(A) Use regulations: New residential development that meet the underlying zone requirements shall incorporate the following standards into their design in order to be processed ministerially through an appropriate permit.
1. Building Siting, Access & Orientation: Orient building doors, windows, and entrances to relate directly to public and private streets, drives, paseos, greenways, and common open space amenities and generally create an attractive presence. (a) Provide direct access from ground level residential units to streets and communal areas.
(b) Provide direct access from ground level commercial to the primary street frontage.
2. Access, Circulation & Parking:
(a) Maximize a feeling of openness in residential developments by orienting road access to open space areas and areas of visual interest.
(b) Minimize cross circulation between vehicles and pedestrians by providing a continuous, clearly marked walkway from the parking areas to main entrances of buildings. The use of enhanced paving for crosswalks and entries is encouraged (such as concrete surface treatment, brick, terra-cotta or stone pavers). (c) Provide walkways and/or corridors between residences, parking areas, and all site facilities for safe access. Pedestrian walkways in parking areas should be provided, clearly identified, and made safe and attractive through the use of hardscape design, landscaping and lighting.
(d) Incorporate any two (2) or more of the following design features in surface parking areas of the development:
(1) Carports/ Shade Structures providing a minimum of 50% shade covering for parking area. Carports and Shade Structure shall be constructed of similar or consistent material, and colors, of the primary residence(s). (2) A minimum 10-foot landscape area (trees, shrubs, groundcover) at the exterior perimeter of all parking lots. The 10-foot landscape area may consist of existing and established native and naturalized vegetation and new container plant material consisting of 24-inch box trees and 1- and 5-gallon shrubs and groundcover. New planting should consist of a combination of small, medium, and large-scale trees, shrubs, and groundcover. All landscape and irrigation shall be consistent with section 6-11-41 of this title.
(3) One 24-inch box canopy shade tree for every 30 linear feet of parking area. Tree spacing may be varied to accommodate site conditions or design considerations; however, the total number of trees calculated for all parking areas shall be maintained.
(4) Decorative, but non-porous, paving and pavers are encouraged throughout the site to reduce the amount of irrigation water used due to the reduced landscaped area.
3. Building Scale, Massing and Articulation: Reduce the visual bulk of new development by incorporating any three (3) of the following design features:
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(a) Frontage elements, such as bay windows, porches, projecting eaves, awnings, and similar elements, to add visual interest and reduce the scale and mass of buildings. (b) Blank walls without windows, doors, or other articulation are strongly discouraged.
The maximum length of any blank wall shall be limited to 15 feet. (c) Accentuated building corners, with architectural treatments, such as a change in material, greater building height at the corner, rounded or chamfered building facades, pronounced building forms, enhanced window treatments or projections - such as awnings, trellises, parapets, roof overhangs, etc. (d) Fenestration elements, such as recessed windows, decorative panels and trim, color accents, offsets and framed openings to reduce their visual bulk and scale. (e) Patterned garage doors, painted trim, or varied garage door colors. (f) A change in materials and finishes, providing at least three materials and finishes across the building façade.
(g) A horizontal offset in the building plane consisting of a minimum six-inch offset in the building façade for every 30 feet of building frontage. (h) A ten-foot step-back of the third floor.
(i) Housing within new residential subdivisions shall, be situated with recognizable variations in front and side yard building setbacks.
(j) To reduce architectural massing at street corners and to create congruity where a two-story structure is next to a one-story structure, the incorporation of a one-story element into the two-story structure shall be required when determined as feasible by the planning director or planning commission.
4. Area: The minimum size for the livable area within a new detached single-family residence in the city shall be one thousand (1,000) square feet.
5. Roofline Variation: Provide variation in the roof lines of new development through breaks in parapets, varied parapet heights, pitched roofs, gabled roofs, and/or mansard roofs. (a) The use of roof forms, including shed, gable and hip roofs, alone or in combination, shall be used to achieve a variety of rooflines for houses adjacent to public streets.
All such roofs shall be of a concrete tile, approved shake or shingle, or an architectural style composition shingle with dimensional variations. All other proposed roofing materials shall be subject to review and approval by the building official.
6. Building Materials, Finishes and Colors: Residential dwelling units, community facilities, and other structures shall provide a unified appearance through a consistent use of building materials, textures, and colors. Exterior columns or supports for site elements, such as trellises and porches, shall utilize materials and colors that are compatible with the rest of the development. The color of relief, decorative trim, and wood frames shall be compatible with the overall building color.
(a) Materials such as brick, stone, copper, etc. shall be left in their natural colors.
Veneer shall turn corners and avoid exposed edges.
(b) Storefronts shall be of a non-reflective glazing.
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(c) The use of monochromatic and complementary accent and trim colors is considered to meet the intent of this chapter.
(d) The use of bright or garish colors (i.e., fluorescent "hot" or "day glow" colors) shall not be permitted.
(e) The use of colors to express individuality and identity within a cohesive and attractive framework is encouraged. Such colors should be in harmony with other colors used in the immediate area.
7. Design: Architectural styles and themes should be compatible with the surrounding environment. However, to assure individuality among projects, each development shall vary its architectural design to avoid monotony and create visual interest, while remaining compatible with surrounding development.
8. Sustainable Design Features:
(a) Provide an adequately sized, conveniently located, and accessible area on site for the storage and disposal of refuse and recyclables (for recycling of paper, glass, plastic, and metal waste).
(b) Limit the amount of nighttime light that is projected upward and beyond the site and direct light into high-traffic areas of the development. Lighting in parking areas shall be arranged to prevent direct glare into adjacent dwelling units and onto neighboring uses/ properties.
(c) Provide adequate, accessible, and conveniently located bicycle parking and storage and accommodate bicycle traffic within the development. (d) To the extent feasible, provide roofing materials with a minimum 3-year aged solar reflection and thermal emittance or solar reflection index equal to or greater than the values specified in the voluntary measures under California Green Building Standards Code.
(e) Provide low flow plumbing fixtures and fittings that do not exceed the maximum flow rate specified in Table A5.303.2.3.1 (voluntary measures) of the California Green Building Standards Code and Appliances and fixtures for commercial applications that meet the provisions of Section A5.303.3 (voluntary measures) of the California Green Building Standards Code.
9. Landscape Elements: All subdividers/developers shall be required to provide landscaping and an irrigation system for each lot of a residential subdivision prior to receiving a final inspection for any house constructed in that subdivision, as follows:
(a) Landscaping and an irrigation system for both the front yard and the street side yard, provided the street side yard is not obscured from sight from an adjacent street by fencing, of each lot shall be provided. Said landscaping shall consist of the following:
(1) No less than one 15-gallon size tree;
(2) Ten percent (10%) of said yard area shall consist of a landscaped planter; and Resolution No. _______
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(3) The remaining portion of said yard area not occupied by a driveway, shall be improved with sod, including one six-station clock timing mechanism and two (2) 1-inch valves for irrigation.
(b) Any proposal for an alternative landscaping plan shall be subject to review and approval by the planning director.
Additionally, each development shall strategically locate landscape elements to define and accentuate different areas:
Edges
(a) Provide a unifying and three-tiered system of formal and mature trees, dense rows of shrubs and groundcover within the setback areas of development.
Gateways
(a) Frame the project entrances with corner markers, low garden walls, gateway signage, perennial color accent landscape, and signature trees. (b) Provide enhanced paving and landscape to accentuate the entrance of the development.
Internal Drives
(a) Provide landscaping at internal drives with a consistent species of low-level shrubs and groundcover between bays of garage doors and on-street parking spaces, with accent landscape planted at all corners and bends.
Paseos & Courtyards
(a) The spaces between buildings that are not dedicated to parking and drives may be designed as landscaped paseos and courtyards, with highly connected paths and planting schemes that match the size, character and activity envisioned for the space.
(b) Landscape elements such as bushes, shrubs, flowers shall be maintained at a height of no more than three feet when located adjacent to pedestrian pathways and building facades so that viewpoints are not obstructed. (c) Screen mechanical equipment, garages, maintenance areas, and utilities with landscape materials, such as vines, hedges, shrubs, berms, or garden walls so that these are not exposed to view from the street, major walkways, or residences within the development.
(d) Provide clear, legible entry signage to identify each building. Clearly indicate internal circulation signage and visitor parking areas. For sites greater than one acre in area, provide a directory and map that shows the location of buildings and amenities within the neighborhood.
10. Floor Plans: If custom homes are not proposed, subdevelopers of residential subdivisions shall provide a variety of floor plans and building elevations. as depicted in table
4.C of this section:
TABLE 4.C
RESIDENTIAL FLOOR PLANS AND
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ELEVATIONS GUIDELINES
Number Of SingleFamily DwellingsMinimum Number Of Building Footprints (Excludes Reverse Plans)
Minimum Number Of
Elevations Per Building
Footprint
1-5 1 1 (2 color palettes)
6-25 2 2
26-50 3 2
51-75 3 3
75-100 4 3
100+ 5 3
11. Elevations: Elevations, for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section, shall mean the treatment of materials, trim, roofs or other architectural features which are considerably different than the elevations of any other house in the same subdivision as seen from the street upon which it faces. No two (2) identical elevations shall be placed side by side within a subdivision.
12. Agricultural Land Uses: Where portions of a proposed development share a common boundary with existing agricultural properties, the following concepts for transitions and buffers shall be incorporated into the development proposal where feasible:
(a) The incorporation of existing orchards, vineyards and groves into new development as landscaping, or as passive open space, is encouraged, however, the following provisions shall be met:
(1) All such trees located in a public right of way shall be approved for that purpose by the public works director.
(2) All trees within common areas shall be provided with the assurance of a continued maintenance mechanism, homeowners' association or a special landscape district. (Ord. 802- 14, 2-4-2014)
6-4-6 PERSONAL USE OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS PRODUCTS:
(A) Purpose: The purpose and intent of this section is to permit and regulate the personal use of cannabis and cannabis products in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents within the City. Personal individual cannabis use shall comply with California Proposition 64, known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), and subsequent Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 11362.1 through 11362.45. (B) Authority: Authority of approval of personal use of cannabis and cannabis products shall be vested with the Planning Director and Chief of Police.
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(C) Application: An application for personal use of cannabis and cannabis products shall be filed with the Planning Department in a manner prescribed by the Planning Director. (D) Definitions: For purposes of this section, please refer to the definitions listed in subsection 6-12-32(B) of this title.
(E) Personal Use Of Cannabis And Cannabis Products: To the extent that the following activities are permitted by State law, nothing in this section shall prohibit a person twenty one (21) years of age or older from:
1. Possessing, processing, purchasing, transporting, obtaining or giving away to persons twenty one (21) years of age or older, without compensation whatsoever, not more than 28.5 grams of cannabis not in the form of concentrated cannabis;
2. Possessing, processing, purchasing, transporting, obtaining or giving away to persons twenty one (21) years of age or older, without compensation whatsoever, not more than eight grams (8g) of cannabis in the form of concentrated cannabis, including as contained in cannabis products;
3. Smoking or ingesting cannabis or cannabis products in a manner consistent with California Health and Safety Code section 11362.3;
4. Engaging in the indoor cultivation of six (6) or fewer live cannabis plants within a single private residence or inside an accessory structure located upon the grounds of a private residence that is fully enclosed and secured, to the extent such cultivation is authorized by California Health and Safety Code sections 11362.1 and 11362.2, and to the extent that the cultivation complies with subsection (F) of this section. (F) Indoor Cannabis Cultivation: Cannabis cultivation shall only occur indoors at a private residence, or inside an accessory structure located upon the grounds of a residence, in strict conformance with the following standards:
1. Only a person who is at least twenty one (21) years of age or older may cultivate cannabis.
2. Cannabis cultivation is permitted only within a fully enclosed and secure structure(s).
3. The fully enclosed and secure structure(s) shall be located in the rear yard area of the parcel or premises, and must maintain a minimum ten foot (10') setback from any property line.
The yard where the fully enclosed and secure structure is maintained must be enclosed by a solid fence at least six feet (6') in height. This provision does not apply to cultivation occurring in a garage.
4. Cannabis cultivation areas shall not be accessible to persons under twenty one (21) years of age. Cultivation areas shall be secured by lock and key or other security device which prevents unauthorized entry.
5. Cannabis cultivation shall be limited to six (6) plants total, regardless of how many persons over the age of twenty one (21) reside at the private residence.
6. Cannabis cultivation shall only take place on impervious surfaces.
7. The use of gas products (CO2, butane, etc.) or CO2 and ozone generators for cannabis cultivation or processing is prohibited.
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8. The use of cannabis extraction and concentration techniques, including but not limited to butane, CO2 or ethanol, to manufacture concentrated cannabis is strictly prohibited.
9. Cannabis cultivation shall not be visible from the public right-of-way or any privately owned place open to the public.
10. The private residence shall remain at all times a residence, with legal functioning cooking, sleeping and sanitation facilities with proper ingress and egress. The foregoing rooms and areas shall not be used for cannabis cultivation where such cultivation will prevent their primary use for cooking of meals, sleeping and bathing, or any other residential purpose for which the rooms, space or area was intended.
11. Any structure used for cultivation of cannabis shall not become a public nuisance to surrounding properties or the public. A public nuisance may be deemed to exist if the cultivation produces odors which are detectable to people of normal sensitivity residing or present on adjacent or nearby property or on a public right-of-way. No person shall cultivate cannabis in any manner that causes any of the following conditions: light, glare, heat, odor, noise, mold or vibration that is or whose effect is either detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare or that interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of life or property.
12. A portable fully functional fire extinguisher, that complies with the regulations and standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and applicable law, shall be kept in the residence.
13. Cultivation of cannabis shall not displace required off street parking for the private residence.
14. All electrical equipment used in the cultivation of cannabis (e.g., lighting and ventilation) shall be plugged directly into a wall outlet or otherwise hardwired.
15. Prior to performing any work on electrical wiring in or upon the residence, including any modifications, repair or rewiring, the property owner shall first obtain a building permit, as required, from the Building Department.
16. Any renter or leasee of a residence shall secure and provide to the City a notarized written authorization from the property owner to cultivate cannabis on the premises. (G) Enforcement: Any personal use of cannabis and cannabis products within the City in violation of this section, including any commercial cannabis activity in residential zone districts, is hereby declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance.
1. Any person who willfully or knowingly: a) engages in a violation of this section or b) owns, possesses, controls, or has charge of any parcel of real property in the City upon which a violation of this section is maintained and who has actual knowledge of such violation (or would have actual knowledge of such violation after a reasonable inquiry), shall be subject to the penalties and remedies provided by this section.
2. Any violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense for each and every day the violation occurs or persists.
3. Any person in violation of any provision of this section or who causes another person to be in violation of this section shall have committed a misdemeanor. In addition which shall be punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each violation and for each day the applicable violation continues to persist.
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4. Any person in violation of any provision of this section shall be punishable by an administrative fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per offense. (Ord. 831-18, 3-20-2018) SECTION 27. The City Council approves the amendments and additions of Chapter 5, of Title 6 of the Taft Municipal Code, as follows:
CHAPTER 5
COMMERCIAL ZONE DISTRICTS
SECTION:
6-5-1: Purpose And Intent
6-5-2: Commercial Development Zone Districts
6-5-3: Use Regulations
6-5-4: Site Development Standards
6-5-5: Objective Design Standards
6-5-1: PURPOSE AND INTENT:
(A) The General Plan outlines goals, objectives and policies regarding the character and location of commercial uses and development within the City. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide regulations which implement those goals, objectives and policies, and which assure the availability of commercial uses within the City. Commercially zoned districts should be conveniently located, efficient, attractive and designed in a manner that ensures safe and convenient commercial activity in order to serve the retail and service commercial needs of City residents and businesses.
(B) It is the further intent of the regulations contained in this chapter to:
1. Provide appropriately located areas for retail stores, service establishments and commercial commodities and services required by residents of the City and the surrounding market area;
2. Encourage the concentration of commercial and office uses for the convenience of the public, and to secure mutually beneficial relationships to one another;
3. Provide adequate space to meet the needs of commercial development, including off street parking and loading areas;
4. Minimize traffic congestion and to avoid the overloading of utilities by regulating the construction of buildings to excessive size relative to the land uses in the City;
5. Protect commercial properties from noise, odor, smoke, unsightliness and other objectionable influences incidental to industrial uses; and
6. Promote high standards of site planning, architectural and landscape design for commercial developments within the City.
7. Encourage the expansion of well-designed mixed-use commercial/residential developments in appropriate locations.
(Ord. 805-14, 7-1-2014)
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6-5-2: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE DISTRICTS:
(A) Mixed Use (MU) Zone District: The Mixed Use Zone District is intended to provide maximum flexibility by allowing combinations of commercial and multiple-family residential uses on the same parcel of land. This zone district is generally reserved for properties located in the City'’s downtown area.
(B) General Commercial (GC) Zone District: The primary purpose of the General Commercial Zone District is to provide sites for commercial uses that will serve a large segment of the population with a wide variety of retail, wholesale, service and office uses. (C)café Downtown Commercial (DC) Zone District:
1. The General Plan outlines the goals, objectives and policies establishing the character and location of the Downtown Commercial (DC) Zone District. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide regulations that will implement those goals, objectives and policies that assure the preservation of the character and vitality of the City.
2. The provisions of this chapter are intended to ensure that the limited commercial and office related development permitted within the DC Zone District respects the historic significance of the downtown area by requiring that all proposed buildings and structures reflect the downto’wn's architectural theme and are compatible with the surrounding residential community. (Ord. 805-14, 7-1-2014)
6-5-3: USE REGULATIONS:
Identified on table 5.A of this section are those land uses or activities that may be permitted in each commercial zone district, permitted subject to an approved conditional use permit or prohibited. This table also indicates the development procedure and the approval type by which each listed land use or activity may be permitted in each commercial zone district.
TABLE 5.A
USES PERMITTED WITHIN COMMERCIAL ZONE DISTRICTS
To view Table 5.A Uses Permitted Within Commercial Zone Districts, click HERE Legend:
P = Permitted subject to consistency assessment
C = Permitted subject to approval of a conditional use permit application DP = Permitted subject to approval of a Director’s Permit application X = Not permitted in this district
Use MU GC DC
Accessory uses:
Accessory uses and structures located on the same site as a permitted use P P P Accessory uses and structures located on the same site as a use permitted subject to a conditional use permit
C C C
Commercial uses:
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Adult entertainment X X X
Agricultural X X X
Ambulance service P CDP X
Antique shops P P P
Apparel stores (sales) P P P
Appliance stores and repair P P P
Arcades CDP CDP C
Art galleries, music, dance studios, photographic studios and supply stores P P P Auction houses X C X
Auto supply store P P P
Automobile repair C CDP C
Automotive and light truck sales/service CDP P C
Automotive dealerships subject to section 6-12-10 of this title C P X Automotive paint and body X CDP X
Automotive rental agencies (excluding outdoor storage) P P P Automotive rental agencies (including outdoor storage) CDP CDP C Automotive washing (self- or full service) X P X
Bail bond services P P X
Bakeries (retail) P P P
Barber and beauty shops P P P
Bicycle shops (nonmotorized) P P P
Blueprint and photocopy services P P P
Boat and RV (sales only) C P X
Book, gifts and stationery stores P P P
Building materials sales/home improvement (indoors) P P P Building materials sales/outdoor storage (masonry, sand, gravel) C C C Camera shops P P P
Candle shops P P P
Candy stores and confectioneries P P P
Cannabis cultivation, indoor (licenses for medical or adult- use, specialty cottage, specialty, small, medium, nurseries, and processors) X X X
Cannabis cultivation, outdoor (licenses for medical or adult- use, specialty cottage, specialty, small, medium, nurseries, and processors) X X X
Cannabis distributors and distributor transport only (license types 11 and 13) X X X Resolution No. _______
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Cannabis event organizers and temporary cannabis events (license type 14) X X X Cannabis manufacturer (medical or adult-use, license type 6, type 7, type Ninfusions, and type P-packaging and labeling only)X X X Cannabis microbusiness (license type 12) X X X
Cannabis retail sales/dispensary (license type 10) X X X Cannabis retail sales, non-storefront (license type 9) X X X Cannabis testing facility (license type 8) X X X
Catering establishments P P P
Cemetery (human) X X X
Cleaning and pressing establishments P P P
Clothing and costume rental P P P
Cocktail lounge/bar, including upgrading an existing ABC license (e.g., beer and wine to a hard liquor license) (refer to section 6-12-5 of this title) C C C
Commercial recreational facilities (indoor) P P P
Commercial recreational facilities (outdoor) C C C
Communication and telecommunication facilities (radio and television) C C C Convenience store (including alcohol sales) C C C
Convenience store (no alcohol sales) P P P
Dairy products stores P P P
Department stores P P P
Drapery and decorating shops P P P
Dress making shops P P P
Drive-through businesses, including financial institutions, theaters, restaurants, and other similar businesses utilizing a drive-through lane subject to provisions of section 6-12-15 of this title
C C C
Driving schools P P P
Drugstore/pharmacy P P P
With drive-through service (subject to provisions of section 6-12-15 of this title)
C C C
Electronic coin operated games (commercial operated) 5 or more games (subject to section 6-12-9 of this title)
C C C
Electronic coin operated games (commercial operated) less than 5 games P P P Feed and tack stores P P P
Fireworks stand, subject to the provisions of section 6-12-17 of this title P P P Floor covering stores (may include incidental repair) P P P Resolution No. _______
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Floral shops P P P
Food stores and supermarkets P P P
Furniture stores, repair and upholstery P P P
General retail stores P P P
Hardware stores (no outdoor storage) P P P
Hardware stores (outdoor storage) C C C
Health clubs, dance studios, martial arts, weight training and similar uses P P P Hobby shops P P P
Home improvement (indoor) P P P
Home improvement (outdoor) C C C
Hookah lounges X X X
Hotels and motels P P P
Insurance services P P P
Internet ccaféafe P P P
Janitorial services and supplies P P P
Jewelry stores P P P
Kiosks (parking lot film processing and key shops) P P P Laundry pick up and delivery agencies and self-service laundries (includes diaper service)
P P P
Liquor stores C C C
Locksmith shops P P P
Massage therapist (subject to provisions of title IV, chapter 20 of this Code) P P P Meat markets P P P
Medical marijuana dispensaries X X X
Mini-storage (for public use) C P X
Miniature golf courses CDP P C
Mortgage services P P P
Mortuaries C C C
Motorcycle shops (sales and service) P P P
Music stores P P P
Newspaper and magazine stores P P P
Nurseries and garden supply stores (provided all equipment and supplies are kept within a building or fenced enclosed area)
P P P
Office and business machines stores (sales, service and repair) P P P Resolution No. _______
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Paint and wall covering stores P P P
Parking facilities (off site) PDP PDP C
Pet shops P P P
Plumbing shops and supplies P P P
Political or philanthropic headquarters P P P
Pottery sales P P P
Printing and copy shops (other than newspaper) P P P
Real estate services P P P
Recycling facilities (subject to provisions of section 6-12-22 of this title):
Reverse vending machines P P P
Small collection facilities X C X
Large collection facilities X X X
Restaurants, other than fast food (refer to section 6-12-5 of this title):
With drive-through service (subject to provisions of section 6-12-15 of this title)
CP CP P
With entertainment and/or serving alcoholic beverages, including upgrading an existing ABC license (refer to section 6-12-5 of this title)(e.g., beer and wine to a hard liquor license)
C C C
Without entertainment and/or serving alcoholic beverages P P P Secondhand stores/pawnshops P P P
Service stations (automotive, with convenience store, with or without alcoholic beverage sales) subject to sections 6-12-5 and 6-12-25 of this title C C C
Service stations (automotive, without convenience sales alcoholic beverage sales) subject to section 6-12-25 of this title
P P P
Shoe stores (repairs) P P P
Shopping centers X P X
Sign painting shops within a completely enclosed building P P P Smoking lounge, private (subject to provisions of section 6-12-30 of this title) C C C Sporting goods store P P P
Stamp and coin shops P P P
Stationery stores P P P
Statue shops P P P
Surveying services P P P
Swimming pool and spa (sales, service and supply) P P P Tailor shops P P P
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Tattoo parlor C C C
Taxidermists (no processing) P P P
Telegraph offices P P P
Televisions (radio sales and repair) P P P
Theaters, including both motion picture and live performing arts C C C Tire sales and service C C C
Tobacco shop (subject to provisions of section 6-12-30 of this title) C C C Toy stores P P P
Travel agencies P P P
Truck storage yard when adjacent to Industrial Zone District X C X Upholstering shops (indoor only) P P P
Variety stores P P P
Veterinary offices and animal hospitals, including exterior kennels, pens or runs
X C X
Manufacturing uses:
Oil and gas exploration and production, subject to the provisions of chapter 10 of this title
C C C
Office and related uses:
Administrative and executive offices P P P
Artist and photographic studio, including sale of equipment or supplies P P P Clerical and professional offices P P P
Financial services and institutions P P P
With drive-through services (subject to provisions of section 6-12-15 of this title)
C C C
Medical, dental and related health services for humans, including clinics, laboratories and the sale of articles clearly incidental to services provided P P P
Public and quasi-public uses:
Auditoriums C C C
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples C C C
Clubs, lodges, fraternities and sororities CDP CDP C
Communication and telecommunication facilities (not including radio and television)
C C C
Convalescent homes, hospitals C C C
Convention hall, trade show, exhibit building with incidental food services C C C Dances, per title IV, chapter 6 of this Code C P C
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Day nurseries, nursery schools and childcare facilities per State law CDP CDP C Educational institutions (including public or private vocational schools) CDP CDP C Fire and police stations P P P
Post offices P P P
Public administration buildings and civic centers P P P Public libraries and museums P P P
Public parks and recreation facilities (public or private) P P P Public utilities and public service substations, reservoirs, pumping plants and similar installations, not including public utility offices, unless project otherwise entails a public hearing, then permitted
C C C
Public utility services offices P P P
Recreational vehicle parks C C X
Residential care facility (per State law) CDP CDP C
Transportation facilities C C C
Residential uses:
Emergency shelters X X X
Multi-family residential dwellings C X C
Residence in conjunction with a business C X C
Single-family residential dwellings X X X
Supportive housing C X C
Transitional housing C X C
Temporary uses:
Temporary uses as prescribed in section 6-2-10 of this title, are permitted subject to issuance of a temporary use permit
P P P
Other uses similar to, and no more objectionable than, the uses identified above, shall be reviewed per the process required by the similar use, as determined by the Planning Commission
(Ord. 831-18, 3-20-2018; amd. Ord. 833-18, 4-17-2018; Ord. 844-21, 11-16-2021) 6-5-4: SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
(A) General Requirements: Table 5.B of this section describes the minimum site development standards applicable to proposed and existing development in all commercial zone districts. All commercial development shall conform to the standards established in this section.
1. A development or commercial center may, for purposes of meeting the minimum site size standards, consist of a combination of parcels whose total net acreage meets the minimum site size criteria; provided, that the design for the entire site is integrated and unified.
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2. In addition to the minimum standards established in table 5.B of this section, developments within the commercial zone districts shall also comply with the special requirements contained in subsection (B) of this section, chapter 13, "Performance Standards", of this title, other City regulations and ordinances, and the City General Plan.
TABLE 5.B
COMMERCIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT MINIMUM STANDARDS
Requirement MU GC DC
Requirement MU GC DC
Minimum site area (square feet, net) 12,5001 6,500 5,000 Minimum site width, in feet 65 65 50
Minimum site depth, in feet 100 100 100
Front building setback, in feet 0 0 0
Side street building setback area, street sides, in feet 0 0 0 Rear setback 0 0 0
Maximum floor area ratio 0.85 0.50 0.85
Building height, in feet, maximum (may be exceeded with an approved conditional use permit)
45 45 35
Note:
Refer to exception at subsection (C)4 of this section.
(B) Special Requirements:
1. All uses in the commercial districts shall comply with the provisions of section 6-11-30, "Screening Requirements", of this title, and shall provide street side landscaping as required by the Planning Director.
2. Where off street parking areas in the General Commercial Zone Districts are situated in a visual corridor, as may be defined in a precise plan adopted by the City Council, screening, such as a landscaped earthen berm or decorative wall no less than two feet (2') in height, shall be erected between the street right-of-way and the parking area.
3. In all commercial zone districts, no external security bars shall be permitted on structures.
4. Parking for each use shall comply with the provisions of chapter 14 of this title. (C) Exceptions:
1. The creation of new lots within the commercial zone districts shall conform to the minimum allowable dimensions, except in the case of commercial condominium lots or lots within a shopping center, in which case no minimums are established, provided the commercial Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
development is consistent with other requirements of this title and applicable City standards, regulations and ordinances.
2. Parcels created within shopping centers are exempt from the site development standards stated herein, as they relate to minimum site areas, and minimum lot width and depth, as long as a conceptual development plan for the entire center has been approved and if appropriate easements for reciprocal access parking and maintenance are provided.
3. When abutting a residentially zoned district, the front, side and rear yard setbacks of that residentially zoned district shall apply to the commercial development abutting that residentially zoned district.
4. In the MU Zone District, the lot size may be reduced to the same size of the GC Zone District (6,500 square feet); provided, that no multiple-family units are proposed for the project site.
(D) Vacant Building Registration: Vacant or abandoned residential and nonresidential buildings are subject to the vacant building registration requirements per section 6-11-40 of this title and title III, chapter 4.3 of this Code.
(E) Fences And Walls: Walls, for the purpose of visual screening and sound attenuation, shall be required between nonresidential uses and any adjacent residential use or residentially zoned property, or where more sensitive adjacent land uses exist. Maximum height shall be six feet (6'), except within the required front yard or street side yard setback area where the maximum height shall be forty inches (40"). Fences and walls shall be in compliance with section 6-11-9 of this title.
(F) Residential Uses In Commercial Zone Districts:
1. Multi-family residential and mixed use residential developments in the MU and DC Zone Districts are allowed a maximum residential density of twenty nine dwelling units per acre (29 du/ac) consistent with the mixed use land use designation of the General Plan.
2. A residence, on the first or ground floor of a commercial unit, in conjunction with business is conditionally allowed when the property owner, business operator, and resident are the same person(s). In such cases, the residential and commercial uses shall comply with all requirements of the California Building Code. (Ord. 822-16, 9-20-2016)
3. Multi-family residential and mixed use residential developments in the MU Zone District shall comply with the development standards outlined for the High Density Residential (R-3) Zone District in Chapter 4, Section 6-4-3 of this Title.
4. Any Multi-family residential and mixed use residential developments within the Mixed Use zones district, as allowed by this Chapter, may be considered for Directors/Admin approval if they comply with all applicable development standards and the Residential Objective Design Standards found at Chapter 4, Section 6-4-5 of this Title. 6-5-5: Objective Design Standards
[A] Use Regulations: New developments that meet the underlying zone requirements shall incorporate the following standards into their design in order to be processed ministerially Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
through an appropriate permit, unless a better alternative is found to the satisfaction of the planning director:
1. The design and layout of a proposed development shall be consistent with the general plan, the provisions of this title and any adopted architectural criteria for specialized areas, such as designated historic districts, theme areas, specific plans or planned developments.
2. New, renovated or remodeled developments shall demonstrate that the following general design criteria have been integrated into the design and layout of the proposed development:
(a) Establish an architectural and siting design theme that is compatible with surrounding existing and planned development that includes the following elements:
(1) A relationship to prominent design features existing in the immediate area (i.e., trees, landform, key elements of adjacent development, etc.);
(2) A relationship to existing structures and neighborhood character. This includes prohibiting any device being or resembling security bars, gates or other similar security devices from being placed over or on windows or doors on the exterior of any building, or the interior of any building if visible from a public street or public right of way; excepting doors and windows on the ground level portion of the rear of a building facing an alley; (3) A relationship to the natural environment (i.e., washes, native vegetation and community landscaping).
(b) Design the development to create pleasing transitions to and from surrounding development by incorporating the following elements:
(1) The bulk of new structures relates to the prevailing or planned scale of adjacent development;
(2) Setbacks from streets and adjacent properties relate to the scale of the structure and the function of the street and encourage pedestrian scale and uses; and (3) Tall structures are made less imposing by physically stepping them back from the street.
(c) Respect the identified views and view corridors of existing developments to the greatest extent possible. Where applicable, view corridors oriented toward such existing or proposed community amenities, such as parks, open space or natural features, are to be enhanced.
(d) Create subtle variations in architectural and landscape components that provide visual interest, but do not create abrupt changes or cause discord in the overall character of the neighborhood.
(e) Provide appropriate transitions between different projects by providing buffer areas, landscaping and other similar treatments (e.g., hedges, walls, fences, berms or landscaped open space).
(f) Provide a harmonious appearance of the development with the surrounding environment and existing developments based on the compatibility of individual structures rather than one specific style of architecture.
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(g) Avoid uninterrupted fences and walls, unless they are needed for specific screening, safety or sound attenuation purpose. Where needed, fences or walls shall be required to:
(1) Relate to the site being developed as well as surrounding developments, open spaces, streets and pedestrian ways;
(2) Respect existing view corridors to the greatest extent possible; and (3) Incorporate landscape elements or changes in materials, color or texture in order to discourage graffiti, and prevent undue glare, heat, reflection or aesthetic inconsistencies. (h) Incorporate the following lighting concerns into development proposals:
(1) Lighting fixtures are to be attractively designed to complement the overall design theme of the project;
(2) Lighting shall create a festive atmosphere within commercial areas by outlining buildings, trees or other architectural features to encourage nighttime use of those areas by pedestrians; and
(3) On site lighting shall create a safe environment, adhering to established crime prevention standards, but shall not result in nuisance levels of light or glare on adjacent properties.
(i) Architectural plans for development shall be required to incorporate the following building elevation and screening criteria:
(1) All exterior wall elevations of buildings and screen walls shall have architectural treatments that enhance the appearance of the building or wall; (2) Compatible materials and consistent style shall be evident within a development in all exterior elevations; and
(3) Within multi-family, commercial, office and mixed use business park developments, trash enclosures, loading areas, mechanical equipment and storage areas shall be screened from public streets, and from other public views, as appropriate.
SECTION 28. The City Council approves the amendments and additions of Section 6-11-24(G), of Title 6 of the Taft Municipal Code, as follows:
(G) Appeals:
1. A determination by the reviewing authority to approve, approve with modifications or deny a request for reasonable accommodation may be appealed, pursuant to section 6-2-20 6- 2-19 of this title.
2. If an individual needs assistance in filing an appeal on the decision, the city shall provide assistance to ensure that the appeals process is accessible. (Ord. 823-16, 9-20-2016) SECTION 29. The City Council approves the amendments and additions of Sections 6-12-23, of Title 6 of the Taft Municipal Code, as follows:
6-12-23: ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS:
Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
(A) Intent: This section is intended to ensure that accessory dwelling units located in residential districts do not adversely impact adjacent residential parcels or the surrounding neighborhood and are developed in a manner which protects the integrity of the residential district, while providing for needed housing opportunities for owners of eligible parcels. (B) Applicability: The provisions of this section shall apply to all lots that are occupied with a single-family dwelling within residential zone districts. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are not calculated for the maximum allowable density for the lot upon which the unit is located. All ADUs are considered a residential use that is consistent with the General Plan and zoning designations for the lot.
(C) Development Standards: The following standards shall apply to all accessory dwelling units:
1. Limitation: Only one ADU is permitted per lot with an existing single-family or up to a four-unit residence. Multiple-family residential developments may have up to two (2) ADU units.
2. Sale Prohibited; Rental: The units are prohibited from being sold separate from the primary residence, but may be rented.
3. Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit or jADU: An ADU within an existing space of the primary single-family residence, and are subject to:
(a) Only one (1) jADU is permitted per single-family residence. The single-family residence is permitted one (1) jADU and one (1) attached or detached ADU subject to the provisions of section 4 below.
(b) The applicable Building Code at time of permit application. (c) Shall be a minimum of seventy (70) square feet in size. (d) Providing an independent exterior access from primary residence. (d) Sufficient setbacks for fire safety.
(e) An ADU within the existing space of a primary residence shall not reduce floor area of the primary residence to less than one thousand (1,000) square feet.
4. Attached And Detached Accessory Dwelling Units:
(a) Applicable Location: The lot is located within a residential zone district and contains an existing single-family dwelling.
(b) Location: The ADU may be attached or detached from the existing single-family dwelling and shall be located on the same lot as the single-family dwelling. (c) Minimum Floor Area, Maximum Unit Size: The attached or detached ADUs shall have a minimum floor area of two hundred twenty (220) square feet and up to:
(1) Six hundred (600) square feet on lots up to seven thousand four hundred ninety nine (7,499) square feet.
(2) Nine hundred (900) square feet on lots between seven thousand five hundred (7,500) and twelve thousand four hundred ninety nine (12,499) square feet.
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(3) Twelve hundred (1,200) square feet for lots twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) square feet or greater.
(d) Bathroom, Kitchen Required: All ADUs shall provide a full bathroom and, at a minimum, an efficiency kitchen. A JADU may share a bathroom with the primary residence. (e) Occupancy: ADUs shall have a maximum occupancy of two (2) persons per bedroom plus one additional person for the overall unit. Studio units with no defined bedroom area shall have a maximum occupancy of two (2) persons. Should a property have both an ADU and JADU, the JADU or single-family residence must be owner-occupied. (f) Standards: All structures on the lot are subject to subsection 6-4-3(B), table 4.B, “Site Development Standards”, of this title, particularly lot coverage, except that an attached or detached ADU may be located within four feet (4') of any side or rear property line. (g) Design Standards: All attached and detached ADUs shall be architecturally consistent with the main dwelling unit, including exterior wall finishes, paint color, roofing materials, windows, and other architectural details.
(h) Parking: The primary residence shall be compliant with section 6-14-2, table 14.A, “Off Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements”, of this title prior to approval of an ADU on the same lot.
(1) Parking for the ADU shall be provided at a rate of one space per bedroom or per unit, whichever is less.
(2) Required parking shall be a paved space and be provided on the same lot as the primary residence and ADU.
(3) The required parking spaces may be accommodated by an available tandem space on an existing driveway or by providing additional driveway space or a parking area accessible from an alley.
(4) A driveway in the front yard of a lot shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the width of the lot.
(i) Garage, Parking: A garage structure may be converted to an ADU if it meets the standards of this section. If garage conversion occupies the required spaces for the primary residence, new parking for the primary residence shall be provided per section 6-14-2, table
14.A of this title.
(j) Fire Sprinklers: An ADU shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they were not required of the primary residence.
(k) Conversions: Conversions of accessory structures are not subject to any additional development standard, such as unit size, height, and lot coverage requirements, and shall be from existing space that can be made safe under building and safety codes.
5. Sewer and Water Utilities: Accessory dwelling units shall have adequate water supply and sewer service. An ADU is not required to have a separate service connection and shall not have a separate meter.
(D) Applications Requirements: Accessory dwelling units shall be reviewed and permitted through a building permit application, which will determine compliance with subsection (C) of Resolution No. _______
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this section. The Planning Director, or their designee, may approve an ADU that is not in compliance with subsection (C) of this section as set forth in subsection (E) of this section. (E) Review Process For ADUs Not Complying With Development Standards: An ADU that does not comply with the development standards of this section may be permitted through a site plan review at the discretion of the Planning Director and project assistance team subject to findings in subsection (F) of this section.
(F) Findings:
1. Approval: The Planning Director and project assistance team may waive, reduce, or amend required parking requirements, setback standards, occupancy limits, or other ADU and site development standards if the strict or literal application and enforcement of the standard would result in unnecessary hardship, excepting financial hardships, not otherwise shared by others within the surrounding area.
2. Denial: The Planning Director and project assistance team may deny a permit for an ADU if the waived standards are found to be detrimental to the public health and safety or would introduce unreasonable privacy impacts to the immediate neighbors.
3. Time Frames: An application for the creation of an ADU or JADU shall be deemed approved (not just subject to ministerial approval) if the local agency has not acted on the completed application within 60 days. (Ord. 825-17, 4-4-2017; amd. Ord. 832-18, 4-17-2018; Ord. 846-22, 3-15-2022)
SECTION 30. The City Council approves the amendments and additions of Section 6-14-2(A) and Table 14.A of Title 6 of the Taft Municipal Code, as follows:
6-14-2: GENERAL REGULATIONS:
(A) Applicability:
1. Specified: Any new building constructed, any new use established, any addition or enlargement of an existing structure or use, and any change in the occupancy of an existing building or the manner in which a use is conducted that would result in additional parking spaces being required, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
2. Additions, Enlargements Or Changes: In the case of additions or enlargements of an existing building or use, or a change of occupancy or manner of operation that would result in additional parking spaces being required, the additional parking spaces shall be required only for such addition, enlargement or change, and not for the entire building for use, unless a specific finding is made by the planning director that additional parking for the entire building or use is necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare.
3. Parking standards for the Downtown Taft Specific Plan zone district are contained within Table 3.3, Section 3.7 of the Downtown Taft Specific Plan, and prevail over the standards contained in this chapter. Where a use is not identified in that table, the standards contained in this chapter will then be applicable.
Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
TABLE 14.A
OFF STREET AUTOMOBILE PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Use Minimum Off Street
Parking Requirements
Maximum Percent
Compact Uses
Notes
Commercial uses:
Freestanding
commercial and
service uses:
Automobile repair
and services
1 space per 500
square feet of gross
floor area, plus 1.5
spaces per service bay
25 No required off street
parking space shall be
used for sale, service,
rental or repair of
vehicles
Automobile sales 1 space per 350
square feet of interior
office area, plus 2
spaces per service bay
25 No required off street
parking space shall be
used for repair of
vehicles
Automobile service
station
2 spaces, plus 2 spaces
per service bay
25 If a minimart is
developed as part of
the service station,
additional parking at
a rate of 1 space per
200 square feet of
retail area shall be
provided
Automobile washing
(self- service)
1 space per 2 washing
stalls
25 Bank, savings and
loan
1 space per 250 300
square feet of gross
floor area
25 Special design
requirements shall
apply for drivethrough facilities (see
chapter 12, "Specific
Use Development
Standards", of this
title)
Resolution No. _______
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Barbershop, beauty
parlor
2 spaces per barber
chair or beautician
station
25 Bed and breakfast
inns
Required spaces for
existing residential
units and 1 space per
each guestroom
25 All spaces for guest
parking shall be 9 feet
wide by 19 feet long.
Neither on street nor
tandem parking shall
be allowed to satisfy
the parking
requirements
Business and personal
services
1 space per 250 300
square feet of gross
floor area
25 Eating and drinking
facility with or
without drive-in or
take out facilities
1 space per 80 100
square feet of gross
dining area, inside and
outside
25 Special design
requirements shall
apply for drivethrough facilities (see
chapter 12, "Specific
Use Development
Standards", of this
title)
Mortuaries 1 space per each 4 5
seats, plus funeral
procession of queue
capacity for 5 cars
25 Offices:
Administrative,
business, professional
1 space per 250 300
gross square feet of
floor area
35 Government 1 space per 200 300
gross square feet of
floor area
35 Retail, furniture,
major appliances
1 space per 500 gross
square feet of floor
area
25 Retail, general (i.e.,
department stores,
markets, specialty,
1 space per 250 300
gross square feet of
floor area
25 Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
etc.)
Uses located in
neighborhood
Neighborhood,
community and
convenience
shopping centers (less
than 750,000 square
feet gross leasable
area)greater than
20,000 square feet of
total gross leasable
area
1 space per 250 300
square feet of gross
floor area for the total
gross leasable area up
to 100,000 square feet
1 space per 450
square feet for the
total gross leasable
area greater than
100,000 square feet
25 Alternative parking
requirements for
specialty commercial
centers may be
established by the
planning director
based upon a parking
study submitted by or
required of the
applicant (see
subsection (G)2 of
this section)
Uses located in
regional commercial
shopping centers
(more than 750,000
square feet of gross
leasable area)
1 space per 300
square feet of gross
floor area
25 Educational services:
Business and trade
schools
1 space per each 4 5
person capacity, or 1
space per 250 300
gross square feet of
floor area, whichever
is greater
25 Colleges 10 spaces, plus 30
spaces per classroom
25 Elementary, junior
high schools
2 spaces per
classroom
25 Senior high schools 10 spaces, plus 10
spaces per classroom
25 Entertainment and
recreation uses:
Arcades, games 1 space per 150 gross
square feet of floor
area
25 Auditoriums, places 1 space per 5 seats or 25
Resolution No. _______
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of public assembly 1 space per 80 100
gross square feet
where there are no
fixed seats
Bowling alleys, billiard
halls
5 spaces per alley, plus
2 spaces per billiard
table, plus required
parking for other on
site uses
25 Commercial stables 1 space per 5 horses
capacity for boarding
on site
25 Golf course
(executive and
regulation)
6 4 spaces per hole,
plus required parking
for other on site uses
25 Golf driving range 1 space per tee, plus
required parking for
other on site uses
25 Golf, miniature 3 spaces per hole, plus
required parking for
other on site uses
25 Health club/centers 1 space per 100
square feet floor area
25 Alternative parking
requirements may be
established by the
planning agency
based upon a parking
study submitted by or
required of such a
facility (see
subsection (G)2 of
this section)
Parks, public and
private (over 10 acres
in size):
To be determined for
the proposed use
based upon the
parking study findings
Applicant must
submit a parking
study (see subsection
(G)2 of this section)
Community park A minimum of 5
spaces per acre, plus
additional spaces for
spectator seating at
25 Resolution No. _______
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athletic fields,
community centers
and pools
Neighborhood parks A minimum of 5
spaces for the first 2
acres, plus 1 space for
each additional acre
25 Skating rinks 1 space per 100
square feet of gross
floor area
25 Tennis, handball,
racquetball facilities
3 spaces per court,
plus required parking
for on site uses
25 Theaters, movie 5 spaces, plus 1 space
per 3 fixed seats
25 Industrial uses:
Manufacturing 1 space per 500 gross
square feet of floor
area devoted to
manufacturing, plus
the required amount
of parking for gross
square footage
devoted to other uses
35 Research and
development
1 space per 250 300
gross square feet of
floor area
35 Warehouse and
distribution
1 space per 1,000
gross square feet of
floor area devoted to
warehousing, plus the
required amount of
parking for gross
square footage
devoted to other uses
35 Medical and health
services:
Convalescent and
nursing homes
1 space per 3 beds 25
Resolution No. _______
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Hospitals 1 space per 1.5 beds 25
Medical and dental
offices and clinics,
veterinary clinics and
offices, emergency
rooms
1 space per 200 300
gross square feet of
floor area
25 Public and quasipublic uses:
Daycare, preschools,
nursery schools,
family daycare,
residential care
homes:
Parking requirements
are based upon
maximum capacity of
the proposed facility
Daycare centers 1 space per employee,
plus 1 space per 5
children
25 Family daycare
homes
2 spaces per dwelling
unit in addition to
residential
requirement
25 Residential care
homes
2 spaces per dwelling
unit in addition to
residential
requirements
25 Libraries, museums,
galleries
1 space per 400
square feet of gross
floor area
25 Places of worship 1 space per 80 100
square feet of floor
area of main
assembly/auditorium
area, plus
requirement for office
space, if applicable,
plus requirement for
school uses, if
applicable
25 Public utilities To be determined by
the Planning Director
for proposed use
25 Parking requirements
are based upon
capacity of the
Resolution No. _______
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proposed facility
Applicant shall submit
a parking study (see
subsection (G)2 of
this section)
Residential uses:
Mobilehome parks
and subdivisions:
Resident parking 2 spaces per unit None Tandem spaces may be permitted to meet
parking requirements
for a mobilehome
park
Guest parking 1 space per 5 units None
Model home
complexes
3 2 spaces per model
home, plus 1 space
per salesperson300
square feet of office
area
None On street parking
adjacent to the model
homes may be
counted toward the
parking requirement
if it is found that such
parking will not
impact other
residential parking
and will not obstruct
traffic flow
Spaces for
salespersons may be
provided in vacant
garages of model
homes
Multi-family
dwellings:
Residential parking Studio: 1 space per
unit
1 bedroom: 1.5 spaces
per unit
None All parking spaces
shall be assigned to a
specific unit
Enclosed garage may
be required if project
Resolution No. _______
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2 or more bedrooms:
2 spaces per unit
qualifies as a
discretionary permit
All spaces shall be
located within 150
feet of the unit being
served
The parking
requirement shall be
reduced to 1 space
per unit pursuant to a
density bonus
granted for a
qualifying residents
project in accordance
with the provisions of
section 6-11-8 of this
title
Guest parking 0.25 space per unit for
11 or more units; no
guest parking for 10 or
less units
50 Senior housing;
congregate care:
Resident parking 0.5 space per unit or
as determined by the
planning agency
50 Applicant shall submit
a parking study
pursuant to the
requirements of
subsection (G)2 of
this section
For multiple-family
units, the parking
shall be within 150
feet of the dwelling it
is serving
Guest parking 0.25 space per unit 50
Senior housing;
independent living:
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Resident parking 1 space per unit None Spaces may shall be covered, and may be
either a carport or
garage
Guest parking 0.25 space per unit 50 Guest spaces may be uncovered
Must be provided
within an enclosed
garage
Single-family dwelling 2 spaces per unit None Accessory dwelling units shall provide
additional parking
spaces per section 6-
12-23 of this title
May be located
within a garage or
covered carport, with
the structures not
located within the
required front
setback
SECTION 31. The City Council approves the relocation of Table 14.C to Section 6-14-4, of Title 6 of the Taft Municipal Code, as follows:
6-14-4: SCHEDULE OF OFF STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS:
(A) Design Standards: Loading space design standards are provided in section 6-14-6 of this chapter.
(B) Specified In Table 14.C: Minimum off street loading space requirements for uses within the city are specified in section 6-14-5, table 14.C of this chapter. (Ord. 768-08, 8-19-2008) TABLE 14.C
OFF STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Type Of Use Size Space Required
Commercial uses:
Automotive uses 0 - 29,999 sq. ft.
30,000 - 69,999 sq. ft.
70,000 - 120,000 sq. ft.
For each additional 50,000
1 2
3 Resolution No. _______
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gross square feet over
120,000
1 General retail and business
services, eating and drinking
facilities
0 - 4,999 sq. ft.
5,000 - 29,000 sq. ft.
30,000 - 69,999 sq. ft.
70,000 - 120,000 sq. ft.
For each additional 50,000 sq.
ft. over 120,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 4
1 Hotel, motel 0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
0 1
2 3
Offices: administrative,
business, professional,
medical, veterinary
0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
0 1
2 3
Industrial uses:
Manufacturing, warehouse
and distribution
0 - 29,999 sq. ft.
30,000 - 69,999 sq. ft.
70,000 - 120,000 sq. ft.
For each additional 50,000
gross square feet over
120,000
1 2
3 1
Research and development 0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 4
Medical and health services:
Convalescent and nursing
homes
2 Hospitals 0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 4
Medical, dental offices and 0 - 9,999 sq. ft. 0
Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
clinics; veterinary hospitals
and clinics
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 Residential uses:
Mobilehome parks and
subdivisions
None
Senior housing (where meals
are provided in common
dining facilities)
2 Single-family detached, singlefamily attached, multiplefamily, model home complexes
None
SECTION 32. The City Council approves the deletions of Section 6-14-5(A) and Table 14.C, of Title 6 of the Taft Municipal Code, as follows:
6-14-5: ADJUSTMENTS TO OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
(A) Modified Parking Requirements In Downtown Commercial Zone District:
1. Scope; Appeal: Modified parking requirements have been developed for use in the downtown commercial zone district as an incentive to preserve and maintain existing historic structures. The planning commission shall have the authority to approve a request for a parking adjustment, subject to the provisions of this section; the decision of which may be appealed to the city council as provided in section 6-2-2019 of this title.
2. Techniques: For land uses located in the downtown commercial zone district, off street parking requirements may be modified by the planning commission by utilizing the following techniques:
(a) A reduction of the required number of parking spaces by twenty percent (20%); or (b) The crediting of on street parking spaces which are adjacent to the frontage of the designated structure/site toward the total number of required off street parking spaces required for use; provided, that a determination is made that such on street parking spaces will remain available for public parking during all business hours in the future. No on street parking spaces located within fifteen feet (15') of a stop sign or corner radius shall be counted. No on street parking spaces located in front of a bus stop shall be counted; or (c) A reduction in two-way aisle widths from twenty four feet (24') to twenty two feet (22'); or
(d) Allow the use of off site parking in parking lots located within four hundred feet (400') of the structure, where the applicant has provided adequate incentives for the use of such parking lots; or
Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
(e) Allow vehicles to back out onto alleys where it is determined that visibility is good and such backing out of vehicles can be done safely; or
(f) Allow forty five percent (45%) of a parking lot, located on the site of the structure/use, to be compact spaces, instead of twenty five percent (25%) as permitted in section 6-14-2 of this chapter; or
(g) Allow tandem parking where it is determined that such parking would be effectively and safely used; or
(h) Allow for the deletion of the loading space requirements prescribed by section 6-14-4 of this chapter; or (Ord. 768-08, 8-19-2008)
(i) Provide for in lieu fees to provide developers an alternative to meeting all on site parking requirements, as set forth in this chapter, where it is unfeasible to do so because of space limitations or of excessively expensive costs involved. Said fees shall be applied to an identified parking facility that will contribute to the development of public parking within the area designated in the downtown specific plan (exhibit A attached to the ordinance codified herein). (Ord. 776-09, 11-17-2009)
TABLE 14.C
OFF STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Type Of Use Size Space Required
Commercial uses:
Automotive uses 0 - 29,999 sq. ft.
30,000 - 69,999 sq. ft.
70,000 - 120,000 sq. ft.
For each additional 50,000
gross square feet over
120,000
1 2
3 1
General retail and business
services, eating and drinking
facilities
0 - 4,999 sq. ft.
5,000 - 29,000 sq. ft.
30,000 - 69,999 sq. ft.
70,000 - 120,000 sq. ft.
For each additional 50,000 sq.
ft. over 120,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 4
1 Hotel, motel 0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
0 1
2 3
Offices: administrative,
business, professional,
medical, veterinary
0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
0 1
2 Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
Over 200,000 sq. ft. 3
Industrial uses:
Manufacturing, warehouse
and distribution
0 - 29,999 sq. ft.
30,000 - 69,999 sq. ft.
70,000 - 120,000 sq. ft.
For each additional 50,000
gross square feet over
120,000
1 2
3 1
Research and development 0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 4
Medical and health services:
Convalescent and nursing
homes
2 Hospitals 0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
1 2
3 4
Medical, dental offices and
clinics; veterinary hospitals
and clinics
0 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 - 99,999 sq. ft.
100,000 - 199,999 sq. ft.
Over 200,000 sq. ft.
0 1
2 3
Residential uses:
Mobilehome parks and
subdivisions
None
Senior housing (where meals
are provided in common
dining facilities)
2 Single-family detached, singlefamily attached, multiplefamily, model home complexes
None
3. Adjustments: The planning commission may approve a parking adjustment with conditions which are found to be necessary to effectuate the purpose of these adjustments Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
within the downtown commercial zone district; the decision of which may be appealed to the city council as provided in section 6-2-19, "Appeals", of this title. (a) Notice: Notice of an application for a parking adjustment shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation not less than ten (10) days prior to the date set for the planning commission hearing. Notices shall also be mailed not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting to owners of property within a radius of three hundred feet (300') of the external boundaries of the property proposed for the modification described on the application, using for this purpose the name and address of such owners as shown on the latest official tax role of the county.
(b) Findings For Approval: The planning commission, in approving a parking adjustment, shall find as follows:
(1) The proposed parking modification and use of the structure is necessary or desirable for the development of the community, is in harmony with the various elements and objectives of the general plan, and is not detrimental to existing uses or to uses specifically permitted in the zone district;
(2) Approving the proposed parking adjustment and use will significantly improve the possibility that the structure will be preserved and maintained;
(3) The required parking cannot be provided without the approval of the requested adjustment; (4) The proposed parking scheme will function safely;
(5) Approval of the parking adjustment will not harm the integrity of any the structure or the surrounding neighborhood.
SECTION 33. Recognizing that there is a potential conflict between federal and state law it is the City Council’s intention that this Ordinance shall be deemed to comply with applicable State Law.
SECTION 34. If any section or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, unconstitutional, illegal, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, or contravened by reason of any preemptive legislation, then such section or provision shall be severed and shall be inoperative, and the remainder of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
Resolution No. _______
November 15, 2022
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of its adoption, and within fifteen (15) days after its adoption shall be published at least once in the Daily Midway Driller, a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the City of Taft together with the names of members of the City Council voting for and against same.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on this ______ day of _________, 2022. _________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
Yvette Mayfield, MMC
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
____________________________
Jason Epperson, City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Yvette Mayfield, City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance had its first reading on ____________________________, and had its second reading on ___________________________, and was passed by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
____________________________
Yvette Mayfield, MMC
City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 4168-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2021-05 APPROVING
AND ADOPTING THE DOWNTOWN TAFT SPECIFIC PLAN
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65350 requires that cities and counties shall prepare, adopt, and amend general plans and elements of those general plans in the manner provided in state law; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65450 states that after the legislative body has adopted a general plan may prepare specific plans for the systematic implementation of the general plan for all or part of the area covered by the general plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Taft seeks to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community in establishing practical land use restrictions on the location and design standards for residential development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Taft was awarded a Planning Grants Program (PGP) Award on November 21, 2019, by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the preparation, adoption, and implementation of a plan for Accelerating Housing Production and Streamlined Housing Production; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and intent of the Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) is to accelerate housing production and to establish downtown as a central zone with street-oriented uses and as a vibrant mixed-use district surrounded by residential uses; and WHEREAS, the proposed DTSP provides a vision and planning framework for future growth and development of the approximately 212-acres Specific Plan Area while introducing new land use designations. At buildout the DTSP could result in up to approximately 3,121 dwelling units, 4,272 employment opportunities, 9.3 acres of recreational open space, and up to 6,180 persons residing in the plan area; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed and commented on a draft Downtown Taft Specific Plan at a duly advertised special meeting on October 19, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission studied and considered the written findings for approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, City Staff’s written and oral reports, and all public testimony before making a decision on this request; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the proposed amendment to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council studied and considered the written findings for approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, City Staff’s written and oral reports, and all public testimony before deciding on this request; and
WHEREAS, the laws and regulations relating to the preparation and adoption of environmental documents, as set forth in the State Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act have been adhered to; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Taft Specific Plan is consistent with other elements of the General Plan and satisfies the specific plan requirements of Section 65451 of the California Government Code, and
WHEREAS, the City Council has fully considered this amendment and the potential environmental effects of implementing the DTSP and are recommending approval of the Negative Declaration (State Clearinghouse No. 2022070541) to the City Council, and Resolution No. 4168-22
November 15, 2022
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and programs of the General Plan, or with the General Plan as revised by the proposed amendment, and will not result in any internal inconsistencies within the General Plan; and
2. The proposed amendment will not adversely affect the public health, safety, or general welfare; and
3. The proposed amendment is consistent with the purposes and intent of Title 6 Zoning Regulations of the Taft Municipal Code; and
4. The potential environmental impacts of the proposed amendment are insignificant or have been mitigated, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be filed; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, the Downtown Taft Specific Plan, incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Resolution as though fully set forth herein.
PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 15th day of November 2022. _________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
Yvette Mayfield, MMC
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Yvette Mayfield, City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on the 15th day of November, 2022:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
____________________________
Yvette Mayfield, MMC
City Clerk
DOWNTOWN
TAFT
SPECIFIC
PLAN
Final Draft
November 2022
Prepared for:
Prepared By:
In Association with:
Acknowledgements:
Taft City Council
Dave Noerr – Mayor
Orchel Krier – Mayor Pro Tem
Josh Bryant – Council Member
Jeff Eveland – Council Member
Edward Whiting – Council Member
City of Taft Planning Commission
Ron Orrin – Chairman
Jerry Livingston – Vice Chairman
John Dowden – Commissioner
Kathleen Johnson – Commissioner
Bob Leikam – Commissioner
City of Taft Planning & Development Services Department Mark Staples – Planning & Development Services Director Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview...................................................................... 3
1.2 Purpose and Intent of the Specific Plan.................... 5
1.3 Objectives .................................................................... 5
1.4 Legal Authority and Scope ......................................... 5
1.5 City of Taft Setting....................................................... 7
1.5.1 Project Context .................................................... 7
1.5.2 Project Location and Surrounding Uses............ 8
1.6 Planning Background ...............................................13
1.7 Planning Background and Process..........................13
1.8 Relationship To Other Planning Documents ..........14
1.8.1 General Plan.......................................................14
1.8.2 Climate Action Plan ...........................................15
1.9 Consistency with the Specific Plan ..........................15
2.0 VISION, THEMES, GOALS AND POLICIES
2.1 Overview....................................................................19
2.2 Vision..........................................................................19
2.3 Themes ......................................................................20
2.4 Goals and Policies .....................................................21
3.0 LAND USE
3.1 Overview ................................................................... 33
3.2 Downtown Taft Land Use Plan................................ 33
3.3 Land Use Designations and Zones ......................... 39
3.4 Affordable Housing.................................................. 43
3.4.1 Streamlined Approval Process......................... 43
3.4.2 Permit Fees Reduction ..................................... 44
3.4.3 Density Bonus ................................................... 44
3.5 Allowable Uses ......................................................... 46
3.6 Development Standards.......................................... 53
3.7 Parking Requirements ............................................. 53
3.8 Parking Incentives .................................................... 59
3.9 Lot Size Examples..................................................... 61
3.10 Objective Design Standards .................................... 63
3.10.1 Building Siting, Access & Orientation.............. 63
3.10.2 Circulation & Parking........................................ 64
3.10.3 Building Scale, Massing and Articulation........ 65
3.10.4 Roofline Variation ............................................. 65
3.10.5 Building Materials, Finishes and Colors .......... 67
3.10.6 Sustainable Design Features............................ 67
3.10.7 Landscape Elements......................................... 68
3.11 Frontage Requirements........................................... 70
4.0 DESIGN GUIDELINES
4.1 Overview....................................................................77
4.2 General Design Policies ............................................77
4.3 Site Design.................................................................78
4.4 Architectural Design .................................................78
4.5 Building Form and Articulation................................79
4.6 Parking.......................................................................82
4.7 Building Frontage and Access..................................83
4.8 Building Materials and Colors..................................85
4.9 Streetscape and Public Realm Design Policies .......88
4.9.1 Public and Common Open Space.....................88
4.9.2 Pedestrian Design..............................................89
4.9.3 Materials, Hardscape and Furnishings ............90
4.9.4 Lighting...............................................................91
4.10 Signage and Wayfinding...........................................93
4.10.1 Gateways and Monuments...............................95
4.11 Landscape Design Policies .......................................97
5.0 MOBILITY
5.1 Overview................................................................. 101
5.2 Mobility Network.................................................... 101
5.3 Roadway Network.................................................. 103
5.3.1 Roadway Classifications................................. 103
5.3.2 Roadway Cross-sections................................. 107
5.4 Bicycle Network...................................................... 111
5.5 Pedestrian Network ............................................... 113
5.5.1 Paseos.............................................................. 113
5.5.2 Alley and Mid-Block Connections .................. 114
5.6 Transit Network and Connections........................ 115
6.0 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
6.1 Overview ................................................................. 119
6.2 Public Realm Programming................................... 119
6.2.1 Pocket Parks.................................................... 119
6.2.2 Public Outdoor Spaces ................................... 120
6.2.3 Linear Parks..................................................... 120
6.2.4 Amenities......................................................... 122
6.3 Public Realm Standards......................................... 127
6.3.1 Public Realm and Open Space Requirements
.......................................................................... 127
6.3.2 Public Realm and Open Space Incentives..... 127
6.4 Trails Overview....................................................... 128
6.5 Public Realm Amenities and Enhancements ....... 129
7.0 INFRASTRUCTURE
7.1 Overview ................................................................. 133
7.2 Water Supply .......................................................... 133
7.3 Wastewater............................................................. 134
7.4 Drainage and Storm Water Quality ...................... 137
7.5 Telecommunications and Cable Service .............. 138
7.6 Energy ..................................................................... 138
7.7 Public Facilities ....................................................... 139
7.7.1 Fire Service...................................................... 139
7.7.2 Police Service .................................................. 139
7.7.3 Emergency Medical Services.......................... 141
7.7.4 Schools ............................................................ 141
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
8.1 Overview................................................................. 145
8.2 Administration ....................................................... 145
8.3 Severability ............................................................. 147
8.4 Environmental Review........................................... 147
8.5 Subsequent Development Entitlements/Construction
and Development Permits....................................... 148
8.5.1 Ministerial Review........................................... 148
8.5.2 Discretionary Review...................................... 148
8.6 Minor Modifications/Substantial Conformance.. 150
8.6.1 Equivalent or Deviation of Development
Standards ........................................................ 150
8.7 Specific Plan Amendments.................................... 150
8.8 Capital Improvement Program ............................. 152
8.8.1 Anticipated Public Improvements: ................ 152
8.8.2 Funding Sources ............................................. 152
8.8.3 Financing Tools ............................................... 155
8.9 Implementation Strategy....................................... 156 Appendices
Appendix A: Proforma Analysis
Appendix B: Permitted Use Definitions
List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Regional Location................................................ 9 Figure 1-2: Specific Plan Boundary.....................................10 Figure 3-1: Land Use Plan....................................................35 Figure 3-2: Conceptual View of Downtown Taft................36 Figure 3-3: Downtown Transition Designation Product
Type Example - Townhome.................................................37 Figure 3-4: Downtown Transition Designation Product
Type Example - Apartment..................................................38 Figure 3-5: Downtown Taft Transit and Parking................60 Figure 5-1: Conceptual View of Downtown Taft............. 102 Figure 5-2: Mobility Network............................................ 105 Figure 5-3: Collector Street............................................... 109 Figure 5-4: Local Street..................................................... 110 Figure 5-5: Bicycle Network.............................................. 112 Figure 6-1: Public Realm Activation(5th Street Corridor) 123 Figure 6-2: 5th Street Conceptual Design ....................... 124 Figure 6-3: 5th Street Conceptual Design ....................... 125 Figure 7-1: Water Map...................................................... 135 Figure 7-2: Sewer Map...................................................... 136 List of Tables
Table 3-1: Allowed Uses...................................................... 47 Table 3-2: Development Standards Table......................... 54 Table 3-3: Parking Standards ............................................. 55 Table 5-1: Roadway Classifications.................................. 104 Table 5-2: Bicycle Facilities ............................................... 111 Table 8-1: Implementation Strategy ................................ 157 This page has been left blank intentionally
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 3
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
The Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) will bring about community revitalization and economic regeneration to Taft through the creation of a vibrant downtown core. The Plan envisions a complete community that integrates an urban mixed-use center with surrounding lower density mixed use, residential, office space, medical and industrial land uses.
Through the Plan, the City strives to develop a downtown residential community that is healthy, balanced and
celebrates the rich history and culture of the area.
The DTSP provides a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework that guides future development in the
downtown area. The Downtown Taft Specific Plan
encompasses approximately 212 acres in the center of Taft and is bisected by the Class I ‘Rails to Trails’ shared pedestrian/cycleway path. The Plan is designed to bring a dynamic mix of land uses to the City’s underdeveloped
downtown area through both infill and new development by allowing over 3,100 dwelling units and facilitating the creation of a downtown core enhanced with the potential of up to 890,000 square feet of retail development and
1,000,000 square feet of commercial and office space.
The City has developed the Plan in collaboration with
residents, local businesses, and landowners, to provide a forward-looking vision for the future of the downtown area.
The Plan presents a vision, themes, goals, policies, design standards, and implementation strategies for categories such as land use, mobility, parks and open space
opportunities and infrastructure.
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 4
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Oil Worker Monument located at 6th Street and Supply Row Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.2 Purpose and Intent of the
Specific Plan
The Specific Plan serves as a framework for development within the DTSP area. It sets the foundation for how the City will operate, based upon identified goals and policies
relating to a range of topics, including land use, urban design, parks and open space, transportation, and
sustainable infrastructure. It establishes a framework for the land use, intensity, development regulations, and design standards that will support future development. The DTSP is intended to be used by property owners, developers,
designers, City staff, and elected officials in the review of proposed development projects in the SPA.
1.3 Objectives
The objectives of the Specific Plan have been prepared to be consistent with the Taft General Plan and will be
implemented by the goals and policies contained in Chapter 2: Goals and Policies.
The objectives of the Downtown Specific Plan include the following:
1. Provide a comprehensive policy and regulatory
framework that guides development in Taft’s
downtown area in accordance with the Taft
General Plan.
2. Create development standards that are unique to
the DTSP area and will enhance developments in
the downtown area.
3. Develop a streamlined entitlement and
permitting process to encourage the accelerated
production of a diverse range of residential
development and housing types.
4. Encourage a diversified downtown economy.
1.4 Legal Authority and Scope
State Law requires that a Specific Plan be in conformance with a City’s General Plan. This Specific Plan has been prepared in conformance with the City of Taft’s General Plan for the enhancement and development of Taft’s Downtown, as described in the following Chapters.
The primary effect of a Specific Plan is the establishment of a clear and detailed plan for a specific area. Existing zoning is replaced with development standards of the Specific Plan which best meet the needs of the specific area. After
adoption by the City of Taft, all public and private
development projects and improvements must be
consistent with the adopted Specific Plan.
This Specific Plan seeks to build upon the vision of the General Plan and previous Downtown Specific Plan, to
provide greater flexibility as well as more detailed guidance.
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 6
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Plan has been structured to better adapt to economic, physical, and social changes by applying new use and
development priorities to parcels and districts.
The Downtown Specific Plan is established through the
authority granted to the City by California Government Code, Sections 65450 through 65457, as a means of systematically implementing the General Plan. A Specific Plan, through text and diagram(s), must identify the following:
1. The distribution, location, and extent of the uses
of land, including open space, within the area
covered by the plan.
2. The proposed distribution, location, and extent
and intensity of major components of public and
private transportation, sewage, water, drainage,
solid waste disposal, energy, and other essential
facilities proposed to be located within the area
covered by the plan and needed to support the
land uses described in the plan.
3. Standards and criteria by which development will
proceed, and standards for the conservation,
development, and utilization of natural resources,
where applicable.
4. A program of implementation measures including
regulations, programs, public works projects, and
financing measures necessary to carry out
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3). Workshop #2, November 2021 Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 7
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.5 City of Taft Setting
Incorporated in 1910, the City of Taft is located in Kern County and situated at the southwestern edge of the San Joaquin Valley of California at 955 feet above mean sea level.
The City has a desert climate with long, hot, dry summers and brief, cool and moist winters. See Figure 1-1: Regional Location. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and average annual rainfall of approximately 5 inches
predominantly falls in the winter and spring. California State Routes 33 and 119 converge to the east of downtown area defined by this Specific Plan.
1.5.1 Project Context
Located in the center of the Midway-Sunset oilfield, the largest oilfield in the contiguous United States, the City’s roots date back to the oil booms of the early 1900s. As a result, most major oil companies have had a presence in Taft over the years and this has affected the built form of the City.
The Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads, in tandem with the oil industry, impacted the physical formation of Taft through the laying of the Sunset Railroad. By the 1920’s, the laying of these lines dictated Taft’s street grid pattern which remains today, although the rail line was removed in the Oil Derrick Monument along Rails to Trails 1990s.
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 8
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.5.2 Project Location and Surrounding
Uses
The DTSP area comprises approximately 212 acres of flat land. As shown in Figure 1-2: Specific Plan Boundary, the DTSP area is bound by Kern Street to the north and West Side Highway to the east, both of which are part of State Route 33, Front and Oak Streets to the south, and 10th Street to the west.
The northern section of the DTSP area is largely comprised of commercial and retail activities in single or double story buildings. Many of these buildings hold architectural value and character from art deco to craftsman examples and
could be attractive adaptive re-use propositions. There are also two pockets of residential developments in the northwestern and eastern sections, including an affordable senior apartment development.
Bisecting the DTSP area, between Supply Row and Main
Street, the old Sunset Railway lines have been removed and this land has been repurposed into open green space.
Traversing this public space, the City of Taft has created the Class I ‘Rails to Trails’ shared pedestrian/cycleway path.
Currently, this path terminates to the east of the DTSP area adjacent to the West Kern Oil Museum. There has been
reinvestment within this portion of the City including a new Best Western hotel and monument to workers in the oil
industry in the form of a 43-foot oil derrick.
The southern section of the DTSP area, between the ‘Rails to Trails’ repurposed railway land and Front Street, is
predominantly vacant. Although within this area there are some scattered retail and commercial activities. Many of these land parcels adjacent to the old Sunset Railway have been recently purchased by City and provide development opportunity.
Oil Worker Monument
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 9
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Figure 1-1: Regional Location
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 10
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Figure 1-2: Specific Plan Boundary
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 11
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Historical Image of the Taft Railroad
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 12
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Historical Image of Center Street
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 13
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.6 Planning Background
The City of Taft (City) first adopted its Downtown Specific Plan in 1994 and incorporated amendments in 1999. In June 2010, the City then adopted a General Plan Update. This Plan was a comprehensive update on the previous General Plan, establishing a new Planning Area in addition to amending land use designations in the downtown area to mixed use.
Subsequent to this adoption, a lawsuit settlement with the Sierra Club required the amendment of the General Plan in 2017 to reduce the Planning Area and include an Urban
Growth Boundary, among other concessions. As a result, the existing 1999 Downtown Specific Plan became inconsistent with the new 2017 general plan.
In 2020 the City was awarded grant funding for the drafting and adoption of a Downtown Taft Specific Plan that will be consistent with the General Plan and guide an acceleration in housing production. In January of 2021, the City sought to undertake this process through a comprehensive update of its Downtown Specific Plan (the Plan).
1.7 Planning Background and
Process
The planning process for the Downtown Taft Specific Plan included a comprehensive public engagement plan that was prepared to be inclusive, transparent and engage the
community in the planning process by offering multiple
opportunities for public input and participation.
The first phase involved a thorough evaluation of the
opportunities and constraints. The purpose of this study was to provide context and insight into the community
characteristics that influence and define opportunities for community change and growth in the City of Taft. This
served as the starting point for identifying implementation tools for future programs and projects within the DTSP area that will be most effective in achieving the vision of the Downtown Taft Specific Plan & Zoning Ordinance
Amendment project. The information from this exercise
then served to facilitate discussion between community
stakeholders and the City staff.
The following four stakeholder workshops were conducted leading into the preparation of the Specific Plan:
1. Opportunities, Constraints, and the Vision;
2. Land Use Alternatives;
3. Preferred Land Use Plan; and
4. Specific Plan draft document.
Due to COVID-19, the workshops were undertaken in a
hybrid style to make them more accessible. Throughout
these sessions, stakeholders were presented with ample
opportunity to learn and influence the development of the Plan.
To further the dissemination of information, a dedicated webpage was established on the City’s website and a Social Pinpoint page launched. These avenues assisted in keeping Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 14
1.0 INTRODUCTION
stakeholders up to date with the Specific Plan process and notification of future workshops.
A Proforma Analysis was conducted for two potential sites for residential development within the DTSP area. Both
these sites were owned by the City at time of analysis and zoning based on the Preferred Land Use Plan developed
through public outreach. The purpose of the proforma
exercise was to understand the economic development
potential of these two sites within the DTSP area. The
analysis found that to achieve an acceptable return for both apartments and townhouses, there will likely be a funding gap to overcome.
1.8 Relationship To Other
Planning Documents
1.8.1 General Plan
In 2017, the City of Taft adopted the General Plan Update.
The General Plan lays the framework for how the City will grow and develop moving into the future. The General Plan identifies eight “guiding principles” for Taft’s vision of the future. The subject of this Specific Plan document,
Downtown Taft, is the subject of one of these guiding
principles. The General Plan seeks to promote a “vibrant, healthy and active downtown by providing safe multi-family and mixed-use housing” while also encouraging infill
development and attractive residential development.
The goals and policies within the General Plan that
implement these visions provide the foundation upon which this Specific Plan is based and therefore, the Downtown Specific Plan has been prepared to be in accordance, and consistent with, the Taft General Plan.
Workshop #2, November 2021
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 15
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.8.2 Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan seeks to address the challenges of climate change through the reduction of locally generated greenhouse gas emissions and improving community health and local air quality.
The Specific Plan seeks to achieve the goals of this plan through the encouragement of higher density and mixeduse Downtown development. This type of development will be encouraged to provide greater access to local active recreational opportunities and a reduction of the
dependance on personal motor vehicles.
1.9 Consistency with the
Specific Plan
The DTSP shall guide all land use and development decisionmaking processes for the area. The Specific Plan does not replace or augment building safety codes or other nonplanning related codes. All applications for new construction, substantial modifications to existing buildings, and changes in land use shall be reviewed for conformance with this Specific Plan.
Workshop #2, November 2021
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 16
1.0 INTRODUCTION
5th Street Plaza from the Rails to Trails Corridor
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Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 18
2.0 VISION, THEMES, GOALS AND POLICIES
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2.0 VISION, THEMES, GOALS
AND POLICIES
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2.1 Overview
This chapter describes the intended future of Downtown
Taft and identifies the qualities most important to the Taft community, as defined through the vision, goals, and
policies. Community input through multiple outreach efforts informed the development of a comprehensive vision for
the Downtown Specific Plan. Goals were developed based on the vision across each of the topics addressed in this specific plan to guide future development in Downtown Taft. This chapter includes the vision for future development in
Downtown Taft. Detailed below are the vision, themes, goals, and policies.
2.2 Vision
The DTSP is designed to include a dynamic mix of land uses, ensuring a healthy and balanced community that celebrates the history and culture of the area. Residential, commercial, employment, and recreational opportunities are linked
together through safe streets, connected trails, recreational districts, and a range of housing options.
The Specific Plan creates an inviting atmosphere in
Downtown Taft by identifying ways to attract and retain commercial, retail, housing opportunities, and expand upon the City’s rich history with energy and oil. A special focus of the Specific Plan area includes the ‘Rails to Trails’ connection and Oil Worker Monument. The Specific Plan identifies ways to build upon this history while providing economic growth and housing development through the use of connected
corridors. The landscaping and architectural details reflect a connection with the oil workers history and provides a
unique identity that attracts local residents and visitors to live, shop, dine, work, and recreate in Downtown Taft.
Fox Theatre, Downtown Taft
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2.3 Themes
Achieving the vision for Downtown Taft requires a set of goals and policies that outline strategies to implement change. The goals and policies provide tangible steps and/or actions to achieve the vision for Downtown Taft. As outlined below, the goals and policies are structured around four different core themes from the vision. Under each theme are a set of goals supported by policies that give the City measurable and implementable actions intended to help
accomplish that goal.
The four themes are:
• Strong Economy
• Sustainable Development
• Active Community
• Community Character
Strong Economy: The City of Taft strives to create a robust and diversified economy that provides community members with a range of employment opportunities and resiliency and
adaptability to market changes. The strong economy goals seek to retain existing businesses and attract new business to the area to stimulate job creation, particularly in Downtown Taft.
Sustainable Development: The Downtown Taft Specific Plan is the foundation for the growth of smart and sustainable housing and improvements to mobility, connectivity, and in the Downtown area. The sustainable development goals seek to promote the creation of housing; both diverse and affordable, assess the infrastructure needs to accommodate growth and ensure that Taft is accessible both locally and regionally.
Active Community: The City of Taft is committed to enhancing its parks, trails, and recreational amenities to promote an active community in Downtown Taft. The introduction of additional housing units will lead to enhancement and greater use of these facilities. The active community goals seek to promote the health and well-being of the community, encourage social interaction, and build upon the Rails to Trails corridor with high quality recreation amenities and community education.
Community Character: The Downtown Taft Specific Plan aims to enhance and protect the community’s small town and historic character while attracting new investment and growth. The Community Character goals seek to preserve historic resources, promote historic architecture in Downtown areas, and celebrate and encourage arts and culture.
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2.4 Goals and Policies
The goals and policies provide the overarching direction for the Specific Plan, its implementation, and future
development within Downtown Taft. The goals and policies have been developed with support of the community,
business owners, and key stakeholders. Goals have been
attributed to the different themes in which to carry out the vision. Each goal is supported by policies that give the City measurable, implementable actions intended to help
accomplish that goal.
Theme 1: Strong Economy
Goal 1-1: Retain existing, and attract new businesses to drive economic development
Policies
1. Encourage expansion of existing businesses to serve the needs of the community and provide employment
opportunities for residents in Downtown Taft.
2. Work with small businesses to support, retain, and grow the local economy by connecting them with resources available to support their creation and growth.
3. Promote the City of Taft and its available commercial and industrial opportunities as desirable places for businesses to locate and identify economic incentives that can be utilized to attract these businesses to Taft.
4. Explore opportunities to partner with local schools or other educational organizations to offer programs that provide vocational/trade training, internships, and other work
opportunities for residents.
5. Develop a focused economic development plan for
Downtown Taft that targets business and industry that are well-suited to the area and provides incentives to attract and retain these businesses.
Goal 1-2: Achieve economic diversification through a mix of shops and services for residents and visitors.
Policies:
1. Encourage new and existing developments to incorporate street-activating commercial uses to attract residents and visitors to shop locally.
2. Encourage a range of commercial uses in the Downtown area such as retail, restaurant, and office activities.
3. Promote the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of buildings in the Downtown area by streamlining the City approval
processes to reduce the time, costs of permits and other processes to encourage development.
4. Provide a range of spaces at affordable rates for businesses of all sizes, including small local businesses and start-ups, to encourage residents to invest in Taft.
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Commercial Building on the Corner of Center Street and 4th Street Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 23
2.0 VISION, THEMES, GOALS AND POLICIES
Rails to Trails Corridor looking towards Main Street and 5th Street Plaza Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 24
2.0 VISION, THEMES, GOALS AND POLICIES
Theme 2: Active Community
Goal 2-1: Create High-Quality Recreation Opportunities
Policies:
1. Collaborate with the development community to
incorporate high-quality recreation opportunities with
future developments.
2. Require the provision of, and connection to, high-quality recreation and public realm amenities and enhancements in all new development.
3. Identify potential trail enhancements green space and path connections from the existing Rails-to-Trails corridor to other parts of Downtown Taft and the surrounding
neighborhoods.
4. Support the development of an outdoor amphitheater that can be used for performances, events and exhibition of local art and artists.
Goal 2-2: Facilitate Health + Wellness Initiatives
Policies:
1. Collaborate with local agencies to identify the needs of individuals of all abilities and backgrounds in Downtown Taft, and provide resources to support their health,
wellbeing, and wellness.
2. Support the creation of a regular farmers’ market in Downtown Taft. The market is to operate as a catalyst,
activating indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing residents into the Downtown Core, supporting local farmers and
artisans, and increasing access to healthy food options.
3. Pursue the establishment of events in Downtown Taft that promote community health, wellbeing, and wellness.
4. Support housing construction practices, where initiated by developers, that are free from asbestos, volatile organic compounds, and other hazardous chemicals.
5. Encourage the rehabilitation and retrofitting of substandard buildings to improve health outcomes of occupants.
Goal 2-3: Active Streets and Plazas for residents and visitors to gather
Policies:
1. Encourage entertainment, dining, cultural uses, and other social gathering spaces throughout Downtown Taft to
activate the Downtown Core, draw visitors from the region and serve the residents of Taft.
2. Encourage pedestrian oriented streetscapes that provide features of public interest, such as lighting, art, water features and other amenities to draw residents and visitors to walk main street and interact with businesses in the Downtown Core.
3. Support the establishment of al-fresco dining areas and varied outdoor seating options within the public realm while maintaining efficient pedestrian movement in these areas.
4. Allow entertainers such as street performers, musicians and artists displays at specific locations within Downtown to active public areas.
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5th Street Plaza from Main Street
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Theme 3: Sustainable Development
Goal 3-1: Strong mix of compatible land uses in Downtown Taft
Policies:
1. Encourage a diverse range of uses including housing, office, retail, community facilities and services, and lodging to support residents and visitors of Taft.
2. Support horizontal and vertical mixed use in the Downtown Core and transitional areas to provide housing in proximity to retail, employment, and other services to allow residents to live, work and shop near one another.
3. Prioritize infill and mixed-use development to activate the Downtown Core through incentives.
4. Locate new development near existing services and
infrastructure.
5. Support the development of a variety community facilities, recreational opportunities and other amenities that will serve the community.
Goal 3-2: A diverse range of housing opportunities
Policies:
1. Encourage new developments to include a variety of housing options for all age groups and income levels by providing a variety of different floor plans and housing sizes.
2. Support a range of housing types in the plan area, including but not limited to single family, multi-family, live-work units.
3. Increase and maintain the affordable housing supply in Downtown Taft by supporting a range of housing types,
including smaller units, live-work units and other innovative housing types, designs, and techniques.
4. Incentivize the development of affordable housing units with sources such as tax credit programs, public-private
partnerships, and other innovative funding sources.
5. Implement development standards for the Downtown Taft area that promotes building and site design that is inviting and fits the area.
6. Develop an assessment of needs that identifies areas of housing need in Downtown Taft.
Goal 3-3: Sustainable infrastructure systems throughout Downtown Taft
Policies:
1. Assess and identify any infrastructure that needs upgrading or improvements to ensure that all the Downtown Core can accommodate growth and any new developments in
Downtown Taft have adequate water, sanitary sewer,
stormwater facilities and other critical infrastructure.
2. Incorporate sustainable stormwater management
techniques into new developments such as bio-swales,
rainwater collection systems and other techniques to
manage stormwater runoff.
3. Support renewable energy technologies on new
development to promote energy conservation.
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4. Encourage new development to utilize current
telecommunication technology.
5. Where practical, support the separation of grey water from wastewater and utilize this grey water in landscaping
around developments.
6. Encourage the use of low-flow devices such as shower heads and taps in new developments to conserve fresh water.
Goal 3-4: A safe, convenient, and accessible mobility network for all ages and abilities
Policies:
1. Create Complete Streets in Downtown Taft that support multi-modal transportation systems.
2. Provide bike infrastructure such as racks and repair stations in the public realm throughout Downtown.
3. Activate alley and mid-block paths using art, lighting, landscaping, and other design techniques to provide more safe, comfortable, and inviting options for pedestrians and bicyclists.
4. Implement the Citywide wayfinding system highlighting the unique locations in Downtown Taft and connections to the greater Taft area.
5. Encourage bike share facilities to increase accessibility for residents.
6. Build upon and expand the existing bus service to provide more frequency to and from destinations.
7. Improve the pedestrian network by enhancing existing sidewalks and constructing new sidewalks and facilities where they currently do not exist.
8. Enhance and expand the bicycle network within Downtown Taft and linkages to other parts of the City.
Wayfinding along Rails to Trails
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Commercial Building, Downtown Taft
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Theme 4: Community Character
Goal 4-1: Preserve and enhance the historic and cultural heritage of Downtown Taft
Policies:
1. Create development standards for the Downtown area that preserve existing historic architecture and ensures that new development integrates the historic framework of the area.
2. Create historic districts or places that celebrate the history and culture of Downtown Taft and serve as places of
learning and are destinations for residents and visitors.
3. Provide quality wayfinding and signage throughout the Downtown Core that identifies key locations, destinations and improves the accessibility of the Downtown area and articulates and demonstrates Taft’s history.
Goal 4-2: Provide support for increased public safety
measures in Downtown Taft.
Policies:
1. Provide pedestrian-scaled lighting on all streets in Downtown Taft.
2. Encourage building orientation towards the street
3. Encourage activation of the public realm through the establishment of community events, pop-up cafes or food trucks and/or and festivals to bring eyes-on-the-street in the Downtown area.
4. Support development that utilizes design outcomes that provide opportunities for passive surveillance.
5. Encourage storefront window design that promotes
practicable sightlines between indoor and outdoor
environments, while allowing for the concurrent advertising of goods and services.
Goal 4-3: Support, encourage and develop Taft’s Arts and Culture Community
Policies:
1. Encourage public art projects within public spaces
throughout the Downtown area, and encourage public art
on private properties, such as murals.
2. Partner with community members to provide arts, cultural programs, and events to celebrate and promote the history and diversity of the Taft area.
3. Utilize arts and culture to engage youth and expand
programs and events in Downtown Taft.
4. Allow and support special events conducted by local
organizations and residents to showcase the arts and
culture of Taft.
5. Promote art as a placemaking tool to activate public spaces.
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3.1 Overview
This chapter outlines and describes the Land Use Plan for the Downtown Taft Specific Plan which acts as the policy and regulatory framework for the development and use of land in the Plan Area. The overall goals of the Land Use Plan are to encourage new housing opportunities, improve economic vibrancy, and allow for flexibility in the use and
implementation as Downtown Taft develops over time. The Land Use chapter sets forth the standards for how those goals are achieved.
The Plan Area comprises a mixture of commercial,
residential, light industrial and vacant land. Residential neighborhoods are located to the north, south and west
while light industrial activities operate to the east. Given the wide range of activities occurring within the area and the availability of vacant land, a significant opportunity is presented to promote a mix of land uses that provide a
range of community services and activity nodes desired by the community.
This chapter also contains the Development Standards for the Specific Plan area. The requirements of this Chapter supersede the requirements of the Planning and Zoning Title of the City of Taft Municipal Code (Title VI).
If there is a conflict between the regulations provided in the Planning and Zoning Ordinance and this Specific Plan, the regulations provided in the Specific Plan shall prevail. Where direction is not provided in this Specific Plan; the provisions of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance shall prevail.
3.2 Downtown Taft Land Use
Plan
The Downtown Taft Specific Plan provides for a mix of land uses designed to achieve the overarching vision and goals of increasing housing, creating a thriving, healthy and balanced community with an economically diverse Downtown urban
environment. As shown in Figure 3-1, the approximately 212- acre area is comprised of eight land use designations
focused on encouraging compatible development that
brings activity to the Downtown Core complemented with
nearby recreation opportunities.
To improve cohesiveness of development and vibrancy of
the Downtown environment, the Plan sets forth a transition of intensities. The DTSP builds upon the existing pedestrianscaled grid-block pattern and includes the most dense/intense development in the Downtown Core, with
lower density development radiating out toward the edge of the plan area. The DTSP land use plan introduces two
distinct Mixed-Use districts, Downtown Core and Downtown Transition. The Downtown Core is intended to encourage
vertical high density residential and commercial uses,
supplemented by high-quality public spaces that in turn will create a unique Downtown main street look and feel. The Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 34
3.0 LAND USE
Downtown Transition in comparison encourages a lower
intensity horizontal development pattern, creating a
transition to the existing lower density residential
neighborhoods to the north and south, while still allowing a wide variety of uses. The differences in standards, intensities and scales between these mixed-use designations are
intended to create an inclusive Downtown area that
welcomes a variety of housing types and businesses in turn attracting a variety of people from different backgrounds. In addition to the mixed-use districts, the DTSP also puts particular emphasis on providing workforce housing. A LiveWork designation is provided in proximity to the Downtown Core that encourages residents to build and grow local
businesses, with the opportunity to live above their
workspace. Again, this use diversifies the opportunities for residents both in terms of housing and employment.
To graphically show what types of development these
mixed-use areas (in particular the downtown transition land use) could support in the future; three graphic renderings have been created. See Figure 3-2 Conceptual View of
Downtown Taft, Figure 3-3: Downtown Transition
Designation Product Type Example - Townhome and Figure
3-4: Downtown Transition Designation Product Type
Example - Apartments. These renderings show examples of potential development in the downtown, including
townhome and apartment product types, how these
product types could look, how they interact with the existing downtown framework of trails and buildings, and they
provide context for the scale and density of buildings
allowed in the DTSP area. See Figure 3-1: Land Use Plan for greater detail on the location of the Downtown Transition land use and other land uses within the DTSP area.
The land use designations shall be consulted in tandem with the development standards included in Section 3.6 below, and design standards and guidelines, detailed in Chapter 4 – Design Guidelines to ensure intended development
intensity. The development standards and guidelines for building heights, building frontages, and other urban design elements shall further ensure development is cohesive and well-integrated.
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Figure 3-1: Land Use Plan
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Figure 3-2: Conceptual View of Downtown Taft
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Figure 3-3: Downtown Transition Designation Product Type Example - Townhome Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 38
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Figure 3-4: Downtown Transition Designation Product Type Example - Apartment Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 39
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3.3 Land Use Designations and Zones
This section provides a description of the land use designations and zones within the DTSP. The locations of the below land use designations and zones are depicted on the Land Use Plan shown in Figure 3-1. Dwelling units per acre (du/ac) for each land use designation is included in each title description and described below in the development standards. Existing zoning is replaced with development standards of the specific plan and therefore supersedes the City of Taft Zoning Map for the Specific Plan area.
Downtown Core Mixed Use (DC-MU) – 25-40 du/ac
The core area of Downtown Taft is generally located between North Street to the north, 2nd Street to the east, Main Street to the south and 7th Street to the west and is intended to be the heart of where people live, work, shop and dine in Taft. The Downtown Core Mixed Use (DC-MU) land use designation provides flexibility by allowing a combination of commercial and residential uses within Taft’s Downtown Core that complement each other, creating a vibrant space for residents to enjoy. Developments within the DC-MU land use will grow vertically rather than horizontally and must respect the history and culture of the Downtown area by reflecting the historic architecture and design.
Downtown Transition Mixed Use (DT-MU) – 15-30 du/ac
The intent of the Downtown Transition Mixed Use (DT-MU) land use designation is to provide less intense, neighborhood-scaled mixed-use development that creates a transition into the Downtown Core. The DTMU land use designation allows for a combination of commercial and residential uses, similar to the DC-MU, however, it is intended that developments will grow horizontally instead of vertically to provide a transition between the Downtown Core and surrounding neighborhoods.
While development in the DT-MU must still respect the history and culture of the Downtown area, there is greater flexibility in architectural types encouraged in this transition area.
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Medium Density Residential (MDR) – 12-24 du/ac
The intent of the Medium Density Residential (MDR) land use designation is to provide a range of housing types and therefore a range in level of affordability for residents in an urban setting. This designation is important for providing workforce housing. This designation allows for a mix of small lot single and multi-family detached and attached residential uses, including duplex, triplex, or multi-plex, townhomes, courtyard or motor court housing, and other types of residential developments. The MDR land use provides a transition in residential densities between the Downtown Core and surrounding residential neighborhoods. In addition to the residential uses above, the MDR land use also allows for limited neighborhood commercial uses such as convenience stores, restaurants, and other neighborhood-serving uses.
Live-Work Mixed Use (LW-MU) – 10-20 du/ac
The intent of the Live-Work Mixed Use (LW-MU) land use designation is to provide workforce housing immediately above, adjacent to, or near employment. The majority of the area designated as LW-MU is intended to be made up of live-work housing such as shopkeeper units, but also supports infill development between the existing single-family, duplex, and multi-family developments. Live-work housing is generally described as a residential unit on the second floor above a commercial/office workspace, with both the commercial/office and the residential component being occupied by the same resident. The LW-MU is strategically located between the Downtown Core and the office and medical land uses to allow residents easy access to goods, services, and entertainment.
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Commercial (C)
The intent of the Commercial (C) land use designation is to provide for a range of locally serving commercial uses that will provide a wide variety of retail, wholesale, and service uses such as automobile service, eating/drinking establishments, entertainment facilities, retail, office, service establishments and other commercial uses.
Light Industrial (LI)
The intent of the Light Industrial (LI) land use designation is to provide suitable locations for manufacturing, research and development, warehousing and distribution, and multi-tenant industrial uses in the eastern area of Downtown Taft. The LI land use designation also supports administrative and professional offices and commercial activities on a limited basis. These uses must be generally compatible with those in nearby commercial and residential zones, and not produce substantial environmental nuisances such as noise, odor, dust/smoke, or glare. New development in the areas designated as LI shall include high-quality development standards, such as adequate buffering from less-intensive land uses and access to major transportation routes for truck traffic.
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Office-Medical (O-M)
The intent of the Office Medical (O-M) land use designation is to provide opportunities for expansion of professional offices, medical facilities, supportive care, and other compatible uses.
Open Space (OS)
The intent of the Open Space (OS) land use designation is to build upon the current active and passive recreational spaces in Downtown Taft. The OS designation generally includes community and neighborhood parks, gardens, linear parks, and trails. Typical building types include park restrooms or other ancillary structures such as recreation centers, and community centers. New development along the existing Rails to Trails greenway corridor shall integrate into the open space network.
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3.4 Affordable Housing
There are a number of state laws and local policies and programs available to jurisdictions to support and
incentivize affordable housing. In particular, the State Density Bonus Law and California Senate Bill 35 provide developers incentives to build affordable housing.
The Pro-Forma Analysis (Appendix A) prepared on two sites in the DTSP area, determined that market rate housing
would require some level of financial support, or gap
financing in order to result in a financially viable rate of return under the current market conditions. This financial viability may change as the Downtown area continues to
grow and revitalize or as market conditions such as interest rates change. Recognizing the significant financial challenges on residential development, the DTSP does not set forth any requirements for developers to provide affordable housing or pay in-lieu fees for affordable housing.
Instead, to encourage affordable housing both now and in the future as market conditions change, the DTSP outlines the following incentives that could be utilized by developers to incorporate affordable housing into their development.
In order to utilize the affordable housing incentives in this section, development must meet the following
requirements:
• At least ten percent (10%) of the total dwelling units in the development must be affordable.
• The affordable units must be available for persons
whose income level does not exceed 80% of the
median income level as identified by the Kern County
Housing Authority.
• The units are subject to affordability covenants for a minimum of 55 years.
The requirement to provide affordable housing units can be met in any of the following ways:
• On the same site as the proposed project; or
• On a site different from the proposed project, so long as that site is located within the Downtown Taft
Specific Plan area.
3.4.1 Streamlined Approval Process
The project approval process typically adds considerable time and thereby expense to development projects.
Reducing or eliminating review cycles for affordable projects could materially increase the viability of residential projects within the Downtown area. New development in the DTSP
area may choose to set aside at least ten percent (10%) of the total dwelling units in the development as affordable housing. Future development that set aside 10% or higher affordable units would be entitled to expedite processing of the project through the City of Taft. Under normal
processing timelines, discretionary review can take between 90-180 days. The expedited review process would shorten the timeline to 60-90 days.
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3.4.2 Permit Fees Reduction
The project processing and permit fees are often a burden on development projects. New development within the
DTSP area that incorporate at least ten percent (10%) of the total dwelling units in the development as affordable
housing would be entitled to waiving 20% of the total fee.
3.4.3 Density Bonus
A project proposing the following affordable housing ratios for low-income persons will be eligible for up to the following graduated density bonus:
• 10% affordable housing units = 20% density bonus;
or
• 15% affordable housing units = 30% density bonus;
or
• 20% affordable housing units = 40% density bonus if
a supplemental transportation analysis is completed.
Example of Affordable Housing
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Pioneer Mercantile Building, Downtown Taft
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3.5 Allowable Uses
Table 3-1 establishes which land uses are permitted (P), Permitted with a Director’s Permit (DP) or conditionally permitted (C) within each of the Specific Plan land use designations. In the City of Taft, a permitted use requires approval of a site plan by the Planning Commission, a
Director’s Permit requires approval by the Planning Director, and a conditionally permitted use requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which requires approval by the Planning
Commission.
Generally, a use not expressly listed should be considered not allowed within the DTSP area. However, if a use has been omitted that is similar in terms of character, intensity, and scale as a listed use of this Specific Plan, then the Director shall be responsible to make a determination to include or omit the proposed use. The decision would be based on if the proposed use is substantially similar in character and intensity of development intended for the DTSP.
See Chapter 8: Implementation, for more details on
substantial conformance. If determined in conformance, the use would be subject to the permit process that governs the category in which it falls. Unless the proposed use is
determined to be similar to a listed use, it shall be a prohibited use. Land uses listed in Table 3-1 without a “P” or “C” identified under a particular land use designation shall be considered a prohibited use.
Existing Crosswalk, Downtown Taft
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Table 3-1: Allowed Uses
MDR C DC-MU DT-MU LW-MU O-M LI OS
Accessory Uses:
Accessory uses and structures
located on the same site as a use
permitted subject to a conditional
use permit
P P P P P P P
Watchman/caretaker living quarters
only when incidental to and on the
same site as a permitted or
conditional use (where 24-hour
surveillance is required)
C
Commercial Uses:
Ambulance service P P P P
Auction houses C P
Automotive and light truck sales P P P
Automotive service, and repair C P
Automotive rental agencies
(including outdoor storage)
C C C C
Automotive washing (self- or full
service)
P P
Bail bond services DP DP DP DP
Boat and RV (sales only) P C P
Cocktail lounge/bar C C C C
Commercial recreational facilities
(indoor)
P P P P
Commercial recreational facilities
(outdoor)
C C C C
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Table 3-1: Allowed Uses
MDR C DC-MU DT-MU LW-MU O-M LI OS
Electronic coin operated games
(commercial operated) 5 or more
games
C C C P
Electronic coin operated games
(commercial operated) less than 5
games
DP DP DP DP
Flexi-space commercial DP DP DP DP
Home improvement and hardware
stores (with outdoor storage)
P P P P
Hotels, Bed, and breakfast C P P P C
Kennel and catteries C
Seasonal pop-up DP DP DP
Market, Grocery/Supermarket P P P
Market, Liquor C C C P
Market, Convenience C DP DP DP
Mini storage (for public use) P
Miniature golf courses DP C C P
Mortuaries C
Motorcycle shops (sales and
service)
P C P P
Parking facilities (off site) C P C C P
Personal Services, General C P P P P DP
Personal Services, Fitness/Health
Facility
DP DP DP DP DP
Personal Services, Instructional DP DP DP DP DP
Restaurants, sit-down C P P P P C C
Restaurant, take-out P P P P
Restaurant, drive-thru C C C
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Table 3-1: Allowed Uses
MDR C DC-MU DT-MU LW-MU O-M LI OS
Retail Sales, New Retail P P P P C C
Retail Sales, Used/Pawn P P P C
Shopping centers (small) DP DP
Theaters, including both motion
picture and live performing arts
P P P P
Tobacco shop and private smoking
lounge
C C C C
Veterinary offices and animal
hospitals, including exterior
kennels, pens or runs
C C C C
Home Occupations:
Home occupations P P P P
Manufacturing Uses:
Bottling plants P
Food preparation P P P P P
General manufacturing of goods
including electronics and carpentry
C
Design and Services DP DP DP DP P
Laboratories: chemical, dental,
electrical, optical, mechanical, and
medical
C P
Pharmaceuticals: cosmetics, drugs,
perfumes, toiletries, and soap (not
including refining or rendering of
fats or oils)
P P
Office and Related Uses:
Offices P P P P P P
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Table 3-1: Allowed Uses
MDR C DC-MU DT-MU LW-MU O-M LI OS
Financial services and institutions P P P P P
Medical, dental, and related health
services for humans, including
clinics, laboratories, and the sale of
articles clearly incidental to services
provided
P P P P P
Prescription pharmacies when
located within a building containing
the offices of medical practitioners
P P P P P
Public/Quasi-Public Uses:
Amphitheater and Auditoriums C C C
Places of assembly including
churches, synagogues, mosques,
temples, clubs, lodges, fraternities,
and sororities
DP DP DP DP DP DP
Communication and
telecommunication facilities (not
including radio and television)
C C C C
Hospitals C C
Convention hall, trade show, exhibit
building with incidental food
services
C C C C
Educational institutions, including
daycare facilities (public and private
and vocation schools)
DP DP DP DP DP DP
Fire and police stations P P P P P P
Post Office branch C P P P P
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Table 3-1: Allowed Uses
MDR C DC-MU DT-MU LW-MU O-M LI OS
Public administration buildings,
civic centers, and utility services
offices
P P P P P
Public libraries and museums C P P P C C
Public parks and recreation, unless
project otherwise entails a public
hearing, then permitted
DP DP DP DP DP
Public utility and public service
substations, reservoirs, drainage
sumps, pumping plants,
transmission lines and similar
installations, not including public
utility offices, unless project
otherwise entails a public hearing
C C C C C
Recreational vehicle parks C P
Residential care facility (per State
law)
DP DP DP DP
Transportation facilities P P P P P P
Residential Uses:
Board and care facility (12 or more
residents)
C P
Boarding/rooming house (7 or
more residents)
C C
Convalescent care C C C C P
Emergency shelter P P P P P P
Multi-family dwellings P C P P P
Senior congregate care, assisted
living
C P P P P
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Table 3-1: Allowed Uses
MDR C DC-MU DT-MU LW-MU O-M LI OS
Senior independent living C
Single-family dwelling P
Single-family residential
attached
P P P
Supportive housing P P P
Transitional housing P C C P
Temporary Uses:
Temporary uses P P P P P P P P
Other Uses:
Other uses similar to, and no more objectionable than, the uses identified above, may be permitted subject to approval by the Planning Commission
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3.6 Development Standards
The Development Standards contained in Table 3-2 are
intended to help achieve the vision for the DTSP by setting standards for future development within the plan area. The following development standards apply to future public
improvements and private development in the Plan Area.
These standards also address the design of new buildings and renovations to existing structures.
3.7 Parking Requirements
Table 3-3: Parking Standards below provides parking
standards for uses within the DTSP area. If a use is not identified within the table, then the City of Taft Zoning Ordinance shall apply. Where an application using the
parking standards of this Chapter will result in a fractional space, the fraction shall be rounded to the next lower whole number.
Existing Commercial Building, Downtown Taft
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Table 3-2: Development Standards Table
The following table outlines the development standards for each land use designation in the Downtown Taft Specific Plan area. 1 FAR = Floor Area Ratio; DU/AC = Dwelling Unit Per Acre 2 Upper Story Step backs apply. Any portion of the structure exceeding 30 feet in height shall be stepped back from the side property line 5 feet 3 Where abutting an alley, a zero-foot (0’) rear setback shall apply 4 Where abutting existing residential uses, the rear setback shall be increased by 5 feet Land Use
Description
Target
Density
(FAR or
DU/AC)1
Minimum
Lot Area
(Square
Feet)
Minimum
Lot Width
(Feet)
Minimum
Lot Depth
(Feet)
Setbacks2
(Feet) Maximum
Building
Height
Frontage
Minimum Requirements
Front
Minimum
Interior
Side
Minimum
Street
Side
Minimum
Rear3
Medium Density
Residential (MDR) 12-24 2,500 SF 25’ 100’ 10’ 5’ 5’ 5’ 45’ or 3 stories See Section
3.11 Commercial (C) 1.0 5,000 SF 25’ 100’ - 3’ - 3’ 45’ or 3 stories
See Section
3.11 Downtown Core
Mixed Use (DC-MU) 25-40 2,500 SF 25’ 100’ - - - - 45’ or 4 stories See Section
3.11 Downtown
Transition Mixed
Use (DT-MU)
15-30 2,500 SF 25’ 100’ 10’ 5’ 5’ 5’ 45’ or 4
stories
See Section
3.11 Live-Work Mixed
Use (LW-MU) 10-20 2,500 SF 25’ 100’ - 5’ 5’ 5’ 35’ See Section 3.11 Office-Medical (OM) 1.0 15,000 SF 100’ 100’ 10’ 10’ 5’ 10’3 35’ - Light Industrial (LI) 1.0 15,000 SF 75’ 100’ 15’ 10’ 15’ 10’4 50’ - Open Space (OS) 0.10 1 acre 100’ 200’ 20’ 10’ 20’ 10’ 30’ - Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 55
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Table 3-3: Parking Standards
Allowed Use Minimum Off Street Parking Requirements
Commercial Uses:
Automobile (including motorcycle) repair and services 1 space per 600 square feet of gross floor area or 3 spaces per bay, whichever is greater
Automobile, boat, and RV sales (including motorcycle) 1 space per 600 square feet of gross floor area and 2 spaces per service bay (if applicable)
Automobile washing (self- service) 1 space per 2 washing stalls Bank, savings, and loan (including bail bonds) 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area Cocktail lounge/bar 1 space per 100 square feet of drinking and dining Eating and drinking facility with or without
take out facilities
1 space per 100 square feet of gross dining area, not
including outdoor dining
Flex-space commercial (including pop ups) 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area Furniture, major appliances, and home improvement stores 1 space per 600 square feet of gross floor area Hotels/Bed and breakfast inns 1 space per unit, 1 space for the manager and 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area of other uses
Kennels and catteries 1 space for the manager, 1 space per 8 pets capacity for boarding on site
Market (all use types as defined in Appendix B) 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area Mini Storage 5 spaces, plus 1 space per 75 units
Mortuaries 1 space per 5 seats, plus funeral procession of queue capacity for 5 cars
Personal services (all types as defined in Appendix B) 1 space per 500 square feet of gross floor area Pharmacy 1 space per 300 gross square feet of floor area Retail Sales 1 space per 450 square feet of gross floor area Office Uses:
Administrative, business, professional 1 space per 450 square feet of gross floor area Government (including post offices) 1 space per 600 square feet of gross floor area Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 56
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Table 3-3: Parking Standards
Allowed Use Minimum Off Street Parking Requirements
Home occupation/office No parking requirements above residential requirements Educational Uses:
Business and trade schools 1 space per each 5-person capacity, or 1 space per 300 gross square feet of floor area, whichever is greater
Entertainment and Recreation Uses:
Arcades, games, coin operated games 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area Commercial Recreation Facility, Indoor (Bowling alleys, billiard halls)
2 spaces per alley or billiard table. Restaurant, arcade, or other accessory uses computed separately.
Commercial Recreation Facility, Outdoor (miniature golf, skating rinks, tennis, pickleball, handball and racquetball facilities)
1 space per miniature golf hole.
2 spaces per tennis, pickleball, handball and racquetball court
10 spaces per basketball courts or skating rinks
1 space per 300 square feet for any clubhouse or admin
building or common areas.
Neighborhood parks 5 spaces for the first 2 acres, plus 1 additional space per acre
Places of public assembly not including places of worship (Auditoriums, Amphitheaters, Auction houses, Convention halls)
1 space per 5 seats or 1 space per 100 gross square feet where there are no fixed seats
Theaters, movie 5 spaces plus 1 space per 3 fixed seats Industrial Uses:
Manufacturing
1 space per 600 gross square feet of floor area
devoted to manufacturing, plus the required amount of
parking for gross square footage devoted to other uses
Research and development (including laboratories and
pharmaceuticals) 1 space per 300 gross square feet of floor area Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 57
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Table 3-3: Parking Standards
Allowed Use Minimum Off Street Parking Requirements
Medical and Health Services:
Convalescent and nursing homes 1 space per 3 beds and 1 space per 2 employees on largest shift
Daycare, preschools, nursery schools, family
daycare, residential care homes:
Daycare centers 1 space per 6 clients and 1 space per employee on largest shift
Family daycare homes 1 space per employee on the largest shift and applicable residential requirements as outlined in this table.
Residential care homes 1 space per bed and additional parking regulations apply for other uses (offices etc.)
Hospitals 0.75 spaces per 1 bed
Medical and dental offices and clinics, emergency rooms 1 space per 300 gross square feet of floor area Veterinary clinics and offices 1 space per 600 gross floor area Civic Uses:
Libraries, museums, galleries 1 space per 600 square feet of gross floor area Places of worship
1 space per 5 seats or 1 space per 100 square feet of gross assembly/viewing area and 1 space per 600 square feet of non-assembly areas or ancillary uses.
Public utilities/communication facilities 1 space per 450 square feet of gross floor area Residential Uses:
Board and care facilities 1 space per 3 residents
Boarding/rooming house 1 space per room, plus 2 spaces
Live-work units 1 space per unit and 1 space per 300 square feet of floor are used by nonresident employees or customers
Multi-family dwellings:
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Table 3-3: Parking Standards
Allowed Use Minimum Off Street Parking Requirements
Residential parking
Studio: 1 space per unit
1 bedroom: 1 space per unit
2 bedrooms: 1.5 spaces per unit
3+ bed: 2 spaces per unit
Guest parking 0.25 per unit over 11 units; no guest parking for 10 or less units
Senior housing; congregate
care:
Resident parking 0.5 per unit with 1 guest space per every 4 beds and 1 space per 2 employees on largest shift
Guest parking 0.25 spaces per unit
Senior housing; independent living:
Resident parking 1 space per unit
Guest parking 0.25 spaces per unit
Single-family dwelling 2 spaces per unit1
Supportive Housing 1 space per unit
Transitional Housing 1 space per unit
Accessory Uses:
Accessory Uses No parking required
Watchman/caretaker living quarters 1 space per caretaker 1 For projects that propose conversion of a garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, the required number of parking spaces for the primary Single Family Residential unit must be maintained and must be provided on the property. There are no additional parking requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units.
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3.8 Parking Incentives The following parking incentives are intended to reduce parking in certain circumstances in the DTSP area in order to encourage development investment and increase
alternative mobility within the Plan area. Figure 3-5 shows the location of parking and transit stops within Downtown Taft.
Transit Credit: If the project is within a 1,000-foot radius of a transit stop then parking may be reduced up to 10% of the minimum spaces required.
Shared Parking: Shared parking recognizes that parking
spaces can serve two or more individual land uses without conflict or overlap. Shared parking may be utilized
throughout the DTSP area. A shared parking agreement
must be created between interested parties and submitted to the Planning & Development Services Director. Shared parking may be considered for residential uses and retail, manufacturing, auto service, office, and transit uses in Downtown Taft.
Downtown Core: To support the economic viability of
development in Downtown Taft, uses located within the
Downtown Core area of the DTSP are eligible for up to 10% reduction in parking. This incentive may supplement any other incentive the development may be eligible for and shall not preclude the usage of multiple incentives.
Tandem Parking: In certain cases, tandem parking may be used to meet parking requirements for new development
projects. In the case of residential development, tandem parking can be implemented by providing one regular
parking space and one tandem parking space for an
individual dwelling unit requiring two parking spaces; for commercial development, tandem parking works best for
attendant-assisted or valet parking.
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Figure 3-5: Downtown Taft Transit and Parking
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3.9 Lot Size Examples
The examples below show examples of typical lot sizes in Downtown Taft and appropriate lot coverage based on the intensity of the development. In all cases landscaping should be incorporated into the design, layout, and parking of the development.
Small Lot Size Medium Lot Size Large Lot Size
Lot Size: 25’x125’ Lot Size: 75’x125’ Lot Size: 100’x125’ Small lot sizes such as the example
above can fit for development such as
townhomes and shopkeeper/adaptive
reuse type uses.
Medium lot sizes such as the example
above can be a great fit for developments
such as cottage courts, or duplex uses.
Large lot sizes are conducive to denser
products such as mixed use and multifamily uses such as motor courts or garden walk-up apartments.
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Best Western Plus Hotel, Downtown Taft
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3.10 Objective Design Standards
The following objective design standards are intended to create a cohesive, high-quality, pedestrian friendly design for Downtown Taft that attracts residents and businesses. In order to achieve this, new development must incorporate these standards into their design when developing within the DTSP area. Additional design guidelines that may be incorporated into new development are in Chapter 4.0.
3.10.1 Building Siting, Access &
Orientation
Orient building doors, windows, and entrances to relate directly to public and private streets, drives, paseos, greenways, and common open space amenities and
generally create an attractive presence.
• Provide direct access from ground level residential
units to streets and communal areas.
• Provide direct access from ground level commercial
to the primary street frontage.
• For sites greater than one acre in area, developments must incorporate informal outdoor gathering areas
and pedestrian nodes that can function as
community gathering spaces into the overall site
design. The space must be at a minimum 2% of the
site and shall include at least two of the following:
o Open Air Café with food service
o Covered arcade, colonnade, and/or veranda
Example of an Activated Street, El Cajon, CA
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o Recessed building entrance
o Pedestrian Paseo
o Plaza, courtyard, or terrace
o Community Garden area
o Play area
o Barbecue area
o Community building
• For sites with frontage on the Rails to Trails Linear Park, provide access to a common walkway/area that
connects the development to the park.
3.10.2 Circulation & Parking
• Minimize cross circulation between vehicles and
pedestrians by providing a continuous, clearly
marked walkway from the parking areas to main
entrances of buildings. The use of enhanced paving
for crosswalks and entries is encouraged (such as
concrete surface treatment, brick, terra-cotta, or
stone pavers).
• Provide walkways and/or corridors between
residences, parking areas, and all site facilities for
safe access. Pedestrian walkways in parking areas
should be provided, clearly identified, and made safe
and attractive through the use of hardscape design,
landscaping, and lighting.
• For sites greater than one acre in area, provide a
system of paths, sidewalks, corridors, and walkways
that are safe and pleasant pedestrian environments,
connect dwelling units and common areas, are wellintegrated with the surrounding neighborhood, and provide multiple pedestrian access points.
• Incorporate any two (2) or more of the following
design features in surface parking areas of the
development:
o Carports/ Shade Structures providing a
minimum of 50% shade covering for parking
area.
o A minimum 10-foot landscape area (trees,
shrubs, groundcover) at the exterior
perimeter of all parking lots. The 10-foot
landscape area may consist of existing and
established native and naturalized vegetation
and new container plant material consisting of
24-inch box trees and 1- and 5-gallon shrubs
and groundcover. New planting should
consist of a combination of small, medium,
and large-scale trees, shrubs, and
groundcover.
o One 24-inch box canopy shade tree for every
30 linear feet of parking area. Tree spacing
may be varied to accommodate site
conditions or design considerations; however,
the total number of trees calculated for all
parking areas shall be maintained.
o Where feasible, trees shall be oriented to
provide shade for the non-covered parking
areas.
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3.10.3 Building Scale, Massing and
Articulation
• Reduce the visual bulk of new development by
incorporating any three (3) of the following design
features:
o Frontage elements, such as bay windows,
porches, projecting eaves, awnings, and
similar elements, to add visual interest and
reduce the scale and mass of buildings. See
below for frontage examples.
o Blank walls without windows, doors, or other
articulation are strongly discouraged. The
maximum length of any blank wall shall be
limited to 15 feet.
o Accentuated building corners (this may be
achieved with architectural treatments, such
as a change in material, greater building
height at the corner, rounded or chamfered
building facades, pronounced building forms,
enhanced window treatments or projections -
such as awnings, trellises, parapets, roof
overhangs, etc.)
o Fenestration elements, such as recessed
windows, decorative panels and trim, color
accents, offsets, and framed openings to
reduce their visual bulk and scale.
o Patterned garage doors, painted trim, or
varied garage door colors.
o A change in materials and finishes, providing
at least three materials and finishes across the
building façade.
o A horizontal offset in the building plane
consisting of a minimum six-inch offset in the
building façade for every 30 feet of building
frontage.
o A ten-foot step back of the third floor.
o Blocks greater than 400-feet in length shall
include mid-block connections with
courtyards or public paseos.
3.10.4 Roofline Variation
• Provide variation in the roof lines of new
development through breaks in parapets, varied
parapet heights, pitched roofs, gabled roofs, and/or
mansard roofs.
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•
Example of Mixed Use with Varied Rooflines and Building Articulation, La Mesa, CA Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 67
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3.10.5 Building Materials, Finishes and
Colors
• Residential dwelling units, community facilities, and other structures shall provide a unified appearance
through a consistent use of building materials,
textures, and colors. Exterior columns or supports for
site elements, such as trellises and porches, shall
utilize materials and colors that are compatible with
the rest of the development. The color applied on
relief, decorative trim, and wood frames shall be
compatible with the overall building color.
• Materials such as brick, stone, copper, etc. shall be left in their natural colors. Veneer shall turn corners and avoid exposed edges.
• Paint and façade materials shall not use primary
colors except in approved business signage.
• Storefronts shall be of a non-reflective glazing.
Mirrored glazing is prohibited for all storefronts in
the DTSP area.
• Commercial buildings in the Downtown Core (Center
Street) shall be consistent with one of the following
architectural styles:
o American mercantile
o Craftsman
3.10.6 Sustainable Design Features
• Provide an appropriately sized, conveniently located, and accessible area on site for the storage and
disposal of recyclables (for recycling of paper, glass, plastic, and metal waste).
• Limit the amount of artificial light that is projected beyond the site and into high-traffic areas. Light
fixtures in parking areas shall be arranged and have
shielding to reduce ambient light spilling into
adjacent properties.
• Provide adequate, accessible, and conveniently
located bicycle parking and storage and
accommodate bicycle traffic within the development.
• To the extent feasible, provide roofing materials with a minimum 3-year aged solar reflection and thermal
emittance or solar reflection index equal to or greater than the values specified in the voluntary measures
under California Green Building Standards Code.
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• Provide low flow plumbing fixtures and fittings that
do not exceed the maximum flow rate specified in
Table A5.303.2.3.1 (voluntary measures) of the
California Green Building Standards Code and
Appliances and fixtures for commercial applications
that meet the provisions of Section A5.303.3
(voluntary measures) of the California Green Building
Standards Code.
3.10.7 Landscape Elements
Each development shall strategically locate landscape
elements to define and accentuate different areas of the neighborhood:
Edges
• Provide a unifying and three-tiered system of formal
and mature trees, dense rows of shrubs and
groundcover within the setback areas of
development.
Gateways
• Frame the project entrances with corner markers,
low garden walls, gateway signage, perennial color
accent landscape, and signature trees.
• Provide enhanced paving and landscape to
accentuate the entrance of the development.
Internal Drives
• Provide landscape at internal drives with a consistent species of low-level shrubs and groundcover
Example of Landscape Elements between Housing
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between bays of garage doors and on-street parking
spaces, with accent landscape planted at all corners
and bends.
Paseos & Courtyards
• The spaces between buildings that are not dedicated
to parking and drives may be designed as landscaped
paseos and courtyards, with highly connected paths
and planting schemes that match the size, character
and activity envisioned for the space.
• Landscape elements such as bushes, shrubs, flowers
shall be maintained at a height of no more than three
feet when located adjacent to pedestrian pathways
and building facades so that viewpoints are not
obstructed.
• Screen mechanical equipment, garages,
maintenance areas, and utilities with landscape
materials, such as vines, hedges, shrubs, berms, or
garden walls so that these are not exposed to view
from the street, major walkways, or residences within
the development.
• Provide clear, legible entry signage to identify each building. Clearly indicate internal circulation signage and visitor parking areas. For sites greater than one
acre in area, provide a directory and map that shows
the location of buildings and amenities within the
neighborhood.
Example of Housing Facing Pathways
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3.11 Frontage Requirements
The following images indicate acceptable frontage types in the DTSP area. One or a combination of these shall be utilized for new development within the DTSP.
Arcade, Colonnade, Gallery
A number of openings along the building façade that invite pedestrians into the space. Landscaping and/or streetscape elements are located between the façade and sidewalk.
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Balcony
An elevated space above the ground floor that includes space for furniture, and landscaping elements such as planters
Awning, Canopy, Marquee, Sunshade, Trellis
The building façade includes an architectural element such as an awning or trellis and landscaping or streetscape elements are incorporated between the building façade and sidewalk. This frontage type is typically utilized to indicate the entry to a commercial or multi-family entry, and provide shade to ground level storefronts, entries, and outdoor seating areas along south facing frontages Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 72
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Bay and Box Bay Window
A window projecting outward from the building façade that creates visual interest/architectural relief. Bay or Box Bay windows should be incorporated on the sides of buildings and generally not included on the main building façade.
Yard, Forecourt, Planter
A boxed in area between the building façade and the sidewalk that includes landscaping elements such as planters, gardens, fences etc. Yards such as these are typically seen with multi-family residential uses and create a forecourt area providing a sense of security, but still allowing visibility to the street. Yards are enclosed with a fence or other element that stops at the back of sidewalk. The fence/wall and gate materials should adhere to the design guidelines outlined in the DTSP.
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Porch, Patio
A ground floor space that defines the entrance to the building. The space may be fully or partially covered and include some landscaping elements or seating where appropriate.
Stoop
A ground level space that includes stairs to the main entrance on the building façade. An awning or shade structure can be included. The stoop materials and architectural design should be consistent with the main building.
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Example of an Arcade Design Feature: ‘Typewriter Co,’ El Cajon, CA This page has been left blank intentionally
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 76
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4.0 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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4.0 DESIGN GUIDELINES
4.1 Overview
This chapter sets forth the design guidelines to help achieve high-quality, well-designed development throughout the
DTSP area. The overall intent of these guidelines is to encourage design that accomplishes the desired vision for Downtown Taft that as described in Chapter 2. This vision comprises a Downtown area that is designed to include a dynamic mix of land uses, ensuring a healthy and balanced community that celebrates history and culture with
residential, commercial, employment, and recreational
opportunities that are linked together through safe streets, connected trails, recreational districts, and a range of housing options.
This chapter identifies the overarching design guidelines for the DTSP area, which are intended to be used in conjunction with Chapter 4.0: Land Use. All projects within the DTSP area are required to demonstrate consistency with this chapter.
4.2 General Design Policies
The general design guidelines will direct the design of public and private developments across all land use designations within the DTSP area.
Development across the DTSP area should be consistent
with the following general design policies:
• Buildings and development sites should be
thoughtfully designed, architecturally interesting and
appropriately scaled- in order to produce a highquality urban setting that promotes walkability and safety in the Downtown area.
• Buildings should be oriented towards the
streetscape, activating frontages, enhancing
pedestrian interaction, and be designed to integrate
with the public realm.
• Development should create attractive, high-quality
public realm spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian
oriented amenities that are safe, vibrant, and
accessible to all.
• Development should incorporate a network of safe
streets, parks, and civic spaces that supports and
promotes an active pedestrian environment and
activates alleyways.
• Development should contribute to a distinctive
identity for the Downtown area that recognizes Taft’s
historic industries.
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4.3 Site Design
Site design, or the general layout of a development on a site, determines the accessibility, connectivity, and attractiveness of that development. Enhancing site design and connectivity to the public realm in turn improves the way the community interacts and experiences the DTSP area. Development in the DTSP area should incorporate the following site design guidelines:
• Placement of structures should be sited in a manner
that will complement the adjacent structures.
• All sites should be developed and coordinated in a
manner to provide order and diversity.
• Where possible, visual linkages between structures
and their surroundings should be used such as
trellises, arcades, or other open space structures.
• Structures should be configured to minimize
pedestrian and vehicle conflicts on site.
• Structures within mixed use areas should consider
end-of-trip facilities for alternative modes of
transport such as cycling. These could include
storage racks, enclosed lock-up facilities, and bike
repair stations.
• Buildings should be sited to define the public realm
with façades aligned parallel to the street or open
space areas. Should buildings have dual public realm
frontages, they should provide dual orientation.
• Buildings in the mixed use and residential areas
should maintain a generally uniform setback from
the street with form variation provided by way of
architectural elements including entry setbacks.
• Buildings should be designed and oriented to
minimize energy consumption (overhangs, earth
berming against exterior walls, etc.).
4.4 Architectural Design
The overall design concept of Downtown Taft is that of a vibrant and healthy Downtown area that incorporates
historical architectural styles into the design. The following architectural designs guidelines should be applied by
development within the DTSP area with the intent of
establishing a sense of community as well as encouraging creative expression to bring forth a strong and unique sense of place.
The following architectural designs are preferred:
• American Mercantile
• Spanish Colonial Revival
• Craftsman
Developments within the Downtown Core area bounded
between Main Street and North Street and 2nd and 8th Streets should primarily reflect an American Mercantile design, while surrounding areas within the DTSP, particularly along the ‘Rails to Trails’ may incorporate a variety of architectural styles such as Spanish Colonial or Craftsman.
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4.5 Building Form and
Articulation
In conjunction with architectural vision and themes, building form will enable Downtown Taft to develop into the vision sought by the Taft community. The following design
guidelines should be considered for development within the DTSP area:
• In high-density residential areas portions of the
building should provide vertical and clustered
horizontal massing breaks to encourage proportional
diversity.
• Variations in building facades, including
entranceways, should provide architectural interest,
shade and shadow opportunities, and relief to the
streetscape.
• The articulation of volume of residential buildings
should be broken down to give individuality.
• Variation in building height, including step backs,
should be utilized to break up volume and promote
individuality.
• Building façades, particularly commercial and
industrial, should be articulated and varied to add
scale and avoid monotonous walls, by incorporating
different textures, colors, materials, and distinctive
architectural treatments that add visual interest.
• Architectural elements such as awnings, canopies,
trellises, or cornice treatments should be applied on
commercial and industrial buildings to assist in
maintaining a human scale to the development.
• Development should integrate varied roof lines using
sloping roofs, variation of building heights, step
backs, or innovative architectural elements.
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•
Example of Varied Roof Lines, Materials, Colors, and Articulation Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 81
4.0 DESIGN GUIDELINES
Example of Parking Incorporating Landscaping
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4.6 Parking
The provision of parking is important to provide access to facilities within the Specific Plan area. When considering development within the DTSP area, development should
consider the following:
• The visual impact of parking should be minimized
where possible by orienting it away from primary
frontage streets. This can include the (re)location of
parking to the rear of developments.
• In the Downtown Core, rear alleys can be activated by providing parking options for employees, patrons,
and residents.
• All parking areas should provide interior landscaping for aesthetic enhancement. If parking is provided at
the side of buildings, these areas should be buffered
by landscaping.
• Parking should be designed to minimize conflicts
between pedestrians and motorists.
• Development should provide one vehicular access
point within a single frontage and multiple vehicular
access points should be avoided.
• Vehicle access should account for pedestrian safety
and retain sightlines for both pedestrians and
motorists.
• Development should provide ample parking for
alternative forms of transportation such as bicycles
and these facilities can be installed within the public realm or incorporated into commercial or residential
amenities.
• Development should consider the need for electric
vehicle charging stations.
• Surface parking lots should be screened from
adjacent streets and properties. Screening should
provide visual interest but should not be so dense
that the screening elements (such as walls or
landscaping) limit pedestrian access and sight lines
for safety and security.
• The availability and utilization of street parking.
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4.7 Building Frontage and
Access
Thoughtfully developed building frontages and access
contribute to the creation of attractive and inviting
environments. These features directly interface with the public realm thereby affecting the enjoyment of the street, sidewalk, alleyway, paseo, or green space in which they open on to. The following design guidelines should be considered for any development within the DTSP area:
• In residential and commercial land uses, the use of
awnings can provide respite from the weather and
create an engaging entrance. The use of awnings,
preferably mechanical, is encouraged.
• Renovation and adaptive re-use in mixed use areas is
encouraged to revitalize underutilized buildings.
However, cosmetically covering original features
when renovating external façades, particularly facing
the public realm, is discouraged in order to preserve
the integrity of the original design.
• The utilization of windows, bays, or alternative
translucent features on the front of commercial
buildings is encouraged to provide connection to the
street.
• Commercial and residential buildings should provide
convenient and direct pedestrian access from street
frontages as opposed to through parking lots.
• Buildings should differentiate ground floor from
upper floors by utilizing changes in massing, colors,
materials, and architectural relief that add visual
interest.
• Exposed mechanical systems and equipment should
be architecturally integrated into the design or
screened on commercial and industrial buildings.
• Variation in ground floor entry setbacks is
encouraged to provide more outdoor areas for shops
to display goods, restaurants to provide seating and
expanded dining opportunities and residences to be
set back from the street.
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Activated Street Frontage Including Access and Seating, La Mesa, CA Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 85
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4.8 Building Materials and
Colors
The use of high-quality materials is essential for creating buildings that convey the sense of quality and permanence desired for the community. Further, color schemes have the potential to bring buildings to life.
The following design guidelines should be considered for development within the DTSP area:
• High-quality, durable materials should be used in all development and where possible, local materials.
• Building exteriors should provide visual interest
using varying building materials and colors yet
consider and be compatible with the existing color,
texture, and materials used on surrounding
buildings.
• Buildings throughout the Downtown area should
utilize a variety of materials, such as brick, stucco, and wood to align with the historical building materials.
However, stucco shall not be used to cover up
existing brick or stone buildings.
• Building material and colors should be used to unify
and provide visual interest to building exteriors.
• Paint and façade materials should not use bright or
high contrasting colors, such as primary colors,
except within the limits of approved business
signage.
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Examples of Commercial Building Frontages
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Examples of Streetscape Design
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4.9 Streetscape and Public
Realm Design Policies
The following design guidelines apply to all public spaces within the DTSP area.
4.9.1 Public and Common Open Space
An attractive streetscape can enhance the livability and desirability of the DTSP area. Features such as street trees, lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, street widths, setbacks, and fencing can contribute to an attractive streetscape. An emphasis on streetscape design is necessary to encourage pedestrian circulation and interaction. Public spaces in Downtown Taft should be designed as extensions of the
public sidewalk by providing pedestrian amenities such as seating and fountains and by continuing the pavement
treatment of the sidewalk.
The following design guidelines related to Public and
Common Open Space should be considered for
development within the DTSP area.
• Plazas and courtyards are encouraged within the
mixed-use Downtown area.
• Primary access to public plazas and courtyards
should be from the street. Secondary access may be
from retail shops, restaurants, offices, and other
uses.
• Shade trees or architectural elements that provide
shelter and relief from direct sunlight should be
provided. Should architectural elements be utilized,
the materials must consider the degrading potential
of the sun, i.e., shade sails.
• End-of-trip bicycle facilities should be provided such as bike stands in an easily viewable area.
• Outdoor dining opportunities should be encouraged
including open-air cafes, kiosks, pushcarts, and food
trucks. Movable seating should be incorporated into
these areas where possible.
• Murals should be incorporated on blank building
elevations or underutilized walls to create visual
interest, activate a space, and create a sense of
ownership by the community.
• A variety of artwork representing Taft’s history should be incorporated within the design for any new
development in public and common open space
areas.
• Through-blocks and alleys should be enhanced with
art, seating, lighting to increase vibrancy, and
enhance pedestrian experience and safety.
• Pedestrian scale should be considered in all levels of design by incorporating features such as benches,
tables, drinking fountains, shade, and other
amenities.
• All streetscape enhancements (lighting, signage,
benches etc.) should have a cohesive look, feel, and
design.
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4.9.2 Pedestrian Design
The design of pedestrian-orientated spaces such as
walkways are crucial to the creation of a vibrant and
successful Downtown. Generally located within the public right-of-way, these routes wrap the perimeter of the City blocks providing access to street frontages, recreational areas, and private residences. Although pedestrian facilities are primarily associated with sidewalks and parkways, they also include street crossing amenities such as crosswalks and bulb-outs as well as public plaza and mini-park areas where space constraints allow. All development within the DTSP area should consider the following related to
Pedestrian Design:
• Development in the public right-of-way should
improve public safety using CPTED (Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design) strategies.
• Features located in the public realm and public
spaces should be durable, requiring little to no
maintenance and assume minimal City funding for
repairs or improvements.
• The placement and use of outdoor dining areas and
other business-related elements in retail and
commercial areas should create a cohesive look from
existing elements found in downtown and not block
the sidewalk such that an adequate path of travel is
maintained.
• Pedestrian networks should be incorporated that
provide direct lines of travel between destinations
and discourage shortcutting through private or
planted areas.
• The placement of buildings, fences, and other
permanent structures or improvements should not
obstruct future routes between areas. Connectivity
between mixed use residential and recreational
areas should be encouraged through appropriate
alley, paseo, and walkway design.
• Direct pedestrian access to building entrances and
street frontage from pedestrian walkways and onstreet parking should be provided. Designed obstructions routing pedestrians through parking
lots to get to businesses and other destinations
should be avoided.
• Obscuring sightlines should be avoided through
proper placement and design of building projections,
signs, landscaping, and other elements. Clearly
confer the right-of-way to the pedestrian through
grade separation, articulated pavement, signage, or
other means, particularly in the Downtown mixeduse areas.
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4.9.3 Materials, Hardscape and
Furnishings
All development within the DTSP area should consider the following related to Materials, Hardscape and Furnishings:
• Durable, high-quality materials should be used to
convey the sense of quality and permanence desired
for the DTSP area, minimize maintenance concerns,
and promote buildings that will last over time.
• Public amenities such as trash bins, seating, and bike facilities should be provided in all development
within the public realm.
• Where possible, construction should utilize locally
sourced materials to reflect the environment in which
Taft is situated.
Public realm seating, La Mesa, CA
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4.9.4 Lighting
Ornamental and functional lighting can be provided to both the public and private realm such as public open spaces, streets, and pedestrian corridors. Lighting helps with
wayfinding and provides safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. It is also important to ensure lighting does not negatively interfere with residents or surrounding areas.
All development within the DTSP area should consider the following related to Lighting:
• Lighting should be implemented at pedestrian scale
throughout the DTSP area and within individual
developments to improve nighttime visibility and
safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Lighting should be provided to ensure a safe
environment but should not cause areas of intense
light or glare, particularly in residential areas.
• Lighting should be sensitive to adjacent land uses and architectural features or lighting fixtures that provide down-lighting and lighting that is shielded from
adjacent uses should be implemented.
• Lighting should be integrated into the architectural
and landscape design of development.
• An appropriate hierarchy of light fixtures, structures and intensity should be considered during the
lighting design for the various elements of a project
(i.e., building and site entrances; walkways, ramps,
and stairs; outdoor use areas, parking areas, and
other areas of the site).
• The use of many short, low intensity fixtures is
encouraged over the use of a few tall fixtures that
illuminate large areas to achieve the desired lighting
level.
• Pedestrian scaled lighting should be utilized in the
development of cycle facilities to provide safety and
visibility.
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Examples of pedestrian scale streetlights
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4.10 Signage and Wayfinding
Signs and wayfinding elements provide an important
element of community design. Proper design and
application of signs help orient people, increase a
community’s sense of place, and contribute to the overall design of buildings and the streetscape. By directing
residents and visitors to desired locations, signage and wayfinding improves circulation efficiency and access to important or desired destination points. The design and style also contribute to the character and setting for
commercial, residential, recreation, and public use areas. In addition to complying with applicable downtown sign
regulations, all development within the DTSP area should consider the following related to Signage and Wayfinding:
• Wayfinding and signage are encouraged throughout
the DTSP area. Signage should incorporate a historic
theme, where possible.
• Fascia signs should be placed and fitted to areas
provided on building architecture.
• Commercial signs should consider using graphics
and font types reflective of the era that the building
was constructed or reflect the historical significance
of Taft.
• Window and canopy signs are encouraged and
should coordinate with the graphics of the main
panel sign. Window and canopy sign square footage
should be included in calculating permissible sign
area.
• The installation of wayfinding signage is encouraged
within all proposed development
Example of Informational Signage
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Examples of Wayfinding and Signage from Taft’s Approved Sign Program Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 95
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4.10.1 Gateways and Monuments
Gateways establish the visual setting for areas, indicating to visitors and/or residents a sense of arrival and place. An attractive gateway is crucial for establishing a desired atmosphere and sense of place, as sought in Downtown Taft.
Monuments can enable a nod to the history of a place and creation of a culture or feel of a city center. All development within the DTSP area should consider the following related to Gateways and Monuments:
• Gateway design should complement, and be
consistent with, the American Mercantile
architectural design.
• Gateways should be prominently marked with
signage, accent paving, lighting, landscaping, accent
trees, monumental features, and ornamental
lighting.
• Gateways should only be used to demarcate key
locations in the public realm.
• Monuments should strongly reflect Taft’s history and
future direction with community input on design.
• Neither gateways nor monuments should detract
from the enjoyment of the public realm, nor should
they detract from the safe or efficient operation of
the road network.
Examples of Gateways from Taft’s Approved Sign Program
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4.11 Landscape Design Policies
All development within the DTSP area should consider the following related to Landscaping:
• Landscaped areas should be planned as an integral
part of the overall project and not left as an
afterthought.
• Landscaping should be used to help define outdoor
spaces and soften a structures appearance.
• All landscape materials should be compatible with
the structure design in terms of type and scale/size.
• The use of on-site pedestrian amenities, such as
benches, shelters, drinking fountains, lighting, and
trash receptacles, is strongly encouraged.
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Examples of Landscape Design
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5.0 MOBILITY
5.0 MOBILITY
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5.1 Overview
This chapter describes the mobility network for the
movement of people, goods, and services. This Plan
prioritizes an integrated, multi-modal network of streets, bike paths, sidewalks, and trails that provide connections between surrounding areas of the City and the Downtown
Core and convenient access between places within the
Downtown Core. The multi-modal-oriented approach
supports the overall goal of this Specific plan to revitalize Downtown Taft through the attraction of mixed-use
development, new housing options, and an activated public realm.
The mobility network is strongly correlated with the Land Use Plan for Downtown Taft. This Land Use Plan supports increased residential densities alongside a mix of
commercial and recreational uses and policies that
encourage walking and cycling experiences to be more
comfortable, safe, and convenient. In addition, the mobility approach seeks to benefit people, movement, and the
environment by providing a wider range of mobility options and facilities making transportation more accessible,
inclusive, and affordable, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and air pollution, and improving public health by promoting physical activity. These objectives seek to ensure that as new development occurs and new residents move
into Downtown Taft, the existing mobility system can adapt and evolve effectively.
5.2 Mobility Network
The street system within the DTSP area is based on a
traditional grid-block pattern. The mobility network includes a system of roadway types, the Rails to Trail corridor, and internal paseos that provide access throughout the Plan area and connect Downtown Taft with the surrounding
areas. The system is designed to ensure that high volumes of pedestrians and bicyclists can move efficiently,
encouraging residents to walk and bike to Downtown
destinations. See Figure 5-2: Mobility Network.
The proposed mobility enhancements provided in this
chapter support a multimodal transportation network. This network is necessary to allow Downtown Taft to grow while maintaining accessibility and minimizing potential traffic congestion associated with buildout of the DTSP area. The focus of new facilities is to enhance the existing pedestrian and bike environment, activate the public realm and provide additional opportunities for alternative modes of
transportation outside of the automobile.
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Figure 5-1: Conceptual View of Downtown Taft
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5.3 Roadway Network
The DTSP area consists of 15 roadways. No new roadways
are identified however, many of the roadways are to be
enhanced to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improvements. These enhancements will not impact the vehicular traffic as the number of lanes will be maintained throughout the plan area. In general, roadways within the plan area divided into three roadway classifications:
arterials, collectors, and local roads. Table 5-1: Roadway Classifications below outlines the roadway classifications provided for streets in the DTSP area by the Circulation Element of the Taft General Plan. Figure 5-2 identifies where each roadway is located withing the DTSP area.
5.3.1 Roadway Classifications
As discussed above there are three main roadway
classifications within the plan area are: local streets, collectors, and arterials. These are discussed in further detail below.
Local Streets:
Local Streets provide for direct access to abutting properties and for localized traffic movements within residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Local streets are typically developed with a 60-foot right-of-way and one travel lane in each direction.
Collectors:
Collectors provide for traffic movement between arterial and local streets, traffic movement within and between
neighborhoods and major activity centers and limited direct access to abutting properties. Historically, Collectors within Taft have been developed as an 80-foot right-of-way.
However, new Collectors are now required to be developed with a 90-foot right-of-way, and one to two travel lanes in each direction.
Arterials:
Arterials serve as the primary network for cross-town traffic flow. Arterials connect areas of major traffic generation within the urban areas and connect with important county roads and state highways. Arterials also provide for the Downtown Taft Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 104
5.0 MOBILITY
distribution and collection of through traffic to and from collector and local streets serving residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Access to abutting uses should be limited, where possible, to facilitate traffic flow and reduce potential traffic conflicts and hazards. Arterials should not be located adjacent to sensitive land uses nor bisect
neighborhoods. Arterials are typically developed with a 110- foot right-of-way and two to three travel lanes in each direction.
Table 5-1: Roadway Classifications
Street Name Classification
Kern Street/Highway 33 Arterial Highway
North Street Local Road
Center Street Local Road
Main Street Local Road
Supply Row Local Road
Front Street Local Road
S 10th Street Arterial
8th Street Local Road
7th Street Local Road
6th Street Collector
5th Street Local Road
4th Street Local Road
3rd Street Local Road
2nd Street Collector
1st Street Local Road
Taft Rails to Trails Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show
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Figure 5-2: Mobility Network
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Taft Rails to Trails Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show
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5.3.2 Roadway Cross-sections
This section discusses the characteristics for the local, collector, and arterial streets within the DTSP area. The following pages provide graphic representation of what
typical streets should look like within the DTSP area.
The main focus is to enhance the collector and local streets as these make up the majority of the streets in the DTSP area. Figure 5-3: Collector Street and Figure 5-4 Local Street provide examples of typical collector and local streets should look like and outline some of the important design
characteristics. There are no graphics representing arterial streets as there are no significant changes proposed for these streets. Kern Street (Highway 33) and 10th Street are located on the edges of the DTSP area and are the only
arterials located within the Plan area. Arterials typically include a 110-foot right-of-way, are generally automobile focused, include class II bikeways and wayfinding signage.
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Taft Transit Center, Downtown Taft
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Figure 5-3: Collector Street
The above graphic is looking south along 6th Street from the interaction at North Street and shows what a typical collector street is intended to look like in the DTSP area. Collector streets typically include a 90-foot right-of-way with activated street frontages.
Enhancements to collector streets should include:
• Enhanced Sidewalks
• Class II or III Bike Paths, where feasible
• Parking
• Street trees
• Pedestrian-scaled lighting
• Public Art
• Wayfinding Signage
• Cycle storage racks
• Activated storefronts
• Corner bulb-outs
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Figure 5-4: Local Street
The above graphic is looking along Center Street between 3rd Street and 4th Street and shows what a typical local street is intended to look like in the DTSP area. Local streets typically include a 56-foot right-of-way with pedestrian focused frontages.
Enhancements to local streets should include:
• Enhanced Sidewalks
• Class III Bike Paths
• Parking on both sides of the road
• Street trees
• Pedestrian-scaled lighting
• Wayfinding Signage
• Activated storefronts
• Bulb-out areas for seating and landscaping
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5.4 Bicycle Network
The DTSP area includes a portion of the ‘Rails to Trails’ corridor, a Class I Bikeway that runs for approximately two miles east-west parallel to Supply Row. The trail occupies a corridor that was formerly the Sunset Railroad, which was built to transport oil from the productive oil fields in this part of Kern County to the county seat and largest City of
Bakersfield. The DTSP includes a network of bicycle facilities that enhance and build upon the established bikeway
system, including providing bikeways and facilities such as on streets throughout the DTSP area. The enhancements
encourage bicyclists to utilize streets in the DTSP area by increasing facilities and improving safety. Figure 5-5: Bicycle Network identifies graphically the locations of various bicycle facilities.
The following bikeways are classified by Caltrans and can be utilized within the DTSP area to facilitate greater uptake in cycling.
Class I Bikeways: Class I bikeways, also known as bike paths or shared-use paths, are corridors with exclusive right of way for bicyclists and pedestrians, away from the roadway and with cross flows by motor traffic minimized. Class I facilities support both recreational and commuting opportunities
and are typically provided along rivers, shorelines, canals, utility rights-of-way, abandoned railroad rights-of-way, within school campuses, or within and between parks.
Class II Bikeways: Class II bikeways, also known as bike lanes, are established along streets, and are defined by pavement striping and signage to delineate a portion of a roadway for bicycle travel. Bike lanes are one-way facilities, typically striped adjacent to motor traffic travelling in the same direction. Contraflow bike lanes can be provided on one-way streets for bicyclists travelling in the opposite Direction.
Class III Bikeways: Class III bikeways, or bike routes, designate a preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with motor traffic not served by dedicated bikeways to
provide continuity to the bikeway network. However, bike routes are generally not appropriate for roadways with
higher motor traffic speeds or volumes. Routes are
established by placing signage, road surface striping, and wayfinding along roadways.
Table 5-2: Bicycle Facilities
Street Name Bike Path Classification
Arterial Streets Class II and Class IV Bikeway
Collector Streets Class II Bikeway
Local Streets Class II and Class III Bikeways
Rails to Trails Class I Bikeway
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Figure 5-5: Bicycle Network
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5.5 Pedestrian Network
Pedestrian facilities within the DTSP area include the ‘Rails to Trails’ corridor and sidewalks along public roadways. The DTSP includes a network of sidewalks, trails, linear
connections such as paseos, alley and mid-block
connections that improve pedestrian comfort and
accessibility.
5.5.1 Paseos
Paseo refers to a corridor that provides pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Paseos are typically within, adjacent, or through a planned development. Although paseos are not
associated with a roadway or within public right of-way, they may be adjacent or parallel and contain easements allow public access. Paseos serve as connector trails by improving access and facilitating connections between and through development. Paseos should have an active frontage,
provide an opportunity for amenities, and allow for
pedestrian and bicycle travel. Lighting, wayfinding signage, and landscaping should be provided as part of paseos while considering the location near adjacent development. There is also an opportunity to locate recreational amenities as part of the paseo to activate the space and provide
additional opportunities for recreation. These corridors may be used for emergency vehicle access; any other vehicular traffic, however, is not permitted.
Examples of Pedestrian Connections
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5.5.2 Alley and Mid-Block Connections
An alley is a roadway, generally not more than thirty (30) feet wide, that provides access to the rear or side of parcels.
Alleys often provide access to parking, loading docks, and refuse collection in commercial and residential areas. By moving garage access to alleys, the street-facing facade of homes are more visually engaging.
A mid-block connection is a design element that facilitates the movement of people across or through a block where
there is no intersection. For example, a pedestrian crossing, underpass, or paseo could be provided at the mid-point of a block to allow pedestrians to cross the street safely without having to traverse the entire block. This can be particularly effective in breaking down long block lengths.
The following characteristics and design elements should be incorporated into the design and configuration of pedestrian connections within the DTSP area.
• Sidewalks should be of sufficient width to
accommodate comfortable two-way pedestrian
traffic
• Alleys and through-block connections should
effectively provide access to parking, loading docks,
and refuse collection while also creating a
comfortable and safe pedestrian environment.
• Paseos and mid-block connections should be
incorporated to break up large blocks and provide
relief for pedestrians.
The following design features should be incorporated into the design of off and on-site pedestrian corridors
throughout the DTSP area:
• Adequate lighting for pedestrian safety and comfort
• Benches and other seating options
• Planters
• Trash receptacles
• Street trees
• Public art and murals
• Pocket parks
• Distinctive paving
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5.6 Transit Network and
Connections
The DTSP area is served by the Taft Area Transit (TAT)
system. The TAT primarily provides Dial-a-Ride services as well as a Taft-Maricopa route connecting the two cities. The Taft-Maricopa route has three specified travel times, one in the morning and two in the afternoon with a total of four bus stops between 6th Street and 1st Street. The Taft Transit Center is located along Supply Row between 4th and 6th
Streets and houses the TAT offices and yard for the fleet vehicles.
In addition, Kern Transit, a Kern County regional transit service, also serves the Taft City and unincorporated areas, including downtown with a stop at the Taft Transit Center.
Kern Transit provides transit service, route #120, that connects Taft with Bakersfield.
The DTSP does not include any changes to the transit
network or connections. However, as development occurs
within the DTSP area, an expanded public transit system may be required to accommodate growth.
Bike Racks along Rails to Trails Corridor
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Rails to Trails Corridor
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2.0 VISION, THEMES, GOALS AND POLICIES
6.0 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
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6.1 Overview The vision for Downtown Taft is a vibrant heart of the community with interconnected public realm spaces that
increase opportunity for social interaction and offers a range of passive and active recreational opportunities, improving the quality of life for all community members. The
Downtown area should be a place where people are drawn
to, with spaces to live, work, and socialize. The design of public spaces and recreational amenities will be an
important factor to achieve that.
This chapter outlines the public realm types and standards within the Plan area, including amenities, standards and design of public spaces and recreational facilities.
6.2 Public Realm Programming The function and design of the public realm is important to consider in any Downtown area, often requiring creative solutions to provide recreational and common spaces for the community where open space may be limited. This
section identifies types and design of spaces that could be incorporated into the development of Downtown Taft to
effectively achieve the vision of this Plan. Additionally, Figures 6-1: Public Realm Activation (5th Street Corridor) and 6-2 and 6-3: 5th Street Conceptual Design below provides a graphic example of how these spaces can be incorporated into areas within the DTSP area to enhance and activate the public realm.
6.2.1 Pocket Parks
Pocket parks are small outdoor spaces, no more than one acre, which are best suited in urban areas where
opportunities for larger parks are not always feasible. Pocket parks can incorporate a variety of amenities that improve, provide relief from, and enhance the urban setting. The defining characteristic of a pocket park is its small size. A pocket park is typically smaller than one acre in size.
Example of a Pocket Park
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6.2.2 Public Outdoor Spaces
Public outdoor spaces are similar to Pocket Parks.
While they can both be small in size, public outdoor spaces are generally larger than one acre, and are human-made
open spaces within an urban setting. Many of these spaces include a variety of uses, such as sitting, dining, socializing, recreating, and provide venues for arts and entertainment that Pocket Parks would be unable to efficiently provide for.
These spaces are intended to create breaks in the urban form for the community to congregate, rest, socialize and enjoy. Most often, public outdoor spaces are thought of as plazas for commercial and office spaces, however, public outdoor spaces can also be incorporated into or adjacent to a mix of any uses including residential developments to provide residents amenities. Public outdoor spaces could include the following:
• Plazas
• Piazza
• Parklets
• Courtyards
• Seating areas
• Play areas
• Recreational facilities or equipment
• Dog parks
6.2.3 Linear Parks
Linear open space connections can range from as short as one block, to as long as several miles. Linear parks can serve both as passive and active recreation with smaller linear parks, such as through-block connections providing
pedestrians with quick, safe, and aesthetically pleasing routes between places and buildings in the Downtown area.
Linear parks can include the following types of spaces:
• Trails
• Paseos
• Through-block connections
• Activated alleys
Example of Public Outdoor Space
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Example of Thru-Block Connection, La Mesa, CA
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6.2.4 Amenities
The public realm spaces should offer a range of amenities for the community to utilize and enjoy. The following are some amenities that could be incorporated into public
spaces throughout the Specific Plan area:
• Landscaping
• Benches
• Water features
• Amphitheater
• Community Garden
• Shade structures/shaded seating options
• Wayfinding signage
• Children’s play structures
• Fitness circuit
• Drinking fountains
• Small dog park area
• Lighting
• Public Art
See Chapter 4.0: Design Guidelines, for design standards and guidelines for amenities.
Example of Public Amenity Seating
Example of Shaded Amphitheater
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Figure 6-1: Public Realm Activation (5th Street Corridor) Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 124
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Figure 6-2: 5th Street Conceptual Design
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Figure 6-3: 5th Street Conceptual Design
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Example of an Activated Street Front
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6.3 Public Realm Standards This section describes the public realm and open space standards for the Plan area.
6.3.1 Public Realm and Open Space
Requirements
Although there are not specific open space, parks or other public realm improvements specifically cited in the Specific Plan, the DTSP promotes the creation of these spaces and envisions they will occur as revitalization opportunities become available. This is expected to occur over time
through a variety of ways, including acquisition of property by the City, public improvements funded by grants and the City’s Capital Improvement Program, public/private and
public/public joint ventures, and through private
commercial and residential development.
Private development park requirements may be
implemented in multiple forms:
• New residential and mixed-use development may
dedicate open space or public realm space as
described in this chapter onsite as part of a
Development Agreement.
• New residential and mixed-use development may
pay an in-lieu fee, or Development Impact Fee (“DIF”),
which will contribute to City acquisition and
construction of open space and public realm space
within the Plan Area.
6.3.2 Public Realm and Open Space
Incentives
In order to further encourage private development, not only residential but also commercial and office uses to
incorporate these open space and public realm spaces, the following incentives are available to new development in the Downtown area:
Permits and Project Approvals Acceleration:
New developments that provide publicly accessible plazas, or open space or other spaces as described in the Chapter into their project design may be subject to expedite
approvals. Furthermore, projects that incorporate the open space and public realm objective design standards outlined in Chapter 3 may be able to process projects ministerially, provided they meet all other development standards.
Fee Reductions:
New developments or redevelopments may be subject to
fee reductions if they provide publicly accessible plazas, or open space or other spaces as described in this Chapter into their developments.
Increased FAR:
Up to 10 percent additional floor area can be added to a project by providing publicly accessible public realm spaces, plazas, linear connections, or open space into their project design.
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Any development interested in utilizing one or more
incentives from this program will need to discuss the details with the appropriate City Staff. Incentive(s) used for a project are documented and tracked by the City and are on a caseby-case basis.
6.4 Trails Overview
The Rails to Trails shared use path serves as the key
recreational foundation of Downtown Taft. In 2006 the City of Taft removed the Sunset Railway lines and repurposed this land into open green space for recreational purposes.
The trail is now a well-used amenity for bicyclists and pedestrians and is a priority for improvement and expansion per the City’s General Plan. Approximately 2.0 miles in length, Rails to Trails runs east to west between Highway 33 and Hillard Street. Within the Specific Plan area, the trail is located between Main Street and Supply Row and runs the entire length of the Specific Plan area.
The trail is a key component of bringing residents from outside of the Specific Plan area into the Downtown core to work, shop and socialize. Additionally, for users living in the Downtown area the trail also provides connection to
surrounding neighborhoods and facilities. For example, at the western terminus, the trail links to a paseo along Hillard Street that connects users to A Street Park and Parkview Elementary School.
In line with the vision of the General Plan, this Specific Plan intends to support the expansion of the shared use path beyond the Plan area and incorporate improvements along the trail to enhance and activate the corridor.
Example of Trail Wayfinding
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6.5 Public Realm Amenities and
Enhancements
It is the intent of this Specific Plan for public and common open spaces to contribute to an attractive streetscape and enhance the livability of the DTSP area through plazas, paseos and activated alleys that lead to a well-connected series of recreational public spaces, extension of the Rails to Trails shared path corridor, and additional features in the public realm such as streets, lighting, landscaping and other amenities as detailed in Chapter 4.0: Design Guidelines will encourage pedestrian circulation, social interaction in the Downtown area.
A key element of this program will be encouraging
development that fronts the Rail to Trails corridor to
incorporate improvements and amenities that enhance the useability, connectiveness, and aesthetics of the trail. New development that has frontage along Rails to Trails should aim to maximize access, safety, and usage of the corridor by improving signage, lighting, and overall aesthetic qualities through the use of various amenities. Developments should incorporate features such as shade, rest stops, public art, fitness equipment, mile markers, landscaping, and trail furnishings such as benches, waste bag dispensers, bike racks, metal trash and recycling receptacles.
Additionally, encouraging development that utilizes and enhances the public realm on local roads will facilitate the replication and expansion of the 5th Street paseo between Center Street and Main Street. The expansion and
development of a network of paseos such as this is
encouraged to increase pedestrian safety and enjoyment
within the Downtown area.
Other public spaces such as new plazas and courtyards,
through-blocks, alleys, and other pedestrian-oriented
spaces shall be implemented as new development occurs
within the DTSP to contribute to a vibrant, active, and successful Downtown.
Example of Container Retail
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Rails to Trails Corridor
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7.1 Overview
As Downtown Taft grows and develops, infrastructure and service improvements will be required to support the DTSP area. In order to proactively prepare for future demands it is important to look at the existing infrastructure to identify where improvements may be necessary. It is likely that new residential and commercial developments within Downtown Taft will need to contribute to improvements to the existing infrastructure in order to support the added intensity and growth of the area.
This chapter is intended to identify and address the relevant public services and infrastructure system needs within the DTSP area.
7.2 Water Supply
Water service is provided by West Kern Water District
(WKWD). WKWD was formed in May 1959 and includes many
unincorporated communities as well as the cities of
Maricopa and Taft. The district has an irregular boundary and encompasses a service area of approximately 300
square miles.
WKWD recently updated its Urban Water Management Plan
in 2020. The Plan describes the district’s water supply, water demands, water reliability, and water conservation efforts.
This document provides estimated population growth and
water demands through the year 2045 and serves as a longrange planning document for the district.
WKWD contracted with Kern County Water Authority
(KCWA) in 1966 to receive an allotment of water through the State Water Project (SWP). The 2020 Plan states that WKWD is allocated approximately 31,500 acre-feet of water per year (AFY) by KCWA. However, this number represents the maximum WKWD can request annually, the
Department of Water Resources (DWR) determines the
amount that will actually be delivered in a given year. Given this, the supply received each year is generally lower than 31,500 AFY.
The Plan projects that between 2020 and 2045 the total
supply will decrease from 25,700 AFY to 25,100 AFY and the demand will increase from 16,338 AFY to 17,735 AFY.
Additionally, the plan provides analysis for dry years and includes banking groundwater for use in these dry years.
This analysis in the Plan shows that WKWD has adequate
supplies to meet demands during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years throughout the 25-year planning period, particularly due to the long history of banking groundwater for use in dry years.
While the existing water system could support some of the intended growth within the DTSP area, future development that proposes significant increase in the number of
residential units or square footage of non-residential use, will need to conduct project level analysis to determine available water system capacity. Depending on the intensity, future development may require the upsizing of existing water mains. Exact sizing and location of mains would be Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 134
7.0 INFRASTRUCTURE
determined for each proposed development when project
information is known. See Figure 7-1: Water Map for more details on location of facilities.
Additionally, future development will need to consider the existing connection lines as they could be old and may
require replacement in connection with site specific
renovation and/or expansion projects.
7.3 Wastewater
Wastewater service is provided by the City of Taft. The City of Taft amended its Sewer System Maintenance Plan in 2018.
The goal of the plan is to provide high quality and reliable wastewater collection for Taft residents but maintaining, improving, and providing collection infrastructure that has adequate capacity.
The Taft Wastewater Treatment Plant, is located at 1120 East Ash Street, is jointly owned by the City of Taft (52%) and the Ford City-Taft Heights Sanitation District (48%). The City of Taft operates the sewer plant through a contract with the Kern Sanitation Authority. The Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently upgraded in 2015 with the installation of
processing equipment that resulted in more efficient
processing of wastewater. These upgrades increased the
treatment capacity of the facility without creating new pits.
Wastewater service is provided to all areas within the City’s Municipal Boundary, which includes the DTSP area. There are existing gravity pipes that run throughout the DTSP area, which could support some of the intended growth within the DTSP area, proposed developments producing a significant increase in the number of residential units, or square
footage of non-residential use, will need to be evaluated to determine available system capacity of sewer systems. See Figure 7-2 for more information on existing facilities.
West Kern Water District Offices
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Figure 7-1: Water Map
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Figure 7-2: Sewer Map
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7.4 Drainage and Storm Water
Quality
Per the City of Taft Sewer Maintenance Plan, the City has a predominantly “surface flow” storm water conveyance
system that does not include any underground storm water assets. The majority of storm water flows drains
northeastward and are conveyed through a curb and gutter conveyance system that ultimately flow to the Sandy Creek which runs along the northern City boundary. There is only one significant storm drain line within the city limits, but there is no segment of it that is within or even crosses through the DTSP area. Due to the lack of facilities, no service map is available.
The City and surrounding County neighborhoods do not
have soils that are conducive for recharging drainage flows into a typical detention/retention basin that is now standard with new developments. New development will need to
consider this when siting and grading for buildings to avoid issues with concentration of water and ponding near
buildings.
Taft Wastewater Treatment Plant
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7.5 Telecommunications and
Cable Service
The City of Taft is serviced by the following providers for telecommunication and cable services.
Telephone services:
• AT&T
• Spectrum
• Frontier
Cable and satellite services:
• AT&T
• Spectrum
• Direct TV
• Dish Network
• Frontier
Internet services:
• AT&T
• Spectrum
• Dish Network
7.6 Energy
The City of Taft receives its electricity and natural gas services by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and SoCal Gas.
Oil Derrick Monument
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7.7 Public Facilities
7.7.1 Fire Service
In 2007, the City of Taft entered into a Fire Protection Agreement with the Kern County Fire District (KCFD). As a result of the Agreement, the KCFD became the exclusive
provider of fire protection services to the City of Taft and the City's fire personnel were absorbed within the KCFD. The KCFD serves approximately 8,000 square miles, which
includes the City of Taft. The City of Taft is primarily served by the KCFD Fire Station 21 located at 303 N. 10th Street in Taft. This station has a response area of 172 square miles.
The staff and equipment at this station includes Engine 21 with a Captain, Engineer, and Firefighter, Truck 21 with a Captain, Engineer, and Firefighter, and a Battalion Chief as Battalion 2. The Taft Station 21 is the Battalion 2
headquarters station. There are no official service
standards, however, the KCFD recommended response time
standards are 4 minutes in suburban areas. KCFD also
conducts fire plan check reviews of construction drawings for new developments.
There are no areas in the City of Taft or the Planning Area that are located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
The Specific Plan area is designated as within a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Within recent years there have been numerous urban and wildland fires within Kern County and vicinity. In Kern County, forest and grass fires are the main types of wildland fires of concern. Fortunately, no major wildfires have affected the City of Taft in recent years.
In line with the General Plan, all new development within the Specific Plan area should comply with the Fire Code and be reviewed for adequate water supply and pressure, fire
hydrants, and access to structures by firefighting equipment and personnel.
7.7.2 Police Service
The Taft Police Department provides protection to
approximately 15 square miles of the City and over 9,000 people. The Taft City Police Department building is located at 320 Commerce Way, approximately half a mile east of the eastern Specific Plan boundary. Additionally, the Kern
County Sheriff’s Office is located at 315 N Lincoln St, approximately one mile north of the northern Specific Plan boundary.
The Taft Police Department also has a shared services
agreement with Kern County Sheriff's Office. This agreement allows each department to respond to each other’s calls for service in the adjacent County communities of Ford City, South Taft, and Taft Heights.
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Kern County Fire Department Appliance
Kern County Fire Department Buildings
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7.7.3 Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical services in the City of Taft are provided by Hall Ambulance Services (HAS), which operates under a performance-based contract with Kern County.
7.7.4 Schools
The closest schools to the DTSP area are Taft Primary
Elementary School and Taft Union High School. Taft Primary Elementary School is the located at 212 Lucard St,
approximately half a block north of the Specific Plan area.
Taft Union High School is located at 701 Wildcat Way,
approximately two blocks north of the Specific Plan area.
Additionally, Taft has a public community college, Taft College located 29 Cougar Ct, approximately 0.3 miles north of the Specific Plan area.
Kern County Police Department
Taft College
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Hall Ambulance Post 21, Taft, CA
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8.1 Overview
This chapter describes the processes, procedures, and
funding strategies for implementation to achieve the visions and goals of the Specific Plan. This chapter establishes procedures that allow flexibility in the development of the DTSP Area to respond to market conditions over the
anticipated buildout of the DTSP while ensuring consistency with the purpose and intent of the Specific Plan.
8.2 Administration
The requirements of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the City of Taft Planning and Development
Services Department and other City departments in the
same manner as the provisions of the City of Taft Zoning Ordinance (Title VI), and in conjunction with the policies contained in this Specific Plan.
Unless otherwise specified, where the provisions of this Specific Plan differ from those in the Zoning Ordinance (Title VI), the provisions of this Specific Plan shall take precedence.
Where the Specific Plan is silent on a topic, the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance (Title VI), shall remain applicable.
The Planning and Development Services Director is
responsible for interpretation of the Specific Plan, including each of its appendices. The Director is also responsible for determination of substantial conformance. Substantial
conformance means that the proposed development is
generally consistent with the Specific Plan. The Director should consider the following factors when determining
substantial conformance:
• The proposed development is consistent with the
vision, intent, and purpose of the Specific Plan.
• The proposed development does not alter the intent
of the Specific Plan as defined by policy and
regulatory framework for development, consistent
with the goals, policies, standards, and/or other
Specific Plan elements.
• The proposed development is consistent with good
planning practice.
• The proposed development is consistent with the
architectural and design guidelines provided in the
DTSP.
• The proposed development does not create a
potentially significant environmental impact.
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Oil Worker Monument
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8.3 Severability
If any section, text, exhibit, attachment, table, or portion of this Specific Plan is found to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, that portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and the invalidity of that provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Specific Plan.
8.4 Environmental Review
The Downtown Taft Specific Plan was required by California law to undergo environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to State and local CEQA guidelines, the City of Taft prepared and an Initial Study (IS) and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (State Clearinghouse No. ##########, adopted on
XXX XX, XXX) to address the potential environmental impacts of the DTSP. The IS/MND analyzes the DTSP at a
programmatic level and assists development at a projectlevel to alleviate or bypass CEQA requirements if development is deemed consistent. Prior to the approval of the Specific Plan, the IS/MND was considered and certified by the Taft City Council. Any amendments to this Specific Plan or discretionary approvals required to implement this Specific Plan are subject to the requirements of CEQA. As stated above, it is the intent that through the MND process adhering to the land use regulations and design standards Fox Theatre, Downtown Taft Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 148
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of this Plan may not require an extensive California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") review process.
8.5 Subsequent Development
Entitlements/Construction
and Development Permits
Applications for permits, subdivision maps, or other future development actions pursuant to this Specific Plan shall be acted upon in accordance with the applicable decisionmaking processes established in this Specific Plan, as well as the applicable sections of the Subdivision Ordinance (Title X) and the Zoning Ordinance (VI) of the Municipal Code. The type of application requested determines the process that shall be followed for each application. The following sections describe the processes for various types of development approvals as well as minor and major specific plan
amendments. The section is intended to allow for flexibility during future build-out of the Project under the Specific Plan.
Any permits not set forth in this Specific Plan shall be considered in accordance with the provisions of the
Subdivision Ordinance (Title X) and the Zoning Ordinance (VI) as applicable.
8.5.1 Ministerial Review
Ministerial Review is an administrative process in which the Planning and Development Services Director can approve, deny, or grant minor deviations to a project that
substantially conforms to the DTSP (as defined above in section 8.2). Ministerial review is intended to be a “check-thebox” review and is not intended to include interpretations.
However, should the DTSP need interpretation for
substantial conformance, it is the responsibility of the Planning and Development Services Director to interpret the Specific Plan and proposed development based on the
factors outline in section 8.2 above. It is noted however, that despite a Ministerial Review process, there will still be conditions of approval requiring necessary permits such as, but not limited to, grading, street improvements,
infrastructure improvements and building permits.
8.5.2 Discretionary Review
Discretionary Review matters require application for
applicable permits and a review and decision by an approval body. In the City of Taft, the Planning Commission and/or City Council represent the approval body. Public noticing and public hearings before the approval bodies are
required. In turn, additional CEQA analysis may be required.
Examples of discretionary review include:
• Conditional Use Permits (CUP)
• Tentative Maps (TM)
• Specific Plan Amendments
• Variances
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The State Bank of Taft Building, 5th Street and North Street, Downtown Taft Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 150
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8.6 Minor Modifications /
Substantial Conformance
The minor modifications outlined in this section do not require a Specific Plan Amendment and are subject to review and approval by the Planning and Development Services
Director. Minor modifications should be identified as part of the required development application(s). The Planning
Director shall find the minor modification in substantial conformance with the Specific Plan as defined in Section 8.2 above.
8.6.1 Equivalent or Deviation of
Development Standards
If an application proposes an alternative or a minor
deviation from the development standards provided in this Specific Plan but is still in substantial conformance (as defined above in section 8.2) with the Specific Plan, then the application may be ministerially approved by the Planning Director.
Examples include:
• Substitution of construction materials or methods for materials or methods that are functionally equivalent
or superior.
• Substitution of required landscaping materials for
like or similar materials.
• Minor changes to or deviations from architectural
details, landscape treatments, fencing, lighting, or
other similar standards.
• Reduction in off-street parking spaces for nonresidential uses of no more than 10 percent of the minimum required parking spaces.
• Building/landscape setback reduction, of no more
than 10 percent of the minimum required setback
area.
• Building height increase of no more than 10 percent
of the maximum allowable building height.
• Modifications of a similar nature to those listed
above, which the Planning Director deems minor and
in line with the intent of the Specific Plan.
8.7 Specific Plan Amendments
All Specific Plan modifications that do not meet the criteria of a Minor Modification as defined in this chapter shall require a formal Specific Plan Amendment. Authority for approval of specific plan amendments shall be vested in the City Council. The application and hearing process shall follow the “General Plan Amendment “process outlined in Chapter 2: Permits and Approvals of the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title IV).
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Rails to Trails Corridor
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8.8 Capital Improvement
Program
The implementation of the DTSP will occur over the next several years. The implementation of the DTSP will rely heavily on both public and private investment and funding.
Public investment is necessary to attract developers and contribute to a successful and well maintained Downtown.
This section identifies improvements, timeframes,
responsibilities, costs, and potential funding sources for a range of capital improvement projects within the DTSP area.
8.8.1 Anticipated Public Improvements:
• Rails to Trails improvements and enhancements
• Water supply facilities
• Stormwater and drainage facilities
• Wastewater management and facilities
• Dry utilities maintenance and collaboration with
PG&E to underground their utilities within DTSP area.
• Circulation network improvements
• Streetscape enhancements
• Public realm amenities and investment
8.8.2 Funding Sources
A capital improvement program is important to the
implementation of this Specific Plan. The capital
improvement program needs to ensure the timely financing of public streets, utilities, public realm, and other necessary capital improvements. Various options are available for the financing and funding of capital improvements, operations, and maintenance of said improvements associated with the Specific Plan. Some of the possible funding sources for public improvements are listed below:
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Transformative Climate Communities (TCC)
• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
(AHSC)
• Infill Infrastructure Grant
• The Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank
(IBank)
• City of Taft General Fund
• Caltrans
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Grocery Outlet Mural
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Grocery Outlet Mural
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8.8.3 Financing Tools
Business Improvement District (BID): A BID is a
public/private partnership designed to improve local public services, enhance economic growth, and increase services, such as security, maintenance, marketing, and capital
improvements, within business areas. A BID is a form of an assessment district for an area that is fixed, established, and formed by a city. A BID is not itself a unit of government but instead is a program of the city that establishes it. The board of directors of a BID is normally elected, in a selfadministered proceeding, by the business or property owners subject to the BID assessment.
The BID allows the governing body (City Council) to levy an additional tax on property owners or businesses within a designated area and to utilize the revenues for
improvements and programs, subject to a majority vote of the property owners or business owners, within the
proposed district. Establishing a BID is voluntary.
Community Facility District (CFD): A Community Facilities District is a Special Tax District formed under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 that funds public
improvements and ongoing services within an identified
area. A CFD can provide financing for a variety of local public facilities and services, such as street improvements, water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure, drainage,
electricity, schools, parks, and police protection. Under State law, any county, city, special district, school district or joint powers of authority may establish a CFD. To establish a CFD, it must be approved by a two-thirds margin of qualified voters in the district. If there are fewer than twelve
registered voters within the district, the vote may be passed by current landowners. At the close of the legal proceedings, an established CFD has all the legal privileges of a legally sanctioned governmental body. The legislative body of the public entity that creates the CFD serves as the legislative body of the district.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD): EIFDs are a tool to fund economic development projects within a geographic boundary utilizing tax increment financing. They are a tool for economic development at the local level and offer a means to spur new infrastructure, attract new capital deployment, and align public funding resources in a
geographic area to support businesses and residents.
As part of the formation of an EIFD, the entity forming an EIFD (typically a City Council) must complete a Resolution of Intention (ROI) that describes the district’s boundaries, states the type of public facilities and development
proposed to be financed or assisted by the EIFD, states the need for the EIFD and the goals it proposes to achieve, states that incremental property tax revenue from the City may be used to finance the activities of the EIFD, and fixes a time and place for a public hearing for approval of the district. EIFDs are governed by a Public Financing Authority (PFA) made up of five members (of at least three elected officials and two local community members who live or work in the district Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 156
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area). The PFA oversees the creation of the District’s
Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP), which outlines the specific projects the District will fund.
Community Revitalization and Investment Authority:
(CRIA): In 2015, the State of California established CRIAs, another type of tax increment financing district, which increases funding for and production of affordable housing in disadvantaged communities as well as other types of
infrastructure projects. To qualify, a city or county must meet the criteria for disadvantaged communities, including having areas with high unemployment or high crime rates, neighborhoods with deteriorated infrastructure, and/or
areas with a significantly lower median household income.
After its formation by the governing body of a city or county, a CRIA must adopt a revitalization plan which identifies the specific activities the CRIA will carry out and finance, and limits activities to only the designated areas defined by the plan. Community identified projects that a CRIA might
undertake may include improvements to existing
infrastructure, construction of new infrastructure, building parks and open space, remediating contaminated
properties, providing financial assistance to small
businesses and entrepreneurs, and constructing affordable housing.
CRIAs are governed by a five-member board made up of at least three members of a legislative body and two
community members who live or work in the district area.
8.9 Implementation Strategy
Table 8-1: Implementation Strategy below includes a list of actions broken up by the key themes identified in Chapter 2; strong economy, sustainable development, active
community, and community character. These actions help to ensure that the DTSP is successfully implemented in line with the vision.
Table 8-1 summarizes each action and provides an
estimated timeframe, assigns primary responsibility,
estimates approximate costs, and identifies potential
funding sources. Cost estimates and funding may change
over time based on development activity, funding
availability, and staffing resources.
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Table 8-1: Implementation Strategy
Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
Strong
Economy
Develop marketing and promotional
materials geared to attracting
businesses to invest in Downtown
Taft.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Partner with the Taft District
Chamber of Commerce and other
interested party’s such as California
State University - Bakersfield and
Fresno State’s Office of Community
and Economic Development, to
create a business assistance
program that connects local
businesses and fosters collaboration
and support by providing local
businesses with technical assistance
in marketing, accounting, or finance.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Create an economic development
task force for ongoing collaboration
between the public and private
sectors to discuss how the City
could better facilitate economic
development. Representatives from
the business community could
include business owners, property
owners and developers, or leaders
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
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Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
from the Chamber of Commerce or
other business groups.
Maintain a regularly updated
inventory of available commercial
and industrial spaces on the City’s
website.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Create a Business Improvement
District to contribute to the
maintenance, development, and
marketing of downtown by working
with local property owners and
commercial tenants.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department;
City Council; City
Administration
<$50,000 Business
Improvement
District formation
Leverage vacant, or underutilized
buildings as temporary pop-up
business space. Establish temporary
activity permits for pop-ups.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Partner with the Taft College, Taft
Union High School, and local
businesses to provide opportunities
for internships and other vocational
training to retain young working
professionals in Taft.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department; City
Manager’s Office
<$50,000 General Fund
Sustainable
Development
Create a green building and
adaptive reuse incentive program
for the Downtown area. This
program could include an expedited
permitting process, reduced
building, and permit fees, and/or tax
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$100,000 Affordable
Housing and
Sustainable
Communities
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Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
credits for developers of green
buildings and adaptive reuse in the
downtown area.
Study and develop an updated
Transfer of Development Rights
(TDR) program that will assist in
overall preservation efforts in
Downtown Taft.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Develop a housing needs
assessment that is updated
annually. Study/seek funding
opportunities to create housing.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund;
Affordable
Housing and
Sustainable
Communities
Improve infrastructure in the
downtown area, including facility
upgrades and service improvements
to support growth. Seek various
funding sources in the short term
until long term funding mechanisms
are in place.
5-15 years Public Works Greater than
$1,000,000
Enhanced
Infrastructure
Financing District,
Infrastructure
and Economic
Development
Bank, Infill
Infrastructure
Grant
Create incentive programs
prioritizing projects that provide
diversity in housing and business
investments in Downtown Taft.
Incentives may include expedited
permit and approval processing, fee
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 160
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
waivers, density bonuses, and other
programs.
Active
Community
Implement the approved wayfinding
signage program for the downtown
area to help to improve the
accessibility, attractiveness and
vibrancy of the downtown area and
creates a distinctive image for
Downtown Taft.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
$50,000 -
$250,000
Business
Improvement
District
formation,
Community
Facility District
CFD, Community
Development
Block Grant
Enhance and promote a regular
farmers/vendor market in
downtown Taft to attract local small
businesses, non-profits, local
farmers, and residents to
Downtown Taft through regular
scheduling and temporary street
closures.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department;
local
businesses/nonprofits; or
regional farmers
<$50,000 General Fund
Design and construct pedestrian
connectivity and access
improvements throughout
downtown, including but not limited
to ADA compliance, enhanced
crosswalks, shade trees, benches,
and other amenities.
5-15 years Public Works $500,000 -
$1,000,000
Community
Development
Block Grant,
Infrastructure
and Economic
Development
Bank, Infill
Infrastructure
Grant
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 161
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
Design and construct a core bicycle
network throughout Downtown.
Link the bike network to the rest of
Taft.
5-15 years Public Works $250,000 -
$500,000
Affordable
Housing and
Sustainable
Communities,
Community
Development
Block Grant
Expand bike parking supply
including short-term, long-term and
bike sharing facilities for both
commercial and residential land
uses.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
$250,000 -
$500,000
Affordable
Housing and
Sustainable
Communities,
Community
Development
Block Grant
Partner with West Side Health
and/or other medical providers to
host informational meetings and/or
create educational content for
healthy downtown living.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Community
Character
Implement a community art and/or
mural program to enhance the
downtown area and create a local
sense of place.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 Community
Facility District,
Community
Development
Block Grant
Invest in streetscape elements,
lighting, signage, historical markers,
and public art; prioritizing
Downtown’s history.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
$50,000 -
$250,000
Community
Development
Block Grant,
Enhanced
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 162
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
Infrastructure
Financing District,
Infrastructure
and Economic
Development
Bank
Invest in the creation of new and
improved public spaces that can be
used to host seasonal festivals and
gatherings, and that feature public
art. Prioritize investments in existing
public spaces and facilities that host
public events.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
$250,000 –
$500,000
Community
Development
Block Grant,
Enhanced
Infrastructure
Financing District,
Infrastructure
and Economic
Development
Bank
Incentivize the use of privatelyowned, vacant, or underutilized buildings as temporary art space
that welcomes interactive
components. Incentives can be in
the form of grants, fee waivers, or
tax breaks.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$100,000 General Fund,
Public Art Grants
Adopt regulations that help
preserve and adapt historic
buildings downtown, to help retain
the history of Downtown Taft
through establishing criteria for
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 163
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Theme Action Timeframe Responsibility Cost Potential
Funding Source
historic downtown landmarks and
buildings.
Establish a program to connect
available and underutilized venues
with those seeking spaces for
special events.
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department
<$50,000 General Fund
Streamline event permitting and
support the creation of a Special
Event Task Force to organize,
promote and run festivals, parades,
and other outdoor public events to
promote downtown as an
entertainment destination
1-5 years Planning and
Development
Department; City
Manager’s Office
<$50,000 General Fund
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 164
8.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Taft City Hall
APPENDIX A – PROFORMA
ANALYSIS
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mark Staples, Planning and Development Services Director, City of Taft FROM: Britt Palmberg, AICP, Principal Planner/Economic Analyst, RICK Planning + Design DATE: February 11, 2022
SUBJECT: Downtown Taft Specific Plan Proforma Analysis Summary – City Owned Properties at the Northeast and Southwest Corners of 4th Street and Supply Row
Rick Engineering Company – Planning + Design Division (RICK) has prepared this memorandum to summarize proforma analyses conducted for two potential sites for residential development within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan area based on the Preferred Land Use Plan. The first subject property is a 1.06-acre parcel at the northeast corner of 4th Street and Supply Row, currently owned by the City. The second subject property is a 6.71-acre parcel at the southwest corner of 4th Street and Supply Row, also currently owned by the City. The purpose of the proforma exercise is to understand the underlying economics concerning the potential development of these two key sites within the Downtown Taft Specific Plan area.
The attached sheets provide the results of the proforma analyses, as well as underlying assumptions for the proforma exercise. The following outlines key assumptions for the proforma exercise:
• The proformas assumed the construction of either a standard, wood construction residential multi-family project, or a wood construction townhome project, on the City-owned properties. The proformas were developed to reflect the financial returns to a third-party developer that would acquire a particular parcel from the City of Taft and proceed with construction of residential units (either townhomes, or multifamily apartments). • The proformas integrate assumptions concerning hard and soft costs, based upon research in the local market and the experience of our team in working in markets across California and across the country. • The proformas include assumptions concerning anticipated revenues from either the rental of multi-family units, or the sale of townhomes. • The proforma analyses assumed that the City would sell the subject parcel to a potential developer, using assumptions for the sales price of a vacant lot in the Taft area (on a per acre basis).
February 11, 2022
Subject: Downtown Taft Specific Plan – Proforma Analysis
• The scenarios assume that townhomes would be developed at a density of 12 units per acre and that apartments would be developed at a density of 24 units per acre. This density range of 12 to 24 units per acre aligns with the density articulated in the Preferred Land Use Plan for the Downtown Taft Specific Plan.
The following table summarizes the findings of the proforma analysis for the various scenarios.
Scenario Parcel Description Units IRR NPV
Gap
Financing
Needed
Gap /
Unit
1 NE corner, 4th & Supply
Row (1.06 Acres) Apartments, 24 DU / AC 25 -0.3% ($1,457,499) $0 $0 2 NE corner, 4th & Supply
Row (1.06 Acres) Apartments, 24 DU / AC 25 14.0% $560,849 $2,200,000 $88,000 3 SW corner, 4th & Supply
Row (6.71 Acres) Apartments, 24 DU / AC 161 -0.3% ($9,366,385) $0 $0 4 SW corner, 4th & Supply
Row (6.71 Acres) Apartments, 24 DU / AC 161 14.0% $3,661,138 $14,200,000 $88,199 5 NE corner, 4th & Supply
Row (1.06 Acres) Townhomes, 12 DU / AC 12 -7.4% ($292,128) $0 $0 6 NE corner, 4th & Supply
Row (1.06 Acres) Townhomes, 12 DU / AC 12 14.0% $72,092 $397,000 $33,083 7 SW corner, 4th & Supply
Row (6.71 Acres) Townhomes, 12 DU / AC 80 -4.2% ($1,470,686) $0 $0 8 SW corner, 4th & Supply
Row (6.71 Acres) Townhomes, 12 DU / AC 80 14.0% $313,718 $1,945,000 $24,313 • Scenarios 2, 4, 6, and 8 calculated the upfront financial gap financing that would be necessary to result in an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 14 percent, for a third-party developer. An IRR of 14 percent represents a generally acceptable level of return for a potential developer, given the level of risk inherent in new construction and development. The level of gap financing necessary for the scenarios varied widely, from less than $400,000 for Scenario 6 to over $14 million for Scenario 4. The proforma exercise also calculates the necessary gap financing for these Scenarios on a per-unit basis. The gap required ranged from approximately $24,000 per unit for Scenario 8 to over $88,000 for Scenarios 2 and 4.
February 11, 2022
Subject: Downtown Taft Specific Plan – Proforma Analysis
• Overall, the scenarios involving the development of the larger parcel, on the southwest corner of 4th Street and Supply Row, required larger quantities of gap financing to result in financially feasible projects. However, on a per-unit basis, the townhome project on the larger parcel resulted in lower financial gaps per unit, compared to developing townhomes on the smaller parcel (on the northeast corner of 4th Street and Supply Row).apartments.
• The scenarios involving townhome development required less gap financing overall, and less gap financing on a per unit basis, compared to scenarios involving the development of for-rent apartments. However, the Scenarios involving townhomes resulted in the development of fewer residential units, compared to Scenarios involving apartments. • Scenarios that did not involve the provision of any gap or outside financing resulted in negative Net Present Values (NPV) and negative IRR, indicating that these projects would not be financially feasible for a potential developer. Therefore, the analyses indicate that some level of financial support, or gap financing, would be necessary to attract residential developers to pursue any of these residential projects in the Downtown area.
• The results of these proforma analyses should assist the City in considering options for developments at different densities, and on different parcels, in the Downtown area.
• These proforma analyses represent high level analyses using general assumptions from around Taft and the region. Individual projects would need to be evaluated in greater detail to determine financial feasibility as more detailed plans for parcels in the Downtown area come into focus.
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Downtown Taft Specific Plan Appendix B – Permitted Use Definitions | Page 1 APPENDIX B – PERMITTED USE DEFINITIONS
APPENDIX B – PERMITTED USE
DEFINITIONS
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 2
APPENDIX B – PERMITTED USE DEFINITIONS
B-1 Permitted Use Definitions
The definitions contained within this Appendix are related to Land Uses identified in Chapter 3: Land Use, Table 3-1 – Allowed Use Table. These definitions act as guidance for the types of uses allowed within certain categories.
If a use is not listed in Table 3-1 contained in Chapter 3, or the definitions below but is consistent with the intent of a certain use, then at the discretion of the Planning Director to determine if the use is allowed within the Plan area.
Market
1. Convenience:
A retail store of 3,500 square feet or less in gross floor area, which carries a range of merchandise oriented to daily
convenience and travelers' shopping needs.
2. Grocery/Supermarket:
The retail sale of food and beverages for off-site
preparation or consumption.
3. Liquor:
A retail establishment primarily engaged in selling beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages, which may specialize in a particular type of alcoholic beverage.
Personal Services
Any place of business providing services and accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided. Personal Services is categorized by the following:
1. General
An establishment providing non-medical services to
individuals as a primary use, including the following service types.
• Barber shops
• Beauty salons
• Bridal salon/clothing rental
• Ear piercing services as ancillary use
• Hair salons
• Home electronics and small appliance repair
• Nail salons
• Seamstress/tailors
• Tanning salons
• Shoe repair shops
• Cleaning and pressing establishments
2. Fitness/Health Facility
Any place of business or membership club providing
facilities devoted especially to health, beauty, and relaxation that deals with the cosmetic, therapeutic, and/or holistic treatments, where people visit for professionally
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 3
APPENDIX B – PERMITTED USE DEFINITIONS
administered personal care treatments, including health or physical fitness clubs. Massage accessory use(s) may be permitted. A medical spa shall be classified as a Medical Office land use.
3. Instructional
Any place of business that is intended for group or individual instruction including art, music, dance, photography,
gymnastics/gymnasium, indoor batting cages, martial arts of any form, meditation, modeling agencies, pilates, pottery, rock climbing, tutoring, volleyball club/organizations, yoga, weight control clinics. Massage shall not be regulated under this land use.
Restaurant
Any establishment operated for the primary purpose of
providing food, beverages, or meals for compensation,
which has suitable kitchen facilities for the preparation, storage and service of food. Any bar area, all applicable licenses required, shall be limited to five hundred (500) square feet or thirty percent (30%) of the dining area; bar areas exceeding these limits or restaurants that restrict the age of entry to 21+ shall be classified as a bar.
1. Sit-Down
Any restaurant for the primary purpose of on-site service and consumption and/or serving meals in non-disposable
containers. Accessory sale of food and nonalcoholic
beverages for off-site consumption is permitted provided that all food and beverages sold for on-site consumption are served in non-disposable containers.
2. Take-Out
Any restaurant for the primary purpose of serving food and beverage in disposable containers (paper, plastic, or
otherwise disposable/recyclable). This use includes
restaurants, bakeries, cafes with limited on-site
consumption, with or without seating and those with drivethru lanes.
Lodging
1. Bed & Breakfast
A dwelling containing a single living unit that serves as the residence for the owner or manager and not more than five (5) guest rooms that, for compensation, provide temporary night to night lodging with or without meals.
2. Rooming House
A building containing bedrooms or other rooms used,
designed, or intended to be used, rented, leased, let or hired to be occupied subject to a written lease, sublease or any other contractual agreement designed to effectuate the
same result, with or without meals, for compensation, as permanent guests pursuant to an arrangement for
compensation for definite periods. A "Rooming Housing"
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 4
APPENDIX B – PERMITTED USE DEFINITIONS
does not require a property owner, or an agent, or a rental manager, to be in residence. A "Rooming House" may or may not have individual or group cooking facilities. A "Rooming House" may or may not provide free access to common
living areas beyond the bedrooms or guest rooms. A "room" means any rented, leased, let or hired room, living space or other square footage within the building that is used or designed to provide sleeping accommodations for one (1) or more persons. A property permitted accessory dwelling unit, second unit, or "granny flat" shall not be considered a rooming house if used, designed, or intended to be used, rented, leased, let or hired, to be occupied or that is occupied by two (2) or fewer individuals under two (2) or fewer written leases, subleases or any other contractual agreement
designed to effectuate the same result, with or without meals, for compensation, as permanent guests pursuant to an arrangement for compensation for definite periods, by the month or greater term.
3. Hotel
A building or group of buildings in which there are six (6) or more guest rooms that are designed for and occupied as the temporary lodging place of individuals for generally less than thirty (30) consecutive days, but shall not include jails, hospitals, asylums, sanitariums, orphanages, prisons,
detention homes and similar buildings, where human beings are housed and detained under legal restraint.
Retail Sales
Any commercial use engaged in retail sales of merchandise not specifically listed under another use. Merchandise sales may be regulated by square footage thresholds subject to the regulations of the applicable Zone and shall be
categorized by the following programmatic categories:
1. New Retail
The retail sales of new merchandise including the following products or commercial stores:
• Antique shop
• Hardware
• Arts and craft supplies
• Hobby materials
• Bicycle shops
• Jewelry
• Books/stationary
• Luggage and leather goods
• Cameras and photographic supply stores
• Musical instruments, parts and accessories
• Paint sales
• Department stores
• Small wares
• Dry goods
• Specialty shops
• Fabrics and sewing supplies
• Sporting goods and equipment
Downtown Taft Specific Plan | Page 5
APPENDIX B – PERMITTED USE DEFINITIONS
• Pharmacy
• Toys and games
• Florist and house plants (indoor sales only)
• Variety stores
• Driving schools
• Janitorial services and supplies
• Locksmith shops
• Newsstands
• Candy shop
• Clothing and accessories
• Orthopedic supplies
• Movie rental and sales (does not include cinemas)
• Collectibles (cards, coins, comics, stamps) excludes
second-hand and pawn
2. Showrooms
Standalone and retail showroom establishments engaged in the retail sales of larger-scale new merchandise including appliances, indoor or outdoor furniture.
3. Used/Pawn
An establishment engaged in the retail sale of secondhand merchandise, or offering loans secured by personal
property.
Shopping Centers
A commercial center composed of more than four (4)
businesses sharing a common parking area. Shopping
centers may include a mixed-use component but should not exceed 20,000 square feet of retail space.
Food Preparation
Food Preparation means processing food for human
consumption by cooking or assembling the food. This use does not include packaging or processing of food.
Design and Services
Any business providing or combining professional design services and light fabrication or assembly technology for product specification. This land use may include office space and light or quasi-light industrial space to provide the full range of design, testing, and modification of commercial and industrial products. This use includes light manufacturing uses such as t-shirt shops, antique and secondhand stores, sign fabrication shops and similar related uses.
City of Taft
209 E. Kern St Taft, CA 93268
Phone: (661) 763-1222 | Fax: (661) 765-2480
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 1
City of Taft
Planning Commission
Staff Report Agenda Item #3
DATE: October 19, 2022
TO: Chairman Orrin and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Mark Staples, Director
Planning and Development Services
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING – General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06: Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Accelerate Housing Production
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing
2. Motion to adopt a Resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF TAFT RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2021-05 TO ADOPT THE DOWNTOWN TAFT SPECIFIC PLAN TO
ACCELERATE HOUSING PRODUCTION IN THE CITY OF TAFT
3. Motion to adopt a Resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF TAFT RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 2021-05 AN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12 AND 14 OF TITLE 6 OF THE TAFT MUNICIPAL CODE TO ACCELERATE HOUSING
PRODUCTION IN THE CITY OF TAFT
LOCATION:
General Plan Amendment: Approximately 212 acres bound by the alleyway between Kern Street and Lucard Street to the north, 10th Street to the west, Front Street to the south, and State Highway 33/Kern Street/Adkisson Way to the east.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Citywide
PROJECT ANALYSIS:
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment Project consists of two projects with a goal of accelerating housing production through 1) the development of a Specific Plan that focuses on the downtown area of the City of Taft and 2) an amendment to multiple chapters and sections of the city-wide Zoning Ordinance. The Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) aims to establish the downtown area as a central zone with street-oriented uses and as a vibrant mixed-use district surrounded by residential uses. The Project provides a vision and planning framework for future growth and development in the approximately 212-acre Specific General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06 October 19, 2022 Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accelerating Housing Production Page 2 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 2
Plan Area while introducing new Land Use Designations not included in the 1999 Downtown Taft Specific Plan. Additionally, the Specific Plan outlines objective design standards to ensure compatible and uniformed design and development is achieved to improve and enhance the character of Downtown Taft. At buildout, the DTSP could result in up to approximately 3,121 dwelling units, 4,272 employment opportunities, 9.3 acres of recreational open space and an increase in local population of 6,180 persons.
A corresponding city-wide amendment to the City of Taft Zoning Ordinance is proposed to integrate the changes from the land use and zoning designations within the DTSP but also to add targeted changes city-wide for application process improvements, bringing the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) sections in conformance with State policy, while also integrating flexible development standards to streamline and accelerate residential development. The Zoning Ordinance Amendment does not include changes that would result in higher land use densities, other than what is proposed for the DTSP project area.
BACKGROUND
The City of Taft received two planning grants from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) with the primary goal and purpose of accelerating housing production. On April 8, 2020, the City was awarded $160,000 through the Senate Bill 2 Planning Grants Program (PGP), and on December 28, 2020, was awarded $65,000 through the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant Program. The City Council had previously, starting the 2017-18 budget year, approved an additional $80,000 of funding toward such projects that would be split across two budget years.
On January 28, 2021, the City published a Request for Proposals (RFP), for Professional Services to prepare the Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment to accelerate housing production; with bids due on March 18, 2021. City staff conducted interviews with Rick Engineering Company and EMC Planning Group on April 1, 2021. After staff conducted interviews of the consultants, on April 20, 2021, the City Council selected RICK Engineering Company with their bid of $244,900, as having demonstrated their experience with similar projects, outlined a strict schedule to complete both projects in the given timelines, and outlined how both projects will be completed within the provided budget.
On August 3, 2021, the Taft City Council approved an increase in the project’s budget, specifically to aid in and improve the public engagement and outreach for the project. The funds went toward the use of the programs MailChimp and Social Pinpoint, to provide a platform for sending out project updates to those that signed up for notifications; and to setup an easy to use third party project website to post and archive all project materials, public surveys, workshop materials and recordings.
The Kern Council of Governments (KernCOG) awarded the City of Taft $10,000 as part of the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grant program to supplement the City’s PGP and LEAP funds. On September 7, 2021, the Taft City Council adopted a Resolution to accept the REAP grant funds increasing the total of grant funds for the project to $235,000.
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06 October 19, 2022 Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accelerating Housing Production Page 3 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 3
Lastly, the RICK project team had been working with their subconsultant CityThinkers in producing plans and graphics for the DTSP and on workshop preparation. The initial drafts of the specific plan document needed more images and graphics depicting potential outcomes of the plan’s implementation. On June 21, 2022, the Taft City Council approved an additional $10,000 to go toward more graphics production. This resulted in additional 3D aerial view renderings that show a built out downtown Taft, including views of multi-story residential developments with plazas and public spaces. This increased the project budget to $268,310.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, VISION AND GOALS
The Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) establishes the framework for the land use, intensity, development regulations, and design standards that will support future development of the area. The DTSP is intended to be used by all, property owners, developers, designers, City staff, and elected officials in the review of proposed development projects. The objectives of the DTSP include:
1. Provide a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework that guides development in Taft’s downtown area in accordance with the Taft General Plan.
2. Create development standards that are unique to the DTSP area and will enhance development in the downtown area.
3. Develop streamlined entitlement and permitting process to encourage the accelerated production of a diverse range of residential development and housing types.
4. Encourage a diversified downtown economy.
Early in the plan development process RICK conducted stakeholder interviews including councilmembers, local special district managers, and the President & CEO of the Kern Economic Development Corporation. The Vision for the DTSP was designed to include a dynamic mix of land uses, ensuring a healthy and balanced community that celebrates the history and culture of the area. The plan’s residential, commercial, employment, and recreational opportunities are linked together through safe streets, connected trails, recreation districts, and a range of housing options. The goals and policies of the DTSP were centered around four main themes:
1. Strong Economy: The City of Taft strives to create a robust and diversified economy that provides community members with a range of employment opportunities and resiliency and adaptability to market changes. The strong economy goals seek to retain existing businesses and attract new business to the area to stimulate job creation, particularly in Downtown Taft.
2. Sustainable Development: The Downtown Taft Specific Plan is the foundation for the growth of smart and sustainable housing and improvements to mobility, connectivity, and in the Downtown area. The sustainable development goals seek to promote the creation of housing; both diverse and affordable, assess the infrastructure needs to accommodate growth in the city and ensure that Taft is accessible both locally and regionally.
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06 October 19, 2022 Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accelerating Housing Production Page 4 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 4
3. Active Community: The City of Taft is committed to enhancing its parks, trails, and recreational amenities to promote an active community in Downtown Taft. The introduction of additional housing units will lead to enhancement and greater use of these facilities. The active community goals seek to promote the health and well-being of the community, encourage social interaction, and build upon the Rails to Trails corridor with high quality recreation amenities and community education.
4. Community Character: The Downtown Taft Specific Plan aims to enhance and protect the community’s small town and historic character while attracting new investment and growth. The Community Character goals seek to preserve historic resources, promote historic architecture in Downtown areas, and celebrate and encourage arts and culture.
Chapter 2.0 of the DTSP outlines the goals and specific policies that are attributed to the four themes. The Strong Economy theme has the goals of retaining and attracting new businesses and achieving economic diversification through a mix of retail and service businesses. In developing an Active Community, the DTSP has the goal of creating high quality recreational opportunities, facilitate health and wellness initiatives, and developing active streets and plazas for residents and visitors to gather. Sustainable Development requires a strong mix of compatible land uses, a diverse range of housing opportunities, sustainable infrastructure systems, and a safe, convenient, and accessible mobility network for all ages and abilities. The DTSP’s goals for maintaining Community Character is through preserving and enhancing the historic and cultural heritage of downtown, providing support for increased public safety measures, and developing Taft’s arts and culture community.
LAND USE PLAN
The Land Use Plan for the DTSP acts as the policy and regulatory framework for the development and use of land in the downtown area. The overall goal of the Land Use Plan is to encourage new housing opportunities, improve economic vibrancy, and allow for flexibility in the use and implementation as Downtown Taft develops over time. The Plan also contains development standards for each of the land use areas.
The DTSP area is comprised of eight land use designations focused on encouraging compatible development that brings activity to the Downtown Core complemented with nearby recreation opportunities. The Plan introduces two distinct mixed-use districts, Downtown Core and Downtown Transition. The Downtown Core is intended to encourage vertical high density residential and commercial uses, supplemented by high-quality public spaces that in turn will create a unique Downtown main street look and feel. The Downtown Transition encourages a lower intensity horizontal development pattern, creating a transition to the existing lower density residential neighborhoods to the north and south, while still allowing a variety of uses.
The Land Use Plan includes two additional residentially based zones, Live-Work and Medium Density Residential, that provide a transition from the downtown districts with lower allowed densities and commercial uses. The plan also includes three distinct commercial uses, with a Commercial district that is primarily along the Plan area’s western edge along 10th Street; an Office/Medical district that includes land currently occupied or controlled by a West Side Health General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06 October 19, 2022 Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accelerating Housing Production Page 5 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 5
Care District, and a Light Industrial district on the east side of the Plan area on land that has traditionally been occupied by these job producing uses. Lastly, the Plan includes an Open Space district that includes the Rails to Trails and the Oil Worker Monument.
The Land Use Plan contains a standard allowable uses table, development standards for each land use district and parking standards that provide lesser ratios than is required in the citywide zoning ordinance. The Plan also addresses affordable housing with a proforma analysis (full proforma is included in Appendix A); streamlined entitlement and permitting processes, development incentives such as reduced permit fees, density bonuses, and parking incentives.
Further, the Plan includes development lot size examples, objective design standards including building scale and massing, and frontage and building façade requirements.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 4.0 of the DTSP sets forth the design guidelines to help achieve high-quality, welldesigned development throughout the DTSP area. The overall intent of the guidelines is to encourage design that accomplishes the vision of a dynamic mix of land uses, ensuring a healthy and balanced community that celebrates history and culture with residential, commercial, employment, and recreational opportunities that are linked together through safe streets, connected trails, recreational districts, and a range of housing options. The chapter includes general design policies, site design and architectural design standards, and building form and articulation.
The preferred architectural styles are American Mercantile, Craftsman, and Spanish Colonial Revival, with the Downtown Core district almost exclusively requiring the American Mercantile style. The guidelines include standards for parking areas, such as improving visual impact, utilizing alleyways as access to rear parking areas, ensuring pedestrian safety, and provide ample bicycle parking and storage. There are guidelines for building frontages and access, building façade materials, textures, and colors, and public realm design policies.
The guidelines encourage an attractive streetscape to enhance the livability and desirability of the area. Public open space standards, pedestrian design, along with lighting, street furniture, and finish materials, landscape and hardscape material standards round out the overall urban design for the downtown area. The Design Guidelines include signage and wayfinding, utilizing the adopted Citywide Wayfinding designs for City monument and direction signs, along with two of the Gateway arch designs intended for placement in the downtown area.
MOBILITY – PARKS AND OPEN SPACE – INFRASTRUCTURE
The Mobility chapter of the DTSP outlines the priorities of an integrated, multi-modal network of streets, bike paths, sidewalks, and trails that provides connections between surrounding areas of the City and the Downtown Core. The Plan sets policies that encourage walking and cycling experiences to be more comfortable, safe and convenient. The chapter reviews the mobility network, roadway classifications, and provides graphic examples of multi-modal uses of collector and local streets. The bicycle network is mapped showing all classes of bike path classifications in and around the downtown area. The pedestrian network is addressed while General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06 October 19, 2022 Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accelerating Housing Production Page 6 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 6
encouraging the use of paseos, alleyways, and mid-block connections, with ensuring pedestrian safety through design and proper lighting. Finally, the transit network is discussed with the Taft Area Transit dial-a-ride service, and service the Maricopa; and the Kern Transit service providing connections to the Bakersfield area and other areas of Kern County.
Chapter 6.0 of the DTSP discusses the vision of Downtown Taft as a vibrant heart of the community with interconnect public spaces that increase opportunities for social interaction and offering a range of passive and active recreational opportunities, improving the quality of life for all community members. The chapter discusses the public realm programming through the development of pocket parks, linear parks, plazas, courtyards, play areas, trails, paseos, and activated alleys. The chapter also provides examples of other open space amenities to utilize in the downtown area such as benches, water features, bike racks and storage, fitness circuit, dog parks, and public art. Conceptual plans, 3D visualizations, public realm standards, a trails overview, and other visual examples are included throughout the chapter.
Public infrastructure is reviewed in Chapter 7.0 of the DTSP. The chapter reviews the water supply by the West Kern Water District and wastewater service provided by the City with service maps provided. Drainage and storm water runoff is discussed, along with telecommunications, cable, and internet services provided in the Taft area. Public utilities for electric and natural gas services provided by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and SoCal Gas.
Emergency services provided by the Taft Police Department, Kern County Fire Department and Hall Ambulance Services. The DTSP area does not include any Taft City School District or Taft Union High School District schools or facilities, along with no Taft College facilities.
IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINSTRATION – APPENDICES
Chapter 8.0 of the DTSP outlines the administration and implementation of the document by the City of Taft and other entities. The chapter discusses the environmental review conducted for the specific plan through a prepared Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration, which is further discussed later in this staff report. Subsequent entitlements and building permits are discussed, outlining the ministerial and discretionary reviews of various projects based on the allowed uses table in the Land Use Plan. The chapter also discusses minor modifications, substantial conformance and amendments to the DTSP. Needed capital improvements, available funding sources and financing tools through improvement districts and community facility districts are listed as options to improve the Downtown area. Lastly, an Implementation Strategy table lists the many actions, costs, and funding sources needed to achieve the four themes of the DTSP, Strong Economy, Sustainable Development, Active Community and Community Character.
Appendix A provides the full proforma analysis conducted by the RICK team. The analysis focused on two different sites along Supply Row for residential development; an apartment project and a townhome project. There were two different residential densities considered, property acquisition costs, and assumed development costs that included hard and soft costs such as architecture, engineering, contractor costs, legal and permitting costs, and marketing costs for the projects. Each analysis found that costs did outpace the typical return on General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06 October 19, 2022 Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accelerating Housing Production Page 7 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Page 7
investment that may warrant some other additional investment, grant funding or other financial mechanism needed to make projects close the financial gap. However, adjustments to development densities, property acquisition costs, and other construction and development costs may also produce a project that closes the financial gaps.
Appendix B provides a list of definitions of the permitted uses terms from the Land Use Plan chapter, from the term Market to Personal Services examples, to Restaurants and Lodging, Retail Sales and Shopping Centers, Food Preparation, and Design and Services.
PUBLIC OUTREACH, WORKSHOPS, PUBLIC INFORMATION
The RICK team and City staff developed a public outreach plan to ensure that as many stakeholders, property owners, and other community members were informed of the DTSP progress. Four workshops were planned to collect feedback, direction, and acceptance of the draft plan. The kickoff Workshop #1 was held on August 25, 2021, from 5:00PM to 6:30PM and was held virtually and pandemic protocols were still in place for public gatherings. The results of Workshop #1 helped develop Land Use Plan options and urban design ideas. Workshop #2 was held on November 10, 2021, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in person at the Taft Transit Center, at 550 Supply Row, in the Oildorado Room. The workshop was well attended, and the inperson format helped provide input and insight into the community members wants, needs, and expectations of the specific plan. Workshop #3 was held on March 31, 2022, from 5:00Pm to 6:30PM both in person at the Oildorado Room and virtually with City staff in-person and the RICK team virtually presenting the preferred Land Use Plan findings, while also seeking final feedback on urban design standards for downtown Taft. Workshop #4 is planned for October 19, 2022, from 4:00PM to 5:00PM as an informational, question and answer session preceding the Planning Commission public hearing. City residents, property owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend and review the DTSP materials and Land Use Plan.
Another aspect to the DTSP project’s outreach was to ensure that project materials, surveys, documents, and recordings were available to all. First, the City created a separate section of the Planning and Development Services website to post flyers and updates of all project activities https://www.cityoftaft.org/pview.aspx?id=56235&catid=562. Second, the RICK team setup a Social Pinpoint hosted project website. The Downtown Taft Specific Plan website https://rickplanninganddesign.mysocialpinpoint.com/downtown-taft-sp-zo/downtown-taft-spzo-home/ contains all project materials including initial commenting opportunities, PowerPoint presentations, recordings of Workshops #1 and 3, and presentation boards. Third, the RICK team utilized the MailChimp email notification system to allow the public to signup for email notifications and for sending out eblasts for each of the Workshops and updates to the project website. Finally, the City printed flyers and mailed postcards to the approximately 350 property owners within the project area and approximately 280 property owners within 300-feet of the DTSP project area. The postcards generated phone call and email responses to City staff and attendees at workshops. Also, the Taft District Chamber of Commerce probably has the farthest reach in notifying the public on various City, civic, and private events in the area. The City and RICK team were able to get the project flyers and other notifications included in the Chamber’s weekly eblast to the email list.
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TRIBAL CONSULTATION:
As the process of producing and adopting a Specific Plan is a General Plan Amendment, tribal consultation is required through the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to determine if cultural resources may be located on the project site. On April 18, 2022, City staff sent the Local Government Tribal Consultation List form to the NAHC. The City received an automatic notice that it may take six or more weeks to receive the list of tribes to contact. On April 28, 2022, the City chose a proactive step and utilized a tribal consultation list from 2020 and sent letters to the 12 listed tribes. None of the tribes requested consultation and some notified the City that the project was outside of their tribal land area. The NAHC sent a letter dated June 15, 2022, responding to the City’s initial request with an update list of tribes to contact. On June 29, 2022, City staff sent one letter out to the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation as they were not on the 2020 list utilized for the original mailing. The City received no response for tribal consultation.
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
The second major effort as part of this overall project to accelerate housing production, primarily funded by the LEAP grant, was to amend all appropriate chapters and sections of Title 6 Zoning Regulations of the Taft Municipal Code. The following is a summary of the affected chapters and sections:
Chapter 1 – Administration
Amended Sections 6-1-4 Zone Districts deleting the Planned Development (PD) and Downtown Commercial (DC) zone districts, while adding the Specific Plan (SP) zone district to the list; Section 6-1-14 replacing references to planned development with specific plans; and Section 6- 1-19 Definitions with improved definitions of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (jADU).
Chapter 2 – Permits and Approvals
Amended multiple sections of Chapter 2 to remove references to the PD and DC zones, add references to SP, add substantial conformance standards, and update section references.
Added standards for a Director’s Site Plan Approval and objective design criteria, deleted old design criteria and relocated to Chapters 4 and 5 as appropriate, added a new Director’s Permit application standards, updated nonconforming standards for existing single-family residential structures and their ability to be rebuilt after being destroyed. Public hearing requirements have been updated along with extensions of time for tentative tract maps.
Chapter 3 – Special Zone Districts
Amended Section 6-3-1(A) replacing all references of the Planning Development zone district with the Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) zone district.
Chapter 4 – Residential Zone Districts
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Amended Section 6-4-3 Table 4.A adding some allowed uses to be processed with a Director’s Permit. Amended Table 4.B for minimum lot width and dwelling size. Added Section 6-4-5 Objective Design Standards for residential developments.
Chapter 5 – Commercial Zone Districts
Amended Sections 6-5-1 and 6-5-2 to adding an item to encourage mixed use developments and to delete references to the Downtown Commercial (DC) zone district. Amended Section 6- 5-3 Table 5.A adding the Director’s Permit to some Uses Permitted, deleted the DC zone district column on the table, and updated section references. Amended Section 6-5-4 Table 5.B deleting the DC zone district column; and amended subsection F to ensure R-3 zone district development and design standards are used for residential developments in the Mixed Use (MU) zone district. Added Section 6-5-5 Objective Design Standards.
Chapter 11 – General Development Standards
Amended Section 6-11-24(G) Appeals updating a section reference due to other amendments.
Chapter 12 – Specific Use Development Standards
Amended Section 6-12-23 Accessory Dwelling Units updating standards for ADUs and jADUs, conversions of accessory structures, and permit processing time frames.
Chapter 14 – Parking Regulations
Amended Section 6-14-2 adding a reference to the Downtown Taft Specific Plan the specific parking regulations for properties within the plan boundaries. Amended Table 14.A deleting the allowable compact parking spaces allowed, amended the parking ratio for most retail and office uses from 1 space per 200/250 square feet to 300 square feet, with larger more sizable shopping centers allowed a 1 parking space per 450 square feet ratio. Amended multi-family residential parking requirements by deleting the half space requirement on one-bedroom units; amended the single-family residential parking requirement to allow the 2 required spaces in a garage or carport. Moved Table 14.C Off Street Loading Requirements from Section 6-14-5 to Section 6-14-4. Deleted Section 6-14-5(A) removing references to adjustments to off street parking requirements for properties within the Downtown Commercial zone district.
CEQA:
The City of Taft has reviewed the proposed Downtown Taft Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment to accelerate housing production and prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15070. The Draft IS/MND represents the City’s independent judgment and analysis. The Draft IS/MND was circulated for review and comment by interested agencies, organizations, and persons for 30 days in accordance with Section 21091 of the State CEQA Guidelines. The 30-day public review period to solicit comments on the Draft IS/MND started on July 29, 2022 and ended on August 30, 2022. The proposed Project will not have a significant effect on the environment with the implementation of mitigation measures.
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The City of Taft received one letter from public agencies on the proposed project. The letter from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control did not include comments that were substantive, specific to the project, or related to the CEQA analysis, but did include standard mitigation measures that may be applied on any project and are incorporated with the measures included with the IS/MND.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution – General Plan Amendment No. 2021-05
2. Resolution – Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06, Strikethrough and Underline Copy
3. Resolution – Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2021-06, Clean Copy
4. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
5. Downtown Taft Specific Plan with Appendices
6. Draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment
7. Downtown Taft Specific Plan Local Transportation Analysis
8. Downtown Taft Specific Plan Vehicle Miles Traveled Analysis
9. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
10. Letter A1 Response to Department of Toxic Substance Control DRAFT INITIAL STUDY and MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION
FOR
DOWNTOWN TAFT SPECIFIC PLAN & ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT
October 2022
Lead Agency:
City of Taft
Lead Agency Contact:
Mark Staples, Planning and Development Services Director [email protected]
Prepared by:
RICK Engineering Company
1160 Marsh St #150
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 544-0707
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. PROJECT SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 1 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... 3 III. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS................................................................................... 15 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED...................................... 16 V. DETERMINATION .................................................................................................... 17 VI. REFERENCES......................................................................................................... 118 VI. APPENDICIES ........................................................................................................ 118 List of Figures and Appendices
Figures:
Figure 1: Location Map
Figure 2: Proposed Zoning Map
Figure 3: Existing Land Use Designation Map
Figure 4: Downtown Taft Specific Plan Proposed Land Use Figure 5: Regional Geologic Map and Key
Figure 6: Water Map
Figure 7: Sewer Map
Figure 8: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map
Tables:
Table 1: DTSP Development Standards
Table 2: California’s GHG Emissions by Economic Sector
Table 3: Land Use Compatibility for New Development Near Transportation and NonTransportation Noise Sources Table 4: VMT Analysis
Table 5: VMT Reduction Measures
Table 6: Water-Normal Year Supply and Demand Comparison Table 7: Water – Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Comparison Appendices:
Appendix A: Draft Specific Plan
Appendix B: Draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Appendix C: Traffic Impact Analysis
Appendix D: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program