A.   Application of the Specific Plan Concept. A specific plan and its function may be described by comparison with the general plan. The general plan expresses, in very broad terms, the city’s planning of its future environment, generally on a long-term basis. adopted by the city as a legislative act, the general plan may be amended, as required by changing circumstances. The specific plan, on the other hand, is a device used to implement the general plan by focusing on a particular parcel or parcels. The specific plan sets standards, against which developments can be judged, and imposes controls on the use of the subject parcels. The specific plan replaces the existing zoning designation and is more detailed than a general plan.

   The intent and purpose of this chapter is to establish a specific plan to guide the physical development of a particular geographic area within the city. The subject site is constrained due to the size, site configuration (deep and narrow), location of two abandoned oil wells, and potential view impacts to adjacent residential and commercial developments. The site is an infill parcel primarily surrounded by existing high density residential developments to the immediate north, south, and west, and single-family development to the east across Temple Avenue. In an effort to mitigate these constraints and to accommodate the city’s diverse housing needs, the concepts, regulations and conditions set forth in the SP-21, The Courtyard Specific Plan, are added to provide for the development of the site with single-family detached dwellings.

   The Specific Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the California Government Code Sections 64540 through 65507, and addresses all of the issues and topics specified in that code.

   B.   Location and Boundary. The Specific Plan includes an area of approximately 0.59-acres generally located on the west side of Temple Avenue between 20th and 19th Streets. The boundaries of the area are more specifically set forth in Tentative Tract Map 74232.

   C.   Goals and Objectives. Goals for the development within the SP-21, The Courtyard Specific Plan, include the following:

      1.   Reduce the density allowed on the site from 12 dwelling units to 8 dwelling units: and

      2.   Encourage the development of privately owned detached single-family dwellings: and

      3.   Provide architectural diversity and avoid uniformity of appearance while achieving a streetscape with pedestrian scale and ambiance consistent with Signal Hill’s small town character.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property shown as SP-21, The Courtyard Specific Plan on the official zoning map.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Principal Uses. Unlisted uses shall be prohibited. The following uses shall be permitted within SP-21, The Courtyard Specific Plan.

      1.   Detached single-family dwellings.

   B.   Accessory Uses. The following accessory uses shall be permitted, in conjunction with the development of the single-family dwellings at the site.

      1.   Home occupations, not to exceed one such use per dwelling.

      2.   Open space and recreation facilities including swimming pools and spas.

      3.   Private garages.

      4.   One surface parking space for each unit in designated parking stalls.

      5.   Guest parking in designated parking stalls.

      6.   Transitional housing, supportive housing, and state-licensed care facilities serving six or fewer homes serving six or fewer persons are allowed as required by state law.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A maximum of eight detached single-family dwellings shall be permitted on the site as indicated on the approved plans.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   All property within SP-21, The Courtyard Specific Plan shall be developed and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the Specific Plan and applicable ordinances and policies of the City of Signal Hill. In the event of inconsistency between the Specific Plan and any other ordinance or regulation of the city, the Specific Plan shall prevail.

   B.   Substantive changes to the physical improvements on the site may be made only after review and approval by resolution of the planning commission, and in compliance with Chapter 20.52, “Site Plan and Design Review,” of the Signal Hill Municipal Code, and this chapter. The determination of “substantive change” hereunder shall be made at the sole discretion of the director of community development.

   C.   Site Plan. Site development shall substantially conform to the site plan as approved by the planning commission.

   D.   Building Design. The design theme and facade treatment shall be consistent with the modern, simplified Spanish style architectural themes as generally shown on the approved plans. Design elements, including, but not limited to, concrete tiled roofs, fine textured stucco finish, decorative Bermuda style awnings, forged steel balusters, accent iron cross bars, and Arto Tile Arabesque accent tiles, and insulated steel garage doors, and vinyl windows. Materials and colors shall be consistent with those shown on the sample board on file in the community development department. The floor plans shall substantially conform to the floor plans as shown on the approved plans.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   The maximum height of each structure shall not exceed the following:

      1.   Lot 1: Twenty-two feet, nine inches (22'-9") maximum.

      2.   Lots 2 through 8: Twenty-three feet (23’) maximum.

   B.   Measurement and determination of building heights shall be as in Section 20.04.102, “Building Height,” of the Signal Hill Municipal Code, except that “natural ground elevation” referenced therein, shall be the elevation(s) of each building pad as established on the approved conceptual grading plan.

   C.   The maximum permissible number of stories shall be:

      1.   Lot 1: Partial single-story

      2.   Lots 2 through 8: Two stories.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   The following setback lines shall be provided from the property line measured to the closest habitable area of the units:

   A.   “Front” Setback (on Temple Avenue):

      1.   Lot 1: Thirteen feet, seven inches (13'-7") minimum.

      2.   Lot 8: Twenty-six feet, nine inches (26'-9") minimum.

   B.   Side (north property line) Setback:

      1.   Lots 1 through 3: Eight feet, six inches (8'-6") minimum.

      2.   Lot 4: Five feet, two inches (5'-2") minimum.

   C.   Side (south property line) Setback:

      1.   Lot 5: Five feet, two inches (5'-2") minimum.

      2.   Lots 6 through 8: Seven feet (7') minimum.

   D.   Rear (west property line) Setback:

      1.   Lots 4 and 5: Ten feet (10') minimum.

      2.   Lots 3 and 6: Eleven feet (11') minimum. Balcony six feet (6') minimum.

   E.   Distance between buildings: Six feet, four inches (6'-4") minimum.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Required yards shall be those portions of the lot between the property line and the required setback line.

   B.   All required yards shall extend the full depth and width of the lot and shall be open from ground to sky, with the exception of the following: driveways, sidewalks, porches, patios, steps, provided these are at the finished grade of the first story.

   C.   Swimming pools and spas shall not be permitted in any required front, or Temple Avenue setback and shall not be located less than three feet (3') from side or rear lot lines.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Maximum Percent Hardscape Area. The maximum area of hardscape material (permeable or non-permeable) within the front setback area (includes walkways, patios and courtyards, but excludes driveways) shall be limited to:

   1.   Lot 1: 25%.

   2.   Lot 8: 30%.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Setbacks. Patio covers shall be set back five feet (5') from side or rear property lines. Patio covers shall not be constructed in front yards.

   B.   Projections. Patio covers eves may project thirty inches (30") into a side or rear yard.

   C.   Prohibited Uses. Patio covers shall not be used as carports, garages, or storage, utility or habitable rooms.

   D.   Construction. Patio covers may have solid roofs and be enclosed as provided by the Uniform Building Code.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Setbacks. Patio covers – open trellis shall be set back three feet (3') from a side or rear property line.

   B.   Projections. Patio covers – open trellis eves may project twelve inches (12") into a side or rear yard setback. Patio covers - open trellis including eves may project eighteen inches (18") into the front yard setback.

   C.   Prohibited Enclosures. Patio covers – open trellis sides or covers shall not be temporarily or permanently enclosed.

   D.   Construction. Patio covers – open trellis shall be unenclosed post and beam construction that may include latticework provided that the sides and cover remains a minimum forty percent (40%) open to the sky.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Side-Yard Projections. Architectural projections, such as eaves, belt courses, and sills may be permitted to project not more than eighteen inches (18") into required side yards. Privacy awnings may be permitted to project twenty-two inches (22") into required side yards.

   B.   Front and Rear Yard Projections. Architectural projections may be permitted to project not more than eighteen inches (18") into required front and rear yards. Privacy awnings may be permitted to project twenty-two inches (22") into required rear yards.

   C.   The director of community development may permit other similar architectural projections, provided that the size of the projection does not exceed the above limits.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   The maximum overall floor area ratio for the project site shall not exceed 0.65% and substantially conform to sheet T01 of the site plan as approved by the planning commission.

   B.   Maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be calculated as follows:

      Gross floor area minus (-) garage square feet equals (=) net lot area.

   For purposes of this subsection, "gross floor area" means and includes the area of the first story and any additional stories for all structures, including garages, greenhouses and accessory buildings on a lot.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Permitted Fences, Walls and Hedges. Fences, walls and hedges not greater than six feet, six inches (6'-6") in height shall be permitted at all rear and side property lines, and within required rear or side yards.

   B.   No fence, wall, gate, or hedge over five feet, six inches (5'-6") in height shall be permitted in any required front setback. Any wall over four feet shall be a minimum 30% open/transparent. The fence and walls shall substantially conform with the fence and wall plans as shown on the approved plans.

   C.   Architectural Embellishments. Architectural embellishments such as pilasters, archways, sculptures, etc., may be permitted to project above the maximum height on any fence, hedge or wall, subject to approval of the community development director, provided that such embellishment does not significantly increase the overall average height or apparent mass of the wall.

   D.   Retaining Walls Protecting Cut Below Natural Grade. Where a retaining wall protects a cut below natural grade, such retaining wall may be topped by a fence, wall or hedge, but the height shall be measured from the highest actual finished grade on either side.

   E.   Retaining Walls Containing Fill. When a retaining wall contains a fill, the height of the retaining wall built to retain the fill shall be considered as contributing to the permissible height of a fence, solid wall or hedge.

   F.   An increase in fence and wall height by not more than ten percent (10%) may be allowed subject to the review and approval of the director of community development.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Each dwelling unit has four (4) bedrooms (or rooms that could be used as a bedroom as determined by the community development director and therefore, shall include a two-car enclosed garage, minimum 400 square feet with 72 cubic feet each of storage area, and one assigned surface parking space for each dwelling unit

   B.   Ten (10) uncovered surface off-street parking spaces including eight unit assigned spaces and two guest spaces shall be provided in the common area parking areas at all times.

   C.   Surface parking stall size shall not be less than nine feet (9') by twenty feet (20').

   D.   A total of two guest parking spaces shall be available for use at all times.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   Trash and storage recyclable materials enclosure areas shall be provided of sufficient size to ensure containment of all solid waste materials generated from each dwelling, and to promote the city's recycling program. Storage of trash bins shall be placed away from view and screened with landscaping, a low wall, or privacy gate.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A 14.7-square-foot project identification sign, approximately 2'-8" in height, featuring the project name in individual bronze cast metal pin-mounted letters is permitted. All other signs, except for signs identified in Chapter 20.58.120 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code as being permissible in any zoning district without a sign permit are prohibited.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   Exterior air-conditioning equipment shall be placed away from view or screened with landscaping, a low wall, or privacy gate.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))

   A.   On-Site Facilities. All on-site water supply, wastewater collection and sewage lines and facilities shall be provided by the developer in accordance with the City of Signal Hill standard plans. Storm drainage facilities shall be provided in accordance with Los Angeles County flood control district standards. Sewage facilities must also be consistent with the Los Angeles County sanitation requirements.

   B.   Undergrounding. All new utility lines serving the site, including natural gas, electrical, water, wastewater and communication lines shall be placed underground by the developer.

(Ord. 2024-11-1551 § 1 (part))