Porterville Municipal Code § 300.06 Heights and Height Exceptions

A. Maximum Projection Allowed. Notwithstanding any other subsection of this section, no projection may extend closer than three (3) feet to an interior lot line. No projection may extend into a public utility easement.

B. Architectural Projections. Cornices, canopies, eaves, sills, buttresses or similar architectural features, chimneys and fireplaces not exceeding eight (8) feet in width, cantilevered bay windows not exceeding ten (10) feet in width, and planting boxes shall not extend closer than three (3) feet to any side or rear lot line or three (3) feet into any front yard unless further restricted by the Building Code.

FIGURE 300.01B: ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTIONS

[Figure]

C. Fire Escapes. Fire escapes, required by law, ordinance, or regulations of a public agency may project up to four (4) feet into any yard.

D. Stairways, Stair Landings, and Balconies. Stairways, stair landings, and balconies that service above the first floor level of the building may project up to three (3) feet into any yard, provided that all such structures shall be open, unenclosed and without roofs, except for lattice type guard railings. Structural supports for stairways and landings may be enclosed.

E. Decks, Porches, and Stairs. Uncovered decks, porches and stairs less than two and one-half (2.5) feet above ground elevation may project in any yard consistent with the Building Code. Uncovered decks, porches, and stairs higher than two and one-half (2.5) feet servicing the first floor level of the building may project no more than three (3) feet into the front, side, and rear yards, and no closer than three (3) feet to a property line.

F. Depressed Ramps or Stairways and Supporting Structures. When designed to permit access to parts of buildings below average ground level, may extend into any required yard not more than three (3) feet.

G. Ramps and Similar Structures for Disabled Person’s Accommodation. Up to the entire yard where it is the only feasible location to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

A legally created lot having a width or area less than required for the base district in which it is located may be occupied by a permitted or conditional use if it has a width of twenty-five (25) feet or more and an area of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more, provided that on the effective date of regulations that made it substandard, it was in single ownership separate from any abutting lot. No substandard lot shall be further reduced in area or width, and a substandard lot shall be subject to the same yard and density requirements as a standard lot except as otherwise provided. A maximum of one (1) dwelling unit may be located on a substandard lot that meets the requirement of this section. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

A. Maximum Height:

1. Front Yards. No solid fence or freestanding wall within or along the exterior boundary of the required front yard shall exceed a height of three and one-half (3.5) feet. Open or lattice type fences that are at least fifty percent (50%) open, or hedges, shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet.

2. Side and Rear Yards. No fence or freestanding wall within or along the exterior boundary of the required side or rear yards shall exceed a height of seven (7) feet. The Zoning Administrator may allow a fence or wall up to eight (8) feet in height to be located along the exterior boundary of the required side or rear yard subject to the issuance of a building permit.

3. Decorative Features. One (1) entry gateway, trellis, or other entry structure is permitted in the required front or street-facing side yard of each lot, provided that the maximum height or width of the structure does not exceed ten (10) feet. Such decorative feature shall not have any solid obstruction that exceeds two (2) feet in diameter between the height of three (3) and ten (10) feet.

FIGURE 300.03: FENCES AND FREESTANDING WALLS

[Figure]

B. Design and Materials. Fencing visible from a street shall be treated as an integral part of the architecture, with materials, colors, and detailing drawn from the building they surround or adjoin.

1. Prohibition on Hazardous Fencing Materials. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, ultra barrier, electrified, and other hazardous fencing is not permitted. An exception to this standard may be approved for sites in the AC District where needed for livestock or ranch operations.

2. Limitation on Chain Link Fencing. Use of chain-link fencing is not permitted in front or street-facing side yards, and is permitted only in rear and interior side yards that do not abut public and quasi-public land uses. This standard does not apply to sites in the Residential, IA or IG districts.

C. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided between the back of sidewalk and the wall/fence line to include trees, shrubs, groundcover and vines in order to improve the aesthetics of the wall/fence. There shall be a minimum of five (5) feet adjacent to local roads and ten (10) feet adjacent to collectors and arterials. Maintenance of the landscaping shall be provided by the property owner, or by an assessment district established for such maintenance in perpetuity.

D. Visibility At Intersections: Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, fences and walls shall comply with the visibility standards contained in section 300.16, “Visibility At Driveways And Intersections (Sight Distance)”, of this article. (1866, 11-19-2019; amd. Ord. 1871, 6-2-2020)

Redevelopment of nonvacant sites that contain residential dwellings shall replace said dwellings. Replacement requirements shall be consistent with those set forth in Government Code Section 65915, subdivision (c), paragraph (3).

(Ord. 1909, 1-21-2025)

New development shall be located to protect and preserve areas in which plant and/or animal life or its habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which would easily be disturbed or degraded by human activities and development. The provisions of this section apply to discretionary development projects proposed within or adjacent to (within 300 feet of the boundary of) sensitive habitat areas designated in the General Plan.

A. Site Design. Sensitive habitat areas shall be protected by any of the following means: 1) avoidance; 2) onsite mitigation; 3) offsite mitigation; and 4) purchase of mitigation credits.

B. Biological Report. A discretionary development application for a project on a site located within or adjacent to (within 300 feet of the boundary of) sensitive habitat areas designated in the General Plan shall also include a report commissioned by the City that contains the following:

1. An evaluation of the impact the development may have on the habitat, and whether the development will be consistent with the biological continuance of the habitat. Maximum feasible mitigation measures to protect the resource shall be identified and a program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the mitigation measures shall be included.

2. Conditions of approval recommendations for the restoration of damaged habitats, where feasible.

C. Required Findings. Approval of a development permit for a project within or adjacent to identified habitat areas shall not occur unless the applicable review body first finds that:

1. There will be no significant negative impact on the identified sensitive habitat and the proposed use will be consistent with the biological continuance of the habitat.

2. The proposed use will not significantly disrupt the habitat.

3. Adequate mitigation measures are required to mitigate impacts to significant biological resources.

4. There has been “no net loss” of wetlands and vernal pools. Disturbed wetlands and vernal pools have been replaced.

5. Where feasible, damaged habitats will be restored as a condition of development approval. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

A. Maximum Height of Structures. The height of structures shall not exceed the standards established by the applicable zoning district of this Ordinance.

1. Increased Height Limit for Projections. Chimneys not over six (6) feet in width, silos, cupolas, flagpoles, monuments, gas storage holders, radio and other towers, water tanks, church steeples, fire and parapet walls, roof furniture, and similar structures covering not more than twenty (20) percent of the top floor roof area to which they are accessory, may exceed maximum permitted height standards by eight (8) feet. Exceptions may be granted with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

FIGURE 300.06: INCREASED HEIGHT LIMIT FOR PROJECTIONS

[Figure]

2. Airport Environs Overlay District. Airport related towers may exceed the maximum permitted height standard in the IA and PS district. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, there shall be no exceptions to the specified height limits within the Airport Environs (AE) Overlay District, unless authorized by approval of a Conditional Use Permit. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

A. Purpose. This section is intended to minimize outdoor artificial light that may have a detrimental effect on the environment, astronomical research, amateur astronomy, and enjoyment of the night sky. These provisions are also intended to reduce the unnecessary illumination of adjacent properties and the use of energy.

B. Applicability. Outdoor light fixtures installed after the effective date of this Ordinance and maintained upon private property shall comply with the requirements of this section.

C. Exemptions. The following types of lighting fixtures are exempt from the requirements of this section:

1. Prior Installation. All light fixtures installed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance, unless fifty (50) percent or more of the light fixtures on the premises are replaced.

2. Fossil Fuels. All light fixtures producing light directly by the combustion of fossil fuels.

3. Low Lumens. All light fixtures with an initial total lamp sources lumens of four thousand fifty (4,050) or less.

4. Construction and Emergency Lighting. All construction or emergency lighting fixtures, provided they are temporary and are discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency.

D. Maximum Height. Lighting fixtures shall not exceed the maximum heights specified in Table 300.07(A) below.

TABLE 300.07A: MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF LIGHTING FIXTURES

Note:

1. Sports field lighting shall be defined per project.

E. Shielding. All lighting fixtures shall be shielded in accordance with Table 300.07(B) so as not to produce obtrusive glare onto the public right-of-way or adjoining properties. All luminaries shall meet the most recently adopted criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for “Cut Off” or “Full Cut Off” luminaries, as illustrated in Figure 300.07.

TABLE 300.07B: REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIELDING AND FILTERING

Notes:

1. This is the preferred light source to minimize undesirable light into the night sky affecting astronomical observations.

2. Warm white natural lamps are preferred to minimize detrimental effects.

3. For the purposes of this article, quartz lamps shall not be considered an incandescent light source.

4. Most glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures satisfy these filter requirements.

5. Outdoor signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated from within do not require shielding.

FIGURE 300.07: LIGHT FIXTURE SHIELDING

[Figure]

F. Multi-Family Residential Illumination. Aisles, passageways, and pedestrian recesses related to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least 0.25 foot-candles at the ground level during the hours of darkness. Lighting devices shall be protected by weather and vandal-resistant covers.

G. Pedestrian Oriented Lighting. In the Downtown, CN, CR, and CMX districts, exterior lighting shall be provided for a secure nighttime pedestrian environment at building entrances, on-site pedestrian walkways, public sidewalks and open areas with a safe level of illumination with an intensity of at least 0.25 foot-candles at the ground level during the hours of darkness. The Zoning Administrator may require additional lighting for bars, nightclubs, and lounges or other entertainment venues in order to provide a safe level of illumination.

H. Prohibitions and Requirements for Protection and Shielding:

1. Recreational Facility. No public or private outdoor recreational facility shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m., except to conclude any recreational or sporting event or other activity conducted at a ball park, outdoor amphitheater, area, or similar facility in progress prior to 11:00 p.m.

2. Outdoor Building and Landscaping. The unshielded outdoor illumination of any building or landscaping is prohibited, except with incandescent fixtures with lamps of sixteen hundred (1600) lumens or less.

3. Outdoor Signs. Lighting fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure and shall be shielded according to Table 300.07(C) above.

I. Alternate Materials and Methods of Installation. Design, material, or method of installation not specifically prescribed by this section may be approved by the Zoning Administrator provided the proposed design, material, or method complies with the intent of these provisions. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

Eating and drinking establishments with outdoor seating areas shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:

A. Location. Outdoor seating areas may be permitted in Downtown Districts on any public sidewalk, provided a minimum of six (6) feet of public sidewalk remains unobstructed for pedestrian uses. Outdoor seating areas may be permitted in other zone districts as long as they do not conflict with required pedestrian walkways, parking, landscaping or loading areas.

B. Conditional Use Permit. A Conditional Use Permit is required when the outdoor seating area is located immediately abutting the property line of a residential district, and contains more than five (5) tables or seating for fifteen (15) customers.

C. Barriers. The use of barriers around the outdoor seating area may be permitted, provided they are in a manner acceptable to the City and the design is approved by the Zoning Administrator. Barriers will be required for uses involving the sale of alcoholic beverages as approved with a Conditional Use Permit.

D. Hours of Operation. The hours of operation for an outdoor seating area shall be limited to the hours of operation of the associated eating and drinking establishment.

E. Refuse Storage Area. No structure or enclosure to accommodate the storage of trash or garbage shall be erected or placed on, adjacent to, or separate from an outdoor seating area on the public sidewalk or right-of-way. Refuse areas shall be in compliance with Section 300.13 Trash and Refuse Collection Areas. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

Outdoor storage of goods, materials, machines, equipment, and vehicles or parts outside of a building for more than seventy-two (72) hours shall conform to the standards of this section. The regulations of this section do not apply to temporary storage of construction materials reasonably required for construction work on the premises pursuant to a valid building permit.

A. Permitted Locations. Table 300.09 states the districts where outdoor storage is permitted and prohibited.

TABLE 300.09: OUTDOOR STORAGE REGULATIONS BY DISTRICT AND LOCATION

B. Screening. Screening of outdoor storage areas shall comply with the following standards:

1. Outdoor storage areas shall be screened so as not to be visible from any public street or freeway; Residential district; or publicly accessible open space area, parking area, access driveway, or similar thoroughfare.

2. Screening walls and fences shall be architecturally compatible with the main structure on the site and shall not have barbed wire or razor wire visible from any street or public access.

3. No screening wall or fence shall be located within a required landscape planter along the street frontage.

4. If located on a lot line or in a required yard, screening walls and fences shall not exceed the maximum fence height in required yards; in other areas, they shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator to adequately screen material. No stored goods may exceed the height of the screening wall or fence.

C. Surfacing:

1. Outdoor storage areas shall be paved. This requirement does not apply to outdoor storage associated with a permitted agricultural use.

2. A waiver or exception may be granted to allow outdoor storage of non-hazardous materials on other surfacing only if the following findings can be made:

a. The proposed surfacing is appropriate, as determined by the City Engineer, to the type of product displayed; and

b. The proposed surfacing will conform to all applicable federal and State air and water quality standards. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

A. Screening of Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical and electrical equipment and antennas shall be screened or incorporated into the design of buildings so as not to be visible from the street, freeway, or adjacent residential districts. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to, all roof-mounted equipment, utility meters, cable equipment, telephone entry boxes, backflow prevention devices, irrigation control valves, electrical transformers and pull boxes. Screening devices shall be consistent with the exterior colors and materials of the buildings to which they are attached.

B. Roof Access Ladders and Fire Sprinkler Risers. Roof access ladders and fire sprinkler risers shall be located internally as allowed by the California Building Code.

C. Parking Areas. Parking areas shall be screened from view from public streets and adjacent residential properties according to the following standards:

1. Height. Screening of parking lots from adjacent public streets shall be three (3) feet in height. Screening along interior lot lines that abut residential districts shall be six (6) feet in height, except within the required front setback of the applicable zoning district, where screening shall be three (3) feet in height.

2. Materials. Screening may consist of one (1) or any combination of the methods listed below.

a. Walls. Low-profile walls consisting of decorative concrete, stone, or masonry materials.

b. Fences. An open fence of wrought iron or similar material combined with plant materials to form an opaque screen. This option does not include the use of chain-link or vinyl fencing.

c. Planting. Plant materials consisting of compact evergreen plants that form an opaque screen. Such plant materials shall achieve a minimum height of two (2) feet within eighteen (18) months after initial installation.

d. Berms. Berms planted with grass, ground cover, or other low-growing plant materials.

D. Drive-Through Facilities. Vehicle lanes for drive-throughs shall be screened from public streets to a height of three and one-half (3.5) feet. Screening devices shall consist of walls and/or berms.

E. Common Property Lines. A six (6) foot high wall shall be provided on the interior lot lines where any non-residential use abuts a residential district or residential use where there is no alley. Such screening wall shall be provided at the time of new construction or expansion of buildings, or changes from one (1) use classification to another non-residential use classification.

1. Location. Screening walls shall follow the lot line of the lot to be screened, or shall be so arranged within the boundaries of the lot so as to substantially hide from adjoining lots the building, facility, or activity required to be screened.

2. Height. The six (6) foot high screening wall shall step down to three and one-half (3.5) feet in height from the side property line intersecting the front property line to a depth equal to the required front or side yard setback of the abutting residential use in order to provide for safe line of sight for vehicular traffic. Wall height may be increased in height to accommodate adequate sound attenuation as required through the findings of an acoustical analysis prepared by an acoustical professional. The design of such improvements shall be approved by the City Engineer.

3. Materials. The screening wall shall be a masonry block wall. Block walls shall match the standard colors allowed in the City’s graffiti abatement program. The City Engineer may approve new wall/fencing materials that become available in the future for use as an alternative to a masonry block wall based on its proven comparable properties for durability, sound, light, and glare attenuation. Topography, berming, and other alternative methods of mitigating the nuisance of noise and light might be considered at time of project review.

4. Timing. If the residential use develops prior to the non-residential use, a six (6) foot high wood fence may be constructed. If the non-residential use or residential use develops adjacent to existing development the wall shall be constructed with the new development. Where a six (6) foot high wood fence already exists, the masonry wall footing, when constructed, shall comply with City standards. The narrow offset portion of the masonry wall footing shall abut the existing wood fence posts, or close thereto. The gap between the fence shall be sealed with a top rail approved by the City Engineer. A condition of approval may be imposed upon the developer of the non-residential use to work with the adjacent property owner to eliminate the abutting and parallel wood fence. Said wall shall be constructed concurrently with the non-residential development. Those uses subject to a Conditional Use Permit may be evaluated to determine applicability of the wall requirement.

F. State Route. Where a residential use abuts State Route rights-of-way or State Route frontage road rights-of-way, screening according to the following shall be installed along that frontage.

1. Height. An eight (8) foot high wall shall be provided unless an acoustical analysis prepared by an acoustical professional verifies that an appropriate height greater or lesser than the eight (8) feet is warranted or, subject to the approval of any discretionary permit (i.e. Conditional Use Permit, parcel or subdivision map). The design of such improvements shall be approved by the City Engineer.

2. Material. The screening wall shall be a masonry block wall constructed of decorative, split-face block and brown in color per the approved colors maintained in the Community Development Department. The wall shall include decorative columns, spaced no more than sixty (60) feet apart, with stone veneer. The entire wall, including the columns, shall be capped on top. The City Engineer may approve new wall/fencing materials that become available in the future for use as an alternative to a masonry block wall based on its proven comparable properties for durability, sound, light, and glare attenuation. Topography, berming, and other alternative methods of mitigating the nuisance of noise and light may be considered at time of project review.

3. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided along these walls to include trees, shrubs, groundcover and vines in order to improve the aesthetics of the wall and prevent graffiti. Adequate land and access shall be provided to install and maintain such landscaping, to the satisfaction of the Parks and Leisure Services Director. Maintenance of wall landscaping shall be provided by the developer, or by an assessment district established for such maintenance in perpetuity.

G. Adjacent to Residential Uses. The Zoning Administrator may require a block wall based on the site design of the parking or service area or where other noise, light, and glare are oriented toward a residential use. The wall design shall be approved as part of the project by the City Engineer to ensure that adequate line of sight distance is provided. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

Public improvements shall be provided in compliance with the following standards to any property or lot where public improvements were never constructed or installed to City standards, or where such public improvements for whatever cause have deteriorated to a condition that they no longer adequately serve their intended purpose. An applicant for a Conditional Use Permit or building permit shall be required to provide for said public improvements along the frontage of such property as follows:

A. Right-of-way Dedication. Dedicate street right of way necessary to obtain the ultimate right of way width as required by ordinance or resolution of the City Council.

B. Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk. Construct new, and/or repair existing curb, gutter, sidewalk and handicap ramp as required by the City Engineer. If, due to existing topographic or related conditions, the City Engineer determines that it would be in the best interests of the City and its inhabitants to construct said curb, gutter and sidewalk at a later date, the applicant shall deposit to the City a cash amount equal to the City Engineer’s estimate of construction cost, or execute an agreement as provided by Section 20-40.5, Deferred Construction, Cash Deposit, Lien Agreement, of the Municipal Code.

C. Street and Alley Paveout. Construct street, and, if applicable, alley paveout, from the gutter lip in the case of streets, and from the property line in the case of alleys, to the existing pavement in accordance with City standards. In cases where the street or alley is not paved, the construction required of the applicant shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the width of the street or alley. If, due to existing topographic or related conditions, the City Engineer determines that it would be in the best interests of the City and its inhabitants to construct said street or alley paveout at a later date, the applicant shall deposit to the City a cash amount equal to the City Engineer’s estimate of construction cost, or execute an agreement as provided by Section 20-40.5, Deferred Construction, Cash Deposit, Lien Agreement, of the Municipal Code.

1. Single-family dwellings or duplexes shall not be required to pay for any paveout costs that are over two (2) feet from the gutter lip or property line.

D. Utility Structures. Relocate existing utility structures, when required, to an area within the parkway to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

E. Parkway Trees. Provide for the installation of parkway trees as required by the Director of Parks and Leisure Services in accordance with City standards pertaining to the type, size, spacing and placement of such trees; to the maintenance or extension of street tree themes when applicable; and, to the time of installation when it is determined it would be in the best interest of the City to postpone the placement of trees required pursuant to this section.

F. Non-residential Development. The following improvements shall be installed with all non-residential development.

1. Fire Hydrants. Fire hydrants to meet City standards for type, size and spacing in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Department, and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. In lieu of installation, if otherwise required pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the City may require payment of a prorated fire hydrant fee in an amount set by resolution of the City Council to acknowledge the area of benefit served by same.

2. Streetlights. Streetlights as required by the City Engineer at intersections, culs-de-sac, crosswalks, curves, etc., to meet City standards for type, illumination and spacing. In lieu of installation, if otherwise required pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the City may require payment of a prorated streetlight fee in an amount set by resolution of the City Council to acknowledge the area of benefit served by same.

3. Drainage Facilities. Drainage facilities as required by the City Engineer to meet City standards. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

Swimming pools located in any zoning district shall not be located in the required front yard, required landscaped areas or closer than five (5) feet from the water’s edge to any lot line or building. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

Solid waste and recycling-container enclosures are required for new dwelling groups consisting of four (4) or more dwelling units and for all nonresidential developments in accordance with the following standards:

A. Location. All enclosures shall comply with the California Building Code and Fire Code and shall meet the following requirements unless it is demonstrated that they are infeasible as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

1. The solid waste and recycling storage area shall not be located within any required front yard, street side yard, or required landscaped area, or any other area required by this Ordinance to be constructed or maintained unencumbered according to fire and other applicable building and public safety codes.

2. Solid waste and recycling areas shall be consolidated to minimize the number of collection sites and located so as to reasonably equalize the distance from the building spaces they serve. The number of required collection sites shall be determined by the Public Works Department.

3. Solid waste and recycling storage areas shall be conveniently accessible to refuse trucks. Enclosures shall be located so that the trucks and equipment used by the City of Porterville or its contractors have sufficient maneuvering areas and, if feasible, so that the collection equipment can avoid backing. Project applicants are responsible for procuring current equipment size and turning radius from the City of Porterville or its contracted solid waste and recycling collector(s).

B. Materials, Construction, and Design

1. Minimum Height of Screening. Solid waste and recycling storage areas located outside or on the exterior of any building shall be enclosed per City standards for refuse and recycling enclosures.

2. Enclosure Material. Enclosure material shall be solid masonry or concrete tilt-up with decorated exterior-surface finish compatible to the main structure(s).

3. Gate Material. Gate material shall be decorative, solid, heavy-gauge metal or a heavy-gauge metal frame with a covering of a view-obscuring material. If not visible from a public street, public parking area, or residential area, the enclosure gates may be constructed of chain link with wood or plastic inserts.

4. Access to Enclosure from Residential Projects. Each solid waste and recycling enclosure serving a residential project shall be designed to allow walk-in access without having to open the main enclosure gate.

5. Enclosure Pad. Pads shall be a minimum of six (6) inch-thick concrete.

6. Protection for Enclosures. Concrete curbs or equivalent shall protect enclosures from adjacent vehicle parking and travel ways.

7. Landscaping. The perimeter of the recycling and trash enclosure, except for areas used for access, shall be planted, if feasible, with drought resistant landscaping, including a combination of shrubs and/or climbing evergreen vines.

8. Clear Zone. The area in front of all enclosure types shall be kept clear of obstructions, and shall be painted, striped, and marked “No Parking.” (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

A. Minimum Distance from Residential Districts. Truck docks, loading, and service areas are not permitted within fifty (50) feet of an R district boundary, unless noise mitigation and view obscuring screening is provided, as approved by the Zoning Administrator.

B. Screening. Truck docks, loading, and service areas located in any district shall be screened from any adjacent residential districts or uses. In all districts except IA, IP and IG districts, these facilities shall be located at the interior side of buildings or on the rear of the site and be screened so as not to be visible from public streets. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

All electrical, telephone, cable television, and similar distribution lines providing direct service to a development site shall be installed underground within the site. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)

Visibility at driveways and intersections shall be maintained in accordance with the following standards. The City Engineer may require extended or reduced sight distance lengths where special conditions exist or will be created, as necessary to maintain adequate visibility.

A. Driveways. Visibility at a driveway crossing a street property line shall not be blocked above a maximum height of three (3) feet by vegetation or three and one-half (3.5) feet by structures for a depth of twelve (12) feet as viewed from the edge of the curb face on either side of the driveway at a distance of twelve (12) feet. Street trees that are pruned at least eight (8) feet above the established grade from top of curb so as not to obstruct clear view by motor vehicle drivers are permitted.

FIGURE 300.16A: DRIVEWAY VISIBILITY

[Figure]

B. Controlled Intersections. A controlled intersection is one where a traffic signal or stop sign (all-way or minor street only) exists to control the flow and ensure the safety of traffic. Visibility at controlled street intersections shall not be blocked above a maximum height (measured from intersection street grades) of three (3) feet by vegetation or three and one-half (3.5) feet by structures, including, but not limited to, fences and walls. There shall be corner cut-offs of all lots which abut an intersection of two streets. These standard corner cut-offs are determined by intersection points located twelve (12) feet from the edge of the curb face of each street and are the areas between these intersection points and the streets, one point being twenty (20) feet from the curb face extension and the other a distance “D” from the intersection of the crossing street (see Table 300.16, Sight Distance Standards). The corner cut-offs for left turns from a minor road, are determined by intersection points located three (3) feet from the middle edge of the inside lane, and are the areas between these intersection points and the streets, one point being twenty (20) feet from the curb extension and the other a distance “D” from the intersection of the crossing street (see Table 300.16). No obstruction which limits the visibility of persons operating vehicles on said streets shall be permitted in corner cut-off areas.

FIGURE 300.16B: VISIBILITY AT CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

[Figure]

C. Uncontrolled Intersections. An uncontrolled intersection is one where no traffic controls exist and is subject only to yielding from each street leg. Same requirements as controlled intersections shall apply except that both intersecting streets shall require a distance “D” from the intersection of the crossing street to comply with the sight distance requirements on Table 300.16, Sight Distance Standards.

FIGURE 300.16C: VISIBILITY AT UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

[Figure]

TABLE 300.16: SIGHT DISTANCE STANDARDS

Note: Design speed is based on road classification per AASHTO or Caltrans manuals.

Sources:

"A Policy On Geometric Design Of Highways And Streets", AASHTO, 2010.

"Highway Design Manual", Caltrans, 2011.

(Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)