Chapter 17.44 — HOUSING (H) OVERLAY ZONE

The purpose of the Housing (H) Overlay Zone is to accommodate housing at limited and specific areas of the City pursuant to General Plan policy, and to locate such housing in a manner that minimizes potential conflicts between residential and industrial uses. The regulation of uses and establishment of standards and findings set forth in the H Overlay Zone are those deemed necessary to promote health and safety of residents and businesses, and the orderly operation and efficient functioning of the City. Given the industrial nature of Vernon, this chapter, "Housing (H) Overlay Zone," establishes a Development Agreement as the entitlement process for establishing any new residential use in the H Overlay Zone. A Development Agreement will allow tailored development standards to be applied to proposed residential projects, thereby providing flexibility in responding to the unique land use conditions in Vernon. (Prior code § 26.4.6-1)

Uses permitted of right in the I Zone are permitted of right in the H Overlay Zone. (Prior code § 26.4.6-2)

All uses permitted in the I Zone with a Conditional Use Permit are also permitted in the H Overlay Zone with a Conditional Use Permit.

(Prior code § 26.4.6-3)

Residential uses, including single-family housing, multifamily housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, and other similar forms of housing are permitted in the H Overlay Zone with a Development Agreement. (Prior code § 26.4.6-4)

• A. For any nonresidential permitted use in the H Overlay Zone, the development standards of Section 17.22.070 , "Development and performance standards," and the site planning standards of Section 17.22.080 , "Site planning standards," shall apply to all buildings, ancillary structures, land, and uses.

• B. For any proposed residential use in the H Overlay Zone, the approved Development Agreement specific to that residential use shall define the development standards and site planning standards that apply to all buildings, ancillary structures, land, and uses associated with that residential use. Where the approved Development Agreement is silent with regard to any development standard or site planning standard required by this title, the provisions of the underlying zone shall apply.

• C. The City Council may impose as a part of the Development Agreement any other requirements as are necessary to protect occupants of the development and/or nearby owners and occupants from the impacts associated with traffic, air pollutants, noise, odor, dust, vibration, risk of infection or disease, and similar concerns.

• (Prior code § 26.4.6-5; Ord. 1293 § 8, 2023)

After a public hearing, the City Council shall approve a proposed residential development and related Development Agreement only after first making all of the following findings:

• A. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed residential development will be compatible with the existing land uses in the vicinity;

• B. The proposed density is consistent with density standards and all applicable policies contained in the General Plan;

• C. The site and site plan are physically suitable in terms of design, location, shape, size, and the provision of public and emergency vehicle access, and public services and utilities, including, but not limited to, fire protection, police protection, potable water, schools, sewerage, solid

waste collection and disposal, storm drainage, and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal;

• D. On-site traffic circulation for pedestrians and vehicles is designed into the development to allow residents to move easily through the development and to avoid pedestrian and/or vehicular conflicts and further, to ensure appropriate access for fire and police response and surveillance equal to or better than what would normally be created by compliance with the site planning standards of Section 17.22.080 , "Site planning standards";

• E. The proposed project provides suitable, usable common and/or private open space that will meet the passive and/or active recreation needs of the resident. Common open space areas and setbacks are provided with landscaping and other improvements suitable for the development proposed;

• F. The proposed project provides adequate parking to meet the residents' needs, to avoid parking impacts on surrounding properties, and to comply with State and Federal law; and

• G. Refuse/recycling collection areas are located to provide easy access to for all residents and collection vehicles, and to minimize noise impacts on residents.

• (Prior code § 26.4.6-6; Ord. 1293 § 8, 2023)