Sec. 26-44. - Purpose and intent of residential zones.
West Covina Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · West Covina
The purpose of the residential zones is to classify and set standards for the orderly development of single and multifamily residential properties in a manner that will provide a desirable living environment compatible with surrounding properties and assuring protection of property values. It is intended that these zones be used to add to the variety of housing types and densities.
Table 2-1 Base Zoning Districts
| Map Symbol |
Full Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| R-1-6,000 | Single-Family Residential Zone |
The purpose of the single-family residential zoning district is to provide residential areas within the City that allow varying densities of single- famil homes and other comatible uses The district shall romote a |
| R-1-7,500 | ||
| R-1-9,450 | y p . p suitable living environment by maintaining orderly fow of trafc and |
|
| R-1-14,400 | restricting trafc from other sources, providing space for community filiti tht lt t idtil d iiii |
|
| R-1-20,000 | aces a are compemenary o resena areas an mnmzng noise and disturbances in residential neighborhoods. |
|
| R-1-40,000 | ||
| R-A | Residential Agricultural Zone |
The purpose of the residential agricultural zoning district is to provide residential areas within the City that allow varying densities of single- family homes and other compatible uses, where limited numbers of livestock may be raised and crops may be grown and where regulations promote and encourage a suitable environment for family life on large parcels of land. |
| MF-8 | Multi-Family | The purpose of the multi-family residential zoning districts is to provide |
| MF-15 | Residential Zone |
residential areas within the City that allow varying densities of multi- famil homes where develoment is ermitted with a relativel hih |
| MF-20 | y p p y g concentration of dwelling units with amenities that promote a safe and |
|
| MF-45 | healthy environment for existing and future residents. |
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-45. - Land use regulations and allowable uses.
(a)
Permitted uses for residential zones:
Table 2-2 Uses and Permit Requirements
| Symbol | Permit Requirement | Procedure Section |
|---|---|---|
| X | Allowed by Right | — |
| AP | Administrative Permit | Article VI, division 6 |
| APH | Administrative Permit w/ Hearing |
Article VI, division 6; article VI, division 1 |
| CUP | Conditional Use Permit | Article VI, division 4: article VI, division 1 |
| Use not permitted | — |
| Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones |
Zones | Special Regulations |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use Types | R-A | R-1 | MF-8 | MF-15 | MF-20 | MF-45 | |
| Accessory uses | |||||||
| Accessory uses and structures |
X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Accessory dwelling units (ADU), junior accessory units (JADU) |
X | X | X | X | X | X | Article IV, division 2 |
| Agricultural uses | |||||||
| Agricultural | X | Section 26-111 | |||||
| Agricultural Uses (on parcels of 10 acres or more) |
X | Section 26-111 | |||||
| Beekeeping | APH | APH | APH | APH | APH | APH | |
| Residential uses | |||||||
| Duplexes | X | X | X | X | |||
| Employee Housing, farmworker (agricultural) Housing |
X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Group home (1—6 persons) |
X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Mobile home park | X | X | X | X | Section 26-122 |
| Micro-units, efciency units |
X | X | X | X | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-family residence | X | X | X | X | |||
| Single-family residence | X | X | X | ||||
| Short term rental | |||||||
| Special Group Residence | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Supportive housing | X | X | X | X | X | X | Section 26-133 |
| Transitional housing | X | X | X | X | X | X | Section 26-133 |
| Service, recreational, educational and | public assembly uses | ||||||
| Adult Day Care Centers | X | X | |||||
| Aircraft landing facilities | |||||||
| Emergency | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Nonemergency | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Athletic Club/ Gymnasium | CUP | CUP | Section 26-119 | ||||
| Bed and breakfast inns | |||||||
| Childcare facility, day care centers |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Large family day care (up to 14 children) |
X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Small family day care (up to 8 children) |
X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Conversions from apartments to Condominiums |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Article VIII, division 12 |
||
| Golf Course, country club (serving alcohol allowed only with a club as defned in section 23428.9 of the California Business and Professions Code). |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Home occupations | X | X | X | X | X | X | Section 26-120 |
| Hospitals (human) | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Institutions of philanthropic nature |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP |
| Mental health institutions and nursing homes |
CUP | CUP | Section 26-130 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orphanages | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Recreational centers (private) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Religious facility | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Riding stables and riding schools (7 acres minimum site) |
CUP | CUP | |||||
| Roominghouse | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Schools and colleges (public or private) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Senior citizen housing | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-130 |
| Transportation, communications and utility uses | |||||||
| Monopoles and alternative antenna support structures |
CUP | CUP | Section 26-136 | ||||
| Public utility stations, yards, wells and similar facilities |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Wireless telecommunication facilities (WTF)—Building and/or roof mounted facilities |
AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 26-136 |
(b)
Any additions or accessory buildings shall maintain architectural consistency with the primary structure in regard to roof profile and pitch, materials, colors, roofing, scale, exterior treatment and details.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 12, 3-18-25)
Sec. 26-46. - Development standards for R-A and R-1 zones.
New land uses, structures, and site development including alterations to existing land uses, structures, and site development within residential zoning districts shall be designed and constructed in compliance with
the following requirements, and all applicable standards in article III (regulations applicable to all zones) and article IV (standards for specific land uses) of this Development Code.
(a)
Site size. In single-family residential districts, the minimum required building site area or width may be different from that set forth in the regulations of the district if so specific on the zoning district map. Such specifications shall be shown in the following manner:
(1)
A number preceding and connected by a hyphen with the district symbol shall designate the minimum required building site width in feed. (i.e. 130-R)
(2)
A number following and connected by a hyphen with the district symbol shall designate the minimum required building site area. Where the number is greater than one hundred (100), it shall indicate the area in square feet; where the number is less than one hundred (100), it shall indicate the area in net acres. (i.e. R- 1-6,000)
(3)
The size of sites in R-A and R-1 zones shall be governed by the following table:
Table 2-3 Minimum Lot Dimensions and Lot Area for R-A and R-1 Zones
| Zone | Minimum Lot Width (ft.) | Minimum Lot Depth (ft.) | Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-A | — | — | 6,000 |
| R-A/R-1- 6,000 |
50 | 95 | 6,000 |
| R-A/R-1- 7,500 |
60 | 105 | 7,500 |
| R-A/R-1- 9,450 |
70 | 110 | 9,450 |
| R-A/R-1- 14,400 |
90 | 125 | 14,400 |
| R-A/R-1- 20,000 |
110 | — | 20,000 |
| R-A/R-1- 40,000 |
130 | — | 40,000 |
(b)
Building coverage.
(1)
The maximum building coverage and floor area of all structures in the R-A and R-1 zones shall not exceed the standards set forth in Table 2-4.
Table 2-4 Allowable Building Coverage and Floor Area
| Lot Size | Allowable Total Building Coverage and Floor Area |
|---|---|
| 5,000 square feet or less | 50 percent of net lot area |
| 5,001 to 6,000 square feet | 2,500 square feet plus 30 percent of lot area over 5,000 square feet |
| 6001 to 7,500 square feet | 2,800 square feet plus 20 percent of lot area over 6,000 square feet |
| 7,501 to 10,000 square feet | 3,100 square feet plus 20 percent of lot area over 7,500 square feet |
| 10,000 square feet or more | 3,600 square feet plus 20 percent of lot area over 10,000 square feet |
| Additional Standards: (i) Review thresholds for large houses. A conditional use permit (CUP) shall be required for any project resulting in a total foor area above 10,000 square feet. Applies only for lots that allow for foor areas 10,000 sq. ft. or greater based on lot size per the table above. (ii) Volume Space. Any space on a two-story house and/or addition to a proposed two-story house with a ceiling or top-plate height exceeding twelve (12) feet shall be considered as constituting two-stories for the purpose of calculating foor area. Any area under a sloped roof with a ridge height of sixteen (16) feet or less and an exterior wall height of twelve (12) feet or less are exempt. Areas directly above the stairs are exempt. |
(c)
Maximum front yard pavement coverage/driveways.
(1)
As used in this section, a "front yard" refers to all space between the main building (also the projection of the main building to the side property lines) and the front street property line. "Street side yard" refers to all space between the main building (also the projection of the main building to the front and rear property lines) and the side street property line of a corner lot. All open areas within the front yard, except for legally permitted driveways and walkways, as set forth in this section, shall be maintained with live-organic landscaping, or approved artificial turf/alternative landscaping as set forth by section 26-85 (general landscaping standards).
(2)
Paved walkways shall be separated with a minimum forty-two inch (42") wide landscaped area. The driveway and walkway area may be connected for a span no greater than forty-two inches (42") in width. There shall be no more than two (2) paved walkway areas within the front yard.
(3)
Review and approval of a new driveway is subject to approval of a driveway approach permit by the engineering division.
(4)
A primary driveway providing direct access from the street to a garage, carport, or required parking space(s) shall have a minimum length of twenty-two (22) feet, measured from the edge of the driveway apron.
(5)
The front yard driveway pavement shall be limited to the width of the garage or carport, plus an additional twelve (12) feet (cumulative width). In instances where the property does not have a garage or carport, the front yard driveway pavement shall be limited to twenty (20) feet in width for properties developed with primary single-family residential dwelling units. Urban lot split properties shall comply with article VIII (subdivision regulations). The installation of a circular/semicircular driveway shall require compliance with all standards listed within subsection (7), including the maximum primary driveway width. The installation of a secondary driveway shall require compliance with all standards and processes listed within subsection (8), including maximum primary driveway width.
(6)
Pavement in the front yard shall be constructed and maintained with permanent, load-bearing pervious or impervious surfacing material sufficient to prevent mud, dust, loose material, and other nuisances. The use of pervious surfaces is encouraged to facilitate on-site infiltration of stormwater. Substitutions of paved materials for the additional paved areas are permitted if found to be substantially similar to the requirements of this article. In cases of irregularly shaped lots or sites hampered by topographical features, the additions shall be parallel to and/or concentric with the access drive. Pavement in a street side yard is permitted only where a garage or carport in the street side yard is oriented to the street or six-foot-high masonry block wall or solid fence screens the pavement from all street views. Unscreened pavement in street side yards shall be treated as pavement in front yards.
(7)
Circular drive additions are exempt from the provisions of subsection (5).
a.
New semicircular driveways are prohibited where the street frontage is less than seventy-five (75) feet.
b.
Properties without a garage are prohibited from installing and/or maintaining a semicircular driveway.
c.
The semicircular driveway portion shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in width.
d.
The paved primary driveway portion leading to the garage shall not exceed the width of the garage plus six (6) feet.
e.
A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the front yard shall be maintained with live-organic landscaping, or approved artificial turf/alternative landscaping as set forth in section 26-85 (general landscaping standards).
(8)
Paved areas for secondary driveways are exempt from the provisions of subsection (5). The approval of a secondary driveway shall be subject to the granting of an administrative permit with hearing as set forth in article VI, division 6 of this chapter, and further subject to the following conditions:
a.
Properties without a garage are prohibited from installing a secondary driveway.
b.
The paved primary driveway portion leading to the garage shall not exceed the width of the garage.
c.
Approval of a secondary driveway by the planning division shall require a plan indicating the location and improvements of the secondary driveway and the paved parking area in the side or rear yard.
d.
The secondary driveway shall lead to a paved parking area intended for the parking or storage of vehicles in the side or rear yards which must be fully screened in compliance with section article III, division 6.
e.
The secondary driveway is strictly for the purpose of providing access to the rear or side yard for the purposes stated above. No vehicles may be parked or stored on the secondary driveway in the front yard.
f.
The maximum width of the secondary driveway shall be twelve (12) feet.
g.
The secondary driveway shall be made of grass-crete, turf-block, or similar material to allow grass/ground cover to grow in between the voids. The secondary driveway may be made of the same
concrete/pavers/material of the primary driveway if it is designed as a ribbon driveway with two (2) ribbon strips no wider than forty-two inches (42") for each strip and a minimum of forty-two inches (42") width of landscaping in between the ribbon strips and/or other paved areas.
h.
A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the front yard shall be maintained with live-organic landscaping, or approved artificial turf/alternative landscaping as set forth in section 26-85 (general landscaping standards).
(d)
Single-family building height.
(1)
No building or structure shall have more than two (2) stories or be more than twenty-five (25) feet above finished grade.
a.
Hillside areas step massing. A maximum overall height of thirty-five (35) feet may be allowed for buildings which in stepping down the slope diminish bulk provided that no point around the perimeter exceeds twenty-five (25) feet and the natural slope is no less than fifteen (15) percent, subject to the approval of an administrative permit. A building is considered to step down the slope if the line connecting its corresponding components is no steeper than the average of the natural slope adjacent to the entire structure. A topographical survey prepared by a licensed surveyor shall be required as part of the administrative permit submittal. Projects that utilize more than two (2) terracing retaining walls and/or retaining walls greater than four (4) feet in height to create a flat building pad do not qualify for the allowable step massing height increase.
(2)
Chimneys, vents and other such incidental appurtenances shall conform to the standards set forth in section 26-65.
(3)
Subterranean garages shall not be included in the measurement of height nor counted as a story.
(4)
Buildings on lots in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet may exceed the maximum height limit stated in subsection (a) by one (1) foot for every five hundred (500) square feet of floor area in excess of twenty-five hundred (2,500) square feet. Such increase in height shall increase the yard requirements on a foot-to-foot ratio, i.e., one (1) foot of additional height requires eleven-foot side yards and twenty-six-foot front and rear yards, five (5) feet of additional height requires fifteen-foot side yards and thirty-foot front and rear yards, however no structure shall exceed two (2) stories and thirty-two (32) feet maximum height.
(e)
Setback regulations for R-A and R-1 Zones, except as set forth in section 26-46(g).
(1)
Front yard setback.
a.
Determination of front yard setback on corner lots. On corner lots, the narrower street frontage is normally the front lot line. However, the Community Development Director or their designee may determine that a longer street frontage comprises the front lot line, in consideration of other factors including house orientation, orientation of nearby houses, and access.
b.
For flag-lots extending from a street or right-of-way to the building area of the parcel, the front yard setback measurement shall be taken from the nearest point of the wall of the structure or support post to the point where the access point or "flag pole" meets the bulk of the parcel along a continuous line, establishing a parallel setback line.
c.
Every lot or parcel zoned R-A or R-1 shall have a front yard not less than twenty-five (25) feet from the property line, except for lots with a gross lot area of 7,500 square feet which shall have a front yard setback of twenty (20) feet.
(2)
Side yard setback.
a.
Five (5) feet for lots less than fourteen thousand four hundred (14,400) square feet;
b.
Seven (7) feet for lots between fourteen thousand four hundred (14,400) and twenty thousand (20,000) square feet;
c.
Ten (10) feet for lots greater than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet;
d.
On any corner lot, no residence facing the side street shall be located within twelve and one-half (12½) feet of the side street property line.
e.
Reverse corner lots: Shall have the same side yard requirements as interior lots except the street side setback for the entire depth of the lot shall be no less than fifty (50) percent of the required front yard of the lot to the rear.
(3)
Rear yard setbacks for lots zoned R-A and R-1.
a.
Lots not exceeding an area of seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet shall have a rear yard setback of fifteen (15) feet.
b.
Lots seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet or more shall have a rear yard setback of twenty-five (25) feet;
c.
For lots within the Hillside Overlay Zone with graded pads, a minimum ten-foot substantially flat area for pedestrian and emergency access shall be provided between the rear of the house and the slope, measured perpendicularly from the structure (a one-story open patio cover may be located in the level area in compliance with other development standards). Legal nonconforming structures in existence prior to February 21, 2014 that do not fully meet these requirements may continue to be maintained, repaired, and/or rebuilt to the same size and configuration as long as such nonconforming structures were legally established and maintained.
(f)
Permissible coverage of required rear yards.
(1)
Sixty (60) percent of the required rear yard in R-A and R-1 zones shall remain open; and the remaining forty (40) percent of the required rear yard may be covered by single story construction with a height of no greater than fifteen (15) feet.
a.
Garages and/or storage sheds may exceed the fifteen (15) feet height limitation by no greater than five (5) feet, subject to an administrative review set forth article VI, division 6 (administrative permit), provided that the Community Development Director or their designee determines that the design of the proposed garage or storage shed is compatible with other structures on the property and is at least fifteen (15) feet away from any permitted structure and/or swimming pool located on a neighboring property.
b.
No construction shall be permitted within five (5) feet of the rear property line, except as set forth in article III, division 2 (accessory structures) and/or section 26-46(g).
(g)
Special setback requirements and/or exceptions to basic setbacks.
(1)
Nonhabitable accessory structures.
a.
All nonhabitable free-standing roofed accessory structures with a projected roof area of less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet or nonroofed structures with a total floor area of less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet, and no taller than seven (7) feet in height in yards which are screened by fencing or shrubs at least five (5) feet tall may encroach into the required interior side yard behind the main building, and the required rear yard.
b.
All nonhabitable free-standing roofed accessory structures greater than one hundred twenty (120) square feet and greater than seven (7) feet in height shall be set back 4'-0" from the interior side and rear property lines provided that provisions within sections 26-46(f) and 26-46(g) are complied with.
(2)
Flags and flagpoles shall be subject to the regulations found in article III, division 8.
(3)
Swimming pools, spas, and sports courts.
a.
Swimming pools, spas, sports courts, and other similar private recreation areas shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the interior side and rear property lines.
1.
Swimming pool/spa setback shall be measured from the property line to the back of the bond beam.
2.
Sports court setback shall be measured from the property line to the sport court fencing and/or playing surface, whichever is closest.
b.
Pools/spas and sports courts may be permitted within the front yard through an administrative permit process provided that there is a minimum five (5) feet setback to adjoining properties, the City Engineer has determined that there will not be a line-of-sight safety concern and the Community Development Director determines that the lot configuration, building placement, and/or street location justify the proposed pool/spa location due to the uniqueness of the property.
c.
Temporary playing surfaces on grass and/or on the driveway are not regulated by this zoning code provided that the equipment is moved and stored out of the required setbacks after each use.
(4)
Mechanical equipment.
a.
Mechanical equipment (HVAC system, pool equipment, tanked water-heater, generator, or similar) shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the side and rear property lines.
b.
Mini-split air-conditioning units, wall/window air-conditioning units, tankless water-heaters, or similar equipment may be located within the required side and rear setbacks provided that the equipment does not extend beyond the eave of the dwelling unit and is screened from public right-of-way views.
c.
In no case shall mechanical equipment be located within the front yard.
d.
All mechanical equipment shall be screened from public right-of-way views.
e.
Air conditioning and heating ducting shall not be exposed on roofs.
f.
Roof-mounted mechanical equipment may be allowed, subject to review by the Community Development Director (or their designee) and approval of an administrative permit as follows:
1.
The house is existing and does not have an attic;
2.
The unit is not visible from the street and can be screened from all ground level views;
3.
A detailed description of the screening material and construction method shall be provided and shall be architecturally compatible with the building.
(5)
Canopy structures.
a.
Canopy structures shall be prohibited in the front yard and street side yard (refer to section 26-46(d)), with the following exceptions:
1.
Canopy structures with a projected canopy area of less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet and a height of less than seven (7) feet shall be permitted within a street side yard area that is fully screened by fencing or shrubs at least five (5) feet in height.
2.
Canopy structures with a projected canopy area of no greater than two hundred (200) square feet, a height of no greater than twelve (12) feet, and a length of no greater than twenty (20) feet shall be permitted in front yard and street side yard areas where located at a distance of fifty (50) feet or greater from the front or street side property line and/or which are not readily visible from the street (as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee) due to topographical conditions. Canopy structures shall be permitted in other areas of a lot with a projected canopy area of no greater than two hundred (200) square feet, a height of no greater than twelve (12) feet, and a length of no greater than twenty (20) feet, with the exception that canopy structures encroaching into the interior side yard and/or the rear five (5) feet of the rear yard shall only be permitted with a projected canopy area of less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet and a height of less than seven (7) feet.
b.
Repair and maintenance. Canopy structures shall be maintained in good condition. Torn fabric, bent or broken support members shall be replaced or repaired as needed. Any canopy structure considered to be in disrepair, as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee, shall be repaired, replaced or removed from the site. Reflective, mirrored type, covering material shall be prohibited.
c.
Lot coverage. Canopy structures requiring the issuance of a building permit (i.e., those that are considered structures as defined by the Uniform Building Code) with a projected roof area of one hundred twenty (120) square feet or greater shall be considered building coverage and shall be included in calculations of maximum building coverage as set forth in section 26-46(c).
(6)
Animal keeping areas. A minimum separation of thirty-five (35) feet shall be maintained between a structure used for habitable purposes, swimming pool or spa and animal keeping areas. Animal keeping areas shall include barns, corrals, or stables, to maintain a horse or any other animal mentioned in section 26-111. Legal nonconforming uses or buildings in existence prior to June 14, 2012 that do not fully meet the stated separation requirements, may continue to be maintained, repaired, and/or rebuilt to the same size and configuration as long as such nonconforming uses and buildings were legally established and maintained.
Any addition to, or expansion of, such structures, however, shall cause the stated separation requirements to apply.
(7)
The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit or interfere with the authority of homeowner associations that determine that such encroachments are undesirable in their particular case to incorporate the prohibition of such encroachments into their conditions, covenants and restrictions.
(8)
All structures must conform to the requirements of the Uniform Building Code, if applicable.
(9)
For the purpose of this section, the projected roof area shall mean the horizontal square feet of roof, excluding slope, but including overhang.
(h)
Second-story setbacks regulations for R-A and R-1 zones.
(1)
Front yard. When the first story of an existing or proposed single-family structure is built within thirty (30) feet or less of the front property line, the front yard setback of any future second story or second floor expansion shall be a minimum of thirty (30) feet, except for lots less than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet in area, where the second story shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet.
(2)
Side yard. When the first story of an existing or proposed single-family structure is built within ten (10) feet or less of the side property line, the side yard of any future second story or second-floor expansion shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet. The following exception may be allowed, subject to Community Development Director (or their designee) review and the approval of an administrative permit, in cases where an existing second story has a second story setback that is less than ten (10) feet on an elevation:
a.
Said side yard second story setbacks may be the same as the existing second story setback if no portion of a building or structure (existing or proposed) encroaches through a daylight plane that is projected above each setback line and sloping inwards at a forty-five (45) degree angle measured at a point ten (10) feet above the finished grade level along the side property line toward the opposing side property line.
b.
Said side yard second story setback shall not be required along any side yard which abuts property zoned for or developed with a nonresidential use (e.g. schools and parks) or a public right-of-way, flood control channel, or utility easement upon which no residential structures may be developed.
c.
As used in this section, second story setback shall also apply to any portion of the first story under a sloped roof with a ridge height greater than sixteen (16) feet and/or an exterior wall height greater than twelve (12) feet above the finished adjacent grade. The gable end of a sloped roof shall not be included in the exterior wall height calculation.
d.
The second story setbacks stated in subsections (1) and (2) above on lots of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or more shall be increased accordingly for developments which utilize the additional height provisions pursuant to section 26-46(d)(4).
e.
Rooftop decks and/or balconies attached to the primary structure with direct access from the second-floor or stairs leading thereto shall comply with two (2) story setback requirements.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, §§ 13—15, 3-18-25)
Sec. 26-47. - Applicable regulations for R-A and R-1 zones.
The provisions of this section are intended to reinforce community standards and to promote an attractive residential appearance in the City's neighborhoods. These regulations apply to all residential uses in R-1 and R-A zones.
(a)
Precise plan of design. A precise plan of design pursuant to article VI, division 3 of this chapter is required for subdivisions where a Specific Plan is proposed. Particular attention shall be given to compatibility with adjacent residential and commercial zoning and uses. A precise plan must be approved prior to any development.
(b)
Lighting. Lighting shall be designed, installed, and maintained in such a manner that illumination spillover from such lighting does not exceed two (2.0) foot candles above ambient illumination levels onto another residential property and glare spillover from such lighting will not negatively impact another residential property.
(1)
Illumination and/or glare spillover onto other property shall be measured from any point five (5) feet above natural grade on a vertical plane on the other property. Ambient illumination shall include only nonartificial light and street lights present exclusive of the offending light source.
(2)
If, upon inspection by authorized City staff, it is determined that a violation of this section is occurring, the Community Development Director or their designee may require mitigation measures in order to minimize
impacts, including, but not limited to: Relocation (setback, height restrictions) of the fixture, reduction of lamp wattage, the installation of hoods, shields, louvers, or other fixtures accessories to redirect light, the installation of coated or frosted lamp covers to soften glare, the re-aiming of the fixture, or the placement of landscaping or fencing as barriers.
(3)
Sports court lighting shall be subject to the same standards and require the review and approval of the Community Development Director or their designee prior to installation. During this review, photometric data and other information needed to determine compliance with these standards may be required by the Community Development Director or their designee and are subject to the approval of an administrative permit.
(4)
The restrictions of this subsection shall not apply to decorative, temporary, seasonal incandescent lights in place and in use during the period from November 1 and January 31.
(c)
Certain objects and materials prohibited in all yards.
(1)
No owner or occupant of any parcel of real property zoned for residential purposes shall maintain or permit to remain within the front yard, street side yard or any other portion of the property, except as otherwise permitted in this section:
a.
Any garbage or putrescible matter, whether mixed with rubbish or other matter or not.
b.
Any rubbish, whether combustible or noncombustible, other than garbage or putrescible matter.
c.
Any discarded, useless and unusable object, material or equipment.
d.
Any pile or accumulation of lumber or building materials, provided, however, that this subparagraph (iv) shall not apply to any parcel upon which a building is in the process of construction.
(2)
Objects and materials prohibited in paragraph (a) may be placed in the front yard or street side yard for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours and may be stored in other portions of the property screened from public view for a period not to exceed ten (10) days.
(3)
All garbage and putrescible matter, whether mixed with rubbish or other matter shall be kept in a watertight container with close-fitting lids and ties. All rubbish, other than garbage or putrescible matter shall be kept in a metal container or other substantial and adequate container.
(4)
As used in this section, a "front yard" refers to all space between the main building (also the projection of the main building to the side property lines) and the front property lines. "Street side yard" refers to all space between the main building (also the projection of the main building to the front and rear property lines) and the street side property line of a corner lot, which is not totally screened from public view by a six-foot-high solid fence or wall. "Other portions of property" shall mean those portions of property not included in the front yard or street side yard and screened from public view with a six-foot-high solid fence or wall.
(d)
Landscape maintenance.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to protect the properties in residential neighborhoods by establishing minimum maintenance standards for maintenance of landscaping on residential properties. It shall be declared unlawful and a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge or possession of any residential property in the City to allow the existence of any of the following conditions on such property, which conditions are listed by way of example and not of limitation:
a.
Overgrown vegetation; unmaintained grass lawns and/or weed areas which are one (1) foot in height or greater; which are likely to attract or harbor rats or vermin; to become a fire menace when dry; or which are otherwise dangerous to the public health and welfare.
1.
Weeds are those uncultivated, noxious plant groups that compete with cultivated garden plants for water, nutrients, light and space.
b.
Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees and/or other vegetation.
c.
Lack of landscaping or the maintenance thereof.
Landscaping, as used in this section, shall, by example and not by limitation, mean healthy and viable cultivated vegetation common to most residences and/or planned drought-tolerant landscaping systems.
(i)
Drought-tolerant landscaping systems are generally characterized by alluvial rock garden formations and/or native California flora or other plants selected for drought tolerance, adaptability and relationship to West Covina environment; color, form and pattern; ability to provide shade; soil retention and fire resistance.
2.
Maintenance, as used in this section, shall, by example and not by limitation, mean watering, weeding, pruning, trimming, mowing, insect control the replacement or irrigation equipment as needed to preserve the health and appearance of landscaping when visible from streets, rights-of-way, and adjacent properties at or above grade level.
(2)
All landscape areas and irrigations systems shall be subject to the water efficiency provisions contained in article III, division 5 of this Development Code, and the Planning Commission Guidelines for Water Efficient Landscaping, unless specifically exempted by those water efficiency provisions.
(3)
Violations of this section shall be subject to enforcement procedures found in section 1-37.2 of the West Covina Municipal Code. This section shall not supersede any provisions or regulations required by public and governmental agencies that may conflict with the intent and provisions contained in this section.
(e)
Maintenance of buildings and structures.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to protect the appearance, character, and integrity of residential neighborhoods and promote safe and decent housing by establishing minimum standards as they relate to the maintenance of residential buildings and structures. It shall be unlawful for any person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge or possession of any residential property in the City to maintain on such property any of the following when viewable from the public right-of-way or abutting properties:
a.
Buildings or structures which are neglected as a result of abandonment, are partially destroyed or have remained in a state of incomplete construction for an unreasonable period of time as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee and building official.
b.
Buildings or structures with peeling, blistering or otherwise deteriorating paint, or unpainted surfaces, in excess of ten (10) percent of the surface area.
c.
Roofs with loose, unstable or missing tiles, shingles or other material used as roof composition in excess of ten (10) percent of the roof area.
d.
Buildings or structures that have broken, damaged or missing windows, doors, attic vents, and underfloor vents rendering these items unusable for their purpose and causing an attractive nuisance.
e.
Buildings or structures whose exteriors, porches, steps, stairs, walls, devices, fences, driveways, or walkways are cracked, broken, defective, deteriorating, in disrepair, or defaced due to writing, inscription, or figures rendering these items unusable for their purpose and constituting in the opinion of the Community Development Director or their designee and building official a hazardous condition or an attractive nuisance.
f.
Garage doors that are missing, broken, sag, or buckle to the extent that they cannot be either opened or closed, rendering the garage unusable for its purpose and causing an attractive nuisance.
g.
Any structure or building or portion thereof which, as compared to adjacent properties, is unsightly in appearance and out of character by reason of its condition.
(f)
Construction in fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ).
(1)
The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for construction and development within FHSZ to mitigate the risk of wildfires, and protect life and property and promote public safety.
(2)
This section shall apply to all properties within the FHSZ as designated by The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
(3)
Construction standards, building materials and design.
a.
All structures within the FHSZ shall utilize fire-resistant materials and design techniques in accordance with chapter 7A, Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure of the California Building Code.
(4)
Vegetation management and defensible space.
a.
All buildings and structures located within the FHSZ shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management requirements pursuant to Section 4907.3 of the California Fire Code.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-48. - Development standards for multi-family zones.
New land uses, structures, and site development including alterations to existing land uses, structures, and site development within multi-family residential zoning districts shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements, and all applicable standards in article III (regulations applicable to all zones), article VI (standards for specific land uses) of this Development Code and the West Covina Multi-Family Residential Objective Design Standards.
(a)
Site size.
(1)
The size of sites in multiple-family zones shall conform to the following table:
Table 2-5 Minimum Lot Size for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| MF-8 | MF-15 | MF-20 | MF-45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Site Size | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Width (feet) |
150' | 150' | 150' | 100'* |
| Minimum Average Depth |
— | — | — | 150' |
| *At the street line |
(b)
Density.
(1)
The maximum number of dwelling units per net acre shall be as follows:
Table 2-6 Maximum Dwelling Units Per Acre for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| MF-8 | MF-15 | MF-20 | MF-45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum dwelling units per net acre |
8 | 15 | 20 | 45 |
(c)
Lot coverage.
(1)
The maximum building coverage of all structures multi-family residential zones shall not exceed the following:
a.
Lots zoned MF-8—forty-five (45) percent of the total lot parcel area;
b.
Lots zoned MF-15 and MF-20—fifty-five (55) percent of the total lot parcel area;
c.
Lots zoned MF-45—seventy (70) percent of the total lot parcel area.
(2)
Ground coverage shall be the total amount of land covered by residential structures, carports or garages, and all paved areas used for parking and accessways. Decks, patios, recreation rooms, pedestrian walkways, and terraces shall be excluded. Such coverage shall conform to the following table:
(d)
Maximum building height.
(1)
The maximum building height shall conform to the following table:
Table 2-7 Maximum Building Height for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| MF-8 | MF-15 | MF-20 | MF-45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum height, when not within 100 feet of single-family zones. |
30' | 45' | 45' | 55' |
| Maximum height, when within 100 feet of single-family residential zones. |
25' | 25' | 35' | 40' |
(2)
When there is a difference in site elevation and the abutting property zoned single-family is of such elevation that its view will not be impeded, at the discretion of the Planning Commission, the maximum building height limit may be waived.
(e)
Building setbacks from property lines.
(1)
Front. The front setback from the property line shall be governed by the following table:
Table 2-8 Minimum Required Front Yard Setbacks for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| Zone | Minimum Setback (in feet) | Average Setback (in feet) |
|---|---|---|
| MF-8 | 15 | 20 |
| MF-15 | 15 | 20 |
| MF-20 | 15 | 20 |
| MF-45 | 15 | — |
(2)
Side. The side setback and upper-story setbacks from the property line shall be governed by the following table:
Table 2-9 Minimum Required Side Yard Setbacks for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| Zone | Interior | Interior Abutting R-A/R-1 Zones |
Adjacent to Street, Minimum Setback; Average Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| MF-8 | 10 ft. | 1 story: 10 ft. | 15 ft.; 20 ft. |
| 2 story: 20 ft. | |||
| MF-15 | 10 ft. | 1 story: 10 ft. | 15 ft.; 20 ft. |
| 2 story: 20 ft. | |||
| 3 story: 30 ft. | |||
| MF-20 | 10 ft. | 1 story: 10 ft. | 15 ft.; 20 ft. |
| 2 story: 20 ft. | |||
| 3 story: 30 ft. |
| MF-45 | 2 story: 5 ft. | 1 story: 5 ft. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 or more: 10 ft. |
2 story: 10ft. | ||
| 3 story: 15 ft. | |||
| Plus 5 ft. per each additional story |
|||
| Notes: In the MF-45 zone, on reverse corner lots, the side yard abutting the street shall be a minimum of 15 ft. |
(3)
Rear. The rear setback and upper-story setbacks shall be governed by the following table.
Table 2-10 Minimum Required Rear Yard Setbacks for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| Zone | Minimum Setback | Abutting R-A/R-1, Minimum Setback |
|---|---|---|
| MF-8 | 20 ft. | 20 ft. |
| MF-15 | 20 ft. | 1 story: 20 ft. |
| 2 story: 20 ft. | ||
| 3 story: 30 ft. | ||
| MF-20 | 20 ft. | 3 story: 30 ft. |
| MF-45 | 15 ft. | 15 ft. |
| 20' for stories above 2ndfoor |
(f)
Yards around buildings.
(1)
In the MF-8, MF-15, and MF-20 zones: There shall be a minimum yard requirement around all main building exterior walls of ten (10) feet plus two (2) feet per additional story in height above the first floor plus one (1) foot per each twenty (20) feet of linear exterior wall or fraction of the building adjoining said yard. In the MF45 Zone, the yard requirement shall be ten (10) feet plus two (2) per additional story in height above the first floor.
(2)
The sum of the minimum yard requirements around all main buildings as set forth in (a) above, shall constitute the minimum distance between all main buildings.
(3)
Yards as per this section shall be open from the ground to the sky and shall be landscaped. Exterior stairways, balconies, and patios may extend into said yards not more than twenty-five (25) percent.
(4)
If parking is provided under the first story of a building, the landscaping requirements are waived for the distance of the parking spaces.
(5)
Accessory buildings shall not encroach into any yard requirement of a main building, except as set forth in section 26-48 of this article.
(6)
The yard requirement of an obliquely-aligned building may overlap if approved by the Planning Commission.
(7)
Yards around buildings, as set forth in this section, may coincide with setbacks from property line as required in section 26-48(e) of this article; the one having the greater distance shall prevail.
(8)
At the time of precise plan review as per article VI, division 3 of this chapter, the Planning Commission may modify the required yards around buildings as set forth in this section, providing the following criteria have been met:
a.
The amount of site area involved shall be relocated within the recreational-leisure space areas as set forth in section 26-48(i).
b.
The end result shall be an improved overall project design other that otherwise would not occur if the modification were not granted.
c.
The maximum permitted ground coverage set forth in section 26-48(c) shall not be exceeded.
(g)
Building length.
(1)
In the MF-8, MF-15, and MF-20 zones, no building shall exceed a length of two hundred (200) feet. In the MF-45 zone, no building shall exceed a length of four hundred (400) feet. Buildings may be connected with walkways or at the roof, provided minimum distances between buildings as per section 26-48(f) of this chapter is met and approved by the Planning Commission.
(h)
Minimum floor area per dwelling.
(1)
The minimum floor area per dwelling unit, in square feet, shall be as follows:
Table 2-11 Minimum Floor Area for Multi-Family Residential Zones
| Zone | Number of Bedrooms | Number of Bedrooms | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Each Additional Bedroom Over 4 |
|
| MF-8 | 600 | 900 | 1,050 | 1,250 | 1,650 | +200 |
| MF-15 | 600 | 800 | 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,350 | +150 |
| MF-20 | 600 | 725 | 900 | 1,100 | 1,250 | +150 |
| MF-45 | 500 | 600 | 800 | 990 | 1,125 | +125 |
(i)
Required open space.
(1)
Common open space shall be provided in conformance with the standards set forth in the West Covina Multi-Family Objective Design Standards (2022).
(2)
Private open space. A minimum of two hundred (200) square feet per dwelling unit of usable private open space shall be provided. Such space shall have a minimum dimension of five (5) feet in width and depth. Balconies, patio areas, and other similar space that is directly accessible from the unit may be included as private open space areas. Storage of any equipment other than patio furniture shall not be allowed within balconies and/or patio areas.
(j)
Micro-units.
(1)
A micro-unit project shall conform to the development standards set forth in section 26-48, development standards for multi-family zones.
(2)
Standards:
a.
Kitchen and bathrooms. Each micro-unit shall include a private kitchen and bathroom.
b.
Kitchens shall include at least the following;
1.
Sink;
2.
Stove with two burners;
3.
Refrigerator with freezer;
4.
Counter that is at least eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches; and
5.
A pantry and dry good storage cabinets with a minimum area of twenty (20) cubic feet.
c.
Bathrooms shall include the following:
1.
Toilet;
2.
Sink; and
3.
Shower.
d.
Storage space. Each micro-unit shall have a closet with a minimum of forty-eight (48) square feet of storage.
e.
Micro-unit developments shall provide a shared laundry room accessible to all units with one (1) washer and dryer for every twelve (12) micro-units.
f.
Operations, management and security:
g.
All micro-unit developments shall submit the following information describing the operational, management and security details of the project:
1.
Description of general operations and onsite security plans;
2.
24-hour onsite management for projects with fifteen (15) units or more;
3.
Emergency procedures.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 16, 3-18-25)
Sec. 26-49. - Applicable standards for multi-family zones.
The provisions of this section are intended to reinforce community standards and to promote an attractive residential appearance in the City's neighborhoods. These regulations apply to all residential uses in multifamily zones.
(a)
Precise plan of design.
(1)
The filing of a precise plan of design shall be required as part of an application for multiple-family zoning and as specified in article VI, division 3 of this chapter, or a planned residential development overlay zone and development plan as specified in section 26-60 of this chapter. Such precise plans of design shall conform to Planning Commission Resolution No. 567. This shall not apply to development applications subject to administrative review pursuant to state law or other sections of this Code.
(2)
The review and approval process for an eligible Senate Bill 35 (SB35) housing project shall adhere to California Government Code Section 65913.4, as amended. For eligible SB35 projects, and/or multi-family residential projects providing a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the total dwelling units reserved for lower income households subject to deed restriction, the Community Development Director shall approve or deny the ministerial Precise Plan based on the West Covina Multi-Family Objective Design Standards (2022) adopted by the City. Within thirty (30) days of such action, the Community Development Director shall prepare a report to the Planning Commission, providing a description of the project and the nature of the approval. Any such Precise Plan approved under SB35 shall be valid for a period of three (3) years, with one (1) additional extension of time in a one-year increment. The Community Development Director or their designee may approve a one-year extension if the project proponent provides documentation that there has been significant progress toward getting the development construction ready, such as, but not limited to, the filing of a building permit application that is kept active.
(b)
Underground utilities.
(1)
All utilities shall be underground in accordance with the Municipal Code and approved by the City Engineer.
(2)
All utility hardware shall be placed underground or shall be screened from view with a decorative block or masonry wall or landscaping, to the maximum extent as allowed by the utility provider. Such screening shall be as high as the highest portion of the equipment and shall be permanently maintained.
(c)
Refuse and recycling collection and storage within multi-family residential zones.
(1)
Any new or existing multi-family development project of five (5) or more living units, an application for one (1) or more building permits for single or multiple alterations to be conducted within a twelve-month period which collectively add fifty (50) percent or more to the existing floor area of a living unit shall provide adequate, accessible and convenient areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials as defined in this section.
(2)
All outdoor trash, garbage, recycling and refuse containers shall be screened on all sides from public view by a minimum five and one-half (5½) foot high concrete, masonry or decorative block wall and the opening provided with a gate of durable wood or comparable material. Such area shall be so located as to be easily accessible for trash and recyclable material pick up. Type, texture and color shall be approved by the Planning Commission or planning director.
(3)
The following guidelines will be applied to new and expanded development projects:
a.
Free-standing or exterior recycling areas shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with nearby structures and with the existing topography and vegetation.
b.
The design and construction of recycling areas shall not prevent security of any recyclable materials placed therein.
c.
A sign clearly identifying all recycling collection and loading areas and the materials accepted therein shall be posted adjacent to all points of direct access to the recycling areas.
d.
Areas for recycling shall be adequate in capacity, number, and distribution to serve the development project.
(4)
The Community Development Director or their designee shall review each application for adequate design and area allocation suitable to the particular recycling program or process to be in effect at the development project and shall apply these requirements and guidelines accordingly.
(5)
Any and all separate recycling area(s) shall be located so they are at least as convenient for those persons who deposit, collect and load the recyclable materials placed therein as the location(s) where solid waste is collected and loaded. Whenever feasible, areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials shall be part of or adjacent to the solid waste collection areas.
(d)
Lighting.
(1)
All lighting of the building, landscaping, parking area, or similar facilities shall be shielded and directed to reflect away from adjoining properties.
(e)
Mechanical equipment in multi-family zones.
(1)
In multi-family residential zones, all ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be completely screened behind a permanent structure, and all roof-top mechanical equipment shall be placed behind a permanent parapet wall and shall be completely restricted from views of the public rights-of-way abutting the site and from the first floor of neighboring properties. Such screening shall be as high as the highest portion of the equipment or ducting and shall be permanently maintained. All wall air-conditioner units shall be screened from view with material that is compatible and in harmony with the architectural styling and detailing of the building.
(f)
Clothes drying areas.
(1)
All clothes drying areas shall be screened on all sides by a fence or wall not less than six (6) feet high.
(g)
Maintenance of standards, buildings and structures.
(1)
General. All improvements in the multiple-family zone shall be continuously maintained in a neat, orderly, and healthy condition. Said improvements shall include (but not be limited to) signs, landscaping, off-street parking, storage areas, and walls.
(2)
Buildings and structures. The purpose of this section is to protect the appearance, character and integrity of multiple-family zoned properties and promote safe and decent housing by establishing minimum standards as they relate to the maintenance of residential buildings and structures. It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having charge or possession of any of the following when viewable from the public right-of-way or abutting properties.
a.
Buildings or structures which are neglected as a result of abandonment, are partially destroyed, or have remained in a state of incomplete construction for an unreasonable period of time as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee and building official.
b.
Buildings or structures with peeling, blistering or otherwise deteriorating paint, or unpainted surfaces, in excess of ten (10) percent of the surface area.
c.
Roofs with loose, unstable or missing tiles, shingles or other material used as roof composition in excess of ten (10) percent of the roof area.
d.
Buildings or structures that have broken, damaged or missing windows, doors, attic vents, and underfloor vents rendering these items unusable for their purpose and causing an attractive nuisance.
e.
Buildings or structures whose exteriors, porches, steps, stairs, walls, devices, fences, driveways, or walkways are cracked, broken, defective, deteriorating, in disrepair, or defaced due to writing, inscription, or figures rendering these items unusable for their purpose and constituting in the opinion of the Community Development Director or their designee and building official a hazardous condition or an attractive nuisance.
f.
Garage doors that are missing, broken, sag, or buckle to the extent that they cannot be either opened or closed, rendering the garage unusable for its purpose and causing an attractive nuisance.
g.
Any structure or building or portion thereof which, as compared to adjacent properties, is unsightly in appearance and out of character by reason of its condition.
(h)
Certain objects and materials prohibited in all yards.
(1)
The standards set forth in section 26-47(c) shall also apply to properties zoned for multi-family residential uses.
(i)
Construction in fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ).
(1)
The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for construction and development within FHSZ to mitigate the risk of wildfires, and protect life and property and promote public safety.
(2)
This section shall apply to all properties within the FHSZ as designated by The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
(3)
Construction standards, building materials and design.
a.
All structures within the FHSZ shall utilize fire-resistant materials and design techniques in accordance with chapter 7A, Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure of the California Building Code.
(4)
Vegetation management and defensible space.
a.
All buildings and structures located within the FHSZ shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management requirements pursuant to Section 4907.3 of the California Fire Code.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 17, 3-18-25)
DIVISION 2. - COMMERCIAL MIXED-USE, OFFICE MIXED-USE, AND MANUFACTURING ZONES (OPMU, NMU, SMU, RMU, M-1)
Sec. 26-50. - Purpose and intent by zone.
(a)
Office-professional mixed-use (OPMU) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the office-professional mixed-use (OPMU) zone is to classify and set standards for those business, office, administrative or professional land uses which by their nature are of relative low intensity and therefore, when properly located and designed are compatible with adjacent residential zoning and the development therein.
(2)
Office-professional mixed uses should have access to four-lane or wider streets as specified on the master plan of streets and highways; on land that is topographically suited to such uses without major earth movement, resulting in unsafe or unsightly cut or fill slopes; situated to serve several neighborhoods; and capable of serving as a buffer separating residential land uses from the more intense community, regional, service, or highway commercial uses.
(b)
Neighborhood-commercial mixed-use (NMU) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the neighborhood-commercial mixed-use (NMU) zone is to classify and set standards for those retail and service commercial uses which by their nature are of moderate intensity; are necessary in order to provide convenient daily shopping facilities to residential home and apartment dwellers; and are generally adjacent to or within close proximity to residential zoning or development and, therefore, require
extraordinary physical treatment in order to guarantee compatibility with and protection to surrounding properties and their values.
(2)
Neighborhood-commercial mixed-use centers should serve several neighborhoods and be located with primary access to a four-lane or wider street, preferably at the intersection of a major and collector street or two (2) four-lane or, wider streets. Land so utilized should be topographically suited to such use without major earth movement, resulting in unsafe or unsightly cut or fill slopes.
(c)
Regional-commercial mixed-use (RMU) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the regional-commercial mixed-use (RMU) zone is to classify and set standards for a regional business center which provides a complete line of shop and store types, eating and entertainment facilities, business and financial services and multi-family residential uses. The dominant establishments are one (1) or more department stores flanked by specialty shops.
(2)
Regional-commercial business and mixed-use centers shall be in a strategic location to serve the general regional area of the East San Gabriel Valley and have direct access on major traffic carriers (i.e., freeways or four-lane or wider streets or highways). Land should be topographically suited for such use.
(d)
Service-commercial mixed-use (SMU) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the service-commercial mixed-use (SMU) is to classify and set standards for those retail and service commercial, recreational, business office and multi-family residential land uses which by their nature are of a relative high intensity; are unique in that their success depends upon direct motorist exposure and excellent access; require special traffic circulation patterns that will not unduly restrict rapid traffic flow and extraordinary physical treatments in order to create compatibility with adjacent zoning and the development thereon.
(2)
Service-commercial uses should have access to a four-lane or wider street or highway as specified on the master plan of streets and highways, on land that is the same grade level as the street or highway without major earth movement, resulting in unsafe or unsightly cut or fill slopes.
(e)
Manufacturing (M-1) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the manufacturing zone is to classify and set standards for those industrial and incidental commercial facilities which are of moderate to heavy intensity and have no objectionable or obnoxious effect on any adjacent property. The developmental and operational standards are intended to provide compatibility with and protection to surrounding properties by minimizing traffic congestion, noise, glare, vibration, emission of odorous, toxic or noxious matter, and to provide adequate off-street parking, landscape buffering, and the proper placement of buildings.
(2)
Manufacturing uses should have primary access to a four-lane or wider street or highway as specified on the master plan of streets and highways. Land so utilized should be topographically suited to such use without major earth movement, resulting in unsafe or unsightly cut or fill slope.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-51. - Land use regulations and allowable uses.
(a)
Permitted uses. Table 2-12 identifies land uses permitted in each commercial, office and industrial zoning districts.
Table 2-12 Uses and Permit Requirements
| Symbol | Permit Requirement | Procedure Section |
|---|---|---|
| x | Allowed by Right | — |
| AP | Administrative Permit | Article VI, division 6 |
| APH | Administrative Permit w/ Hearing |
Article VI, division 6; article VI, division 1 |
| CUP | Conditional Use Permit | Article VI, division 4; article VI, division 1 |
| Use not permitted | — |
| Uses and Permit Requirements for Mixed- Use Zones |
Zones | Special Regulations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use Types | OPMU | NMU | RMU | SMU | M-1 | |
| Residential Accessory Uses | ||||||
| Accessory uses and structures | X | X | X | X | ||
| Accessory dwelling units, junior accessory units |
X | X | X | X | Article IV, division 2 |
| Agricultural uses | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | Section 26-111 | |||||
| Agricultural uses (on parcels of 10 acres or greater) |
Section 26-111 | |||||
| Beekeeping | APH | |||||
| Residential uses | ||||||
| Duplexes | X | X | X | X | ||
| Employee Housing, farmworker (agricultural) Housing |
X | X | X | X | Section 26-134 | |
| Emergency shelters (Homeless), up to 30 occupants within City |
CUP | CUP | X | CUP | X | Section 26-118 |
| Emergency shelters (Homeless), greater than 30 occupants within City |
CUP | Section 26-118 | ||||
| Live/work units | X | X | X | X | ||
| Low barrier navigation centers | X | X | X | X | Article IV, division 7 | |
| Mobile home park | X | X | X | X | Section 26-122 | |
| Micro-units, efciency units | X | X | X | X | ||
| Multi-family residence | X | X | X | X | ||
| Orphanages | ||||||
| Roominghouse | ||||||
| Short-term rentals | ||||||
| Supportive housing | X | X | X | X | Section 26-133 | |
| Transitional housing | X | X | X | X | Section 26-133 | |
| Industrial and Manufacturing uses1 | ||||||
| Administrative, research, professional or sales ofce related. |
X | |||||
| Agricultural, industrial and construction equipment sales and rental. |
AP | |||||
| Aircraft factories. | AP | |||||
| Automobile assembly, body and fender works, dismantling and used parts storage when operated |
AP |
| or maintained wholly within a building. |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile painting. All painting, sanding and baking shall be conducted wholly within a building. |
AP | |||||
| Bakeries, industrial or wholesale. | AP | |||||
| Blacksmith shops. | AP | |||||
| Body and fender works, including painting. |
AP | |||||
| Bottling plants. | AP | |||||
| Breweries and distilleries, with or without tasting or tap rooms |
AP | AP | AP | Section 26-109 | ||
| Building material storage yard. | AP | |||||
| Carpet cleaning plants. | AP | |||||
| Cleaning and dyeing plants. | AP | |||||
| Contractor's storage yards. | AP | |||||
| Creameries. | AP | |||||
| Dairy products manufacture. | AP | |||||
| Disposal company. | AP | |||||
| Draying, freighting or trucking yards or terminals. |
CUP | |||||
| Dry cleaning, wholesale. | AP | |||||
| Dry cleaning or laundry, non-retail (nonfammable and nonexplosive cleaning fuid to be used exclusively) |
AP | |||||
| Dwelling (one) for caretaker or superintendent and his family on a factory site. |
AP | |||||
| Fabricating from steel or metals. | AP | |||||
| Feed and fuel yards. | AP | |||||
| Fence manufacture. | AP | |||||
| Food products manufacture. | AP | |||||
| Frozen food locker. | AP |
| Fruit and vegetable canning, preserving and freezing. |
AP | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit packing houses. | AP | |||||
| Furniture manufacturing. | AP | |||||
| Garages, public. | AP | |||||
| Garment manufacture. | AP | |||||
| Gas (petrol) distributor. | AP | |||||
| Ice and cold storage plants. | AP | |||||
| Kennels. | AP | |||||
| Laboratories, experimental, motion pictures, testing. |
AP | |||||
| Landscaping service. | AP | |||||
| Laundries. | AP | |||||
| Limited manufacturing, assembling testing, and repairing of components, devices, electrical, electronic, or electromechanical equipment, optical devices, and other similar equipment and systems such as but not limited to: television, radio, phonographs, and other audio units and systems, Data processing equipment and systems, and electrical appliances. |
AP | |||||
| Limited manufacturing, assembling, compounding, or treatment of articles or merchandise from previously prepared materials such as but not limited to: cloth, fber, glass, metals and plastics |
AP | |||||
| Lumberyards. | AP | |||||
| Machine shops. | AP | |||||
| Manufacturing. | AP | |||||
| Manufacturing, compounding processing, packaging or |
AP |
| treatment of products from previously prepared materials including, but not limited to: bakery goods, cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacture of prefabricated buildings. |
AP | |||||
| Model making for industrial and architectural designing. |
AP | |||||
| Paint mixing, provided a boiling process is not employed. |
AP | |||||
| Petroleum distributing stations (wholesale). |
AP | |||||
| Plastics, fabrication form. | AP | |||||
| Poultry slaughter. | AP | |||||
| Printing, publishing, blueprinting, photocopying, and other photo reproduction services. |
AP | |||||
| Rubber, fabrication of products made from fnished rubber. |
AP | |||||
| Shoe manufacturers. | AP | |||||
| Sign shop, industrial. | AP | |||||
| Soap manufacture, cold mix only. | AP | |||||
| Storage space for transit and transportation equipment, except freight classifcation yards. |
AP | |||||
| Textile manufacture. | AP | |||||
| Tire rebuilding, recapping and retreading. |
AP | |||||
| Transfer, moving, and storage facilities. |
AP | |||||
| Truck repairing and overhauling. | CUP | |||||
| Vending machine service and repair. |
AP | |||||
| Wholesale business, storage buildings and warehouses. |
AP |
Service, recreational, educational and public assembly uses
| Service, recreational, educational and public assembly uses | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult care centers | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Adult oriented businesses, with or without live entertainment |
CUP | CUP | Section 26-108 | |||
| Aircraft landing facilities, Emergency |
X | X | X | X | ||
| Aircraft landing facilities, Nonemergency |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Artisanal and craft manufacturing 1 |
AP | AP | X | |||
| Alcohol of-sale, accessory; No more than 10% of total gsf. |
AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 26-109 | |
| Alcohol of-sale, service stations, accessory |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-109 |
| Alcohol of-sale, instructional tasting, accessory |
APH | APH | APH | APH | Section 26-109 | |
| Alcohol on-sale; for nonproft clubs and country clubs, see separate headings) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-109 | ||
| Alcohol Sales (of-sale), up to 10,000 sq. ft. in GFA—areas of undue concentration |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-109 | |
| Alcohol Sales (of-sale), up to 10,000 sq. ft. in GFA—not within an area of undue concentration |
APH | APH | APH | APH | Section 26-109 | |
| Alcohol Sales (of-sale), greater than 10,000 sq. ft. in GFA |
APH | APH | APH | APH | Section 26-109 | |
| Alcoholic treatment institutions | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Ambulance service | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Appliance repair shops | X | X | X | |||
| Art galleries | X | X | X | X | ||
| Art studio | X | X | X | X | ||
| Athletic club/Gymnasium | APH | APH | APH | APH | APH | Section 26-119 |
| Automated teller machines (walk- up) on the premises of a fnancial institution |
AP | AP | AP | AP | AP |
| Automated teller machines (walk- up) not on the premises of a fnancial institution |
AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated teller machines (drive- up) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Auto rentals (outdoor display) | CUP | CUP | CUP | |||
| New automobile, motorcycle, auto or truck trailers, truck sales, including accessory used vehicle sales, vehicle sales, accessory servicing, repairs, and incidental auto rental (sales and display areas need not be within buildings, but all other provisions of this code shall apply) (outdoor display) |
X | X | ||||
| Used automobile, motorcycle, auto or truck trailers, truck sales, including accessory servicing, repairs, and incidental auto rental (sales and display areas need not be within buildings, but all other provisions of this code shall apply) (outdoor display) |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Motor vehicle sales, new or used including any accessory services (Outdoor Display) Less than 1- Acre |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Auto service stations | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 16-128 | |
| Auto repair garage (includes major overhaul, paint and body repair, but excludes tire recapping) |
CUP | X | ||||
| Auto repair garage including public storage of vehicles |
AP | |||||
| Auto supply stores (w/installation) | CUP | X | X | |||
| Auto supply stores (excludes installation) |
CUP | X | X | X | X | |
| Bail bond service | X | X |
| Bakery shops, food manufacturing, less than 5,000 square feet. |
X | X | X | X | X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank, savings and loan associations, and similar fnancial institutions (also see automated teller machines) |
X | X | X | X | X | |
| Bars, cocktail lounges, without incidental food use |
CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-109 | ||
| Barber and beauty shops with accessory permanent make-up use |
X | X | X | X | X | |
| Barber, beauty, and jewelry shops with accessory body piercing use |
AP | AP | Ear-piercing allowed by right as accessory use |
|||
| Billiard parlor and pool halls | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Boat sales, new or used, including related servicing and repairs (out- door display) |
X | X | ||||
| Boat sales, new or used, including related servicing and repairs (out- door display) and (adjacent to residential) |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Bowling alley | CUP | CUP | ||||
| Building material sales (excludes lumberyards) (outdoor display) |
X | X | X | |||
| Building material sales (excludes lumberyards) (outdoor display) CUP when adjacent to residential |
CUP | CUP | CUP | |||
| Building material sales (outdoor display) |
CUP | X | ||||
| Business equipment sales (includes repairs) |
X | X | X | X | ||
| Cabinet shops | X | X | ||||
| Cannabis dispensaries, cultivation, processing manufacturing and dispensing |
Section 26-113 | |||||
| Car wash (for accessory use) | CUP | CUP | CUP |
| Catering service | X | X | X | X | X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cemeteries, columbarium, crematories and mausoleums |
||||||
| Churches | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Club, private non-proft (serving of alcohol allowed only with a club as defned by Section 23428.9 of the California Business and Professions Code; |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Cocktail lounge: Serving of alcohol permitted only in conjunction with a bona fde eating place as defned in section 23038 of the California Business and Professions Code |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-109 | |
| Cofee/snack shop | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Collection agencies | X | X | X | X | ||
| Commercial radio or television stations |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Computer game/internet access centers, accessory, up to nine (9) computers |
AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Computer game/internet access centers, accessory, up to ten (10) or more computers |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Computer game/internet access centers, main use |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Contracting services | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Counseling services | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Convention hall, trade show, exhibit building |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Conversions from apartments to condominiums |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-364 | |
| Country clubs (serving of alcohol allowed only with a club as defned in Section 23428.9 of the California Business and Professions Code |
Section 26-109 | |||||
| Community assembly facility (public or private) |
CUP | CUP | Section 26-114 |
| Service, recreational, educational and public assembly uses | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dancing in conjunction with a commercial use |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Data processing | X | X | X | X | ||
| Day care centers | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Delicatessens | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Department stores | X | X | X | |||
| Drive-in, drive-through, walk-up commercial uses (pharmacies and bank/atms only) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Drive-through (food establishments) |
||||||
| Dry cleaning or laundry, retail only, (nonfammable and nonexplosive cleaning fuid to be used exclusively) |
X | X | X | |||
| Electronic and TV repair shops | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Entertainment (live) in conjunction with a commercial use (excludes karaoke and solo musicians, excludes adult oriented businesses) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Entertainment (live) solo musicians as background music and Karaoke in conjunction with a commercial use (excludes adult oriented businesses) |
AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Exterminators | X | X | ||||
| Feed and grain stores | X | X | ||||
| Florist shops | X | X | X | X | ||
| Fortune-telling | X | X | ||||
| Game arcades, escape rooms, laser tag, virtual reality rooms, and other indoor recreation facilities with alcohol service in conjunction with food sales |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-110 |
| Game arcades, escape rooms, laser tag, virtual reality rooms, and other indoor recreation facilities, no alcohol service |
APH | APH | APH | APH | Section 26-110 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shops (excludes edging, beveling, silvering and staining) |
X | X | X | X | ||
| Glassworks and glass studios, includes edging, etc. |
X | X | ||||
| Golf course, indoor miniature | APH | |||||
| Golf course, outdoor miniature | X | |||||
| Golf courses or golf driving ranges | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Grocery stores | X | X | X | X | ||
| Gun shops | X | X | X | |||
| Hospitals (human) | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Hotels (excluding adult hotels/motels) |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Ice Cream Stores | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Institutions of philanthropic nature | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Jewelry stores | X | X | X | X | ||
| Jewelry stores with accessory body piercing use |
AP | AP | ||||
| Kennel, Accessory | CUP | |||||
| Laboratories (medical and dental) | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Landscaping service (ofce only) | X | X | X | X | ||
| Locksmith shops | X | X | X | |||
| Massage parlor and health and beauty spa |
CUP | Section 26-121 | ||||
| Massage parlor and health and beauty spa, Centers greater than 500,000 sq. ft. in GFA |
CUP | Section 26-121 | ||||
| Massage, Accessory | AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 26-121 | |
| Meat markets | X | X | X | X | ||
| Medical and dental clinics | X | X | X | X | X |
| Medical (Minor non-surgical procedures) |
X | X | X | X | X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental health institutions and convalescent homes |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Mobile services | X | X | X | X | X | Section 26-123 |
| Monument, tombstone, and funeral merchandise |
X | X | ||||
| Mortuaries | CUP | X | X | |||
| Motels (excluding adult hotels/motels) |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Movie/video game rental | X | X | X | X | ||
| Newspaper and printing shops | X | X | ||||
| Newsstands (not on public right- of-way) |
X | X | X | X | X | |
| Ofce (General) | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Outdoor recreation facility | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Outdoor amusement devices, vending machines, weighting scales and similar as an incidental, auxiliary or accessory use of those allowed in the zone |
X | X | X | X | Section 26-110 | |
| Outdoor seating area in conjunction with a commercial use |
AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Parcel delivery terminals | X | X | ||||
| Parks | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Pawnshops | X | X | ||||
| Permanent makeup and/or body piercing use, accessory or primary |
X | X | X | X | Section 26-112 | |
| Pet grooming shop | X | X | X | |||
| Pet shops | X | X | X | X | ||
| Pharmacies | X | X | X | X | ||
| Pharmaceutical research and development |
X | X | ||||
| Physical rehabilitation center | X | X | X | X |
| Photo engraving and blueprint shop |
X | X | X | X | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo studios | X | X | X | X | ||
| Picture framing stores | X | X | X | |||
| Plant nurseries and related packaged sales or storage (outdoor display) |
X | X | X | X | ||
| Plant shop | X | X | X | |||
| Plumbing shops | X | X | X | X | ||
| Postal services | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Professional, business and trade schools |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Public administration buildings and civic centers |
X | X | X | X | X | |
| Public utility stations, yards, wells and similar facilities |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Public storage facility | CUP | CUP | ||||
| Recording studio | AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | |
| Recycling centers; Small collection facilities not in conjunction with materials recovery facility or solid waste transfer and processing station, reverse vending machine(s)/bulk reverse vending machine, recycling centers Donation; drop boxes (attended); water service facilities (attended) |
AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 16-127 | |
| Recycling center; Reverse vending machine(s) located within or under the roof line of a commercial structure |
X | X | X | X | Section 16-127 | |
| Recycling centers; Materials recovery facility |
CUP | Section 16-127 | ||||
| Recycling centers; Solid waste transfer and processing stations |
CUP | Section 16-127 | ||||
| Religious facility, reading rooms | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP |
| Rental service as listed in this section as retail providing all storage of rental equipment shall be within an enclosed building unless specifcally stated otherwise |
X | X | X | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental service as listed in this section as retail providing all storage of rental equipment shall be within an enclosed building unless specifcally stated otherwise, with outdoor display of rental |
CUP | X | ||||
| Reprographics | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Restaurant, with or without seating (e.g. ghost kitchens. |
X | X | X | X | Section 26-128 | |
| Restaurant, commercial test kitchen |
X | X | X | X | X | Section 26-128 |
| Service, recreational, educational and public assembly uses | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant with Alcohol | AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Restaurant with dancing | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Restaurant with outdoor seating | AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 26-125 | |
| Restaurant Self Service Kiosk | X | X | X | X | ||
| Retail (General) | X | X | X | X | ||
| Retail, Kiosk accessory use | AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Riding stables and riding schools (7 acres minimum site) |
||||||
| Schools and colleges (private or public) |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | ||
| Schools (dancing, martial arts, music, art and similar type schools) |
AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | |
| Studio-art, dance, martial arts, music, etc. |
AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Secondhand stores | AP | AP | XAP | |||
| Security guard services | X | X | X | X | ||
| Shoeshine stands (as integral part of other building) |
X | X | X | X | X |
| Senior citizen housing | X | X | X | X | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-130 | |
| Supermarkets | X | X | X | |||
| Storage, new vehicles when in conjunction with an automobile dealership |
AP | |||||
| Surveying services | X | X | X | |||
| Swimming pool sales and service (outdoor display) |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Swimming pool sales and service (indoor display) |
X | X | ||||
| Swim schools, indoor | AP | AP | AP | |||
| Swim schools, outdoor | CUP | CUP | ||||
| Systems, private closed circuit motion picture transmission systems not licensed by the FCC, in any hotel or motel |
CUP | CUP | ||||
| Tailor shops | X | X | X | |||
| Tanning salon | X | X | X | X | ||
| Tattooing | CUP | CUP | ||||
| Tattooing with accessory permanent makeup and/or body piercing use |
CUP | CUP | Section 26-112 | |||
| Taxidermist | X | X | ||||
| Theaters, open air | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Theaters (not open air) | CUP | CUP | ||||
| Trailers, (temporary only) in conjunction with a school, hospital, church or other similar institutional use (not permitted with commercial uses) |
AP | AP | AP | AP | ||
| Tutoring facility | AP | AP | AP | AP | CUP | |
| Unattended businesses as accessory use (see also retail kiosk) |
AP | AP | AP | AP | AP |
| Upholstering shops | X | X | X | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urgent care facility | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Veterinary Hospital | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | X | |
| Transportation, Communications and Utilities | ||||||
| Electronic Vehicle Charging stations |
X | X | X | X | X | Section 26-117 |
| Solar carports | AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 26-117 |
| Wildlife and botanical preserves | ||||||
| Wireless telecommunication facilities— Building and/or roof- mounted facilities |
AP | AP | AP | AP | AP | Section 26-136 |
| Monopoles and alternative antenna support structures |
CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 26-136 |
| 1Service or Industrial and manufacturing type uses are allowed provided they are not obnoxious or ofensive by reason of emission of odor, just, smoke, gas noise or hazard, or other similar causes. Such uses may require the submittal of an air quality study. |
(b)
Temporary uses subject to an administrative permit. No temporary use provided for in this section shall be permitted, commenced or engaged in until a written permit therefore has been obtained from the Community Development Director or their designee.
(1)
Major temporary uses. Submittal requirements and review process.
a.
An application for a temporary use permit shall be filed with the planning division at least thirty-five (35) days prior to the proposed use. Applicants are encouraged to apply earlier for larger events/projects. All fees are collected upon application submittal. Written evidence of waived fees shall be obtained prior to application submittal and shall be submitted with the application. The planning division shall route the application to the engineering division, police department, and fire department for comments, conditions of approval, and/or recommendations.
b.
The Community Development Director shall render a decision at least twenty (20) days prior to the proposed use.
c.
Any applicant may appeal the action or decision of the Community Development Director or their designee to the Planning Commission within ten (10) days after such action or decision in which case the Planning Commission shall grant or deny such permit. The Planning Commission's decision shall be final.
d.
To approve the application, the Community Development Director (or their designee), or the Planning Commission shall find that the site is adequate to accommodate such use and that such proposed use, under the conditions imposed, will not have a substantial adverse effect upon the use or enjoyment of property in the neighborhood of the proposed use or upon the public safety, health, or general welfare. Failure to comply with any imposed conditions shall void the permit. No formal public hearings need be conducted, nor any notice given except to the applicant in connection with the granting or denial of such permit.
(2)
Events/projects considered as a major temporary use.
a.
Carnivals, circuses, and rodeos.
1.
Temporary carnivals, circuses and rodeos may be permitted for a period of ten (10) days in any calendar year, and no such activity shall be conducted for longer than five (5) consecutive days at any one time. Certification of the safety of rides and all pertinent equipment for the carnivals, circuses and rodeos shall be made by a professional engineer, registered in the state, with such certification being given to the building department prior to the commencement of use of the equipment.
b.
Christmas tree and pumpkin sales.
1.
The outdoor sale of Christmas trees, pumpkins, and related ancillary items may be permitted in any zone (residentially zoned property must be vacant and located so as not to be detrimental to nearby residents). Outdoor pumpkin lots may operate during the month of October only. Christmas tree sales may begin the Friday after the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Christmas tree lots may set up no more than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the Friday after the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
2.
Indoor sale of items stated in subsection (a) accessory to a permanent use shall not require an administrative permit.
One single-faced or multifaced sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per face, consisting of not more than three (3) faces, will be allowed on site. A sign permit is not required.
c.
Construction buildings.
1.
Temporary structures for the housing of tools and equipment or containing supervisory offices in connection with major construction on major construction projects may be established and maintained during the progress of such construction on such project; provided that, such temporary structure may not be maintained for a period to exceed one (1) year.
d.
Firewood sales.
1.
The outdoor sale of firewood and temporary signs relating thereto may be permitted in any nonresidential zone for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days in any calendar year with one (1) extension of thirty (30) days if the conditions of the original permit have been met, subject to the following conditions:
(i)
All firewood shall be neatly stacked and delivered to a fenced site in such a condition as to require no additional cutting, splitting, or sawing.
(ii)
There shall be no power equipment, other than that necessary for the movement of such wood, on the site.
(iii)
The site shall be treated with gravel, decomposed granite, or other similar material to eliminate wet ground conditions.
(iv)
The site must be maintained and left in a neat and orderly condition, free of all debris or residue directly attributable to this use of the property.
e.
Vehicle storage. Primary and permanent use of vehicle storage shall not be permitted in any zone. A temporary use as an accessory use for the storage of vehicles may be permitted subject to all of the following conditions:
Temporary use of vehicle storage shall be granted only to an auto dealership with a valid existing business license.
2.
Temporary use of vehicle storage may be permitted on a vacant lot with no discretionary review. Vacant lots used for such purposes shall comply with the following standards:
(i)
Lots shall be gated and fenced with posts that are anchored into the ground and shall not be located on public property or right-of-way.
(ii)
The gates on the fencing to allow vehicle access shall be set back from the curb a minimum of twenty (20) feet.
(iii)
Lots shall have a finished surface of a minimum three (3) inches of gravel base, asphalt concrete or Portland concrete.
(iv)
In such cases where gravel base is installed, a stabilized construction entrance/exit shall be provided in compliance with the most current edition of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Best Management Practice Manual.
3.
Temporary use of vehicle storage may be permitted on surplus parking spaces based on standards as set forth in article III, division 6 and shall require the approval of an administrative permit pursuant to article VI, division 6. Time frames for approval shall be as follows:
(i)
Temporary use shall be permitted up to one (1) calendar year from the date of approval. A one-year extension may be approved if the conditions of the original permit have been met.
(ii)
Any request for an extension of time for a temporary use beyond two (2) years shall be subject to Planning Commission review and approval.
f.
Cultural Events.
1.
Events of any educational, civic, or cultural nature may be permitted without time restrictions except as fixed in the conditions of approval.
g.
Major promotional event; commercial center and a business on its own site (not in O-S zones)
1.
A major promotional event may be permitted for a commercial center or a business on its own site (not in O-S zones) subject to the following conditions:
(i)
No more than two (2) such events shall be permitted in any calendar year, with the exception that commercial centers with a gross floor area of more than five hundred thousand (500,000) square feet shall be permitted up to six (6) such events in any calendar year.
(ii)
No such event shall start within fourteen (14) days of the end of the previous such event.
(iii)
No more than a total of twenty (20) days shall be permitted for such events in any calendar year, with the exception that commercial centers with a gross floor area of five hundred thousand (500,000) square feet or greater shall be permitted up to thirty (30) days for such events in any calendar year.
(iv)
Events held by commercial centers shall be center wide.
(v)
Temporary promotional signage may be permitted as set forth in article III, division 8 (sign regulations).
(vi)
Such other conditions as are deemed necessary by the Community Development Director or their designee and reasonably relate to the provision of adequate parking access for public safety personnel, security, and maintenance of the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
h.
Major promotional event; uses with designated outdoor display areas on approved precise plans.
1.
The outdoor display, sale or dispensing of merchandise or food, temporary signs, and/or activities relating thereto during a major promotional event (defined in section 26-30) conducted wholly on private property, may be permitted for a business located on a seventy-five thousand (75,000) square foot or larger site with
an approved precise plan designating a minimum four thousand (4,000) square feet of area for "outdoor display,", subject to the following conditions:
(i)
Events are permitted for a total of one hundred and sixty (160) days per calendar year. Individual events shall be limited to a maximum duration of sixty (60) days.
(ii)
The Planning Commission may approve an extension of up to fifty (50) days per calendar year in cases of grand openings or change of ownership of sixty (60) percent or more.
(iii)
The Community Development Director or their designee may limit the duration of events that are determined to have a potential adverse impact on surrounding areas. These events may include, but are not limited to, catered events and events with outdoor amusement or live entertainment.
(iv)
No such event shall start within fourteen (14) days of the end of the previous such event.
(v)
Temporary promotional signage may be permitted as set forth in article III, division 8.
(vi)
Such other conditions as are deemed necessary by the Community Development Director or their designee and reasonably relate to the provision of adequate parking, access for public safety personnel, security, and minimizing of potential adverse impacts on surrounding areas.
i.
Real estate office.
1.
One temporary real estate office may be located on any new subdivision in any zone, provided that such office shall be removed prior to the building permit final of the last construction phase. If building permits for the site expires and are not renewed, the temporary real estate office must immediately be removed. Said real estate office is to be erected only for use in sale of the subdivision.
j.
Aircraft takeoff and landing.
1.
The temporary takeoff or landing of any aircraft, airplane or helicopter may be permitted from property within any zone (residentially zoned property must be vacant, of sufficient size and located so as not to be detrimental or a danger to existing residential developments), for a period not to exceed five (5) consecutive days or fifteen (15) calendar days a year.
2.
An administrative permit shall not be granted for any temporary use involving a powered aircraft, airplane or helicopter within one thousand (1,000) feet of any public or private schools (Grades K-12).
3.
Aircraft activity subject to administrative permit requirements shall not include carnival rides involving helicopters, tethered hot-air balloons or other aircraft.
4.
The landing or liftoff of any manned hot-air balloon used for untethered flight is prohibited on property within the City.
5.
Application for such use shall also include a location map designating the landing area, significant structures within the surrounding area, land uses within three hundred (300) feet of the landing site and proposed approach and departure routes.
k.
Nonrecurring fund-raising events in residential and open-space zones.
1.
Swap meets are prohibited in any zone.
2.
No more than three (3) fund-raising events shall be conducted in any one (1) calendar year on any one (1) site.
3.
Fund-raising events are permitted in residential and open space zones not developed with a residential use. Such events are permitted in the commercial portion of the mixed-use zone.
4.
A fund-raising event may continue up to a maximum of two (2) consecutive days. If a holiday is concurrent with a weekend, the sale days may include the two-day weekend and the holiday. The hours of operation shall be regulated by the administrative permit.
No such event shall start within thirty (30) days of the end of the previous event.
6.
No sign advertising the fund-raising event, displays, items for sale, or activities may be placed or maintained on or in any public right-of-way. It shall be the responsibility of the project sponsor and participants to (i) remove all sale-related signs and merchandise from the property at the conclusion of the event; (ii) ensure that the site is maintained in a neat and orderly condition during and after the event; and (iii) meet all administrative permit requirements.
7.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the incidental or accessory sale of items including but not limited to food, beverages or souvenirs, subject to all legally required permits, shall not be prohibited hereunder.
(3)
Minor temporary uses or special events.
a.
No minor temporary use or special event, as established under this section, and/or promotional signs as required under article III, division 8 shall be permitted, commenced or installed until the business owner, property owner, or property manager obtains a special event permit from the planning division. An application for a special event permit shall be filed with the planning division on the forms prescribed by the planning division. All fees are collected upon application submittal. The Community Development Director or designee shall review said application for compliance with applicable provisions of the municipal code and shall make a recommendation to modify, approved or deny said application. Approval of said application may be subject to conditions of approval that may be determined necessary to protect the health, safety, general welfare, and aesthetics of the community. The written decision of the Community Development Director or their designee shall become final and effective unless appealed in writing within five (5) calendar days.
b.
Special event—Minor promotional event; commercial business (not in O-S zone).
1.
Minor promotional events are short term promotional or grand opening events held by an individual commercial business where goods and/or promotional signs may be displayed on the outside of the building, but which does not encroach into any driveway, parking or landscape areas. This may include special sales events and sidewalk sales and does not apply to uses with outdoor designated outdoor display areas or commercial/retail centers.
2.
A special event permit shall be granted for a minor promotional event subject to the following conditions:
(i)
No more than twelve (12) events, with a maximum of thirty-six (36) days, shall be permitted per calendar year.
(ii)
Grand opening events shall be held within six (6) months of the original opening of the business or the effective date of the business name change.
(iii)
Temporary promotional signage may be permitted as set forth in article III, division 8 (Sign Regulations).
(iv)
Such other conditions as deemed by the Community Development Director or their designee to be necessary and reasonably relate to reducing potential adverse impacts on surrounding areas.
(4)
Temporary uses not listed.
a.
For other temporary uses not listed, the Community Development Director may, at their discretion, determine whether an unlisted temporary use should be classified as a major or minor temporary use. This determination shall be based upon the similarities and differences with the above listed uses and an assessment of the proposed temporary use's compatibility with the zoning district and surrounding land uses.
(5)
Events not subject to planning division approval of temporary use permits.
a.
Noncommercial weddings and other single-day life events such as birthdays in any residential zone or residential segment of the mixed-use zones shall not be subject to a temporary use permit.
b.
Civic events or events requiring a reservation/use agreement from the public services department solely located on a City owned/operated park or the civic center shall not be subject to a temporary use permit. City owned/operated parks and the civic center are designed and intended for public assembly uses.
c.
School functions (student sport events, graduation, etc.) on permitted/approved school sites shall not be subject to a temporary use permit. Events not related to a school function shall require approval of a temporary use or special event permit pursuant to this section.
d.
Uses that are allowed as a home occupation pursuant to section 26-120 (home occupation).
e.
Uses that are approved through the film permit process pursuant to article VI, division 8 (film permit).
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 18, 3-18-25)
Sec. 26-52. - Development standards.
New land uses, structures, and site development including alterations to existing land uses, structures, and site development within office mixed-use, commercial mixed-use and manufacturing zoning districts shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements, and all applicable standards in article III (regulations applicable to all zones) and article IV (standards for specific land uses) of this Development Code.
(a)
Site size.
(1)
All sites shall conform to the dimensions set forth in this section. A development or center may be a combination of many parcels totaling at least the required site size, but its design must be integrated and unified.
Table 2-13 Minimum Lot Size for Commercial and Office Mixed-Use and Industrial Zones
| NMU, OPMU | RMU | SMU | M-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Size | 15,000 sq. ft. | 30 Ac. | 15,000 sq. ft. | — |
| Minimum Width | 70' | — | 100' | — |
| Minimum Average Depth |
140' | — | 140' | — |
(b)
Yards.
(1)
No building or above ground structure shall be constructed within:
a.
(See chart in this section for feet) of the front or rear property lines.
b.
(See chart in this section for feet) of each side property line adjacent to residential zoning or development. The five (5) feet of the front yard nearest the front property line shall be landscaped and the remaining footage may either be landscaped or utilized as a portion of a driveway or off-street parking area. The six (6) feet of either a rear of side yard adjacent to residential zoning or development shall be landscaped with specimen-size plant material (a combination of thirty (30) inch boxed and fifteen (15) gallon trees and minimum five (5) gallons for shrubs) appropriate in type and size to create a solid plant screen. Trees shall be placed at a minimum of thirty (30) feet on center, on average, for this screen. Such landscaping shall be to the approval of the Community Development Director or their designee as represented on the approved landscaping plan.
c.
When the rear of a site zoned OPMU, NMU, RMU or SMU abuts a public street, at the discretion of the Planning Commission, the minimum rear setback may be reduced to five (5) feet, providing that such a reduction will result in an improved design of the development.
Table 2-14 Minimum Required Setbacks for Commercial and Office Mixed-Use and Industrial Zones Adjacent to Residential Zones
| Adjacent to Residential | NMU, OPMU | RMU | SMU | M-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 15' | 15' | 15' Min. 20' Ave. | 25' |
| Side | 10' | 15' | 10' | PP* |
| Rear | 15' | 15' | 15' | 15' |
| PP*: No yards/setbacks required except such as may be incorporated in a precise plan, conditional use permit and/or variance. |
PP*: No yards/setbacks required except such as may be incorporated in a precise plan, conditional use permit and/or variance.
Table 2-15 Minimum Required Setbacks for Commercial and Office Mixed-Use and Industrial Zones Adjacent to Nonresidential Zones
| Adjacent to Nonresidential |
NMU, OPMU, RMU, SMU | NMU, OPMU, RMU, SMU | M-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Average 15' | Minimum 5' | PP* |
| Side | — | — | PP* |
| Rear | Average 15' | Minimum 5' | PP* |
| PP*: No yards/setbacks required except such as may be incorporated in a precise plan, conditional use permit and/or variance. |
(c)
Building coverage. Building coverage of any lot, parcel or center shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the lot, parcel, or site after all necessary street or alley dedications. A parking structure shall not be calculated as building area provided that a minimum of twelve (12) percent of the total net area of the development is landscaped.
(d)
Height limit.
(1)
Buildings within the nonresidential zone, when within charted feet of a single-family zone, shall have a maximum height as follows:
Table 2-16 Maximum Building Height for Office and Commercial Mixed-Use and Industrial Zones
| Zone | OPMU, NMU, RMU | SMU | M-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Within |
100' | 100' | — |
| Maximum Height | 25' | 35' | 45' |
| Maximum Stories | — | — | 4 |
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-53. - Additional regulations for commercial mixed-use, office mixed-use and manufacturing zones.
(a)
Precise plan of design.
(1)
A precise plan of design will be required as specified in article VI, division 3 of this chapter, with particular attention given to compatibility with adjacent residential and commercial zoning and uses, and must be approved prior to development. In addition, all municipal parks and recreational areas shall be developed in a manner consistent with the adopted specific plans of design for parks contained in the City's adopted environmental quality element. Such precise plans of design shall conform to Planning Commission resolution No. 567.
(2)
The filing of a precise plan of design shall be required as part of an application for a mixed-use development and as specified in article VI, division 3, of this chapter. Such precise plans of design shall conform to Planning Commission Resolution No. 567. The review and approval process for an eligible
Senate Bill 35 (SB35) housing project shall adhere to California Government Code Section 65913.4, as amended.
(b)
Recycling collection and loading areas.
(1)
When used, all outdoor trash, garbage, recycling and refuse containers shall be screened on all sides from public view by a minimum five and one-half (5½) foot high concrete, masonry or decorative block wall and the opening provided with a gate of solid material. The enclosure shall have a solid roof or coverage that is architecturally compatible with other structures on site. Such area shall be so located as to be easily accessible for trash and recyclable material pick up.
(2)
Any new or existing multi-family development project of five (5) or more units or producing four (4) cubic yards or more of green/yard waste per week shall provide adequate, accessible and convenient areas for collecting and loading recyclable and organics recycling materials as defined in this section. These requirements may be waived if the applicant proposes to have the landscaping and/or maintenance company haul and recycle green/yard waste. Projects electing this alternative will be conditioned to provide this service and will be required to provide the landscape maintenance agreement stating such prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
(3)
The following guidelines will be applied to development projects providing enclosures:
a.
Recycling areas shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with nearby structures and with the existing topography and vegetation.
b.
The design and construction of recycling areas shall be secure.
c.
A sign clearly identifying all recycling collection and loading areas and the materials accepted therein shall be posted adjacent to all points of direct access to the recycling areas.
d.
Areas for recycling and organics recycling shall be adequate in capacity, number, and distribution to serve the development project.
(4)
The Community Development Director or their designee shall review each application for adequate design and area allocation suitable to the particular recycling and organics recycling program or process to be in effect at the development project and shall apply these requirements and guidelines accordingly.
(5)
Any and all separate recycling area(s) shall be located so they are at least as convenient for those persons who deposit, collect and load the recyclable materials placed therein as the location(s) where solid waste is collected and loaded. Whenever feasible, areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials shall be part of or adjacent to the solid waste collection areas.
(c)
Color.
(1)
Colors, materials and finishes are to be coordinated on all exterior building elevations to achieve total continuity of design that is visually pleasing and harmonious with adjacent development and/or the surrounding area.
(d)
Lighting.
(1)
All lighting of the building, landscaping, parking lot or similar facilities other than exposed neon shall be so hooded and directed as to reflect away from adjoining properties.
a.
All luminaries shall be designed and placed to complement the development. Luminaries attached to a building shall be concealed, wall-mounted or recessed fixtures.
b.
Security lighting fixtures are not to be substituted for parking lot or walkway lighting fixtures and are restricted to lighting loading and storage areas, and similar service locations.
c.
Exposed tube architectural lighting shall not constitute undue glare or nuisance to adjoining street and properties.
d.
Neon architectural lighting shall be limited to thirty (30) milliamps, except that a Community Development Director or their designee's modification may be granted for unusual installations requiring amperage higher
than thirty (30) milliamps in order to achieve brightness comparable to that which is ordinarily achievable with thirty (30) milliamps.
e.
Exposed neon architectural lighting shall be subject to approval by the Planning Commission as a part of the precise plan of design as required by article VI, division 3 of this chapter. A precise plan shall be required where no precise plan exists, for structures built prior to the precise plan requirement in article VI, division 3 of this chapter.
f.
Neon architectural lighting shall be approved pursuant to the Municipal Code requirements for neon signs in article III, division 8.
(e)
Exterior design.
(1)
No part of a roof, excluding mansards, may project above the parapet.
(2)
All exterior walls shall be architecturally treated to provide aesthetic relief.
(f)
Nonconversion.
(1)
No single-family residential structure may be converted to a nonresidential use without approval of a precise plan.
(g)
Underground utilities.
(1)
All utilities shall be underground in accordance with the Municipal Code and approved by the City Engineer.
(h)
Nuisances.
(1)
No portion of the property shall be used in such a manner as to create a nuisance to adjacent properties, such as but not limited to vibration, sound, electro-mechanical disturbance or radiation, air or water pollution, dust, emission of odorous, toxic, or noxious matter.
(i)
Landscaping criteria.
(1)
Landscaping within mixed-use and industrial zones shall conform to the landscaping standards set forth in article III, division 5.
(j)
Walls and fences.
(1)
Walls and fences within mixed-use and industrial zones shall conform to the standards set forth in article III, division 3.
(k)
Mechanical equipment and loading in commercial and industrial zones.
(1)
All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be placed behind a permanent parapet wall and be completely restricted from all ground level views.
(2)
No mechanical equipment is to be exposed on the wall surface of a building.
(3)
Gutters and downspouts are not to project from the vertical surface of the buildings.
(4)
Vents, louvers, exposed flashing, tanks, stacks, overhead doors, rolling and "man" service doors are to be treated in a manner consistent with the color scheme of the building.
(5)
All ground mechanical equipment shall be completely screened behind a permanent structure and all roof top mechanical equipment shall be placed behind a permanent parapet wall and be completely restricted from all views.
(6)
Such screening shall be as high as the highest portion of the equipment or ducting and shall be permanently maintained.
(l)
Maintenance of buildings, structures and parking lots.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to protect the appearance, character and integrity of nonresidential zoned properties and promote a safe and decent environment by establishing minimum standards as they relate to the maintenance of nonresidential buildings and structures. It shall be unlawful for any person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge or possession of any nonresidential property in the City to maintain on such property any of the following when viewable from the public right-of-way or abutting properties/businesses:
a.
Buildings or structures which are neglected as a result of abandonment, are partially destroyed, or have remained in a state of incomplete construction for an unreasonable period of time as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee and building official.
b.
Buildings or structures with peeling, blistering or otherwise deteriorating paint, or unpainted surfaces, in excess to ten (10) percent of the surface area.
c.
Roofs with loose, unstable or missing tiles, shingles or other material used as roof composition in excess of ten (10) percent of the roof area.
d.
Buildings or structures that have broken, damaged or missing windows, doors, attic vents, and underfloor vents rendering these items unusable for their purpose and causing an attractive nuisance.
e.
Any and all signage shall conform to the standards set forth in article III, division 8.
f.
Buildings or structures whose exteriors, porches, steps, stairs, walls, devices, fences, driveways, or walkways are cracked, broken, defective, deteriorating, in disrepair, or defaced due to writing, inscription, or figures rendering these items unusable for their purpose and constituting in the opinion of the Community Development Director or their designee and building official a hazardous condition or an attractive nuisance.
g.
Garage doors that are missing, broken, sag, or buckle to the extent that they cannot be either opened or closed, rendering the garage unusable for its purpose and causing an attractive nuisance.
h.
Any structure or building or portion thereof which, as compared to adjacent properties, is unsightly in appearance and out of character by reason of its condition.
i.
All landscaping shall conform to the standards set forth in article III, division 5.
j.
Parking lots design and areas shall conform to the standards set forth in article III, division 6.
k.
paved areas with a cracked, broken or otherwise deteriorating surface, in excess of ten (10) percent of the surface area shall be considered a nuisance and shall be repaired.
l.
Any sidewalk, hardscape or parking facility, with potholes, broken, raised or depressed sections, large cracks, mud and/or dust, accumulation of loose material, faded or illegible pavement striping or other deterioration shall be repaired.
(m)
Construction in fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ).
(1)
The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for construction and development within FHSZ to mitigate the risk of wildfires, and protect life and property and promote public safety.
(2)
This section shall apply to all properties within the FHSZ as designated by The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
(3)
Construction standards, building materials and design.
a.
All structures within the FHSZ shall utilize fire-resistant materials and design techniques in accordance with chapter 7A, Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure of the California Building Code.
(4)
Vegetation management and defensible space.
a.
All buildings and structures located within the FHSZ shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management requirements pursuant to Section 4907.3 of the California Fire Code.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-54. - Development standards for residential development in mixed-use zones.
(a)
Building design and design standards.
(1)
All multi-family housing units shall comply with the general building design and site design standards in the West Covina Multi-Family Objective Design Standards document. The approved architectural treatment shall be used throughout the development.
(2)
A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the proposed dwelling units shall have direct pedestrian access from the dwelling unit to an exterior walkway along a street, drive, paseo, or park/open space without going through. A common breezeway or hallway does not meet this requirement. The area bounded by Citrus Street to the west, Workman Street to the north, Barranca Avenue to the east, and the Interstate 10 to the south (also known as Eastland Center) is exempt from this requirement due to the higher intensity envisioned for this area.
(3)
All projects where at least sixty-six (66) percent of the proposed new square footage is intended for residential occupancy shall comply with the West Covina Multi-Family Objective Design Standards.
(b)
Contents of copies of CC&R's.
(1)
Copies of conditions, covenants and restrictions that will apply to a proposed condominium project shall be submitted after the approval of a project and approved by the Community Development Director or their designee and City Attorney, and recorded by the applicant. These CC & R's shall:
a.
Provide a statement that ensures that each residential unit shall be used as a residence for a one family unit only.
b.
Provide for perpetual maintenance of grounds and buildings.
c.
Include a full statement of the age of the building and any modification and refurbishing started or completed within one (1) year of offering the project for sale as a condominium.
d.
Provide an explanation to the buyer of his responsibility for sharing the maintenance and upkeep of buildings and structures within the project other than his own unit.
e.
Provide that the names of the officers and members of the board of governors or homeowners association shall be filed annually with the City clerk.
f.
Include the following certificate on the title sheet dedication clause of the subdivision map: "WE HEREBY DEDICATE TO THE CITY OF WEST COVINA THE RIGHT TO PROHIBIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS THEREON, EXCEPT FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND ACCESSORY BUILDINGS OVER THE AREA DESIGNATED AS THE COMMON AREA."
(c)
Density.
(1)
The maximum number of dwelling units shall not exceed twenty (20) units per gross acre. Contiguous parcels which are part of a large, multi-building and multi-use development shall be considered as one (1) site, provided the residential and commercial uses are integrated and pedestrian connections are provided from any residential building to commercial buildings.
(d)
Vehicles in the mixed-use zones with residential development.
(1)
The provisions of article III, division 6 shall apply to the size, number and location of parked and stored vehicles within the mixed-use zone.
(e)
Floor area ratio.
(1)
There shall be a minimum gross floor area ratio of 0.15 of leasable commercial square footage.
(2)
The floor area ratio may be calculated on an area wide basis for contiguous parcels which are part of a large, multi-building development. To qualify for an area wide floor area ratio calculation, a project must be integrated in design and function, and the owner/developer of each parcel must record deed restrictions preserving the minimum floor area ratio of commercial square footage for the multi-building development.
(3)
Subterranean and above-grade parking structures shall not be included in the required minimum floor area ratio.
(f)
Building setbacks from property lines.
(1)
The building setback from the property lines shall be governed by the following table:
Table 2-17 Building Setbacks from Property Lines
| Front | Side Interior |
Street Side | Rear | Side/Rear Abutting R-A/R-1/Single-Family Residential Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15' | 10' | 15' | 15' | 1-story—15' 2-story—25' 3-story—40' |
(g)
Building separation.
(1)
The minimum building separation between main buildings shall be ten (10) feet or as required by the California Building Code, whichever is more restrictive.
(2)
There shall be no minimum building separation between a main building and an accessory building or between accessory buildings, except as required by the California Building Code.
(h)
Maximum building height.
(1)
Maximum building height when within one hundred (100) feet of the residential agriculture (R-A) or residential single-family (R-1) zones or an existing single-family residential use shall be forty-five (45) feet.
(2)
All buildings containing any residential use shall be limited to forty-five (45) feet, except within the area bounded by Citrus Street to the west, Workman Street to the north, Barranca Avenue to the east, and the Interstate 10 to the south (also known as Eastland Center) shall have a maximum building height of seven (7) stories or eighty-five (85) feet.
(3)
Buildings containing only non-residential uses have no height limit, except as described above and as limited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
(i)
Open space.
(1)
Open space standards shall comply with the standards set forth in section 26-48(i).
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
DIVISION 3. - SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES (O-S, S-P)
Sec. 26-55. - Purpose and intent of special purpose zones.
(a)
Open space (O-S) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the open space zone is to identify and set forth permitted uses, and standards of development within open space lands.
(2)
Open space zoned land may be located anywhere in the City provided it is consistent with the City's adopted policies and plans.
(b)
Specific Plan (S-P) zone.
(1)
The purpose of the Specific Plan zone is to provide greater specificity and flexibility in carrying out the General Plan of the City than would be possible in other zoning districts. This zoning district is intended for areas that are subject to Specific Plan adopted under article 8 of chapter 3 of title 7 of the Government Code (sections 65450 et seq.). The uses, types of development and development standards in an area zoned Specific Plan are those permitted by the Specific Plan adopted for that area. Each separate Specific Plan district and its accompanying Specific Plan shall be sequentially numbered. If land is placed in the Specific Plan district before a Specific Plan is adopted for that land, the standards of the immediately preceding zone shall continue to apply until a Specific Plan is adopted.
(2)
Specific Plan zoned land may be located anywhere in the City provided uses within the Specific Plan are consistent with the General Plan of the City.
(3)
The uses and types of development proposed in this zone shall maintain and enhance the character of the surrounding vicinity. During the preparation, review and approval processes for a Specific Plan, consideration shall be given to elements including but not limited to: Orientation of buildings and uses, building bulk and scale, building height and setback, parking, traffic generation, noise and landscaping. At a minimum, these elements shall be specifically addressed in the Specific Plan in such a manner as to integrate the proposed uses and buildings with surrounding development.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-56. - Land use regulations and allowable uses.
(a)
Permitted uses. Table 2-18 identifies land uses permitted in special purpose zones.
Table 2-18 Uses and Permit Requirements
| Symbol | Permit Requirement | Procedure Section |
|---|---|---|
| x | Allowed by Right | — |
| AP | Administrative Permit | Article VI, division 6 |
| APH | Administrative Permit with Hearing |
Article VI, division 6; article 6, division 1 |
| CUP | Conditional Use Permit | Article VI, division 4; article 6, division 1 |
| Use not permitted | — |
Uses and Permit Requirements
| Use Types | Zone O-S | Special Use Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Accessory Uses | ||
| Accessory uses and structures | ||
| Accessory dwelling units, junior accessory units |
||
| Agricultural Uses | ||
| Agricultural uses (on parcels of 10 acres or greater) |
X | Section 26-111 |
| Residential uses | ||
| Duplexes | ||
| Mobile home park | Section 26-122 | |
| Single-family residence | ||
| Supportive housing | Section 26-133 | |
| Transitional housing | Section 26-133 | |
| Service, recreational, educational and public assembly uses | ||
| Cemeteries, columbariums, crematories and mausoleums |
||
| Golf course, outdoor miniature | CUP | |
| Golf courses or golfng ranges | X | |
| Mobile Services | X | Section 26-123 |
| Parks | X | |
| Public utility stations, yards, wells and similar facilities |
CUP | |
| Recreational centers (private) | CUP | |
| Riding stables and riding schools (7 acre minimum site) |
X | |
| Schools and colleges | CUP | |
| Theatres, open air. | CUP | |
| Wildlife and botanical preserves | X | |
| Transportation, communications and utility uses | ||
| Electronic vehicle charging stations |
CUP | Section 26-117 |
| Solar carports | CUP | Section 26-117 |
| Monopoles and alternative antenna support structures |
CUP | Section 26-136 |
|---|---|---|
| Public utility stations, yards, wells and similar facilities |
CUP |
(b)
Uses allowed within the Specific Plan area are the uses set forth in the adopted Specific Plan as permitted, conditionally permitted or not permitted.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Sec. 26-57. - Development standards for special purpose zones.
(a)
Development standards for O-S zone.
(1)
Building coverage.
a.
Building coverage of any lot, parcel or center shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the lot, parcel, or site after all necessary street or alley dedications.
(2)
Building setbacks from property lines.
a.
The building setback from the property lines shall be governed by the following table:
Table 2-20 Minimum Required Setbacks for the O-S Zone.
| Front | Side Interior | Street Side | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' | 15' | 15' | 25' |
(3)
Building separation.
a.
The minimum building separation between main buildings shall be ten (10) feet or as required by the California Building Code, whichever is more restrictive.
b.
There shall be no minimum building separation between a main building and an accessory building or between accessory buildings, except as required by the California Building Code.
(4)
Maximum building height.
a.
The maximum building height shall be twenty-five (25) feet.
(b)
Construction in fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ).
(1)
The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for construction and development within FHSZ to mitigate the risk of wildfires, and protect life and property and promote public safety.
(2)
This section shall apply to all properties within the FHSZ as designated by The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
(3)
Construction standards, building materials and design.
a.
All structures within the FHSZ shall utilize fire-resistant materials and design techniques in accordance with chapter 7A, Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure of the California Building Code.
(4)
Vegetation management and defensible space.
a.
All buildings and structures located within the FHSZ shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management requirements pursuant to Section 4907.3 of the California Fire Code.
(c)
Development standards within the Specific Plan area are the standards set forth in the adopted Specific Plan.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
DIVISION 4. - OVERLAY ZONES (HILLSIDE, PLANNED COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AUTO PLAZA, ANIMAL KEEPING)
Sec. 26-58. - Purpose and intent of overlay zones.
The purpose of overlay zones is to define geographic areas on the zoning map where special requirements or limitations apply, in addition to standards set forth for the underlying base zoning district.
(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — West Covina Zoning Code
- Chapter 26 — ZONING[1]
-
▸ Chapter 26 — ZONING[[1]]
Overview- Sec. 26-1. - Title.
- Sec. 26-6. - Relationship to other City ordinances.
- Sec. 26-44. - Purpose and intent of residential zones.
- Sec. 26-59. - Hillside overlay.
- Sec. 26-63. - Purpose.
- Sec. 26-64. - Lot coverage measurement.
- Sec. 26-67. - Sight triangle areas.
- Sec. 26-68. - Encroachments into required setbacks.
- Sec. 26-70. - Purpose and applicability.
- Sec. 26-73. - Solar energy systems.
- Sec. 26-74. - Purpose and applicability.
- Sec. 26-80. - Purpose.
- Sec. 26-82. - Purpose.
- Sec. 26-83. - Applicability.
- Sec. 26-95. - Purpose.
- Sec. 26-98. - Purpose and applicability.
- Sec. 26-99. - Sign permit required.
- Sec. 26-104. - Temporary banner signs.
- Sec. 26-111. - Animal keeping.
- Sec. 26-112. - Body art.
- Sec. 26-115. - Containment of carts.
- Sec. 26-121. - Massage parlors and health and beauty spas.
- Sec. 26-126. - Portable self-storage containers.
- Sec. 26-127. - Recycling facilities.
- Sec. 26-129. - Service stations.
- Sec. 26-131. - Single room occupancy structure (SRO).
- Sec. 26-133. - Transitional and supportive housing.
- Division 2 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWE…
- Division 3 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND DENSITY BONUS INCENTIVES
- Division 5 — MULTI-UNIT DWELLING OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
- Division 2 — NONCONFORMING PARCELS
- Division 6 — ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT
- Division 8 — FILM PERMIT PURPOSE
- Division 10 — PRESERVATION, PROTECTION AND REMOVAL OF TREES
- Division 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Division 2 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Division 7 — REVERSIONS TO ACREAGE