Chapter 19.704 — Purpose and Description of Mixed-Use Zones

The General Plan outlines goals and objectives regarding mixed-use development. The purpose of this Division is to implement those General Plan goals and objectives that relate to mixed-use land uses.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

The following mixed-use zones, with their general purpose as indicated, have been created to implement the goals and objectives of the General Plan for the mixed-use land use designation.

• A. GMU, General Mixed-Use. To provide a mix of compatible higher-density residential and neighborhood commercial uses along major arterials. The mix of uses can be integrated vertically (i.e., commercial on the ground floor with residential and/or office uses above) or horizontally (residential next to commercial and office uses). Single-use projects (i.e., a project that is entirely residential or entirely non-residential) are not permitted in GMU zones. A minimum of two (2) uses are required for GMU zones.

• B. CBPMU, Central Buena Park Mixed-Use. To provide a mix of compatible higher-density residential and/or office uses above existing commercial, and office uses in a pedestrian-friendly environment. The mix of uses shall be integrated vertically (i.e., commercial on the ground floor with residential and/or office uses above). Single-use projects (i.e., a project that is entirely residential or entirely nonresidential) are not permitted in CBPMU zones. A minimum of two (2) uses are required for CBPMU zones.

• C. EMU, Entertainment Mixed-Use. To provide a mix of compatible higher-density residential, entertainment, and commercial uses that support entertainment and tourism within the City. The mix of uses can be integrated vertically (i.e., commercial or entertainment uses on the ground floor with residential uses above) or horizontally (residential next to commercial and entertainment uses). Single-use projects (i.e., a project that is entirely residential or entirely nonresidential) are not permitted in EMU zones. A minimum of two (2) uses are required for EMU zones.

• D. COMU, Commercial Office Mixed-Use. To provide a mix of compatible higher-intensity commercial and office uses within existing commercial and industrial areas in the City. The mix of uses can be integrated vertically (i.e., commercial uses on the ground floor with office uses above) or horizontally (commercial uses next to office uses). Single-use projects (i.e., a project that is entirely commercial or entirely office) are not permitted in COMU zones. A minimum of two (2) uses are required for COMU zones.

• E. Housing Incentive Overlay (HIO) Zones. The HIO Zones includes six (6) Overlays that serve to implement the Housing Element's goal of providing new housing that addresses affordable housing needs by establishing objective design criteria for designated housing opportunity sites. The Housing Incentive Overlays include Mixed-Use Overlay-45, Mixed-Use Overlay-60, MixedUse Overlay-100, Housing Opportunities Overlay, Religious Congregational and Fraternal Overlay, and Hotel/Motel Conversion Overlay.

ent the Housing Element's goal of providing new housing that addresses affordable housing needs by establishing objective design criteria for designated housing opportunity sites. The Housing Incentive Overlays include Mixed-Use Overlay-45, Mixed-Use Overlay-60, MixedUse Overlay-100, Housing Opportunities Overlay, Religious Congregational and Fraternal Overlay, and Hotel/Motel Conversion Overlay.

1. The Mixed-Use Housing Incentive Overlays focus on mixed-use, walkable and vibrant environments and range in function and intensity from primarily residential areas with a mix of lower intensity building types (MUO45, Mixed-Use Overlay-45), to moderate intensity neighborhoods (MUO60, Mixed-Use Overlay-60), to higher intensity neighborhoods (MUO100, Mixed-Use Overlay-100). The "45", "60", and "100" in the name of the Overlay refers to the allowable density within the Overlay Zone.

2. The Housing Opportunities Overlay (HOO) provides for higher density affordable multifamily housing.

3. The Religious Congregational and Fraternal Overlay (RCFO) allows faith-based and fraternal organizations to build affordable housing on its sites.

4. The Hotel/Motel Conversion Overlay (HMCO) allows for the conversion of underperforming hotels/motels into permanent supportive housing.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

Properties located in areas shown on the Zoning Map with the symbol "MUO45", "MUO60", "MUO100", "RCFO", or "HMCO" may be used for mixed-use higher-density housing as a primary use in lieu of, but not in combination with, other uses authorized for the underlying zone. Objective Design Standards apply to such properties. Refer to the adopted Housing Incentive Overlay (HIO) Objective Design and Development Standards for applicable standards. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

Further definition and enumeration of uses permitted in the various zones may be determined by interpretation in accordance with Section 19.128.010 . (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)