Lomita Municipal Code Art. 40 Commercial Zones

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), adopted Oct. 3, 2024, amended Art. 40 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said Art. 40 to read as set out herein. The former Art. 40, §§ 11-1.40.01 and 11-1.40.02, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 498, § 2, adopted July 20, 1992; Ord. No. 595, § 1, adopted Aug. 17, 1998; Ord. No. 845, § 4(L), adopted March 21, 2023.

(A) The commercial zones are established to promote economically vibrant districts that emphasize commerce, while allowing the strategic integration of residential uses. The zones aim to support the city's strong tax base, foster business growth, and create a unique urban character through sustainable environments that are accessible and cater to a variety of transportation modes.

(B) The primary goals of the commercial zones are to:

(1) Facilitate commercial development at varying intensities to create active, economically productive urban centers that cater to different neighborhood contexts, supporting both high-intensity commercial activities and neighborhood-serving commerce;

(2) Allow residential development when integrated with commercial activities, enhancing commercial vitality and creating well-balanced, mixed-use areas; and

(3) Align new construction with principles of sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship to create attractive, lasting environments that contribute to community well-being.

(C) This chapter defines allowable land uses and establishes standards for development, design, performance, and special regulations to ensure compatibility with adjacent areas, promote urban renewal, and maintain high aesthetic and functional quality throughout the community while bolstering the city's commercial tax base.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Downtown commercial (DC). Located in the historic Lomita downtown near the city's civic center complex, the downtown commercial zone is designed to foster a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented environment. This district prioritizes active street scenes with a focus on retail, dining, and entertainment uses that engage the community and visitors. Residential use is permitted only above the ground floor, enhancing the vitality of the downtown area while maintaining an energetic commercial ground level.

(B) Neighborhood commercial (NC). The neighborhood commercial zone is strategically located along Narbonne Avenue between the busier corridors Lomita Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. This district focuses on providing neighborhood-serving commercial uses that are less intense, ensuring compatibility with adjacent single-family residential areas. The zone allows for a range of services and retail establishments that meet the daily needs of nearby residents while maintaining a community-oriented atmosphere. Mixed-use commercial/residential is permitted.

(C) Community commercial (CC). Situated along major commercial corridors, the community commercial zone attracts visitors from Lomita and surrounding areas. This district permits a broad range of commercial uses, including retail, services, restaurants, offices, and entertainment. Mixed-use commercial/residential is permitted. The district is designed to be a significant contributor to the city's tax base, supporting economic growth and providing diverse amenities for both residents and visitors.

(D) Regional commercial (RC). The regional commercial zone is located at major street intersections and near city boundaries, serving as a gateway to Lomita. Similar to the community commercial zone, it allows a wide range of commercial uses but places a greater emphasis on supporting high-density housing projects within mixed-use developments. The district is intended to be a major contributor to the city's tax base, promoting economic vitality and accommodating significant commercial and residential growth.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)