Lomita Municipal Code § 11-1.43.05 Mixed-use development standards

Residential uses are conditionally permitted in all commercial zones, subject to planning commission approval of a conditional use permit. Such residential uses must be integrated into commercial sites as part of a comprehensive mixed-use development. Standalone residential uses are prohibited in commercial zones except when proposed as housing development on lots identified in the city's 2021-2029 Housing Element Sites Inventory (refer to article 51. Housing (H) overlay). Standalone residential uses within the housing overlay are permitted by right and do not require a conditional use permit.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24; Ord. No. 870U, § 5(Exh. A), 3-18-25; Ord. No. 871, § 5(Exh. A), 4-1-25)

The planning commission, or city council on appeal, may approve a conditional use permit for mixed-use developments only if it first finds that the proposed mixed-use development demonstrates compliance with the following findings, which supersede the findings specified in section 11-1.70.09:

(A) The proposed mixed-use development is consistent with the general plan and furthers the goals and policies related to land use, housing, and economic development;

(B) The design, layout, and operating characteristics of the proposed mixed-use development are compatible with existing and future land uses, will not interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring developments, and will not result in vehicular or pedestrian hazards;

(C) The proposed mixed-use development complies with all applicable development standards and zoning regulations and the site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use and integrate with the neighborhood and surrounding uses;

(D) The proposed mixed-use development complies with the objective design standards outlined in section 11-1.43.06, ensuring high-quality design and compatibility with the surrounding urban fabric; and

(E) The site is adequately served by existing or proposed highways, streets, and other infrastructure, including utilities, public facilities, and services necessary to accommodate the proposed mixed-use development and provide safe access for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Mixed-use developments are required to allocate a minimum gross floor area to nonresidential land uses, as defined in article 15, to ensure a functional integration of residential and commercial activities. The minimum nonresidential use requirements shall vary based on the overall site location and size. Mixed-use developments shall dedicate a minimum gross floor area to onsite nonresidential uses in accordance with table 11-1.43.A.

Table 11-1.43.A: Minimum Nonresidential Use Requirement

(B) For corner lots with multiple street frontages, the minimum nonresidential use requirement shall be measured from the site's longest street frontage.

(C) The location of the spaces dedicated to onsite nonresidential uses shall be reviewed by the planning commission as part of the conditional use permit application. Generally, nonresidential uses shall be located on the ground floor and oriented towards the street and other public-facing spaces.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

Exemptions for sites identified on the housing element sites inventory. Commercial properties listed on the city's 2021-2029 Housing Element Sites Inventory are exempt from the minimum nonresidential use requirement when projects propose standalone residential development (refer to article 51, housing (H) overlay). Such projects qualify for the exemption by-right in an effort to promote the efficient use of land and enhance residential density by facilitating the redevelopment of smaller, underutilized parcels.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

Mixed-use developments are permitted through a conditional use permit subject to the development standards outlined in table 11-1.43.B. In instances where specific standards for mixed-use developments are not provided, the standards applicable to the underlying commercial zones, as detailed in article 42, shall apply.

Table 11-1.43.B: Mixed-Use Development Standards

Notes:

1. The minimum open space may be met through a combination of common and private open space and recreational amenities (e.g., swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness room, playground, etc.). All required open space shall be useable.

2. In cases where the development abuts a street other than Pacific Coast Highway, Narbonne Avenue, Lomita Boulevard or Palos Verdes Drive, the front yard and corner lot - secondary front yard setbacks must be ten (10) feet.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24; Ord. No. 870U, § 5(Exh. A), 3-18-25; Ord. No. 871, § 5(Exh. A), 4-1-25)

Reserved.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Mixed-use developments shall provide onsite affordable units equivalent to at least ten (10) percent of the total number of residential dwelling units. The configuration of the units and the income levels served shall be reviewed by the planning commission as part of the conditional use permit process.

(B) Alternative compliance for onsite affordable housing.

(1) In-lieu fees. Applicants may pay in-lieu fees based on the development impact fee schedule established by the city council.

(2) Offsite affordable units. Applicants may provide offsite affordable units, which must be constructed within three (3) years of the project's completion. If this requirement is not met, applicants shall pay in-lieu fees to satisfy their affordable housing obligations.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Mixed-use developments incorporating onsite affordable housing units and seeking concessions, waivers, and/or density bonuses pursuant to Government Code §§ 65915—65918 may request the following concessions or waivers in order of the city's preferred incentive categories:

(1) Residential density.

(2) Maximum building height.

(3) Stepbacks from street frontages and adjacent to existing single-story buildings.

(4) Minimum open space.

(5) Off-street parking.

(6) Other provisions of mixed-use development standards.

(B) A concession or waiver from the minimum gross floor area allocated to nonresidential land uses shall not be permitted. Standalone residential developments are not permitted unless proposed on a housing element site, i.e., 2021-2029 Housing Element Sites Inventory (refer to article 51, housing (H) overlay).

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)