Chapter 17.116
C-O COMMERCIAL OFFICE DISTRICT
Sections:
17.116.030 Uses subject to a conditional use permit.
17.116.080 Landscape improvements.
17.116.010 Purpose.
The intent of the C-O district is to provide opportunities for administrative and professional offices as well as ancillary uses and those additional uses which through appearance and operation are harmonious with the character of an office environment. The C-O district should be used to provide a transitional buffer between residential districts and commercial or industrial districts. This chapter also contains provisions to allow the orderly conversion of residential structures to office uses in certain transitional areas subject to conditions designed to protect nearby residential uses. [Ord. 772 § 17.40.010, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.010].
17.116.020 Permitted uses.
Uses permitted in the C-O district shall include those businesses listed below which operate in compliance with the intent and standards of this district and are conducted entirely within a completely enclosed building. Each business shall be evaluated in terms of its operational characteristics and specific site location pursuant to the provisions of LEMC 17.415.050 and 17.415.060.
A. Accountants, advertising agencies, appraisers, attorneys, business and management consultants, economists, public relations consultants, and other professional offices.
B. Administrative or executive offices of any type of business.
C. Architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers and surveyors, geologists, industrial designers, graphic designers, and interior designers not including retail sales on the premises.
D. Art and craft galleries or studios.
E. Barber shops and beauty salons.
F. Employment agencies, travel agencies, and airline ticket agencies.
G. Financial institutions, including banks, savings and loan associations, finance companies and credit unions.
H. Government buildings and service facilities; excluding storage equipment or repair or warehouses.
I. Insurance brokers and services, investment brokers, real estate brokers and offices, and title and escrow companies.
J. Medical complexes including medical, dental, and health-related services; excluding any housing for persons aged, infirm, or ill.
K. Oculists, opticians, and optometrists.
L. Office supply and stationery stores.
M. Photography studios.
N. Prescription pharmacies.
O. Public utility distribution and transmission facilities excluding private radio, television, and paging antennas and towers.
P. Quick copy and printing establishments.
Q. Restaurants and eating places (excluding drive-ins and drive-throughs) which are not open between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; provided they comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.148 LEMC, Parking Requirements.
R. Schools and studios for arts, crafts, photography, music and dance.
S. Other uses that the Community Development Director determines to be in accord with the purpose of this chapter and having characteristics similar to those uses listed in this section. [Ord. 1415 § 3 (Exh. F § 51), 2019; Ord. 853 § 1, 1989; Ord. 772 § 17.40.020, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.020].
17.116.030 Uses subject to a conditional use permit.
It is recognized that certain uses while similar in characteristics to permitted uses in LEMC 17.116.020 may have the potential to impact surrounding properties and therefore require additional approval and consideration. Such uses to be permitted in the C-O district shall require a use permit pursuant to LEMC 17.415.070 and shall include the following:
A. Places of religious assembly or institution.
B. Commercial day care centers.
C. Conversion of residential structures pursuant to LEMC 17.116.070.
D. Mortuaries.
E. Office condominiums.
F. Private noncommercial clubs and lodges.
G. Restaurants and eating places (excluding drive-ins and drive-throughs or walk-ups) with outside eating areas or which operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
H. Small animal veterinary clinics subject to the following addition to all other conditions of the use permit:
1. Treatment of animals is restricted to dogs, cats and other small domesticated animals and birds.
2. The operation shall be conducted in a completely enclosed and sound-controlled building in such a way as to produce no objectionable noises or odors outside its walls.
3. There shall be no outdoor runs or animal holding areas.
4. There shall be no boarding of animals other than as necessary for recuperation of patients.
5. The clinic shall have direct access from the parking area.
I. Structures exceeding the maximum height pursuant to LEMC 17.116.060.
J. Other uses that the Planning Commission finds by resolution to be in accord with the purpose of this chapter and having characteristics similar to those uses listed in this section. A list of these uses shall be maintained in the Planning Division for future reference. [Ord. 1415 § 3 (Exh. F § 52), 2019; Ord. 1259 § 10, 2009; Ord. 1086 § 15, 2002; Ord. 853 § 1, 1989; Ord. 772 § 17.40.030, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.030].
17.116.040 Site criteria.
There shall be no minimum lot size required for a C-O parcel. However, in establishing and maintaining locations or approving uses for the C-O district it shall be demonstrated that the property is capable of compliance with the following criteria:
A. The site can support safe and efficient on-site circulation and has convenient access to surface streets with adequate capacity.
B. There is sufficient parcel size to ensure adequate buffering and screening where needed to protect residential developments.
C. The site is physically suitable for the proposed type and density of development and capable of permitting full compliance with the City’s development standards and practices. [Ord. 772 § 17.40.040, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.040].
17.116.050 Setbacks.
The following minimum standards shall apply to all new construction in the C-O district:
A. The front yard setback for any building or parking area shall average 20 feet, but shall not be less than 15 feet. However, City Council may allow a 10-foot reduction in the setback requirements to parking areas where enhanced decorative walls, artwork, public amenities (e.g., fountains or public seating areas) or other similar outstanding design features are provided to the satisfaction of the City Council.
B. Side and Rear Yard. No setback shall be required from interior lot lines except adjacent to a public right-of-way or a residential use, in which case the minimum setback shall be 15 feet. [Ord. 853 § 1, 1989; Ord. 772 § 17.40.050, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.050].
17.116.060 Building height.
The maximum height shall be 35 feet. However, special architectural features such as towers may be permitted to exceed this height subject to approval of a use permit pursuant to LEMC 17.415.070. [Ord. 1415 § 3 (Exh. F § 53), 2019; Ord. 772 § 17.40.060, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.060].
17.116.070 Conditions and exceptions for conversion of residential structures to commercial/office uses.
A residential structure may be converted to a permitted use, subject to the approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to the provisions of LEMC 17.415.070, provided the development complies with all development standards and criteria contained herein this chapter. In approving the use permit, the approving authority shall impose conditions necessary to assure that the conversion will not impact adjoining properties or the reasonable use thereof and to provide for adequate parking and circulation, and that the architectural design of the structure will not detract from the character of the neighborhood (both residential and commercial). [Ord. 1415 § 3 (Exh. F § 54), 2019; Ord. 772 § 17.40.070, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.070].
17.116.080 Landscape improvements.
All areas not utilized for structures, parking, or other permitted uses shall be landscaped. In addition, the following minimum standards shall apply:
A. Adjacent to Street. A continuous area, a minimum of 15 feet and an average of 20 feet in depth, shall be landscaped and maintained between the parking area and the public right-of-way. Parking areas should be screened as much as possible utilizing berms, shrubs, and other decorative treatments of sufficient size and height to meet this requirement.
B. Buffer Landscaping. A continuous visual landscape screen, a minimum of 15 feet in depth, shall be maintained adjacent to all interior property lines which abut residential uses. At minimum, said buffer shall contain one 15-gallon nondeciduous umbrella-form tree for each 30 lineal feet of boundary length. No structure or use, including parking, drive aisles, or trash enclosures, shall encroach within this area.
C. Generally. All building sites shall have a minimum landscaped coverage equivalent to 15 percent of the total lot area. Such landscaping shall be evenly distributed over the site and consist of an effective combination of trees, ground cover and shrubbery, which may include landscaping required for setbacks or buffers. A reduction in coverage may be sought and approved during the design review process in recognition of quality design. For the purpose of this provision, quality considerations include the use of courtyards, atriums, creative use of ground floor public space, creative use of water elements, and the incorporation of sculpture or artwork in the landscape proposal. [Ord. 1224 § 3, 2007; Ord. 1206 § 3, 2006; Ord. 853 § 1, 1989; Ord. 772 § 17.40.080, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.080].
17.116.090 Parking.
The provisions of Chapter 17.148 LEMC shall be used to determine the parking for development in the C-O district. [Ord. 772 § 17.40.090, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.090].
17.116.100 Signs.
The provisions of Chapter 17.196 LEMC shall be used to determine permitted signs in the C-O district. [Ord. 772 § 17.40.100, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.100].
17.116.110 Design review.
No building permits shall be issued for the construction of any building or structure in the C-O district until the applicant has obtained design review approval pursuant to the provisions of LEMC 17.415.050 and 17.415.060. [Ord. 1415 § 3 (Exh. F § 55), 2019; Ord. 772 § 17.40.110, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.110].
17.116.120 Design standards.
Chapter 17.112 LEMC contains nonresidential development standards applicable to all projects within the City regardless of zoning district. It is therefore important that the provisions of Chapter 17.112 LEMC be considered together with the regulations contained herein for the C-O district. [Ord. 772 § 17.40.120, 1986. Code 1987 § 17.40.120].