HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - MC 98-243 (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approv
Item to be presented
PUBLIC HEARING
DATE: December 8, 1998
SUBJECT: Master Case No. 98-243, Unified Development Code Amendment No. 98-
003 Amendment to Chapter 17.19 of the City's Unified Development Code
(Sign Regulations) and Chapter 17.07 of the Unified Development Code
(Definitions)
ORDINANCE 99-01
RESOLUTION 99-01
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building Services Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive report, open public hearing, receive testimony, close public hearing, adopt Resolution
No. 99-01 and introduce Ordinance No. 99-01.
BACKGROUND
Chapter 17.19 of the Unified Development (UDC) governs sign regulations for residential,
commercial, and industrial development in the City. Adopted November 13, 1990, the Sign
Ordinance regulates, among other things, the height, size, number, and location of signage in
the City. At the time of adoption, it took the place of the County of Los Angeles' code, which
had been used by staff as an interim ordinance from the time of the City's incorporation.
In adopting a City Sign Ordinance, the City Council enacted standards that were more
stringent than those found in the County code. The Council originally intended to have the
new, more stringent standards take effect immediately, thus requiring businesses to remove
numerous "out of compliance" signs throughout the City. The Chamber of Commerce, however,
successfully lobbied for an amortization period that would gradually phase out the non-
complying signs and phase in the complying ones. A nine- (9) year period was granted, which
expires next year.
lZ-S�rP"
Adopted, �e._�,
Since October of 1996, staff has been coordinating an effort to address the impact of the
amortization period's expiration. A task force comprised of various representatives from the
business community was assembled and began meeting regularly to facilitate compliance with
the Sign Ordinance. Efforts included coordinating outreach to the community and assessing
the impact of the ordinance on businesses throughout the City. As part of this analysis, it was
decided that a more user-friendly and business -friendly ordinance would help the City take
another step towards assisting businesses with the amortization deadline.
As such, the Sign Ordinance has been modified to make it easier to read, understand, and
comply with. Staff has prepared a redline/strikeout copy indicating the areas where changes
are proposed. The major changes include the creation of a definitions section within the
ordinance, the creation of a matrix of requirements to ease readability, the modification of
standards which are unnecessarily stringent, and the creation of graphics to accompany -and
clarify the text. It is ultimately staffs goal to have the Sign Ordinance be a document that,
standing alone, is easy to read, understand, and use.
The Planning Commission heard the item at the November 17, 1998, meeting and was
supportive of all proposed changes except eliminating the monument sign height limitation of
eight (8) feet. Therefore, staff has left in the eight (8) foot maximum monument sign height in
the sign regulations. The Commission voted 4-1 to recommend that the City Council adopt the
proposed changes.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The City Council may elect not to adopt the recommended Ordinance and allow the Sign
Regulations to remain as they are presently.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance 99-01
Resolution 99-01
November 17, 1998, Planning Commission Staff Report (including proposed amendment,
negative declaration, and definitions section)
S.\PBS\current\signage\98243-s2.doc
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO
CHAPTER 17, DIVISION 2 (ZONING) OF
THE SANTA CLARITA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
REGARDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE SECTION ON
SIGN REGULATIONS. THE PROJECT LOCATION IS CITYWIDE
IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CA
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
A Public Hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita to consider
an amendment to Chapter 17, Division 2 (Zoning) of the Santa Clarita Unified Development
Code regarding modifications to the section on sign regulations in the City of Santa Clarita, CA.
Master Case No. 98-243, UDC Amendment No. 98-003. The project proposes an amendment
to the City's Unified Development Code, Chapter 17.19 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 17.07
(Definitions) to allow for greater user-friendliness and increased flexibility. A Draft Negative
Declaration has been prepared for this proposed project and is available for public review. The
project location is Citywide in the City of Santa Clarita, CA.
The hearing will be held by the Santa Clarita City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers,
23920 Valencia Blvd., 1st Floor, on the 8th day of December,1998, at or after 6:30 p.m.
Proponents, opponents, and any interested persons may appear and be heard on this matter
at that time. Further information may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office, Santa
Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite #301, Santa Clarita, CA.
If you wish to challenge this action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you
or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written
correspondence delivered to the City Council, at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Dated: November 13, 1998
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC
City Clerk
Publish Date: November 16, 1998
\carnes\phform.wpd
RESOLUTION NO. 99-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA; CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PREPARED FOR THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 98-003
WHEREAS, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find, determine and declare:
A. That an Initial Study has been prepared for the project and that said study found
that no adverse impact, either individually or cumulatively, on wildlife as the
same defined in Section 711.2 of the Fish and Game Code.
B. That a proposed Negative Declaration was posted and advertised in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
C. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, the Council further finds
and determines that the proposed Negative Declaration is consistent with the
goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and that the Negative
Declaration complies with all other applicable requirements of State law and
local guidelines.
D. Based upon foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby determines that
a Negative Declaration is in compliance with CEQA and that the proposed
project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 2. The Negative Declaration for the project is hereby approved and the
Director of Community Development is hereby directed to file the Notice of Determination with
the County Clerk of the County of Los Angeles.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of
19
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
)
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
) 3
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
)
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby
certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by theCityCouncil of the City of Santa
Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of 19_
by the following vote of Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK
Pbs\current\signage \98243-r2.doc
ORDINANCE NO. 99-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE VARIOUS
AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC AMENDMENT 98-003)
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita General Plan requires the implementation of a City of Santa
Clarita Unified Development Code to be in compliance with the Governmental Code of the State of California;
and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as
amended, Public Resources Code Sections 21000-21774, require the evaluation of the Negative Declaration
for projects such as amendments to the Unified Development Code; and,
WHEREAS, the Unified Development Code Amendment 98-003 includes amendments to the Zoning
Section and within the following sub -sections: Definitions and Sign Regulations. The amendments are
attached and referred to as "Exhibit A"; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance amending the City's zoning code is consistent with the City's General
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments further implement the Goals and Policies of the City's General
Plan; and
WHEREAS, a Negative Declaration was prepared, noticed and circulated for public review in
compliance with the provisions of CEQA and the City's Environmental Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on November 17,
1998 at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita.. At this meeting, the Planning Commission
adopted Resolution P98-33, recommending approval of Unified Development Code Amendment 98-003
to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The proposed amendments to the Santa Clarita Unified Development Code (Exhibit
A) are consistent with the City of Santa Clarita General Plan and meet the requirements of the Government
Code of the State of California.
SECTION 2. The Zoning Section of the Santa Clarita Unified Development Code shall be amended
per the attached exhibit (Exhibit A).
SECTION 3. That the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for this project has been prepared,
reviewed, considered, and found complete in accordance with the provisions of CEQA and the City's
Environmental Guidelines and the City Council adopts the Negative Declaration prepared for this project.
SECTION 4. That 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 remains in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause it to
be published in the manner prescribed by law.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of
19
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
)
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
) 3
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
)
1, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 99-01 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting
of the City Council on the day of , 19 . That thereafter, said
Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of
, 19_ by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK
Pbs\currentWgnage\98243ord.doc
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
STAFF REPORT
MASTER CASE NO. 98-243
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 98-003
DATE: November 17, 1998
TO: Che' person Hoback and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Jef y Lambert, AICP, . Director of Planning & Building
Se ces
CASE PLANNER: Conal McNamara, AICP, Associate Planner
APPLICANT:. The City of Santa Clarita
LOCATION: Citywide
REQUEST: A request to amend Chapter 17.19 of the City's Unified
Development Code (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 17.07 of the
Unified Development Code (Definitions) to allow for a more
user and business -friendly Sign Ordinance
BACKGROUND
Chapter 17.19 of the Unified Development (UDC) governs sign regulations for
residential, commercial, and industrial development in the City. Adopted November
13, 1990, the Sign Ordinance regulates, among other things, the height, size,
number, and location of signage in the City. At the time of adoption, it took the
place of the County of Los -Angeles' code, which had been used by staff as an interim
ordinance from the time of the City's incorporation.
In adopting a City Sign Ordinance, the City Council enacted standards that were
more stringent than those found in the County code. The Council originally
intended to have the new, more stringent standards take effect immediately, thus
requiring businesses to remove numerous "out of compliance" signs throughout the
City. The Chamber of Commerce,: however, successfully lobbied for an amortization
period that would gradually phase out the non -complying signs and phase in the
complying ones. A nine (9) year period was granted, which expires next year.
Since October of 1996, staff has been coordinating an effort to address the impact of
the amortization period's expiration. A task force comprised of various
representatives from the business community was assembled and began meeting
regularly to facilitate compliance with the Sign Ordinance. Efforts included
coordinating outreach to the community and assessing the impact of the ordinance
on businesses throughout the City. As part of this analysis, it was decided that a,
-Aglendaemn A It
Master Case 98-243
November 17, 1998
Page 2
more user-friendly and business -friendly ordinance would help the City take another
step towards assisting businesses with the amortization deadline.
The project consists of minor changes to the Sign Ordinance to make it easier to
read, understand, and comply with. Staff has prepared a redline/strikeout copy
indicating the areas where changes are proposed. The major changes include the
creation of a definitions section within the ordinance, the creation of a matrix of
requirements to ease readability, the modification of standards which are
unnecessarily stringent, and the creation of graphics to accompany and clarify the
text. It is ultimately staffs goal to have the Sign Ordinance be a document that,
standing alone, is easy to read, understand, and use.
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION, SURROUNDING LAND USE, ZONING
The proposed amendment would affect signs. throughout the four communities of
Santa Clarita.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
As part of the project review, an environmental assessment was made to evaluate
the impacts of the project. It was determined that the proposed project could not
have a significant impact on the environment. As such, a Negative Declaration was
prepared by staff and circulated for public review and comment on October 26, 1998.
As of. the date of preparing this report, no comments on the Negative Declaration
were received.
ANALYSIS
Staff has long realized that the UDC is not as user-friendly and informative as it
could be. Recognizing this and acting on the direction from the City Council, staff
recently prepared Design Guidelines for the City as a companion document to the
UDC. Along a similar vein, staff understands that changes can be made to the Sign
Ordinance that will not alter the intent of what the Council adopted in 1990 but
make it more user and business friendly, thus helping facilitate compliance with the
requirements. The following areas are ones for which changes have been proposed:
Definitions
Unlike many other sections of the UDC, the Sign Ordinance is often used and
handed out to the community as a stand-alone document. Including definitions in
the -regulations allows for,easy cross-referencing of sign types and requirements. As
indicated in Attachment 2, definitions pertaining to signs have been moved from
Chapter 17.07 of the UDC to the Sign Ordinance. The regular text represents
Master Case 98-243
November 17, 1998
Page 3
language in the existing definitions section, while text highlighted in yellow and text
crossed out represent language which has been added and deleted, respectively.
Sign Regulations Matrix
In reviewing sign ordinances from numerous cities around southern California, staff
found that a matrix portraying the standards of the code in a simple format was a
user-friendly tool. As part of this amendment, staff has included a matrix broken
down by sign type that identifies the maximum number, height, and sign area as
well as the location and whether or not the sign can be illuminated. There are no
standards found in the matrix which are not found in the text of the Sign Ordinance.
The intent is to offer the reader a quick reference tool for understanding what types
of signs can be located in a given situation.
Sign Graphics
Staff often finds when dealing with the public that definitions and descriptions of
certain sign types are sometimes confusing. In an effort to minimize this confusion,
staff is proposing to add graphic depictions of sign types to the regulations. Two
sheets with a total of 10 graphics have been designed. The first sheet depicts
various sign types including monument, wall, directory, pylon, directions, and
window identification signage. The second sheet depicts roof, projecting, canopy,
and temporary banner signs.
Text Changes
Attachment 2 to your staff report presents the text changes to the Sign Ordinance
proposed by staff. The areas that have been highlighted (shaded) indicate new
proposed language to be added to the code. Where text is stricken (one or two lines
running through a word or series of words), text is proposed to be deleted. Much of
the intent of this amendment is to clean up the confusing language throughout the
chapter. As such, there are a great deal of changes which involve either (1) restating
something more succinctly or (2) combining two or more sections into one more
easily read section. The following represent the larger changes proposed to the Sign
Ordinance text:
• The limitation of an eight (8) foot maximum height for monument signs in
situations where visibility or a property's size. make the standard six (6) foot
sign infeasible has been removed. Rather than limit the height to eight feet
when a higher sign might be justified, staff believes that each situation
should be reviewed on its own merit.
Master Case 98-243
November 17, 1998
Page 4
• The requirement that a publicly owned, charitable, religious or educational
institution own the building on which a bulletin or special event signs is
posted has been eliminated. With the revised language, such organizations
can post bulletin or special event signs on buildings that are temporarily
occupied for events such as haunted houses, etc.
• The requirement that ground monument signs be rectangular in shape has
been eliminated. Staff believes that this requirement is unduly burdensome,
especially in situations such as identification of the "Granary Square"
shopping center, which has an existing square sign.
• The Director's interpretation regarding murals has been added to the
ordinance. This language will codify the manner by which staff analyzes
requests for murals.
General Plan
The proposed project could be found to be consistent with the following goals and
policies of the General Plan:
1) Goal 4, Policy 4.5 of the Land Use Element which seeks to "promote the
preservation, rehabilitation and/or upgrading of older centers, including
downtown Newhall, Canyon Country, and Saugus, where appropriate."
2) Goal 4, Policy 4.6 of the Land Use Element which seeks to "encourage.the
upgrading of strip commercial development along San Fernando Road and
Lyons Avenue."
3) Goal 4, Policy 4.9 of the Land Use Element which seeks to "ensure that
signage on new and existing development is visually attractive and provides
a high quality image for the City."
Therefore, staff feels that the Commission could find the project to be consistent
with the General Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission:
1) Adopt Resolution No. P98-33 recommending that the City Council
adopt the Negative Declaration and approve Master Case- 98-243
(UDC Amendment No. 98-003).
i_1
Master Case 98-243
November 17, 1998
Page 5
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. P98-33
2. Proposed Sign Ordinance
3. Proposed Definitions Section of the UDC
4. Draft Negative Declaration
JJL:CDM:Iep
s:\pbs\cu nt\98-243-s.doc
RESOLUTION NO. P98-33
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
CLARITA RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL AN
AMENDMENT TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 98-003)
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita General Plan requires the implementation of a
City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code to be in compliance with the Government
Code of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of
1970, as amended, Public Resources Code Sections 21000-21774, require the evaluation of
the Negative Declaration for projects such as amendments to the Unified Development
Code; and
WHEREAS, Unified Development Code Amendment No. 98-003 includes
modifications to the following sections- of the UDC: . Definitions and Signs Regulations
(attached as Exhibit A); and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments further implements the Goals and Policies of
the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, a Negative Declaration was prepared, noticed, and circulated for public
review in compliance with the provisions of CEQA and the City's Environmental
Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the _Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on
November 17, 1998.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, FIND, AND DETERMINE AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The proposed amendments to the Santa Clarita Unified Development
Code are consistent with the City of Santa Clarita General Plan and meet the requirements
of the Government Code of the State of California.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission has .reviewed and considered the Initial
Study and Negative Declaration prepared for this project and recommends that the City
Council adopt the Negative Declaration prepared for the amendments to the Unified
Development Code as complete and in compliance with the provisions of CEQA and the
City's Environmental Guidelines.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission does hereby recommend that the City
Council act upon the amendments to the Unified Development Code.
RZ
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this _ day of , 19_.
Darla Hoback, Chairperson
Planning Commission
ATTEST:
Jeffrey Lambert, AICP, Secretary
Planning Commission
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
I, the City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita at a
regular meeting thereof, held on the _ day of , 19_ by the following vote of the
Planning Commission:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CITY CLERK
Pbs/c=enVsignage/98243-r1.doc
7
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
[X] Proposed [ ] Final
---------------------------------------------------------
MASTER CASE NO: 98-243
PERMIT/PROJECT NAME: Unified Development Code Amendment 98-003
APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita
LOCATION OF THE PROJECT: Citywide
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Amendment to the City's Unified Development Code; Chapter 17.19
(Sign Regulations) to allow for easier readability, expand definitions, and to make text changes that would
allow applicants greater flexibility in erecting signage. These minor modifications to the regulations will
primarily affect an applicant's ability to design signage differently. However, the proposed changes will not
significantly impact the number of signs in the City.
Based on the information contained in the Initial Study prepared for this project, and pursuant to the
requirements of Section 15065 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Santa Clarita
[X] City Council [ ] Planning Commission [ ] Director of Community Development
finds that the project as proposed or revised will have no significant effect upon the environment, and that a
Negative Declaration shall be adopted pursuant to Section 15070 of CEQA.
Mitigation measures for this project
fX] Are Not Required [ ] Are Attached [ ] Are Not Attached
JEFF LAMBERT
PLANNING MAl
Prepared by: A U V VP�� Jeff Hogan, Assistant Planner H
Approved by: v \ 1 \ \1Conal McNamara, AICP, Associate Planner
(Signature) \,M (game/Title)
Public Review Period From October 26, 1998 To November 16, 1998
Public Notice Given On October 26, 1998 By:
[X] Legal Advertisement [ ] Posting of Properties [ ] Written Notice
CERTIFICATION DATE:
cmentlndsign
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
(Initial Study Form B)
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Lead Agency: City of Santa Clarita, Dept. of Planning & Building
Contact Person & Phone Number., Conal McNamara, (805) 255-4330
Master Case or CIP Number: MC 98-243
Entitlement Type(s): Unified Development Code Amendment No. 98-003
Case Planner: Conal McNamara, AICP
Project Location: Citywide
Project Description and Setting: Amendment to the City's Unified Development Code, Chapter
17.19 (Sign Regulations) to allow for easier readability, expand
definitions, and to make text changes that would allow
applicants greater flexibility in erecting signage. These minor
modifications to the regulations will primarily affect an
applicant's ability to design signage differently. However, the
proposed changes will not significantly Impact the number of
signs In the City.
General Plan and Zoning Designation(s): Citywide
Project Applicant (Name, Address, Phone): City of Santa Clarita, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300,
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: Citywide
Other public agencies whose approval is required:
(e.g. permits, financing approval, or participation agreement)
7
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be affected by this project, Involving at least one
impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact' as Indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
[ ] Land Use and Planning [
] Transportation/
[ ] Public Services
Circulation
[ ] Population and J]
Biological Resources
[ ] Recreation
Housing
[ ] Geological Problems [
] Noise
[ ] Aesthetics
[ ] Water [
] Hazards
[ ] Cultural Resources
[ ] Stormwater [
] Mandatory Tests of
[ ] Utilities and Service
Management &
Significance
System
Recycling
(] Air Ouality [
] Energy and Mineral
Resources
DETERMINATION:
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
[X] I find that the proposed, project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the
environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
[ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the
mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the
project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
[ ] 1 find that the proposed project MAY have a significant impact on the environment,
and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
[ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the
environment, but at least one effect 1) has been mitigated adequately in an earlier
document pursuant to applicable -legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by
mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached
sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact' or "potentially significant
unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, but it must analyze
only the effects that remain to be addressed.
2 Vo
[ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all
potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR
pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated
pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project.
Prepared By: Jeff W. Hogan
Assistant Planner 10/10/98
(Sig a ure) (Name/ritle) (Date)
Approved By:
Conal McNamara, AICP 10/21/98
Associate Planner
(Signature) (Namelritle) (Date)
3
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Potentially
Significant -
Impact
Potentially Unless Less than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the proposal:
a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? [ ] [ J [ ] [XI
(Source # )
b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over
the project?
c) Be incompatible with existing land use in the city? [ ] [ ] [] [X]
d) Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an [ ] [ ] [ I [X]
established community (including a low-income or
minority community)?
e) Affect a Significant Ecological Area (SEA)? ( ) [ ] [ ] [ J [X]
f) Other ( ) [I [] [I IXI
II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. would the proposal:
a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local [ ] [ ] [ I [XI
population projections? ( )
b) Create a net loss of jobs? ( ) I [] I [X]
c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable [ I [ ] [ ] [X]
housing? ( )
d) Other ( ) [] [] [] [(]
Ill. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. will the proposal result in:
a) Unstable earth conditions or in changes in [ ] [ ] [ ] [XI
geologic substructures? ( )
b) Disruptions, displacements, compaction or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
overcovering of the soil? ( )
c) Change in topography or ground surface relief [ ] [ ] [ I [X]
features? ( i
d) The destruction, covering or modification of any [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
unique geologic or physical features? ( )
e) Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, [ ] [ ] [ I [X]
either on or off the site? ( )
f) Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards [ ] [ ] [ ] [XI
such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides,
ground failure, or similar hazards? ( )
g) Changes In deposition, erosion or siltation? ( [ ] [ ] [ ] [XI
)
4
h) Other modification of a wash, channel; creek, or
river? ( )
1) Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic
yards or more? ( )
j) Development and/or grading on a slope greater -
than 25% natural grade? ( )
k) Development within the Alqulst-Priolo Special
Studies Zone? ( )
1) Other' ( )
IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in:
a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or
the rate and amount of surface runoff? ( )
b) Exposure of people or property to water related
hazards such as flooding? ( )
c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of
surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved
oxygen, or turbidity)( )
d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any
water body? ( )
e) Changes in currents, or the course of direction of
water movements? ( )
f) Changes in the quantity of ground waters, either
through direct additions or withdrawals, or through
interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or
through substantial loss of groundwater recharge
capability? ( )
g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater?
h) Impacts to groundwater quality? ( )
1) Substantial reduction in the amount of
groundwater otherwise available for public water
supplies? ( )
j) Other ( )
V. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING.
Would the proposal result In:
a) Would the proposed project result in storm water
system discharges from areas for materials
storage, vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or
equipment maintenance (including washing), waste
handling, hazardous materials handling or storage,
Potentially
[] []
11 1X1.
Significant
-
impact
11 1X1
Potentially Unless Less than
II 1X1
Significant Mitigation Significant .
No
Impact Incorporated Impact
Impact
[1 [] [1
VI
U [] I1
IXI
[] [] I
[X1
[] [] I1
[X1
5
[1 [] [1 [X]
[] []
11 1X1
[1 [I
11 1X1
[] [I [] [X1
11 11 [1 IX1
11 1X1.
I] []
11 [XI
[1 []
11 1X1
[1 []
II 1X1
[] [] •11
1X1
[] []
11 [Xl.
[1 [] [1 [X]
[] []
11 1X1
[1 [I
11 1X1
[] [I [] [X1
11 11 [1 IX1
delivery areas or loading docks, or other outdoor
work areas? ( )
b) Would the proposed project result in a significant
environmentally harmful Increase In the flow rate or
volume of the project site or surrounding areas?
c) Would the proposed project result in storm water
discharges that would significantly impair the
beneficial uses of receiving waters or areas that
provide water quality benefits (e.g., riparian
corridors, wetlands, etc.)? ( )
d) Would the proposed project cause harm to the
biological integrity of drainage systems and water
bodies? ( )
e) Does the proposed project include provisions for
the separation and reuse of materials? ( )
VI. AIR QUALITY. would the proposal:
a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an
existing or projected air quality violation? ( )
b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? ( )
c) Create objectionable odors? ( )
d) Other ( )
VII. TRANSPORTATIONICIRCULATION. wouldthe
proposal result in:
a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion?
b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp
curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses? ( )
c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby
uses? ( )
d) Insufficient parking capacity onsite or offsite?
( )
e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists?
f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting
alternative transportation (e.g. bus stops, bicycle
racks)( )
g) Disjointed pattern of roadway improvements
h) Other ( )
A
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially Unless Less than.
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
11 11 11 [X]
11 11 11 [Xj
11 [1 11 [Xl
11 11 11 [X[
[] [l
[] [Xj
[] [3
[] [X1
[1 [1
11 [Xi
[] []
11 1X1
11 11 11 1X1
[1 11 11 [Xi
[1 [1 [1 [Xl
[ ] U [ 1 1X1
[] [] .11 [Xl
15
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially Unless Lessthan
Significant Mitigation Significant _
No
-
Impact Incorporated Impact
Impact
VIII.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to:
a)
Endangered, threatened or rare species or their
[] [] I
[X] .
habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish,
Insects, animals, and birds)? ( )
b)
Oak trees?( )
[] [] []
[X]
c)
Wetland habitat or blueline stream? ( )
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[K]
d)
Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? ( )
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
e)
Other ( )
[ ] [ ] (]
[X]
IX.
ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal:
a)
Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans?
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
b)
Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
inefficient manner? ( )
c)
Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral
[ ] [ ] []
[X]
resource that would be of future value to the region
and the residents of the State? ( )
d)
Other ( )
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
X.
HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve:
a)
A risk of accidental explosion or release of
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X)
hazardous substances (including but not limited to
all, pesticides, chemicals, or radiation)? ( )
b)
Possible interference with an emergency response
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[XI
plan or emergency evacuation plan? ( )
c)
The creation of any health hazard or potential
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
health hazard? ( )
d)
Exposure of people to existing sources of potential '
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
health hazards (e.g. electrical transmission lines,
gas lines, oil pipelines)? ( )
e)
Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
brush, grass, or trees? ( )
f)
Other ( )
[] [] []
[X]
XI.
NOISE. Would the proposal result In:
a)
Increases in existing noise levels? ( )
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
b) .
Exposure of people to severe noise levels or
[ ] [ ] [ ]
(X]
vibration? ( )
c)
Other ( )
[] [] []
[X]
XII.
PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an
effect on, or result in a need for new or altered government
7
15
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Unless Lessthan
Significant
hlltlgatlon Significant
No
Impact
Incorporated Impact
Impact
services In any of the following areas:
a)
Fire protection? ( )
[]
[] []
[X],
b)
Police protection? ( )
[ ]
[ I [ ]
[X]
c)
Schools? ( )
[]
[] []
[X]
d)
Maintenance of pubic facilities, Including roads?
[]
[I []
[X]
e)
Other government services? _Park Land (
[]
[] []
[X]
XIII.
UTILITIES. Would the proposal result Ina need for new systems or supplies, or
substantial alterations to the following utilities:
a)
Power or natural gas? ( )
[]
[] []
(X]
b)
Communications systems? ( )
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[X]
c)
Local or regional water treatment or distribution
(]
[ ] [ ]
[X]
facilities? ( )
d)
Sewer or septic tanks? ( )
[ ]
[ ] [ j
[X]
e)
Storm water drainage? ( )
[]
[] []
[X]
f)
Solid waste disposal? ( )
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[X]
g)
Local or regional water supplies? ( )
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[Xj
h)
Other ( )
[]
[] []
[X]
XIV.
AESTHETICS. would the proposal:
a)
Affect a scenic vista open to public view? ( )
[ ] _
[ ] [ ]
[X]
b)
Have a negative aesthetic effect? ( )
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[X]
c)
Create light or glare? ( )
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[X]
d)
Other ( )
[]
[I []
IX].
XV.
CULTURAL RESOURCES. would the proposal:
a)
Disturb paleontological or archaeological
[]
[] []
[Xj
resources?
b)
Have the potential to cause a physical change
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
(X]
which would affect unique ethnic cultural values?
c)
Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[X]
potential Impact area? ( )
d)
Affect a recognized historical site? ( )
[ J
[ ] [ J
[XI
e)
Other ( )
[]
[] I]
IX]
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially - Unless Lessthan
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XVI.
RECREATION
a)
Will the proposal result in an impact upon the [ l ' I ]
I l IX]
quality or quantity of existing recreation
opportunities? ( )
XVII.
MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a)
Does the project have the potential to degrade the [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, reduce the number or restrict the range
of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b)
Does the project have the potential to achieve [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term,
environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the
environment is one which occurs in a relatively
brief, definitive period of time while long-term
Impacts will endure well into the future.)
c)
Does the project have impacts which are [ ] (]
[ ] [X]
individually limited but cumulatively considerable?
(A project may impact on two or more separate
resources where the impact on each resource is
relatively small, but where the effect of the total of
those Impacts on the environment is significant.)
d)
Does the project have environmental effects which [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
XVIII.
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME `DE MINUMUS' FINDING
a)
Will the project have an adverse effect either [ ] [ ]
[ I [X]
individually or cumulatively, on fish and wildlife
resources? Wildlife shall be defined for the
purpose of this question as "all wild animals, birds,
plants, fish, amphibians, and related ecological
communities, including the habitat upon which the
wildlife depends for Its continued viability."
IXX. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND/OR EARLIER ANALYSES:
Section and Subsections
Evaluation of Impact
and 11. LAND USE & -
No changes in land use, housing and population are expected to
PLANNING/HOUSING &
occur as a- result of the proposed amendments. No significant
POPULATION
impacts are anticipated. The amendments will be consistent with
and will implement the goals and policies of the City's General Plan.
III, IV, V, VI, VIII, XV.
No significant impacts are expected to occur to these environmental
GEOLOGICAL/
resources as a result of the proposed sign regulation amendments.
WATER/STORMWATER
The modifications will be consistent with and will Implement the
MANAGEMENT/AIR
City's General plan.
QUALITY/BIOLOGICAL
RESOURCES/CULTURAL
RESOURCES
VII, XII, XIII AND XVI.
No significant impacts and changes to the amount and extent of the
TRANSPORTATION/
local transportation system, public services, utilities and recreation
CIFICULATIOWPUBLIC
opportunities are anticipated. The proposed amendments will be
SERVICES/UTILITIES/
consistent with and will implement the City's General Plan.
RECREATION
IX. ENERGY AND
MINERAL RESOURCES
No Increases In the rate of use and demand for renewable and non -
renewable resources will occur as a result of the modifications
proposed to Unified Development Code regarding sign regulations.
No significant Impacts are anticipated. The proposed amendments
will be consistent with and will Implement the City's General Plan.
X AND XI.
No significant Impacts to the public health, safety and welfare are
HAZARDS AND NOISE
expected to occur as a result of the proposed amendments to the
Unified Development Code regarding sign regulations. The
proposed amendments will be consistent with and will implement the
City's General Plan.
XIV. AESTHETICS
Although signage directly affects the aesthetic quality of the City, no
significant impacts are expected to occur as a result of the proposed
modifications to the Unified Development Code regarding sign
regulations. The Intent of the amendments Is to make the Sign
Regulations easier to utilize and to allow greater flexibility in their
application. Largely, this will require modifying sections of the
regulations to allow signs to be designed differently. This will not
result In a cumulative increase In signage and will not significantly
impact the overall number or quality of signs In the City. As such,
there will be no aesthetic detriment. to the City. The proposed
amendments will not affect a scenic vista open to the public view,
have a negative aesthetic effect or create a significant glare or light.
The proposed amendments will be consistent with and will
implement the City's General Plan.
it
SIGN REGULATIONS
BY SIGN.TYPE.
.
.
SIGN TYPE
" MAXIMUM ' MAXIMUM SIGN
MAXIMUM
LOCATION
ILUMINATIONZONES
"
Ground and
NUMBER ,A
,REA ;::
=SIGN HEIGHT
(1) Monument sign
ALLOWED?
PERMITTED;
Ground and
One per parcel of
12 square feet/sign
(1) Monument sign
Shall be setback 10 feet
May be externally
Open Space
Wall Business
land
not to exceed
from any street,
lighted subject to
Zone
Signs in the
three feet
highway, or parkway
special requirements
Open Space
measured from
property line and 25
in Section
Districts
the ground.
feet from any other
17.19.070.F.
(2) Pylon sign not '
property line.
to exceed 15
feet in height
measured from
the ground.
(3) Wall signs shall
not extend
above the
lowest point of
a roof or
highest point of
a parapet wall.
Wall Business
One per street,
(1) 1.5 feet of sign area
Two feet, however,
Shall not extend above
Yes
Commercial and
Signs in
highway, or
for each lineal foot of
taller signs may be
the highest point of the
Industrial Zones
Commercial and
parkway frontage
building frontage for
permitted subject to
roof or parapet
Industrial
plus one per
channel letter signs.
approval of a Sign
Districts
secondary public
(2) 1 foot of sign area for
Review by the
entrances (with
each lineal foot of
Director of Planning
restrictions)
building frontage for
& Building Services
cabinet signs.
(3) Secondary entrance
signs may not exceed
one-half sign area
ordinarily permitted
on the fa ade
(1)
2)
SIGN REGULATIONS BY SIGN TYPE
One per lot or
Six feet; however,
(3) Shall be set back a
Yes
SIGN TYPE
MAXIMUM "
MAXIMUM SIGN
MAXIMUM
LOCA'T'ION .' <
ILUMINATION.
ZONES
Industrial Zones
NUMBER
AREA
SIGN HEIGHT
: :
ALLOWED? "
PERMITTED:'
Monument
One per lot or
54 square feet per sign
Six feet; however,
(3) Shall be set back a
Yes
Commercial and
Signs in
parcel having at
face (multiple -faced signs
the Director for
minimum of one
Industrial Zones
Commercial and
least 100' of
are allowed).
centers containing
foot from any
Industrial Zones
continuous street
Director may approve up
five acres or more
ultimate street or
or highway
to 96 square feet per sign
may approve eight
public right of
frontage. One
face for larger centers or
feet,
way.
additional sign to
where visibility constraints
(4) Shall not be placed
be permitted for
exist.
within clear site
buildings with
line setback zone.
500' of frontage.
(5) Shall not impede
traffic sight
visibility.
Pylon Signs in
One per parcel of
40 square feet per sign
15 feet as measured
(1) Shall be set back a
Yes
Commercial and
Commercial and
land of at least
face (double-faced signs
from the elevation at
minimum of three
Industrial Zones
Industrial Zones
three acres and
are permitted).
ground level.
feet from any
500' of street
ultimate street or
frontage.
public right of
way.
(2) Shall not be
located closer than
15 feet from the
intersection of any
driveway and
street or public
right of way.
(3) Shall not impede
traffic and sight
visibility.
Incidental
One per business
Two square feet
N/A
Wall mounted below
Yes
Commercial and
Business Sin
the roofline.
Industrial Zones
Temporary
Dependent on
25% of window area
25% of window area
, Fagade windows.
N/A
Commercial and
Window Signs
number of
Industrial. Zones
windows
= . SIGN REGULATIONS BY SLGN TYPE= .:
SIGN TYPE'
±: MAXIMUM
NUMBER -'
MAXIMUM SIGN
AREA-;,,:SIGN
MAXIMUM ,
HEIGHT
"LOCATION
ILUMINATION `
ALLOWED?
ZONES
PERMITTED':
Building
Building
One per principal
One square foot per
N/A
Wall signage that shall
Yes
Residential and
Identification
use
principal use. In RM,
not extend above the
Open Space
Signs in
RMH, and RH Zones, sign
highest point of a
Zones
Residential and
may be up to six square
parapet wall or the
Open Space
feet per principal use.
lowest point of a
Districts
sloping roof.
Building
One per principal
Six square feet when
N/A
Wall signage that shall
Yes
Commercial and
Identification
use
located less than 30 feet
not extend above the
Industrial Zones
Signs in
above the ground level. If
highest point of a
Commercial and
located more than 30
parapet wall or the
Industrial
above ground level, sign
lowest point of a
Districts
may not exceed two
sloping roof.
percent of the exterior wall
area of the building wall
on which it is mounted.
Temporary Real
One wall mounted
(1) Six square feet per
Freestanding signs
(1) Wall mounted
No
Residential and
Estate Signs (R
or freestanding
face in sign area on
shall not exceed
signs shall not
Open Space
and OS
sign per street or
frontage of 100 feet or
eight feet measured
extend above the
Zones
Districts)
highway frontage
less
vertically from the
highest point of a
(2) 32 square feet per face
ground level at the
parapet wall or the
in sign area on
base of the sign.
lowest point of a
frontage of 100 feet or
sloping roof
more
(2) Freestanding signs
may be placed in
required front
yards provided
such signs are
located not less
than 10 feet from
the street or
highway line
SIGN:REGULATIONS_BY
SIGN.TYPE.., ..
(1) 12 square feet per face
SIGN TYPE
MAXIMUM ,--
NUMBER -'
MAXIMUM SIGNMAXIMUM
AREA -' 7SIGNBEIGHT
"
LOCATION
ILUMINATION f
ALLOWED?"
" . ZONES',
PERMTITED`'
Temporary Real
One wall mounted
(1) 12 square feet per face
N/A
(1) Wall mounted
No
Residential
Estate Signs in
or freestanding
in sign area on
signs shall not
Medium, -
RM, RMH, and
sign per street or
frontage of 100 feet or
extend above the
Residential
RH Districts
highway frontage
less
highest point of a
Medium High,
(2) 32 square feet per face
parapet wall or the
and Residential
in sign area on
lowest point of a
High Zones
frontage of 100 feet or
sloping roof
more
(2) Freestanding signs
may be placed in
required front
yards provided
such signs are
located not less
than 10 feet from
the street or
highway line.
Temporary Real
One wall mounted
(1) 48 square feet per face
Freestanding signs
(1) Wall mounted
Yes
Commercial and
Estate. Signs in
or freestanding
in sign area on
shall not exceed 15
signs shall not
Industrial Zones
C and I Districts
sign per street or
frontage of 100 feet or
feet measured
extend above the
highway frontage
less
vertically from
highest point of a
(2) 48 square feet in sign
ground level at the
parapet wall or the
area plus an additional
base of the sign
lowest point of a
Yz square foot in sign
sloping roof
area for each one foot
(2) Freestanding signs
of street or highway
may be placed in
frontage in excess of
required front
100 feet to a
yards provided
maximum sign area of
such signs are
100 square feet
located not less
than 10 feet from
the street or
highway line.
°....'SIGN REGTJLATIONS
fBY:
SIGN;'TYPE= ``
Freestanding signs
Shall be located only
w.
SIGN TYPE MAXIMUM MAXIMUM SIGN MAXIMUM
D.LOCATION ILUMINATION
I
ZONES
NUMBER AREA SIGN HEIGHT
ALLOWED?
PERMITTED I.
Temporary
One wall mounted
(1) Six square feet in sign
Freestanding signs
Shall be located only
No
Residential and
Construction
or freestanding
area per frontage on
shall not exceed
upon.the site of the
Open Space
Signs in R and
sign per street or
frontage of 100 feet or
eight feet measured
building or structure
Zones
OS Districts
highway frontage
less (12 s.f.
vertically from
being constructed.
maximum)
ground level at the
Wall mounted signs
(2) Six square feet in sign
base of the sign
shall not extend above
area per frontage of
the highest point of a
100 feet or more (64
parapet wall or the
s.f. maximum)
lowest point of a
sloping roof.
Temporary
One wall mounted
(1) 48 square feet per face
Freestanding signs
Shall be located only
Yes
Commercial and
Construction
or freestanding
in sign area on
shall not exceed 16
upon the site of the
Industrial Zones
Signs in C and I
sign per street or
frontage of 100 feet or
feet measured
building or structure
Zones
highway frontage
less
vertically from
being constructed.
(2) 48 square feet in sign
ground level at the
Wall mounted signs
area plus an additional
base of the sign
shall not extend above
'h square foot in sign
the highest point of a
area for each one foot
parapet wall or the
of street or highway '
lowest point of a
frontage in excess of
sloping roof.
100 feet to a
maximum sign area of
100 square feet.
Directional
Subject to
12 square feet in sign area
Freestanding signs
(1) Wall mounted
Yes
Open Space
and/or
Director's review
per side (two sides
shall not exceed six
signs shall not
Zone.
Information
allowed)
feet measured
extend above the
Signs in the OS
vertically from the
highest point of a
District
base of the sign
parapet wall or the
lowest point of a
sloping roof.
(2) Ground signs may
be located on-site
and off-site, within
a front or corner
SIGN REGULATIONS BY SIGN TYPE.
SIGN TYPE
MAXIMUMMAXIMUM
NMBER.:'
U
SIGN
AREA
'MAXIMUM
'SIGN HEIGHT
; LOCATION
°'
ILUMINATION
ALLOWED?
ZONES
PERMIT=
side yard, but shall
not be nearer than
10 feet to any
street or highway
upon which the
property fronts.
Directional
Subject to
12 square feet in sign area
Freestanding signs
(1) Wall mounted
Yes
All Zones except
and/or
Director's review
per side (two sides
shall not exceed 12
signs shall not
Residential.
Information
allowed)
feet measured
extend above the
Signs in all
vertically from the
highest point of a
other Districts
base of the sign
parapet wall or the
lowest point of a
sloping roof.
(2) All ground
mounted signs
must be located
on-site
Community
Subject to
Signs shall not exceed 96
Signs shall not
Near the entrance to a
Yes
All Zones
Identification
Director's review
square feet per side (two
exceed 15 feet in
community
Sign
sides permitted)
height measured
vertically from the
base of the sign.
Civic
Subject to
Signs shall not exceed 50
Signs shall not
Near the entrance to a
Yes
All Zones
Organization
Director's review
square feet per side (two
exceed 15 feet in
community
Signs
sides permitted)
height measured
vertically from the
base of the sign.
Bulletin or
One per lot or
50 square feet per side
A freestanding sign
(1) Wall mounted sign
Yes
All Zones
Special Event
parcel developed
(two sides permitted)
shall not exceed 15
shall not extend
Signs
for a publicly
feet in height
above the highest
owned, charitable,
measured vertically
point of a parapet
religious or
from the base
wall or the lowest
SIGN`REGULATIONS:B�
SIGN,.TYPE:
SIGN TYPE
;:: MAXD4UM
NUMBER
MAXIMUM SIGN.
AREA:,;
MAXIMUM
SIGN'HEIGHT
LOCATION :
ILUMINATION
ALLOWED? `
ZONES
.PERMITTED'
educational
point of a sloping
institution subject
roof
to Director's
(2) A freestanding
review
sign shall not be
located nearer than
25 feet to a lot line
which does not
adjoin a street or
highway
Fuel Pricing
One sign per
30 square feet per side
.15 feet in height at a
Signs must maintain a
Yes
All zones that
Signs
street or highway
comer or five feet in
25 foot separation from
permit service
frontage (if corner
height elsewhere as
side and rear property
stations
property, one sign
measured vertically
lines as well as other
shall be permitted
from the base of the
freestanding signs
at the comer in
sign.
lieu of two
separate signs
Freeway and/or
Subject to
Subject to Director's
Subject to
Subject to Director's
Yes
Subject to
Automotive
Director's review
review
Director's review
review
Director's review
Oriented
Freestanding
Signs
Subdivision
One sign per
(1) 32 square feet in sign
(1) Eight feet,
Signs shall be located
Yes
In districts
Sales Signs
street or highway
area per side where
measured
on the subdivision and
permitting
bordering the tract
tract contains 10 lots
vertically from
shall be oriented to
residential
or less
the ground level
read from the street or
subdivisions
(2) 64 square feet in sign ,
at the base of
highway
area per side where
the sign where
tract contains 11 to 19
such sign has a
lots
sign area of 64
(3) 96 square feet in sign
square feet or
area per side plus an
less
additional �/a square
(2) 16 feet
SIGN:REGUL A.TIONS BY.. SIGN
TYPE:'
SIGN TYPE
MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM SIGN-'
,'MAXIMUM ., "; LOCATION''
ILUMINATION ' ...ZONES ..
NUMBER
AREA
SIGN:HEIGHT =
ALLOWED? PERMIT=
foot in sign area for
each one foot of street
or highway frontage
in excess of 500 feet
to a maximum sign
area of 180 square
feet where tract
contains more than 20
lots
measured
vertically from
the base of the
sign where such
sign is 65
square feet or
greater
Subdivision
Entry and
Special -Feature
Signs
Subject to
Director's review
(1) Subdivision entry
signs shall not exceed
12 square feet in sign
area per side
(2) Subdivision special
feature signs shall not
exceed six square feet
in si n are per side
Eight feet in height
as measured from
the base of thesign
Shall be located on
subdivision
No
In districts
permitting
residential
subdivisions
: SIGN;REGULATIONS SIGN.TYPE
"BY;
SIGN TYPE ` "MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM SIGN
`, MAXINKT " ' LOCATIONI IT
II UMINATION +
ZONES' ",
NUMBER
AREA
SIGN HEIGHT
ALLOWED?
I PERMITTED I;
SIGN TYPES
MONUMENT
DIRECTORY
PYLON
IIT
WINDOW IDENTIFICATION
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California
SIGN TYPES
ROOF
CANOPY
55
PROJECTING
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California
Chapter 17.07
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
17.07.010 DEFINITIONS
17.07.010 DEFINITIONS
Words, phrases, and terms used in this Development Code have the meaning assigned to
them by this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense
include the future; words in the singular number include the plural; and those in the plural number
include the singular. The word "shall' is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.
1. ABUT shall mean two adjoining parcels of property with a common property line,
including two or more lots adjoining only at a corner, except where such common
property line is located in a public street right-of-way. Adjacent, or contiguous shall
mean the same as abutting.
2. ACCESS OR ACCESS WAY shall mean the place, means, or way by which pedestrians
and vehicles shall have safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use
as required by this Development Code.
3. ACCESSORY STRUCTURE shall mean a building, part of a building, or structure,
which is incidental or subordinate to the main building or use on the same building site.
This shall include living quarters on the same building site as a dwelling, designed or
used for housing servants or guests, having no cooking facilities or kitchen and not rented
or otherwise used as a separate dwelling. These quarters shall not exceed 600 square feet
or one story in height.
4. ACCESSORY USE shall mean a use incidental, related, appropriate and clearly
subordinate to the main use of the lot or building, which does not alter the principal use
of such lot or building nor serve property other than the lot or parcel of land on which the
principal use is located.
5. ADULT shall mean a person who is 18 years of age or older.
6. ADULT BOOKSTORE shall mean an establishment that devotes more than 15% of the
total floor area utilized for the display of books and periodicals to the display and sale of
the following: books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, or photographs,
films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, tapes, records, or other forms of visual or
audio representations which are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or
description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical instruments, devices or
paraphernalia which are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.
An adult bookstore does not include an establishment that sells books or
periodicals as an incidental or accessory part of its principal stock -in -trade and does not
devote more than 15% of the total floor area of the establishment to the sale of adult only
��
books and periodicals.
ADULT BUSINESS shall mean any business which, because minors are excluded by
virtue of their age as a prevailing business practice, is not customarily open to the general
public, including but not limited to, an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult theater,
cabaret, love parlor, massage parlor, model studio, nude studio, sexual catharsis center,
sexual encounter shop, sexual novelty store or any other similar use wherein the
preponderant business is the offering of services, materials and/or products which have as
their dominant theme the sexual arousal, sexual gratification and/or sexual stimulation of
a customer.
This definition does not apply, nor shall be interpreted to apply, to any business
conducted, operated by or employing licensed chiropractors, licensed physicians, licensed
physical therapists, licensed psychologists, licensed social workers or licensed marriage
and family counselors when performing functions under or pursuant to the respective
license held.
8. ADULT CABARET shall mean a nightclub, bar, theater, restaurant or similar
establishment which regularly features live performances which are distinguished or
characterized by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or by exposure of specified
anatomical areas and/or which regularly features films, motion pictures, video cassettes,
slides or other photographic reproductions which are distinguished or characterized by an
emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified
anatomical areas for observation by patrons.
9. ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY shall mean any facility which provides non-medical
care and supervision to adults on less than a 24-hour per day basis as defined and licensed
under the regulations of the State of California.
10. ADULT HOTEL OR MOTEL shall mean a hotel, motel or similar establishment offering
public accommodations for any form of consideration which provides patrons with
closed-circuit televisions transmissions, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or
other photographic reproductions which are distinguished or characterized by an
emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified
anatomical areas.
11. ADULT MOTION PICTURE ARCADE shall mean any place to which the adult public
is permitted or invited where coin or slug operated or electronically, electrically, or
mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors; or other image -
producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at
any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an
emmphasis on depicting or describing specified sexual activities or specified anatomical
areas for observation of patrons.
12. ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER shall mean an establishment, with the capacity
of 50 or more persons, where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures,
video cassettes, slides or similar photographic reproductions are shown, and in which a
substantial portion of the total presentation time is devoted to the showing of material
which is characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified
sexual activities or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons.
59
13. ADULT RESIDENTIAL FACILITY shall mean any facility which provides 24-hour a
day non-medical care and supervision to adults as defined and licensed under the
regulations of the State of California.
14. ALLEY shall mean any dedicated or implied dedication of an access or way intended for
vehicular use to the rear or side of a property served by a street.
15. AMBIENT LEVEL shall mean that general noise level in the area at the given time.
16. AMPHITHEATER shall mean an unroofed or partially enclosed building or structure
used for public assembly and/or entertainment, including sports events, theatrical
performances, concerts and recitals, circuses, stock shows, and conventions.
Amphitheater includes stadium, sports arena, and outdoor theater, but shall not include an
entertainment park or its accessory buildings or structures.
17. ANATOMICAL AREAS: See Specified Anatomical Areas.
18. ANIMAL HOSPITAL shall mean a place where animals are given medical or surgical
treatment and are cared for during the time of such treatment. Use as a kennel shall be
limited to short -time boarding and shall be only incidental to such hospital use. Large
Animal Hospital shall be for the medical care or surgical treatment for animals defined
herein as "large animals".
19. ANTIOUE SHOP OR STORE shall mean a store which sells or consigns to sell items
which are by their style, design or use commonly considered to be of another era or age,
and a collectible, and of heirloom quality. These items shall be in proper working order
or restored to working condition. Secondhand or thrift items are not considered antiques.
20. APARTMENT shall mean a dwelling unit in an apartment house.
21. APARTMENT HOUSE shall mean a building containing three or more dwelling units,
designed for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other.
22. APPROVED OR APPROVAL BY THE CITY in reference to an application for a
building permit, shall mean the City's issuance of a building permit authorizing
construction of a residential development.
22. APPROVED OR APPROVAL BY THE CITY in reference to an application for a
Residential Planned Development Permit, shall mean the approval or conditional
approval of such a permit by the Commission, or, if the Commission denies approval of
any such permit, or conditionally approves such permit but the imposition of one or more
conditions attached to such approval is appealed, the approval or conditional approval of
any such permit by the Council.
23. APPROVED TESTING AGENCY shall mean a facility which spends the majority of its
time in the field of applied soil mechanics and foundation engineering; which is equipped
to perform and certify the tests and procedures required in this division; and which
operations are conducted under the responsible supervision of a registered civil engineer.
24. ARCADES shall mean a place of business where three or more electronic or electrical
coin operated games are operated for compensation.
S6P
25. AREA OF BENEFIT shall mean a specified area wherein it has been determined that the
real property located therein will benefit from the construction of a bridge and/or major
thoroughfare,
26. AS GRADED shall mean the surface configuration upon completion of grading.
27. ATTACHED shall mean any building or structure that has a wall or roof in common with
another building or structure.
28. AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD shall mean the land in a flood -plain, as
identified by the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of Los Angeles County, subject to a
one -percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
29. AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION shall mean a lot or portion of a lot used for the
servicing of motor vehicles. Servicing may include sale of motor fuel and oils,
lubrication, and auto accessories. Servicing shall not include tire recapping, sale of major
auto accessories, wheel repair or parts, sale or rebuilding of engines, battery
manufacturing or rebuilding, radiator repair or steam cleaning, body repair, painting or
upholstery, or installation of auto glass.
30. BASE OR UNDERLYING ZONE shall mean the primary zone established on the
official zoning map of the City as an alpha symbol on the property or lot. All
requirements of the base zone must be met in addition to any overlay zone and special
uses and conditions of this Development Code.
31. BASEMENT shall mean a story partly or wholly underground. A basement shall be
counted as a story for purposes of height measurement where more than one-half of its
height is above grade.
32. BEDROCK shall mean the relatively solid, undisturbed rock in place either at the ground
surface or beneath surficial deposits of gravel, and/or soil.
33. BENCH shall mean a level area that interrupts a slope, constructed for such purpose as to
retain or limit rock falls, to provide working surfaces or access and to control erosion.
34. BOARDING OR ROOMING HOUSE shall mean a building containing a dwelling unit
where lodging is provided with or without meals for compensation for five or more
persons.
35. BORROW shall mean earth material acquired from an offsite location for use in grading
on a site.
36. BORROW PIT shall mean any place on a lot or parcel of land where dirt, soil, clay,
decomposed granite or other similar material is removed by excavation or otherwise for
any purpose other than surface mining operations or a grading project, offsite transport.
37. BRIDGE FACILITY shall mean any crossing for a highway or local road, involving a
railway, freeway, stream or canyon, which is required by the General Plan in order to
accommodate new urban development within the area of benefit.
59 4
38. BUILDING shall mean anything constructed having a roof supported by columns or
walls for the purpose of housing, shelter, or enclosure.
39. BUILDING SITE shall mean that portion of the lot or parcel of land upon which the
building and appurtenances are to be placed, or are already existing, including adequate
areas for sewage disposal, clearances, proper drainage, appropriate easements and, if
applicable, the requirements of other ordinances.
40. BUILDING OR STRUCTURE PRE-EXISTING LEGAL DUE TO STANDARDS shall
mean any primary or accessory building or structure that was legally established and in
compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws at the time the ordinance codified in
this title or any amendment thereto became effective, but which, due to the application of
this Development Code or any amendment thereto, no longer complies with all the
applicable standards of development in the zone in which it is located.
41. BUILDING OFFICIAL shall mean the Director of Community Development or the duly
appointed person in charge of the administration of the Building Code.
42. BUILDING SITE shall mean a legally created parcel or contiguous parcels of land in
single or joint ownership, which provides the area and the open spaces required by this
Development Code, exclusive of all vehicular and pedestrian rights-of-way and all other
easements that prohibit the surface use of the property by the owner thereof.
43. CABARET shall include any establishment which provides any entertainment and/or
activity described in the aforesaid rules and regulations, whether or not alcoholic
beverages are dispensed.
44. CALIFORNIA COORDINATE SYSTEM shall mean the coordinate system as defined in
Sections 8801 through 8819, inclusive, of the California Public Resource Code. The
specified zone for the City of Santa Clarita is "Zone 5" of CCS83 and the official datum
is the "North American Datum of 1983".
45. CAMPGROUND shall mean a lot or parcel of land designed or used for tent camping,
including picnic areas, but excluding any structures for permanent human occupancy.
46. CANOPY shall mean a small roof or awning attached to the wall of a structure which is
supported by no means other than its attachment to the wall.
47. CARETAKER shall mean a person residing on the premises of an employer and who is
receiving meaningful compensation to assume the primary responsibility for the
necessary repair, maintenance, supervision or security of the real or personal property of
the employer which is located on the same or contiguous lots or parcels of land.
48. CENTERLWE of any highway shall mean the centerline established by the County
Engineer for any proposed or dedicated public way which, in whole or in part, is included
in any such highway. Said establishment centerlines are those shown on a series of maps
entitled County Surveyor's Maps or County Surveyor's Field Maps on file in the office of
the County Engineer, except that where two or more such centerlines are shown on any
map in said series of maps, the centerline labeled "proposed centerline" is deemed to be
the centerline of the highway.
5 ��
49. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE shall mean a document describing a unit or
contiguous units of property and stating that the property complies with applicable
provisions of the State Subdivision Map Act and City ordinances enacted pursuant
thereto.
50. CHILD CARE CENTER means a facility other than a family day care home in which
less than 24-hour per day non-medical care and supervision is provided for children in a
group setting as defined and licensed under the regulations of the state of California.
51. CITY shall mean the City of Santa Clarita, a municipal corporation.
52. CITY ENGINEER shall mean the Director of Community Development or the duly
authorized representative(s).
53. CITY SURVEYOR shall mean City Engineer.
54. CIVIL ENGINEER shall mean a professional engineer registered in the State to practice
in the field of civil engineering.
55. CLEARING, BRUSHING AND GRUBBING shall mean the removal of vegetation
(grass, brush, trees, and similar plant types) by mechanical means.
56. CLINIC shall mean a place for medical services to patients human or animal not
involving the overnight housing of patients.
57. CLUB shall mean an association of persons (whether or not incorporated) for a common
purpose, but not including groups organized solely or primarily to render a service as a
business for profit.
58. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT shall mean the concentration of dwelling units on a portion
or portions of a lot or parcel of land resulting in the remainder of said lot or parcel being .
free of buildings or structures, as opposed to development spread throughout the entire lot
or parcel. Such development shall be accomplished by computing density on a project
level rather than a parcel -by -parcel basis, and by the use of smaller lots than are
customarily permitted in the zone in which the development is proposed, while retaining
the remaining portion of such lot or parcel in permanent open space.
59. COFFEE SHOP shall mean a completely enclosed restaurant facility wherein the
customers are served at a counter and/or tables.
60. COMMERCIAL HANDBILL shall mean any handbill which is distributed for the
purposes of advertising.for sale goods, wares, merchandise or services, or any other
commercial activity; however, for the purposes of this Part, "commercial handbill' means
and includes the distribution or circulation of samples of goods, wares, and merchandise.
61. COMMISSION shall mean the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita.
62. COMMUNITY APARTMENT shall mean a development in which an undivided interest
in the land is coupled with'the right of exclusive occupancy of an apartment located
thereon.
�I
63. COMPACTION shall mean the densification of a fill by mechanical or other acceptable
means.
64. CONDOMINIUM shall mean an estate in real property consisting of an undivided
interest in common in aportion of a parcel of real property, together with a separate
interest in space in a residential, industrial or commercial building on such real property,
such as an apartment, office or store.
65. CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION shall mean the conversion of rental units, residential,
commercial, or industrial units into a condominium project.
66. CONSTRUCTION shall mean and include preliminary studies, design, acquisition of
right-of-way, administration of construction contracts, and actual construction.
67. CONTIGUOUS PARCEL OF LAND shall mean those units of land which border or abut
each other on any side, and which are shown as such on the latest equalized assessment
reveal of the County of Los Angeles. Land shall be considered as contiguous units, even
if it is separated by roads, streets, utility easements or railroad rights-of-way.
68. CONVALESCENT HOME shall mean a facility licensed by the State Department of
Public Health, the State Department of Social Welfare, or the County of Los Angeles,
which provides bed and ambulatory care for post-operative convalescent or chronically ill
patients, and persons otherwise unable to care for themselves. This shall not include
alcoholics, drug addicts, or persons with mental or contagious diseases or afflictions.
69. COUNCIL shall mean the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita.
70. COUNTY shall mean the County of Los Angeles.
71. COUNTY RECORDER shall mean the County Recorder of the County of Los Angeles.
72. CUL-DE-SAC shall mean a street which is designed to remain permanently closed at one
end. For the purpose of this Title 16, the length of a cul-de-sac shall be measured along
the centerline of the cul-de-sac from the point where the centerline terminates within the
turnaround to the right-of-way line of the street with which the cul-de-sac intersects.
73. CUT SLOPE (FACE) shall mean any bank or slope that has been created by removing -
material. below the pre-existing ground surface.
74. CUTTING shall mean the detaching or separating, either partial or whole, from a
protected tree, any part of the tree, including but not limited to, any limb branch, root, or
leaves. Cutting shall include pruning and trimming.
75. DAMAGE shall mean any action undertaken which causes or tends to cause injury,
death, or disfigurement to a tree. This includes, but is not limited to, cutting, poisoning,
burning, overwatering, relocating or transplanting a protected tree, changing or
compacting the natural grade within the protected zone of a protected tree, changing
groundwater levels or drainage patterns, or trenching, excavating or paving within the
protected zone of an oak tree.
76. DAY CARE CENTER shall mean a facility operated by a person, corporation, or
association in which less than 24 hour per day non-medical care and supervision is
provided outside the home for children or elderly persons, provided such facility is
licensed by the state of California as a day care center, and provided further that a copy or
evidence of the license issued by the state of California is on file with the city clerk prior
to occupancy as such a facility.
77. DAY NURSERY (including pre-school and nursery schools) shall mean any building,
buildings or portion thereof used for the daytime care of children at any location,
excluding any children who normally reside on the premises.
78. DEADWOOD shall mean limbs or branches that contain no green leaves or live tissue. A
tree or limb may be considered dead if it does not show evidence of any green leaves or
live branches'over the span of one year, inclusive of prime growing weather.
79. DENSITY shall mean the total number of dwelling units permitted on a gross acre of
land exclusive of all existing public or private streets and right-of-way.
80. DESIGN ENGINEER shall mean the civil engineer responsible for the preparation of the
plans for the grading work.
81. DEVELOPER shall mean a person, firm, corporation, partnership or association, or a
combination thereof, who proposes development.
82. DEVELOPMENT shall mean any man-made change to improved or unimproved real
estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling,
grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations.
83. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT shall mean any project undertaken for the purpose of
development. Development project includes a project involving the issuance of a permit
for construction or reconstruction, but not a permit to operate.
84. DIRECTOR shall mean the Community Development Director of the City of Santa
Clarita or duly authorized representative(s).
85. DOMESTIC ANIMAI. shall mean an animal which is commonly maintained in residence
with man.
86. DORMITORY shall mean a building intended or used principally for sleeping
accommodations, where such building is related to an educational institution.
87. DRIPLINE shall mean the outermost edge of the tree's canopy. When depicted on a map
or on the ground, the dripline will appear as an irregularly shaped outline that follows the
contour of the furthest extension of the limbs and leaf canopy.
88. DRIVE-IN OR DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANT shall mean a place of business
which sells food products and/or beverages and which:
1. Delivers such food products and/or beverages to customers outside of the
building in which they are prepared by means of service, a window, counter, or
similar method or device, or
2. Delivers such food products and/or beverages to customers outside of the
building which is designed in such a manner that a majority of the customers will
remove such food products and/or beverages from the building for consumption
either on the premises or in the immediate vicinity.
89. DWELLING shall mean a building or. portion thereof designed exclusively for residential
occupancy.
90. DWELLING, MULTI FAMILY shall mean a building containing two or more dwelling
units or a combination of two or more separate single-family dwelling units on one lot.
91. DWELLING, SINGLE FAMILY shall mean a detached building designed exclusively
for residential occupancy.
92. DWELLING UNIT shall mean one or more rooms and a single kitchen in a single family
dwelling, apartment house or hotel designed as a unit for occupancy by one family for
living and sleeping purposes.
93. EARTH MATERIAL shall mean any rock, natural soil, or fill, and/or any combination
thereof.
94. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS shall mean public and other non-profit institutions
conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary, secondary,
collegiate levels, and including graduate school, universities, non-profit research
institutions and religious institutions.
95. EFFICIENCY APARTMENT shall mean a dwelling unit of not more than one room in
addition to a kitchen and bathroom and containing no separately walled -in bedroom area.
96. ENCROACHMENT shall mean any intrusion into the protected zone of an oak tree
which includes, but is not limited to, pruning, grading, excavating, trenching, dumping of
materials, parking of vehicles, placement of incompatible landscaping or animal corrals,
storage of materials or equipment, or the construction of structures, paving or other
improvements. For purposes of this section, encroachment shall not include the action of
a person physically entering the protected zone of an oak tree.
97. ENGINEERING GEOLOGIC REPORT shall mean a report prepared under the
supervision of an engineering geologist providing a geologic map of a site, information
on geologic measurements and exploration performed on the site and surrounding area
and, providing recommendation for remedial measures necessary to provide a
geologically stable site for its intended use.
98. ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST shall mean a geologist certified by the State to practice
engineering geology.
99. ENGINEERING GEOLOGY shall mean the application of geologic knowledge and
principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use
in the design of civil work.
100. ENTERTAINMENT PARK shall mean an entertainment or amusement complex
developed as a regional visitor tourist attraction and organized around a central theme,
9
such as amusement rides and attractions, tours or exhibitions, including all related
accessory uses, buildings and structures designed and operated for patron participation
and pleasure in conjunction therewith.
101. ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT shall mean an environmental impact report or a
negative declaration.
102. EROSION shall mean the process by which the ground surface is worn away as a result
of the movement of wind, water and/or ice.
103. EROSION CONTROL SYSTEM shall mean any combination of desilting facilities,
retarding basins, and erosion protection, including effective planting and the maintenance
thereof, to protect adjacent private property, watercourses, public facilities, and receiving
waters from the deposition of sediment or dust.
104. EXCAVATION shall mean any act by which soil, sand, gravel, or rock is cut into, dug,
quarried, uncovered, removed, or relocated, and shall include the conditions resulting
therefrom
105. EXPLOSIVE shall mean any substance or combination of substances that is commonly
used for the purpose of detonation and which, upon exposure to external force or
condition, is capable of a relatively instantaneous release of gas and heat. These terms
shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
a. Substances determined to be Class A and Class B explosives, as classified by the
United States Department of Transportation;
b. Nitro carbo nitrate substances (blasting agent), as classified by the United States
Department of Transportation;
C. Any material designated as an explosive by the State Fire Marshall;
d. Certain Class C explosives, as designated by the United States Department of
Transportation, when listed in regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshall.
The term "explosive" shall not include the following:
a. Small arms ammunition of .75 caliber or less when designated as a Class C
explosive by the United States Department of Transportation;
b. Fireworks regulated under Part 2 (commencing with Section 12500) of Division
11 of the Health and Safety Code.
106. FAMILY shall mean one or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping
unit in a single dwelling unit. Family shall also mean the persons living together in a
licensed "residential facility" as that term is defined in California Health & Safety Code
Section 1502(a) (1), which services six or fewer persons, including the licensee, the
members of the licensee's family, and persons employed as facility staff.
107. FAMILY DAY CARE HOME shall mean a facility where care, protection, and
supervision are provided to children, in the caregiver's.own home, for periods of less than
24 hours per day as defined and licensed under the regulations of the State of California.
Family day care homes include large family day care homes and small family day care
homes.
108. FAULT shall mean a fracture in the earth's crust along which movement has occurred. A
fault is considered active if the movement has occurred within the past ± 11,000 years
(Holocene geologic time).
109. FEE shall mean a monetary action, other than a tax or special assessment, which is
charged by the City to the applicant in connection with approval of a development project
for the purpose of defraying all of portions of the cost of park facilities related to the park
development project but does not include fees specified under the City's Subdivision
Parkland Dedication ordinance, Subdivision Map Act of the State of California (Section
66477 of the Government Code), fees for processing applications for governmental
regulatory action approvals, or fees collected under development agreements adopted
pursuant to Article 2.5 of Chapter 4 of the Government Code (commencing with Section
65864).
110. FEED LOT OR FEED YARD shall mean a lot, or portion of a lot, used for enclosing and
fattening of livestock for market, and not operated in connection with a bona fide farm.
111. FIELD ENGINEER shall mean the civil engineer responsible for performing the
functions as set forth in this Code.
112. FILL OR EMBANKMENT shall mean a deposit of soil, sand, gravel, rock, or other
material placed by artificial means.
113.. FLOOR AREA -(GROSS) shall mean the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several
floors of the building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls excluding
exterior balconies and porches. Floor area shall not include interior parking spaces,
loading spaces for motor vehicles, any space where the floor to ceiling height is less than
six feet, stairwells, vertical shafts, and attics and mechanical penthouses provided there
are no usable rooms, no windows and the mechanical penthouse area is used exclusively
for mechanical equipment. Floor area shall include any work area in auto repair, or
related facilities, where vehicles are serviced and repaired.
114. FLOOR AREA RATIO shall mean the ratio of floor area plus garage area to Jot area.
Indoor recreational facilities, subterranean and semi -subterranean garage areas shall be
excluded from this ratio.
115. FRONTAGE. BUILDING shall mean the exterior building wall of a ground floor
business establishment on the side or sides of the building fronting and or oriented toward
a public street, highway or parkway. Building frontage shall be measured "continuously
along said building wall for the entire length of the business establishment, including any
portion thereof which is other than parallel to the remainder of the wall..
116. FRONTAGE, STREET OR HIGHWAY shall mean that portion of a lot or parcel of land
which borders a public street, highway or parkway. Street or highway frontage shall be
measured along the common lot line separating said lot or parcel of land from the public
street, highway or parkway.
117. GARAGE shall mean a detached accessory building or a portion of a main building on
the same lot for the parking and temporary storage of vehicles.
118. GENERAL PLAN shall mean the General Plan of the City of Santa Clarita, and shall
consist of the General Plan Maps and Text adopted by the City Council.
119: GEOHYDROLOGY shall mean all groundwater, information, well development
requirements, and seepage evaluations appropriate to site development.
120. GEOLOGIST shall mean a person holding a valid Certificate of Registration as a
geologist in the specialty of engineering geology issued by the State of California under
provisions of the Geologist and Geophysicist Act of the Business and Professions Code.
121. GEOTECHNICAL REPORT shall mean a report which contains all appropriate soil
engineering, geologic, geohydrologic, and seismic information, evaluation,
recommendations, and findings. This type report combines both engineering geology and
soil engineering reports.
122. GRADE shall mean the vertical elevation of the ground surface.
a. "Existing' or "natural grade" shall mean the ground surface prior to grading.
b. "Finish grade" shall mean the final grade of the site which conforms to the
approved plans.
C. 'Rough grade" shall mean the stage at which the grade approximately conforms
to the approve plan.
123. GRADING shall mean any process of excavation or fill or combination thereof.
124. GRADING CONTRACTOR shall mean a'contractor licensed and regulated by the State
who specializes in grading work or is otherwise licensed to do grading work.
125. GROSS AREA shall mean the total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot or parcel
of land before public streets, easements or other areas to be dedicated or reserved for
public use are deducted from such lot or parcel. Existing public or private streets and
easements shall not be counted toward gross area.
126. GROUP RESIDENTIAL OR CARE FACILITY shall mean any facility which provides
24-hour non-medical care and supervision in a structured environment, with services
provided at least in part by staff employed by the licensee as defined and licensed under
the regulations of the State of California. A licensee means the adult, fmn, partnership,
association, corporation, county, city, or other public agency having the authority and
responsibility for the operation of a licensed community care facility.
127. HANDBILL shall mean a printed ("printed" includes all forms of reproduced writing)
paper or circular, which is circulated or distributed, other than by United States mail, for
the purpose of advertising goods, wares, merchandise or services, or soliciting orders for
such; handbill does not include newspaper. for the purposes of this subsection,
"newspaper" means a periodical published primarily for the dissemination of news and
.intelligence of a general character.
128. HEIGHT shall mean the vertical dimension from the natural grade or lowest point of the
building, structure or wall exposed above the ground surface, whichever is lower, to the
highest point of the roof, parapet wall or uppermost part. Chimneys, vents or utility
service structures shall not be included in the measurement of vertical dimensions.
129. HERITAGE OAK TREE shall mean any oak tree measuring 108 inches or more in
circumference or, in the case of a multiple trunk oak tree, two or more trunks measuring
72 inches each or greater in circumference, measured four and one-half feet above the
natural grade surrounding such tree. In addition, the Planning Commission and/or City
Council may classify any oak tree, regardless of size, as a heritage oak tree if it is
determined by a majority vote thereof that such tree has exceptional historic, aesthetic
and/or environmental qualities of major significance or prominence to the community.
130. HIGHWAY shall mean a street shown as a freeway, major, primary, or secondary
highway on the General Plan of the City.
131. HOSPITAL shall mean an institution for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of human
illness, including surgery and primary treatment.
132. HOTEL shall mean a structure or portion thereof or a group of attached guest rooms or
suites occupied on a transient basis for compensation.
133. KENNEL. COMMERCIAL shall mean any kennel maintained for the purpose of
boarding, breeding, raising or training dogs or cats over the age of four months for a fee
or for sale.
134. KENNEL. NONCOMMERCIAL shall mean any property where four or more dogs or
cats, over the age of four months, are kept or maintained for the use of enjoyment of the
occupancy for noncommercial purposes.
135. KEYWAY shall mean an excavated trench into competent earth material beneath the toe
of the proposed fill slope.
136. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT shall mean a landscape architect registered by the State of
California under the provisions of Division 3, Chapter 3.5 of the Business and
Professions Code.
137. LAND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT shall mean any approval of development or use of
property including but not limited to a minor use permit, conditional use permit,
adjustment, variance, development review or subdivision.
138. LANDSLIDE shall mean the downward and outward movement of soil, sand, gravel,
rock or fill or a combination thereof.
139: LARGE ANIMALS shall include equine or bovine animals and shall include other such
animals described and assumed by their size, weight, and/or appearance to be large
animals, including but not limited to a horse, pony, mule, donkey, cow or hogs.
140. LEGAL LOT shall mean 1) a parcel of real property shown as a delineated parcel of land
with a number or letter designation, on a subdivision map, or parcel map recorded in the
13
office of the County Recorder and created in conformance with the State Subdivision
Map Act; 2) a parcel of real property shown on a recorded record of survey map, lot
division plat, or other official map filed in the office of the County Recorder or County
Engineer, when such map or plat was filed as the result of and was made a condition of a
lot division approved by the County of Los Angeles under the authority of prior or
existing County ordinances; 3) any parcel of real property which existed as a separate
parcel on or before March 4, 1972 as evidence by a valid deed recorded on or before that
date; 4) a parcel of real property described in a recorded Certificate of Compliance,
approved and filed by the City of Santa Clarita in the County of Los Angeles in
accordance with the State Subdivision Map Act and County or City Development Code.
141. LINE shall refer to horizontal location of the ground surface.
142. LOADING SPACE shall mean an off-street space or berth used for the loading or
unloading of commercial vehicles.
143. LOT shall mean:
a. A parcel of real property with a separate and distinct number or other designation
shown on a plat recorded in the office of the County Recorder, or
b. A parcel of real property delineated on an approved record of survey, parcel map
or subdivision map as filed in the office of the County Recorder or in the office
of the Planning Department, and abutting at least one public street or right-of-
way or easement determined by the City Engineer to be adequate for the purpose
of access, or
C. A parcel of real property abutting at least one public street or right-of-way or
easement determined by the City Engineer to be adequate for the purpose of
access and held under separate ownership from abutting property prior to
February 1, 1972.
144, LOT. CORNER shall mean a lot located at the intersection or interception of two or
more streets at an angle of not more than 135 degrees. If the angle is greater than 135
degrees, the lot shall be considered an "interior lot".
145. LOT COVERAGE shall mean the ratio between the ground floor area of the building or
buildings and the net area of the lot, exclusive of the ultimate street right-of-way.
146. LOT DEPTH shall mean the average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot
lines measured in the mean direction of the side lot lines.
147. LOT. FLAG shall mean a lot which utilizes a narrow strip as its means of providing
frontage on a street and/or providing vehicular access to the lot.
148. LOT. INTERIOR shall mean a lot other than a comer lot.
149. LOT LINE shall mean any line bounding a lot as herein defined.
150. LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT shall mean a minor shift or rotation or alteration of existing
lot lines or property lines between two or more existing legal lots where land taken from
rC'14
U
one parcel is added to another, where a greater or lesser number of lots than originally
existed is not created, and where the area of no lot involved is increased or decreased by
more than 20%, provided the lot line adjustment is approved by the City Engineer.
151. LOT LINE, FRONT On an interior lot, the front lot line is the property line abutting the
street. On a corner or reverse corner lot, the front lot line is the shorter property line
abutting a street, except in those cases where the subdivision or parcel map specifies
another line as the front lot line. On a through lot or a lot with three or more sides
abutting a street or a corner or reverse corner lot with lot lines of equal length, the
Director shall determine which property line shall be the front lot line for the purposes of.
compliance with yard and setback provisions of the Development Code. On a private
street or easement, the front lot line shall be designated as the edge of the easement.
152.. LOT LINE INTERIOR shall mean a lot line not abutting a street.
153. LOT LINE, REAR shall mean a lot line not abutting a street, which is opposite and most
distant from the front lot line. In the case of an irregular-shaped lot, a line within the lot,
parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line, having a length of not less
than 10 feet. A lot which is bounded on all sides by streets may have no rear lot line.
154. LOT, REVERSE CORNER shall mean a corner lot, the side line of which is substantially
a continuation of the front lot lines of the lot to its rear, whether across an alley or not.
155. LOT LINE. SIDE shall mean any lot line not a front lot line or rear lot line.
156. LOT THROUGH shall mean a lot having frontage on two dedicated parallel or
approximately parallel streets.
157. LOT WIDTH shall mean the average horizontal distance between the side lot lines,
measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front and rear lot
lines.
158. LUMBER STORE shall mean a store where lumber is stored within an enclosed building.
159. LUMBER YARD shall mean lumber stored outdoors.
160. MAJOR THOROUGHFARE shall mean those roads designated in the transportation
element of the General Plan, the primary purpose of which is to carry through traffic and
provide a network connecting to the state highway system.
161. MINOR LAND DIVISION shall mean a subdivision creating four or less parcels, a
condominium project creating four or less condominiums as defined in Section 783 of the
Civil Code, a community apartment project containing four or less parcels or a lease
project containing four or less building sites.
162. MOBILE HOME shall mean a movable or transportable vehicle, other than a motor
vehicle, designed as a permanent structure intended for occupancy for one family and
having no foundation other than jacks, piers, wheels, or skirtings.
163. MOBILE HOME UNIT SPACE shall mean a plot of ground within a mobile home park
designed for the accommodation of one mobile home unit.
15 ��
164. MOTEL shall mean the same as "hotel'
165. NATURAL GRADE shall mean the vertical location of the ground surface prior to any
excavation or fill.
166. NATURAL VEGETATION shall mean the native plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees and
roots thereof having the characteristic of intercepting, holding, and more slowly releasing
rainfall than bare earth surfaces.
167. NET ACRE shall mean all land within a given area or project including residential lots,
and other open space which directly serves the residents of the net acre; but exclusive. of.
all public or private streets and other easements.
168. NON-COMMERCIAL HANDBILL shall mean.any handbill other than a commercial
handbill.
169. OAK TREE shall mean any oak tree of the genus Quercus, including, but not limited to,
Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), California Live Oak (Quercus Agrifolia), Canyon Oak
(Quercus chrysolepis), Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii), and Scrub Oak (Quercus
dumosa), regardless of size.
170. OAK TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION GUIDELINES or GUIDELINES
shall mean the policy established by the City Council and the administrative procedures
and rules established by the Director of Community Development for the implementation
of this Development Code.
171. OWNER shall mean any person, agency, firm or corporation having a legal, possessory
or equitable interest in a given real property.
172. PAD shall mean a building site prepared by artificial means including grading,
excavation, filling or any combination thereof.
173. PARCEL of LAND shall mean a contiguous quantity of land, in the possession of or
owned by, or recorded as the property of the same claimant or person.
174. PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES shall mean construction of new park and
recreational facilities, improvements to existing park and recreation facilities, public
services provide thereon, and community amenities provided thereto.
175. PERMITTEE shall mean any person or owner to whom a permit is issued pursuant to this
code.
176. PERSON shall mean any natural person, partnership, firm, corporation, governmental
agency or other legal entity, and the plural as well as the singular, but does not include
the City of Santa Clarita.
177. PRECISE GRADING PERMIT shall mean a permit that is issued on the basis of
approved plans which show the precise locations of structures, finished elevations,
drainage details and all on-site improvements on a given property.
`ll
178. PRE-EXISTING LEGAL BUILDING shall mean a building or portion thereof which
was legal when established but which does not conform to the provisions of this
Development Code.
179. PRE-EXISTING LEGAL USE shall mean a use legal when established but which does
not conform to the provisions of this Development Code.
180. PRELIMINARY GRADING PERMIT shall mean a permit that is issued on the basis of
approved plans which show finished elevations, interim building pad elevations and
drainage to the degree required by the City Engineer.
181. PROTECTED ZONE shall mean a specifically defined area totally encompassing an oak
tree.within which work activities are strictly controlled. Using the dripline as a point of
reference, the protected zone shall commence at a point five feet outside of the dripline
and extend inward to the trunk of the tree. In no case shall the protected zone be less than
15 feet from the trunk of an oak tree.
182. RECREATIONAL VEHICLE shall mean a motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper or
camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for
recreational or emergency occupancy, with a living area less than 220 square feet,
excluding built-in equipment such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or
fixtures, bath and toilet rooms.
183. REFERENCES. Unless indicated otherwise, references in this code to civil engineer, soil
engineer, geologist, landscape architect, and engineering geologist refer to the
professional person(s) preparing, signing, or approving the project plans and
specifications which comprise the approved grading or landscape -irrigation plan, or his
successor appearing pursuant to Section 16.46.150.
184. REMOVAL shall mean the physical removal of a tree or causing the death of a tree
through damaging, poisoning or other direct or indirect action.
185. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT shall mean the construction or installation of one or
more multiple -family dwelling units pursuant to a building permit or residential planned
development permit.
186. RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD shall mean an establishment which is engaged primarily
in the business of preparing food and purveying it on a self serve or semi -self serve basis.
Customer orders and/or service may be by means of a walk-up counter or window
designed to accommodate automobile traffic. Consumption may be either on or off the
premises.
187. RESTAURANT, FULL SERVICE shall mean an establishment which is engaged
primarily in the business of preparing and serving meals for consumption on the
premises. Such restaurants employ help to fully accommodate customer orders at the
table.
188. RETAINING WALL shall mean a wall designed to resist the lateral displacement of soil
or other materials.
189. ROUGH GRADE shall mean the elevation of the ground surface established by grading
17 �a
1
that approximates the final elevation shown on the approved design.
190. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE shall mean actions taken for the continued health of an oak
tree such as insect control spraying, limited watering, fertilization, deadwooding, and
ground aeration. For the purposes of this Development Code, routine maintenance shall
not include pruning.
191. SERVICE STATIONS shall mean the same as "Automobile Service Station".
192. SETBACK, FRONT YARD shall mean the area which defines the depth of the required
front yard. Said setback shall be measured from the ultimate street right-of-way or the
line established by the General Plan, whichever is greater, and be removed therefrom by
the perpendicular distance prescribed for the front yard setback of the zone in which the
property is located. Where the location of the required yards is not clear as herein
defined, they shall be determined by the Director of Community Development.
193. SETBACK, REAR YARD OR SIDE YARD shall mean the area which defines the width
or depth of the required rear or side yard setbacks. Said setbacks shall be measured from
the property line, removed therefrom by the perpendicular distance prescribed for the
yard setback in the zone. Where the side or rear yard abuts a street, the distance shall be
measured as set forth in the "Setback Front Yard". Where the location of the required
yards is not clear as herein defined, they shall be_determined by the Director of
Community Development,
194. SEXUAL ENCOUNTER ESTABLISHMENT shall mean an establishment, other than a
hotel, motel, or similar establishment offering public accommodations, which, for any
form of consideration, provides a place where two or more persons may congregate,
associate; or consort in connection with specified sexual activities or the exposure of
specified anatomical area. This definition does not include and establishment where a
medical practitioner, psychologist, psychiatrist or similar professional person licensed by
the State of California engages in sexual therapy. For the purposes of these regulations,
sexual encounter establishment shall include massage or rap parlor and other similar
establishments.
195. SHALL will mean mandatory; "may" will mean permissive.
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233. SITE shall mean any lot or parcel of land or contiguous lots or parcels, or combination
thereof, where grading is performed or permitted.
234. SITE PLAN shall mean a plan, prepared to scale, showing accurately and with complete
dimensioning, all of the buildings, structures and uses and the exact manner of
development proposed for a specific parcel of land.
235. SLOPE shall meanan inclined ground surface of fill,. excavation or natural terrain, the
inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.
236. SLOPE STABILITY shall be defined as follows:
a. "Gross stability" means the factor of safety against failure of slope material -
located below a surface approximately three to four feet deep, measured from an
perpendicular to the slope face.
b. "Surficial stability" means the factor of safety against failure of the outer three to
four feet of slope material measured from and perpendicular to the slope face.
237. SLOPING TERRAIN shall mean any ground surface having a grade of eight percent or
more. The latest available six and seven and one-half minute United states Geological
21 ��
Survey quadrangles or a survey by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor
shall be utilized to determine such grade.
238. SMALL ANIMALS shall mean goats, pygmy goats, lambs, sheep, miniature horses,
birds, rodents, cats, dogs, and those other such comparably -sized animals distinguished
from those described as large animals.
239. SPECIFIC ANATOMICAL AREAS
a. Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region,
buttocks, anus, or female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the
areolae; or
b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and
opaquely covered.
240. SPECHUD SEXUAL ACTIVrrIES
a. The fondling or other touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus,
or female breasts; or
b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral
copulation, or sodomy; or
C. Masturbation, actual or simulated; or
d. Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth
in a through c above.
241. SOIL shall mean earth material of whatever origin, overlying bedrock, and may include
the decomposed zone of bedrock which an be readily excavated by mechanical
equipment.
242. SOIL ENGINEER shall mean a civil engineer registered in the State, who:
a.. Is engaged in the practice of civil engineering and spends a majority of his time
in the field of applied soil mechanics and foundation engineering;
b. Has at least four years of responsible practical experience in the field of applied
soil mechanics;
C. Has access to an adequately equipped soils testing laboratory.
243. . SOIL ENGINEERING shall mean the application of the principles of soil mechanics in
the investigation, evaluation and design of civil works involving the use of earth
materials and the inspection and testing of the construction thereof.
244. SOIL ENGINEERING REPORT shall mean a report prepared under the responsible
supervision of a soils engineer which includes:
a. Preliminary information concerning engineering, properties of soil and rock on a
site prior to grading, describing locations of these materials and providing
recommendations for preparation of the site for its intended use;
b. Grading report including information on-site preparation, compaction of fills
placed, providing recommendations for structural design and approving the site
for its intended use.
245. SOIL TESTING AGENCY shall mean an agency regularly engaged in the testing of soils
and rock under the direction of a civil engineer experienced in soil testing.
246. STABLE, COMMERCIAL shall mean a stable for horses, mules or ponies which are
rented, used or boarded on a commercial basis for compensation.
247. STABLE PRIVATE shall mean an accessory building for the keeping of horses, mules
or ponies owned by the occupants of the premises and not rented, used or boarded on a
commercial basis for compensation.
248. `STATE shall mean the State of California.
249, STOCKPILE shall mean a temporary, uncompacted fill or embankment placed by
artificial means, which is designated to be moved at a later date.
250. STORY shall mean that portion of a building included between the surface of any floor
and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there be no floor above it, then the space
between such floor and the ceiling next above it.
251. STREET shall mean a public thoroughfare or right-of-way or approved private
thoroughfare or right-of-way determined by the City Engineer to be adequate for the
purpose of access, which affords the principal means of access for abutting property
including avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road and any other
thoroughfare, except as excluded in this Development Code. The word "street" shall
include all major and secondary highways, traffic collector streets, and local streets.
252. STRUCTURE shall mean a mobile home or anything constructed or erected, building of
any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed or parts joined together in
some definite manner, which requires location on or in the ground or is attached to
something having a location on or in the ground, including walls, fences, swimming and
wading pools and covered patios, excepting paved areas, tennis courts, and similar .
outdoor areas.
253. STRUCTURAL ALTERATION shall mean any change in or alteration to a structure
involving a bearing wall column, beam or girder, floor or ceiling joists, roof rafters,
foundations, piles, retaining walls, or similar components.
254. SUBDIVISION shall mean the division by any subdivider of any unit or units of
improved or unimproved land, or any portion thereof, shown on the latest equalized City
assessment roll as a unit or as contiguous units, for the purpose of sale, lease, financing or
transfer of title, whether immediate or future.
a. Property shall be considered as contiguous units even if it is separated by roads,
streets, utility easements or drainage or railroad rights-of-way.
b. The provisions of Section 66424.2 of the Subdivision Map Act concerning the
merger of contiguous parcels of land shall be applied in determining whether the
sale, lease, financing or transfer of title of contiguous parcels is subdivision under
the terms of this section.
C. "Subdivision" includes a condominium project, as defined in Section 1350 of the
Civil Code; a community apartment project, as defined in Section 11004 of the
Business and Professions Code; or a lease project, as defined in Title 16.
d. Any conveyance of land to a governmental agency, public entity or public utility
shall not be considered a division of land for purposes of computing the number
of parcels.
e. The qualification contained in Section 66424.1 of the Subdivision Map Act
concerning the division of a unit of land before a change in the equalized City
assessment roll shall apply to subdivisions as defined in Subsection A of this
section.
f. The term "subdivision" shall also refer to any area or tract of land designed to
accommodate mobile homes used for human habitation approved as a division of
land for mobile home purposes and for which a final map or parcel map has been
recorded pursuant to the provisions of this Title 16. For the purpose of this title,
this type of subdivision shall be considered a residential subdivision.
255. SUBDIVISION MAP ACT shall mean Division 2, Title 7 of the Government Code.
256. SUITABLE MATERIAL shall mean any soil or earth material which, under the criteria
of this division or under the criteria of an approved geotechnical report is suitable for use
as fill or for other intended purpose.
257. SULFATE (SO4) shall mean a chemical compound occurring in soil or water, which in
concentration has a corrosive effect on ordinary portland cement concrete and some
metals.
258. SURFACE DRAINAGE shall refer to flows over the ground surface.
259. SWAP MEET shall mean any event where new and secondhand goods are offered or
displayed for sale or exchange and at least one of the following:
a. A fee is charged for the privilege of offering or displaying new and secondhand
goods for sale or exchange.
b. A fee is charged to prospective buyers for admission to the area where new and
secondhand goods are offered or displayed for sale or exchange.
260. TERRACE shall mean a relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope
surface for drainage and maintenance purposes.
261. UNIFORM BUILDING CODE (UBC) shall mean the currently applicable edition of the
Uniform Building Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials.
f1 Cl
24
262. UNSUITABLE MATERIAL shall mean any soil or earth material having properties or
characteristics which, under the criteria of this division or under the criteria contained in
any approved geotechnical report, make it unsuitable for use as fill or for any other
intended use. These properties or characteristics include, but are not limited to, the
following: organic content of the material exceeds three percent; rock diameters
exceeding eight inches; the presence of concrete or asphalt; or the presence of expansive
soils within four feet of finish grade of any area intended or designed as a location for a
building.
263. USE shall mean the purpose for which land or a building is arranged, designed, or
intended, or for which either land or building is or may be occupied or maintained.
264. WHOLESALING shall mean the selling of any type of goods for purpose of resale.
265. YARD shall mean any open space on the same lot with a building or dwelling group,
which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed except for the projections permitted by
this Code.
266. YARD. FRONT shall mean a space. between the front yard setback and the front lot line
or future street line, and extending the full width of the lot.. Where the location of the
required yards is not clear as herein defined, they shall be determined by the Director of
Community Development.
267. YARD. REAR shall mean a space between the rear yard setback and the rear lot line,
extending the full width of the lot. Where the location of the required yards is not clear as
herein defined, they shall be determined by the Director of Community Development.
268. YARD. SIDE shall mean a space extending from the front yard, or from the front yard lot
line where no front yard is required by this Development Code, to the rear yard, or rear
lot.line between a side lot line and the side yard setback line. Where the location of the
required yards is not clear as herein defined, they shall be determined by the Director of
Community Development.