HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-14 - ORDINANCES - DOWNTOWN NEWHALL STANDARDS (2)ORDINANCE NO. 98-13
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ESTABLISHING THE
DOWNTOWN NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT AS SECTION 17.16. 100 OF
THE SANTA CLARITA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
(UDC AMENDMENT 98-002)
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 City Council of the City of Santa Clarita conceptually approved the
Downtown Newhall Improvement Program (the "Freedman Plan") in June 1996, which included
recommended development standards and design guidelines for the Downtown Newhall core
area; and
WHEREAS, one of the key recommendations of the Freedman Plan was the formal
adoption of Special Standards and Design Guidelines for Downtown Newhall; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance 97-12 adopting the Redevelopment Plan
for the Newhall Redevelopment Project; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that the creation of the Downtown Newhall Special Standards
District is an essential component to the successful revitalization of Newhall; and
WHEREAS, Unified Development Code Amendment 98-002 establishes Special
Standards for new uses, development or redevelopment of properties located within the
Downtown Newhall Special Standards District; and.
WHEREAS, Unified Development Code Amendment 98-002 includes the establishment
of development standards, use requirements, building height and setback requirements, sign
requirements, and provisions for pre-existing legal uses and structures; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of the Downtown Newhall Special Standards District is
consistent with and further implements the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, notice of hearing was duly and regularly published in a newspaper of
general circulation in accordance with State Law, and a copy of said notice and proof of
publication are on file with the City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita; and
WHEREAS, copies of the notice of joint public hearing for the establishment of the
Downtown Newhall Special Standards District were mailed by first class mail to each affected
business, resident and the last known address of each assessee, as shown on the last equalized
roll of the Los Angeles County Assessor, of each parcel of land within the District; and
WHEREAS, the Newhall Redevelopment Committee discussed and considered the
Downtown Newhall Special Standards District at meetings from October 1997 through March
1998. The Committee recommends that the City Council approve the Downtown Newhall
Special Standards District; and
WHEREAS, a community meeting was held on March 31, 1998 at City Hall 23920
Valencia Boulevard to discuss the Design Guidelines and Special Standards for the Downtown
Newhall Special Standards District; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission discussed and considered the Downtown Newhall
Special Standards District at their April 21, 1998 and May 5, 1998 meetings. The Commission
recommends approval of the Downtown Newhall Special Standards District via Resolution P98-
18; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the report and recommendations of the
Redevelopment Agency, the Planning Commission, and the Newhall Redevelopment Committee,
and has provided and opportunity for all persons to be heard and has received and considered
all evidence and testimony presented in regards to this project.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The amendment (Section 17.16.100) to the Santa Clarita Unified
Development is consistent with the City of Santa Clarita General Plan and meets the
requirements of the Government Code of the State of California.
SECTION 2. The Unified Development Code is hereby amended to include Section
17.16. 100 (Downtown Newhall Special Standards District).
SECTION 3. 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 remain in full
force and effect.
SECTION 4. 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
JW v '19 98.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
ADOPTED this 14th
day
of
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Ordinance No. 98-13 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first
reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 23rc1 day of June
19 99 . That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of
the City Council on the 14th day of J13",�19 98 by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: KEA7Ic, DARC`_', FEP.Rr, wESPE, HEIDT
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: txxrE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: WHE
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CITY CLERK
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CI'T'Y OF SANTA CLARITA
DOWNTOWN NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
THAT PORTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA IN THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY
PROLONGATION OF THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF ELEVENTH STREET AS
SHOWN ON THE PLAN OF THE TOWN OF NEWHALL RECORDED IN BOOK 53
PAGES 51 AND 52 OF MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS WITH THE
SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF NEWHALL AVENUE 60 FEET WIDE AS SHOWN
ON SAM MAP;
THENCE NORTH 57000100" EAST ALONG SAM LINE AND ITS
NORTHEASTERLY PROLONGATION 1831.62 FEET TO A POINT IN THE
NORTHERLY LINE OF PARCEL 3 OF PARCEL MAP NUMBER 3602 PER MAP
FILED IN BOOK 54 PAGE 73 OF PARCEL MAPS IN THE OFFICE OF THE
COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY; SAID LINE IS SHOWN ON SAM MAP
AS HAVING A BEARING OF NORTH 74.43'33" WEST AND A LENGTH OF 230.00
FEET;
THENCE ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF SAID MAP SOUTH 74.43'33" EAST
191.77 FEET TO AN ANGLE POINT IN SAID BOUNDARY;
THENCE CONTINUING ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF SAID MAP SOUTH
12000'00" WEST 442.01 FEET TO AN ANGLE POINT IN THE EASTERLY LINE OF
PARCEL 4 OF SAID MAP;
THENCE SOUTH 24.49' 12" WEST 174.78 FEET TO AN ANGLE POINT IN THE
NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID TOWN OF NEWHALL, SAID ANGLE POINT
BEING THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF PINE STREET AS SHOWN ON
SAID MAP,
THENCR ALONG THB BOUNDARY LINE OF SAID TOWN OF NEWHALL.
THE FM LOWING COURSES SOUTH 33046'07' EAST 901.68 FEET AND SOUTH
75.470001' EAST 136.09 FEET TO TIM NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF MARKT
STREET; .. .
THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAIDNORTHWESTERLY LINE SOUTH
37000100* WEST 265.23 FEET TO THE NORTHEASTERLY CORNER OF LOT 16
BLOCK 26 OF SAID TOWN OF NEWHALL, SAID POINT ALSO BEING IN THB
SOUTHWESTERLY LINB 08 THB ALLEY IN SAID BLACK 26;
Py�l
THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE ALLEY 20
^, AS SHOWN IN BLOCKS 30, 36, 41,44 AND 49 OF FEET WIDE
SAID TOWN OF NEWHALL
SOUTH 33.00'00^ EAST 1920.00 FEET TO THE MOST WESTERLY LINE OF LOT
12, BLOCK 9OF LF OF �� POINT BEING ON THE
NORTHWESTERLY OSECOND STREET,
THENCE NORTH 37.00'00" EAST 143.00 FEET ALONG SAID NORTHWESTERLY
LINE TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF ARCH STREET;
THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE AND ITS SOUTHEASTERLY
PROLONGATION SOUTH 33.00'00" EAST 420.00 FEET TO A POINT OF
INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHWESTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE
SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF PARK STREET AS SHOWN ON TIEMAP OF
TRACT NUMBER 4703 PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 34 PAGE 74 OF MAPS,
RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY;
THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY LINE AND ITS PROLONGATION
NORTH 37.00'00" EAST 113.00 FEET TO THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF
LOT 14 OF SAID TRACT NUMBER 4703;
ENCE SOUTH 33*00'0(r
4.79 FEET To AN ANGLE
NORTHEASTERLY EASTERLY LINE OF LOT 16 OF SAM TRACT; POINT IN THE
THENCE ALONG THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF LOTS 16 THROUGH 21
INCLUSIVE OF SAID TRACT AND ITS SOUTHEASTERLY PROLONGATION
SOUTH 63.00'00 EAST 740.94 FEET TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND 123.00
FEET WESTERLY OF THE CENTERL'NE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY AS SHOWN ON
RECORD OF SURVEY FILED IN BOOK 86 PAGE 66 OF RECORD OF SURVEYS
OF SAID COUNTY;
THENCE ALONG SAID PARALLEL LM SOUTH 0.19'34" WEST' 1614.24 FEET
TO A POINT IN THE NORTI�RLY LM OF LOT 3 OF TRACT NU116$ER 3FE
PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 33 PAGE $9 OF MAPS' RECORDS OF SAID
205
COUNTY',
Tia ALONG TM BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 3 THIS FOLLOWWO
COURU* SOUTH 84.30'00' WEST 100.39 FIMT; SOUTH 69.34'00" WEST
131.34 FEET, SOUM 76.33'00' WEST 260.04 FM SOUTH 13.10'00" WEST
290.10 FEET* NORTH 76.30'00" VILEST 300.00 FEET TO TIM SOUTHEASTERLY
CORNER OF LOT 2 OF SAM TRACT NUMBER 3203;
THENCE ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT % NORTH 13.10.00'' EAST
290.40 FEET AND NORTH 76930'07' WEST 3211.00 FEET TO AN ANGLA POINT IN
SAID LOT;
hpt
THENCE NORTH 82.00'00" WEST 160.00 FEET TO A POINT IN THE WESTERLY
LINE OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC
SAID MAP; RAILROAD RIGHT -OE -WAY AS SHOWN ON
THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY SOUTH 8°00'00" WEST 1043.38 FEET
TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WILLIAM S. HART PARK AS SHOWN ON
COUNTY SLRVEYORS MAP NUMBER 8-2677, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 29 OF TRACT NUMBER 2703 PER MAP
RECORDED IN BOOK 28 PAGES 20 THROUGH 26 INCLUSIVE OF ;MAPS,
RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY;
THENCE NORTH 82°00'00" WEST 1342.44 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER
OF SAID LOT 29;
THENCE ALONG THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT NORTH 8°00'00" EAST
252.74 FEET TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA EDISON RIGHT-OF-WAY AS SHOWN ON SAID C.S.B. 2677;
THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY NORTH 43'26'38" WEST 72.08 FEET TO
A POINT IN THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF LOT 31 OF SAID TRACT NUMBER 2703;
THENCE ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 31 THE FOLLOWING
COURSES; NORTH 85100'00" WEST 393.19 FEET; NORTH 54100'00" WEST
286.30 FEET; NORTH 36127'00" WEST 411.50 FEET; NORTH 19026'00" WEST
305.20 FEET AND NORTH 28.01'00" EAST 1065.38 FEET TO THE MOST
NORTHERLY CORNER OF SAM LOT 31. SAM CORNER ALSO BEING THE
MOST EASTERLY CORNER OF PARCEL MAP 5741 PER MAP FRED IN BOOK
101 PAGES 45 THROUGH 47 INCLUSIVE OF PARCEL MAPS, RECORDS OF SAM
COUNTY;
THENCE NORTH 62.08'00" WEST 200.00 FEET TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY
CORNER OF PARCEL MAP NUMBER 13005 FRED IN BOOK 177 PAGES 17 AND
18 OF PARCEL MAPS RECORD Of SAM COUNTY,
TNORTH 2.38'00'' EAST ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF SAID MAP 468.13
FEET AND NORTH 46'26'07' WEST 186.03 FEET TO THE MOST NORTHERLY
CORMOE SAID PARCEL MAt. SAID CORNER ALSO BEING THE EASTERLY
I= OF YAR1103? STREET 60 FEET WIDE AS SHOWN ON THE MAP OF TRACT
NUblIBER 1039 PER MAP RECORDED IN EOOK 17 PAGES 94 AND 93 OF MAPS,
RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY;'
THENCE ALONG SAID EASTERLY LINE NORTH 43'74'07' EAST 227.61 FEET.
TF>ENNCB NORTH 1.42107' WEST 400.92 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 26.53'07' EAST 221.12 FEET TO THE SOUTHEASTERLY
PmV 3
PROLONGATION OF THE NORTHERLY LINE OF LOT 3 OF SAM TRACT
NUMBER 1034;
THENCE NORTH 63.00'00" FEST S 18.43 FEET TO THE MOST NORIIMRLY
CORNER OF SAID LOT 3 AND THE EASTERLY LUNE OF EIGHTH STREET AS
SHOWN ON SAM MAP;
NCE
ORNORTH
�ONG SAM
HViWITH TINTH 29'45'00" EAST75 FEEEAST T TO TESoLrrHEASTERLY
LINE
SOLTHEASTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE
27 OF SAM TRACT; SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT
THENCE NORTH SO 10'00" WEST 724, 56 FEET TO THE MOST WESTERLY
CORNER OF LOT 32 OF SAID TRACT;
THENCE NORTH 32•S2'41" WEST 63.80 FEET TO THE MOST SOUTHERLY
CORNER OF LOT 33 OF SAM TRACT;
THENCE NORTH 34.10'00" WEST 262.62 FEET TO THE MOST SOUTHERLY
CORNER OF LOT 33 OF SAID TRACT;
THENCE ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAM LOT 3! NORTH 4.43'3i" WEST
AVEN[
333.84 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY INS OF LYONS 1E;
" THENCE ALONG SAM SOUTHERLY LINE AND ITS EAgTERLy
PROLONGATION NORTH 33.16'22" EAST 243.22 FEET TO ITS IIYfERSECTION
WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY
LINE OF NEWHALL AVENUE 60 FEET WME AS SHOWN ON SAM PLAN OF
THE TOWN OF NEWHALL;
333 THENCE 00" WESTI2�FEET TO Tia POINT OF 8 gLAST MMONED I� Y LING NORTH
SAM PROPERTY CONTAINS 3209! ACRES,
hP 4
17.16.100 DOWNTOWN NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
PURPOSE: The purpose of the special standards is to strengthen the
character of the Downtown Newhall area and create a
pedestrian -orientated Main Street district.
APPLICATION: The Downtown Newhall Special Standards shall apply to all
properties within the Downtown Newhall Special Standards
District, a map and legal description of which are included
within this section.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
A PERMITTED GROUND LEVEL USES IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL
AND INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONES IN THE DOWNTOWN
NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
1. Retail - all uses including:
Antique shops
Apparel stores
Appliance stores
Art, music and photographic studios and supply stores
Bakeries
Bicycle shops, non -motorized
Book, gift and stationary stores
Candy and confectioneries
Carpet and floor stores
Catering establishments
Cleaners
Consumer electronics
Department stores
Feed and tack stores
Florist shops
Food stores, supermarkets, drug stores and/or pharmacies, variety
stores, sporting goods stores, shoe stores, toy stores (liquor sales shall
be subject to a minor use permit)
Furniture stores
Hardware and lumber stores
Hobby shops
Jewelry stores
Newspaper and magazine stores
Nurseries and garden supply stores
Parking facilities
Pet stores
Trading card, coin, and memorabilia stores
Travel agencies
Video rental, sales, repair
Performing Arts Studios and Theaters
Arcades and electronic games (up to 3 machines)
Or similar uses as determined by the Director of Planning and Building
Services
2. Eating establishments - those serving alcoholic beverages shall be
subject to a minor use permit.
Chairs and tables for outdoor dining may be permitted in the public
right-of-way (i.e. in sidewalk areas) subject to City review, provided a
minimum of four (4) feet is left clear between furnishings and the
curbline and/or obstructions such as street trees or street lights for
pedestrian circulation.
3. Personal services - hair and nail salons, shoe repair, Laundromats, dry
cleaners, or similar uses as determined by the Director of Planning and
Building Services.
4. Business services - including photocopy shops, photo finishers, video
._ rental and sales, travel agencies, appliance repair, print shops,
insurance agencies, real estate agencies or similar uses as determined
by the Director of Planning and Building Services.
5. Banks and financial institutions
6. Business, professional, government offices and maintenance facilities,
government transportation facilities, libraries, museums and public
recreational facilities
7. Medical and dental offices, veterinary clinics
8. Similar uses as determined by the Director of Planning and Building
Services
B. GROUND LEVEL COMMERCIAL, PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC USES IN
THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL
ZONES SUBJECT TO A MINOR USE PERMIT IN THE DOWNTOWN
NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
1. Joint living and working quarters
2. Churches, convents, monasteries, and other institutions
3. Billiard halls
4. Alcohol sales (On-site or off-site consumption)
5. Mortuaries
6. Day care schools and day nurseries
7. Arcades and electronic games (up to 15 electronic devices as an
accessory use to a restaurant, entertainment or similar use)
8. Bed and breakfast
9. Similar uses as determined by the Director of Planning and Building
Services.
C. GROUND LEVEL USES IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONES SUBJECT TO A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT IN THE DOWNTOWN NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS
DISTRICT
1. Bars and nightclubs - including establishments providing
entertainment or permitting dancing, and establishments serving
alcoholic beverages not ancillary to food service.
2. Movie theaters and auditoriums
Lodging (hotels and motels)
4. Convalescent homes and hospitals
5. Educational institutions, public or private, including vocational schools
and colleges
6. Electrical substations, transmission substations, electrical cogeneration
facilities and similar uses
Public and private recreational facilities, including but not limited to,
country clubs, tennis and swim clubs, golf courses, racquetball and
handball. Limited commercial uses which are commonly associated
and directly related to the primary use permitted.
8. Arcades and electronic games (more than 15 machines)
9. Drive-in or drive-through associated with a restaurant, provided that
access to the drive-through is from an alley or at the rear of the
property. Additionally, all drive-throughs, including queuing areas,
shall be screened from public rights-of-way.
10. Indoor shooting range
11. Similar uses as determined by the Director of Planning and Building
Services
E. GROUND LEVEL COMMERCIAL USE REQUIRED - ground level uses within
the Downtown Newhall Special Standards District shall be limited to those
listed 1A, B, and C listed above:
F. PERMITTED UPPER LEVEL USES
1. All permitted ground level uses listed above
G. UPPER LEVEL USES SUBJECT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IN
THE NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
1. Clubs and lodges
2. Similar uses as determined by the Director of Planning and Building
Services
H. COMMERCIAL, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL, PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC AND
STORAGE USES SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED IN THE DOWNTOWN
NEWHALL SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
1. Cemeteries, crematories and other similar uses
2. Juvenile halls
3. Zoos
4. Automobile and/or small pickup truck services including but not
limited to , sales and minor repairs
5. Large truck and semi -t=uck services
S. Automobile and/or truck body repair and painting
7. Automobile sales and rental agencies
8. Boat and camper sales and services
9. Car washes - manual/self serve and full service
10. Equipment rental yards including, but not limited to, trucks and
trailers
11. Motorcycle sales and services including motorized bicycles
12. Tire sales and service
13. Swap meets and flea markets
14. Self storage, public storage, and storage warehouses
15. Outdoor storage, building materials and lumber storage yards, and/or
contractor yards
16. Automobile service stations
I. All other uses not specifically listed above and included in the permitted use
chart within the City's Unified Development Code shall be governed by the
requirements listed in said chart. Special events or temporary uses shall be
governed by the Section 17.03.080 (Temporary Use Permits).
2. BUILDING HEIGHT AND SETBACKS
A. HEIGHT - as measured from the sidewalk to top of cornice, parapet, or to eave
line of a pitched roof shall be as follows:
1. Maximum Building Height — two stories, with a maximum height of 35
feet. Building which exceed two stories or 35 feet in height shall
require the approval of a conditional use permit, but in no case shall
buildings within the Special Standards District exceed three stories or
44 feet.
2. Exceptions - subject to a minor use permit
a. Pitched roofs - may exceed height limits provided they are gable
or other non -shed roofs.
(i) Double -pitched roofs of any kind (e.g., gable, hip,
pyramid, etc.) and true mansard or gable roofs are
acceptable.
(ii) Single -pitched "shed" roofs are not appropriate and shall
not qualify for an exception.
b. Special architectural features - such as towers (clock, bell,
observation), turrets, building entry volumes, or ornamental-
mental portions of parapet walls, which cause the building to
exceed 35 feet.
C. Rooftop structures - such as elevator and mechanical eq :ipment
enclosures, or roof deck trellises and gazebos; these may exceed
the height limit by ten (10) feet, provided they are screened by a
parapet or a pitched roof.
3. Minimum Building Height - shall be sixteen (16) feet to maintain a
well-defined street space.
4. Accessory Buildings - may be twelve (12) feet in height if set back
twelve (12) feet or more from side and rear property lines; they shall be
a maximum of eight (8) feet in height if located closer. Accessory
buildings shall be located at least six (6) feet from the main structure.
B. FRONT SETBACKS - The first and second floors of all buildings shall be built -
to and parallel with the front property line. The comer of a corner building
may be "cut back" up to six (6) feet along side frontages to create a diagonal at
the ground level and/or at upper levels.
Special Architectural Features - bay windows, turrets, decorative roofs,
and miscellaneous entry features
a. Shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of street facade width
b. Shall not project more than three (3) feet over street right-of-
way, and shall be no less than twelve (12) feet above the highest
point in the sidewalk over which they project
C. Recessed entries - maximum width shall be one-third (1/3) the
length of the building or tenant street frontage, whichever is
smaller. Maximum depth shall be eight (8) feet. Larger
recessed areas for outdoor dining may be permitted.
d. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
C. SIDE SETBACKS
1. Minimum - shall be zero (0) feet. If a building is set back from a side
property line, at least four (4) feet shall be provided for an access
passage. Buildings shall be built to at least one side property line.
2. Maximum - shall be fifteen (16) feet.
3. Street Exposure - side setback areas shall be screened from the street
and sidewalk by a decorative gateway, fence, wall, or row of piers (See
Design Guidelines).
D. REAR SETBACKS - as measures from abutting properties.
1. Minimum - shall be ten (10) feet.
2. Adjacent to properties occupied by only residential - 25 feet.
3. SITE DEVELOPMENT & PARKING
A. SITE ACCESS
1. Direct Pedestrian Access - shall be provided from the thoroughfare
and/or side street to the main building entrance; i.e. pedestrian access
to building entrances shall not be restricted to parking lots.
2. Service Access - shall be from rear alleys, parking lots, or side streets.
Trash and loading areas shall be centralized wherever possible, and
screened from thoroughfares, side streets, and properties to the rear.
3. Curb Cuts/Vehicular Access - shall be minimized, especially on San
Fernando Road. Shared alleys, access drives, and parking
arrangements are encouraged to reduce the need for new curb cuts.
Where new curb cuts are necessary.
a. Location - shall be on east -west streets where feasible.
b. Driveway width - shall be a minimum of 15 feet 10 inches feet
for a one-way driveway and a minimum of twenty-six (26) feet
for a two-way driveway.
C. Curb cuts - the maximum number of curb cuts associated with a
single parcel shall be one per street frontage.
d. Reciprocal ingress and egress (shared driveways) - shall be
required where possible and feasible to facilitate ease of
vehicular movement between adjoining properties and to limit
unnecessary driveways.
e. Driveway setbacks - shall be a minimum of two (2) feet from
adjoining properties, unless the driveway is shared.
B. PARKING
1. Minimum Requirements are listed below. Requirements for
enlargements or use changes shall apply only to net new floor area
and/or the incremental increase in parking demand that accompanies a
higher intensity use.
a. Retail - one (1) space per 333 square feet (3/1,000 S.F.).
b. Eating and drinking establishments - one (1) space per 200
square feet (5/1,000 S.F.) excluding sidewalk dining areas
within the right-of-way (if permitted).
C. Personal services - one (1) space per 333 square feet (3/1,000
S.F.).
d. Business, professional, and government offices - one (1) space
per 333 square feet (3/1,000 S.F.).
f. Medical and dental offices - one (1) space per 200 square feet
(5/1,000 S.F.).
g. Bars with live entertainment and nightclubs - one (1) space per
45 square feet used for seating and dancing.
h. Performing arts and movie theaters and auditoriums - one (1)
space for each 5 fixed seats plus 1 space for each 250 square feet
of other area; parking adjustments for exclusively night-time
performances will be considered by the City.
i. Clubs and lodges - one (1) space per 50 square feet used for
assembly purposes.
j. Other uses - As per the Unified Development Code.
2. Shared Parking is encouraged and shall be permitted with an approved
minor use permit in the District. At the City's discretion, an applicant
may be required to submit a parking analysis in conjunction with the
submittal of an application for a parking adjustment or shared parking
program.
3. Surface Lots - shall be located to the rear of buildings.
4. Parking Structures - shall be in compliance with height restrictions
established in the Special Standards, and shall be complementary in
form and materials to buildings within the District.
5. Bicycle Use shall be encouraged. When included with a development,
attractively designed bike racks shall be located within or adjacent to
parking areas and at regular intervals along side street frontages.
C. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
1. Street trees - Shade trees shall be planted at a maximum spacing of
thirty (30) feet on center along all street frontages except San
Fernando Road and Lyons Avenue.
2. The perimeter of parking areas and driveways adjacent to streets and
sidewalks shall be screened with an attractive low wall, fence, or line of
piers a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches and a maximum of forty-
eight (48) inches in height (see Design Guidelines for recommended
materials).
3. Surface parking areas shall be planted with shade trees at a minimum
ratio of one (1) tree for every ten (10) spaces in an 'orchard" planting
arrangement (see Design Guidelines).
4. Trash and service equipment - including satellite receiving dishes not
installed on the roof, shall be located behind buildings and enclosed or
screened by landscaping, fencing or other architectural element to the
satisfaction of the City.
5. Screen fences and walls - shall be of a sufficient height and design to
adequately reduce visibility to the area being screened (see Design
Guidelines for recommendations on type and materials).
6. Mechanical equipment on rooftops - Shall be screened, preferably
behind a parapet. Latticework, louvered panels, and other treatments
that are compatible with the building3s architecture shall be required if
a parapet is not used.
D. PROHIBITED SITE FENCING
1. Chain link fences
2. Unfinished or unsurfaced concrete block walls
3. Rustic wood fences
PURPOSE AND INTENT
The City of Santa Clarita's Sign Standards for the historical Downtown Newhall Special
Standards District are intended to encourage excellence insignage, both as a communication
tool and as an art form. The Standards will create signs that attract customers, make a
statement about the quality of the businesses in the District and contribute to the overall
quality of the downtown core. The Standards will discourage and eliminate pre-existing
legal signs and signs that are not properly maintained which cause clutter and reduce
property values.
Signs have a very strong visual impact on the character and quality of the community. In a
commercial downtown, signs can attract or repel the viewing public, impact traffic safety,
and set the aesthetic tone of a downtown. Santa Clarita prides itself on being one of the
safest, cleanest, and aesthetically pleasing cities in the nation, which has played a
significant role in attracting residents and commerce to our community. The aesthetic
considerations of signage play an instrumental role in maintaining this image.
Quality commercial signage is one of the most important elements of a healthy downtown.
Signage communicates more than just the name of a business. It communicates the degree
to which the businesses in the downtown are alive and whether or not the businesses still
care about the business that they are doing. A well maintained, functional sign says to
potential customers "We are here, we care, and we want your business." Likewise, a sign
that is not maintained says "We are tired and may not be around much longer --your business
isn't that important to us."
Signs must be more than a way to relay information. They must enhance and extend the
architectural character of buildings. The objective of the standards and guidelines in this
section is not uniformity but elimination of those elements that result in a cluttered and
unattractive physical environment. They provide basic parameters for creative signs that
may be as varied and as different as the businesses they represent.
I.
Commercial i imi Tvoes andSizes, Permitted sign types and sizes shall be as
follows:
A WALL MOUNTED
1. Awning Signs - any sign or graphic attached to, painted on or applied
to an awning or awning canopy.
a. Awning signage shall be restricted to the business name and
street numbers on the valance.
b. Size. Awning signage, being restricted to the valence front,
shall not exceed 50 percent of the valence width, the lettering
being restricted to 66 percent of the height of the valence. The
valence height shall not exceed 18 inches.
2. Building Wall Sign - shall mean a sign, other than a roof sign, affixed
to and wholly supported by a building in such a manner that its
exposed face is approximately parallel to the plane of said building and
is not projecting more than 12 inches from the building face.
a. One sign shall be allowed on the front building elevation for
each ground floor business. The front building elevation shall
generally be considered to be the elevation containing the
primary entrance to the business. Exceptions to this
requirement shall be subject to City review.
b. A wall sign shall be affixed directly to an exterior wall. A wall
sign shall be placed above the first floor windows on a one-story
structure or between windows on multiple story structure.
C. Size. Shall be no more than 66 percent of the business frontage
(i.e. linear width of the business). The maximum vertical height
of a sign shall be 16 inches.
d. Signs on a side or rear building elevation for a ground floor
business shall be permitted, provided that the elevation
contains a public entrance or fronts on a parking lot or street
right-of-way. Signs on a side or rear building elevation shall not
exceed 50 percent of the sign area permitted on the front
elevation.
e. Each business located on a second floor and facing a street shall
be permitted a maximum of five square feet of sign area as a
wall business sign.
3. Graphic/Logo Signs - signs bearing a brand name, registered
trademark or business logo.
a. Graphics, excluding any lettering, shall be allowed provided the
sign face is designed as a graphic representation of the goods or
services provided at the particular establishment (e.g., a boot to
advertise a shoe repair shop).
b. Size. A graphic sign shall not exceed 16 inches in vertical
height. Graphic signs can be incorporated into any of the
allowable signs identified in this code. Graphic signs shall be
counted as a part of the permissible sign area.
4. Marquee Sign - shall mean any sign affixed to the perimeter or border
of a permanently roofed structure constructed as a part of the building
and protruding over public or private sidewalks or right-of-way.
a. One marquee sign shall be allowed on the building face or
entrance of a playhouse or theater. The vertical distance and
size of a marquee sign shall be established by the City. Marquee
signs shall be restricted to playhouses and theaters and shall be
solely permitted in lieu of a building face sign.
5. Projecting Sidewalk Signs - sign facing pedestrian traffic hanging from
a canopy or architectural projection over a walkway or public sidewalk.
a. One redwood sandblasted, hand carved, or architecturally
designed equivalent sidewalk sign for each business shall be
allowed to face pedestrian traffic hanging from a canopy or an
architectural projection over a pedestrian walkway. A redwood
sandblasted, hand carved, or architecturally equivalent "Open"
sign shall be allowed to hang beneath the sidewalk sign.
b. Size. No part of a projecting sidewalk sign shall provide a
vertical clearance of less than 8'-0" from the highest sidewalk
surface. A sidewalk sign shall not have greater dimensions
than eighteen inches in height by three feet in length.
B. MONUMENT
1. Identification Monument Sign - shall mean a sign which is completely
self-supporting, has its sign face or base on the ground and has no air
space, columna or supports visible between the ground and the bottom
edge of the sign.
a. Monument signs shall be considered only for a property
developed as a shopping or retail center with more than 100 feet
of continuous street frontage.
b. Size. If permitted, a monument sign shall not exceed 54 square
feet in sign area or six feet in height.
C. WINDOW -MOUNTED
1. Permanent Window Signs - shall mean any permanent sign painted on
a window or constructed of paper, cloth, canvas or other similar
lightweight material, with or without frames and affixed to the interior
side of a window and displayed so as to call the attention of persons
outside the building a sale of merchandise or a change in the status of
a business.
a. Permanent window signs shall be allowed, provided that the
signs are either painted directly on the window or displayed as
neon tube signs, if the letter style is compatible with approved
signage on the building. Alternate material may be used if the
City determines that the sign is of comparable quality. Only the
business name and/or a list of products or services not implicit
in the name shall be displayed.
b. Size. A permanent window sign shall not exceed ten percent
(10%) of the total window area.
2. Temporary Window Signs= any temporary sign painted on a window or
constructed of paper, cloth, canvas or other similar lightweight
material, with or without frames, and affixed to the interior side of a
window and displayed so as to call to the attention of persons outside
the building a sale of merchandise or a change in the status of the
business.
a. Temporary window signs to promote special sales shall be
allowed subject to City approval; provided, that the signs shall
not be displayed for more than 15 days at one time, up to three
times in a 12 month period.
b. Size. Temporary window signs shall not occupy more area than
twenty-five percent (25%) of the total window area of the face of
the building upon which such signs are mounted.
C. For businesses that don't have the ability to use window space
for this purpose, they shall be permitted a temporary display
sign on an exterior wall. A temporary display sign shall be
subject to the same time requirements indicated within this
section for a temporary window sign and shall not exceed 30
square feet in sign area.
D. SPECIALTY TYPE
1. Sidewalk Signs - a single sided sign either freestanding or attached at
eye level on the front building mall that displays specials, sale items or
a menu.
a. Eating establishments, bakeries, florists, and other businesses
that have as their primary sales items perishable goods shall be
allowed one sidewalk sign to be displayed in either of two
locations. The sidewalk sign shall be parallel to the business
frontage. A minimum five feet of clearance on the sidewalk
shall be maintained at all times. A wall sidewalk sign will be
allowed on the wall of the building at eye level. A freestanding
sidewalk sign will be permitted within two feet of the building
face. The single -sided face shall consist of a chalkboard or other
approved material to display specials and a menu display may
also be included on the face of the sign. The City shall regulate
the design materials and quality of the sign and assure it is
compatible with the architecture of the building. Each of the
signs shall be removed when the business is closed.
b. Size. A freestanding sidewalk sign shall have a single face and
have an eighteen -inch by twenty -four -inch sign face and be a
maximum of four feet in height. A wall sidewalk sign shall be a
maximum eighteen -inch by twenty-four inch sign and shall be
located at eye level on the building. All letter height shall be a
maximum of two inches.
2. Directional / Instructional Sign - a sign which indicates a route to,
direction of or location of a given goal, or which provides regulatory or
service information of a non -advertising character.
a. Signs used to give directions to traffic or pedestrians or give
instructions as to special conditions shall be permitted subject
to City review in addition to the other signs listed in this
section. In general, directional/instructional signs shall be
located in pedestrian pathways or within parking lots.
b. Size. Directional / Instructional sign shall not exceed eight
square feet in area and four feet in height.
4. Future Tenant Identification Sign (Temporary) - A sign listing the
name of future tenants, responsible agent, or realtor, and identification
of the specific complex shall be permitted until such time as final
inspection of the building(s) designates the structure(s) fit for
occupancy or tenant is occupying the building(s), whichever occurs first.
a. Size. A future tenant identification sign shall not exceed
twenty-four square feet in area.
8. Real Estate Signs (Temporary) - shall mean a temporary sign
advertising the sale, lease or rental of the premises on which the sign
is located.
a. Real estate signs announcing a building or unit within a
building for sale, lease, or rent shall be located on the land to
which the sign refers. Said sign shall be limited to one sign per
street frontage.
b. Size. For rent, sale, or lease signs shall not exceed thirty-two
square feet in surface area.
II. Commercial signs - Sign quality, materials and colors. The goal of design for signs
citywide is to keep moderate, attractive, and compatible styling so as not to cause
erratic or disturbing distractions from the architectural character of nearby
businesses.
A. The following materials are recommended and desirable for establishing a sign
plan for an individual business or a comprehensive sign plan for a commercial
center. These recommended materials shall apply to permanent signs listed
within this code.
Sign face supports and standards made of resawn or rough sawn wood
and/or wrought iron with painted background and lettering
2. Sign face, supports, and standards made of smooth wood trimmed with
painted background and lettering
3. Use of individual styrene letters on the face of the building
4. Use of wood cutouts or wrought iron silhouettes further identifying the
business on any of the above
Sandblasted redwood, imitation wood
6. Similar materials to the satisfaction of the City
B. The following materials and details are not recommended.
1. Contemporary finish materials such a porcelain, aluminum, and steel
2. Imitation marble
3. Bright gloss enamel, or reflecting surfaces
4. Exposed "neon" tube graphics
5. Sheet metal
6. Fluorescent paint
Exposed metal supports in extruded, rolled, or tubular sections
8. Plywood or wood planks, painted or unpainted
C. Sign colors shall be compatible and harmonious with the building that it
identifies and with the area in which it is located. Sign colors and materials
shall be consistent with the architectural styles described in the Design
Guidelines for the Downtown Newhall Special Standards District. Custom
neon tubing, in the form of graphics or lettering, may be incorporated into
several of above listed sign types subject to the review and approval of the
City.
III. Commercial Sins - General provisions for commercial sins.
A. Structures supporting freestanding signs shall be designed in such a manner
so as to reflect as an integral part of the design of the building.
B. All multiple tenant complexes shall have approval of a comprehensive sign
plan prior to any individual sign approvals. The intent and purpose of a
comprehensive sign plan is to assure that the signage of a center will appear
as an integral part of a center and to encourage compatibility with the center
in an orderly, efficient, and attractive manner.
C. Signs visible from the exterior of any building may be indirectly lighted or
shadow -lighted so that the immediate source of the illumination is not visible.
D. Signs may be interior lighted, but only so that the lettering and any graphic is
illuminated and all other portions are opaque; but also no signs or other
contrivance shall be constructed so as to rotate, gyrate, blink, or move in any
animated fashion.
E. Signs shall be restricted to advertising only the person, firm, company, or
corporation operating the use conducted on the site.
F. A wall sign with the individual letters applied shall be measured by a
rectangle around the outside of the lettering and/or the pictorial symbol and
calculating the area enclosed by such line.
G. All signs attached to a building shall be surface mounted.
H. The sign shall in no way endanger the health and safety of the public by
causing distractions to operators of motor vehicles on the streets and/or
highways.
I. All lighting shall be located and of such color that there will be no confusion
with public signs or signals regulating the flow of vehicular traffic.
A. Revolving signs, all or any portion of which rotate.
B. Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose.
C. Continuous or sequential flashing light.
D. Devices dispensing bubbles and free-floating particles or matter.
E. Pylon or pole signs.
F. "Can" or cabinet type wall signs.
G. Signs painted directly onto a building.
H. Any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, sticker, banner, sign or advertising or
other device calculated to attract the attention of the public which any person
posts, prints, sticks, stamps, tacks or otherwise affixes, or causes the same to
be done to or upon any street, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb,
lamppost, hydrant, tree, telephone pole or lighting system or upon any fixture
of the police or fire alarm system of the City, with the exception of public
transportation signs specifically permitted by this section.
I. Any strings of pennants, banners, streamers, clusters of flags, strings of
twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, and similar attention -getting devices,
including noise -emitting devices, with the exception of the following:
National, state, local government, institutional or corporate flags,
properly displayed.
2. Holiday decorations, in season, subject to the requirements listed in
this section.
3. Special event signs, as authorized and approved by the City.
J. Devices projecting or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on
any surface or object.
K Signs emitting or amplifying sounds for the purpose of attracting attention.
L. Portable signs, except for those authorized by this section.
M. Temporary signs, except for those authorized by this section.
N. Roof signs.
O. Signs erected on public or private property without the permission of the
property owner.
P. Signs on awnings or canopies except on the valence.
Q. Signs that create a hazard by obstructing clear views of pedestrian and
vehicular traffic.
R. Bench signs
S. Exposed cabinet/raceways behind channel letters.
V. Pre-Existine Le¢a1 Si¢n
A. All signs which do not meet the requirements of this chapter are hereby
deemed pre-existing legal.
B. All pre-existing legal signs approved and permitted prior to November 13,
1990 shall be removed and modified to conform to these Special Standards by
November 13, 1999.
C. All pre-existing legal signs approved and permitted after November 13, 1990
and before enactment of the Special Standards shall be removed and modified
to conform to these Special Standards within three years from the date the
Downtown Newhall Special Standards take effect.
VI. Sien Maintenance.
A. Signs together with their supports and appurtenances shall be kept in a
proper state of maintenance. The display surface of all signs shall be kept
neatly painted and posted. The building official or code enforcement officer
may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with
the provisions of the section.
1. Repair - Damaged signs shall be repaired within 14 days.
2. Illumination - Bulbs and fixtures shall be replaced within 14 days.
3. Awnings - Awnings that are damaged and/or faded shall be repaired
and replaced within 14 days of notification by the City.
VII. Abandoned Sisal. Any sign and/or sign structure that is abandoned for 60 days by
way of no longer referring or related to the business, operation, property, or activity
of which it was erected shall be removed.
5. PRE-EXISTING LEGAL USES AND STRUCTURES
This section is intended to allow for the continuation, maintenance, and limited expansion of
uses and structures established in compliance with development codes in effect at t�lf: time of
establishment of the use or structure but not in compliance with current development codes.
A. CONTINUATION AND MAINTENANCE
1. A use legally occupying a structure or a site, as of the effective date of
this Code, that does not conform with the use regulations or the
performance standards for the zone in which the use is located shall be
deemed to be a pre-existing legal use and may be continued in
perpetuity, except as otherwise provided in this section.
2. A structure, legally occupying a site, as of the effective date of this
Code, that does not conform with the property development standards
for required yards, height, coverage, distances between strictures, or
other standards for the zone in which the structure is located, shall be
deemed to be a pre-existing legal structure and may be used and
maintained in perpetuity, except as otherwise provided in this section.
3. Routine maintenance and repairs may be performed on a structure or
site, the use of which is pre-existing legal.
4. A structure which does not meet the property development standards
of the zone in which it is located shall be permitted to expand up to the
FAR permitted for the zone in the event that the Director of
Community Development determines that the expansion will not
increase the degree of nonconformity or adversely affect or be
materially detrimental to adjacent uses, residents, buildings,
structures, or natural resources.
4. A use which does not meet the performance standards of the zone in
which it is located shall be permitted to expand in the event that the
expansion does not increase the degree of non -conformity.
5. A change or transfer of ownership of a pre-existing legal use or
structure shall not require said use or structure to conform to the
requirements contained within the Special Standards.
B. DISCONTINUATION OF PRE-EXISTING LEGAL USE
1. Whenever a pre-existing legal use, or use of a pre-existing legal
structure, has been discontinued or changed to a conforming use for a
continuous period of 180 calendar days or more, the pre-existing legal
use shall not be re-established, and the use of the structure or site
thereafter shall be in conformity with the regulations for the zone in
which it is located. Discontinuation shall include cessation of a use
regardless of intent to resume the use, unless the Director of Planning
and Building Services is notified in writing of the intent to resume and
has approved a schedule for resumption of said use. This provision
shall not apply to multi -tenant buildings unless pre-existing legal uses
occupying more than 50% of the leasable space are discontinued or
changed to a conforming use for a continuous period of 180 calendar
days or more.
C. RESTORATION OF A DAMAGED STRUCTURE
1. Whenever a structure which does not comply with the property
development standards prescribed in the zone in which the structure is
located is destroyed by fire or other calamity to the extent of 50% or
more, the structure may be restored and the pre-existing legal use may
be resumed, provided that restoration is started within two years and
diligently pursued to completion. The new structure may be restored
to its original height or the maximum height permitted in the zone in
which it is located, whichever is greater, and must be in full conformity
with the parking, setback, and landscaping standards for that zone in
effect at the time of re-establishment.
2. The extent of damage shall be based upon the ratio of the estimated
cost of restoring the structure to its condition prior to such damage to
the estimated cost of duplicating the entire structure as it existed prior
thereto. Estimates for this purpose shall be made by or shall be
reviewed and approved by the Building Official and shall be based on
the minimum cost of construction in compliance with the Building
Code. In the case of a use with multiple structures, the damage ratio
shall be determined by comparing the cost of restoring the damaged
structure(s) to its (their) condition(s) prior to such damage to the
estimated cost of duplicating all structures associated with such use.
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