Chapter 21.37 — MIXED USE OVERLAY (MUO) ZONING DISTRICT

The purposes of the mixed use overlay district include the following:

• (a) To implement the policies of the core area plan; and

• (b) To provide for an increased variety and intermixture of residential and commercial activities. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 6 (part), 2012).

The mixed use overlay district has been established as part of the implementation of the La Mirada Housing Element. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 6 (part), 2012).

Permitted land uses within the mixed use overlay district shall be as follows:

• (a) Multiple family dwellings and residential infill.

• (b) Retail stores, shops and offices supplying commodities or performing services such as those provided by

department stores, specialty shops, personal and business service establishments, antique shops, artists' supply stores and similar uses.

(c) Restaurants, including outdoor eating areas and establishments. For the purpose of this district only, a restaurant is an eating establishment which serves food to customers primarily for consumption on the premises. It includes, but is not limited to, lunch counters, coffee shops, cafes, pizza parlors, soda fountains, fast-food and full-service dining establishments. It may provide alcoholic beverage sales for drinking on premises provided that such sales are ancillary to food service.

• (d) Business and technical schools, and schools and studios for photography, art, music and dance.

• (e) Mixed uses - residential with commercial.

• (f) Single room occupancy (SRO) development(s) pursuant to the requirements outlined in Section 21.43.030.

• (g) Low-barrier navigation center. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 6 (part), 2012).

The following accessory uses are permitted in the mixed use overlay (MUO) district:

• (a) Accessory structures meeting the construction, yard, setback, height, and area limitations applicable to accessory buildings as set forth in Chapter 21.60 of this code.

• (b) Home occupations subject to the provisions of Chapter 21.98 of this code.

• (c) Other accessory uses and accessory buildings customarily appurtenant to a permitted use subject to the requirements of Chapter 21.42 of this code.

• (d) Accessory dwelling units per Section 21.18.030 of this Code. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 6 (part), 2012).

21.37.050 Conditionally permitted land uses within the MUO district .

The following conditional uses may be permitted in the mixed use overlay district:

• (a) Theaters.

• (b) Commercial or office uses that are conditionally permitted as put forth in Section 21.20.020.

• (c) Any use that sells alcoholic beverages for offsite or onsite consumption.

• (d) Businesses that include entertainment.

(e) Any other retail business, service establishment, or mixed use involving retail, service or commercial uses not listed in this chapter which are determined to be consistent with the purposes of this section and which will not impair the present or potential use of adjacent properties. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 6 (part), 2012).

• (a) The following height regulations are applicable:

1. Structures shall not exceed three stories in height. A building of more than two stories must be designed in such a manner so as to avoid the appearance of excessive bulk.

2. Development of parcels within the Imperial Highway Specific Plan shall be subject to the standards listed within the Imperial Highway Specific Plan document.

• (b) The following open space, lot area, and setback requirements are applicable in the mixed use overlay zone.

1. Open space. For mixed or single use buildings, the total usable open space shall equal twenty-five percent (25%) of gross residential floor area. A portion of the twenty-five percent (25%) may be above-ground level, in the form of decks, balconies, or similar features.

2. Front, side, and rear yards. The front, side, and rear yard setbacks shall correspond to those requirements of the base zone district.

• (c) The number of parking spaces required shall correspond to those requirements of the base zone district. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 6 (part), 2012).