C. Lighting. Directional and/or information signs may be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
D. Location of Signs. All such signs shall be located on-site. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.067)
17.12.210 - Special purpose signs.
The following special purpose signs may be permitted in the C zone as provided herein:
A. Community Identification Signs. If a site plan is first submitted to and approved by the director, as provided in Article VI of Chapter 17.32, freestanding community identification signs may be permitted in any zone at or near the entrance to an unincorporated community subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such signs shall not exce ed 96 square feet in sign area or 192 square feet in total sign area.
2. Height Permitted. Such signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 12 feet measured vertically from the base of the sign.
3. Lighting. Community identification signs ma y be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
4. Design. Such signs shall be architecturally related to the area in which they are located.
B. Civic Organization Signs. If a site plan is firs t submitted to and approved by the director, as provided in Article VI of Chapter 17.32, free standing civic organizations signs may be permitted in any zone at or near the entrance to the city subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such signs shall not exce ed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area.
2. Height Permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height measured vertically from the base of the sign.
3. Lighting. Civic organization signs shall be unlighted.
4. Design. Such signs shall be architecturally related to the area in which they are located.
C. Bulletin or Special Event Signs. One freestandin g or wall-mounted bulletin or special event sign may be erected and maintained on each lot or parcel of land in the C zone developed for a publicly owned, charitable, religious or educational institution subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area.
2. Height Permitted.
a. A wall-mounted sign shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
b. A freestanding sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height measured vertically from the base of the sign.
3. Lighting. Bulletin or special event signs ma y be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
4. Design. Such sign shall be architecturally related to the structure to which it is appurtenant.
5. Location of Sign. A freestanding sign shall not be located nearer than 25 feet to any lot line.
D. Fuel Pricing Signs. Fuel pricing signs shall be monument signs and are permitted for each business offering gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel for sale subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted.
a. One sign, not to exceed 30 square feet in sign area or 60 square feet in total sign area, shall be permitted for each street frontage.
b. If said business is located on a corner, one sign, not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area, shall be permitted at the corner in lieu of separate signs on each of the intersecting frontages.
c. The area per sign face of a combined freestanding business and fuel pricing sign shall not exceed the sum of the permitted areas pe r sign face of the 2 combined signs, nor shall permitted sign areas be transferred between sign faces of a combined freestanding business and fuel pricing sign.
2. Height Permitted.
a. No separate freestanding sign shall exceed 12 feet in height at a corner or 5 feet in height elsewhere. Such height shall be measured vertically from the base of the sign. b. No combined business and fuel pricing sign or no business sign to which fuel pricing panels are mounted shall exceed the maximu m permitted height of a freestanding business sign as established in Section 17.12.160.
3. Lighting. Fuel pricing signs may be interna lly or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
4. Location of Sign. A separat e freestanding sign shall not be located nearer than 25 feet from any existing freestanding sign or from any lot line, other than a lot line adjoining a street.
E. Outdoor Menu Signs for Restaurants with Dr ive-Through or Car Service. Outdoor menu signs shall be separate freestanding signs and may be permitted for each business offering food to drive-through or car service customers subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. One sign, not to exceed 24 square feet in total sign area may be permitted for each business. In the event the business has more than one drive-through service facility, 2 signs may be permitted which may share the total sign area permitted herein but shall not exceed it.
2. Height Permitted. No outdoor menu sign shall exceed a height of 6 feet.
3. Lighting. Outdoor menu signs may be internal ly or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
4. Design. Such signs shall be designed to serv e the needs of the motorist customer and shall be permanently affixed to the ground.
5. Location of Sign. No outdoor menu sign shall be located in any required yard.
F. Temporary Window Signs. Temporary window si gns may be placed in the display windows of a business at which a merchandise sale or change in the status of the business is taking place subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such signs shall not cove r more than 25% of the display window area.
2. Height Permitted. The height of the display window where the sign is placed.
3. Lighting. No lighting other than what permanently exists in the display window.
4. Location of Signs. Such signs shall be placed on display windows only and shall not be placed on the glass of any door.
5. Time. Such signs may be permitted for up to 10 days in any calendar month.
G. Time, Temperature, and Public Service Messa ge Signs. Signs using any system for the display of time of day, atmospheric temperature, or programmable electronic messages shall be wall,
post or monument signs and may be permitted subject to the prohibitions in Section 17.12-.150B and the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. One sign not to exceed 24 square feet in total sign area may be permitted for each street frontage, up to a maximum of 2 for each business.
2. Height Permitted. No such sign shall exceed a height of:
a. For monument or post signs: 12 feet;
b. For wall signs: not less than 18 inches below the top of the wall of a single-story building.
3. Location of Sign. Such signs shall be placed not closer than 500 feet to any business already using this type of sign.
4. Other. Such signs must not violate the rest rictions imposed by Section 17.12.150 B.1.d. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.068)
17.12.220 - Off-street parking.
The automobile parking facilities required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following parking requirements shall be complied with in the C zone:
A. General Conditions. The provisions of this section shall apply at the time that:
1. A building or structure is erected; or
2. An existing building or structure is altered or enlarged to increase the occupancy capacity.
B. Parking Requirements by Use.
1. Except as provided for in subsection B.5, below, for all uses, the developer, property owner, or authorized agent shall determine the number of parking spaces sufficient for the proposed use, and shall provide justification acceptabl e to the director of community development and/or the planning commission to support the determination.
2. Mixed-Use, in Conjunction with Multi-Fam ily Residential Use. The developer, property owner, or authorized agent shall determine the number of parking spaces sufficient for the non- residential portion of the mixed-use development, and shall provide justification acceptable to the director of community development and/or the planning commission to support the determination. The parking requirement for the mu lti-family portion shall be consistent with Section 17.08.100 of the residential zones.
3. Multi-Family Uses. The parking requirement fo r multi-family uses shall be consistent with Section 17.08.100 of the residential zones.
4. All uses shall provide parking for disabled persons in accordance with federal and state requirements.
5. Except as necessary to comply with re quirements to provide electric vehicle supply equipment installed parking spaces or parking spaces that are accessible to persons with disabilities, for sites located within one-half mile of a major transit stop as defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, no parking is required, except:
a. Event centers shall provide parki ng for employees and other workers. b. Development projects where any portion is designated for use as a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other transient lodgi ng (except where a portion of a housing development project is designated for use as a residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code) shall provide parking in accordance with the minimum parking requirements of subsection B.1, above.
c. Development projects for which, within 30 days of the receipt of a completed application, the city finds that based on a preponderance of the evidence in the record that not imposing or enforcing minimum automobile parking requirements on the development would have a substantially negative impact on any of the following:
1) The city's ability to meet its share of the regional housing need in accordance with Section 65584 for low- and very low-income households.
2) The city's ability to meet any special housing needs for the elderly or persons with disabilities identified in the analysis required pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 65583.
3) Existing residential or commercial parking within one-half mile of the housing development project.
d. Subsection (c) above shall not apply for the following projects:
1) Housing development projects that dedicate a minimum of 20% of the total number of housing units to very low, low-, or moderate-income households, students, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.
2) Housing development projects that contain fewer than 20 housing units. 3) Housing development projects subj ect to parking reductions based on the provisions of any other applicable state law.
(Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. §§ 221.070—221.075) (Ord. No. 1016, § 4, 12-13-2016; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh.
A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.230 - Design requirements.
The following design requirements shall be met for development in the C zone:
A. General requirements applicable to all development:
1. Access.
a. Automobile.
1) Driveways providing access to the site may be required to be combined, relocated, or otherwise limited in order to minimize traffic conflicts and improve public safety.
All driveways shall be constructed to co mply with current city standards. All driveway locations are subject to the approval of the director of public works. 2) Entry drives into parking areas shall be of sufficient depth to provide for vehicle stacking appropriate to the size, location and intensity of the project served. 3) Access to drive-through facilities sha ll have a sufficient depth to provide vehicle stacking for not less than 7 automobiles at a depth of 24 feet per automobile per drive-through facility. (One bank teller station equals one su ch facility.) Such stacking space shall be designed in a manne r which will not restrict access to or from parking spaces, aisles or driveways.
4) Private internal roadways shall be co nstructed at the minimum widths necessary for safe traffic circulation in order to minimize heat absorption and storm water runoff.
b. Pedestrians and Bicycles.
1) On-site pedestrian walkways serving all commercial buildings, freestanding or common walls as in a shopping center, shall be installed in a manner which will promote direct, safe and convenient pedestrian access to public sidewalks, crosswalks and transit stops with minimal interruption by vehicular traffic. Where the walkways are interrupted by traffi c the design of the crosswalk shall be intended to slow the speed of traffic.
2) Such pedestrian walkways shall be provided to each abutting street which is served by a sidewalk. The walkways sh all be clearly designated through the use of raised walkways, decorative paving, placement of lighting, landscaping, shading devices, or other design features.
3) Pedestrian walkways and seating should be visible from buildings, parking facilities, and rights-of-way to the greatest degree possible to provide surveillance of these areas.
4) Access for bicycles shall be provided for all sites abutting or adjacent to planned bicycle and/or trail routes.
5) Bicycle parking shall be provided in a convenient location near the entrance of the building.
c. Public Transit.
1) Opportunities for turnouts, shelters and pedestrian access shall be provided at a location which is convenient to building entrances for all sites abutting expressways or arterial streets that are served by public transit routes. 2) If deemed necessary by the city for projec t mitigation, the city will consult with the bus company to determine appropriate improvements per the transportation demand and trip reduction measures of Ordinance No. 633.
2. Paving. Parking areas, as well as the m aneuvering areas and driveways used for access thereto shall be paved with:
a. Concrete surfacing to a minimum thickness of 3½ inches with expansion joints as necessary; or
b. Asphalt surfacing, rolled to a smooth, hard surface having a minimum thickness of 2 inches after compaction, and laid over a bas e of crushed rock, gravel or other similar material compacted to a minimum thickness of 4 inches.
c. For commercial truck parking and drive ai sles, asphalt surfacing rolled to a smooth hard surface having a minimum thickness of 3 inches after compaction and, at a minimum, designed to accommodate a traffic index (TI) of 6.5 as calculated in accordance with the latest edition of the CalTrans Highwa y Design Manual. Large commercial projects may need a greater TI based upon their use.
d. Other alternative material that will prov ide at least the equivalent in service, life and appearance of the materials and standards which would be employed for development pursuant to subsection A.2.a. or b.
e. The director of public works, at the r equest of the director, shall review and report on the adequacy of paving where alternative materials are proposed under subsection A.2.d. The director of public works may appr ove such alternative materials if, in his opinion, the evidence indicates compliance with subsection A.2.d.
3. Size and Marking of Spaces.
a. No less than 75% of parking spaces shall exhibit dimensions of 9 feet wide by 20 feet long or 10 feet wide and 18 feet long in 90- degree parking, or 9 feet wide by 18 feet long in 45- or 60-degree parking, with requi red disabled person parking spaces as provided by federal and state law.
b. Compact Spaces. No greater than 25% of the parking spaces may exhibit minimum dimensions of 8 feet in width by 18 feet in length. Such spaces shall be labelled "compact car only" in a manner acceptable to the director. c. No parking shall occur in the first 10 f eet of a required front or street side yard. d. Where parking abuts an alley, the improved alley may be used as an aisle subject to approval of the parking lot design. (See the following diagrams for parking design options.)
4. Circulation. Entrances and exits shall be clea rly identified. Vehicula r circulation should be "one-way" in each aisle or "two-way" if the aisle width is a minimum of 20 feet. No aisle shall be less than 12 feet in width.
5. Location of Parking Spaces. Parking spac es used to meet requirements for commercial centers shall not be located in the rear of the center unless direct customer access to the buildings is permitted from these locations.
6. Loading Spaces. Number and location of such spaces shall be required as specified by the director.
7. Shopping Cart Storage. Those uses which re quire shopping carts for use by their customers shall provide designated storage areas in the parking lot area. Shopping cart storage areas shall be shown on the site plan as distinct and separate from the parking spaces and identify the cart storage capacity. Such storage areas shall not be placed in any required parking space.
8. Buffering. A masonry wall of not less than 5 nor greater than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line where the activities of a commercial use are anticipated to be incompatible with
existing commercial or industrial uses or to protect an area from adverse climatic conditions (wind, blowing sand, etc.). It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the director or a designated representative that the projec t will not create or be subject to conditions necessitating a wall at the time of site plan review if a wall is not desired.
9. Building Design.
a. Shopping centers shall be designed with a common architectural theme for all buildings in the center, including freestanding uses. The cent er shall utilize building style, form, size, color and materials that are compatible with adjoining development, planned or existing. b. Building placement shall comp lement the design of adjoining sites to facilitate the convenient and logical functioning of neighboring uses. Where more than one building is to be developed on the site, the buildings shall be laid out in clusters or as necessary to create outdoor patios, courts and walkways in a landscaped setting. Building and parking layout shall be varied to avoid a "strip commercial appearance."
c. Roof treatment shall be the same on the ent ire periphery of the building, except where a different treatment is required by the city building code. Where screening of rooftop equipment is necessary such screening shall be designed to complement the architecture of the building.
d. Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets shall have good proportions and relationships to one another and shall utilize canopies and/or overhangs to shade windows during summer months. Buildings should be designed to utilize natural light for internal illumination through the use of courts, skylights, and other design options. e. Building articulations should be utilized to mi nimize the visual effect s of large expanses of blank wall.
f. Utility doors, access panels, fire doors, load ing docks, and other openings shall be treated as part of the architectural composition of buildings.
g. An exterior color scheme for all buildings or additions thereto shall be submitted with the building elevations for approval. The color scheme for existing neighboring buildings shall be indicated and considered.
h. Solar access and prevailing winds should be considered in building design and orientation. i. Additions to existing buildings shall generally conform to the design of the existing building.
New building size, materials and color shall be consistent with the scale and design of the building to which it is attached.
j. The use of corrugated metal build ings is prohibited in this zone. k. Shower facilities shall be pr ovided for employees as follows:
1) Freestanding buildings not within a shopping center or other commercial center which have a gross floor area of 50,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet shall provide one shower for each gender and 0.5 clothing lo ckers for each required bicycle parking space. An additional shower for each gender shall be provided for each additional 100,000 square feet of gross floor area or portion thereof. 2) Shopping centers or other commercial c enters shall provide showers and lockers at the same rate as subsection A.9.k.1) of this section for the total gross square footage of the center. The center may consolidate the showers in a common facility within the center rather than providing them by individual use.
3) The floor area for showers shall not be included in the calculations for parking requirements for a freestanding building or shopping center or other commercial center.
10. Landscaping.
a. Landscape designs shall be consistent thro ughout a project site. Unrelated and random choice or placement of plant materials shall be avoided; however, variety may be employed to intensify distinction between spaces or to strengthen a sense of entry, place or movement, or to promote energy conservation.
b. The type, scale and proportion of landscape ma terials shall be appropriate to the site and/or structures to which they relate.
c. Landscaping should be placed in a manner whic h will minimize the provision of hiding places for criminals near doors, windows, or other possible points of building entry as well as allow patrol officers a clear view of such points of entry.
d. Plant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, texture, color, ultimate growth and water efficiency. Plants that are native or climate adaptive to the high desert area of Lancaster and/or others that will be hardy, harmonious with project design, and of good appearance shall be used. Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used wherever feasible. Turf shall not be permitted except for recreational areas. Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 8.50 Landscaping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code.
e. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by an autom atic system with separate stations for each hydrozone. The irrigation system shall be designed and equipped to incorporate water conservation techniques such as drip systems, moisture sensors and anti-drain valves.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed to prevent water from falling onto impervious surfaces.
The system shall comply with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code.
f. All areas within a site which has been approved by the city for development as a site plan or approved phase thereof, which are not needed for buildings, sidewalks, vehicle access or parking shall be landscaped.
g. All landscaped planter areas shall be comple tely bordered by a 6-inch P.C.C. curbing to prevent irrigation runoff and act as a wheel st op where necessary. Where used as a wheel stop the 6-inch curb may be counted toward the required length of the parking space. h. All parking lots shall be landscaped with sh ade trees to achieve 50% coverage at maturity. i. For all lots, not less than 15% of the lot area remaining after the area to be covered by building has been subtracted from the total lot area, shall be landscaped. j. Where off-street parking areas abut local or collector streets, such areas shall be separated from an abutting street by a continuous lands caped planter which extends parallel to the street frontage of the parking area. Said plant er shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width exclusive of perimeter curbs. Up to ½ of the perimeter landscape area may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements of subsection A.10.i. of this section. k. Trees and landscaping shall be utilized wherever possible to shade buildings as a means of enhancing energy conservation and provide protection against strong winds.
Deciduous trees and/or vines should be used where passive solar heat gain is desired in buildings during the winter months.
l. At least 10% of all trees installed shall be from a 24-inch box or larger and shall be placed to ameliorate the effect of large, windowless building walls and to emphasize focal points within the development. No other tree shall be less than 15-gallon size. At least 75% of all shrubs shall be of 5-gallon si ze, and no shrub shall be less than one-gallon size. Ground covers shall be planted no further apart than 6 inches on center. m. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.
11. Lighting. The intent of this requirement is to properly illuminate the site without producing an adverse impact on neighboring property. Exterior lighting of the building and site shall be
provided, maintained and utilized during the hours of darkness in accordance with the following requirements:
a. Exterior lighting shall be part of the arch itectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be compatible with building design. b. Placement of lighting shall be in accordance with recognized crime prevention, and safety principles.
12. Outside Storage. Outside storage is permitted on the rear of a lot or parcel of land in the C zone when the storage area is paved and such storage is strictly incidental to the permitted use existing in a building on the front portion of the same lot or parcel of land and provided no storage is higher than the enclosure surroun ding it nor nearer than 50 feet to the front property line. Any outdoor area used for storage shall be completely enclosed by a solid masonry wall and sight-obscuring gate (chain link with slats is not acceptable), not less than 5 feet nor more than 6 feet in height, except that the director may approve the substitution of a fence or decorative wall where in his opinion, such wall or fence will adequately comply with the provisions of this section. All such re quests for substitution shall be subject to the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review.
13. Screening.
a. All rooftop mechanical equipment, ducts, tanks, satellite antennae, etc., shall be enclosed or otherwise screened from view from all sides of the building. (This requirement does not include wind powered turbines used for ventilation.) b. Where mechanical equipment, junction boxes, satellite antennae, meters, and similar utility equipment is ground mounted it shall be enclosed or, screened from view where necessary to preclude visibility from streets and adjacent properties. c. Valves and other ground mounted equipment serving building sprinkler systems and irrigation backflow prevention devices shall be enclosed, screened or placed underground to preclude visibility from streets and adjacent properties. d. Loading areas shall be screened from view only where necessary to preclude visibility from streets and adjacent properties.
e. Parking areas adjacent to streets sha ll be screened with landscaping in the required yards and with low decorative walls, berms or combinations thereof. Where walls are used they shall be placed so as not to obscure landscaped areas from the street.
14. Service for Utilities. All on-site utility services shall be underground.
15. Signs.
a. The colors, materials and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.
b. The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.
c. Use of individual letters for all signing is preferred and encouraged over "cabinet" signs.
Where cabinet signs are utilized, such cabinet must be integrated into the design of the building or structure.
d. The light source of externally illuminated signs shall not be visible. e. No sign shall be placed in a manner wh ich would obstruct a driver's or pedestrian's vision and thus create a hazard to public safety, and shall not be placed in or over any public right-of-way.
f. Street numbers of all buildings shall be prom inently located and of sufficient size to be easily read from the street by public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, ambulance).
16. Refuse/Recycling Storage. Commercial, i ndustrial and institutional uses shall have on the same lot or parcel a refuse/recycling storage area at a ratio of 20 square feet of refuse/recycling storage area for each 1,000 square feet or portion thereof of net floor area of the facility, but not less than 6 feet in width nor less than 18 feet in length (exterior dimension). Such storage areas shall include separate containers for waste and for materials to be recycled. Each container shall be clearly marked or color coded for its intended use.
Such storage areas shall be enclosed on 3 sides by a minimum 5-foot-high reinforced masonry or concrete wall with a sight-obscuring gate of noncombustible materials (chain link with slats is not acceptable) which is the same height as the enclosing walls. The floor of the enclosure shall be of concrete construction and the walls shall be protected by a concrete curb not less than 2 inches high by 6 inches wide or conventional concrete wheel stops to preclude damage by dumpsters. Such storage areas shall not be placed in a location which is openly exposed to a fronting street or a neighboring residential area.
17. Hazardous Materials. Applicants must obtai n the approval of the Los Angeles County fire department prior to obtaining any city permi ts for any use which includes the use of hazardous materials or the storage of hazardous materials or wastes.
18. Radioactive Materials. The use of radioa ctive materials shall be limited to measuring, gauging or calibration equipment.
19. Noise. Uses which generate noise by the nature of their function and/or processes shall be required to demonstrate that the noise levels emitted from the use shall not exceed 65 dBA at any property line which abuts a residential zone, residential use, or other noise-sensitive use. A detailed noise attenuation study by a qualified acoustical engineer may be required by the director or his designated represent ative to determine appropriate mitigation and methods to incorporate same into project design. Site design methods which may be utilized to reduce noise include:
a. The use of building setbacks and dedication of noise easements to increase the distance between the noise source and receiver;
b. The location of uses and orientation of bu ildings which are compatible with higher noise levels adjacent to noise generators or in clusters to shield more noise-sensitive areas and uses;
c. The placement of noise-tolerant land us es, such as parking areas, between the noise source and receiver;
d. The placement of noise-tolerant structures, such as garages or carports, to shield noise sensitive areas;
e. Clustering of office or commercial struct ures to reduce interior open space noise levels.
20. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVC S). New commercial development shall provide for electric vehicle charging stations in the manner prescribed as follows:
a. New residential uses shall provide EVCSs in accordance with Section 17.08.150T. b. New commercial, industrial, and other uses with the building or land area, capacity, or numbers of employees listed herein shall provide the electrical service capacity necessary and all conduits and related equipment necessary to ultimately serve 2% of the total parking spaces with EVCSs in a manner approved by the building and safety official. Of these parking spaces, 1/2 shall in itially be provided with the electric vehicle supply equipment necessary to function as on-line EVCSs upon completion of the project. The remainder shall be installed at such time as they are needed for use by customers, employees or other users. EVC Ss shall be provided in disabled person parking spaces in accordance with state requirements.
1) Construction of a hospital of 500 or more beds, or expansion of a hospital of that size by 20% or more.
2) Construction of a post-secondary school (college), public or private, for 3,000 or more students, or expansion of an existi ng facility having a capacity of 3,000 or more students by an addition of at least 20%.
3) Hotels or motels with 500 or more rooms.
4) Industrial, manufacturing, or processing plants or industrial parks that employ more than 1,000 persons, occupy more than 40 acres of land, or contain more than 650,000 square feet of gross floor area.
5) Office buildings or office parks that employ more than 1,000 persons or contain more than 250,000 square feet of gross floor area.
6) Shopping centers or trade centers that employ 1,000 or more persons or contain 500,000 square feet of gross floor area.
7) Sports, entertainment, or recreation facilities that accommodate at least 4,000 persons per performance or that contain 1,500 or more fixed seats. 8) Transit projects (including but not limited to transit stations and park and ride lots).
B. When adjacent to residentially zoned property, the following requirements shall also be applied:
1. Artificial lighting used to illuminate t he premises shall be directed away from adjacent residentially zoned properties.
2. Where multi-story buildings are to be utilized on lots abutting residentially zoned properties, such buildings shall be located or oriented in a manner which will minimize visual intrusion into neighboring residentially zoned property. (This may be accomplished by setting the building back from the abutting property line beyond the distance required for the yard, selective placement of windows, orienting t he building in a manner which will not give occupants a direct view into the yards or windows of neighboring residents.)
3. No signs shall be placed in a manner which visually intrudes into adjoining residentially zoned property.
4. Trees shall be utilized as a means of improving the in terface between commercial and residential uses where appropriate.
5. Buffering. When abutting residentially zoned property, a masonry wall of not less than 5 nor greater than 6 feet in height and with a 10 foot landscaped setback shall be provided at the
property line in accordance with the provisions for walls specified in Section 17.28.030C to minimize conflicts between commercial and residential uses. Trees shall be utilized to screen areas visible above the wall. This requirem ent shall be modified, where necessary to preclude interference with line-of-sight of a driver within 10 feet of any street or alley, down to a maximum height of 42 inches. The design of the wall shall be considered as part of the site plan review. The site and any buildings thereon shall be designed to locate noise- and odor-generating equipment and activity in a manner which will have a minimal impact on abutting residentially zoned property. Such techniques may include, but are not limited to, no windows on the building wall(s) facing residentially zoned property, insulating structures housing equipment against noise, limitation of the hours of equipment operation, and other controls designed for specific problems. It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove that his project will not have a detrimental effect on neighboring residential property at the time of site plan review.
C. Air Quality. Uses located within 500 feet of any residential use or residential zone shall not emit smoke, dust or fumes of any kind in conjunction with any process. All uses shall comply with the air quality standards of the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) or the city of Lancaster, whichever is more restrictive.
(Ord. 713 § 5 (part), 1995; Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.080) (Ord. No. 907, § 5, 10-28-2008; Ord. No. 1016, §§ 4—7, 12-13-2016; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh.
A), 5-27-2025)
Article III. - Reserved[2]
Footnotes:
--- (2) ---
Editor's note— Ord. No. 945, § 3, adopted July 13, 2010, repealed Art. III, §§ 17.12.240—17.12.460, which pertained to the Central Business District (CBD) Zone, and derived from the prior zoning ord., §§ 220.010, 220.020—222.026, 222.030, 222.031, 222.0 40, 222.050, 222.060—222.068, 222.070—222.075 and 222.080; Ords. 711 and 713 of 1995; Ord. 753 of 1999; Ord. 827 of 2004; Ord. 896 of 2008; Ord. No. 907, adopted October 28, 2008; and Ord. No. 924, adopted August 25, 2009.
17.12.240—17.12.460 - Reserved.
Article IV. - Commercial Planned Development (CPD) Zone
17.12.470 - Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of the CPD zone is to provide the means necessary to implement the city general plan, specifically the "regional," "subregional" and "general commercial" categories as set forth in the text of the general plan and as delineated on the general plan map. This zone is also intended to be applied to lands so designated which are subject to, or the development of which involves special consideration such as proximity to residential neighbors which merit the attention of the planning commission and applications of special conditions to deal with such concerns. This zone is intended to be in accordance with applicable goals, objectives, policies and programs, and standards of development set forth by the general plan. This zone is intended to provide for the daily commercial needs of residents of the city and adjoining areas, visitors and business in an urban environment with full urban services.
(Prior zoning ord. § 223.010)
17.12.480 - Prohibition.
A person shall not use any premises in the CPD zone except as hereafter permitted in the title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. (Prior zoning ord. § 223.020)
17.12.490 - Permitted uses.
Premises in the CPD zone may be used for:
A. Existing single-family residential uses which may continue to be used as a permitted use provided that such uses may not be expanded in any manner. This limit on expansion does not apply accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units subject to Chapter 17.41, Article I.
B. Any use which is permitted in the C zone, subjec t to the director's approval of a site plan* which demonstrates conformity with the provisions of t he C zone and this title, and provided that all of the following conditions exist:
1. The area of the lot or parcel of land to be used is 2 acres or less.
2. The proposed use is found by the director* to be compatible with surrounding development.
C. Existing premises may be used for any use wh ich is permitted in the C zone provided that the proposed use is found by the director* to be compatible with surrounding development.
D. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, gaug ing stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any use normal and appurtenant to the storage and distribution of water.
E. Low barrier navigation centers s ubject to Chapter 17.41, Article V. * The director's determinations on these items may be appealed to the planning commission. (Ord. 711 §§ 28, 30 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 223.021) (Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)
17.12.500 - Accessory uses.
Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.040). (Prior zoning ord. § 223.022)
17.12.510 - Temporary uses.
Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.040). (Prior zoning ord. § 223.023)
17.12.520 - Uses subject to director's review and approval.
Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.040).
(Prior zoning ord. § 223.024)
(Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.530 - Uses subject to permit.
If a conditional use permit has first been obtained, as provided in Article I of Chapter 17.32, property in the CPD zone may be used for a planned commercial development in which the commission may approve any use permitted, or subject to permit, in the C zone provided that the commission finds such uses are in character with surrounding commercial uses. In the conditional use permit the commission may modify any of the prescribed standards of development pertaining thereto. Such uses shall be subject to all of the following provisions:
A. Access and Parking. Adequate provision shall be made for vehicular access, parking and loading so as to prevent undue traffic congestion on adjacent streets and highways, particularly on local streets. The requirements of Section 17.12.220 shall be considered in the review of any proposed project.
B. Reserved.
C. Design. The arrangement of buildings, architectural design, and types of commercial uses shall be such as to minimize adverse influences on adjacent properties. (The requirements of Sections
17.12.130 and 17.12.230 shall be considered in the review of any proposed projects.) D. Development Features. The development plan s hall include yards, walls, walks, landscaping, and such other features as may be needed to ma ke the commercial development attractive, adequately buffered from adjacent more restrictive uses, and in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.
E. Development Schedule. The commission shall ap prove a progress schedule including all phases of development and indicating that the improvem ents described in the development plan will be made prior to occupancy of any buildings. The commission may modify without a hearing this condition pertaining to the development schedule based upon an affirmative showing, in writing, of hardship.
F. Need. The commission shall not grant a conditional use permit for a planned commercial development in the CPD zone unless it finds that the proposed commercial development is needed to serve the immediately adjacent area, and development has occurred, or is proposed, which will warrant such commercial development.
G. Signs. The commission in granting the cond itional use permit may allow advertising signs permitted in Zone C (Sections 17.12.140— 17.12.210) which it finds will be in keeping with the concept of planned development. No outdoor advert ising signs are permitted or allowed to be relocated into this zone. In addition, the commission may approve one sign for a shopping center, other commercial center, or auto mall, which identifies the major tenants thereof for each frontage on a street or highway which has a right-of-way of 100 feet or more.
H. Utilities. The applicant shall submit to the co mmission and it shall be made a condition of approval, satisfactory evidence that the applicant has made arrangements with the serving utilities to install underground all new facilities necessary to furnish service in the development. This requirement may be waived where it would cause undue hardship or constitute an unreasonable requirement. (Prior zoning ord. § 223.025)
(Ord. No. 1016, § 8, 12-13-2016)
Article V. - Hospital (H) Zone
17.12.540 - Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the H zone is to provide the means necessary to implement the city general plan, specifically the "health care facilities" land use designation as set forth in the text of the general plan and delineated as "hospitals" on the general plan map. This zone is also intended to allow the development of those uses which are typically located near hospitals. This zone is intended to be in accordance with applicable goals, objectives, policies, programs and standards of development set forth by the plan. This zone is intended to provide for the daily medical needs of the residents of the city and adjoining areas and visitors in an urban environment with full urban services.
It shall also be the intent of this zone to apply the provisions of the zone including but not limited to the property development regulations required herein to all new building lots created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title and including but not limited to the design requirements, to all new construction, including new additions, permitted after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title.
It shall not be the intent of this title to render previously legally created building lots or legally constructed buildings which do not comply with the new property development regulations or other requirements of the title to be nonconforming where these lots or buildings complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of their creation or construction. However, proof of compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of creation or construction shall be the sole burden of the applicant or property owner.
Such proof may include permits, minutes of council or commission action, case files or other documentation.
(Prior zoning ord. § 224.010)
17.12.550 - Prohibition.
A person shall not use any premises in the H zone except as hereafter specifically permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. (Prior zoning ord. § 224.020)
17.12.560 - Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted in the H zone:
A. Hospital, privately or publicly owned;
B. Long-term health care facility;
C. Medical clinic;
D. Medical laboratory;
E. Medical offices;
F. Pharmacy;
G. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, ga uging stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any use normal and appurtenant to the storage and di stribution of water. Exception: This use is not subject to site plan review (Section 17.12.630).
(Ord. 711 §§ 20 (part), 30 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.021)
17.12.570 - Accessory uses.
The following uses are considered as accessory uses to the permitted uses in the H zone:
A. Accessory buildings customarily us ed in conjunction with permitted uses; B. Awnings, fences, walls or windbreaks;
C. Parking lot guard house;
D. Solar energy systems, whether mounted on or attached to a building or mounted on the ground; E. Electric Vehicle Charging Station. An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) shall be permitted as an accessory use within any existing legal si ngle-family or multiple-family residential garage or carport, or within any existing legal commercial parking space in a parking lot or in a parking garage, subject to all applicable city code requirements and the following:
1. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) for public use shall be subject to the following requirements:
a. The EVCSs shall be located in a manner which will be easily seen by the public for informational and security purposes and shall be illuminated during evening business hours; and
b. Be located in desirable and convenient par king locations which will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles; and
c. The EVCS pedestals shall be protected as necessary to prevent damage by automobiles; and
d. The EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather; and
e. Complete instructions and appropriate wa rnings concerning the use of the EVCS shall be posted on a sign in a prominent location on each station for use by the operator; and f. One standard nonilluminated sign, not to exc eed 4 square feet in area and 10 feet in height, may be posted for the purpose of i dentifying the location of each cluster of EVCSs; and
g. The EVCS may be on a timer that limits t he use of the station to the normal business hours of the use(s) which it serves to preclude unauthorized use after business hours.
2. Electric vehicle charging stations for private use shall:
a. Be located in a manner which will not allow public access to the charging station; and b. Comply with subsections E.1. c., d. and e. of this section.
F. Mini Wireless Telecommunication Facilitie s. This category includes all mini wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640. (Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 2 (part)), 1999; Ord. 713 § 3 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.022)
17.12.580 - Temporary uses.
The following uses are considered as temporary uses in the H zone:
A. Building materials, storage of, used in the cons truction of a building or building project, during the construction and 30 days thereafter including the contractor's temporary office provided that any lot or parcel of land so used shall be part of the building project, or on property adjoining the construction site;
B. Commercial coaches used as temporary offices s ubject to the provisions of Article X of Chapter
17.40 and this zone.
(Prior zoning ord. § 224.023)
17.12.590 - Uses subject to director's review and approval.
If site plans or other pertinent information for the proposed use are first submitted to and approved by the director in accordance with Article VI of Chapter 17.32, premises in the H zone may be used for the following uses:
A. Access to property lawfully used for a purpose not permitted in the H zone provided no other practical access to such property is available and such access will not alter the character of the premises in respect to permitted uses in the H zone;
B. Parking. Joint usage or leased. (See Section 17.12.690B.) C. Minor co-located and stealth wireless telecommuni catoin facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
D. Cargo containers utiliz ed exclusively for the storage of emergency supplies to be used for the benefit of the public by a recognized governmental agency, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in the event of a disaster or em ergency situation. Placement of a cargo container for the storage of private supplies is not allowed.
(Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 6 (part)), 1999; prior zoning ord. § 224.024) (Ord. No. 964, § 1, 5-24-2011)
17.12.600 - Uses subject to permit.
The following uses may be permitted in the H zone provided a conditional use permit has first been obtained as provided in Article I of Chapter 17.32, and while such permit is in full force and effect in conformity with conditions of such permit for:
A. Ambulance service;
B. Buildings or structures more than 5 stories in height; C. Heliport for medical purposes;
D. Medical/sick room supplies, sales or rental;
E. Mobilehome or other residence for use by caretaker and his immediate family in accordance with Article VIII of Chapter 17.40.
(Ord. 711 § 30 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.025)
17.12.610 - Height regulations.
No building or structure for a permitted use in the H zone shall exceed a height of 5 stories. This section does not apply to uses subject to permit which shall be subject to Article I of Chapter 17.32. (See Article XII of Chapter 17.40 for general exceptions.)
(Prior zoning ord. § 224.030)
17.12.620 - Exception for solar systems.
Solar collectors may exceed the height limit when mounted on the roof of a legal, conforming building. The right to exceed the height limit shall be exercised only in the event that: there is no other
practical means or location for achieving an efficient placement on the building or site in question: such collectors may exceed the height limit only to the extent necessary to achieve efficient placement: in no case shall such solar collectors (or related equipment) encroach more than 5 feet beyond the limit. Also the placement of a solar collector shall not shade or otherwise diminish the efficiency of existing solar collectors on neighboring property, or preclude such property from sufficient solar access to successfully operate a solar energy system sufficient to serve the needs of the business or occupants. (Prior zoning ord. § 224.031)
17.12.630 - Site plan review required.
A site plan (with vicinity map) and building elevations, drawn to scale and reflecting the accurate dimensions of the buildings and property, shall be required of any person seeking to erect new buildings or structures, make additions to any existing buildings or structures, site temporary commercial coaches, or otherwise grade, improve or develop any lot or portion thereof for a permitted use prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The site plan shall be accompanied by an appropriate development application and both shall be filed with the planning department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisions of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conformance with height regulations, property development regulations, sign regulations or a sign program required by the city for multiple-tenant projects, off-street parking requirements, the adopted City of Lancaster Design Guidelines, any other requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in which the property(ies) is (are) located, and any other applicable city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies. In addition to the conditions and requirements imposed by the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines and policies, the director may place conditions on the approval of the site plan where the director finds that such action is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. At such time as the site plan complies with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies, the site plan shall be approved by the director or his designated representative. The site plan approval shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of approval. A site plan shall be considered "used" when the slab of a major building in the project is poured and inspected, although circumstances in each case may vary and the final determination as to "use" of a site plan review shall be made by the director.
Three (3) one-year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than sixty (60) days prior to expiration, and any significant environmental changes which have occurred since the original approval have been addressed. Any extension granted shall be conditioned to comply with the city's current design guidelines as adopted by the city council, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that such compliance will impose an undue hardship on the project. In the event the site plan or an extension thereof is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Section 17.36.030. All projects constructed in accordance with an approved site plan shall be permanently maintained as approved. Any desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prior to occupancy the site shall be inspected for compliance with the site plan. All improvements shall be installed and functioning before occupancy will be allowed.
Where the director determines that the requirements of this section surpass the city's need for project review of a particular development proposal, the director may exercise discretion and apply the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review, in its place. (Ord. 711 § 22 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.040) (Ord. No. 924, § 1, 8-25-09; Ord. No. 956, § 3, 1-11-2011)
17.12.640 - Property development regulations.
A. General.
1. No new building or commercial coach shall be er ected, constructed, moved onto, or established on an existing legal lot or parcel of land unless said building or commercial coach shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section or Article X of Chapt er 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement of said lot or parcel.
2. No existing building or commercial coach located on an existing legal lot or parcel of land shall be converted, enlarged or moved unless said build ing or commercial coach, or addition thereto, shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.
3. No new lot shall be created, or any building, or portion thereof, existing on such new lot be used unless said lot and said building location shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section which are pertinent to the area and dimensions for new lots and thos e regulations pertinent to the placement or location of buildings on said lot.
B. H Zone.
1. Lot Dimensions. The following minimum lot dimensions shall apply to all lots created after the adoption of this section. (Those lots which were legally created, prior to the adoption of this section, in compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of their creation need not comply unless involved in a new subdivision or change in lot configuration other than a lot line adjustment as provided in Title 16 of this code.)
a. Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet (s ee Sections 17.40.070 and 17.40.080 in the event public use or required street dedication would re duce the net area of an existing lot to less than 40,000 square feet);
b. Minimum lot width: 100 feet (see Section 17. 40.090A in the event the width of an existing lot is reduced by public use);
c. Minimum lot depth: 100 feet (see Section 17. 40.090B in the event t he depth of an existing lot is reduced by public use).
2. Yard Requirements.
a. Fences and walls shall comply with the standards outlined in 17.28.030.C. b. Additions or modifications to buildings or us es, either constructed or having received building permit approval, or having been legally established prior to June 15, 1983, may be allowed with yards of lesser dimension than required in this subsection where, in the opinion of the Director, allowing less than full compliance with the yard requirements would impose no substantial detriment to abutting property or improvements thereon. The Director shall then also consider if:
1) There are special circumstances or ex ceptional characteristics applicable to the property involved which are not generally applicable to other properties in the same vicinity with the same zoning,
2) An adjustment (if authorized) will constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the same vicinity with the same zoning, and 3) The strict application of the yard requirem ents would result in practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship which is inconsistent with the purpose of the yard requirements, in rendering a decision on whether to allow a reduction of the required yard. In no case shall the Director's approval of the r eduction of a required yard relieve the applicant/property owner from complying with minimum landscape requirements established by this title unless such relief is specifically approved by the Director. (See Sections 17.40.093, 17.40.095 and 17.40.097 in the event yard requirements must be reduced for street widening or transit stops.)
c. Yards shall be provided as follows:
1) Front yard, street side yard and interior si de yard: 20 feet plus 5 feet for each story over one. No parking shall take place within 20 feet of a property line within a required front or street side yard, such area shall be fully landscaped except where crossed by approved driveways. Parking on lawns or other landscaped areas is prohibited. a) The front yard, street side yard and interior side yard of all uses shall be landscaped with living plant materials such as trees, shrubs and lawn prior to occupancy by any use, shall be served by a permanent automatic irrigation system and shall be maintained as required in this title.
2) Rear yard:* 50 feet.
a) Where the rear yard abuts a public street, said yard shall be landscaped in the same manner as required for the front yard for a distance of not less than 20 feet, measured from the street ri ght-of-way line to a line parallel to the right-of-way on the lot or parcel of land.
3. Maximum lot coverage: 50% of the lot area.
4. Landscaping: No landscaping shall be placed in a manner which shades or would ultimately shade any existing solar energy system from the sun on a contiguous lot. * EXCEPTION: Solar energy systems are permitted in rear yards and are not counted against lot coverage.
5. Trash enclosure location(s) and access shall be designed to the satisfaction of the Director. The trash enclosures shall meet the following requirements:
1. Locate trash enclosures away from view, from primary entrances drive or streets;
2. Design the trash enclosure to be a minimum of 165 square feet;
3. Accommodate source separation of recyclable materials in accordance with State requirements;
4. Design trash enclosures with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and
5. Separate trash enclosure from adjacent par king with a 6-foot wide minimum planter. (Ord. 711 § 44 (part), 1995; Ord. 651 § 4 (part), 1993; prior zoning ord. § 224.050) (Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.650 - Signs.
A person shall not use, install or construct any sign in the H zone except as specifically permitted in this chapter and subject to all regulations and conditions set forth in the ordinance codified in this title and any other ordinance now existing or hereafter adopted by the city regulating the installation, use and/or construction of signs. If fully dimensioned sign plans, including the proposed sign location, are first submitted to and approved by the director or his designated representative, and required permits and inspection approval obtained, the signs set out in the following sections shall be permitted in the H zone. (Prior zoning ord. § 224.060)
17.12.660 - Signs—General provisions.
A. The provisions of this section regulating signs sh all not apply to the following signs except as otherwise indicated herein:
1. Official notices issued by any court, public body or public officer;
2. Notices posted by any public officer in perform ance of a public duty, or for any person in giving legal notice;
3. Traffic, directional, warning or informational signs required or authorized by the public authority having jurisdiction over such signs;
4. Official signs used for emergency purposes only;
5. Signs designating access to hospital emergency facilities;
6. Signs designating fire zones, loading and unloading zones, handicap parking, and safety devices including but not limited to utility shutoff valves;
7. Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques or markers;
8. Public utility signs, provided such si gns do not exceed 3 square feet in area.
B. Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the H zone.
1. Signs which contain or utilize:
a. Any exposed incandescent lamp,
b. Any revolving beacon light,
c. Any continuous or sequential flashing operatio n, including signs displaying time of day, atmospheric temperature or having programmable electronic messages;
2. Awning or entrance canopy signs;
3. Roof signs (see definition in Section 17.04.240);
4. Revolving signs of any kind;
5. Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose;
6. Devices dispensing bubbles and free-flowing particles of matter;
7. Any notice, placard, bill, card , poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public which an y person posts, prints, sticks, stamps, tacks or otherwise affixes, or causes the same to be done to or upon any street, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, telephone pole or lighting system, or upon any fixture of the police or fire alarm system of the city of Lancaster or county of Los Angeles;
8. Any strings of pennants, banners or streamers, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, and similar attention-getting dev ices, including noise-emitting devices, with the exception of the following:
a. National, state, local governmental, institut ional or corporate flags properly displayed, b. Holiday decorations in season used for an aggregate period of 60 days in any one calendar year;
9. Devices projecting, or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on any surface or object;
10. Signs emitting or amplifying sounds for the purpose of attracting attention;
11. Portable signs;
12. Sidewalk signs;
13. Temporary signs, except as otherwis e specifically permitted by this title;
14. Outdoor advertising signs;
15. Pole signs.
C. General Sign Regulations. The following regulations apply to all signs in the H zone:
1. In no case shall a lighted sign or lighting device thereof be so placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be dire cted or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
2. Signs may be single-, double- or multi-faced, provided that:
a. The distance between the faces of any doubl e-faced sign, other than a "V"-shaped projecting sign, shall not exceed 36 inches; and
b. The separation between the intersecting face s of any multi-faced sign shall not exceed 12 inches.
3. Any sign located on vacant and unoccupied pr operty, and which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or business, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer exists shall be removed within 30 days after the purpose for, or use utilizing such sign has been removed from such property.
4. Any permitted sign may be a changeable copy sign.
5. All signs shall be designed in the simplest form and be free of any exposed bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables or similar devices.
6. The exposed backs of all signs visible to t he public shall be suitably covered, finished, and properly maintained.
7. All signs shall be maintained in good repair, including display surfaces which shall be kept neatly painted or posted.
8. Any sign which does not conform to the provisio ns of this title shall be made to conform or shall be removed as provided in subsection B.4. of Se ction 17.32.850 except as provided in Section
17.32.850B.4.c.
9. Except where otherwise specifically provided by this title, sign regulations established pursuant to this title shall not apply to signs within a building, arcade, court or other similarly enclosed area where such signs are not visible to the public without entering such facilities.
10. The height of all signs shall be measur ed from the highest point of the sign.
D. Computation of Sign Area. The surface area of any sign face shall be computed from the smallest rectangles, circles and/or triangles which will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs and pictures, together with all framing, background material, colored or illuminated areas, and attention attracting devices forming an integral part of the ov erall display, but excluding all support structures, except that:
1. Superficial ornamentation of a non-message- be aring character which does not exceed 5% of the surface area shall be exempted from computation; and
2. Wall signs painted on or affixed directly to a building wall, façade or roof, and having no discernible boundary, shall have the areas between letters, words intended to be read together, and any device intended to draw attention to the sign message included in any computation of surface area; and
3. Signs placed in such a manner, or bearing a text, as to require dependence upon each other in order to convey meaning shall be considered one sign and the intervening areas between signs included in any computation of surface area, and
4. Spherical, cylindrical or other 3-dimensional signs not having conventional sign faces shall be considered to have 2 faces and the area of each sign face shall be computed from the smallest 3-dimensional geometrical shape or shapes which will best approximate the actual surface area of said faces.
(Prior zoning ord. § 224.061)
17.12.670 - Permitted sign area formula.
The maximum sign area which shall be permitted in the H zone shall be as follows:
A. Hospitals, convalescent home: The total sign area of all signs shall not exceed 50 square feet plus ¼ square foot per linear f oot of street frontage over 100 fe et up to a total sign area of 300 square feet.
B. Medical offices, medical laboratory, medica l clinic, pharmacy, medical/sickroom supplies, ambulance service: the total signs area of all signs shall not exceed 2 square feet per linear foot up to a total sign area of 200 square feet.
C. Signs for uses subject to permits shall meet t he requirements specified in the permit or if not so specified in the permit, as specified in subsection B of this section as appropriate. (Prior zoning ord. § 224.062)
17.12.680 - Business signs.
Business signs may be permitted in the H zone subject to Sections 17.12.590, 17.12.670 and
17.12.700, and the following restrictions of this section. For more information concerning specific types of signs see Section 17.04.240, Definitions:
A. Wall Business Signs.
1. Area Permitted.
a. Maximum of 80% of the permitted to tal sign area under Section 17.12.670. b. No wall signs shall cover more than 10% of the wall on which it is placed.
2. Number Permitted. Maximum of one sign per wall surface per tenant.
3. Height Permitted.
a. Maximum of 4 feet.
b. The sign shall not extend above a li ne 18 inches below the top of the wall.
4. Lighting. Wall business signs may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
B. Monument Signs.
1. Area Permitted. Maximum of 70% of the per mitted total sign area under Section 17.12.670.
2. Number Permitted. One sign per street frontage in excess of 50 feet. Tenants on the premises may share space on the sign.
3. Height Permitted. Maximum heigh t is limited to 8 feet above grade.
4. Setback. Monument signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way.
5. Other Requirements.
a. Sign copy shall be displayed within one sign structure. No other signage shall be attached to or placed on the monument sign.
b. All electrical service to the sign shall be underground and hidden from view. c. Monument signs may be internally or exte rnally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
(Prior zoning ord. § 224.063)
17.12.690 - Off-street parking.
The automobile parking facilities required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following parking requirements shall be complied with in the H zone:
A. General Condition. The provisions of th is section shall apply at the time that:
1. A building or structure is erected; or
2. An existing building or structure is alte red, to increase the numbers of beds (i.e., convalescent home), bowling alleys, dwelling uni ts, exercise area (i.e., fitness centers), guest rooms, seating capacity (fixed or not fixed), or service bays; or
3. An existing building or structure is enlarged. EXCEPTION: An existing building or structure which has insufficient lot area upon which to provide the required parking or landscaping may be enlarged by an area not to exceed 20% of the gross floor area including the original building or structure and all legal additions thereto for which required parking and associated landscaping have been provided. This excepti on shall apply only when there will be no reduction of existing parking or landscaping; or
4. The use of a building or structure is changed. EXCEPTION: Buildings or structures legally constructed in accordance with the parking re quirements in effect at the time of building permit issuance will not require full compliance with the parking space requirements of this section provided that:
a. Said change in use creates no greater demand for parking spaces, as defined by this section, than the use which most recently preceded it.
b. All available space not used for parking shall be improved for purposes of parking and landscaping in accordance with this section and Section 17.12.700 (not to exceed the parking requirement for said use) prior to occupying said premises.
B. Ownership, Lease and Joint Usage. Space requ ired by this section for automobile parking shall either:
1. Be owned by the owner of the premises becau se of the use of which the automobile parking space is required; or
2. Subject to director's review and approval, t he owner of such premises shall have the right to use such space for automobile parking, solely to serve existing buildings or structures, by virtue of a recorded lease for a term of not le ss than 20 years, which lease requires that if canceled the party canceling the lease, not le ss than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the director of community development of such cancellation.
Such lease shall be approved by the city attorney as to form and content, and once executed shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director; or
3. Subject to director's review and approv al, the owner or owner-authorized lessee of any property, may authorize joint use of parking fac ilities solely to serve existing buildings or structures occupied by the following uses or activities, provided that all the requirements of this zone can be satisfied:
a. The parking facilities required for any non- residential use, which is primarily a daytime use may be fulfilled by the parking facilities of a use which is primarily a nighttime and/or Sunday use, and vice versa provided such pa rking facilities meet the requirements of subsection B.3.b. of this section.
b. All of the following conditions shall be met in order for the director to approve joint usage of parking:
1) The lots or parcels upon which the uses referred to in subsection B.3.a. of this section are proposed shall be adjoining as defined in this title; and 2) There shall be no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the uses for which joint usage of parking is proposed; and
3) That the joint usage of the off-street parking facilities shall be contingent upon the execution of an agreement, which requires that if canceled the party canceling such agreement, not less than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the director of such cancellation. Such agreement shall meet the approval of the city attorney as to form and content. Once approved, the executed agreement shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director.
C. Development of Parking Facilities. All land used for automobile storage or automobile parking shall be developed and used as follows:
1. Paving. Required parking areas, as well as the maneuvering areas and driveways used for access thereto shall be paved with: (NOTE: Road permits are required for any work done in the public right-of-way.)
a. Concrete surfacing to a minimum thickness of 3½ inches with expansion joints as necessary; or
b. Asphalt surfacing, rolled to a smooth, hard surface having a minimum thickness of 2 inches after compaction, and laid over a bas e of crushed rock, gravel or other similar material compacted to a minimum thickness of 4 inches.
c. Other alternative material that will provi de at least the equivalent in service, life and appearance of the materials and standards which would be employed for development pursuant to C.1.a. or b. of this section.
d. The director of public works at the request of the director shall review and report on the adequacy of paving where modification of base is proposed under subsection C.1.b. of this section or where alternative materials are proposed under subsection C.1.c. of this section. The director of public works may approve such modification or such alternative materials if, in his opinion, the evidence indicates compliance with subsection C.1.b. or c. as the case may be.
2. Size and Marking of Spaces.
a. No fewer than 75% of the parking spaces s hall exhibit minimum dimensions of 9 feet in width by 20 feet in length. (See Section 17.12.700A.4.f.) b. Compact Spaces. No greater than 25% of the parking spaces may exhibit minimum dimensions of 8 feet in width by 18 feet in length. Such spaces shall be labelled "compact car only" in a manner acceptable to the director. (See Section 17.12.700A.4.) c. No parking shall occur in the first 10 f eet of a required front or street side yard. d. Where parking abuts an alley, the improved alley may be used as an aisle subject to approval of the parking lot design.
e. For parallel parking, minimum aisles are 12 feet and minimum parking space dimensions are 8 feet by 24 feet.
See the following diagrams for parking design options.
3. Circulation. Mark entrances and exits clearly. Vehicular ci rculation should be "one-way" in each aisle or "two-way" if the aisle width is a minimum of 20 feet. No aisle shall be less than 12 feet in width.
See Section 17.12.700, Design Requireme nts, for parking design requirements.
D. Fractions. When the applicati on of this section requires a fractional part of an automobile parking space or parking place sufficient to accommodate a fractional number of automobiles, any such fraction shall be construed as a whole. This section does not apply to the specification of an area by square feet, or of an area equal to another area.
E. Parking Requirements by Use.
1. General Commercial Uses. Ex cept as otherwise provided in this section every lot or parcel of land which is used for a use permitted in the H zone (except an electrical substation or similar public utility in which there are no offices or other places visited by the public) shall have on the same lot or parcel of land an ar ea equal to the area so used, which area shall be developed and used for the parking of motor vehicles in conjunction with such other use.
Such area also shall be of sufficient size so that it contains one automobile parking space plus adequate access thereto of each 250 square feet of gross floor area of any building or structure so used.
2. Hospital. Two and ½ automobile parking spaces per bed.
3. Long-Term Health Care Facility. Every long-te rm health care facility shall have on the same lot or parcel of land not less than one automobile parking space for each 3 beds in the home.
If employee residence facilities are on the premises there shall be in addition to the automobile parking spaces required for the principal use, the number of automobile parking spaces required for apartments in Section 17.12.220E for such residence facilities.
4. Medical Clinic and Medical Offices. One aut omobile parking space for each 150 square feet of gross floor area.
5. Medical Laboratory and Pharmacy. One automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
6. Handicapped Spaces. Handicapped spaces shall be provided in accordance with state requirements.
(Ord. 711 §§ 17 (part), 18 (part), 19(B) (part), 20 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. §§ 224.070— 224.075)
(Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.700 - Design requirements.
The following design requirements shall be met for development in the H zone:
A. General requirements applicable to all development:
1. Access.
a. Driveways providing access to the site may be combined, relocated, or otherwise limited in order to minimize traffic conflicts. All driveways shall be constructed to comply with current city standards. All driveway locations are subject to the approval of the director of public works.
b. Entry drives into parking areas shall be of sufficient depth to provide for vehicle stacking appropriate to the size and intensity of the project served.
2. Buffering. A masonry wall of not less than 5 nor greater than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line where the activities of a commercial use are anticipated to be incompatible with existing commercial or industrial uses or to protect an area from adverse climatic conditions (wind, blowing sand, etc.). It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the director or his desi gnated representative that the project will not create or be subject to conditions necessitating a wall at the time of site plan review if a wall is not desired.
3. Building Design.
a. Roof treatment shall be the same on the periphery of the building, except where a different treatment is required by the city building code. b. Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets shall have good proportions and relationships to one another.
c. Utility doors, access panels, fire doors, loading docks, and other openings shall be treated as part of the architectural composition of buildings. d. An exterior color scheme for all buildings shall be submitted with the building elevations for approval.
e. Solar access and prevailing winds should be considered in building design and orientation.
4. Landscaping.
a. Landscape designs shall be consistent throughout a project site. Unrelated and random choice or placement of plant materials shall be avoided; however, variety may be employed to intensify distinction between spac es or to strengthen a sense of place or movement or to promote energy conservation.
b. The type, scale, and proportion of landsc ape materials shall be appropriate to the site and/or structures to which they relate.
c. Plant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, text ure, color and ultimate growth. Plants that are indigenous to the area and others that will be hardy, harmonious with project design, and of good appearance shall be used. Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with city specifications for landscape development as established by Ordinance No. 629.
d. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by an aut omatic system with separate stations for turf, ground cover/shrubs, and trees.
e. All areas which are not needed for buildings, sidewalks or parking shall be landscaped. f. All landscaped planter areas shall be complete ly bordered by a 6-inch P.C.C. curbing to prevent irrigation runoff and act as a wheel stop where necessary. Where used as a wheel stop, the 6-inch curb may be count ed toward the required length of the parking space.
g. All interior parking lots shall be land scaped with a minimum of one tree plus one tree for each 10 parking spaces along with the other plant materials. h. For lots of 5,000 square feet or less in ar ea, not less than 3% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulatio n and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of le ss than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
i. For lots between 5,000 and 19,999 square f eet in area, not less than 5% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking shall be landscaped.
Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
j. For lots of 20,000 square feet or more, not less than 7% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
k. Utilize trees and landscaping wherever possible to shade buildings as a means of enhancing energy conservation.
l. At least 25% of all trees installed shall be from a 24-inch box, and no tree shall be less than 15-gallon size. At least 50% of all shrubs shall be of 5-gallon size, and no shrub shall be less than one-gallon size. Ground co vers shall be planted at no further apart than 6 inches on center.
m. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.
5. Lighting. The intent of this requirement is to properly illuminate the site without producing an adverse impact on neighboring property. Exterior lighting of the building and site shall be provided, maintained and utilized during the hours of darkness in accordance with the following requirements:
a. Exterior lighting shall be part of the arch itectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be compatible with building design. b. Placement of lighting shall be in acco rdance with recognized crime prevention and safety principles.
6. Outside Storage. Outside storage is permitted on the rear of a lot or parcel of land in the H zone when such storage is strictly incidental to the permitted use existing in a building on the front portion of the same lot or parcel of land and provided no storage is higher than the enclosure surrounding it nor nearer than 50 feet to the front property line. Any outdoor area used for storage shall be completely enclosed by a solid masonry wall and solid gate, not less than 5 feet nor more than 6 feet in hei ght, except that the di rector may approve the substitution of a fence or decorative wall w here in his opinion, such wall or fence will adequately comply with the provisions of this section. All such requests for substitution shall be subject to the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review.
7. Screening.
a. All rooftop mechanical equipment, ducts, tanks, satellite antennae, etc., shall be enclosed or otherwise screened from view from all sides of the building. (This requirement does not include wind powered turbines used for ventilation.) b. Where mechanical equipment, junction bo xes, satellite antennae, meters and similar utility equipment is ground mounted it shall be enclosed or screened from view where necessary to preclude visibility from public streets and highways and adjacent properties.
c. Loading areas shall be sc reened from view only where necessary to preclude visibility from public streets and highways and adjacent properties. d. Parking areas adjacent to streets sha ll be screened with landscaping in the required yards and with low decorative walls, berms or combinations thereof. Where walls are used they shall be placed so as not to obscure landscaped areas from the street.
8. Service for Utilities. All on-site utility services shall be underground.
9. Signs.
a. The colors, materials and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.
b. The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.
c. Use of individual letters for all signing is preferred and encouraged over "cabinet" signs.
Where cabinet signs are utilized, such cabinet must be integrated into the design of the building or structure.
d. The light source of externally illuminated signs shall not be visible. e. No sign shall be placed in a manner which would obstruct a driver or pedestrian's vision and thus create a hazard to public safety, and shall not be placed in or over any public right-of-way.
f. Street numbers of all buildings shall be prom inently located and of sufficient size to be easily read from the street by public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, ambulance).
10. Refuse/Recycling Storage. Commercial, i ndustrial and institutional uses shall have on the same lot or parcel a refuse/recycling storage area at a ratio of 20 square feet of refuse/recycling storage area for each 1,000 square feet or portion thereof of net floor area of the facility but not less t han 6 feet in width nor less t han 18 feet in length (exterior dimension). Such storage areas shall include separate containers for waste and for materials to be recycled. Each container shall be clearly marked or color coded for its intended use.
Such storage areas shall be enclosed on 3 sides by a minimum 5-foot-high reinforced masonry or concrete wall with a sign-obscuri ng gate of noncombustible materials which is the same height as the enclosing walls. The floor of the enclosure shall be of concrete construction and the walls shall be protected by a concrete curb not less than 2 inches high by 6 inches wide or conventional concrete wheel stops to preclude damage by dumpsters.
Such storage areas shall not be placed in a location which is openly exposed to a fronting street or a neighboring residential area.
11. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVC S). New commercial development shall provide for electric vehicle charging stations in the manner prescribed as follows:
a. New residential uses shall provide EVCSs in accordance with Section 17.08.150T. b. New commercial, industrial and other uses with the building or land area, capacity, or numbers of employees listed herein shall provide the electrical service capacity necessary and all conduits and related equipment necessary to ultimately serve 2% of the total parking spaces with EVCSs in a manner approved by the building and safety official. Of these parking spaces, ½ shall init ially be provided with the electric vehicle supply equipment necessary to function as on-line EVCSs upon completion of the project. The remainder shall be installed at such time as they are needed for use by customers, employees or other users. EVC Ss shall be provided in disabled person parking spaces in accordance with state requirements.
1) Construction of a hospital of 500 or more beds, or expansion of a hospital of that size by 20% or more.
2) Construction of a post-secondary school (college), public or private, for 3,000 or more students, or expansion of an existi ng facility having a capacity of 3,000 or more students by an addition of at least 20%.
3) Hotels or motels with 500 or more rooms.
4) Industrial, manufacturing, or processing plants or industrial parks that employ more than 1,000 persons, occupy more than 40 acres of land, or contain more than 650,000 square feet of gross floor area.
5) Office buildings or office parks that employ more than 1,000 persons or contain more than 250,000 square feet of gross floor area.
6) Shopping centers or trade centers that employ 1,000 or more persons or contain 500,000 square feet of gross floor area.
7) Sports, entertainment, or recreation facilities that accommodate at least 4,000 persons per performance or that contain 1,500 or more fixed seats. 8) Transit projects (including but not limited to transit stations and park and ride lots).
B. When adjacent to residentially zoned property the following requirements shall also be applied:
1. Artificial lighting used to illuminate t he premises shall be directed away from adjacent residentially zoned properties.
2. Where multistory buildings are to be utiliz ed on lots abutting residentially zoned properties, such buildings shall be located or oriented in a manner which will minimize visual intrusion into neighboring residentially zoned property. (This may be accomplished by setting the building back from the abutting property line beyond the distance required for the yard, selective placement of windows, orienting t he building in a manner which will not give occupants a direct view into the yards or windows of neighboring residents.)
3. No signs shall be placed in a manner which visually intrudes into adjoining residentially zoned property.
4. Trees shall be utilized as a means of improving the in terface between commercial and residential uses where appropriate.
5. Buffering. When abutting residentially zoned pr operty a masonry wall of not less than 5 nor greater than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line in accordance with the provisions for walls specified in Section 17.28.030C. to minimize conflicts between commercial and residential uses. This require ment shall be modified, where necessary to preclude interference with line-of-sight of a dr iver within 10 feet of any street, highway or alley, down to a maximum height of 42 inches. The design of the wall shall be considered as part of the site plan review. The site and any buildings thereon shall be designed to locate noise- and odor-generating equipment and activity in a manner which will have a minimal impact on abutting residentially zoned property. Such techniques may include, but are not limited to, no windows on the building wall(s) facing residentially zoned property, insulating structures housing equipment against noise, limitation of the hours of equipment operation, and other controls designed for specific problems. It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove that his project will not have a detrimental effect on neighboring residential property at the time of site plan review.
(Ord. 713 § 5 (part), 1995; Ord. 711 §§ 29 (part), 34 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 224.080) Article VI. - Office Professional (OP) Zone
17.12.710 - Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of the OP zone is to provide the means necessary to implement the city general plan, specifically the "office professional" category, as set forth in the text of the general plan and as delineated on the general plan map. This zone is intended to be in accordance with applicable goals, objectives, policies and actions set forth by the plan. This zone is intended to allow the development of office and professional uses with supporting retail and commercial services thereby providing for the business and employment needs of the city and adjoining areas in an urban environment with full urban services.
It shall also be the intent of this zone to apply the provisions of this zone including, but not limited to, the property development regulations required herein to all new building lots created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title.
It shall not be the intent of this title to render previously legally created building lots or legally constructed buildings which do not comply with the new property development regulations or other requirements of this title to be nonconforming where these lots or buildings complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of their creation or construction. However, proof of compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of creation or construction shall be the sole burden of the applicant or property owner.
Such proof may include building permits, minutes of council or commission action, case files, or other documentation.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.010)
17.12.720 - Prohibition.
A person shall not use any premises in the OP zone except as hereafter permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. (Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.020)
17.12.730 - Permitted uses.
The permitted uses of the OP zone are grouped in categories of similar uses rather than lists of single uses. Examples are given for purposes of clarifying the types of uses allowed by each category. In addition, certain exceptions have been applied to those types of uses where concerns may arise as to their impact on neighboring properties and the visual attractiveness of the city as a whole. The following categories of uses are permitted in the OP zone subject to any stated exceptions, development regulations, and approval of the site plan as follows:
A. Existing Residential Uses. Such uses may c ontinue to be used as a permitted use provided that such uses may not be expanded by a cumulative total of more than 500 square feet of floor area.
This size limit does not apply accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units subject to Chapter 17.41, Article I.
B. Within an enclosed building, the following use categories are permitted in the OP zone:
1. Communication Facilities and Services, P ublic and Private. This category is limited to:
duplicating, faxing services, lithographers, photocopying, photo engravers, telecommunication/telecommuting offices, and telegraph offices.
This category does not include radio and television transmission towers or wireless telecommunication facilities. (See Section 17.40.640.)
2. Eating and Drinking Establishments. This ca tegory is limited to: ca fes, delicatessens, ice cream shops, and restaurants that are developed in conjunction with and located in the same building as office professional uses.
This category does not include fast food operations, bona fide restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, or other uses that meet the definition of an on-site alcohol
establishment. Freestanding eating and drinking establishments of any kind shall be subject to a conditional use permit.
3. Financial Institutions and Services. This ca tegory includes but is not limited to banks, credit unions, finance companies, savings and loans, and similar uses.
This category does not include any use which does not loan money as part of its business.
4. Offices—Business, Government or Professional . This category includes but is not limited to general business offices; federal, state, county, city or special district offices, libraries and court facilities; accounting, dental offices or laboratories, engineering, insurance, legal, medical offices or laboratories, real estate, stock broker, utilities, and similar office uses.
5. Retail Sales Establishments. This categor y is limited to bookstor es, stationery stores, computer stores, office supplies and pharmacies. (See Section 17.12.760.)
6. Schools—Business and Professional. This cat egory includes but is not limited to art, barber, beauty, dance, music, real estate, and similar schools.
This category does not include any school specializing in gymnastics, manual training, martial arts, shop work, or in the repair and maintenance of machinery or mechanical equipment.
7. Services—Business or Personal. This catego ry is limited to answering service, barber or beauty shops, blueprinting, day care for adults , day care for children, dry cleaning, and laundry.
8. Low barrier navigation centers s ubject to Chapter 17.41, Article V.
9. Other Uses. This category includes those us es which do not fall into any other category, and are not temporary uses, uses subject to director's review and approval, or uses subject to permit in this zone, which in the opinion of the director are consistent with the purpose and intent of this zone and similar to other uses permitted herein.
C. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, gaug ing stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any use normal and appurtenant to the storage and di stribution of water. Exception: This use is not subject to site plan review (Section 17.12.790).
(Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 15), 2008; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 3 (part)), 1999; Ord. 711 § 30 (part), 1995; Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.021) (Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.740 - Accessory and temporary uses.
A. The following uses are considered as accessory uses to the permitted uses in the OP zone:
1. Accessory buildings and structures cu stomarily used in conjunction therewith.
Cargo containers shall not be used as accessory buildings or structures, and shall not be placed on private real property at any time except as permitted in conjunction with temporary uses allowed in Section 17.12.740.B.
a. This subsection does not apply to the following real property:
1) Real property owned, leased, rented, occupi ed or used by a public agency or entity; 2) Real property owned, leased, rented, occu pied or used by a nonpublic or private school.
For purposes of this subsection, "nonpub lic school" means a private, nonsectarian school that enrolls individuals with exc eptional needs pursuant to an individualized
education program and is certified by the Ca lifornia Department of Education. For purposes of this subsection, "private school" means a full-time day school that provides instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state, by persons capable of teaching, and that files an annual private school affidavit as required by the California Depart ment of Education. For purposes of this subsection, "private school" does not include a school that provides instruction in a building used for residential purposes. A nonpublic or private school is not exempt unless it is operating in conformity wi th all pertinent land use and technical code regulations.
3) Real property utilized for the placement of cargo containe rs that are used exclusively for the storage of emergency supplies to be used for the benefit of the public by a recognized governmental agency, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in the event of a disaster or emergency situat ion. Placement of a cargo container for the storage of private supplies is not included in this exemption. Placement of cargo containers for this purpose shall be approved through a director's review.
B. The following uses are considered as temporary uses in the OP zone:
1. The placement and use of a temporary office in conjunction with a construction or development project undertaken pursuant to an active building permit. A temporary office shall be placed on the lot or parcel which is part of the project, or on property adjoining the construction or development site with the written consent of t he property owner. The placement of a temporary office shall not occur until the building permit is obtained. The temporary office shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized.
2. Storage of building materials, machinery and eq uipment used in conjunction with a construction or development project undertaken pursuant to an active building permit. Storage shall be on the lot or parcel which is part of the project, or on property adjoining the construction or development site with the written consent of the property owner. Storage shall not occur until the building permit is obtained. Storage shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized. ;ml1; 3. .....a.
b. The time period for which a cargo containe r may be used for temporary construction storage is limited to the time when the building permit is active. An active building permit means one that has not expired, been revoked, or been finalized. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall be removed from the property within thirty (30) calendar days of the expiration, revocation or finalization of a building permit. c. Cargo containers used for temporary constr uction storage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and forty (40) feet in length. d. Cargo containers used for temporary cons truction storage shall conform to the following standards:
1) Cargo containers shall be set back a minimu m of five feet from any property line and a minimum of ten (10) feet from any structure.
2) Cargo containers shall not be stacked on t op of each other or on any other structure. 3) Cargo containers shall not encroach upon, bl ock, obstruct, or reduce in any manner any required exits, windows or vent shafts of structures, or any parking spaces, driveways, private streets, or public rights of way.
4) Cargo containers shall not be used for hu man habitation or occupied by individuals for any reason.
5) Cargo containers shall not have any elec trical, plumbing, heating or air conditioning installations or systems, and shall not be connected to a power source.
6) Refuse, garbage, trash and debris, as well as hazardous substances, as defined by state or federal law, shall not be placed or stored in, against, on, or under a cargo container at any time. ;ml1; 4. .....a.
b. The number and location of cargo containers used for temporary commercial storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approv al of the Building Official and Directors of Planning and Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization or their duly authorized representatives. A cargo container approved under this subsection shall not require a separate permit. Application for approval of cargo containers for temporary commercial storage shall be made on a city-approved form and shall indicate the number of the building permit obtained for the repair, remodeling, alteration or other work for which the temporary commercial storage is requested, the size of each cargo container, the proposed location of each container on the property, and the date on which each container shall be placed on the property.
c. The time period for which a cargo containe r may be used for temporary commercial storage is limited to the time when the building permit is active. An active building permit means one that has not expired, been revoked, or been finalized. Cargo containers used for temporary commercial storage shall be removed from the property within thirty (30) calendar days of the expiration, revocation or finalization of a building permit. d. Cargo containers used for temporary commercia l storage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and forty (40) feet in length. e. Cargo containers used for temporary commercial storage shall conform to the standards set forth in Section 17.12.740.B.3.d. ;ml1; 5. .....a.
b. Cargo containers used for emergency stor age shall require a container permit. The number and location of cargo containers used for emergency commercial storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization or their duly author ized representatives. Upon such approval, and payment of a container permit fee in an amount established by city council, a container permit shall be issued.
c. Cargo containers may be used for emergen cy commercial storage for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) calendar days. This use may be extended for an additional ten (10) calendar days upon the prior written approval of t he directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization.
d. Cargo containers used for emergency comme rcial storage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and forty (40) feet in length. e. Cargo containers used for emergency comm ercial storage shall c onform to the standards set forth in Section 17.12.740.B.3.d. ;ml1; 6. .....a.
b. Cargo containers used for relocation storag e shall require a container permit. The number and location of cargo containers used for reloca tion storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the directors of plann ing and housing and neighborhood revitalization or their duly authorized representatives. Upon such approval, and payment of a container permit fee in an amount established by city council, a container permit shall be issued.
c. Cargo containers may be used for relocati on storage for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) calendar days. This use may be extended for an additional ten (10) calendar days upon the prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization.
d. Cargo containers used for relocation storage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and forty (40) feet in length.
e. Cargo containers used for relocation stor age shall conform to the standards set forth in Section 17.12.740.B.3.d., except as provided in f. of this subsection.
f. Cargo containers used for relocation stora ge may be placed in parking lots so long as no more than 10% of the provided parking spaces are used for this purpose.
C. Electric Vehicle Charging Station. An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) shall be permitted as an accessory use within any existing legal single-family or multiple-family residential garage or carport, or within any existing legal commercial parking spac e in a parking lot or in a parking garage, subject to all applicable city code requirements and the following:
1. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) for public use shall be subject to the following requirements:
a. The EVCSs shall be located in a manner which will be easily seen by the public for informational and security purposes and shall be illuminated during evening business hours; and
b. Be located in desirable and convenient parki ng locations which will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles; and
c. The EVCS pedestals shall be protected as necessary to prevent damage by automobiles; and
d. The EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather; and
e. Complete instructions and appropriate warnin gs concerning the use of the EVCS shall be posted on a sign in a prominent location on each station for use by the operator; and f. One standard nonilluminated sign, not to exceed 4 square feet in area and 10 feet in height, may be posted for the purpose of identifying the location of each cluster of EVCSs; and g. The EVCS may be on a timer that limits the use of the station to the normal business hours of the use(s) which it serves to preclude unauthorized use after business hours.
2. Electric vehicle charging stations for private use shall:
a. Be located in a manner which will not allow public access to the charging station; and b. Comply with subsections C.1. c., d. and e. of this section.
D. Mini Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. This category includes all mini wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
E. Cargo containers that are pres ent on private real property, for any use or purpose, on the effective date of this section shall be removed within six m onths from the effective date, unless the property owner obtains the requisite approvals and permits in conjunction with temporary uses allowed in this section and otherwise complies with all regulations pertaining to cargo containers.
This subsection does not apply to real property owned, leased, rented, occupied or used by a public agency or entity, or by a nonpublic or private school, as defined in Section 17.12.740.A. of this code. (Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 2 (part)), 1999; Ord. 713 § 3 (part), 1995; Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993:
prior zoning ord. § 225.023)
(Ord. No. 921, §§ 8—10, 6-9-09; Ord. No. 964, § 1, 5-24-2011)
17.12.750 - Uses subject to director's review and approval.
If site plans and/or other pertinent information required by the director for the proposed use are first submitted to and approved by the director in accordance with Article VI of Chapter 17.32, premises in the OP zone may be used for the following uses:
A. Access to property lawfully used for a pu rpose not permitted in the OP zone provided no other practical access to such property is available and such access will not alter the character of the premises in respect to permitted uses in the OP zone;
B. Christmas trees and wreaths, the sale of, bet ween November 1st and December 25th, both dates inclusive, to the extent permitted by other stat utory and ordinance provisions. Any structures, facilities and materials used for the sale of trees and wreaths shall be removed from the premises by December 31st of the same calendar year, and the property restored to a clean condition; C. Parking. Joint usage. (See Section 17.12.880.)
D. Minor co-located and stealth wireless telecommuni cation facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.60.640);
E. Temporary alcohol sales, subject to the requirements of Section 17.42.140. (Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 16), 2008; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 6 (part)), 1999; Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.024)
17.12.760 - Uses subject to conditional use permits.
The following uses and categories of uses may be permitted in the OP zone provided a conditional use permit has first been obtained as provided in Article I of Chapter 17.32, and while such permit is in full force and effect in conformity with conditions of such permit for:
A. Freestanding eating and drinking establishments of any kind (excluding fast food operations), and bona fide restaurants and other simi lar uses that meet the definition of an onsite alcoholic beverage establishment, as defined by and subject to the requirements of Chapter 17.42, whether freestanding or combined with another use. Nightclubs are specifically prohibited; B. Long-term health care or congregate care facility only where such uses share a site with health- related offices and special services, including but not limited to adult or senior day care, chiropractic, dental, hospice care, medical (including nursing), pharmacy and therapy; C. Multiple-family resi dential (apartments, condominiums) in conjunction with a permitted use in which not less than 50% of such residential units shall be above the ground floor. (Subject to the provisions of the HDR-2 zone except where specifically modified by the conditional use permit.); D. Public Services and Utilities. This ca tegory includes only the following uses:
1. Electric transmission substations includ ing microwave facilities used in conjunction therewith,
2. Gas distribution facilities,
3. Publicly owned uses which are necessary to the maintenance of the public health, safety and welfare,
4. Telephone facilities;
E. Structures over 50 feet in height;
F. Transient Residential. This catego ry includes only hotels and motels. (Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 17), 2008; Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.025) (Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)
17.12.770 - Interpretation.
Where a conflict in interpretation occurs regarding application of Sections 17.12.730, 17.12.740,
17.12.750 or 17.12.760 to any specific case the director shall determine the interpretation. (Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.026)
17.12.780 - Adjustments.
Refer to Article III Adjustment Permits.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.027) (Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.790 - Site plan review required—Fee.
A. A site plan (with vicinity map) and building el evations, drawn to scale and reflecting the accurate dimensions of the buildings and property, shall be required of any person seeking to erect new buildings or structures, make additions to any existing buildings or structures, site temporary commercial coaches, or otherwise grade, improve or develop any lot or portion thereof for a permitted use prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The site plan shall be accompanied by an appropriate development application and both shall be filed with the planning department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisions of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conforma nce with height regulations, property development regulations, sign regulations or a sign program requi red by the city for multiple-tenant projects, off- street parking requirements, the adopted City of Lancaster Design Guidelines, any other requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in wh ich the property(ies) is (are) located, and any other applicable city ordinances, standards, guidelin es or policies. In addition to the conditions and requirements imposed by the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines and policies, the director may place co nditions on the approval of the site plan where the director finds that such action is necessary to pr otect the public health, safety and welfare. At such time as the site plan complies with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies, the site plan shall be approved by the director or his designated representative. The site plan approval shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of approval. A site plan shall be considered "used" when the slab of a major building in the project is poured and inspected, although circumstances in each case may vary and the final determination as to "use" of a site plan review shall be made by th e director. Three (3) one- year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than sixty (60) days prior to expiration, and any significant environmental changes which have occurred since the original approval have been addressed. Any extension granted shall be conditioned to comply with the city's current design guidelines as adopted by the city council, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that such compliance will impose an undue hardship on the project. In the event the site plan or an exte nsion thereof is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Section 17.36.030. Al l projects constructed in accordance with an approved site plan shall be permanently maintained as approved. Any desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prior to occupancy the site shall be inspected for compliance with the site plan. All improvements shall be installed and functioning before occupancy will be allowed.
Where the director determines that the requirements of this section surpass the city's need for project review of a particular development proposal, the director may exercise discretion and apply the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review, in its place.
B. When the appropriate development application is f iled per subsection A of this section, it shall be accompanied by the filing fee established by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 711 § 22 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. §§ 225.040, 225.041) (Ord. No. 924, § 1, 8-25-09; Ord. No. 956, § 3, 1-11-2011)
17.12.800 - Property development regulations.
A. General.
1. No new building shall be erected, constructed, moved onto, or established on an existing legal lot or parcel of land unless said building or temporary commercial coach shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section, or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.
2. No existing building or temporary commercial co ach located on an existing legal lot or parcel of land shall be converted, enlarged, or moved unless said building, or addition thereto, shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section, or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.
3. No new lot shall be created or any building, or portion thereof, existing on such new lot be used, unless said lot and said building location shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section, which are pertinent to the area and dimensions for new lots and thos e regulations pertinent to the placement or location of buildings on said lot.
B. OP Zone. Wherever property is designated as an OP zone on the zoning map the following regulations shall apply:
1. Lot Dimensions. The following minimum lot dimensions shall apply to all lots created after the adoption of this section. (Those lots which were legally created, prior to the adoption of this section, in compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of their creation need not comply unless involved in a new subdivision or change in lot configuration other than a lot line adjustment as provided in Title 16 of this code.)
Minimum Minimum Minimum
Zone Lot Area Lot Width* Lot Depth
OP 10,000 sq. ft. 80 ft. 100 ft.
* Also denotes minimum street frontage.
See Section 17.40.070, 17.40.080, 17.40.090 A or 17.40.090B in the event public use or required street dedication would reduce the net lot area, lot width, or lot depth of an existing lot to less than the required minimum.
2. Setbacks, building placement, and building desi gn shall be provided as follows. Guidance in the application of these requirements is provided by adopted city design guidelines and various diagrams contained within this code:
a. Street Frontages.
1) Street Frontage-Build-To Line. A "build-t o" line for street frontages is established as follows. This "build-to" line shall apply to all street frontages adjacent to a property where pedestrian or vehicular access is available from that frontage:
a) Arterial Street: Zero (0) to twelve (12) feet.
b) All Other Streets: Zero (0) to six (6) feet.
2) Building Placement. Except as provid ed in Section 17.12.800.B.2.a.3), building placement on a property shall comply with the following requirements. a) New buildings, or additions to existing buildings, shall be designed and located so that a minimum of fifty (50) percent of the street frontage(s) has buildings located at the established "build-to" line for the parcel.
b) Vehicular driveways and parking areas shall not be located between the façade of a building located at the "build-to" line and the back of the public sidewalk. c) In areas of the site where buildings ar e not located at the established "build-to" line, a minimum landscaped area of ten (10) feet in width shall be provided from the back of the sidewalk to any parking area. Such width may be reduced by the approving authority where a parkway design is used to separate the sidewalk from the street curb. Landscaping installation and maintenance shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8.50.
Example of Building Placement at Build-To Line for 50% of Street Frontage Diagram Courtesy of Sargent Town Planning
3) Exceptions to Building Placement Require ments. Exceptions to the requirement for building placement established in subsection may be granted by the approval authority in the following circumstances:
a) In the case of a commercial center, an exception may be granted where a major tenant requires a specific dimension for a "view corridor" from the adjacent street b) On a corner lot situation, an excepti on may be granted to reduce the minimum fifty (50) percent requirement on one of the frontages where another frontage exceeds the minimum requirement and the overall intent of the build to line requirement is met.
c) Where people-oriented activity areas, such as outdoor dining locations, are provided at the build-to line and designed in such a way as to meet the intent of the "build-to" line, an exception may be granted.
d) Where a drive-through lane is provided between the building and the "build-to line", an exception may be granted if the build ing provides, as required in Section
17.12.800.B.2.b, sufficient design features facing the street frontage(s).
Example of Placement of Outdoor Activity Areas Along Street Frontage at Build-To Line Diagram Courtesy of Sargent Town Planning
b. Building Design Requirements. All buildings loca ted entirely or partially at the "build-to" line shall meet the requirements as stated below . Determination of the appropriate building design elements shall be guided by Sect ion 17.12.230 and the adopted city design guidelines.
1) Building Façades facing Street Frontage(s).
a) Buildings shall generally be oriented so that the rear of the building does not directly face the adjacent street frontage(s). The approving authority may approve an exception to this where sufficient design elements, including but not limited to building fenestration, building materials, pedestrian access points into and through the building, and other techniques are prov ided to meet the design intent of the code.
b) Design of building façades facing a street shall provide the appearance of a storefront. Design elements may include arcades, patios, awnings, and overhangs as appropriate to enhance appearance and use of the space. 2) Public Entrances.
a) Except as provided under subsection ii below, all buildings located entirely or partially at the "build-to" line shall have a public entrance directly facing the street frontage, and provide direct pedestrian ac cess to the entrance from the adjacent street frontage.
b) A public entrance may be located on the side of a building not directly facing a street frontage provided that the entranc e is clearly visible to people from the adjacent street, direct public access is provided, and the building façade directly facing the street has sufficient f enestration and other design elements and treatment to create a visible connection with that street frontage.
Building Entrance and Treatment for Side-On Design
Diagram Courtesy of Sargent Town Planning
c. Interior side yard and rear yard: Ten (10) feet whereabutting a residential zone.
3. Height. The height of buildings and structures shall comply with the following:
a. No building or structure in the OP zone sh all exceed a height of 50 feet. This section does not apply to conditional use permit uses which shall be subject to Article I of Chapter 17.32. (See Article XII of Chapter 17.40 for general exceptions.) b. No building in the OP zone which is within 100 feet of any RR, SRR or R zone shall exceed a height of 2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
c. No building may be constructed which would shade any existing active solar energy system on adjoining property without the consent of t he affected property owner. (See subsection one in the definition of solar energy system in Section 17.04.240.) d. Exceptions for Solar Systems. Solar co llectors may exceed the height limit when mounted on the roof of a legal, conforming building. The right to exceed the height limit shall be exercised only in the event that: there is no other practical means or location for achieving an efficient placement on the building or site in question; such collectors may exceed the height limit only to the extent necessary to achieve efficient placement; in no case shall such solar collectors (or related equipment) encroach more than 5 feet beyond the limit. Also the placement of a solar collector shall not shade or otherwise diminish the efficiency of existing solar collectors on neighboring property, or preclude such property from sufficient solar access to successfully operate a solar energy system sufficient to serve the needs of the business or occupants.
4. Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0. 75. (See definition in Section 17.04.240.)
5. Landscaping. Plant materials used in landsca ping shall include drought-tolerant species and the landscaping shall be designed to minimize water usage and prevent runoff. No landscaping shall be placed in a manner which shades or would ultimately shade any existing solar energy system from the sun on a contiguous lot. All landscaped ar eas shall conform to Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code. All landscaping shall be completed prior to occupancy by any use and shall be maintained as defined in this title.
6. Outside Storage and Display. All outside storage and display is pr ohibited with the exception of the following:
a. Parking lots;
b. Signs, existing outdoor advertising.
7. Trash enclosure location(s) and access shall be designed to the satisfaction of the Director. The trash enclosures shall meet the following requirements:
1. Locate trash enclosures away from view, from primary entrances drive or streets;
2. Design the trash enclosure to be a minimum of 165 square feet;
3. Accommodate source separation of recyclable materials in accordance with State requirements;
4. Design trash enclosures with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and
5. Separate trash enclosure from adjacent par king with a 6-foot wide minimum planter.
8. Fences and walls shall comply with the standards outlined in 17.28.030.C. (Ord. 711 § 43 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 225.050) (Ord. No. 907, § 5, 10-28-2008; Ord. No. 1028, § 2, 7-11-2017; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14- 2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.810 - Signs.
A person shall not use, install or construct any sign in the OP zone except as specifically permitted in this chapter and subject to all regulations and conditions, including without limitation submittal of a sign plan, set forth in the ordinance codified in this title and any other ordinance now existing or hereafter adopted by the city regulating the installation, use and/or construction of signs. A comprehensive sign plan for multiple-tenant projects and/or individual sign plan for single-tenant projects, must be submitted to and approved by the director or his designated representative. Sign plans must be fully dimensioned, including the proposed sign location(s), elevations, colors and materials. A person who has first obtained approval of the sign plan and all required permits and inspection approval shall be permitted to use, install or construct signs as specified in the OP zone.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.060)
17.12.820 - Signs—General provisions.
A. The provisions of this chapter regulating signs s hall not apply to the following signs except as otherwise indicated herein:
1. Official notices issued by any court, public body or public officer;
2. Notices posted by any public officer in perform ance of a public duty, or for any person in giving legal notice;
3. Traffic, directional, warning or informational signs required or authorized by the public authority having jurisdiction over such signs;
4. Official signs used for emergency purposes only;
5. Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques or markers;
6. Public utility signs, provided such si gns do not exceed 3 square feet in area.
B. Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the OP zone:
1. Signs which contain or utilize:
a. Any exposed incandescent lamp,
b. Any revolving beacon light,
c. Any continuous or sequential flashing opera tion, except signs displaying time of day, atmospheric temperature or having programmable electronic public service messages only, d. Any system for display of time of day, atmospheric temperature or programmable electronic public service messages in which:
1) The messages are not public service in nature, or
2) The proposed display has any illumination which is in continuous motion or which appears to be in continuous motion, or
3) The message is changed at a rate faster than one message every 4 seconds, or 4) The interval between messages is less than one second, or 5) The display is located less than 100 feet on the same side of the street or highway or 200 feet across the street from residentially zoned property;
2. Roof signs (see definition in Section 17.04.240);
3. Revolving signs of any kind;
4. Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose;
5. Devices dispensing bubbles and free-flowing particles of matter;
6. Any notice, placard, bill, card , poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public which an y person posts, prints, sticks, stamps, tacks or otherwise affixes, or causes the same to be done to or upon any street, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, telephone pole or lighting system, or upon any fixture of the police or fire alarm system of the city of Lancaster or county of Los Angeles;
7. Any strings of pennants, banners or streamers, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, and similar attention-getting dev ices, including noise-emitting devices, with the exception of the following:
a. National, state, local governmental, institut ional or corporate flags properly displayed, b. Holiday decorations in season used for an aggregate period of not more than 90 days in any one calendar year;
8. Devices projecting, or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on any surface or object;
9. Signs emitting or amplifying sounds for the purpose of attracting attention;
10. Portable signs;
11. Sidewalk signs;
12. Temporary signs, except as otherwis e specifically permitted by this title;
13. New outdoor advertising sign s. No new outdoor advertising signs are permitted or allowed to be relocated into the OP zone;
14. Pole signs;
15. Any sign which is placed in a manner which wo uld obstruct a driver's or pedestrian's vision and thus create a hazard, or potential hazard, to the public health, safety or welfare.
C. General Sign Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to all signs in the OP zone.
1. In no case shall a lighted sign or lighting device thereof be so placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be dire cted or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
2. Existing outdoor advertising sign s are subject to Section 17.40.210.
3. Signs, except outdoor advertising signs, may be single- or double-faced, provided that:
a. The distance between the faces of any doubl e-faced sign, other than a "V"-shaped projecting sign, shall not exceed 36 inches; and
b. The separation between the intersecting face s of any multi-faced sign shall not exceed 12 inches.
4. Any sign located on vacant and unoccupied pr operty, and which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or business, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer exists shall be removed within 30 days after the purpose for, or use utilizing such sign has been removed from such property.
5. Any permitted sign may be a changeable copy sign.
6. All signs shall be designed in the simplest form and be free of any exposed bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables or similar devices.
7. The exposed backs of all signs visible to the public shall be suitably covered, finished and properly maintained.
8. All signs shall be maintained in good repair, including display surfaces which shall be kept neatly painted or posted.
9. Any sign which does not conform to the provisio ns of this title shall be made to conform or shall be removed as provided in subsection B.4. of Se ction 17.32.850 except as provided in Section
17.32.850B.4.c.
10. Except where otherwise specific ally provided by this title, sign regulations established pursuant to Section 17.12.810 et seq. shall not apply to signs within a building, arcade, court or other similarly enclosed area where such signs are not visible to the public without entering such facilities.
11. The height of all signs shall be measur ed from the highest point of the sign.
D. Computation of Sign Area. The surface area of any sign face shall be computed from the smallest rectangles, circles and/or triangles which will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs and pictures, together with all framin g, background material, colored or illuminated areas, and attention- attracting devices forming an integral part of the ov erall display, but excluding all support structures, except that:
1. Wall signs which are painted on or affixed directly to a building wall or façade, and which have no discernible boundary, shall have the areas between letters or words intended to be read together, and any device intended to draw attention to t he sign message included in any computation of surface area; and
2. Signs which are placed in a manner, or bear ing copy, which require dependence upon each other in order to convey the meaning shall be considered one sign and the intervening areas between signs included in any computation of surface area; and
3. Spherical, cylindrical, or other 3-dimensional signs not having conventional sign faces shall be considered to have 2 faces and the area of each sign face shall be computed from the smallest 3-dimensional geometrical shape or shapes which will best approximate the actual surface area of said faces.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.061)
17.12.830 - Business signs.
Business signs may be permitted in the OP zone subject to Sections 17.12.790, 17.12.890 and the restrictions of this section. For more information concerning specific types of signs see Section 17.04.240, Definitions.
A. Wall and Freestanding Business Signs. Monument signs are the only freestanding signs allowed in the OP zone.
1. Area and Number Permitted.
a. A maximum of one square foot of wall or freestanding sign area for each one linear foot of continuous lot frontage up to a maximum of 150 square feet of total sign area. b. No more than one freestanding sign per st reet frontage shall be permitted. Such signs shall be separated by a distance of not less than 200 feet. c. No more than one wall sign per tenant, except on corner sites where not more than 2 wall signs per tenant is permitted.
d. The minimum sign area per tenant shall be 20 square feet.
2. Height Permitted.
a. Wall business signs shall not extend above:
1) Eighteen inches below the top of t he wall of a single-story building; or 2) The lowest point of a sloping roof of a single-story building.
b. Freestanding business signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 10 feet measured vertically from ground level at the base of the sign, or 3 feet below the roof line, whichever is least.
3. Projection Permitted. Wall business signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall to which they are attached. Freestanding signs may not project over the public right-of-way.
4. Lighting. Wall and freestanding business sign s may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
B. Window Signs. Each business establishment ma y be permitted display window signs subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area permitted: maximum of 20% of the window area.
2. Lighting. Window signs may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
C. Incidental Business Signs. Each business establishment may be permitted incidental business signs provided:
1. That such signs are wall signs or window signs; and
2. That such signs do not exceed 3 square feet in sign area or 6 square feet in total sign area; and
3. That the sum of the sign areas of all such signs does not exceed 10 square feet.
4. Incidental business signs may be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
(Ord. 711 § 25 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 225.063)
17.12.840 - Building identification signs.
Building identification signs may be permitted subject to the following restrictions:
A. Area Permitted. In the OP zone one wall sign may be permitted provided:
1. Such sign does not exceed 6 square feet in sign area where located less than 30 feet above ground level measured at the base of the building below said sign; or
2. Such sign does not exceed 2% of the exteri or wall area of the building wall on which it is mounted, excluding penthouse walls, where loca ted more than 30 feet above ground level measured at the base of the building below said sign.
3. The area of the building i dentification sign shall be subtracted from the area allowed for wall signs.
B. Height Permitted. Such signs shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
C. Lighting. Building identification signs may be inte rnally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.064)
17.12.850 - Temporary signs.
Temporary signs may be permitted in the OP zone subject to the following restrictions:
A. Area Permitted. Temporary signs which are post ed or erected for 90 days or less shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area or 32 square feet in total sign area as defined in Section 17.04.240.
Temporary signs which have obtained a permit pursuant to subsection G of this section and which are posted or erected for more than 90 days sha ll not exceed 32 square feet in sign area or 64 square feet in total sign area.
B. Height Permitted.
1. Freestanding temporary signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height.
2. Temporary signs which are posted, attached or affixed to buildings of more than one story shall not be higher than the finished floor line of the second floor of such building.
3. Temporary signs which are posted, attached or affixed to a single-story building shall not extend above:
a. Eighteen inches below the t op of the wall of the building; b. The lowest point of a sloping roof of the building.
C. Projection Permitted. Where temporary signs ar e attached to a wall such signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall to which they are attached.
D. Lighting. Temporary signs shall not be lighted.
E. Placement. Temporary signs shall not be placed on public property (see Section 17.12.820B.6.), or in any manner that would endanger the public (see Section 17.12.850B.15.).
F. Duration. No temporary sign shall be posted fo r more than 90 days without obtaining a sign permit pursuant to subsection G of this section. No sign permit for a temporary sign shall be valid for more than one year. Upon written request for an extension the director may grant an extension for up to one additional year upon finding that the sign is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Section 17.12.810 et seq. and that the extension is necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the sign has been posted. No additional extensions may be granted. All temporary signs shall be removed within 14 calendar days after occurrence of the event, if any, which is the subject of the temporary sign. Th e date of the posting shall be permanently and legibly marked on the lower right-hand corner of the sign face.
G. Permit Required. Any person who proposes to post or erect a temporary sign for more than 90 days shall file an application for a sign permit wi th the Department of Community Development.
The applicant shall also file a statement of responsibility as required in subsection I of this section.
H. Standards for Approval.
1. Within 7 working days the director or his designated representative shall act upon the application for a temporary sign permit.
2. The action on the application shall be based on character, location and design, including design elements such as material, letter style, colors, sign type or shape, and the provisions of Section 17.12.810 et seq.
3. If the action is to disapprove the notice of disapproval shall specify the reasons therefor.
I. Statement of Responsibility. Ea ch person desiring to post or erect a temporary sign(s), regardless of duration, shall submit to the Department of Community Development a statement of responsibility in a form approved by the direct or with a description sufficient to identify the temporary sign(s), the locations of the sign(s) to be posted, and certifying a named individual who is responsible for removing each temporary sign. In the event the responsible individual fails to remove the temporary sign(s) as required by subs ection F of this section, the temporary sign(s) shall be deemed abandoned and may be removed by the city, the cost of which removal shall be payable by the responsible individual.
J. Removal of Unauthorized, Unmaintained or Dangerous Signs.
1. Temporary signs posted for which a statement of responsibility has not been submitted and, if required, a permit has not been obtained, are subject to immediate removal by the city without compensation. The city may, at its opt ion, also pursue legal action under Section
17.04.220.
2. Temporary signs which are deemed by the city to constitute a threat to the public health and safety are subject to immediate removal by the city without compensation. (Some examples might include such signs which are not secured against the wind or were placed in a manner which would interfere with the vi sion of drivers or pedestrians.) The city's cost of removal shall be payable by the responsible individual.
3. Temporary signs for which a statement of re sponsibility has been submitted and, if required, a permit has been obtained, and which do not pose a threat to public health and safety but are otherwise posted in violation of Section 17.12.810 et seq. shall be subject to removal in accordance with the following procedures. The city shall provide written notice to the responsible individual for each temporary sign es tablished pursuant to subsection I of this section, that the sign is in vi olation of Section 17.12.810 et seq., shall specify the nature of the violation and shall direct the responsible i ndividual therefor to remove or alter such temporary sign. If the responsible individual fails to comply with the notice within 3 working days after such notice is mailed, the si gn(s) shall be deemed abandoned, and may be removed by the city, the cost of which shall be payable by the responsible individual to the city.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.065)
17.12.860 - Directional and/or information signs.
Freestanding or wall-mounted directional and/or information signs may be permitted in the OP zone subject to the following restrictions:
A. Area Permitted. Directional and/or informational signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area or 24 square feet in total sign area.
B. Height Permitted.
1. Wall-mounted directional and/or information signs shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
2. Freestanding directional and/or informational signs shall not exceed 10 feet measured from the base of the sign.
C. Location of Signs. All such signs shall be located on site.
D. Lighting. Directional and/or information signs may be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited. (Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.067)
17.12.870 - Special purpose signs.
The following special purpose signs may be permitted as provided herein:
A. Bulletin or Special Event Signs. One freestanding or wall-mounted bulletin or special event sign may be erected and maintained on each lot or parcel of land in the OP zone developed for a publicly owned, charitable, religious or educational institution subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area.
2. Height Permitted.
a. A wall-mounted sign shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
b. A freestanding sign shall not exceed a ma ximum height of 12 feet measured vertically from the base of the sign.
3. Location of Sign. A freestanding sign shall not be located nearer than 10 feet to a front lot line or 25 feet to any other lot line.
4. Lighting. Bulletin or special event signs ma y be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
5. Design. Such sign shall be architecturally related to the structure to which it is appurtenant.
B. Time, Temperature, and Public Service Messa ge Signs. Signs using any system for the display of time of day, atmospheric temperature, or programmable electronic messages may be permitted subject to the prohibitions in Section 17.12.820B and the following restrictions:
1. Type of Signs. All time, temperature, and public service message signs shall be monument signs.
2. Area Permitted. One sign not to exceed 24 square feet in total sign area may be permitted for each street frontage up to a maximum of 2 for each business.
3. Height Permitted. No such sign shall exceed a height of:
a. For monument or post signs — 12 feet;
b. For wall signs — not less than 18 inches below the top of the wall of a single-story building.
4. Location of Sign. Such signs shall be placed not closer than 500 feet to any business already using this type of sign.
5. Other. Such signs must not violate the rest rictions imposed by Section 17.12.820 B.1.d. (Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. § 225.068)
17.12.880 - Off-street parking.
The automobile parking facilities required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following parking requirements shall be complied with in the OP zone:
A. General Conditions. The provisions of this section shall apply at the time that:
1. A building or structure is erected; or
2. An existing building or structure is altered to increase the exercise area (i.e., dance schools or fitness centers) or seating capacity (fixed or not fixed); or
3. An existing building or structure is enlarged. EXCEPTION: An existing building or structure which has insufficient lot area upon which to provide the required parking or landscaping may be enlarged by an area not to exceed 20% of the gross floor area including the original building or structure and all legal additions thereto for which required parking and associated landscaping have been provided. This exception applies only when there will be no reduction of existing parking or landscaping on the site; or
4. The use of a building or structure is changed. EXCEPTION: Buildings or structures legally constructed in accordance with the parking re quirements in effect at the time of building permit issuance will not require full compliance with the parking space requirements of this section provided that:
a. Said change in use creates no greater demand for parking spaces (as defined by this section) than the use which most recently preceded it; and b. All available space not used for parking shall be improved for purposes of parking and landscaping in accordance with this section and Section 17.12.890 (not to exceed the parking requirement for said use) prior to the new use occupying said premises.
B. Ownership and Joint Usage. Space required by th is section for automobile parking shall either:
1. Be owned as a part of the premises wher e the use for which the automobile parking space is required is located; or
2. Subject to director's review and approval the owner or owner-aut horized lessee of any property, may authorize joint use of parking fac ilities solely to serve existing buildings or structures occupied by the following uses or activities, provided that all the requirements of this zone can be complied with:
a. The parking facilities required for any nonre sidential use, which is primarily a daytime use may be fulfilled by the parking facilities of a use which is primarily a nighttime and/or Sunday use, and vice versa, provided such parking facilities meet the requirements of subsection B.2.b. of this section.
b. All of the following conditions shall be met in order for the director to approve joint usage of parking:
1) The lots or parcels upon which the uses referred to in subsection B.2.a. of this section are proposed shall be adjoining as defined in this title; and 2) There shall be no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the uses for which joint usage of parking is proposed; and
3) That the joint usage of the off-street parking facilities shall be contingent upon the execution of an agreement, which requires that if canceled the party canceling such agreement, not less than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the director of such cancellation. Such agreement shall meet the approval of the city attorney as to form and content. Once approved, the executed agreement shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director.
See Section 17.12.890 for pa rking design requirements.
C. Fractions. When the applicati on of this section requires a fractional part of an automobile parking space or parking place sufficient to accommodate a fractional number of automobiles, any such fraction shall be construed as a whole.
D. Parking Requirements by Use.
1. Eating, and Drinking Establishments. Every st ructure used for eating or drinking shall provide on the same lot or parcel one automobile parking space for each 100 square feet of gross floor area.
2. Financial Institutions and Services. Every ban k, savings and loan instit ution, or similar use shall have on the same lot or parcel of land, one automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
3. General Commercial Uses. Ex cept as otherwise provided in this section every lot or parcel of land which is used for a retail commercial use existing or permitted in the OP zone, shall have on the same lot or parcel of land one automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area of any building or structure so used.
4. Offices.
a. Government, Public Facilities and Profes sional Office. One automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
b. Medical and Dental. Every medical or dental office, clinic, or similar building shall have on the same lot or parcel of land, one automobile parking space for each 150 square feet of gross floor area.
5. Uses Not Specified. Where parking requireme nts for any use are not specified, parking shall be provided in an amount which the director finds adequate to prevent traffic congestion and excessive on-street parking. Whenever practi cal, such determination shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use specified in this section or other document as approved by the director.
6. Disabled Person Spaces. Disabled person spac es shall be provided in accordance with federal or state requirements as appropriate.
7. Bicycle and Motorcycle Spaces. Spaces for bi cycles/motorcycles, with the means necessary to secure them against theft, shall be provided as follows:
a. Bicycles. Minimum of one space per 10 employees;
b. Motorcycles. Minimum of one space per 20 employees.
8. Carpool and Vanpool Spaces. Spaces for carpool and vanpool vehicles shall be provided as necessary to accommodate any such vehicle in a number necessary to serve the pool program at the establishment. These spac es may be counted toward the parking requirements for the use.
(Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993: prior zoning ord. §§ 225.070—225.072, 225.074, 225.075)
17.12.890 - Design and performance standards.
The following design and performance standards shall be met for development in the OP zone:
A. General requirements applicable to all development:
1. Access.
a. Driveways providing access to the site may be combined, relocated, or otherwise limited in order to minimize traffic conflicts and improve public safety. All driveways shall be constructed to comply with current city standards. All driveway locations are subject to the approval of the director of public works.
b. Entry drives into parking areas shall be of sufficient depth to provide for vehicle stacking appropriate to the size, location and intensity of the project served. c. Access to drive-through fac ilities shall have a sufficient depth to provide vehicle stacking for not less than 7 automobiles at a depth of 24 feet per automobile per drive-through facility. (One bank teller station equals one such facility.) Such stacking space shall be designed in a manner which will not restrict access to or from parking spaces, aisles or driveways.
d. Internal roadways shall be constructed at the minimum widths necessary for safe circulation in order to minimize solar reflection and radiation. e. Public transit opportunities for turnout s, shelters and pedestrian access shall be considered for all sites abutting expressways or arterial streets. f. Access and bicycle parking facilities shall be considered for all sites abutting or adjacent to a planned bicycle and/or trail facility.
2. Paving. Required parking areas, as well as the maneuvering areas and driveways used for access thereto shall be paved with: (NOTE: Permits are required for any work done in the public right-of-way.)
a. Concrete surfacing to a minimum thickness of 3½ inches with expansion joints as necessary; or
b. Asphalt surfacing, rolled to a smooth, hard surface having a minimum thickness of 2 inches after compaction, and laid over a bas e of crushed rock, gravel or other similar material compacted to a minimum thickness of 4 inches. This requirement may be modified as necessary to meet the soil conditions of the site as determined by a jobsite soil analysis by a qualified engineer.
c. For commercial truck parking and drive ai sles, asphalt surfacing rolled to a smooth hard surface having a minimum thickness of 3 inches after compaction and, at a minimum, designed to accommodate a traffic index (TI) of 6.5 as calculated in accordance with the latest edition of the CalTrans Highwa y Design Manual. Large commercial projects may need a greater TI based upon their use.
d. Other alternative material that will provide at least the equivalent in dust free service, life and appearance of the materials and standards which would be employed for development pursuant to subsection A.2.a. or b. of this section.
e. The director of public wor ks at the request of the director shall review and report on the adequacy of paving where modification of base is proposed under subsection A.2.b. of this section, or where alternative materials are proposed under subsection A.2.d. of this section.
The director of public works may approve such modification or such alternative materials if, in his opinion, the evidence indicates compliance with subsection A.2.b. or d. of this section, as the case may be.
3. Size and Marking of Spaces.
a. No less than 75% of the parking spaces sha ll exhibit minimum dimensions of 9 feet in width by 20 feet in length, with required disabled person spaces at the dimensions as provided by law. (See subsection A.8.f. of this section.)
b. Compact Spaces. No more than 25% of the parking spaces may exhibit minimum dimensions of 8 feet in width by 17 feet in length. Such spaces shall be labelled "compact car only" in a manner acceptable to the director. (See subsection A.8.f. of this section.) c. No parking shall occur in the first 10 f eet of a required front or street side yard. d. Where parking abuts an alley, the improved alley may be used as an aisle subject to approval of the parking lot design.
e. For parallel parking, minimum aisles are 12 feet and minimum parking space dimensions are 8 feet by 24 feet.
See the following diagrams for parking design options.
4. Circulation. Mark entrances and exits clearly. Vehicular circulation should be "one-way" in each aisle or "two-way" if the aisle width is a minimum of 20 feet. No aisle shall be less than 12 feet in width.
5. Loading Spaces. Such spaces shall be required as specified by the director.
6. Buffering. A masonry wall of not less than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line where the activities of a commercial use are anticipated to be incompatible with existing uses or to protect an area from adverse climatic conditi ons (wind, blowing sand, etc.). It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the director or his designated representative that the project will not create or be subject to conditions necessitating a wall at the time of site plan review if a wall is not desired.
7. Building Design.
a. Building placement shall comp lement the design of adjoining sites to facilitate the convenient and logical functioning of neighboring uses. Where more than one building is to be developed
on the site, the buildings shall be laid out in clusters or as necessary to create outdoor patios, courts and walkways in a landscaped setting.
b. Roof treatment shall be the same on the peri phery of the building, except where a different treatment is required by the city building co de. Where screening of rooftop equipment is necessary such screening shall be designed to complement the architecture of the building. c. Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets shall have good proportions and relationships to one another and shall utilize canopies and/or overhangs to shade windows during summer months. Buildings should be designed to utilize natural light for internal illumination through the use of courts, skylights, and other design options. d. Utility doors, access panels, fire doors, loading docks, and other openings shall be treated as part of the architectural composition of buildings.
e. An exterior color scheme for all buildings or additions thereto shall be submitted with the building elevations for approval. The color scheme for existing neighboring buildings shall be indicated and considered.
f. Maximum feasible solar acce ss and the direction of prevailing winds shall be considered in building design and orientation.
g. Additions to existing buildings shall confor m to the design of the existing building. New building size, materials and color shall be consistent with the scale and design of the building to which it is attached.
8. Landscaping.
a. Landscape designs shall be directed toward the concept of an office park and shall be consistent throughout a project site. A combination of landscape materials should be arranged in a harmonious manner as an integral part of project design to enhance building design, public view, and interior spaces and provide buffers and transitions as needed.
Unrelated and random choice or placement of plant materials shall be avoided; however, variety may be employed to intensify distinction between spaces or to strengthen a sense of place or movement, or to promote energy and water conservation and mitigate erosion. b. The type, scale and proportion of landscape ma terials shall be appropriate to the site and/or structures to which they relate.
c. Plant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, texture, color, ultimate growth and water efficiency. Plants that are native or climate adaptive to the high desert area of Lancaster and/or others that will be hardy, harmonious with project design, and of good appearance, shall be used. Turf shall not be permitted except for recreational areas.
Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code. d. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by an autom atic system with separate stations for each hydrozone. The irrigation system shall be designed and equipped to incorporate water conservation techniques such as drip systems, moisture sensors and anti-drain valves.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed to prevent water from falling onto impervious surfaces.
The system shall comply with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code.
e. All areas within a site which has been approved by the city for development as a site plan or approved phase thereof, which are not needed for buildings, sidewalks, vehicle access or parking, shall be landscaped.
f. All landscaped planter areas shall be completely bordered by a 6-inch P.C.C. curbing to prevent irrigation runoff and act as a wheel st op where necessary. Where used as a wheel stop, the 6-inch curb may be counted toward the required length of the parking space.
g. All interior areas of parking lots shall be landscaped with a minimum of one shade tree plus one shade tree for each 10 parking spaces plus one tree for each 2,000 square feet of paved area within the parking lot.
h. For lots of 5,000 square feet or less in ar ea, not less than 5% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulatio n and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of le ss than 3 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
i. For lots of more than 5,000 square feet in area, not less than 7% of the total area(s) used for vehicle ingress, egress, circul ation and parking shall be landscaped. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of le ss than 3 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
j. Where off-street parking areas abut local or collector public streets, such areas shall be separated from an abutting street by a continuous landscaped planter which extends parallel to the street frontage of the parking area. Said planter shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width exclusive of perimeter curb s. Up to ½ of the area of this required landscaped planter may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements of subsection A.8.h. or i. (See Section 17.12.800B.2., 5. regarding landscaping in yards.) k. Trees and landscaping shall be utilized wherever possible to shade buildings as a means of enhancing energy conservation and provide protection against strong winds.
Deciduous trees and/or vines should be used where passive solar heat gain is desired in buildings during the winter months.
l. No tree shall be less than 15-gallon size and at least 25% of the trees shall be 24-inch box size. At least 50% of all shrubs shall be of 5-gallon size, and no shrub shall be less than one-gallon size. Ground covers shall be planted no further apart than 6 inches on center.
m. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition. (See definition in Section 17.04.240.)
9. Lighting. The intent of this requirement is to properly illuminate the site without producing an adverse impact on neighboring property. Exterior lighting of the building and site shall be provided, maintained and utilized during the hours of darkness in accordance with the following requirements:
a. Exterior lighting shall be part of the arch itectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be compatible with building design. b. Placement of lighting shall be in acco rdance with recognized crime prevention and safety principles.
10. Outside Uses, Storage or Display. All out side uses, storage and display are prohibited in the OP zone. (See subsection A.14. of this section regarding refuse/recycling storage enclosures.)
11. Screening.
a. All rooftop mechanical equipment, ducts, tanks, satellite antennae, etc., shall be enclosed or otherwise screened from view from all sides of the building. (This requirement does not include wind powered turbines used for ventilation.) b. Where mechanical equipment, junction boxe s, backflow prevention devices, satellite antennae, meters and similar equipment is ground mounted it shall be enclosed or screened from view where necessary to preclude visibility from freeways, expressways and arterial streets and adjacent properties.
c. Loading areas shall be sc reened from view only where necessary to preclude visibility from public streets and highways and adjacent properties. d. Parking areas adjacent to streets sha ll be screened with landscaping in the required yards and with low decorative walls, berms or combinations thereof. Where walls are used they shall be placed so as not to obscure landscaped areas from the street.
12. Service for Utilities. All on-site utility services shall be underground.
13. Signs.
a. The colors, materials and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.
b. The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.
c. Use of individual letters for all signing is preferred and encouraged over "cabinet" signs.
Where cabinet signs are utilized, such cabinet must be integrated into the design of the building or structure.
d. The light source of externally illuminated signs shall not be visible. e. Street numbers of all buildings shall be pr ominently located and of sufficient size to be easily read from the street by public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, ambulance).
14. Refuse/Recycling Storage Enclosures. All commercial and other nonresidential uses shall have on the same lot or parcel a refuse/recycling storage area at a ratio of 20 square feet of refuse/recycling storage area for each 1,000 square feet or portion thereof of net floor area of the facility. The enclosure sha ll be a minimum size of 6 feet in width by 18 feet in length (exterior dimension). Such storage areas shall be enclosed on 3 sides by a minimum 5-foot- high reinforced masonry or concrete wall with a sight-obscuring gate (chain link with slats is not acceptable) of noncombustible materials whic h is substantially the same height as the enclosing walls. The floor of the enclosure sha ll be of concrete construction. Such storage areas shall not be placed in a location which is openly exposed to a fronting street or a neighboring residential area. (See Refuse/Recycling Storage Enclosure Diagram in Section
17.12.230.)
15. Hazardous Materials. Applicants must obtai n the approval of the Los Angeles County fire department prior to obtaining any city permi ts for any use which includes the use of hazardous materials or the storage of hazardous materials or wastes.
16. Radioactive Materials. The use of radioa ctive materials shall be limited to measuring, gauging or calibration equipment.
17. Noise. Uses which generate noise by the nature of their function and/or processes shall be required to demonstrate that the noise levels emitted from the use shall not exceed 65 dBA at any property line which abuts a commercial or residential zone or use. A detailed noise attenuation study by a qualified acoustical engi neer may be required by the director or his designated representative to determine appropri ate mitigation and methods to incorporate same into project design. Site design methods which may be utilized to reduce noise include:
a. The use of building setbacks and dedication of noise easements to increase the distance between the noise source and receiver;
b. The location of uses and orientation of buildings which are compatible with higher noise levels adjacent to noise generators or in clusters to shield more noise-sensitive areas and uses;
c. The placement of noise-tolerant land uses, such as parking areas, between the noise source and receiver;
d. The placement of noise-tolerant struct ures to shield noise-sensitive areas;
e. Clustering of office or commercial struct ures to reduce interior open space noise levels.
18. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) . New commercial development shall provide for electric vehicle charging stations in the manner prescribed as follows:
a. New residential uses shall provide EVCSs in accordance with Section 17.08.150T. b. New commercial, industrial and other uses with the building or land area, capacity, or numbers of employees listed herein shall prov ide the electrical service capacity necessary and all conduits and related equipment necessary to ultimately serve 2% of the total parking spaces with EVCSs in a manner approved by the building and safety official. Of these parking spaces, ½ shall initially be provided with the electric vehicle supply equipment necessary to function as on-line EVCSs upon completion of the project. The remainder shall be installed at such time as they are needed for use by customers, employees or other users. EVCSs shall be provided in disabled person parking spaces in accordance with state requirements. 1) Construction of a hospital of 500 or more be ds, or expansion of a hospital of that size by 20% or more.
2) Construction of a post-secondary school (co llege), public or private, for 3,000 or more students, or expansion of an existing facility having a capacity of 3,000 or more students by an addition of at least 20%.
3) Hotels or motels with 500 or more rooms.
4) Industrial, manufacturing, or processing plants or industrial parks that employ more than 1,000 persons, occupy more than 40 acres of land, or contain more than 650,000 square feet of gross floor area.
5) Office buildings or office parks that employ more than 1,000 persons or contain more than 250,000 square feet of gross floor area.
6) Shopping centers or trade centers that employ 1,000 or more persons or contain 500,000 square feet of gross floor area.
7) Sports, entertainment, or recreation fac ilities that accommodate at least 4,000 persons per performance or that contain 1,500 or more fixed seats. 8) Transit projects (including but not limited to transit stations and park and ride lots).
B. When adjacent to a residential zone or use the following requirements shall also be applied:
1. Artificial lighting used to illuminate the premis es shall be directed away from adjacent residential zone or use.
2. Where multistory buildings are to be ut ilized on lots abutting residentially zoned or used properties, such buildings shall be located or oriented in a manner which will minimize visual intrusion into neighboring property which is residentially zoned or used. (This may be accomplished by setting the building back from the abutting property line beyond the distance required for the yard, selective placement of windows, orienting the building in a manner which will not give occupants a direct view into the yards or windows of neighboring residents.)
3. No signs shall be placed in a manner which visually intrudes into adjoining property which is residentially zoned or used.
4. Trees shall be utilized as a means of improv ing the interface between commercial and residential uses where appropriate.
5. Buffering. When abutting property which is residentially zoned or used a masonry wall of not less than 6 feet in height shall be provided at the proper ty line in accordance with the provisions for walls specified in Section 17.28.030C to minimize conflicts between commercial and/or residential uses. A 10-foot landscaped setback shall be placed next to the wall. This requirement shall be modified, where necessary to preclude interference with line-of-sight of a driver within 10 feet of any street, highway or alley, down to a maximum height of 42 inches. The design of the wall shall
be considered as part of the site plan review. The site and any buildings thereon shall be designed to locate noise- and odor-generating equipment and activity in a manner which will have a minimal impact on abutting property which is residentially zo ned or used. Such techniques may include, but are not limited to, no windows on the building wall(s) facing residentially zoned property, insulating structures housing equipment against no ise, limitation of the hours of equipment operation, and other controls designed for specific problems. It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove that his project will not have a detrimental effect on neigh boring residential property at the time of site plan review.
C. Air Quality. Uses located within 500 feet of any residential use or zone shall not emit smoke, dust, fumes or odors of any kind in conjunction with any process. All uses shall comply with the air quality standards of the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) or the city of Lancaster, whichever is more restrictive.
(Ord. 713 § 5 (part), 1995; Ord. 711 §§ 18 (part), 19(C) (part), 1995; Ord. 651 § 11 (part), 1993:
prior zoning ord. § 225.080)
(Ord. No. 907, § 5, 10-28-08; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025) Article VII. - Reserved[3]
Footnotes:
--- (3) ---
Editor's note— Ord. No. 945, § 4, adopted July 13, 2010, amended the Code by repealing former Art.
VII, §§ 17.12.900—17.12.1030, in its entir ety. Former Art. VII pertained to the Regional Commercial (RC) Zone, and derived from the prior zoning ord., §§ 226.010, 226.020—226.022, 226. 024, 226.026, 226.027, 226.040, 226.041, 226.050, 226.060, 226.061, 226.063, 226.070, 226.071, 226.074, 226.075, 226.080; Ord. 647 of 1993; Ords. 711 and 713 of 1995; Ord. 753 of 1999; Ord. 896 of 2008; Ord. No. 907, adopted October 28, 2008; Ord. No. 921, adopted June 9, 2009; and Ord. No. 924, adopted August 25, 2009.
17.12.900—17.12.1030 - Reserved.
Chapter 17.16 - INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Article I. - In General
17.16.010 - In general.
As used in this title, "industrial zones" means the LI, HI and BP zones. (Prior zoning ord. § 240.000)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
Article II. - Industrial (I) Zones
17.16.020 - Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of the I zones is to provide the means necessary to implement the city of Lancaster general plan, specifically:
A. The LI zone implements the "light industry" category; B. The HI zone implements the "heavy industry" cat egory; as set forth in the text of the general plan and as delineated on the general plan map. These zones are intended to be in accordance with applicable goals, objectives, policies and actions set forth by the plan. These zones are intended to allow the development of industrial uses thereby providing fo r the industrial and employment needs of the city and adjoining areas and business in an urban environment with full urban services.
It shall also be the intent of this zone to apply the provisions of this zone including but not limited to the property development regulations required herein to all new building lots created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title.
It shall not be the intent of this title to render previously legally created building lots or legally constructed buildings which do not comply with the new property development regulations or other requirements of this title to be nonconforming where these lots or buildings complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of their creation or construction. However, proof of compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of creation or construction shall be the sole burden of the applicant or property owner.
Such proof may include building permits, minutes of council or commission action, case files, or other documentation.
(Prior zoning ord. § 241.010)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
17.16.030 - Prohibition.
A person shall not use any premises in the LI or HI zones except as hereafter permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. (Prior zoning ord. § 241.020)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
17.16.040 - Permitted uses—I zones.
Uses and permit requirements. The uses and permit requirements applicable to the industrial zones are identified in the Uses Matrix below. Extensive examples are given for the purpose of clarifying the types of uses allowed by each category. In addition, specific exceptions and development requirements have been applied to certain categories of uses where concerns may arise as to their impact on neighboring properties and the visual attractiveness of the city as a whole. Uses which do not fall into any other category, and are not temporary uses, uses subject to director's review, or uses subject to permit in these zones, shall be subject to interpretation of the director. All uses are subject to any stated exceptions, development requirements, and approval of a site plan as follows:
Industrial Zones — Uses Matrix
USES
P = permitted use / DR = director's review / MUP = minor use C = conditional use / N/A = not allowed
ZONES
LI HI
A. Uses.
Access for a Purpose Not Permitted in the Subject Zone* Access to property lawfully used for a purpose not permitted in the subject zone provided no other practical access to such property is available and such access will not alter the character of the premises in respect to permitted uses in the subject zone.
DR DR
Agriculture - Crops, Fields
This category includes tree, bush, berry and row, nursery stock, flowers and vines, provided that no sludge or biosolid material shall be applied to any land as a soil amendment, roadside stands, retail sale of crops grown on the premises, and signs advertising products produced on the premises.
DR DR
Agriculture - Ranching
This category includes but is not limited to cattle sales yards, dairies, hog ranches and livestock feed yards; provided that, no sludge or biosolid material shall be applied to any land as a soil amendment.
N/A CUP
Aircraft-Related Uses
This category includes but is not limited to the manufacture, storage, maintenance, repair or overhaul of aircraft or missile components, parts, accessories, equipment and power plants.
N/A P
Alcohol Beverage Establishments - Major
This category is limited to the following uses below and shall be subject to the provisions in Chapter 17.42:
a. Bar;
b. Convenience Market/Neighborhood Market (Beer, Wine, and Spirits); c. Liquor store;
d. Nightclub with alcohol sales.
CUP CUP
Alcohol Beverage Establishments - Market
This category is limited to the following uses below and shall be subject to the provisions in Chapter 17.42:
a. Convenience Market/Neighborhood Market (beer and wine only).
MUP MUP
Alcohol Beverage Establishments - Minor
Alcohol Beverage Establishments. This category is limited to the following uses below and shall be subject to the provisions in Chapter 17.42:
P* P*
a. Alcohol production;
b. Bona fide restaurant;
c. Grocery store/supermarket/drugstore; and
d. Alcohol sales in conjunction with and incidental to a primary use.
Animal Shelter - Public Agency Operated P P
Auctions and Swap Meets DR DR
Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck, Tractor and Boat Sales, Service, Repair, Accessories and Parts
This category includes but is not limited to motor vehicle dealerships including recreational vehicles, auto parts stores: tires, batteries and accessory stores; body and frame shops, auto upholstery shops, brake shops, car wash, muffler shops, radiator shops, repair shops, service stations, and similar uses. Auto service and repair uses, body and frame shops, heavy equipment repair and tire sales on lots within 300 feet of residentially zoned property shall be required to mitigate any conditions which are detrimental, or potentially detrimental, to the reasonable use of the residentially zoned property to the satisfaction of the director. This category does not include automobile impound yards, automobile wrecking yards, or salvage operations.
* Note: All repair activities within the LI zone shall be conducted within an enclosed building.
P* P
Automobile Dismantling Yards, Scrap Metal Processing Yards, and Similar Metal Salvage Operations
This category includes but is not limited to automobile impound yards, automobile wrecking, metal salvage operations, and junk and salvage operations. Any such use in this category on lots within 300 feet of residentially zoned property shall be conducted within an enclosed building and required to mitigate any conditions which are detrimental, or potentially detrimental, to the reasonable use of the residentially zoned property to the satisfaction of the director.
N/A P
Batch Plants and Concrete Transit Mix Uses
Batch plants and concrete transit mix uses shall be permitted only in the HI zone provided that batch plants and concrete transit mix uses within 300 feet of residentially zoned property shall be required to mitigate any conditions which are detrimental, or potentially detrimental, to the reasonable use of the residentially zoned property to the satisfaction of the director.
N/A P
Boarding Kennels DR DR
Building Trades and Related Uses
This category includes, but is not limited to appliance sales, blueprint services, building supplies, cabinet making, carpenter shop, contractor equipment yard, electricians and electrical supply, engineers and surveyors, fence contractors, glass stores, janitorial service and supply, landscape materials (including nurseries), lumber yards, pool contractors, plumbing sales, spa sales, truss manufacturing, wood stove sales and similar uses.
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Cannabis
This category includes cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Distance minimums may apply. Subject to Chapter 17.43 - Commercial Cannabis Activity.
CUP CUP
Carnivals
Subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.46. DR DR
Churches, Religious, Fraternal, or Social Organizations This category includes but is not limited to churches, temples, convents, monasteries, and other places used exclusively for religious worship, and the customary incidental educational and social activities therewith; temporary tent revival meetings (operated at one particular location and provided such location is not within 300 feet of any public park, school or residential zone, and not longer than 7 days in any six-month period); fraternities; lodge halls; societies, and sororities.
* Note: Revivals or tent meetings, of more than 7 days' duration require a conditional use permit.
CUP CUP
Commercial Uses - Existing, Nonconforming
Such uses may continue to be used as a permitted use provided that such uses may not be expanded beyond their ability to meet current parking requirements, and design and performance standards related to the expansion, unless otherwise noted in this Title.
P P
Consignment Store, Pawnshop, Secondhand Store, Surplus Store* DR DR Day Care for Children DR DR
Eating and Drinking Establishments
This category includes but is not limited to restaurants, cafes, delicatessens, fast food operations, ice cream shops, and take-out food operations; any of which may include outdoor dining.
P P
Electrical Generating Plants - General
This category includes all non-solar electrical generating plants. CUP CUP Electrical Generating Plants - Solar DR DR
Emergency Shelters DR N/A
Entertainment and Recreation
This category includes, but is not limited to bowling alleys, golf driving ranges, shooting ranges, video game arcades, and similar uses.
* Note: Dance halls, pool halls, banquet halls, and night clubs require a Conditional Use Permit.
DR* DR*
Financial Institutions and Services
This category includes but is not limited to banks, credit unions, finance companies, savings and loans, and similar uses.
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Gun Stores CUP CUP
Health and Fitness Services
This category includes but is not limited to exercise/aerobic centers, figure salons, gymnasiums, health and fitness centers, health spas, martial arts schools, and similar uses.
DR DR
Heliports or Helistops CUP CUP
Joint Parking
This category includes the joint use of parking facilities solely to serve existing buildings or structures subject to Section 17.12.690.B.3.
DR DR
Long-Term Health Care Facility
This category includes:
1. Intermediate care facility;
2. Intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled;
3. Intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled—Habilitation;
4. Intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled—Nursing;
5. Nursing facility;
6. Skilled nursing facility.
* Note: The OP zone is limited to long-term heal th care facilities or senior citizen housing only where such uses share a site with health-related offices and special services,
N/A N/A
including but not limited to adult or senior day care, chiropractic, dental, hospice care, medical (including nursing), pharmacy and therapy.
Manufacturing - General
This category includes but is not limited to assembly plants, automotive, beds and bedding manufacturing, billboards, bone products, building materials, brushes, ceramics, clay and cement products, doors, drugs, dry goods, electric and electronic products, felt, fiberglass, fur products, furniture, glass, hair products, heating equipment, jewelry, leather products, machine shops, mobile homes and factory-built housing, paper products, plastic products, recreational vehicles, springs, starch, stone products, textiles, tools, uses which manufacture products from recycled materials, welding, wood products, wool and woolen products, wrought iron and similar manufacturing uses. Any such use in this category on lots within 300 feet of residentially zoned property shall be required to mitigate any conditions which are detrimental, or potentially detrimental, to the reasonable use of the residentially zoned property to the satisfaction of the director. This category does not include cement manufacturing, explosives, foundries, paper manufacturing, manufacturing of plastics, or tanning of animal hides. * Note: All such uses within the LI zone sha ll be conducted within an enclosed building.
P* P
Manufacturing - Chemical and Heavy
This category includes but is not limited to the manufacture of ammonia, asphalt, caustic soda, celluloid, cellulose, chlorine gas, coal tar products, creosote, fertilizers, glue, guncotton, gypsum, hydrocyanic acid products, lime, phenol, plastics, potash, pyroxylin products, size, soda ash, synthetic ammonia, and similar uses. All uses in this category will be subjected to close scrutiny in terms of the relative safety of such uses and their potential effects on the community with emphasis on their impact on odor and air quality in general; specifically their handling of hazardous materials and waste. This category also includes the following: animal cremation, explosives, smelting and casting of metals, paper manufacturing, plastic manufacturing or tanning of animal hides.
N/A CUP
Manufacturing - Food Processing, Wholesale Sales, and Storage This category includes but is not limited to bottling plants, breweries, coffee roasting, dairy products, dextrin manufacturing, fruit and produce, malt products, meat processing, oleomargarine, sodium glutamate, soft drinks, vitamin tablets, and similar uses. This category does not include dairies, lard manufacturing, pickles, sausage, sauerkraut, slaughter houses, distillation of vinegar, or the canning of other fish or meats and similar uses.
* Note: All such uses within the LI zone sha ll be conducted within an enclosed building.
P* P
Manufacturing - Heavy Food Processing, Sales, and Storage This category is limited to the following food products: canning of fish or meat, fat
N/A CUP
rendering, gelatin, lard, meat packing, pickles, sausage, sauerkraut, slaughterhouses, tallow, and vinegar.
Manufacturing - Rock Crushing
Crushing of used asphalt or concrete, rock, or other materials for use as an aggregate. N/A DR Massage Establishment
This category includes massage conducted in accordance with Chapter 5.34 and Section
17.40.700.
MUP MUP
Offices—Business, Government or Professional
This category includes but is not limited to general business offices; federal, state, county, city or special district offices, libraries, and court facilities; associations; unions; and offices conducting accounting, dental, engineering, escrow, insurance, legal, medical, mortgage brokerage, real estate, security, and commodity brokerage, or similar professional services.
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Pest Control N/A CUP
Public Safety Facilities and Services
This category includes but is not limited to ambulance services, fire stations, highway patrol stations, municipal maintenance yards, police stations, and similar uses.
P P
Public Utilities - General
This category includes but is not limited to the following uses:
1. Electric transmission substations including microwave facilities used in conjunction therewith;
2. Publicly owned uses necessary to the main tenance of the public health, convenience, or general welfare, including federal, state, county, city, or special district offices, libraries and court facilities;
3. Public utility service yards;
4. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, gauging stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any use normal and appurtenant to the storage and distribution of water.
Exception: This use is not subject to site plan review (Section 17.16.120).
P P
Public Utilities - Gas Distribution Depot N/A P
Recycling Facilities - General
This category includes but is not limited to reverse vending machines, donation bins, collection bins, small and large collection facilities, and light processing facilities. All uses MUP P
in this category are subject to the criteria and standards of Section 17.40.290. (See definitions in Section 17.04.240.) This category also includes uses which reuse recyclable materials.
Recycling Facilities - Heavy Processing Facilities N/A MUP Rental Establishments - General
This category includes but is not limited to automobile, clothing, light equipment, furniture, hospital equipment, recreational vehicles, and similar rentals.
P P
Rental Establishments - Heavy Equipment N/A P
Repair Services
This category includes but is not limited to appliance repair, gunsmiths; heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning repair; jewelry repair, locksmiths, shoe repair, watch repair, and similar repair services.
P P
Research and Development - General
This category includes but is not limited to laboratories and facilities for scientific research, development and testing including administrative offices. This category does not include the development and testing of hazardous materials, biological or chemical warfare agents, or explosives.
P P
Research and Development - Hazardous
This category includes but is not limited to laboratories and facilities for scientific research, development and testing including administrative offices involving the use of hazardous materials. Agricultural and biological research involving sludge or biosolid material shall be conducted only within an enclosed building or suitable containment vessel. This category does not include the development and testing of biological or chemical warfare agents or explosives.
CUP CUP
Residential Uses - Existing
This category may continue to be used as a permitted use. Expansion of existing residential uses shall be limited to a cumulative total of no more than 500 square feet of floor area.
P P
Residential Uses - Caretaker
This category includes the following uses:
a. One dwelling unit within a building on the same lot or parcel of land which is legally being used so as to require the continuous supervision of a caretaker and their immediate family, or
DR DR
b. Dwelling units within a building or premis es used for agricultural purposes, which dwelling units are occupied only by persons employed on the same premises, and their immediate families, or
c. Where subsection A.7.a. of this sect ion permits the use of a dwelling unit for a caretaker, a mobile home containing one dwelling unit may be used in lieu of such dwelling unit for a period not to exceed 6 consecutive months in any twelve-month period. Or, if intended for a residence for up to the maximum limit of 5 years, the mobile home shall comply with the provisions of Section 17.08.370.C for foundation systems.
Residential Uses - Multifamily
1. Multiple-family project, as a separate development in the C zone (subject to the provisions of the HDR-1 zone except where specifically modified by the conditional use permit);
2. Multiple-family project, combined wi th commercial development as a mixed use where said apartments are attached to the commercial building (for example, as the second story of a commercial retail center), subject to the provisions of Section
17.12.230, Design requirements.
* Note: This category may be permitted in the OP zone only in conjunction with a permitted use in which not less than 50% of such residential units shall be above the ground floor.
N/A N/A
Residential Uses - Supportive
This category is limited to the following uses:
1. Congregate living health facility,
2. Mobile home or other residence for use by caretaker and his immediate family in accordance with Article VIII of Chapter 17.40,
3. Residential care facility for the elderly,
4. Rooming and boarding houses,
5. State authorized, certified or licensed fa mily care home, foster home or group home serving 6 or fewer mentally disordered or otherwise handicapped persons or dependent and neglected children, if such homes provide care on a twenty-four-hour a day basis. (Required by Section 5116 of the Welfare and Institutions Code).
6. Transitional homeless shelters.
N/A N/A
Retail Sales Establishments
This category includes but is not limited to bona fide antique stores, apparel stores, appliance stores, bookstores (including used books), convenience market (without alcohol sales), craft stores, computer stores, department stores, grocery store/supermarket/drugstores (without alcohol sales), gift shops, hardware stores, P P
jewelry stores, telephone stores, discounted and wholesale/warehouse type stores, and similar retail sales operations.
Schools - Business and Professional
This category includes but is not limited to art, barber, dance, music, real estate, and similar schools.
DR DR
Schools - College or University CUP CUP
Schools - Small Specialty/Charter DR DR
Schools - Specialized Training
This category includes but is not limited to manual training, shop work, or the repair and maintenance of machinery or mechanical equipment. This category does not include business and professional schools.
P P
Services - Commercial
This category includes but is not limited to answering service, bail bond services, barber and beauty shops, check cashing, credit bureaus, dry cleaners and laundries, duplicating, faxing services, lithographers, microwave stations, mortuaries and funeral homes, moving and storage, parcel delivery terminals, photo engravers, photocopying, printers or publishers, radio and television broadcast studios, tailors, telecommunication/telecommuting offices, telegraph offices, telephone repeater stations, tourist information centers, veterinary offices, and other similar services. *Note: This category does not include services which are industrial in nature such as pest control, industrial gases and chemicals, waste disposal facilities, and similar services.
These uses are prohibited in LI.
* Note: Dry cleaning or laundry plant - wholesale shall require a conditional use permit.
P* P*
Sexually Oriented Businesses
This category includes but is not limited to adult bookstores, adult motels, adult motion picture theaters, adult theaters, adult cabarets, escort agencies, adult massage parlors, semi-nude model studios, and similar uses subject to the requirements of Ordinance No. 619.
N/A P
Shopping and Commercial Centers N/A N/A
Small Wind Energy Systems (Co-located)
Subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.690. DR DR
Tattoo Parlors and Body Piercing Establishments
This use includes microblading and permanent makeup. DR DR Transient Residential - Hotels, Motels, and RV Parks N/A N/A Tobacco Retail
This category includes any establishment engaged in the sale of tobacco, in which tobacco products occupy more than 8% of the business’s sales floor. These uses shall be subject to the provisions in Chapter 17.42.
MUP MUP
Tobacco Smoking Lounge
These uses shall be subject to the definitions and provisions in Chapter 17.42.
CUP CUP
Warehousing, Wholesaling, and Storage
This category includes but is not limited to cold storage distributors, mini-storage warehouse, moving van and storage, truck terminals, and warehouses.
P P
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities - Major
This category includes all major wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
* Note: Major wireless telecommunication facili ties in the HI zone, located more than 1,000 feet from residentially zoned property, shall instead require a director's review.
CUP CUP*
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities - Minor, Co-located, Stealth This category includes minor co-located and stealth wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.60.640.
DR DR
Other Uses - Conditional
1. Activity node (development of) subject to the requirements of Section 17.08.365.
2. Earth stations.
3. Radio or television transmission towers.
4. Textile products manufactured from previously prepared materials.
CUP CUP
B. Accessory Uses.
Accessory Buildings and Structures
This category applies to accessory structures customarily used in conjunction therewith.
Cargo containers shall not be used as accessory buildings or structures and shall not be placed on private real property at any time except as permitted in conjunction with P P
permitted temporary uses. This subsection does not apply to the following real property:
1. a. Real property owned, leased, rented, occupied, or used by a public agency or entity;
b. Real property owned, leased, rented, occupied, or used by a nonpublic or private school. For purposes of this subsection, "nonpublic school" means a private, nonsectarian school that enrolls individuals with exceptional needs pursuant to an individualized education program and is certified by the California Department of Education. For purposes of this subsection, "private school" means a full-time day school that provides instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state, by persons capable of teaching, and that files an annual private school affidavit as required by the California Department of Education. For purposes of this subsection, "private school" does not include a school that provides instruction in a building used for residential purposes. A nonpublic or private school is not exempt unless it is operating in conformity with all pertinent land use and technical code regulations. c. Real property utilized for the placement of cargo containers that are used exclusively for the storage of emergency supplies to be used for the benefit of the public by a recognized governmental agency, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. Placement of a cargo container for the storage of private supplies is not included in this exemption. Placement of cargo containers for this purpose shall be approved through a director's review.
Automobile Body and Fender Repair, and Painting and Upholstering Incidental to the Sale of New Automobiles
This use may be permitted provided:
1. That all operations are conducted within an enclosed building, and
2. That the use does not exceed 25% of its to tal area being devoted to service or repair, body and fender repair, painting or upholstering, and
3. That the use does not exceed one paint spray booth, and
4. That all areas or structures used shall be located or soundproofed so as to prevent annoyance or detriment to adjacent or abutting property, and
5. That all damaged or wrecke d vehicles awaiting repair shall be effectively screened so as not to be visible from adjacent or abutting property of the same elevation, and
6. That all repair activities as described in this section shall be confined to the hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, and
7. That no damaged or wrecked vehicles sha ll be stored for purposes other than repair and shall not constitute an automobile impound yard, and
8. That dismantling of vehicles for purposes ot her than repair or the sale of used parts is prohibited, and
9. That adequate off-street parking be available to permit such activity.
P P
Boat Repair (Minor) Incidental to the Sale of Boats
This use may be permitted provided all operations, other than the storage of boats held for sale, are conducted within an enclosed building.
P P
Day Care for Children Offered by Employer
This use may be permitted provided such services are offered by an employer solely for use by the children of the employees.
P P
Eating and Drinking Establishments in Conjunction with Office Uses This category is limited to cafes, delicatessens, ice cream shops, and restaurants that are developed in conjunction with and located in the same building as office professional uses. This category does not include fast food operations, bona fide restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, or other uses that meet the definition of an on-site alcohol establishment.
P P
Manufacturing, Processing, Packaging, Treating and Storage in Conjunction with the Business Conducted on the Premises
This use may be permitted provided:
1. That such activity is restricted to the gr ound floor of the building or buildings and does not occupy more than 25% of said ground floor area,
2. That not more than 5 employees are engaged in such activity,
3. That a commercial appearance is maintain ed by providing office or window display space or both, along the entire street frontage of the building or buildings, except doorways, to a depth of not less than 2 feet,
4. That any portion of the building or buildings devoted to such activity is not nearer than 50 feet to any residential zone,
5. That the building is constructed, that the machinery and equipment are installed and maintained, and that the activity is conducted in such a way, that all noise, vibration, dust, odor, and all other objectionable consequences will be confined or reduced to an extent necessary to ensure that no annoyance or injury will result to persons or property in the vicinity, and
6. That any such activity is conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building.
P P
Private Car Wash
This use is limited to car washes which are accessory to an existing business (i.e., rental car facility or automotive dealership) and which are not available for use by the general public.
DR DR
Rental, Leasing, or Repair of Articles Sold on the Premises This use may be permitted provided such rental, leasing or repair is incidental to the retail sales of such articles.
P P
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) shall be permitted as an accessory use within any existing legal single-family or multiple-family residential garage or carport, or within any existing legal commercial parking space in a parking lot or in a parking garage, subject to all applicable city code requirements and the following:
1. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) for public use shall be subject to the following requirements:
a. The EVCSs shall be located in a manner which will be easily seen by the public for informational and security purposes and shall be illuminated during evening business hours; and
b. Be located in desirable and convenie nt parking locations which will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles; and
c. The EVCS pedestals shall be protected as necessary to prevent damage by automobiles; and
d. The EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather; and
e. Complete instructions and appropriate warnings concerning the use of the EVCS shall be posted on a sign in a prominent location on each station for use by the operator; and
f. One standard nonilluminate d sign, not to exceed 4 square feet in area and 10 feet in height, may be posted for the purpose of identifying the location of each cluster of EVCSs; and
g. The EVCS may be on a timer that limits the use of the station to the normal business hours of the use(s) which it serves to preclude unauthorized use after business hours.
2. Electric vehicle charging st ations for private use shall:
a. Be located in a manner which will not allow public access to the charging station; and
b. Comply with subsections C.1.c., d. and e. of this section.
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Wireless Telecommunication Facilities - Mini
This category includes all mini wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
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C. Temporary Uses.
Christmas Trees and Wreaths Sales
This use is limited to the seasonal sale of such items, between November 1 and December DR DR
25, both dates inclusive, to the extent permitted by other statutory and ordinance provisions. Any structures, facilities and materials used in connection with the sale of Christmas trees and wreaths shall be removed from the premises by December 31 of the same calendar year, and the property restored to a clean condition.
Pumpkins and Other Seasonal Agricultural Products
This use is limited to the sale of such items from October 1 through Thanksgiving Day to the extent permitted by other statutory and ordinance provisions. Any structures, facilities and materials used for the sale of pumpkins and other seasonal agricultural products shall be removed from the premises not later than 7 days following the closure of the sales operation. No other outdoor sales shall be permitted until property has been restored to a clean condition.
DR DR
Outdoor Sales and Promotional Activities
Outdoor sales and promotional activities in private parking lots, on private pedestrian ways, and on public sidewalks, incidental to a use conducted primarily within a building located on the premises as follows:
1. Parking lot sales may be allowed only where:
a. The use on the site complies with current parking standards, and b. No more than 10% of the provided park ing spaces are to be used for this purpose, and
c. Placement of the activity in the parking lot shall not significantly disrupt the circulation pattern on the site, and
d. Such sales are scheduled between January 15 and November 15 and shall not exceed a total of 12 days in any calendar year.
2. Private pedestrian way sales may be allowed where:
a. Placement of the acti vity on the pedestrian way allows for a clear aisle for pedestrian traffic of not less than 5 feet in width, and b. Such sales are scheduled between January 15 and November 15 and shall not exceed a total of 12 days in any calendar year.
3. Sidewalk sales may be allowed where:
a. Placement of the activity allows for a clea r aisle of not less than 5 feet in width, and b. Such sales are scheduled between January 15 and November 15 and shall not exceed a total of 12 days in any calendar year, and
c. Insurance has been obtained by type and in an amount specified by the city attorney, and d. An encroachment permit has been obtained from the department of building and engineering services.
DR DR
Storage Containers for Merchandise During Holidays or Events Placement shall be within loading areas or utilize nonessential parking areas behind the DR DR
buildings so as not to restrict the use of heavily used parking areas during such holidays or special events. The use of such containers shall not exceed 3 months in any calendar year.
Temporary Construction or Commercial Storage
Storage of building materials, machinery and equipment used in conjunction with a construction or development project undertaken pursuant to an active building permit.
Storage shall be on the lot or parcel which is part of the project, or on property adjoining the construction or development site with the written consent of the property owner.
Storage shall not occur until the building permit is obtained. Storage shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized. Cargo containers may be used for the temporary construction storage subject to code requirements.
DR DR
Temporary Offices
The placement and use of a temporary office in conjunction with a construction or development project undertaken pursuant to an active building permit. A temporary office shall be placed on the lot or parcel which is part of the project, or on property adjoining the construction or development site with the written consent of the property owner. The placement of a temporary office shall not occur until the building permit is obtained. The temporary office shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized. Use of commercial coaches as temporary offices subject to the provisions of Article X of Chapter 17.40.
DR DR
Wild Animals Keeping
Wild animals may be temporarily used, kept, or maintained for a period not to exceed:
a. Ten days in conjunction with the lawful operation of a circus or animal exhibition, or b. Sixty days where used in motion picture and television production, except that the director may, where he finds that such extension is consistent with the intent of this section and neither detrimental to the public welfare or to the property of other persons located in the vicinity thereof, extend such time period for not to exceed 30 additional days, and
c. Provided said animals are used, kept, or maintained pursuant to and in compliance with, all regulations of the city of Lancaster and the Los Angeles County department of animal control.
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(Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 22), 2008; Ord. 793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2001; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 3 (part)), 1999; Ord. 711 §§ 30 (part), 32, 1995; prior zoning ord. § 241.021) (Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1093, § 4(Exh. A), 10-11-2022; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.16.050 – Reserved.
17.16.060 - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), adopted May 27, 2025, repealed § uses subject to director's review and approval, which pertained to X and derived from Prior zoning ord. § 241.024; Ord. 758 § 1 (Exh. A § 4 (part)), adopted 1999; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A §§ 7, 8), adopted 1999; Ord. 898 § 2, adopted 2008; Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 23), adopted 2008; Ord. No. 941, § 1, adopted Feb. 9, 2010; Ord. No. 989, § 6, adopted April 9, 2013; Ord. No. 999, § 6, adopted Aug. 26, 2014; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Jan. 14, 2020; Ord. No. 1093, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 11, 2022; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 10, 2023.
17.16.070 - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), adopted May 27, 2025, repealed § 17.16.070, which pertained to uses subject to conditional use permits and derived from Prior zoning ord. § 241.025; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 9), adopted 1999; Ord. 758 § 1 (Exh. A §§ 5, 6), adopted 1999; Ord. 761 § 1, adopted 1999; Ord. 898 § 3, adopted 2008; Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A §§ 24, 25), adopted 2008; Ord. No. 1007, § 5, adopted Oct. 13, 2015; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), adopted
Jan. 14, 2020; Ord. No. 1093, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 11, 2022.
17.16.080 - Interpretation.
Where a conflict in interpretation occurs regarding application of Sections 17.16.030 or 17.16.040, to any specific case, the Director shall determine the interpretation. (Prior zoning ord. § 241.026)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.16.090 - Adjustments.
Refer to Article III Adjustment Permits.
(Prior zoning ord. § 241.027)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.16.100 - Height regulations.
The height of buildings or structures shall be as follows:
A. No building or structure shall exceed:
1. In the LI zone: height of 50 feet; and
2. In the HI zone: a height of 70 feet.
This section does not apply to conditional use permit uses which shall be subject to Article I of Chapter 17.32. (See Article XII of Chapter 17.40 for general exceptions.)
B. No commercially or industrially used building in the I zones which is within 100 feet of any RR, SRR or R zone shall exceed a height of 2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
C. No building may be constructed which would sh ade any existing active solar energy system on adjoining property without the c onsent of the affected property owner. (See subsection 1 in the definition of solar energy system in Section 17.04.240.) (Prior zoning ord. § 241.030)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
17.16.110 - Exception for solar systems.
Solar collectors may exceed the height limit when mounted on the roof of a legal, conforming building. The right to exceed the height limit shall be exercised only in the event that: there is no other practical means or location for achieving an efficient placement on the building or site in question; such collectors may exceed the height limit only to the extent necessary to achieve efficient placement; in no case shall such solar collectors (or related equipment) encroach more than 5 feet beyond the limit. Also the placement of a solar collector shall not shade or otherwise diminish the efficiency of existing solar collectors on neighboring property, or preclude such property from sufficient solar access to successfully operate a solar energy system sufficient to serve the needs of the business or occupants. (Prior zoning ord. § 241.031)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
17.16.120 - Site plan review required—Fee.
A. A site plan (with vicinity map) and building el evations, drawn to scale and reflecting the accurate dimensions of the buildings and property, shall be required of any person seeking to erect new buildings or structures, make additions to any existing buildings or structures, site temporary commercial coaches, or otherwise grade, improve or develop any lot or portion thereof for a permitted use prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The site plan shall be accompanied by an appropriate development application and both shall be filed with the planning department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisions of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conforma nce with height regulations, property development regulations, sign regulations or a sign program requi red by the city for multiple-tenant projects, off- street parking requirements, the adopted City of Lancaster Design Guidelines, any other requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in wh ich the property(ies) is (are) located, and any other applicable city ordinances, standards, guidelin es or policies. In addition to the conditions and requirements imposed by the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines and policies, the director may place co nditions on the approval of the site plan where the director finds that such action is necessary to pr otect the public health, safety and welfare. At such time as the site plan complies with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies, the site plan shall be approved by the director or his designated representative. The site plan approval shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of approval. A site plan shall be considered "used" when the slab of a major building in the project is poured and inspected, although circumstances in each case may vary and the final determination as to "use" of a site plan review shall be made by th e director. Three (3) one- year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than sixty (60) days prior to expiration, and any significant environmental changes which have occurred since the original approval have been addressed. Any extension granted shall be conditioned to comply with the city's current design guidelines as adopted by the city council, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that such compliance will impose an undue hardship on
the project. In the event the site plan or an exte nsion thereof is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Section 17.36.030. Al l projects constructed in accordance with an approved site plan shall be permanently maintained as approved. Any desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prior to occupancy the site shall be inspected for compliance with the site plan. All improvements shall be installed and functioning before occupancy will be allowed.
Where the director determines that the requirements of this section surpass the city's need for project review of a particular development proposal, the director may exercise discretion and apply the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review, in its place.
B. When the appropriate development application is filed per subsection A of this section it shall be accompanied by the filing fee established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 711 § 22 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. §§ 241.040, 241.041) (Ord. No. 924, § 1, 8-25-09; Ord. No. 956, § 3, 1-11-2011)
17.16.130 - Property development regulations.
A. General.
1. No new building or commercial coach shall be er ected, constructed, moved onto, or established on an existing legal lot or parcel of land unless said building or commercial coach shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section, or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.
2. No existing building or commercial coach located on an existing legal lot or parcel of land shall be converted, enlarged or moved unless said building, or addition thereto, shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section, or Article X of Chapter 17.40 which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.
3. No new lot shall be created or any building, or portion thereof, existing on such new lot be used, unless said lot and said building location shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies and subsection B of this section, which are pertinent to the area and dimensions for new lots and thos e regulations pertinent to the placement or location of buildings on said lot.
B. I Zones. Wherever property is designated as an I zone on the zoning map the following regulations, specific or general, shall apply:
1. Lot Dimensions. The following minimum lot dimensions shall apply to all lots created after the adoption of this section. (Those lots which were legally created, prior to the adoption of this section, in compliance with ordinances in effect at the time of their creation need not comply unless involved in a new subdivision or change in lot configuration other than a lot line adjustment as provided in Title 16 of this code.)
Zone Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot
Width*
Minimum
Lot
Depth
LI 10,000 sq. ft. 180 ft. 100 ft.
HI 20,000 sq. ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
* Also denotes minimum street frontage.
See Section 17.40.070, 17.40.080, 17.40.090 A or 17.40.090B in the event public use or required street dedication would reduce the net lot area, lot width, or lot depth of an existing lot to less than the required minimum.
2. Yard Requirements. Yards shall be provided as follows:
See Sections 17.40.093, 17.40.095 and 17.40.097 in the event yard requirements must be reduced for street widening or transit stops.
a. Front yard—LI and HI zones:
1) Adjoining a freeway, expressway, or arterial street: 20 feet where the building is 35 feet or less in height. The front yard for buildings which are more than 35 feet in height shall be established on a case-by-case basis by the Director to mitigate any adverse or potentially adverse impact on neighboring prope rties, but in no case be less than 25 feet.
2) All other properties:
a) LI zone: 15 feet;
b) HI zone: 10 feet.
b. Street side yard—LI and HI zones:
1) Adjoining a freeway, expressway or arterial street: same as subsection B.2.a.1) of this section;
2) All other properties: equal to the front or st reet side yard, as appropriate, required in the abutting zone, or 10 feet whichever is greater.
c. Interior side yard:
1) LI zone: 10 feet;
2) HI zone: none.
d. Rear yard:
1) LI zone: 10 feet;
2) HI zone: 10 feet when adjoining freeway , expressway, or arterial streets. Other properties none.
e. Front and street side yards of properties de veloped after the adoption of this section shall be landscaped for a minimum depth of 10 feet me asured from the back of the sidewalk. Rear yards shall be landscaped only where adjoining a freeway, expressway or arterial street.
This requirement may be increased by the Director where he finds it to be necessary to make the proposed development compatible with exis ting development in the vicinity of the site.
Landscaping and irrigation plans shall be submitt ed to the Director for his approval. Such plans must be approved prior to the issuance of any building permit for the site. Such landscaping and irrigation systems shall have b een installed in accordance with the approved plans and verified prior to final insp ection approval. The Director determinations on these items may be appealed in accordance with Section 17.36.030. Yards required by this zone are also subject to the general pr ovisions and exceptions contained in Section
17.28.030 which shall apply as specified.
3. Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) (see definition in Section 17.04.240):
a. LI zone: 0.5;
b. HI zone: 0.5.
4. Landscaping. Plant materials used in landsca ping shall include drought-tolerant species and the landscaping shall be designed to minimize water usage and disc ourage runoff. No landscaping shall be placed in a manner which shades or would ultimately shade any existing solar energy system from the sun on a contiguous lot.
5. Outside Display. All display shall be located wholly within an enclosed building with the exception of the following:
a. Amusement rides and devices;
b. Automobile sales, limited to automobiles, re creational vehicles, tractors and trucks under 2 tons held for sale and rental only;
c. Automobile service stations, limited to autom obile accessories and facilities necessary to the dispensing of petroleum products only;
d. Boat sales, limited to boats held for sale or rental only; e. Carnivals—Commercial;
f. Christmas trees and wreaths, sale of;
g. Crops, field, tree, bush and row, incl uding nursery stock, flowers and vines; h. Electric distribution substations;
i. Equipment rental and sales including heavy equipment; j. Gas metering and contro l stations, public utility; k. Mobilehome sales, limited to mobilehomes held for sale or rental only; l. Parking lots;
m. Signs, existing outdoor advertising;
n. Trailer sales, box and utility, limit ed to trailers held for sale only.
C. Exceptions to Yard Requirements — Previously Established Uses. Additions or modifications to buildings or uses, either constructed or having received building permit approval, or having been legally established prior to September 2, 1992 may be allowed with respect to yards of lesser dimension than required in this subsection where, in the opinion of the Director, allowing less than full compliance with the yard requirements would impose no substantial detriment to abutting property or improvements thereon. In rendering a decision on w hether to allow a reduction of the required yard, the Director shall determine whether (see Sections 17.40.093, 17.40.095, and 17.40.097 in the event yard requirements must be reduced for street widening or transit stops):
1. There are special circumstance s or exceptional characteristics applicable to the property involved which are not generally applicable to other properties in the same vicinity with the same zoning;
2. An adjustment (if authorized) will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the same vicinity with the same zoning; and
3. The strict application of t he yard requirements would result in practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship which is inconsistent with the purpose of the yard requirements.
In no case shall the Director approval of the reduction of a required yard relieve the applicant/property owner from complying with minimum landscape requirements established by this title, unless such relief is specifically approved by the Director.
D. Exceptions to Yard Requirem ents — Specified LI Zoned Areas,
1. Defined Areas: This exception shall only be appl icable to properties that are zoned LI and are located within the area bounded by Avenue I, Division Street, Avenue J, and Sierra Highway, or within the area bounded by Avenue L, 12th Street West, Avenue M and SR-14 (hereafter referred to as defined area (A) and (B) respectively).
2. Purpose and Intent:
a. Defined Area A. Same language as current ordinance. b. Defined Area B. Defined area B is bounded SR-14, 12th Street West, Avenue L and Avenue M and consists of numerous vacant lots and developed properties which exhibit narrow lot depths resulting from right-of-way acquisiti on at the time of freeway construction. The provisions of the zoning ordinance require mi nimum 10 foot building set backs for both the
rear and interior side yards for properties located in the LI zone. Because of the narrow lot configurations, these requirements often creat e practical difficulties in developing property within Defined Area B. The result is that the properties within Defined Area B cannot be effectively developed. Therefore, the intent of this section is to allow the Director to modify the LI Zone rear and interior yard requirements within this area under specified circumstances, while still adhering to all other requirements of the LI Zone.
3. Allowable Exceptions to Yard Requirements — Di rector's Determination. The Director may reduce or eliminate the yard requirements upon making the findings as noted below. The requirement for front and street side yards shall not be reduced to less than 10 feet of landscaped width except where such requirement would unreasonably interfere with the expansion of an existing building that does not have a setback of at least 10 fee t, or where the requirement would preclude the provision of required parking. The Director ma y grant exceptions where he determines that the following circumstances exist:
a. Compliance with the normal yard requirements will result in practical difficulties and unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the pur pose of the yard requirements because of the size or configuration of the parcel(s) or the location of existing on-site buildings; and b. It is not practical for the project proponent to acquire additional property that would allow the yard requirements to be met; and
c. Granting of the exception will not result in an adverse effect on other properties in the vicinity. (Ord. 807 (Exh. A), 2002; Ord. 760 § 1 (Exh. A), 1999; Ord. 711 § 43 (part), 1995; Ord. 651 § 4 (part), 1993; prior zoning ord. § 241.050)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
17.16.140 - Signs.
A person shall not use, install or construct any sign in the I zones except as specifically permitted in this section and subject to all regulations and conditions, including without limitation submittal of a sign plan, set forth in this title and any other ordinance now existing or hereafter adopted by the city regulating the installation, use and/or construction of signs. A comprehensive sign plan for multiple-tenant projects or an individual sign plan for single-tenant projects, must be submitted to and approved by the Director or his designated representative. Sign plans must be fully dimensioned, including the proposed sign location(s), elevations, colors and materials. A person who has first obtained approval of the sign plan and all required permits and inspection approval shall be permitted to use, install or construct signs as specified in the I zones.
(Prior zoning ord. § 241.060)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)
17.16.150 - Signs—General provisions.
A. The provisions of this section regulating signs sh all not apply to the following signs except as otherwise indicated herein:
1. Official notices issued by any court, public body or public officer;
2. Notices posted by any public officer in perform ance of a public duty, or for any person in giving legal notice;
3. Traffic, directional, warning or informational signs required or authorized by the public authority having jurisdiction over such signs;
4. Official signs used for emergency purposes only;
5. Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques or markers;
6. Public utility signs, provided such si gns do not exceed 3 square feet in area.
B. Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the I zones:
1. Signs which contain or utilize:
a. Any exposed incandescent lamp,
b. Any revolving beacon light,
c. Any continuous or sequential flashing opera tion, except signs displaying time of day, atmospheric temperature or having programmable electronic public service messages only, d. Any system for display of time of day, atmospheric temperature or programmable electronic public service messages in which:
1) The messages are not public service in nature, or
2) The proposed display has any illumination which is in continuous motion or which appears to be in continuous motion, or
3) The message is changed at a rate faster than one message every 4 seconds, or 4) The interval between messages is less than one second, or 5) The display is located less than 100 feet on the same side of the street or highway or 200 feet across the street from residentially zoned property;
2. Roof signs (see definition in Section 17.04.240);
3. Revolving signs of any kind;
4. Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose;
5. Devices dispensing bubbles and free-flowing particles of matter;
6. Any notice, placard, bill, card , poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public which an y person posts, prints, sticks, stamps, tacks or otherwise affixes, or causes the same to be done to or upon any street, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, telephone pole or lighting system, or upon any fixture of the police or fire alarm system of the city of Lancaster or county of Los Angeles;
7. Any strings of pennants, banners or streamers, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, and similar attention-getting dev ices, including noise-emitting devices, with the exception of the following:
a. Automobile sales uses only may utilize pe nnants, banners or streamers subject to the following conditions:
1) All such displays must be positioned horizontally and parallel to the ground and shall maintain a minimum height of 14 feet and a maximum height of 18 feet from grade level. 2) All lines supporting such devices shall be secured in a taut manner and shall exhibit no more than 5 inches sag or droop at midline. No more than 3 such lines may be placed above one another and such lines shall be located along street frontages only. 3) All pennants, banners, or streamers sha ll be maintained in good condition. Such devices which have become torn, tattered, faded or otherwise fallen into disrepair shall be removed or replaced,
b. National, state, local governmental, institut ional or corporate flags properly displayed,
c. Holiday decorations in season used for an aggregate period of not more than 90 days in any one calendar year;
8. Devices projecting, or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on any surface or object;
9. Signs emitting or amplifying sounds for the purpose of attracting attention;
10. Portable signs;
11. Sidewalk signs;
12. New outdoor advertising signs in the HI zone. No new outdoor advertising signs are permitted in the LI zone but existing outdoor advertising signs may be relocated into the LI zone subject to the provisions of Section 17.40.210O.
13. Pole signs;
14. Any sign which is placed in a manner which wo uld obstruct a driver's or pedestrian's vision and thus create a hazard, or potential hazard, to the public health, safety or welfare.
15. Off-premises signs constituting a commercial adver tisement that is not located on the site of the business or entity indicated or advertised by the sign including temporary, portable, mobile signs affixed to a wall, structure, or vehicle.
C. General Sign Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to all signs in the I zones:
1. In no case shall a lighted sign or lighting device thereof be so placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be dire cted or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
2. Existing outdoor advertising sign s are subject to Section 17.40.210.
3. Subdivision signs are subject to Section 17.40.220.
4. Signs, except outdoor advertising signs, may be single-, double- or multifaced, provided that:
a. The distance between the faces of any doubl e-faced sign, other than a "V"-shaped projecting sign, shall not exceed 36 inches; and
b. The separation between the intersecting face s of any multifaced sign shall not exceed 12 inches.
5. Any sign located on vacant and unoccupied pr operty, and which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or business, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer exists shall be removed within 30 days after the purpose for, or use utilizing such sign has been removed from such property.
6. Any permitted sign may be a changeable copy sign.
7. All signs shall be designed in the simplest form and be free of any exposed bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables or similar devices.
8. The exposed backs of all signs visible to the public shall be suitably covered, finished and properly maintained.
9. All signs shall be maintained in good repair, including display surfaces which shall be kept neatly painted or posted.
10. Any sign which does not conform to the provisions of this title shall be made to conform or shall be removed as provided in subsection B.4. of Se ction 17.32.850 except as provided in Section
17.32.850B.4.c.
11. Except where otherwise specific ally provided by this title, sign regulations established pursuant to this title shall not apply to signs within a building, arcade, court or other similarly enclosed area where such signs are not visible to the public without entering such facilities.
12. The height of all signs shall be measur ed from the highest point of the sign.
D. Computation of Sign Area. The surface area of any sign face shall be computed from the smallest rectangles, circles and/or triangles which will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs and pictures, together with all framin g, background material, colored or illuminated areas, and attention- attracting devices forming an integral part of the ov erall display, but excluding all support structures, except that:
1. Superficial ornamentation of a non-message- bearing character which does not exceed 5% of the surface area shall be exempted from computation; and
2. Wall signs painted on or affixed directly to a building wall, façade or roof, and having no discernible boundary, shall have the areas between letters, words intended to be read together, and any device intended to draw attention to the sign message included in any computation of surface area; and
3. Signs placed in such a manner, or bearing a text, as to require dependence upon each other in order to convey meaning shall be considered one sign and the intervening areas between signs included in any computation of surface area; and
4. Spherical, cylindrical or other 3-dimensional signs not having conventional sign faces shall be considered to have 2 faces and the area of each sign face shall be computed from the smallest 3-dimensional geometrical shape or shapes which will best approximate the actual surface area of said faces.
(Ord. 711 § 23, 1995; prior zoning ord. § 241.061)
(Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.16.160 - Business signs.
Business signs may be permitted in the I zones subject to Sections 17.16.040, 17.16.220, and the restrictions of this section. For more information concerning specific types of signs see Section 17.04.240, Definitions.
A. Wall and Freestanding Business Signs. Monument and post signs are the only freestanding business signs permitted in the I zones.
1. Area and Number Permitted.
a. A maximum of one square foot of wall or freestanding sign area for each one linear foot of continuous lot frontage up to a maximum of 150 square feet of total sign area. b. No more than one freestanding sign per property shall be permitted. c. No more than one sign per tenant, except on corner sites where not more than 2 signs per tenant is permitted.
d. Each tenant shall be entitled to a minimum sign area of 20 square feet up to the maximum square footage allowed for the site.
2. Height Permitted.
a. Wall business signs shall not extend above:
1) Eighteen inches below the top of t he wall of a single-story building; or 2) The lowest point of a sloping roof of a single-story building.
b. Freestanding business signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 12 feet measured vertically from ground level at the base of the sign, or 3 feet below the roof line, whichever is least.
3. Projection Permitted. Wall business signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall to which they are attached. Freestanding signs may not project over the public right-of-way.
4. Lighting. Wall and freestanding business sign s may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
B. Window Signs. Each business establishment ma y be permitted display window signs subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area permitted: Maximum of 25% of the window area.
2. Lighting. Window signs may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
C. Incidental Business Signs. Each business establishment may be permitted incidental business signs provided:
1. That such signs are wall signs or window signs or are attached to an existing freestanding sign structure; and
2. That such signs do not exceed 3 square feet in sign area or 6 square feet in total sign area; and
3. That the sum of the sign areas of all such signs does not exceed 10 square feet
4. Incidental business signs may be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
(Ord. 711 § 25 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 241.063) (Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.16.170 - Building identification signs.
Building identification signs may be permitted subject to the following restrictions:
A. Area Permitted. One wall-mounted sign may be permitted provided:
1. Such sign does not exceed 6 square feet in sign area where located less than 30 feet above ground level measured at the base of the building below said sign; or
2. Such sign does not exceed 2% of the exteri or wall area of the building wall on which it is mounted, excluding penthouse walls, where loca ted more than 30 feet above ground level measured at the base of the building below said sign.
3. The area of the building identification sign shall be subtracted from the area submitted for wall signs.
B. Height Permitted. Such signs shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
C. Lighting. Building identification signs may be inte rnally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
(Prior zoning ord. § 241.064)
17.16.180 - Temporary signs.
Temporary signs may be permitted in the I zones subject to the following restrictions:
A. Area Permitted. Temporary signs which are post ed or erected for 90 days or less shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area or 32 square feet in total sign area as defined in Section 17.04.240.
Temporary signs which have obtained a permit pursuant to subsection G of this section and which are posted or erected for more than 90 days sha ll not exceed 32 square feet in sign area or 64 square feet in total sign area.
B. Height Permitted.
1. Freestanding temporary signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height.
2. Temporary signs which are posted, attached or affixed to buildings of more than one story shall not be higher than the finished floor line of the second floor of such building.
3. Temporary signs which are posted, attached or affixed to a single-story building shall not extend above:
a. Eighteen inches below the t op of the wall of the building; b. The lowest point of a sloping roof of the building.
C. Projection Permitted. Where temporary signs ar e attached to a wall such signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall to which they are attached.
D. Lighting. Temporary signs shall not be lighted.
E. Placement. Temporary signs shall not be placed on public property (see Section 17.16.150B.6.), or in any manner that would endanger the public (see Section 17.16.150B.14.).
F. Duration. No temporary sign shall be posted fo r more than 90 days without obtaining a sign permit pursuant to subsection G of this section. No sign permit for a temporary sign shall be valid for more than one year. Upon written request for an ex tension, the director may grant an extension for up to one additional year upon finding that the sign is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Section 17.16.140 et seq. and that the extension is necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the sign has been posted. No additional extensions may be granted. All temporary signs shall be removed within 14 calendar days after occurrence of the event, if any, which is the subject of the temporary sign. Th e date of the posting shall be permanently and legibly marked on the lower righthand corner of the sign face.
G. Permit Required. Any person who proposes to post or erect a temporary sign for more than 90 days shall file an application for a sign permit wi th the Department of Community Development.
The applicant shall also file a statement of responsibility as required in subsection I of this section.
H. Standards for Approval.
1. Within 7 working days the director or his designated representative shall act upon the application for a temporary sign permit.
2. The action on the application shall be based on character, location and design, including design elements such as material, letter style, colors, sign type or shape, and the provisions of Section 17.16.140 et seq.
3. If the action is to disapprove, the notice of disapproval shall specify the reasons therefor.
I. Statement of Responsibility. Ea ch person desiring to post or erect a temporary sign(s), regardless of duration, shall submit to the Department of Community Development a statement of responsibility in a form approved by the direct or with a description sufficient to identify the temporary sign(s), the locations of the sign(s) to be posted, and certifying a named individual who is responsible for removing each temporary sign. In the event the responsible individual fails to remove the temporary sign(s) as required by subs ection F of this section, the temporary sign(s)
shall be deemed abandoned and may be removed by the city, the cost of which removal shall be payable by the responsible individual.
J. Removal of Unauthorized, Unmaintained or Dangerous Signs.
1. Temporary signs posted for which a statement of responsibility has not been submitted and, if required, a permit has not been obtained, are subject to immediate removal by the city without compensation. The city may, at its opt ion, also pursue legal action under Section
17.04.220.
2. Temporary signs which are deemed by the city to constitute a threat to the public health and safety are subject to immediate removal by the city without compensation. (Some examples might include such signs which are not secured against the wind or were placed in a manner which would interfere with the vi sion of drivers or pedestrians.) The city's cost of removal shall be payable by the responsible individual.
3. Temporary signs for which a statement of re sponsibility has been submitted and, if required, a permit has been obtained, and which do not pose a threat to public health and safety but are otherwise posted in violation of Section 17.16.140 et seq. shall be subject to removal in accordance with the following procedures. The city shall provide written notice to the responsible individual for each temporary sign es tablished pursuant to subsection I of this section, that the sign is in vi olation of Section 17.16.140 et seq., shall specify the nature of the violation and shall direct the responsible i ndividual therefor to remove or alter such temporary sign. If the responsible individual fails to comply with the notice within 3 working days after such notice is mailed, the si gn(s) shall be deemed abandoned, and may be removed by the city, the cost of which shall be payable by the responsible individual to the city.
(Ord. 651 § 6, 1993; prior zoning ord. § 241.065)
17.16.190 - Directional and/or information signs.
Freestanding or wall-mounted directional and/or information signs may be permitted in the I zones subject to the following restrictions:
A. Area Permitted. Directional and/or informational signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area or 24 square feet in total sign area.
B. Height Permitted.
1. Wall-mounted directional and/or information signs shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
2. Freestanding directional and/or informational signs shall not exceed 10 feet measured from the base of the sign.
C. Location of Signs. All such signs shall be located on site.
D. Lighting. Directional and/or information signs may be internally or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited. (Prior zoning ord. § 241.067)
17.16.200 - Special purpose signs.
The following special purpose signs may be permitted as provided herein:
A. Civic Organization Signs. If a site plan is firs t submitted to and approved by the director, as provided in Article VI of Chapter 17.32, free standing civic organizations signs may be permitted at or near the entrance to the city subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such signs shall not exce ed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area.
2. Height Permitted. Such signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 12 feet measured vertically from the base of the sign.
3. Lighting. Civic organization signs shall be unlighted.
4. Design. Such signs shall be architecturally related to the area in which they are located.
B. Bulletin or Special Event Signs. One freestanding or wall-mounted bulletin or special event sign may be erected and maintained on each lot or parcel of land developed for a publicly owned, charitable, religious or educational institution subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area Permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area.
2. Height Permitted.
a. A wall-mounted sign shall not extend above a line 18 inches below the highest point of a parapet wall or the lowest point of a sloping roof.
b. A freestanding sign shall not exceed a ma ximum height of 12 feet measured vertically from the base of the sign.
3. Location of sign. A freestanding sign shall not be located nearer than 25 feet to any lot line.
4. Lighting. Bulletin or special event signs ma y be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
5. Design. Such sign shall be architecturally related to the structure to which it is appurtenant.
C. Fuel Pricing Signs. Fuel pricing signs are permitted for each business offering gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel for sale subject to the following restrictions:
1. Types of Signs. Such signs shall be monument signs.
2. Area Permitted.
a. One sign, not to exceed 30 square feet in sign area or 60 square feet in total sign area, shall be permitted for each street or highway frontage. b. If said business is located on a corner, one sign, not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area or 100 square feet in total sign area, shall be permitted at the corner in lieu of separate signs on each of the intersecting frontages.
c. The area per sign face of a combined freestanding business and fuel pricing sign shall not exceed the sum of the permitted areas pe r sign face of the 2 merging signs. Nor shall the business portion of said sign exce ed the area per sign face that would be permitted a business sign were it erected separately.
3. Height Permitted.
a. No separate freestanding sign shall exceed 12 feet in height at a corner or 5 feet in height elsewhere. Such height shall be measured vertically from the base of the sign. b. No combined business and fuel pricing sign or no business sign to which fuel pricing panels are mounted shall exceed the maximu m permitted height of a freestanding business sign as established in Section 17.16.160.
4. Location of Sign. No separate freestanding sign shall be located nearer to an existing freestanding sign or to a lot line, other than one adjoining a street or highway, than 25 feet.
5. Lighting. Fuel pricing signs may be interna lly or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
D. Outdoor Menu Signs for Restaurants with Drive Through or Car Service. Outdoor menu signs may be permitted for each business offering food to drive through or car service customers subject to the following restrictions:
1. Types of Signs. Such signs shall be separate freestanding signs designed to serve the needs of motorist customers and shall be permanently affixed to the ground.
2. Area Permitted. Two signs, not to exce ed 30 square feet each in total sign area may be permitted for each business.
3. Height Permitted. No outdoor menu sign shall exceed a height of 6 feet.
4. Location of Sign. No outdoor menu sign shall be located in any required yard.
5. Lighting. Outdoor menu signs may be internal ly or externally lighted but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
E. Time, Temperature, and Public Service Messa ge Signs. Signs using any system for the display of time of day, atmospheric temperature, or programmable electronic messages may be permitted subject to the prohibitions in Section 17.16.150B and the following restrictions:
1. Type of Signs. All time, temperature, and publ ic service message signs shall be wall, post or monument signs.
2. Area Permitted. One sign not to exceed 24 square feet in total sign area may be permitted for each street frontage up to a maximum of 2 for each business.
3. Height Permitted. No such sign shall exceed a height of:
a. For monument or post signs — 12 feet;
b. For wall signs — not less than 18 inches below the top of the wall of a single-story building.
4. Location of Sign. Such signs shall be placed not closer than 500 feet to any business already using this type of sign.
5. Other. Such signs must not violate the rest rictions imposed by Section 17.16.150 B.1.d. (Prior zoning ord. § 241.068)
17.16.210 - Off-street parking.
The automobile parking facilities required by this section shall be provided and permanently maintained as such unless and until a substitute has been provided which is in full compliance with the provisions of this title. The following parking requirements shall be complied with in the I zones:
A. General Conditions. The provisions of this section shall apply at the time that:
1. A building or structure is erected; or
2. An existing building or structure is altered to increase the number of bowling alleys, exercise area (i.e., fitness centers), seating capacity (fixed or not fixed) or service bays; or
3. An existing building or structure is enlarged. EXCEPTION: An existing building or structure which has insufficient lot area upon which to provide the required parking or landscaping may be enlarged by an area not to exceed 20% of the gross floor area including the original building or structure and all legal additions thereto for which required parking and associated landscaping have been provided. This exception applies only when there will be no reduction of existing parking or landscaping on the site; or
4. The use of a building or structure is changed. EXCEPTION: Buildings or structures legally constructed in accordance with the parking re quirements in effect at the time of building permit issuance will not require full compliance with the parking space requirements of this section provided that:
a. Said change in use creates no greater demand for parking spaces (as defined by this section) than the use which most recently preceded it, and b. All available space not used for parking shall be improved for purposes of parking and landscaping in accordance with this section and Section 17.16.220 (not to exceed the parking requirement for said use) prior to the new use occupying said premises.
B. Ownership, Lease and Joint Usage. Space requ ired by this section for automobile parking shall either:
1. Be owned by the owner of the premises becau se of the use of which the automobile parking space is required; or
2. Subject to director's review and approval the owner of such premises shall have the right to use such space for automobile parking, solely to serve existing buildings or structures, by virtue of a recorded lease for a term of not le ss than 20 years, which lease requires that if canceled the party canceling such lease, not less than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the Director of Community Development of such cancellation.
Such lease shall be approved by the city attorney as to form and content, and once executed shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director; or
3. Subject to director's review and approval the owner or owner-aut horized lessee of any property, may authorize joint use of parking fac ilities solely to serve existing buildings or structures occupied by the following uses or activities, provided that all the requirements of this zone can be complied with:
a. The parking facilities required for any non- residential use, which is primarily a daytime use may be fulfilled by the parking facilities of a use which is primarily a nighttime and/or Sunday use, and vice versa, provided such parking facilities meet the requirements of subsection B.3.b. of this section.
b. All of the following conditions shall be met in order for the director to approve joint usage of parking:
1) The lots or parcels upon which the uses referred to in subsection B.3.a. of this section are proposed shall be adjoining as defined in this title, and 2) There shall be no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the uses for which joint usage of parking is proposed, and
3) That the joint usage of the off-street parking facilities shall be contingent upon the execution of an agreement, which requires that if canceled the party canceling such agreement, not less than 60 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation, shall notify the director of such cancellation. Such agreement shall meet the approval of the city attorney as to form and content. Once approved, the executed agreement shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the director.
4. The owner of such premises shall enter into an agreement with the redevelopment agency for the provision of all, or part, of the required parking off-site in a separate facility, including public parking lots. Such agreement may include provisions for payment of an in lieu parking fee as specified by the Redevelopment Agency. Nothing herein shall require the Agency to approve such an agreement.
See Section 17.16.220 for pa rking design requirements.
C. Fractions. When the applicati on of this section requires a fractional part of an automobile parking space or parking place sufficient to accommodate a fractional number of automobiles, any such fraction shall be construed as a whole. This section does not apply to the specification of an area by square feet, or of an area equal to another area.
D. Parking Requirements by Use.
1. Automotive Repair Shop. Every automobile repair shop shall provide, on the same lot or parcel, 4 parking spaces for each service bay.
2. Eating and Drinking Establishments. Every structure used for eating and drinking shall provide on the same lot or parcel one automobile parking space for each 100 gross square feet of floor area.
3. Financial Institutions and Services. Every ban k, savings and loan instit ution, or similar use shall have on the same lot or parcel of land, one automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
4. General Commercial Uses. Ex cept as otherwise provided in this section every lot or parcel of land which is used for a retail commercial use existing or permitted in the LI zone (except an electrical substation or similar public utility in which there are no offices or other places visited by the public) shall have on the same lot or parcel of land one automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area of any building or structure so used.
5. Health Spas, Figure Salons. Every health spa, figure salon, or similar use shall provide, on the same lot or parcel, one parking space for each 45 square feet of exercise floor area plus one parking space for each 200 square feet of remaining gross floor area.
6. General Industrial Uses. Every industrial us e, other than warehouse or wholesale uses, shall provide one automobile parking space for each 400 square feet of the building so used. This may include up to 30% of the floor area as incidental office. Such parking space shall be on the same lot or parcel of land with adequate ingress and egress from the use to a public street or within a distance of 400 feet from any entrance to such use. One truck parking space of sufficient size shall be provided fo r each truck used in the operation of the establishment. (See subsections D.9., 10. of this section for warehouse and wholesale establishments.)
7. Offices.
a. Government and Public Facilities. One automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
b. Medical and Dental. Every medical or dental office, clinic, or similar building shall have on the same lot or parcel of land, one automobile parking space for each 150 square feet of gross floor area.
c. Other Professional Office. Every professional office build ing (other than in subsection D.7.b. of this section) shall have on the same lot or parcel of land one automobile parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
8. Open Retail. Every open retail use, including but not limited to nurseries, automobile sales lots, mobilehome, boat or recreational vehicle sales lots, shall have on the same lot or parcel of land a minimum of 5 automobile parki ng spaces or one parking space for each 5,000 square feet of lot area used primarily for sale or display purposes, whichever is greater. (Parking for any buildings on the premises shall be calculated independently of this requirement.)
9. Warehouse. Every warehouse shall provide a minimum of 5 parking spaces for warehouses with a gross floor area up to 25,000 square feet: and for warehouses with a gross floor area in excess of 25,000 square feet, a minimum of 5 parking spaces plus one additional space for each 5,000 square feet or fraction thereof over and above 25,000 square feet.
10. Wholesale Establishments. Three parking spac es for up to 1,500 square feet of gross floor area plus one space for each additional 1,500 square feet of gross floor area.
11. Uses Not Specified. Where parking requi rements for any use are not specified, parking shall be provided in an amount which the director finds adequate to prevent traffic congestion and excessive on-street parking. Whenever practical, such determination shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use specified in this section or other documents as approved by the director.
12. Disabled Person Spaces. Shall be provid ed in accordance with federal or state requirements as appropriate.
13. Bicycle and Motorcycle Spaces. Spaces for bicycles, with the means necessary to secure them against theft, shall be provided as follows:
a. Bicycles. Minimum of one space per 10 employees.
b. Motorcycles. Minimum of one space per 20 employees.
14. Carpool and Vanpool Spaces. Spaces for carpool and vanpool vehicles shall be provided as necessary to accommodate any such vehi cle in a number necessary to serve the pool program at the establishment. These spac es may be counted toward the parking requirements for the use.
(Ord. 711 §§ 24 (part), 26 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. §§ 241.070—241.072, 241.074, 241.075)
17.16.220 - Design and performance standards.
The following design and performance standards shall be met for development in the I zones:
A. General requirements applicable to all development:
1. Access.
a. Driveways providing access to the site may be combined, relocated, or otherwise limited in order to minimize traffic conflicts and im prove public safety. A ll driveways shall be constructed to comply with current city standard s. All driveway locations are subject to the approval of the Director.
b. Entry drives into parking areas shall be of sufficient depth to provide for vehicle stacking appropriate to the size, location and intensity of the project served. c. Access to drive-through facilities shall have a sufficient depth to provide vehicle stacking for not less than 7 automobiles at a depth of 24 feet per automobile per drive-through facility. (One bank teller station equals one such facility.) Such stacking space shall be designed in a manner which will not restrict access to or from parking spaces, aisles or driveways. d. Public transit opportunities for turnouts, shelters and pedestrian access shall be considered for all sites abutting expressways or arterial streets. e. Access and bicycle parking facilities shall be considered for all sites abutting or adjacent to a planned bicycle and/or trail facility.
2. Paving. Required parking areas, as well as the maneuvering areas and driveways used for access thereto shall be paved with: (NOTE: Permits are required for any work done in the public right-of- way.)
a. Concrete surfacing to a minimum thickness of 3½ inches with expansion joints as necessary; or
b. Asphalt surfacing, rolled to a smooth, hard surface having a minimum thickness of 2 inches after compaction, and laid over a base of crushed rock, gravel or other similar material compacted to a minimum thickness of 4 inches.
c. For commercial and industri al truck parking and drive aisles, asphalt surfacing rolled to a smooth hard surface having a minimum thickne ss of 3 inches after compaction and, at a minimum, designed to accommodate a traffic index (TI) of 6.5 as calculated in accordance with the latest edition of the CalTrans Highway Design Manual. Large industrial projects may need a greater TI based upon their use.
d. Other alternative material that will provide at least the equivalent in dust-free service, life and appearance of the materials and standards which would be employed for development pursuant to subsection A.2.a. or b. of this subsection. e. The Director shall review and report on t he adequacy of paving where modification of base is proposed under subsection A.2.b. of this se ction, or where alte rnative materials are proposed under subsection A.2.d. of this section. The Director may approve such modification or such alternative materials if, in his opinion, the evidence indicates compliance with subsection A.2.b. or A.2.d. of this section, as the case may be.
3. Size and Marking of Spaces.
a. No less than 75% of the parking spaces sha ll exhibit minimum dimensions of 9 feet in width by 20 feet in length, with required disabled person spaces at the dimensions as provided by law.
b. Compact Spaces. No more than 25% of the parking spaces may exhibit minimum dimensions of 8 feet in width by 17 feet in length. Such spaces shall be labelled "compact car only" in a manner acceptable to the Director.
c. No parking shall occur in the first 10 f eet of a required front or street side yard. d. Where parking abuts an alley, the improved alley may be used as an aisle subject to approval of the parking lot design.
e. For parallel parking, minimum aisles are 12 feet and minimum parking space dimensions are 8 feet by 24 feet.
See the following diagrams for parking design options.
4. Circulation. Mark entrances and exits clearly. Vehicular circulation should be "one-way" in each aisle or "two-way" if the aisle width is a minimum of 20 feet. No aisle shall be less than 12 feet in width.
5. Loading Spaces. Such spaces shall be required as specified by the Director.
6. Buffering. A masonry wall of 6 feet in height shall be provided at the property line where the activities of a commercial or industrial use ar e anticipated to be incompatible with existing commercial, industrial or residential uses. It s hall be the burden of the applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the Director or his designated representative that the project will not create or be subject to conditions necessitating a wall at the time of site plan review if a wall is not desired by the applicant.
7. Building Design.
a. Building design standards applicable to all I zones:
1) Roof treatment shall be the same on t he periphery of the build ing, except where a different treatment is required by the city building code. 2) Solar access and prevailing winds should be considered in building design and orientation.
3) Additions to existing buildings shall gener ally conform to the design of the existing building. New building size, materials and color shall be consistent with the scale and design of the building to which it is attached.
b. Building design standards applicable to the LI zone:
1) Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets shall have good proportions and relationships to one another.
2) Utility doors, access panels, fire doors, loading docks and other openings shall be treated as part of the architectural composition of buildings. c. Building design standards applicable only to the LI zone:
1) An exterior color scheme for all buildings or additions thereto shall be submitted with the building elevations for approval. The color scheme for existing neighboring buildings shall be indicated and considered.
8. Fences and Walls.
a. Fences and Walls Permitted. Fences and walls may be erected and maintained in required yards subject to the requirements specified herein:
1. Front Yards. Fences and walls within a required front yard shall be a minimum height of 6 feet.
2. Corner Side Yards, Interior Side, and Rear Yards. Fences and walls within a required corner side yard, interior side, and rear yards shall be a minimum height of 6 feet and shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
3. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls not to exceed 6 feet in height are permitted in all yards.
4. Retaining Walls Topped with Walls or Fences.
a. Where a retaining wall protects a cut below the natural grade and is located on a front, side or rear lot line, such retaining wall may be topped by a fence or wall of the same height that would otherwise be permitted at the location if no retaining wall existed. Where such retaining wall contains a fill, the height of the retaining wall built to retain the fill shall be cons idered as contributing to the permissible height of a fence or wall providing, however, that in any event an open-work non- view-obscuring fence of 3½ feet may be erected at the top of the retaining wall for safety protection.
b. Where a wall or fence is located in the required yard adjacent to a retaining wall containing a fill, such wall or fence sha ll be set back from said retaining wall a distance of one foot for each one foot in height to a maximum distance of 5 feet, provided, however, that this does not permit a wall or fence in required yards higher than permitted by this section. The area between such wall or fence and said retaining wall shall be landscaped and continuously maintained in good condition.
5. Fences and Walls Exempted. Where a fenc e or wall exceeding the heights specified is required by any law or regulation of the state of California, a fence or wall not exceeding such required height is permitted.
6. Measurement of Fence and Wall Height. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured at the highest average ground level within 3 feet of either side of said wall or fence. In order to allow for variation in topography, the height of a required fence or wall may vary an amount not to exceed 6 inches, provided, however, that in no event shall the average height of such fence or wall exceed the maximum height specified.
7. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, if site plans and/or other pertinent information required by the Director for the proposed use are first submitted to and approved by the Director in accordance with Article VI of Chapter 17.32, the Director
may permit fences or walls within any requir ed yard to a height in excess of 15 feet, subject to materials requirements, and other conditions of approval.
8. Industrial uses adjacent to or across a street or alley from residentially zoned property or property developed with a residential use shall provide a minimum 6-foot high masonry wall along all common lot lines. All wa lls shall be consistent with the site's architecture and, in instances where visible from the public right-of-way, shall be constructed with decorative materials.
9. Temporary Fence. If site plans and/or other pertinent information required by the Director for the proposed use are first subm itted to and approved by the Director in accordance with Article VI of Chapter 17. 32, a temporary fence may be installed on vacant property, subject to time limits, ma terials, and other conditions of approval.
Temporary fencing materials may include chain link.
9. Landscaping.
a. Landscape designs shall be consistent through out a project site. A combination of landscape materials should be arranged in a harmonious manner as an integral part of project design to enhance building design, public view, and interior spaces and provide buffers and transitions as needed. Unrelated and random choi ce or placement of plant materials shall be avoided; however, variety may be employed to intensify distinction between spaces or to strengthen a sense of place or movement, or to promote energy and water conservation and mitigate erosion.
b. The type, scale and proportion of landscape materials shall be appropriate to the site and/or structures to which they relate.
c. Plant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, texture, color, ultimate growth and water efficiency. Plants that are native or climate adaptive to the high desert area of Lancaster and/or others that will be hardy, harmonious with project de sign, and of good appearance, shall be used. Drought-resistant va rieties of plants sha ll be used wherever feasible. Turf shall not be permitted. Drought-res istant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Lands caping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code.
d. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by an autom atic system with separate stations for each hydrozone. The irrigation system shall be designed and equipped to incorporate water conservation techniques such as drip syst ems, moisture sensors and anti-drain valves.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed to prevent water from falling onto impervious surfaces.
The system shall comply with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance of the Lancaster Municipal Code.
e. All areas which are within a site which ha s been approved by the city for development as a site plan or approved phase thereof, which are not needed for buildings, sidewalks, vehicle access or parking, shall be landscaped.
f. All landscaped planter areas shall be completely bordered by a 6-inch P.C.C. curbing to prevent irrigation runoff and act as a wheel st op where necessary. Where used as a wheel stop, the 6-inch curb may be counted toward the required length of the parking space. g. All interior areas of parking lots shall be landscaped with a minimum of one shade tree plus one shade tree for each 4 parking spaces along with the other plant materials. h. Lots of 5,000 square feet or less in area sh all have the area used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking, landscaped in accordance with the following percentages:
Zone Landscaping
LI 5%
HI 2%
Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
i. Lots of more than 5,000 square feet in ar ea shall have the area used for vehicle ingress, egress, circulation and parking, landscaped in accordance with the following percentages:
Zone Landscaping
LI 7%
HI 4%
Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet shall be credited toward meeting this landscape requirement.
j. Where off-street parking areas abut local or collector public streets, such areas shall be separated from an abutting street by a continuous landscaped planter which extends parallel to the street frontage of the parking area. Said planter shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width exclusive of perimeter curbs. Up to ½ of the area of this required landscaped planter may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements of subsection A.8.h. or i. (See Section
17.16.130.B.2.E and 17.16.130.B.4., regarding landscaping in yards.) k. Trees and landscaping shall be utilized wher ever possible to shade buildings as a means of enhancing energy conservation.
l. No tree shall be less than 15 gallon size. At least 50% of all shrubs shall be of 5-gallon size, and no shrub shall be less than one-gallon size. Ground covers shall be planted no further apart than 6 inches on center.
m. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition. (See definition of landscape maintenance in Section 17.04.240.)
10. Lighting. The intent of this requirement is to properly illuminate the site without producing an adverse impact on neighboring property. Exterior lighting of the building and site shall be provided, maintained and utilized during the hours of darkness in accordance with the following requirements:
a. Exterior lighting shall be part of the arch itectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be compatible with building design. b. Placement of lighting shall be in accordan ce with recognized crime prevention, and safety principles.
11. Outside storage or display. All outside storag e shall be developed to comply with all standards set forth herein, except for those uses which have been specifically exempted therefrom:
a. The uses listed in Section 17.16.130 B.5. ar e exempt from these requirements except for the following uses which shall comply:
1) Automobile impound yards;
2) Electric distribution substations;
3) Equipment rental and sales shall comply in the LI zone only; 4) Gas metering and control stations, public utility.
b. All outside storage or display in the LI zone wh ich is open to view from any street or highway abutting the lot or parcel of land upon which it is conducted, or which is open to view from any other lot or parcel shall be screened from view by a solid masonry wall constructed to Los Angeles County D-65 standards or as othe rwise specified by the city. Gates, where used, shall also be of solid construction unless another design is approved by the Director.
Chain link with slats is not acceptable.
c. All outside storage or displa y in the HI zone which is open to view from freeways, expressways or arterial streets abutting the lot or parcel of land upon which it is conducted, or which is open to view from any area zoned or used for residential purposes, or which is open to view from any existing industrial use of a nature which, in the opinion of the Director, is adversely affected by the appearance of the outside storage or display, shall be screened from view by a solid masonry wall constructed to Los Angeles County D-65 standards or as otherwise specified by the city. Gates, wher e used, shall be of solid construction unless another design is approved by the Director. Chain link with slats is not acceptable. d. All outside storage and display or portions thereof which do not fall under the requirements of subsection A.10.c. of this section shall be fenced with chain link or other durable metal material approved by the Director. No wood fence materials will be allowed. All fences shall be of uniform height in relation to the ground upon which they stand and no fence shall be less than 6 feet and shall not exceed 15 feet in height. The actual height shall be based upon the height of materials to be stored and methods of stacking such materials and the need for security.
e. All portions of outside storage and display areas shall meet the following requirements:
1) The site shall be graded to drain properly as required by the Director. 2) Applicants must obtain approval of the Los Angeles County Fire Department prior to obtaining any city permits for any use that includes the manufacture, use or storage of hazardous materials or wastes.
3) The surface of the site shall be covered with at least 2 inches of crushed rock to prevent dust, or if hazardous materials are used or wastes are stored anywhere in the outdoor storage area, the entire area where such ma terials are used or stored shall, at a minimum, be paved in accordance with t he standards of subsection A.2.a. of this
section without expansion joints and with a curb for containment in accordance with city standards. Additional requirements may be imposed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
4) All raw material, equipment, by-p roduct, waste or finished products:
a) Shall not be stored above the height of the wall or fence enclosing the area; and b) Shall not be stored within 300 feet of residentially zoned property, except where such property is separated by an arterial street; and
c) Shall be stored in a manner that will not allow any material to be blown from the enclosed storage area; and
d) Shall not be placed or allowed to re main outside the enclosed storage area. f. The design requirements for outside storage and display as set forth in this title shall not relieve the proprietors of such uses from complying with all applicable regulations, laws and ordinances of the city of Lancaster, county of Los Angeles, state of California, or the United States.
12. Screening.
a. Screening standards applicable to all I zones:
1) Where mechanical equipment, junction bo xes, satellite antennae, meters and similar utility equipment is ground mounted it shall be enclosed or screened from view where necessary to preclude visibility from free ways, expressways and arterial streets and adjacent properties.
2) Parking areas adjacent to streets shall be screened with landscaping in the required yards and with low decorative walls, berms or combinations thereof. Where walls are used they shall be placed so as not to obscure landscaped areas from the street. b. Screening standards applicable to the LI zone:
1) All rooftop mechanical equipment, ducts, tanks, satellite antennae, etc., shall be enclosed or otherwise screened from view from all sides of the building. (This requirement does not include wind-powered turbines used for ventilation.) 2) Loading areas shall be screened from view where necessary to preclude visibility from public streets and highways and adjacent properties.
c. Screening standards applicable to the HI zone:
1) All rooftop mechanical equipment, ducts, tanks, satellite antennae, etc., shall be enclosed or otherwise screened from view fr om all sides of the building only where necessary to preclude visibility from freewa ys, expressways or arterial streets or adjoining residential, commercial or light i ndustrial areas. (This requirement does not include wind-powered turbines used for ventilation.)
2) Loading areas shall be screened from vi ew only where necessary to preclude visibility from freeways, expressways and arteri al streets and adjacent residentially and commercially zoned properties.
13. Service for Utilities. All on-site utility services shall be underground.
14. Signs.
a. Sign design standards applicable to all I zones:
1) The colors, materials and lighting of ever y sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.