National City Municipal Code Ch. 18.24 Mixed-Use Corridor and District Zones

The purpose of the mixed-use corridor and district zones is to create vibrant, mixed-use places that support a dynamic economy, affordable housing and environmental sustainability along major roadways. The mixed-use zones establish standards relating to building form and placement, building frontages, land use, parking, civic spaces, and streets. These standards are intended to create transit-oriented development with high quality architecture, pedestrian-oriented streets, a variety of housing options, accessible civic spaces, and a fine-grained mixture of land uses and activities. These standards differ from conventional zones by de-emphasizing land use regulations and instead focusing on physical form and building design. The mixed-use corridor and district zones implement policies relating to neighborhood design in the Land Use and Community Character Element of the National City General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

A. Mixed-Use Corridor, Minor (MXC-1). The MXC-1 zone supports the creation of mixed-use corridors at a scale compatible with adjacent single-family residential neighborhoods. Development in the zone is intended to create a pedestrian-oriented development that enhances the quality of life within the corridor and for adjacent residential neighborhoods. Buildings in the zone are built at or near front property lines to create a well-defined public realm. Parking areas are de-emphasized by being located adjacent to or behind buildings. Multi-family residential and mixed-use buildings provide a diversity of housing choices for existing and new residents. Commercial uses provide goods and services for residents and jobs for the community.

B. Mixed-Use Corridor, Major (MXC-2). The MXC-2 zone supports the creation of mixed-use corridors that function as important activity centers within the community. Development in the zone is intended to create vibrant places at an urban scale. Buildings in the zone are built to the property lines to create a clearly defined street edge with building frontages that are active and inviting for pedestrians. Residents in mixed-use buildings with housing above retail support commercial establishments within the corridor. High quality architectural design and a distinctive sense of place make the zone an attractive destination to work, shop, and play for residents and visitors.

C. Mixed-Use District, Minor (MXD-1). The MXD-1 zone supports the creation of mixed-use districts at a scale compatible with adjacent single-family residential neighborhoods. New development within the zone may be oriented towards an existing public street or a new street or civic space within the development site. A mixture of land uses within the zone will support a neighborhood feel and increase the ability for workers and residents to walk to destinations. New streets established in the zone support a pedestrian-oriented environment and accommodate all modes of transportation. New civic spaces required for large redevelopment projects create a lively focal point within the district that functions as a gathering place for residents and workers within the district.

D. Mixed-Use District, Major (MXD-2). The MXD-2 zone supports the creation of mixed-use districts that serve as primary activity centers within the city. These activity centers will function as twenty-four-hour neighborhoods for residents, workers, and visitors. Housing, employment, retail, and recreational uses located within close proximity to one another will reduce dependence on the automobile. Urban-scale development will contribute to a lively, dynamic, and unique sense of place. Streets established in the zone support a pedestrian-oriented environment and accommodate all modes of transportation. New civic spaces required for large redevelopment projects will reinforce the urban design character of the district and provide a gathering place for residents, workers, and visitors.

E. Mixed-Use Transition (MXT). The MXT zone supports the creation of transitional mixed-use areas between single-family residential neighborhoods and retail and commercial districts and corridors. Development in this zone is intended to facilitate an integrated pattern of uses and activities that complement and enhance the quality of life of the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Buildings in the zone are built at or near front property lines to create a well-defined public realm. Parking areas are de-emphasized by being located adjacent to or behind buildings. Multi-family residential and mixed-use buildings provide a diversity of housing choices for existing and new residents. Commercial uses provide goods and services for residents and jobs for the community.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

The requirements of this chapter (Mixed-Use Corridor and District Zones) take precedence over the regulations found elsewhere in Title 18. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and another portion of the Land Use Code, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

A. Purpose. This section establishes standards for building form and placement, including building height, bulk, mass, and parking placement within the mixed-use corridor and district zones.

B. Intent. The intent of these standards is to ensure excellence in site planning and building design in order to create a vibrant and well-defined public realm that is pedestrian-friendly and supportive of a sustainable way-of-life. The images below illustrate the intent of these standards.

C. Mixed-Use Transit Corridor, Minor (MXC-1). Development in the MXC-1 zone shall comply with the standards in Table 18.24.040A (MXC-1 Zone Building Form and Placement).

TABLE 18.24.040A MXC-1 Zone Building Form and Placement

Notes:

(a) Mixed use shall be defined as both vertical mixed use (e.g., residential or office above ground floor commercial) and horizontal mixed use (e.g., residential and commercial uses in separate buildings located on a single parcel or site). A mixed use development that is primarily residential shall contain a minimum often percent commercial floor area. A mixed use development that is primarily commercial shall contain a minimum twenty percent residential floor area.

(b) Does not apply when parking is not visible from any point six feet above finish grade along property lines adjacent to public rights-of-way.

Building Setback Standards in the MXC-1 Zone [Figure: Building Setback Standards in the MXC-1 Zone]

Building Setback Standards in the MXC-1 Zone [Figure: Building Setback Standards in the MXC-1 Zone]

Building Volume Standards in the MXC-1 Zone [Figure: Building Volume Standards in the MXC-1 Zone]

Parking Setback Standards in the MXC-1 Zone [Figure: Parking Setback Standards in the MXC-1 Zone]

D. Mixed-Use Corridor, Major (MXC-2) Standards. Development in the MXC-2 zone shall comply with the standards in Table 18.24.040B (MXC-2 Zone Building Form and Placement).

TABLE 18.24.040B MXC-2 Zone Building Form and Placement

Notes:

(a) Mixed use shall be defined as both vertical mixed use (e.g., residential or office above ground floor commercial) and horizontal mixed use (e.g., residential and commercial uses in separate buildings located on a single parcel or site). A mixed use development that is primarily residential shall contain a minimum often percent commercial floor area. A mixed use development that is primarily commercial shall contain a minimum twenty percent residential floor area.

(b) Does not apply when parking is not visible from any point six feet above finish grade along property lines adjacent to public rights-of-way.

Building Setback Standards in MXC-2 Zone [Figure: Building Setback Standards in MXC-2 Zone]

Building Volume Standards in MXC-2 Zone [Figure: Building Volume Standards in MXC-2 Zone]

Parking Setback Standards in the MXC-2 Zone [Figure: Parking Setback Standards in the MXC-2 Zone]

E. Mixed-Use Transition (MXT). Development in the MXT zone shall comply with the standards in Table 18.24.040C (MXT Zone Building Form and Placement).

TABLE 18.24.040C MXT Zone Building Form and Placement

Notes:

(a) Mixed use shall be defined as both vertical mixed use (e.g., residential or office above ground floor commercial) and horizontal mixed use (e.g., residential and commercial uses in separate buildings located on a single parcel or site). A mixed use development that is primarily residential shall contain a minimum often percent commercial floor area. A mixed use development that is primarily commercial shall contain a minimum twenty percent residential floor area.

(b) Does not apply when parking is not visible from any point six feet above finish grade along property lines adjacent to public rights-of-way.

Building Setback Standards in teh MXT Zone [Figure: Building Setback Standards in teh MXT Zone]

Building Volume Standards in the MXT Zone [Figure: Building Volume Standards in the MXT Zone]

Parking Setback in the MXT Zone [Figure: Parking Setback in the MXT Zone]

F. Mixed-Use District (MXD-1) Standards. Development in the MXD-1 zone shall comply with the standards in Table 18.24.040D (MXD-1 Zone Building Form and Placement).

TABLE 18.24.040D MXD-1 Zone Building Form and Placement

Notes:

(a) Mixed use shall be defined as both vertical mixed use (e.g., residential or office above ground floor commercial) and horizontal mixed use (e.g., residential and commercial uses in separate buildings located on a single parcel or site). A mixed use development that is primarily residential shall contain a minimum often percent commercial floor area. A mixed use development that is primarily commercial shall contain a minimum twenty percent residential floor area.

(b) Does not apply when parking is not visible from any point six feet above finish grade along property lines adjacent to public rights-of-way.

Building Setback Standards in the MXD-1 Zone [Figure: Building Setback Standards in the MXD-1 Zone]

Building Volume Standards in the MXD-1 Zone [Figure: Building Volume Standards in the MXD-1 Zone]

Parking Setback Standards in the MXD-1 Zone [Figure: Parking Setback Standards in the MXD-1 Zone]

G. Mixed-Use District, Major (MXD-2) Standards. Development in the MXD-2 zone shall comply with the standards in Table 18.24.040E (MXD-2 Zone Building Form and Placement).

TABLE 18.24.040E MXD-2 Zone Building Form and Placement

Notes:

(a) Mixed use shall be defined as both vertical mixed use (e.g., residential or office above ground floor commercial) and horizontal mixed use (e.g., residential and commercial uses in separate buildings located on a single parcel or site). A mixed use development that is primarily residential shall contain a minimum often percent commercial floor area. A mixed use development that is primarily commercial shall contain a minimum twenty percent residential floor area.

(b) Does not apply when parking is not visible from any point six feet above finish grade along property lines adjacent to public rights-of-way.

Building Setback Standards in the MXD-2 Zone [Figure: Building Setback Standards in the MXD-2 Zone]

Building Volume Standards in the MXD-2 Zone [Figure: Building Volume Standards in the MXD-2 Zone]

Parking Setback Standards in the MXD-2 Zone [Figure: Parking Setback Standards in the MXD-2 Zone]

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024; Ord. No. 2025—2548, § 2, 10-7-2025)

A. Purpose. This section identifies permitted uses within the mixed-use zones.

B. Permitted Land Uses. Land uses permitted in the mixed-use zones shall be as specified in Table 18.24.050 (Allowed Land Uses - Mixed-Use Zones).

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TABLE 18.24.050 Allowed Land Uses Mixed-Use Zones

Notes:

(a) Visitor serving, tourist commercial, and recreational uses are prioritized in the coastal zone.

(b) Residential uses are not permitted in the coastal zone west of 1-5.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

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A. Commercial Uses in Hotels and Motels. Accessory uses and services incidental to the principal use may be permitted; and accessory businesses intended for the convenience or necessity of the guests of the principal use, including bars, cafes, restaurants, lunchrooms, coffee shops, gift shops, florists, barbershops, beauty shops, news and tobacco shops, travel and car rental agencies, business centers, valet service (agency for laundering, cleaning, and pressing of clothing), letting of space for professional offices, operated in conjunction with the uses permitted in this section and not as a separate enterprise, and located on the same premises may be permitted, provided there shall be no entrance to such accessory uses except from the lobby or the interior of a principal building or buildings or patio.

B. Storage Buildings and Garages. Storage buildings and garages incidental to principal uses on the same premises are permitted. Storage buildings and garages may be attached to or contain accessory dwelling units as stipulated in Section 18.30.380.

C. Recreational Facilities. Recreational facilities serving the customer or patron of a principal use may be permitted. Typical facilities include:

1. Swimming pools, gymnasiums/fitness centers, and hot tubs/spas;

2. Tennis, badminton, volleyball, croquet, and similar courts;

3. Playgrounds, sitting areas, and picnic/barbeque areas.

D. Sale of Gasoline. The sale of gasoline may be permitted as an accessory use in any zone where gasoline service stations are permitted, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit.

E. Auctions. Auctions, in conjunction with used furniture or antique sales, may be permitted subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit.

F. Games of Skill or Amusement.

1. In the commercial and mixed-use zones, games of skill or amusement, as an incidental or accessory use, shall be limited to four machines per establishment, two of which may be multiple-player machines.

2. Bowling alleys shall be limited to thirty games of skill or amusement as an incidental use. All such machines shall be located in the main concourse of the facility within the line-of-sight of a supervising adult employed by the business proprietor, whom shall be continuously present at all times that machines are being used.

3. The use of games of skill or amusement as an incidental or accessory use may be permitted within an existing establishment only if a conditional use permit is granted.

4. Limitations on location of games of skill and amusement.

a. No games of skill and amusement accessible for use by minors shall be maintained, operated, conducted or used, nor kept for such purposes, in or on the premises of any establishment whose primary business is the sale of alcoholic beverages. This shall not prohibit the operation of amusement machines in a bona fide establishment with an on-sale liquor license or restaurants which are not licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.

b. No games of skill and amusement shall be maintained, operated, conducted or uses, nor kept for such purposes, within any place which is closer than three hundred feet from any public or private school which conducts classes for any grades from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

G. Catering Services. Catering services for retail food preparation and party supplies may be permitted; provided said use is conducted in conjunction with a permitted restaurant, retail store, or commercial office; and further provided that the wholesaling or warehousing of merchandise does not occur in the operation of the catering business.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

A. Purpose. This section identifies permitted frontage types for each mixed-use zone and establishes design standards that apply to each frontage type.

B. Frontage Types Defined. Frontage types refer to the design and function of street-facing wall building facades. Frontage types define the way a structure engages the street and provides a transition between the public and private realm.

C. Permitted Frontage Types.

1. MXC-1, MXC-2, and MXT Zones. Exterior building walls in the MXC-1 and MXC-2 zones facing a street shall feature a permitted frontage type as shown in Table 18.24.070 (Building Frontage Types).

2. MXD-1 and MXD-2 Zones. Exterior building walls in the MXD-1 and MXD-2 zones facing a collector or arterial street shall feature a permitted frontage type as shown in Table 18.24.070 (Building Frontage Types). Within the MXD-1 and MXD-2 zones, frontage type requirements do not apply to building walls facing other types of streets.

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TABLE 18.24.070 Building Frontage Types in Mixed-Use Zones

Notes:

(a) Permitted only for exterior building walls fronting one or more existing single-family home.

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D. Residential Transitions.

1. Required Frontage Types. The portion of a building facing and located across a street from one or more detached single-family home shall feature either a porch or a stoop frontage type.

2. Distinct Volumes. Frontages as required by Subsection (1) above shall read as a series of distinct volumes, each no greater than fifty feet in width. Variation in building color, breaks in the horizontal plane, architectural detailing, and other similar methods may be used to comply with this requirement. Unarticulated facades are not permitted.

E. Frontage Type Standards. Frontage types shall comply with the following standards.

1. Porch.

a. Porch Defined. A porch is a covered but unenclosed projection from the front wall of a structure generally surrounding the main entry to a dwelling unit.

b. Dimensions. A porch shall comply with the following dimension standards:

i. Depth: Eight feet minimum.

ii. Width: Twelve feet minimum.

iii. Height: Eight feet minimum from finished floor to ceiling.

c. Maximum Elevation. The elevation of a porch floor shall not exceed four feet from adjacent grade.

d. Maximum Fence Height. The height of a fence located at the front sidewalk shall not exceed forty-eight inches from adjacent grade.

e. Open Sides Required. Full or partial enclosure of porches greater than forty-two inches in height is prohibited.

Porch and Fence Standards: Section View [Figure: Porch and Fence Standards: Section View]

Porch and Fence Standards: Plan View [Figure: Porch and Fence Standards: Plan View]

2. Stoop.

a. Stoop Defined. A stoop is an uncovered unenclosed elevated platform projecting from the front wall of a structure providing access to the ground level of a building.

b. Dimensions. A stoop shall comply with the following dimension standards:

i. Depth: Six feet minimum.

ii. Width: Four feet minimum.

c. Maximum Elevation. The elevation of a stoop floor shall not exceed six feet from adjacent grade.

d. Maximum Fence, Handrail, or Wall Height. The height of a fence, handrail, or wall surrounding a stoop shall not exceed forty-two inches as measured from the stoop floor.

e. Open Sides Required. Full or partial enclosure of stoops greater than forty-two inches in height is prohibited.

Stoop Standards: Section View [Figure: Stoop Standards: Section View]

Stoop Standards: Plan View [Figure: Stoop Standards: Plan View]

3. Lightcourt.

a. Lightcourt Defined. A lightcourt is a sunken front yard area that buffers residential uses from adjacent sidewalks.

b. Maximum Depth. The lower level of a building accessed by a lightcourt shall be no more than six feet below adjacent grade.

c. Maximum Stoop Elevation. The maximum elevation of the stoop portion of a lightcourt shall not exceed six feet from adjacent grade.

Lightcourt Standards: Section View [Figure: Lightcourt Standards: Section View]

Lightcourt Standards: Plan View [Figure: Lightcourt Standards: Plan View]

4. Dooryard.

a. Dooryard Defined. A dooryard is a garden or terrace in the front yard area elevated from the adjacent sidewalk.

b. Maximum Garden or Terrace Elevation. The maximum elevation of an elevated garden or terrace shall be three feet from adjacent grade.

c. Open Sides Required. Full enclosure of an elevated garden or terrace is prohibited.

Dooryard Standards: Section View [Figure: Dooryard Standards: Section View]

Dooryard Standards: Plan View

Dooryard Standards: Plan View [Figure: Dooryard Standards: Plan View]

5. Forecourt.

a. Forecourt Defined. A forecourt is an open area partially surrounded by building walls that opens to a public sidewalk.

b. Minimum Dimensions. The area of a forecourt surrounded by building walls shall comply with the following dimension standards:

i. Depth: Six feet minimum.

ii. Width: Twenty feet minimum, fifty feet maximum.

c. Maximum Elevation. The elevation of a forecourt floor shall not exceed six feet from adjacent grade.

d. Minimum Transparency. The minimum area of a forecourt's street-facing walls consisting of transparent windows shall be forty percent for residential uses and sixty percent for commercial uses.

Forecourt Standards: Plan View [Figure: Forecourt Standards: Plan View]

Forecourt Standards: Plan View [Figure: Forecourt Standards: Plan View]

6. Shopfront.

a. Shopfront Defined. A shopfront is a building facade that consists primarily of transparent glass with access to a commercial space located at street level.

b. Minimum Transparency, Ground Floor. A minimum of sixty-five percent of the street-facing walls of a ground floor shopfront shall consist of transparent windows or doors with views into the building

c. Minimum Transparency, Upper Floors. A minimum of forty percent of the street-facing walls of upper floors shall consist of transparent windows or doors.

d. Ground Floor Doors. A minimum of eighty percent of the area of any door providing access to ground floor commercial uses shall consist of transparent glass.

e. Upper Floor Window Proportions. Facade openings and windows on upper stories shall be vertically proportioned, with a greater height than width. The height-width ratio of windows and openings shall be no less than 1.5:1.

f. Ground and Upper Floor Windows. The percentage of building facade consisting of windows shall be greater on the ground floor than on upper floors.

g. Awning and Canopy Dimensions. An awning or canopy attached to the exterior of a shopfront shall comply with the following dimension standards.

i. Maximum projection from building wall: Eight feet, or two-thirds of the sidewalk width, whichever is greater.

ii. Minimum eight feet clearance above sidewalk.

h. Awning and Canopy Location. Awnings and canopies may be permitted along storefronts and doors only.

i. Doors and Windows. Doors and windows shall not open or project into the public right-of-way.

Shopfront Standards: Section View [Figure: Shopfront Standards: Section View]

Shopfront Standards: Plan View [Figure: Shopfront Standards: Plan View]

7. Gallery.

a. Gallery Defined. A gallery is a storefront with a covered walkway supported by columns or arches that may project over a sidewalk or walkway.

b. Minimum Transparency. A minimum of sixty percent of the primary frontage of a gallery shall consist of transparent windows or doors with views into the building.

c. Minimum Dimensions. A gallery shall comply with the following minimum dimension standards:

i. Minimum dimensions of twelve feet wide, six feet deep, and ten feet high.

ii. Maximum three feet distance between curb face and edge of gallery column or arch.

d. Doors and Windows. Doors and windows shall not open or project into the public right-of-way.

Gallery Standards: Section View [Figure: Gallery Standards: Section View]

Gallery Standards: Plan View [Figure: Gallery Standards: Plan View]

8. Arcade.

a. Arcade Defined. An arcade is a shopfront with a habitable upper story that projects over a sidewalk supported by columns or arches.

b. Minimum Transparency, Ground Floor. A minimum of sixty percent of the street-facing ground floor frontage of an arcade shall consist of transparent windows or doors with views into the building.

c. Minimum Transparency, Upper Floors. A minimum of forty percent of the upper floors of the street-facing frontage of an arcade shall consist of transparent windows or doors.

d. Minimum Dimensions. An arcade shall comply with the following minimum dimension standards:

i. Minimum dimensions of twelve feet wide, ten feet deep, and ten feet high

ii. Maximum three feet distance between curb face and edge of arcade

e. Doors and Windows. Doors and windows shall not open or project into the public right-of-way

Arcade Standards: Section View [Figure: Arcade Standards: Section View]

Arcade Standards: Plan View [Figure: Arcade Standards: Plan View]

9. Lobby.

a. Lobby Defined. A lobby is a building facade that includes transparent glass with access to a lobby space located at street level.

b. Minimum Transparency. The minimum area of a lobby's street-facing walls consisting of transparent windows shall be forty percent for residential uses and sixty percent for commercial uses.

c. Maximum Elevation. The elevation of a lobby floor shall not exceed three feet from adjacent grade.

d. Entrances. Entrance may be inset or flush with building facade

e. Doors and Windows. Doors and windows shall not open or project into the public right-of-way.

Lobby Standards: Section View [Figure: Lobby Standards: Section View]

Lobby Standards: Plan View [Figure: Lobby Standards: Plan View]

F. Commercial Service Location and Screening.

1. Service activities associated with commercial uses shall be setback a minimum of fifteen feet from any property line abutting a parcel occupied by a detached single-family home.

2. Outdoor storage, trash collection, and loading areas shall located and screened from view such that they are not visible from any parcel occupied by a detached single-family home.

G. Noise Generating Activities. Outdoor dining, amplified music, and other noise-generating activities as determined by the Director shall be setback a minimum of one hundred fifty feet from the property line of any parcel occupied by a detached single-family home.

(Ord. No. 2012-2372, Exh. B-1, 2-7-2012)

A. Purpose. This section establishes parking standards that apply to the mixed-use zones.

B. Required On-Site Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 18.45.

C. Parking Structures. All multi-story parking structures shall be lined with commercial, retail or residential uses on the ground floor at street frontages, except for the pedestrian and vehicular entries into the parking structure.

D. Parking Buffers.

1. Surface parking lots abutting a public sidewalk or street shall provide a landscaped buffer a minimum of two feet in width and three feet in height along the perimeter of the parking lot abutting the sidewalk or street.

2. A landscaped buffer at least three feet in width and six feet in height shall be provided for any surface parking lot abutting a residential zone.

Landscaped Parking Buffer Standards

[Figure]

E. Parking Costs.

1. The payment of parking costs shall be separate from rent payments or purchase prices for all uses located within the mixed-use zones.

2. All places of employment within the mixed-use zone shall offer a parking cash-out program that allows employees to receive either owner-subsidized free parking or a cash payment equal to the value of the parking subsidy.

F. Alley Access. For new development on property adjacent to a rear alley, vehicle and service access to the property shall be provided only through the rear alley.

G. Driveways.

1. New driveways comply with the following standards.

a. Dimensions. Driveways shall comply with the dimension standards shown in Table 18.24.080B (Driveway Dimension Standards).

b. Number. No more than one driveway approach shall be provided for every fifty feet of street frontage.

c. Proximity. A new curb cut providing access to a driveway from a public street shall be separated a minimum distance of thirty-five feet from any other curb cut.

d. Parking. Parking spaces shall not be located along the sides of a driveway.

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TABLE 18.24.080B Driveway Dimension Standards

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2. The Community Development Director may approve exceptions to the driveway requirements in Subsection (1) above in the case of shared or joint use of driveways and parking lots.

Vehicles Access Standards

[Figure]

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

A. Purpose. This section establishes requirements and standards for civic spaces in the MXD-1 and MXD-2 zones. Civic spaces are areas within neighborhoods where people can gather, interact and enjoy access to recreational and open space amenities.

B. Applicability. Any commercial or mixed-use redevelopment project on a site three acres or greater in the MXD-1 or MXD-2 zones shall include a publicly-accessible civic space consistent with the standards established in this section.

C. Types of Civic Spaces. Permitted types of civic spaces in the MXD-1 and MXD-2 zones are greens, squares, plazas, and playgrounds, as defined in Subsection (E) (standards for specific types of civic spaces) below.

D. General Standards. The following standards apply to all civic spaces and new development adjacent to civic spaces.

1. The on-site parking of vehicles within a civic space is prohibited.

2. All areas with playground equipment shall be visible from the street edge.

3. All sides of a civic space shall front either a public street, the primary frontage of a building, or a natural physical barrier such as a hillside or creek.

4. All building walls fronting a civic space shall feature a frontage type permitted within the applicable zone as specified in Section 18.24.070 (Building Frontage Standards).

5. Quasi-public activities, such as outdoor seating serving a restaurant, are permitted to occupy no more than twenty-five percent of the area of a civic space.

6. Civic spaces shall be designed and located so as to be clearly visible from one or more public streets.

7. All civic spaces shall front onto a public street for a minimum distance of fifty feet.

E. Standards for Specific Types of Civic Spaces. Specific types of civic spaces within the MXD-1 and MXD-2 zones, when required by Subsection (B) (applicability) above, shall comply with the following standards.

1. Green. A green shall comply with the following standards.

a. The size of all greens shall be a minimum of 0.5 acres and a maximum of five acres.

b. All greens shall front on a minimum of one public street.

c. Permitted improvements include playgrounds, ball parks, picnic shelters, benches, pergolas, bandstands and other similar improvements.

d. Landscape within parks shall feature lawns generally unobstructed with limited trees naturalistically arranged and a maximum fifty percent irrigated turf.

e. Hardscape within greens shall be limited to the minimum needed for circulation and amenities.

f. No more than ten percent of a green shall be covered with impervious surfaces.

2. Square. A square shall comply with the following standards.

a. The size of all squares shall be a minimum of 0.5 acres and a maximum of three acres.

b. All squares shall front on a minimum of three public streets.

c. Permitted improvements within squares include paths, benches, pergolas, public art, fountains, gazebos, bandstands, small structures such as kiosks and restrooms and other similar improvements.

d. Landscape within squares shall include lawns and trees formally arranged and a maximum ten percent irrigated turf.

e. Hardscape within squares shall feature pathways and amenities formally arranged around a central point of interest. No more than twenty-five percent of a green shall be covered with impervious surfaces.

Green - Plan Illustration [Figure: Green - Plan Illustration]

Square - Plan Illustration [Figure: Square - Plan Illustration]

3. Plaza. A plaza shall comply with the following standards.

4. Playground. A playground shall comply with the following standards.

[Figure: Plaza - Plan Illustration]

Plaza - Plan Illustration

Playground - Plan Illustration [Figure: Playground - Plan Illustration]

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)