Chapter 1 — SIGNS

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to provide and promote for the orderly and attractive construction, placement, and display of signs throughout the county of Imperial. It is the policy of the county of Imperial that the primary purpose of signs is for identification and public information. All signs shall be located on the property on which they are advertising unless otherwise specified. Signs that cause a distraction and present potential safety hazards, as well as, aesthetic problems or public nuisance problems are discouraged and/or prohibited. The provisions of this chapter serve as specific development standards to be applied in addition to the sign codes required under the building construction provisions.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.01 - Design and development standards for monument signs.

Freestanding monument signs shall comply with all of the following standards.

A.

No monument sign shall be located within the existing road right-of-way or designated future road right-ofway.

B.

The maximum area of the sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet per side.

C.

The maximum height of a monument sign shall not exceed six feet above ground level, measured within radius of thirty (30) feet from the center of the sign.

D.

The monument sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from any common property line, they shall be no closer than twenty (20) feet on center on any property or between properties.

E.

Lighting of monument signs shall be arranged and installed as not to produce glare on other properties in the vicinity or upon the adjacent highway.

F.

Monument signs shall be no closer than five feet to a public right-of-way.

G.

Monument signs shall be constructed of durable materials and maintained in an aesthetic acceptable fashion.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.02 - Design and development standards for pole signs.

Freestanding pole signs (single, double or triple poles) shall comply with the following standards:

A.

The maximum area of the sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet per side.

B.

Pole signs shall be located so that no part of the sign extends into or beyond any existing street right-of-way or any proposed street right-of-way.

C.

The maximum height of a pole sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet to the top of the sign.

D.

Pole signs shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from any side yard common property line and shall be a minimum of forty (40) feet on center, if on the same property or between properties.

E.

Lighting of pole signs shall be arranged so as not to produce glare on other adjacent properties in the vicinity or upon adjacent highways.

F.

Pole signs shall be at least three feet back from public right-of-way lines.

G.

Pole signs shall be erected to withstand a minimum of one hundred ten-mile an hour wind velocities and meet all CBC requirements.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.03 - Design and development standards for signs attached to buildings

Signs attached to a building, not residential, or wall shall comply with all of the following standards:

A.

All signs attached to a building or a wall shall be attached flat against the building or wall and parallel thereto and shall not extend more than eighteen (18) inches from the surface of the building/wall. Exceptions to this provision are as follows:

Signs may be mounted below the soffit of a canopy, or over-hang or below a porch and may be perpendicular to the building provided that they do not exceed twelve (12) inches above the soffit or beam and maintain a minimum of eight-foot vertical clearance above any travel way, corridor, exit or court.

2.

Signs may be attached to a building above the wall or parapet provided the sign does not exceed four feet in height, and does not exceed height limitations set forth elsewhere in this Title and does not contribute to the roof loading.

B.

Lighting of signs attached to buildings shall be arranged as not to produce glare on adjacent properties in the vicinity and the source of light shall not be visible from adjacent property or public street.

C.

The maximum area of the primary sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per side which include company logos.

D.

The maximum area of the secondary signs (sides and rear of building) shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet per side which include company logos.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.04 - Design and development standards for off-site advertising signs (billboards).

Off-site advertising signs shall comply with all of the following standards:

A.

The total area of any side of any off-site advertising sign (billboard) shall not exceed seven hundred (700) square feet. Nor shall the sign exceed a length of fifty (50) feet. In no case shall the square footage exceed the amounts specified by the sign regulation of the zone within which the sign is to be located.

B.

Each off-site advertising sign shall be located no less than five hundred (500) feet from any other off-site advertising sign located on the same side of the street or highway. No off-site advertising sign shall be located within one thousand three hundred seventy (1,320) feet of the business or activity, which it advertises. No off-site advertising sign may be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet from any other sign. No off-site advertising sign may be located closer than ten (10) feet from any public street or right-of-way.

C.

No part of an advertising sign shall be located within an existing right-of-way or proposed street right-of-way.

D.

Maximum height for off-site advertising signs shall be thirty (30) feet to the top of the sign.

E.

Lighting of off-site advertising shall be arranged as not to produce glare on adjacent properties in the vicinity. The source of lighting shall not be visible from the adjacent property or public street and the lighting shall not cause glare or nuisance to adjacent street or highway traffic.

F.

Off-site advertising signs shall not be located along state, federal or county highways, which either do not permit such signs or are regulated by another regulatory agency.

G.

Off-site advertising signs shall be installed according to the California Sign Code requirements.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.05 - Design and development standards for temporary real estate signs.

Temporary real estate signs advertising a particular property on which the sign is located shall comply with the following standards:

A.

Not more than one (temporary real estate sign) shall be placed on any lot, parcel or section of land provided, however auxiliary rider signs may be allowed if attached to the same sign support and further provide that where a lot is bounded by more than one street, one sign with an auxiliary rider may be located along each street frontage.

B.

Temporary real estate signs shall not be illuminated.

C.

Temporary real estate signs shall be minimum of ten (10) feet from any street right-of-way or proposed street right-of-way or property line.

D.

If attached to a building a temporary real estate sign shall not extend above the roofline or the parapet wall of the building.

E.

If freestanding, a temporary real estate sign shall not exceed eight feet in height to the top of the sign.

F.

This section does not apply and shall not restrict the number of or size of temporary real estate signs erected outdoors within a courtyard, or mall space below the height of the enclosed building or within buildable areas or within display windows of existing buildings.

G.

This section shall not apply to temporary portable directional real estate signs used in conjunction with open house, real estate sales activity, provided that each portable directional sign not exceed nine square feet, including the support and does not exceed the height of five feet and is not located within any street right-ofway.

H.

All real estate signs shall be removed from the premises within fifteen (15) days after sale of the property or immediately upon being leased.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.06 - Design and development standards for temporary subdivision signs.

Temporary subdivision signs shall comply with the following standards:

A.

Temporary directional subdivision signs shall comply with the following:

1.

The sign shall be located at primary streets providing directions to the subdivision.

2.

Each sign shall not exceed five feet in height and twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

3.

Temporary directional signs shall not be lit.

4.

Temporary directional signs shall be located a minimum of three feet back from any street right-or-way or proposed street right-of-way.

B.

On-site subdivision signs shall comply with the following standards:

1.

The sign shall be located at primary entrance to the subdivision or entrance to or at the model homes.

2.

Each sign shall not exceed six feet in height and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

3.

Subdivision signs shall not be lit.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.07 - Design and development standards for permanent subdivision area signs.

The permanent identification signs including signs for the identification of the subdivision, a mobile home park, an apartment, a townhouse, condominium, or any other residential development project shall comply with the following standards:

A.

Permanent subdivision identification signs may be either attached to an entrance fence or structure or be a monument sign. The sign shall not exceed four feet in height, and thirty-two (32) square feet in size and shall be located in a maintained landscaped area on the parcel for which the advertising is intended.

B.

The sign shall not be illuminated, except for low silhouette spot lighting that does not create glare to adjoining properties or adjacent streets.

C.

The design and materials sign shall be approved by the Planning and Development Services Department Director prior to construction and shall meet all UBC requirements.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.08 - Design and development standards for temporary construction signs.

Where building is under construction, temporary signs may be erected to identify the project owner, applicant, architect, landscape architect, contractor, builder, proposed business, lender, etc., provided that the following standards are met:

A.

There shall be no more than three temporary construction signs per project.

B.

Each sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

C.

The signs shall not be illuminated.

D.

If attached to a building the signs shall not exceed above the roof line or parapet wall and if free standing the maximum height shall not exceed eight feet.

E.

The signs shall be stationary.

F.

The signs shall be removed within ten (10) days from final inspection date.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.09 - Design and development standards for temporary campaign signs.

Temporary political, religious, or civic campaign signs may be erected for a period of not to exceed sixty (60) days and shall comply with the following standards:

A.

All signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days following the conclusion of the campaign (Election Day).

B.

In residential areas each sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area or a height of six feet.

C.

Any sign still remaining twenty (20) days after the end of the campaign shall be subject to a seventy-fivedollar ($75.00) fine per day.

D.

These signs shall not be located at road intersections in a manner that obstructs visibility to the motoring public or be a distraction to the vehicle operator.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20; Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

90401.10 - Design and development standards for agricultural signs.

Agricultural signs advertising agricultural products that are raised or produced on subject property may be erected in all agricultural zoned areas, provided they comply with the following standards:

A.

There shall not be more than one agricultural sign per legal lot, however, if the lot or acreage fronts on more than one highway, one sign shall be permitted along each such highway.

B.

The sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area, for parcels less than ten (10) acres and twenty-four (24) square feet for all other acreage. No sign shall exceed eight feet in height.

C.

The sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from any street or proposed street right-of-way.

D.

The sign shall not be illuminated.

E.

The sign shall be stationary.

F.

The sign shall not be for off-site advertising use.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.11 - Design and development standards for agricultural industry signs.

A sign identifying agricultural industry as located on subject property may be erected in all agricultural zoned areas, provided they comply with the following standards:

A.

There shall not be more than two agricultural industrial signs per legal lot.

B.

Each sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area, nor exceed twenty (20) feet in height.

C.

The sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from any street or road right-of-way.

D.

The sign shall not be illuminated.

E.

The sign shall be stationary.

F.

The sign shall not be for off-site advertising use.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.12 - Design and development standard for institutional identification signs.

Signs that identify churches, public and private schools, colleges, hospitals, universities, fraternal, benevolent or social service organizations, located on the same property shall comply with the following standards.

When such institutions are located in a commercial zone the sign regulations application to the commercial zone district shall apply.

A.

There shall be not more than two institutional identification signs per street frontage per legal lot and shall not exceed a total of six signs on any single lot.

B.

Each sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area.

C.

Signs shall not extend into any existing or proposed road or street right-of-way.

D.

Free standing signs shall not exceed eight feet in height. Signs attached to buildings shall not exceed above the roof line or parapet wall.

E.

All signs shall be stationary.

F.

Lighting of institutional identifications signs shall be indirect, non-flashing, and shall not produce light or glare onto adjoining properties or adjacent roadways.

G.

Generally recognized and accepted religious symbols that are free standing or attached as part of the church or part of the freestanding sign are exempt.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.13 - Exempt signs.

The following signs except as provided elsewhere in this title or in other state or federal laws are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

A.

Highway directional signs installed, maintained by appropriate public agency.

B.

Railroad signal signs.

C.

Signs prohibiting trespassing and hunting.

D.

Warning signs required by law or erected by public agencies.

E.

Utility company signs identifying cables, conduits or hazards.

F.

Public notices and announcements authorized by courts and/or public officials.

G.

Advertising signs on buses, taxis, or other vehicles.

H.

Signs attached to bus stops, bus shelters, or kiosks.

I.

Signs on operational and registered automobiles and trucks that are painted on or attached flat against the vehicle to advertise the associated business, provided that the vehicle is primarily used for the business. The parking of vehicles in a manner that creates a billboard is prohibited.

J.

Window display signs.

K.

Signs that are painted and/or attached to the windshield of a vehicle, or boat.

L.

Public telephone identification signs.

M.

Signs of an instructive nature or which include information required by a county, state or federal enforcement agency, including telephone booth, gas pump instruction, instruction for recreational vehicle dump stations, brake and smog certification, restroom identification, and the like.

N.

Signs erected within enclosed buildings or malls.

O.

Signs erected outdoors within courtyards and malls below the height of the enclosed buildings within buildable portions of the building.

P.

Direction warning or identification signs for patrolling and drilling, geothermal drilling, and excavation activities.

Q.

Residential name and address signs not exceeding three square feet in area.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.14 - Prohibited signs.

The following signs are prohibited in all zones, unless specifically designated within the zone:

A.

Site affixed or stationary signs which mechanically rotate or move.

B.

Any sign displaying any obscene, indecent or immoral material.

C.

Advertising signs that include the words stop, look and listen, or any other word phrases symbol, light, motion, sound, fume, mist, or substance that may interfere, mislead or confuse a driving public.

D.

Signs extending above roofs and roof signs except where specific provided within the provisions of this chapter.

E.

Signs projecting from the building, except for where specifically provided for within this chapter.

F.

Wind activated signs.

G.

Any advertising device attached to a building, fence, pole or structure or vehicle, on display not specifically authorized by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.15 - Special sign provisions.

A.

An electronic time and temperature sign as part of an approved on-site advertising sign is permitted as regulated by this division.

B.

Exit, entrance and other on-site traffic and directional signs are permitted provided the signs do not exceed six feet in height and contain no advertising message, other than directional instructions.

C.

Illuminated signs in storefront glazing visible for public street shall be considered signs and complies with this requirement.

D.

Special signing required for drive-in windows, drive through restaurants, drive through banks or similar businesses are allowed, provided a sign is necessary for the information, instruction or direction.

E.

Signs for uses approved in conjunction with conditional use permits shall be as specified in the conditions of approval for that permit.

F.

All digital signs, also known as changeable electronic variable message signs, will require a conditional use permit.

G.

Any deviation from the sign code will require a conditional use permit.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.16 - Design and development standards for wind-feathered banner flag signs (feather signs).

Temporary wind-feather banner flag signs are portable signs that advertise business name, logo, and business colors or associated message and shall comply with the following standards:

A.

Feather signs shall only advertise messages related to the associated business and are consistent with other requirements in this ordinance [division].

B.

No feather sign (temporary sign) shall be used until a permanent sign is permitted.

C.

The signs area shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet;

Fabrics width shall not exceed thirty (30) inches.

D.

The sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.

E.

Feather signs shall not be permanently fastened directly onto the roof/rooftops or exterior wall or face of any building or structure. All signs shall be ground-mounted.

F.

The signs and pole shall be maintained in good conditions at all times, and nothing shall be added to the sign or pole, such as balloons or streamers.

G.

Feather signs shall only be allowed in the high density residential R-3, R-4, commercial zones C-1, C-2, C-3 and industrial zones M-1, M-2 and M-3.

H.

Feather signs shall only be allowed on the frontage of property and must be set back at least five feet from the property line, five feet from the property line of an adjacent property and fifteen (15) feet from the property line on corner lots.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.17 - Nonconforming signs.

Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 90105.06.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90401.18 - Illustrations.

This section is reserved for future use.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

Chapter 2 - OFF-STREET PARKING

The purpose of this chapter is to reduce street congestion, promote safety, and provide for the convenience of the residents of the county by requiring provisions for adequate and well-designed parking in conjunction with the land use.

Parking required by this title shall be provided at the time that any building or structure is erected, altered or enlarged, or a use is established, changed or expanded. Development involving individual or cumulative expansion in excess of forty percent (40%) or more of the existing use on the effective date of this Title shall comply with off-street parking requirements of this chapter. [The forty-percent (40%) shall be applicable to valuation, size, volume, height, or any combination.]

The standards provided in this chapter are deemed to be the minimum standards.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 3, 4, 12-15-20)

90402.01 - Required parking spaces.

Uses permitted by this Division shall provide off-street parking spaces according to the following schedule:.

A.

Residential uses:

1.

Single-family dwelling, a duplex dwelling, a condominium, or a mobile home (manufactured) unit with three (3) bedrooms or less shall provide two (2) parking spaces per unit. Units with more than three (3) bedrooms shall provide one-half (.5) parking spaces for each bedroom in excess of three (3) bedrooms per unit.

2.

For multi-family projects, one guest space for every five (5) units in addition to the minimum under A-1.

3.

For Accessory Dwelling Units with one (1) bedroom shall provide one (1) parking space. For Accessory Dwelling Units with two (2) or more bedrooms shall provide two (2) parking spaces. Parking may be provided as tandem parking, on an existing driveway.

a)

Property owner identifies on-street parking along frontage of subject property.

b)

Where no on-street parking along the subject property frontage is available, property owner shall provide additional parking on-site.

c)

Additional State Provisions: Pursuant to Government Code Section 65852.2, subdivisions (d)(1—5), parking standards shall not be imposed for an Accessory Dwelling Unit in any one (1) of the following instances (must provide proof). If the accessory dwelling unit:

1)

Is located within one-half (½) mile of public transit.

Is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

3)

Is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.

4)

When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.

5)

When there is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the accessory dwelling unit.

(Note: For purpose of this section, a room such as a den, study, library, sewing room, hobby room, work room or similar room shall be considered a bedroom.)

4.

Junior accessory dwelling units shall not require parking as a condition to grant a permit.

B.

Boarding houses, rooming houses, residential hotels, fraternity or sorority houses, dormitories, or similar uses shall provide one (1) parking space per bedroom.

C.

Mobile home park:

1.

Each park space shall provide two (2) parking spaces per mobile home,

2.

One (1) guest parking space for every five (5) mobile home spaces within said park shall be provided.

D.

Retirement or rest homes, shall provide one (1) space per three (3) residential bed spaces or bedrooms.

E.

Recreation, entertainment and tourism facilities.

1.

Bowling alley, four (4) spaces per lane, or one (1) for every five hundred (500) square feet whichever is greater.

Dance hall, ballroom, discotheque, one (1) per thirty (30) square feet of gross building area.

3.

A country club shall provide the cumulative combination of spaces required for the various uses within a country club, or one (1) per fifty (50) square feet of building area.

4.

Equestrian establishment, requires parking plan review by Planning Department.

5.

Hotel or motel, one (1) space per room, plus two (2) spaces for a manager's quarters, plus one (1) space for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross building area for general public parking. If hotel provides meeting room accommodations, parking as determined by Planning and Development Services Department shall be provided.

6.

Golf course, five (5) spaces per hole.

7.

Golf driving range, one (1) per tee.

8.

Miniature golf course, three (3) per hole.

9.

Movie theater, one (1) per two (2) seats.

10.

Pool and billiard parlors, three (3) per pool or billiard table, or one (1) per one hundred (100) square feet of building area.

11.

Shooting range or gun club, one (1) per member or one (1) per shooting station.

12.

Swimming pools, one (1) per one hundred (100) square feet of pool and deck area.

13.

Sports arena, one (1) per three (3) seats.

Tennis club, health club, one (1) per one hundred (100) square feet of indoor recreational area, plus two (2) per tennis or racquet ball court.

15.

Video game arcades, one (1) per one hundred (100) square feet of gross building area.

F.

Office/Business.

1.

Business facility or professional offices, one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of gross building area.

2.

Financial institutions including banks, savings and loans, credit unions, etc., one (1) per two hundred (200) square feet of gross building area.

3.

Medical or dental office, veterinarian office, clinics, etc., one (1) per two hundred (200) square feet of gross building area.

G.

General retail sales.

1.

General retail, one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of gross building area.

2.

Furniture store, one (1) per five hundred (500) square feet of gross building area.

3.

Nursery, one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of indoor display area and one (1) per two thousand (2,000) square feet of outdoor sales area.

4.

Automobile sales, one (1) per ten thousand (10,000) square feet of sales area plus one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of office area.

5.

Heavy equipment, recreational vehicle truck sales, one (1) per two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of sales area plus one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of office area.

Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, one (1) per one hundred (100) square feet of gross building area.

7.

Fast food restaurants, one (1) per seventy-five (75) square feet of gross building area.

8.

Bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, one (1) per seventy-five (75) square feet of gross building area.

H.

Service facilities.

1.

Auto repair, tire sales, and service establishments, one (1) per three hundred (300) square feet of gross building area.

2.

Automobile service stations, one (1) per three hundred (300) square feet of gross building area.

3.

Barber and beauty shops, one (1) per one hundred (100) square feet of gross building area.

4.

Equipment rental facilities, one (1) per one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet of display and storage area, plus one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of office area.

5.

Laundromat, self-service type, one (1) per three (3) washing machine spaces.

6.

Mortuaries or funeral parlors, one (1) per three (3) seats.

I.

Industrial uses.

1.

Manufacturing or the assembly facilities, one (1) per five hundred (500) square feet of gross floor area and one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of gross office area.

2.

Contractor's storage yards, one (1) per three thousand (3,000) square feet of lot area.

3.

Warehouse or wholesale distribution facilities, one (1) per one thousand (1,000) square feet of storage area, plus one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of office area.

J.

Institutional uses.

1.

Cemetery, one (1) per three (3) seats in the chapel, plus one (1) per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of office area, plus two (2) per five (5) acres.

2.

Church, one (1) per three (3) seats affixed, or one (1) per fifty (50) square feet of gross building area.

3.

Auditorium, one (1) per two (2) seats.

4.

Convalescent hospitals are sanitariums, one (1) per five (5) patient beds.

5.

Hospitals, one (1) per two (2) patient beds.

K.

Educational and institutional schools.

1.

Pre-schools, one (1) per six (6) students for which the facility is licensed, plus one (1) per employee, plus three (3) additional spaces.

2.

Elementary and junior high schools, one (1) per employee, plus one (1) per ten (10) students.

3.

High school, one (1) per employee, plus one (1) per ten (10) students.

4.

College, business schools, trade schools, one (1) per employee plus one (1) per two (2) students.

Child care center, one (1) per six (6) children, which the facility is licensed, plus one (1) per employee, plus two (2) additional spaces.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20; Ord. No. 1593, §§ 1, 2, 6-18-24)

90402.02 - Calculations.

If the calculation of parking needs results in the requirement for a fraction of a parking space, in excess of .45 an additional space is required. (Does not apply to Subsection 90402.01.A.)

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.03 - Floor area.

Floor area shall mean gross floor area unless specified otherwise within this title.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.04 - Unlisted use.

Where a proposed use is not listed within this chapter, the planning and development services department shall determine the parking needs based on the list of uses, which most nearly resemble the proposed use. The department may use national or state standards or guidelines for determining parking needs.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.05 - Seating calculation.

Where parking requirements are based on the number of seats, eighteen (18) inches per pew or bench seating shall be equivalent to one seat.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.06 - Seating where no fixed seating is provided.

Seven square feet of floor area shall be equivalent of one seat for concentrated use. Fifteen (15) square feet floor area shall be equivalent of one seat for non-concentrated use. The calculation is per the California Building Code.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.07 - Parking space dimensions.

All parking spaces shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length. Handicapped automobile parking spaces shall comply with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Volume 1, Chapter 11A Housing Accessibility and 11B Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20; Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

90402.08 - Compact car parking.

Up to ten percent (10%) of the spaces required for a facility (provided that the facility has more than ten (10) spaces), may be designated for compact cars. Compact car size spaces shall not be less than eight feet in width and eighteen (18) feet in length.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.09 - Handicapped parking.

All handicapped parking spaces and access areas between handicapped parking spaces and primary entrances of associated buildings or facilities shall be surfaced in a manner to facilitate wheelchair use.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.10 - Off-street loading space.

In addition to any automobile parking required by this chapter, for every building or facility occupied by a manufacturing, storage, warehouse, wholesale, retail store, market, passenger terminal, theater, hotel/motel restaurant, hospital, laundry, dry cleaning plant or other similar use, requiring receipt of or the distribution of vehicle or merchandise, adequate space for loading and unloading shall be provided and maintained on the same lot. Where a facility requires large vehicle (semi-truck/trailer) deliveries, designated loading and unloading provisions shall be made and reviewed and approved by the department of public works.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.11 - Location of parking.

A.

Residential.

1.

Required residential off-street parking space(s) shall be located on the premises that they are intended to serve.

2.

Parking shall not be located within the front yard setback area. (Accessory dwelling units are exempt. These spaces may be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway. Off-street parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations determined by the local agency or though tandem parking, unless specific findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life safety conditions, or that it is not permitted anywhere else in the jurisdiction.)

3.

Required spaces shall not be eliminated unless alternate spaces are provided.

B.

Nonresidential.

1.

Off-street parking for other than residential uses shall be located on the same premise as the use it is intended to serve or within three hundred (300) feet thereof. Where required parking is provided on a site other than on the principle use site, the other site shall likewise be owned by the same property owner and said owner shall file an agreement with the county of Imperial (planning and development services department) to provide for the maintenance of the parking facility as long as the associated principal use is maintained. Said agreement shall be recorded against said property. In the event that the adjoining property is owned by other than the principal owner, for which the parking is required, an agreement by the owner of record of said parcel shall be filed with the planning department, and be recorded designating the lot as a parking facility for the adjacent use for as long as the associated use is maintained.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.12 - Joint use parking areas.

If a parking area accommodates more than one use, off-street parking shall be provided in an amount equal to the total number of spaces required for the separate uses in accordance with this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.13 - Parking area design and development standards.

Off-street parking areas required to be provided by this chapter shall be designed and developed in accordance with the following standards:

A.

All off-street parking areas, as well as, ingress and egress areas to parking areas shall be surfaced with the following materials:

For all multifamily residential, recreational, entertainment, and tourist facilities, commercial, industrial, and institutional and other high-density uses, parking areas shall be surfaced with one of the following materials, on top of a properly prepared base.

1.

Three inches of asphaltic concrete

2.

Three and one-half inches of Portland cement concrete.

B.

For all other uses, except as specified above, the parking area shall be surfaced with one of the following materials:

1.

Three inches of bituminous road mix

Three inches of asphaltic concrete

3.

Three and one-half inches of Portland cement concrete.

4.

Three inches of decomposed granite

5.

Three inches of gravel.

C.

A private driveway or parking area serving a single-family residential dwelling is exempt from the paving requirements specified within this section, and provided further, that it is not a requirement of another agency, such as Air Pollution Control District or by public works.

D.

In the case of uses subject to discretionary approvals, the required parking spaces shall be surfaced with materials and to the standards specified in accordance with the conditions of approval, notwithstanding this chapter.

E.

All parking spaces shall be clearly marked and/or striped.

F.

Parking aisles shall comply with the following minimum standards.

G.

Off-street parking facilities shall be designed so that each space can function independently of any other parking space. Tandem parking may be allowed in residential zones only when a minimum of three off-street parking spaces are provided.

H.

Private driveways for residential development on same lot shall be a minimum of fourteen (14) feet in width, with fifteen (15) feet of unobstructed vertical clearance. Driveways for commercial and industrial development shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet in width with a minimum of eighteen (18) feet unobstructed vertical clearance. These requirements may be reduced by the mutual approval of the planning director and the director of public works.

I.

No parking space shall be designed to require backing into a street or right-of-way.

J.

In no case shall any parking intended to meet off-street parking requirement be located within an existing right-of-way, proposed secondary or major highway or within an adopted official or specific plan line, setback area or lot line.

K.

All parking lots shall meet landscaping requirements in Division 3.

L.

Lights used to illuminate parking areas shall be directed away from any adjacent properties and streets.

M.

Design and development standards for EV charging spaces.

1.

Residential Standards:

a.

SFD/duplex.

i.

EVCS spaces shall be protected adequately to prevent damage by automobiles and weather; EVCS shall be designed to be tamper-resistant for children, vandalism and theft of electricity.

ii.

EVCS spaces shall, at all times, include a complete set of instructions and warning signs posted.

b.

MF dwelling.

i.

At least one EVCS space shall be located in a common use area that may be accessed by any and all residents.

ii.

Any EVCS space provided shall be located adjacent to an accessible parking space or shall be located on an accessible route to the building, in accordance with state requirements.

iii.

At a minimum, EVCS spaces dimensions shall be eighteen (18) feet in length by nine feet width (18'L x 9'W minimum).

iv.

At a minimum, one eight-foot wide aisle shall be provided for every twenty-five (25) EVCS spaces, with no less than one aisle provided.

v.

The surface slope for all EVCS spaces shall not exceed one unit (vertical) in forty-eight (48) units (horizontal).

2.

Nonresidential Standards:

a.

EVCS shall be in an easily seen location for informational and security purposes.

b.

EVCS shall be illuminated during evening business hours.

c.

EVCS shall be located in highly desirable and convenient parking locations to encourage the use of EV.

d.

EVCS shall be protected adequately to prevent automobile damage, vandalism, and weather.

e.

EVCS shall, at all times, include a complete set of instructions and warning signs posted.

f.

There shall be at least one non-illuminated sign for each cluster of EVCS.

g.

Private EVCS shall be located in a manner not to allow public access to EVCS.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.14 - Off-street parking plan review.

No use shall be established or changed and no development shall occur or be expanded and no building or grading permit or business license for any use or development shall be issued until an application with a plot plan review has been submitted and approved by the planning department.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.15 - Application review and approval.

Where discretionary or ministerial approval is required for the use or uses for which parking is being provided the off-street parking plot plan application shall be reviewed and approved or denied in conjunction with that discretionary or ministerial approval process.

No plot plan application shall be required for lots containing only one single-family dwelling.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90402.16 - Illustrations.

This section is reserved for future use.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

Chapter 3 - FENCE

90403.00 - Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide standards and promote safety by requiring provisions for adequate and well-designed fence and garden walls.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90403.01 - Application.

All fence and other land use separation walls or devices shall meet the regulations established by this chapter.

EXCEPTION:

The following shall not be required to obtain permits:

A.

Animal containment corrals in approved feed yards.

B.

Animal containment field fencing (temporary).

C.

Temporary security fencing for construction sites.

D.

Emergency or security fencing.

E.

Wood, stucco, wrought iron or chain link fencing less than six feet in height in any zone.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90403.02 - Prohibited materials.

A.

Fences shall be constructed of approved "fencing" or construction materials. Materials such as tires, cans, broken glass, used car components, vehicles or other similar products are not allowed.

B.

Barbed, or razor edge wire is prohibited in all residential zones, or on property abutting residential zones.

C.

Electrified fences are prohibited in all zones except for use in animal containment in the "A" zones, or security fencing in federal, state or county institutions.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90403.03 - Location.

All fences shall be located on or within the property lines of the applicant's property. Fences on property line may be allowed if a mutual agreement by or between adjacent property owner is recorded at the county recorder's office. Absent an agreement between owners, the fence shall set back from property line by a minimum of two inches.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

90403.04 - Construction standards.

All fences shall meet Code or accepted fence construction standards.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)

A construction permit for the placement of a fence is required for the following:

A.

Retaining walls that are over four (4) feet (1219.2 mm) in height measured from bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or retaining walls that are supporting a sur-charge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids, regardless of the height.

B.

All masonry fences in all zones that are more than four (4) feet in height, including masonry pilasters with solid grouted cells or concrete columns for wall reinforcement or support of chain link, wrought iron, etc. The construction shall follow specifications from the 2019 California Building Code adopted by the County of Imperial, and the construction shall be designed by a registered professional civil engineer or architect, licensed in the State of California. Plans, calculations and a soils report may be required.

However, even though masonry walls four (4) feet or less in height are not required to be designed by a professional civil engineer or architect, a building permit for, the construction is required and shall comply with the minimum requirements contained in the masonry fences handout, available at the Planning and Development Services Department's Building Division, and a compliance inspection for foundation, reinforcement and final must be requested.

C.

All other fences (e.g., wood, chain-link, wrought iron, etc.) in all zones that are more than eighty-four (84) inches in height.

D.

All razor edge, or barbwire in any authorized location except where used as animal containment or in State or Federal or County approved facilities.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20; Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

90403.06 - Height limit.

A.

Within any "R" zone, or "A" zone with primary residential use or characteristics of a residential enclave, fencing located within the required front yard setback area shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height if obscure, or forty-eight (48) inches if translucent. Decorative ornaments up to twelve (12) inches and not exceeding the width of post will be allowed above the heights shown above in Section 90403.05.

B.

Within any zone on a corner parcel, the fencing if installed shall not obstruct or hinder the line of sight for traffic conditions; and shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height.

(Ord. No. 1565, §§ 1, 2, 12-15-20)