Chapter 18.12 — COMMERCIAL ZONES

• A. The purpose of the commercial zones is to provide for the employment, shopping, services, and resource needs of residents, property owners, employees, and visitors to the City. The intent of the commercial zones is to provide distinct regulations for size, intensity, and design to reflect the variety of desired development patterns. The purpose and applicability of each commercial zone identified in Table 18.10.010.A (Zones, Overlay Zones, and Specific Plans) are as follows:

  1. General Commercial (C-G) Zone. The intent and purpose of the C-G zone is to designate areas within the City for providing a full range and wide variety of retail commercial stores and service establishments along major corridors to serve residents and the broader community. The C-G zone should be protected from uses of land that are more compatible with industrial activities.

  2. Community Commercial (C-C) Zone. The intent and purpose of the C-C zone is to designate certain areas for the development of neighborhood shopping areas and individual or multi-tenant development, adjacent to or within residential neighborhoods of the City. Neighborhood shopping areas shall provide commercial goods and services appropriate and compatible with the residential area and patterns of development. The C-C zone should provide for land uses and development that provide a convenient neighborhood commercial function to serve surrounding residential neighborhoods.

  3. Commercial Manufacturing (C-M) Zone. The intent and purpose of the C-M zone is to designate certain areas of the City for the development of general commercial uses with functions that involve wholesaling and limited manufacturing uses. The C- M zone should provide for land uses and development that does not conflict with adjacent properties while acting as a buffer near more intensive uses.

  4. Professional Administrative (P-A) Zone.

     • a. Purpose. The intent and purpose of the P-A zone is to designate certain areas within the City for the use and development of business office centers and complexes; institutional, professional, and administrative facilities; and other similar uses of land specializing in the rendering of services. The zone classification is designed to be applied on areas of the community of a general business nature and to limit and restrict uses of land wherein the general development of mixed commercial uses would not be appropriate or compatible.

     • b. Applicability. Application of the P-A zone must be clearly defined and protected from the encroachment of land uses and development that do not exhibit or perform a service rendering function and purpose.

  5. Commercial Planned Development (CPD) Zone.

     • a. Purpose. The intent and purpose of the CPD zone is to provide for a more efficient, appropriate, and desirable commercial use of land which integrates land planning, design, and physical characteristics sufficiently unique, creative,

• innovative, and imaginative in nature and scope and to provide for the unified control of architectural design features and a method by which existing deteriorating commercial activity can be revitalized through both private and public interests.

• b. Applicability. In order to qualify for application of the CPD zone, land must first be recognized in the commercial land use element of the General Plan; be of sufficient size, shape, and configuration for the division of land and interests in common; and demonstrate a clear need for revitalization and commercial land use distributions that cannot be adequately provided for in the P-A, C-N, C-C, or C-G zones. The development of property herein shall be determined by and subject to a Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Commercial Zoning Land Uses and Permit Requirements. Table 18.12.020.A (Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones) establishes the uses allowed in each commercial zone and the land use permit required to establish each use. Section numbers in the right-hand column refer to other sections of this Title. Additional permit requirements may apply per Subsection B (New Development and Additions in Commercial Zones Permit Requirements). Uses of land and development which are not specifically permitted are hereby expressly prohibited. In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Zoning Administrator shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character as provided in Section 18.01.050 (Interpretation of Regulations). Retail and Commercial Uses and Professional and Personal Services Uses shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building except as otherwise permitted in this Section. Outdoor storage is prohibited in all commercial zones.

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Symbol Permit Requirement Procedure Section
P Permitted, Zoning Consistency Review, and § 18.05.060
Certificate of Occupancy required.
AUP Administrative Use Permit required. § 18.05.020
CUP Conditional Use Permit required. § 18.05.030
— Use Not Allowed —

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Table 18.12.020.A Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones
Additional
Land Use P-A C-M C-C C-G CPD Regulations
Residential Uses and Lodging
Hotels and Motels — — — CUP —
Residential Uses See subclassifications below.
Assisted Living CUP — CUP CUP —

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Table 18.12.020.A Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones
Additional
Land Use P-A C-M C-C C-G CPD Regulations
Live-Work — — — AUP AUP Live/work lofts
permitted in vertical
mixed-used
developments only
with direct access to
street
Multifamily Dwelling P — P P P Permitted as a
standalone use or as
part of a mixed-use
development
Multifamily dwellings
as part of a mixed-use
development are only
permitted above the
first floor
Section 18.05.060A
(Zoning Consistency
Review)
Communication and Utilities
Electric Distribution CUP — CUP CUP —
Substation
Wireless CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP Section 18.22.200
Telecommunication (Telecommunication
Facilities Facilities)
Assembly, Manufacturing, and Repairs
Appliance Repair Services — P — — —
Assembly and Packaging of — P — — —
Non-Hazardous Products
Minor Manufacturing — P — — —
Recycling Collection Center — CUP — CUP — Section 18.22.170
(Recycling Facilities)
Reverse Vending Machine — CUP CUP CUP — Section 18.22.170
(Recycling Facilities)
Public/Semi-Public Uses
Community Assembly CUP — CUP — —
Community Clinic P P P P P
Medical Clinic AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP
Medical Facilities/Hospitals CUP — — CUP —

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Table 18.12.020.A Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones
Additional
Land Use P-A C-M C-C C-G CPD Regulations
Medical AUP — AUP AUP AUP
Offices — Specialist
Services
Trade Schools CUP CUP — CUP CUP
Retail and Commercial Uses
Adult Uses — P — — — Section 18.22.040
(Adult-Oriented
Businesses)
Animal Hospitals — P P P —
Automated Teller AUP AUP — AUP AUP Permitted only in
Machines, Freestanding conjunction with a
Drive-Through Bank or Financial
Service
Section 18.22.070
(Automated Teller
Machine (ATM))
Section 18.22.100
(Drive-Through
Establishments)
Automobile Parts and — AUP AUP AUP AUP
Accessories Stores
Bank and Financial Services P P — P P
Barbershops and Beauty AUP — AUP AUP AUP Distance requirement
Shops of 1,000 feet between
property lines of the
same use
Commercial Recreation — — CUP CUP CUP Use may include
limited outdoor
operation subject to the
regulation in Chapter
18.21 (Performance
Standards for Non-
Residential Uses)
Discount Clothing Store — CUP CUP CUP CUP
Dollar Store — CUP CUP CUP CUP
Drive-Through Business — — CUP CUP CUP Section 18.22.100
(Drive-Through
Establishments)
Drugstore CUP CUP CUP

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Table 18.12.020.A Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones
Additional
Land Use P-A C-M C-C C-G CPD Regulations
Dry Cleaning and Laundry P — P P P
Establishments
Eating and Drinking See subclassifications below. Section 18.22.160
Establishments (Outdoor Dining)
Bars — — — CUP CUP
Brewery — CUP CUP CUP CUP
Restaurant, Full-Service P P P P P Section 12.22.050
(Alcohol Sales)
Restaurant, Limited- P P P P P
Service (Fast Food)
Food and Beverage Sales — P P P P
Fortune Telling — — — CUP — This use shall only be
operated between 7
a.m. and 10 p.m. and
shall not be conducted
within 1,000 feet of
another such use or an
Adult Use
Grocery Stores — — P P P
Galleries, Works of Art and P — — P P
Collections
Laundromats — — AUP AUP AUP
Massage Establishments — — — CUP — Section 18.22.150
(Massage
Establishments)
Nail Salon — AUP AUP AUP AUP Distance requirement
of 1,000 feet between
property lines of the
same use
Nightclubs/Banquet Hall — — — CUP —
Shoe Warehouse Retail — CUP CUP CUP CUP
Store
Studios — — AUP AUP AUP
Offices See subclassifications below.
Business Offices and P P P P P
Services

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Table 18.12.020.A Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones
Additional
Land Use P-A C-M C-C C-G CPD Regulations
Medical and Dental AUP AUP — AUP —
Laboratories
Medical — — AUP AUP AUP
Offices — Specialist
Services
Physical Fitness Clubs See subclassifications below.
< 10,000 square feet — AUP — AUP AUP
>10,000 square feet — CUP — CUP CUP
Retail and Merchandise, P P P P P
General
Self-Storage Facility CUP — — — — Shall not be conducted
within 1,000 feet of
another self-storage
facility
Tattoo Shops — P P P — Distance requirement
of 1,000 feet between
property lines of the
same use
Theaters — — — CUP CUP
Vehicle Sales and Services See subclassification below.
Automobile Gas Station — CUP CUP CUP CUP
Carwashes — CUP CUP CUP CUP Permitted only in
conjunction with an
Automobile Gas
Station
Automobile Renting — — — CUP — Use shall have a
minimum lot size of
20,000 square feet
New/Used Vehicles — CUP — CUP — Use shall have a
Leasing and Sales: minimum lot size of
Passenger, Commercial 20,000 square feet
Trucks, Boats, On-premises car
Motorcycles, RVs, and washing, cleaning, and
Trailers repairs prohibited
Other Uses
Accessory Uses See subclassifications below.

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Table 18.12.020.A Allowed Uses and Regulations in Commercial Zones
Additional
Land Use P-A C-M C-C C-G CPD Regulations
Automated Teller See Section 18.22.070 (Automated Teller Machine [ATM])
Machines, Wall-Mounted
Cottage Food Operations See Section 18.22.090 (Cottage Food Operations)
Home Occupations See Section 18.22.130 (Home Occupations)
Instructional Tasting, Off- See Section 18.22.050 (Alcohol Sales)
Sale
Microenterprise Home See Section 18.22.140 (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations)
Kitchen Operations Refer to Health and Safety Code Section 114367 et seq.
Los Angeles County Code Title 8 Consumer Protection, Business and Wage
Regulations and Title 11 Health and Safety
Off-Sale Alcohol — — CUP CUP CUP CUP Section 18.22.050
(Alcohol Sales)
On-Sale Alcohol — CUP CUP CUP CUP
Temporary Uses See Section 18.05.040 (Temporary Use Permits)
Vending Machines and — — — P — Section 18.22.220
Lockers (Vending Machines
and Lockers)

• B. New Development and Additions in Commercial Zones Permit Requirements. All new development and additions in the commercial zones are permitted in accordance with Table 18.12.020.B (New Development and Additions in Commercial Zones — Permits and Approvals).

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Table 18.12.020.B New Development and Additions in Commercial Zones —
Permits and Approvals
Square Footage of New Development or
Addition
<999 sq. ft. Zoning Consistency Review (ZCR)
1,000-2,499 sq. ft. Administrative Use Permit (AUP)
>2,500 sq. ft. Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

• C. Nonpermitted Uses. The following uses are expressly prohibited in the commercial zones:

  1. Automobile repair facilities.

  2. Building materials supply store.

  3. Carwashes, standalone — Automatic or coin-operated.

4. Check cashing establishments.

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Applicability. The provisions of this Section shall apply to commercial development in commercial zones as established in Table 18.12.030.A (Development Standards — Commercial Zones), with the exceptions and additional standards as listed in this Section. Letters in parentheses refer to additional development standards that immediately follow the table.

  1. For multifamily residential development in a commercial zone or mixed-use overlay zone on a lot with an area greater than 20,000 square feet, the provisions of the applicable R-M zone in Section 18.11.030 (Development Standards for Residential Zones) shall apply.

  2. For infill multifamily residential development in a commercial zone or mixed-use overlay zone on a lot with an area of 20,000 square feet or less, the provisions of Section 18.12.040 (Development Standards for Multifamily Residential Development in Commercial Zones) shall apply.

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Table 18.12.030.A Development Standards — Commercial Zones
Standard P-A C-C C-G C-M Reference
Lot Standards
Lot Area, 10,000 square feet 15,000 20,000 Section 18.26.030
minimum square feet square feet (Measuring Area, Lot
Width, and Depth)
Street Frontage, 50 feet Section 18.26.050
minimum (Measuring Street
Frontage)
Lot Coverage, 60% Section 18.26.070
maximum (Calculating Lot
Coverage)
Setback Standards
Front (a) 5 feet minimum Section 18.26.060
(Measuring Setbacks)
Side, street, 5 feet
minimum (a)
Side, interior, As noted below:
minimum:
• Abutting • 5 feet, and an additional 5 feet for each story
non- greater than 2, up to 20 feet
residential
• Abutting • 15 feet for first and second story, and 20 feet
residential for third story and above
Rear, minimum: As noted below:

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Table 18.12.030.A Development Standards — Commercial Zones
Standard P-A C-C C-G C-M Reference
• Abutting • 5 feet
non-
residential
• Abutting • 15 feet for first and second story, and 20 feet
residential for third story and above
FAR Standards
Floor Area Ratio, 2.5 FAR Section 18.26.080
maximum (Calculating Floor
Area Ratio [FAR])
Building Height Standards
Building Height, 45 feet 55 feet Section 18.26.040
maximum (Measuring Height)
Open Space Standards
Publicly 5% of the gross floor area for commercial Section 18.12.050
Accessible Open developments with a gross floor area greater than (Design Standards for
Space, minimum 75,000 square feet Commercial
Buildings) for Publicly
Accessible Space
requirements

Notes:

(a) Subject to Section 18.18.110 (Visibility at Driveways and Intersections).

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to provide standards for multifamily residential development in commercial zones thereby encouraging the use of otherwise unused or underutilized commercial land in a way that promotes more vibrant, balanced, and complete communities with housing and jobs.

• B. Applicability. The provisions of this Section shall apply to multifamily residential development on lots in commercial zones that meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Vacant or underutilized lots with an area of 20,000 square feet or less.

  2. Lots bounded on at least two sides by existing development.

• C. Development Standards for Multifamily Residential Development in Commercial Zones. Multifamily residential development in commercial zones shall comply with Table 18.12.040.A (Development Standards — Multifamily Residential Development in Commercial Zones) with the exceptions and additional standards listed in this Section.

1. For residential buildings, including a residential building in a commercial zone or the residential component in a mixed-use building, the provisions of Section 18.11.040 (Design Standards for Residential Buildings) shall apply.

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Table 18.12.040.A Development Standards — Multifamily Residential Development in
Commercial Zones
Standard Reference
Lot Standards
Lot Area, maximum 20,000 square feet Section 18.26.030 (Measuring
Area, Lot Width, and Depth)
Lot Width, minimum Same as underlying base zone
Lot Depth, minimum Same as underlying base zone
Lot Coverage, 75% Section 18.26.070 (Calculating
maximum Lot Coverage)
Floor Area Ratio 2.0 Section 18.26.080 (Calculating
Floor Area Ratio [FAR])
Setback Standards
Front, minimum (a) 5 feet Section 18.26.060 (Measuring
Setbacks)
Side, street, minimum 5 feet
(a)
Side, interior, • 1st and 2nd story: 5 feet
minimum
• 3rd story, 10 feet
Rear, minimum • 1st and 2nd story: 5 feet
• 3rd story, 10 feet
Separation between Structures Standards
From detached The provisions for R-M-H in Section 18.26.020 (Measuring
accessory structures, Section 18.11.030 (Development Distances)
minimum Standards for Residential Zones)
shall apply
From other habitable
buildings on the same
lot, minimum
Building Height Standards
Building Height, 42 feet Section 18.26.040 (Measuring
maximum (b) Height)
Density Standards
Dwelling Unit 30 du/ac Section 18.26.090 (Calculating
Density, maximum Dwelling Unit Density)
Private Open Space Standards

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Table 18.12.040.A Development Standards — Multifamily Residential Development in
Commercial Zones
Standard Reference
Area of Private Open The provisions for R-M-H in Section 18.11.040 (Design
Space per Dwelling Section 18.11.030 (Development Standards for Residential
Unit, minimum Standards for Residential Zones) Buildings) for Private Open Space
shall apply requirements
Common Open Space Standards
Area of Common The provisions for R-M-H in Section 18.11.040 (Design
Open Space per Section 18.11.030 (Development Standards for Residential
Dwelling Unit, Standards for Residential Zones) Buildings) for Common Open
minimum shall apply Space requirements

Notes:

• (a) Subject to Section 18.18.110 (Visibility at Driveways and Intersections).

• (b) Up to 6 feet additional height shall be permitted for roof elements that match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, and finish of the primary building, such as parapets, chimneys, cupolas, skylights, or similar elements, as approved by the Zoning Administrator.

• (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Applicability.

  1. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all commercial buildings in any zone, including, but not limited to, the commercial component in a mixed-use building, with the exceptions and additional standards as listed in this Section. In the event of a conflict, the more stringent standard shall apply.

     • a. For residential buildings, including a residential building in a commercial zone or the residential component in a mixed-use building, the provisions of Section 18.11.040 (Design Standards for Residential Buildings) shall apply.

  2. Exceptions or modifications to the design standards of this Section may be granted as specifically stated or subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator, where they find that an alternative design has been incorporated to meet the overall design intent of the standard.

• B. Design Standards for Commercial Buildings.

  1. Building Entries. Commercial building facades with frontage along a street shall provide a minimum of one primary ground floor building entry for every 100 feet of frontage. All primary building entries shall be visible from the street, be oriented towards the street, and provide a pedestrian walkway to the public sidewalk. Building entries with no frontage along a street, with the exception of back-of-house entries, shall be oriented towards common areas, such as courtyards, plazas, and paseos.

Primary building entries shall be clearly demarcated and discernable from the rest of the building through the use of a change in color or material from the rest of the façade and shall additionally incorporate a minimum of one of the following design features:

• a. A roofed element over the entry, such as a portico, awning, canopy, trellis, or overhang.

• b. A change in roof height from the rest of the building façade, such as a tower element.

• c. A projected or recessed area, such as a terrace, forecourt, or gateway entry.

• d. Flanking structural elements, such as columns or similar structures.

2. Façade Articulation. All facades of a commercial building shall receive equivalent architectural detailing and articulation utilizing a similar and complementary application of materials and modulation.

3. Façade Articulation, Blank Facades. Commercial building facades without the use of windows, doors, or other openings shall not span a continuous horizontal length or vertical height greater than 20 feet, unless it incorporates a minimum of two of the following design features, as illustrated in Figure 18.12.050.A:

   • a. Surface detailing, such as score or reveal lines and a change in color or material.

   • b. Landscaping, such as espalier, green or living walls, or other similar landscaping techniques.

   • c. Lattices, louvers, trellises, or grillwork, or other similar decorative façade applications.

   • d. Façade projections or recesses, such as pilasters.

   • e. Building signage.

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Figure 18.12.050.A Commercial Façade Articulation

4. Façade Articulation, Corners. Materials shall wrap all exterior corners of every commercial building by a minimum of two feet in length. In addition, commercial buildings with frontage along two intersecting public streets shall provide a change in color or material to distinguish the building's corner and incorporate a minimum of one of the following design features at the building's corner:

   • a. A roofed element, such as an awning, canopy, trellis, or overhang.

   • b. A change in roof height from the rest of the building façade, such as a tower element.

   • c. A façade projection or recess, such as a corner entry or gateway entry.

   • d. A primary building entry.

5. Façade Colors. With the exception of applications to façade trim or accent detailing, not inclusive of a façade's base color, prohibited façade colors shall include those colors defined, described, marketed, sold, or distributed with terms such as neon, fluorescent, luminescent, iridescent, ultra-violet, electric, metallic, glow, Day-Glo, and similar terms.

6. Façade Modulation. Commercial building facades with frontage along a street shall provide a minimum of one façade break measuring at least five feet deep by 15 feet long from ground to sky such that façade exceeds a continuous length of 150 feet, as illustrated in Figure 18.12.050.B.

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Figure 18.12.050.B Commercial Façade Modulation

7. Ground Floor Height. The ground floor of a commercial building shall have a minimum height of 12 feet, measured from floor to floor.

8. Ground Floor Transparency. Ground floor commercial building facades with frontage along a street shall include windows and doors for a minimum of 50% of the ground floor facade area. The use of tinted, mirrored, or reflective glass is prohibited.

9. Ground Floor Uses. For mixed-use buildings, active uses shall occupy the ground floor areas that have frontage along a street, such as:

   • a. Commercial uses, such as retail, restaurants, or other commercial services.

   • b. Office uses, such as professional/business offices.

   • c. Common residential uses, such as lobbies and recreation rooms, or similar active uses subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator.

10. Open Space, Publicly Accessible. For commercial and mixed-use developments, publicly accessible open spaces shall comply with the following:

• a. Shall provide the minimum area for publicly accessible open space per Table 18.12.030.A. (Development Standards — Commercial Zones).

• b. Shall be privately owned, improved, and maintained.

• c. Shall provide direct access to a public right-of-way, and be usable, open, and accessible to all residents, tenants, patrons, and the public in a development at a minimum between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

  • d. Shall be a usable outdoor space and may include, but is not limited to, parks, plazas, courtyards, paseos, arcades, or other similar open spaces that allow for public leisure, recreation, and/or gathering.

  • e. Shall provide at least one contiguous area with a minimum area of 400 square feet and a minimum length or width of 20 feet.

  • f. Shall be landscaped for a minimum of 25% of the total area, inclusive of plants and trees.

  • g. Shall be hardscaped for a minimum of 25% of the total area.

  • h. Shall provide a minimum of one seat for every 200 square feet of the total area, where seating may be permanent or movable and may be in the form of a chair, bench, ledge, low wall, or similar usable seating arrangement.

• (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

The applicable standards in Division 4 (Supplemental Citywide Standards) of this Title shall also apply to commercial development.

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)