Article XIII — Specific Plan Area No. 13

Specific plan area No. 13 applies to the area bounded on the west by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Channel—San Gabriel River, on the south by the Southern Pacific Railroad right-ofway, on the east by the San Gabriel River Freeway, I-605, and on the north by Firestone Boulevard. The location is depicted on the map identified as Exhibit "A." (Prior code § 27-43.1; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

This specific plan area is an instrument for guiding, coordinating and regulating development as authorized in Article 8 of Chapter 3 of the State Planning and Zoning Law. In the specific plan area zone, no building shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used,. except as hereinafter specifically provided and allowed by this article and by other relevant chapters of the Norwalk Municipal Code. (Prior code § 27-43.2; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The purpose of the specific plan area is to facilitate the systematic implementation of the general plan and to serve as a basis for review of more detailed plans. It is intended to establish a pattern for the appropriate design, arrangement and relationship of buildings, open space, circulation, land use and other features as necessary to coordinate development, and achieve a functionally and visually integrated development. It is also intended to assure adequate design and controls to mitigate factors such as noise, vibration, dust, odors, and visual features detrimental to the project and its residents, tenants or users. It is intended to capitalize upon certain special qualities and opportunities of a designated area while permitting a degree of flexibility favorable to unique and imaginative designs. It is further intended to encourage and promote a high quality of design and environment.

(Prior code § 27-43.3; Ord. 1495 § 1(part), 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Specific plan area No.13 consists of four parcels comprising approximately 15 acres of topographically flat land as shown on Exhibit "A." The subject area is ideally situated being only minutes from the Artesia Freeway (I-91) and also the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) and the Glenn Anderson Freeway (I-105) which leads to the Los Angeles International Airport. The San Gabriel River Freeway is adjacent to the easterly portion of the area and affords the area ready visibility from the freeway. Freeway access to the area is provided by using an existing ramp system from Firestone Boulevard.

(Prior code § 27-43.4; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

• A. This specific plan area is adopted in order to establish objectives, policies, regulations, development standards and review criteria for the implementation of a compatible blend of mutually supporting, complementary commercial land uses. Traditional zoning practice is less capable of encouraging the desired land use mix and is less favorable to the use of unique and imaginative designs.

• B. This specific plan area is adopted in order to capitalize upon certain unique site characteristics and opportunities in a manner which will assure that eventual development will contribute to the long-term enhancement of the community. The primary advantages of the site include its proximity to the heavily traveled San Gabriel River Freeway, the location of the site adjacent to existing and future major, developments, the potential of a well-planned major development to serve as a focal point for community identity.

• C. This specific plan area is adopted in order to further the systematic implementation of the goals and objectives identified in the general plan. Among the adopted policies of the general plan is the mandate to improve the city as a convenient, desirable and pleasant place in which to live, work, shop, and raise a family; to achieve a high standard of beauty in all existing and future development within the city; and to advance Norwalk's position in commerce, industry, recreation and culture. Furthermore, the general plan provides for the utilization of the specific plan approach to facilitate design of an integrated development in a limited land area without the constraints imposed by traditional zoning lines, setbacks, and use restrictions.

• (Prior code § 27-43.5; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Specific plan area No. 13 is of critical importance to the long-term future of the city as a result of its location, size, and potential, indicating that a maximum effort to capitalize on these opportunities is essential. The major objectives of this specific plan area are as follows:

• A. To assure the development displays highly desirable characteristics and attributes of excellent design;

• B. To encourage the development of a high quality commercial center with major anchor tenants;

• C. To selectively limit the range of permitted uses to those which are mutually supporting and complementary to existing and future uses in the area;

• D. To provide a highly attractive, stimulating, and innovative commercial development that will tend to stimulate the surrounding area and improve the development characteristics of the area;

• E. To establish a long range and on-going source of revenue to the city in terms of employment opportunities and municipal revenues;

• F. To facilitate the safe and convenient movement of vehicular and other traffic to and from the site and throughout the area;

• G. To allow for imaginative and qualitative site planning and architectural design creating a unique and individual character within the development and contributing to the overall enhancement of the community.

(Prior code § 27-43.6; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

In order to effectively achieve the foregoing objectives, the following policies shall be applied in designing, managing, and regulating developments and uses within specific plan area No. 13:

• A. Project unity and identity shall be achieved through the careful siting of building and parking areas, the development of an effective internal circulation system, the coordination and control of building design, landscaping, and attention to the details of lighting, signs, and similar features. Entryways to the development shall be designed to create an aesthetically pleasing environment.

• B. Main commercial structures and primary activity areas shall be oriented toward the interior of the site and in a manner that will effectively utilize the exposure of the heavily traveled San Gabriel River Freeway corridor, secondary commercial structures may be oriented to the perimeter of the site. Architectural and landscape treatment shall be designed to provide an attractive environment. along all street frontages including the San Gabriel River Freeway. A substantial landscaped setback shall be provided adjacent Firestone Boulevard. This area shall, include mounds, decorative fencing and a substantial amount of trees, shrubs and ground cover plant materials.

• C. "Major anchor tenant," for the purposes of specific plan area No. 13, means a commercial tenant occupying a minimum of 25,000 square foot building area.

• D. The design and control of pedestrian and vehicular circulation shall be coordinated in order to provide safe and convenient access to the development and existing facilities nearby. A private, interior street shall be provided in order to both limit and coordinate access to Firestone Boulevard. Access to the uses within the development shall be primarily through the interior street. Other appropriate traffic control measures including, but not limited to, deceleration lanes, reverse-curve drive openings, signalization, and signs shall also be considered.

• E. The ownership of the area shall be retained in large parcels with the creation of small parcels being restricted or prohibited unless a showing is made that a smaller parcel and/or parcels will complement rather than disrupt the integrity of unified large-scale development.

• F. Particularly high standards of development shall be applied to realize the unique potential of the area, to attract suitable commercial uses.

• G. The maximum degree of flexibility, consistent with the type of development and protection expressed herein, shall be allowed to encourage imaginative design.

• (Prior code § 27-43.7; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Specific plan area No. 13 provides for the following categories of land uses: hotel, office, retail, restaurant, parking, and electrical utilities.

(Prior code § 27-43.8; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

• A. No use shall be established in specific plan area No. 13, other than the uses listed in Sections 17.09.1620 and 17.09.1630 except as provided by the procedures and requirements specified in Section 17.02.270.

• B. Notwithstanding contrary provisions in other sections of the Norwalk Municipal Code relative to final decision-making authority, submission of plans and applications, and other procedural activities, it is deemed necessary to enact the following revisions thereto in order to assure effective review and implementation of this specific plan area.

  1. With respect to a precise development plan, the Planning Commission shall assume decision-making responsibility. The City Council shall be notified of the decision of the Planning Commission in a timely manner and may direct the precise development plan to be scheduled for its review.

  2. Minor revisions to plans and/or uses approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council may be authorized by the Director of Community Development.

  3. At the discretion of the Director of Community Development a precise development plan may be scheduled for review and approval at a public hearing including compliance with all notices, procedures, and other activities appurtenant thereto. In any event, notice of any public hearing to consider a precise development plan shall be provided to surrounding property owners in a manner deemed satisfactory by the Director of Community Development.

(Prior code § 27-43.9; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

In specific plan area No. 13, the following uses may be permitted subject to any conditions deemed necessary to accomplish the objectives and policies of this specific plan area:

• A. Within the designated commercial area:

  1. Hotel;

  2. Business and professional offices, including administrative, financial, executive, regional and corporate headquarters;

  3. Retail stores and services that will complement and support the commercial development of the site.

• B. Within the designated parking/utility area (See Exhibit "A"):

  1. Surface parking;

2. Electrical utilities and appurtenant structures. (Prior code § 27-43.10; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

In specific plan area No. 13, the following uses may be permitted subject to approval of a conditional use permit and any conditions deemed necessary to accomplish the objectives and policies of this specific plan area:

• A. Drive-through restaurants;

• B. Drive-through pharmacy;

• C. Drive-through convenience store. (Prior code § 27-43.11; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The following uses or activities are prohibited either as a principal or accessory use.

• A. Adult-oriented businesses;

• B. Automobile rental agency;

• C. Automobile repair service;

• D. Bail bonds office;

• E. Bars and cocktail lounges which are not part of a bona fide eating place or hotel;

• F. Billboards;

• G. Billiard parlor;

• H. Churches, synagogues, temples and other buildings primarily devoted to religious worship;

• I. Educational institutions;

• J. Game arcade (as a principal use);

• K. Gasoline stations;

• L. Hospitals, sanitariums, child care centers, homes for the aged and other similar uses;

• M. Industrial and manufacturing uses;

• N. Mobilehome and trailer parks;

• O. Outdoor sales establishments;

• P. Pawnshops.

(Prior code § 27-4312; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.09.1690. Development standards for commercial and parking/utility sites.

The following site development standards shall apply to areas designated for commercial and parking/utility uses as depicted on Exhibit "A." In conjunction with the review of a precise development plan, conditions establishing additional or more stringent site development standards may be applied if deemed necessary to assure the attainment of objectives and policies expressed within this specific plan area.

• A. Intensity. Provision shall be made for a minimum of two main structures each of which shall be a minimum 25,000 square feet building area. Other structures such as a secondary office building may be allowed to be designated as accessory structures, thereby avoiding the minimum size requirement for main structures, provided it is clearly demonstrated that the designation will not be detrimental to the policies and objectives stated in this chapter, and provided that it is highly complementary to this specific plan area.

• B. Site Design.

  1. Main structures shall be located on the site to facilitate internal circulation and to take advantage of visibility from the San Gabriel River Freeway.

  2. All main structures shall be oriented to the interior of the site rather than to existing perimeter streets. Primary access to the buildings and parking areas shall be through an interior street circulation system.

  3. Principal activity areas, including but not limited to the primary entrances to buildings, shall be oriented so as to integrate the different uses and activities of the site through, the use of common open spaces, pedestrian linkages and common design themes.

  4. Open and landscaped areas shall be provided around buildings and shall be employed to highlight primary entrances.

  5. Parking areas shall be located to provide safe and convenient access to uses and to contribute to an overall circulation pattern.

• C. Parcelization.

  1. It is the intent of this specific plan area to avoid, whenever possible, the unnecessary division of land in a manner which would be contrary to the objectives and policies expressed within this article. No parcel shall be divided in ownership prior to submission and approval of a precise development plan which includes the subject parcel.

2. Due to the number of buildings and variety of uses proposed on the site, it is important that parking remain undesignated. For this reason, parcels created for financing purposes shall include reciprocal easement agreements to ensure mutual ingress, egress, parking and maintenance of common areas.

   3. All parcels shall have a minimum size of one acre, except within the designated parking/utility area. A parcel, may be allowed which does not have frontage on or approved access to a dedicated public street, but which does have frontage on a private street constructed and designed in a manner deemed satisfactory by the city engineer and director of community development to provide safe, continued, and adequate access for such parcel.

   4. Any division of land shall be accomplished in accordance with regulations of the Norwalk Municipal Code and the State Subdivision Map Act.

• D. Setbacks.

  1. Adjacent to Firestone Boulevard:

     • a. Main structures shall maintain a setback equal to 100 feet or the height of the building, whichever is greater.

     • b. Secondary structures shall maintain a setback of 20 feet.

     • c. Parking areas shall maintain a setback of 10 feet from the property line. Parking areas shall be screened from the street by landscaped berms.

  2. Adjacent to the San Gabriel River Freeway and its ramp system: No minimum building or parking setback is required except that, as part of the review and approval of a precise development plan, additional setbacks may be required.

  3. Adjacent to any interior street:

     • a. Buildings shall maintain a setback of 15 feet;

     • b. Parking areas shall maintain a setback of five feet.

  4. Adjacent to an interior property line:

     • a. Buildings shall maintain a minimum setback of 10 feet, unless a lesser distance is approved in conjunction with the review and approval of a precise development plan;

     • b. Parking areas need not be set back from interior property lines.

  5. All required setback areas shall be fully landscaped except for permitted driveways and sidewalks.

• E. Architectural Considerations.

  1. General Requirements. Architectural designs shall contribute to the harmonious blending of building masses, materials, offsets, colors and textures, roofs and signs within the site to achieve an overall integrated appearance. Design components shall be applied to all building elevations rather than on the front elevation only.

  2. Motif. While no specific architectural motif is required, the use of similar architectural features and design elements is encouraged.

  3. Materials. Building materials used shall contribute to the unity of the overall development and the use of natural materials such as wood, brick and stone is encouraged.

  4. Colors. Preference shall be given to the use of softer, earth tone colors although brighter, primary colors are acceptable for accents.

  5. Roofs. Special attention shall be given to the use of common roof styles and materials especially for any clustered buildings.

6. Signs. All signs shall be designed to contribute to, rather than detract from, the overall architectural approach. Signs displaying the name of the center shall be installed at few but strategic locations so as to prevent sign clutter and the visual perception of the center as a typical commercial center displaying signs for individual tenants. Freestanding signs for individual tenants shall be highly discouraged.

   7. Landscaping. The landscaping materials used shall be complementary to building architecture.

   8. Exterior Equipment. Air conditioners, duct work and similar equipment shall be located such that it does not create a negative public view.

• F. Off-Street Parking. Parking shall be provided in conformance with the provisions of Chapter 17.03 , Article II of the Norwalk Municipal Code.

• G. Vehicular Circulation.

  1. Points of ingress and egress to and from Firestone Boulevard shall be minimized and shall be designed in conjunction with an interior street system.

  2. It is intended that the interior street system be private rather than dedicated for public purposes, but it shall be designed in terms of width, construction, medians, stripping, signing and similar traffic controls according to established city standards. The interior street system shall provide primary access to all uses within the development and parking thereon may be prohibited.

  3. Major openings to Firestone Boulevard shall be treated with landscaping and decorative paving materials in order to highlight entrances to the development. Openings from the interior street system to the various uses may also be similarly designed.

  4. Dedication of right-of-way for street widening purposes and construction of deceleration lanes on Firestone Boulevard may be required to increase its capacity and to guide vehicles directly and safely to their destinations.

• H. Public Transit. Bus or other, transit stops for both local and regional transit systems, including appropriate improvements such as shelters, may be required along the perimeter and/or interior of the development as deemed necessary in conjunction with the precise development plan review process.

• I. Pedestrian Circulation.

  1. A plan providing pedestrian circulation throughout the entire specific plan area shall be reviewed in conjunction with a precise development plan for the site.

  2. Pedestrian ways shall provide for safe and efficient access between uses on the site and between the site and nearby uses and shall consist of separate walkways to minimize pedestrian traffic through the parking lots.

  3. The minimum width of pedestrian walks shall be six feet. A curvilinear design, decorative surfacing and other similar features may be required.

• J. Street Furniture. A plan identifying and locating all street furniture shall be submitted for review and approval by the director of community development who may establish any conditions deemed necessary to limit and coordinate street furniture to complement the architectural character of the development and so that it is not haphazardly sited. Street furniture shall generally include, but not be limited to, fire hydrants, traffic signs, benches, lighting and light standards, mail boxes, trash receptacles, phone booths, newspaper racks, kiosks, and similar structures.

• K. Landscaping.

  1. Attractive streetscapes shall be provided including extensive landscaping of setback areas. Special consideration shall be given to the use of a simple landscaping treatment generally including a pattern of berms with lawn or ground cover, and groupings of trees, shrubs, and decorative rocks. A substantial proportion of quality plant materials of larger than one (5) gallon size shrubs and larger than 24 inch box trees. shall be used. Along the Firestone Boulevard public right-of-way earthen berms and landscaping shall be utilized to obscure views of large parking areas.

  2. A landscaped median may be required within the interior street system.

  3. Special attention shall be given to the use of landscaping materials to emphasize entrances to the parking areas of various uses along the interior street system and building entrances. Base shrubs shall receive extensive consideration in this situation.

  4. At least seven percent of the parking area shall be devoted to landscaping.

  5. Those areas of the westerly portion of the site designated for parking/utility use on Exhibit "A" that are not paved to provide parking stalls or vehicular maneuvering areas shall be appropriately landscaped or screened from view.

  6. All landscaped islands shall be a minimum of five feet wide.

  7. Planters shall be permitted to extend 30 inches into the required depth of parking stalls.

  8. Efforts to retain as many of the existing mature trees on the site shall be encouraged.

  9. A landscape and irrigation plan for the development shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect. The plan shall show the location of turf, trees, shrubs, walks, fences, and any ponds, fountains, or other decorative features. The plan shall clearly portray a permanent automatic irrigation system with separate electrical meter(s), identify all plants by their botanical and common names, and indicate the location, number and container size of all shrubs and trees. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the director of community development.

  10. A minimum of one specimen tree shall be provided for each 2,000 square feet of gross floor area within the development. For the purposes of this section, a specimen tree shall include 24 inch box trees up to a maximum of 50% of the required number. All other required trees shall be 36 inch box or larger. The species of such trees shall be approved by the Director of Community Development.

11. A portion of the landscaped areas adjacent to the primary and secondary entrances on Firestone Boulevard shall be planted with seasonal colors.

• L. Walls and Fences.

  1. A solid, decorative masonry wall shall be provided around the perimeter of this specific plan area. The fence along the side and rear property lines shall be between six and eight feet in height measured from the highest finished grade on either side of the wall. The fence height and design along Firestone Boulevard shall be approved by the Director of Community Development.

  2. All fence materials and designs shall be architecturally compatible with the commercial buildings.

  3. No walls and/or fences shall be constructed without prior approval of the Director of Community Development.

• M. Signs.

  1. A master sign plan establishing conditions, standards and regulations for all signs within the development shall be approved by the Planning Commission prior to the establishment of any signs, including temporary signs, and any freeway oriented project identification sign within the entire development.

  2. All signs shall be designed to enhance the architectural quality of the development through use of similar materials, colors, motifs and design elements used in the buildings and shall be coordinated throughout the site.

  3. All freestanding signs shall be low-profile monument signs. Roof signs and pole signs are prohibited. A project identification sign, identifying only the name of the project, shall be placed in landscape areas adjacent to the project, entry at Firestone Boulevard or landscaped area adjacent to the freeway on-ramp. The project identification sign shall be of a low monument sign designed to take maximum advantage of the visibility of the landscape area.

N. Refuse Storage Areas.

1. Refuse storage areas shall be conveniently located throughout the site.

2. Refuse storage areas shall be located within or adjacent to buildings, freestanding enclosures shall not be located in the parking lot.

3. Trash storage areas shall be fully enclosed with solid masonry walls, solid gates and a roof.

4. The number, size and location of refuse storage areas shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development.

5. Gates shall not be permitted to open into required parking stalls or vehicular maneuvering areas.

6. Utilities. All utilities shall be underground. All transformer pads and similar facilities shall be shown on plans and be effectively screened.

(Prior code § 27-43.13; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Any expansion of the boundaries or any amendment to the objectives, policies, standards, and regulations of this specific plan area shall be accomplished in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 17.02 , Article I of the Norwalk Municipal Code.

(Prior code § 27-43.14; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

In order to equitably and effectively protect public health, safety, and general welfare of the community in conjunction with development and use of the specific plan area property, compliance with other applicable provisions of the Norwalk Municipal Code shall be required as deemed appropriate.

(Prior code § 27-43.15; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

If any part or provision of this section, or any application thereof, is held to be contrary to law by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision or application will not be deemed valid and subsisting, excepting to the extent permitted by law, but all other provisions or applications will continue in full force and effect.

(Prior code § 27-43.16; Ord. 1495 § 1, 1999; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)