Earlier editions: 2026-09
Zoning-Subdivision›Article 2 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND ZONING DISTRICT STANDARDS
Gustine Municipal Code § 4-24-030 Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements
Gustine Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Gustine
Cite as: Gustine Municipal Code § 4-24-030 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Sec. 4-24-010. - Purpose.¶
This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the commercial zoning districts, determines the type of planning permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.
Sec. 4-24-020. - Definitions of commercial zoning districts.¶
The purposes of the individual Commercial Zoning Districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.
A. C-N (Neighborhood Commercial) district. The C-N zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for convenience and commercial activities that are located in the vicinity of residential neighborhoods and are oriented to primarily serving them. The C-N zoning district is consistent with and implements the Neighborhood Commercial land use designation of the General Plan.
B. C-O (Office Commercial) district. The C-O zoning district is applied to areas appropriate primarily for office uses, and limited supporting commercial uses. The C-O zoning district is consistent with and implements the Office Commercial land use designation of the General Plan.
C. C-1 (Downtown Commercial) district. The C-1 zoning district is applied to the central commercial core and includes a full range of retail services and professional and governmental offices. The C-1 zoning district is consistent with and implements the Retail Business land use designation of the General Plan.
D. C-2 (General Commercial) district. The C-2 zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a mixture of commercial and light industrial activities. The C-2 zoning district is consistent with the General and Service Commercial land use designation of the General Plan.
E. C-H (Highway Commercial) district. The C-H zoning district is applied to areas of high automobile access and is designed to accommodate auto-oriented commerce and the needs of highway travelers. The C-H zoning district is consistent with and implements the Highway Commercial land use designation of the General Plan.
Sec. 4-24-030. - Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements.¶
Table 2-4 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning and Subdivision Code in the Commercial Zoning Districts, and the planning permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 4-20-030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).
Note: Where the last column in the table ("Specific Use Regulations") includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the use. Provisions in other sections of this Zoning and Subdivision Code may also apply.
| TABLE 2-4 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND USE (1) | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | Specific Use Regulations |
| LAND USE (1) | C-N | C-O | C-1 | C-2 | C-H | Specific Use Regulations |
| INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING, WHOLESALING | ||||||
| Agricultural product processing | — | — | - | UP | — | |
| Artisan/ |
— | — | UP | UP | — | |
| Construction contractors | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Furniture and fixtures manufacturing, cabinet shop | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Industrial research and development | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Laboratory — Medical, analytical | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Laundry, dry cleaning plant | — | — | — | UP | — | |
| Manufacturing/ |
— | — | — | P | — | |
| Media production | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Printing and publishing | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Recycling — Reverse vending machines | — | — | — | P | P | |
| Recycling — Small collection facility | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Storage — Outdoor | — | — | — | UP | UP | 4-44-110 |
| Storage — Personal storage facility (mini-storage) | — | — | — | UP | UP | |
| Storage — RV and boat | — | — | — | UP | — | 4-44-120 |
| Storage — Warehouse, indoor storage | — | — | — | UP | — | |
| Wholesaling and distribution | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Winery | — | — | — | UP | — |
Key to Zoning District Symbols
| C-N | Neighborhood Commercial | C-2 | General Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-O | Office Commercial | C-H | Highway Commercial |
| C-1 | Downtown Commercial |
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Architectural Review may also be required; see Section 4-52-020.
| TABLE 2-4 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND USE (1) | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | Specific Use Regulations |
| LAND USE (1) | C-N | C-O | C-1 | C-2 | C-H | Specific Use Regulations |
| RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES | ||||||
| Bar/tavern | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Club, lodge, private meeting hall | — | UP | UP | UP | UP | |
| Commercial recreation facility — Indoor | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Commercial recreation facility — Outdoor | — | — | — | — | UP | |
| Community center | UP | UP | P | P | UP | |
| Conference/ |
— | — | UP | — | UP | |
| Fitness/ |
UP | UP | UP | P | P | |
| Library, museum | UP | UP | P | P | UP | |
| Night club | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Park, playground | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Religious facility | UP | UP | — | UP | — | |
| School — Elementary, middle, secondary | — | — | — | — | — | |
| School - Specialized education/ |
UP | UP | UP | UP | — | |
| Sports and entertainment assembly facility | — | — | — | UP | UP | |
| Studio — Art, dance, martial arts, music, etc. | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Theater, auditorium | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES |
| Community care facility, 7 or more clients | UP | UP | UP | UP | — | |
| Emergency shelter | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Home occupation | P | P | P | P | P | 4-44-050 |
| Live/work unit | P | P | UP | UP | — | |
| Multi-family housing | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) | UP | — | — | UP | — | |
| Residential units in a mixed-use project | P | P | P | P | — | 4-44-060 |
| Single-room occupancy housing | — | — | UP | UP | UP | 4-44-240 |
Key to Zoning District Symbols
| C-N | Neighborhood Commercial | C-2 | General Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-O | Office Commercial | C-H | Highway Commercial |
| C-1 | Downtown Commercial |
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Architectural Review may also be required; see Section 4-52-020.
| TABLE 2-4 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND USE (1) | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | Specific Use Regulations |
| LAND USE (1) | C-N | C-O | C-1 | C-2 | C-H | Specific Use Regulations |
| RETAIL TRADE | RETAIL TRADE | RETAIL TRADE | RETAIL TRADE | RETAIL TRADE | RETAIL TRADE | RETAIL TRADE |
| Accessory retail uses | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Alcoholic beverage sales | UP | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Artisan shop | P | — | P | P | P | |
| Auto and vehicle sales and rental | — | — | — | UP | UP | |
| Auto parts sales with no installation services | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Building and landscape materials sales — Indoor | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Building and landscape materials sales — Outdoor | — | — | UP | P | UP | 4-44-100 |
| Construction and heavy equipment sales and rental | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Drive-through retail | — | — | — | S | S | |
| Extended hour retail | — | — | UP(4) | UP(4) | UP(4) | |
| Farm supply and feed store | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Farmers market | UP | — | UP | UP | — | |
| Fuel dealer (propane for home and farm use, etc.) | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Furniture, furnishings and appliance store | — | — | P | P | P | |
| Gas station | — | — | — | UP | UP | 4-44-150 |
| General retail — 10,000 sf or less | - | — | S | S | S | |
| General retail — 10,001 to 19,999 sf | — | — | S | S | S | |
| General retail — 20,000 sf or more | — | — | S | S | S | |
| Groceries, specialty foods — 10,000 sf or less | P | — | S | S | S | |
| Groceries, specialty foods — More than 10,000 sf | — | — | S | S | S | |
| Mobile home, boat, or RV sales | — | — | — | UP | UP | |
| Neighborhood market | UP | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Office-supporting retail | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Outdoor retail sales and activities | P | — | P | P | P | 4-44-100 |
| Produce stand | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Restaurant, cafe, coffee shop | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Second hand store | — | — | P | UP | UP | |
| Shopping center | — | — | — | UP | UP |
Key to Zoning District Symbols
| C-N | Neighborhood Commercial | C-2 | General Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-O | Office Commercial | C-H | Highway Commercial |
| C-1 | Downtown Commercial |
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Architectural Review may also be required; see Section 4-52-020.
(3) Use Permit required when site abuts a residential zone.
(4) Use not allowed on a site abutting a residential zone.
| TABLE 2-4 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND USE (1) | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | Specific Use Regulations |
| LAND USE (1) | C-N | C-O | C-1 | C-2 | C-H | Specific Use Regulations |
| SERVICES — BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL | ||||||
| ATM | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Bank, financial services | UP | P | P | P | P | |
| Business support service | — | P | P | P | P | |
| Medical services - Doctor office | P | P | P | P | UP | |
| Medical services - Clinic, lab, urgent care | — | UP | UP | UP | UP | |
| Medical services - Extended care | — | UP | — | — | UP | |
| Office - Accessory | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Office - Business/ |
P | P | P | P | P | |
| Office - Government | — | P | P | UP | — | |
| Office - Processing | — | UP | P | P | — | |
| Office - Professional | — | P | P | P | — | |
| SERVICES — GENERAL | SERVICES — GENERAL | SERVICES — GENERAL | SERVICES — GENERAL | SERVICES — GENERAL | SERVICES — GENERAL | SERVICES — GENERAL |
| Catering service | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Child or adult day care center | UP | UP | — | — | — | 4-44-040 |
| Drive-through service | — | — | — | P | P | |
| Equipment rental | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Kennel, animal boarding | — | — | — | UP | — | |
| Lodging — Bed & breakfast inn (B&B) | — | — | UP | — | UP | |
| Lodging — Hotel or motel | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Lodging — Recreational vehicle (RV) park | — | — | — | — | UP | |
| Low Barrier Navigation Center | P | P | P | P | — | |
| Maintenance service — Client site services | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Mortuary, funeral home | — | UP | — | UP | — | |
| Personal services | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Personal services — Restricted | — | — | — | UP | — | |
| Public safety facility | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Repair service — Equipment, large appliances, etc. | — | — | — | P | — | |
| Social service organization | — | UP | P | P | — | |
| Tattoo or body art facility | — | — | P | P | — | 4-44-200 |
| Vehicle services — Major repair/ |
— | — | UP | P | UP | |
| Vehicle services — Minor maintenance/ |
— | — | UP | P | UP | |
| Veterinary clinic, animal hospital | — | — | UP | P | UP |
Key to Zoning District Symbols
| C-N | Neighborhood Commercial | C-2 | General Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-O | Office Commercial | C-H | Highway Commercial |
| C-1 | Downtown Commercial |
| TABLE 2-4 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed | P Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required (2) UP Use Permit required (2) S Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations — Use not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND USE (1) | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT | Specific Use Regulations |
| LAND USE (1) | C-N | C-O | C-1 | C-2 | C-H | Specific Use Regulations |
| TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE | ||||||
| Broadcasting studio | — | UP | UP | P | UP | |
| Parking facility, public or commercial | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Pipeline, utility transmission or distribution line | UP | UP | UP | UP | UP | |
| Telecommunications facility | S | S | S | S | S | 4-44-160 , 4-46 |
| Transit station or terminal | — | — | UP | UP | UP | |
| Utility facility | — | — | — | UP | UP | |
| Utility infrastructure | P | P | P | P | P |
Key to Zoning District Symbols
| C-N | Neighborhood Commercial | C-2 | General Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-O | Office Commercial | C-H | Highway Commercial |
| C-1 | Downtown Commercial |
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Architectural Review may also be required; see Section 4-52-020.
(Ord. No. 511, § 6, 10-19-21; Ord. No. 513, § 1, 3-15-22; Ord. No. 525, § 2(Att. A), 2-18-25)
Sec. 4-24-040. - Commercial zoning district general development standards.¶
Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Tables 2-5 and 2-6, in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 of this Zoning and Subdivision Code.
TABLE 2-5 - C-N, C-O, AND C-1 DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
| Development Feature | Requirement by Zoning District | Requirement by Zoning District | Requirement by Zoning District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Feature | C-N Neighborhood Commercial | C-O Office Commercial | C-1 Downtown Commercial |
| Minimum lot size | Minimum area and width for parcels proposed in new subdivisions. | Minimum area and width for parcels proposed in new subdivisions. | Minimum area and width for parcels proposed in new subdivisions. |
| Area (net) | 5,000 sf | 5,000 sf | 2,500 sf |
| Width | 50 ft | 50 ft | 25 ft |
| Residential density | See Gen. Plan Table 3-2 for Mixed Use Guidelines. | See Gen. Plan Table 3-2 for Mixed Use Guidelines. | See Gen. Plan Table 3-2 for Mixed Use Guidelines. |
| Maximum density | Determined by the City through site plan and development plan review and approval | Determined by the City through site plan and development plan review and approval | Determined by the City through site plan and development plan review and approval |
| Setbacks | Minimum and, where noted, maximum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 4-30-090 for exceptions to these requirements. | Minimum and, where noted, maximum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 4-30-090 for exceptions to these requirements. | Minimum and, where noted, maximum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 4-30-090 for exceptions to these requirements. |
| Front | None required | 20 ft | None required |
| Side - Interior (each) | 10 ft adjacent to an R zone; none required otherwise | 10 ft adjacent to an R zone; 5 ft otherwise | None required |
| Side - Corner | None required | 20 ft | None required |
| Rear | 10 ft adjacent to an R zone; none required otherwise | None required | |
| Lot coverage | Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures. When expressed as a range, the review authority may limit the maximum coverage allowed a specific project to less than the maximum of the range, as determined appropriate for the site and project. | Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures. When expressed as a range, the review authority may limit the maximum coverage allowed a specific project to less than the maximum of the range, as determined appropriate for the site and project. | Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures. When expressed as a range, the review authority may limit the maximum coverage allowed a specific project to less than the maximum of the range, as determined appropriate for the site and project. |
| Maximum coverage | 100% | 60% | 100% |
| Height limit | Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 4-30-040 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions. | Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 4-30-040 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions. | Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 4-30-040 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions. |
| Maximum height | 30 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft |
| Landscaping | See Chapter 4-34 (Landscaping Standards) | See Chapter 4-34 (Landscaping Standards) | See Chapter 4-34 (Landscaping Standards) |
| Parking | See Chapter 4-36 (Parking and Loading) | See Chapter 4-36 (Parking and Loading) | See Chapter 4-36 (Parking and Loading) |
| Signs | See Chapter 4-38 (Signs) | See Chapter 4-38 (Signs) | See Chapter 4-38 (Signs) |
TABLE 2-6 - C-2 AND C-H DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
| Development Feature | Requirement by Zoning District | Requirement by Zoning District |
|---|---|---|
| Development Feature | C-2 General Commercial | C-H Highway Commercial |
| Minimum lot size | Minimum area and width for parcels proposed in new subdivisions. | Minimum area and width for parcels proposed in new subdivisions. |
| Area (net) | 5,000 sf | 7,500 sf |
| Width | 25 ft | 50 ft |
| Residential density | Maximum number of dwelling units allowed in a project. The actual number of units allowed will be determined by the City through subdivision or planning permit approval, as applicable. | Maximum number of dwelling units allowed in a project. The actual number of units allowed will be determined by the City through subdivision or planning permit approval, as applicable. |
| Maximum density | Residential not allowed | Residential not allowed |
| Setbacks | Minimum and, where noted, maximum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 4-30-090 for exceptions to these requirements. | Minimum and, where noted, maximum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 4-30-090 for exceptions to these requirements. |
| Front Side - Interior (each) Side - Corner Rear | 10 feet when adjacent to an R zone; none require otherwise. | 10 feet when adjacent to an R zone; none require otherwise. |
| Lot coverage | Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures. When expressed as a range, the review authority may limit the maximum coverage allowed a specific project to less than the maximum of the range, as determined appropriate for the site and project. | Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures. When expressed as a range, the review authority may limit the maximum coverage allowed a specific project to less than the maximum of the range, as determined appropriate for the site and project. |
| Maximum coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Height limit | Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 4-30-040 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions. | Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 4-30-040 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions. |
| Maximum height | 35 ft | 35 ft |
| Landscaping | See Chapter 4-34 (Landscaping Standards) | See Chapter 4-34 (Landscaping Standards) |
| Parking | See Chapter 4-36 (Parking and Loading) | See Chapter 4-36 (Parking and Loading) |
| Signs | See Chapter 4-38 (Signs) | See Chapter 4-38 (Signs) |
Sec. 4-24-050. - CD district standards for street frontages and building facades.¶
A. Applicability. The requirements of this Section apply to proposed development within the CD zoning district. Each new non-residential structure, and all alterations to existing structures involving any change in the facade at the street frontage, shall comply with the following standards. The review authority may approve minor variations to these standards as deemed appropriate, provided that the review authority also first finds that the minor variation will still produce a new or altered building that complies with the intent of this Section.
B. Limitation on the location of allowable land uses. Each land use shall be located as follows.
The ground floor of each non-residential structure shall be limited to pedestrian-oriented uses. These may include walk-in uses such as restaurants, retail stores, health/fitness facilities, personal services, community service organizations, and similar uses. The review authority may modify this requirement when existing structures are reused for different tenants or uses, or when this requirement is determined by the review authority to be infeasible because of excessive storefront vacancies.
Ground floor, street fronting business/service offices may be approved if the review authority first determines that the use will not impair the pedestrian character of the street, provided that:
a. Parcels on the block occupied by office uses that are not pedestrian oriented constitute less than 50 percent of the block frontage;
b. The remainder of the block is characterized primarily by retail and/or restaurant uses; and
c. The facade design of the structure that accommodates the office contributes to the visual interest of the street and conspicuously expresses the nature of the use.
C. Building placement. A non-residential building facade parallel to the street shall be located at the back of the public sidewalk, except that:
The facade may be set back a maximum of six feet to accommodate a wider public sidewalk; and
A setback of 16 feet from the street property line may be allowed for 50 percent of the facade length to accommodate plazas, landscape, public art, water fountains, benches, outdoor dining, and other pedestrian amenities.
D. Architectural treatment. Building design shall comply with the following requirements.
Building wall articulation. To encourage visual continuity and pedestrian activity, at least 60 percent of the total street frontage ground floor length of any new or reconstructed building shall be differentiated architecturally by recessed windows and entries, display windows, offset surfaces, differentiated piers and columns, offset planes, textured materials, awnings, or other details, or other displays of interest to pedestrians.
Parapets. Any parapet extension of a storefront on a street-fronting facade shall be incorporated and integrated into the design of the entire building on all facades and frontages, and shall not be limited to street front facades.
Windows. Downtown buildings shall provide ground level windows designed as follows:
a. Clear, untinted glass shall be used at and near the street level to allow maximum visual interaction between sidewalk areas and the interior of buildings. Mirrored, reflective glass or tinted glass shall not be used except as an architectural or decorative accent.
b. Windows shall be provided along at least 60 percent of each ground floor facade facing a street; except that where the review authority determines that a substantial length of windowless wall is unavoidable, eye-level display, a contrast in wall treatment, an offset wall line, decorative features, outdoor seating or landscaping shall be used to enhance visual interest and pedestrian orientation.
Railings and decorative grilles. Any decorative railing or grille work that is placed in front of or behind street level windows shall be at least 75 percent open to perpendicular view and no more than six feet in height above grade. No security gate or grille shall be installed on the exterior of any structure.
Upper story design features. A minimum of 50 percent of the building frontage width above the first story shall be differentiated by recessed windows, balconies, offset planes, or other architectural details that provide dimensional relief.
E. Pedestrian access. The primary entrance of each ground floor use shall be recessed a minimum of four feet when accessed from the public sidewalk. Walk-up facilities and entries shall be recessed and provide adequate queuing space to avoid interruption of pedestrian flow.
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