Westminster Municipal Code Ch. 17.230 Industrial Zoning Districts

This Chapter provides development and land use regulations for the industrial zoning districts established by Section 17.200.010. The purposes of the individual industrial zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

A. M1 (Light Industrial) District. The M1 zoning district provides areas for low-intensity and low-impact industrial, manufacturing, and related uses. Typical uses include research and development facilities and laboratories, small-scale warehouses, and light manufacturing. The M1 zoning district is consistent with the Industrial land use designation of the General Plan.

B. M2 (Medium Industrial) District. The M2 zoning district provides areas suitable for a broad range of manufacturing businesses, wholesaling businesses, and limited warehousing and distribution facilities. The M2 zoning district is consistent with the Industrial land use designation of the General Plan.

(Ord. 2456 § 2, 2010)

A. General Requirements. Table 2-6 identifies the uses of land permitted by this Title in each industrial zoning district, and the land use permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 17.200.020B, Zoning District Regulations.

Note: Where the last column in the tables ("See Specific Use Regulations") includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the use; however, provisions in other sections of this Title may also apply.

Table 2-6 Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements For Industrial Zoning Districts

Notes: P = Permitted Use; AUP = Administrative Use Permit Required; CUP = Conditional Use Permit Required; – = Prohibited Use

(Ord. 2456 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2478 § 2, 2011; Ord. 2490 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2623, 8/27/2025)

A. General Requirements. Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures in the CM, M1, and M2 Zones shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements outlined in Table 2-7. In addition, the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) outlined in Article 3 shall apply to all industrial zoning districts.

Table 2-7 Industrial District Development Standards

Notes: SF = square feet

B. Industrial Zoning District Performance Standards. All land uses proposed in the M1 and M2 zoning districts shall be operated and maintained so as not to be injurious to public health, safety, or welfare, and shall comply with the following standards.

1. Air emissions. No approved land use shall generate or cause any visible dust, gases, or smoke to be emitted into the atmosphere, except as necessary for the heating or cooling of structures, and the operation of motor vehicles on the site. All uses and activities shall comply with the air quality regulations in Chapter 8.24, Air Pollution, of the WMC.

2. Glare and heat. No direct or reflected glare or heat, whether from floodlights or from high temperature processes (including combustion or welding or otherwise), shall be visible or felt at or beyond the property line.

3. Ground vibration. No approved land use shall generate ground vibration perceptible without instruments at any point along or outside of the property line of the use, except for motor vehicle operations.

4. Noise. All uses and activities shall comply with the noise regulations in Chapter 8.28, Noise Control, of the WMC.

5. Odor. No approved land use shall generate or emit any obnoxious odor or fumes perceptible at or beyond the property line. All uses and activities shall comply with the odor regulations in Chapter 8.24, Air Pollution, of the WMC.

6. Late night business restrictions. Industrial businesses located within 150 feet of a parcel zoned for residential use with late night operations and late night hours, as defined in Article 7 of this Title, shall require the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 2456 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2478 § 2, 2011)