Title 19 — Zoning›Division 7 — Mixed-Use Zones
Chapter 19.716 — Development Standards—Building Form
Buena Park Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Buena Park
§ 19.716.010. Buildings Required. ¶
A. All activities and facilities, where permitted by other provisions of this Division, shall be enclosed within permanently constructed buildings.
B. Outdoor activities, storage, and display may be permitted in accordance with Sections 19.712.010 and 19.724.020 , and the regulations and limitations of Division 10 , Title 19 .
C. Where a use is permitted by conditional use permit, temporary use permit, or special permit (see Division 10 , Title 19 ), outdoor activities and temporary facilities may be authorized by the terms of such permit notwithstanding the provisions of this section.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.020. Building Type. ¶
Every building shall be designed or remodeled to accommodate its use in accordance with applicable building codes and other laws.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.030. Height of Structures. ¶
- A. The maximum height of any building or structure shall be shown in Table 19.716.030.
| Table 19.716.030 HEIGHT LIMITS - MIXED-USE ZONES |
Table 19.716.030 HEIGHT LIMITS - MIXED-USE ZONES |
|
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Height | ||
| Zones | Within 50 feet of any Single-Family (RS) Residential Zone |
More than 50 feet from any Single-Family (RS) Residential Zone |
| GMU and CBPMU |
4 stories or 45 feet, whichever is less | 5 stories or 55 feet, except that a greater height may be authorized by a conditional use permit. |
| COMU | 2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less | 4 stories or 45 feet, except that a greater height may be authorized by a conditional use permit. |
| EMU | 4 stories or 45 feet, whichever is less | The height shall not be more than 65 feet plus 1 foot for each foot of horizontal distance in excess of 50 feet from the nearest residential zone or street property line, except that a greater height may be authorized under a conditional use permit. |
B. Building Height. Building height is measured to the top of the deck floor of the highest occupied level. This measurement excludes rooftop open space, parapets, trellises, and equipment or utility-related structures, which may extend above the measured height but are not considered part of the overall building height.
C. Ground Floor Height. For residential buildings with ground-floor commercial uses, the floor-tofloor height of the ground floor shall be at least fifteen (15) feet to ensure the appropriate scale of the base of the building in relation to the upper floors. For ground floor residential uses, floorto-floor height of the ground floor shall be at least ten (10) feet.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.040. Building Form. ¶
A. Roof forms and roof lines shall be broken into a series of smaller building components when viewed from the street. Long, linear, unbroken roof lines shall not exceed 75 feet.
B. Building walls along the street frontage shall include architectural details (e.g., brackets, rafter tails, or dentils) at the cornice or roof eave. Architectural design features such as window treatments, awnings, moldings, projecting eaves, dormers, and balconies, shall be continued or repeated upon all elevations of a building facing a primary or secondary street, or a common open space.
C. Buildings shall be oriented towards public (and private) streets to positively define street edges. Buildings adjacent to both public streets and public open space amenities, such as parks, shall be designed with a dual orientation.
D. Except for parking structure entrances, structured parking shall not be visible from the primary streets.
E. Buildings shall be arranged to provide functional common outdoors spaces (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents.
F. Mixed-use building orientation shall comply with all the standards mentioned above and the following standards.
Commercial/Office Units. Commercial/office unit entrances shall face the street, a parking area, or an interior common space.
Entrances to residential units shall be physically separated from the entrances to commercial uses and clearly marked with a physical feature. In a vertical mixed-use project, where residential units and commercial spaces occupy different floors or levels, an example of a physical feature to separate entrances is the use of floor designations and dedicated lobby or entrance areas. In a horizontal mixed-use project where residential and commercial uses coexist on the same level or within close proximity, a distinct entry canopy may be provided to assist occupants and visitors easily identify and navigate to their intended destinations.
G. At least 50% of the total ground floor building frontage of any new or reconstructed building facing the public street shall have the following: windows with clear glass (tinted windows are permitted provided they are not 100% opaque), recessed entries, residential stoops, recesses for outdoor dining areas, landscaping, or enhanced window/entry elements such as awnings or canopies. To calculate the percentage of ground-floor frontage, use the length of the building frontage along the public street multiplied by the first-floor height from floor to ceiling.
glass (tinted windows are permitted provided they are not 100% opaque), recessed entries, residential stoops, recesses for outdoor dining areas, landscaping, or enhanced window/entry elements such as awnings or canopies. To calculate the percentage of ground-floor frontage, use the length of the building frontage along the public street multiplied by the first-floor height from floor to ceiling.
- H. Building Step Backs and Facade Articulation. For buildings exceeding three (3) stories in height must provide a minimum horizontal step back of six (6) feet for all stories above the 3rd level on all street-facing elevations (including front and side yard facades and alley) and any elevation adjacent to a single-family residential zone or use. The step back shall be measured horizontally from the exterior building wall or facade. The step back may vary between sections of the elevation. The overall average stepback shall be a minimum of 6 feet for each floor above the third story. For example, 50% of the building elevation on the fourth floor and above may have an 8-foot step back, while the other 50% may feature a 4-foot step back, resulting in an overall average step back of 6 feet. Parking structures shall be exempt from the horizontal step back requirement.
==> picture [442 x 292] intentionally omitted <==
Figure A. Average Building Stepbacks.
I. Antennae. Notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 19.716.030 , radio antennae permitted under FCC regulations, and similar equipment shall be subject to the following regulations:
Ground-mounted antennae, which are incidental or accessory uses, are permitted to a height of sixty (60) feet unless permitted higher by a conditional use permit.
Roof-mounted antennae, which shall include dishes to a maximum of twenty-four (24) inches in diameter, may be used but may not be more than twenty-five (25) feet higher than the highest point of the building to which they are attached, unless permitted higher by the issuance of a conditional use permit.
Dish antennae exceeding twenty-four (24) inches in diameter may be roof-mounted, provided that they are screened from public view or approved by a conditional use permit.
Any antenna that is primary to the use shall be subject to the height limit established under a conditional use permit.
J. Flagpoles. Flag poles shall be permitted within front, side, or rear yards provided they are set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line and shall be limited to no more than thirty (30) feet in height subject to the issuance of a building permit.
K. Other Structures. Any free-standing structure, not specifically referenced in this Title shall be limited to no more than eight (8) feet in height and may not be located within the front, side, or rear yard setback area with the exception of art sculptures or water features, subject to review and approval by the Community and Economic Development Director and applicable building codes. Light poles shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height from grade and shall be placed within surface parking lots, pedestrian pathways, near building entrances, trash enclosures, alleys, and automated teller machines (ATMs).
L. Accessory Structures. See Section 19.716.070 for height limits for Non-Habitable Accessory Structures and Section 19.348.010 for height limits for Accessory Dwellings.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.050. Space Between Buildings. ¶
- A. The minimum distance between buildings located on the same lot shall be provided in Table 19.716.050. The minimum distance is measured from the exterior faces of nearest exterior walls between buildings. Where residential uses are located on the ground floor, the requirements for Section 19.416.050 shall apply.
| Table 19.716.050 SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS |
||
|---|---|---|
| Height of Buildings | Min. Distance Between Two (2) or More Main Buildings |
Min. Distance Between Main Buildings and Accessory Structures |
| Less than 45 feet in height | 10 feet | 6 feet |
| 45 feet in height or greater | 15 feet | 6 feet |
B. Mixed-use developments with two (2) or more buildings shall be designed around a common open space, public open space (e.g., a linear park/paseo), or community amenities such as swimming pools or other recreational facilities with a horizontal distance of no less than fifteen (15) feet. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided and connect open space areas to a public right-of-way and/or building entrance.
C. Permitted Building Projections, Ground Floor Commercial Uses. Projecting elements on the ground floor (e.g., canopies, awnings, architectural features, etc.) shall be located a minimum of eight (8) feet above the finished floor and may project no more than four (4) feet from the facade into the setback.
D. Projections Permitted Between Buildings on the Same Lot. The following projections are permitted within the required space between buildings, provided they project no more than three (3) feet from the facade into the setback.
Building Features.
a. Cantilevered eaves, awnings, and shading devices.
b. Architectural features such as sills, cornices, buttresses, Juliet balconies, bay windows, etc.
c. Chimneys not exceeding eight (8) feet in width.
Uncovered, cantilevered balconies, with a minimum ten (10) foot separation in all horizontal directions from any balcony or wall in the opposing structure.
- Uncovered stairways and walkways. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.060. Residential Building Floor Area. ¶
For mixed-use projects with a residential component, the minimum residential building floor area requirements in Section 19.416.060 shall apply. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.070. Non-Habitable Accessory Structures. ¶
A. Non-habitable accessory structures may include storage areas, attached or detached garages, utility and pump houses, restroom facilities, vertical circulation access ways, open air structures such as cabanas, gazebos, trellis and other similar structures.
B. Any non-habitable accessory structures shall not exceed 600 square feet in floor area and shall not exceed one (1) story or fifteen (15) feet in height, whichever is less. Non-habitable accessory structures shall be located within the side yard or rear yard setback and shall not be visible from the street.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.080. Building Materials. ¶
A. Facade Materials. Primary, Secondary and Accent materials are allowed or prohibited as specified in Table 19.716.080, which may be updated periodically by the Community and Economic Development Director as new or amended materials become available. Community and Economic Development Director approval is required for materials not identified in Table 19.716.080 below.
B. Primary Building Materials. The primary building materials listed in Table 19.716.080 are permitted to make up approximately 50% to 75% of the building design. The primary building materials include the appropriate wall surface materials and visible roofing materials. The primary building materials cover the primary/front facade, secondary/corner side facade, side facade, and rear facade of the entire building.
C. Accent/Secondary Materials. The accent/secondary building materials listed in Table 19.716.080 are permitted to make up approximately 25% to 50% of the building design. This includes exterior windows, decorative window treatments and balconies, decorative entries, etc.
D. Variation Between Buildings. For projects with six (6) buildings or more, the colors and materials of exterior walls, doors, and accents such as window trim shall vary and a minimum of two (2) distinct color schemes shall be provided for every six (6) buildings in a project.
E. Consistency Between Elevations. The materials, colors, and styles of windows, doors, roofs, decks, balconies, exterior staircases, porches, and any facade treatment shall be used on more than one (1) elevation of a building.
F. Material Transition. Changes in material shall occur at inside corners of intersecting walls or at architectural features that break up the wall plane, such as columns.
G. Chimneys. Chimneys shall either be painted the same color as the exterior wall or constructed with the same materials present on other accents or elements of the facade.
H. Accessory structures including attached and detached ADUs, trash enclosures, storage rooms shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, roof type as the primary structure.
I. Building materials and colors shall be in compliance with the Architectural Styles provided in Section 19.716.090 . If an affordable housing mixed-use development is proposed, refer to the Architectural Styles Objective Design Standards for a list of applicable building materials and colors.
Table 19.716.080 MIXED-USE MATERIALS LIST
Maximum Usage % of Material Facade Area(2)(3)
Permitted as Primary (or Secondary) Building Materials
Brick (full dimensional)
75%
| Table 19.716.080 MIXED-USE MATERIALS LIST |
|
|---|---|
| Material | Maximum Usage % of Facade Area (2)(3) |
| Stone/masonry | 75% |
| Stucco/Cement Plaster | 75% |
| Glass (transparent, spandrel) | 75% |
| Finished wood, engineered wood | 75% |
| Fiber reinforced cement siding and panels | 75% |
| Asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, terracotta clay barrel tiles, or slate roofng materials |
75% |
| Vinyl siding | 50% |
| Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) | 50% |
| Permitted as Accent/Secondary Materials | |
| Vegetated wall panels or trellises | 50% |
| Concrete blocks with integral color (ground, polished, or glazed fnishes) |
35% |
| Concrete blocks with integral color (split face fnish) | 35% |
| Ceramic tile | 35% |
| Standing seam metal | 35% |
| Brick (veneer/thin brick) | 35% |
| Wrought Iron | 15% |
| Three-Dimensional Glass | 5% |
| Roof Materials | |
| Asphalt shingles | 100% |
| Clay tiles | 100% |
| Slate tiles | 100% |
| Concrete tile | 100% |
| Prohibited Building Materials (1) |
|
| Corrugated sheet metal | Not Permitted |
| Galvanized metal | Not Permitted |
| Interlocking metal | Not Permitted |
| T-111 Plywood | Not Permitted |
| Notes: | |
| No building shall have a metallic exterior surface, such as, but not limited to, galvanized, corrugated or interlocking metal sheets, unless the use of such metallic surface material is approved under the site plan review procedure (Section19.128.040) for the purpose of enhancing the architectural quality of the building while preserving architectural harmony and compatibility with the surrounding area. (1) |
|
| The following structures shall be exempt from the provisions of this section: (2) |
|
| • Storage sheds as an accessory structure to a multi-family dwelling which do not require building permits; |
|
| • Storage containers as a permitted temporary use which do not require building permits. |
Notes:
(3) The Community and Economic Development Director is authorized to allow deviations of up to 10%.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
§ 19.716.090. Architectural Styles. ¶
The Architectural Styles for new development apply to all new construction pursuant to this Division, except those areas within the boundary of an existing Specific Plan. The Architectural Styles Objective Design Standards identifies six (6) preferred architectural styles, as indicated below. Architectural design elements and materials shall be consistent throughout the project, recognizing that a building is three-dimensional and must be well-designed on all sides. Detailing, choice of materials, and window and door choices shall reinforce the overall project design. Alternative styles may be submitted to review by the Community and Economic Development Department, although discretionary approval may be required by the Planning Commission.
A. Spanish Colonial Revival. The Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style draws inspiration from Spanish, Mediterranean, and early Californian influences, and it originated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Typically, buildings with this style exhibit an asymmetrical design. They are characterized by low-pitched roofs with minimal or no overhang, adorned with serpentine roof tiles. This style often incorporates wood framing and is covered with lightcolored stucco siding. The use of arches is prevalent, particularly above doors, porch entries, and main windows.
B. Craftsman. The Craftsman architectural style originated in the early 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Notable design features include exposed raffters and beams beneath the eaves, decorative brackets and fasteners, full or partial-width porches, and prominent columns or piers. While the Craftsman style emphasizes a horizontal emphasis, vertical architectural elements are often incorporated to highlight corners and entrances. Traditional Craftsman homes typically showcased exterior cladding made of wood shingles or clapboard siding, along with details such as extended lintels and decorative lighting with geometric patterns.
C. Farmhouse. The Farmhouse architectural style is an expression of rural residential designs and materials, with the Contemporary Farmhouse style specifically reflecting the agricultural history and commercial structures found in Southern California. This style incorporates playful elements, such as shed roofs, vibrant color blocking, and contemporary interpretations of traditional farm structures like barns and silos. The roofs of Farmhouse-style buildings are typically medium to high-pitched, and the overall detailing is kept simple.
yle specifically reflecting the agricultural history and commercial structures found in Southern California. This style incorporates playful elements, such as shed roofs, vibrant color blocking, and contemporary interpretations of traditional farm structures like barns and silos. The roofs of Farmhouse-style buildings are typically medium to high-pitched, and the overall detailing is kept simple.
D. Tuscan. The Tuscan architectural style blends modern and classic elements, incorporating both Spanish Revival and Italian influences. This style draws inspiration from Mediterranean variants found in California, showcasing rustic elements. Key characteristics include the use of stone and stucco, light earthy tones, and red tiled roofs. Classical elements like columns, arches, and decorative ironwork add visual interest and complexity. Squared towers and projections reflect classic Italianate influences. Porches and porticoes are commonly featured, as well as vertically oriented recessed windows.
E. Modern. The Modern architectural style draws inspiration from utilitarian design principles, featuring block forms, contrasting colors, and eclectic combinations of materials in contemporary compositions. This style embodies a minimalist and clean aesthetic. It utilizes simple rectangular shapes and forms, integrating them within horizontal and vertical planes to create dynamic lines. Flat roofs are commonly used to reinforce the rectangular shapes while also providing opportunities for outdoor deck areas. Accents in the Modern style are understated and unpretentious, often taking the form of trellis elements.
F. American Traditional. The American Traditional architectural style is a fusion of various traditional American styles such as Cottage, Cape Cod, and Farmhouse. It is characterized by simplicity and classic design elements, including rectangular forms, spacious front porches, decorative shutters, dormers, and wood siding. This style represents a traditional interpretation of rural farmhouses. The color palette used in American Traditional homes is typically subtle, with shades of white or gray for the main body of the house, while light or dark shutters provide contrasting accents.
(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)