CHAPTER 2
ZONING

ARTICLE 15.6. STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES

Section:

§9173:    Purpose

§9173.1:    Applicability

§9173.2:    Community Gardens

§9173.3:    Live Entertainment

§9173.4:    Outdoor Dining

§9173.5:    Sidewalk Cafe

§9173.6:    Specialty Food And Beverage Sales With Tastings

§9173.7:    Cannabis-Related Businesses (Repealed)

§9173 PURPOSE

Sections 9173.2 through 9173.6 in this article provide site planning, development, and/or operational standards for certain land uses that are allowed in certain zoning districts without discretionary review. The standards for each use are intended to mitigate any potentially adverse impacts associated with the specific use. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016; Ord. 1188, §2, adopted 2018; Ord. 1190, §1, adopted 2018)

§9173.1 APPLICABILITY

The land uses and activities included in sections 9173.2 through 9173.6 of this code shall comply with the provisions of the section applicable to the specific land use, in addition to all other applicable provisions of this article and the Ukiah City Code.

A.    Where Allowed: The uses that are subject to the standards in sections 9173.2 through 9173.6 of this code shall only be located in the zoning districts indicated herein.

B.    Development Standards: The standards for specific land uses included in sections 9173.2 through 9173.6 of this code are required and supplement those included in the Ukiah City Code. In the event of any conflict between the requirements of sections 9173.2 through 9173.6 of this code and those included elsewhere in the City Code, the requirements of sections 9173.2 through 9173.6 of this code shall control. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016; Ord. 1188, §2, adopted 2018; Ord. 1190, §1, adopted 2018)

§9173.2 COMMUNITY GARDENS

Community gardens may be located in any zoning district provided they comply with the following standards and requirements:

A.    Days and Hours of Operation: Seven (7) days a week from seven o’clock (7:00) A.M. until dusk.

B.    Fencing: Fencing is discouraged. When fencing is required to prevent vandalism or theft, trespassing, and/or encroachment by animals, fencing shall comply with the following:

1. Open Fencing: Open fencing (such as chain link, wrought iron, deer) up to seven feet (7') in height, measured from the grade adjacent to the fence to the top of the fence, is allowed at the property line or set back from the property line. This type of fencing allows the garden to be protected and maximizes the size of the garden while creating an open, pedestrian-oriented use consistent with the purposes of this code.

2. Solid Fencing: Solid fencing (such as wood, masonry) is prohibited since this closes off the site to the public realm, presents a solid unbroken surface which is not pedestrian-oriented, and reduces the size of the garden.

C.    Herbicides and Pesticides: All pest and weed control shall be accomplished through organic means using the least toxic methods available. If unsure how to combat pests, weeds, and diseases organically, contact the garden team leader or other qualified professionals or organizations for guidance and resources.

D.    Motorized Equipment: Use of motorized equipment (such as weed eaters, leaf blowers, rototillers) shall be limited to weekdays from eight o’clock (8:00) A.M. to seven o’clock (7:00) P.M. and weekends and holidays recognized by the City of Ukiah from ten o’clock (10:00) A.M. to five o’clock (5:00) P.M.

E.    Noise: Compliance with the City of Ukiah noise ordinance is required, except as indicated in subsection D of this section, Motorized Equipment, which may be more restrictive.

F.    Parking: A minimum of one parking space along the street frontage of the community garden shall be provided. Vehicle use by members of the community garden should be limited to taking supplies to and from the garden, rainy or poor weather, or assisting gardeners with disabilities. Users of the garden shall be encouraged to walk or bike to the site in order to reduce the need for parking and parking impacts on neighboring uses.

G.    Signs: Signs are limited to identification, informational, and directional signs in conformance with the City of Ukiah sign ordinance requirements.

H.    Structures – Accessory: The following accessory structures are allowed: tool sheds, greenhouses, cold-frames, hoop houses, compost bins, rain barrel systems, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, garden art, and fences subject to the development standards of the zoning district in which the community garden is located and the requirements of this section. Commercially maintained portable bathrooms are allowed as accessory structures; provided, that they comply with accessibility standards and comply with the development standards of the zoning district in which the community garden is located.

I.    Water Use: Every effort shall be made to reduce water usage. Drip irrigation is required where feasible. Mulch and compost shall be used in order to reduce the amount of water needed for garden plots.

J.    Prohibitions: Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, using illegal drugs, and gambling are prohibited. Weapons, pets and other animals (except service animals) are also prohibited. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016)

§9173.3 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

A.    Live entertainment uses may occur in the C-1, C-2, and P-F zoning districts provided they comply with the following standards and requirements:

1. Live entertainment shall commence no earlier than ten o’clock (10:00) A.M. and shall end at eleven o’clock (11:00) P.M. and is limited to two (2) times a week.

2. Live entertainment shall not violate the City of Ukiah noise ordinance.

3. The number of people within a building where live entertainment is performing shall not exceed the occupancy standards contained in the California Building Code or Ukiah City Code.

4. Businesses desiring to have live entertainment shall provide adequate security during and after live entertainment events.

5. Parking shall generally comply with the Ukiah City Code, although on-street parking within commercial zoning districts may be included in the number of parking spaces provided for the live entertainment.

6. Any building proposed for live entertainment shall comply with all Fire Code requirements and shall be reviewed and approved by the Ukiah Fire Marshal.

B.    Management Plan: Prior to the conduct of live entertainment, the applicant shall submit a management plan addressing the items listed below. The management plan shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and Community Development for review and action. The Director shall distribute the plan to the Ukiah Police and Fire Departments for review. The management plan shall, at a minimum, include the following:

1. Potential for loitering and how the business will preclude loitering.

2. Adequacy of lighting for security and safety purposes.

3. Adequacy of parking.

4. Compatibility and suitability with the existing and allowed uses in the area and/or character of the area, including, but not limited to, proximity to sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, parks, daycare facilities, and churches.

5. Details regarding how security will be provided during and after live entertainment events.

6. Likelihood the use would facilitate the vitality, economic viability, and/or provide recreational or entertainment opportunities in an existing commercial area without presenting a significant impact on health and safety.

7. Hours of operation for the business and hours of proposed live entertainment.

8. Other information deemed necessary on a case-by-case basis.

If the management plan is found acceptable by the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Director of Planning and Community Development, the Director shall make corresponding findings and approve it in writing.

C.    Relief from any of the standards or requirements may be sought through the use permit process. The Director of Planning and Community Development shall determine whether or not a certain use permit is minor or major. The determination shall be based, in part, on how much relief is being sought and the location of the proposed live entertainment and its potential to disrupt the area. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016)

§9173.4 OUTDOOR DINING

On-site outdoor dining may be allowed in the C-N, C-1 and C-2 zoning districts, provided it is incidental to and part of the operation of a restaurant located on the same parcel, and it complies with the standards and requirements listed below:

A.    Purpose: The provisions of this section are intended to allow outdoor dining in association with a restaurant located on the same parcel as the outdoor dining, where the outdoor dining is clearly incidental to the adjacent restaurant use and will not negatively impact the operations and function of the existing restaurant, including parking facilities, pedestrian access and circulation, and disabled access facilities.

B.    Location of Outside Dining: Outdoor dining shall be located on the same site as the restaurant which the outdoor dining will serve. Outdoor dining facilities, such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, etc., shall not be located in pedestrian walkways, required parking spaces, or disabled access facilities (such as parking spaces, walkways, entries, etc.). Outdoor dining areas may be located in landscaped areas if located in such a manner as to not damage the landscaping.

C.    Hours of Operation: Days and hours of operation for the outdoor dining shall not extend beyond the hours of operation for the restaurant which it serves. Tables, chairs, and all other furniture used in the operation of outdoor dining shall be removed from any pedestrian walkways and stored indoors at night and whenever the cafe is not in operation.

D.    Live Entertainment: Outdoor dining shall not be used for live entertainment unless in compliance with section 9173.3 of this code.

E.    Tables, Chairs, Furniture, Signage:

1. In order to provide adequate and safe ingress/egress, a minimum unobstructed pedestrian walkway width of forty-eight inches (48") or the width of the doors, whichever is greater, shall be maintained. The required width of the unobstructed pedestrian walkway shall extend from the front of the door(s) to the public sidewalk. A reduced width may be approved by the Building Official in compliance with the building code.

2. A minimum of sixty inches (60") of unobstructed space shall be maintained between exits and any furniture or fixtures related to outdoor dining, or as required by the building code, whichever is greater.

3. All outdoor dining furniture, including tables, chairs, umbrellas, and planters, shall be movable.

4. Umbrellas shall be secured with a minimum base of not less than sixty (60) pounds and shall leave a vertical clearance of seven feet (7') from the sidewalk surface.

5. Outdoor heaters are allowed subject to fire and building code compliance. Non-live music and/or speakers may be used provided the music does not violate the City of Ukiah noise ordinance.

6. No signage shall be allowed in the outdoor dining area except for the name of the establishment on an awning or umbrella fringe and in compliance with this section and Division 3, Chapter 7 of this code (sign ordinance).

F.    Maintenance: The property and/or business owner are responsible for maintaining all outdoor dining furnishings and the outdoor dining area in good condition, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. All outdoor dining furnishings and all exterior surfaces within the outdoor dining area shall be easily cleanable and kept clean and free of debris.

2. The outdoor dining area and adjacent areas kept in a clean and safe condition.

G.    Food and Beverages: Outdoor dining areas may only serve food and nonalcoholic beverages prepared or stocked for sale at the adjoining indoor restaurant; provided, however, that the service of beer or wine or both, solely for on-premises consumption by customers within the outdoor dining area, may be authorized by the Planning Director and Police Department if each of the following requirements are met:

1. The outdoor dining operation is duly licensed, or prior to the service of any beer or wine, will be duly licensed by State authorities to sell beer or wine for consumption within the outdoor dining area.

2. The authorized outdoor dining area is identified in a manner which will clearly separate and delineate it from the areas of the sidewalk that will remain open to pedestrian traffic.

3. One or more signs, as approved as part of the encroachment permit, are posted during all times the sidewalk cafe is in operation, which shall give notice to the cafe’s customers that the drinking of beer or wine or the carrying of any open container which contains beer or wine is prohibited and unlawful outside the delineated outdoor dining area.

Outdoor dining areas authorized by the Planning Department and Police Department and in compliance with the requirements of this section are exempt from section 6000 of this code.

H.    Service Requirements:

1. Service areas (such as busing and service stations) may be located within the outdoor dining area. Service areas shall comply with subsection B of this section (Location of Outside Dining). Outdoor food preparation in the outdoor dining area is prohibited.

2. Restrooms for the outdoor dining area shall be provided in the adjoining indoor restaurant. Seating for the outdoor dining may be counted in determining the restroom requirements for the indoor restaurant at the discretion of the Building Official.

I.    Revocation: The outdoor dining may be revoked by the City upon finding that one or more of the requirements of this section have been violated or that the outdoor dining is being operated in a manner that constitutes a nuisance. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016)

§9173.5 SIDEWALK CAFE

A.    A sidewalk cafe may be allowed in the C-N, C-1, and C-2 zoning districts provided it is incidental to and part of the operation of a restaurant and it complies with the standards and requirements listed below.

B.    Purpose: The provisions of this section are intended to allow a sidewalk cafe to operate in association with an allowed restaurant use, where the sidewalk cafe is clearly incidental to the restaurant use and will not negatively impact the right-of-way.

C.    Permit Requirements: A sidewalk cafe shall require the approval of an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works and Planning and Community Development Department.

D.    Limitations and Requirements: A sidewalk cafe may be allowed only where allowed by section 9173.4 of this code and only when the sidewalk cafe is incidental to and part of the operation of an adjacent restaurant and when in compliance with the following requirements of this section:

1. Where Permissible: A sidewalk cafe may be located on a public sidewalk immediately adjacent to and abutting the indoor restaurant which operates the cafe; provided, that the area in which the sidewalk cafe extends is no farther along the sidewalk frontage than the operating indoor restaurant.

2. Location of Sidewalk Cafes: Each cafe shall be confined to a defined location on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the restaurant which operates the cafe.

3. Hours of Operation: Sidewalk cafes may operate on days whenever fair weather would enhance outdoor dining. The hours of operation shall not exceed eight o’clock (8:00) A.M. to nine o’clock (9:00) P.M. Tables, chairs, and all other furniture used in the operation of a sidewalk cafe shall be removed from the sidewalk and stored indoors at night and whenever the cafe is not in operation. Additional hours may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

4. Sidewalk Clearances: A sidewalk cafe may be allowed only where the sidewalk is wide enough to adequately accommodate the usual pedestrian traffic in the area, to comply with California State accessibility standards and federal ADA requirements, and the operation of the proposed cafe.

5. Live Entertainment: A sidewalk cafe shall not be used for live entertainment. Live entertainment at sidewalk cafes may be authorized in compliance with section 9224.6 of this code.

E.    Tables, Chairs, Furniture, Signage:

1. All tables and chairs comprising a sidewalk cafe shall be situated in a safe fashion and away from any sidewalk or street barrier including a bollard, and shall not be within eight feet (8') of any designated bus stop.

2. The dining area shall not impede the use of public furnishings such as lighting, benches, etc.

3. In order to provide adequate and safe ingress/egress, a minimum unobstructed public sidewalk width of forty-eight inches (48") shall be maintained for the entire length of the sidewalk cafe. The required width shall extend from the front of the door(s) to the end of the sidewalk cafe.

4. A minimum of sixty inches (60") of unobstructed space shall be maintained between exits and any furniture or fixtures related to the sidewalk cafe, or as required by the building code, whichever is greater.

5. All sidewalk cafe furniture, including tables, chairs, umbrellas, and planters, shall be movable.

6. Umbrellas shall be secured with a minimum base of not less than sixty (60) pounds and shall leave a vertical clearance of seven feet (7') from the sidewalk surface.

7. Outdoor heaters are allowed subject to fire and building code compliance. Music and/or speakers may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

8. No signage shall be allowed at the sidewalk cafe except for the name of the establishment on an awning or umbrella fringe and in compliance with this section and the sign ordinance (Division 3, Chapter 7 of this code).

9. All furnishings and other items associated with the sidewalk cafe shall be removed from the sidewalk during nonoperation hours of the cafe. Storage of these items outside may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

10. Any proposed seating in the vicinity of street trees shall comply with the City’s Management Guidelines adopted December 1, 2010.

F.    Maintenance: The permittee is responsible for maintaining all outdoor dining furnishings and the sidewalk cafe area in good condition, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. All outdoor dining furnishings and all exterior surfaces within the sidewalk cafe area shall be easily cleanable and kept clean and free of debris.

2. The sidewalk cafe area and adjacent areas shall be kept in a clean and safe condition.

G.    Food and Beverages: A sidewalk cafe may serve only food and nonalcoholic beverages prepared or stocked for sale at the adjoining indoor restaurant; provided, however, that the service of beer or wine or both solely for on-premises consumption by customers within the areas of the sidewalk cafe may be authorized by the Planning Director and Police Department as part of the required encroachment permit if each of the following requirements are met:

1. The sidewalk cafe operation is duly licensed, or prior to the service of any beer or wine will be duly licensed by State authorities to sell beer or wine for consumption within the area of the sidewalk cafe.

2. The area in which the sidewalk cafe is authorized is identified in a manner, as part of the encroachment permit, which will clearly separate and delineate it from the areas of the sidewalk that will remain open to pedestrian traffic.

3. One or more signs, as approved as part of the encroachment permit, are posted during all times the sidewalk cafe is in operation, which shall give notice to the cafe’s customers that the drinking of beer or wine or the carrying of any open container which contains beer or wine is prohibited and unlawful outside the delineated area of the sidewalk cafe. Sidewalk cafes authorized by the Planning Department and Police Department as part of the required encroachment permit and in compliance with the requirements of this section are exempt from section 6000 of this code.

H.    Service Requirements:

1. The outdoor preparation of food and busing and service stations are prohibited at the sidewalk cafe. Outdoor service station may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

2. Restrooms for the sidewalk cafe shall be provided in the adjoining indoor restaurant. Seating for the sidewalk cafe may be counted in determining the restroom requirements for the indoor restaurant at the discretion of the Building Official.

3. Trash and refuse receptacles for the sidewalk cafe shall not be permitted within the area designated for the sidewalk cafe or on adjacent sidewalk areas and the permittee shall remove trash and litter as they accumulate. Trash and/or refuse containers may be authorized within the outdoor dining area or adjacent sidewalk areas with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

I.    Power to Prohibit Operation of the Sidewalk Cafe: Any encroachment permit issued for a sidewalk cafe shall provide that the City shall have the right and power, acting through the City Manager or designee, to prohibit the operation of a sidewalk cafe at any time because of anticipated or actual problems or conflicts in the use of the sidewalk area. Such problems may arise from, but are not limited to, scheduled festivals and similar events, or parades or marches, or repairs to the street or sidewalk, or from demonstrations or emergencies occurring in the area. To the extent possible, the permittee shall be given prior written notice of any time period during which the operation of the sidewalk cafe will be prohibited by the City, but any failure to give prior written notice shall not affect the right and power of the City to prohibit the cafe’s operation at any particular time.

J.    Conditions: In connection with granting the encroachment permit for a sidewalk cafe, conditions may be imposed in granting approval as deemed necessary for the proposed operation to meet the operating requirements of this section.

K.    Modifications: In the event the City determines during the operation of an approved sidewalk cafe that additional or revised conditions are necessary in order for the sidewalk cafe to comply with the requirements of this section, the City shall have the ability to add additional conditions to the approved encroachment permit.

L.    Revocation: The encroachment permit to operate a sidewalk cafe may be revoked by the City upon finding that one or more conditions of the permit or this section have been violated or that the sidewalk cafe is being operated in a manner that constitutes a nuisance, or that the operation of the sidewalk cafe unduly impedes the movement of pedestrians past the sidewalk cafe. Revocations may be appealed per the process outlined in Section 5613 of this code. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016)

§9173.6 SPECIALTY FOOD AND BEVERAGE SALES WITH TASTINGS

Specialty food and beverage sales with tastings may be allowed in the C-N, C-1, C-2, and P-F zoning districts provided they comply with the following standards and requirements:

A.    Days and Hours of Operation: Days and hours of operation shall be limited to daily from ten o’clock (10:00) A.M. to ten o’clock (10:00) P.M. Additional hours may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

B.    Live Entertainment: Live entertainment is allowed in compliance with section 9173.3 of this code and may perform until eight o’clock (8:00) P.M. Other arrangements for live entertainment may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit.

C.    Outdoor Seating: Outdoor seating is allowed in compliance with the applicable requirements for outdoor dining included in section 9173.4 of this code or sidewalk cafes in section 9173.5 of this code.

D.    Minor Use Permit: An application for a minor use permit to allow additional operating hours and/or live entertainment in a manner that exceeds the operating characteristics required in this section may be authorized with Zoning Administrator approval of a minor use permit. An application for a minor use permit shall address the following considerations:

1. Potential for loitering and how the business will preclude loitering.

2. Adequacy of lighting for security and safety purposes.

3. Adequacy of parking.

4. Compatibility and suitability with the existing and allowed uses in the area and/or character of the area, including but not limited to proximity to sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, parks, daycare facilities, and churches.

5. Likelihood the use would facilitate the vitality, economic viability, and/or provide recreational or entertainment opportunities in an existing commercial area without presenting a significant impact on health and safety.

6. Details regarding how security will be provided during and after live entertainment events.

7. Other information deemed necessary on a case-by-case basis.

E.    Minor Use Permit Findings: The above considerations shall be incorporated as findings for approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of a use permit for a specialty food and beverage sales with tastings in addition to the findings required by Chapter 2, Article 20 of this division. (Ord. 1167, §2, adopted 2016)

§9173.7 CANNABIS-RELATED BUSINESSES

(Repealed) (Ord. 1186, §5, adopted 2018; rep. by Ord. 1190, §2, adopted 2018)