Lancaster Municipal Code Art. IV Standards for Specific Land Uses

A. Purpose. This article provides site planning, development, and/or operating standards for certain land uses that are allowed within the residential zones, and for activities that require special standards to mitigate their potential adverse impacts. The land uses and activities covered by this article shall comply with the provisions of the sections applicable to the specific use, in addition to all other applicable provisions of this zoning code.

B. Applicability.

1. Where Allowed. The uses that are subject to the standards in this article shall be located in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

2. Land Use Permit Requirements. The uses that are subject to the standards in this article shall be authorized by any required and applicable land use permit.

3. Development Standards. The standards for specific uses in this article are required in addition to those listed elsewhere in the residential chapter of the zoning ordinance. In the event of any conflict between the requirements of this article and those listed elsewhere in the residential chapter of the zoning ordinance, the specific requirements under this article shall take precedence.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)

The development criteria set forth in this section are intended to provide minimum standards for accessory buildings or structures. Accessory buildings and structures may only be constructed on a lot containing a main dwelling unit. Whenever there is a conflict between these standards and the city's building code, the most restrictive requirement shall apply.

A. Standards for Residential Accessory Uses and Structures.

Other notes:

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For accessory buildings that are used for living or sleeping space, see Chapter 17.41, Article I for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units regulations.

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No more than 50% of the required rear yard shall be covered by roofed structures. Infill residential lots (smaller than 7,000 square feet) may have up to 60% of the rear yard covered by roofed structures.

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All accessory structures are subject to the street side and front yard setbacks established by the underlying zoning designation.

B. Projections Permitted into Yards. The following projections are permitted in a required yard:

1. Eaves, cantilevered roofs, awnings and similar architectural features may project a maximum distance of 2½ feet into any required front or side yard or 5 feet into a rear yard, provided that such features shall maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet to any property line and are not less than 8 feet in height above grade. Such appendages shall be supported only at or behind the building setback line.

2. Fireplace structures (meeting all requirements of the current state building code), bay windows (not wider than 8 feet measured in the general direction of the wall of which it is a part), fire escapes, exterior stairs, and landings, buttresses and wing walls may project a maximum distance of 2½ feet into any required yard, provided that such features shall maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet to any property line. Such structures shall not be utilized to provide closets or other usable floor area.

3. Decks, platforms, covered and uncovered porches, and landing places including access stairs, which exceed an average height of 2½ feet and do not extend above the level of the first floor may project a maximum distance of 2 feet into required interior side yards, and a maximum distance of 5 feet into required front and side yards, provided such features shall maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet to any property line, and that an open-work railing installed shall not exceed 3½ feet in height.

4. Walls and window-mounted air conditioners, coolers, and fans may be used in any required interior or side yard provided that such equipment shall maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet to any property line.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

All cargo container uses, except those use by a public agency or entity, or by a non-public or private school, shall comply with all pertinent city codes, ordinances and regulations in addition to the following conditions:

A. Cargo Containers as Accessory Buildings or Structures. Cargo containers may be used as accessory buildings or structures in the RR-2.5 and RR-1 zones, subject to the following:

1. Containers shall be located only to the rear of the main building, in which a permissible use is occurring;

2. Containers shall only be used for incidental uses that are permissible in the zone;

3. Containers shall not be used for commercial purposes or in conjunction with commercial activities;

4. Containers shall not be closer than 50 feet to any property line;

5. Containers shall not be stacked on top of each other or on any other structure;

6. Containers shall not encroach upon, block, obstruct, or reduce in any manner any required exits, windows or vent shafts of structures, or any parking spaces, driveways, private streets, or public rights of way;

7. Containers shall not be used for human habitation or occupied by individuals for any reason;

8. Containers shall not have any electrical, plumbing, heating or air conditioning installations or systems, and shall not be connected to a power source;

9. Containers shall not be unsightly, graffitied, or damaged;

10. Refuse, garbage, trash and debris, as well as hazardous substances, as defined by state or federal law, shall not be placed or stored in, against, on, or under a cargo container at any time;

11. Containers shall require a container permit. The number and location of cargo containers used as accessory buildings or structures in the RR-2.5 and RR-1 zones shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization, or their duly authorized representatives. Upon such approval, compliance with all conditions of approval, and payment of a container permit fee in an amount established by city council, a container permit shall be issued.

B. Cargo Containers as Temporary Storage. Cargo containers may be used as temporary structures in the R and RR zones, including the following:

1. Storage of materials for public works and other infrastructure improvements.

a. Storage of materials and construction equipment used in construction or maintenance of streets and highways, sewers, storm drain, underground conduits, flood control works, pipelines and similar uses, shall not exceed a period of one year.

2. Storage of building materials for temporary construction.

a. This includes storage of building materials, machinery and equipment used in conjunction or development project undertaken pursuant to an active building permit. Storage shall be on the lot or parcel which is part of the project, or on property adjoining the construction or development site with the written consent of the property owner. Storage shall not occur until the building permit is obtained. Storage shall be removed within 30 calendar days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized.

b. Cargo containers may be used for the temporary construction storage described in subsection A. A cargo container approved pursuant to this subsection shall not require a separate permit. The number and location of cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the building official and directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization or their duly authorized representatives. Application for approval of cargo containers for temporary construction storage shall be made on a city-approved form and shall indicate the number of the building permit obtained for the construction or development project for which the temporary construction storage is requested, the size of each cargo container, the proposed location of each container on the property, and the date on which each container shall be placed on the property.

c. The time period for which a cargo container may be used for temporary construction storage is limited to the time when the building permit is active. An active building permit means one that has not expired, been revoked, or been finalized. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall be removed from the property within 30 calendar days of the expiration, revocation or finalization of a building permit.

d. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall not exceed 8 feet in width, 8 feet 6 inches in height, and 40 feet in length.

e. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall conform to the following standards:

1. Cargo containers shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from any property line and a minimum of 10 feet from any structure.

2. Cargo containers shall not be stacked on top of each other or on any other structure.

3. Cargo containers shall not encroach upon, block, obstruct, or reduce in any manner any required exits, windows or vent shafts of structures, or any parking spaces, driveways, private streets, or public rights of way.

4. Cargo containers shall not be used for human habitation or occupied by individuals for any reason.

5. Cargo containers shall not have any electrical, plumbing, heating or air conditioning installations or systems, and shall not be connected to a power source.

6. Refuse, garbage, trash and debris, as well as hazardous substances, as defined by state or federal law, shall not be placed or stored in, against, on, or under a cargo container at any time.

3. Storage of household materials during remodeling or other construction work.

a. This includes temporary storage of household materials, including but not limited to furniture, appliances, household electronics, clothing and other items of personal property, when a structure is undergoing rehabilitation, repair, remodeling, alteration or other construction work under an active building permit.

1. The number and location of cargo containers used for temporary household storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the building official and directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization or their duly authorized representatives. A cargo container approved under this subsection shall not require a separate permit. Application for approval of cargo containers for temporary household storage shall be made on a city-approved form and shall indicate the number of the building permit obtained for the repair, remodeling, alteration or other work for which the temporary household storage is requested, the size of each cargo container, the proposed location of each container on the property, and the date on which each container shall be placed on the property.

2. The time period for which a cargo container may be used for temporary household storage is limited to the time when the building permit is active. An active building permit means one that has not expired, been revoked, or been finalized. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall be removed from the property within 30 calendar days of the expiration, revocation or finalization of a building permit.

3. Cargo containers used for temporary household storage shall not exceed 8 feet in width, 8 feet in height, and 16 feet in length.

4. Cargo containers used for temporary household storage shall conform to the standards set forth in subsection B.2.e.

4. Emergency storage of household materials due to disaster circumstance.

a. Cargo containers used for emergency household storage shall require a container permit. The number and location of cargo containers used for emergency household storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization, or their duly authorized representatives. Upon such approval, and payment of a container permit fee in an amount established by city council, a container permit shall be issued.

b. Cargo containers may be used for emergency household storage for a period not to exceed 15 calendar days. This use may be extended for an additional 10 calendar days upon the prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization.

c. Cargo containers used for emergency household storage shall not exceed 8 feet in width, 8 feet in height, and 16 feet in length.

d. Cargo containers used for emergency household storage shall conform to the standards set forth in subsection B.2.e.

5. Storage of household materials used for relocation.

a. Cargo containers used for relocation storage shall require a container permit. The number and location of cargo containers used for relocation storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the Directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization, or their duly authorized representatives. Upon such approval, and payment of a container permit fee in an amount established by city council, a container permit shall be issued.

b. Cargo containers may be used for relocation storage for a period not to exceed 15 calendar days. This use may be extended for an additional 10 calendar days upon the prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization.

c. Cargo containers used for relocation storage shall not exceed 8 feet in width, 8 feet in height, and 16 feet in length.

d. Cargo containers used for relocation storage shall conform to the standards set forth in subsection B.2.e., except as provided in f. of this subsection.

e. Cargo containers used for relocation storage may be placed on driveways.

C. Existing Cargo Containers.

1. Cargo containers that are present on private real property, for any use or purpose, on the effective date of this section shall be removed within 6 months from the effective date, unless the property owner obtains the requisite approvals and permits in conjunction with temporary uses allowed in subsection B and otherwise complies with all regulations pertaining to cargo containers.

2. This subsection does not apply to cargo containers that are present on real property located in RR-2.5 and RR-1 zones, provided they are brought into conformance with the requirements of subsection B.2.e.

D. Exceptions. Except as provided in subsection A, cargo containers shall not be used as accessory buildings or structures, and shall not be placed, maintained or used on private real property at any time except as permitted in conjunction with temporary uses allowed in subsection B. This provision does not apply to the following real property:

1. Real property owned, leased, rented, occupied or used by a public agency or entity;

2. Real property owned, leased, rented, occupied or used by a non-public or private school. For purpose of this subsection, "non-public school" means a private, non-sectarian school that enrolls individuals with exceptional needs pursuant to an individualized education program and is certified by the state department of education. For purposes of this subsection, "private school" means a full-time day school that provides instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state, by persons capable of teaching, and that files an annual private school affidavit as required by the state department of education. For purposes of this subsection, "private school" does not include a school that provides instruction in building used for residential purposes. A non-public or private school is not exempt unless it is operating in conformity with all pertinent land use and technical code regulations.

3. Real property utilized for the placement of cargo containers that are used exclusively for the storage of emergency supplies to be used for the benefit of the public by a recognized governmental agency, such as the 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 included in this exemption. Placement of cargo containers for this purpose shall be approved through a director's review.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)

A. Purpose. Regulations governing animals for the personal use of the family residing on the premises are established in order to provide for the keeping of domestic and wild animals where accessory to the residential use of the property as opposed to maintenance for commercial purposes. The following regulations presume a reasonable effort on the part of the animal owner to recognize the rights of surrounding neighbors by maintaining and controlling animals in a safe and healthy manner.

B. Keeping of Large Animals in Residential zones.

1. Applicability. The keeping of large animals, such as horses, cows, and similar animals are permitted in Rural Residential zones and the number of animals shall not exceed a total of 8 animals per lot, unless otherwise indicated.

2. Pigs are permitted as follows:

a. Pigs shall be permitted on Rural Residential zones with lots or parcels of land greater than one acre in area, at a ratio of one pig per acre.

b. They shall not be located not less than 150 feet from any highway and not less than 50 feet from the side or rear lot lines of any lot or parcel.

c. They shall not be fed any market refuse or anything other than table refuse from meals consumed on the same lot or parcel of land or grain.

3. Roosters shall be permitted on Rural Residential zones with lots or parcels of land greater than one acre in area, at a ratio of one rooster per acre.

C. Keeping of Small Animals.

1. The keeping of small animals, such as sheeps, goats, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, aquatic animals, birds and similar animals are permitted as indicated on the table below.

2. Bee Keeping is permitted as follows:

a. They shall be located in a single-family residential property in a residential zone that is greater than one acre.

b. Only the common domestic honey bee, Apis Mellifera species, at any stage of its development, shall be permitted.

c. No more than 2 hives may be maintained on any single-family residential property.

d. All bee colonies shall be kept in hives capable of being inspected and consisting of moveable frames and combs.

e. Hives must be kept in sound and usable condition at all times.

f. Hives shall be located in the rear or side yard only. No hives shall be permitted in any front yard or in the street side yard of a corner property.

g. Hives shall be located at least 5 feet from the side and rear property lines.

h. Hive entrances shall face away from or parallel to the nearest property line(s).

i. Hives must either be screened so that the bees must fly over a 6-foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property, or be placed at least 8 feet above the adjacent ground level.

D. Keeping of Wild Animals.

1. Antelopes, armadillos, badgers, beavers, camels, deer, foxes, giraffes, hippopotami, kangaroos, koalas, minks, ostriches, otters, peacocks, platypus, porcupines, prairie dogs, raccoons, seals, wallabies, and zebras and other similar animals are prohibited.

2. Animals prohibited by the State of California shall not be allowed to be kept within the City (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671).

E. Offspring. Young animals born to a permitted animal kept on the site may be kept until such animals are weaned.

F. Therapy and service animals. In accordance with fair housing law, a housing provider shall accommodate a person with a disability who requests a reasonable and necessary animal. Such animals may include, but are not limited to, guide dogs that assist persons with visual impairment, hearing dogs trained to alert those who are hard of hearing, service dogs trained to assist those with mobility impairment, or other animals intended to provide therapy, including emotional support.

G. Standards.

1. Enclosure. All animals shall be properly caged or housed (kept in their corrals, barns, pens, or other enclosures). All such structures shall be fenced or otherwise enclosed to adequately confine the animals. In addition, all such structures or other enclosures shall be classified as an accessory structure and are subject to the development standards of the underlying zone in which it is located.

2. Maintenance. All buildings used in conjunction with the keeping of small animals including animal enclosures and all other animal keeping areas shall be maintained free from litter, garbage, and the accumulation of animal excrement. All excrement produced by said small animals shall be disposed of on a regular basis so as to control flies and odor.

3. In addition to Los Angeles County Health Department requirements, all buildings or structures, including, but not limited to barns, corrals, training arenas, etc., used in conjunction with the keeping of small animals shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any street or highway or any building used for human habitation.

4. All noise shall be sound attenuated so that the noise level measured at the property line is within the ambient level for the zone in which the site is located.

F. Exceptions.

1. Members of Future Farmers of America (FFA), Head, Hand, Heart and Health (4-H), independent livestock growers, and other similar organizations may have additional animals per the discretion of the Director.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)

A. Purpose. Section 17.08.050 permits light agricultural uses as an accessory use, which includes grazing, in the RR-2.5 and RR-1 zones. The following regulations clarify where and in which instances grazing is permitted.

B. Grazing of animals (e.g., sheep, goats, cattle, etc.) is allowable in the rural zones identified above, in accordance with the following limitations and conditions.

1. Free range grazing of animal herds is prohibited within the city limits.

2. All grazing shall occur on property owned by the herder or with express written permission of the property owner.

3. All grazing animals shall be controlled in a manner that prevents them from straying onto unauthorized property.

4. The owner of said grazing animals is responsible for ensuring that the animals are moved regularly to prevent the removal of all vegetation. In the event that the over-grazing of animals causes dust control issues, the owner of the animals and/or the property owner shall be responsible for implementing measures to control the dust in accordance with this Code and applicable Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) Rules and Regulations.

C. Alternative energy developments may utilize sheep to control vegetation growth within the fenced boundaries of their facilities, subject to the requirements set forth in subsection B.

(Ord. No. 1022, § 1, 6-13-2017)

A. Purpose and Intent. The availability and affordability of quality, licensed day care is beneficial to the well-being of parents, children and adults with special needs within this community. The purpose of regulating daycare facilities and centers within the city shall be to:

1. Facilitate and encourage the establishment of licensed day care, including child care centers and adult day health/social care facilities;

2. Specify standards to avoid any adverse effects of such facilities upon surrounding properties; and

3. Avoid the over-concentration of day care facilities and centers in any neighborhood.

[B.

Reserved.]

C. Application Requirements. The following shall be included in each application for a conditional use permit for daycare facilities and centers in the residential zones):

1. The application shall indicate the number of individuals to be cared for; the number of employees; hours of operation and outdoor playtime; and state license number. The application and site plan shall clearly show compliance with applicable standards.

2. A site plan (8½ inches by 11 inches) showing: location and dimensions of existing residence and other structures, including: fencing, outdoor play structures and equipment, distance to property line, parking areas, access and traffic circulation. Additional site plan and/or application information may be requested at the discretion of the planning department.

3. An accurate traffic circulation plan showing parking, circulation and drop-off areas.

D. Conditions of Approval. The operation of a day care facility or center, in compliance with a conditional use permit, may be conditioned or limited by the permit, except as may be prohibited by state law applicable to a chartered city, in any manner deemed necessary by the review authority to ensure the preservation of the health, safety and general welfare of the community and the neighborhood where the facility or center is proposed. The scope of permit review and approval shall be limited as required by state law to the following.

1. Space and Concentration. No proposed day care facility or center shall be located closer than 300 feet in all directions from any other day care facility or center, as measured from any point on the exterior walls of both structures. In no case shall a residential parcel be directly abutted by day care facility or center on 2 or more sides.

2. Noise. The operation of any day care facility or center shall comply with all provisions of the city noise ordinance. The review authority may conditions of approval to reduce noise impacts including: solid fencing or other sound attenuating devices, restrictions on outside play hours, location of play areas, and placement of outdoor play equipment.

3. Traffic Circulation. The traffic circulation plan for all day care facilities or centers shall be designed to diminish traffic safety problems. A residence on a primary or secondary arterial street shall provide a drop-off/pickup area designed to prevent vehicles from backing onto the arterial roadway. The care provider may be required to submit a plan of staggered drop-off and pickup time ranges to reduce congestion in neighborhoods already identified as having traffic congestion problems.

E. Required Findings for Approval. No conditional use permit for a daycare facility or center shall be granted unless the review authority first makes all of the following findings, in addition to those required by Section 17.32.090 (findings and decision for conditional use permits):

1. The facility or center complies with all applicable requirements of this section; and

2. The facility or center complies with all applicable building and fire code provisions adopted by the state and administered by the county fire department, and the state department of social services licensing requirements.

F. Notification of Proposed Action. Not less than 10 working days prior to the date on which the decision will be made on the application, the city shall provide public notice in compliance to the applicant, and all owners of property within a 300-foot radius of the exterior boundaries of the proposed parcel.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this article is to provide the guidelines and restrictions for operating a home occupation (home-based business), from a residential dwelling in the city. It is intended that the home occupation functions as an office, and is secondary to the dwelling's main residential use. In addition, the home occupation shall not detract from nor become incompatible with the surrounding residential uses; and thus, will not interfere with the general welfare of the surrounding residential area.

B. Conditions for Home Occupations. No home occupation shall be approved unless it complies with this section and all pertinent city codes, ordinances and regulations:

1. Residency. The applicant who holds the home-based business license shall reside at the address location as stated on the home-based business license.

2. Boundaries. A home occupation shall be conducted only within the enclosed living area of the dwelling unit, accessory building, or the garage, without rendering the garage unusable as the required off-street parking space(s) for the dwelling unit. Home occupation activities shall not be visible or audible beyond the boundaries of the site.

3. Alterations. There shall be no alteration of any building or structure which would result in a change of the residential occupancy classification under the current the state building code.

4. Traffic and Parking. The home occupation shall not generate vehicular traffic and/or vehicular parking which degrades or is otherwise detrimental to the residential nature of the neighborhood and thus becomes objectionable to neighboring residents and other affected by such parking or traffic.

5. Hours of Operation. No customer or client may come to the premises except during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. No deliveries may originate from or be made to the premises except during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6. Commercial Vehicles. No commercial vehicle which has a capacity of more than one-ton shall be parked or stored at the home occupation site other than a recreational vehicle. (The term "commercial vehicle" means as the term as described in the state vehicle code.)

7. Nuisance. The home occupation shall not create any radio or television interference or create discernible noise, glare, dust, odor, vibrations, or unreasonable disturbance in excess of that which is normal to a residential use of the premises. Nor may the home occupation cause or generate any other condition that interferes with the peace, health, safety or general welfare of people or property in the surrounding area.

8. Signs and Advertising. There shall be no signs or structures advertising the home occupation business on the residential property. In addition, no other advertisement of the home occupation shall include the address of the residential dwelling where the home occupation is conducted.

9. Storage. There shall be no exterior storage of materials in the conduct of a home occupation. The storage of materials, equipment, inventory, supplies, and files for home occupation, is only permitted inside the dwelling unit or an entirely closed roofed accessory structure.

10. Rental Property. No home occupation shall be conducted in a rental unit, without the owner or landlord's permission.

11. Transferability. Home occupations are valid only for the person and the address approved and are nontransferable. Only persons whose primary residence in the dwelling unit may engage in the home occupation.

12. Employees. A maximum of one employee is allowed at the home occupation, if located in an apartment or condominium unit; 2 employees is allowed if the home is within an urban residential zone; and 3 employees in rural residential zones.

13. Sales. No commodity shall be sold or displayed on the premises.

14. Specific Conditions. The Director may add specific conditions to the approval of a home-based business license in order to address concerns which are not covered by the above conditions and which, in the Director's opinion, are necessary to protect neighboring property from any potential adverse effects of the proposed home occupation.

C. Prohibited Uses. The following uses shall not be allowed as a home occupation:

1. Ambulance service;

2. Animal training;

3. Body piercing;

4. Construction, preassembly and similar large woodworking operations;

5. Contractor and construction yards that cause or require outdoor storage;

6. Cosmetology services including barber and beauty shops;

7. Forensic testing;

8. Limousine, taxi or tow truck services; recreational vehicle rentals or automobile leasing; food or ice cream vending vehicles; or other vehicles not normally incidental to a residential use where such motor vehicles would be parked or stored at the home occupation site. This provision does not preclude limited customer or client parking;

9. Mechanical and electronic repair utilizing, maintaining, or storing more mechanical or electronic equipment on the premises than is common to a residence;

10. On-site massage therapists;

11. Pet grooming (not prohibited in RR-1 and RR-2.5 zones, if on appointment basis only);

12. Rental establishments as described in Section 17.12.040, the permitted uses section of the C zone;

13. Repair services related to automobiles, motorcycles, large household appliances, small engines, garden equipment, or other machinery;

14. Sales or production of drug paraphernalia;

15. Tattoo studio;

16. Taxidermy;

17. The manufacturing, sale, lease, or rental of firearms and/or ammunition;

18. Welding shop and/or metal fabrication;

19. Uses which are subject to Director's Review or a conditional use permit in the zone where the applicant's residence is located;

20. Those uses which the Director determines are similar in nature to the uses listed above.

D. Home-Based Business License. The home occupation shall be required to obtain a business license through the City of Lancaster. The applicant shall fully disclose on the application form all hazardous materials (as defined in Section 17.04.240) which will be stored on-site or used in conjunction with the home occupation. The city shall accept only those applications which have provided all of the information required on the application form which applies to the proposed home occupation.

E. Revocation. Home-based business licenses may be immediately revoked by the Director based upon a finding that any one of the following conditions exists:

1. That the use has changed either in nature or extent to the point that it differs substantially from the use requested in the approved application for the home-based business license.

2. That the use fails to comply with any condition in subsection B of this section.

3. That the holder of the home-based business license failed to allow inspections at a reasonable time for the purpose of investigating a complaint or to verify compliance of the home occupation with the required conditions.

4. That the holder of the home-based business license failed to comply with any applicable city, county, state or federal ordinance, law or regulation including failure to obtain and/or renew a business license.

The Director shall notify in writing the holder of the home-based business license of such revocation and the reasons thereof. The Director's decision may be appealed in accordance with Section 17.36.030.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)

A. Definition. As used in this ordinance: a "live-work" use is a business conducted within a dwelling unit or accessory structure by occupants of the dwelling unit. A live-work use is distinguished from a home occupation primarily in that a live-work use can include employees who are not residents of the home, involve a greater number of customers, be located in a larger percentage of a home or accessory building, and have appropriate on-site signage.

B. Purposes. The purposes of this ordinance are to:

1. Provide for the appropriate development of units that incorporate both living and working space;

2. Provide flexibility for the development of live-work units, particularly within existing buildings;

3. Allow for the transition of residential uses along primary arterial streets to office and commercial uses due to their proximity and access to higher volume traffic;

4. Protect existing, surrounding, and potential uses from conflicts with each other; and

5. Ensure that the exterior design of live-work buildings is compatible with the exterior design of surrounding buildings in the area, while remaining consistent with the predominant workspace character of live-work buildings.

C. Permitted Locations for Live-Work Units. Live-work units are permitted in urban and rural residential zones where the property faces and has access from a primary arterial street.

D. Uses permitted with a Director's Review. The following non-residential uses are allowed in live-work units:

1. Personal and household retail sales and services;

2. Business support services;

3. Offices; and

4. Other similar uses as determined appropriate by the planning director.

E. Prohibited Uses. The following non-residential uses are prohibited in live-work units:

1. Restaurants and/or alcohol establishments;

2. Entertainment uses;

3. Construction yards;

4. Any uses involving hazardous materials; and

5. Any other uses that may result in a negative impact on surrounding uses, including traffic, noise and/or safety, as determined by the planning director.

F. Development Standards. Construction of the live-work unit as a non-residential structure is permitted within the development standards of the zone that the property is located in, as well as all other applicable building and accessibility regulations.

G. Conditions of Approval.

1. Parking.

a. Two covered or uncovered parking spaces shall be provided for the residential use of the live-work unit.

b. Required parking for the non-residential use will be based on the applicable parking standard as determined by the planning director.

2. Signage.

a. Wall business sign permitted: maximum height 18 inches; maximum length 30 percent of façade width; roof sign prohibited.

b. Monument sign permitted: maximum 48 inches in height, including base; maximum length 72 inches; for maximum total of 24 square feet per sign face.

3. Owner or Employee Residency Required. The owner of the property or an employee of the live-work business shall be required to live on the premises.

4. Employees. Up to 3 persons other than residents of the dwelling may be employed, unless otherwise provided by the use permit.

5. Hours of Operation. No customer or client may come to the premises except during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. No deliveries may originate from or be made to the premises except during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6. Number of Live-Work Activities. No more than one live-work use is allowed per legal dwelling unit on the property.

7. Outdoor Storage and Activity. No outdoor storage of materials or equipment related to the business activity shall be permitted. No outdoor activity related to the business activity shall be permitted.

8. Nuisance. The live-work use shall not create discernible noise, glare, dust, odor, vibrations, or unreasonable disturbance in excess of that which is normal to a residential use, nor shall the live-work use cause or generate any other condition that interferes with the peace, health, safety or general welfare of people or property in the surrounding area.

9. Specific Conditions. The director may add specific conditions to the approval of a live-work permit in order to address concerns which are not covered by the above conditions and which, in the director's opinion, are necessary to protect neighboring property from any potential adverse effects of the proposed home occupation.

H. Revocation. Live-work permits may be immediately revoked by the director based upon a finding that any one of the following conditions exists:

1. The use has changed either in nature or extent to the point that it differs substantially from the use requested in the approved application for the live-work permit.

2. The use fails to comply with any condition or intended purpose as described in this section.

3. The holder of the live-work permit failed to allow inspections at a reasonable time for the purpose of investigating a complaint or to verify compliance of the live-work use with the required conditions.

4. The holder of the live-work permit failed to comply with any applicable city, county, state or federal ordinance, law or regulation including failure to obtain and/or renew a business license.

The director shall notify in writing the holder of the live-work permit of such revocation and the reasons thereof. The director's decision may be appealed in accordance with Section 17.36.030.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)

All garage conversions shall comply with all pertinent city codes, ordinances and regulations in addition to the following conditions:

A. Garage Conversion to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A garage serving an existing dwelling may be converted an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit subject to the standards in Chapter 17.41, Article I.

B. Garage Conversions to Other Living Space. Garages serving and attached to existing single-family detached residences may be converted to expand the living area of such residences, provided that:

1. The property owner, in writing, absolves the city of all liabilities regarding any deed restrictions that may be applicable to the property.

2. The garage shall be replaced by 2 covered or uncovered, surfaced, off-street parking spaces on the site in a manner consistent with the character of the neighborhood.

3. Interior access from the garage to the house shall be kept.

4. There shall be no door access into the garage facing the street.

5. The conversion is accomplished in full accordance with all pertinent codes and ordinances as verified by obtaining permits and inspections from all appropriate agencies.

6. The garage conversion shall meet the design guidelines for enhanced architectural quality and compatibility.

C. Illegal Garage Conversions. Conversion of a garage to expand the living area of a residence or otherwise render the garage unusable for its original purpose without obtaining appropriate permits and inspections shall be deemed an illegal garage conversion. When a property owner is informed that such an illegal garage conversion exists on his property, the property owner shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Within 30 days of becoming so informed, the property owner shall pay the required fees and request that the conversion be inspected by building and safety division.

2. Should building code violations be detected during the inspection of the premises, the building and safety division shall prepare a list of the deficiencies which must be corrected to bring the conversion, and if necessary the residence, into compliance with all applicable building codes.

3. The property owner shall then exercise one of the following options:

a. If the property owner desires to retain the garage conversion he shall correct the deficiencies cited by the building and safety division prior to the expiration of the building permit. Once the deficiencies are corrected and verified by inspection, the conversion shall be considered legal provided that 2 covered or uncovered, surfaced, off-street parking spaces are furnished on the site in a manner consistent with the character of the neighborhood; or

b. If the property owner does not desire to correct the conversion deficiencies as cited, he shall remove the conversion and restore the building to function as a garage in accordance with applicable building codes.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), adopted May 27, 2025, repealed § 17.08.230, which pertained to guest houses and derived from Ord. No. 989, § 1, adopted April 9, 2013.

Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are subject to the regulations in Chapter 17.41, Article I.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A. Definition. A single room occupancy (SRO) is a multiple-tenant building that provides permanent residency to one or 2 people in individual rooms, or to the single room itself, with tenants typically sharing kitchen facilities.

B. Purpose. Provide a form of affordable private housing for lower-income households, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

C. Standards. The following standards shall apply to all single-room occupancy buildings:

1. Each SRO housing unit shall have at least 200 square feet of floor area.

2. Each SRO housing unit shall have its own bathroom, including toilet, sink and shower.

3. A community kitchen with facilities for cooking, refrigeration, and washing utensils shall be provided on each floor, or each individual SRO housing unit shall have facilities for cooking, refrigeration, and washing utensils.

4. Facilities for community garbage storage or disposal shall be provided on each floor.

D. Application. Any property owner seeking a permit to construct an SRO, including the conversion of an existing building (e.g. hotel) shall submit a director's review application. The Director shall approve the application so long as the SRO complies with all provisions of this section. In the event such application is denied, the appeals proceedings set forth in Chapter 2.44 shall be available to the applicant.

E. Violations. Any property owner with an SRO which does not comply with all the standards established herein for SROs is subject to prosecution for a zoning violation under Section 17.04.220.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)

A mobilehome/manufactured housing unit located outside of mobilehome park shall comply with the requirements of this section:

A. Site Requirements. The site, and the placement of the mobile home on the site shall comply with all zoning, subdivision, and development standards applicable to a conventional single-family dwelling on the same parcel.

B. Mobile Home Design and Construction Standards. A mobile home outside of a mobile home park shall comply with the following design and construction standards.

1. Roof. The roof of each mobilehome shall exhibit an angle line with an overhang of at least 12 inches on all sides and shall consist of shingles or non-reflective exterior material customarily used on conventionally constructed dwellings.

2. Exterior Siding. Each mobilehome shall be covered with a non-reflective exterior material customarily used on conventionally constructed dwellings. The exterior covering material shall extend to the ground except when:

a. The exterior siding, trim, and roof shall be of the same materials and treatment found in conventionally built residential structures in the surrounding area, and shall appear the same as the exterior materials on any garage or other accessory structure on the same site.

b. A solid concrete or masonry perimeter foundation is used, in which case the covering material shall extend to 6 inches above final grade; or

c. Wood siding is used, in which case such siding is not permitted closer than 6 inches to final grade, provided that the last 6 inches to final grade is fully enclosed with other building code approved materials.

3. Foundation Systems. Each mobilehome shall be attached to a foundation system which shall be in accordance with health and safety code requirements as approved by city building and engineering services.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)