Chapter 18.16 — INDUSTRIAL ZONES (B-P, M-1, M-2)

• A. The purpose of this chapter is to achieve the following:

  1. Provide a range of industrial zones with appropriate location criteria and development standards for a broad variety of business office park, manufacturing, assembling, warehousing, wholesaling, and limited related retail sales consistent with the General Plan.

  2. Help strengthen and diversify the County's economic base and provide employment opportunities for County residents by encouraging appropriate industrial development.

  3. Ensure compatibility within industrial zones and with adjacent land uses.

  4. Ensure adequate space to meet the needs of industrial development including loading areas and offstreet parking.

  5. Promote the consolidation of compatible uses into planned business and industrial parks.

  6. Promote high standards of site planning and landscape design for industrial developments within the urban boundaries of the unincorporated communities.

• B. The purpose of the individual industrial zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

  1. B-P Business Park Zone. The purpose of the B-P Business Park Zone is to provide for lowimpact land uses (i.e., research and development facilities, professional offices, and light manufacturing), located within campus-like settings. Typical land uses include research and development; light industrial, fabrication; executive; administrative, and professional offices; warehouse and distribution centers limited retail and service uses to accommodate the needs of the employee population. This zone implements the Industrial (I) land use designation in the General Plan.

  2. M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone. The purpose of the M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone is to provide for warehousing, assembling, manufacturing, wholesaling, research and development facilities, commercial offices, and limited accessory retail sales. Uses within this zone typically involve assembly of previously manufactured materials and have low nuisance characteristics (i.e., noise, heat, glare, odor, and vibration) and are compatible with each other and surrounding uses. Typical uses in this zone include electric motor shops and shoe, sign, and textile manufacturing plants. This zone implements the Industrial (I) land use designation in the General Plan.

  3. M-2 General Manufacturing Zone. The purpose of the M-2 General Manufacturing Zone is to provide for all types of manufacturing, distribution, and storage uses. Uses within this zone tend to have moderate to high nuisance characteristics (i.e., noise, heat, glare, odor, and vibration) which may require buffering and separation from incompatible uses (i.e., residential and office commercial). Typical uses in this zone include manufacturing of motor vehicles, asphaltic materials, glass, and paint products. This zone implements the Industrial (I) land use designation in the General Plan.

• (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

• A. Table 2-7 Industrial Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements. Table 2-7 indicates the uses allowed in each industrial zone and any permits required to establish the use, in compliance with Article 6 (Permit Processing Procedures) and Article 7 (Zoning Code Administration).

• B. Additional Regulations. Where the last column in Table 2-7 includes a chapter or section number, the regulations in the referenced chapter or section shall apply to the use. Provisions in other sections of this Zoning Code may also apply.

• C. Permit Requirement Where Construction is Involved. Each land use specified in the following land use table as allowed with a "P" as a use permitted-by-right that involves/contains construction activities (e.g., additions, alterations, construction, reconstruction, or remodeling) may require the issuance of a Zoning Clearance in compliance with Chapter 18.128 (Zoning Clearances) or a Site Plan and Design Review (Chapter 18.122 ).

• D. Definitions. See Article 8 (Definitions) for land use definitions and explanations.

• E. Uses Not Listed. Industrial uses not listed below may be reviewed by the director to determine if they are similar to those listed and appropriate in this zone and, if so, what type of permit is

required, in compliance with Section 18.04.040 (Uses Not Classified).

(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2039, 5/21/2024)

• A. Table 2-8 Industrial Zone Development Standards. The intent of the industrial zone development standards table is to clearly and precisely establish the basic site and structure regulations that apply to all developments in each of the industrial zones. The table also indicates where additional site and structure requirements, including, but not limited to, off-street parking, landscaping, signage, fences and obstructions, and performance standards, apply to all industrial zones.

• B. Exceptions. The setbacks listed below may be increased for those uses requiring an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit when it is determined by the Director or Commission, as applicable, that the additional setbacks are necessary to make the use compatible with surrounding properties and uses.

• C. Density. Maximum density standards shall be consistent with the General Plan or applicable community plan.

• D. Zoning Map. The boundaries, designations, and locations of the zones established by this Zoning Code shall be shown on the map(s) entitled "Zoning Map for Merced County" and referred to in this Zoning Code as the Zoning Map. Any additional maps (e.g., setback map) adopted shall also be a part of this Zoning Code by reference. This Zoning Code, together with the Zoning Map, is hereby adopted in compliance with current State planning, zoning, and development laws. Changes in the boundaries of any identified zones shall be made by ordinance in compliance with Chapter 18.142 (Amendments).

ning Code as the Zoning Map. Any additional maps (e.g., setback map) adopted shall also be a part of this Zoning Code by reference. This Zoning Code, together with the Zoning Map, is hereby adopted in compliance with current State planning, zoning, and development laws. Changes in the boundaries of any identified zones shall be made by ordinance in compliance with Chapter 18.142 (Amendments).

(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

• A. General Industrial Regulations.

  1. Warehousing of Manufactured Products and Wrecking Yards. The storage of hazardous and toxic materials is prohibited.

  2. Setbacks.

     • a. Front Setback. The setback shall be measured from the existing or adopted street rightof-way line (ultimate width of existing street).

     • b. Interior Side Setback. If adjacent to a residential zone, the minimum setback shall be 20 feet and a six-foot-high solid masonry wall shall be constructed along the common property line.

     • c. Street Side Setback. The setback shall be measured from the existing or adopted street right-of-way line (ultimate width of existing street).

     • d. Rear Setback. Where there is an alley at the rear of parcel, the rear setback may be measured to the center of the alley.

• B. Specific Industrial Regulations.

1. M-1 Light Manufacturing Zones. Chemical manufacturing is prohibited. (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

Chapter 18.18. CASTLE COMMERCE CENTER AND AIRPORT SPECIAL PLANNING ZONE (SPZ)