HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-12 - ORDINANCES - UDC AMEND 22-001 MC 22-027ORDINANCE NO. 22-9
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE 22-027, CONSISTING OF
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 22-001 AMENDING THE
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE, AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following
findings of fact:
A. The City of Santa Clarita (City) periodically prepares updates to the Unified
Development Code (UDC);
B. The UDC was last updated in December 2020;
C. Staff presented the project to the Development Committee on May 10, 2022;
D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue
commencing on May 17, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. or later, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia
Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California;
E. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered a staff
presentation, staff report, and public testimony on the Unified Development Code
amendments proposed for the project;
F. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution P22-06
recommending the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita adopt an ordinance and
approve Master Case 22-027 by a vote of 4-0, with one absent;
G. In accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the UDC, a one -eighth
page legal advertisement was place in The Signal newspaper on June 7, 2022;
H. The City Council of the City of Santa Clarita held a duly noticed public hearing on
the issue commencing on June 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. or later, at City Hall, 23920
Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and
I. At the hearing described above, the City Council considered a staff presentation, staff
report, and public testimony on the UDC amendments proposed for the project.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based
upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. A Notice of Exemption for this project was prepared in compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
B. The project is exempt from CEQA under Article 5 Section 15061(b)(3), the common-
sense exemption. The activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only
to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is
not subject to CEQA;
C. The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon
which the decision of the City Council is based is the Master Case 22-027 project file,
and that this project file is located within the Community Development Department
and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; and
D. Based upon the findings set forth above, the City Council hereby recommends the
City Council find the Notice of Exemption for this project has been prepared in
compliance with CEQA.
SECTION 3. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 22-027. Based on the
foregoing facts and findings for Master Case 22-027, the City Council hereby determines as
follows:
A. That the proposal is consistent with the General Plan,
The project does not include any new development and is consistent with the General
Plan's objectives, policies, and procedures. The proposed amendments will assist the
City in implementing the General Plan by creating consistent Planning documents
and updating code sections. Amendments reflect current planning trends, newly -
identified planning issues, and clarify code language in an effort to keep the
development code relevant, fresh, and easy to understand.
B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all
other applicable provisions of the UDC, -
The UDC amendments do not require a consistency finding with the existing
development code because the project would amend the UDC in general. While no
consistency finding is required, the proposed amendments would not change
development densities or the City's zoning map, and the changes are considered to be
minor in nature, making the amendments consistent with these aspects of the
development code.
C. The proposal will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the
public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially
detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the
vicinity and zone in which the property is located; and
Nothing contained in the proposed amendments would endanger, jeopardize, or
otherwise constitute a hazard to the public. The proposed amendments consist of
updates to the UDC and are intended to update the Planning documents to reflect
recent laws, development trends, and to clarify portions of the code where there are
inconsistencies or ambiguity.
D. The proposal is physically suitable for the site. The factors related to the proposal's
physical suitability for the site shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for
the proposed use,
2. The highways or streets that provide access to the site are of sufficient width and
are improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such proposal
would generate,
3. Public protection service (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc.) are
readily available; and
4. The provision of utilities (e.g. potable water, schools, solid waste collection and
disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.) is
adequate to serve the site.
The proposal is physically suitable for the site in terms of location, shape, size, and
operating characteristics. The amendments are minor and do not change the scope or
goals of the various Planning documents or the City's General Plan. No development
is proposed or would be approved by the amendments, and any future development
that may occur under the revised amendments would require development review and
environmental analysis at the time the projects are submitted. The City currently
receives adequate service from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The project area is likewise served by all
applicable utilities. Nothing in the proposed amendments would increase the need for
fire or police protection services, or increase demand for utilities.
SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR UDC AMENDMENT 22-001. Based
upon the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case 22-027, including UDC Amendment
22-001, the City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. The amendment is consistent with the adjacent area, if applicable,
The proposed amendments would apply to properties throughout the City and are
consistent with the principles of the General Plan. No new development is included
with the proposed amendments.
B. The amendment is consistent with the principles of the General Plan,
The proposed amendments would not alter the General_ Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Mona
Map, nor would the proposed amendments change development densities or
population projections for the City. The proposed amendments consist of updates to
the UDC, and are intended to increase consistency amongst the documents, reflect
new legislation, and revise certain code sections to be clearer, easier to read, and
easier to interpret.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would implement the following objectives
and policies of the General Plan:
Objective L U 1.2: Maintain the distinctive community character of villages and
neighborhoods throughout the planning area by establishing uses,
densities, and design guidelines appropriate to the particular
needs and goals of each area...
Policy LU 4.1.4: Promote economic opportunity for all segments of the community,
including small businesses and new businesses.
The proposed amendments are consistent with the objectives and policies listed above
because they would provide updated Planning documents that are internally
consistent, easier to read, and that provide clearer direction than the existing code
documents provide. The proposed amendments support the character of the City's
neighborhoods and promote economic opportunities by providing development
standards that are easier to understand and that provide a clear review process.
C. Approval of the amendment will be in the interest of public health, convenience,
safety, and general welfare and in conformity with good zoning practice;
The proposed amendments would support the public health, convenience, safety, and
general welfare of the community, and are in conformity with good zoning practice
because the proposed amendments would standardize Planning language and
development standards across the Planning documents, updating certain sections to
reflect new legislation, clarify certain code sections for readability and ease of use,
and add new land use categories that support existing and future businesses.
D. The amendment is consistent with other applicable provisions of this code; and
The proposed text amendments to the UDC have been prepared to be consistent with
all other provisions of this code. Further, the proposed text amendments enhance
consistency between the UDC and the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan.
E. Is necessary to implement the General Plan and/or that the public convenience, the
general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action.
The proposed amendments are consistent with the applicable provisions of the UDC
and the proposed revisions would standardize language between the documents and
make the documents more consistent with each other. Therefore, the amendments
would promote the general welfare and public convenience and would constitute
good zoning practice.
SECTION 5. Based upon the staff report, including the materials considered by and the
recommendations made by the Planning Commission, the testimony at the public hearing, and
the findings as set forth in this ordinance, the City Council hereby approves Master Case 22-027,
consisting UDC Amendment 22-001, amending the UDC as shown in Exhibit A.
SECTION 6. If any portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid, that portion shall be
stricken and severed, and the remaining portions shall be unaffected and remain in full force and
effect.
SECTION 7. This ordinance shall be in full for and effect 30 days from its passage and
adoption.
SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 12th day of July, 2022.
s
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
DATE:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )Anna
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Ordinance 22-9 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of
the City Council on June 28, 2022. That thereafter, said ordinance was duly passed and adopted
at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 12th day of July, 2022, by the following vote, to
wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS : Gibbs, Miranda, McLean, Weste
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS : None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Smyth
AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the forgoing is the original of Ordinance No. 22-9 and was
published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806).
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CITY CLERK
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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS — REDLINE/STRIKETHROUGH
Note that new proposed language is shown in blue underline and current language proposed to be
removed is shown in fed
Amendments to Design Standards
17.51.050.0 Outdoor Lighting Standards:
10. Lighting for public and/or private facilities which are 35 feet in height or less including but not
limited to prisons, airports, sports fields/playfields, helipads/heliports, and hospitals.
Lighting for public facilities including, but not limited to, sports gelds/playfields, community
centers and other facilities for public assembly, that are owned acid operated by the City of Santa Clarita
and that exceed 35 feet in height shall be subject to an Administrative Permit( refer to Section 1 ? 23 100
(Administrative Permit)) and be subject to lighting standards provided for in Section D of this chapter
with a further requirement for a photometric study and renderings of the project.
17.66.050 Gating of Access and Roadways:
soft E. Commercial Property Gating. Gating of Commercial property shall be subject to the review and an
Administrative. Permit provided that: b � rV
1) All commercial Qates meet the residential and commercial gating standards as outlined within this
section; 2) a queueing analysis demonstrates that anticipated traffic will not spill over into an existing
right-of-way; and 3) oti-site parking that is open to the public is not gated. Where eeffiffiefei-Al nr-Anta
sabmit4a! to addfess the
17.51.0800.4.b.ii Sign Regulations (Private Property):
(A) The he use ofa� special event banner for each establishment shall bet limited to no more than �vo thirty (73077) days
periods each Calendar yeas within the period 1,C1 [Tlt,nln fY #aliH r,/ l }� Y!d eHEI na-JVxnra )tIttl •]nr! an additional tN ly
L S within the periodof my and etidinfIg-P�°�eoembtif 11st. Tl1`a I-R-Ri ber of events within eae six (6) month
c- ve days —The twa thiz-ty {30)
day periods may be consCcutive.
Amendments to Land Use
17.67.030 Regulations
K. Charitable,
or school sponsoFed PDrop-off bins for recycling of cans, newspapers, or similar items, for drop-off
of clothes and small items are prohibited. Bins shall be leeateed in the parking lots of bt S;neSSec lWit i„ the- G afiE l„r r
zones or etlhe.r publie or
-basis when wFit H g carl byr�nt. the
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i businessropeAy owner of owner. Said bins shall„,� in a �at and�,� .�., 5J F.B`]Ylrier' St,nl! not take u�j_y
r __i�reer pnFkingrces, and shall not e, visible ffem.. _- r.i,bllir right
of A�✓ aiT
P. Short-term special events shall not -be conducted subject to iirnitations and conditions as deejijed appropriate by
the Director for- fnere- than -six () weed H (7) da s during any twelve (12) month period, except where an
extended time period is approved pursuant to Section 17.23.200(B)(2) (Extended -Term Temporary Use Permit).
17.44.010 Industrial Use Types:
14. Recycling —the following are recycling types:
Parking
b. Collection of Trucks and/or Bins as an Accessory Use —includes automobiles, trucks,
No additional parking
trailers or vans, licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, which are used for the
needed, but bin
collection of recyclable materials and includes the bins, boxes or containers transported by
placement cannot
trucks, vans or trailers, and used for the collection of recyclable materials in return for
impact on -site
monetary payment.
parking.
Charitable, private or school sponsored drop-off bins for recycling of cans, newspapers, or
similar items, or for the drop-off of clothes and small items shall be permitted with a Minor
Use Permit only when accessory to an approved Thrift Store or Second-Fland Store, or at the
discretion of the Director. Otherwise, these types of uses are prohibited.
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17.43.010.9 Commercial Land Use Types:
d. Ghost Kitchens — lnclUdes conidiercia► Kitchens engaged in the preparation
of food. for off -site consumption. Ghost Kitchens include public seating areas no
1 space per 250 square feet
OR at the discretion of the
greater than l 0% of the total square footage, and contemplate pickup and delivery of
Director
the prepared food iterns by operators of third -party food delivery services, not by the
general public.
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d-. e. Restaurants —includes establishments primarily engaged in the preparation and retail sale of food and/or
beverages for immediate or semi -immediate consumption either on or off site. Restaurants are further classified as:
Alcohol Production/Storage—includes wineries, wine bars, beer gardens, and other similar establishments
where wine, beer, or other spirits are prepared, bottled, stored, and sold for on- or off -site consumption. Sales can be
either wholesale or retail in nature, subject to the specific development requirements in Section 17.66.020 (Alcohol
Sales).
17.43.010.3 Commercial Land Use Types:
i. Veterinary Clinic —includes a fully enclosed veterinary facility providing routine
1 space per 250
examinations and treatment of small animals (less than two hundred fifty (250)
square feet of area
pounds), including vaccinations, and may include short-term boarding (not overnight)
(excluding area
and grooming services for patients. Boarding shall be in accordance with the
devoted to housing
provisions of Section 17.66.090 (Kennels).
of animals)
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j. Veterinary Hospital —includes a veterinary facility where animals are given medical or surgical
treatment and may include long-term boarding (one (1) or more night stay) and grooming services for
patients. Boarding shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.66.090 (Kennels).
(1) Small Animals —a veterinary hospital for animals weighing less than two
1 space per 250
hundred fifty (250) pounds.
square feet of area
(excluding area
devoted to housing
of animals)
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Amendments to Procedures
17.38.070 RP - Ridgeline Preservation Overlay Zone:
B. Applicability. Significant ridgelines are ridgelines which are highly visible to the community and
dominate the landscape. The general locations of the City's designated significant ridgelines are identified
on the adopted ridgeline map on file in the Planning Division. Any development including but not limited
to grading permits, building permits and land use entitlements, in the vicinity of a generally designated
significant ridgeline, shall submit an exhibit prepared by a licensed civil engineer utilizing site -specific
topographic mapping to precisely locate the vertical and horizontal position of the ridgeline in relation to
the proposed development. The precise ridgelines are defined as the line formed by the meeting of the
tops of sloping surfaces of land. The RP overlay zone shall be established to protect the visual integrity of
the area within one hundred (100) feet vertical and one hundred (100) feet horizontal distance from the
ridgeline. A proposed development may be exempt from the RP overlay subject to the discretion of the
Director if. 1) the subject prope or properties have been subsequently and sipificantly disturbed; 2)
these disturbances have been previously permitted and 3) where the proposed development is within an
area that is substantially urbanized.
17.08.050 Grounds for Revocation or Revisions:
. For projects originally approved by the Planning Commission, after a public hearing, as provided for in
this chapter, the Commission may revoke or revise any approval which has been granted by the review
authority, in compliance with either the provisions of this code or on any one (1) or more of the following
grounds:
B. That the use for which such approval was granted and once commenced, is thereafter is -not being
used, has ceased or has been suspended for sue(€ -}-mom two (2) years or more;
II. For projects originally approved by the Director, the Director may make a determination of
revocation or revision. After sUch decision the permittee or party otherwise subject to the determination
of revocation or revision, may request reconsideration by the Director. Such reconsideration is a less
formal process than a hearing and the permittee or party otherwise subject to the determination of
revocation or revision may submit additional information in writing to the Director within 10 calendar
days cjf notice of revocation or revision for the Director to review. After such reconsideration, the
Director may determine by written notice within 10 days of the Director's review, to revoke or revise any
approval which has been granted by the Director, on any one (1) or more of the following grounds:
A. That such approval was obtained by fraud;
B. That the use for which such approval was granted and once commenced, is not being used, has
ceased or has been suspended for S two 2) years or more;,
C. That any person making use of or relying upon the permit, variance or other approval is violating or
has violated any conditions of such permit, or has been used contrary to the terms or conditions of such
approval, or in violation of any statute, ordinance, law, or regulation;
D. That the use for which the approval was granted is being used to be detrimental to the public health
or safety, or is a public nuisance; or
E. Upon final iudgment of a coLrr-t of competent jurisdiction declaring one (l) or more of such
conditions to be void or ineffective, or enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the enforcement or operation of
one (1) or more conditions of approval, the permit or entitlement shall cease to be valid. (Ord. 13
(Exh. A), 6/11/13)
17.09.020.A Application:
S. Modifications to Conditional Use Permits for alcohol sales require the review and approval of a
Minor Use Permit.
Amendments for Consistency
17.57.030 Multifamily Residential Development Standards:
M. Height. In the Urban Residential 4 and Urban Residential --'-) zones exceeding thirty-five (3 5) feet in
height shall require approval of a conditional use permit. At the discretion of the Director, architectural
treatments may exceed thirty-five (3 5) feet in height without a conditional use permit; provided, that (l )
the addition does not exceed ten (10) feet in height (for a maximum height of forty-five (45) feet); 2) that
the allowance would be compatible with the architectural design; and (3) that the allowance would
provide additional articulation that could otherwise not be achieved within thirty-five (35) feet. This shall
not apply to small-scale, attached multi -family dwellings such as duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes.
P"
17.51.060 Parking Standards:
I. On -Site Bicycle Parking Requirement. Except as otherwise provided in this section, every use shall provide on -
site bicycle parking facilities to accommodate the required number of bicycle parking spaces. All bicycle parking
shall be conveniently located near the street or entrance to the building, to the satisfaction of the Director.
1. Number of Bicycle Spaces Required. A number of on -site parking spaces shall be provided in accordance
with the California Green .Building Standards Code.vem, use shall provide en sitebir-iyele parkin,
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K. Fuel -Efficient, Low -Emitting, and Carpool/Van Pool Vehicles. Except as otherwise provided in this section,
every use shall provide the required number of designated parking for any combination of fuel -efficient, low -
emitting, and carpool/van pool vehicles as follows:
1. Number of Spaces Required. A number of on -site parking maces shall be provided in accordance with
the Califomla Green Building Standards Code.
Total Number of Parking Spaees
NumbeF of Re.-FUired Graces
1 \ LZ iil 1V {il VI Z>
jn�^
V J
a
1 0 2 ✓
4-
2v ✓0
✓ 1 / ✓
76 --100
9
i0` L✓ V
44
22 0 0
1 V
At jnnc•t AT total
2. Fes -Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. A number of on -site parking spaces shall be provided in
accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code. When the eleetlieal in ff 1J LIuetLiL iOr grayid
shall comply with the disabled aceessibilit., )ns of the California Buildifl.,Q, Gode Ghapwr i iB.
b b
17.57.060 Setbacks:
B. Zero lot line parcels shall have aside yard setback of zero (0) feet on the side of the zero lot line, and ten (10)
feet on the opposite side. Required front and rear yard setbacks shall be maintained in accordance with the
... underlying zone or as otherwise permitted in this section. Swimming pools shall maintain a side yard setback of five
(S) feet from either the zero lot line or the opposite provided the foundation and other physical improvements or
infrastructure associated with the swimming pool do not encroach onto an adjacent property
17.57.050 Distance Between Buildings:
E. Dislunce BeN,een Accessory Buildings. A minimum distance of six (6)-feet shall be required between
accessory buildings.
17.62.020 Keeping of Large Animals:
C.3. In addition to Los Angeles County Health Department requirements, all buildings or structures, including, but
not limited to, barns, corrals, training arenas, etc., used in conjunction with the keeping of large animals shall be
located a minimum of thirty -rive (35) feet from any street or highway or any building used for human
habitation.
17.57.070.G.1 Walls and Fences:
Figure 17.57-6
Retainin,Wall Height Within the Front Yard Setback
I
EXIsTk'* GRADE ( GM GAP
BLOCK WA rL
GONcf;EM DRIVEWAY pr
LANDSGAPW4
rw
a ?
Figure 17.57 6 Figure 17.57-7
Retaining_ Walls
17.51.010 Development Impact Fees:
Subsections:
G. Parking in Lieu Fee Program
17.51.010.G Parking in Lieu Fee Program:
4. Applicability.
a. The fee shall apply to any nonresidential/commercial development in the urban center z
Arts &Entertainment (AE) zone Main
Street area) or in the Neighborhood (N) zone with Walnut Street frontage of the Old Town Newhall
S ecific Plan_ that adds new or expanded nonresidential/commercial square footage to the subject
property. This includes an outdoor patio, deck, balcony, terrace, or other outdoor area on private
property that will accommodate or support commercial activity and generate a demand for parking
facilities. Outdoor dining in the public right-of-way is exempt from this fee.
-- b. The nonresidential/commercial properties within the
Old T&`y Newhall Spee -fie la- tarts & Entertainment (AE) zone (Main Street area) or in the
V 1VL 1 V ��.(1 -jTV
Neighborhood (N) zone with Walnut Street frontage of the Old Town Newhall Specific Planare
permitted to satisfy all or part of the parking spaces required by payment to the City of a parking in
lieu fee.
6. Exemptions from Fee. Developments that do not add any new or expand nonresidential/commercial square
footage in the Arts &. Entertainment
(AE) zone (Main Street area) or in -the Neighborhood (N) zone with Walnut Street frontage of the Old Town
Newhall Specific Plan are exempt. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13; Ord. 17-16 § 1, 12/12/17)