Division 6. Site Development Standards
Buildings and Structures
9146.11 Reserved.
9146.12 Height of Buildings and Structure.
In the industrial zones, there is no height limit provided additional yard spaces are provided as required in CMC 9146.21 through 9146.29.
Yards and Open Spaces
9146.21 Reserved.
9146.22 Future Rights-of-Way.
This Section is applicable only where portions of a lot are within areas planned to be part of future streets, alleys or public rights-of-way, as determined by the Director.
In cases to which this Section is applicable, unless otherwise approved by the Commission, the portions of any lot within such future right-of-way areas shall not be occupied by structures other than those encroachments allowed in future right-of-way areas as provided in CMC 9146.29. All other required setbacks, yards and open spaces shall be provided in addition to the future right-of-way areas, and the future right-of-way lines shall be considered to be lot lines for purposes of measuring such other setbacks, yards and open spaces.
9146.23 Front Yard.
Each lot shall have a front yard with a required depth of twenty-five (25) feet or twenty-five (25) percent of the lot depth, whichever is less, except that a variable front yard in which all portions are at least ten (10) feet in depth and some portion is at least twenty (20) feet in depth is permitted if, to the satisfaction of the Director, all portions of the yard where the setback is twenty (20) feet or less are landscaped and mounded earthforms are included in the landscaping.
For any building (but not for an unoccupiable structure, whether detached or attached to a building) over fifty (50) feet in height, the required front yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above fifty (50) feet.
Any portion of a required front yard which is not utilized for parking shall be landscaped. A required front yard shall not be otherwise occupied except as provided in CMC 9146.29. (Ord. 19-1904, § 2)
9146.24 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 (but not for an unoccupiable structure whether detached or attached to a building) over fifty (50) feet in height, the required side yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above fifty (50) feet.
Where the side 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 need not be greater than ten (10) feet in width. For any building (but not for an unoccupiable structure whether detached or attached to a building) over thirty (30) feet in height, the required side yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot for each foot of height over thirty (30) feet.
Where the side of a lot abuts a lot in other than a residential zone and the height of the building is not over fifty (50) 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 (but not for an unoccupiable structure whether detached or attached to a building) over fifty (50) feet in height, the required side yard setback shall be three (3) feet plus one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above fifty (50) feet.
Required side yards shall not be occupied except as provided in CMC 9146.29.
9146.25 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 subject 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 (but not for an unoccupiable structure whether detached or attached to a building) over thirty (30) feet in height, the required rear yard setback shall be increased by one (1) foot 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 fifty (50) 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 (but not for an occupiable structure whether detached or attached to a building) over fifty (50) feet in height, the required rear yard setback shall be three (3) feet plus one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above fifty (50) feet.
A required rear lot shall not be occupied except as provided in CMC 9146.29.
9146.26 Reserved.
9146.27 Space between Buildings.
Buildings (but not including unoccupiable structures whether detached or attached to buildings) on the same lot either shall be abutting each other or there shall be a separation of at least three (3) feet. Where there is a separation and both buildings are more than fifty (50) feet in height, the required separation shall be increased by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet of height above fifty (50) feet on the lower building.
9146.28 Reserved.
9146.29 Encroachments.
Every part of a required yard or open space shall be open and unobstructed from finished grade to the sky except for facilities and activities as follows:
A. Projections from buildings (such as eaves, awnings and shading devices; signs; architectural features; utility meters; conduits and pipes; unenclosed and unroofed stairways, landings, porches and balconies; chimneys; and mechanical equipment) may project into a required yard not more than one-half of the width of the required yard, except that only such projections permitted into a required front yard or a required side yard abutting a street shall be for eaves, awnings, shading devices, architectural features and signs. No projections are permitted into future right-of-way areas as determined under CMC 9146.22.
B. Free-standing mechanical equipment is not permitted in any required yard except those additional yard areas required because of building height.
C. Utility-owned facilities are permitted in any required yard if also located in an approved utility easement.
D. Signs are permitted in required yards other than in existing or future street rights-of-way if in accordance with the provisions of CMC 9146.7.
E. Swimming pools are permitted in required yards other than future right-of-way areas provided the pool is set back from the front lot line at least twenty-five (25) feet or twenty-five (25) percent of the lot depth, whichever is less, and is not less than five (5) feet from any other lot line.
F. Fences, walls, and hedges shall not be higher than eight (8) feet above finished grade in a future right-of-way, front yard, or in a side or rear yard which abuts a residential zone. In a required front yard or abutting future right-of-way area, any portion of a fence, wall or hedge above three and one-half (3-1/2) feet in height shall not impair vision by obscuring more than ten (10) percent of the area in the vertical plane unless approved by the Director pursuant to the procedures and requirements for Site Plan and Design Review contained in CMC 9172.23.
G. Landscaping (other than hedges) is permitted in any required yard or open space.
H. Outdoor display of goods. The following items may be displayed in any required yard area, but not in a required parking area:
Vehicles (automobiles, motorcycles, motorscooters, bicycles, recreational vehicles, trucks, mobile homes, or other vehicles).
Boats.
Agricultural produce.
Nursery stock.
Flowers and plants.
Christmas trees.
Similar items as determined in accordance with the Interpretation procedure of CMC 9172.24.
The following items may be displayed in yard areas other than a required front yard and any abutting future right-of-way area, but not in a required parking area:
Garden equipment and supplies.
Building materials.
Monuments, tombstones, statuary.
Similar items as determined in accordance with the Interpretation procedure of CMC 9172.24.
Items displayed must be in the form in which marketed (no raw materials or subassemblies).
I. Outdoor storage is permitted only in yards other than a required front yard and abutting future right-of-way area, but not in a required parking area.
Outdoor storage areas shall be screened from view from any adjoining public street or walkway.
J. Employee recreation and eating facilities (no buildings) are permitted in any yard other than a required front yard and adjacent future street right-of-way, but not in a required parking area.
K. Parking is permitted in required yards except the area within ten (10) feet of an existing or future street right-of-way. (See CMC 9162.52.)
L. Railroad spur tracks are permitted in any yard other than a required yard adjacent to a street (front or side) and any adjacent future street right-of-way.
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, § 8; Ord. 90-905, § 1; Ord. 91-945, § 1)
Other Site Development Standards
9146.3 Fences, Walls and Hedges.
A. Except as provided in Division 8 of this Part*:
1. A solid masonry wall shall be constructed along the inside of any lot line (or upon the lot line with the consent of the adjoining property owner) if the lot line abuts a residential zone or if the lot line abuts an alley that borders a residential zone. In areas other than the required front yard area and any abutting future right-of-way area, such wall shall be a minimum of six (6) feet and a maximum of eight (8) feet in height. In a required front yard area and any abutting future right-of-way area, such wall may not exceed three and one-half (3-1/2) feet in height, except fencing material of any type may extend above the three and one-half (3-1/2) foot solid masonry portion to a height not exceeding eight (8) feet, provided such extended portion does not impair vision by obscuring more than ten (10) percent of the area in the vertical plane.
2. No fence, wall or hedge in an industrial zone shall exceed a height of fifty (50) feet.
3. The height of fences, walls and hedges shall be measured from the finished grade at each point along the fence, wall or hedge. Where there is a difference between the grade on the two (2) sides of the fence, wall or hedge, the higher grade shall be used. (Ord. 90-905, § 2; Ord. 16-1590, Exh. B (§ 10))
*Division 8 applies only to vehicle dismantling yards, junk and salvage yards, vehicle impounding yards and retail petroleum outlets.
9146.4 Trash Areas.
Trash and recycling areas shall be provided in accordance with Division 4 of Part 6 of this Chapter. (Ord. 93-1013, § 3)
9146.5 Reserved.
9146.6 Parking, Loading, Truck Maneuvering and Driveways.
Parking spaces and loading areas for each use and the areas required for access and truck maneuvering shall be provided in accordance with Division 2 of Part 6 of this Chapter.
9146.7 Signs*.
A. Outdoor advertising signs are permitted, subject to the following:
1. The total sign face area on each I-405, I-110 or SR-91 Freeway Corridor sign structure or any pre-Ordinance No. 01-1237 sign structure shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet and digital displays can be installed on said sign face areas if approved within a development agreement, with appropriate conditions and public benefits to be negotiated with the City and complying with all other conditions imposed by this Chapter. The interval between the change of digital display shall be a minimum of eight (8) seconds. The total sign face area on any other new sign structure shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet and digital displays are not allowed on these other new sign structures.
2. The height of an I-405, I-110 or SR-91 Freeway Corridor sign structure or any pre-Ordinance No. 01-1237 sign structure shall either be the height of the current off-premises sign if said sign is being rebuilt or maintained on the same parcel of land or if the proposed off-premises sign is not replacing an existing off-premises sign on the same parcel of land, then said sign shall not exceed forty-two (42) feet measured from the higher of either the ground level at the base of the sign structure or the finished grade of the road which the sign is advertising thereto. The height of any other new sign structure shall not exceed twenty (20) feet measured from the ground level at the base of the sign structure.
3. A new sign structure shall be erected only on a property that abuts the Alameda Corridor or abuts either the I-405, I-110 or SR-91 Freeway Corridor. For purposes of this Section, the term “Alameda Corridor” means that portion of Alameda Street between Del Amo Boulevard and Lomita Boulevard. For purposes of this Section, the term “I-405 Freeway Corridor” means that portion of the I-405 Freeway that is on the north side of the I-405 Freeway and that is also between Del Amo Boulevard and Figueroa Street (“Del Amo Boulevard Portion”) and that portion of the I-405 Freeway that is between the west line of Alameda Street and a point that is two thousand one hundred (2,100) feet west of the west line of Alameda Street (“Alameda Street Portion”). The term “I-110 Freeway Corridor” means that portion of the I-110 Freeway that directly abuts the east side of the I-110 Freeway, is zoned Manufacturing Light (ML), and is located on MTA owned property between Sepulveda Boulevard and Lomita Boulevard. The term “SR-91 Freeway Corridor” means that portion of the SR-91 Freeway that directly abuts the north side of the SR-91 Freeway, is zoned Manufacturing Light (ML), and is located on APN 7319-033-064 property between Avalon Boulevard and Central Avenue.
4. The I-405, I-110 and SR-91 Freeway Corridor static outdoor advertising signs shall not be erected within five hundred (500) feet of any other outdoor advertising sign on the same side of the freeway and a digital display shall not be erected within one thousand (1,000) feet of any other digital display on the same side of either freeway, but in no case shall there be more than two (2) digital display faces allowed on the north side of the I-405 Freeway Corridor within the entire Alameda Street Portion, no more than two (2) digital display faces allowed on the south side of the I-405 Freeway Corridor within the entire Alameda Street Portion, no more than two (2) digital display faces allowed on the I-110 Freeway Corridor, and no more than two (2) digital display faces allowed on the SR-91 Freeway Corridor. Other than an I-405, I-110 or SR-91 Freeway Corridor sign structure which shall not have a sign face area of more than six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet with the exception of no more than one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet in extensions, no new sign structure having a total sign face area of more than eighty (80) square feet but not exceeding one hundred fifty (150) square feet shall be erected within:
a. Two hundred (200) feet of an outdoor advertising sign structure having a total sign face area greater than eighty (80) square feet; or
b. One hundred (100) feet of any other outdoor advertising sign structure located on the same side of the public street or other right-of-way.
5. No new sign structures having a total sign face area of eighty (80) square feet or less shall be erected within one hundred (100) feet of any outdoor advertising sign structure located on the same side of the public street or other right-of-way.
6. Other than an I-405, I-110 or SR-91 Freeway Corridor sign structure, any such sign having a sign face visible from and within a distance of six hundred (600) feet of the edge of the right-of-way of a freeway or scenic highway measured horizontally along a line perpendicular to the centerline of such freeway or scenic highway shall not be permitted if placed or directed so as to be viewed primarily by persons traveling thereon.
7. Such sign shall not be permitted on the roof of a building, and a freestanding sign shall not be permitted to project over the roof of a building.
8. Such signs shall not encroach over public rights-of-way.
9. Any such sign structure shall not be permitted within two hundred (200) feet of a residential zone located on the same side of a public street or right-of-way.
10. Other than an I-405, I-110 or SR-91 Freeway Corridor sign structure or any pre-Ordinance No. 01-1237 sign structure, any such sign structure shall be designed in the simplest form and shall be free of any bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables, etc.
11. All exposed backs of such signs, which are visible to the public, shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structure and shall be properly maintained.
12. An approved development agreement shall be required for each new sign structure. The provisions of this subsection shall govern the processing of applications for a development agreement for an outdoor advertising sign. Unless an extension is agreed to in writing by the applicant, the City Council shall render its decision on an application for a development agreement for an outdoor advertising sign within three (3) months of the date of acceptance of the application. An application for a development agreement for an outdoor advertising sign shall be approved by the City Council if the proposed sign structure conforms to the requirements of this code and applicable laws.
B. Business signs are permitted, subject to the following:
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.
2. The total sign area per lot shall not exceed an area in square feet equal to two (2) times the linear feet of lot frontage on a public street or streets for the first one hundred (100) feet of frontage, plus one-half (1/2) times the frontage in excess of one hundred (100) feet. Window signage shall not exceed ten (10) percent of window area. Lot frontage on a freeway shall not be considered in computing this figure.
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.
Any primary use which is developed commercially may be permitted to have a sign area equal to that permitted by CMC 9136.7(B)(2); provided, that a deed restriction is recorded in the offices of the County Recorder, restricting the use on the property to a commercial use, and proof of such recordation is submitted to the satisfaction of the Director.
3. Repealed by Ord. 16-1602.
4. A ground sign in excess of six (6) 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.
5. A sign may be affixed to a building but shall not project above the height of the building wall or roof fascia.
6. A sign shall not project into an existing or future right-of-way.
7. No “A” frame or “sandwich” sign or scintillating, flashing or revolving sign shall be permitted.
8. Electronic message center signs are permitted, subject to the following:
(a) Such sign shall be at least one hundred (100) feet from a residential zone.
(b) Such sign shall be at least five hundred (500) feet from any other electronic message center sign.
(c) Such sign shall be affixed to a pole and subject to the pole sign limitations of this Chapter.
(d) A conditional use permit (CUP) shall be required for all electronic message center signs in accordance with provisions set forth in CMC 9172.21. Approval shall not be granted if the Commission finds that the proposed sign would interfere with traffic signals, disrupt normal traffic flow or otherwise create a safety hazard.
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 Community Development Director. Requests for such displays shall be submitted to the Community Development Director, in writing, thirty (30) days prior to the event. All approvals shall be limited to no longer than sixty (60) consecutive days at any one (1) time with a minimum of thirty (30) days in between the next display period for a total of one hundred twenty (120) days of display per calendar year per business. An additional thirty (30) days of display is permitted; provided, that a new banner permit is issued and a fee is paid.
2. Any streamer, banner, pennant, or similar displays shall be suspended so as to maintain at least seven (7) foot clearance.
3. 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 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.
D. Real Estate Advertising. Real estate advertising signs are permitted, subject to the following:
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 one hundred (100) 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 (1/2) the setback from the inside line of the sidewalk or lot line.
4. A freestanding 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.
8. Off-site open house signs for residential properties may be placed on commercial properties with the permission of the commercial property’s owner, and consistent with the provisions of Section 9126.7(A)(8).
9. Violations.
a. Violations of this subsection (D) shall be subject to the following civil fines within a calendar year: (a) $50.00 for the first violation; (b) $75.00 for the second violation; and (c) $100.00 for the third and any subsequent violation.
b. Fines shall be payable within thirty (30) days of issuance. Late payment shall incur a late penalty equal to the amount of the fine. The failure of any person, within sixty (60) days of the date of issuance of a fine, to pay the fine and any applicable late penalty, may result in the matter being referred to the Director of Finance to file a claim with the small claims court. Alternatively, the City may pursue any other legal remedy to collect the civil fines. The City may also recover its collections costs according to proof.
c. Violations shall be recorded by realtor office address, rather than by individual property for sale; provided, that if the property is being sold by its owner, the violations shall be recorded against the property that is for sale.
d. The remedies provided in this Section are in addition to any other remedies and penalties that may be available under the Carson Municipal Code and the laws of the State of California.
E. Except as provided for violations of subsection (D) of this Section, 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. (Ord. 79-479, § 8; Ord. 79-473; Ord. 80-513, § 2; Ord. 80-531, § 1; Ord. 80-532, § 5; Ord. 88-856, § 2; Ord. 89-873, § 3; Ord. 90-915, § 4; Ord. 01-1225, § 5; Ord. 01-1237, § 3; Ord. 03-1272, § 2; Ord. 09-1434, § 3; Ord. 10-1455, § 3; Ord. 11-1475, §§ 3, 4; Ord. 12-1500, § 2; Ord. 15-1563, §§ 7, 8; Ord. 16-1590, Exh. B (§ 11); Ord. 16-1602, § 8; Ord. 17-1625, § 2; Ord. 20-2005, § 4)
*See CMC 9526 for different sign regulations applicable to petroleum operations.
9146.8 Utilities.
All new utility lines, other than major transmission lines, shall be placed underground. This requirement may be waived by the Commission where topography, soil, undue financial hardship or other conditions make such underground installation unreasonable or impractical. Undergrounding shall be in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the utility, as currently on file with the California Public Utilities Commission.
All aboveground equipment (other than pole lines when permitted), such as transformers and pedestal terminals, which are visible from an adjacent public street or walkway, shall be within a solid enclosure or otherwise screened from public view. Such enclosure/screening shall be in accordance with the utility’s service requirement.
9146.9 Site Planning and Design.
In the case of a commercial or industrial use located on a corner lot, no public pedestrian entrance from a side street shall be located less than one hundred (100) feet from any residential zone.
Roof-mounted structures and equipment shall not extend more than ten (10) feet above the roof, measured from the point of attachment. If such roof projections are not incorporated in the building design as architectural features, they shall be screened from view from any adjoining public street or walkway.
Mechanical equipment not enclosed within a building shall be screened from view from any adjoining public street or walkway.
Within one hundred (100) feet of a residential zone, there shall be no opening in the wall of a nonresidential building where such wall faces a residential zone.
Within any D (Design Overlay) designated area, all development subsequent to the date of such designation 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. No permit shall be issued for grading or construction involving significant exterior changes, as determined by the Director, which is not in conformance with such approved development plans.