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 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.

   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 Signal Hill village specific plan provide for the development of the site with single-family, detached dwelling units some of which will be restricted for sale to households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent of the median income for Los Angeles County.

   The Signal Hill village 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 Boundaries of the Specific Plan. The specific plan area is an area of about 2.75 acres generally located along Pacific Coast Highway between the former Pacific Electric Railroad right-of-way to the west and Junipero Avenue to the east. The boundaries of the area are more specifically set forth in Exhibit A, 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-8, Signal Hill village specific plan, include the following:

   1.   Assure that a particular segment of the population, households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent of the median income for Los Angeles County, has access to adequate and affordable housing opportunities;

   2.   Encourage the development of privately sponsored housing developments which include dwelling units intended to be occupied by households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent of the median income for Los Angeles County;

   3.   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; and

   4.   Maintain continuity in character with the adjacent existing neighborhood and present variety in architectural style.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property shown as SP-8, Signal Hill village specific plan, on the official zoning map.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A.   Principal Uses. The following uses shall be permitted within the SP-8, Signal Hill village specific plan area. Unlisted uses shall be prohibited.

   1.   Detached single-family dwelling units.

   2.   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 development of a single-family housing development at the site.

   1.   Home occupations consistent with Section 20.04.384, home occupation of this code.

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

   3.   Private garages.

(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 6; Ord. 98-12-1243 § 4 (part); Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A maximum of forty single-family, detached dwelling units shall be permitted.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A.   All property within the specific plan area shall be developed and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the Signal Hill village specific plan and applicable ordinances and policies of the city. 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 approving body and in compliance with chapter 20.52, Site Plan and Design Review, of this 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 tentative tract map as may be approved in compliance with chapter 18.12, Preliminary and Tentative Maps, of this code and the site plan as may be approved in compliance with Chapter 20.52, Site Plan and Design Review, and this chapter.

   D.   Building Design. To provide the greatest degree of streetscape variety feasible, the developer shall submit a minimum of three or more varieties of floor plans each with at least two distinct facade treatments for site plan and design review and approval in accordance with chapter 20.52, site plan and design review.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   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, site plan and design review.

   B.   Measurement and determination of building heights shall be as in Section 20.04.102, Building Height, of this code, except that "natural ground elevation" referenced therein shall be the elevation(s) of each building pad as established on the grading plan approved concurrent with the project's site plan and design review.

   C.   The maximum permissible number of stories shall be two.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   The following setback lines shall be provided from the respective lot lines after right-of-way dedications in accordance with Chapter 20.66, Property Development Standards:

   A.   Front setback -- 3.5 feet

   B.   Side and streetside setbacks -- 3.5 feet

   3.   Rear setback -- 5 feet.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A.   Required yards shall be those portions of the lot between the property lines 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.   Limitation for Pools and Spas. Swimming pools and spas shall not be permitted in any required front or streetside yard setback and shall not be located less than three feet from any side or rear lot line.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   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.

 

 

   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 § 19)

   A.   Sideyard Projections. Architectural projections such as eaves, belt courses, sills and chimneys may be permitted to project not more than eighteen inches into required sideyards.

   B.   Front and Rear Yard Projections. Architectural projections may be permitted to project not more than thirty 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. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A.   Permitted Fences, Walls and Hedges. Fences, walls and hedges not greater than six (6) 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 or street side yard.

   B.   Exceptions. Fences, walls and hedges at or in all rear yards of lots with rear property lines contiguous to Pacific Coast Highway may exceed six feet in height, subject to approval by the planning commission.

   C.   Architectural Embellishments. Architectural 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. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   All parking provisions, requirements and standards shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 20.70. Off-Street Parking, of this code.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A.   Trash storage and recyclable materials storage areas shall be provided on each parcel and shall be of sufficient size to ensure containment of all solid waste materials generated from each dwelling unit and to promote the city's recycling program. The location and size of the area shall be determined by the director of community development.

   B.   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. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A single nameplate with the dwelling address is permitted for each dwelling. All other signs, except for signs identified in Section 20.58.120, Exempt signs, of this code as being permissible in any other zoning district without a sign permit, are prohibited.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   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 compressors, air conditioning units, or similar mechanical equipment shall be situated so as to be unobtrusive and shall be shielded from public view.

(Ord. 96-09- 1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A.   All on-site water supply, wastewater collection, and sewage lines and facilities shall be provided by the developer in accordance with the city 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 Los Angeles County sanitation district requirements.

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

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   A minimum of sixty cubic feet of enclosed accessory storage area shall be provided outside of each dwelling unit's living area.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   In order to promote efficient use of side yards between dwelling units, the developer shall include provisions, where practicable and appropriate, for incorporating such side yards into useable and functional private open spaces of adjoining dwelling units while maintaining minimum building separation as set forth herein. Such provisions may include use of easements and zero lot line configurations.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))

   As a condition of approval of site plan and design review approval the applicant shall submit operations plans for the use of model homes for review and approval by the planning commission consistent with Section 20.52.040(c). The planning commission may require such changes or conditions of approval for proposed operations plans as deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the general public and of residents and occupants of structures likely to be affected by model home operations.

(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))