24.05.140 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: C ZONES

Imperial Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Imperial

  • A. In all “C” zones, required front and street side yards shall be landscaped. Said landscaping shall consist predominantly of drought tolerant low maintenance plant materials. All required landscaping shall be permanently maintained in a healthy and thriving condition, free from weeds, trash, and debris.

  • B. Where a commercial or office use abuts property in any residential zone, a masonry wall six (6) feet in height from the highest finished grade at the property line shall be erected and maintained between such uses and the residential zone. In addition, a five (5) foot landscaped screen or buffer shall be installed and maintained.

  • C. Where off-street parking areas are situated across the street from property in a residential zone, a masonry wall or berm three feet in height shall be erected between the required landscape area and the parking area to adequately screen said parking areas from the residential properties.

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CITY OF IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA ZONING ORDINANCE

  • D. The noise level emanating from any commercial use or operation shall not exceed five decibels (as defined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970) above the ambient lever of the area measured at the property line.

  • E. All ground mounted mechanical equipment, including heating and air conditioning units, and trash receptacle areas, shall be completely screened from surrounding properties by use of a wall or fence or shall be enclosed within a building. Structural and design plans for any required screening under the provisions of this section shall be approved by the Planning Director or Building Official.

  • F. All roof appurtenances including, but not limited to air conditioning units, and mechanical equipment shall be shielded and architecturally screened from view from onsite parking areas and adjacent public streets.

  • G. Reciprocal ingress and egress, circulation and parking arrangements shall be required to facilitate the ease of vehicular movement between adjoining properties.

  • H. Lighting. All light sources shall be shielded in such manner that no light is visible from streets or adjoining properties. Illuminators should be integrated within the architecture of the building. Freestanding lamp posts shall be no taller than eighteen (18) feet. The intensity of light at the boundary of any C zone shall not exceed seventy-five (75) foot lamberts from a source of reflected light. All exterior lighting shall be low pressure sodium or other approved type.

  • I. All utility connections shall be designed to coordinate with the architectural elements of the site so as not to be exposed except where necessary. Pad-mounted transformers and/or meter box locations shall be included in the site plan with an appropriate screening treatment. Power lines and overhead cables shall be installed underground where possible.

  • J. Outdoor Storage and/or Sales Areas shall be entirely enclosed by solid masonry walls or opaque fencing, not less than six (6) feet in height to adequately screen the view of outdoor storage areas from view.

  • K. Energy Conservation. Buildings shall be located on the site to provide adjacent buildings adequate sunlight for solar access. Building shall be designed to minimize energy consumption requirements, and may include but not necessarily be limited to, the following conservation measures:

    • a. Cogeneration;

    • b. Eave coverage for windows;

    • c. Double glaze windows;

    • d. Earth berming against exterior walls;

    • e. Green houses; and

    • f. Deciduous shade trees.

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CITY OF IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA ZONING ORDINANCE

  • g. All new construction and remodeling shall be preplumbed for solar hot water heating.

  • L. In all C Zones the conversion of the project to condominium ownership shall meet all requirements of the zone to the maximum extent possible within the constraints of the existing development. In no case shall the requirement of the Fire Code, Sign Ordinance, and screening standards be waived. Specific City Council waiver shall be required where the zone requirements except as noted herein, cannot be met.