§ 9182.09. General Provisions - Conversion of Residential Structures to Commercial Uses. — Carson Zoning Code

A. Mandatory Standards. The following standards shall be mandatory in connection with the conversion of residential structures to commercial uses in commercial zones:
1. All conversions are subject to site plan and design review pursuant to CMC § 9172.23 .
2. All conversions are required to comply with applicable Site Development Standards (Division 6 of Part 3 of this Chapter) and General Development Standards (Part 6 of this Chapter), including, but not limited to front yard setbacks (CMC § 9136.23 ), side yard setbacks (CMC § 9136.24 ), rear yard setbacks (CMC § 9136.25 ), space between buildings (CMC § 9136.27 ), encroachments (CMC § 9136.29 ), fences, walls and hedges (CMC § 9136.3 ), trash and recycling areas (CMC § 9136.4 ), paving and drainage of vehicular areas (CMC § 9162.05 ), required parking spaces (CMC § 9162.21 ), and required landscaping (CMC § 9162.52 ).
3. All conversions are subject to regulations established in the City Building Code.
4. All units on the subject property shall be converted to commercial uses.
5. Structures which do not conform in all respects to Zoning Ordinance and Building Code requirements are subject to CMC § 9182.22 (Termination of Existing Nonconforming Use) of this Division.
B. Design Standards. The following design standards shall, to the extent feasible, apply to conversion of residential structures to commercial uses in commercial zones:

Architectural features and general improvements shall be compatible with those of newer commercial structures in the general vicinity.
The facade shall be repainted or restuccoed. Colors and facade treatments shall be compatible with those of newer commercial structures in the general vicinity.
Roof material shall be replaced with a material compatible with that of newer commercial structures in the general vicinity. A clay tile or concrete material is recommended.
Window and door treatments shall be compatible with design characteristics of newer commercial structures in the general vicinity.
Canvas awnings are recommended for all first floor storefront windows. Colors of awnings shall be compatible with the facade color of the structure and of newer commercial structures in the general vicinity.
Business signs shall be integrated with the building design as well as compatible with the design of newer commercial structures in the general vicinity. Pole signs are discouraged.
All existing and proposed landscaping shall be properly maintained, or replaced with landscaping of equal or greater prominence. Drought-tolerant landscaping and irrigation practices are recommended.
All ground floor level street facades shall include elements of pedestrian scale. (Added by Ord. 93-1021 § 3)