Walnut City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 6
50 SCHOOL AND PUBLIC INSTITUTION ZONES
§ 6.50.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of each school and public institution zone is to create and preserve areas for official and public uses of property and related activities and to provide for the orderly and harmonious development of public facilities. The school and public institution zone is intended to implement and be consistent with the school and public institutional land use designation of the general plan and to provide civic facilities consistent with the goals and policies of the general plan.
The school and public institution zone provides for a wide range of public uses likely to be located on public property. Public uses are those conducted by governmental or other public agencies; however, the school and public institution zone will also allow complementary private and commercial uses which provide a public benefit within the overall guidance of the Walnut General Plan.
(Ord. 19-07, § 2)
§ 6.50.020 Applicability.
Permitted and conditionally permitted uses, along with regulations and development standards of this chapter are applicable to all existing and new uses, structures, and activities within the school and public institution zones. Certain uses on properties owned and maintained by governmental and other public agencies are exempt from the City’s zoning regulations under applicable State and Federal laws and will be permitted in the school and public institution zone so long as such uses comply with applicable State and Federal laws, regulations and development standards.
(Ord. 19-07, § 2)
§ 6.50.030 Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted in the school and public institution zone, subject to the provisions of this chapter:
A.
City of Walnut facilities, including, without limitation, City Hall, Teen Center, Senior Center, Community Center, maintenance facilities, and park and recreation facilities.
B.
County, State and Federal Government buildings and facilities.
C.
Libraries and museums.
D.
Fire and police stations.
E.
Public schools, colleges and universities and related classroom facilities.
F.
Public transit centers/transportation facilities.
G.
Water reservoir; water district, drainage and flood control facilities.
H.
Pedestrian bridges when in connection with a public or school use, parking facility, or transportation facility.
I.
Utility infrastructure/facilities.
J.
Surface parking lots.
K.
Wildlife preserves.
L.
Emergency operations and facility communication equipment.
M.
Other similar public facilities, related amenities, and special events on City, County, State, or Federally-owned property when in conformance with the purpose of this zone.
(Ord. 19-07, § 2)
§ 6.50.040 Conditional use permits.
The following uses or activities are permitted in the school and public institution zone, provided a conditional use permit has first been obtained, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6.64 (Conditional Use Permits); provided, however, conditional use permits are not required for classroom facilities exempt from City zoning pursuant to applicable State law:
A.
Open-air market activities, including, but not limited, to such activities as a cooperatively sponsored farmers market, concerts, or food truck events.
B.
Energy generating infrastructure/facilities, including, but not limited to, solar and wind powered farms.
C.
Auditoriums, concert halls, theaters, convention or conference centers.
D.
Student and faculty housing.
E.
Complementary childcare facilities serving principal public, governmental or educational facility.
F.
Complementary commercial retail, restaurant, or office facilities and buildings serving principal public, governmental or educational facility.
G.
Sports complexes, such as stadiums.
H.
Parking structures, consisting of two or more levels.
I.
Other non-classroom facilities, including, but not limited to, warehouses, administrative buildings, and automotive storage and repair buildings.
(Ord. 19-07, § 2)
§ 6.50.050 Prohibited uses.
When a use is not specifically listed, that use is prohibited. However, consistent with Section 6.50.030 (Permitted uses) and Section 6.50.040 (Conditional use permits) of this chapter, the Planning Commission has the authority to consider and determine whether the proposed use will be permitted or conditionally permitted based on the finding that the proposed use is similar to, and no more detrimental than, a particular use permitted in the zone.
(Ord. 19-07, § 2)
§ 6.50.060 Development standards.
In order to ensure that new development in the school and public institution zone is compatible with surrounding land uses, the design, construction, or establishment of all new and existing land uses, development of structures, and site improvements in the school and public institution zone must conform to the development standards set forth herein. Primary and accessory structures must meet the same development standards, unless otherwise modified by this chapter.
A.
Site Development Plan Review Required. All development in the school and public institution zone, including all projects that comply with the allowed land use and development standards of this chapter, shall be submitted for site plan and architectural review by the Planning Commission.
B.
Building Height. A maximum of three stories, not to exceed 35 feet, shall be allowed. Subject to demonstration by the applicant that the proposed land use requires additional height and poses no adverse impacts on the public right-of-way or adjacent properties, the Planning Commission may approve an increased building height concurrent with the Planning Commission approval of the requested entitlement, subject to conditions of approval or appropriate mitigation measures. The provisions of Section 6.08.070 (Height of roof structures) shall apply for ancillary equipment and structures that exceed the height provisions established herein.
C.
Telecommunication and emergency operations and facilities communication equipment shall be subject to Chapter 6.88 (Antennas and Communication Facilities), including the height provisions established therein.
D.
Setbacks. A minimum setback distance for any structure within the school and public institution zone shall be no less than 20 feet from any public right-of-way. A minimum setback distance of 10 feet shall be provided from any interior property line. When abutting a residential zone, the minimum setback shall be no less than 300 feet for surface parking lots and 400 feet for parking structures consisting of two or more levels. Including, but not limited to, parking garages or transit centers, and excluding public utility services such as water pump stations and electrical substations. When public uses and facilities comprise more than one parcel, the outer most property line shall be used to establish setbacks.
E.
Landscaping. Minimum landscaping shall be subject to the provisions of Article I (Water Efficient Landscaping) of Chapter 6.52 (Supplemental Planning Requirements) and Chapter 6.68 (Off-Street Parking) of the Walnut Municipal Code.
F.
Areas Visible from Public Right-of-Way. Areas adjacent to and/or visible from any public right-of-way shall comply with the standards regulating walls, fences and hedges set forth in Section 6.08.110 and shall include enhancements with decorative features and/or elements in connection with new development. Such enhancements may include, but are not limited to, enhanced landscaping, decorative trellis feature(s), art sculptures, or post-and-rail fencing. Trash receptacles, air conditioning units and other utilities must not be visible from any public right-of-way unless reasonably screened or enclosed. The final design of walls, fences, hedges, enhancements, screening and enclosures should incorporate a community theme, and will be subject to the review and approval of the Community Development Department.
G.
Signs. The requirements of Chapter 6.92 (Signs) will apply to the school and public institution zone.
H.
Whenever feasible, public sidewalks shall be improved and/or added to fill gaps in pedestrian accessibility.
(Ord. 19-07, § 2)
