Article 1 — Introduction

This Title shall be known as the "City of Huntington Park Planning and Zoning Code," hereafter referred to as this "Code."

(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

The purpose of this Code is to promote the public health, safety, general welfare, and preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the City by providing regulations to ensure an appropriate mix of land uses and development in an orderly manner. In furtherance of this purpose the City desires to achieve a pattern and distribution of land uses which generally:

1. Retain and enhance established residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial districts, regional-serving uses, recreation and amenities;

2. Maintain a balanced distribution of land uses and provide for land use compatibility throughout the City;

3. Allow for the infill and recycling of areas at their prevailing/designated scale, density and character;

4. Allow for the appropriate intensification of uses in the urban core area of the City;

5. Conserve and enhance significant environmental resources;

6. Provide open space resources for passive and active recreational activities, and protect the public from natural safety hazards;

7. Provide a diversity of areas characterized by differing land use activity, scale, and intensity, while maintaining community identity and quality development in the City and its neighborhoods; and

8. Maintain Huntington Park as a distinctive and secure environment for the City's residents and businesses.

(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

This Code is the primary tool for implementing the goals, policies and objectives of the Huntington Park General Plan, in compliance with the mandated provisions of the State Planning and Zoning Law

(Government Code Section 65000 et seq.), State Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Section 66410 et seq.), California Environmental Quality Act ( Public Resources Code 21000 et seq.), and other applicable State and local requirements.

All development within the unincorporated area of the City's sphere of influence, should be consistent with the Huntington Park General Plan, while all development within the incorporated area of the City shall be consistent with the Huntington Park General Plan. (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

The development review process involves the participation of the following:

1. Planning Commission.

   • A. Appointment. The Planning Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the City Council, and serve in compliance with the provisions of this Code.

   • B. Terms of Office. Members shall be appointed for a term of four years.

   • C. Meetings and Compensation. The Commission shall generally hold two regularly scheduled meetings each month. Prior to each regular meeting, the Commission may hold a regular "informal" meeting to be devoted exclusively to the presentation and exchange of information which may include, but not be limited to, discussion of items on the agenda or to be added to the scheduled agenda. A notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place outside the meeting room during the meeting, stating that the informal meeting is open to the public and the public is invited to attend. The Commission shall not take any formal action/vote/poll at the informal meeting, in compliance with the provisions of the State's open meeting law (aka the Brown Act).

Special meetings may be scheduled as needed, by the Chairperson or three Commission members with written notice being served to each member at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public. The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a public record of its actions. Members shall receive compensation for their attendance as specified by a resolution of the City Council. Additionally, members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings, conferences or hearings whenever the attendance is authorized by the City Council.

• D. Absences. Absence from four consecutive meetings without consent of the Commission shall be deemed a retirement, and the position shall become vacant.

• E. Quorum. Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

• F. Organization. The Commission shall annually, at its first meeting in March of each calendar year, elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among its members.

• G. Duties. The Commission shall perform the duties and functions outlined in this Code. The Commission shall prepare, recommend adoption, implement, and periodically review and recommend revisions to the General Plan and this Code for the desired physical development of the City, and any land within its Sphere of Influence.

• H. Powers. Approval for Conditional Use Permits, Variances, residential planned developments encompassing two or more dwelling units, Commercial and Industrial Planned Developments encompassing 5,000+ square feet of total building area or more than a 50% addition to an existing structure, Planned Sign Programs, certification of appropriate environmental documentation in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the

ts, Variances, residential planned developments encompassing two or more dwelling units, Commercial and Industrial Planned Developments encompassing 5,000+ square feet of total building area or more than a 50% addition to an existing structure, Planned Sign Programs, certification of appropriate environmental documentation in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the

City's Guidelines, and Tentative Parcel and Tract Maps subject to appeal to the City Council. Also the Commission recommends to the City Council for final determination on the following entitlements: Development Agreements, General Plan Amendments, Specific Plans, Zoning Map Amendments, Zoning Code Amendments, and other applicable ordinance or regulations which are zoning in nature.

2. Community Development Director.

   • A. Appointment. The Community Development Director shall be appointed by the City Council.

   • B. Duties. The Director shall perform the duties and functions outlined in this Code, in addition to the day-to-day and long range management of the Community Development Department.

   • C. Powers. Approval authority for: Certificates of Compliance, Home Enterprise Permits, Special Event Permits, Minor Conditional Use Permits, Minor Modifications, Minor Variances, Lot Line/Boundary Adjustments, Sign Permits, Residential Planned Developments encompassing one dwelling unit and up to a 50% addition to an existing multi-family development, Commercial and Industrial Planned Developments encompassing less than 5,000 square feet of total building area or less than a 50% addition to an existing structure, interpretation/definition of "permitted uses" and any other powers expressly authorized in this Code, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the City's Guidelines. All of the above listed "powers" are subject to referral and appeal to the Planning Commission.

3. Historic Preservation Commission.

   • A. Appointment. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of five members, each with a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historical preservation, who shall be appointed by Resolution of the City Council as follows:

     • (1) Three members shall be residents of the City of Huntington Park and appointed by the City Council, and serve in compliance with this Code. If a member ceases to reside in the City prior to the expiration of a term, the term shall automatically expire. Vacancies, whether scheduled or unscheduled, shall be filled by City Council appointment.

     • (2) Two members shall be appointed by the City Council who may be non-residents who are professionals in the fields or disciplines of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, History, Architectural History, Urban Planning, American Studies, Geography, or Archaeology or other Historic Preservation related disciplines to the extent that such professionals are available, and serve in compliance with this Code.

members shall be appointed by the City Council who may be non-residents who are professionals in the fields or disciplines of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, History, Architectural History, Urban Planning, American Studies, Geography, or Archaeology or other Historic Preservation related disciplines to the extent that such professionals are available, and serve in compliance with this Code.

• B. Terms of Office. Members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Except that initially the City Council shall appoint two Historic Preservation Commissioners to two year terms. Thereafter all terms will be four years.

• C. Meetings and Compensation. The Historic Preservation Commission shall generally hold meetings whenever necessary to properly and expeditiously carry out the powers and duties delegated to the Historic Preservation Commission. Prior to each regular meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission may hold a regular "informal" meeting to be devoted exclusively to the presentation and exchange of information which may include, but not be limited to, discussion of items on the agenda or to be added to the scheduled agenda. A notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place outside the meeting room during the meeting, stating that the informal meeting is open to the public and the public is invited to attend. The Commission shall not take any formal action/vote/poll at the informal meeting, in compliance with the provisions of the State's open meeting law (a.k.a. the Brown Act).

Special meetings may be scheduled as needed, by the Chairperson or three Commission members with written notice being served to each member at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

All meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be open and public. The Historic Preservation Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a

public record of its actions. Members shall receive compensation for their attendance as specified by a resolution of the City Council. Additionally, members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings, conferences or hearings whenever the attendance is authorized by the City Council.

The Historic Preservation Commission shall keep a record, which shall be available for public inspection of all of its resolutions, proceedings and other actions.

• D. Absences. Absence from three consecutive meetings in a calendar year without consent of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be deemed a retirement, and the position shall become vacant.

• E. Quorum. Three members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

• F. Organization. The Commission shall annually, at its first meeting in March of each calendar year, elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among its members.

• G. Duties. The Historic Preservation Commission shall perform the duties and functions outlined in this Code. The Historic Preservation Commission shall prepare, recommend adoption, implement, and periodically review and recommend revisions to this Code for the desired preservation of historic resources within the City, and any land within its Sphere of Influence.

• H. Powers. The Historic Preservation Commission shall have the following powers in addition to those otherwise provided in this Code:

  • (1) Identify and document historic resources through surveys and other research projects;

  • (2) Recommend to the City Council the designation of historic buildings, sites, structures, objects, interiors and districts according to procedures and criteria of this chapter;

  • (3) Administer the review of applications for projects and the issuances of "Certificates of Appropriateness" for alterations, additions, relocations and demolitions of historic resources according to the procedures of this article;

  • (4) Make recommendations to the City Council related to the review of projects affecting City-owned historic resources;

  • (5) Review and make recommendations on environmental reports, zone changes, master development plans, planned developments and other land use entitlements as requested by the Community Development Director as applicable to historic resources in the City;

  • (6) Recommend to the City Council appropriate ordinances for protection of historic resources, funding of historic preservation projects and incentives to support these activities;

  • (7) Implement historic preservation goals and policies in the Land-Use Element of the General Plan and participate in amendments to goals, policies, and principles affecting historic resources;

  • (8) Participate in educational programs on historic preservation topics;

  • (9) Assign, at its discretion, duties for administration of this title to the Community Development Director.

• I. Sunset Provision. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection 3(B) of this section, the Historic Preservation Commission shall terminate two years after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section unless extended by resolution of the City Council. All duties and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be delegated to the Huntington Park Planning Commission upon termination of the Historic Preservation Commission.

(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 1, Ord. 789-NS, eff. October 5, 2006 and § 1, Ord. 800-NS, eff. March 5, 2007)

1. Establishment of zoning districts. Huntington Park shall be divided into zoning districts which consistently implement the General Plan. The following districts are established:

2. Adoption of Zoning Map. The boundaries of the zoning districts established by this section shall be shown on the map designated as the "City of Huntington Park Official Zoning Map," on file with the City Clerk, and available at the Department.

3. Rules Applying to Uncertain Boundaries on Zoning Map. The following shall apply in determining uncertain boundaries of a district as shown on the Official Zoning Map:

   • A. Where a boundary follows a public street or alley the centerline of the street shall be the boundary. Where a boundary follows a lot line, the lot line shall be the boundary;

   • B. Where a district boundary divides a parcel, the location of the boundary, unless indicated by dimension, shall be determined by referencing the adopted Zoning Map and/or legal description of the approved rezoning case for exact dimensions;

   • C. All property in the City, or hereafter annexed, not previously classified by the City, is designated in the OS zoning district; and

   • D. In case any uncertainty exists, the Director shall determine the precise location of the district boundary.

(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 1, Ord. 828-NS, eff. September 4, 2008)

1. Application. All land or structures shall be used and constructed in compliance with the regulations and requirements of this Code, including obtaining all applicable permits prior to use inauguration.

2. Conflicting Permits and Licenses to be Voided. All permits or licenses shall be issued in compliance with the provisions of this Code. Any permit or license issued in conflict with this Code shall be void.

3. Similar Uses Permitted. When a use is not specifically listed in this Code, it shall be understood that the use is not permitted unless it is first determined by the Director to be similar to other uses listed.

It is further recognized that every conceivable use cannot be identified in this Code, and anticipating that new uses will evolve over time, this section establishes the Director's authority to compare a proposed use and measure it against those listed in this Code.

In determining "similarity" the Director shall first make all of the following findings:

• A. The proposed use shall meet the intent of, and be consistent with the goals, policies and objectives of the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plan;

• B. The proposed use shall meet the stated purpose and general intent of the zoning district in which the use is proposed to be located;

• C. The proposed use shall not adversely impact the public health, safety and general welfare of the City's residents; and

• D. The proposed use shall share characteristics common with, and not be of greater intensity, density nor generate more adverse environmental impact, than those uses listed in the zoning district in which the use is proposed to be located.

4. Minimum Requirements. When interpreting and applying the regulations of this Code, the provisions shall be the minimum requirements, unless otherwise stated.

5. Conflict with Other Regulations. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to repeal or amend the Building Code or other ordinance or regulation of the City except as otherwise provided for in this Code. Where conflicts occur between the provisions of this Code and the Building Code or other regulations of the City, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

6. No land, building, structure or premises shall be used, designed, moved, altered, added to, enlarged, or intended to be used for any purpose or in any manner other than a use listed in this Code, or amendments thereto, as permitted in the district in which such land, building, structure or premises is located; and no land, building, structure, or premises shall be permitted to be used for any purpose prohibited by Federal, State, or local law or that would be in conflict with the Constitution and laws of California or the United States.

in any manner other than a use listed in this Code, or amendments thereto, as permitted in the district in which such land, building, structure or premises is located; and no land, building, structure, or premises shall be permitted to be used for any purpose prohibited by Federal, State, or local law or that would be in conflict with the Constitution and laws of California or the United States.

It is not intended that this Code shall interfere with, repeal, abrogate or annul any private easement, covenant or other agreement in effect at the time of adoption. Where this Code imposes a greater restriction upon the use of structures or land, the provisions of this Code shall apply. Nothing contained in this Code shall be deemed to repeal or amend any regulation of the City requiring a permit or license or both.

(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 1, Ord. 874-NS, eff. October 19, 2011)

Any proposed development project may be subject to an impact fee(s) (e.g., in-lieu, mitigation, etc.) as determined to be reasonable and necessary by the applicable Review Authority, based on the anticipated impacts resulting from implementation of the project. (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

The density and intensity limitations established in the land use element of the General Plan shall apply to each parcel, respectively, except as provided in this Code. (§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)

If any chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Code is for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, the decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Code and each chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more portions of this Code might be declared invalid.

(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)