Lodging:
Hotel/motel C P P
Bed and breakfast D D D
Conference/meeting room space D D D
Public/Semi-Public:
Government office P P P
Day care center P P P
Church/religious institution C P D
Post office P P P
Private school, trade and vocational schools C P P
Recreation/museum/cultural D P P
Residential:
Detached single-family unit or duplex P P N/A
Multi-family: Condominium/apartment/studio/loft units P P P Residential facility (as defined in Section 15202 of the Health and Safety Code) P P P Assisted living facility(15 or fewer units) P P P
Assisted living facility (16 or more units) C C C
Live/Work units (new structure) D D D
Live/Work units (conversion of existing structure) D D D Low barrier navigation centers (Subject to Chapter 17.41, Article V) P P P
Temporary/Accessory/Other uses:
Home occupation/artist studio/home office P P P
Day care as residential accessory use P P P
Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling units (Subject to Chapter 17.41, Article I) P P P
Outdoor sales and promotional activities D D D
Carnivals and circuses(subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.46) D D D Christmas tree lots D D D
Automated banking, movie rental, food vending machines P P P Stealth wireless telecommunications facilities N/A D D Structures over 50 feet in height C C C
Prohibited uses:
Outdoor storage on private property
Manufacturing/heavy industrial
Adult only/sexually-oriented businesses >
Check cashing/payday loans/bail bonds
Mini-storage
B. Use Limitations.
1. Limitation on the Sale of Alcohol in All Zones. The sale of alcohol is subject to Chapter 17.42.
2. Auto-Oriented Retail/Service. Existing auto-orie nted retail/services uses are permitted in MU-N.
New auto-oriented retail/service uses are not permitted in the MU-N zone.
3. Light Industrial Structures or Uses. Light industrial uses or structures are not permitted in the MU- N and MU-C zones. Light industrial uses in the MU-E zone shall be conducted indoors.
4. Non-Residential Uses in the MU-N Zone.
a. The size of individual non-re sidential uses (e.g., individual commercial tenant spaces) within a development shall be limited as specified below. For the purposes of this standard, the size of a use includes the net building area plus any exterior display, storage, work and other exterior activity area associated with that use.
Development Site Use Size Limit
Development site is comprised of only one lot and that lot is less than 40,000 square feet in size and was established prior to the adoption date of this ordinance
(October 10, 2023)
No one use shall exceed 10,000 square
feet in size.
All other development sites
No one use shall exceed 25% of the
total development square footage
within the development.
5. Residential Uses in the MU-C Zone. Single- family and duplex structures are not permitted.
C. Site Plan Review. Except as specified in subs ection D, 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 prio r 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 community development department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisi ons of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conformance with height regulations, property deve lopment 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 othe r requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in which the property(ies) is (are) lo cated, 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 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 one-year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than 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.
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.
D. Exempt From Site Plan Review.
1. Site plan review is not required for the fo llowing uses where these uses are identified as a permitted use in the Mixed Use Zones—Uses Matrix in subsection A:
a. Detached single-family unit or duplex.
b. Residential facilities.
c. Low barrier navigation centers (sub ject to Chapter 17.41, Article V). d. Home occupation/artist studio/home office.
e. Day care as residential accessory use.
f. Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dw elling units (Subject to Chapter 17.41, Article I).
g. Automated banking, movie rental, food vending machines.
2. Site plan review is not required for uses subj ect to director's review (D). Where the director determines that the requirements of site plan review 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. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 999, § 4, 8-26-2014; Ord. No. 1007, § 5, 10-13-2015; Ord. No. 1093, § 4(Exh. A), 10-11-2022; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)
17.10.060 - Development and design regulations.
A. Lot Dimensions. The following minimum lot dimensio ns shall apply to all lots in the MU-N, MU-C and MU-E zones created after the adoption of this section, except those lots created within the boundaries of an approved shopping center or mixed use development to accommodate individual tenants. (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.) See Section 17.40.070, 17.40.080, 17.40.090.A or 17.40.090.B 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.
Development Type Minimum Lot
Size
Minimum
Width
Minimum
Depth
Detached single-family unit
Lots with front driveway access 4,750 sq. ft. 50 ft. 85 ft.
Lots with alley access 3,500 sq. ft. 40 ft. 75 ft.
Multi-family, commercial/office, and mixed use
development
Lots with front driveway access 10,000 sq.
ft.* 80 ft. 160 ft.
Lots with alley access 6,000 sq. ft.* 60 ft. 75 ft.
* Minimum lot size for multi-family and mixed use development shall be increased by 1,600 sf per unit for each additional dwelling unit over 2
*1,600 sq. ft.
per unit N/A N/A
Light Industrial development 15,000 sq. ft. 80 ft. 160 ft.
B. Minimum Setbacks and Street Frontage Standards.
1. Minimum setbacks and street fron tage standards are established below.
Location Minimum
Setback
Street Frontage
Maximum
Setback
Minimum % of
Frontage
Street Frontage Standard (see subsection 17.10.060.B.2) • Detached single family dwelling and duplexes (not
permitted to front onto arterial streets) 10 ft. 18 ft. 65% • Multi-family building and mixed use buildings with ground floor residential
• 3 to 15 dwelling units 12 ft. 18 ft. 65%
• 16 or more dwelling units 12 ft. 20 ft. 60%
• Commercial/office buildings and mixed use buildings with nonresidential uses on the ground floor
• major arterial streets 10 ft. 18 ft.
60%
• all other street lot lines 0 ft. 12 ft.
• Light-industrial building 12 ft. 20 ft. 60%
Side Yards
• Single family unit with minimum 10 ft. building separation 0 ft. N/A N/A • Multi-family
• First Floor 10 ft.
N/A N/A
• Second and Third Floor 15 ft.
• All other uses
• First floor 5 ft.
N/A N/A
> • Second floor and above 10 ft.
Rear Yards 10 ft. N/A N/A
2. Street Frontage Standards. The street frontage standards apply to the street-facing lot line where pedestrian or vehicular access is available to the site from that frontage. a. New buildings, or additions to existing buildings, shall be designed and located so that at least the specified minimum percentage of frontage is occupied by buildings that are located no further from the street frontage(s) than the specified maximum setback. b. For those buildings located to comply with the street frontage standards, vehicular driveways and parking areas shall not be located between the facade of a building and the back of the public sidewalk. In areas of the site where buildings are not located required to be located in compliance with the street frontage standard, a minimum landscaped area of 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.
c. Use limitations on development sites with frontage on a major or secondary arterial street.
(1) Within the MU-C zone, at least 50% of t he ground floor that fronts on the arterial must be committed to one or more of the following use categories: Retail/Service, Lodging, or Public/Semi-Public (see Use Matrix).
(2) Within the MU-E zone, at least 50% of t he ground floor that fronts on the arterial must be committed to one or more of the following use categories: Office/Professional/Light Industrial, Lodging, or Public/Semi-Public (see Use Matrix). (3) For a building's ground floor to be considered committed to a use, the ground floor interior spaces that front on the arterial street must be constructed to building code standards for the use or planned for the use upon completion. d. Exceptions to Maximum Setback Standa rds. Exceptions to the maximum setbacks established in subsection may be granted by the approval authority in the following circumstances:
(1) On a corner or multiple frontage devel opment sites, an exception may be granted to reduce the percent of frontage required on one of the frontages where another frontage exceeds the minimum requirement and the ov erall intent street frontage standard is met.
(2) Where people-oriented activity areas, such as outdoor dining locations, are provided at the between the building and the street and designed in such a way as to meet the intent street frontage standard an exception may be granted.
3. Projections and Encroachments. The following encroachments are permitted within the area established by street frontage standard.
a. Residential porches may encroachment up to 6 feet into front setback. Additional projections may be permitted into yards subject to Section 17.08.160. b. Dining patios associated with restaurants/ca fe/bakery/deli uses may encroach into the front setback up to front property line.
C. Building Height.
1. Except as specified in Sect ion 17.10.060.C.2, the height of build ings or structures shall be as follows:
Maximum Building Height
Detached single family dwelling 2 stories
Multi-family building
• 1 to 15 dwelling units 3 stories
• 16 or more dwelling units 4 stories*
Commercial/office building 50 feet
Mixed-use building 50 feet
Light-industrial building 50 feet
* Up to 5 stories permitted for buildings located on a major arterial.
2. Exceptions to building height.
a. The exceptions to height regulatio ns in Section 17.40.630 shall apply. b. 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.
D. Parking. The automobile parking facilities requir ed 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 mixed use zones:
1. Residential uses (including when a part of a mixed use development) shall be subject to the parking requirements in Section 17.08.100 (Parking and loading in Residential zones) as follows:
a. Detached single family dwellings shall be subject to the standards in Section 17.08.100 applicable to a single-family house.
b. Multi-family dwelling units with individual enclosed garages serving the unit shall be subject to the standards in Section 17.08.100 applicable to a duplex/triplex/four-plex unit. c. Multi-family dwelling units where parking is provided in one or more shared parking structures, shall be subject to the standards in Section 17. 08.100 that are applicable to apartments with 5 or more units apply.
d. In addition, following standards apply:
(1) Enclosed garages serving individual units shall meet the following standards:
• The garage door shall be a minimum of 40 feet from the front property line. Detached garage may abut rear property line unless access is from an alley in which case a minimum 26 feet from back of alley is required for sufficient back-up clearance. • A covered breezeway, connecting the primary residence to a detached garage, is permitted, provided it is not enclosed.
• Garages shall include a 100 cu. sq. ft. shelving area for storage. This storage area is intended to encourage residents to use garages for vehicle parking. • Maximum driveway width: 12 feet for a driveway providing access to one garage or 26 feet total for driveways providing access to more than one garage. Driveways providing access to one garage shall be separated from other driveways by a minimum buffer of 4 feet of landscaping.
(2) On sites with 4 or more dwelling units, one uncovered off-street guest parking space is required for every 4 dwelling unit.
2. Nonresidential uses (including when a part of a mixed use development) shall be subject to the parking requirements in Section 17.12.220 and Sect ion 17.16.210 (Off-street parking standards in commercial zone and industrial zone) that ar e applicable to the use type. In addition, the following standards apply:
a. On-site parking shall be located a minimum 40 feet from the front property line for light industrial buildings; on-site parking for all other nonresidential uses shall be located a minimum of 36 feet from the front property line.
b. Reciprocal driveway access between mult iple parcels, connecting adjacent parking lots, is required where feasible.
c. Truck loading docks shall be a minimum of 40 feet from the front property line and screened from street view.
3. Mixed-Use Building. For residential and commer cial/office uses, the number of parking spaces shall be in accordance with the requirements listed by use in this section. Parking spaces between residential and commercial/office uses shall not be shared and be specifically identified on site as private residence parking versus public customer parking.
4. Parking requirements may be reduced, at the discretion of the director, if the builder can sufficiently demonstrate, through research and analysis, that the development warrants fewer parking than is required.
E. Open Space and Landscaping. The landscaping and open space 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 landscaping and open space requirements shall be complied with in the mixed use zones:
Development Type Minimum Required Open Space Minimum Required Landscaping Single family dwellings N/A
On corner lots, the street side
yard facing a corner shall have 10'
landscaping.
Multi-family developments
10% of lot area
• Min. dimensions for shared open
space: 20 ft. width and depth for 1 to
15 units
• 50 ft. width and depth for 16+
units
8% of lot area
Commercial/office and
mixed use development
10% of lot area (may include dining
patio encroachment)
Min. dimensions: N/A
8% of lot area
Light-industrial building N/A 8% of lot area
1. Drought-resistant varieties of plants shall be used in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 8.50, Landscaping Installation and Maintenance; Title 8, Chapter 8.30, Residential Landscaping Installation and Maintenance; and Title 15, Chapter 15.48, Specifications for Landscape Development of the Lancaster Municipal Code, as applicable.
2. 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; and Title 8, Chapter 8.30, residential landscaping installation and maintenance of this code, if applicable.
3. All areas which are not utilized for buildings, sidewalks, vehicl e access, or parking, shall be permanently landscaped and maintained.
4. All landscaped planters for interior parking areas shall be completely bordered by a 6-inch concrete curb to prevent runoff.
5. Required Landscaping. The following basic standards shall be observed:
a. 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 other required plant materials. b. The minimum required landscaping for parki ng lots shall be the percentage shown below of the total area used for vehicle ingress, egres s, circulation and parking. Only landscaped areas exclusive of curbs shall qualify toward meeting this requirement and no landscaped area with a dimension of less than 2 feet s hall be credited toward meeting the landscape requirement.
Parking Lot Size Minimum Percentage of Parking Lot
Landscaping Required
1—4,999 square feet 5%
5,000—19,999 square feet 6%
20,000 or more square feet 7%
c. 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. The planter shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width exclusive of perimeter curbs. Up to one-half of the area of this r equired landscape planter may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements of the required landscaping for lots under 20,000 square feet.
6. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.
7. 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 covers shall be planted at no further apart than 6 inches on center.
F. Fences, Walls, and Screening. Fences, walls and screening for residential development (excluding residential development when a part of a mixed use development) shall comply with the standards in Section 17.08.130.
G. Building Design Requirements.
1. Primary Entries. All buildings located entirely or partially within the maximum setback shall have a primary entrance directly facing the street frontage and provide direct pedestrian access to the primary entrance from the adjacent street fr ontage. A primary entrance may be located on the side of a building not directly facing a street frontage provided that the entrance is clearly visible to people from the adjacent street, direct publ ic access is provided, and the building facade directly facing the street has sufficient fene stration and other design elements and treatment to create a visible connection with that street frontage. If necessary, dual building entrances shall be provided; one facing the street frontage, connected to the sidewalk; another facing the parking area. Except for entrances into individual dwellings, primary entrances shall be designed to provide public access to the building.
2. Windows. The street facing facades of buildings located entirely or partially within the maximum setback should be designed to include windows as a significant percentage of the facade. Blank, windowless facades are not permitted. Windows in nonresidential buildings should be designed to allow views into working area; however, display windows can be provided as an alternative.
Residential windows should also consider priva cy. Windows of a facade along a zero-lot line facing a neighboring side yard shall be small and have a high sill height, typically 6 feet above the finished floor, or have translucent glazing.
3. Commercial and Mixed Use Buildings.
a. Mixed-use buildings are designed to accommo date a combination of both commercial/office and residential uses. "Vertical" mixed-use dev elopments are designed with retail, service, and/or office uses on the ground floor, with upper floors used for those uses or for residential dwelling units. "Horizontal" mixed-use developments have retail, service and/or office uses on the same project site as residential uses, but not within the same building. For "vertical" mixed use developments, residential uses shall be located above non-residential uses. For "horizontal" mixed use developments, non-resident ial uses shall be oriented closer to the street than residential uses.
b. Design of ground floor building facades faci ng 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. c. Uses and facilities such as shared parking and open space shall be connected by pedestrian pathways.
4. Trash enclosure shall meet the following requirements:
a. Trash enclosures shall be located or screened so that they are not visible from primary entrances drive or streets;
b. Trash enclosure shall be a minimum of 165 square feet; c. Source separation of recyclable materials shall be accommodated in accordance with state requirements;
d. Trash enclosures shall be constructed with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and
e. Trash enclosures shall be separated from adjacent parking by at least a 6-foot wide planter.
H. Signs. A person shall not use, install, or constr uct any sign in the MU-N, MU-C or MU-E zone except as specifically permitted in this section.
1. Signs for commercial developments shall adhere to the standards in Sections 17.12.140 through
17.12.210 of the zoning code (Commercial zone ), as well as the design and performance standards in Section 17.10.070.
2. Signs for residential developments shall adhere to the standards in Sections 17.08.120 of the zoning code (Residential zone), as well as the design and performance standards in Section
17.10.070.
3. Signs for light industrial developments shal l adhere to the standards in Sections 17.16.140 through 17.16.200 of the zoning code (industrial zone), as well as the design and performance standards in Section 17.10.070.
(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh.
A), 5-27-2025)
17.10.070 - Design and performance standards.
The following design and development standards shall be met in all mixed use zones. All residential development which meets the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV shall be deemed to have met these measures.
A. Site Design. Develop projects that enhance the sense of place and reflect a commitment to functional efficiency, quality, and neighborhood context.
1. Utilize a grid, or modified-grid block pattern to maximize access and circulation efficiency, with direct pedestrian access to buildings and building entrances that are oriented toward the street, wherever possible.
2. Design loading and service areas away from street frontage.
3. Carefully design, locate and integrate utilit arian aspects, including trash containers, mail boxes, vending machines, utility boxes, and othe r similar structures. Use a combination of solid masonry walls, berm and landscaping for screening.
4. Provide attractive lighting for safety and comf ort, consistent with building style, materials, finishes and colors.
5. Use "safe by design" criteria for visibility, lighting, and access control. Maintain visibility of doors and windows from the street and from within the development.
6. Provide noise-attenuating protection for noise-sensitive uses and provide privacy for residential uses.
B. Pedestrian Connections and Amenities. Develo p projects with safe and aesthetically-pleasing pedestrian connections, bringing varying uses into close proximity to each other.
1. Use a combination of trees and landscaping for all pedestrian areas, including but not limited to plazas and walkways, for shade and definiti on. Include amenities such as patios, accent lighting, outdoor seating areas, and other similar enhancements to encourage use and social gathering.
2. Incorporate paseos, or walk/bike trails, separated from vehicular paths, to provide connectivity throughout developments and to adjacent amenities and services.
3. Where appropriate, use traffic calming meas ures to reduce the speed of automobiles within developments and in local residential streets through corner bulbouts and mid-block bumpouts, tree plantings, enhanced paving at crosswalks, and traffic circles or round-a- bouts.
C. Building Architecture and Form. Provide articulation on all building façades, and include variation in massing, roof form and wall planes. Architec ture shall be provided at a pedestrian scale, through the reduction of large wall planes and massing.
1. Articulate walls using details such as inse ts, awnings, canopies, wing walls, trellises, arcades and colonnades.
2. Use multiple colors, materials, textures, and applied finishes to help break up wall massing.
Avoid blank walls, but also avoid façade repetition.
3. Provide distinctive entries and window treatments.
4. Establish continuity and consistency in the design and location of signage.
5. For all non-residential uses, include parapets to conceal rooftop equipment, chimneys, cooling towers, and solar panels. When possible, place equipment in an enclosure on the ground, in lieu of rooftop.
D. Transitions and Buffering. Encourage transitions between proposed higher intensity developments and adjacent, less intensive uses to keep disturbance to a minimum.
1. Avoid placement on a project site, elements that may conflict with neighboring residential properties, or other sensitive uses.
2. Carefully examine the placement of buffers, buildings and parking, where more intense uses are adjacent to sensitive uses, such as resid ential development. At the same time, provide access between uses.
3. Step down heights of structures at the edge of developments to be compatible with those in adjacent projects.
4. Enhance buffers with additional width or increased landscaping. Plant trees and shrubs in voids created by wall variations, at an appropriate scale.
5. Vary setbacks and wall alignments to soften the edge of the development.
6. Offset windows from one another between residential units.
7. Provide a clear distinction between public and private spaces, through the use of height separation, fencing, berm, or a combination of these elements.
E. Open Space and Common Areas. Provide ope n space and common areas to enhance quality of life, and to encourage opportunities for social gathering and interaction.
1. For commercial, office and employment center s, provide open space plaza areas for activity, interaction and rest. Provide seating with trees and other furniture providing shade. Decorate plaza areas with enhanced landscaping, lighting, and other ornamental amenities.
2. Create recognizable focal points by using community amenities in public open spaces and other commonly used community spaces.
F. Parking and Access. Locate parking areas away from street view, while ensuring functional vehicular access.
1. Use a combination of low ma sonry walls, berm or landscaping, where no building is screening parking from street view.
2. Use reciprocal access drives to connect with adjacent properties.
3. Design on-site circulation system to minimize pedestrian and vehicle conflicts.
4. Design parking lots by dividing a large parking lot into a series of smaller, connected lots.
5. Use paving materials varied in texture and color where pedestrian and vehicular areas overlap to minimize the negative impact of la rge expanses of asphalt. The use of stamped concrete, stone, brick, or granite pavers, exposed aggregate or colored concrete is preferred.
6. For commercial shopping cent ers, provide functional, but aesthetically pleasing, cart return areas that are architecturally integrated with the building and site.
G. Signs. Promote the reasonable, orderly, and effect ive display of street graphics to foster high quality developments and enhance the economic vitality of business and industry.
1. Ensure that signs associated with mult itenant buildings are complementary to one another; a sign program should be prepared in conjunction with applications for development.
2. Place signs in accordance with façade rhyt hm, scale and proportion. Signs shall not cover or obscure windows, doors, st orefronts, building entrances, cornices, columns, or other architectural elements or details.
3. Offer a clear, simple message that is unique to a particular business. The number of lettering styles should be limited, and the use of identifiable symbols should contrast with back-ground materials to achieve readability.
4. Construct signs with durable and weatherproof materials so that they will not discolor, face, crack, rust, or erode.
5. Signs should show depth and cast shado ws. Depth and shadows can be created by mounting individually cut letters and symbols on the sign base or carving letters and by symbols into the base or carving letters and symbols into the base of the sign.
6. Sign materials and colors should complement the building façade. Basic and simple color applications are encouraged and vibrant and fluorescent colors should be avoided.
7. The color of letters and symbols should contra st the base or background color of the sign to maximize readability.
8. Integrate Signage and Lighting. Appropriate methods of sign illumination include unobtrusive and attractive external fixtures, individually illuminated letters, and colorful exposed neon tubing script.
9. Sign lighting should be directed and shielded to illuminate the sign and not to spill over to other parts of the building or site.
10. In order to avoid sign clutter, signage shall only be allowed on façades that have building entrances.
11. The following signs are prohi bited in the MU zones: intern ally illuminated plastic cabinet signs ("can signs"), pole-mounted or lollipop signs, roof-mounted signs and billboards. (Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023) Article III. - Specific Provisions for Designated Uses Subject to Conditional Use Permits
17.10.080 - Mixed-use Planned Development (MPD).
A. Purpose and intent. A developer may choose to propose a project that does not entirely meet the standards in Section 17.10.060, but does meet the overall design intent, through the submittal of a mixed-use planned development (MPD) application. The purpose and intent of the MPD is to allow for greater flexibility and creativity in design, to encourage well-planned neighborhoods and developments, and to provide for appropriate use of land which is sufficiently unique in its physical characteristics.
B. Applicability. The following standards are applic able for all mixed-use planned developments in zones in which they are allowed, subject to the granting of a conditional use permit.
C. Standards. The following standards shall apply to all mixed-use planned development:
1. Area. The proposed development plan shall enco mpass a gross area of not less than 3 acres.
2. Open Space. The open space requirements lis ted in Section 17.10.060 shall apply for mixed-use planned developments.
3. Landscaping. The landscaping requirements list ed in Section 17.10.060 shall apply for mixed-use planned developments.
D. Findings. In reviewing and approving a mixed-use planned development application for a conditional use permit, the following findings shall be made:
1. The mixed-use planned development meets the goals of the Lancaster General Plan, pertaining to community design, and the objectives to "enhanc e overall community form, create a vibrant sense of place," and to "improve the city's visual identity by utilizing design standards that instill a sense of pride and well-being in the community."
2. The mixed-use planned development adheres to the Lancaster Design Guidelines and the design and performance standards listed in Section 17.10 .070, and is consistent with the mission statement of "implementing quality design fo r timeless architecture that enhances the community's image, pride and quality of life."
3. The mixed-use planned development is comp rehensive, covers a logical planning area, and provides the opportunity for unique and creative designs that are not possible under the city's typical development regulations.
(Ord. No. 946, § 1, 7-13-2010)
Chapter 17.12 - COMMERCIAL ZONES
Article I. - In General
17.12.010 - In general.
As used in this title, "commercial zones" means the C, CBD, CPD, H, OP and RC zones. (Ord. 711 § 14, 1995: prior zoning ord. § 220.000)
(Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)
Article II. - General Commercial (C) Zone
17.12.020 - Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of the C zone is to provide the means necessary to implement the city general plan, specifically the "regional," "subregional," and "general commercial" categories, with the exception of that portion of the general commercial designation which lies within the central business district, as set forth in the text of the general plan and as delineated on the general plan map. This zone is also intended to allow the development of neighborhood, community, regional and travel oriented commercial uses within the city. This zone is intended to be consistent with applicable goals, objectives, policies and specific actions 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 businesses, in an urban environment with full urban services.
The provisions of the C zone, including but not limited to the property development regulations and design requirements contained herein, are intended to apply to all new building lots created and 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 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. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.010)
17.12.030 - Prohibition.
A person shall not use any premises in the C zone, except as hereafter permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.020)
17.12.040 - Permitted uses—C zones.
Uses and permit requirements. The uses and permit requirements applicable to the commercial 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:
Commercial Zones — Uses Matrix
USES
P = permitted use / DR = director's review / MUP = minor use C = conditional use / N/A = not allowed
ZONES
C CPD OP
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 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 N/A
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 CUP
Alcohol Beverage Establishments - Market
This category is limited to the followin g uses below and shall be subject to the provisions in Chapter 17.42:
a. Convenience Market/Neighborhood Market (beer and wine only).
MUP 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:
a. Alcohol production with a minimum 25% and maximum up to 40% retail. A full menu shall be available at all times that alcoholic beverages are offered; b. Bona fide restaurant;
c. Convenience market/neighborhood market (beer and wine only) with a minor use permit subject to Section 17.42.060; and
dc. Grocery store/supermarket/drugstore ; and.
d. Alcohol sales in conjunction with and incidental to the hotel shall be subject to a director's review and subject to Section 17.42.a primary use.
DR* DR* CUP
Animal Shelter - Public Agency Operated N/A N/A N/A
Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck, Tractor and Boat Sales, Service, Repair, Accessories and Parts
This category includes but is not limited to motor vehicle dealerships; auto parts stores; tires, batteries, and accessories stores; brake shops; muffler shops; radiator shops; repair shops, service stations, and similar uses. All repair activities shall be conducted within an enclosed building.
This category does not include car washes; establishments engaged in the sale, rental, service or repair of heavy equipment; auto body and paint shops; auto upholstery shops; automobile impound yards; and similar uses. * Note: Auto repair uses and tire sales on lots within 300 feet of residentially zoned property shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit.
Automobile body shops and upholstery shops, butane and propane service P* P* N/A
stations, and car washes open to the public shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit.
Boarding Kennels N/A N/A N/A
Cannabis
This category includes cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail. N/A N/A N/A Carnivals
Subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.46. DR DR N/A 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 no longer than 7 days in any six-month period); fraternities; lodge halls; societies, and sororities.
This category does not include any use which could be construed as a privately owned business.
* Note: Revivals or tent meetings, of more than 7 days' duration require a conditional use permit.
P* P* N/A
Consignment Store, Pawnshop, Secondhand Store, Surplus Store DR DR N/A Day Care Center DR 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 CUP*
Entertainment and Recreation
This category includes but is not limited to amusement rides; banquet, bingo, billiard, dance, or pool halls; bowling alleys; card rooms; carnivals and circuses for longer than 10 days; fortunetelling; golf driving ranges; miniature golf courses; model studios; night clubs without alcohol; shooting ranges; skating rinks; all types of theaters; video game arcades, and similar uses.
CUP CUP N/A
Financial Institutions and Services
This category includes but is not limited to banks, credit unions, finance companies, savings and loans, and similar uses.
This category does not include pawnshops, establishments which conduct check cashing services for a fee or donation, or establishments which do not loan money as part of their business operations.
P P P
Gun Stores CUP 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. This category also includes massage conducted in accordance with Chapter 5.34.
DR DR N/A
Heliports or Helistops CUP CUP N/A
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 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-t erm health care facilities or senior citizen housing 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.
CUP CUP CUP*
Massage Establishment
This category includes massage conducted in accordance with Chapter 5.34 and Section 17.40.700.
MUP 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.
P P P
Public Safety Facilities and Services
This category includes but is not limited to ambulance services, fire stations, highway patrol stations, police stations, and similar uses.
P P N/A
Public Utilities
This category is limited to the following uses:
1. Publicly owned uses necessary to the maintenance of the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare;
2. Water reservoirs, dams, treatment plants, gauging stations, pumping stations, tanks, wells, and any uses normal and appurtenant to the storage and distribution of water. Exception: This use is not subject to site plan review (Section 17.12.120).
* Note: The following uses require a conditional use permit:
1. Electric transmission substations and generating plants including microwave facilities used in conjunction therewith;
2. Gas distribution depots;
3. Publicly owned uses necessary to the maintenance of the public health, convenience, or general welfare;
4. Public utility service yards.
P* P* P*
Recycling Facilities - Vending
This category is limited to reverse vending machines and is subject to the criteria and standards of Section 17.40.300.
MUP MUP N/A
Recycling Facilities - Small & Large
1. Small Collection Facility. Subject to the criteria and standards of Section
17.40.310.
2. Large Collection Facility. Subject to the criteria and standards of Section
17.40.320.
These uses include donation bins, collection bins, and recycling centers.
CUPDR CUPDR N/A
Rental Establishments
This category includes but is not limited to auto, clothing, equipment, furniture,
P P N/A
hospital equipment, mini-storage, recreational vehicles, and similar rental uses.
This category does not include the rental of heavy equipment.
Repair Services
This category includes but is not limited to appliance repair, gunsmiths, jewelry repair, locksmiths, shoe repair, watch repair, and similar repair services. All repairs shall be conducted within an enclosed building.
P P N/A
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 P
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 with 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.
CUP CUP CUP*
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 licens ed family 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).
* Note: Transitional homeless shelters shall require a conditional use permit.
DR* DR* N/A
Retail Sales Establishments
This category includes but is not limited to bona fide antique stores, apparel P P P*
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, jewelry stores, telephone stores, discounted and wholesale/warehouse type stores, and similar retail sales operations. * Note: The OP zone is limited to b ookstores, stationery stores, computer stores, office supplies, pharmacies.
This category does not include adult-oriented businesses, pawnshops, secondhand stores (does not include bona fide antique stores), surplus stores, and establishments engaged in the sale of heavy equipment, or establishments engaged in the sale of any item otherwise prohibited by law.
Schools - Business and Professional
This category 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, health and fitness services, manual training, martial arts, shop work,* or training in the repair and maintenance of machinery or mechanical equipment.
P P P
Schools - Small Specialty/Charter DR DR DR
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. This category does not include services which are industrial in nature such as pest control, industrial gases and chemicals, and similar services.
* Note: Dry cleaning or laundry plant - wholesale shall require a conditional use permit.
P* P* N/A
Services - Office Professional
This category is limited to answering service, barber and beauty shops, blueprinting, dry cleaners and laundries, duplicating, faxing services, lithographers, photo engravers, photocopying,
telecommunication/telecommuting offices, and telegraph offices.
P 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 N/A N/A
Shopping and Commercial Centers Over 10 Net Acres CUP CUP N/A Small Wind Energy Systems (Co-located)
Subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.690. DR DR N/A Structures Over Allowed Height
This provision also applies to structures over 50' or three stories in the C zones, and over three stories in the OP zone.
CUP CUP CUP
Tattoo Parlors and Body Piercing Establishments
This use includes microblading and permanent makeup. DR DR 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 N/A
Tobacco Smoking Lounge
These uses shall be subject to the definitions and provisions in Chapter 17.42.
CUP CUP N/A
Transient Residential - Hotels & Motels CUP CUP CUP
Transient Residential - Parks
1. Recreational trailer parks in accordance with Section 17.40.540;
2. Travel trailer parks in accordance with Section 17.40.550.
CUP CUP N/A
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities - Major
This category includes all major wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
CUP CUP N/A
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities - Minor, Co-located, Stealth This category includes all minor wireless telecommunication facilities, as defined by this chapter, subject to Section 17.40.640 and the height limits of
DR DR DR
the C zone. Co-located telecommunication facilities within 100 feet of property with a residential zoning designation may be constructed over the required 35- foot height limit subject to review by the director of community development.
Stealth telecommunications facilities located more than 100 feet from residentially zoned property may be constructed over the 50-foot height limit, subject to review by the director of community development. See Section
17.40.640 for requirements and design standards.
Other Uses - Conditional
1. Activity node (development of) s ubject 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 N/A
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 permitted temporary uses allowed in Section
17.12.060. This subsection does not apply to the following real property:
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 placem ent 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 P* P* P*
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 total 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 sh all be located or soundproofed so as to prevent annoyance or detriment to adjacent or abutting property, and
5. That all damaged or wrecked 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 shall be stored for purposes other than repair and shall not constitute an automobile impound yard, and
8. That dismantling of vehicles for purp oses other 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 N/A
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 N/A
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 N/A
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 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 ground 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 main tained 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 N/A
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 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 N/A
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 conv enient parking locations which will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles; and
P P P
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 nonilluminated sign, no t 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 G.1.c., d., and e. of this section.
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities - Mini
This category includes all mini wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
P P P
C. Temporary Uses.
Christmas Trees and Wreaths
This use is limited to the seasonal sale of such items, between November 1 and December 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.
DR DR DR
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 N/A
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 parking 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 fo r a clear 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 N/A
Storage Containers for Merchandise During Holidays or Events Placement shall be within loading areas or utilize nonessential parking areas behind the 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.
DR DR N/A
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
DR DR DR
after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized. Cargo containers may be used for the temporary construction storage subject to code requirements.
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 DR
(Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 5), 2008; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 3), 1999; Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995:
prior zoning ord. § 221.021)
(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)
17.12.050 -– Reserved.Accessory uses.
The following uses are considered as accessory uses to the permitted uses in the C zone:
A. Accessory buildings and 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 temporary uses allowed in Section 17.12.060.
1. This subsection does not appl y to the following real property:
a. Real property owned, leased, rented, occupi ed 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.
B. Automobile body and fender repair, and painting and upholstering when such uses are incidental to the sale of new automobiles, provided:
1. That all operations are conducted within an enclosed building, and
2. That the use does not exceed 25% of its total area being devoted to service or repair, body and fender repair, painting or upholstering, and
3. That the use does not exce ed one paint spray booth, and
4. That all areas or structures used shall be lo cated or soundproofed so as to prevent annoyance or detriment to adjacent or abutting property, and
5. That all damaged or wrecked vehicles awaiting repa ir 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 shall be stored for purposes other than repair and shall not constitute an automobile impound yard, and
8. That dismantling of vehicles for purposes other th an repair or the sale of used parts is prohibited, and
9. That adequate off-street parking be available to permit such activity; C. Minor repair of boats which repair is incidental to the sale of boats provided all operations, other than the storage of boats held for sale, are conducted within an enclosed building; D. Day nursery for children provided such services are offered by an employer solely for use by the children of the employees;
E. Manufacturing, processing, packaging, treating and storage related to, incidental to, and operated in conjunction with the business conducted on the premises, provided:
1. That such activity is restricted to the ground floor of the building or buildings and does not occupy more than 25% of said ground floor area, and
2. That not more than 5 employees are engaged in such activity, and
3. That a commercial appearance is maintained 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, and
4. That any portion of the building or buildings devo ted to such activity is not nearer than 50 feet to any residential zone, and
5. That the building is constructed, that the ma chinery 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 who lly within a completely enclosed building; F. Rental, leasing or repair of articles which are so ld on the premises, provided such rental, leasing or repair is incidental to the retail sales of such articles; G. 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 co nvenient parking locations which will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles; and
c. The EVCS pedestals shall be protected as ne cessary 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 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 us e 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 a llow public access to the charging station; and b. Comply with subsections G.1.c., d. and e. of this section.
H. Mini Wireless Telecommunication Faciliti es. This category includes all mini wireless telecommunication facilities subject to the requirements of Section 17.40.640.
I. Cargo containers that are present on private real property, for any use or purpose, on the effective date of this section shall be removed within six months from the effective date, unless the property owner obtains the requisite approvals and permits in conjunction with temporary uses allowed in Section 17.12.060 and otherwise complies with all regulations pertaining to cargo containers.
J. Collection bins, subject to the approval proce ss and operating requirements set forth in Chapter
17.45 of this code.
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 17.12.050.A. of this code. (Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 2 (part)), 1999; Ord. 713 § 3 (part), 1995; Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.022)
(Ord. No. 921, §§ 5, 6, 6-9-09; Ord. No. 964, § 1, 5-24-2011; Ord. No. 1098, § 2, 1-24-2023)
17.12.060 -– Reserved.Temporary uses.
The following uses are considered as temporary uses in the C zone:
A. 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 30 days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized.
B. Use of commercial coaches as temporary offices subject to the provisions of Article X of Chapter
17.40 and this zone.
C. 1. 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 30 days after the permit is expired, revoked, or finalized.
2. Cargo containers may be used for the temporar y construction storage described in (1) of this subsection. A cargo container approved pursuant to this subsection shall not require a separate permit.
The number and location of cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the building official and directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization or their duly authorized representatives. Application for approval of cargo containers for temporary construction storage shall be made on a city-approved form and shall indicate the number of the building permit obtained for the construction or development project for which the temporary construction 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.
3. The time period for which a cargo container ma y 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 30 calendar days of the expiration, revocation or finalization of a building permit.
4. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and 40 feet in length.
5. Cargo containers used for temporary construction storage shall conform to the following standards:
a. Cargo containers shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line and a minimum of 10 feet from any structure.
b. Cargo containers shall not be stacked on top of each other or on any other structure. c. Cargo containers shall not encroach upon, bloc k, 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.
d. Cargo containers shall not be used for human habi tation or occupied by individuals for any reason. e. Cargo containers shall not have any electrical, pl umbing, heating or air conditioning installations or systems, and shall not be connected to a power source.
f. Refuse, garbage, trash and debris, as well as ha zardous 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.
D. 1. Cargo containers may be used for te mporary storage of items related to the use of commercial-zoned property, including but not limited to business inventory, office furniture, office
supplies, office equipment and other items, when a structure is undergoing rehabilitation, repair, remodeling, alteration or other construction work under an active building permit.
2. The number and location of cargo containers used for temporary commercial storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval 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.
3. The time period for which a cargo container 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 30 calendar days of the expiration, revocation or finalization of a building permit.
4. Cargo containers used for temporary commercial storage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and 40 feet in length.
5. Cargo containers used for temporary commercial storage shall conform to the standards set forth in Section 17.12.060.C.5.
E. 1. Cargo containers may be used for em ergency storage of items related to the use of commercial-zoned property, including but not limited to business inventory, office furniture, office supplies, office equipment and other items, when a structure becomes uninhabitable due to fire, flood, earthquake, vandalism, or other such act against the structure.
2. Cargo containers used for emergency storage 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 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.
3. Cargo containers may be used for emergency co mmercial 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.
4. Cargo containers used for emergency commercial st orage shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and 40 feet in length.
5. Cargo containers used for emergency commercia l storage shall conform to the standards set forth in Section 17.12.060.C.5.
F. 1. Cargo containers may be used for storag e of items related to the use of commercial-zoned property, including but not limited to business inventory, office furniture, office supplies, office equipment and other items, in conjunction with relocation to or from a property or in preparation for storage of such items at a storage facility.
2. Cargo containers used for relocation storage shall require a container permit. The number and location of cargo containers used for relocation storage shall be subject to the review and prior written approval of the directors of planning 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.
3. Cargo containers may be used for relocation st orage for a period not to exceed 15 calendar days.
This use may be extended for an additional 10 calendar days upon the prior written approval of the directors of planning and housing and neighborhood revitalization.
4. Cargo containers used for relocation storage sh all not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet six inches in height, and 40 feet in length.
5. Cargo containers used for relocation storage shall conform to the standards set forth in Section
17.12.060.C.5., except as provided in 6. of this subsection.
6. Cargo containers used for relocation storage may be placed in parking lots so long as no more than 10% of the provided parking spaces are used for this purpose.
G. Cargo containers that are present on private real property, for any use or purpose, on the effective date of this section shall be removed within six months 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 17.12.050.A. of this code. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995; prior zoning ord. § 221.023) (Ord. No. 921, § 7, 6-9-09)
17.12.070 - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), adopted May 27, 2025, repealed § 17.12.070, which pertained to uses subject to director's review and approval and derived from Prior zoning ord. § 221.024; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 4), adopted 1999; Ord. 758 § 1 (Exh. A § 4 (part)), adopted 1999; Ord. 711 § 15 (part), adopted 1995; Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A § 6), adopted 2008; Ord. No. 941, § 1, adopted Feb. 9, 2010; Ord. No. 999, § 5, adopted Aug. 26, 2014; Ord. No. 1016, § 1, adopted Dec. 13, 2016; Ord. No.
1093, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 11, 2022; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 10, 2023.
17.12.080 - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), adopted May 27, 2025, repealed § 17.12.080, which pertained to uses subject to conditional use permits and derived from Prior zoning ord. § 221.025; Ord. 711 § 15 (part), adopted 1995; Ord. 753 § 1 (Exh. A § 5), adopted 1999; Ord. 896 § 1 (Exh. A §§ 7—9), adopted 2008; Ord. No. 1007, § 5, adopted Oct. 13, 2015; Ord. No. 1093, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 11, 2022; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Oct. 10, 2023.
17.12.090 - Interpretation.
Where a conflict in interpretation occurs regarding application of Sections 17.12.030 or, 17.12.040,
17.12.050, or 17.12.060 to any specific case the director shall determine the interpretation. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.026) (Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.100 - Adjustments.
Refer to Article III Adjustment Permits.
(Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.027) (Ord. No. 1016, § 2, 12-13-2016; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.120 - Site plan review required—Fees.
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 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 one-year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written re quest for an extension is received not less than 60 days prior to expiration, and any significant env ironmental 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 ci ty 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. An y desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prio r 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. Fees Required. When the appropriate development app lication 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 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. §§ 221.040, 221.041) (Ord. No. 924, § 1, 8-25-09; Ord. No. 956, § 3, 1-11-2011)
17.12.130 - Property development regulations.
A. General Regulations.
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 C hapter 17.40, Commercial Coaches as Temporary Offices, 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 convened, 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, Commercial Coaches as Temporary Offices, which are pertinent to its placement on said lot or parcel.
3. No new lot shall be created and no building, or portion thereof, existing on such new lot shall be used, unless said lot and said building location shall comply with all of the regulations set forth in city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policie s and subsection B of this section which are pertinent to the area and dimensions for new lots and the placement or location of buildings on said lot.
B. C Zone. Wherever property is designated as a C 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, except those lots created within the boundaries of an approved shopping center to accommodate individual tenants. (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
C 10,000 sq. ft. 100 ft. 100 ft.
* Also denotes minimum street frontage.
See Section 17.40.070, 17.40.080, 17.40.090 A. or 17.40.090 B. 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.
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 r equired front yard shall not exceed a 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/or rear yard shall not exceed 6 feet.
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 requi red yard to a height not to exceed 8 feet, subject to materials requirements, and other conditions of approval.
8. Commercial 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 walls 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 posed use are first submi tted 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 the time limits, materials, and other conditions of approval.
Temporary fencing materials may include chain link.
10. Prohibited Fence Materials. The use of ch ain link, metal panels, fabric or temporary material, non-durable wood, barbed wire, razor wi re, electrical fence, glass, and other similar objects of a hazardous characteristic shall not be permitted for commercial uses.
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, chain link with black, green, or other colored fabric may be installed as temporary construction fencing for properties with an active building permit in good standing, subject to time limits, materials, and other conditions of approval. b. Additions or modifications to buildings or us es, either constructed or having received building permit approval, or having been legally established prior to May 4, 1983, 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 whether to allow a reduction of the required yard, the Director shall consider whether:
3. Height Regulations. The height of buildings shall be as follows:
a. No building or structure in the C zone shall exceed a height of 50 feet or 3 stories, whichever is less. 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 used building in the C 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 the affected property owner. d. Exception for Solar Systems. Solar collect ors 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 mo re 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. Reserved.
5. 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.
6. Outside display. All displays 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, tr actors, 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;
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. Pumpkins and other seasonal agricultural products, sale of; n. Recreational vehicle sales, limited to recrea tional vehicles held for sale or rental only; o. Signs, existing outdoor advertising;
p. Temporary outdoor sales subject to Section 17.12.040; q. Trailer sales, box and utility, limit ed to trailers held for sale only.
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. Automobile fueling stations shall be requir ed to designate adequate space for the installation of at least one hydrogen fueling pump and all associated infrastructure. At the discretion of the director, the installation and operation of said pump(s) may be required. (Ord. 711 §§ 15, 44 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.050) (Ord. No. 907, § 5, 10-28-2008; Ord. No. 1016, § 3, 12-13-2016; Ord. No. 1028, § 1, 7-11-2017; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.140 - Signs.
A person shall not use, install, or construct any sign in the C zone except as specifically permitted in this section. Signs shall be 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 or an individual sign plan for single-tenant projects, must be submitted to and approved by the director or a designated representative. Sign plans must be fully dimensioned, including the proposed sign location, 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 C zone. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.060)
17.12.150 - 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 or banners 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;
7. Any signs for a shopping center of 10 net acres or more which are lawfully erected in accordance with a city-approved sign program required as a condition of approval of the conditional use permit authorizing the shopping center;
8. Any signs for a shopping center of less than 10 net acres which are lawfully erected in accordance with a city-approved sign program required as a condition of the site plan approval.
B. Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be pr ohibited in the C zone and may not be included in any sign plan.
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 intensity of illumination changes, or
6) The display is located less than 100 feet on the same side of the street, or 200 feet across the street, from residentially zoned property;
2. 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 the county of Los Angeles;
3. Any sign which is placed in a manner which would obstruct a driver's or pedestrian's vision and thus create a hazard, or potential hazard, to the public health, safety or welfare;
4. 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 shall 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 60 days in any one calendar year;
5. Awning or entrance canopy signs;
6. Devices dispensing bubbles and free-flowing particles of matter;
7. Devices projecting, or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on any surface or object;
8. New outdoor advertising signs;
9. Pole signs;
10. Portable signs;
11. Projecting signs;
12. Revolving signs of any kind;
13. Roof signs;
14. Sidewalk signs;
15. Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose;
16. Signs emitting or amplifying sounds for the purpose of attracting attention;
17. Temporary signs, except as otherwis e specifically permitted by this title;
18. 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 apply to all signs in the C zone:
1. In no case shall a lighted sign or lighting device thereof be placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be directed or beamed upon a street, 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-, double- or multi-faced, provided that:
a. The distance between the faces of any do uble-faced sign, other than a "V" shaped projecting sign, shall not exceed 36 inches.
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 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.
11. The height of all signs shall be measur ed from the highest point of the sign.
D. Computation of Sign Area. Computation of the su rface area of any sign face shall consist of all lettering, 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 overall 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 of the sign face shall be exempted from computation.
2. Wall signs painted on or affixed directly to a building wall or façade, 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 of the sign face.
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 the signs shall be included in any computation of surface area of the sign face.
4. Spherical, cylindrical or othe r 3-dimensional signs shall be considered to have 2 faces. The area of each sign face shall consist of ½ of the total area of the 3-dimensional sign. (Ord. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.061) (Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.160 - Business signs.
Business signs may be permitted in the C zone subject to Section 17.12.230, and the 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. Each ground floor business establishment fronting on and/or oriented toward one or more streets may be permitted (See Section 16.04.060 of this code for the definitions of the different classifications of streets):
1) On lots or parcels abutting or directly across a local or collector street from residentially zoned property, a maximum of one square foot of wall sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage;*
2) On all other lots or parcels a maximum of 3 square feet of wall sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage;
3) If building identification signs are used, t he area of such signs shall be subtracted from the area permitted for wall signs.
* EXCEPTION. In instances where businesses abut residentially zoned property but the proposed signs do not face toward residentially zoned property, the Director may determine the amount of signage to be permitted not to exceed the maximum of 3 square feet for each one linear foot of building frontage.
b. Where a ground floor business establishment fronts only on a parking lot, alley, open mall, landscaped open space, or other public way, t he exterior building wall facing such parking lot, alley, open mall, landscaped open space, or other public way shall be considered a building frontage for purposes of computing permitted wall sign area. c. Secondary Wall Signs. A ground floor business establishment having entrances intended for and regularly utilized by the public on the side of a building not considered to be building frontage by this section shall be permitted one secondary wall sign on each such side provided the sign does not exceed ½ the sign area permitted on the building frontage of said business. The combined area of all signs shall no t exceed that specified in subsection A.1. of this section. Additional secondary wall signs may be permitted on frontages without a public entrance subject to a Director's Review.
d. Except as provided in subsection A.1.c. of this section, permitted sign area shall be used only on the face of the building wall for whic h it was calculated. No sign area may be transferred from one building frontage to another.
e. Any building containing business establishments which front only on an indoor mall having a limited number of entrances, shall be considered a single establishment for the purpose of computing the wall sign area permitted on the exterior walls of such building. f. Each ground floor business establishment shall be permitted a minimum sign area of 20 square feet for each building frontage.
g. Each business establishment located above the ground floor which has an individual entrance from the outside of the building ma y be allowed a wall sign near the individual entrance in accordance with the area permitted for ground floor uses under subsection A.1.a.1) of this section. Su ch business establishments which are served by a common entrance may not have signs above the ground floor.
h. Each business establishment located on the ground floor or second floor having no building frontage shall be permitted a maximum of 4 square feet of sign area facing the street. Such business establishments may not have signs above the ground floor.
2. Height Permitted. Wall busin ess signs shall not extend above:
a. Eighteen inches below the top of the wall of a single-story building; b. The lowest point of a sloping roof of a single-story building.
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 business signs may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
B. Freestanding Business Signs.
1. Monument Signs and Post Signs. Monument Signs and Post Signs shall comply with the following standards:
a. Frontage. Monument and post signs may be pe rmitted on any lot or parcel of land for each street frontage having a continuous distance of 150 feet or more. Such signs may also be permitted as provided in subsection B.9. of this section. b. Area Permitted.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the maximum freestanding business sign area that shall be permitted for each street frontage or for each combination of frontages considered to be a single frontage under either subsection B.9.a. or b. of this section is:
a. On lots or parcels where the street frontage abuts or is directly across a local or collector street from residentially zoned property, 50 square feet total sign area;
2. On all other lots or parcels, 150 square feet total sign area.
Where the locational requirements of Section 17.12.140 et seq. permit additional freestanding business signs on the same frontage, sign area allocated for each sign may be any proportion provided that the sum does not exceed the maximum permitted sign area established herein for a specific frontage or combination of frontages and that they conform to all other requirements of Section 17.12.140 et seq. c. Height Permitted. Monument and post 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.
d. Location of Signs on All Lots and Parcels.
1. Monument and post signs shall not be locat ed nearer than 50 feet from any lot line, other than a lot line adjoining a street.
2. Monument and post signs shall not be located nearer than 150 feet from any other freestanding business sign on the same frontage on the same lot, parcel of land, or within any shopping center.
3. Monument and post signs shall be directed toward the street frontage from which the area of the sign is computed.
e. Projection.
1. Monument and post signs shall not project over the roof of any building or structure.
2. Monument and post signs shall not project over any public right-of-way. f. Movement. Monument and post signs shall not rotate, move or simulate motion in any way. g. Lighting. Monument and post signs may be intern ally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
h. Other requirements for monument signs.
1. Sign copy shall be displayed within one sign structure. No other signage shall be attached to or placed on the monument sign.
2. All electrical service to the sign shall be underground and hidden from view. i. Exceptions.
1. If a lot or parcel of land is a corner lot, the distances of any 2 intersecting street frontages may be combined and considered as a single frontage for the purpose of erecting and/or
maintaining a single freestanding business sign adjacent to the corner formed by the intersecting street frontages, provided that:
a. The total combined distance of the 2 st reet frontages is 150 feet or more with no frontage less than 50 feet; and
b. No street frontage shall be used in combination as described herein more than once; and
c. Such sign or signs comply with all area, height, projection, lighting, movement, and locational requirements established elsewhere in this title.
2. If any application for Director's Review, including a site plan and an architectural sketch of the proposed sign, is first submitted to and approved by the Director as provided in Article VI of Chapter 17.32, the street frontages of 2 or more contiguous lots or parcels of land may be combined and considered as a single frontage for the purpose of jointly erecting and/or maintaining one freestanding business sign, provided that:
a. The combined street frontage is 150 feet or more; and b. Such lots or parcels of land share a common street frontage; and c. Such sign complies with all area, height, projection, lighting, movement and locational requirements established elsewhere in this title; and d. If one such lot is a corner lot, only front age along the street common to all lots or parcels of land so combined shall be used in these computations and all other frontages shall be considered separately.
3. If an application for Director's Review, incl uding a site plan and an architectural sketch of the proposed sign, is first submitted to and approved by the Director as provided in Article VI of Chapter 17.32, one monument sign 42 inches or less in height may be erected and/or maintained on a lot or parce l of land having less than 150 feet of continuous street frontage. However if a monument sign greater than 42 inches in height or a post sign is desired by the appl icant the Director, in approving any such application shall make the following findings in addition to those specified in Section
17.32.790:
a. That no freestanding business sign currently exists on the subject property; and b. That it is not practical for the applic ant to combine the street frontage of said property with the frontage of one or more contiguous properties in order to comply with the minimum frontage requirement pursuant to subsection B.1. of this section; and
c. That surrounding buildings, struct ures or topographical features would substantially obstruct the visibility of a wa ll sign as permitted by this section for a distance of 100 feet, on one or both sides of such sign, measured along the center line of the street upon which such property fronts; and d. That the requested sign is necessary fo r the effective identification of businesses located on said premises; and
e. That the requested sign will not obscure or significantly detract from existing legal signing located on surrounding properties; and
f. That the requested sign does not constitute a detriment to public health, safety and welfare; and
g. That the requested sign is in compliance with all other provisions of this title.
4. If the obstruction referred to in subsection B.9.c.3) of this section is a nonconforming sign, the Director shall require, as a condi tion of approval, that the proposed sign be removed no later than the date specified by this title for removal of the nonconforming
sign. Such date for removal shall not be extended except in the instance where the amortization period for said nonconforming sign has been extended by the approval of an application for nonconforming use and structure review. In such instance, the new removal date shall not extend beyond the new amortization period established for said nonconforming sign.
The maximum permitted area of such sign shall be in the following ratio:
a. On lots or parcels where the street fr ontage abuts or is across a local or collector street from residentially zoned property, ½ square foot of sign area for each foot of street frontage up to a maximum of 50 square feet total sign area; and b. On all other lots or parcels, 1½ squar e feet of sign area for each foot of street frontage up to a maximum of 150 square feet total sign area.
5. Proposals for shopping centers of more than 2 net acres but no greater than 10 net acres shall require the submittal of an overall sign program which is subject to the Director's Review and approval. Shopping centers of greater than 10 net acres in size shall require an overall sign program as a condition of the required conditional use permit.
2. Pylon Signs. Pylon Signs shall co mply with the following standards:
a. Number. One sign for each site with a minimum of 150 feet of frontage on a major arterial. b. Height. Maximum of 12 feet. For signs over 12 feet in height a Conditional Use Permit shall apply.
c. Location. Signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from interior side lot lines. Criteria for determining the precise location of signs shall in clude, but not limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. Each sign shall a minimum of 100 square feet of landscaped planter area proportionally surrounding the sign, which shall be in addition to any other required landscaped area. d. Street Address. All signs shall contain a street address. e. Design Guidelines. Signs permitted per th is section shall comply with any sign design guidelines that may be adopted by the City or as may be determined by the Director. f. Design Review. All signs shall be review ed and approved or conditionally approved with a Director's Review or Conditional Use Permit. Factors that the Director or Commission will consider include, but are not limited to the following:
1. That the sign does not interfere with the ability of adjoining properties or uses to have visible signage;
2. That the sign does not detract from architectural features of the building; and
3. That the sign does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian movement or with visibility for vehicular or pedestrian movements.
C. Under Marquee Sign. Each business establishment may be permitted under marquee signs subject to the following restrictions:
1. Area permitted: Maximum of 3 square feet total sign area.
2. Number permitted:
a. Maximum of 2 per tenant; and
b. One for each entrance.
3. Height above sidewalk: Shall not be less than 8 feet.
4. Lighting. Under marquee signs may be internally or externally lighted, but any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited.
D. 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.
E. Incidental Business Signs. Each business est ablishment may be permitted incidental business signs provided:
1. That such signs are wall signs or window sign s or are displayed within 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 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.063) (Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)
17.12.170 - Building identification signs.
Building identification signs may be permitted in the C zone 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 si gn shall be subtracted from the area permitted 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. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.064)
17.12.180 - Temporary signs.
Temporary signs may be permitted in the C 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 17.12.150 B.2.), or in any manner that would endanger the public (see Section 17.12.150.B.3.).
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 making a finding in writing that the sign is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Secti on 17.12.140 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. The 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; design, including design elements such as material, letter style, colors , sign type, and shape; and the provisions of Section 17.12.140 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 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 signs which are not secured against the wind or are placed in a manner which
would interfere with the vision 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 17.12.140 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 17.12.140 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 sign(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. 711 § 15 (part), 1995: prior zoning ord. § 221.065)
17.12.200 - Directional and/or information signs.
Freestanding or wall-mounted directional and/or information signs may be permitted in the C 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 in height measured from the base of the sign.
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 17.12.04050). (Prior zoning ord. § 223.022)
17.12.510 - Temporary uses.
Shall be the same as allowed in the C zone (Section 17.12.04060). (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.