Lancaster Municipal Code § 17.12.650 Signs

The purpose of the H zone is to provide the means necessary to implement the city general plan, specifically the "health care facilities" land use designation as set forth in the text of the general plan and delineated as "hospitals" on the general plan map. This zone is also intended to allow the development of those uses which are typically located near hospitals. This zone is intended to be in accordance with applicable goals, objectives, policies, programs and standards of development set forth by the plan. This zone is intended to provide for the daily medical needs of the residents of the city and adjoining areas and visitors in an urban environment with full urban services.

It shall also be the intent of this zone to apply the provisions of the zone including but not limited to the property development regulations required herein to all new building lots created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title and including but not limited to the design requirements, to all new construction, including new additions, permitted after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title.

It shall not be the intent of this title to render previously legally created building lots or legally constructed buildings which do not comply with the new property development regulations or other requirements of the title to be nonconforming where these lots or buildings complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of their creation or construction. However, proof of compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of creation or construction shall be the sole burden of the applicant or property owner. Such proof may include permits, minutes of council or commission action, case files or other documentation.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.010)

A person shall not use any premises in the H zone except as hereafter specifically permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.020)

The following uses are permitted in the H zone:

A. Hospital, privately or publicly owned;

B. Long-term health care facility;

C. Medical clinic;

D. Medical laboratory;

E. Medical offices;

F. Pharmacy;

G. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, gauging stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any use normal and appurtenant to the storage and distribution of water. Exception: This use is not subject to site plan review (Section 17.12.630).

(Ord. 711 §§ 20 (part), 30 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.021)

The following uses are considered as accessory uses to the permitted uses in the H zone:

A. Accessory buildings customarily used in conjunction with permitted uses;

B. Awnings, fences, walls or windbreaks;

C. Parking lot guard house;

D. Solar energy systems, whether mounted on or attached to a building or mounted on the ground;

E. Electric Vehicle Charging Station. An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) shall be permitted as an accessory use within any existing legal single-family or multiple-family residential garage or carport, or within any existing legal commercial parking space in a parking lot or in a parking garage, subject to all applicable city code requirements and the following:

1. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) for public use shall be subject to the following requirements:

a. The EVCSs shall be located in a manner which will be easily seen by the public for informational and security purposes and shall be illuminated during evening business hours; and

b. Be located in desirable and convenient parking locations which will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles; and

c. The EVCS pedestals shall be protected as necessary to prevent damage by automobiles; and

d. The EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather; and

e. Complete instructions and appropriate warnings concerning the use of the EVCS shall be posted on a sign in a prominent location on each station for use by the operator; and

f. One standard nonilluminated sign, not to exceed 4 square feet in area and 10 feet in height, may be posted for the purpose of identifying the location of each cluster of EVCSs; and

g. The EVCS may be on a timer that limits the use of the station to the normal business hours of the use(s) which it serves to preclude unauthorized use after business hours.

2. Electric vehicle charging stations for private use shall:

a. Be located in a manner which will not allow public access to the charging station; and

b. Comply with subsections E.1.c., d. and e. of this section.

F. Mini Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. This category includes all mini wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.

(Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 2 (part)), 1999; Ord. 713 § 3 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.022)

The following uses are considered as temporary uses in the H zone:

A. Building materials, storage of, used in the construction of a building or building project, during the construction and 30 days thereafter including the contractor's temporary office provided that any lot or parcel of land so used shall be part of the building project, or on property adjoining the construction site;

B. Commercial coaches used as temporary offices subject to the provisions of Article X of Chapter 17.40 and this zone.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.023)

If site plans or other pertinent information for the proposed use are first submitted to and approved by the director in accordance with Article VI of Chapter 17.32, premises in the H zone may be used for the following uses:

A. Access to property lawfully used for a purpose not permitted in the H zone provided no other practical access to such property is available and such access will not alter the character of the premises in respect to permitted uses in the H zone;

B. Parking. Joint usage or leased. (See Section 17.12.690B.)

C. Minor co-located and stealth wireless telecommunicatoin facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.

D. Cargo containers utilized exclusively for the storage of emergency supplies to be used for the benefit of the public by a recognized governmental agency, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. Placement of a cargo container for the storage of private supplies is not allowed.

(Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 6 (part)), 1999; prior zoning ord. § 224.024)

(Ord. No. 964, § 1, 5-24-2011)

The following uses may be permitted in the H zone provided a conditional use permit has first been obtained as provided in Article I of Chapter 17.32, and while such permit is in full force and effect in conformity with conditions of such permit for:

A. Ambulance service;

B. Buildings or structures more than 5 stories in height;

C. Heliport for medical purposes;

D. Medical/sick room supplies, sales or rental;

E. Mobilehome or other residence for use by caretaker and his immediate family in accordance with Article VIII of Chapter 17.40.

(Ord. 711 § 30 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.025)

No building or structure for a permitted use in the H zone shall exceed a height of 5 stories. This section does not apply to uses subject to permit which shall be subject to Article I of Chapter 17.32. (See Article XII of Chapter 17.40 for general exceptions.)

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.030)

Solar collectors may exceed the height limit when mounted on the roof of a legal, conforming building. The right to exceed the height limit shall be exercised only in the event that: there is no other practical means or location for achieving an efficient placement on the building or site in question: such collectors may exceed the height limit only to the extent necessary to achieve efficient placement: in no case shall such solar collectors (or related equipment) encroach more than 5 feet beyond the limit. Also the placement of a solar collector shall not shade or otherwise diminish the efficiency of existing solar collectors on neighboring property, or preclude such property from sufficient solar access to successfully operate a solar energy system sufficient to serve the needs of the business or occupants.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.031)

A site plan (with vicinity map) and building elevations, drawn to scale and reflecting the accurate dimensions of the buildings and property, shall be required of any person seeking to erect new buildings or structures, make additions to any existing buildings or structures, site temporary commercial coaches, or otherwise grade, improve or develop any lot or portion thereof for a permitted use prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The site plan shall be accompanied by an appropriate development application and both shall be filed with the planning department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisions of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conformance with height regulations, property development regulations, sign regulations or a sign program required by the city for multiple-tenant projects, off-street parking requirements, the adopted City of Lancaster Design Guidelines, any other requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in which the property(ies) is (are) located, and any other applicable city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies. In addition to the conditions and requirements imposed by the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines and policies, the director may place conditions on the approval of the site plan where the director finds that such action is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. At such time as the site plan complies with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies, the site plan shall be approved by the director or his designated representative. The site plan approval shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of approval. A site plan shall be considered "used" when the slab of a major building in the project is poured and inspected, although circumstances in each case may vary and the final determination as to "use" of a site plan review shall be made by the director. Three (3) one-year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than sixty (60) days prior to expiration, and any significant environmental changes which have occurred since the original approval have been addressed. Any extension granted shall be conditioned to comply with the city's current design guidelines as adopted by the city council, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that such compliance will impose an undue hardship on the project. In the event the site plan or an extension thereof is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Section 17.36.030. All projects constructed in accordance with an approved site plan shall be permanently maintained as approved. Any desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prior to occupancy the site shall be inspected for compliance with the site plan. All improvements shall be installed and functioning before occupancy will be allowed.

Where the director determines that the requirements of this section surpass the city's need for project review of a particular development proposal, the director may exercise discretion and apply the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review, in its place.

(Ord. 711 § 22 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.040)

(Ord. No. 924, § 1, 8-25-09; Ord. No. 956, § 3, 1-11-2011)

A. General.

1. No new building or commercial coach shall be erected, constructed, moved onto, or established on an existing legal lot or parcel of land unless said building or commercial coach shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement of said lot or parcel.

2. No existing building or commercial coach located on an existing legal lot or parcel of land shall be converted, enlarged or moved unless said building or commercial coach, or addition thereto, shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.

3. No new lot shall be created, or any building, or portion thereof, existing on such new lot be used unless said lot and said building location shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section which are pertinent to the area and dimensions for new lots and those regulations pertinent to the placement or location of buildings on said lot.

B. H Zone.

1. Lot Dimensions. The following minimum lot dimensions shall apply to all lots created after the adoption of this section. (Those lots which were legally created, prior to the adoption of this section, in compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of their creation need not comply unless involved in a new subdivision or change in lot configuration other than a lot line adjustment as provided in Title 16 of this code.)

a. Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet (see Sections 17.40.070 and 17.40.080 in the event public use or required street dedication would reduce the net area of an existing lot to less than 40,000 square feet);

b. Minimum lot width: 100 feet (see Section 17.40.090A in the event the width of an existing lot is reduced by public use);

c. Minimum lot depth: 100 feet (see Section 17.40.090B in the event the depth of an existing lot is reduced by public use).

2. Yard Requirements.

a. Fences and walls shall comply with the standards outlined in 17.28.030.C.

b. Additions or modifications to buildings or uses, either constructed or having received building permit approval, or having been legally established prior to June 15, 1983, may be allowed with yards of lesser dimension than required in this subsection where, in the opinion of the Director, allowing less than full compliance with the yard requirements would impose no substantial detriment to abutting property or improvements thereon. The Director shall then also consider if:

1. There are special circumstances or exceptional characteristics applicable to the property involved which are not generally applicable to other properties in the same vicinity with the same zoning,

2. An adjustment (if authorized) will constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the same vicinity with the same zoning, and

3. The strict application of the yard requirements would result in practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship which is inconsistent with the purpose of the yard requirements, in rendering a decision on whether to allow a reduction of the required yard. In no case shall the Director's approval of the reduction of a required yard relieve the applicant/property owner from complying with minimum landscape requirements established by this title unless such relief is specifically approved by the Director. (See Sections 17.40.093, 17.40.095 and 17.40.097 in the event yard requirements must be reduced for street widening or transit stops.)

c. Yards shall be provided as follows:

1. Front yard, street side yard and interior side yard: 20 feet plus 5 feet for each story over one. No parking shall take place within 20 feet of a property line within a required front or street side yard, such area shall be fully landscaped except where crossed by approved driveways. Parking on lawns or other landscaped areas is prohibited.

a) The front yard, street side yard and interior side yard of all uses shall be landscaped with living plant materials such as trees, shrubs and lawn prior to occupancy by any use, shall be served by a permanent automatic irrigation system and shall be maintained as required in this title.

2. Rear yard:* 50 feet.

a) Where the rear yard abuts a public street, said yard shall be landscaped in the same manner as required for the front yard for a distance of not less than 20 feet, measured from the street right-of-way line to a line parallel to the right-of-way on the lot or parcel of land.

3. Maximum lot coverage: 50% of the lot area.

4. Landscaping: No landscaping shall be placed in a manner which shades or would ultimately shade any existing solar energy system from the sun on a contiguous lot.

* EXCEPTION: Solar energy systems are permitted in rear yards and are not counted against lot coverage.

5. Trash enclosure location(s) and access shall be designed to the satisfaction of the Director. The trash enclosures shall meet the following requirements:

6. Locate trash enclosures away from view, from primary entrances drive or streets;

7. Design the trash enclosure to be a minimum of 165 square feet;

8. Accommodate source separation of recyclable materials in accordance with State requirements;

9. Design trash enclosures with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and

10. Separate trash enclosure from adjacent parking with a 6-foot wide minimum planter.

(Ord. 711 § 44 (part), 1995; Ord. 651 § 4 (part), 1993; prior zoning ord. § 224.050)

(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

A person shall not use, install or construct any sign in the H zone except as specifically permitted in this chapter and subject to all regulations and conditions set forth in the ordinance codified in this title and any other ordinance now existing or hereafter adopted by the city regulating the installation, use and/or construction of signs. If fully dimensioned sign plans, including the proposed sign location, are first submitted to and approved by the director or his designated representative, and required permits and inspection approval obtained, the signs set out in the following sections shall be permitted in the H zone.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.060)

A. The provisions of this section regulating signs shall not apply to the following signs except as otherwise indicated herein:

1. Official notices issued by any court, public body or public officer;

2. Notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty, or for any person in giving legal notice;

3. Traffic, directional, warning or informational signs required or authorized by the public authority having jurisdiction over such signs;

4. Official signs used for emergency purposes only;

5. Signs designating access to hospital emergency facilities;

6. Signs designating fire zones, loading and unloading zones, handicap parking, and safety devices including but not limited to utility shutoff valves;

7. Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques or markers;

8. Public utility signs, provided such signs do not exceed 3 square feet in area.

B. Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the H zone.

1. Signs which contain or utilize:

a. Any exposed incandescent lamp,

b. Any revolving beacon light,

c. Any continuous or sequential flashing operation, including signs displaying time of day, atmospheric temperature or having programmable electronic messages;

2. Awning or entrance canopy signs;

3. Roof signs (see definition in Section 17.04.240);

4. Revolving signs of any kind;

5. Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose;

6. Devices dispensing bubbles and free-flowing particles of matter;

7. Any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public which any person posts, prints, sticks, stamps, tacks or otherwise affixes, or causes the same to be done to or upon any street, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, telephone pole or lighting system, or upon any fixture of the police or fire alarm system of the city of Lancaster or county of Los Angeles;

8. Any strings of pennants, banners or streamers, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, and similar attention-getting devices, including noise-emitting devices, with the exception of the following:

a. National, state, local governmental, institutional or corporate flags properly displayed,

b. Holiday decorations in season used for an aggregate period of 60 days in any one calendar year;

9. Devices projecting, or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on any surface or object;

10. Signs emitting or amplifying sounds for the purpose of attracting attention;

11. Portable signs;

12. Sidewalk signs;

13. Temporary signs, except as otherwise specifically permitted by this title;

14. Outdoor advertising signs;

15. Pole signs.

C. General Sign Regulations. The following regulations apply to all signs in the H zone:

1. In no case shall a lighted sign or lighting device thereof be so placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be directed or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.

2. Signs may be single-, double- or multi-faced, provided that:

a. The distance between the faces of any double-faced sign, other than a "V"-shaped projecting sign, shall not exceed 36 inches; and

b. The separation between the intersecting faces of any multi-faced sign shall not exceed 12 inches.

3. Any sign located on vacant and unoccupied property, and which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or business, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer exists shall be removed within 30 days after the purpose for, or use utilizing such sign has been removed from such property.

4. Any permitted sign may be a changeable copy sign.

5. All signs shall be designed in the simplest form and be free of any exposed bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables or similar devices.

6. The exposed backs of all signs visible to the public shall be suitably covered, finished, and properly maintained.

7. All signs shall be maintained in good repair, including display surfaces which shall be kept neatly painted or posted.

8. Any sign which does not conform to the provisions of this title shall be made to conform or shall be removed as provided in subsection B.4. of Section 17.32.850 except as provided in Section 17.32.850B.4.c.

9. Except where otherwise specifically provided by this title, sign regulations established pursuant to this title shall not apply to signs within a building, arcade, court or other similarly enclosed area where such signs are not visible to the public without entering such facilities.

10. The height of all signs shall be measured from the highest point of the sign.

D. Computation of Sign Area. The surface area of any sign face shall be computed from the smallest rectangles, circles and/or triangles which will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs and pictures, together with all framing, background material, colored or illuminated areas, and attention attracting devices forming an integral part of the overall display, but excluding all support structures, except that:

1. Superficial ornamentation of a non-message- bearing character which does not exceed 5% of the surface area shall be exempted from computation; and

2. Wall signs painted on or affixed directly to a building wall, façade or roof, and having no discernible boundary, shall have the areas between letters, words intended to be read together, and any device intended to draw attention to the sign message included in any computation of surface area; and

3. Signs placed in such a manner, or bearing a text, as to require dependence upon each other in order to convey meaning shall be considered one sign and the intervening areas between signs included in any computation of surface area, and

4. Spherical, cylindrical or other 3-dimensional signs not having conventional sign faces shall be considered to have 2 faces and the area of each sign face shall be computed from the smallest 3-dimensional geometrical shape or shapes which will best approximate the actual surface area of said faces.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.061)

The maximum sign area which shall be permitted in the H zone shall be as follows:

A. Hospitals, convalescent home: The total sign area of all signs shall not exceed 50 square feet plus ¼ square foot per linear foot of street frontage over 100 feet up to a total sign area of 300 square feet.

B. Medical offices, medical laboratory, medical clinic, pharmacy, medical/sickroom supplies, ambulance service: the total signs area of all signs shall not exceed 2 square feet per linear foot up to a total sign area of 200 square feet.

C. Signs for uses subject to permits shall meet the requirements specified in the permit or if not so specified in the permit, as specified in subsection B of this section as appropriate.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.062)

Business signs may be permitted in the H zone subject to Sections 17.12.590, 17.12.670 and 17.12.700, and the following restrictions of this section. For more information concerning specific types of signs see Section 17.04.240, Definitions:

A. Wall Business Signs.

1. Area Permitted.

a. Maximum of 80% of the permitted total sign area under Section 17.12.670.

b. No wall signs shall cover more than 10% of the wall on which it is placed.

2. Number Permitted. Maximum of one sign per wall surface per tenant.

3. Height Permitted.

a. Maximum of 4 feet.

b. The sign shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the top of the wall.

4. Lighting. Wall business signs may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.

B. Monument Signs.

1. Area Permitted. Maximum of 70% of the permitted total sign area under Section 17.12.670.

2. Number Permitted. One sign per street frontage in excess of 50 feet. Tenants on the premises may share space on the sign.

3. Height Permitted. Maximum height is limited to 8 feet above grade.

4. Setback. Monument signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way.

5. Other Requirements.

a. Sign copy shall be displayed within one sign structure. No other signage shall be attached to or placed on the monument sign.

b. All electrical service to the sign shall be underground and hidden from view.

c. Monument signs may be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.

(Prior zoning ord. § 224.063)

The automobile parking facilities required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following parking requirements shall be complied with in the H zone:

A. General Condition. The provisions of this section shall apply at the time that:

1. A building or structure is erected; or

2. An existing building or structure is altered, to increase the numbers of beds (i.e., convalescent home), bowling alleys, dwelling units, exercise area (i.e., fitness centers), guest rooms, seating capacity (fixed or not fixed), or service bays; or

3. An existing building or structure is enlarged. EXCEPTION: An existing building or structure which has insufficient lot area upon which to provide the required parking or landscaping may be enlarged by an area not to exceed 20% of the gross floor area including the original building or structure and all legal additions thereto for which required parking and associated landscaping have been provided. This exception shall apply only when there will be no reduction of existing parking or landscaping; or

4. The use of a building or structure is changed. EXCEPTION: Buildings or structures legally constructed in accordance with the parking requirements in effect at the time of building permit issuance will not require full compliance with the parking space requirements of this section provided that:

a. Said change in use creates no greater demand for parking spaces, as defined by this section, than the use which most recently preceded it.

b. All available space not used for parking shall be improved for purposes of parking and landscaping in accordance with this section and Section 17.12.700 (not to exceed the parking requirement for said use) prior to occupying said premises.

B. Ownership, Lease and Joint Usage. Space required by this section for automobile parking shall either:

1. Be owned by the owner of the premises because of the use of which the automobile parking space is required; or

2. Subject to director's review and approval, the owner of such premises shall have the right to use such space for automobile parking, solely to serve existing buildings or structures, by virtue of a recorded lease for a term of not less than 20 years, which lease requires that if canceled the party canceling the lease, not less than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the director of community development of such cancellation. Such lease shall be approved by the city attorney as to form and content, and once executed shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director; or

3. Subject to director's review and approval, the owner or owner-authorized lessee of any property, may authorize joint use of parking facilities solely to serve existing buildings or structures occupied by the following uses or activities, provided that all the requirements of this zone can be satisfied:

a. The parking facilities required for any non-residential use, which is primarily a daytime use may be fulfilled by the parking facilities of a use which is primarily a nighttime and/or Sunday use, and vice versa provided such parking facilities meet the requirements of subsection B.3.b. of this section.

b. All of the following conditions shall be met in order for the director to approve joint usage of parking:

1. The lots or parcels upon which the uses referred to in subsection B.3.a. of this section are proposed shall be adjoining as defined in this title; and

2. There shall be no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the uses for which joint usage of parking is proposed; and

3. That the joint usage of the off-street parking facilities shall be contingent upon the execution of an agreement, which requires that if canceled the party canceling such agreement, not less than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the director of such cancellation. Such agreement shall meet the approval of the city attorney as to form and content. Once approved, the executed agreement shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director.

C. Development of Parking Facilities. All land used for automobile storage or automobile parking shall be developed and used as follows:

1. Paving. Required parking areas, as well as the maneuvering areas and driveways used for access thereto shall be paved with: (NOTE: Road permits are required for any work done in the public right-of-way.)

a. Concrete surfacing to a minimum thickness of 3½ inches with expansion joints as necessary; or

b. Asphalt surfacing, rolled to a smooth, hard surface having a minimum thickness of 2 inches after compaction, and laid over a base of crushed rock, gravel or other similar material compacted to a minimum thickness of 4 inches.

c. Other alternative material that will provide at least the equivalent in service, life and appearance of the materials and standards which would be employed for development pursuant to C.1.a. or b. of this section.

d. The director of public works at the request of the director shall review and report on the adequacy of paving where modification of base is proposed under subsection C.1.b. of this section or where alternative materials are proposed under subsection C.1.c. of this section. The director of public works may approve such modification or such alternative materials if, in his opinion, the evidence indicates compliance with subsection C.1.b. or c. as the case may be.

2. Size and Marking of Spaces.

a. No fewer than 75% of the parking spaces shall exhibit minimum dimensions of 9 feet in width by 20 feet in length. (See Section 17.12.700A.4.f.)

b. Compact Spaces. No greater than 25% of the parking spaces may exhibit minimum dimensions of 8 feet in width by 18 feet in length. Such spaces shall be labelled "compact car only" in a manner acceptable to the director. (See Section 17.12.700A.4.)

c. No parking shall occur in the first 10 feet of a required front or street side yard.

d. Where parking abuts an alley, the improved alley may be used as an aisle subject to approval of the parking lot design.

e. For parallel parking, minimum aisles are 12 feet and minimum parking space dimensions are 8 feet by 24 feet.

See the following diagrams for parking design options.

3. Circulation. Mark entrances and exits clearly. Vehicular circulation should be "one-way" in each aisle or "two-way" if the aisle width is a minimum of 20 feet. No aisle shall be less than 12 feet in width.

See Section 17.12.700, Design Requirements, for parking design requirements.

D. Fractions. When the application of this section requires a fractional part of an automobile parking space or parking place sufficient to accommodate a fractional number of automobiles, any such fraction shall be construed as a whole. This section does not apply to the specification of an area by square feet, or of an area equal to another area.

E. Parking Requirements by Use.

1. General Commercial Uses. Except as otherwise provided in this section every lot or parcel of land which is used for a use permitted in the H zone (except an electrical substation or similar public utility in which there are no offices or other places visited by the public) shall have on the same lot or parcel of land an area equal to the area so used, which area shall be developed and used for the parking of motor vehicles in conjunction with such other use. Such area also shall be of sufficient size so that it contains one automobile parking space plus adequate access thereto of each 250 square feet of gross floor area of any building or structure so used.

2. Hospital. Two and ½ automobile parking spaces per bed.

3. Long-Term Health Care Facility. Every long-term health care facility shall have on the same lot or parcel of land not less than one automobile parking space for each 3 beds in the home. If employee residence facilities are on the premises there shall be in addition to the automobile parking spaces required for the principal use, the number of automobile parking spaces required for apartments in Section 17.12.220E for such residence facilities.

4. Medical Clinic and Medical Offices. One automobile parking space for each 150 square feet of gross floor area.

5. Medical Laboratory and Pharmacy. One automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.

6. Handicapped Spaces. Handicapped spaces shall be provided in accordance with state requirements.

(Ord. 711 §§ 17 (part), 18 (part), 19(B) (part), 20 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. §§ 224.070— 224.075)

(Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

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The following design requirements shall be met for development in the H zone:

A. General requirements applicable to all development:

1. Access.

a. Driveways providing access to the site may be combined, relocated, or otherwise limited in order to minimize traffic conflicts. All driveways shall be constructed to comply with current city standards. All driveway locations are subject to the approval of the director of public works.

b. Entry drives into parking areas shall be of sufficient depth to provide for vehicle stacking appropriate to the size and intensity of the project served.

2. Buffering. A masonry wall of not less than 5 nor greater than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line where the activities of a commercial use are anticipated to be incompatible with existing commercial or industrial uses or to protect an area from adverse climatic conditions (wind, blowing sand, etc.). It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the director or his designated representative that the project will not create or be subject to conditions necessitating a wall at the time of site plan review if a wall is not desired.

3. Building Design.

a. Roof treatment shall be the same on the periphery of the building, except where a different treatment is required by the city building code.

b. Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets shall have good proportions and relationships to one another.

c. Utility doors, access panels, fire doors, loading docks, and other openings shall be treated as part of the architectural composition of buildings.

d. An exterior color scheme for all buildings shall be submitted with the building elevations for approval.

e. Solar access and prevailing winds should be considered in building design and orientation.

4. Landscaping.

a. Landscape designs shall be consistent throughout a project site. Unrelated and random choice or placement of plant materials shall be avoided; however, variety may be employed to intensify distinction between spaces or to strengthen a sense of place or movement or to promote energy conservation.

b. The type, scale, and proportion of landscape materials shall be appropriate to the site and/or structures to which they relate.

c. Plant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, texture, color and ultimate growth. Plants that are indigenous to the area and others that will be hardy, harmonious with project design, and of good appearance shall be used. Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with city specifications for landscape development as established by Ordinance No. 629.

d. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by an automatic system with separate stations for turf, ground cover/shrubs, and trees.

e. All areas which are not needed for buildings, sidewalks or parking shall be landscaped.

f. All landscaped planter areas shall be completely bordered by a 6-inch P.C.C. curbing to prevent irrigation runoff and act as a wheel stop where necessary. Where used as a wheel stop, the 6-inch curb may be counted toward the required length of the parking space.

g. All interior parking lots shall be landscaped with a minimum of one tree plus one tree for each 10 parking spaces along with the other plant materials.

h. For lots of 5,000 square feet or less in area, not less than 3% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.

i. For lots between 5,000 and 19,999 square feet in area, not less than 5% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.

j. For lots of 20,000 square feet or more, not less than 7% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.

k. Utilize trees and landscaping wherever possible to shade buildings as a means of enhancing energy conservation.

l. At least 25% of all trees installed shall be from a 24-inch box, and no tree shall be less than 15-gallon size. At least 50% of all shrubs shall be of 5-gallon size, and no shrub shall be less than one-gallon size. Ground covers shall be planted at no further apart than 6 inches on center.

m. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.

5. Lighting. The intent of this requirement is to properly illuminate the site without producing an adverse impact on neighboring property. Exterior lighting of the building and site shall be provided, maintained and utilized during the hours of darkness in accordance with the following requirements:

a. Exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be compatible with building design.

b. Placement of lighting shall be in accordance with recognized crime prevention and safety principles.

6. Outside Storage. Outside storage is permitted on the rear of a lot or parcel of land in the H zone when such storage is strictly incidental to the permitted use existing in a building on the front portion of the same lot or parcel of land and provided no storage is higher than the enclosure surrounding it nor nearer than 50 feet to the front property line. Any outdoor area used for storage shall be completely enclosed by a solid masonry wall and solid gate, not less than 5 feet nor more than 6 feet in height, except that the director may approve the substitution of a fence or decorative wall where in his opinion, such wall or fence will adequately comply with the provisions of this section. All such requests for substitution shall be subject to the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review.

7. Screening.

a. All rooftop mechanical equipment, ducts, tanks, satellite antennae, etc., shall be enclosed or otherwise screened from view from all sides of the building. (This requirement does not include wind powered turbines used for ventilation.)

b. Where mechanical equipment, junction boxes, satellite antennae, meters and similar utility equipment is ground mounted it shall be enclosed or screened from view where necessary to preclude visibility from public streets and highways and adjacent properties.

c. Loading areas shall be screened from view only where necessary to preclude visibility from public streets and highways and adjacent properties.

d. Parking areas adjacent to streets shall be screened with landscaping in the required yards and with low decorative walls, berms or combinations thereof. Where walls are used they shall be placed so as not to obscure landscaped areas from the street.

8. Service for Utilities. All on-site utility services shall be underground.

9. Signs.

a. The colors, materials and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.

b. The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.

c. Use of individual letters for all signing is preferred and encouraged over "cabinet" signs. Where cabinet signs are utilized, such cabinet must be integrated into the design of the building or structure.

d. The light source of externally illuminated signs shall not be visible.

e. No sign shall be placed in a manner which would obstruct a driver or pedestrian's vision and thus create a hazard to public safety, and shall not be placed in or over any public right-of-way.

f. Street numbers of all buildings shall be prominently located and of sufficient size to be easily read from the street by public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, ambulance).

10. Refuse/Recycling Storage. Commercial, industrial and institutional uses shall have on the same lot or parcel a refuse/recycling storage area at a ratio of 20 square feet of refuse/recycling storage area for each 1,000 square feet or portion thereof of net floor area of the facility but not less than 6 feet in width nor less than 18 feet in length (exterior dimension). Such storage areas shall include separate containers for waste and for materials to be recycled. Each container shall be clearly marked or color coded for its intended use. Such storage areas shall be enclosed on 3 sides by a minimum 5-foot-high reinforced masonry or concrete wall with a sign-obscuring gate of noncombustible materials which is the same height as the enclosing walls. The floor of the enclosure shall be of concrete construction and the walls shall be protected by a concrete curb not less than 2 inches high by 6 inches wide or conventional concrete wheel stops to preclude damage by dumpsters. Such storage areas shall not be placed in a location which is openly exposed to a fronting street or a neighboring residential area.

11. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). New commercial development shall provide for electric vehicle charging stations in the manner prescribed as follows:

a. New residential uses shall provide EVCSs in accordance with Section 17.08.150T.

b. New commercial, industrial and other uses with the building or land area, capacity, or numbers of employees listed herein shall provide the electrical service capacity necessary and all conduits and related equipment necessary to ultimately serve 2% of the total parking spaces with EVCSs in a manner approved by the building and safety official. Of these parking spaces, ½ shall initially be provided with the electric vehicle supply equipment necessary to function as on-line EVCSs upon completion of the project. The remainder shall be installed at such time as they are needed for use by customers, employees or other users. EVCSs shall be provided in disabled person parking spaces in accordance with state requirements.

1. Construction of a hospital of 500 or more beds, or expansion of a hospital of that size by 20% or more.

2. Construction of a post-secondary school (college), public or private, for 3,000 or more students, or expansion of an existing facility having a capacity of 3,000 or more students by an addition of at least 20%.

3. Hotels or motels with 500 or more rooms.

4. Industrial, manufacturing, or processing plants or industrial parks that employ more than 1,000 persons, occupy more than 40 acres of land, or contain more than 650,000 square feet of gross floor area.

5. Office buildings or office parks that employ more than 1,000 persons or contain more than 250,000 square feet of gross floor area.

6. Shopping centers or trade centers that employ 1,000 or more persons or contain 500,000 square feet of gross floor area.

7. Sports, entertainment, or recreation facilities that accommodate at least 4,000 persons per performance or that contain 1,500 or more fixed seats.

8. Transit projects (including but not limited to transit stations and park and ride lots).

B. When adjacent to residentially zoned property the following requirements shall also be applied:

1. Artificial lighting used to illuminate the premises shall be directed away from adjacent residentially zoned properties.

2. Where multistory buildings are to be utilized on lots abutting residentially zoned properties, such buildings shall be located or oriented in a manner which will minimize visual intrusion into neighboring residentially zoned property. (This may be accomplished by setting the building back from the abutting property line beyond the distance required for the yard, selective placement of windows, orienting the building in a manner which will not give occupants a direct view into the yards or windows of neighboring residents.)

3. No signs shall be placed in a manner which visually intrudes into adjoining residentially zoned property.

4. Trees shall be utilized as a means of improving the interface between commercial and residential uses where appropriate.

5. Buffering. When abutting residentially zoned property a masonry wall of not less than 5 nor greater than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line in accordance with the provisions for walls specified in Section 17.28.030C. to minimize conflicts between commercial and residential uses. This requirement shall be modified, where necessary to preclude interference with line-of-sight of a driver within 10 feet of any street, highway or alley, down to a maximum height of 42 inches. The design of the wall shall be considered as part of the site plan review. The site and any buildings thereon shall be designed to locate noise- and odor-generating equipment and activity in a manner which will have a minimal impact on abutting residentially zoned property. Such techniques may include, but are not limited to, no windows on the building wall(s) facing residentially zoned property, insulating structures housing equipment against noise, limitation of the hours of equipment operation, and other controls designed for specific problems. It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove that his project will not have a detrimental effect on neighboring residential property at the time of site plan review.

(Ord. 713 § 5 (part), 1995; Ord. 711 §§ 29 (part), 34 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.080)