gases or fumes;

5.    There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible from any property line of the premises upon which such heat, glare or vibration is being generated.

B.    Storage, processing, or use of hazardous substances incidental to a permitted use in compliance with applicable city and state regulations.

C.    Hazardous waste treatment and storage facilities incidental to a permitted use in compliance with applicable city and state regulations. (Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

The following uses require a conditional use permit as provided in Chapter 20.44 of this title, and subject to applicable conditions as found in that chapter:

A.    Public utilities.

B.    Public, private, and parochial schools and facilities.

C.    Fraternal organizations. (Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

A.    Minimum lot size: none required.

B.    Front, rear and side yard: none, unless property adjoins a more restrictive district, when setbacks shall be the same as required of that more restrictive district.

C.    Lot width: none required. (Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

Building height requirements shall be as provided in Table 20.06.030(A). (Ord. 2021-0824 § 11, 2024; Ord. 1594-0503 § 1, 2003: Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

Signs shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with Chapter 20.38 of this title. (Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

Parking shall meet the requirements of Chapter 20.40 of this title. (Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

Landscaping shall meet all requirements of Chapter 20.60 of this title, including but not limited to Section 20.60.200. (Ord. 1547 § 4 (Exh. 5 (part)), 2001: Ord. 1462-1296 § 2 (part), 1996)

All uses in this district shall comply with appropriate sections of Chapter 20.64, Design Standards, including but not limited to Section 20.60.200 if applicable. (Ord. 1547 § 4 (Exh. 5 (part)), 2001)