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ORDINANCE NO. 2036
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CAMARILLO AMENDING CAMARILLO MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTERS 9.12, 19.26, AND 19.58 PERTAINING TO RETAIL
OFF-SALE ALCOHOL ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE CPD ZONE
AND PUBLIC NUISANCE REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMARILLO DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Findings and Purpose.
A. The City has experienced an increase in applications for retail off-sale alcohol uses. A temporary moratorium was enacted on January 22, 2025, and extended on February 26, 2025, to study public health, safety, and land use compatibility impacts associated with off-sale alcohol outlet density.
B. The City’s analysis identified a concentration of off-sale alcohol establishments within one-quarter (1/4) mile of U.S. 101 freeway on/off ramps in the CPD Zone. To reduce potential adverse impacts and promote compatibility, the City intends to limit new small-format off-sale alcohol establishments in these areas, while preserving reasonable operations of legal, existing businesses through clear nonconforming use standards.
C. The City also seeks to clarify public nuisance regulations to better address alcohol-related impacts on surrounding communities.
SECTION 2. Amendment to CMC Section 19.26.040 (Uses Requiring Conditional Use Permits in CPD Zone).
Section 19.26.040 of the Camarillo Municipal Code is amended to read, in relevant part, as follows:
19.26.040 - Uses requiring conditional use permits.
The following uses may be permitted in the CPD Zone, if a Conditional Use Permit is obtained in the manner provided in Chapter 19.62 of this code and such use conforms to every term and condition of the permit. A permit for any of these uses may be granted by the Planning Commission if the applicant produces sufficient proof that the use will not be injurious or detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or to the property in the vicinity or zone in which the use will be situated; that such effects can be prevented with the imposition of conditions, and that the permit is necessary for the owner of the property to make reasonable use of the property:
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A. Amusement parks, golf courses both regular and miniature, golf driving ranges;
B. Carnivals (permanent);
C. Crematoriums;
D. Equipment rental and service with the following limitation:
1. Service, maintenance and repair limited to permittee's equipment only,
2. Limited to rental and storage of equipment as follows:
a. Concrete mixers, limited to one-sack size,
b. Small tractors, limited to the operation of a five-eighths cubic yard skip loader or a five-foot blade attachment,
c. Rototillers,
d. Home improvement or maintenance equipment,
e. Trailers, limited to one-ton capacity,
f. Hand tools and garden equipment,
g. Trucks, not exceeding three-ton capacity;
E. Golf course clubhouse; in connection with a regular or miniature golf course or golf driving range;
F. Public utility buildings and structures;
G. Skating rinks, indoors;
H. Theaters, outdoor;
I. Building heights greater than two stories or thirty-five feet; J. Temporary agricultural stands in accordance with Chapter 19.62; K. Arcades;
L. Recycling facilities—Intermediate not to exceed five hundred square feet in accordance with Chapter 19.62 (which do not occupy any required parking; M. Reserved
N. Reserved
O. Commercial recreation uses and sports complexes;
P. Drinking establishments, bars, cocktail lounges, brew pubs, taverns; Q. Rest, convalescent, senior care, or nursing homes;
R. Emergency shelters and transitional housing;
S. Alcohol beverage establishments, off-sale. 1
T. Alcoholic beverages, on-sale for theaters.
1.Off-sale alcohol beverage establishments that are 1,320 linear feet or less from an interchange with the U.S. 101 right-of-way must be operated within a structure that exceeds 7,500 square feet in net building area.
SECTION 3. Addition of CMC Section 19.58.119 (Nonconforming Alcoholic Beverage Establishments, Retail Off-Sale).
Chapter 19.58 is amended to add Section 19.58.119 to read as follows:
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19.58.119 - Nonconforming alcoholic beverage establishments, retail off-sale.
Off-sale alcoholic beverage establishments properly licensed at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this section are considered a legal nonconforming use and may remain in use.
A. Continuation of Nonconforming Use
A legally established nonconforming alcohol use may continue, provided it remains in continuous operation and is not expanded or extended beyond its original scope except as otherwise noted in this section. Changes in ownership, tenancy, or management will not affect the nonconforming status of the use. The discontinuance of a legal nonconforming alcohol use in a conforming building or structure for a period of one year (365 days) or more constitutes abandonment and termination of the nonconforming use, and thereafter the use of the conforming building or structure must conform to the conforming uses of the applicable zone.
B. Expansion of Alcohol Sales Area
1. For legal nonconforming uses involving the retail off-sale of alcoholic beverages, an increase in the alcohol sales area may be permitted within the existing conforming structure, provided that the total area devoted to alcohol sales does not exceed forty-nine percent (49%) of the sales floor area of that structure as it existed at the time the use became nonconforming.
2. This allowance does not permit any expansion of the building with the intent of increasing the alcohol sales areas.
3. Any proposed expansion or extension of a nonconforming use or structure regulated by this section requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to this Title.
4. Unless otherwise noted, reconstruction, remodels, alterations or expansion of a nonconforming use, structure, or building, regulated by this chapter may be authorized with a Conditional Use Permit.
C. Involuntary Damage or Destruction
In the event a structure housing a legal nonconforming alcohol use is damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake, or other calamity not caused by the property owner or tenant, the nonconforming use may be reinstated, subject to the following conditions:
1. A building permit for repair or reconstruction is obtained within twelve (12) months of the date of damage or destruction.
2. Repair or reconstruction is diligently pursued to completion.
3. The restored structure does not expand or extend the nonconforming use beyond its original scope except as otherwise allowed in this section. 8 7
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4. The Community Development Director may extend the twelve (12) month period upon a showing of good cause due to circumstances beyond the control of the property owner.
D. Voluntary Remodeling
Structures with legal nonconforming uses may be voluntarily remodeled provided:
1. The remodeling does not increase the intensity of the nonconforming use such that it changes the character or purpose of the nonconforming use, except as otherwise allowed in this section.
2. A building permit for the remodeling is obtained, and the work is diligently pursued to completion within a reasonable time, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Community Development Director.
E. Demolition and Reconstruction
A legal nonconforming alcohol use may continue operating following complete demolition and reconstruction of the structure it occupies, subject to the following conditions:
1. The new structure does not increase the intensity of the nonconforming use such that it changes the character or purpose of the nonconforming use, except as otherwise allowed in this section.
2. The reconstruction complies with all applicable law, including, without limitation, of this code.
3. A building permit for reconstruction is obtained within twelve (12) months of demolition, and the work is diligently pursued to completion.
SECTION 4. Amendment to CMC Section 9.12.020 (Maintenance of Property—Public Nuisance).
9.12.020 - Maintenance of property—Public nuisance.
It is declared to be a public nuisance for the owner and/or occupant of any lot in the City of Camarillo to maintain or permit the maintenance of any such lot:
A. Any building or structure which:
1. Is structurally unsafe; and/or
2. Is not provided with adequate ingress and egress; and/or
3. Which constitutes a fire hazard; and/or
4. Which constitutes a health hazard; and/or
5. Is otherwise dangerous to human life; and/or
B. Topography which, whether in natural state or as a result of erosion or grading operations, causes, or is likely to cause, erosion, subsidence or surface water run- off 8 7
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which will, or may be, injurious to persons and/or to adjacent public or private properties; and/or
C. Any condition which constitutes a fire or health hazard including, but not limited to, overgrowth of vegetation or the accumulation of debris; and/or D. Any building or structure in such condition so that the same is defective, unsightly or in such condition of deterioration or disrepair that the same causes, or may be reasonably expected to cause, any diminution of the property values of buildings and/or structures located on adjacent lots or to the city as a whole and/or its residents, and/or interferes with the peaceful use, possession and/or enjoyment of such adjacent lots and/or improvements on such adjacent lots; and/or
E. Any building, structure or use which has been constructed and/or is maintained in violation of any applicable law, as such laws now exist or may hereafter be lawfully amended or otherwise made applicable to such building or structure including, but not limited to, the provisions of this code; and/or
F. Any building, use or structure which does not comply with all of the regulations and provisions of this code, including, but not limited to, the city's official zoning ordinance, as it now exists, or as it may hereafter lawfully be amended or otherwise made applicable to such building, use or structure; and/or
G. Any material the existence of which constitutes, or may constitute, a danger to persons or property, including, but not limited to, hazardous materials; and/or H. Any building, use or structure wherein one or more persons engages in two or more acts which are prohibited pursuant to the laws of the state of California, the provisions of this code or any other penal ordinance of this city, including, but not limited to the following acts:
1. Unlawful possession and/or use of Controlled Substances; and/or
2. Prostitution; and/or
3. Gambling; and/or
4. Solicitation for any unlawful conduct.
As used in this subsection (H), "one or more" includes employees, partners, principals, joint venturers, corporate officers, agents and/or other persons, acting at the direction of, and/or with the knowledge and/or consent of the owner and/or occupant of the lot or the building, structure or use located thereon, who commits conduct of all or any of the acts described in this subsection (H), in the utilization of such building, structure or use.
I. Any animal, reptile or insect in such a manner as to pose a threat, disturbance, danger or menace to persons or property of another; or
J. Any device, instrument, vehicle or machinery such that the operation or maintenance 8 7
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causes noise, vibrations, dust, exhaust or fumes which cause or may cause discomfort or annoyance to reasonable persons of normal sensitivity or endangers the comfort, repose, health or peace of the residents in the area; or K. Underground or aboveground storage vessels or tanks if the use of the same has ceased for a period in excess of six months or more; or L. Refuse, rubbish, garbage, offal, animal excrement or other waste materials which are not stored and disposed of in accordance with provisions of this code or other applicable law; or
M. A method of disposing of animal excrement in such a manner as to expose the excrement to fly and/or maggot infestation or resultant odor; or N. Animal excrement so as to permit the same to run off onto any adjacent property; or O. The accumulation or storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative trailers, campers, boats, airplanes, automobiles, vehicles or other mobile equipment, or parts thereof, on any portion of a lot which is visible from the public right-of-way or any adjoining properties unless such is stored or parked in a lawful manner on the lots; or
P. An attractive nuisance which is or may be dangerous to children, including but not limited to:
1. Abandoned or broken equipment or machinery, or
2. Unfenced or otherwise unprotected swimming pools, spas, ponds or excavations, or
3. Refrigerators, iceboxes or deepfreeze lockers having a capacity of one and one- half cubic feet or more which is not being used, without removing the door or such portion of the latch, magnetic gasket or locking mechanism as will prevent the latching or locking of the door, or
4. Uncapped or otherwise dangerous wells; or
Q. Broken or discarded furniture or household furnishings and/or equipment; or R. Garbage or trash containers which are stored contrary to the provisions of this code, except when lawfully placed for collection at the times permitted therefore; or S. Packing boxes, lumber, junk, trash or other materials and debris maintained outside of a building; or
T. Any building, fence, landscaping or structure, and/or the access thereto, so that the same is subjected to the repeated placement of graffiti thereon. For the purpose of this subsection (T), the words "building," "fence," "landscaping," "structure," and "graffiti" shall be defined as is set forth in Chapter 10.48, commencing with Section
10.48.010 et seq., of this code; or
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U. An area equaling fifty percent or more of the lot containing weeds or grasses in excess of twelve inches in height; or
V. Weeds, rubbish or other material in such a manner as to constitute a source of wingy or downy seeds when mature.
W. That sells, serves, or distributes alcoholic beverages, and which, by virtue of its operation, management, or associated activities, results in or contributes to adverse impacts on the public health, safety, peace, or general welfare of the surrounding community, including, without limitation:
1. Repeated disturbances of the peace, including but not limited to: fights, loud or unruly behavior, harassment, public intoxication, or other disorderly conduct.
2. Criminal activity, including illegal drug use or sales occurring on or adjacent to the premises.
3. Excessive or persistent noise, especially during late-night hours, in violation of City noise ordinances.
4. Litter, graffiti, property damage, or vandalism attributable to patrons or the business’ operations.
5. Failure to implement and maintain security measures, such trained personnel, lighting, surveillance cameras, or other conditions of approval.
6. Sale or furnishing of alcoholic beverages to minors.
7. A pattern of calls for service to law enforcement, fire, or code enforcement related to nuisance behavior, criminal activity, or safety issues originating from the premises.
X. Any violation of Chapter 9.32 of this code.
SECTION 5. Applicability to Other Zones.
The amendments in Sections 2 through 4 apply to the CPD Zone and to the public nuisance regulations Citywide as set forth in Chapter 9.12. These amendments do not modify alcohol-related regulations applicable to the Camarillo Old Town (COT) or Camarillo Commons Mixed Use (CCM) zones, which remain governed by their respective provisions.
SECTION 6. CEQA.
The City Council finds the ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(2), 15061(b)(3), and 15378 for the reasons stated in Section 3 of the Resolution recommending approval.
SECTION 7. Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is held invalid or 8 7
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unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.
SECTION 8. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption.
SECTION 9. Certification.
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published or posted as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED January 28, 2026.
___________________________
Mayor
Attested to on _________________.
_____________________________
City Clerk
I, Carrie Weal, City Clerk of the City of Camarillo, certify Ordinance No.2036 was introduced by the City Council at a meeting held December 10, 2025, and subsequently passed and adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting held January 28, 2026, by the following vote:
YES: Councilmembers:
NO: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
________________________
City Clerk