Chapter 20.36 — C-L DISTRICTS—LIMITED COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS (§ 20.36.010 – § 20.36.040)

The Limited Commercial districts serve as a transition between commercial and residential districts and uses. The Near East Blithedale limited commercial district serves as a transition from the higher density downtown commercial/mixed-use and downtown residential zones.

The Limited Commercial (C-L) districts can accommodate residential and mixed-use land uses at densities in accordance with the adopted Land Use Map, and accommodate mixed-use with offices or commercial

and small-scale multi-family residential developments. (Ord. 1278 § 12, July 18, 2016) The following uses are permitted:

A.

Administrative and professional offices;

B.

Research laboratories; C. Banks;

D.

Title offices;

E.

Insurance offices and real estate offices;

F.

Mixed-use, where all floor area that directly abuts Throckmorton Avenue, Camino Alto or East Blithedale shall consist of nonresidential uses permitted by this chapter, or entryways (for businesses and/or residences). Ground floor space that abuts a rear yard may be used for commercial space, shared space (such as restrooms, mail rooms, courtyards or storage) or residential use; G.

Accessory structures;

H.

Home occupations (subject to Section 20.60.250);

I.

Multi-family residential in the following situations only:

1.

As allowed through the Housing Overlay Zoning Districts established by Chapter 20.30; or

As a conversion back to residential use in a building that was originally constructed and permitted for residential use (as verified through prior permitted construction based on the submittal of planning records,

approved building permits, and/or tax assessment records) wherein the existing building footprint is not expanded more than 1,000 square feet; or

3.

Residential facilities (small and large), transitional housing, supportive housing, and single room occupancy dwellings; or

4.

Deed-restricted affordable housing projects meeting the requirements of Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(G).

J.

Low Barrier Navigation Center, as permitted and regulated under Government Code Sections 65660 - 65668.

(Ord. 975 § 2, April 20, 1981; Ord. 1278 § 12, July 18, 2016)

The following uses are permitted subject to the securing of a conditional use permit: A.

Public utility structures;

B.

Other business uses which, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, are of the same general character as the permitted uses;

C.

Live work units, with work space on the ground floor;

D.

Wireless telecommunications facilities as further outlined in Chapter 20.73.

(Ord. 867 § 2, May 17, 1976; Ord. 1278 § 12, July 18, 2016; Ord. 1304 § 1, September 6, 2018; Ord. 1351, 5/6/2024)

A.

Development standards for nonresidential development are as follows:

1.

Building Height. The maximum height shall be 35 feet.

2.

Yard, Exterior. There shall be no exterior yard required, except where the frontage in the block is partially in an R district or the property is subject to an established official plan line, then the exterior yard of the R district or the official plan line, whichever is more restrictive, shall apply.

3.

Yard, Interior. There shall be no interior yards required except that where the boundary of a commerciallyzoned lot abuts on any R district, that yard shall be not less than as required in such R district.

B.

Development standards for mixed-use developments and multi-family residential authorized by Chapter 20.30 shall comply with Chapter 20.48.

(Ord. 820 § 2, June 3, 1974; Ord. 1278 § 12, July 18, 2016; Ord. 1351, 5/6/2024)