Pocket Supp: ARTICLE IX PLANNING AND ZONING

*This Chapter is adopted by Ordinance No. 77-413, adopted October 3, 1977. All amendments to this Chapter are noted within the section changed.

PART 1. INTRODUCTION

§ 9113.1 Names and Purposes of Zones.

The following zoning districts are hereby established, with their general purposes as indicated:

RS – Residential, Single-Family. This zone is created for the establishment, expansion and preservation of residential areas which are to be developed with single-family detached dwellings and such other activities considered harmonious with such low density residential development.

RM – Residential, Multiple Dwelling. This zone is created for the establishment, expansion and preservation of residential areas which are to be developed with multiple dwellings or combinations of single-family and multiple dwellings, and such other activities considered harmonious with such medium and high density residential development.

RA – Residential Agricultural. This zone is created for single-family residential uses together with compatible crop cultivation and related agricultural activities on land which is not yet fully utilized for residential purposes.

CN – Commercial, Neighborhood Center. This zone is created primarily for convenience retail shopping facilities to serve surrounding neighborhoods. Characteristically, each center is anchored by a grocery store with small retail service shops and professional offices.

CR – Commercial, Regional Center. This zone is created primarily for a major center, with its peripheral areas, which serves a community or subregional area and offers a full range of retail merchandise and services.

CG – Commercial, General. This zone is created primarily to provide areas for all types of commercial activities not grouped in commercial centers.

CA – Commercial, Automotive. This zone is created primarily to maximize and group retail sales of new automobiles at dealerships and promote the development of an auto sales district with consistent and appealing landscaping, lighting, signage and compatible architectural elements.

MU-CS – Mixed-Use – Carson Street. This zone is created primarily to create a downtown retail and residential district which will provide a distinctive core area along Carson Street which includes the Civic Center. This designation provides for pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use (commercial/residential) development which may include market rate, affordable or senior housing and transit-oriented development.

MU-SB – Mixed-Use – Sepulveda Boulevard. This zone is created primarily to create a retail, office and residential district along the south side of Sepulveda Boulevard two hundred forty (240) feet east of Marbella Avenue and four hundred (400) feet west of Avalon Street. This designation provides for mixed-use (commercial/ residential) development which may include market rate, affordable or senior housing development, residential or commercial development. The lots are very shallow in this area which makes conventional development difficult. The purpose of this zone is to create the flexibility needed to develop a vibrant residential/commercial corridor.

ML – Manufacturing, Light. This zone is created primarily for small and medium size industrial uses which are not likely to have adverse effects upon each other or upon neighboring residential and commercial zones.

MH – Manufacturing, Heavy. This zone is created primarily for the full range of industrial uses which are acceptable within the community as a whole, with provisions for controlling any adverse effects upon the more sensitive areas of the City.

OS – Open Space. This zone is created for the enhancement, expansion and protection of large outdoor recreation areas, natural resource areas, ecological preserves and land subject to special hazards which make such land unsuitable for buildings.

SU – Special Use. This classification is created primarily in order to provide for special zone designations with appropriate regulations for certain large or unique land uses which have a major impact upon the surrounding community and which could not have been reasonably anticipated in the zoning pattern. (Ord. 03-1279, § 1; 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

§ 9114.1 Zoning Map.

The map entitled “Zoning Map, City of Carson,” on file in the office of the City Clerk, City of Carson, is hereby made a part of this Chapter by this reference thereto. The boundaries and symbols (as identified in Division 3 of this Part) indicate the areas of the City to which the regulations of the various districts apply.

The boundaries and symbols shown on the Zoning Map shall be amended or revised only in accordance with Zone Changes adopted pursuant to CMC 9172.13 or Zoning Boundary Adjustments adopted pursuant to CMC 9172.24. (Amendments to zoning map: Ord. 78-421; Ord. 78-422; Ord. 78-425; Ord. 78-439; Ord. 78-456; Ord. 78-457; Ord. 79-465; Ord. 79-472; Ord. 79-476; Ord. 80-537; Ord. 80-538; Ord. 81-556; Ord. 82-604; Ord. 83-651; Ord. 86-734; Ord. 86-748; Ord. 86-753; Ord. 86-756; Ord. 86-757; Ord. 86-758; Ord. 86-759; Ord. 87-795; Ord. 87-811; Ord. 88-826; Ord. 88-827; Ord. 88-838; Ord. 88-839; Ord. 88-845; Ord. 88-846; Ord. 89-865; Ord. 89-866; Ord. 89-879; Ord. 90-914; Ord. 90-923; Ord. 90-927; Ord. 91-937; Ord. 91-950; Ord. 91-951; Ord. 91-953; Ord. 92-971; Ord. 94-1033; Ord. 94-1040; Ord. 97-1125; Ord. 99-1171; Ord. 00-1195; Ord. 00-1205; Ord. 02-1240; Ord. 02-1242; Ord. 02-1247; Ord. 02-1252; Ord. 03-1285; Ord. 04-1305, § 2; Ord. 05-1331, § 2; Ord. 05-1336, § 2; Ord. 05-1338, § 6; Ord. 06-1341, § 18; Ord. 06-1350, § 7; Ord. 06-1353, § 10; Ord. 06-1364, § 8; Ord. 06-1369, § 8; Ord. 07-1370, § 9; Ord. 07-1391, § 7; Ord. 07-1393, § 9; Ord. 07-1395, § 8; Ord. 08-1406, § 8; Ord. 08-1407, § 7)

PART 2. RESIDENTIAL ZONES

§ 9121.1 Uses Permitted.

Uses are permitted in the residential zones as indicated in the following table:

USES PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Legend
X.	Automatically permitted use.
L.	Automatically permitted use provided special limitations and requirements are satisfied as noted herein or in Division 8 of this Part.
D.	Use permitted subject to approval of the Director.
LD.	Use permitted provided special limitations and requirements are satisfied as noted herein or in Division 8 of this Part, and subject to approval of the Director.
C.	Use permitted upon approval of a conditional use permit.
CC.	Use permitted upon approval of the City Council as prescribed under other provisions of the Carson Municipal Code.
	All residential projects that include affordable and/or senior citizen households, as defined in CMC 9126.91, shall be subject to the requirements contained in CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review) except temporary uses set forth in this Section.

	ZONES
	RA	RS	RM
Permanent Residential Uses:
Single-family dwellings on lots 50 feet wide or greater.	X	X	X
Single-family dwellings on lots less than 50 feet wide are subject to CMC 9126.9 and 9172.23.	L	L	L
Mobile home (provided the mobile home is certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section 5401 et seq.) and is located on a permanent foundation system pursuant to Section 18551 of the California Health and Safety Code. The Director shall ensure roofing material, roof overhang, and siding material will be architecturally compatible with surrounding residences.)	L	L	L
Multiple-family dwellings on lots 50 feet wide or greater. (See CMC 9123 and 9128.51 – 9128.55.)			C
Multiple-family dwellings on lots less than 50 feet wide are subject to CMC 9126.9, 9172.23, 9123 and 9128.51 – 9128.55.			C
Residential condominium. (See CMC 9123 and 9128.11 – 9128.17.) Residential stock cooperatives.			C
Mobile home park. (See CMC 9123 and 9128.2.)	C	C	C
Group quarters for members of a religious order (convent, rectory, monastery, etc.).			X
Boarding or rooming house, fraternity or sorority house, dormitory and similar group quarters. (See CMC 9123.)			C
Small family home community care facility.	X	X	X
Community residential care facility other than a small family home; community day care facility. (See CMC 9123.) (Added by Ord. 81-566, § 3; Ord. 89-889, § 1)			C
Permanent Nonresidential Uses:
Public, elementary or secondary school.	X	X	X
Private elementary or secondary school. (See CMC 9123.)			C
Church, temple or other place of religious worship:
Located on an arterial street.			X
Located on a collector street.			C
Cultivation of plants including nursery, orchard, vineyard, field crops, flowers, greenhouses, lathhouses, etc. (no mushroom farms, no retail sales.)	X
Archaeological dig, provided the Director determines there is a reasonable prospect that significant scientific, cultural or historical information will be obtained from the site.	D	D	D
Electric distribution substation, pumping station, water well, water reservoir. (See CMC 9123.)	C	C	C
Automobile parking lot. (See CMC 9123.)			C
Automobile parking structure for a large-scale multifamily development or serving a church, temple, or other place of religious worship where the lot is adjacent to an arterial street. (See CMC 9123.)			C
Access to other property lawfully used for purposes not permitted on subject property, provided the Director finds no available alternative access is preferable and the residential character of the area will not be adversely affected.	D	D	D
Oil wells (See CMC 9128.6.)	C	C	C
Temporary Uses:
Mobile home occupied by the owner of the premises during construction of a dwelling, for a period not exceeding 6 months. The Director may approve time extensions of up to 6 months each provided he finds construction is proceeding in good faith.	L	L	L
Mobile home occupied by the owner of the premises as a replacement for a dwelling damaged or destroyed by a major disaster so declared by the Governor of California. Such use is limited to a period of 1 year or until a permanent dwelling is occupied, whichever is less. The Director may approve a time extension of up to 1 year provided he finds reconstruction is proceeding in good faith.	L	L	L
Contractor’s office and/or storage of construction materials and equipment at a construction site, during the period of construction and not to exceed 60 days thereafter. In the event construction is suspended for a period of 6 months, such use and material shall be terminated and removed.	L	L	L
Real estate tract office, limited to the sale of property in the tract where such office is located, for a period not exceeding 2 years. The Director may approve a time extension of up to 1 year if sales are proceeding in good faith.	L	L	L
Subdivisional directional sign. (See CMC 9128.31 – 9128.35.)	LD	LD	LD
Carnival, mechanical rides, pony rides, and similar uses. (See CMC 63119 and 63119.1.)	CC	CC	CC
Tent revival.	CC	CC	CC
Fireworks stand. (See CMC 3101.0 through 3101.10.)			CC
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities:
Major wireless telecommunications facilities, subject to the requirement of CMC 9138.16.	C	C	C

§ 9122.9 Sex Offender Residency Restrictions.

Permanent and temporary residence for a sex offender is permitted as an accessory use to a mobilehome or dwelling subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of Article IV and CMC 9182.31. (Ord. 08-1413U, § 2; Ord. 08-1414U, § 3; Ord. 08-1413, § 2)

§ 9123 Conditional Use Criteria.

In addition to the general criteria for the approval of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to CMC 9172.21(d)(1), special criteria and limitations as indicated below shall be considered in acting upon a Conditional Use Permit in a residential zone:

(Ord. 84-700, § 2; Ord. 85-720, § 2, 3; Ord. 95-1079, Exh. A; Ord. 09-1426, § 3)

Residential condominium; residential stock cooperative:	Ability to comply with the provisions of CMC 9128.11 – 9128.17.
Mobile home park:	Ability to comply with the provisions of CMC 9128.2.
Fraternity or sorority house, dormitory:	The location shall be conveniently accessible in relation to the college or other institution attended by residents.
Community care facility, long-term health care facility:	The facility shall become licensed pursuant to Division 2 of the California Health and Safety Code or, if exempt from licensure, shall meet standards equivalent to those prescribed by State law for similar facilities.
Private elementary or secondary school:	The site shall have frontage on an arterial street.
Electric distribution substation, pumping station, water well, water reservoir:	The facility shall be necessary for the safe or efficient functioning of a public utility system. The location in a residential zone shall be necessary to serve the residential uses in the vicinity and no suitable alternate location shall be available in a nonresidential zone.
Automobile parking lot:	Pedestrian and vehicular access to such a lot shall be other than through an existing or potential residential area unless the use of the lot is restricted to serving adjacent residential uses or uses directly related to nearby residential uses. The parking lot shall be within four hundred (400) feet walking distance from the principal use which it serves.
Automobile parking structure:	The parking structure shall be located on the same lot as the large-scale multifamily development or church, temple, or other place of religious worship.
Multiple-family dwelling:	Ability to comply with the provisions of CMC 9128.51 – 9128.55.
Oil well:	Ability to comply with the provisions of CMC 9128.6.

§ 9126.21 Ground Coverage.

In the RM Zone, the ground area included within the exterior walls and/or supporting columns of all roofed structures shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the net lot area, except when a parking structure or subterranean parking is proposed, the ground area shall not exceed seventy (70) percent of the net lot area. (Ord. 09-1426, § 4)

PART 3. COMMERCIAL ZONES

§ 9131.1 Uses Permitted.

USES PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL ZONES
Legend
X.	Automatically permitted use.
L.	Automatically permitted use provided special limitations and requirements are satisfied as noted herein or in Division 8 of this Part.
D.	Use permitted subject to the approval of the Director.
LD.	Use permitted provided special limitations and requirements are satisfied as noted herein, in Division 8 of this Part and in Division 8 of Part 2, and subject to the approval of the Director.
C.	Use permitted upon approval of a conditional use permit.
CC.	Use permitted upon approval of the City Council as prescribed, under other provisions of the Carson Municipal Code.
	All commercial uses permitted by this Part shall be subject to the requirements contained in CMC 9172.23, Site Plan and Design Review, except temporary uses (See CMC 9131.1). (Ord. 84-704)


	ZONES
	CN	CR	CG	CA	MU-CS	MU-SB
Retail Sales:*
* Alcoholic beverage sales, food services, and vehicle services are listed under separate headings.
Department stores, variety stores, and specialized stores for apparel, items for personal use, household items, plants and flowers, and supplies and small equipment for businesses, including antiques** but no other secondhand items. Swap meets and flea markets, as defined in CMC 9191.670, are prohibited.	X	X	X		X	X
** Incidental restoration permitted.
** Incidental restoration permitted.
Indoor mini-mart, auction house. (Ord. 86-763U, § 1; Ord. 87-813, § 1)	C		C
Building materials other than ornamental brick, stone, tile, or flagstone. (Incidental storage of sand, gravel, or rock limited to 2,000 tons total.)		L	L
Ornamental brick, stone, tile or flagstone. (See CMC 9133.)			C
Monuments, tombstones, statuary.			X
Feed and grain.			X
Secondhand store, pawn shop.			X
Retail Services:*
* Alcoholic beverage services, food services, and vehicle services are listed under separate headings.
Personal Services:
Barber shop, beauty shop, reducing salon, manicure parlor.	X	X	X		X	X
Clothing services – laundry or dry cleaning agency, self-service laundry or dry cleaning, hand laundry, sponging and pressing, tailor, dressmaker, seamstress, shoe repair.	X	X	X		X	X
Animal services – dog clip and wash, veterinary office or clinic (no animal hospital or kennel).	X	X	X		C	C
Animal hospital or clinic	X	X	X
Mortuary. (See CMC 9133.)			C
Adult business. (See CMC 9133 and 9138.9.)		C	C
Massage service. (See CMC 63134, 63135, 9133 and 9138.91.)	C	C	C
Tattoo service. (See CMC 9133 and 9138.92.)		C	C
Mechanical and repair services:
Locksmith,* watch repair, small appliance repair, radio and television repair, computer repair, bicycle repair.	X	X	X		X	X
Fix-it shop.*	X		X			X
Furniture redecorating, restoration and upholstering; glass repair, installation or glazing; screen repair; plumbing shop; lawnmower sharpening.			X			X
*Incidental lawnmower sharpening permitted.
Parcel delivery service.		X	X			X
Graphic arts services:
Copying, addressographing, mimeographing, photostating, instant printing, blueprinting, silk screening, photography, picture framing.*	X	X	X		X	X
Photo-finishing, film developing.			X
Incidental photo-finishing and film developing permitted. *Incidental frame construction permitted.
Studios:
Costume design, interior decoration, photography, writing, drama, dance, music, arts and crafts (including stained glass).	X	X	X		X	X
Stained glass assembly.			X
Radio, television, recording.		X	X
Motion pictures – indoor. (See CMC 9133.)			C
Offices:
Business, professional, financial, insurance, real estate, utility payments, telegraph, telephone answering service, messenger service, advertising, newspaper or publishing (no printing), ticket agency, travel agency, employment agency, collection agency, detective agency, security service, bail bondsman, check cashing. (See CMC 9138.17 and 9138.18.)	X	X	X		L	L
Payday loans. (See CMC 9182.28.)	C	C	C
Drive-through banks.	X	X	X
Wholesale business, manufacturer’s agent, broker (no storage or deliveries other than samples).	L	L	L			X
Food Sales and Service:*
*Alcoholic beverage sales and services are listed under separate headings.
Restaurant* (including refreshment stands, soda fountain). (See CMC 9133, 9138.17 and 9138.18.)	X	X	X	C	X	X
Drive-in or drive-through restaurants. (See CMC 9133, 9138.17 and 9138.18.)	X	X	X	C
Restaurant with outdoor dining space within the limits of the restaurant frontage, provided there is a 7-foot minimum clear path of travel on the sidewalk without obstruction.					X
Food store – grocery, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, retail bakery, pastry, candy, health food, take-out food, tobacco shop.	X	X	X		X	X
Poultry shop (no live poultry or slaughtering).	L	L	L
Food catering (only direct retail sales or retail distribution).	X		X		X	X
Dog or cat food catering (retail only).			X		X	X
Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Services:
Alcoholic beverage sales in conjunction with a department store or supermarket.	X	X	X		X	X
Alcoholic beverage sales in conjunction with variety store, drug store, mini-market, drive-through market, food store or grocery store excluding a supermarket, take-out food, liquor store (subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.5).	C	C	C	C	C	C
Alcoholic beverage sales and service in conjunction with cocktail lounge, bar, arcade, pool hall, billiards, card room, bowling alley, indoor theater, and an eating establishment other than a bona fide restaurant (subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.5, 9138.17 and 9138.18).	C	C	C		L	L
Night club (subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.5 and 9138.17).	C	C	C		C
Alcoholic beverage sales and service in conjunction with a bona fide restaurant (see CMC 9138.18).	X	X	X	X	X	X
Vehicle Sales and Service:
Sales:
Automobile service station, subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.12. (See CMC 9133.)	L	L	L	C
Automobile laundry, subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.13.	C	C	C
Automobile parts (new).*	X	X	X			X
Motorcycles or motorscooters (new).* (See CMC 9138.15.)		X	X	L
Automobiles, recreation vehicles, and trucks not over 2-ton capacity (new).* (See CMC 9138.15.)		L	L	L
Automobiles, recreation vehicles, and trucks not over 2-ton capacity (used – as accessory use).* (See CMC 9138.15.)			L	L
Automobiles, recreation vehicles, and trucks not over 2-ton capacity (used – as primary use).* (See CMC 9138.15.)				C
Recreation vehicles, over 2-ton capacity (new)*. (See CMC 9133 and 9138.15.)		X	C	L
Recreation vehicles, over 2-ton capacity (used – as accessory use).* (See CMC 9133 and 9138.15.)			C	L
Travel trailers or trailers, not over 2-ton capacity (new).*		L	L
Travel trailers or trailers, not over 2-ton capacity (used).*			L
Trucks, trailers, over 2-ton capacity (new).* (See CMC 9133.)		X	C
Trucks, trailers, over 2-ton capacity (used).* (See CMC 9133.)			C
Recreation vehicles, rental and leasing. (See CMC 9138.15(C).)				L
Boats and accessory equipment.		C	L
Auctions for used automobiles, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, trucks or trailers, not over 2-ton capacity, motorcycles or motorscooters, subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.21.		L	L
*See CMC 9132.2 for incidental uses permitted. Also subject to the provisions of CMC 9138.2.
Rental and Leasing:
All vehicles up to 2-ton capacity.			L
All vehicles over 2-ton capacity. (See CMC 9133.)			C
Repair of all vehicles up to 2-ton capacity (no boats):
Minor repair as defined in CMC 9138.11 and subject to the provisions of CMC 9138.2.		L	L			C
Major repair as defined in CMC 9138.11 and subject to the provisions of CMC 9138.15 (for CA Zone only).* (See CMC 9133.)			L	C		C
Transportation-Related Uses:
Automobile parking lot or parking building (no long-term vehicle storage, no storage of inoperable vehicles).	X	X	X		X	X
Shared parking facilities. (See CMC 9133.)	C	C	C	C	C	C
Passenger station – bus or rail; taxi stand.	X	X	X	X
Heliports, helistops.		C	C
Access to other property lawfully used for purposes not permitted on subject property:
Access to residential use.	X	X	X	D	X	X
Access to nonresidential use, provided the Director finds no available alternative access is preferable and the character of the area will not be adversely affected.			D	D
Communications and Utilities:
Post office.	X	X	X
Oil wells. (See CMC 9128.6.)			C
Telephone exchange.			X
Amateur radio station.	X	X	X
Gas distribution meter or control station (landscaping or screening required to the satisfaction of the Director).	L	L	L	L
Gas measurement station (not less than 300 feet from any residential zone, public school, public park, hospital or long-term health care facility). (See CMC 9133.)	C	C	L
Electric distribution substation. (In the CG Zone, landscaped yard areas to the satisfaction of the Director to be provided adjacent to street rights-of-way. Facilities to be enclosed by solid fence or wall in accordance with applicable regulations of the State of California and other local regulations.) (See CMC 9133.)	C	C	L
Pumping station, water well. (In the CG Zone, landscaping of site and screening of facilities required to the satisfaction of the Director.) (See CMC 9133.)	C	C	L		C
Water reservoir. (See CMC 9133.)	C	C	C
Education:
Elementary or secondary school – public or private; professional school; business school; barber or beauty school; school of arts, crafts, dance, photography, writing, drama or music.	X	X	X		X	X
Physical training school – gymnastics, martial arts.	X	X	X		X	X
Swimming school – indoor or outdoor.		X	X
Recreation:*
*Alcoholic beverage sales and services are listed under separate headings.
Pool hall, billiards, card room, bowling alley, gymnasium. (See CMC 9138.17 and 9138.18.)	X	X	X			C
Pool hall, billiards, card room, gymnasium, health club.	X	X	X		C
Bowling alley as an accessory use.	X	X	X		C	C
Arcade (subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.4).	C	C	C
Public park or playground.	X	X	X
Driving skill course.		C	C
Indoor rink – roller skating, skateboards, ice skating.	X	X	X
Outdoor rink – roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating.		X
Lawn bowling, croquet courts.		X	X
Small private recreational facilities. (Site limited to one acre or less in the CR Zone.) May include buildings, park, playground and picnic area.		L	X
Large private recreational facilities – indoor or outdoor facilities (but not more than 1,000 spectator seats total):
Badminton, handball, racquetball, squash courts.	X		X
Swimming pool.		X	X
Tennis court, volleyball court, polo field, athletic field, miniature golf.			X
Golf driving range, pitch-and-putt course, golf course, subject to the limitations of CMC 9138.3.			L
Public Assembly:*
*Alcoholic beverage sales and services are listed under separate headings.
Church, temple, or other place of religious worship. (In the CR Zone, see CMC 9138.22 and 9182.25; in the MU-CS Zone, see CMC 9138.17(C)(1).)	X	L	X		L
Auditorium, meeting hall, wedding chapel.		X	X
Community center, lodge hall, private club.	X	X	X
Indoor theater (motion picture or live stage), night club.	X	X	X
Outdoor theater (live stage, not a drive-in).		X
Public and Quasi-Public Uses:
Fire station, police station, library, museum.	X	X	X	X
Archaeological dig, provided the Director determines there is a reasonable prospect that significant scientific, cultural or historical information will be obtained from the site.	D	D	D
Health Services:
Hospital – general acute care, acute psychiatric; long-term health care facility. (See CMC 9133.)			C
Medical or dental laboratory. (In the CN or CR Zones only permitted as an incidental use in a medical/dental office building or clinic.)	L	L	X
Medical or dental office or clinic, public health center.	X	X	X		X	X
Optical services (for the fitting, grinding or mounting of eyeglasses).	X	X	X		X	X
Pharmacy. (See CMC 9138.17 and 9138.18.)	X	X	X		X	X
Drive-through pharmacy. (See CMC 9138.17 and 9138.18.)	X	X	X
Health club.					C
Ambulance service.			C
Day Care:
Community day care facility.	X	X	X		C	C
Residential Uses:
Multiple-family residential and residential condominiums within the Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District, the Mixed-Use Carson Street District, and the Mixed-Use Sepulveda Boulevard District on lots with a minimum 100-foot street frontage.	C	C	C		C	C
Mixed-use (commercial/residential) development within the Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District, the Mixed-Use Carson Street District, and the Mixed-Use Sepulveda Boulevard District on lots with a minimum 100-foot street frontage.	C	C	C		C	C
Live/work residential units. (See CMC 9138.17 and 9138.18.)					C	C
Mobile home park. (See CMC 9128.2.)	C	C	C		C
Group quarters for members of a religious order (convent, rectory, monastery, etc.).			X
Boarding or rooming houses, fraternity or sorority house, dormitory, residential hotel or similar group quarters, motel units with kitchens. (See CMC 9133 and 9138.17.)			C
Community care residential facility.			C		C	C
Residential community care facility, boarding or rooming house, fraternity or sorority house, dormitory, residential hotel or similar group quarters, motel units with kitchens. (See CMC 9133.)			C
Transient Hotel:
Transient hotel, motel.	C	C	C
Agricultural Uses:
Cultivation and/or sale of plants including nursery,* orchard, vineyard, field crops, flowers, greenhouses, lathhouses and similar activities (no mushroom farm).			X
* Incidental lawnmower sharpening permitted. Also repair and rental of garden tools.
Boats and accessory equipment.		C	L
Electronic message center signs. (See CMC 9136.7, also CMC 9138.15(E)(3)(c) for CA only.)	C	C	C	C
Temporary Uses:
Election campaign office in a trailer. (Not permitted earlier than 90 days before the election. To be removed within 14 days after the election.)			L
Office or other permitted commercial use in a trailer or other mobile unit. (Permitted for a period not exceeding 6 months during construction of a building on the same lot while a building permit is in effect. The Director may approve reasonable time extensions if he finds construction is proceeding in good faith.)	L	L	L	L	L	L
Storage of construction materials and equipment at a construction site without the screening which would be required for permanent outdoor storage (only during the period a building permit is in effect).	L	L	L		L	L
Subdivision directional sign. (See CMC 9128.31 – 9128.35.)	LD	LD	LD		LD	LD
Sidewalk, parking lot, and tent sales. (See CMC 9138.8.)	D	D	D		D	D
Fireworks stand. (See CMC 3101.0 – 3101.10.)	CC	CC	CC		CC	D
Carnival, mechanical rides, pony rides, outdoor festival and similar uses. (See CMC 63119 and 63119.1.)	CC	CC	CC
Circus, rodeo. (See CMC 63120; and Animal Control Ordinance, CMC 3300 – 3301.)		CC
Christmas tree sales, pumpkin sales.	X	X	X		D	D
Yard sales. (See CMC 4600 – 4606.)	L	L	L		L	L
Tent revival.	CC	CC	CC
Sales:
Auctions for used automobiles, recreational vehicles, travel-trailers, trucks or trailers, not over 2-ton capacity, motorcycles or motorscooters, subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.21.		L	L
Outdoor Advertising:
Outdoor advertising sign in the electronic marquee signage (EMS) overlay district, subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.71.			L
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities:
Minor wireless telecommunications facilities, subject to the requirement of CMC 9138.16.	L	L	L	L	L	L
Major wireless telecommunications facilities, subject to the requirement of CMC 9138.16.	C	C	C	C	C	C

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Section shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 2 of Article I of this Code. (Ord. 79-479, § 7; Ord. 78-438; Ord. 78-431; Ord. 78-446; Ord. 80-517, § 1; Ord. 80-532, § 4; Ord. 81-585, § 2; Ord. 82-602, § 2; Ord. 82-621, § 1; Ord. 83-637U, § 1; Ord. 83-643, § 1; Ord. 84-685, § 1; Ord. 88-857, § 1; Ord. 90-915, § 1; Ord. 92-985, § 1; Ord. 93-1001, § 1; Ord. 94-1035U, §§ 2, 3; Ord. 94-1037, §§ 2 – 4; Ord. 94-1039, § 2; Ord. 96-1085, § 1; Ord. 97-1115, § 1; Ord. 02-1245, § 2; Ord. 02-1251, § 1; Ord. 03-1279, § 2; Ord. 03-1284, § 2; Ord. 04-1322, § 1; Ord. 06-1349, § 1; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9; Ord. 08-1404, § 1; Ord. 09-1419, § 3; Ord. 09-1420, § 1)

§ 9133 Conditional Use Criteria.

In addition to the general criteria for the approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to CMC 9172.21(D)(1), special criteria and limitations as indicated below shall be considered in acting upon a conditional use permit in a commercial zone:

The size of the site, the amount of materials on hand, and the appearance thereof shall not create the character of an industrial or outdoor storage use.

The height and bulk of buildings shall not be excessive in relation to the site and surrounding development.

Restaurants, including drive-thru, cafes, dinner houses, or establishments offering food for in-house or take out consumption in the CA Zone:

Sale, rental or lease of trucks or trailers over two (2) ton capacity (new or used):

The number and size of vehicles on hand and the appearance thereof shall not create the character of a truck yard or industrial use.

The height and appearance of structures shall not be detrimental to the character of the surrounding area.

Electric distribution substation, gas measurement station, pumping station, water well, water reservoir:

The facility shall be necessary for the safe or efficient functioning of a public utility or pipeline system.

The location in a commercial zone shall be necessary to serve commercial or residential uses in the vicinity, or no suitable alternative location shall be available.

In addition to the provisions of CMC 9162.21(C), parking shall be provided at a ratio of fifteen (15) spaces per four hundred (400) yards of track, plus one (1) space per employee on the largest shift.

In addition to the provisions of CMC 9162.52, lawns or landscaping shall be installed on all unpaved areas of the site.

In addition to the provisions of CMC 9136.2, the track shall maintain a twenty-five (25) foot setback from any property line adjacent to another property or public street.

Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent excessive noise from emanating from the site.

The facility shall become licensed pursuant to Division 2 of the California Health and Safety Code or, if exempt from licensure, shall meet standards equivalent to those prescribed by State law.

The surrounding area does not provide an environment detrimental to health care or residential care.

The surrounding area does not provide an environment detrimental to long-term residence.

The location shall be conveniently accessible in relation to the college or institution attended by residents.

Sales of used automobiles, recreation vehicles, and trucks not over two (2) ton capacity (as primary use) in the CA Zone only:

Ability to comply with CMC 9138.15. (Ord. 78-431; Ord. 82-621, § 3; Ord. 83-637U, § 3; Ord. 83-654, § 1; Ord. 85-685, § 3; Ord. 93-1001, § 2; Ord. 94-1035U, § 4; Ord. 94-1037, § 5; Ord. 94-1039, § 4; Ord. 95-1079, Exh. A.; Ord. 03-1279, § 5; Ord. 04-1322, § 4; Ord. 06-1349, § 2; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9; Ord. 08-1404, § 2)

§ 9135.2 Minimum Lot Area.*

No lot shall be created which has a net area less than that shown in the following table:

Any existing lawfully established lot (including a leased area of land during the term of the lease) is deemed to have the required lot area.

A lot may be reduced to less than the required lot area if such a reduction is the result of an acquisition for public purposes. (Ord. 94-1039, § 5; Ord. 03-1279, § 6; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

* See special requirement for retail petroleum outlets in CMC 9138.12, 9138.13 and 9138.14, mobile home parks in CMC 9128.2, and mixed-use developments, multiple-family residential and residential condominiums in CMC 9138.7.

** Lot minimum in CA Zone applies to vehicle dealerships only, other commercial uses subject to CG standards.

Zone	Minimum Net Lot Area
CN, CR	20,000 square feet*
CG	5,000 square feet*
CA	43,560 square feet (one acre)**
MU-CS	See CMC 9138.17
MU-SB	See CMC 9138.18

§ 9135.3 Street Frontage and Access.*

No lot shall be created unless it is capable of being provided with vehicular access directly from a public street or alley and has a street frontage of at least thirty (30) feet.* See CMC 9138.17 and 9138.18 for special requirements in the Mixed-Use – Carson Street (MU-CS) Zone and the Mixed-Use – Sepulveda Boulevard (MU-SB) Zone.

A new or additional use shall not be developed on an existing lawfully established lot (including a leased area of land during the term of the lease) unless there is vehicular access from a public street or alley, and such access has a width of at least twenty (20) feet. The required vehicular access shall be either directly from a public street or alley or by means of a right-of-way easement.* (Ord. 79-460; Ord. 94-1039, § 6; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

§ 9135.4 Minimum Lot Width.

No lot shall be created which has a width less than that shown in the following table:

Any existing lawfully established lot (including a leased area of land during the term of the lease) is deemed to have the required width.

A lot may be reduced to less than the required width if such reduction is the result of an acquisition for public purposes. (Ord. 03-1279, § 7; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

* See special requirement for retail petroleum outlets in CMC 9138.12, 9138.13 and 9138.14.

** Applies only to vehicle dealerships. Other commercial uses subject to CG standard.

Zone	Minimum Lot Width
CN, CR, CA	150 feet**
CG	50 feet*
MU-CS	See CMC 9138.17
MU-SB	See CMC 9138.18

§ 9136.12 Height of Buildings and Structures.

In the CN and CG Zones (except in a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District), no building or structure shall have more than two (2) stories, including a basement but excluding a cellar, nor shall it exceed a height of thirty (30) feet.

In the CA Zone, no building or structure shall exceed forty (40) feet in height.

In the CR Zone (except in a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District), there is no height limit provided additional yard spaces are provided as required in CMC 9136.21 through 9136.29.

In a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District, no building or structure shall have more than three (3) stories, including a basement but excluding a cellar, nor shall it exceed a height of forty-five (45) feet, except for residential projects for affordable or senior households permitted in accordance with CMC 9126.91. In cases to which CMC 9126.91 is applicable, no building or structure shall have more than four (4) stories, including a basement but excluding a cellar, nor shall the height exceed fifty-five (55) feet.

A transmitter, receiver or repeater station (radio, television, microwave) tower may exceed the height limits established by this Section if such height is approved in connection with a conditional use permit.

For the purposes of this Section, a subterranean or partial subterranean garage shall not be considered to be a story. (Ord. 94-1039, § 7; Ord. 03-1279, § 8; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

* See CMC 9138.12 through 9138.14 for different yard regulations applicable to retail petroleum outlets.

§ 9136.23 Front Yard.

Each lot shall have a front yard with a required depth of twenty (20) feet or twenty (20) percent of the lot depth, whichever is less. For any building or structure over thirty (30) feet in height in the CR Zone the required front yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above thirty (30) feet.

Each lot used for vehicle dealerships in the CA Zone shall have a front yard setback as described in CMC 9138.15(D). Other commercial uses as defined in CMC 9138.15 shall comply with abovementioned standards from the CR Zone.

Each lot in the MU-CS Zone shall have a front yard setback as described in CMC 9138.17, and each lot in the MU-SB Zone shall have a side yard as described in CMC 9138.18.

Notwithstanding the above requirements, each lot in a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District shall have a front yard setback as follows:

A required front yard shall not be occupied except as provided in CMC 9136.29. (Ord. 94-1039, § 8; Ord. 03-1279, § 9; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

	Minimum Setback
Subterranean garage	1'
On grade parking or partial subterranean garage	10'
First floor – Commercial	10'
First floor – Residential	20'
Second floor – Commercial	10'
Residential	20'
Third floor	20'
Fourth floor	30'

§ 9136.24 Side Yards.

Where the side of a lot abuts a street, there shall be a side yard with a width of at least ten (10) feet. For any building or structure over thirty (30) feet in height in the CR Zone, the required side yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot for each foot of height above thirty (30) feet.

Where the side yard of a lot abuts a lot in a residential zone there shall be a side yard with a width of at least ten (10) percent of the subject lot width except that such side yard shall be at least five (5) feet and not greater than ten (10) feet in width. For any building or structure over thirty (30) feet in height in the CR Zone, the required side yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot for each foot of height above thirty (30) feet.

Where the side of a lot abuts a lot in other than a residential zone and the height of the building or structure is not over thirty (30) feet, no side yard is required. If any side yard greater than approximately one (1) inch is required or provided, it shall be at least three (3) feet. For any building or structure over thirty (30) feet in height in the CR Zone, the required side yard setback shall be three (3) feet plus one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above thirty (30) feet.

Each lot used for vehicle dealerships in the CA Zone shall have a side yard setback as described in CMC 9138.15(D). Other commercial uses as defined in CMC 9138.15 shall comply with abovementioned standards from the CR Zone.

Each lot in the MU-CS Zone shall have a side yard setback as described in CMC 9138.17, and each lot in the MU-SB Zone shall have a side yard as described in CMC 9138.18.

Notwithstanding the above requirements, each lot in a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District shall have side yard setbacks as follows:

Required side yards shall not be occupied except as provided in CMC 9136.29. (Ord. 94-1039, § 9; Ord. 03-1279, § 10; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

	Minimum Setback
	Interior Side	Street Side
Subterranean garage	1''	1''
On grade parking or partial subterranean garage	1'' or 3'	10'
First or Second floor – Commercial	1'' or 3'	10'
First floor – Residential	10'	10'
Second floor – Residential	10'	20'
Third floor	10'	20'
Fourth floor	10'	30'

§ 9136.25 Rear Yard.

Where the rear of a lot abuts a lot in a residential zone, there shall be a rear yard with a depth of at least ten (10) percent of the lot depth, except that such rear yard shall be at least five (5) feet and need not be greater than ten (10) feet. For any building or structure over thirty (30) feet in height in the CR and CA Zones, the required rear yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot of height for each foot of height above thirty (30) feet.

Where the rear of a lot abuts a lot in other than a residential zone and the height of the building or structure is not over thirty (30) feet, no rear yard is required. If any rear yard greater than approximately one (1) inch is required or provided, it shall be at least three (3) feet. For any building or structure over thirty (30) feet in height in the CR and CA Zones, the required rear yard shall be three (3) feet plus one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above thirty (30) feet.

Each lot in the MU-CS Zone shall have a rear yard setback as described in CMC 9138.17, and each lot in the MU-SB Zone shall have a rear yard setback as described in CMC 9138.18.

Notwithstanding the above requirements, each lot in a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District shall have a rear yard setback as follows:

A required rear yard shall not be occupied except as provided in CMC 9136.29. (Ord. 94-1039, § 10; Ord. 03-1279, § 11; Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 07-1392, § 9)

	Minimum Setback
Subterranean garage	1'
On grade parking or partial subterranean garage	1'' or 3'
First or Second floor – Commercial	10'
First floor – Residential	15'
Second floor – Residential	15'
Third floor	30'
Fourth floor	30'

§ 9136.7 Signs.

A. Outdoor advertising signs are not permitted in commercial zones except as authorized pursuant to CMC 9138.71.

1. All business signs and sign structures shall be permitted in conformance with development plans which have been approved pursuant to the Site Plan and Design Review procedures (including the number of signs and sign structures to be permitted) as provided in CMC 9172.23. All signs and sign structures shall also comply with the minimum requirements, as outlined in this Section of the Zoning Ordinance. (Ord. 89-873, § 2)

2. When the total frontage of a lot is less than the square root of the lot’s area, said frontage shall be deemed to be equal to the square root of the lot’s area for the purpose of determining the permitted sign area. (Ord. 79-473)

3. A pole sign in excess of thirty (30) feet shall not be permitted. The distance between ground elevation and the bottom of such sign shall be not less than ten (10) feet.

4. A ground sign in excess of ten (10) feet in height shall not be permitted. The distance between ground elevation and the bottom of a ground sign shall not exceed one (1) foot. Not more than one (1) ground sign shall be permitted on a lot. No ground sign shall be erected until written approval is obtained from the City Traffic Engineer. Such signs shall be in conformance with development plans which have been approved pursuant to the Site Plan and Design Review procedure as provided in CMC 9172.23. (Ord. 80-531, § 1)

5. A sign may be affixed to a building but shall not project above the height of the building wall or roof fascia.

7. No “A” frame or “sandwich” sign, or scintillating, flashing or revolving sign shall be permitted.

(b) Such sign shall be at least five hundred (500) feet from any other electronic message center sign.

(d) A conditional use permit (CUP) shall be required for all electronic message center signs in accordance with the provisions set forth in CMC 9172.21. Approval shall not be granted if the Commission finds that the proposed sign would interfere with the traffic signals, disrupt normal traffic flows or otherwise create a safety hazard. (Ord. 80-513, § 1; Ord. 90-915, § 2)

9. All business signs for vehicle dealerships shall be permitted in conformance with development standards as provided in CMC 9138.15(E).

10. All business signs within the MU-CS Zone shall be permitted in conformance with development standards as provided in CMC 9138.17.

11. All business signs within the MU-SB Zone shall be permitted in conformance with development standards as provided in CMC 9138.18.

C. Streamers, banners, pennants, and similar displays are permitted subject to the following:

1. Streamers, banners, pennants, and similar displays may be exhibited in connection with grand openings and other special events upon written approval of the Planning Manager. Requests for such displays shall be submitted to the Planning Manager, in writing, thirty (30) days prior to the event. All approvals shall be limited to a total of sixty (60) days of display per calendar year per business. Temporary business signs for department stores or regional shopping centers with a gross floor area of at least one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet located in the CR Zoning District and in a Mixed-Use Residential (MUR) Overlay District may be allowed to deviate from the provisions of this Section as it pertains to display size, location, orientation, material, length of time, and content pursuant to an approved sign program. Signs must show content related to businesses, events, products or services provided at the department store or regional shopping center.

2. Any streamer, banner, pennant, or similar display shall be suspended so as to maintain at least seven (7) foot clearance.

3. In any event, no streamer, banner, pennant, or similar displays shall be exhibited if, in the opinion of the Director, such displays are not adequately maintained.

4. Christmas decorations displayed between thirty (30) days prior to and fifteen (15) days after December 25th, and those displayed during official public events, are not subject to this subsection.

5. Streamers, banners, pennants and similar displays may be attached directly upon the structure of a lawfully erected fireworks stand (see CMC 3101.0 through 3101.10) without necessity of a banner permit.

6. All temporary signs and similar displays for vehicle dealerships shall be permitted in conformance with development standards as provided in CMC 9138.15(E).

1. One (1) unlighted sign structure is permitted per lot; except on parcels larger than five (5) acres, one (1) such sign structure is permitted for each street frontage of the parcel.

2. A sign structure may have any number of sign faces, but the total sign area shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet per sign structure.

3. All portions of a sign structure shall be not less than ten (10) feet from the inside line of the sidewalk, or if there is no sidewalk, from the lot line, except, if the building setback is less than ten (10) feet, the sign structure shall be not less than one-half the setback from the inside line of the sidewalk or lot line.

4. A free-standing real estate advertising sign shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

5. A sign may be affixed to a building but shall not project above the height of the building wall or roof fascia.

6. Advertising copy shall pertain only to the premises upon which the sign is located.

7. Any such signs shall be removed within two (2) weeks after the execution of a sales agreement, escrow instructions or lease agreement.

§ 9138.12 Automobile Service Stations.

1. Retail sale of petroleum products, except the sale of diesel fuel and LPG shall be subject to the approval of the Commission.

3. Hand washing, waxing, and polishing of motor vehicles in an area not more than five hundred (500) square feet.

4. Sale of accessory products clearly related to the operation of motor vehicles (e.g., tires, spark plugs, polish, fan belts, etc.).

5. Minor repair and service of automobiles and other motor vehicles, except in CA Zone (these uses not permitted within an automobile service station). (See CMC 9133 for CR Zone, MUR Overlay District and properties in all zones within one hundred (100) feet of residential zones.)

6. The sale of convenience goods provided the sales are conducted within an enclosed building. Sales of convenience goods at automobile service stations within 300 feet of any school, as measured from lot line to lot line, shall be subject to a conditional use permit, pursuant to CMC 9172.21, except that service stations within three hundred (300) feet of any schools that were selling convenience goods prior to August 15, 1984, shall be permitted to continue selling convenience goods, subject to the provisions of Part 8 of this Chapter. (Ord. 84-679, § 1)

1. Repair and service activities shall not include major repairs and services (as defined in CMC 9138.11(5)) or tire recapping or retreading. (Ord. 79-467)

2. All repair and service activities, including storage of equipment and materials, shall be within an enclosed building and conducted in such a manner as not to be a nuisance to the occupants of adjacent properties. Replacement service activities such as wiper blades, fuses, radiator caps and lamps are excepted.

1. Automobile service station sites shall not contain less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet of net lot area.

1. Each lot shall have a minimum frontage of not less than one hundred (100) feet on each abutting street.

1. Landscaped planters not less than five (5) feet in width shall be provided along all street frontages except driveway approaches. Landscaping materials shall be of a type that will not exceed three and one-half (3-1/2) feet in height at ultimate growth above the grade of any adjacent street.

2. A landscaped area not less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area shall be provided at the intersection of the lot lines at a street corner.

3. Landscaped planters shall be provided along the full length of building facades facing streets or public parking areas, except where there exist doors, bays or other similar areas.

4. Landscaping for all interior lot lines shall be provided by either of the following alternatives:

a. Landscaped planters not less than three (3) feet in width shall be provided along all interior lot lines; or

b. Trees shall be provided along all interior lot lines. The minimum number of trees shall be calculated at the ratio of one (1) tree per twenty-five (25) lineal feet of interior lot line. Minimum tree size shall be twenty-four (24) inch box.

5. All landscaped areas shall be protected by a curb not less than six (6) inches in height or a raised planter wall between the landscaping and paved areas.

6. All landscaped areas shall be properly maintained in a neat, orderly and safe manner. Such landscaping and maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, the installation and use of an irrigation system, permanently and completely installed, which delivers water directly to all landscaped areas.

1. A solid masonry wall, six (6) feet in height, shall be erected and maintained along any common boundary line with property in a residential zone, except that said wall shall not be less than two and one-half (2-1/2) feet or more than three and one-half (3-1/2) feet in height within the front yard required by CMC 9136.23.

1. One (1) automobile parking space shall be provided for each employee on the largest shift, plus one (1) space for each company vehicle, plus two (2) spaces for each service bay. Said spaces are to be striped and provided with bumper guards or wheel stops approved by the Director.

1. Driveway entrances to the automobile service station shall not be within five (5) feet of the curb return.

2. Driveways may be required to be located at the greatest possible distance from a street intersection or at such a location as is considered to interfere least with the movement and safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Driveway locations shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works.

3. Driveways shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in width. The minimum driveway width shall be twenty-five (25) feet.

4. The minimum distance between the tops of side slopes of driveways shall be twenty-two (22) feet.

6. On-site traffic circulation patterns shall be subject to approval of the Director. Vehicular movement affecting the public right-of-way shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works.

1. All display and storage shall be located within an enclosed building except for telephone booths and permanent facilities, located on pump islands, necessary to dispense petroleum products. Automobiles awaiting service may be parked in an unenclosed area for a period not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours. Vending machines shall be placed indoors. (Ord. 79-467)

1. All exterior lighting of a building shall be of an indirect nature, emanating only from fixtures located under canopies or hoods, under eaves of buildings and at ground level in the landscaping. Exterior lighting shall be arranged and shielded so that there shall be no glare or reflection onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way.

1. The entire ground area of the site, except building and planting areas, shall be paved with asphaltic compound or concrete to City standards. Drainage flow lines must be shown on the plot plan, and if drainage is to the street, water must be carried under sidewalks in pipes or culverts subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works.

1. All trash and refuse shall be stored within an area enclosed by a solid wall with solid doors, not less than six (6) feet in height. The wall shall be compatible with the exterior building material.

1. All exterior restroom entrances shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and public rights-of-way by decorative screening.

1. No building or structure shall be located within fifteen (15) feet of any lot line abutting a street or within ten (10) feet of any lot line abutting another lot or an alley, except as follows:

a. A canopy of roof structure over a pump island may encroach not to exceed ten (10) feet into the required setback area along a street frontage.

1. Any existing service station, including legally existing nonconforming stations, shall be declared abandoned if the Director determines that the automobile service station is:

2. To be considered open, an automobile service station must be operated in good faith for the servicing of motor vehicles.

3. Within thirty (30) days after the Director has declared an automobile service station abandoned, the Director shall notify in writing the owner of said automobile service station that said automobile service station has been declared abandoned, and the date and the reasons for the declaration.

The owner of an automobile service station which has been declared abandoned may, within ten (10) days after his receipt from the Director of the notification of declaration of abandonment, request the Commission to set a public hearing to determine whether sufficient facts exist to support the Director’s determination that said automobile service station has been abandoned as defined in this subsection: Upon such timely request, the Commission shall set a public hearing for the aforesaid purpose.

4. If an automobile service station is abandoned, all conditional use permits connected with it are null and void.

5. An abandoned automobile service station shall comply with any one (1) of the following alternatives within one hundred eighty (180) days of such abandonment:

1. Any reuse of an abandoned automobile service station, either as an automobile service station or other use permitted by the land use regulations pertaining to the site, shall be allowed only as specified below:

a. Any automobile service station established and subsequently abandoned shall not resume operation as an automobile service station unless and until it complies with all regulations of subsections A through Q of this Section.

b. If any existing, legal nonconforming automobile service station established prior to the effective date of this Section is abandoned, it shall not resume operations as an automobile service station unless and until it complies with all regulations of subsections A through Q of this Section.

c. No automobile service station shall be used for any other use unless and until a conditional use permit is granted.

2. Upon approval and receipt of the conditional use permit, the applicant shall follow the conversion standards listed below:

a. All pumps, signs, insignias and corporate trademarks, their supporting structures, mountings and foundations and all other aboveground improvements uniquely associated with automobile service stations, with the exception of the office, canopies, pump islands and service bays, shall be taken down, dismantled, and removed from the site.

b. All gasoline storage tanks, fuel lines, pumps and other belowground apparatus related to the delivery or disposal of petroleum products shall be excavated and removed from the site or filled according to Federal, State and City regulations.

c. Upon removal of the tanks, structures and other apparatus specified in preceding subsections (S)(2)(a) and (S)(2)(b) of this Section, the site shall be landscaped and resurfaced in a manner consistent with the new use.

d. All such improvements shall be completed or in progress no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the issuance of the new conditional use permit and shall continue in good faith until completion.

If the provisions of this subsection are not fulfilled, the use shall become abandoned and all applicable conditional use permits shall become null and void.

3. Unless specifically modified by previous Commission action, no site originally developed as an automobile service station and subsequently converted to another commercial use, whether by conditional use permit or not, shall be converted to yet another commercial use unless and until a conditional use permit is granted.

1. Any automobile service station declared abandoned and not reestablished as an automobile service station or converted to another use as outlined in subsection S of this Section, shall comply with the following conditions within one hundred eighty (180) days of being declared abandoned:

a. All pumps, signs, insignias and corporate trademarks, their supporting structures, mountings and foundations and all other aboveground improvements uniquely associated with automobile service station operations, with the exception of the office, canopies, and service bays, shall be taken down, dismantled and removed from the site.

b. All gasoline storage tanks, fuel lines, pumps and other below-ground apparatus related to the delivery or disposal of petroleum products shall be excavated and removed from the site or filled according to Federal, State and City regulations.

c. A chain link fence not less than six (6) feet in height and including a four (4) foot wide gate shall be erected around the perimeter of the lot on which the automobile service station is located, unless the automobile service station is located on a lot with another use, in case the fence shall enclose all property originally devoted to the automobile service station use. (Added by Ord. 81-552, § 1)

All automobile service stations in the City declared abandoned pursuant to CMC 9138.12 prior to the adoption of Ordinance No. 81-552 shall comply with the requirements of CMC 9138.12(T)(1)(c) within one hundred eighty (180) days from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Section. (Added by Ord. 81-554, § 1)

Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the requirements of the Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not exceeding six (6) months or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which violation of this Section is committed, continued or permitted by such person and shall be punishable accordingly. (Added by Ord. 81-554, § 2)

2. All such abandoned automobile service stations shall be secured and maintained in a neat, orderly and safe manner.

1. Any automobile service station declared abandoned and not in compliance with either subsection S or T of this Section within one hundred eighty (180) days of such declaration, shall be deemed substandard property as defined in Section 9904 of the City’s Building Code.

2. Any abandoned automobile service station deemed to be substandard property shall be subject to the abatement procedures as set forth in Chapter 99 of the City’s Building Code and subsection (R)(5) of this Section.

§ 9138.15 Commercial, Automotive (CA) Development Standards.

A. Description of Boundaries. The City of Carson Commercial Automotive District (CAD) is generally located on the south side of the 405 San Diego Freeway on 223rd Street, between Lucerne Street to the west and Alameda Street to the east. Also included in the CAD is the Don Kott Auto Center on Avalon Boulevard, north of 213th Street and south of the 405 Freeway; and Altman’s RV Center on Recreation Road, north of the 405 Freeway.

B. Purpose and Intent. The CAD is intended to maximize retail sales of new automobiles at dealerships located within the City of Carson and promote the development of a Commercial Automotive District consisting of automobile and light truck sales facilities with consistent and appealing landscaping, lighting, signage and compatible architectural elements. The use of the regulations and development standards contained herein is intended to fulfill the following objectives:

1. Encourage the consolidation of automobile sales franchises within a designated Commercial Automotive District.

2. Provide signage standards designed to meet the needs of automobile retailing, while remaining aesthetically pleasing to the public.

3. Provide flexible design standards to encourage compatible site design, while encouraging a range of architectural aesthetic styles to create a sense of excitement and vitality.

4. Provide consistent design standards to which all development within the CAD must adhere.

5. Establish the cooperation and coordination of the participants in the development and operation of the CAD.

6. Establish a long-range and ongoing source of economic strength to the community in terms of employment and tax revenue for community services.

7. Encourage the rehabilitation of existing structures and overall site upgrades so that existing land uses become unified with new developments, enhancing the overall CAD image.

8. Establish innovative and quality site planning and architectural design maintaining a prosperous and marketable specialized automobile commercial complex, unique and individual in itself.

Certain development considerations associated with the planning and implementation of this development district are unique to the City of Carson and this district in particular. The implementation of a marketable complex for automobile sales and services requires a district which provides: (1) opportunities for high visibility and accessibility to the dealerships from the 405 Freeway and 223rd Street; (2) available parcels of land under the ownership of several individuals and the redevelopment agency; (3) incentives for development such as public improvements (i.e., streets, gutters, lighting, off-site signage, etc.), redevelopment agency opportunities, and community goals and standards; and (4) the previous establishment of existing uses and compatibility with proposed new automobile and other related retail commercial uses.

C. Permitted and Conditional Uses. The CAD permits the following principal, secondary and conditional uses:

a. New vehicle dealerships, principally geared toward the sale of new passenger vehicles and light duty trucks.

2. Accessory Uses. As an integral, but secondary part of the operation of a new vehicle franchise, the following uses shall be permitted:

a. Used vehicle sales; provided, that the used vehicle sales are in conjunction with new vehicle sales and are not primary.

b. Vehicle repair and service, in conjunction with new vehicle sales; see CMC 9138.2.

3. Conditional Uses. The following uses are permitted only after a valid conditional use permit (CUP) has been approved by the City:

a. Auto body, paint and/or upholstery shops as an integral but secondary part of operating a new automobile franchise; see CMC 9138.2.

b. Restaurants, including drive-thrus, cafes, dinner houses, or establishments offering food for in-house or take-out consumption.

e. Sales of used automobiles, recreation vehicles, and trucks not over two (2) ton capacity, as a primary use; see CMC 9133.

4. Interpretation of Uses Permitted. Other similar automobile and commercial related uses when interpreted by the Planning Commission as to performance standards as set forth in this Section and determined by means of interpretation in accordance with CMC 9172.24.

(3) Vehicle washing and detailing, which shall be screened from public right-of-way along streets within the CAD Zone and residential areas.

c. Outside storage of equipment, parts, inoperable vehicles or outside vehicle repair and maintenance.

d. All uses are prohibited except as expressly permitted by the provision of this Section.

D. Minimum Site Development Standards. The applicable minimum site developments listed below shall apply to automobile and other related dealerships and uses. Other standard commercial uses shall abide by development standards in the CR (Commercial, Regional) Zone and the General Development Standards, Part 6.

a. No structure of any kind, and no part thereof, shall be placed on any site closer to a property line than herein provided. The following structures and improvements are specifically excluded from these setback provisions:

(2) Canopy; provided, it does not impact line of sight of adjacent vehicle dealerships or is set back fifty-two (52) feet from the front property line if impact occurs.

(6) Signs and displays identifying owner, lessee or occupant constructed pursuant to CMC 9138.15(E).

b. Setback from side and rear property lines: No building setback is required from interior property lines, providing that the building wall does not exceed thirty (30) feet in height, or fifty (50) percent of the length of the property line. Buildings not in conformance with the aforementioned criteria shall be set back ten (10) feet from interior property lines.

(1) Sales or display buildings shall be set back a minimum of seventy-five (75) feet from street property line, so as to allow for a ten (10) foot front landscaped setback area, vehicle display area, driveway, further vehicle display or customer parking, and vehicle display or landscaped planter area in front of building.

(2) Service and storage buildings shall be set back a minimum of seventy-five (75) feet from street property line. Service bays shall be screened from public view along 223rd Street and the 405 Freeway. Service “write-up” areas may be visible from 223rd Street to serve as a visual guide for customers entering the property.

(3) Vehicle display (other than raised vehicle display) and on-site parking shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from street property line. A two (2) foot vehicle overhang is permitted within front setback area.

(4) Raised vehicle display areas within front yard shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from street property line; see subsections (D)(2) of this Section.

(5) Raised vehicle display areas in excess of forty (40) percent of lot frontage shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission.

a. Elevated vehicle display is encouraged within front setback areas within the CAD and should be sloped for better visibility.

b. Height of the elevated vehicle display area shall not exceed four (4) feet, unless specifically approved by the Planning Division.

c. Elevated vehicle display areas shall be designed in a way so that they are in proportion to and complement the public way. The use of terraces, landscape buffers or water elements shall be considered.

d. Interesting paving surfaces such as grasscrete, stamped concrete, etc., in lieu of asphalt, shall be considered.

e. Elevated display areas shall be designed so that no individual vertical element exceeds thirty (30) inches without terracing or other transitional elements such as landscaping, etc.

f. Street-oriented elevated vehicle display areas shall have special lighting (overhead or up-lighting) in order to accent display areas. See subsection (D)(9) of this Section.

g. Elevated vehicle display within front setback areas shall not create a visual obstruction for vehicles accessing driveways or infringe on showroom visibility.

h. The use of mechanical equipment, lifts, and industrial imagery for the elevated display area along 223rd Street and other streets within the CAD is discouraged. Designs that blend with the front landscaped setback area, and are more organic in nature, shall be utilized.

a. Rooftop elevated vehicle display areas shall not be a nuisance or create visual clutter and infringe on adjacent properties.

b. Elevated vehicle display along the freeway should be sloped toward the freeway to provide for optimum vehicle display visibility. Use of reflective materials is prohibited.

c. The use of a mesh wall and climbing plants should be applied to buildings or structures supporting roof-mounted displays facing the 405 Freeway. This provides aesthetic contrast and transition from the freeway to the display area.

d. Raised display areas should not have a skeletal structural frame, which is exposed to the public. All structural framework should be enclosed by a wall facing the freeway, and shall blend with the architectural building aesthetics or be designed to accommodate the mesh wall with climbing plants.

e. Rooftop lighting shall not create a glare or hazard to approaching freeway traffic and shall comply with subsection (D)(9) of this Section.

f. The backdrop wall for the elevated vehicle display area should be designed so as to integrate with the dominant aesthetic theme of the dealership.

g. Backdrop wall heights may vary depending on the relationship of the freeway and site elevations. Such backdrop wall (including building height and elevated vehicle displays) shall not exceed a height of forty (40) feet.

h. Letters and logos for the elevated freeway display should be backlit or up lit, and comply with subsection (E) of this Section.

a. Buildings shall be a maximum of forty (40) feet in height. No building shall provide vision into an adjacent residential structure or an adjacent residential yard.

b. Automobile, motorcycle or recreational vehicle display shall be allowed on top of a building facing the 405 Freeway, pursuant to subsection (D)(3) of this Section.

c. Automobile storage in the second level of a building shall be permitted and may be viewed from the 405 Freeway.

6. Parking. Vehicle dealerships shall provide employee and customer parking on the dealership site or on a common parking facility especially established for such purposes as follows:

a. Each auto dealer shall provide a minimum of six (6) parking spaces reserved and labeled accordingly for customers of new vehicle purchases. The parking spaces shall be located in an area that will allow for customer flow into the dealership facility through designated main entrance.

(1) One thousand (1,000) square feet of interior or exterior covered display floor area;

(2) Four hundred (400) square feet for buildings used for supplies and vehicle storage;

(3) Two (2) spaces per repair and service bay, plus one (1) space per five hundred (500) square feet of nonservice bay area; and

(4) Three hundred (300) square feet for buildings used for office and administration.

c. All on-site customer parking shall be clearly identified, either by special paint (i.e., curb painting) or signage.

d. If employee parking is provided in a common parking facility shared by one (1) or more merchants, a recorded document shall be filed with the Planning Department and shall be signed by the legal owner of the common site, stipulating the permanent reservation of use of the site for employee parking purposes.

f. Parking of display vehicles for sale is exempt from municipal code standards for striping, stall size and aisle width; provided, that its design layout does not conflict with Fire Department or other agency regulations.

g. Trucks and recreational vehicles displayed within fifty-two (52) feet of the front yard line shall not impact the line of sight of adjacent vehicle dealerships.

a. A minimum ten (10) foot landscaped setback is required along the front setback area, measured from the rear of the sidewalk to the display area. A two (2) foot vehicle overhang is allowed within the ten (10) foot setback. Setback area shall include unobstructive trees, low growing shrubs, groundcover and turf.

b. A minimum ten (10) foot wide island shall be required at the end of all display area parking adjacent to the main entry drive lane. Islands shall have a mixture of trees, shrubs and groundcover.

c. On-site landscaping shall be compatible with subsection (I) of this Section, which is contained herein to coordinate the species of plant materials and provide continuity of landscaping within the CAD.

d. A minimum five (5) percent interior landscaping shall be required, excluding building footprint and front setback areas.

e. Undeveloped areas reserved for future expansion, such as any parcel not promptly built out, shall be maintained in a weed-free condition but need not be landscaped. Such sites shall be maintained in such a manner to prevent dust from blowing onto adjacent properties.

a. Single driveways shall be a minimum twenty-six (26) feet wide and maximum thirty (30) feet wide.

b. Driveways over thirty (30) feet in width shall require a minimum five (5) foot wide center landscaped island, with minimum twenty (20) foot clearance per side.

c. Stamped and terra-cotta colored concrete shall be installed at all driveway entry areas, a minimum distance of twenty (20) feet from property line.

9. Lighting. Intent – to provide consistent, uniform lighting, of architectural integrity and capacity to be compatible with adjacent businesses, residential areas, 223rd Street and the 405 Freeway.

a. On-site exterior lighting shall comply with CAD lighting criteria, as set forth in this Section.

b. On-site lighting plans, including photometric plan, shall be submitted showing the exterior lighting layout, light pole and fixture mounting details, performance fixture description and wattage proposed by each auto dealer.

c. All light fixtures shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height, measured from grade level. Roof- or deck-mounted light fixtures not to exceed sixteen (16) feet in height.

e. All fixtures shall be ninety (90) degree cut-off, to prohibit spillage above the ninety (90) degree vertical plane. Such fixtures shall be arranged and shielded so that there shall be no glare or reflection onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way.

f. Front-row on-site lighting standards adjacent to public streets shall have no more than two (2) fixtures per standard at a minimum of thirty-six (36) feet on center.

g. The interior of the display area may be illuminated by fixtures not closer than sixty (60) feet to the front line of display lights. These fixtures shall be spaced no closer than sixty (60) feet on center, and shall have no more than four (4) fixtures per pole.

h. Creative lighting design and reinforcement of lighting intensity to provide varying degrees of light intensity for merchandising and highlighting purposes are encouraged, so long as they comply to the following standards:

(2) Pole luminaries shall be bronze “shoebox” type, Spaulding “Cordova II” or equal (no stripes).

(4) Upper level parking deck poles shall be bronze and not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height with minimum four (4) inch square steel.

(5) All “sales” lot luminaries shall be provided with one thousand (1,000) watt metal halide lamps.

(6) All “support” area luminaries shall be provided with a maximum of four hundred (400) watt metal halide lamps.

(7) Poles shall be mounted on thirty (30) inch high by twenty-four (24) inch diameter round concrete bases with brushed concrete finish.

i. Strings of incandescent fixtures shall not be allowed in any exterior area, except lights associated during December holiday season.

10. Walls/Fencing. Walls constructed on an interior lot line or at the rear of a required landscape setback of the CAD shall be in keeping with the regulations contained herein.

a. Interior lot line walls shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height and rear walls shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height. Use of barbed, razor or similar wire is prohibited.

b. All service, storage and trash areas shall be screened from view from any public street by a wall. Trash enclosures shall be constructed to the City of Carson enclosure standards on file in the Planning Division.

c. All walls shall be decorative, consisting of splitface masonry, slumpstone, stuccoed block, stone, wrought iron, or a combination thereof.

a. Security gates located at entrance areas shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches height.

a. Security bollards, if utilized, shall be placed within the front ten (10) foot landscaped setback area, not to encroach within vehicle display areas. Design and placement shall be subject to Planning Division review.

a. All body repair work (if permitted) and all compressor work shall be performed in a fully enclosed area only. Access doors to such enclosures shall be screened or face away from all public rights-of-way.

c. Exterior loudspeakers shall not be mounted more than ten (10) feet above finish grade and shall be oriented toward the interior of each parcel.

d. Rooftop-mounted air conditioning and mechanical equipment must be screened from public view and adjacent properties by a screening technique involving integrated architectural design elements.

1. Introduction. The purpose of this Section is to guide automobile dealers in the selection and placement of their signage. It is the intent to provide a reasonable number of signs, as well as size specifications, in order to provide aesthetic harmony among dealerships. It is further intended to limit the number and size to that required for proper conduct of business, yet controlling and managing the design, aesthetics and placement of all signage. It is desired that artistic flexibility be allowed while maintaining continuity and appropriate scale to the center as a whole. The information contained in these development standards as adopted by the City of Carson establishes mandatory criteria to which each sign must conform. Each business will be responsible for the construction, installation and maintenance of its signage, and must submit for design review approval to the City of Carson pursuant to this Section. Submitted drawings must indicate location, materials, finishes, height, square footage and method of installation for all proposed signage.

(1) Signs will be allowed for the purpose of identifying the buildings, the premises, the uses and special events.

(2) All permanent and temporary signs are to receive the proper permits prior to construction.

(3) Each new dealership shall submit and have approved a plan showing their entire permanent sign program prior to construction of the signs.

(4) All permanent signs, including pole-mounted “product identity,” shall be for the purpose of identification or direction only, and shall not contain any promotional advertising.

(7) Illuminated signs shall be internally lighted by fluorescent, LED or neon tubes. No luminous or reflective background or script may be attached or applied.

(9) Locations, type and size of all permanent signs shall be indicated on the drawings submitted during the design review process for approval by the City.

(10) No roof-mounted signs will be permitted, excluding roof-mounted display areas.

(11) If dealers’ sign program is mandated by the vehicle manufacturer and is inconsistent with this Section, specific design review shall be required and approved by the Planning Commission.

a. One (1) street-front sign shall be permitted per franchise in the form of a monument and/or pylon type, placed no closer than two hundred (200) feet apart, to identify the dealership name or product. The sign may not contain any temporary, promotional advertising.

c. Electronic message signs are prohibited along streets within the CAD, unless they are freeway-oriented.

d. Nonfreeway-oriented pylon sign faces along 223rd Street and other affected streets within the CAD may not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area per side, nor exceed a height of twenty-five (25) feet measured from adjacent natural grade.

e. In addition, one (1) pylon sign per automobile dealership shall be permitted at the rear of the property facing the 405 Freeway. Pylon sign shall not exceed a height of thirty (30) feet measured from freeway grade and shall be architecturally consistent with site development. Freeway pylon sign shall be subject to Planning Commission approval.

f. Monument signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, including base as measured from adjacent natural grade. Base shall be minimum eighteen (18) inches in height.

g. Monument signs are to be located at major public entrance to the site in an area, which will not obstruct the vision of motorists so as to create a safety hazard. Pylon signs are to be located in the center of the front setback area. The signs will be perpendicular to the street and located five (5) feet away from the front property line.

h. Monument and pylon signs are to be located in a landscaped planter of at least 200 square feet.

a. Primary signs may contain manufacturer’s logos, brand of vehicle sold and dealer identity. Secondary signs shall include service, parts or other associated name.

b. Wall-mounted signs shall consist of channel letters/numbers, internally illuminated or back lit with trim caps. Letters for primary building signage (dealer name) shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height nor twenty-four (24) inches in height for secondary signage (i.e., service, parts). Illumination optional for secondary signage. All letters must be securely attached to the wall surface and may not extend beyond the roofline.

d. One (1) logo shall be permitted per manufacturer, not to exceed forty-eight (48) inches in height, unless authorized by the Planning Commission.

e. Wall signs shall not exceed seventy (70) percent of building frontage and shall provide a minimum ten (10) percent gap above and below all wall-mounted signs.

a. Signs shall be single-sided, mounted flat on a building or wall, and shall not protrude out from the building. Such informational signs shall be permitted to identify types of services, hours of operation, or other specific functions of a given dealership.

a. Signage information may include directions to Entrance, Service, Parts, Customer Parking, etc.

b. These signs shall be no more than twelve (12) square feet in dimensional area. Any such freestanding signs shall be a maximum of four (4) feet above grade, unless attached to a building. Design shall be compatible to overall signage program.

c. A maximum of one (1) sign may be permitted per driveway accessing a public street.

d. Signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line, unless otherwise approved pursuant to a development plan.

a. “Product identity” signs, which identify individual auto makes, are to be mounted to auto display lighting poles and may consist of “banner” and/or flag style signs.

b. The maximum dimensions of “banner” style signs will be three (3) feet wide by six (6) feet long having no more than eighteen (18) inches extending on either side of the centerline of the pole. The minimum ground clearance shall be a vertical distance of eight (8) feet measured from the bottom of the sign to the ground surface. “Banner” style signs shall be constructed of a high quality combination of metal and vinyl.

c. The maximum dimension of “flag” style signs will be three (3) feet wide by three (3) feet long mounted on the top of the pole. “Flag” style signs shall be constructed of a high quality combination of metal, vinyl, and/or nylon.

d. “Banner” and “flag” style product identity signs are to be replaced when they show signs of unattractive wear and/or fading as determined by the City.

e. Each dealership is limited to one (1) product identity sign per lighting pole on the first row of lighting poles parallel to the street curb of the dealership. No product identity signs are permitted on any other poles.

a. Automobile dealerships within the CAD will be allowed temporary signage eight (8) time periods per year for special events including, but not limited to, the standard holiday sale periods of Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Each time period for the eight (8) special events will not exceed sixteen (16) days. Each special event time period must be separated from the previous event by at least fourteen (14) days.

b. Each individual auto dealership facility (not each auto make) will be allowed temporary signage two (2) time periods per year for special events. These two (2) special events are in addition to the eight (8) special events permitted by the CAD.

c. Temporary signs are limited to banners, balloons, and/or window painted signs.

d. The maximum number of temporary banners is two (2) per dealership. Banners shall be mounted on buildings with minimum seven (7) foot clearance from grade.

e. Special displays such as murals or other similar types, not specified herein, shall be approved by the Planning Commission.

f. Painted window signs shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the window area or two hundred (200) square feet, whichever is less.

g. Balloons smaller than eighteen (18) inches will be permitted only on Saturdays and Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

h. Each individual auto dealer is responsible for the removal of all helium filled balloons as permitted by this Section on the respective dealership site by the end of the day in which balloons are authorized. No helium filled balloon shall be cut loose to fly freely; all helium filled balloons shall be discarded in a designated trash bin or receptacle.

i. Sandwich boards, pennants, streamers, and any other sign types not covered in this Section are prohibited.

j. All temporary signs must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the completion of each special event.

k. No temporary signs are permitted anywhere within the CAD outside of special event time periods provided for in this Section.

l. A permit for temporary signage must be obtained per calendar year for each of the dealerships, prior to placement of temporary signs by the auto dealership facility. Said permit shall be $280.00 per year, per dealership ($35.00 per display period).

m. Two (2) additional temporary signage permits can be issued independently for each dealership per calendar year, at a rate of $35.00 per permit.

9. Commercial Signs. Signage not associated with automobile and other types of dealerships shall comply with CMC 9136.7.

F. Other Government Codes. All development within the CAD must comply with all applicable governmental codes. When there is a conflict between this Section and other sections of the Municipal Zoning Code, the provisions of this Section shall take precedence.

G. Design Review Requirements. All projects within the CAD involving the construction or rehabilitation of property are required to be in compliance with these development standards and the provisions contained within the Carson Municipal Code pertaining to site plan review process pursuant to CMC 9172.23.

1. Intent. This section is intended to give direction to developers of auto dealership projects within the CAD to encourage orderly, harmonious and integrated design of structures, display areas, landscaping, parking areas, lighting and accessory structures. This Section establishes a standard for design quality while maintaining flexibility for individual expression and imaginative design solutions.

a. Buildings should be located to maximize the automobile retail environment. The site should be laid out to maximize visibility of new vehicle sales. Desirable features such as freeway visibility, street frontage and solar orientation should be used to accentuate the visibility of the product.

b. Pedestrian circulation should be direct and easily accessible while providing for a safe environment.

c. Driveway access should be located so as to minimize disturbance to future street and public way improvements, maintaining good visibility of pedestrian and vehicular off-site traffic. Fence, walls, or hedges shall not obstruct vehicles entering or exiting a driveway.

d. Vehicular access should be located so as to create direct access to the customer parking and vehicle display areas, ensuring convenient ingress and egress. Customer parking should be separated from vehicle sales display(s).

e. When locating buildings, parking, vehicle display areas and walkways on a parcel, all desirable site features (street and freeway frontage, corner lot, irregular lot) should be used to an advantage.

f. Loading zones should be located so as to be screened from the public right-of-way and to minimize the interaction between the public zone for vehicle sales and the service areas.

g. Service areas should be enclosed or screened from public right-of-way and should be conveniently located and designed for access by service vehicles, not creating a nuisance for adjacent property owners.

h. Utility equipment such as electrical panels, gas meters, etc., should be located so that they are screened from public view. On-site utility lines shall be placed underground.

i. Transformers, backflow devices and similar structures should not be the dominant element of the landscaping areas and should be screened from view wherever possible.

j. The site should be flexible in design to accommodate future possibilities for revisions/ expansions to the site due to changing demands. Such alterations can then be met with minimum impact to existing on-site and off-site improvements.

k. Buildings should be located so as to maximize vehicle display areas. Windows within the building should be oriented toward and have a clear view of the vehicle display(s) and shall be the dominating feature of the building facing 223rd Street.

l. Consideration should be given to the unique nature of the sites in that the “rear” of the sites is in fact the front view from the 405 Freeway, having a high level of drive-by visibility. This unique condition should be addressed as best as possible in the layout of the site to help identify the Auto Row District and contribute positively to the imagery and architecture of the district.

m. Buildings should be located and oriented so as to complement, not conflict, with the adjacent uses and imagery of adjacent parcels (i.e., block visibility of adjacent vehicular display areas, etc.).

n. Wherever possible, transitions between existing and new buildings or additions should be gradual. The height and mass of the new projects or construction should not create abrupt changes from those of existing buildings.

o. An adequate on-site queuing area for service customers shall be provided. On-site driveways may be used for queuing but may not interfere with access to required parking spaces. Required parking spaces may not double as queuing spaces.

3. Building Design. The CAD Development Standards do not set forth a specific design theme, but rather seek to create well thought out design solutions compatible within the CAD. The “planned” district should result from consistent site planning and landscaping rather than building design.

a. Buildings within an individual site should have common proportion, massing and details, which are consistent through the use of common colors, signs, lighting treatment and landscaping.

b. Buildings with undistinguished masses and bulk are discouraged. Efforts should be made to design the structures to a human scale of the automobile retailing environment while addressing the need to contribute to the freeway frontage and scale. Contributing factors are varying the planes of exterior walls, change of materials and varying the height of the structures.

c. Within an individual project or site, materials, colors and textures should be consistent with the design theme of the buildings and create a consistent palate. The buildings should be stylistically consistent so that the detailing reflects the traditional style of the design.

d. Building facades which face adjoining street and the 405 Freeway shall provide visual relief and shadow patterns designed to provide variety to the adjacent streetscape.

e. Building elevations and massing should be designed to reflect the orientation of the building. Only active building elevations, including windows and entrances (not blank walls or loading zones) should face the public right-of-way.

f. Special attention should be given to the top and the base of buildings. The connection between building and ground and building and sky should have a special significance and be properly addressed in detailing and choice of materials.

g. Newspaper racks and public phone booths should be integrated into the interior of a structure. Exterior vending machines are prohibited.

h. Materials of relative permanence and not susceptible to decay and damage over a short period of time should be used.

i. Materials should be used to help accent the massing and design theme of the buildings. Facades should be provided with articulation and glazing so as to minimize long uninterrupted blank walls.

j. Massing of the buildings should be used to help create spatial hierarchy to the buildings and reflect some of the uses on the interior. This will help to minimize an industrial and monolithic architectural environment.

k. Architectural elements such as cornices, canopies, shading elements, trellises, change of materials, and others are encouraged. However, these elements should be important elements of the building theme and not just applied decoration or architectural gimmicks.

l. Glazing that faces the public right-of-way is encouraged to be of a type that helps create interaction between the interior sales and showroom spaces and the public right-of-way and exterior environment.

m. Use of hierarchal elements such as towers, varied rooflines, etc., are encouraged to help break the horizontal look of buildings and visually enhance the architecture. These types of elements can also identify main entries, provide backdrop for signage, etc.

a. The roofline of a building should be designed in conjunction with its mass and facade so that the building and its roof form a consistent composition as viewed from adjacent street.

b. All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. Screening design and materials shall be consistent with the overall building design.

c. Roofs should be an integral part of the building design and overall form of the structure and should reflect and be consistent with the design aesthetic of the building.

d. Roofs should not be such that they become the dominant element of the architecture. Elements such as mansard roofs or pitched roofs should be to scale with the facade and proportion of the building.

e. Pitched roofs should be addressed carefully so that the scale of the roofs is broken down to minimize large uninterrupted rooflines and ridges.

f. Roofing materials should be consistent and complementary to the design of the building.

g. Rooflines shall be used to create a hierarchy of space and help identify entrances, vehicular display areas, etc.

I. Landscaping. Landscaped areas shall be planted as an integral part of the project, and not merely located in leftover portions of the site.

1. The location of plant materials shall respond to the architectural design of the building to key-note entries, contrast with or reinforce building lines and volumes, and soften hard structural lines.

2. Plant materials shall be used to define street edges, outdoor display areas and pedestrian pathways; and to screen vehicle service areas, trash enclosures, utilities and mechanical equipment.

3. Plan materials shall be integrated in the building form as architectural elements (i.e., cascading from balconies, potted trees on upper story patios, etc.) whenever possible.

4. Landscaping should be used to create nodes within both auto and pedestrian circulation patterns and can be useful in distinguishing special display areas.

5. When solid building walls or perimeter walls are within the view of a public street, trees shall be planted a maximum of forty (40) feet on center (trees may be clustered).

6. All trees shall be a minimum twenty-four (24) inch box. Palm trees shall be mature and of good height size.

7. Elements such as sculptures, water elements, etc., incorporating artistic expression shall be used whenever possible.

8. Vertical landscape elements shall be used to enhance the street-side elevation of buildings and to allow view of signs and architectural features from the street.

9. Consistent landscape themes shall be used within the CAD. It is recommended that a simple grass and California Fan Palm tree design – typical fifteen (15) foot brown trunk – (or other tree design pursuant to approved landscape plan), be utilized throughout the front setback area and interior of parcels with shrubs, bushes, vines and ground covers from the following list utilized for foundation and accent planting:

Butterfly Iris	Moraea iridioides
Hibiscus	Hibiscus rosa – sinensis
Dwarf Oleander	Nerium oleander ‘Petite Salmon’ or ‘Petite Pink’
Wheelers Dwarf	Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’
India Hawthorn	Ralphiolepis indica ‘Jack Evans’
Compact Natal Plum	Carissa
Lily of Nile	Agapanthus africanus
Privet	Ligustrum ‘Texanum’
Compact Shiny Xylosma	Xuylosma, congestum ‘Compactum’
Pink Escallonia	Escallonia fradesii
Ternstromia	Ternstroemia gymnanthera
Frasers Photinia	Photinia fraseri
Viburnum	Viburnum davidii

Star Jasmine	Trachelospermum jasminoides
Prostate Natal Plum	Carissa grandiflora ‘Green Carpet’
Blue Rug Juniper	Junipers horizaontalis
Turfgrass	‘Marathon’ fescue
Trailing Lantana Gazanias	Lantana montividenis

§ 9138.17 Mixed-Use – Carson Street (MU-CS).

A. Description of Boundaries. The City of Carson Mixed-Use – Carson Street Corridor (MU-CS) is a 1.75-mile section located on the north and south sides of Carson Street between the San Diego (I-405) Freeway and the Harbor (I-110) Freeway. There are five (5) districts within the Carson Street Corridor MU-CS which are: West Gateway District, Community Shopping District, Boulevard Residential District, Civic Center District and East Gateway District. The West Gateway District includes the north and south side of Carson Street between the I-110 Freeway and Moneta Street. The Community Shopping District includes the north and south side of Carson Street from Moneta Street to Dolores Street. The Boulevard Residential District extends from Dolores Street to Grace Avenue, the Civic Center District extends from Grace Avenue to Bonita Street and East Gateway District extends from Bonita Avenue to the I-405 Freeway.

B. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the MU-CS Zone is to create a downtown retail and residential district which will provide the City of Carson with a distinctive core area which includes its Civic Center. The use of the regulations and development standards contained herein is intended to fulfill the following objectives:

1. Create a livable, pedestrian-friendly downtown retail district surrounding the civic core.

2. Create a distinctive mixed-use character throughout the Carson Street Corridor by establishing standards and guidelines.

C. Permitted Land Uses. All uses within the Mixed-Use – Carson Street Corridor are subject to site plan and design review per CMC 9172.23.

j. Public assembly uses, including but not limited to churches, temples or other places of religious worship, not associated with recreational areas designated for exclusive use of permitted residential uses.

n. All uses are prohibited except as expressly permitted by the provisions of this Section.

3. Interpretation of Uses Permitted. Further definition and enumeration of uses permitted in the Mixed-Use – Carson Street District shall be determined by means of interpretation in accordance with CMC 9172.24.

D. Site Requirements. The site requirements listed under this Section are mandatory.

a. The minimum lot size for a commercial-use-only building or buildings is twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

b. The minimum lot size for a mixed-use building or buildings is twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

c. The minimum lot size for development with a residential-only building or buildings is thirty thousand (30,000) square feet.

d. Any lawfully established lot (including a leased area of land during the term of the lease) is deemed to have the required lot size.

e. A lot may be reduced to less than the required lot area if such a reduction is the result of an acquisition for public purposes.

a. The minimum building frontage shall be seventy (70) percent of the lot width unless modified by the Planning Commission pursuant to CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review).

b. The building or structure frontage shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) feet per segment unless modified by the Planning Commission pursuant to CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review).

c. No lot shall be created unless it is capable of being provided with vehicular access directly from a public street or alley and has a street frontage of at least thirty (30) feet.

d. A new or additional use shall not be developed on an existing lawfully established lot (including a leased area of land during the term of the lease) unless there is vehicular access from a public street or alley, and such access has a width of at least twenty (20) feet. The required vehicular access shall be either directly from a public street or alley or by means of a right-of-way or easement.

a. The minimum lot width for mixed-use residential or residential use is one hundred (100) feet.

b. Any lawfully established lot (including a leased area of land during the term of the lease) is deemed to have the required lot depth.

a. Front Yard. The following are the required setbacks from the front property line:

b. Side Yard. The following are the required setbacks from the side property lines:

If the interior side lot line is adjacent to a residential use, then a ten (10) foot interior side yard is required.

c. Rear Yard. The following are the required setbacks from the rear property line:

d. The front yard ten (10) foot setback shall be provided and treated as an extension of the public right-of-way in the Carson Street Corridor.

e. Projections are allowed ten (10) feet into the front yard setback for arcades subject to review by the Planning Manager.

f. Ground floor awnings and canopies may project five (5) feet into the front and street side yards.

g. Upper-level balconies may project five (5) feet into the front and street side yards.

a. No commercial building or structure shall exceed a height of thirty (30) feet.

b. No residential or mixed-use building or structure shall have more than three (3) stories, including a basement but excluding a cellar, nor shall it exceed a height of forty-five (45) feet, except for residential projects for affordable or senior households permitted in accordance with CMC 9126.91 or projects that have an exceptional design.

c. In cases in which CMC 9126.91 is applicable, no building or structure shall have more than four (4) stories, including a basement but excluding a cellar, nor shall the height exceed fifty-five (55) feet.

e. The Planning Commission may approve building-mounted architectural features that exceed the height requirements described above only if exceptional design is provided as determined by the Planning Commission. The applicant must demonstrate exceptional design based on the quality of materials, colors, texture, and presentation, and the location, orientation, and overall appearance of the architectural feature. The Planning Commission may approve an architectural feature that exceeds the maximum height as described above to a height not more than twenty-five (25) feet; provided, that the architectural feature does not occupy more than ten (10) percent of any vertical plane above the maximum height. The Planning Commission, at its discretion, may require conditions of approval or modifications to the architectural feature in order to achieve an exceptional design, or may deny the proposal if it is unacceptable.

b. The minimum floor area ratio for ground floor commercial uses within a mixed-use development is 0.15.

c. The maximum floor area ratio for ground floor commercial uses within a mixed-use development is 0.7.

e. Partially subterranean garages are calculated at fifty (50) percent of the gross floor area.

a. A maximum density for residential use is thirty-five (35) dwelling units per acre.

b. If the residential units are affordable or for senior use per CMC 9126.91, the maximum density is fifty-five (55) dwelling units per acre.

c. The maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a lot or project area is the net lot area in acres multiplied by the density designation number, i.e., thirty-five (35) or fifty-five (55). Any fractional amount equal to or greater than one-half (1/2) shall permit an additional dwelling unit.

a. Recreational facilities shall be designed as that space suitably equipped and devoted to active or passive recreation for the exclusive use of the residents of a particular residential building or structure.

b. In each condominium or multiple-family dwelling project, there shall be usable open space of at least fifteen (15) percent of the gross floor devoted to residential use of which sixty (60) percent must be open to the sky.

a. In each condominium or multiple-family project, there shall be one hundred thirty (130) square feet of private open space for all zero (0) and one (1) bedroom units and one hundred fifty (150) square feet of private open space for each larger unit.

b. A reduction in the amount of private open space may be authorized subject to the review and approval of a development plan by the Planning Commission pursuant to CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review).

a. There shall be a minimum of six (6) foot separation between buildings or one (1) foot horizontal distance for each two (2) feet of building height on the lowest building.

b. Paseos between buildings shall be provided to facilitate pedestrian access between rear parking lots and Carson Street in the Downtown Retail District. Paseos shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet.

b. Tandem parking may be used for the same residential unit. Tandem parking cannot exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total parking count. No more than twenty-five (25) percent of the parking spaces could be tandem. Two parking spaces in tandem shall have a combined minimum dimension of nine (9) feet by thirty-six (36) feet.

c. Live/work units require one and one-half (1-1/2) spaces for units under two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet. Larger units require one (1) space per unit plus the number of spaces required for commercial use per CMC 9162.21.

d. Residential use requires one (1) covered parking space for every studio and two (2) covered spaces for each unit with one (1) or more bedrooms. One (1) guest space for each four (4) units.

e. No more than one-third (1/3) of the required parking spaces shall be compact spaces.

g. Parking for residential use shall be secure and separate from off-street parking devoted for commercial uses.

h. Parking spaces for residential purposes either in a mixed-use development or exclusively residential development may be provided in a common covered garage above, below or at grade level subject to the review and approval of a development plan by the Planning Commission pursuant to CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review).

i. Remote parking is permitted within four hundred (400) feet of use with a conditional use permit, if property owners involved in the joint use agree by covenant.

j. All commercial parking lots/structures shall provide a minimum of five (5) percent of total stalls for preferred parking for carpools/vanpools.

k. Bicycle parking shall be provided for at least five (5) percent of the total number of stalls in all parking areas.

l. Deviations from the parking requirements may be authorized subject to approval of a development plan by the Planning Commission pursuant to CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review) if the project includes affordable housing opportunities as defined by this Chapter.

m. All other requirements of Part 6, Division 2 (Vehicle Parking, Loading and Maneuvering Areas) of this Chapter are applicable.

a. Pedestrian-scale lighting with a minimum one (1) foot candle is required in the public areas.

a. All portions of setbacks not covered by permitted encroachments, pedestrian walkways, or driveways shall be landscaped.

b. Open parking areas located at or above grade shall be landscaped in accordance with CMC 9162.52 (Landscaping Requirements).

c. All landscaping shall be in compliance with the provisions of Part 6, Division 8 of this Chapter relating to water-efficient landscaping.

d. One specimen-size tree (thirty (30) inch box tree) shall be provided for each four (4) units. A reduction in the number of required specimen box trees may be authorized subject to the review and approval of a development plan by the Planning Commission pursuant to CMC 9172.23 (Site Plan and Design Review).

e. All other requirements of CMC 9162.52 (Landscaping Requirements) are applicable.

F. Signage. The purpose of this Section is to guide commercial development on Carson Street in the selection and placement of their signage. It is the intent to provide a reasonable number of signs, as well as size specifications, in order to provide aesthetic harmony in the District. It is further intended to limit the number and size of signs to that required for proper conduct of business, yet controlling and managing the design, aesthetics and placement of all signage. It is desired that artistic flexibility be allowed while maintaining continuity and appropriate scale to the District as a whole. The information contained in these development standards as adopted by the City of Carson establishes mandatory criteria to which each sign must conform. Any deviations from these standards may be considered by the Planning Commission pursuant to an approved sign program. Each business will be responsible for the construction, installation and maintenance of its signage, and must submit plans for design approval the City of Carson, pursuant to this Section. Submitted drawings must indicate location, materials, finishes, height, square footage and method of installation for all proposed signage.

a. The combined sign area for all signs on a single-story building which abuts a public street shall not exceed two (2) square feet for each of the first twenty (20) feet of business storefront and one (1) square foot for each linear foot that exceeds the first twenty (20) feet.

b. Businesses that take their primary access from the public right-of-way shall have no more than two (2) signs: one (1) wall sign and one (1) awning window or pedestrian sign. Businesses located on a corner may have one (1) wall sign and window or pedestrian sign on each side.

c. Ground floor businesses that have an entrance on an alley or rear parking lot may have one (1) additional sign on the exterior wall that abuts the parking lot. Maximum sign area shall be calculated at subsection (F)(1)(a) of this Section. No more than two (2) rows of letters allowed.

d. Capital letters shall not exceed a height of eighteen (18) inches. Lower case letters shall not exceed a height of eighteen (18) inches. When using logos, logo size should not exceed twenty-four (24) inches. Two (2) rows of letters shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches.

e. Major projecting signs shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet above adjacent grade and shall not project above the building parapet. Maximum sign projection beyond the building line should be thirty (30) inches at eight (8) feet above grade and a maximum of forty-eight (48) inches at fourteen (14) feet above grade. Projecting signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet and be no closer than fifteen (15) feet to another projecting sign, monument sign, or pylon sign.

f. Minor projecting signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in size and shall not project more than thirty (30) inches from the wall on which they are attached.

g. Pedestrian signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in size and shall not project more than thirty (30) inches from the wall on which they are attached. Internal illumination of pedestrian signs is prohibited.

h. Window signs shall be limited to permanent signs and shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the window area. Signage letters shall not exceed three (3) inches in height. Content of the sign is limited to the business name and address. No phone numbers are allowed.

i. Blade signs shall be mounted a minimum of eight (8) feet above grade and project no more than thirty (30) inches from the building line in the West Gateway District.

j. A one (1) foot by two (2) foot sign listing the business is permitted on live/work units. All other signage is not allowed, including signage on the inside of the units which may be viewed through the front windows.

k. Awning signs shall be kept to a minimum size and be limited to the valance of the awning. Area shall be calculated with total area.

l. Wall-mounted signage should be centered above storefront. Signage width should not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of leasehold frontage.

m. The sign area of a monument sign shall not exceed 1.5 square feet per each foot of street frontage. Sign placement shall not exceed a maximum of one (1) per every one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of street frontage. Signs shall be located at least seven and one-half (7-1/2) feet from interior lot lines. Monument signs shall be a maximum of eight (8) feet high, with a maximum eighteen (18) inch base and should not be a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Sign content shall be limited to shopping center name and name of tenant (no more than two (2) rows of letters).

n. Pole or pylon signs are limited to sign per center subject to review by the Planning Manager. Pole or pylon signs are reserved for major tenants. Pole or pylon signs are limited to parcels two (2) acres and more. The maximum height is thirty (30) feet. The area shall not exceed one (1) square foot for each square foot of building frontage.

o. Pole, pylon or monument signs shall be located within a minimum two hundred (200) square foot landscaped planter area.

p. Any deviations from the standards may be considered by the Planning Commission pursuant to an approved sign program.

c. Pennants, streamers, flashing blinking lights or moveable signs (electric or manual).

a. Banners, permits and other similar temporary signage placed on the exterior of the building are generally prohibited, although they may be permitted at the opening of a new business, or for special events with prior approval of the Planning Division.

b. All perimeter walls are to be constructed out of masonry (stone, block, brick) with stucco finish.

c. All perimeter walls are to be articulated via pilasters, reveals, or other elements at a maximum of thirty (30) foot intervals.

a. Trash and recycling areas shall be provided in accordance with Part 6, Division 4 (Trash and Recycling Areas) of this Chapter.

b. Nonresidential development shall comply with Part 6, Division 5 (Transportation Demand and Trip Reduction Measures) of this Chapter.

c. Exclusively residential development and the residential portion of mixed-use developments shall be in conformance with the requirements set forth in CMC 9128.11 (Intent and Purpose), 9128.13 (Application for Conditional Use Permit), 9128.17 (Declaration of Covenants – Conditions and Restrictions), 9128.51 (Multiple-Family Dwelling), 9128.53 (Application for Conditional Use Permit) and 9128.55 (Development Criteria).

d. Residential uses shall be permitted pursuant to the development standards established by CMC 9128.16 and 9128.54 except as modified in this Section.

I. Live/Work Criteria. The purpose of this Section is to provide standards for live/work units. Live/work units are intended to be occupied by business operators who live in the same structure that contains the commercial activity. The Planning Commission during the conditional use permit process may impose additional conditions as deemed necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare. The development standards for live/work units are mandatory.

a. Each live/work unit shall front on a public or private street and the work area shall be located at street level.

c. The living space within the live/work unit shall be contiguous with and an integral part of the working space with direct access between the two (2) areas and not a separate stand-alone dwelling unit. The residential unit shall not have a separate street address from the business component.

d. The live/work unit shall be occupied and used only by a business operator and/or household of which at least one (1) member shall be the business operator.

e. The living space shall not be rented or sold separately from the working space.

f. One (1) employee, at a time, who does not reside in the unit may work in the unit, unless this employment is prohibited or limited by the conditional use permit.

g. Other than a sign as permitted by this Section, in no way shall the appearance of the structure be altered, or the conduct of the use within the structure be such that the structure may be recognized as serving a nonresidential use (either by color, materials, construction, lighting, odors, noises, vibrations, etc.).

h. The retail use shall be limited to the display and sale of works created in the unit.

j. A copy of the conditional use permit, showing the conditions of the use permit, shall be provided to all occupants of live/work units in the building prior to their execution of a lease or purchase agreement for such live/work unit.

k. Work space shall be limited to the first floor of the building. Living space shall be located in the rear ground level or upper floors so that it does not interrupt the appearance of the commercial frontage.

l. The designated work space cannot be used for residential living space other than a home office.

m. There shall be no storage of flammable liquids or hazardous materials beyond that normally associated with a residential use. Storage of flammable liquids and hazardous materials beyond that normally associated with a residential use, such as for an artist studio, shall be allowed only through an approved conditional use permit and approval from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Building Official.

2. Performance Standards. These performance standards shall apply to all live/work units:

a. Noise. Noise resulting from conduct of the work within the unit shall be muffled so as not to become disruptive to surrounding neighborhoods due to volume, tone, intermittence, frequency or shrillness.

b. Odor. Every use shall be operated in such a manner that it does not emit an obnoxious odor or fumes beyond the working unit/area.

c. Smoke. Every use shall be operated in such a manner that it does not emit smoke into the atmosphere.

d. Dust and Dirt. Every use shall be operated in such a manner that it does not emit any dust or dirt into the atmosphere.

3. Findings. The following findings must be made when approving a conditional use permit for live/work units:

a. The proposed use at the location requested will not significantly cause an adverse effect to the health, safety or welfare of persons residing or working in the surrounding area; or

b. The proposed site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the yards, open space, walls, fences, parking, landscaping and other development requirements as required to integrate the use with existing and planned uses in the surrounding area; and

c. The proposed site is adequately served by highways and streets of sufficient width and improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such use would generate, and by other public and private service activities as required.

J. Design Guidelines and Sustainable Standards. The purpose of the guidelines is to establish the parameters of sustainable design and provide an opportunity to incorporate the principles of sustainable design into a concentrated area of development, where they can be implemented in a consistent and coordinated manner. The sustainable guidelines shall serve as best practices recommendations for all new development within the Carson Street Corridor. These guidelines are intended to promote a more sustainable built environment through specific design and construction techniques. Guidelines, unlike standards, are not mandatory.

All projects within the Mixed-Use – Carson Street Corridor District are recommended to incorporate the following guidelines and are subject to City review and approval.

a. Create outdoor spaces to promote community, a sense of place, pedestrian-friendly environments, and reduced automobile usage.

b. Encourage rehabilitation of damaged sites due to environmental contamination.

c. Cluster buildings to promote higher-density communities and greater opportunities for energy-efficient designs.

d. Site buildings to take advantage of solar orientation, minimize energy use and to increase potential for alternative energy sources.

e. Increase porous paving to minimize stormwater/runoff impact on surrounding environment.

f. Minimize uplighting and reduce site lighting requirements to be one (1) foot candle per square foot to lower the amount of light that spills across the site.

g. There should be a minimum of curb cuts provided and no wider than is necessary to serve the project.

i. Built streetwall along Carson Street should be a minimum of fifty (50) percent of lot width in the West Gateway and Community Shopping Districts.

j. Provide pedestrian access connecting rear parking lots to street when possible.

k. Parking lots should be placed at the rear and sides of new retail development to establish a consistent building frontage line along Carson Street.

l. New points of ingress and egress to public or private parking lots should be from side streets whenever possible. Driveways onto Carson Street should be combined to serve two (2) or more properties whenever possible.

m. Provide continuous enhanced paving at pedestrian areas adjoining one (1) or more developments and all driveway areas.

n. Provide fountains and/or civic art, centrally located, in designated open space areas for visual attraction, screening of traffic noise and cooling effect.

o. All new developments over twenty thousand (20,000) square feet should incorporate a public arts component equal to at least one (1) percent of the total project costs.

p. Primary ground floor building entrances should front the public right-of-way. Secondary entrances are permitted when parking is located to the side or rear of the building. The main entrance should be clearly identified and directly accessible from the public right-of-way.

q. New points of access to parking lots for corner lots shall be on the side street.

r. Driveways onto Carson Street shall be combined to serve two (2) properties when possible.

a. Orient longer side of building on an east-west axis to maximize solar heat gain.

b. Shape buildings to maximize effects of local wind condition and circulate breezes.

c. Specify light colors or reflective colors and materials to minimize heat gain.

d. Specify windows and glazing systems with high R-values and e-coatings to minimize heat gain and loss.

e. Provide roof overhangs, awnings, canopies, porches, or blinds to prevent unwanted solar heat gain.

f. Provide natural lighting opportunities through the use of skylights, lightshelves, lightwells, clerestories, and windows.

g. Specify materials that are either made from recycled content or are reused from previous construction.

h. Specify materials that do not contain formaldehyde, organic solvents, VOCs and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

i. Entries shall be enhanced through architectural treatment such as tiling, individual awnings, or placement of signs above the entryways.

j. Buildings fronting onto intersections should have architectural features to demarcate the corner.

k. Recess storefront bays on new buildings at least three (3) inches from the front plane of the building. Encourage retention of recessed storefront remodel.

l. Wall opening (windows and doors) shall occupy a minimum of seventy (70) percent of the ground floor street facade in commercial units. Opaque or dark tinted glass is strongly discouraged.

m. Doors and windows for retail shops shall contain seventy (70) percent clear glass (ninety (90) percent light transmission). Solid doors, or doors with opaque or dark tinted glass are strongly discouraged.

o. Storefront windows shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches and a maximum of thirty-six (36) inches from the sidewalk grade to accommodate a traditional bulkhead.

q. Skylights, clerestories and transom windows should be incorporated into the building where possible to allow for maximum amount of daylight.

r. If awnings are used, each structural bay should have an individual awning. One unified awning spanning several bays shall be prohibited. Awning shape should relate to the shape of the window and door openings.

u. Buildings should be designed with a variety of scales, creating a scale and level of detail that addresses the pedestrians at street level and the formal conditions of the upper floors.

v. New development should consider the roof lines of adjacent buildings to avoid clashes in scale, proportion, style and materials.

w. Roof pitches that create prominent or out-of-scale building elements, such a A-frame roofs, geodesic domes, or chalet-style buildings are strongly discouraged.

x. The use of exterior paint should be limited to four (4) different colors per building. Use of fluorescent colors are strongly discouraged.

y. Use of wood, metal, vinyl, and heavily textured stucco as primary exterior building materials is strongly discouraged. Wood and metal may be used for door frames, window frames and other accent uses. Permitted exterior materials for storefront bulkheads should be tile, brick or stucco.

z. Recess storefront bays on new buildings at least three (3) inches from the front plane of the building. Encourage retention of recessed storefront in storefront remodel.

aa. Entries should be enhanced through architectural treatment such as tiling, individual awnings, or placement of signs above the entryway.

bb. Facades should be varied via elements such as windows, fenestrations, cornices, etc., to create visual interest, variety and emphasis. Long repetitive expanses of wall surfaces should be avoided. Vertical and horizontal design elements should be incorporated to balance the facade composition.

cc. Each structural bay should have an individual awning when awnings are provided. One unified awning spanning several structural bays is discouraged. Awnings should relate to the shape of the window and door openings. Awnings should be constructed of canvas with metal or wood frames.

dd. Exterior security grills or permanently affixed security bars are strongly discouraged. Roll-down security grills that conceal storefront windows are strongly discouraged. Interior security grills must recess completely into pockets that conceal the grill when it is retracted. Roll-down security grills and housings must be completely concealed from the street by awnings or canopies. Security grills should not be visible during hours of operation.

a. Consider offsetting energy costs through alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics, wind power, water power, geothermal, bio-gas, or co-generation plants.

b. Specify lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and appliances that minimize energy and water consumption (i.e., fluorescent lights, daylight sensors, low-flow toilet fixtures, automatic faucets, natural gas appliances.

c. Institute recycling programs for facilities and provide recycling locations within developments to collect materials.

a. Minimize amounts of impervious surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff and reduce heat islands through use of landscaping, permeable paving and high-albedo concrete.

b. Provide attractive waiting areas for mass transit use, preferred carpool/vanpool parking locations, bicycle storage areas, and shower/changing facilities for building users.

d. Provide pedestrian-scaled pole lighting with a minimum of one (1) foot candle in all public areas.

e. Transit shelters should be incorporated into the design of commercial and mixed-use projects. Designs can be physically integrated into the development or coordinated aesthetically with the proposed development.

a. Protect the native topsoil during construction so it can support the future landscape, reduce stormwater runoff, reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, and conserve irrigation water.

b. Minimize disruption of existing plants, especially trees. Existing mature trees and shrubs should be incorporated into the site plan when possible.

c. Landscape to reduce energy use by shading buildings and parking lots during hot summer months and to allow for heat gain in the winter, as well as enhancing natural ventilation by directing breezes and blocking wind.

d. Design landscape to allow irrigation and stormwater to soak into the soil recharging groundwater systems and filter out pollutants. Reduce runoff, erosion and pesticide use during construction and operation to protect water quality.

e. Minimize waste by reducing the need to prune by selecting appropriate plants and using plant trimmings as mulch and compost.

g. Accent planting should be used at all driveways and pedestrian entries to the property marking appropriate entryways. Accent planting should consist of low ground cover and flowering plants.

a. Signs may use any of the building colors plus three (3) additional colors. Signs must use at least one (1) building color.

b. It is recommended that signs have internally illuminated letters on a raceway (channel letters), neon letters, and externally illuminated letters mounted to facade or canopy, internally and externally illuminated projecting signs, sign cabinets with distinctive curvilinear form.

c. Internally illuminated sign cabinets with a rectangular form are strongly discouraged. (Ord. 06-1363, § 9; Ord. 08-1403, § 1; Ord. 09-1419, § 4; Ord. 09-1420, § 2)

Residential Uses:
Multiple-family dwellings	CUP
Residential condominiums	CUP
Live/work residential units	CUP
Mixed-use residential/commercial	CUP
Mobilehome park	CUP
Community care residential facility	CUP
Community day care facility	CUP
Retail:
Department store, variety stores and specialized stores for apparel, items for personal use, household items, plants and flowers, supplies and small equipment for businesses, telephones, computers, antiques but no second-hand items
Recreational:
Billiards
Automobile parking lot or parking building (no long-term vehicle storage, no storage of inoperable vehicles)
Pharmacy
With drive-through	CUP
Animal services
Animal clipping and washing, grooming, veterinary office or clinic (no animal hospital or kennel)	CUP
Personal Services:
Barber shop, beauty shop, reducing salons, manicure parlor
Optical Services
Health Club	CUP
Clothing Services:
Laundry or dry cleaning, self-service laundry, tailor, shoe repair
Mechanical and Repair Services:
Locksmith, watch repair, small appliance repair, radio and television repair, computer repair, bicycle repair
Graphic Arts Services:
Copying, printing, blueprinting, photography (incidental photo-finishing and film developing permitted), picture framing
Offices:
Business, professional, financial, insurance, real estate, advertising, newspaper or publishing (no printing), ticket agency, travel agency, car rental, employment agency, collection agency, detective agency, security service, bail bondsman, medical/dental office or clinic
Bank:
With drive-through facility	CUP
Food Sales and Services:
Restaurant, coffee shop, snack shop (outdoor dining space may be provided within the limits of the restaurant frontage, and there is a clear path of travel (min. 7' wide) on the sidewalk without obstruction)
Food store – grocery, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, retail bakery, pastry, candy, health food, take-out food
Food catering (only direct retail sales or retail distribution)
Dog and cat catering (retail only)
Commercial Uses Allowed within Mixed-Use Projects:
Retail, personal services, graphic arts, office, medical office, restaurant (no drive-through), bank (no drive-through), food store, bakery
Commercial Uses Allowed within Live/Work Units:
Professional office, i.e., attorney, realtor, accountant, insurance agent, architect, engineer, etc.
Artist or craftsperson
Consultant
Travel agency
Education:
Elementary or secondary school – public or private; professional school; business school; barber or beauty school; school of arts, crafts, dance, photography, writing, drama or music
Alcohol Beverage Sales and Services:
Alcohol beverage sales in conjunction with department store or supermarket
Alcoholic beverage sales in conjunction with a variety store, drug store, mini-market, food store or grocery store excluding supermarket, take-out food and liquor store (subject to requirements of CMC 9138.5)	CUP
Alcohol beverage sales and service in conjunction with a cocktail lounge, bar, indoor theater, night club and an eating establishment other than a bona fide restaurant (subject to the requirements of CMC 9138.5)	CUP
Alcohol beverage sales and service in conjunction with a bona fide restaurant
Public Assembly:
Existing churches, temples, or other places of worship with an approved Site Plan and Design Review pursuant to CMC 9172.23 as determined by the Planning Commission	DOR
Temporary Uses:
Fireworks stand (CMC 3101.0 – 3101.10)	CC
Office or other permitted commercial use in a trailer or other mobile unit. (Permitted for a period not exceeding six months during construction of a building on the same lot while a building permit is in effect. The Director may approve reasonable time extensions if he finds construction is proceeding in good faith.)	L
Storage of construction materials and equipment at a construction site without the screening which would be required for permanent outdoor storage (only during the period a building permit is in effect)	L
Sidewalk, Parking Lot and Tent Sales (See CMC 9138.8)
Christmas Tree Sales, Pumpkin Sales, Yard Sales (See CMC 4600 – 4606)

1st floor – Commercial/live/work	10'
1st floor – Residential	10'
2nd floor – Commercial	10'
2nd floor – Residential	10'
3rd floor – Residential	10'
4th floor – Residential	10'
West Gateway subarea front yard setback
1st and 2nd floor – All development	15'

	Interior	Street Side
Subterranean garage	1''	1''
On-grade parking or partial subterranean garage	1'' or 3'	10'
1st floor – Commercial/live/work	1'', 3' or 10'	10'
1st floor – Residential	10'	10'
2nd floor – Residential	10'	10'
2nd floor – Commercial	1'', 3' or 10'	10'
3rd floor – Residential	10'	10'
4th floor – Residential	10'	10'

Subterranean garage	1''
On grade parking or partial subterranean garage	1'' or 3'
1st floor – Commercial/live/work	10'
2nd floor – Commercial/live/work	10'
1st floor – Residential	15'
2nd floor – Residential	15'
3rd floor	30'
4th floor	30'

§ 9138.18 Mixed-Use – Sepulveda Boulevard (MU-SB).

A. Description of Boundaries. The City of Carson Mixed-Use – Sepulveda Boulevard Corridor (MU-SB) is located on the south side of Sepulveda Boulevard, two hundred forty (240) feet east of Marbella Avenue to four hundred (400) feet west of Avalon Boulevard.

B. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the MU-SB Zone is to create a retail, office and residential district along the south side of Sepulveda Boulevard. The use of the regulations and development standards contained herein is intended to fulfill the following objectives:

1. Create a mix of high density residential and commercial use on the south side of Sepulveda Boulevard.

2. Create a buffer between the major street and the residential uses to the south.

C. Permitted Land Uses. All uses within the Mixed-Use – Sepulveda Boulevard District are subject to site plan and design review per CMC 9172.23.

l. Public assembly uses, including but not limited to churches, temples or other places of religious worship, not associated with recreational areas designated for exclusive use of permitted residential uses.

p. All uses are prohibited except as expressly permitted by the provisions of this Section.

3. Interpretation of Uses Permitted. Further definition and enumeration of uses permitted in the Mixed-Use – Sepulveda Boulevard District shall be determined by means of interpretation in accordance with CMC 9172.24.

D. Site Requirements. The site requirements listed under this Section are mandatory.

a. The minimum lot size for a commercial use-only building or buildings is ten thousand (10,000) square feet.

b. The minimum lot size for a mixed use building or buildings is fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet.

c. The minimum lot size for development with a residential-only building or buildings is ten thousand (10,000) square feet.