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Signal Hill City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 20

33 SP-13 CHERRY AVENUE CORRIDOR RESIDENTIAL SPECIFIC PLAN

20.33.010 Purpose.

   A.   Application of the Specific Plan Concept.
   1.   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 development can be judged, and imposes controls on the use of the subject parcels. The specific plan is more detailed than a general plan and can be viewed as a bridge between the general plan and individual project submittals.
   2.   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. In an effort to accommodate the city's diverse housing needs, the concepts, regulations and conditions set forth in the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area one, provide for the development of the site as market rate housing.
   3.   The specific plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the State Government Code (Section 64540 through 65507) and addresses all of the issues and topics specified in that code.
   B.   Location and Boundary of Area One. The specific plan area one is an area of 1.75 acres generally located on the east side of Cherry Avenue between 19th and 20th Streets. The boundaries of the area are more specifically set forth in Figure 1, attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and on file in the office of the city clerk.
   C.   Goals and Objectives. Goals for the development within the SP-13, Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area one, include the following:
   1.   Encourage the development of privately sponsored housing developments.
   2.   Apply design standards which result in the highest quality development and achieve streetscapes with pedestrian scale and ambiance consistent with Signal Hill's small town character.
   3.   Provide architectural diversity and avoid uniformity of appearance.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.020 Adoption of SP-13, Cherry Avenue Corridor Residential Specific Plan Area One.

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property shown as SP-13, Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area one, on the official zoning map.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.030 Use Classifications.

   A.   Principal Uses. The following uses shall be permitted within the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area one. Unlisted uses shall be prohibited:
   1.   Market rate multi-family dwelling units available for sale as condominiums.
   2.   Single-family detached dwelling units.
   3.   Transitional housing, supportive housing and licensed group homes serving six persons or fewer are an allowed land use "by right" per Cal. Gov't Code § 65583.
   B.   Accessory Uses. The following accessory uses shall be permitted, in conjunction with the development of a multi-family housing project at the site:
   1.   Home occupations, not to exceed one such use per dwelling.
   2.   Open space.
   3.   Private garages.
(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 9 (part); Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.040 Dwelling Unit Density.

   A maximum of three tri-plex dwelling units shall be permitted on each of the ten lots in area one, in buildings distributed and located on the site as generally indicated in Figure 1, attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and on file in the office of the city clerk.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.050 Development standards.

   A.   All property within the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area one, shall be developed and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area one, 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. 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 and city council.
   D.   Building Design. The design theme and facade treatment shall be consistent with the Mediterranean, French, and coastal themes, as generally shown on the approved plans. Design elements include, but are not limited to, the use of offsets and recesses and staggered roof lines, shall be provided consistent with the elevations shown on Figures 2,3 and 4. Materials and colors shall be consistent with those shown on the sample board on file in the community development department.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.060 Building Height.

   A.   The maximum height of each structure shall not exceed twenty-five feet. Chimneys and rooftop antennas that exceed twenty-five feet may be permissible when approved by the director of community development per standards set forth in Chapter 20.52 of this title.
   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 concept grading plan.
   C.   The maximum permissible number of stories shall be two.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.070 Required Setbacks.

   The following setback lines shall be provided from the respective lines after right-of-way dedications:
   1.   Front setback along Cherry Avenue: eleven feet six inches.
   2.   Street-side setback along 19th and 20th Streets: five feet.
   3.   Interior side-yard setback: five feet.
   4.   Rear setbacks: nine feet.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.080 Yard Requirements.

   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, decks, patios, lanais, steps or stairways, provided these are at, or below, floor level of the first story.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.085 Landscape materials and turf replacement.

   A.   Maximum Percent Hardscape Area. With the exception of the established driveway allowance, the maximum area of hardscape material (permeable or non-permeable) within the front setback shall be limited to twenty-five percent of the setback area (includes walkways, patios and courtyards, but excludes driveways).
   1.   Area of front setback - area of required driveway = remaining front setback area.
   2.   Remaining front setback area x twenty-five percent = total allowed hardscape area.
   B.   Driveway Allowance. Driveways serving required garages, or providing on-site parking (for properties without garages) are excluded from the maximum allowed twenty-five percent of hardscape material in front yard setbacks.
 
Driveway Allowance is based on required garage capacity and size.
Garage Capacity
Driveway Allowance
0 - 1 car garage
10' (max. width)
2 car garage
20' (max. width)
3 or more car garage
30' (max. width)
 
   C.   Turf in New Development. Turf in new development is subject to Chapter 13.10.
   D.   Turf Replacement.
   1.   Turf is not a required or preferred landscape material. Drought tolerant landscape materials that retain water on site are strongly encouraged when replacing existing turf.
   2.   Turf replacement in landscape areas of two thousand five hundred square feet or greater is subject to Chapter 13.10. (Ord. 2015-11-1481 § 24 (part))

20.33.090 Private Side Yards.

   Covered patios are prohibited in private side yards. At-grade decks shall not account for more than fifty percent of the required open space. The remainder shall be fully landscaped and irrigated.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.100 Permitted Projections Into Required Yards.

   A.   Side-yard Projections. Architectural projections such as eaves, belt courses, sills and chimneys may be permitted to project not more than eighteen inches into required side yards.
   B.   Front and Rear Yard Projections. Architectural projections may be permitted to project not more than four feet into required front yards along Cherry Avenue.
   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. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.110 Fences, Walls and Hedges.

   A.   Permitted Fences. Walls and Hedges. Fences, walls and hedges not greater than six feet in height shall be permitted at all rear or side property lines and within required rear and side yards and at or to the rear of all front or street side setback lines.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.120 Off-Street Parking.

   A.   Each dwelling unit shall provide garages as follows:
 
Number of Bedrooms*
Number of Stalls
3 or fewer
2
4 and 5
3
6 or more
4
 
*A bedroom or room that could be used as a bedroom as determined by the director of community development.
   1.   Parking stall sizes shall be a minimum of ten feet by twenty feet.
   2.   Back-up area shall be a minimum of twenty-four feet.
   3.   Garages shall be set back a minimum of twenty feet from the front property line.
   4.   An electronic automatic garage door opener shall be provided for each garage door.
   5.   Carports are prohibited.
   6.   A minimum of seventy-two cubic feet of accessory storage area per unit shall be provided within the garage on shelves (with a minimum depth of eighteen inches). Storage rooms or closets cannot satisfy this requirement.
   7.   Tandem spaces are prohibited.
   B.   One uncovered off-street guest space per lot shall be provided adjacent to the alley.
(Ord. 2006-09-1364 § 4: Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.130 Trash and Recycling Storage Area.

   A.   Trash and storage and 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. The number and size of the enclosure(s) shall be determined by the director of public works and city engineer.
   B.   Provided enclosures shall not be less than five feet in height and shall include solid metal panel gates equipped with self-closing devices. Adequate access shall be provided to facilitate ease of trash/recyclable removal.
   C.   Kitchen/pantry areas of all units shall be designed to accommodate recycling bins in use by the city for its recycling program. The plans shall indicate where recycling facilities are to be located.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328(part))

20.33.140 Signs.

   A single nameplate with the project address 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. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.150 Mechanical Equipment.

   Roof appurtenances, such as vents or flashing, shall be positioned away from the street side of the structures or finished to match the roof color, in order to minimize the visual impact. Exterior air-conditioning equipment shall be placed away from view from the public street.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.160 Utilities, Public Facilities and Services.

   A.   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 District requirements.
   B.   All new utility lines serving the site, including natural gas, electrical, water, wastewater and communication lines shall be placed underground by the developer.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.170 Non-Conforming Uses.

   A Nonconforming residential uses at Lots 90 and 93 may be continued as provided in Chapter 20.82 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.180 Purpose.

   A.   Application of the Specific Plan Concept.
   1.   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 is more detailed than a general plan and can be viewed as a bridge between the general plan and individual project submittals.
   2.   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. In an effort to accommodate the city's diverse housing needs, the concepts, regulations and conditions set forth in the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area two, provide for the development of the site as market rate housing.
   3.   The specific plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the State Government Code (Section 64540 through 65507) and addresses all of the Issues and topics specified in that code.
   B.   Location and Boundary of Area Two. The specific plan area two is an area of approximately 0.31 acres generally located on the south side of 19th Street between Cherry and St. Louis Avenues. The boundaries of the area are more specifically set forth in Figure 1, attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and all file in the office of the city clerk.
   C.   Goals and Objectives. Goals for the development within the SP-13, Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area two, include the following:
   1.   Encourage the development of privately sponsored housing developments; and
   2.   Apply design standards that result in the highest quality development and achieve streetscapes with pedestrian scale and ambiance consistent with Signal Hill's small town character; and
   3.   Provide architectural diversity and avoid uniformity of appearance.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.190 Adoption of SP-13, Cherry Avenue Corridor Residential Specific Plan Area Two.

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property shown as SP-13, Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area two, on the official zoning map.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.200 Use Classifications.

   A.   Principal Uses. The following uses shall be permitted within the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area two. Unlisted uses shall be prohibited.
   1.   Transitional housing, supportive housing and licensed group homes serving six persons or fewer are an allowed land use “by right” per Cal. Gov’t Code § 65583.
   2.   Market rate detached single- family dwelling units available for sale as condominiums.
   B.   Accessory Uses. The following accessory uses shall be permitted, in conjunction with the development of a multi- family housing project at the site.
   1.   Home occupations, not to exceed one such use per dwelling.
   2.   Open space.
   3.   Private garages. (Ord. 2014-08- 1471 § 9 (part); Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.210 Dwelling Unit Density.

   A maximum of five detached single-family dwelling units in buildings distributed and located on the site as generally indicated in the approved plans shall be permitted.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.220 Development Standards.

   A.   All property within the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area two, shall be developed and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the Cherry Avenue Corridor residential specific plan, area two, 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. Determination of "substantive change" hereunder shall be made at the sole discretion of the Director of Community Development.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.230 Building Height.

   A.   The maximum height of each structure shall not exceed twenty-five feet. Chimneys and rooftop antennas which exceed twenty-five feet may be permissible when approved by the director of community development per standards set forth in Chapter 20.52 of this title.
   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 concept grading plan.
   C.   The maximum permissible number of stories shall be two.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.240 Required Setbacks.

   The following setback lines shall be provided from the respective lines after right-of-way dedications:
   1.   Front setback along 19th Street; 10 feet.
   2.   Rear and side setbacks; 5 feet.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.250 Yard Requirements.

   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, decks, patios, lanais, steps or stairways, provided these are at, or below, floor level of the first story.
   C.   Parking areas, swimming pools and spas shall not be permitted in any required front setback, and shall not be located less than three feet from side or rear lot line.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.255 Landscape materials and turf replacement.

   A.   Maximum Percent Hardscape Area. With the exception of the established driveway allowance, the maximum area of hardscape material (permeable or non-permeable) within the front setback shall be limited to twenty-five percent of the setback area (includes walkways, patios and courtyards, but excludes driveways).
   1.   Area of front setback - area of required driveway = remaining front setback area.
   2.   Remaining front setback area x twenty-five percent = total allowed hardscape area.
   B.   Driveway Allowance. Driveways serving required garages, or providing on-site parking (for properties without garages) are excluded from the maximum allowed twenty-five percent of hardscape material in front yard setbacks.
 
Driveway Allowance is based on required garage capacity and size.
Garage Capacity
Driveway Allowance
0 - 1 car garage
10' (max. width)
2 car garage
20' (max. width)
3 or more car garage
30' (max. width)
 
   C.   Turf in New Development. Turf in new development is subject to Chapter 13.10.
   D.   Turf Replacement.
   1.   Turf is not a required or preferred landscape material. Drought tolerant landscape materials that retain water on site are strongly encouraged when replacing existing turf.
   2.   Turf replacement in landscape areas of two thousand five hundred square feet or greater is subject to Chapter 13.10. (Ord. 2015-11-1481 § 24 (part))

20.33.260 Permitted Projections Into Required Yards.

   A.   Side-yard Projections. Architectural projections, such as eaves, belt courses, sills and chimneys may be permitted to project not more than eighteen inches into required side yards.
   B.   Front and Rear Yard Projections. Architectural projections may be permitted to project not more than eighteen inches into required front and 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. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.270 Fences. Walls and Hedges.

   A.   Permitted Fences, Walls and Hedges. Fences, walls and hedges not greater than six feet in height shall be permitted at all rear and side property lines and within required rear or side yards and at or to the rear of all front setback lines. No fence, wall or hedge over four feet in height shall be permitted in any required front yard.
   B.   Architectural Embellishments. Arch-itectural embellishments such as pilasters, archways, etc. may be permitted to project above the maximum height on any fence or wall, subject to approval of the director of community development.
(Ord. 2004- 04-1328 (part))

20.33.280 Off-Street Parking.

   A.   Each dwelling unit shall include a minimum four-hundred square foot, two-car enclosed garage.
   B.   Two uncovered off-street guest spaces shall be provided at all times.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.290 Trash and Recycling Storage Area.

   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. The number and size of the enclosure(s) shall be determined by the director of community development.
   B.   Kitchen/pantry area of all units shall be designed to accommodate recycling bins in use by the city for its recycling program. The plans shall indicate where recycling facilities are to be located.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.300 Signs.

   A single nameplate with the project address 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. 2004-04- 1328 (part))

20.33.310 Mechanical Equipment.

   Roof appurtenances, such as vents or flashing, shall be positioned away from the street side of the structures or finished to match the roof color, in order to minimize the visual impact. Exterior air-conditioning equipment shall be placed away from view from the public street.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328 (part))

20.33.320 Utilities, Public Facilities and Services.

   A.   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 District requirements.
   B.   All new utility lines serving the site, including natural gas, electrical, water, wastewater and communication lines shall be placed underground by the developer.
(Ord. 2004-04-1328)