Chapter 20.440 — VEHICLE SALES, SERVICES, AND REPAIR

This Chapter establishes standards for a variety of vehicle sales, services, and repair establishments. (Ord. 1017, 2013)

The development standards provided in this Chapter shall apply to vehicle sales, services, and repair establishments where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowed Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards). (Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides standards for new vehicle sales dealerships where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowed Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards).

• A. Dimensional standards.

  1. The minimum site area shall be 30,000 square feet.

  2. The minimum lot width shall be 200 feet.

• B. Lighting. On-site lighting shall be stationary and directed away from the adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.

• C. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be installed and permanently maintained in compliance with Chapter 20.315 (Landscaping Standards).

• D. Parking and loading.

  1. On-site parking shall comply with Chapter 20.325 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards). A parking plan shall be prepared as part of the permit review process.

  2. Loading and unloading of vehicles shall occur on-site and not in adjoining alleys or streets.

  3. Vehicles associated with the business shall be parked or stored on-site and not in adjoining streets or alleys.

  4. An adequate on-site queuing area for service customers shall be provided. Required parking spaces shall not be counted as queuing spaces.

• E. Signs. On-site signs shall comply with Chapter 20.325 (Sign Standards).

• F. Screening and buffering.

  1. All parts, accessories, etc., shall be stored within a fully enclosed structure.

  2. Service and associated car storage areas shall be completely screened from public view.

  3. Vehicle service or repair work shall occur within a fully enclosed structure unless otherwise approved through a Conditional Use Permit.

  4. Service bays with individual access from the exterior of the structure shall not directly face or front on a public right-of-way.

• (Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides standards for used vehicle sales establishments, where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowed Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards).

• A. Dimensional standards.

  1. The minimum lot width of any site supporting a used motor vehicle sales business shall be 150 feet.

  2. The minimum lot area shall be 20,000 square feet.

• B. On-site structure required.

  1. A structure containing not less than 400 square feet shall be maintained on the lot supporting the business.

  2. The structure shall be a permanent structure; portable structures or mobile homes are not allowed, unless on permanent foundation, fully connected to all utilities and incorporates features consistent with permanent structures (e.g., perimeter foundation landscaping, full skirting, gable or hip roof, eaves, etc.).

• C. Limitations on repair and storage activities.

  1. Any vehicle repair activity associated with a used vehicle sales establishment shall require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 20.550 (Use Permits - Minor and Conditional); shall be limited to light repair only as defined in Article 7 (Definitions); and shall only be conducted on vehicles for sale as part of the business. All repair activities and operations shall be conducted within an entirely enclosed structure.

2. Storage of vehicles shall be allowed only in the Light Industrial (IL) zone and shall be completely screened so as not to be visible from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way.

(Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides standards for vehicle repair establishments engaged in light repair activities or heavy repair activities, as defined in Article 7 (Definitions), where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowed Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards).

• A. Accessory uses. Accessory retail, storage, and office space, not to exceed 35 percent of the floor area of the primary vehicle repair use, is allowed, provided that:

  1. No exterior signs advertise the accessory use.

  2. The accessory use is physically separated from the primary use.

  3. Any retail sales shall be limited to services provided on-site.

  4. The primary use fronts on a principal arterial, major arterial, or primary arterial, as identified in Exhibit 5- 1 (Roadway Classifications) of the Infrastructure and Community Services Element of the General Plan.

• B. Dimensional standards. The minimum site area shall be 15,000 square feet.

• C. Site improvements and maintenance. The site shall be entirely paved, except for structures and landscaping, so that vehicles are not parked in the dirt or otherwise unimproved area. The premises shall be kept neat, organized, and clean of debris at all times.

• D. Screening and buffering.

  1. Vehicles awaiting repair by the establishment may be stored in on-site spaces that are not designated for required customer or employee parking.

  2. No permanently disabled, junked, or wrecked vehicles or used or discarded vehicle parts or equipment shall be stored outside a structure.

  3. Service access shall be located at the rear or side of the structure(s) and as far as possible from adjoining residential uses.

  4. Service bays with individual access from the exterior of the structure(s) shall not face the public right-ofway.

• E. Operating standards.

  1. Repair activities and operations shall be conducted within an entirely enclosed structure.

  2. Outdoor hoists are prohibited.

  3. Boats in repair shall not exceed 28 feet in hull length.

  4. Repair facilities shall close all windows when performing body and fender work, hammering, sanding, or other noise-generating activity. Exterior noise shall not exceed 65 dBA at the lot line of the nearest property with a residential use.

  5. Repair activities and vehicle loading and unloading shall be prohibited on adjoining streets and alleys.

• F. Vehicle dismantling prohibited. Dismantling of vehicles for purposes other than on-site repair is prohibited.

• G. Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials resulting from the repair operation shall be properly stored and removed from the premises in a timely manner. Storage, use and removal of toxic substances, solid waste pollution, and flammable liquids, particularly gasoline, paints, solvents and thinners, shall conform to all applicable Federal, State and local regulations before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

• (Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides standards for self-service and full-service car washes, where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowed Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards).

• A. Dimensional standards.

  1. Minimum site area shall be 20,000 square feet.

  2. The site of the mechanical car wash shall have street frontage of at least 150 feet.

• B. Separation. Businesses shall be located at least 200 feet away from any residential zone.

• C. Screening and buffering. Washing and automated operations shall be within a structure. Wash bays, vehicular entrances, and exits to structures shall not face a street. Vacuum areas shall be screened from public view.

• D. Operating standards.

  1. An attendant shall regularly monitor the facility during business hours to control noise, litter, and other nuisances.

  2. Outdoor storage or display of merchandise or equipment is prohibited.

  3. Hours of operation shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise specifically established as a condition of approval. Automatic shut-off of water and electrical systems, except for security and fire protection, shall be provided during non-business hours.

• E. Site planning standards.

  1. Driveways into the car wash shall be located not less than 100 feet from the point of intersection of the right-of-way lines of the nearest street intersection.

  2. At least 10 percent of the site area shall be landscaped. Landscaping shall be located primarily along the edge of site boundaries, including street frontages.

  3. The car wash structure shall be oriented so that no openings face residentially-zoned property within 200 feet.

• (Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides standards for the establishment and operation of new station operations and for the modification or expansion of existing service stations.

• A. Location.

  1. New service stations are allowed only at the intersections of principal arterials, major arterials, or primary arterials, as identified in Exhibit 5-1 (Roadway Classifications) of the Infrastructure and Community Services Element of the General Plan.

  2. A maximum of two service stations are allowed at each intersection.

  3. The station shall not adjoin any residential zone.

  4. The station shall not be located where it will cause an increase vehicular traffic on any street in a residential zone or interfere with pedestrian access in nonresidential zones.

• B. Lot size and frontage(s). The minimum lot size shall be 15,000 square feet, with a minimum combined street frontage of 150 feet.

• C. Outdoor activities. Activities and operations shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure, except as follows:

  1. The dispensing of petroleum products, water, and air from pump islands (i.e., the elevated platforms on which dispensing pumps are located);

  2. The provision of emergency service of a minor nature;

  3. The sale of items via vending machines that are placed next to the primary structure in a designated area not to exceed 32 square feet, and screened from public view;

  4. Other activities and operations shall be subject to separate consideration during the permit review process.

• D. Site planning.

  1. Pump islands (i.e., the elevated platforms on which dispensing pumps are located) shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from a street right-of-way line; however, a canopy or roof structure over a pump island may encroach up to 10 feet into this 20-foot setback.

  2. The cashier location shall provide direct visual access to the pump islands and the vehicles parked adjacent to the islands.

  3. A maximum of two ingresses/egresses shall be allowed per street side.

  4. A minimum distance of 30 feet shall be required between curb cuts along a street frontage.

  5. Driveways shall be located at least 35 feet away from the curb return.

  6. The width of a driveway shall not exceed 36 feet as measured from the sidewalk.

• E. Outdoor storage.

  1. Outdoor storage of motor vehicles is prohibited.

  2. Vehicles shall not be parked on the premises for the purpose of sale.

  3. Vehicles shall not be parked on sidewalks, parkways, driveways, or alleys.

  4. Used or discarded vehicle parts or equipment, or disabled, wrecked, or inoperative vehicles shall not be located in any open area outside the main structure.

• F. Landscaping.

  1. Landscaping shall comprise a minimum of 10 percent of the gross lot area, inclusive of the required setbacks.

  2. Landscaping shall be provided and permanently maintained in compliance with Chapter 20.315 (Landscaping Standards) and the following:

• a. A minimum five-foot wide, six-inch high planter area shall be provided along interior lot lines, except for openings to facilitate vehicular circulation to adjacent properties. Where adjacent to a periphery wall, trees planted not more than 20 feet apart shall be included in the planter areas.

  - b. A planter area of not less than 200 square feet shall be provided at the corner of two intersecting streets. Landscaping shall not exceed a height of 36 inches. 
  
  - c. A minimum of 50 square feet of planter area shall be located along those portions of the main structure fronting on a public street. 
  
  - d. Additional landscaping shall be required to screen the service station from adjacent properties. 
  

• G. Orientation.

  1. Openings of service bays shall not face public rights-of-way and shall be designed to minimize the visual intrusion onto adjoining properties.

  2. Restroom entrances viewable from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way shall be concealed from view by planters or decorative screening.

• H. Lighting.

  1. Light sources, including canopy, perimeter, and flood lighting, shall be energy-efficient, stationary, and shielded or recessed within the roof canopy so that the service station shall be indirectly visible and light is deflected away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.

  2. Lighting shall not be of high intensity as to cause a traffic hazard or adversely affect adjoining properties.

  3. No freestanding luminaries shall be higher than 15 feet above finished grade.

• I. Screening and buffering walls.

  1. Where an existing service station adjoins property in a residential zone, a six-foot high decorative masonry wall shall be constructed at the time the station requires a permit for site improvement/modification.

  2. Materials, textures, colors, and design of the wall shall be compatible with on-site development and adjoining properties.

  3. When the wall reaches the established front setback line of a residentially zoned lot abutting or directly across an alley from the service station, it shall decrease to a height of 42 inches.

• J. Noise. Noise from bells or loudspeakers shall not exceed the standards in Section 20.300.070 (Noise).

• K. Signs. Table 4-6 (Service Station Signs) provides standards for service station signs.

(click here to view the full table)

(Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides standards for the conversion of existing service stations to other uses.

• A. Site Plan and Design Review. A service station conversion is subject to Chapter 20.530 (Site Plan and Design Review).

• B. Removal of station apparatus. A structure originally constructed as a service station that is proposed for conversion to another allowable use shall require removal of all gasoline apparatus, canopies, pump islands, gas tanks, and over head doors; additional street improvements or modification of existing improvements to conform to access regulations; exterior remodeling; and upgrades or modifications so the structure and site comply with other standards in this Zoning Code.

• C. Termination of operations.

  1. Service stations that become vacant or cease to operate for a period of 180 days or more shall be required to remove all underground storage tanks, gasoline pumps and pump islands, and freestanding canopies.

  2. In order to prevent imposition of closure requirements, the owner shall provide the Department written verification of receipt of gasoline and reinstatement of operation within 30 days.

  3. In order for a service station to resume operation after 180-day closure, the owner shall submit an application for approval of a Conditional Use Permit to ensure that facilities will be upgraded and maintained. Required improvements may include the following:

     • a. Replanting existing landscape areas and upgrading irrigation.

     • b. Upgrading or installing trash enclosures.

     • c. Striping of parking spaces.

     • d. Installation of signs that comply with Chapter 20.330 (Sign Standards) and the removal of nonconforming signs.

     • e. Resurfacing vehicle access and parking areas.

     • f. Installation of street improvements.

• (Ord. 1017, 2013)