Camarillo Municipal Code § 19.24.010 Intent and purpose

A. The commercial neighborhood zone is to provide facilities supplying both daily convenience goods and services as well as to provide an environment of a stable, desirable character which will be in harmony with existing and potential development of surrounding neighborhoods and which may be located in or adjacent to residential areas.

B. In order to produce commercial neighborhood centers which meet modern environment and design standards, each center shall be approved only under a planned development permit.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.)

The following uses are permitted in the C-N zone, if a planned development permit is obtained from the planning commission in the manner provided for in this zone:

A. Barbershop;

B. Bank, savings and loan association, trust company;

C. Beauty parlor;

D. Church or other place of worship;

E. Drugstore;

F. Dry cleaning and laundry pickup station, self-service;

G. Food store, retail only, including bakery, delicatessen, grocery, meat, seafood, and vegetable;

H. Garden supply store, including nursery stock;

I. Library;

J. Nursery, children's day;

K. Office, architectural, engineering, legal, or other professional, real estate, insurance;

L. Office, medical, dental, osteopathic, optician, optometrist and clinics;

M. Off-street parking (serving permitted uses);

N. Optical goods, retail sales;

O. Park, playground, or playfield;

P. Post office;

Q. Reading room;

R. Restaurant (excluding drive-in);

S. Travel agencies;

T. Uses and structures which are incidental or accessory to any of the uses permitted in this zone;

U. Similar uses or related uses to the above may be approved under a planned development permit by the planning commission or city council upon a finding of similarity and compatibility with similar uses and the intent and purpose of the zone;

V. Agricultural uses, temporary agricultural uses and stands, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

1. Growing agricultural crops and accessory structures are permitted uses, but no poultry or animals shall be raised or kept except as otherwise permitted by this chapter.

(Ord. 512 § 8, 1982: Ord. 493 § 1 (part), 1981; Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.1.)

The following uses may be permitted in the C-N zone if a conditional use permit is obtained in the manner provided and in accordance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 19.62 and such use conforms to every term and condition of the permit:

A. Temporary agricultural stands;

B. Intermediate recycling facilities which are incidental or accessory to any of the uses permitted in this zone;

C. [Intentionally deleted];

D. The concurrent use of an off-sale alcoholic beverage establishment with a grocery store or drug store.

(Ord. 1029 § 6, 2008; Ord. 660 § 3, 1988; Ord. 640 § 2, 1987; Ord. 512 § 11 (part), 1982.)

(Ord. No. 1196, § 6A, 9-14-2022)

The following uses may be permitted in the Commercial Neighborhood (C-N) Zone if a conditional use permit is approved by the director in the manner provided in Chapter 19.62:

A. Day care nurseries, short-term, providing care for more than six children subject to the standards of Section 19.62.165.

(Ord. No. 1196, § 6B, 9-14-2022)

The property development and performance standards set forth in Sections 19.24.040 through 19.24.150 shall apply to all lots and premises in the C-N commercial neighborhood zone.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(part).)

All uses within the C-N commercial neighborhood zone shall operate in accordance with the provisions of the performance standards contained in chapter 19.54 of this code.

(Ord. 763 § 10, 1992.)

All lots hereafter created shall contain the following minimum standards:

A. Minimum lot area shall be one acre, exclusive of any public right-of-way dedicated for road purposes. Maximum area shall be five acres.

B. Minimum width of lot shall be one hundred fifty feet, excepting corner lots shall be one hundred seventy feet.

C. Minimum depth of lots measured at right angles to the front property line shall be two hundred feet.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(A).)

The planning commission shall determine the yard requirements based on the height, bulk of building and adjoining land uses and the intent of the zone but in no case below the minimum standards set forth as follows:

A. Front yard shall be not less than fifteen feet from the existing or proposed right-of-way line whichever is greater. The front yard shall be landscaped.

B. Side yard shall be not less than ten feet with the side yard on a side street being landscaped.

C. Rear yard shall be not less than ten feet with consideration given to providing adequate access for service vehicles.

D. General Yard Uses. All operations and uses of yards except parking, landscaping, recreation and loading uses shall be conducted in a completely enclosed building. No outdoor storage shall be permitted except for waste contained in an approved enclosure.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(B).)

A. All parking areas shall be improved in accordance with the parking provisions, Chapter 19.44.

B. The planning commission may add or modify landscaping or other features to insure compatibility with the area in which the use is proposed to be placed.

C. All loading areas shall be clearly marked with proper access for ingress and egress.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(C).)

Off-street loading shall be in accordance with the loading provisions and standards set forth under the loading chapter of this title (Chapter 19.46).

(Ord. 588 § 2, 1985.)

A. A six-foot solid decorative screen wall shall be provided and maintained on the side and rear yard boundary line of the C-N commercial neighborhood zone and any residential zone.

B. A low screen berm wall or landscape hedge, not greater than three feet, shall be provided between the parking area and existing or planned public right-of-way. The design and type of screening shall be approved by the planning commission.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(D).)

Exterior lighting is permitted subject to the procedures and regulations in Chapter 19.47 of this code.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(E).)

(Ord. No. 2004, § 10, 1-11-2023)

Lot area coverage by building shall not exceed thirty percent of the site area and such coverage shall be measured from the exterior wall area of the building proposed.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(F).)

Buildings shall have a maximum height of twenty-five feet and no more than two stories.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(G).)

The purpose of the landscaping requirements shall be to enhance, conserve and stabilize property values by encouraging pleasant attractive surroundings. Landscaping also contributes to the relief of heat, noise and glare through the proper placement of green plants and trees. Landscaping and all other ground space treatment shall be provided upon at least ten percent of the net developed site. All landscaping shall be provided with a permanent watering system, shall be surrounded by a six-inch concrete curb. Landscaping shall be considered actual planting areas of lawn, trees, shrubs, or other plants. Environmental areas shall be considered those spaces related to or integrated with landscaping which provides an interesting complementary design. Courtyards, water ponds, streams, walkways, decks, kiosks and similar items may be permitted. Such landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the following standards:

A. Maintenance. Required landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean, orderly and healthy condition. This is meant to include proper pruning, mowing of lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and the regular watering of all plantings.

B. Required landscaped areas shall be provided with a suitable, permanent method of watering of plants. This watering system shall consist of piped water lines terminating in an appropriate number of sprinklers to insure a complete coverage of the landscaped area.

C. The entire front yard setback shall be landscaped with the exception of that area provided for vehicles or pedestrian access.

D. No planting area shall be considered as such unless it contains at least twenty-four square feet of area and is a minimum of four feet in width, except raised planting boxes within close proximity to the building.

E. One tree fifteen-gallon minimum of a species approved on the final landscaping plan shall be planted within a minimum thirty-six square-foot area, at every ten rows of single row parking stalls, or at every twenty rows of double row parking stalls.

F. Each unused space resulting from the design of parking spaces or accessory structures over twenty-four square feet in area shall be landscaped.

G. When the commercial development either rears on or sides on a residential zone, or where the C-N zone abuts an alley or developed property, adjacent to a residential zone, it shall include a six-foot wide landscaped area to screen the commercial development. The design of the screening shall consist of evergreen trees or shrubs closely spaced.

H. Landscaping Plan. A plan at a minimum scale of one inch equals thirty feet shall be submitted for approval by the planning director and shall contain the following:

1. The dimensions and square footage of each planting area;

2. The total square footage and percentage of the net developed site devoted to landscaping;

3. Identification of each plant, common and botanical name, at the planting area; the number of each and their container size;

4. The permanent watering system, including all pipe sizes, and type and size of all sprinkler heads;

5. Specification sheet indicating the soil preparation and maintenance program for continual maintenance of the landscaping area and any type of guarantee associated with the installation of the landscaping.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(H).)

Refuse and recycling enclosures shall be provided in accordance with the enclosure provisions of Chapter 19.50 and the following standards:

A. Each commercial development established shall provide an outdoor refuse and recycling storage area which shall be easily accessible and enclosed on all sides by a minimum six-foot high brick, concrete block or masonry wall. The opening of the storage area shall be screened by a solid gate of durable wood, metal, or comparable material.

B. In addition, no material or waste shall be deposited in such a form or manner that it may be transferred by natural causes or force, and waste which may cause fumes, dust, or which may constitute a fire hazard or be edible by or otherwise attractive to rodents or insects, shall be stored only in closed containers in required enclosures.

C. The number and general placement of the enclosures shall be set forth in the planned development permit and approved by the planning commission.

(Ord. 791 § 7, 1993: Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(J).)

All utilities shall be placed underground in accordance with provisions of Chapter 13.08.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(1).)

All mechanical and electrical equipment and satellite dish antennas shall be screened by landscaping or fence or combination with the design approved by the director of planning and community development, and all rooftop equipment shall be placed behind a permanent parapet wall or equipment screen approved by the director of planning and community development or his designated representative and be completely screened from view at ground level.

(Ord. 821 § 5, 1994: Ord. 593 § 13, 1985: Ord. 590 § 13, 1985: Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(J).)

Adequate ramps and equipment shall be provided to accommodate the use of the facility by the handicapped and shall include, but not be limited to, access ramps, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.2(K).)

No building or improvement or portion thereof shall be erected, constructed, converted, established, altered or enlarged, nor shall a lot or premises be used without first obtaining a planned development permit, nor shall an existing building be used for a new use without an occupancy permit first being obtained.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.3.)

A. An application for a planned development permit shall be filed with the planning department in the form set forth herein and shall include a development plan containing the following:

1. An accurately dimensioned plot plan showing existing and proposed topography, all proposed building, parking, landscaping areas, walls and all existing or proposed streets within a three hundred-foot radius of the property;

2. The dimension of all yards, setbacks, parking area, driveways and square footage of all building landscaping and building coverage;

3. The elevation of all buildings proposed with a notation of the type of material proposed in addition to a color board and material sample.

B. The application and development plan shall be reviewed by the planning department and its proposed recommendations shall be prepared and submitted to the planning commission along with the development plan for their consideration.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.4.)

Notice of the time and place of the planning commission review of the application and the staff's proposed recommendation shall be given to the applicant.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5 (part).)

In considering the approval, denial or modification of an application for a planned development permit, the planning commission shall consider the proposed recommendation of the staff and the following guidelines:

A. The degree of compatibility of property uses which this chapter is intended to promote and preserve shall be maintained with respect to the particular use on the particular site and consideration of existing and potential uses of property within the zone and the general area in which the use is proposed to be located;

B. Performance standards and conditions shall be imposed upon uses which without such a condition might become obnoxious, dangerous, offensive or injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare or a portion thereof by reason of the emission of noise, smoke, dust, fumes, vibration, odor, or other harmful or annoying substances;

C. There shall be maintained the integrity and character of the neighborhood in which the use will be located and the utility and value of property in the neighborhood and in the adjacent zones; and

D. The use shall be compatible to the public interest, health, safety, convenience and general welfare.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5(A).)

The planning commission may attach such conditions and make such modifications, changes or alterations in the proposed application as the commission may determine necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this zone.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5(B).)

If the proposed planned development would substantially depreciate property values in the vicinity or would unreasonably interfere with the use or enjoyment of property in the vicinity by the occupants thereof for lawful purposes, or would endanger the public peace, health, safety or general welfare, such proposed planned development shall be rejected or modified, or conditioned so as to remove such objections.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5(C).)

Unless the use is inaugurated, or the construction of the structure is commenced and being diligently pursued not later than twelve months after the date the permit is granted, the permit will automatically expire on that date; however, if there have been no changes in the proposed plot plans or adjacent areas, the planning commission may grant additional extensions of time for use inauguration.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5(D).)

A. Effective Date of Planning Commission Decision. Decisions of the planning commission approving, denying or conditionally approving an application for a plan shall be final and conclusive on the tenth consecutive calendar day following the date of the planning commission's decision, unless an effective timely and complete appeal is filed or a city council review is ordered as provided in this section.

B. Form of Appeal. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, an appeal from a decision of the planning commission relating to a planned development permit shall not be valid or effective for any purpose unless it meets all of the following requirements:

1. Each such appeal shall be in writing on a form provided by the director of planning and community development of the city ("director"), and shall identify the planning commission's action to which the appeal relates; and

2. Each such appeal shall be filed with the director prior to the planning commission decision tow which the appeal relates becoming final, as provided in subsection A of this section; and

3. Each such appeal shall be accompanied by a processing fee in an amount set by the city council; and

4. Each such appeal is filed by or on behalf of any of the following:

a. The owner of any real property located within the city, or

b. A person who lawfully occupies or is entitled to lawfully occupy any real property which is located within three hundred feet of the lot lines of the lot or lots which are the subject of the planned development permit, or

c. Any interested person.

C. Effectiveness of an Appeal. No appeal shall be deemed complete nor effective for any purpose unless it complies with all of the provisions of this section.

D. Review by City Council. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this section to the contrary, the city council, by majority vote of its total membership and at any time before a planning commission decision becomes final pursuant to subsection A of this section, may issue an order to review, de novo, a planning commission decision relating to a plan ("order of review").

E. Stay of Proceedings. The timely filing of an effective appeal or the timely adoption by the city council of an order of review shall stay the decision of the planning commission to which the appeal or order of review relates, pending the city council action on the matter.

F. Action of City Clerk. Upon the timely filing of an effective appeal or the adoption of a timely order of review, the city clerk will:

1. Set the matter for hearing at the next most convenient meeting of the city council; and

2. Give written mailed notice of the time and place of the hearing to the appellant, the applicant, and such other persons and entities in accordance with Section 19.84.030 of this code.

G. Action by the City Council. At the time and place of the hearing on an appeal or an order of review, the city council shall conduct a de novo hearing on the matter, at which time all interested persons shall be allowed to present relevant reliable evidence to the city council. The technical rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceedings need not be observed, provided that the matter is resolved by the city council based upon reliable relevant evidence. The applicant shall have the burden of proof to show the existence of the facts which warrant the granting of the planned development permit.

H. City Council Decision. The city clerk shall give written notice of the city council's decision to the appellant, the applicant and any other interested person who requests such notice. The city council's determination shall be final and conclusive subject only to judicial review.

(Ord. 856 § 9, 1996: Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5(E).)

(Ord. No. 1153, § 4(M), 5-25-2018)

A. Any permit heretofore or hereafter granted may be revoked by the planning commission or city council after appropriate proceedings as herein provided for any of the following causes:

1. That any term or condition of the permit has not been complied with;

2. That the property subject to the permit, or any portion thereof, is used or maintained in violation of any statute, ordinance, law or regulation;

3. That the use for which the permit was granted has not been exercised for at least twelve consecutive months or has ceased to exist, or has been abandoned;

4. That the use for which the permit was granted has been so exercised as to be detrimental to the public health or safety, or as to constitute a nuisance.

B. After revocation of a permit, the property affected thereby shall be subject to the regulations of the applicable zone classification. The failure of the planning commission or city council to revoke a permit whenever cause therefor exists or occurs does not constitute a waiver of such right with respect to any subsequent cause for revocation.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.5(F).)

A. A certificate of occupancy shall be required for any change in use within a planned development permit. A change in use in an existing building may be approved by the planning director.

B. An application for a certificate of occupancy shall be accompanied by:

1. A description of the proposed use in sufficient detail to describe fully the nature and extent of the proposed use.

C. A certificate of occupancy for a use of the land in the C-N zone may be revoked by the city council after a public hearing if the city council finds that the holder of the certificate has failed to comply with the approved plans.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.6.)

Uses expressly prohibited in the C-N zone are:

A. Single-family dwellings;

B. Multiple-family dwellings and motels;

C. Industrial uses and manufacturing.

(Ord. 296 § 1 (part), 1975: prior code § 9407.7.)