Lancaster Municipal Code Art. IV Commercial Planned Development (CPD) Zone

The purpose and intent of the CPD zone is to provide the means necessary to implement the city general plan, specifically the "regional," "subregional" and "general commercial" categories as set forth in the text of the general plan and as delineated on the general plan map. This zone is also intended to be applied to lands so designated which are subject to, or the development of which involves special consideration such as proximity to residential neighbors which merit the attention of the planning commission and applications of special conditions to deal with such concerns. This zone is intended to be in accordance with applicable goals, objectives, policies and programs, and standards of development set forth by the general plan. This zone is intended to provide for the daily commercial needs of residents of the city and adjoining areas, visitors and business in an urban environment with full urban services.

(Prior zoning ord. § 223.010)

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

(Prior zoning ord. § 223.020)

Premises in the CPD zone may be used for:

A. Existing single-family residential uses which may continue to be used as a permitted use provided that such uses may not be expanded in any manner. This limit on expansion does not apply accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units subject to Chapter 17.41, Article I.

B. Any use which is permitted in the C zone, subject to the director's approval of a site plan* which demonstrates conformity with the provisions of the C zone and this title, and provided that all of the following conditions exist:

1. The area of the lot or parcel of land to be used is 2 acres or less.

2. The proposed use is found by the director* to be compatible with surrounding development.

C. Existing premises may be used for any use which is permitted in the C zone provided that the proposed use is found by the director* to be compatible with surrounding development.

D. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, gauging stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any use normal and appurtenant to the storage and distribution of water.

E. Low barrier navigation centers subject to Chapter 17.41, Article V.

* The director's determinations on these items may be appealed to the planning commission.

(Ord. 711 §§ 28, 30 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 223.021)

(Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.050).

(Prior zoning ord. § 223.022)

Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.060).

(Prior zoning ord. § 223.023)

Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.040).

(Prior zoning ord. § 223.024)

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

If a conditional use permit has first been obtained, as provided in Article I of Chapter 17.32, property in the CPD zone may be used for a planned commercial development in which the commission may approve any use permitted, or subject to permit, in the C zone provided that the commission finds such uses are in character with surrounding commercial uses. In the conditional use permit the commission may modify any of the prescribed standards of development pertaining thereto. Such uses shall be subject to all of the following provisions:

A. Access and Parking. Adequate provision shall be made for vehicular access, parking and loading so as to prevent undue traffic congestion on adjacent streets and highways, particularly on local streets. The requirements of Section 17.12.220 shall be considered in the review of any proposed project.

B. Reserved.

C. Design. The arrangement of buildings, architectural design, and types of commercial uses shall be such as to minimize adverse influences on adjacent properties. (The requirements of Sections 17.12.130 and 17.12.230 shall be considered in the review of any proposed projects.)

D. Development Features. The development plan shall include yards, walls, walks, landscaping, and such other features as may be needed to make the commercial development attractive, adequately buffered from adjacent more restrictive uses, and in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

E. Development Schedule. The commission shall approve a progress schedule including all phases of development and indicating that the improvements described in the development plan will be made prior to occupancy of any buildings. The commission may modify without a hearing this condition pertaining to the development schedule based upon an affirmative showing, in writing, of hardship.

F. Need. The commission shall not grant a conditional use permit for a planned commercial development in the CPD zone unless it finds that the proposed commercial development is needed to serve the immediately adjacent area, and development has occurred, or is proposed, which will warrant such commercial development.

G. Signs. The commission in granting the conditional use permit may allow advertising signs permitted in Zone C (Sections 17.12.140— 17.12.210) which it finds will be in keeping with the concept of planned development. No outdoor advertising signs are permitted or allowed to be relocated into this zone. In addition, the commission may approve one sign for a shopping center, other commercial center, or auto mall, which identifies the major tenants thereof for each frontage on a street or highway which has a right-of-way of 100 feet or more.

H. Utilities. The applicant shall submit to the commission and it shall be made a condition of approval, satisfactory evidence that the applicant has made arrangements with the serving utilities to install underground all new facilities necessary to furnish service in the development. This requirement may be waived where it would cause undue hardship or constitute an unreasonable requirement.

(Prior zoning ord. § 223.025)

(Ord. No. 1016, § 8, 12-13-2016)