Vernon City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
20 ZONES AND OVERLAY ZONES
§ 17.20.010 Zones and overlay zones of the City.
A.
Establishment of Zones and Overlay Zones. As a result of its commitment to making property available for industrial use and to carry out the purposes and provisions of this title, the City establishes the General Industry Zone (I Zone) and several mixed-use zones which also allow for industrial use. Within the I Zone, special categories of overlay zones have been established for the purpose of allowing special uses that are not otherwise permitted within the City. The zone, overlay zones, and mixed-use zones are designated as follows, and either the name or the symbol may be used to refer to the I Zone or any of the overlay or mixed-use zones. The boundaries of each of the overlay and mixed-use zones are set forth in detail on the Zoning Map.
B.
Uses Permitted of Right. It is the City's intent to provide an acceptable location within the County of Los Angeles for industrial uses, including those that may not be compatible with land use elsewhere in much of the County. As a result of this intent and the City's historically industrial environment, industrial uses are permitted in the I Zone and each of the overlay zones. Certain non-industrial uses are permitted in the I Zone in accordance with Section 17.22.020, "Permitted uses." Certain non-industrial uses may be permitted in the C-1, C-2, E, H, R, S, and T Overlay Zones, as set forth in the descriptions of the uses permitted in those overlay zones. Industrial uses are also permitted of right in the mixed-use zones.
C.
Uses that Require a Conditional Use Permit. All uses that are not specifically permitted under this title and are not specifically prohibited by this title require a Conditional Use Permit or other entitlement as may be specified in this title.
D.
Prohibited Uses. Uses that are prohibited in Section 17.22.050, "Prohibited uses," shall not be permitted in any zone or other overlay zone and shall not be eligible for a Conditional Use Permit or other entitlement, in any zone or other overlay zone.
E.
Determination of Category of Use. The Director shall have the authority to determine if a proposed use is substantially similar to a use that is permitted of right and may, therefore, be located in the City or in a particular overlay zone. If the Director determines that a use is not specifically prohibited, is not permitted of right, or is substantially similar to a use that is permitted of right and may not otherwise be permitted through another entitlement process, the owner or applicant shall have the right to apply for a Conditional Use Permit or a Minor Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Chapters 17.72, "Conditional Use Permits," and 17.76, "Minor Conditional Use Permits."
F.
Legal Nonconforming Uses. Notwithstanding the terms of this title, uses that were in existence and permitted of right or by use of a Conditional Use Permit prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be permitted to remain on the lot on which they are currently located, as legal nonconforming uses in accordance with the terms of Section 17.64.010, "Legal nonconforming status," and in accordance with their existing Conditional Use Permit, if applicable.
(Prior code §§ 26.3.1—26.3.1-6; Ord. 1293 § 6, 2023)
§ 17.20.020 Comprehensive Zoning Map.
A part of this title is a map that shows the location and boundaries of the various overlay zones established by this title. This map shall be known, cited, and referred to as the "Comprehensive Zoning Map of the City of Vernon" and may be referred to in this title as the Zoning Map. Said Zoning Map, together with all notations, references, and other information shown thereon, is the Official Zoning Map of the City of Vernon and shall be as much a part of this title as if the matters and information set forth by said Zoning Map were all fully described herein. Copies of the Zoning Map are on file with the Department of Public Works and are available on request. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this title and the Zoning Map, the terms of this title shall control.
(Prior code § 26.3.2)
§ 17.20.030 Uncertainty as to zone boundaries.
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of any of the zones, as shown on the Zoning Map, the determination of the City Council as to the location thereof shall be final and conclusive. Any decision regarding the boundaries of an overlay zone shall follow the then existing lot lines.
(Prior code § 26.3.3; Ord. 1293 § 7, 2023)
§ 17.20.040 Keeping of Zoning Map.
The City Clerk shall keep a true and correct copy of the current Zoning Map at his or her office in the City Hall of the City. At the end of each calendar year, or more often at the direction of the City Clerk, said Zoning Map shall be revised to reflect all amendments to this title or the Zoning Map.
(Prior code § 26.3.4)
§ 17.20.050 Non-applicability to City of Vernon.
Except as otherwise required by law, the requirements of this title, and of the General Plan, do not apply to actions taken by the City to use or authorize the use of property that it owns or controls.
(Prior code § 26.3.5)