Chapter 17.300 — GENERAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND USE STANDARDS

The provisions of this Chapter address details of site planning, project design, and operation and are intended to ensure that all development produces an environment of stable and desirable character that is harmonious with existing and future development, protects the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties, and is consistent with the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)

A. Standards. The standards of this Chapter shall be considered in combination with the standards for each zoning district in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Development Standards). Residential and mixed use structures shall also comply with the Citywide Residential and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards. Where there may be a conflict, the standards specific to the zoning district shall override these general standards. B. Compliance. All structures, additions to structures, and uses shall comply with the standards of this Chapter, as determined applicable by the Director, except as specified in Chapter 17.610 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).

(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006; Ord. No. 2025-003, Exhibit A (part))

A. Access to Streets.

1. Every structure shall be constructed upon, or moved to, a legally recorded parcel with a permanent means of

access to a public street, in compliance with City standards.

2. All structures shall be properly located to ensure safe and convenient access for servicing, fire protection, and parking.

3. Parcels located on a private street, which were legally established before the effective date of this Title, are

exempt from the required compliance with the latest adopted City standards for private streets.

B. Pedestrian Access. All multiple-family residential, non-residential, or mixed use developments shall provide a minimum of one pedestrian walkway of no less than four feet in width, from each adjoining street frontage connecting said street with either the main building entrance or common pedestrian corridor.

C. Access to Accessory Structures. Accessory structures and other on-site architectural features shall be properly located to ensure that they do not obstruct access to main structures or accessory living quarters. Also refer to § 17.400.100 (Residential Uses - Accessory Residential Structures).

(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2022-008; Ord. No. 2024-006)

This Section establishes standards to ensure the provision of open areas for access to and around structures, access to natural light and ventilation, landscaping, recreation, separation of incompatible land uses, and space for privacy, traffic safety, and visibility.

A. Setback Requirements.

1. All structures shall conform to the setback requirements identified for each zoning district by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Standards) and with any special setbacks established for specific uses by this Title.

2. All setbacks shall be open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except for trees and other plant materials,

and except as provided in this Section.

B. Exemptions from Setback Requirements. The minimum setback requirements of this Title shall apply to all uses/structures, except for the following:

1. Fences or walls constructed within the height limitations of this Title.

• C. Limitations on Use of Setbacks. Required setback areas shall only be used as follows:

1. Structures. Required setback area shall not be occupied by structures other than:

• a. Structures that are exempt from setback requirements by § 17.300.020.B. (Exemptions from Setback

• Requirements) above;

b. Residential accessory structures located within setback areas in compliance with § 17.400.100 (Residential Uses - Accessory Residential Structures).

2. Parking. Residential parking may be allowed within a required setback only in compliance with § 17.320.035 (Parking Design and Layout Guidelines) and § 17.320.040 (Driveway and Site Access Standards).

3. Storage. Front or street side setbacks shall not be used for the storage of inoperable vehicles, scrap, junk, or

similar materials.

D. Measurement of Setbacks. Setbacks shall be measured as follows, see Figure 3-1 (Location and Measurements of Setbacks) below:

Figure 3-1 Location and Measurement of Setbacks

1. Front and street side setback. The front and street side setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the front or street side property line or street line (if applicable) to the nearest wall of the structure, except as follows:

a. Corner parcels. The setback measurement of corner parcels shall be taken from the nearest point on the structure to the nearest point of the property line or street line (if applicable) adjoining the street that is opposite the rear yard.

b. Flag lots. The setback measurement of flag lots shall be taken from the nearest point on the wall of the structure facing the street to the point where the access strip ("flag pole") meets the bulk of the parcel, establishing a building line parallel to the lot line nearest to the public street or right-of-way. See Figure 3-2 (Flag Lot) below. Figure 3-2 Flag Lot

2. Interior side setback. The interior side setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the interior side property line to the nearest wall of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the interior side property line that extends between the front and rear property lines.

3. Rear setback. The rear setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the rear property line to the nearest wall of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the rear property line that extends between the side property lines.

E. Allowed Projections into Setbacks. Projections such as eaves, cornices, awnings, louvers, porches, stairs, and chimneys may encroach into required setbacks, as well as required open space, in compliance with Table 3-1 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks) below, subject to all applicable requirements of the Building and Fire Code. Where any provision of this Chapter conflicts with applicable building codes, the more restrictive provision shall apply. The "Limitations/Additional Regulations" column states any dimensional, area, or other limitations that apply to such

projections. Any deviation from the standards in Table 3-1 shall require a variance or administrative modification per Chapter 17.550 (Variances and Administrative Modifications).

Table 3-1 Allowed Projections into Setbacks

(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2017-014 § 2; Ord. No. 2022-008; Ord. No. 2024-006; Ord. No. 2025-008, Exhibit A (part))

All structures shall meet the following standards relating to height, except for fences and walls, which shall comply with § 17.300.030 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls), and the allowable exceptions identified in § 17.300.025.C. (Exceptions to Height Limits) below.

A. Maximum Height. The height of structures shall not exceed the standard established by the applicable zoning district in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Standards).

B. Height Measurement. Height shall be measured from finished grade. See Figure 3-3 (Height Measurement). For fill areas, height shall be measured from finished grade, so long as the fill shall not result in a retaining wall greater than ten feet in height with no one section taller than six feet as per § 17.300.030.C. (Retaining Walls). If the retaining wall is along the street frontage, it shall be set back by a minimum three-foot landscaped area from the back of walk. Finished Grade shall be consistent with parcels in the immediate vicinity, and shall not be, nor have been, artificially raised to gain additional building height.

Figure 3-3 Height Measurement

C. Rooftop Projections and Exceptions to Height Limits. Allowable rooftop projects and exceptions to the height limits identified in this Title shall apply in the following manner, except where otherwise required by the Building Code:

1. Roof-mounted structures for the housing of mechanical equipment, antennas, elevators, stairways, tanks, towers, ventilating fans, or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the structure, shall be allowed as follows. a. In multiple-family residential zones, up to a maximum of 13 feet six inches above the height of the underlying roof surface. Any roof mounted structure or equipment exceeding the parapet height shall be set back five feet from the edge of the structure, except stairs shall not be required to be set back from the edge of the structure.

b. In mixed use and special purpose zones, up to a maximum of 13 feet six inches above the height of a building; except that elevators shall be allowed up to a maximum of 19 feet six inches above the height of the underlying roof surface.

c. In the R1 and R2 zones, mechanical equipment located on roofs, upper level terraces, patios and balconies, and structures housing mechanical equipment shall not exceed the maximum zoning envelope and shall not encroach upon a 1:1 upward- and inward-inclining plane starting at the base of the roof or exterior deck surface along front and side yard-facing facades (See Figure 3-4).

Figure 3-4

1:1 Allowable Placement for Roof-Mounted and Upper-Story Mechanical Equipment in the R1 and R2 Zones

2. Fire or parapet walls may extend up to five feet above the building height limit of the structure, and as may otherwise be required by the California Building Code. In the R1 Zone, the height limit shall be inclusive of fire or parapet walls.

3. In RMD, RHD, mixed use, and special purpose zones, architectural features that are non-habitable design elements, such as spires, turrets, bell towers, clock towers, cupolas, and similar design elements, shall be allowed up to a maximum of 13 feet six inches above the height of a building, and are limited to 10% of the total roof area and up to 200 square feet for each individual element. Trellises/pergolas shall be allowed up to a maximum of 13 feet six inches above the height of a building, and are limited to 15% of the total roof area and up to 400 square feet for each individual trellis/pergola.

4. Chimneys may project up to four feet above the height of the point where the chimney passes through the roof,

or as required by the Building Code.

5. For non-residential uses, trellis and carport-style structures installed on a parking structure roof deck for the

purpose of supporting solar panels and solar equipment and installations shall be allowed up to a maximum of 13 feet six inches above the highest elevation of the rooftop parking deck surface.

(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2018-012 § 2; Ord. No. 2021-012 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 2024-001, Exhibit A (part); Ord. No. 2024-006; Ord. No. 2025-008, Exhibit A (part))

A. Applicability. Fences, hedges and walls shall be installed and maintained in compliance with this Section. These regulations do not apply to fences required by the City for reasons of public safety.

• B. General Height Limitations. Fences, hedges, and walls shall comply with the height limitations of Table 3-2 (Maximum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls).

Table 3-2

Minimum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls

Notes:

(1) Ornamental features, including finials, caps or other decorative elements, may exceed the height limitations by six inches above the top of a wall or fence a minimum distance of four feet apart.

(2) A wrought iron or similar decorative openwork fence (minimum 60% openwork) incorporating solid masonry pilasters that are no more than 16 inches thick, and not less than 10 feet apart, shall be considered to provide adequate visibility, and therefore, may meet the four-foot rather than the 30-inch height restriction.

(3) The maximum six-foot height is not applicable to hedges or other landscaping within a required side or rear setback.

(4) See Chapter 17.550 (Variances and Administrative Modifications).

Figure 3-5 Measurement of Fences, Walls, and Landscaping Height

C. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall not exceed six feet in height for any one wall, nor 12 feet for any

combination of walls (including required freeboard). Any combination of walls shall be separated by at least three feet horizontally. Retaining walls are permitted in all yards.

D. Measurement of Height. For purposes of this Subsection, a wall or fence that is located within five feet of a public street right-of-way shall be measured from the grade of the abutting public right-of-way, except in cases where severe or unusual slope conditions exist, in which case an alternative basis for measurement may be determined by the Director. The height of a wall or fence located along an interior property line shall be measured from the higher natural or established grade of the two abutting properties.

E. Special Wall and Fencing Requirements.

1. Jacuzzi, spa, swimming pools, and similar features. Jacuzzi, spa, swimming pool, or similar outdoor water

features shall be fenced in compliance with the Uniform Building Code.

2. Outdoor equipment, storage, and work areas. Screening of outdoor uses and equipment shall be provided in

compliance with § 17.300.035 (Screening).

3. Temporary fencing. Temporary fencing may be approved as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Director.

4. Address numbers. If a fence or wall obstructs the view of a property address from the street right-of-way, the

address numbers shall be located on the fence so that they are clearly visible from the street right-of-way.

F. Lighting Fixtures.

1. Along street-facing property line. Decorative lighting fixtures may be placed on top of a fence along a street-

facing property line, provided that the fixtures:

• a. Are an integral part of the fence design;

• b. Extend no more than 16 inches above the maximum height allowed; and

• c. Reflect light down and away from adjoining property so that the light emitted does not create a public nuisance

• or offense, in compliance with other applicable CCMC provisions.

2. Along interior property line. Lighting fixtures may be attached to the side of a fence along an interior property

line, provided that they do not project above the top of the fence.

• G. Security Fencing. Fences shall not incorporate electrical currents, razor ribbon, barbed wire, and/or pointed, protruding, or sharp objects or elements. Exception: Wrought iron fences may incorporate decorative arrowhead and curved point tips.

• H. Administrative Waiver. The Director may administratively approve fences and walls that exceed the maximum

heights identified in this Subsection, if at least one of the following circumstances exists:

1. A City-verified nuisance or criminal activity exists on the property or within the nearby area;

2. The property has exceptional or extraordinary geographical circumstances;

3. A residential front setback is located on a designated primary arterial. The fence may be of solid or opaque

material, but shall not exceed four feet in height; or

4. The fence or wall is located within a street-abutting setback of a guard-gated residential development, provided

that the fence or wall:

• a. Has a landscaped setback at least equal in depth, on average, to the height of the fence;

• b. Is decorative, made of brick, stone, stucco, painted steel/aluminum, or wrought-iron; and

• c. Does not exceed eight feet in height.

• (Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2021-012 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006; Ord. No. 2025-008, Exhibit A (part))

A. Compliance. This Section establishes standards for the screening and separation of adjoining residential and nonresidential land uses on adjacent parcels, and standards for equipment, utilities, refuse, service, loading, and outdoor storage areas.

B. Screening Between Different Land Uses.

1. Except as limited by height per CCMC § 17.300.030.B. Table 3-2, an opaque screen consisting of materials, such as solid masonry wall, fence, and/or plant material, a minimum of six feet in height, shall be installed along the parcel boundaries of a commercial or industrial development that abuts a residential zoning district or stand-alone residential use in a mixed use zone.

2. The maximum height of the walls shall comply with the provisions of § 17.300.030 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls).

3. The walls shall be architecturally treated on both sides.

4. Plant materials shall be installed adjacent to screening walls and fences in compliance with Chapter 17.310

(Landscaping).

C. Utilities, Equipment, Service, Loading, and Refuse Areas.

1. Location of above-ground utilities, equipment, loading, and service areas. Except as stated in CCMC § 17.300.035.C.1.c, in mixed use zones, all above-ground utilities and mechanical equipment (e.g., electric and gas meters, fire sprinkler valves, irrigation backflow prevention devices, etc.), loading docks and ramps, and service areas shall be integrated into building and landscape design and located to minimize impact on the pedestrian experience and neighboring properties by following the standards below (except as required by utility providers, building and fire codes):

a. Utilities and equipment, service, and non-passenger loading areas shall be located inside of buildings or on non-primary street frontages, alleys, parking areas, and/or at the rear or side of buildings and shall be screened from view per § 17.300.035.C.2. (Screening of above-ground utilities, equipment, loading, and service areas) below.

b. Utilities and equipment, service, and non-passenger loading areas shall not be located within the front or street side setback area of the lot or development site. Additionally, utilities and equipment, service, and non-passenger loading areas shall not be located along mid-block pedestrian connections and/or within 50 feet of a street corner. Loading docks shall be internal to the building envelope, and equipped with closable doors, unless there are clear and identifiable obstructions or site constraints that preclude internal location of the loading dock.

c. Notwithstanding CCMC § 17.300.035.C.1.a and b, in all residential zones (R1, R2, RLD, RMD, RHD) and in residential only developments in mixed use zones, equipment projections shall be allowed pursuant to allowed projections in CCMC § 17.300.020.E. Table 3-1.

2. Screening of above-ground utilities, equipment, loading, and service areas. All utilities, equipment, loading, and service areas not housed inside buildings shall meet the following screening standards:

• a. Loading areas. Loading areas shall be screened with a solid masonry wall, at least six feet in height.

• b. All other above-ground utilities, equipment, and service areas:

i. Screening shall be equal to or higher than the height of the equipment to be screened, unless specified otherwise.

ii. Screening shall be made of a primary exterior finish material used on other portions of the building(s), architectural grade wood or masonry, metal, or landscape screening that forms an opaque barrier when planted. Plant materials shall be installed adjacent to screening walls and fences, in compliance with Chapter 17.310 (Landscaping).

iii. All vents, flashing, electrical conduits, etc., shall be painted to match the color of the adjacent surface.

3. Rooftop equipment. Rooftop elements, including roof access, mechanical equipment, and other features needed for the function of the building, shall be located to minimize visual impact by meeting the following requirements, with the exception of development in the R1 and R2 zones (See § 17.300.025.C.1.c. for allowable placement for roofmounted and upper-story mechanical equipment in the R1 and R2 zones). Mechanical equipment less than two feet in height, solar panels, wind generators, or green roof features shall be exempt from these requirements.

a. Mechanical equipment shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from the roof edge or screened through the use of parapet walls, towers, or other architectural features such that it is not visible from any point at or below the roof

level of the subject building (see § 17.300.035.C.2. (Screening of above-ground utilities, equipment, loading, and service areas)).

• b. If equipment is visible from adjacent taller buildings or from higher grades, it shall be painted to match the

• rooftop in color and shall be grouped together as practical.

4. Refuse and recycling. Refuse and recycling enclosures shall be integrated into building and landscape design

and located to minimize impact on the pedestrian experience and neighboring properties by complying with the following standards:

• a. Refuse and recycling enclosures are prohibited along primary frontages.

• b. Refuse and recycling enclosures shall be located inside of buildings or inside of covered enclosures located

• along alleys, in parking areas, or at the rear and side of buildings.

• c. Refuse and recycling material containers shared by multiple dwelling units shall be enclosed and screened per

• § 17.300.035.C.2. (Screening of above-ground utilities, equipment, loading, and service areas).

d. Sizing of the enclosures shall conform to the requirements of the Environmental Programs and Operations

• (EPO) Division of the Culver City Public Works Department.

• e. Enclosures shall be adequate in height to fully screen containers and materials.

f. Refuse and recycling enclosures shall incorporate roof structures to help improve stormwater quality and to screen the enclosure from views from above.

g. Refuse and recycling enclosures shall be opaque and finished using materials and colors that are from the same color and material palette as the primary building(s). Enclosure gates shall also be opaque.

h. Enclosure doors shall not swing into any public right-of-way, driveway approaches, or drive aisles. In these cases, sliding doors may be used with EPO approval.

i. Refuse and recycling material containers stored within individual yards shall be screened from street view.

D. Outdoor Storage. Uses with outdoor storage of materials shall be screened per § 17.400.080 (Outdoor Storage). (Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2021-012 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 2024-001, Exhibit A (part); Ord. No. 2024-006; Ord. No. 2025-008, Exhibit A (part))

• A. General Standards for Outdoor Lighting. Exterior lighting shall comply with the following requirements:

1. All lighting shall be energy-efficient (e.g., LED, or other lighting technology) with a rated average bulb life of not less than 10,000 hours.

2. All lighting shall be shielded and/or recessed so that direct glare and reflections are confined to the maximum

extent feasible within the boundaries of the site, and shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.

3. Permanently installed lighting shall not blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity or brightness.

4. All outdoor lighting for non-residential uses shall be on a time clock or photo-sensor system and turned off during daylight hours and during hours when the building(s) is not in use and the lighting is not required for security.

5. All lighting fixtures on the site should be uniform or compatible with respect to base support, finish material texture, color, and/or style of poles and luminaires. Landscaping and pedestrian walkway lights shall be less than four feet in height.

6. Maximum Height. Freestanding light poles and luminaires shall not exceed the following maximum heights:

• a. Fifteen feet for residential and mixed-use projects.

• b. Eighteen feet for non-residential projects, or a lesser height determined by the Director, to mitigate any

• impacts to adjoining properties.

7. Security Lighting.

a. Multiple-Family Residential Developments. Aisles, passageways, and entryways/recesses related to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least one-quarter foot-candles at the ground level during the hours of darkness.

b. Non-Residential Developments. All exterior doors, during the hours of darkness, shall be illuminated with a minimum of one-quarter foot-candles of light.

(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)