A.   The purpose of this chapter is to guide the physical development of various parcels of land which are well-suited to large, single-tenant retail commercial uses because of their accessibility and visibility to users of adjoining major surface streets. The highest quality development of these parcels, however, may be hindered by certain combinations of site characteristics, including two or more of the following:

   1.   Topography which makes compliance with city parking and grading standards impractical without expensive retaining walls;

   2.   Lot frontage-to-depth ratios greater than one-to-one which make unified development of relatively large parcels infeasible;

   3.   Presence of operating or previously abandoned oil wells;

   4.   Frontage on heavily-travelled thoroughfare where minimizing number of mid-block vehicle ingress and egress driveways promotes safe and efficient traffic flow.

   B.   Parcels subject to this code section share the following traits advantageous to orderly development and promotion of the highest quality physical development through application of the development standards in this section:

   1.   Location at the intersection of a major surface street with another surface street of any designation, excepting alleys;

   2.   Location within the landscape overlay zone;

   3.   Lot size of one hundred thousand square feet or more.

   C.   Goals for development within the SP-6, commercial corridor specific plan include the following:

   1.   To achieve optimal use of each site for the purposes of providing a strong retail base and generating sales tax revenues to the city;

   2.   To achieve a cohesiveness in building design on and among parcels within the specific plan, and with parcels in different zoning classifications located along the same major surface street corridor;

   3.   To achieve site design that facilitates safe and efficient vehicular flow to, from, and on each site.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property shown as SP-6, commercial corridor plan on the official zoning map.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   A.   Principal Uses. The following uses shall be permitted within the SP-6, commercial corridor specific plan area:

   1.   Retail Sales Uses.

   Apparel;

   Art galleries and art supplies;

   Baked goods, provided that products baked on premises shall be sold only on premises;

   Books and stationery;

   Cards and gifts;

   Confections;

   Cosmetics;

   Craft and hobby supplies;

   Delicatessen and meat market (no processing);

   Department store;

   Drug store;

   Household appliances, including electronic equipment and computers;

   Flowers;

   Fruits and vegetables;

   Furniture;

   Groceries;

   Hardware;

   Ice cream parlor;

   Jewelry;

   Lawn and garden supplies;

   Luggage;

   Music store including records, tapes, compact discs;

   Newspapers and magazines;

   Paint and wallpaper supplies;

   Pet store including pet supplies, feed, accessories and animal sales;

   Photographic supplies and studio;

   Rental Car Agency;

   Sporting goods;

   Toy store;

   Vendor cart sales.

   2.   Eating Establishments.

   Restaurants including those with outdoor dining, but excluding drive-through restaurants.

   3.   Services.

   Animal boarding*;

   Animal grooming*;

   Animal training* (indoors only)

   Apparel cleaning and drying, retail only including dry cleaning of clothes in enclosed machines using nonflammable cleaning compounds;

   Banks and savings and loans with ATM’s interior/exterior wall mounted;

   Barber and beauty shops;

   Professional offices;

   Shoe repair;

   Travel agency;

   Veterinarian*.

* Accessory to pet store only. All animals must be kept in an enclosed building.

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

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

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

   c.   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.

   d.   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.

   e.   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.

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

   g.   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.

   h.   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.

   B.   Uses Permitted Subject to Conditional Use Permit. The following uses may be permitted subject to approval of a conditional use permit, in accordance with Chapter 20.64 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code, provided that in addition to the findings required in Chapter 20.64 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code, any conditional use permit shall be found to be consistent with the goals and objectives of the SP-6, commercial corridor specific plan:

   1.   Convenience food store with or without gas sales;

   2.   Drive-through restaurants;

   3.   Government building;

   4.   Gymnasium or health club;

   5.   Motion picture or live theatre, excluding drive-in movie theatre;

   6.   Packaged liquor products, including liquor, beer, and wine, wherein the proposed operator can demonstrate substantial likelihood that such sales will constitute less than twenty-five percent of total gross receipts;

   7.   Restaurants, bars, and cocktail lounges with or without dancing and entertainment facilities;

   8.   Oil well and appurtenant facilities subject to the provisions of Chapter 20.64 of Title 20 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code;

   C.   Limitations on Uses.

   1.   All uses shall be conducted within a completely enclosed building excepting temporary uses as permitted above, retail sales of lawn and garden supplies, and restaurants which include outdoor dining;

   2.   No on-site overnight parking of vehicles shall be permitted except for those vehicles used in conjunction with a permitted use;

   3.   Storage shall be permitted only within an entirely enclosed building and shall be limited to accessory storage of commodities sold or utilized in the conduct of a permitted use on the premises.

   D.   Prohibited Uses. The following uses are prohibited within the SP-6, commercial corridor specific plan:

   1.   Auto parts (sale of);

   2.   Auto repair and service;

   3.   Check cashing;

   4.   Gasoline service stations;

   5.   Ice and food product dispensing machines in exterior locations;

   6.   Commercial marijuana activity;

   7.   Medical offices;

   8.   Pool halls;

   9.   Adult entertainment business.

   E.   Continuation of Nonconforming Uses Permitted. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, nonconforming lots, structures or uses existing in this zoning district may be continued, but may not be constructed, established, altered, modified, reconstructed, replaced or enlarged in any way which increases the nonconformity.

   1.   For any property containing a nonconforming industrial use in the zone, the use may be continued, sold or ownership transferred without forfeiting any nonconforming rights previously established.

   2.   For any property containing a nonconforming industrial use in the zone, a less intensive industrial use may be permitted on the property without loss of nonconforming status to the extent provided herein and subject to the approval of the community development director. The community development director shall determine, based upon the standards contained in this section what constitutes a less intensive industrial use. Once the property has been changed to a less intensive use, it may not be restored to the more intensive use.

   3.   Factors which the community development director may consider in making a determination of what constitutes a less intensive industrial use may include, but are not limited to the following:

   a.   Whether the proposed use will generate less odor, dust or fumes than the prior nonconforming use;

   b.   Whether the proposed use will generate less noise which may negatively impact nearby residents than the prior use;

   c.   Whether the proposed use will generate less traffic than the prior use, or will otherwise diminish traffic congestion in the area or will promote traffic safety more than the prior use;

   d.   Whether the proposed use would lessen any danger of water contamination or degradation, soil contamination, or other environmental hazard; and

   e.   Whether the proposed use is more harmonious with surrounding residential uses, and promotes the goals of the zone more than the previous use.

   4.   In making a determination that a particular use is a less intensive industrial use, the community development director may require repair and/or exterior rehabilitation of an industrial building to reduce or mitigate the building's aesthetic impact on surrounding residential areas.

   5.   On any application for a determination of less intensive industrial use, the party seeking the determination shall provide the community development director with such information as the community development director deems necessary to make the determination.

   F.   Permitted Repairs and Alterations for Nonconforming Uses. Repairs and alterations of nonconforming uses shall be subject to the limitations contained in Signal Hill Municipal Section 20.82.030.

(Ord. 2017-11-1497 § 11; Ord. 2016-01-1484 § 9; Ord. 2014-01-1466 § 1; Ord. 2011-06- 1426 § 1; Ord. 2011-04-1424 § 9; Ord. 99-03- 1251 §§ 1 and 2; Ord. 98-12-1243 § 3 (part); Ord. 98-01-1228; Ord. 97-11-1226; Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part); Ord. 2008-03-1379 §§ 3, 4)

   A.   All property within the commercial corridor specific plan area shall be developed and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the commercial corridor specific plan and applicable development standards and city codes.

   B.   Substantive changes to the physical improvements on the property as described in subsections (B)(1) through (5) of this section, may be made only after review and approval by resolution of the planning commission and in compliance with Chapter 20.52 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code, and this chapter. Determination of "substantive change" hereunder shall be made at the sole discretion of the planning director.

   1.   Design Guidelines. Buildings and improvements shall be designed and reviewed in compliance with Chapter 20.52 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code.

   2.   Architectural Quality. The buildings shall exhibit architectural excellence. The design theme and facade treatment shall be consistent with the architectural elevations approved by the planning commission, dated as of planning commission approval of same and on file with the department of planning and community development.

   3.   On-Site Landscape Plan. On-site landscaping shall have design excellence, in terms of each planted area and in the context of the overall site plan.

Landscaping shall substantially conform to the landscape plan approved by the planning commission, dated as of planning commission approval of same, on file with the department of planning and community development.

   4.   Perimeter Landscape and Right-of-Way Improvements Plan. Perimeter landscaping shall exhibit design excellence, in terms of the treatment provided along surface streets, and at all project entry areas and intersections, and in terms of the context of the overall project. Perimeter and right-of-way improvements shall substantially conform to plans for same, as approved and signed by the city engineer, and on file with the department of public works.

   5.   Site Plan. Site development shall substantially conform to the site plan approved by the planning commission, dated as of planning commission approval of same, on file with the department of planning and community development.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   Building heights shall be limited to two stories or forty-five feet, whichever is less, as calculated in accordance with Section 20.04.102 of this code.

(Ord. 2001-08-1292: Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   A.   Minimum yard sizes shall be determined according to the minimum setback dimensions set forth below, and shall be subject to definitions and conditions set forth in Section 20.20.050 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code.

   B.   Minimum setback requirements shall be as follow:

   1.   Fifteen feet when adjoining a Major Highway, Secondary Highway, or Secondary Modified Highway, as defined in Chapter 20.72 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code;

   2.   Ten feet when adjoining a Local Street, as defined in Chapter 20.72 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code;

   3.   No yard is required when adjoining an interior (side) lot line or alley.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 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 § 13)

   The number of parking spaces, and the design, construction, and striping of parking areas shall be consistent with Chapter 20.70 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code, except as modified in this chapter, and as represented in the site plan approved by the planning commission hereunder.

   A.   Parking shall be provided at a ratio of one space per two hundred fifty square feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof, provided that if any of the special uses in Chapter 20.70 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code are included, the regulations of that section shall apply. If a proposed use is not listed, a parking study may be required by the planning director to determine if proposed parking will be adequate for such use. If a parking study indicates proposed parking will not be adequate for the proposed use, additional parking shall be provided consistent with the recommendations of such study.

   B.   Parking stalls shall measure nine feet by eighteen and one-half feet. The maximum vehicle overhang for any parking space shall be two feet.

   C.   Size, location, treatment, and maintenance of off-street loading spaces shall be as set forth in Section 20.66.160 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   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.

   B.   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, and with those indicated in 20.20.075(A), requirements for buildings 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 in 20.20.075(A) 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 on-site.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   Trash storage and recyclable materials enclosure areas shall be provided of sufficient size to ensure containment of all solid waste materials generated from the site and to promote the city's recycling program. The size of the enclosure(s) shall be determined by the planning director based upon the size and nature of the facility proposed, but shall not be less than five square feet in height with solid metal panel gates equipped with self-closing devices. Adequate access shall be provided to the enclosure(s) to facilitate ease of trash/recyclable removal.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   A sign program shall be submitted to the planning commission for review and approval. Signs shall be designed in a manner consistent with the architectural vocabulary of the building. Signs shall also be appropriate in scale and proportion to the building so as to enhance, rather than visually detract from or dominate the architecture of building facades or the site. Signs shall also be of such size and design as to complement and be consistent with the highest quality of signs existing or planned along the adjoining commercial traffic corridor.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   All new utilities serving the site shall be installed underground.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   On-site mechanical equipment, whether roof or ground-mounted, shall be so located and integrated with the building and site so as to be screened from public view. Where enclosure of ground-mounted equipment, as determined by the planning director, would cause the location of such equipment to be more visually prominent, the planning director may permit the use of landscaping to screen such equipment. No mechanical equipment, including electrical transformers, shall be located in any required setback area.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   Utilities and facilities for projects within the commercial corridor specific plan shall be extended and/or constructed in conjunction with construction of buildings approved pursuant to this chapter and in accord with approved plans and policies of the public works department and mitigation measures as may be specified in environmental documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Specific requirements for additional facilities are as follows:

   A.   Utilities.

   1.   All on-site water supply, wastewater collection, storm drainage, and sewer lines and facilities shall be provided by the developer in accord with the city's master plans for water, sewers, and drainage unless costs are borne by the redevelopment agency as a result of a negotiated development agreement.

   2.   All utility lines serving the site including natural gas, electrical, water, wastewater and communications lines shall be placed underground by the developer as a condition of approval of building permits.

   3.   Adequate water for estimated consumption, as determined by the city public works department and for fire flow requirements, as determined by the City of Long Beach Fire Department, shall be provided by the developer.

   4.   For any development within the commercial corridor specific plan area, the practicality of providing public facilities without incurring unusual public costs shall be demonstrated by the developer.

   5.   Cost for improvements to water, drainage, and sewer systems included in the city's adopted master plans for water, drainage and sewers shall be assigned in accordance with a cost-benefit formula established by the public works director, based on current engineering construction costs, as amended from time-to-time or borne by the redevelopment agency as a result of the negotiated development agreement.

   6.   No structures shall be permitted to be developed over existing major pipeline or power line easements, except where these can be relocated. Should relocation of minor pipelines be necessary, such relocation shall be completed by the developer or borne by the redevelopment agency as a result of a negotiated development agreement.

   B.   Transportation and Circulation. Transportation and circulation improvements required for implementation of the commercial corridor specific plan, as described in this section, shall be installed and funded by the developer unless otherwise provided as a result of a negotiated development agreement with the redevelopment agency.

   1.   The traffic signal at 28th Street and Cherry Avenue must be evaluated, prior to issuance of building permits, as to the need for upgrading using standard traffic engineering criteria. Specific upgrades to be considered include the following:

   a.   Left-turn phasing on Cherry Avenue;

   b.   Rechannelization to provide left turn lanes on 28th Street;

   c.   Additional lane detection on Cherry Avenue and on 28th Street.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   In accordance with site plan(s) approved pursuant to this chapter, commercial corridor specific plan areas shall include landscaped setback areas, and separate pedestrian ways. Costs for such improvement shall be borne by the developer unless costs are borne by the redevelopment agency as a result of a negotiated development agreement.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   A.   Compliance with the city's oil code, State Division of Oil and Gas Requirements, site plan and design review ordinance, and the approved site plan for any project to be constructed hereunder will permit the continued productivity of oil and promote compatibility of oil production uses with current, proposed, and future land uses.

   B.   New development on those portions of the commercial corridor specific plan area having existing oil production shall be subject to the following standards:

   1.   No structure shall be located within thirty-five feet of an active well.

   2.   The developer shall prepare and submit a site plan for staff comment addressing the relationship of any proposed development to active wells, service lines, and access routes to any company which has surface leasehold interest in the property proposed for development. The affected oil company, upon its own discretion, may require an exclusive one-hundred-foot by one-hundred-fifty-foot rectangular work area around each existing well to provide adequate separation between oil production facilities and more sensitive land uses, and to reserve an adequate area for access to and maintenance of wells. Surfacing, parking, and/or landscaping within these areas shall be subject to review by each responsible oil company.

   3.   Costs for such improvements and/or resource protection methods shall be borne by the developer unless costs are borne by the redevelopment agency as a result of a negotiated development agreement.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))

   The commercial corridor specific plan implements each of the elements of the city general plan. As such, the specific plan is supportive of and consistent with the existing goals and policies of the general plan.

(Ord. 94-05- 1179 § 1 (part))

   All other ordinances, codes, and policies of the city shall apply in the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of any project hereunder. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and any other provision of the zoning ordinance, the provisions hereunder shall apply.

(Ord. 94-05-1179 § 1 (part))