The purpose of this chapter is to guide the physical development of factory-authorized or nationally franchised or operated automobile, truck and motorcycle sales and service facilities which together are known as the Signal Hill auto center. Development standards are intended to provide flexibility an the design of the unique building type required for automobile and track sales. Architectural, site plan and landscaping designs also shall contribute to a sense of unity among individual dealerships. The goal shall be a strong, visual identity for the Signal Hill auto center.

(Ord. 2000-11-1278 § 3; Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part); Ord. 2008-03-1378 § 1)

   There is hereby adopted the auto center specific plan which is set forth herein. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property shown as SP-4 auto center specific plan on the official zoning map.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   The uses stated below shall be classified and authorized as an accessory use in the auto center specific plan:

   A.   Rental car agency.

   B.   Automobile and light truck body repair and painting (permitted subject to approval of a conditional use permit in accordance with Chapter 20.64 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code).

(Ord. 2010-04-1414 § 1: Ord. 2000-01-1266 § 1)

   The uses stated below shall be strictly prohibited in the auto center specific plan:

   A.   Commercial marijuana activity.

(Ord. 2017-11-1497 § 10; Ord. 2016-01-1484 § 8; Ord. 2011-04-1424 § 8)

   A.   All property within the auto center specific plan district shall be developed and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the auto center specific plan, the design guidelines for the Signal Hill auto center, and applicable development standards and city codes except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

   B.   Pay phones and vending machines shall be subject to the following criteria:

   1.   Pay phones and vending machines must be located behind the required front and side setbacks located adjacent to streets.

   2.   Pay phones and vending machines shall not encroach, nor project into driveways, required off-street parking stalls or pedestrian pathways.

   3.   Prior to the installation of a pay phone or vending machine, the applicant shall: (a) obtain approval of a site plan pursuant to Chapter 20.52; (b) obtain a building permit (when applicable); and (c) pay fees as established by the city council by resolution and may be adjusted from time to time.

   4.   Failure to obtain a permit shall cause a double fee to be imposed pursuant to Uniform Building Code Section 15.02.060 as established by resolution and may be adjusted from time to time.

   5.   Pay phones and vending machines shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and have adequate lighting to create a safe environment and not create glare onto adjacent properties.

   6.   Pay phones and vending machines shall not have overhead wiring or exposed conduit.

   7.   Prior to installation, pay phones and vending machines shall require approval by the planning department to assure that the location does not interfere with public access, is in a safe and secure location, provides convenient access, will not create an excessive number of such machines, and will not create any conditions of public nuisance.

   8.   Pay phones and vending machines and all areas surrounding said machines shall be kept in a clean and orderly manner by the owner or tenant of the property upon which the phone or machine is located.

(Ord. 98-12-1243 § 3 (part); Ord. 89-07- 1034 § 1 (part))

   No building permit shall be issued for any site within the auto center specific plan district until plans for proposed dealership facilities on such site have been approved in the manner set forth in Chapter 20.52, Site Plan and Design Review, of this code.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   The director of community development may approve temporary uses and related signs subject to the provisions of Section 20.52.030(B) and may establish a specific time limit for the removal of the temporary use and the restoration of the property to its original condition.

(Ord. 2000-11-1278 § 2)

   Setback lines where abutting on-site parking, display or other uncovered or unenclosed areas shall be a minimum of five-feet distant from and parallel to the future rights-of-way lines of any public street as set forth in the plan lines ordinance. Setback lines abutting buildings shall be a minimum fifteen-feet distant from and parallel to such rights-of-way.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   Required yards shall be those portions of the lot between the property line and the respective setback lines as established hereunder. All required yards shall be open from ground to sky, except as hereinafter provided, and shall be fully landscaped and irrigated except for driveways.

   Required yards abutting shall comprise a minimum land area as determined according to the following:

   Required yard area = Ten feet × number of lineal feet of lot frontage exclusive of curb cuts

   No land area distant twenty feet or more from the respective right(s)-of-way line(s) shall be counted as satisfying the minimum yard area requirement.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   A.   Maximum Allowed Hardscape. Hardscape in front and street side setbacks is limited to driveways and walkways only (hardscape includes paved materials, both permeable and non-permeable). The remaining area shall be landscaped and maintained.

   B.   Turf in New Development. Turf in new development is subject to Chapter 13.10.

   C.   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 § 11)

   A.   Nonresidential development comprising twenty-five thousand square feet or more of building area shall provide the following subject to approval of the director of planning:

   1.   A bulletin board, display case or kiosk displaying transportation information located where the greatest number of employees are likely to see it. Information in the area shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

   a.   Current maps, routes, and schedules for public transit routes serving the site;

   b.   Telephone numbers for referrals on transportation information including numbers for the regional ridesharing agency and local transit operators;

   c.   Ridesharing promotional material supplied by commuter-oriented organizations;

   d.   Bicycle route and facility information, including regional/local bicycle maps and bicycle safety information;

   e.   A listing of facilities available for carpoolers, vanpoolers, bicyclists, transit riders and pedestrians at the site.

   2.   Sidewalks or other designated pathways following direct and safe routes from the external pedestrian circulation system to each building in the development, and from on-site parking areas to each building in the development.

   Nonresidential development comprising fifty thousand square feet or more of building area shall comply with the requirements for same as set forth in Section 20.70.035, Required Transportation-related Facilities, and with those indicated above for projects of twenty-five thousand square feet or more.

   C.   Nonresidential projects comprising one hundred thousand square feet or more of building area shall comply with the requirements of Subsection A of this section and shall provide all of the following subject to approval of the director of planning:

   1.   If determined necessary by the public works director to mitigate project impacts, bus stop improvements for developments to be located adjacent to major highways, secondary highways, and established bus routes; the city will consult with local bus service providers in determining appropriate improvements;

   2.   Safe and convenient access from the external circulation system to bicycle parking facilities onsite.

(Ord. 93-03-1152 § 12)

   The number of required parking spaces shall be determined pursuant to Chapter 20.70 of this code. Parking spaces shall be reserved exclusively for the various parking users described below, exclusive of automobile display parking. Spaces shall be located and arranged as to be readily accessible, identifiable and convenience for the following parking user groups:

   A.   Customer parking for new and used automobiles sales;

   B.   Customer parking for service and parts departments;

   C.   Employee parking.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   Primary consideration shall be given to queuing requirements for automobile service bays. Sufficient area shall be provided so that queuing can be accommodated on-site without impeding ingress and/or egress from public rights-of-way. In general, allowance should be made for queuing of four automobiles per service bay. To the extent possible, queuing should be accommodated to the rear of the front wall of the main building.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   Parking for automobiles or trucks awaiting dealer preparation and/or detailing prior to display and sale shall be provided. This parking area shall be located as distant from the public rights-of-way as is reasonably possible and should be screened from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way by solid decorative fence or walls at least six feet but not more than eight feet in height.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   The director of community development may approve temporary automobile and truck storage, subject to the provisions of Section 20.52.030 B. Temporary automobile and truck storage shall comply with the following minimum standards:

   A.   Storage area shall be completely enclosed by chain link fencing at least six feet, but not more than eight feet, in height. All fencing must be screened with slats made of a durable material other than wood. The director may require vines to be used in addition to, or instead of, slat screening. If approved by the director, fencing may be placed on the property line provided that minimum landscape requirements are achieved.

   B.   All temporary automobile and truck storage yards shall be paved. Paving materials other than concrete or asphalt paving may be used, subject to approval of the city engineer.

   C.   A minimum five foot landscaped area with automatic irrigation shall be provided in front of the required fencing. This requirement may be waived or reduced by the director if space does not reasonably permit a five foot area due to the size or shape of the lot; existing improvements on the lot; or to accommodate safe access to and from the lot.

(Ord. 2002-08-1310 § 1)

   Service bay facilities, to the extent that parcel configuration permits, shall be situated so as not to be visible from public rights-of-way.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   All automobile and truck loading/unloading and storage areas shall be located so as not to be visible from public rights-of-way. Loading areas shall be delineated by signs or painted stripes on the pavement. Such loading areas may also serve as driveway aisles to required parking areas. A minimum ten foot by eighty foot area shall be provided so that all loading and unloading may take place completely outside the public rights-of-way. Sufficient circulation area shall be provided so that automobile carriers may enter and exit the site without backing into any public rights-of-way.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))

   All required yards shall be fully landscaped and irrigated in accordance with Chapter 20.52, Site Plan and Design Review.

   Thirty-six inch box trees in an amount equal to one per five thousand square feet of gross lot area shall be planted throughout required yards and automobile and truck parking and display areas.

   An irrigation system comprised of appropriately-sized water supply lines, antisiphon devices, and a sufficient number of sprinkler heads which provide complete coverage of all landscaped areas and tree wells shall be installed and maintained.

(Ord. 89-07- 1034 § 1 (part))

   Rooftop appurtenances such as air conditioning equipment, skylights and elevator shafts shall be completely screened from view from public rights-of-way and/or adjacent parcels.

(Ord. 89-07-1034 § 1 (part))