Chapter 17.33 — COMMERCIAL & OFFICE ZONES

(A) C-P Professional and Office Zone . The Professional and Office (C-P) Zone is intended primarily for uses conducted in offices (referred to in this chapter as "office use") or use often associated with or supporting office uses. The following criteria are applicable to determine whether or not a use is an office use. An office use:

(1) Is not retail, wholesale or industrial activity except as specifically intended as support uses to offices and permitted pursuant to § 17.33.030 of this chapter (Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses);

• (2) Does not generate large amounts of vehicular traffic;

• (3) Does not generally require high exposure to traffic;

• (4) Does not generate undue amounts of noise;

• (5) Generally involves no activities outside the office or building in which it is conducted.

(B) C-2 Restricted Commercial Zone . The C-2 (Restricted Commercial) Zone is intended for a limited range of commercial uses that serve local community needs, provide a buffer between residential properties and higher intensity uses and will be encouraged to be compatible with adjacent land uses. The C-2 designation is generally applied to areas appropriate to serve the daily shopping needs within the neighborhood, including restaurants, small businesses and studios.

(C) C-3 General Community Commercial Zone . The C-3 (General Commercial) Zone is intended for higher intensity commercial uses that serve community and subregional needs with an emphasis on convenient automobile access, while incorporating efficient, safe and attractive on-site pedestrian circulation. The C-3 designation is generally applied to areas appropriate to serve the entire community, including shopping centers, automotive service and repair, theaters and drive-thrus.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.010.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this title, any and every building and premises or land in the C-P, C-2 and C-3 zones shall be used for or occupied and every building shall be erected, constructed, established, enlarged, altered, maintained, moved into and within the zones exclusively and only in accordance with the requirements set forth in this chapter.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.020.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

The following uses are either permitted, conditionally permitted or not permitted in the C-P (Professional and Office), C-2 (Restricted Commercial) or C-3 (General Commercial) zones, as set forth in Table 1-17.33 below. Other similar permissible uses not identified in Table 1-17.33 may be permitted by Planning Commission determination pursuant to Chapter 17.88 of the Corona Municipal Code (Similar Uses). All permitted uses must be conducted completely within enclosed buildings.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.030.) (Ord. 3323 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

TABLE 1-17.33 PERMITTED LAND USES

Legend for Permitted Land Uses

*The following chapters are found in the zoning ordinance of the Corona Municipal Code: 17.04 (Definitions and Construction); 17.41 (Sexually Oriented Businesses); 17.72 (Supplemental Site Development Standards for Automotive Related Uses); and 17.73 (Health Care Facilities). Chapter 12.24 (Parks and Recreation Areas) is found under Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places of the Corona Municipal Code. Chapter 5.19 (Tobacco Sales Restrictions) is found under Business Licenses and Regulations of the Corona Municipal Code.

1 Residential permitted for a housing development project proposed pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 65852.24 subject to the requirements set forth in Corona Municipal Code Chapter 17.31.

2 Residential permitted for a housing development project proposed pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65912.100 et seq. (`78 Code, § 17.33.030.) (Ord. 3372 § 4, 2023; Ord. 3371 § 5, 2023; Ord. 3323 § 3, 2020; Ord. 3223 §§ 28, 29, 2016; Ord. 3220 §§ 27, 28, 2015; Ord. 3201 § 4, 2015; Ord. 3186 § 4, 2014; Ord. 3139 § 6, 2013; Ord. 3054 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3049, § 1, 2010; Ord. 2856 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2740 § 2, 2004; Ord. 2570 § 1, 2002; Ord. 2564 § 1, 2002; Ord. 2510 § 3, 2001; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

All new or substantially expanded or altered commercial and office developments are required to submit a precise plan in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.91 of the Corona Municipal Code. (`78 Code, § 17.33.050.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

Table 2-17.33 establishes the development standards for the C-P, C-2 and C-3 zones.

TABLE 2-17-33 COMMERCIAL LAND USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

*See § 17.66.020 of the Corona Municipal Code (Accessory Buildings and Building Height) for exceptions from height limits for skylights, ventilating fans, parapet walls and similar roof structures. (`78 Code, § 17.33.060.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) Front, side and rear yards required for a lot or building shall be fully landscaped in accordance with Chapter 17.70 of the Corona Municipal Code (Landscaping, Fences, Walls, Hedges) and the Planning Department’s landscape standards. All landscaping shall include the installation of concrete curb planters and shall be continuously maintained by an irrigation system operable at all times.

(B) Landscape areas, walls and fences shall be established and maintained in accordance with Chapter 17.70 of the Corona Municipal Code (Landscaping, Fences, Walls, Hedges). All fencing shall be constructed of wrought iron or decorative block. Wood, precision block or chain link fencing is prohibited. Fences or walls directly abutting a parcel used for residential purposes or zoned for residential purposes shall be constructed of decorative block a minimum of six feet in height.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.070.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) All signs shall be erected, constructed, altered, and maintained in accordance with Chapter 17.74 of the Corona Municipal Code.

• (B) Signs shall contain only such subject matter that refers to:

• (1) The name and logo of the establishment; or

• (2) The goods or services provided by the establishment.

• (C) Sign proposals shall be submitted as part of the precise plan review process. Signs must be complementary to the architectural design of the building. Sign proposals shall include color scheme, types of materials, typeface and a general maintenance schedule.

• (D) All commercial or office centers consisting of two or more tenant spaces shall submit a comprehensive sign

proposal, including both parcel and enterprise signs. The proposal shall integrate the signs with building design by:

• (1) Using the same background on all signs;

• (2) Using not more than three colors for signs;

• (3) Using the same method of mounting signs;

• (4) Using the same type of materials for sign components (such as sign copy, supports).

(E) Monument signs shall not exceed five feet in height, pole (pylon) signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height, and no sign shall exceed the applicable size limits set forth in Chapter 17.74. A pole (pylon) sign on property that is contiguous to a freeway may exceed the 15 foot limitation if the height and scale of the sign is appropriate to the property, but in no case shall the height of the sign exceed 40 feet. The height of the sign shall include the total sign structure as measured from average grade.

(F) Commercial centers may have pedestrian oriented blade or under canopy signs. These shall not exceed six square feet in area and maintain adequate clearance height from the walkway.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.080.) (Ord. 2729 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2551 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

The provisions of Chapter 17.68 of the Corona Municipal Code (Vehicular Access) shall apply.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.090.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) Off-street parking requirements for all uses shall comply with Chapter 17.76 of the Corona Municipal Code (Off-Street Parking).

(B) Commercial developments shall be designed to provide for adequate vehicular access, parking and loading to prevent undue traffic congestion on adjacent streets or highways.

(C) Internal circulation shall be designed to avoid vehicle stacking on adjacent streets, facilitate the movement of vehicles throughout the site and ensure the safety of pedestrians.

(D) Loading areas shall be provided large enough to accommodate a delivery truck sized for the business and in accordance with the following criteria:

(1) The loading area shall be located outside of the public streets or main drive aisles and shall not block or abut circulation through the commercial aisle;

• (2) Loading doors or docks shall not be located adjacent to residential uses;

• (3) Loading doors and docks shall not be located at the front of buildings or next to main building entrances;

(4) Loading doors and docks shall not be located adjacent to a street unless it is properly screened from public view.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.100.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) Pedestrian walkways should not cross the drive-thru aisle.

(B) The drive-thru aisle shall have a minimum width of 11 feet on the straight sections and 12 feet on the curved portion.

(C) For fast food restaurants the drive-thru aisle shall have a sufficient stacking area behind the menu board to accommodate six cars.

(D) The speakers shall be located to protect adjoining residential areas from excessive noise.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.110.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) The outdoor storage or display of goods, materials or supplies is prohibited in the commercial zones except as follows:

(1) Goods that are integral to a business’s primary use and are normally found or used outside may be displayed outdoors in a designated display area. All goods must be for sale. Items not for sale while displayed outdoors are prohibited;

(2) The location, use and design of outdoor display and storage areas must be included in the precise plan review process as provided for in Chapter 17.33.050 of the Corona Municipal Code (Precise Plan Review). New outdoor display storage areas will receive precise plan approval;

(3) Temporary outdoor display may be permitted in conjunction with a special sale or event pursuant to § 17.98.030 (Special Use Permit) and § 17.99.030 (Temporary Use Permit);

(4) Temporary outdoor storage containers may be permitted by the Board of Zoning Adjustment pursuant to § 17.98.030 (Special Use Permits) for a period not exceeding 90 days in a calendar year subject to the following conditions:

• (a) The temporary outdoor storage container shall comply with the property development standards set forth in § 17.33.060;

• (b) The temporary outdoor storage container shall not encroach into drive-aisles or required parking spaces unless authorized in the special use permit; and

• (c) The temporary outdoor storage containers shall not be visible from the public streets unless authorized by the special use permit.

(5) Outdoor storage containers that are intended to function as a permanent structure or fixture shall be architecturally compatible with the primary structure associated with the property, shall not encroach into drive-aisles or required parking spaces unless affected parking spaces can be relocated on-site, shall comply with the property development standards set forth in § 17.33.060 and shall not be placed on the property without first obtaining all applicable permits from the City of Corona.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.120.) (Ord. 2554, §§ 1, 2, 2001; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

• (A) Indoor swap meets shall be established only in buildings containing 5,000 square feet or more of gross floor area.

• (B) City business licenses and state seller permits shall be obtained by every tenant operating a stall space.

• (C) No more than one business license shall be granted per 150 square feet of building floor area.

• (D) The minimum average square footage of a partitioned cubicle or stall space (booth) shall be 150 square feet. The minimum size for an individual stall shall be 100 square fact of building floor area.

• (E) No sexually oriented business as defined in Chapter 17.41.020 of the Corona Municipal Code shall be permitted.

(F) No loudspeakers or sound equipment that can be heard from exterior or semipublic areas shall be used on the premises.

• (G) Each stall space shall be partitioned with partition walls at a height of not less than five feet, six inches. Scissor-type gating shall not be used to separate vendors or vending area.

• (H) All floor areas of indoor tenant spaces shall be covered with high-grade tile or carpeting.

• (I) Aisles shall have a minimum width of seven feet.

• (J) Security personnel shall be provided during hours of operation.

• (`78 Code, § 17.33.130.) (Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) Body art designs and styles shall not be displayed on storefront windows or the exterior of the building. Only the name of the business shall be advertised on the building’s exterior.

• (B) Patrons receiving tattoo or body piercing services shall be screened from the main entrance or lobby and from any storefront window by privacy wells.

• (C) Storefront windows shall not be painted or covered in any manner that prevents exterior visibility into the premises.

• (D) The operator of the tattoo and/or body piercing salon shall adhere to applicable regulations imposed by the County Health Department.

(E) The floors, furnishings and equipment of tattoo and body piercing establishments shall be kept clean and property disinfected at all times during business hours.

(Ord. 2570 § 2, 2002.)

• (A) The owner/operator shall prohibit minors during school operating hours.

• (B) The owner/operator shall have present one employee over the age of 18 during all hours of operation.

• (C) Cybercafes with more than 15 computers shall have one additional employee over the age of 18.

• (D) The owner/operator shall maintain the presence of a security guard during all hours of operation.

• (E) The owner/operator shall install and maintain a video surveillance system.

(F) Storefront windows shall not be painted or covered in any manner that prevents exterior visibility into the premises.

• (Ord. 2740 § 4, 2004.)

• (A) A smoking lounge is as defined in CMC Chapter 17.04.

(B) The Zoning Administrator has the authority to review smoking lounge applications that are an ancillary use to a primary business. This review would be in lieu of a conditional use permit. The smoking lounge is considered ancillary to the primary business if it does not occupy more than 40 percent of the business's floor area. The ancillary use only applies to those zones that allow smoking lounges.

(C) The business shall be owner-operated or otherwise exempt from the prohibition of smoking in the workplace set forth in Cal. Labor Code Section 6404.5.

(D) Non-alcoholic beverages may be served on the premises; however, alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or consumed on the premises, except if the smoking lounge is ancillary to a restaurant that has an alcoholic beverage permit.

(E) No persons under 18 years of age shall be permitted within the business and/or within the floor area devoted to the smoking lounge if it is ancillary to another business.

(F) No live entertainment, including, but not limited to, singers, DJs, dancers, and comedians, shall be permitted within the business, except if the smoking lounge is ancillary to a restaurant that has an entertainment permit.

(G) All business related activities shall be conducted on the premises of the business.

(H) No admittance fee, cover charge, or requirement of any charge or minimum payment as a condition of entry shall be permitted.

(I) No window coverings, including window tints, shall prevent visibility of the interior of the tenant space from outside the premises during operating hours.

(J) The interior of the business shall be maintained with adequate illumination to make the conduct of patrons within the premises readily discernable to persons of normal visual acuity.

(K) Adequate ventilation shall be provided for the heating of coals in accordance with all requirements imposed by the city Fire Department, or as otherwise required by state or federal laws.

• (L) The parking provisions of Chapter 17.76 shall apply.

• (M) The business shall also be in conformity with all other city, state and federal laws.

(Ord. 3353 § 3, 2022; Ord. 3215 § 3, 2015; Ord. 2856 § 2, 2006.)

All uses shall provide trash enclosures in accordance with Chapter 17.79 of the Corona Municipal Code (Trash Enclosures).

(`78 Code, § 17.33.150.) (Ord. 2856 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2740 § 3, 2004; Ord. 2570 § 2, 2002; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

(A) Carts used as part of the retail service of a business shall be stored inside the commercial building or within a screened cart storage area.

(B) Areas for the collection of carts shall be provided within the parking lot. The specific location, number and design shall be identified as part of the precise plan review process.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.160.) (Ord. 2856 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2740 § 3, 2004; Ord. 2570 § 2, 2002; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)

The provisions of Chapter 17.84 of the Zoning Ordinance (Performance Standards) shall apply.

(`78 Code, § 17.33.170.) (Ord. 2856 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2740 § 3, 2004; Ord. 2570 § 2, 2002; Ord. 2437 § 2, 2000.)