Ordinance 1983-15ZONING ORDINANCE
CITY OF GILROY, CALIFORNIA
Ordinance No. 83 -15
ADOPTED AUGUST 15, 1983
An Ordinance of the City of Gilroy establishing certain districts within
which the classes of buildings and structures and the uses thereof are
limited, and in which certain yards and other open spaces are required
and certain regulations are applied; defining the terms and uses herein;
providing for the granting of adjustments in the application in any of the
provisions hereof; prescribing penalties and remedies for any violations
of the provisions hereof; and repealing Ordinances and parts of Ordinances
in conflict herewith.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART ONE
ZONING DISTRICTS
SECTION #
1 INTRODUCTION
2 DEFINITIONS
3 DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
4 Al AGRICULTURE
5 R1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
6 R2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
7 R3 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
8 R4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
9 RH RESIDENTIAL HILLSIDE
10 RESIDENTIAL USE-TABLE
1.1 RESIDENTIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT TABLE
12 PO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
13 Cl NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
14 C2 CENTRAL COMMERCIAL
15 C3 SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL
16' HC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
17 CM COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL
18 COMMERCIAL USE TABLE
19 COMMERCIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT TABLE
20 M1 LIMITED INDUSTRIAL
21 M2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
22 INDUSTRIAL USE TABLE
23 INDUSTRIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT TABLE
24 OS OPEN SPACE
25 PF PARK/PUBLIC FACILITIES
26 PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (COMBINING DISTRICT)
27 HS AND HN HISTORIC SITE AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMBINING DISTRICTS
2 8-30- (RESERVED FOR FUTURE DISTRICTS)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONT.)
PART TWO
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
SECTION #
31
OFF - STREET PARKING
32
YARDS
33
TRAILERS
34
FENCES AND OBSTRUCTIONS
35
ANTENNAS AND WINDMILLS
36
SWIMMING POOLS
37
SIGNS
38
LANDSCAPING AND STREET TREES
39
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
40
HOME OCCUPATIONS.
41
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
42 -44
(RESERVED FOR FUTURE SECTIONS)
PART THREE
STANDARD REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.
SECTION #
45
GENERAL REGULATIONS
46
EXCEPTIONS
47
TEMPORARY USES
48
NONCONFORMING USES
49
POWERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
50
PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS
51
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCEDURES
52
AMENDMENT OF ZONING ORDINANCE
53
ENFORCEMENT OF ZONING ORDINANCE
54
ADOPTION OF ZONING ORDINANCE.
INDEX
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PART ONE
ZONING DISTRICTS
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
Section 1.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Ordinance is to promote and protect the public health, safety,
peace, comfort, convenience and general welfare. It is adopted for the following more
particular purposes:
(a) to assist in providing a definite comprehensive plan for sound and orderly
development, and to guide and regulate each development in accordance with the
General Plan and the objectives and standards set forth therein;
(b) to protect and improve the established character and'the social and economic
stability of agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and other areas of
Gilroy;
(c) to provide light, air, privacy and convenience of access to property; and to
promote safety from fire and other dangers;
(d) to prevent overcrowding of land and undue congestion of population;
(e) to regulate the location of buildings and the use of buildings and land so as to
prevent undue interference with existing or prospective traffic movements on
public thoroughfares;
(f) to pre -zone unincorporated territory adjoining the City for the purpose of deter-
mining the zoning that shall apply to such property in the event of subsequent
annexation to the City.
Section 1.20 Short Title
This Ordinance shall be known and referred to as the "Gilroy Zoning Ordinance."
Section 1.30• Application of the Zoning Ordinance
The Gilroy Zoning Ordinance is intended to apply to all lands, buildings and struc-
tures, regardless of ownership, within the incorporated area of the City of Gilroy.
Section 1.40 Relationship of the Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan
Section 1.41
The General Plan is a comprehensive, long- range, general policy statement for the
entire community. The General Plan designates appropriate locations and densities
for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, public, and open space
uses. In comparison, the Zoning Ordinance is a specific statement of permissible
uses of land by zoning district designed to control the use, type, bulk, height,
space and location of buildings and land. The Zoning Ordinance is the primary
tool by which the City implements the policies of the General Plan. The Zoning
Ordinance is intended to be applied to the City based on land use designations es-
tablished in the General Plan.
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The Zoning Ordinance shall be consistent with the General Plan of the City of Gil-
roy. Where inconsistencies do exist, the Zoning Ordinance shall control the use
and development of such land until such time as the City Council revises the Zon-
ing Ordinance to achieve consistency.
Section 1.50
The City Council shall from time to time .establish, by resolution, a schedule of fees
for requests for any amendment or procedure pertaining to this Ordinance. No action
shall be taken on any application until all applicable fees have been paid in full.
Fees collected for applications shall not be refunded unless the Planning Director
determines that the application is unnecessary, invalid, or inappropriate.
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SECTION 2 WORD CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS
Section 2.10 Word Construction
Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the masculine include the
feminine; words in the singular number include the plural; and words in the plural
number include the singular. The word "building" includes the word "st nicture;" and
the word "shall" is mandatory and not directory. The term "City Council" shall mean
the City Council-of the City of Gilroy, California; the term "Planning Commission"
shall mean the Planning Commission of the City of Gilroy, California, and the word
"City" shall mean the incorporated area of the City of Gilroy.
Section 2.20 Definitions
For the purpose of this Ordinance certain terms used herein are defined as follows:
Abandoned Sim
A sign located on a parcel of land or on a structure either of which is vacant for a
period of ninety (90) days, a sign pertaining to a past occupant or business different
from the present occupant of or business on the premises, a sign pertaining to a past
event or any sign abandoned as the term is used in the law of California.
Abutting
Land having a common property line or district boundary line or separated only by a
private street, alley or easement.
Accessory Building (or structure)
A detached subordinate building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main
building on the same lot, or the use of the land of the same lot.
Accessory Dwelling Unit
A second unit on a parcel zoned for single family residential use, equipped with kitch-
en facilities, designed for use in conjunction with the main building (residence).
Accessory Use
A use subordinate to the principal use on the same lot and serving a purpose custom-
arily incidental to and not affecting the characteristics of the principal use.
Adult Entertainment Establishments
Any establishment or place of business where any individual, firm, association, part-
nership, corporation, joint venture or combination of individuals engages in, con-
ducts, operates, carries on or permits to be engaged in, conducted, operated or car-
ried on any adult entertainment enterprise regardless of whether any other use is also
conducted on the premises.
Adult Entertainment Enterprises
Any business activity where 'films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or similar
photographic reproductions of sexual anatomical areas (as defined) or sexual activi-
ties (as defined) are furnished or viewed for a fee or charge; or there exists the op-
portunity to paint, feel, handle, touch, to be in the presence of, be entertained by
the display of such anatomical. areas or sexual activities; or be so painted, felt,
handled, touched or observed by another person; or to observe, view or photograph any
such activity. Also includes any business. activity wherein a substantial part of the
commercial operation consists of the sale or dissemination of paraphernalia and appar-
atus which aid or assist in the stimulation and /or performance of-sexual activity.
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Adult entertainment enterprises include, but are not limited to the following business
activities and similar activities: nude encounter studios, adult or nude dance stu-
dios, adult or nude exhibitions, peep shows, nude wrestling centers, and adult or nude
art or photography studios.
Adult entertainment enterprises do not include: physicians, surgeons, chiropractors,
osteophaths or physical therapists who are duly licensed to practice their respective
professions in the State of California; nurses registered under the lawt of the state
of California; barbers and beauticians who are duly licensed under the laws of the
State of California; any activity conducted or sponsored by any public agency, or by
any school licensed by the State of California or any activity conducted by a person
pursuant to any license issued by the State of California or any agency thereof
charged with the responsibility of licensing, prescribing standards for the supervis-
ing such activity or profession.
Advertising
Any announcement, description or presentation calling public attention to goods or
services offered for sale.
Agency
An office or commercial establishment in which goods, material or equipment is re-
ceived for servicing, treatment or processing elsewhere.
Agent of Owner
A person who can show written proof of authorization to act for a property owner.
Agriculture
Farming, dairying, pasturage, apiaries, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture and
animal or poultry husbandry, but not including the commercial feeding of garbage or
offal to swine .or other animals.
Alley
A public access driveway or lane not exceeding thirty (30) feet in width which
provides only a secondary means of access to abutting property.
Antenna
A "conductor"-erected for the transmission and /or reception of radio, television or
other electromagnetic or microwave signals.
Apartment House
Any building or portion thereof which is designed and built for rental occupancy by
three or more families.
Arcade
Arcade means any public place. of amusement or public place.of business in which five or
more mechanical amusement devices' are installed, and includes any place open to the
public, whether or not the primary use of the premises' is devoted to the operation of
such amusement devices.
Attached Sign
A sign which is affixed to and made an integral part of. a building or structure. At-
tached signs include wall signs, roof signs, and projecting signs, to distinguish them
from freestanding and monument signs.
f
s
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Average Slope
The mean slope in the elevation of an area of land, determined by the formula;
S = .00229 I L where:
A
S = Average percentage slope
I a Contour interval in feet
L - Summation of individual contour lengths in scale feet
A - Gross area of property in acres
_Awning
A shelter, projecting over a property, supported entirely from the exterior wall of a
building and composed of a collapsible frame covered completely with non -rigid material.
Banner
A temporary advertising display consisting'of fabric, canvas, plastic or paper material,
which is attached to a building.
Basement
A useable space within a building, partly or wholly underground, and having more than
one half of its height, measured from its floor to its finished ceiling below the av-
erage adjoining grade. If the finished floor level directly above a basement is more
than six (6) feet above grade at any point,-the basement shall be considered a story.
Billboard
A sign, other than a directional sign, which directs attention to a business, commod-
ity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a place other than on the
parcel where the sign is erected. Included are signs erected upon benches.
Block
The area consisting of all property.abutting one side of a street, between intersect-
ing and intercepting streets, or between a. street and a railroad right -of -way, water-
way, dead -end street, City boundary or undivided acreage.
Boarding House
A building or portion thereof, other than a hotel, where lodging and regular meals for
three or more persons are provided for compensation or profit.
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns and /or walls and intended for the hous-
ing or shelter of any- persons, animals or chattel.
Building Coverage
The land area covered by all of the main and accessory buildings on a lot, including
all projections except eaves, and including enclosed drive -up areas, patios and porch-
es, measured from the support posts.
Building Height
The vertical distance measured from the average finished soil grade at the base of any
exterior wall to the highest point of the roof, ridge, or parapet wall.
Building Site
The land area of a lot which may be occupied by the permitted main building.
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Build -out Schedule
The maximum number of residential units assigned to each development proposal for
which building permits may be issued each calendar year. The total of all assigned
build -out schedules, for each year, shall not exceed the Numerical Limit set by City
Council resolution for that calendar year.
Bulletin Board
A sign located on the same premises and used solely in connection with activities of a
church, school, hospital, or public building, and allowing changeable messages.
Business
A commercial entity operating in the City of Gilroy with an approved Business License.
Business Frontage
The portion of a building which faces and has access to a street, parking lot, pedes-
trian'mall, or walkway. "The primary business frontage is one which contains a custom-
er entrance or which includes a glass- enclosed showroom. If .a building has more than
one business frontage with a customer entrance, the property owner must designate one
of them as the primary business frontage. Unless otherwise stated', the phrase "busi-
ness frontage" means "primary business frontage ".. All other business frontage is sec-
ondary frontage.
Carport
A shelter for one (1) or more automobiles which is not enclosed on at least two (2)
sides by walls and doors.
City Council
The elected City Council of the City of Gilroy.
Clustering
The practice of grouping residential units within a close proximity, and utilizing the
surplus-land thus saved for common open'space, landscaping, recreation, etc.
Combining District
A zoning district within which certain regulations and requirements apply in addition
to, and in combination with, regulations and requirements of the base zoning district.
Common 2pen Space
The area generally used for landscaping and /or recreation which is held in joint own-
ership by all of the owners of .& condominium development and which is jointly main-
tained by the owners.
Competitive Evaluation
The process-of comparing the Project Rating Scale point rating of projects in order to
determine priority in receiving yearly allocation of dwelling units.
Condominium
A distinct unit, under separate ownership, which is a portion of a Multiple- ul►itj
building or development in which such ownership includes an interest in comoft arem
Condominium units may have one (1) or more common walls with other units.
Conservation Land
Land which possesses or encompasses natural resources. This includes, but is not lim-
ited to, streams, watersheds, groundwater recharge, soils, wildlife habitat as defined
herein, special land forms and natural vegetation.
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Construction Ste._
A sign located on a construction site during the course of construction, which ident-
ifies the architects, engineer, contractors, financiers or other persons and other in-
dividuals or firms involved with the construction, or announcing the building, enter-
prise or function for which the construction is intended.
Corner Lot
A lot bounded on two (2) or more contiguous sides by City streets.
Corner Triangle
A triangular- shaped area bounded by the intersection of the tangential extension of
front and side property lines as formed by the intersection of two (2) public rights -
of-way abutting the said property lines; the third boundary of the triangular- shaped
area shall be aline connecting the front and side property lines at a distance of
forty (40) feet from the intersection of the tangential extension of front and side
property lines.
Corporate Office
An office complex designed as the headquarters of a commercial or industrial _corpora-
tion.
Director of Planning
See Planning Director.
Disk Antenna
An antenna which has a solid, mesh, or nearly -solid surface area greater than five (5)
square feet.
Double -Faced Sign.
A sign designed to be viewed from two directions and which at no point is thicker than
twenty -four (24) inches measured from the exterior surface of each face. The two
faces of a double -faced sign are either parallel or the angle between them is thirty
degrees (30 °) or less.
Drive -In
An enterprise or business activity or other use of land consisting of sales or service
activity rendered to patrons who normally receive the products or services while in
automobiles upon the premises, including, but not limited to, automobile service sta-
tions, drive -in restaurants and drive -up banks.
Duplex
A building designed for and intended to be occupied as living quarters by two families
living independently of each other.
Dwelling or Dwelling Unit
A building or mobile home designed for and /or occupied as a residence by one (1) or
more families.
Dwelling Group
A group of two (2) or more detached residential buildings occupying a parcel of land
in one (1) ownership.
Entity
A person or distinct business enterprise. Where adjacent business enterprises are
owned or operated by a single person, each enterprise is an entity.
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Environmental Assessment
The process of determining the impact of proposed projects on the environment. The
review process is carried out in accordance with the California Environmental Quality
Act and City Guidelines.
Erect
To build, construct, place, relocate, enlarge, alter, attach, suspend, paint, post,
display, hang, affix or maintain a sign or other structure.
Family
One or more persons, related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, or a group not ex-
ceeding five persons, occupying premises and living together as a single housekeeping
unit, as distinguished from a group occupying a hotel, club, fraternity, or sorority.
Fascia
A flat horizontal band with a vertical face-located on a building below the roofline.
Fence (or wall)
Any structure made of wood, metal, masonry, shrubbery or-other material forming a
physical barrier which supports no load other than its own weight and which is de-
signed to delineate, screen or enclose a field, yard, lot or other land area.
Fence Height
Fences in the front setback area:
The vertical distance from the top of the curb closest to the fence or wall to the top
of the fence or wall.
All other fences:
The difference in elevation of the ground surface .continuously along the base of the
ground level of -the higher side of-the fence to the top of the fence. Where a fence
is erected on top or within three (3) feet of a retaining wall the height of the fence
shall include the retaining wall.
Freestanding Sim
A sign which is wholly or partly supported by a structural element which is not an in-
tegral part of a building. Portable signs and signs on fences shall be considered
freestanding signs.
Freeway
A limited access highway, as defined in the California Street and Highways Code.
Front Lot Line
The property line along a lots street frontage. If any official plan line has been
established for the street upon which the lot fronts, the official plan line shall he
considered the front lot line. If the lot has more than one street frontage, the
street frontage towards which the main building fronts shall be the front lot line.
If the lot is vacant, the shortest street frontage shall be considered the front lot
line.
Front Yard
The required setback area extending across the front of the lot between the side yard
lines and measured from the front -lot line to the front setback line.
Garage - Residential
An attached or detached accessory building used for the storage of vehicles or trail-
ers by the families who reside upon the premises, including any covered parking space
or carport.
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Garage - Commercial
A building designed or used on a commercial basis for the temporary storage of oper-
able motor vehicles.
Gross Floor Area
The sum of all. of the areas of all levels or stories of a structure as measured from
the exterior faces of the walls enclosing the structure.
Ground Si E!
A freestanding sign less than five (5) feet high which can be either portable or per -
manently fixed to the ground.
Guest House
A detached living quarters of a permanent type and construction without kitchens or
cooking facilities, and for which no compensation in any form is received or paid.
Hedge
Plants, trees or shrubs planted in a continuous line to form a dense thicket or bar-
rier. For the purpose of this Ordinance, a hedge is a fence.
Home Occupation
A business activity conducted entirely within or from an enclosed dwelling.
Hotel
Any building, portion of a building, or group of buildings containing guest rooms
which is designed, used or intended for use for the accommodation of transients on a
commercial basis.
Identification.Sign
A sign which is limited to the name and address of a business, institution or person
and to the activity or product carried on in the business or institution or the occupa-
tion of the person.
Interior Lot
Any lot other than a corner lot.
Junkyard
An area of one hundred (100) square feet or more, including wrecking yards, used for
the storage or dismantling of junk, scrap metals,. materials salvaged from wrecked or
demolished buildings, automobiles, machinery or equipment.
Lej Lot
The first lot to the rear of a corner lot, the front line of which is a continuation of
the side line of the corner lot, and fronting on the street which intersects or inter-
cepts the street on which the corner lot fronts.
Laundromat
A place where patrons wash, dry or dryclean clothing or other fabrics in machines
operated by the patron.
Living Area
The interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, and ex-
cluding garages.
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Lot
A parcel of land under one ownership used or capable of being used under the regula-
tions of this Ordinance, and including all required yards and other open spaces.
Lot Coverage
That portion of a lot covered by all main and accessory buildings on the lot.
Lot Depth
The average distance from the front lot line to the rear lot line.
Main Building
The largest building on a lot in which the principal land use of the lot takes place.
Manufactured Housing
Housing which was structurally assembled in a remote location and transported to its
eventual site.
Marquee
A temporary or permanent roofed structure usually projecting above an outer door and
attached to or supported by a building, which is designed for use as a readerboard
sign.
Mechanical Amusement Device
Any machine, device, apparatus or other instrument (including but not limited to elec-
tronic games,'marble games and pinball games) the operation of which is permitted, by
the payment of any fee or fees for its use, and the use or possession of which is not
prohibited by any laws of the State of California.
Mobile Home
A type of manufactured housing, designed or used for residential occupancy, built upon
or having a frame or-chasis to which wheels may be attached by which it may be trans-
ported., whether or not such structure actually has, at. any given time, such.wheels at-
tached. Mobile homes do not include recreational vehicles, trailers, or commercial
coaches.
Mobile Home Park
A lot or parcel of land used or designed or intended to be used for accommodation of
two or more mobile homes, in which spaces are rented or owned in a condominium complex
or cooperative.
Motel
A building or group of buildings on the same lot, containing guest rooms, used or de-
signed for use for the accommodation of transients on a commercial basis, which are
Independently accessible from the outside. The term includes any building or building
groups designated as an auto court, motor lodge, or tourist court.
Monument 3iZnn
A low - profile and freestanding structure seven (7) feet or less in height.
Motor Home
A self- powered vehicle designed, equipped or used as a dwelling or-for living or for
sleeping purposes.
Multi -Faced Sign
A multi-faced sign is a sign, including advertising statuary, which has four (4) or
more faces and which is designed to be viewed from more than two (2) directions.
M
Multiple Family Building
A building or structure designed and intended to be occupied as living quarters by
three (3) or more families, living independently of each other.
Non - Conforming Building
A building or structure or portion thereof lawfully existing on the effective date of
this Ordinance, which does not conform to the property development standards of this
Ordinance for the zoning district in which it is located.
Non - Conforming Lot
A lot existing on the effective date of this Ordinance or amendment to this Ordinance,
that does not conform to the lot requirements of this Ordinance.
Non - Conforming Sign
A sign which was lawfully erected but does not comply with this Ordinance due to an-
nexation of the property to the City, or amendment to the Zoning Ordinance or Map by a
person other than the owner of the real property on which -the sign is erected. Does
not include signs which were lawfully erected but which do not comply with this Ordi-
nance due to division of real property on which the sign is erected, alterations to
any building on the parcel where the sign is located, or rezoning by the owner of the
real property where the sign is located.
Non - Conforming Uses
A utilization or occupancy of any site lawfully utilized or occupied on the effective
date of this Ordinance or amendment to this Ordinance, which is not a permitted use
for the district in which it is located, according to this Ordinance.
Numerical Limit
The total number of dwelling units for which building permits may be issued within the
City during a given calendar year. The Numerical Limit is set by resolution of the
City Council.
Off -Site Sign
A sign, such as a billboard, which is not located on the same parcel of land as the
entity or product it advertises.
Open Space
Any parcel or area of land essentially unimproved or in its natural state and which is
designated in the General Plan for and devoted to an open space use including, but not
limited to, public recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty, conservation or use of na-
tural resources, production of food or fiber, protection.of man and his artifacts,
buildings or property because of environmentally hazardous areas, containment and
structuring of urban development, and preservation of historical sites.
Park
See Public Park.
Parking Lot
An area of land, a yard, or other space on a lot legally used for and designed for
access and parking by standard motor vehicles.
Parking Space
Land or space which is owned, paved, laid -out for, and used or designed to be used
for a standing vehicle.
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Person
Includes any individual, city, county or city and county; partnerships, corporations,
cooperatives, association, trust or any other legal entities.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission of the City of Gilroy.
Planning Director
The person employed by the City as Department Head of the Planning Department of the
City of Gilroy. The Planning Director also serves as Zoning Administrator and Secre-
tary of the Planning Commission.
Political Sign
A sign which is intended to influence the vote for the passage or defeat of a measure,
or nomination, election or defeat of a candidate in any. governmental election.
Portable Sig
A sign which is movable, not structurally attached to the ground,.nor attached to a
building. Such sign may or may not be in the configuration of a "A ".
Project Rating Scale
A measuring device, composed of a number of general. and specific rating criteria rela-
ting to project design, location, and other characteristics, used for assigning point
ratings to proposed residential projects.
Projectin_g Sign
A sign erected on the wall of a building or structure, or suspended from an overhang,
with display surfaces generally not parallel.to the wall..
Public Park
A park, playground, swimming pool, or athletic field within the City of Gilroy which
is under the control, operation, or management of the City or County Parks and Recrea-
tion Department or the Gilroy Unified School District.
Readerboard Sim
A sign which is designed for manual or electrical changing of.copy.
Realt Sim
A sign of a temporary nature which .pertains -to the-sale, lease, rental, or display
of existing lots or buildings-or other facilities.
Rear Yard
The required setback area extending across the full width of the lot and measured be-
tween the rear lot line and the rear setback line.
Recreational Vehicle
A vehicular unit not exceeding forty (40) feet in overall length, eight (8) feet in
width, or twelve (12) feet in overall height, primarily designed as temporary living
quarters for recreational, camping or travel use.' Such a vehicle either has its own
motive power or is designed to be mounted on or drawn -by an automotive vehicle. Rec-
reational vehicle includes motor homes, truck campers over seven (7) feet in height,
travel trailers and camping trailers, but not vans or trucks with campers less than
seven (7) feet in height.
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Religious institution
A building which is used primarily for religious worship and related religious activi-
ties.
Residential Project
A development project which will result in the construction of new dwelling units in
the City. Residential projects include single family, multiple family, mobile home
and condominium dwelling units. Such projects may or may not involve the subdivision
of land.
Retaining Wall
A wall designed to contain soil on one side of the wall which is at a higher elevation
than that on the other side of the wall.
Ridgeline
The highest point along the crest of a hillside from which the contours descend in at
least two directions.
Roof Sign
An attached sign erected on a roof or projecting above the eave or rake of a building
or coping of a parapet. A sign erected on top of a canopy, covered passageway, awning
or marquee shall be considered a roof sign.
Scenic Land
Any area of land or water with natural scenery considered to have beauty as designated
in the General Plan .
School
An institution of learning for minors, whether public or private, which satisfies com-
pulsory education laws of the State of California and /or offers instruction in those
courses of study required by the California Education Code or which is maintained pursu-
ant to standards set by the State Board of Education. This definition includes a kin-
dergarten, elementary school, junior high school, senior high school, or a special
institution of learning under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education, but
it does not include a vocational or professional institution or an institution of higher
education, including a community or junior college, college or university.
Setback Line
A line established by this Ordinance to govern the placement of a building or a struc-
ture with respect to its lot boundary lines.
Sexual Anatomical Areas
Human genitals, pubic regions, buttocks, and female breasts below a point immediately
above the top of the areola, which are less than completely covered or opaquely cov-
ered; or human male genitals in a discernably turgid state, even if completely covered.
Sexual Activities
Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation,
sexual intercourse, or sodomy; and fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals,
pubic region, buttock, or female breast..
Shopping Center
A commercial center having at least four (4) distinct business occupants.
2 -11
Side Yard 1
The required side setback area between the side lot line and the side setback line, and
extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line.
Single Family Dwelling
A building or portion of a building designed for occupancy by one family constituting a
single housekeeping unit having only one kitchen, but not including a boarding house,
motel or hotel.
Sign
Any writing, pictorial, representative, symbol, registered trademark, flag (other than
the United States or California flags) or any similar figure used to identify, announce,
direct attention, or advertise or communicate, together with any material or color form-
ing an integral 'part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the back-
ground, which is located on private or public property and is visible from outside a
building. Includes all.parts, portions, units and materials, together with frames, de-
lineated background, structure, support or anchorage for same, which is temporarily or
permanently placed, erected,.constructed, posted, painted, tacked, nailed, glued,
carved, hung, strung or otherwise fastened or affixed to the ground or to any post,
fence, building structure, wall, roof or tree.
Sign Area
The entire area within a single continuous perimeter of not more than eight (8) straight
lines forming right angles enclosing -the extreme limits of writing, representation, em-
blem, or any figure of similar character, together with any material or color forming an
integral part of the display, or used to differentiate such sign from the background
against which it is placed. The supports, uprights or structure on which any such sign
is supported shall not be-included in determining the .sign area unless such supports,
uprights or structure are or is designed in such a manner.as to form an integral back-
ground of the display. In computing maximum permissible sign area, all .signs designed
or likely to be seen-from off -the. premises upon which the signs are located or proposed
to be located shall be included in determining conformance with-this Ordinance.. For
three (3) dimensional signs, the sign area of -one side, and the sign area of the side
perpendicular to the first side, are calculated in the manner prescribed above, and com-
bined to become the total sign area.
Sign Height
The vertical distance from the soil level of the surrounding area to the highest point
of the sign or'any vertical projection.
Sign Value
Valuation of a particular sign as stated on the Sign Permit Application. If this infor-
mation is not available, or if evidence.satisfactory to the Planning Director demon-
strates that the stated value is erroneous, then the valuation of that sign-shall be ar-
rived at by the Planning Director who shall consider the-evidence submitted and compare
the particular sign with one or more existing signs in- the..City of a similar age and
construction.
Solar Energy System
Any structural design feature, solar collector.or other energy device, the primary func-
tion of which is to provide for the collection, storage or distribution of solar energy.
Sound Wall Fence
A wall fence, constructed of materials such as concrete block, brick, stone, concrete,
steel or stucco, designed to reduce the level of nearby sounds.
2 -12
Slope- Density -
A system under which residential densities are determined by a formula based on the
average slope of the contours of the area. (See Average Slope.)
Story
That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper
surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of
a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the roof thereof.
If the finished floor level directly above the basement is more than six (6) feet above
grade for more than fifty percent (50%) of the toal perimeter or is more than twelve
(12) .feet above grade at any point, such basement or unused space shall be considered a
story.
Street
A public or permanent private right -of -way, thirty (30) feet or more in width, which
affords a primary means of access to property.
Street Frontage
The length of a site along or fronting on a street or other principal thoroughfare but
not including such length along an alley, watercourse, railroad right- of-way or
limited access roadway or freeway.
Structural Alteration
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns,
beams, girders, floor joists, ceiling joists or roof rafters.
Structure
Anything constructed or erected upon the ground or attached to such construction hav-
ing location on the ground, but excluding swimming pools and uncovered paved areas
such as patios and parking lots.
Temporary Business Establishment
An activity involving the sale or display of merchandise in the open, in a vehicle, or
in a temporary building or structure, or for a limited time in a permanent building or
structure.
Temporary Sign
A sign, usually constructed of light materials, displayed for thirty (30) days or less.
Townhouse
A condominium dwelling unit which is the sole dwelling unit on a separate parcel of
land, with no dwelling units above or below it.
Trailer
A vehicle without motive power not exceeding forty (40) feet in overall length, eight
(8) feet in width, or twelve (12) feet in overall height, including a boat mounted on a
trailer, designed so that it.can be drawn by a motor vehicle, to be used for the carry-
ing of boats, persons, cargo or animals.
Triple -Faced Sign
A three (3) sided sign designed to be viewed from more than two (2.) directions, and
which forms a triangular shape.
Use
The purpose for which land or a building is occupied. or maintained, let or leased.
2 -13
Wall Sign
A sign erected on a wall or fascia of a building or structure (other than a structure
whose main purpose is. to support a sign), the face of which is parallel to the wall or
fascia and all of which is below the coping of the parapet, the top of the fascia, the
eave line or below the top of the wall on which it is mounted. A sign which meets the
definition of this Section but is erected between posts, pillars, or columns which sup-
port a roof or second story, rather than on a wall, is also a wall sign.
Wildlife habitat
Any area of land or water valuable or necessary for the preservation or enhancement of
wildlife resources.
Window Sign
A sign which is displayed in or through a window, and is visible from a street, walk-
way, parking lot, or pedestrian plaza, any of which is.accessible to the public.
Wire Mesh Fencing
Fence material which derives its strength from metal strands crossing in a regular pat-
tern, including, but not limited to, those materials known as chain link or chicken
wire, but does not include ornamental wrought iron fencing.
Zoning Administrator
See Planning Director.
2 -1G
n
SECTION 3 DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
AND COMBINING DISTRICTS
Section 3.10 Designation of Zoning Districts
The classes of zoning districts into which the City may be divided are hereby estab-
lished, and designated as follows:
Al AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
R1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R3 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, DISTRICT
RH RESIDENTIAL HILLSIDE DISTRICT
PO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT
Cl NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
C2 CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
C3 SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
HC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
CM COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
M1 LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
M2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
OS OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
PF PARR /PUBLIC•FACILITIES DISTRICT
Section 3.20 Designation of Combining Districts
In addition to the foregoing zoning districts-, certain combining districts are estab-
lished which, when combined with one of the foregoing zoning districts, modifies the
basic development requirements in such district. The combining districts are as fol-
lows:
PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT COMBINING DISTRICT
HS HISTORIC SITE COMBINING DISTRICT
HN HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD COMBINING DISTRICT
Section 3.30 Establishment of Districts
The classes of zoning disticts and combining districts as designated in this Ordinance
and the regulations pertaining thereto are hereby applied to the land areas of the
City as delineated on the Zoning Map of the City of Gilroy and the lands so designated
shall be subject to the regulations of this Ordinance.
Section 3.40 Zoning Map
The official zoning map of the City, which delineates the above - described zoning and
combining districts, is declared a part of this Ordinance and shall constitute the
official description of the location of each district in the City.
3 -1
Section 3.50 Determination of Zone Boundaries
Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any of the zoning districts as shown
on the Zoning Map, the following rules of interpretation shall apply:
(a) Lands not included within the boundaries of any district shall be designated Al
districts.
(b) Lands hereafter annexed to the City shall constitute Al districts unless other-
wise classified through prezoning at the time of annexation.
(c) Where boundary . lines are indicated as following streets and alleys, they shall be
construed as following the center lines thereof.
(d) Where district boundaries are indicated by approximately following lot lines,
such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
(e) Where a district boundary divides a lot the location of such boundary shall be
determined by use of the scale appearing on the Zoning Map, unless the boundary
is indicated by dimensions.
(f) A symbol indicating the classification of the property on the Zoning Map shall
in such instance apply to the whole of the area within the district boundaries.
(g) Where a public street,, alley or parcel of public land is officially vacated or
abandoned_, the regulations applicable to abutting property shall apply equally to
such vacated or abandoned street or alley, unless specifically zoned otherwise.
(h) In case of further uncertainty, the Planning Commission shall determine the
specific location of such boundaries.
J
SECTION 4 Al AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
Section 4.10 Statement of Intent
This Section of the Zoning Ordinance is intended to provide for areas within the City
which may be used for agricultural purposes. The lands in the Al Agriculture District
are expected to be urbanized ultimately in accordance with the General Plan. At pre-
sent, however, these lands provide areas for agricultural activities. The minimum
lot size is intended to preserve lots in sizes suitable for agricultural use and po-
tential urban development. The following regulations, except to the extent that they
may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in an
Al Agriculture District.
Section 4.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the Al Agriculture District may be used as provided in the Residential Use Ta-
ble, Section 10 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with a condi-
tional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance with
the regulations in. Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 4.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard and Height and Additional Requirements in the Al Agriculture District
shall be as established in the Residential Site and .Building Requirement Table, Sec-
tion 11 of this Ordinance.
Section 4.40 Density
The maximum density in the Al Agriculture District shall be one dwelling unit per lot.
(Accessory dwelling units may be allowed under the regulations prescribed in Section
10.30.) This density limitation is intended to provide for an average density of less
than one unit per twenty (20) acres.
4 -1
SECTION 5 RI SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Section 5.10 Statement of Intent
This Section of the Ordinance is intended to provide areas within the City which may
be used for single family and very low density clustered housing. The following regu-
lations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall
apply to every lot and building in an R1 Single Family Residential District.
Section 5.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional-Uses
Land in the R1 Single Family Residential District may be used as provided in the Res-
idential Use Table, Section 10 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted
with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in ac-
cordance with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 5.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard and Height and Additional Requirements in the R1 Single Family Residen-
tial District shall be as established in the Residential Site and Building Requirement
Table, Section 11 of this Ordinance.
Section 5.40 Density
The maximum density in the R1 Single Family Residential District shall be one (1) sin-
gle family detached unit per lot. (Accessory dwelling units may be allowed under the
regulations prescribed in Section 10.30.) This density limitation is intended to pro-
vide for an average density of less than seven and one - fourth (7j) dwelling units per
net acre or fraction thereof.
5 -1
SECTION 6 R2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Section 6.10 Statement of Intent
This Section of the Ordinance is intended to be used primarily within the established
neighborhoods of the City to provide a mix of duplexes and single family dwellings.
It is intended that this will provide for the replacement of severely deteriorated
structures while maintaining the low density residential character of the older neigh-
borhoods. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified
by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in an R2 Two Family
Residential District.
Section 6.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the R2 Two Family Residential District may be used as provided in the Residen-
tial Use Table, Section 10 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with
a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 6.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard and Height and Additional Requirements in the R2 Two Family Residential
District shall be as established in the Residential Site and Building Requirement Ta-
ble, Section 11 of this Ordinance.
Section 6.40 Density
The maximum density shall be one (1) dwelling unit per four thousand (4000) square
feet of land. This density limitation is intended to provide for an average density
of less than nine (9) dwelling units per acre.
Section 6.50 Site Design Requirements
Section 6.51
The main entrance to each dwelling unit shall not face any alley, nor shall any
main entrance which faces a side lot line be within twelve (12) feet of such side
lot line.
Section 6.52
Each parking area which provides parking for more than four (4) automobiles shall
have access from a street.
6 -1
SECTION 7 R3 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Section 7.10 Statement of Intent
This Section of the Ordinance is intended to provide areas within the City for living
environments which include primarily multi- family housing units, such as garden
apartments and condominiums. Innovative residential development is strongly
encouraged in order to provide a wide variety of housing types and costs to meet the
needs of Gilroy's residents. The following regulations, except to the extent that
they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in
an R3 Multiple Family Residential District.
Section 7.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the R3 Multiple.Family Residential District may be used as provided in the
Residential Use Table, Section 10 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be per-
mitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission
in accordance with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 7.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard and Height and Additional Requirements in the R3 Multiple Family Resid-
ential District shall be as established in the Residential Site and Building Require-
ment Table, Section 11 of this Ordinance.
Section 7.40 Density
The number of dwelling units in a. multiple dwelling or dwelling group shall not exceed
the number obtained by dividing the area of the building site by the following:
(a) Two thousand (2000) square feet of land for each one bedroom unit.
(b) Two thousand seven hundred (2700) square.feet of land for each two (2) bedroom
unit.
(c) Three thousand four hundred (3400) square feet of land for.each unit containing
three (3) or more bedrooms.
This density limitation is intended to provide for an average density of less than $
sixteen (16) dwelling units per net acre. J
Section 7.50 Site - Design Requirements
Eighty percent (80 %) of the ground floor dwelling units in a dwelling group shall
have a fenced private yard area of at least one hundred fifty (150) square feet.
7 -1
SECTION 8 R4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Section 8.10 Statement of intent
This Section of the Ordinance is intended to be applied in areas of the City where
group dwellings and apartments, up to a maximum of thirty (30) dwelling units per net
acre, are the logical and desirable uses, due to environmental conditions and
proximity to community service facilities. It is intended that these areas of high
density multiple family residential use be scattered throughout the City, rather than
concentrated in a few areas. The following regulations, except to the extent that they
may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and.building in an
R4 High Density Residential District.
Section 8.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the R4 High Density Residential District may be used as provided in the Resi-
dential Use Table, Section. 10 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted
with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in ac-
cordance with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 8.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard and Height and Additional Requirements in the R4 High Density Residen-
tial District shall be as established in the Residential Site and Building Requirement
Table, Section 11 of this Ordinance.
Section 8.40 Density
The maximum density shall be one (1) dwelling unit per one thousand five hundred
(1500) square feet. This density limitation is intended to provide for an average
density of less than thirty (30) dwelling units per net acre or fraction thereof.
8 -1
SECTION 9 RH RESIDENTIAL HILLSIDE DISTRICT
Section 9.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Section is:-
(a) To protect the public health, safety, and welfare in regard to hillsides and
hillside development;
(b) To protect the aesthetic views and vistas of surrounding hillsides, hilltops
and ridgelines;
(c) To protect the natural settings and terrain of Gilroy's hills and valleys; and
(d) To coordinate with regional and County plans, and implement all City
policies, guidelines, and plans pertaining to hillside development.
This Section shall provide a special zoning district which is sensitive to the special
considerations of those areas within the City of Gilroy which are generally at greater
than ten percent (10X) average slope.
The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combin-
ing district, shall apply to those districts that are specifically designated as being
in an RH Residential Hillside District, and shall be subject to all of the general
provisions of this Ordinance. In addition, all provisions set down 'under Section
50.50 (Planned Unit Development Approval) shall also be applied to all parcels spec-
ifically designated as being within an Ril Residential Hillside District. -
Section 9.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the R11 Residential Hillside District
tial Use Table Section 10 of this Ordinance.
planned -unit development (PUD) approval which
visions of Section 50.50 of this Ordinance.
Section 9.30 Site and Building Requirements
Section 9.31 Yard Requirements
may be used as provided in the Residen-
Other uses may be approved according to
shall be obtained according to the pro-
All yard requirements shall be as specified in the planned unit development (PUD)
approval which shall be obtained according to the provisions of Section 50.50 of
this Ordinance.
Section 9.32 Building Visibility and-Height Requirements
No structure shall be constructed in any hillside zone in such a way that it is
silhouetted against the skyline when viewed from the valley floor below the hill-
side. Any structure built so that the peak of the roof is within twenty (20) feet
in height of the hillside ridgeline shall be limited to fifteen (15) feet in
height, or one (1) story. If the structure is screened by existing trees or vege-
tation, it shall be limited to (30) feet in height, or two (2) stories, at any one
point. No existing trees or vegetation may be removed except according to the
provisions of Section 50.50.. All other building height requirements shall be as
specified in the planned unit development approval which shall be obtained accord-
ing to the provisions of Section 50.50 -of this Ordinance.
9 -1
r
Section 9.33 Slope Requirements
No construction of any building shall occur on any portion of any parcel where the
average slope of that portion covered by the structure exceeds thirty percent (30 %)
slope. For slopes over fifteen percent (15 %), a special foundation design based on
soils tests, approved by the City Engineer, shall be required in order to preserve
the integrity of the hillside slope.
Section 9.34 Additional Requirements
Any additional requirements including, but not limited to, parking, signing, land-
scaping and fence requirements, shall be as specified in the planned-unit develop-
ment approval which shall be obtained according to the provisions of Section 50.50
of this Ordinance.
Section 9.40 Density
The number of acres per dwelling unit (a) shall be determined by the average slope (s)
based on the formula: a = ( 1 _ 3) ,
11 -.02s 4
with a maximum of two (2) acres /unit. The number of dwelling units allowed for
development on a given parcel would be calculated by the formula:
A(acres)
a(acres unit)
Section 9.50 Bonuses
The number of allowable units may be increased by up to ten percent (10 %).for any of
the preferred development techniques listed below, in accordance with the planned unit
development (PUD) approval. The total bonus may not exceed thirty percent (30 %) of the
number of allowable units determined by the density .formula.
(a) Clustering.
(b) A combined development proposal by the owners of three (3) or more adjacent prop-
erties of ten (10) or more acres consolidated into a single plan of fifty (50) or
_more acres.
(c) Transfer of the rights to develop RH districts having steeper slopes to other
property owner(s) having land with flatter, buildable slopes.
(d) Planned development of dwellings on stable slopes under fifteen percent (15 %) and
retention of steeper slopes for open space.
Section 9.60 Hillside Development Policy and Design Guidelines
The City Council's adopted Hillside Development Policy and Hillside Design Guidelines
shall be utilized in the development of RH Residential Hillside Districts.
Section 9.70 Exceptions
Single, custom - designed dwellings and site development plans may be exempted from the
PUD Planned Unit Development provisions of Section 50.50 of this Ordinance and may be
approved by the Planning Director, if such development:
a) meets or exceeds the criteria of the adopted Hillside Development Policy and
Hillside Design Guidelines.
W meets the provisions of whichever Section of this Ordinance is more restrictive:
Section 5, R1 Single Family Residential District, or
Section 9.31, 9.32 and 9.33, RH Residential Hillside District.
9 -2
SECTION 10 RESIDENTIAL USE TABLE
Section 10.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Residential-Use Table is to clearly and precisely designate permit-
ted uses and conditional uses within each of the following districts:
Al AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
R1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R3 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
RH RESIDENTIAL HILLSIDE DISTRICT
Section 10.20 Designation of Residential Uses
The Residential Use Table indicates whether a variety of uses are unconditionally per-
mitted, permitted only with a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission, or
permitted only under special conditions. The Planning Commission, or their designee,
shall determine, upon written request, whether or not any use not listed in the Resi-
dential Use Table is similar in character to a described use for the purpose of apply-
ing the district regulations and conditions.
J
10 -1
Section 10.30 Residential Use Table
X= Unconditionally permitted
C= Permitted only with Conditional Use Permit granted by the Planning Commission
D= Permitted subject to the approval of the Planning Director
T= Temporary Use - See Section 47
1- Accessory Dwelling Units must meet the following conditions:
(1) The unit is not intended for sale and may be rented.
(2) The lot contains an existing single family detached unit.
(3) The second unit is attached to the existing residence and is located within
the living area of the existing dwelling.
(4) Whenever an increase in floor area is involved, it shall not exceed twenty -
five percent (25x) of the existing living area.
(5) Any construction shall conform to height, setback, lot coverage, arch-
itectural review, site plan review, fees, charges, and other zoning
requirements generally applicable to residential construction in the zone
in which the property is located.
2- Permitted only if the regulations of Section 40 of this Ordinance are met.
10 -2
(Residential Uses
Al
R1
R2
R3
R4
RH I
JAccessory Building
I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
(Accessory Dwelling Unit
I
X I
X I
X I
X_ I
X I
X-1
(Agriculture
!
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X
I Apartment House
I
(
I
I
X I
X_ I
I
I Church
I
X {
X I
X I
X I
X!
X I
(Clustered Dwelling Group
i
I
I
I
X I--
X I
X
(Condominiums
I
i
I
1
X i
X I
X
(Dairying, Animal Husbandry__
I
C I
I
I
(Day Care Centers (More than 6
children) I
C I
C I
C I
C I
C I__
C I
(Day Care Centers (6 or fewer
children) (
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X(
IDuplex
I
1
I
X 1
X I
X!
I
(Earth Removal Operations
I
C I
C I
C I
C(
C I
C I
I Garden
I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
(Golf Course or Country Club
I
C I
C I
C I
C I
C I
C I
I Guest House
1
X I
X 1
X I
X I
X I
X I
)Home Occupation4
D I
D I
D(
D I
D I
D I
1Hospital
I
I
l I
C I
C I
IMultiple Family Building
1
I
I I
X I
X I
i
(Neighborhood Bazaar
I
I
T
I T I
T 'I
T I
T(
INursery
{
C I
I I
I
{
10pen Space (Recreational)
I
X I
X
I X
I X I
X I_
X _I
IPark, Playground or Community
Center (
C I
C
I C I
C I
.0 I
C I
IParking Lot
I
I
I
I C I
C!
1
(Public BuildiA& or Service Facility I
C I
C
I C
I C I
C I
C I
(Residential Care Homes. (More
than 6 residents)(
C I
C
I C
I C I
C I
C I
(Residential Care Homes (6"or
fewer residents) I
X I
X
I X
I X I
X I
X I
(Schools (Public or Private)
I
X I
X
I X
I X I
X I
X I
(Sale of Farm Products (grown
on site) I
C
I
I
I I
I
I
I Sales Office
I
I T
I T
I T I
T I
T I
ISingle Family Dwelling (incl.
Mobile Home) I
-X
I X
I X
I X I
X .1
X I
I Temporary Building
I
X
I X
I X
I X. 1
X I
X_ _I
i m.,w.,h....QO
I
I
I
I X I
X I
X I
X= Unconditionally permitted
C= Permitted only with Conditional Use Permit granted by the Planning Commission
D= Permitted subject to the approval of the Planning Director
T= Temporary Use - See Section 47
1- Accessory Dwelling Units must meet the following conditions:
(1) The unit is not intended for sale and may be rented.
(2) The lot contains an existing single family detached unit.
(3) The second unit is attached to the existing residence and is located within
the living area of the existing dwelling.
(4) Whenever an increase in floor area is involved, it shall not exceed twenty -
five percent (25x) of the existing living area.
(5) Any construction shall conform to height, setback, lot coverage, arch-
itectural review, site plan review, fees, charges, and other zoning
requirements generally applicable to residential construction in the zone
in which the property is located.
2- Permitted only if the regulations of Section 40 of this Ordinance are met.
10 -2
SECTION 11 RESIDENTIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT TABLE
Section 11.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the Residential Site and Building Requirement Table is to clearly and
precisely establish the basic site and building regulations which shall apply to all
development in each of the following districts:
Al AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
Rl SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R2 TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R3 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
R4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
(Site and building requirements for the RH, RESIDENTIAL .HILLSIDE DISTRICT shall be
approved in accordance with the procedures established in Section 50.50, PUD Planned
Unit Development Combining'District.)
Section 11.20 Designation of Residential Site and Building Requirements
The figures in the Residential Site and Building Requirement Table establish lot,
yard, and height requirements for each of the residential zoning districts. The table
also indicates where additional site and building requirements, including but not
limited to off - street parking, landscaping, signing,,fences and obstructions, and per -
formance standards, apply to residential zoning districts.
11 -1
Section 11.30 Residential Site and Building Requirement Table
IResidential District Requirements
I Al !
R1
I R2 I
R3
I R4 I
ILOT REQUIREMENTS
I
I Lot Size in Square.Feet (min.)1
I I
120 acres21
6000
I I
1 80003 -1
8000
I I
1 12000 I
1 Building Coverage (max.)
1 none 1
none
1 none 1
none
► 50% 1
I I
1
I I
I I
(YARD REQUIREMENTS (Min. setbacks
in ft.)I I
1 I
I I
1
I
I Front
I I
1 20 1
20
I I
( 20 1
20
I
I 20 1
Side (Adjacent to street)
1 10 1
10
1 10 1
12
1 12 1
k Side (All other side yards)
1 12 1
64
1 64 1
12
1 12 1
! Rear
1 15 I
15
1 15 1
15
( 15 1
(HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS (Max.)
I I
! I
I !
I Building Height in Feet
I 35 {
35
I 20 1
45
f 75 1
I Number of Stories
1 2 1
2
I 1 1
3
1 6 1
(ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (SEE PART
II) I
I
I
I Off - Street Parking, Sec. 31
I I
1 Yes 1
Yes
I I
.1 Yes I
Yes
1
I Yes I
{ Fences, Sec. 34
1 Yes i
Yes
I Yes I
Yes
I Yes I
1 Signs, Sec. 37
( Yes i
Yes
1 Yes I
Yes
I Yes I
1 Landscaping, Sec. 38
I
1 No 1
I I
No
I Yes I
I I
Yes
I Yes I
I I
1-- The minimum lot size shall not preclude the use of condominiums, clustered.homes, mo-
bile homes, or other innovative housing development which conforms to the density
limitations of the zoning district.
2- Lots in an Al district may not be subdivided to a size less than twenty (20) acres,
but existing lots of less than twenty (20) acres may be rezoned to Al.
3- The minimum lot size in an R2 district shall be as follows:
(a) Eight thousand (8000) square feet for new lots intended for two units.
(b) Four thousand five hundred (4500) square feet for new lots intended for one unit.
(c) Seven thousand (7000) square feet for pre - existing lots at the effective date of
this Ordinance.
4- For new construction after the effective date of this Ordinance, the total width of the
two side yards for any one lot in an R1 or R2 district. must equal twelve (12) feet.
For structures in existence on the effective date of this Ordinance, a six -foot side
yard setback shall be maintained, unless a smaller side yard has been allowed by a var-
iance, planned unit development; or pre - existing, non - conforming use.
11 -2
SECTION 12 PO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT
Section 12.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the PO Professional Office District is to provide areas in the City
suitable for well designed professional office buildings which can, among other things
serve as buffer areas between residential and commercial areas. The uses in this dis-
trict are intended to be of low intensity in order to be compatible with residential
living. Ample landscaping and creative design are encouraged in the PO Professional
Office District. Professional Office Districts should be located on arterial or col-
lector streets and located in close proximity to commercial areas. The following reg-
ulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district,
shall apply to every lot and building in an PO Professional Office District.
Section 12.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the PO Prof essional'Office District may be used as provided in the Commercial
Use Table, Section 18 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with a
conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section'12.30 Site and Building Requirements .
The Lot, Yard, height and Additional Requirements in the PO Professional Office Dis-
trict shall be as established in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table,
Section 19 of this Ordinance.
r
12 -1
SECTION 13 C1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Section 13.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the C1 Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide areas in the City
suitable for commercial uses of a low intensity and of a neighborhood character which
cater directly to residents of the immediate neighborhood only, rather than to the en-
tire City. The uses in this district are intended to be of low intensity in order to
be compatible with residential living. Ample landscaping and creative design are en-
couraged in the Cl Neighborhood Commercial District. The following regulations, ex-
cept to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to
every lot and building in a C1 Neighborhood Commercial District.
Section 13.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the Cl Neighborhood Commercial District may be used. as provided in the Commer-
cial Use Table, Section 18 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with
a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 13.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard, Height, and Additional Requirements in the Cl Neighborhood Commercial
District shall be as established in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Ta-
ble, Section 19 of this Ordinance.
13 -1
SECTION 14 C2 CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Section 14.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the C2 Central Commercial District is to provide an area in the City
suitable for commercial uses in the City's downtown central business district. The
uses in this district are intended to be compatible with pedestrian access. Creative
design and uniform maintenance of street facades are encouraged in this district, in
order to present an overall feeling of an integrated design in the downtown area. The
following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining
district, shall apply to every lot and building in a C2 Central Commercial District.
Section 14.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the C2 Central Commercial District may be used as provided in the Commercial
Use Table, Section 18 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with a
conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 14.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot,' Yard, Height, and Additional Requirements in the C2 Central Commercial Dis-
trict shall be as established in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table,
Section 14 of this Ordinance.
14 -1
SECTION 15 C3 SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Section 15.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the C3 Shopping Center Commercial District is to provide areas in the
City suitable for commercial uses of a high intensity and of a City or regional char-
acter. Businesses in the C3 Shopping Center Commercial District should be restricted
to those which cater to residents of the entire City and its surrounding region.
Ample landscaping, large setbacks, ample parking and creative design are encouraged in
the C3 Shopping Center Commercial District. The following regulations, except to the
extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and
building in a C3 Shopping Center Commercial District.
Section 15.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the C3 Shopping Center Commercial District may be used as provided in the Com-
mercial Use Table, Section 18 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted
with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in ac-
cordance with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 15.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard, Height, and Additional Requirements in the C3 Shopping, Center Commer-
cial District shall be as established in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement
Table, Section 19 of this Ordinance.
15 -1
SECTION 16 HC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Section 16.10 'Statement of Intent
The intent of the HC Highway Commercial District is to provide areas in the City suit-
able for commercial uses of a character which cater primarily to visitors to the City.
The uses in this district are intended to have immediate access from major freeways.
Ample parking, landscaping and creative design are encouraged in the HC Highway Com-
mercial District. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be
modified 'by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in a HC High-
way Commercial District.
Section, 16.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the HC Highway Commercial District' may be used as provided in the Commer-
cial Use Table, Section 18. of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with
a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 16.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard, Height and Additional. Requirements in the HC. Highway Commercial Dis-
trict shall be as 'established in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table,
Section 19 of this Ordinance.
J
16 -1
SECTION 17 ' CM COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
Section 17.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the CM Commercial Industrial District is to provide areas in the City
suitable for commercial uses of a low intensity which exist in combination with uses
of a light manufacturing or light industrial nature. Ample landscaping and creative
design are encouraged in the CM Commercial Industrial District. The following regula-
tions, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall
apply to every lot and building in a CM Commercial Industrial District.
Section 17.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the CM Commercial Industrial District may be used as provided in the Commer-
cial Use Table, Section 18 of this Ordinance.. Conditional uses may be permitted with
a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 17.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard, Height and Additional Requirements in the CM Commercial Industrial Dis-
trict shall be as established in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table,
Section 19 of this Ordinance.
17 -1
SECTION 18 COMMERCIAL USE TABLE
Section 18.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Commercial Use Table is to clearly and precisely designate permit-
ted uses and conditional uses within each of the following districts:
PO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
C1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
C2 CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMERCIAL
C3 SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL
HC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
CM COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL
Section 18.20 Designation of Commercial Uses
The Commercial Use Table indicates whether a variety of uses are unconditionally per-
mitted, permitted only with a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission, or
permitted only under special conditions. The Planning Commission, or their designee,
shall determine, upon written request, whether or not any use not listed in the Com-
mercial Use Table is similar in character to a described use for the.purpose of apply-
ing the district regulations and conditions.
r
.18 -1
Section 18.30 Commercial Use Table
1Commercial Uses I
PO I
C1 I
C2 I
C3 I
HC I
CM I
I I
1
I
i
I
I
(Adult Entertainment Establishmenti
X I
I
x I
IAmbulance Service !
{
I
X I
X I
X 1
X
(Animal Hospital I
I
I
I
I
I
C I
(Antique Shop I
I
X I
X I
X I
X I
X I
(Arcade I
I
I
X I
X I
I
X I
IArt Studio I
I
I
X I
X I
I
X I
(Automobile Parts or Sales Establishment I
I
I
X I
x I
x I
x I
(Automobile Repair Establishment I
I
I
X I_
X I
I
X I
I Bank I
C I
X I
X I
X I
I
X I
I Barber Shop I
I
X I
X I
X I
I
X I
I Bakery i
I
X I
X I
x I
C I
x I
(Bazaar I-
I
T I
T(
T I
T I
!
(Beauty Parlor I
I
X I
X I
X I
I
X I
IBlacksmithing I
-
I
I
I
I
I
X I
I_Boat Sales I
I
1
I
X I
I
X I
(Bowling Alley 1
I
I
X I
X I
I
X I
IBuilding Materials Sales and Storage I
I
I
I
_I
I
X I
ICar Wash I
I
i
I
X I
I
X I
I Card Room I-
I
I X I
X I
I
X
ICaretaker's 9uaxt-erS2
C I
C I
X I
C I
I-
C I
(Christmas Tree Lot !
I
T
I T I
T I
T I
T I
I Church I
X I
X
I X I
X I
I
X I
{Clothing Sales or Service Establishment I
I
X
I X i
x l
I
X I
(Community Center I
C I
I X I
X I
I
X I
(Dance Halls I
I
I X I
X I
I
-X I
IDr' Cleaning Establishment I
I
C
I X I
X I
I
X I
(Dwelling Unit(second or third floor) I
1
I C I
i
I
I
IFeed or Fuel Store I
I
I C I
C I
C I
X I
IFestival I
I
T
I T I
T I
T I
IFlorist I
1
x
I x I
X I
I
x I
IGas Station I
I
C-
I I
X I
x I
x l
(Gift Shop I
i
x
I x I
X I
x I
X I
_
(Golf Driving Range I
I
C
I C I
C I
I
C I
(Grocery Store or Deli I
I
X
I X I
X I
X I
X I
I2Xmnasium I
I
I
I X I
I x I
(Health Studio I
I
C
I X
I X I
I X I
(Hospital, Rest Home, Sanitarium I
I
C
I X
I X I
I X I
(Hotel, Motel I
I
I x
I X I
x
I X l
(Laboratory (Research) I
C I
C
I x
i x 1
I X I
ILaundromat I
I X
I x
I x
i
I X I
ILight Industrial Uses Permitted in M1 1
1
1
1
1
1 x 1
ILi uor Sales (On site consum tion) I
I
I x
I x
I x
l x I
(Liquor Sales Off site consumption) I
I X
I X
I X
I X
I X I
ILodges, Clubs & Fraternal Halls I
C
I C
I X
I X
I C_
I X I
IMassage Parlor or Spar 1
I
I
I x
I
I x I
IMedical or Dental Office 1
x
I X
I X
I X
I
I X I
IMortuaries and Crematories I
I
I X
I X
I
I X I
X= Unconditionally permitted
T= Temporary Use - See Section 47
C- Permitted only with Conditional Use Permit granted by the Planning Commission
18 -2
(Commercial Uses ( PO I C1 I C2 I C3 I HC I CM I
INeighborhood Services I
I X i
X
I X I
I X I
(Newspaper Publishing Office I
I I
X
I X I
! X __I
INewspaper Printing Facility I
I f
I I
I X I
I Nursery I
I I
I X 1
I X_ _I
(Office I
X
I X I
X
I X I
I X I
j0utdoor Booth I
T
I T I
T
I T _1__T
I T i
jOutdoor Sales i
I T I_
T
I T
I
I I
I Parking t
I X I
X
I X
I
I X I
_Lot
(Pawn Shop or Auction House I
I I
X
I X
I
I X I
IPlumbing or Sheet Metal Shop (
I I
C
I C
I_
I X I
(Pool & Billiards Establishment I
I I
X
I X
I
I I
(Pottery and Ceramics Manufacturing j
I I
I -1
X I
(Printing or Sign Painting Establishment I
I I
X
I X
I
I X I
(Public Office Building I
X
I X
I X
I X
j C
I X I
(Race Track or Amusement Attraction j
I I
I C
I C
I I-
IRestaurant I
I X I
X
I X
I X
I X
(Retail Sales Establishments I
I C I
X
I X
I
I X I
(School (Private) I
C
I X I
X
I X
I
I X I
IShoe Repair Establishment i
I X. I
X
I X
I
! X I
ITelevision Repair 1
I I
X
1' X!
I X I
ITheater !
I I
X
I X
I
I X. I
(Tire Shop I
I I
C
I X
I
I X I
ITravel Trailer or Camping; Facilities I
1 I
I
I C
I I
(Truck Stop I
I I
I
I C
I C
(Veterinarian Office or Kennels I
1 I
I X
I
I X I
X= Unconditionally permitted
T= Temporary Use - See Section 47
C= Permitted only with Conditional Use Permit granted by the Planning Commission
1- Not permitted within two hundred fifty (250) feet of the exterior. limits of
any residential district, school or public park.
2- If caretaker's residence is in a trailer or a mobile home, a conditional use
permit is valid for only one year, with a maximum one -year extension.
18 -3
SECTION 19 COMMERCIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT TABLE
Section 19.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table is to clearly and
precisely establish the basic site and building regulations which shall apply to all
development in each of the following districts:
PO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
C1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
C2 CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMERCIAL
C3 SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL
HC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
CM COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL
Section 19.20 Designation of Commercial Site and Building Requirements
The figures in the Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table establish lot, yard,
and height requirements for each of the commercial zoning districts. The table also
indicates where additional site and building requirements, including but not limited
to off- street parking, landscaping, signing, fences and obstructions, and performance
standards., apply to commercial zoning districts.
19 -1
Section 19.30 Commercial Site and Building Requirement Table
(Commercial District Regs. I
PO
1 C1
I C2
I C3
I HC
I CM I
I LOT REQUIREMENTS (
I
( 1
f
I
I
I
f I
I 1
I Lot Size in Sq.Ft.(min.) 1
8000
i
1 none
I none I
none
I none
I none I
I Building Coverage (max.) 1
40%
1 within
I within
I within
I within
I within 1
I I
Isetbackslsetbackslsetbackslsetbackslsetbacksl
I I
I
f 1
I I
I
]YARD REQUIREMENTS I
I
I
I
I
I I
(Min. setbacks in ft.) I
I
I
I
I
I I
1 Front I
20
1 20
1 0
1 30
1 20
1 15 1
1 Side (Adjacent to street) 1
10
1 10
1 0
1 20
I 20
I 15 1
1 Side (All other side yards) I
6
1 *
I 0
1 0
I *
I
1 Rear I
15
I *
I 0
1 0
1 *
I * I
(HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS !
I
I
(
I
I I
I (Maximum) 1
I
I
I
f
I I
I Building Height in Feet 1
35
1 35 .1
.45
1 75
1 75
1 35 1
1 Number of Stories 1
2
1 2
1 3
1 6
1 6
I 2
I 1
1 1
1
1
1
I.
[ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (SEE PART
II)
I
!
I
I
E
I
I I
I
I !
I Off- Street Parking, Sec. 31 I
Yes
I
1 Yes
I
I Yes
1 Yes
1 Yes
I Yes I
I Fences, Sec. 34 I
Yes
1 Yes
I Yes
1 Yes
I Yes
i Yes I
I Signs, Sec. 37 f
Yes
1 Yes
I Yes
i Yes
I Yes
I Yes I
1 Landscaping, Sec. 38 (
Yes
I Yes
I Yes
1 Yes
[ Yes
( Yes 1
I Performance Standards,Sec.41 I
Yes
I Yes
I Yes
) Yes
1 Yes
1 Yes f
* - Setback is the same as that of the most restrictive zone abutting each property
line (there is no requirement if the adjacent property is in the same zoning district.)
19 -2
SECTION 20 MI LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
Section 20.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the M1 Limited Industrial District is to designate areas in the City,
which are environmentally sensitive due to close proximity to residential and commer-
cial zones, and which are suitable for small scale light manufacturing and industrial
park uses with low noise and traffic levels, not generally frequented by retail users.
The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combin-
ing district, shall apply to every lot and building in an M1 Limited Industrial Dis-
trict.
Section 20.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the M1 Limited - Industrial District may be used as provided in the Industrial
Use Table, Section 22 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses.may be permitted with a
conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 20.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard, Height and Additional Requirements in the M1 Limited Industrial Dis-
trict shall be as established in the Industrial Site and Building Requirement Table,
Section 23 of this Ordinance.
Section 20.40 Special Performance Standards.
On parcels of .land less than five (5) acres within M1 districts, the total quantity of
all hazardous materials. storage may not exceed five hundred fifty (550) gallons, un-
less a conditional use permit' has been obtained for such storage.
20 -1
SECTION 21 M2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
Section 21.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the M2 General Industrial District is to provide areas in the City suit-
able for large scale manufacturing, assembly, storage, distribution and wholesaling of
materials. Because of their environmental impacts, it is intended that the M2 General
Industrial Districts be located in areas which will avoid conflicts with more sensi-
tive land uses, and in areas with good transportation access. Therefore, 142 districts
should be located near freeways, and away from all residential districts. The follow-
ing regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining dis-
trict, shall apply to every lot and building in an M2 General Industrial District.
Section 21.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Land in the M2 General Industrial District may be used as provided in the Industrial
Use Table, Section 22 of this Ordinance. Conditional uses may be permitted with a
conditional use permit, which may be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance
with the regulations in Section 50.30 of this Ordinance.
Section 21.30 Site and Building Requirements
The Lot, Yard, Height and Additional Requirements in the M2 General Industrial Dis-
trict shall be as established in the Industrial Site-and Building Requirement Table,
Section 23 of this Ordinance.
21 -1
SECTION 22 INDUSTRIAL USE TABLE
Section 22.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Industrial Use 'Fable is to clearly and precisely designate permit-
ted uses and conditional uses within each of the following districts:
M1 LIMITED INDUSTRIAL
M2 f;`E,NERAL INDUSTRIAL
Section 22.20 Designation of Industrial'Uses
The Industrial Use Table indicates whether a variety of uses are unconditionally per-
mitted, permitted only with a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission, or
permitted only under special conditions. The Planning Commission, or their designee,
shall determine, upon written request, whether or not any use not listed.in the Indus-
trial Use Table is similar in character to a described use for the purpose of applying
the district regulations and conditions.
22 -1
Section 22.30 Industrial Ilse Table
[Industrial Uses
I M1
I M2 I
I
I
I
IAssembl Plant - Light Scientific Medical)
I X
I X I
(Assembly Plant - Heavy Vehicles Vessels Equipment
I
I X _I
(Automobile Repair or Body Shop
I X
i X l
IBlacksmithing
I X
I X I
[Building Materials Sales and Storage Establishments
I
I X I
ICabinet Shop
I X
I X__I
(Cafeteria (for employees only)
I X
I X I
(Caretaker's Residence
I C
I C I
(Chemical Supply Establishment (Hazardous Materials)
I
I C I
(Christmas Tree Lot
I T
I T I
(Data Processing Establishment
I X
I X I
IDistribution Plant
I
I X I
(Feed or Fuel Yard
I
I X I
(Festival
I T
i T i
(Food Processing Plant
I
1 X I
[Hospital or Clinic
I C
J C
I .iunkyard
I
I_ X I
ILaboratory
I X
I X
ILocker Storage and Rental
I X
i X
ILumber Yard
I
I X
(Machine Shop
I X
I X I
Manufacturing Plants - HeavX
I
I X I
(Office Corporate
I X
I X I
[Outdoor Booth
I T
I T I
[Pottery -and Ceramics Manufacturing
( X
I X I
[Printing Shops
( X
I X I
[Public Utility Service
I X
I X I
(Research and Development Facility
I X
I X I
(Restaurant
I -C
I C I
ISheet Metal Fabrication
I
I X I
ITrucking Service Station
I
I X I
ITrucking Yards
I
I X I
[Veterinarian Office or Kennels
I X
I X I
(Warehouse or Storage Facility
[ X
I X I
(Welding Facility
I X
I X I
(Wholesale Establishments
I
I X I
I
I
I I
X- Unconditionally permitted
C= Permitted only with Conditional Use Permit granted by the Planning Commission
1- If caretaker's residence is in a trailer or in a mobile home, a conditional use
permit is valid for only one year, -with a maximum one--year extension.
22 -2
SECTION 23 INDUSTRIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENT
TABLE
Section 23.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the Industrial Site and Building Requirement Table is to clearly and
precisely establish the basic site and building regulations which shall apply to all.
development in each of the .following districts:
M1 LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
M2-CENERAL INDUSTRIAL•DISTRICT
Section 23.20 Designation-of 'industrial Site and Building Requirements
The figures in the Industrial Site and Building Requirement Table establish lot, yard,
and height requirements for each of the industrial zoning districts. The table also
indicates where additional site and building requirements, including but not limited
to off.street parking, landscaping, signing, fences and obstructions, and performance
standards, apply to industrial zoning districts.
23 -1
Section 23.30 Industrial Site and Building Requirement Table
[Industrial District Requirements
I Ml
M2 I
I LOT REQUIREMENTS
I I
I
I Building Coverage (Maximum)
i
I 60%
i
I 60%
I I
I
1 I
I I
IYARD REQUIREMENTS (Minimum Setbacks
in Feet)
I
I
I Front
1
I 30
I 15 I
I Side
I none
I none I
I Side (Adjacent to street)
( 20
I 15 I
I Rear
I none
I none I
I I
I
I
I I
{HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS (Maximum)
!
I Building Height in Feet
I 35
( 75 I
I Number of Stories
I 2
! 6 1
I I
I I
[ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (SEE PART II)
I
f
! Off- Street Parking Section
31
! Yes
I Yes 1
Fences and Obstructions Section
34
I Yes
I Yes I
Signing Section
37
! Yes
I Yes I
I Landscaping Section
38
I Yes
I Yes I
I Performance Standards Section
I
41
I Yes
I
I Yes 1
1 1
23 -2
SECTION 24 OS OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Section 24.10 Statement of Intent
The purpose and intent of this district is:
(a) To protect the public health, safety and welfare;
(b) To protect and preserve open space land as a limited and valued resource;
(c) To permit the reasonable use of open space land;
(d) To preserve and protect open space in order to assure its continued availability
as agriculture land, scenic land, recreation land, conservation or. natural
resource land, land for the containment of urban sprawl and the structuring of
urban development, or land in its natural or near natural state which protects
life and property in the community from the hazards of fire, flood, and seismic.
activity;
(e) To coordinate with and carry out Federal, State, Regional, County and City open
space plans.
Section 24.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses
Section 24.21 Permitted Uses
The following uses are unconditionally permitted:
(a) Agricultural uses:
(1) Animal husbandry.
(2) Crops.
(3) Dairying.
(4) Horticulture, including nurseries.
(5) livestock farming.
(6) Tree farming.
(7) Viticulture and similar uses not inconsistent with the intent and
purpose of this Section.
(8) Similar uses as determined by the Planning Director, subject to review
by the Planning Commission.
(b) Botanical conservatories, outdoor nature laboratories, and similar
facilities.
(c) Native wildlife sanctuaries.
Section 24.22 Conditional Uses
The following uses are permitted only-with a conditional use permit from the Plan-
ning Commission.
(a) Communication and public utility facilities.
(b) Educational, charitable, research and philanthropic institutions in
conjunction with permitted uses.
(c) Guest ranches.
(d). Recreational uses, such as riding academies, stables, country clubs, golf
courses.
(e) Similar uses as determined by the Planning Director.
24 -1
Section 24.30 Site and Building Requirements
Section 24.31 Site Design Approval
Any construction of new buildings in an OS district must be directly related to
the use of the open space. Such construction shall be subject to Architectural
and Site Review and Approval according to the provisions of Section 50.40.
Section 24.32 Maximum Building Height
Building height shall not exceed two (2) stories, or thirty (30) feet.
Section 24.40 Lands Environmentally Unfit for Development
The City Council shall determine which lands within the. City of Gilroy are environ-
mentally unfit for development by designating such lands as being in an open space
(OS) district. Such lands shall include, but not be limited 'to, the following:
(a) Earthquake fault areas.
(b) Floodplain areas.
(c) Liquefaction areas.
(d) Watershed or groundwater recharge areas.
(e) Extremely high fire.hazard areas.
(f) Wildlife preserves and scenic corridors.
(g) Landslide areas.
Section 24.50 Minimum Time Period of OS Zoning
Resolutions of the Planning Commission and ordinances of the'City Council recommending
or designating OS Open Space Districts shall designate a minimum specific number of
years that the property is to be zoned -as open space. Such minimum time period.shall
be consistent with the urban development policies of the General Plan.
Section 24.60 Special Regulations
Section 24.61 Geological Soil Investigation and Report
i
All applications to rezone land from those uses .indicated in 24.40 (a,c,or g)
F shall be accompanied by a combined in -depth geologic and soils investigation
and report prepared by a registered geologist certified by the State of California
and an'engineering geologist and by a. licensed civil engineer qualified in soil
mechanics. Such report shall be based.on'siurface, sub- surface, and laboratory in-
vestigations and examinations and such reports shall fully and clearly present:
(a) All pertinent data, interpretations and evaluations.
(b) The significance of the data, interpretations and-evaluations with
respect to the future geological processes both on and off the site.
(c) Recommendations for any additional investigations to be made.
24 -2
Section 24.62 Landscaping
The existing natural vegetation and land formations shall remain in a natural state
unless modification is found to be necessary for a specific use and is approved by
the Planning Director. Reduction or elimination of fire hazards shall be required
where heavy concentrations of flammable vegetation occurs. Landscaping as applied
for shall be consistent with the purpose of this Section.
Section 24.63 Tree Removal
Removal of live trees in areas outside public parks may be permitted upon approval
of the Planning Director.
Section 24.64 Access to Remote Areas
Roads, tracks, driveways, trails, or runways for automobiles, trucks, buses, or
motorcycles or other wheeled vehicles shall not be developed except upon securing
approval of the Planning Director. No such approval shall be granted except upon
finding that the purpose for which the roads, tracks, driveways, trails or runways
are proposed is essential for the establishment or maintenance of a use which is
expressly permitted herein and that the design and location of the proposed roads,
tracks, driveways, trails, or runways shall be-compatible with the terrain.
The use of all roads, tracks, driveways, or.-rails which 'are not easements and are
existing to the detriment of the environment at the time of the adoption of this
Section, and are non - conforming or have been established without proper approvals,
shall be terminated within one year of OS Open Space District designation unless
given approval in accordance with the regulations set forth in this Section.
Section 24.65 Grading
All grading 'shall be subject to the - provisions of this Section. In those cases
where grading permits are required no grading shall begin until a permit has been
granted and after securing approval of the Planning Director and the City Engineer.
Section 24.66 Soil Erosion and Land Management
No site and design plan shall be approved until all erosion control measures have
been approved in accordance with adopted City standards and specifications, and are
consistent with the regulations of the OS Open Space District. The applicant
shall bear the final responsibility for the installation and construction of all
required erosion control measures according to the provisions of each approval.
24 -3
SECTION 25 PF PARK /PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT I
Section 25.10 Statement of Intent
The PF Park /Public Facilities District is intended to provide land for governmental, '
public utility, educational, and community service or recreational facilities. Such
uses are unique in that their proximity to sensitive land uses is not generally detri-
mental to the quality of life, and in many cases is desirable and convenient. The
proper use of this district will allow for that proximity without significant environ-
mental impacts.
I
Section 25.20 Permitted and Conditional Uses
Section 25.21 Permitted Uses
The following uses are unconditionally permitted. The Planning Commission, or
its designee, shall determine, upon written request, whether or not any use not
listed below is similar in character to a described use for the purpose of apply-
ing the regulations and conditions of this Section.
(a) All facilities owned or leased, and operated or used, by the City of Gilroy,
.the County of Santa Clara, the State of California, the government of the
United States, the Gilroy Unified School District; or any other governmental
agency.
(b) Public or private colleges and universities and their related facilities.
(c) Hospitals.
(d) Cemeteries, mausoleums, crematories.
Section 25.22 Conditional Uses
The following uses are permitted only with a conditional use permit from the Plan-
ning Commission. The Planning Commission, or their designee, shall determine, up-
on written request, whether or not any use not listed below is similar in charac-
ter to a described use for the purpose of applying the regulations and conditions
of this Section.
(a) Facilities of all public utilities, and corporations or other organizations
whose activities are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications
Commission or the Interstate Commerce Commission. .
(b) Any of the following uses, when conducted on property owned by the City of
Gilroy, the County'of Santa Clara, the State of California, the government of
the United - States, the Gilroy Unified School District, or any other govern-
mental agency, and leased .for the following uses:
(1) Private educational facilities.
(2) Day care centers.
(3) Community centers..
(4) Residential care facilities, when utilizing existing structures on the
site.
(5) Business or trade schools.
(6) outdoor recreation service.
(7) - Neighborhood recreation center.
(8) Art, dance, gymnastic, exercise or music studios or classes.
(9) Special education classes.
25-1
Section 25.30 Site and Building Requirements
The following site development regulations shall apply in the PF Park /Public Facili-
ties District.
Section 25.31 Lot Requirements
The maximum building coverage shall be thirty percent (30X) of the site area.
Section 25.32 Yard Requirements
The minimum front, side, and rear yards in the PF Park Public Facilities District
shall be equal to the respective front, side, and rear yards required in the most
restrictive abutting district.
Section 25.33 Maximum Building Height
The maximum building height shall be thirty (30) feet. The maximum height for
communications facilities shall be fifty (50) feet.
Section 25.34 Special Regulations
(a)
Off- Street Parking
See
Section
31
(b)
Fences and Obstructions
See
Section
34
(c)
Signs
See
Section
37
(d)
Landscaping
See
Section
38
(e)
Accessory Buildings
See
Section
39
25 -2
SECTION 26 PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
COMBINING DISTRICT
Section 26.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the PUD Planned Unit Development Combining District is to allow diversi-
fication in the relationships of buildings, structures, and open spaces in building
groups and the allowable heights of said buildings and structures, while insuring ade-
quate standards related to the public health, safety and general welfare of the com-
munity, and so doing to promote unified planning and development, economical and effi-
cient land use, a higher standard of amenities, appropriate and harmonious variety in
physical development, creative design, and an upgrading of the urban environment.
Section 26.20 Permitted and Conditional Uses
A minimum of seventy -five percent (75 %) of the land area of those parcels designated
as being in a PUD Planned Unit Development Combining District shall be used for uses
permitted by the base zoning district. Other land uses to a maximum of twenty -five
percent (25 %) may be permitted in accordance with a planned unit development approval
which shall be obtained according to the provisions of Section 50.30 of this Ordi-
nance.
Section 26.30 Site and Building Requirements
Section 26.31 Lot Requirements
No parcel or lot of land within this combining district shall be split or sub-
divided, except as specified in the planned unit development approval which shall
be obtained according to the provisions of Section 50.50 of this Ordinance.
Section 26.32 Yard, Building Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements
All yard, building height, and lot coverage requirements shall be as specified in
the planned unit development.approval which shall be obtained according to the
provisions of Section 50.50 of this Ordinance.
Section 26.33 Landscaping Requirements
All landscaping requirements shall be as specified in the planned unit development
approval which shall be obtained according to the provisions of Section 50.50 of
this Ordinance.
Section 26.34 Additional Requirements
All additional requirements including, but not limited to, parking, sign and fence
requirements, shall be as specified in the planned unit development approval-which
shall be obtained according to the provisions.of Section 50.50 of this Ordinance.
26 -1
Section 26.40 Establishment of Combining District
The establishment of a planned unit development combining district may be in combina-
tion with any residential, commercial or industrial district as defined in this Ordi-
nance. The establishment or removal of the PUD combining district shall be processed
as a zone change according to the provisions of Section 52. The zone change fees,
which are established from time to time by the City Council, shall be waived for the
establishment of, but not the removal of, the PUD Planned Unit Development Combining
District.
Section 26.50 Development Approval Required
Section 26.51 Initial Development
Any and all proposals for construction of. any development or improvements on any
lot or parcel within this combining district shall be subject to planned unit de-
velopment approval as provided in Section 50.50 of this Ordinance. A planned unit
development approval application may be processed concurrently with the PUD com-
bining district zone change.
Section 26.52 Minor Modifications
After a completed planned unit development- project has been occupied, minor modi-
fications and development may be permitted without planned unit development ap-
proval (as provided in Section 50.50) if:
(a) The proposed modifications meet all of the requirements of the underlying
zoning district, and
(b) The Planning Director determines that the proposed modification or develop-
ment conforms to the intent of the original planned unit development approv-
al.
26 -2
SECTION 27 HISTORIC SITE AND NEIGHBORHOOD
COMBINING DISTRICTS
Section 27.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Section is:
(a) to preserve historic sites and neighborhoods that represent important elements of
Gilroy's past or contribute to the community's identity or educational resources;
(b) to enhance the visual character of Gilroy by encouraging and regulating the
compatibility of architectural styles within historic sites and neighborhoods;
(c) to identify and designate areas which have a significant concentration or conti-
nuity of sites, buildings or objects unified by past events or physical develop-
ment.
(d) to encourage restoration of historic buildings and neighborhoods throughout the
City.
Section 27.20 Permitted Uses and Conditional Use Permits
Permitted uses in both the Historic Site and Historic Neighborhood Combining Districts
include all uses which are permitted for the base zoning district.
Conditional uses may be granted by the Planning Commission for historic sites only
when the Commission-finds:
(a) the proposed conditional use is compatible with the historic nature of the
property-and would require minimal alteration to the building or site, and;
(b) any proposed or required alteration would not alter the historic significance of
the building or site, and;
(c) the site is adequate to accommodate any required parking, landscaping or other
amenities required as a condition of approval of the conditional use permit.
Any use which is listed as a conditional use for the base zone may be allowed to
locate in the Historic Site or Historic Neighborhood Combining Districts only after
the Planning Commission has made the above findings and upon issuance of a conditional
use permit.
Section 27.30 Establishment of Historic Site and Neighborhood Combining Districts
The establishment of an Historic Site or Historic Neighborhood District may be in com-
bination with any residential, commercial, industrial or other base district as de-
fined in this Ordinance. The establishment or removal of.either an Historic Site or
Historic Neighborhood Combining'District shall be processed as a zone change. The
zone change fees, which are established from time to time by the City Council, shall
be waived for the establishment of, but not the removal of, either an Historic Site or
Neighborhood Combining District.
Section 27.31
Any area or combination of sites within the City may be designated an Historic
Neighborhood if it meets any one of the following criteria:
27 -1
(a) the neighborhood possesses a significant concentration or continuity of
sites, buildings, structures, or objects unified by past events or physical
development, or;
(b) the neighborhood represents an established and familiar visual feature of the
community, or;
(c) the collective historic value of the neighborhood taken together is of
greater value than each individual structure.
Section 27.32
Any site within the City may be designated an Historic Site if it meets any one of
the following criteria:
(a) it exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural, social,
economic, political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history, or;
(b) it is identified with persons or events significant in local, state or
national history, or;
(c) it embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or methods
of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials
or craftsmanship, or;
(d) it is representative of the work of a notable builder, designer or architect.
Section 27.40 Design Review Procedures
Applications to construct new structures, alter, change, modify, remove or signifi-
cantly alter the exterior of any structure within an Historic Site or Neighborhood
District shall require architectural and site approval according to the provisions of
Section 50.40 of this Ordinance. An application shall be denied if the changes would
jeopardize the building's or neighborhood's architectural or historical value. Inter-
ior remodelling or-routine maintenance or repair of the exterior features of a struc-
ture in the Historic Site or Historic Neighborhood Combining Districts shall not re-
quire Architectural and Site Review.
Section 27.41
In an Historic Neighborhood District, the design of the following proposed struc-
tures or remodellings shall be reviewed according to the provisions of Section
50.40 of this Ordinance.
(a) construction of any type of a building that will effect the exterior appear-
ance of the site, neighborhood, of any structure on the site or in the neigh-
borhood;
(b) new construction;
(c) relocation of any structure in or removal from an Historic Neighborhood Dis-
trict.
Section 27.42
In an Historic Site District, but not in.an Historic Neighborhood District, the
design of the following proposed structures or remodellings shall be reviewed
according to the provisions of Section 50.40:
27 -2
(a) exterior alterations to any building;
(b) interior alterations that would effect the exterior of a building;
(c) construction of any type on a building that will effect the exterior
appearance of the site, or any structure on the site;
(d) new construction;
(e) relocation of any structure into or removal from an Historic Site District.
Section 27.50 Demolition Procedures
All demolition applications for structures located in either an Historic Site or His-
toric Neighborhood District shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission. No Archi-
tectural and Site Review shall be allowed for any new construction until the Planning
Commission has ruled to allow the demolition of the existing structure.
Upon application for demolition where a structure or portion of a structure in an His-
toric Site or Neighborhood District has been substantially destroyed by fire, explo-
sion, earthquake or flood, the Chief Building Inspector and Planning Director, after
inspection of the damage, may issue the demolition permit immediately, only when they
both determine that there is imminent danger to-life, limb or health of the public and
the structure is obviously not restorable due to such damage.
Section 27.51 Historic Neighborhood Demolition Procedures
After review of each request for demolition, the Planning Commission may recommend
approval, conditional approval or may deny the request. The Planning Commission
determination for denial shall be final unless a written appeal to the City Coun-
cil is filed.within fifteen (15) days. In order'to approve or conditionally ap-
prove a demolition request within an Historic Neighborhood Combining District, the
Planning Commission and City Council must make the following findings:
(a) demolition of the structure will not have a*significant impact on the histor-
ic character of the neighborhood; and
(b) the structure proposed for demolition is obviously not restorable.
If the Planning Commission recommends approval or-conditional approval, the Plan-
ning Director shall forward to the City Council the demolition request with the
Planning Commission's recommendation. After review of the request, the City Coun-
cil may approve, conditionally approve or deny the request.
Section 27.52. Historic Site Demolition Procedures
Within an Historic Site Combining District,.non- historic accessory buildings may
be demolished through the procedure set forth above for structures in an Historic
Neighborhood Combining District.
Demolition of an historically significant structure within an Historic Site Com-
bining District shall first require removal of the Historic Site District designa-
tion through the zone change process as provided in this Ordinance. A request for
demolition may be processed concurrently with the request for .a change of zoning
district. In order to approve or conditionally approve a demolition request with-
in an Historic Site Combining District, the Planning Commission and City Council
must make the following findings:
27 -3
I
(a) the structure proposed for demolition is obviously not restorable, and
(b) the applicant's attempts to preserve the structure prove inconclusive includ-
ing but not limited to:
(1) publicizing the availability of the structure for purchase for restora-
tion purposes,
(2) a map showing investigation into possible sites for relocation of the
structure,
(3) documental letters offering the donation of the structure to non - profit
organizations for relocation.
The Planning Commission or City Council may suspend action on removal of the His-
toric Site Designation and demolition application for a period not to exceed one
hundred eighty (180) days to allow sufficient time for necessary steps to be taken
to preserve the structure. Thereafter, the Planning Commission may recommend ap-
proval and the City Council may approve the application for removal of the Histor-
ic Site District designation and demolition following .a determination that no
means of preservation is feasible and the applied for zoning is appropriate.
Section 27.53 General Demolition Procedures
Each request for the demolition of any building built prior to 1930 which is not
in an Historic Site District nor within an Hi- storic Neighborhood District shall be
accompanied by one clear photograph, of the front of the building, submitted by
the applicant. The age of the structure shall be determined or verified through
public records or from an inspection. A demolition permit shall not be issued for
such building until the Planning Director has had a period not to exceed thirty
(30) days to investigate, document and photograph the building and attempt to ar-
range for the preservation of the building. After the .expiration of the thirty
(30) day period, the permit may be issued in accord with the building department
procedures. The thirty (30) day period may be waived by the Chief Building In-
spector where there is imminent danger to life, limb or health of the public which
requires immediate demolition.
27 -4
I
SECTION 28 -30
THESE SECTION NUMBERS ARE RESERVED FOR FUTURE DISTRICTS
28-1
PART TWO
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 31 OFF- STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
Section 31.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section to require off - street parking and loading .spaces on
each parcel for all land uses within the City of Gilroy sufficient in number to
accommodate all vehicles of residents, employees, customers, clients and others which
may congregate at any point in time in order to reduce on- street parking and improve
traffic and pedestrian safety.
Section 31.20 Parking Space Requirements
At the time any activity is established or building or structure is erected, or is en-
larged, or increased in capacity, or whenever there is a substitution of activities of
a change in the nature of an existing activity, off-street parking for vehicles in
such numbers as are hereinafter prescribed shall be provided. Accessible off - street
parking areas shall be provided and maintained for each land use or activity in ac-
cordance with the following schedule:
Section 31.21 Residential Use Off- Street Parking Requirements
Type of Residential Use
Off- Street Parking Stalls Required
Single and two--family dwellings. Two (2) stalls per dwelling unit, one (1) of
which shall be a covered carport or garage
Accessory dwelling units . . . . . . One (1) stall per unit
Multiple family. . . . One and one -half (11) stalls per dwelling unit or two (2)
..- stalls for each unit having three '(3) or more bedrooms or
rooms which could be used as bedrooms, plus one (1) stall
for every four (4) units for guests. One (1) stall for
each unit shall be covered with a garage or carport
Rooming houses, residence clubs, One (1) stall for every two (2) occupants
fraternity and sorority houses plus four (4) stalls
Section 31.22 Recreational Use Off - Street Parking Requirements
Type of Recreational Use
Off--Street Parking Stalls Required
Theaters and auditoriums with . . . . . One (1) stall for every four (4) seats, or
fixed seats one (1) stall for each seven (7) feet of
bench
Auditoriums and exhibit halls One (1) stall per one hundred.(100) gross
without fixed seats square feet
Dance halls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One (1) stall for each five (5) seats or
fifty (50) square feet of dance floor,
whichever is greater
31 -1
Bowling centers . . . .
Six (6) stalls
per alley, plus one (1)
stall for each
shift employee
Billiard and card rooms ... . . . . .
. Two (2) stalls
per table or one -half (1)
Convalescent homes, nursing homes.
stall for each
seat, whichever is greater
Golf driving and shooting ranges.
One and one --half
(11) stalls per station
Commercial swimming pools . . . . . .
. One (1) stall
per one hundred (100) square
Orphanages . . . . . . . . . . . .
feet of pool area
(1) stall for every three (3) employees
Skating rinks and commercial.
One (1) stall
for each one hundred (100)
recreational areas (e.g. waterslides)
square feet of
skating or recreational
area, plus one
(1) stall for each shift
employee
five (5) children
Tennis, handball and racket courts.
Two (2) stalls
per court, plus one (1)
stall for each
shift employee
Private clubs without overnight
One (1) stall
for every four (4) persons
accommodations
of maximum occupancy
of the facility, plus
one (1) space
for each regular employee
Section 31.23 Institutional Use - Off - Street Parking
Requirements
Type of Institutional Use
Off- Street Parking Stalls Required
Hospitals. . . ... . . . ...
One
(1) stall for each three (3) beds, plus
one
(1) stall per staff doctor, plus one
(1)
stall for each three (3) staff
Convalescent homes, nursing homes.
One
(1) stall per staff or visiting doctor,
and sanitariums
plus
one (1) stall, per two (2) employees,
plus
one (1) stall for every four (4) beds
Orphanages . . . . . . . . . . . .
. ..One
(1) stall for every three (3) employees
plus
one (1) stall for every ten (10) beds
Day care and nursery schools
One
(1) stall for each employee, plus two
(2)
stalls, plus one (1) loading space for
every
five (5) children
Churches and mortuaries. . . . .
. . One
(1) stall for every four (4) seats or
seven
(7) linear feet of bench
Public, parochial and private. . .
. . One
(1) stall for each employee, plus one
elementary schools
(1)
stall for every four (4) auditorium
seats,
plus bus loading area
Public] parochial and.private. : . . . One (1) space for each employee, plus one
high schools (1) space-for each ten (10) students of
planned capacity or one (1) stall for each
four (4) auditorium seats, whichever is
greater, plus bus loading area
! 31 -2
I .�
Colleges, art, craft, music and. . . . One (1) stall for each employee, plus one
dancing schools and business, (1) space for each four (4) students of
professional and trade schools planned capacity or one (1) stall for each
four (4) auditorium seats, whichever is
greater
Section 31.24 Office, Medical and Financial Uses- Off-Street Parking Requirements
Type of Office, Medical or Financial Uses Off- Street Parking Requirements
Medical, dental, optometry, or. . . . . . One (1) stall per one hundred fifty
chiropractic offices and clinics (150) gross square feet of floor area,
plus one (1) stall per doctor
Research facilities . . . . . One (1) stall per employee, plus one
(1) stall per five hundred (500) gross
square.feet
Banks, lending agencies, financial. One (1) stall per three hundred (300)
institutions, governmental institu- square feet of gross floor area
tions and public utility offices
(including those with drive -up
facilities)
All other professional. offices. . . . . . One (1) stall per three hundred (300)
square feet of gross floor area
Section 31.25 Retail and Commercial Uses- Off- Street Parking Requirements
Type of Retail /Commercial Use Off- Street Parking Requirements
General retail sales, repair and. . . . . One (1) stall per two hundred fifty
services (250) square feet of gross floor area
Retail sales of Large appliances, One (1) stall per four hundred (400)
automobiles, furniture or other square feet of gross floor area
similar bulky merchandise
Restaurants, bars, taverns, . . . . . . . One (1) stall for every three (3) seats
lunch rooms, night clubs and or one hundred (100) square feet of
cocktail lounges gross floor area devoted to dining,
whichever is greater, plus one (1)
stall for each shift employee
Restaurants and other retail. . . . . . .
establishments with take -out
service, walk -up or drive -up
windows and roadside stands
31 -3
One (1) stall for every three (3) seats
or one hundred (100) square feet of
gross floor area, whichever is greater,
plus one (1) stall for each shift
employee, plus eight (8) stalls or
eight (8) auto waiting spaces for each
exterior service window
Barber and beauty shops . . . . .
One (1)
stall
per one hundred (100)
square
feet of
gross floor area
' Uncovered retail sales area for
One (1)
stall
for each four thousand
landscaping nurseries, vehicles
(4000)
square
feet of gross display
and construction materials
area, plus
one
(1) stall per employee,
but not
less than four (4) stalls
Service stations and vehicle. One (1) stall per four hundred (400)
repair garages square feet of gross floor area, plus
one (1) stall per employee, but not
less than three (3) stalls total
(service bays shall not be counted as
part of the required parking)
Hotels and motels . . . One (1) stall for each guest room, plus
four (4) stalls, plus one (1) stall for
each shift employee
Bus stations, train depots. . . . . . . . One (1) stall for each employee, plus
and other transportation depots user parking as determined by the
Planning Director
Section 31.26 Industrial Uses - Off - Street Parking Requirements
Tvve of Industrial Use Off- Street Parking Required
All manufacturing plants, light . . . . . One (1) stall for each employee on
industrial uses, warehouses, storage largest shift, plus one (1) stall for
facilities, wholesale service each company -owned vehicle, plus six
establishments and laboratories (6) stalls, plus adequate truck
loading and parking area
Section 31.30 General Off - Street Parking Requirements
Section 31.31
The parking requirements listed in the parking schedule are minimum. The Planning
Commissionk may require additional stalls and parking lot areas for any use to pro-
vide parking-area adequate with the intent of this Section. The Planning Commis-
sion may make additional requirements in connection with off - street parking areas
which will protect the character of property in the neighborhood.
Section 31.32
If the calculation for required off - street parking results in a fraction of one -
half (1) or more of a parking stall, one (1). parking stall shall be provided; and
no parking stall is required for fractions of less than one -half Q) a stall.
31 -4
Section 31.33
Where there is a combination of uses for any one facility on a parcel, the total
required off - street parking shall be the sum of the requirements for the various
uses calculated separately. The parking provided for one use may not be used to
satisfy the parking requirements for another use on the same site.
Section 31.34
The parking, ratio shall be determined by the Planning Director for uses that are
not specifically included, and that are not closely related to other uses included
in the parking space requirement schedule.
Section 31.35
Proposed commercial buildings without uses specified and confirmed (by lease or
other legal agreement) shall provide one (1) parking space for every two hundred
fifty (250) square feet of gross floor area.
Section 31.36
The required minimum parking for uses having .a parking ratio based upon the number
of employees, shall be based on the employment shift with the greatest number of
employees.
Section 31.37
Every use shall provide the required parking on the same parcel except:
(a) The owners of adjoining properties may provide parking space in common if
said parking area is secured by easement or other sufficient legal document,
and provided the total number of parking spaces provided is equal to the sum
of the individual needs.
(b) Any use located within the parking assessment district formed under the pro-
visions of the Gilroy municipal code need not provide the required parking as
specified in this Ordinance.
Section 31.40 Off- Street Parking Dimension Table
All residential parking stalls shall be at least ten (10) feet wide, twenty (20) feet
long, with a minimum twenty -five (25) feet back -up space. All off - street parking fa-
cilities, except residential, shall be designed and installed in accordance with Fig-
ure 31 -1.
31 -5
OFF STREET PARKING DIMENSION TABLE
ARK
STALL
STALL
ONE -WAY
STALL TO
CURB
LENGTH
ONE ROW
O ROW
PLUS
ANGLE
WIDTH
DEPTH
AISLE
CURB
PER STALL
AISLE
AISLE
px
A
p
C
0
E
D+C
2D +C
9' O`"
20' 0"
25' 0"
20•"0'•
9' O"
45' O"
65' O"
900
99690
20' 0"
24' 0"
20' O"
9' 6"
44000
64' 0"
10' 0"
20' 0"
24' 0"
20' O'"
10t 0"
44. O.,
64, O..
9'd"—
0
20, Off
19" 0"
21' 10"
10' 6"
40' 10"
62' 8"
60°
9' 6"
20' 0"
18,011
22' 1"
11' O"
40. 1"
621 2"
10,100
20' O"
171 0"
22' 4"
11' 6"
39' 40!
oil 8"
9' 0"
20' 0"
16' O"
20' S"
12" 9"
36' S"
56' 10"
45°
W 6"
200011
15' 0"
20' 10"
13' S"
35' 10"
56' 8"
10' 0"
20' 0"
14' 0"
21" 3"
14' 2"
35,399
569619
00
20' O"
8' O"
12' O"
8' O'"
22: O"
20#001,
280 0"
SPECIAL.,
STALLS
STALL
WIDTH
STALL -
DEPTH
ONE -WAY AISLE
A
B
C
HANDICAP STALL
14' 0" "
20'0
SAME AS ABOVE
SMALL CAR STALL
8' 0"
1 1.670 6"
SAME AS ABOVE
* 5'0" MAY BE SHARED WITH ADJACENT HANDICAP STALL
ANGLED PARKING
B&D
A
C
O° PARALLEL PARKING
MINIMUM TWO -WAY AISLE IS 24' :WIDE MINIMUM ONE -WAY ABLE IS 12E
31 -b
900 PERPENDICULAR PARKING
MINIMUM TURNING RADII
INSIDE CURVE: 16' 0"
OUTSIDE CURVE: 28'0"
Section 31.50 Special Parking Requirements
Section 31.51 Compact Car Parking
Compact car parking stalls may be provided in commercial or industrial develop-
ments for up to thirty percent (30 %) of the required off-street parking, where at
least fifteen (15) parking stalls are provided.
Section 31.52. Employee Parking
Parking stalls designated for employee use may be provided as part of the required
off - street parking, but only up to a maximum of the actual anticipated number of
employees. Employee parking designated stalls shall be designed and located such
that they are distinct and separate from other parking on the site. On no site
where compact car parking is provided shall stalls for employee parking also be
allowed. Employees shall not be prohibited from using off - street parking.
Section 31.53 Handicap Parking Requirements
(a) All commercial, institutional, recreational or financial uses providing more
than five (5) off - street parking stalls shall provide at least one (1) handi-
cap parking stall or one (1) handicap stall for each eighty (80) required
stalls, except no more than four (4) handicap parking stalls shall be re-
quired on each site.
(b) All hospitals, convalescent homes, medical and dental offices, and similar
uses shall provide at least one (1) handicap stall plus one additional handi-
cap stall for every twenty (20) required stalls, except no more than ten (10)
handicap stalls shall be required on each site.
Section 31.54 Truck Loading and Unloading Space
All retail and wholesale stores, warehouses, supply houses, buildings devoted to
manufacturing trade, hotels, hospitals or other buildings where large amounts of
goods are received or shipped, shall provide loading and unloading space-adequate
to handle the volume and frequency of truck traffic to the building or shopping
center. The number and minimum dimensions of loading spaces shall be determined
by the Planning Director.
Section 31.60 Off-Street Parking Design Criteria
Section 31.61
All parking stalls shall be delineated by a painted line or separated by a divider
at least four (4) inches wide by the full length of each stall.
(a) Each handicap parking stall shall be delineated by blue painted curb and
lines, and shall be clearly labeled in blue paint with the standard handicap
symbol or clearly labeled for "handicapped only ".
(b) Each employee parking stall shall be clearly labeled for. "employee only ".
(c) Each compact car parking stall shall be clearly labeled for "compact car only ".
(d) Each guest parking stall shall be clearly labeled for "guest parking only ".
31 -7
Section 31.62
All parking stalls abutting sidewalks, planters, buildings and landscaped areas
shall be provided with a permanent curb, bumper, wheel stop or similar device.
The stopping edge of such protective wheel stops shall be placed two (2) feet from
the edge of the sidewalks, planters or landscaped areas and from any buildings.
Such protective wheel stops may not be required, as determined by the Planning
Director, where the sidewalks or landscaped areas are specifically designed for
automobile overhang and have thirty (30) inches additional depth than that which
is otherwise required.
Section 31.63
All off - street parking for all uses, except single family and duplex residential
uses, shall be designed such that vehicles need not back out of the parking area
into a public street. Utilizing a public alley for back -up space is acceptable.
Section 31.64
Required off- street parking for any residential use may not be located in the re-
quired front yard setback area or required side yard setback area adjacent to a
street as established by this Ordinance. Required off - street parking for any com-
mercial or industrial use shall not occupy the one -half (1) of any setback area
adjacent to a public street.
Section 31.65
All parking areas shall be surfaced with portland cement concrete, asphaltic con-
crete, brick or cobblestones placed upon a base of crushed rock built to a thick-
ness to meet the City Engineer's ,approval, except for parking stalls adjacent to
an alley for single family residential uses, which may be paved with crushed rock
to a thickness to meet the City Engineer's approval.
Section 31.66
Each exit and entrance to a parking lot shall be constructed and maintained such
that any vehicle entering or leaving the parking lot shall be clearly visible for
a distance of at least ten (10) feet to any .person on a walk or footpath inter-
sected by such exit or entrance.
Section 31.70 Non - Conforming Parking
Any building or use whose parking becomes substandard by the adoption of this Section,
but which were lawful prior thereto, shall be considered as non - conforming use. Such
non - conforming use may continue, but any enlargement or expansion shall provide the
required number of parking spaces or parking area for the entire building or use as
specified in this Section.. Any change of occupancy or use in an existing building or
lot which requires more parking space shall provide the additional parking area as
required by this Section.
31 -8
Section 31.84 Additional Requirements
The Planning Commission may make such additional requirements in connection with off -
street parking areas as will protect the character of other property in the neighbor-
hood. Such regulations may include, but not be limited to, adequate screening of said
lot by a fence or wall, landscaping, provision for suitable surfacing and lighting.
31 -9
SECTION 32 YARDS
Section 32.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section of the Ordinance to establish regulations which apply
to yard areas on parcels in the City of Gilroy.
Section 32.20 Yard Requirements
Every building hereafter constructed upon a building site shall be located on the site
so as to provide for the yards specified in the regulations for the district in which
the site is located.
(a) Every such front or rear yard shall extend along a lot line the full width of the
lot, and every such side yard shall-extend along a lot line from the front yard
or the front lot line to the rear yard. A required yard shall be open and unob-
structed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided herein. The re-
quired minimum depth or width of any yard shall be measured generally at right
angles to the lot line and from the nearest point of the building. Where the
side lot lines converge to a point, a line five (5) feet long within the lot par-
allel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line shall be deemed to be
the rear lot line for the purpose-of determining the depth of the rear yard.
(b) Where the building wall is not parallel to a side or a rear lot line the required
least dimension of the side yard or the rear yard along such line may be applied
to the average, provided that no such side yard shall be less than three (3) feet
in width at any point, and no such rear yard shall be less than ten (10) feet in
depth at any point.
(c) The required depth of a front yard or of a side yard on the street side of a cor-
ner lot shall be. measured from the property line of the public way, provided,
that whenever'a future width line is officially established, required yards shall
be measured from such line or lines.
Section 32.30 Exceptions
The following exceptions shall apply to all required.yards:
(a) In any residential district where twenty--five percent (25X) or more of the lots
in any block, exclusive of the frontage along the side of a corner lot, has been
improved'with at least six (6) buildings at the time of the passage of this Ordi-
nance, and the front yards on such lots vary in depth to an extent not greater
than six (6) feet, then the required front yard depth for such district shall be
disregarded in such block and in lieu thereof the front yard required on each lot
in.such block shall be of a depth not less than the average depth of the front
yards on the lots on which are located such existing buildings. In no case, how-
ever, shall any building be erected closer to any street line than any official
plan line which may have been established for such street or than any future
width line designated therefor by the provisions of this Ordinance.
(b) When an interior lot in an Rl district is adjacent to a lot in another district,
the required front setback for the R1 lot may be reduced to not less than the
average of the required setbacks.of the two districts.
32-1
(c) In determining the depth of rear yard for any dwelling, where such rear yard
opens into an alley, one —half ( +) the width of such alley may be considered as a
portion of such rear yard; provided, however, that this provision shall not be so
applied as to reduce the depth of any rear yard to less than ten (10) feet; and
provided, further, that in no case shall the door of any dwelling or improvement,
except a fence, which door opens into an alley, be erected, constructed or
established closer than fifteen (15) feet.
32 -2
SECTION 33 TRAILERS AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Section 33.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section of the Ordinance to establish regulations that apply
to the storage and parking of trailers and recreational vehicles in the City of Gilroy.
Section 33.20 Storage, All Zones
An operable recreational vehicle or trailer may be parked for storage in all zones, as
follows:
(a) Parking is permitted inside any enclosed structure, which structure otherwise
conforms to the zoning requirements of the particular zone, where located;
(b) Parking is permitted outside in a side yard or rear yard, provided it is not
nearer than two (2) feet to the lot line;
(c) Parking is permitted only for storage purposes, and any recreational vehicle or
trailer shall not be:
(1) Used for dwelling purposes.
(2) Permanently connected to sewer lines, water lines, or electricity, except for
a temporary electrical connection for charging batteries and other purposes.
The use of electricity or propane fuel is permitted when necessary to prepare
a recreational vehicle for use.
(3) Used for storage of goods, materials, or equipment other than those items
considered to be part of the unit or essential for its immediate use.
(d) A recreational vehicle may be parked temporarily anywhere on the premises during
active loading or unloading.
Section 33.30 Residential Zones
In residential zones, recreational vehicles shall be, parked for storage only on prop-
erty on which the vehicle's owner resides. In an R1 zone, parking is permitted outside
a structure in the front yard on a paved driveway, provided all of the following con-
ditions exist:
(a) Space is not available in the rear yard or side yard, or the lot is not on a cor-
ner and has no reasonable access to either the side yard or rear yard;
(b) Inside parking is not possible;
(c) The vehicle is parked perpendicular to the front curb;
(d) No part of the vehicle extends over the public sidewalk or public thoroughfare
(right -of -way);
(e) No more than one (1) recreational vehicle or trailer is parked in the
front yard of each residential unit; and
(f) The vehicle is parked at least five (5) feet from side property lines.
33 -1
SECTION 34 FENCES AND OBSTRUCTIONS
Section 34.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section to control the location, height and materials of
fences and other visual or physical obstructions so that they do not adversely affect
adjacent properties, or obstruct vision along public streets.
Section 34.20 Required Fencing
Section 34.21 Sound Wall
Commercial and industrial development abutting any residential zone shall install
a sound wall six (6) feet high which shall not extend into the required front yard
area of any adjacent residential zone.
Section 34.22 Storage of Building Materials and Junk
All storage of building materials, junk, scrap, or waste shall be screened from
public view with a fence six (6) feet high, a landscaped soil berm, or an accept-
able alternate approved by the Planning Director.
Section 34.23 Swimming Pools
Swimming pools eighteen (18) inches or more in depth at any point shall be en-
closed by a fence or wall not less than four (4) feet in height. Such fence shall
be constructed of such materials and in a.manner such that the exterior surface is
unbroken and difficult to scale or climb over. Openings in fences or walls enclo-
sing swimming pools shall be such that a sphere four (4) inches in diameter cannot
pass through.- All gates must be self - closing and self latching with adequate
latches placed four (4) feet above the underlying ground or otherwise made inac-
cessible from the outside to small children. In R1 districts, fencing around the
perimeter of the yard in which the pool is located may be deemed to comply with
this Section if the fence, gates and latches meet the minimum requirements set
forth above.
34--1
Section 34.30 Location and Height
Except in the following situations, fences and hedges are permitted up to six (6)
feet in height, measured from the finished grade on the higher side of the fence:
(a) In residential zones, fences or walls higher than three (3) feet above the curb
shall be set back at least fifteen (15) feet from the front property line. In
commercial or industrial zones, fences or walls higher than three (3) feet shall
not be built within the required front setback.
(b) Where a fence is built upon or in conjunction with a retaining wall within five
(5) feet of a property line, the maximum height of the retaining wall shall be
three (3) feet. No additional retaining walls may be constructed within five (5)
feet of the first wall; the maximum height of any additional retaining wall shall
be six (6) feet.
(c) Fences, hedges or other visual obstructions shall not be over three (3) feet high
above the curb on a residential corner lot within a triangle formed by the curb
lines and a line connecting those lines from points thereon which lie forty (40)
feet from the intersection of the curb lines. -
(d) On a corner lot, fences, hedges or visual . obstructions over three (3) feet above
the sidewalk shall be at least five (5) feet back from the street side property
line. In the case where a corner lot abuts the driveway side of a key lot, a
fence, hedge or visual obstruction over three (3) feet above the sidewalk shall
be ten (10) feet back from the street side property line for a distance of at
least ten (10) feet from the rear property Une.
(e) In all residential zone districts, fences or walls within the buildable areas as
required for a main building are permitted up to eight (8) feet in height. Such
fences or walls shall be set back a minimum of six (6) feet from any side lot
line.
(f) Fences adjacent to alleys are permitted up to seven (7) feet in height.
Section 34.40 Prohibited Materials
Section 34.41 Barbed Wire Fences
Barbed wire fences, except for security fences in industrial and commercial areas,
shall not be installed within the City.
Section 34.42 Electric Fences
Electric fences of any kind shall not be installed within the City.
Section 34.43 Wire Mesh Fences
Wire mesh fences shall not be installed within the required front yard setback
area or within the _side, yard setback area adjacent to a street in any residential
zone.
34 -2
Section 37.24 Exemptions
No sign permit will be required for the signs listed below. Signs above and beyond
those exempted below shall meet the provisions of the remainder of this Section.
In no case shall a sign be deemed to be exempt if it is listed as a prohibited
sign in Section 37.31.
(a) One name plate, less than three (3) square feet in area located adjacent to
one entryway, for each business or occupant in any zone; including under
canopy signs over private property.
(b) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut
into a masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible
material which do not exceed four (4) square feet in area.
(c) Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossings signs,
danger and temporary or emergency nonadvertising signs.
(d) Temporary signs of a directional nature when used for a period of less than
twenty -four (24) hours.
(e) Temporary signs and banners of a civic, charitable, educational or municipal
nature including public events and parades for a time period not to exceed
thirty (30) days, provided the location, size and safety is approved by the
Chief Building Inspector. Such signs shall not contain advertising.
(f) Temporary banners, and similar advertising devices located over private prop-
erty to advertise business opening, sales and special promotions which are
maintained for a consecutive period of less than thirty (30) calendar days.
Such signs shall not be replaced by the same or similar signs within one
hundred eighty (180) calendar days after removal.
(g) Temporary signs on windows of commercial buildings, provided no more than
twenty -five per cent (25 %) of the window surface is covered, for a time per-
iod not to exceed fifteen (15) days.
(h) Service club signs, provided only one of each composite structures be permit -
ted on each main entrance to the city, and provided the design size and
height be approved by the Planning Commission.
(i) Signs identifying the existence or location of public utility facilities.
(j) One identification sign or bulletin board for public; charitable or religious
institutions. Such signs_ may not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area, or
six (6) feet in height (if freestanding), and must be set back at least ten
(10) feet from any property line.
(k) One on -site construction sign not to exceed six (6) feet in height erected by
a building contractor, subcontractor, architect or engineer while actually en-
gaged in construction of a building. In commercial or industrial zones, up to
thirty -two (32) square feet in area is allowed;-in a residential zoning.dis-
trict, up.to sixteen (16) square feet is allowed. Such signs shall be removed
immediately after the completion of the construction advertised by the sign.
One on -site real estate sign pertaining to the sale, lease, rental or display
of a structure or of land which shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area.
WPolitical signs,or- placards which are erected less than ninety (90) days be-
fore and removed less than ten (10) days after the election for which they
are posted.
(n) On -site directional signs, including no trespassing and no dumping signs, up
to four (4) square feet in area and not exceeding four (4) feet in height.
Four (4) such signs are permitted for developments under one acre, eight (8)
for developments over one (1) acre, and twelve (12) for developments over
fifteen (15) acres.
37 -2
SECTION 35 ANTENNAS AND WINDMILLS
Section 35.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Section of the Ordinance is to provide regulations which apply to
the height, location and visibility of antennas, windmills and related structures in
order to minimize visual pollution and potential adverse effects upon adjacent proper-
ties.
Section 35.20 location and Height of Antennas in All Zones
Section 35.21
Antennas shall not be located in, nor extend over, any front yard or side yard
setback as established by this Ordinance. A11 antennas and related structures
shall be set back at least six (b) feet from any property boundary or vertical
projection of such property boundary. Antennas and their supports shall be lo-
cated at Least ten (10) feet from any electrical power line, and located such that
any collapse of the antenna will not result in contact with any power line carry-
ing over four thousand (4000) volts.
Section 35.22
The maximum height for an antenna structure may exceed the maximum height limit
for the zoning district in which it is located by no more than fifteen (15) feet.
The height is measured from the average grade at the base of the main building on
the site. No antenna structure will be permitted on an otherwise vacant parcel.
Section 35.23 .
In addition to meeting the precee ding regulations in this Section, disk antennas
shall be located such that they are not visible from any adjacent public right -
of -way. In all industrial or commercial zoning districts., the maximum height for
a disk antenna shall be eight (8) feet above the surface of the ground or main
building upon which It is mounted.
Section 35.24
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any antenna to obtain any necessary
permits and to install and maintain any antenna system in safe and hazard -free
condition.
Section 35.25
No antennas or related structure may be attached to any tree, shrub or public
utility pole.
Section 35.30 Windmills
Windmills and related structures shall conform to all height and setback requirements
as established for the main building in the zoning district in which the windmill is
located. The setback distance and maximum height shall be measured from the greatest
possible extension of any fixed or movable part of the windmill or related structure.
Windmills shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any electrical power line.
35 -1
SECTION 36 , SWIMMING POOLS
I Section 36.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Section is to regulate the location of swimming pools to safeguard
life, health., property and the public welfare.
Section 36.20 Swimming Pool Locations
No swimming pools shall be constructed in any required front yard or side yard setback
as required by the provisions of this Ordinance .
The distance from the inner surface of the pool wall to any property line, fence or
wall shall be not less than five (5) feet. The distance from the inner surface of the
pool wall to the bearing wall of a dwelling,.main building, garage or other accessory
building shall be not less than five (5) feet, except for indoor pools, designed by a
registered structural engineer and approved by the City Engineer.
Section 36.30 Swimming Pool Fencing
Fencing shall be provided to enclose all swimming pool areas as specified in Section
34 of this Ordinance.
36 -1
SECTION 37 SIGN REGULATIONS
Section 37.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section of the Ordinance to:
(a) Provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and the pub-
lic welfare by regulating and controlling the location, placement, size, num-
bers, surface area, illumination, materials, and maintenance of signs and sign
structures.
(b) Preserve the natural beauty of the City and to maintain the orderliness of
the community's appearance.
(c) Ensure that signs will be designed as a part of the architectural and land-
scape design of all properties so as to enhance the beauty of the City and im-
plement the beautification goals and policies of the Gilroy General Plan.
Section 37.20 Sign Permits
Section 37.21 Issuance
Permits shall be required for all signs in Gilroy, except those specifically ex-
empted by Section 37.24. No sign, outdoor advertising structure, billboard or
display shall be erected, installed, located or maintained in any zoning district
of the City of Gilroy, except in conformity with these regulations and the ap-
proved sign permit. Additional signs and relocations or alterations of existing
signs after the sign permit has been issued must conform to and be approved in
the same manner as the original application. A building permit may also be re-
quired.' Signs which are not constructed in conformance with the sign permit ap-
plication, drawings and diagrams, shall be deemed not to have been issued a valid
sign permit. Signs shall be subject to design review according to the provisions
of Section 50.40, but shall not be charged for design review. Sign permits shall
not be issued where the Planning Director finds that a proposed sign, which
otherwise conforms to this Ordinance, fails to contribute to the beautification
of the City.
Section 37.22 Application and Fees
All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by sketches and diagrams
of suitable scale and clarity to fully describe. the design, dimensions, proposed
placement, structural and electrical characteristics and appearance of the sign
or signs. In proposing signs, applicants shall give explicit attention to de-
signing and locating signs so as to ensure harmony with the existing or proposed
architecture and landscape design of the property. upon which the sign is to be
situated. Fees for sign permits shall be established from time to time by reso-
lution of the City Council.
Section 37.23 Expiration
If the work as authorized under the properly approved sign permit has not been
completed within six (6) months after the date of its issuance, such permit
shall become null and void. If after six (6) months from. the date of the is-
suance of a sign permit, any portion of the sign has been erected and the con-
struction work thereon is not completed, 'the Planning Director may cause the
removal of such partially completed sign.
37 -1
(o) One (1) freestanding and one (1) wall- mounted drive -up window or menu board
sign, up to a combined total of twenty (20) square feet is permitted for
businesses with a drive -up or walk -up window.
(p) Up to four (four) on-site temporary garage, yard or patio sale signs not to
exceed a total of sixteen (16) square feet.
(q) Holiday decorations displayed for no more than forty -five (45) days for each
holiday.
(r) Signing not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet directly affixed to a mobile
vendor or temporary business establishment located in any commercial dis-
trict.
Section 37.30 Regulations in All Districts
Section 37.31 Prohibited Signs
Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance the following signs shall be
prohibited throughout the City of Gilroy:
(a) Signs on or projecting above the roof - (other than a gable or mansard type
roof) or the canopy of a structure, or signs which appear to be roof signs
from the public right -of -way.
(b) Signs projecting more than thirty -six (36) inches above the lowest edge of
the eave of a gable or mansard type roof. A sign may be permitted on a
vertical surface specifically designed to accommodate a sign, which is lower
than the crest of the roof, if such sign area is approved by the Planning
Director.
(c) Flags, pennants, balloons, streamers, and objects designed to move with the
wind, except for flags of the United States of America and the State of Cal-
ifornia on a flagpole for which a building permit has been issued.
(d) Lighted signs that flash on.and off, except time and weather signs which
change less than six (6) times per minute.
(e) Any sign feature which moves or is designed to move, except for signs which
rotate at less than six (6) revolutions per minute...
(f) Lighted signs whose surface brightness is a detriment to surrounding proper-
ty, prevents the peaceful enjoyment of life or presents a conflict with safe
traffic movement; or advertising displays which emit audible sound, odor, or
visible matter.
(g) Any sign which because of flashing lights, brilliant lighting, motion or
apparent motion, shape, design color or reflected light is a detriment to
surrounding property or prevents the peaceful enjoyment of residential uses
or presents a conflict with the traffic regulations or traffic safety.
(h) Any sign which has a design or lighting such that it might be mistaken for
a traffic light or signal.
(i) Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or the
view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
(j) Any sign which because of its location would prevent free ingress to or
egress from any door, window, fire escape, driveway, sidewalk or bike path,
or would obstruct an outward view from any living area.
(k) Any signs attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(1) Signs projecting into a public street, alley or identifiable pedestrian
way more than twelve (12) inches excluding signs allowed on awnings.
37 -3
(m) Signs projecting into a public right- of-way having less than eight (8) feet
clearance between the lowest edge of the sign and the sidewalk grade.
(n) Signs projecting into a public street area used by vehicular traffic having
less than fifteen (15) feet clearance between the lowest edge of the sign and
the street grade.
(o) New signs painted or existing signs repainted directly on any building or
structure unless conforming to the requirements of this Ordinance.
(p) Any off -site advertising sign, including billboards, in any district.
(q) Placards, posters, announcements and similar signs attached to any fence,
pole, tree or any other object in a public thoroughfare, except those of an
official nature authorized by a City Ordinance.
(r) Signs, including but not limited to portable signs, placed on parked vehicles
or trailers.
(s) Any sign which conflicts with any rule, regulation or order of the California
Public Utility Commission pertaining to the construction, operation and
maintenance of public utility facilities.
(t) Signs advertising incidental or minor products combined with a business
identification sign.
(u) Signs placed upon, attached to or constructed on any awning; except for signs
which occupy no more than twenty percent (20x) of the surface area of the
awning, and which are printed, painted, marked, stamped or otherwise im-
pressed upon the surface of an awning so that it is an integral part of the
fabric, and which are on a surface of the awning which is vertical or within
ten (10) degrees of vertical, and is parallel to the front of the building.
(v) Signs higher than three (3) feet above the sidewalk elevation or having a
solid face less than seven (7) feet above grade on a corner lot within a tri-
angle formed by the curb lines as extended and a line connecting those lines
from points thereon which lie forty (40) feet from, the intersection of the
curb lines.
(w) Signs higher than three (3) feet above the sidewalk elevation or having a
solid face less than seven (7) feet above grade within five (5) feet of the
intersection of any access drive and public sidewalk.
(x) Abandoned signs or signs which no longer identify a bonafide business entity.
(y) Signs, graphics, window displays or materials offered for sale from newsracks
displayed in a manner which exposes photographs or illustrations of specified
sexual activities or specified anatomical areas to public view.
(z) Signs with exposed bracing, guy wires or cables.
(aa) Crudely painted, chalked or other improvised lettering on any sign.
(bb) Signs placed on any portion of a street, sidewalk, or right -of -way, excluding
newspaper vending machines which may be permitted.
Section 37.32 -Signs on Public Property
The Planning Commission shall review and act upon proposals for signs not listed
as exempt which are located on City or other public property, taking into consid-
eration the nature and use of the property, the necessity of the sign, and whether
the signs would detract from or be in harmony with the public purposes of the City
property and with existing or contemplated surrounding development. -
37 -4
I
Section 37.40 Signs in Residential and Agricultural Districts
Section 37.41 Signs in Residential Districts
Only signs which are exempted in Section 37.24 or which meet the following stan-
dards will be permitted in any residential zoning district.
(a) One (1) freestanding house number or apartment building identification sign
shall be permitted for each multi - family complex containing five (5) or more
units or mobile home park. Such signing shall not exceed six (6) square feet
in area, not be illuminated nor rotating, and shall not exceed four (4) feet
in height provided it is setback at least ten (10) feet from the front pro-
perty line or an identification sign not exceeding eight (8) square feet in
area not illuminated, located flat against a wall and not projecting above
the cornice or roof line of a structure located on the premises.
(b) Residential subdivision signs, advertising a tract having five (5) or more
units for sale, may locate one (1) freestanding or wall on -site sign, up to
thirty -two (32) square feet in area plus locate up to three (3) off -site
directional signs, located on private property within Gilroy, up to thirty -
two (32) square feet each. Such signs shall be non - illuminated, with a max-
imum height of eight (8) feet. Such signs shall be removed immediately after
completion of sales or after one (1) year, whichever occurs first, unless
granted an extension by the Planning Director.
Section 37.42 Signs in Agricultural Districts
Only signs which are exempted in Section 37.24 or which meet the following stan-
dards will be permitted in any agricultural zoning district.
(a) Signs may be permitted to advertise the sale of only those farm products
which are grown on the site, and such signs may not exceed a total of
thirty -two (32) square feet of sign area; which may include only one (1)
freestanding sign.
Section 37.50 Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts
Only signs meeting the following standards will be permitted in commercial or indus-
trial districts, provided that all other applicable provisions of this Ordinance are
also complied with:
(a) Signs shall be located and erected only. upon the premises occupied by the person
or business to be identified or advertised by such signs. The location of all
signs shall be in compliance with the building, electrical and fire prevention
codes of the City as amended.
(b) The maximum permissible total sign area for all signs including freestanding
signs (but excluding master shopping center and freeway signs), for all commer-
cial or industrial districts shall not exceed the maximum total sign area for
each business, according to the following table:
37 -5
►Maximum total sign area I Maximum total sign area
►permitted (in square feet)► permitted (in square feet)
[for each lineal foot of I regardless of building
_ (building frontage I frontage
PO Professional Office 1 1
District I N/A ► 10
I 1
C2 Central Commercial I I
District ► 2 1 75
I I
All other Commercial I 1
Districts ) I
(C11C3,HC,CM) 1 1 1 150
I I
Industrial I I
Districts (M1,M2) I 1 I 350
The permitted sign area may be mounted on a freestanding sign and on any side of
a building, except no sign shall be mounted on the side of a building abutting
and facing a freeway. The lineal footage of-a building frontage shall be that
distance of building facing a public street. The maximum sign area for buildings
which front on more than one street shall be calculated by using the longest of
any one such frontage. In a commercial or industrial complex where there are
three (3) or more tenants, the maximum sign area for each tenant may be calcula-
ted by using the greater of (1) the building elevation fronting a street or (2)
the building elevation fronting directly on the parking lot for the commercial or
industrial complex. .
(c) The maximum number of freestanding signs shall be one (1) per business, building,
or parcel, whichever is most restrictive. An individual business shall not he
permitted to have a freestanding sign where there is a master shopping center or
group sign. The area of the freestanding sign shall be included in the maximum
area allowed. The maximum height for any freestanding sign shall be thirty (30)
feet, except for freestanding signs in a PO Professional Office District which
shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, and except for freeway oriented signs,
and master shopping center signs.
(d) The maximum thickness of wall signs shall be twelve (12) inches where the
building abuts the property line and eighteen (18) inches elsewhere.
(e) Credit card and trading stamp signs shall be included in the maximum sign area
allowed. One (1) additional sign per business will'be allowed which shall con-
tain all credit card and trading stamp emblems. The total area of this sign
shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
(f) Each business, in any commercial or industrial zoning district other than the PO
Professional Office District, regardless of building frontage, shall be allowed a
minimum of twenty (20) square feet of total sign area.
(g) Readerboard signs in commercial districts shall be permitted only to the extent
that they conform with and are included in the total sign area permitted for a
business in that district.
37 -6
Section 37.51 Freeway Oriented Signs
One (1) additional on -site freestanding sign may be permitted, not to exceed sixty
(60) feet in height or one. hundred (100) square feet of sign area (or up to one
hundred fifty (150) square feet if a conditional use permit is granted by the
Planning Commission) only if the parcel on which the freeway sign is to be located
meets all of the following criteria:
(a) The parcel exceeds twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in land area.
(b) The parcel is within six hundred sixty (660) feet of an off -ramp from U.S.101.
(c) The parcel is occupied by a use which is a permitted use in an HC Highway
Commercial District.
Section 37.52 Master Shopping Center Signs
A master shopping center sign may be permitted in any commercial district, except
the PO Professional Office District, if the shopping center has at least five (5)
distinct commercial business occupants, includes twenty thousand (20,000) square
feet of floor area and occupies at least three (3) acres of land. A master shop-
ping center sign may be either freestanding or wall- mounted and may be permitted in
addition to the maximum area of signing allowed under Section 37.50. Where a mas-
ter shopping center sign is used, freestanding signs for individual businesses will
not be allowed.
(a) The area of a Master Shopping Center sign shall be calculated at the rate of
one (1) square foot of sign area for each parking stall provided for the shop-
ping center up to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet. Only seventy -
five percent (75%) of the area calculated will be permitted at any property
line, with an increase of one percent (1%) for each foot the sign is set back
from the property line, to a maximum of one hundred percent (100%).
(b) The maximum height for a Master Shopping Center sign is fifty (50) feet.
Section 37.53 Professional Office Group Signs
A professional office group sign may be permitted for an office complex which has
at least five (5) distinct office businesses. A professional office group sign may
be either freestanding or wall- mounted, and may be permitted in addition to the
maximum area of signing allowed under Section 37.50, but shall not exceed twenty -
four (24) square feet in area. A freestanding professional office group sign may
be permitted only when no other freestanding sign exists on the site, and shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height.
Section 37.54 Industrial Group Signs
A pair of entryway signs- may be allowed at each of two (2) entrances to any indus-
trial park exceeding one hundred (100) acres of land in an industrial district.
Such signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height or one hundred (100) square feet
of total sign area at each entryway.
37 -7
Section 37.55 Service Station Signs
The following regulations shall apply to all service station signs:
(a) TAe. maximum permissible sign area for all signs for a service station shall be
one hundred (100) square feet, regardless of the zone district in which the
service station is located.
(b) All freestanding signs for a service station shall meet the requirements as
listed in Section 37.50 for the zone in which it is located, except that one
(1) ground sign per station frontage for price display is permitted up to fif-
teen (15) square feet in area. Such ground signs shall not exceed five (5)
feet in height and shall be located so as not to obstruct free and clear vi-
sion of traffic or traffic signs and devices. A freestanding sign may incor-
porate a price sign only where the height of such sign does not exceed five
(5) feet.
(c) Signs advertising items such as batteries, tires and other accessories or
products shall be counted as part of the total sign area allowed.
(d) A maximum of two (2) square feet of signs and information mounted directly to
the top of gasoline pumps will be permitted in addition to the total allowable
sign area.
(e) Gasoline grade and pricing information which is mounted on, and is an integral
part of, a gasoline pump will be permitted in addition to the,allowable sign
area.
Section 37.56 Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Signs
Real estate signs located in commercial or industrial districts shall be non-
illuminated, shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from the property line adja-
cent to a public street, and shall be removed immediately upon sale or lease of the
land or building advertised by the sign, or after one (1) year, whichever occurs
first, unless granted an extension by the Planning Director. Such signs shall meet
the following criteria:
(a) On lots of one (1) acre or less, the maximum sign area shall be eight (8)
square feet and the maximum height shall be four (4) feet.
(b) On lots or a tract of lots over one (1) acre, the maximum sign area shall be
thirty -two (32) square feet and the maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
(c) On lots or a tract of lots totalling over twenty (20) acres, the maximum
sign area shall be seventy -five (75) square feet and the maximum height
shall be ten (10) feet.
37 -8
Section 37.60 Special Sign Permits
For commercial or industrial developments encompassing at least twenty thousand
(20,000) square feet of floor area, five (5) acres of land and at least four (4) uses,
the Planning Director may issue a special sign permit in order to allow voluntary
diversification in the design and location of signs while insuring substantial compli-
ance with the sign regulations contained in this Ordinance if all of the following
findings are made:
(a) All signs and sign structures are related through the use of similar materials,
letter style, color, illumination, method of structural support or attachment,
sign cabinet design, and /or shape so that a related signing pattern is achieved
throughout the development.
(b) The design of the signs is related to the architectural style of buildings within
the development and the character of the surrounding area.
(c) Proportional relationships are achieved among the building surface area and bulk
of sign element areas.
(d) Signs located above the eave line are integral design features of the roof or
building.
(e) The design of freestanding signs incorporates some of the horizontal and vertical
elements of the buildings (i.e. materials, color, design details) located within
the signing area.
(f) The overall sign area is less than would be allowed for the overall project, even
though some signs.might exceed the normally permitted areas.
(g) The overall sign program is aesthetically superior to that which could be provi-
ded under the normal provisions of the sign ordinance.
Section 37.70' Maintenance
Every sign shall be erected as specified in the sign permit. Every sign and all parts
and materials together with the frame, background, supports or anchorage therefore,
shall be maintained in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept
neatly painted and /or posted. Failure to so maintain signs shall constitute a viola-
tion of this Ordinance and removal may be ordered by the Planning Director..
Section 37.80 Amortization
(a) A variance is granted automatically to permit the continuation of the use of any
sign, having a valid City of Gilroy sign permit, which existed immediately prior
to the effective date.of this Ordinance or any amendment to that Ordinance and
was not in violation of any other Ordinance or law.' Such variance shall become
invalid if such sign is abandoned for a period of six (6) months or modified such
that fifty percent (507) of the value of the sign is affected.
(b) A variance for no more.than three (3) years from the.effective date of annexation
to the City of Gilroy is granted automatically to permit the continuation of the
use of any sign, except temporary or portable signs, located on any annexed
parcel of land.
(c) A variance for no more than ninety (90) days from the efftective date of annex-
ation to the City of Gilroy is granted automatically to permit the continuation
of the use of a temporary or portable sign located-on any annexed parcel of land.
37 -9
SECTION 38 - LANDSCAPING AND STREET TREES
Section 38.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section of the Ordinance to establish regulations governing
the provision and maintenance of landscaping and street trees in the City of Gilroy.
Section 38.20 Landscaping Required
Section 38.21 Residential Zones
All multi- family residential developments shall landscape all yard areas required
by this Ordinance (or an equivalent area elsewhere on the site) which are not
specifically used for driveways, walkways, patios or similar purposes. At least
thirty -five percent (35 %) of the required landscaped area shall be designed to be
useable as open recreational area.
Section 38.22 Commercial Zones
All commercial development shall provide landscaping within the areas of the de-
velopment most visible from the adjacent streets. A minimum ten (10) foot wide
planter area shall be provided along each street frontage. At least eight percent
(8x) of the gross land area plus the public right -of -way shall be landscaped, ex-
cept in t2 zones where front and side yard setbacks are not utilized. All por-
tions of a site with over forty (40) square feet of area not specifically used for
parking, driveways, walkways or similar access shall be landscaped. .Landscaped
islands shall be located in parking lots at.the rate of at least fifty (50) square
feet for every twelve (12) stalls, and shall be evenly distributed throughout the
parking area. Planter areas shall be at least five (5) feet wide except in speci-
fic site situations where the Planning Director rules that this width is impracti-
cal.
Section 38.23 Industrial Zones
All industrial developments shall landscape the front and side yard areas adjacent
to streets as required by this Ordinance which are not specifically used for park-
ing, driveways, walkways or similar paved access. Such paved areas shall not ex-
ceed fifty percent (502) of the area of said setbacks. Additional landscaping
shall be required to fully screen exposed storage yards. Planter areas shall be
at least five (5) feet wide except in specific site situations where the Planning
Director .rules that this width is impractical.
Section 38.30 Landscaping Installation and Maintenance Requirements
All landscaping -shall be installed and maintained according to the following minimum
standards:
(a) All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the adopted Landscaping
Policy, and a landscaping plan approved by the Planning Director.
(b) Only healthy, well - formed and vigorous plant materials shall be used.
(c) An irrigation system shall.be provided which will adequately supply water to all
plant materials in all planter areas using water conservation methods where pos-
sible.
(d) Soil amendments shall be used where poor soil conditions exist.
38 -1
(e) All plant materials shall be maintained in a live and healthy condition, and free
of weeds. The developer and owner shall be required to remove weeds and replace
all sick or dead plant materials for a six (6) month period after installation.
Section 38.40 Street Trees
Street trees shall be selected and installed for all new development in accordance
with the following criteria:
(a) A fee, as established from time to time by resolution of the City Council, will
be assessed for required street trees when a building permit is issued.
(b) The species of street tree designated by the Parks and Recreation Department
shall be used. Applicants may request substitution of the designated street tree
if it is not compatible with the proposed landscape plan.
(c) The City will install all street trees in the public right -of -way. Applicants
may plant street trees by obtaining a street tree planting permit from the Parks
and Recreation Department and installing the street trees in accordance with the
requirements of the Parks and Recreation Department.
(d) Deep root planters shall be provided for all street trees in planter areas as
specified in the adopted street tree planting policy.
Section 38.50 Design Features
Landscaping shall be designed to enhance the aesthetic quality of the development by
use of the following design features:
(a) Parking areas shall be screened from adjacent residential areas and streets,
except at driveways and street corners where visibility is needed.
(b) In certain locations, such as around trash enclosures, carports, pool equipment
and electronic transformers, the landscaping shall be designed to provide a vi-
sual screen from these less pleasing features of the development.
(c) Trees shall be provided to shade large paved areas and to screen long building
frontages.
(d) Trees and -shrubs shall�be clustered together, for accent, to form aesthetically
pleasing groups and patterns.
(e) The density. and placement of plants are to be determined by the plant size at ma-
turity. The size of ground cover and shrubs, when installed, shall give enough
coverage for a pleasing appearance in all landscaped areas.
(f) Trees shall-have a minimum fifteen (15) gallon container size.
(g) Drought - resistant plant materials shall be selected when feasible.
(h) Gravel, redwood bark chips and similar material shall not be used as major land-
scaping design features except in children's play areas. These materials may on-
ly be used to cover bare soil between plant materials until the plants fill in at
maturity.
(i) Sturdy raised curbs shall separate all planter areas from driveways and parking
areas where feasible. Wheel stops need not be provided in parking areas where
the front two (2) feet of the planter area is planted with low ground cover to
accommodate the overhang.
(j) Deep root planters must be provided where trees are planted within three (3) feet
of the City pavement or sidewalk.
38 -2
SECTION 39 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
Section 39.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of this Section of the Ordinance is to provide regulations for buildings
which are not main buildings on parcels, and in which the principal use of the land
does not take place.
Section 39.20 Permitted Zones for Accessory Buildings
Accessory buildings as regulated herein are permitted in any district, whether con-
structed at the.same time as the main building on the lot, or subsequently. Accessory
buildings in any commercial or industrial zone shall be built subject to all of the
same restrictions as apply to the main building on the lot.
Section 39.30 Accessory Buildings in Residential Zones
Accessory buildings are permitted in residential zones only when they comply with the
following restrictions:
(a) No accessory building shall be located within three (3) feet of any side or rear
property line.
(b) No accessory building shall encroach upon the required front yard area or be
located within ten (10) feet of the property line along side yard on the street
side of a corner lot.
(c) No more than two (2) accessory buildings shall be permitted on one (1) lot.
(d) Accessory buildings shall not occupy more than thirty percent (30%) of the lot
area; nor shall accessory buildings plus the main buildings on any site occupy
more than the maximum lot coverage, if any, as specified for the district in
which the lot is located.
(e) No accessory building shall be located closer than five (5) feet to any main
building on the same lot. An accessory building may be connected to the main
building by a breezeway which does not exceed five (5) feet in width.
(f) No accessory building shall exceed twenty (20) feet in height, nor shall any
accessory building exceed one (1) story.
(g) Except for guest houses, accessory buildings shall not be used for dwelling pur-
poses. Only one (1) guest house accessory building is permitted on a lot. No
kitchen facilities will be allowed in any accessory building or guest house. An
accessory building which is intended for use as a guest house shall not exceed
six hundred and forty (640) square feet in area, or twenty -five (25 %) of the main
building floor area, whichever is more restrictive. No rent or other compensa-
tion may be paid or received in exchange for the occupancy of a guest house.
39 -1
SECTION 40 HOME OCCUPATION
Section 40.10 Statement of Intent
The intent of the Home Occupation regulations is to allow for the orderly, safe, and
nuisance -.free development of a use or occupation within a dwelling unit which is
clearly incidental and subordinate to the use of the dwelling for residential pur-
poses. It is the intent of these regulations to reduce the impact of a home occupa-
tion to the degree that its effects on the neighborhood are undetectable from normal
and usual residential activity.
Home occupations, as defined by this Section, may be conducted in any residential dis-
trict and agricultural district, provided such occupations are in compliance with the
regulations set forth in this Section and all other standards and regulations pertain-
ing to permitted uses within the zoning district in which the home occupation is lo-
cated.
Section 40.20 Permitted Uses
Any professional or business activity, except those listed in Section 40.40 as not
suitable as a home occupation, is permitted in a dwelling unit as a home occupation
only where such a use in a dwelling unit meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Only the residents occupying the dwelling unit may engage in a home occupation
and not more than two (2) such occupants shall be engaged therein.
(b) A home occupation shall be confined to, and carried on exclusively within, the
main building of the dwelling unit, not within an accessory building.
(c) There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building premises, or
any visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation or any construction
feature or-alteration not of a residential character.
(d) There shall be no show windows, window displays or advertising to attract
customers, clients or the general public to the premises.
(e) There shall be no conduct of a business or office open to.the public.
(f) No materials shall be transported to or from the premises in a commercial
vehicle.
(g) There shall be no generation of pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that
normal to the district.
(h) No products shall be sold on the premises except artist's originals or products
individually made to order on the premises.
(i) No materials or supplies shall be stored out -of- doors. or in any required garage
space.
(j) There shall be'no operational characteristic or effect, including color,
lighting, noise, vibration, electrical disturbance, smoke or odor discernable at
the exterior boundaries of the building site, which would identify the premises
as serving a nonresidential purpose.
(k) A home occupation shall be limited to having only two (2) clients, patients, or
pupils present on the premises at any time; except residential care homes, day
care centers, etc., licensed by the State for care of six (5) or fewer.
40 -1
Section 40.30 Home Occupations Requiring a Conditional Use Permit
The following home occupations may be permitted in a residential zone in accordance
with the conditional use permit which may be issued by the Planning Commission:
(a) Day care centers for more than six (6) children.
(b) Residential care homes licensed by the State for more than six (6) patients.
(c) Any use or occupation which does not meet the criteria set forth in Section 40.20
of this Ordinance.
Section 40.40 Uses Not Permitted as Home Occupations
The following uses shall not be construed to be home occupations:
(a) . Animal hospitals, or the harboring, training, raising or treatment of animals or
birds for commercial purposes;
(b) The repair or reconditioning on the residential site for commercial purposes of
motor vehicles or equipment, boats, or recreation vehicles, or display for sale
of any vehicle.
(c) Beauty parlors, barber shops.
(d) Medical, dental or chiropractic clinics or hospitals.
(e) Uses which entail food handling, processing or packing.
Section 40.50 Non - Conformance to Criteria
Any permitted use or conditional use shall continuously conform to all the criteria
set forth in this Ordinance and in the conditions of the use permit. Any home occupa-
tion in a residential or agricultural district which fails to conform to any of these
criteria or conditions shall immediately cease and all permits, including business li-
cense, shall immediately be null and void.
J
40 -2
SECTION 41 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Section 41.10 Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this Section of the Ordinance to provide general standards which
will protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents of the City of Gilroy from
land uses which would include any dangerous, injurious, noxious, or otherwise objec-
tionable public nuisance.
Section 41.20 General Provisions
No land or building in any zoning district in the City shall be used or occupied in
any manner so as to constitute any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objec-
tionable public nuisance. This would include uses that would create objectionable
nuisance because of fire, explosive or other hazard; noise or vibration; smoke, dust,
odor or any other form of air pollution; glare, heat, cold, dampness; electrical dis-
turbance; radioactivity; liquid or solid refuse and waste or any other form of water
or soil pollution.
Section 41.30 Specific Provisions - Hazardous Material Storage
Any storage of more than fifty -five (55) gallons of any one (1) hazardous material
listed in the City's adopted Hazardous Material. Storage Ordinance shall require issu-
ance of a conditional use permit. Such conditional use permit shall be valid for no
more than one (1) year at a time, but may be renewed on an annual basis by the Plan-
ning Director. .If the Planning Director determines that there have been no known
problems in relation to the storage of hazardous materials on the site, the renewal
may be granted. If the Planning Director determines that there have been such prob-
lems, the use permit-shall become void until or unless the determination is success-
fully appealed or a. new conditional use permit is obtained. In any case, no quantity
greater than fifty -five (55) gallons of any material listed in the City's adopted Ha-
zardous Material Storage Ordinance shall be stored within four hundred (400) feet of
any residential zoning district or water well of the City of Gilroy.
Section 41.40 Enforcement
The owner or operator of each land use to which performance standards apply shall be
responsible for maintaining a continuing level of performance within limits set by the
City Council. .Initial and continued compliance With performance standards prescribed
by the City Council is required of every use in the City and provisions for the en--
forcement.of continued compliance with performance standards shall be invoked by the
Planning Director against any use, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that
performance standards are being violated by such use. When a violation is noticed, a
report shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission for its consideration.
Section 41.50 Planning Commission Action
Upon receipt of the Planning Director's report on a violation of performance stan-
dards, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the matter.
Upon a finding of the Planning Commission that a violation exists or that corrective
action is necessary to prevent the occurrence or the recurrence of a violation, the
operator of the violating facility shall be ordered to cease and desist; and all per-
mits, zoning clearances or any other approvals for the operation shall be voided and
terminated until such time as the corrective action is taken and such action approved
by the Planning Commission.
41 -1
SECTIONS 42 -44
THESE SECTION NUMBERS ARE RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.
42 -1
PART THREE
STANDARD REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
SECTION 45 GENERAL REGULATIONS
Section 45.10 Regulations For All Districts
The following regulations shall apply to all. districts within the City of Gilroy. If
any regulations specified in this Section differ from any of the corresponding regula-
tions specified in another Section, this Section will prevail.
(a) No building permit shall be issued for any use within any district unless all
buildings, layout, parking, and landscaping plans including all signs have been
submitted and approved by the Directors of Planning and Public Works or their
representatives.
(b) In unusual circumstances in specific areas and after a public hearing, the Plan-
ning Commission may by resolution specify more restrictive building line set-
backs, yard regulations, area.regulations, and building height limitations as are
consistent with the use to which the property is to be put, and which will pro-
tect the general character of the neighborhood.
Section 45.20 Annexation of Unzoned Land
Any lands annexed to the City after the effective date of this Ordinance which have
not been prezoned to a particular zoning district shall immediately upon such annexa-
tion be automatically classified as an Al district until another zoning district for
such areas has been adopted by the City Council upon recommendation of the Planning
Commission.
45 -1
SECTION 46 EXCEPTIONS
Section 46.10 Public Service Exceptions
This Ordinance shall not limit or interfere with the temporary use of any property as
a public voting place; or with the construction, ,installation or operation by any pub-
lic agency or private corporation of any power transmission and distribution line, com-
munication facility, or transportation line or conduit; or of any incidental appurten-
ances to any of the above, when located in a street or a utility easement. Nothing in
this Ordinance shall be deemed to prohibit the excavating of natural materials for the
construction of a permitted building an the same lot, and no use permit shall be re-
quired for such excavating.
Section 46.20 Building Site Requirement Exceptions
Even though the width of the area is less than the minimum required by -this Ordinance
for the district, any of the following specified lots or parcels of land may be used
as a building site if all other requirements are met;-provided,.that no more than one
(1) dwelling unit shall be placed upon any such lot or parcel:
(a) Any lot shown on a subdivision recorded prior to the 20th day of September, 1937,
or of record as a separate parcel at the time of annexation to the City.
(b) Any other parcel of land purchased prior to the 20th day of September, 1937, by
the present owner or by a person from whom the. present owner acquired it through
testamentary disposition or intestate succession, where no adjacent land is owned
by the same person.
(c) Any lot or parcel of land, where the deficiency in width or area is due exclusive-
ly to the taking of a portion thereof for a public purpose or the sale of a por-
tion thereof to any agency or political subdivision of the State or Federal Cov-
einment;.provided, that this last stated exception shall not apply to any such lot
or parcel of land having a width' less than thirty (30) feet or an area less than
four thousand (4,000) square feet.
Section 46.30 Lot Coverage Exceptions
In applying the regulations of this Ordinance, the features of a structure as hereinaf-
ter set forth shall not be included as coverage and may project into a required yard
space to the extent specified.
(a) Cornices, canopies, eaves or other projections which do not increase the volume of
space enclosed by'the building. None of these shall_ project into a required yard
more than three (3) feet.
(b) No .lire escape shall project into a required yard more than four (4) feet, six (6)
inches.
(c) An uncovered stair and landing which does not extend above a ground floor entrance
except for the railing. No such stair and landing shall project more than three
(3) feet into a. required yard. No such stair and landing shall extend beyond any
official plan line or future width line established in accordance with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance.
46 -1
I
SECTION 47 TEMPORARY USES
Section 47.10 Temporary Uses
Certain temporary uses of property may be permitted in any district. The permit or
license may be made contingent upon such conditions and time limitations as are rea-
sonably necessary to secure the public welfare. The violation of any such condition
shall be grounds for the revocation of the permit or license. The enforcing officer
may require guarantees to assure removal of the temporary use and of any debris or re-
fuse resultant from the use, so as to restore the premises to the prior condition.
Section 47.20 Temporary Buildings
Temporary buildings and uses incidental to the construction of a building or group of
buildings on the same or adjacent premises, may be permitted in any district, where
the use of such temporary buildings conforms to uses permitted in such zoning dis-
trict.
Section 47.30 Sales Offices
A temporary tract or sales office may be permitted in an R district during the period
of construction or sale of homes in a new subdivision, if located in a dwelling or in
a temporary structure not less than twenty (20) feet from any other.structure. The
office shall be removed and the entire premises shall be restored to conform to the
district regulations within thirty (30) days after the sales for such tract are con-
cluded.
Section 47.40 Outdoor Sales
Outdoor sales involving merchandise for sale displayed on any public right -of -way,
public. street or sidewalk, shall be restricted to four (4) per year per organized
shopping area, and no such sale shall last no more than four (4) days.
Section 47.40: .Other Temporary Uses
Any of the following uses may be permitted, subject to a specific time limit not to
exceed thirty (30) days:
(a) Neighborhood bazaar, exhibition, celebration or festival in any district, when
sponsored by an organized group of residents or tenants in the vicinity.
(b) Booth'for charitable, welfare, civic-or patriotic purposes.
(c) Open -air sale of Christmas trees, except'in residential districts.
.1 d
47 -1
SECTION 48 NON - CONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS
Section 48.10 Criteria
Any use lawfully occupying a building or land at the effective date of this Ordinance
or of subsequent amendments hereto, that does not conform to the regulations for the
district in which it is located shall be deemed to be a nonconforming use and may be
continued, except as otherwise provided herein. Any building lawfully existing at the
effective date of this Ordinance, or of subsequent amendments hereto, that is wholly
or partially used, or designed for use, contrary to the regulations for the district
in which it is located, shall be deemed to be a nonconforming building and may be so
used or continue in such use. Any building for which a permit has been lawfully
granted at the effective date of this Ordinance, or of subsequent amendments to it,
must be completed in accordance with the approved plans; provided, that actual con-
struction is started within two (2) months of the date of issuance of the permit and
diligently executed until its completion. The term "actual construction" for the pur-
poses of this Section is intended and shall be construed to mean the performance of
any work or labor, the effect of which is apparent upon the building site or the pla-
cing of any material thereupon required or reasonably necessary for the construction
of the building. Such building shall thereafter be deemed to be a lawfully existing
non - conforming building.
Section 48.20 Variance Granted Automatically
A variance is granted automatically, hereby, so as to permit the continuation of the
particular existing uses of any building, structure, improvement or premises existing
in the respective zones immediately prior to the time this Ordinance or any amendment
thereof becomes effective if such existing use was not in violation of this or any
other Ordinance or law:
Section 48.21
As used in this Section the word "property" refers only to that portion of the
property actually utilized for the existing use. The word "improvement" does not
include any improvement not a part of the existing use, and such improvement which
is not a part of the existing use shall be disregarded in the construction of this
Section.
Section 48.22
This Section does not authorize the extension, expansion or enlargement of such
existing use., or permit the addition of structures or other facilities in conjunc-
tion with such existing use.
Section 48.23
Such variance shall remain in force and effect for the following length of time,
except that it may be extended or revoked as provided in this Section:
48 -1
(a) Where the property is unimproved; one (1) year.
(b.) Where the property is unimproved except for structures which do not require a
building permit; three (3) years.
(c) In other cases; twenty (20) years, and for such longer times so that the
total life of the improvement from the date of construction will be:
Type II (light noncombustible frame) or type V (wood frame) buildings:
(1) Flats, apartments and double bungalows; thirty (30) years.
(2) Other dwellings; thirty -five (35) years.
(3) Stores and factories; twenty -five (25) years.
Type III (ordinary masonry) or IV (heavy timber construction) buildings:
(1) Apartments, offices, hotels, residences, stores below, apartments above;
forty (40) years.
(2) Stores below, hotel or offices above; forty (40) years.
(3) Warehouses, stores, garages, lofts; forty (40) years.
(4) Factories and industrial; forty (40) years.
Type I buildings (fire resistive):
(1) Apartments and residences; fifty (50) years.
(2) Offices and hotels; fifty (50) years.
(3) Theaters; sixty (60) years.
(4) Warehouses, lofts, stores, garages; fifty (50) years.
(5) Industrial; fifty (50) years.
(References made to building types in this Section are to be interpreted so that
each such building type is defined in the same manner as that same term is defined
in chapter 6, article I of the Gilroy. City Code, adopting a Uniform Building Code.)
Section 48.24
Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to prevent the restoration and resump-
tion of former lawful use of any building that is damaged or partially destroyed by
fire or other calamity, or by act of God or by the public enemy to the extent of
seventy -five percent (75X) or less; provided that such restoration is permitted by
chapter 6 of the Gilroy City Code, and is started within one (1) year after such
damage and diligently prosecuted to completion. A nonconforming building that is
completely destroyed or damaged or partially destroyed in any of the above manners
to a greater extent than above specified, or voluntarily razed or required by law to
be razed, shall not thereafter be restored except in full conformity with all the
provisions of this Ordinance as to building and use. The amount of destruction
shall be calculated by taking seventy -five percent (75X) of the full assessed value
of the improvements destroyed, as such value is shown on the current equalized as-
sessment roll of Santa Clara County.
48 -2
Section 48.25
Whenever a nonconforming use of land or of a building has been changed to a con-
forming use, or discontinued for a continuous period of one (1) year, such use
shall not thereafter be reestablished, and the use of the premises thereafter
shall be in conformity with the regulations for the district. Where no enclosed
building is involved, discontinuance of a nonconforming use for a.perod of six (6)
months shall constitute abandonment.
Section 48.30 Extension
In addition to the other grounds set forth in this Ordinance, an exception which has
been automatically granted under this Section may be extended if the Commission finds
that the nature of the. improvement is such that to require cessation of use would im-
pair the property rights of any person to such an extent as to be an unconstitutional
taking of property.
Section 48.40 Revocation of Automatic Variance
In addition to other grounds stated in this Ordinance a variance which has been automa-
tically granted may be revoked if the Commission finds:
(a) That the condition of the improvements on the property, if any, are such that to
require the property to be used only for those uses permitted in the zone where
It is located would not impair the constitutional rights of any person.
(b) That the nature of the improvements are such that they can be altered so as to be
used in conformity with the uses permitted in the zone in which such property is
located without impairing the constitutional rights of-any person.
Section 48.60 Public Hearing
An automatic variance for an existing use shall be extended, modified or revoked only
after a public hearing held in the manner provided for in Section 51 of this Ordinance.
48 -3
SECTION 49 POWERS OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Section 49.10 Powers of the Zoning Administrator
The Zoning Administrator shall have the power to decide any question involving the in-
terpretation of any provision of this Ordinance and this decision shall be final unless
an appeal is taken to the Planning Commission, as provided in Section 51, and overruled
by a majority vote of the Planning Commission.
Section 49.11 Duties
The duties of the Zoning Administrator shall be undertaken by the Planning Director
of the City of Gilroy.
Section 49.20 Powers of the Planning Commission
The Planning Commission shall have the power to decide any question involving the in-
terpretation of any provision of this Ordinance which is forwarded by the Zoning Ad-
ministrator.. Its decision shall be final unless an appeal is taken to the City Coun-
cil, as provided in Section 51, and overruled by a majority vote of the City Council.
Section 49.21 Interpretation of Uses
Whenever the Planning Director is in doubt as to the classification of a use not
specifically mentioned in this Ordinance, the determination shall be made by the
Planning Commission. The referral shall include a detailed description of the pro-
posed use and such other information as may be required.
Section 49.22 Other Policies, Rules and Regulations
The Planning Commission shall have authority to establish from time to time such
policies, rules and regulations not in conflict with other laws as it may deem
necessary to assure the proper administration and enforcement of this Ordinance.
49 -1
SECTION 50 PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS
Section 50.10 Designation
The Planning Department shall be responsible for creating, distributing, accepting,
processing and filing applications for the following:
(a) Variances.
(b) Conditional Use Permits.
(c) Architectural and Site Approval.
(d) Planned Unit Development Approval.
(e) Residential Development.Approval.
(£) Zoning Ordinance and or Zoning Map amendments (See Section 52).
Section 50.20 Variances
Section 50.21 Major Variances
The Planning Commission shall receive, investigate, hear and take action upon ev-
ery application for a'major variance from the strict application of any of the
provisions of this Ordinance. It shall approve only such variances as are in har-
mony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance and in accordance
with the specific regulations hereinafter set forth.
(a) A major variance shall be approved only when the strict and literal interpre-
tation of the regulations in the particular case would involve practical dif-
ficulties or unnecessary hardship, and only to the extent necessary to over-
come .such difficulties or unnecessary hardship. -
(b) The Commission.shall hold a public hearing on each application for a major
variance as provided'in Section 51.
(c) A major variance, in whole or-in part, or subject to conditions may be ap-
proved by the Commission, if from the information presented in the applica-
tion or at the hearing it appears, and the Commission finds all of the fol-
lowing:
(1) That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applying to
the property involved or to the proposed use.
(2) That because of such exceptional or extraordinary circumstances, the li-
teral enforcement of specified provisions of this Ordinance would result
in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship such as to deprive the
applicant of a substantial property right possessed by other owners of
property in the same class or district.
(3) That the allowance of the variance will not, under the circumstances of
the particular case, be materially_ detrimental to the public welfare or
materially injurious to persons or property in the vicinity.
(4) That the results of allowing the variances as specified will be in har-
mony with the general intent of the Zoning Ordinance.
50--1
(d) In approving a major variance, the Commission shall specify the character and
extent thereof. A variance may be made conditional and it may be made valid
for a specified time period. One of such conditions may be the requirement
of suitable guarantees to secure compliance and to protect the public health,
safety, convenience and general welfare. Once any portion of a variance is
utilized all such conditions and specifications shall be immediately opera-
tive, and the violation of any of them shall constitute a violation of the
Ordinance.
Section 50.22 Minor deviations
Where an application is being made for a building permit for the construction or
installation of a building or structure which is prohibited unless there first be
obtained a variance in the setback, yard, parking or building site area require-
ments applicable to such building or structure, the applicant for such building
permit may file with the Zoning Administrator an application for such variance.
The application for the variance shall be made on a form supplied by the Zoning
Administrator and shall be set forth or be accompanied by such information and ev-
idence as the Zoning Administrator shall require, including the evidence required
by Section 50.21 of this Ordinance, and may include or be accompanied by a written
consent to the granting of the variance signed by the owner or owners of each lot
or'parcel adjoining the site of the proposed building or structure and the owner
or owners of land across any street from such site. At the time of filing such
application for a minor deviation from this Ordinance, the applicant shall pay any
fee which may be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council.
Upon receipt of an application. for a variance filed pursuant to this Section, and
after determining that the requirements of Section 50.21 of the Ordinance have
been met and that the size, shape, topography, or location of said site, or the
location of existing buildings, or other conditions cause compliance with the
applicable setback, yard or building site area requirements impossible without
practical difficulty or hardship, the Zoning Administrator may without notice or
hearing, approve the application for the building permit and such approval shall
constitute the granting of a variance with respect to the building-or-structure
for which the application for building permit is'made; provided however, the Zon-
ing Administrator sha11 not give any such approval which constitutes the granting
of a reduction in excess of twenty -five percent (25X) of the applicable setback,
yard or building site area requirements or up to four (4) stalls of the parking
requirements. The Zoning Administrator shall give notice of all such approvals of
minor deviations to the Planning Commission.
In the event the Zoning Administrator declines to grant a variance requested pur-
suant to this Section, the applicant may file with the Planning Commission an
application, with full fees, for a standard variance pursuant to the provisions of
Section 50.21 of this Ordinance.
Section 50.30 Conditional Use Permits
Section 50.31 Issuance
The term-conditional use shall include every use.or occupancy of a structure, or a
use of land, listed in this Ordinance as permitted upon issuance of a use permit
and not otherwise. No use permit for a use in -any district which is listed in the
50 -2
district regulations as a conditional use for that- class of district shall be au-
thorized except in accordance with the following regulations. Every such use is
declared to possess characteristics such as to require, in pursuance of the gener-
al intent of this Ordinance, special review and appraisal in each instance.
Section 50.32 Application
The Planning Commission shall receive, investigate, hear and decide upon every ap-
plication for a conditional use and after the hearing shall approve the issuance
of a use permit therefor only if the evidence presented at the hearing is such as
to establish:
(a) That the proposed use is properly located in relation to the General Plan and
to the community as a whole and to other land uses and to transportation and
service facilities in the vicinity.
(b) That the proposed use, if it complies with all conditions, upon which approv-
al is made contingent, will not adversely affect other property in the vicin-
ity, or cause any damage, hazard or nuisance to persons or property.
Section 50.33 Planning Commission Conditions
The Commission may provide.that. issuance of the use permit shall be contingent
upon acceptance and observance of specified conditions, including but not limited
to the following matters:
(a) Conformity to plans and drawings submitted with the application.
(b) Special yards, open spaces, buffer strips, walls, fences, concealing hedges,
landscaping.
(c) Performance characteristics, related to the emission of noise, vibration and
other potentially dangerous or objectionable elements.
(d) Limits on time of day for the conduct of specified activities.
(e) Guarantees as to compliance with the terms of the approval.
Section 50.34 Reapplication
The Commission may receive applications, subject to the same regulations and pro-
cedures as those which apply to new conditional uses, to modify or waive any con-
dition imposed by it in authorizing the issuance of a use permit, or set forth in
a prior use permit continued in effect by the provisions of paragraph 50.35 of
this Section. After the hearing, it may modify or waive any such conditions, if
it finds that such change or waiver is necessary for the preservation of a sub-
stantial property right of the applicant or to avoid practical difficulties or un-
necessary hardship, and would be consistent with the intent of this Ordinance.
50 -3
Section 50.35 Expiration
Wherever a use for which approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission, or
by the Council on appeal, is required, or a use classified and listed herein as a
conditional use in the district, lawfully exists at the effective date of this
Ordinance, then such use, as long as it remains the same, shall be deemed to be an
authorized and lawfully permitted use without further action. Whenever any such
use, or any use hereafter authorized as a conditional use, is discontinued for one
(1) year, such use shall not be re- established unless it is authorized under new
proceedings.
Section 50.36 Additional Uses Permitted
The Commission may, after a public hearing, permit the following uses in districts
from which they are prohibited by this Ordinance where such uses are deemed essen-
tial or desirable to the public convenience or welfare, and are in harmony with
the various elements or objectives of the comprehensive General Plan. A notice of
such public hearing shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Section 51
of this Ordinance:
(a) Airport or aircraft landing field.
(b) Cemetery.
(c) Columbarium, crematory or mausoleum.
(d) Day nursery.
(e) Development of natural resources together with the necessary buildings,
apparatus.:or appurtenances incident thereto.
(f) Educational institution operated by a nonprofit or governmental entity.
(g) Government. enterprises (Federal, State and local).
(h) Hospital:
(i) Library or museum operated by a nonprofit or governmental entity.
(j) Park, playground or recreational community center.
(k) Private club, fraternity house, sorority house, union hall (but not including
a hiring hall), senior citizen center.
(1) Radio or television transmitter, scientific or educational research center,
public utility facility.
Section 50.40 Architectural and Site Approval
The intent of architectural and site approval is to maintain the character and integ-
rity of the neighborhood by promoting excellence of development, preventing undue
traffic hazards or congestion, and encouraging the most-appropriate development and
use of land in harmony with the neighborhood and in accordance with the General Plan.
Section 50.41 Review
The Planning Director shall review and decide applications for architectural and
site approval, and shall be bound by any uniform standards adopted by City Council
or Planning Commission relating to the intent, scope or review, of requirements of
architectural and site approval. The Planning Director shall review and may issue
architectual and site approval for the following uses:
50 -4
(a) Construction or major remodeling of structures in an industrial, commercial,
professional office, public facilities or open space zone. (Major remodeling
includes any structurally separate building additions or alterations within
any twelve (12) month period exceeding fifty percent (50 %) of the value of the
existing building; value to be determined by the City Building Department).
(b) Residential developments having two (2) or more total units on a parcel.
(c) Relocated or moved buildings.
Any other remodelings, except as indicated above, shall be exempt from architecture
and site approval. A building permit shall not be issued until architectural and
site approval is obtained from the Planning Director or the Planning Commission, if
appealed.
Section 50.42 Filing of Application
Applications for architectural and site approval shall be filed with the Planning
Department. The department shall prescribe the form and content of the applica-
tion. A site development plan and architectural design drawings shall accompany
the application. Tf development is to be carried out in stages, each stage shall
be shown on a master plan of development.
Section 50.43 Fees
For the purpose of partially defraying the expense involved in connection with an
application, a filing fee as established from time to time by resolution of the
City Council shall be required. No fee shall be required if an architectural and
site approval report is required as a condition of issuance of a use permit or a
variance.
Section 50.44 Scope of Review
The Planning Director shall review the application to insure that the development
addresses and adequately meets requirements for the following:
(a) Traffic safety and efficiency.
(1) Traffic volume and conditions on abutting -or access streets.
(2) Street improvements, including lighting.
(3) Circulation patterns within the development, including the locations and
dimensions of vehicular and pedestrian entrances, exits, drives, walkways,
buildings and other related facilities.
(4) Adequacy of off - street parking.
(5) Surfacing, lighting and landscaping of off - street parking facilities.
(6) Location, quantity, height of materials, and shape of landscaped areas.
(7) Adequacy, location, arrangement and dimensions of truck loading and
unloading facilities.
50 -5
Section 50.45 Conditions
The granting of architectural and site approval may include such conditions as the
Planning Director deems reasonable and necessary under the circumstances to carry
out the requirements of the zoning district and the intent of architectural and
site approval, and to insure that the development will meet the requirements enum-
erated in Section 50.44. The following conditions shall be standard on all arch-
itectural and site approvals:
1. Landscaping: Landscaping plans including specifications for an irrigation
system shall be approved by the Planning Director in accordance.with the
adopted Landscaping,Policy, prior to issuance of a building permit. The land-
scaping shall be continuously maintained in an orderly, live, healthy, and
relatively weed -free condition, in accordance with the adopted Landscaping
Policy and the-approved specific landscape plan.
2. Trash Enclosures: All trash enclosures shall consist of visually solid fences
and gates, six (6) feet in height, in accordance with the adopted City of Gil-
roy standard trash enclosure design plan, or a similar design approved by the
Planning Director. A11 trash enclosures shall be located in accordance with
the approved site plan and fire regulations.
3. Exterior Lighting: No unobstructed beam of exterior lighting shall be direct-
ed outward from the site toward any residential use or public right -of --way.
4. Mechanical Appurtenances: Mechanical equipment to be located on.the roof of a
building shall be screened by an architectural feature of the building such
that it cannot be seen from ground level at the far side of the adjacent pub-
lic right-of-way, whenever possible.
Other conditions may include, but-are not limited to, conditions regarding alto
planning, architecture, engineering, landscaping, street dedication, flood control
and drainage, street drainage and flood control improvements, building setbacks,
off - street parking, off - street loading, outdoor advertising, street lighting, sur-
vey of property, fire protection, excavation, grading, sewage diepoealt water sup-
ply, geological engineering, and environmental concerns.
Such conditions may also include the execution of a land development agroomont
with the City. to fulfill the conditions of architectural and site approval within
a specified period of time. Said agreement may be secured by a good and auffi-
cient 'improvement security. A liability insurance policy in amounts and form may
be required.
i
i
50-7
(b)
Outdoor advertising and signs:
(1)
Potential traffic hazards.
(2)
Appearance.
(3)
Harmony with adjacent development.
(4)
Favorable image of the City.
(5)
Number, area, bulk, shape, height, location, separation, clearance,
projection, illumination, color and landscaping of such signs.
(c)
Site development:
(1)
Physical characteristics of the site.
(2)
Existing and proposed easements.
(3)
Appearance and harmony of buildings with adjacent development, the
character of the neighborhood, and existing and projected public
improvements.
(4)
Location, appearance and orientation of structures, open spaces and
activities.
(5)
Determination of boundaries, building setbacks and uses intended.
(d)
Landscaping:
(1)
Harmony with adjacent development.
(2)
Concealment of storage areas, utility installations, or other unsightly
development.
(3)
Quantity, location, height and materials of walls and fences, hedges,
screen planting and landscaped areas.
(4)
Planting of ground cover or other surfacing to prevent erosion and reduce
dust.
(5)
Unnecessary destruction of healthy trees.
(6)
Facilities and methods of insuring continued maintenance of landscaping.
(e)
Drainage and flood control and health .standards:
(1)
Effect on flood control and storm and surface water drainage facilities.
(2) Additional flood control and drainage improvements required.
(3) Minimum health standards.
(f) fire protection:
(1) Additional fire protection improvements required.
(2) Location, number and type of such improvements.
(3)- Adequacy- of the wat -er supply for fire- protec-tun' -- purposes:
(g) Environmental impacts:
(1) Impact on the air, water and soil conditions.
(2) Impact on animal and plant life.
The Planning Director may request any information including maps, impact reports,
design criteria, deemed necessary to evaluate the application.
50 -6
Secton 50.46 Inspection Prior to Use and Occupancy
The conditions of an architectural and site approval may prohibit a building,
structure or land use to be occupied until an inspection has been made and it is
found that the building, structure or land use complies with all the conditions
required to be completed prior to occupancy. If a building permit is issued for a
building or structure which is subject to an architectural and site approval, the
Building Inspector shall not approve a final inspection of such building or struc-
ture until the Planning Director or an authorized representative has inspected the
building or structure and approved the use and occupancy.
Section 50.47 Notification of Approval
Upon the grant-of an architectural and site approval, the Planning Department
shall prepare and deliver a letter of approval with any conditions attached there-
to to the applicant. The Planning Director shall report to the Planning Commis-
sion of all approvals and disapprovals.
Section 50.48 Terms of Approval
.(a) Time Limits
If any development for which architectural and' site approval has been granted
'is not established within one (1) year from the date of notification of ap-
proval, the approval shall be deemed automatically revoked. Upon application,
an extension of time may be granted by the Planning Director.
(b) Transfer
Architectural and site approval shall be deemed revoked if the use for which
the approval is granted is changed unless, upon application to the Planning
Director, the approval is transferred. The Planning Director shall transfer
the approval to the new use if the previous approval meets the requirements of
this Section for the changed use. If the Planning Director does not reissue
the approval, a new application must be filed.
(c) Conformance to Approval
Development for which architectural and site approval has been granted shall
conform to the approval and any conditions attached thereto.
50 -8
(d) Modification
Upon request of the applicant, modification of the approved plan, which meet
the requirements of this Section, may be made by the Planning Director.
(e) Appeal
The applicant, if not satisfied with the terms and conditions of approval or a
denial from the Planning Director, may appeal such decision, in writing, to
the Planning Commission, within fifteen (15) days of the Planning Director's
determination.
Section 50.50 Planned Unit Development Approval
Section 50.51 Development Approval Required
If a parcel is located in a planned unit development (PUD) combining district as
provided in Section 26, a building permit shall not be issued for any development,
or part thereof, until the Planning Commission and City Council have approved
such development as herein provided. A planned unit development shall be defined
as:
(a) Land which is planned and developed as a whole.
(b) A single development operation or a definitely programmed series of
development operations, including all lands and buildings.
(c) Including principal and accessory structures and uses substantially related
to the character of the surrounding district.
(d) A program of comprehensive and detailed plans which will include all site and
architectural design plans.
(e) A program that should include the operation and maintenance of such areas and
facilities that will be for common use and benefit -by some or all of the
occupants of the .development, but in most cases not to be provided, operated
or maintained at the general expense of the City of Gilroy.
Section 50.52 Application Procedures
Any applications for approval of planned unit development design shall be on a
form prescribed for this purpose by the City of Gilroy, and shall be accompanied
by a development plan showing the use or uses, dimensions and locations of pro-
posed structures, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, parking, public uses, and
landscaping and open space. Additional architectural drawings and sketches illus-
trating the character of the proposed design shall also be included. In addition,
a geological soil investigation and report shall be required as described in Sec-
tion 24.61, if the proposed development is-in an RH district. Such other pertin-
ent information-shall be included as may be required by the Commission.
Section 50.53 Application Fees
Any application for planned unit development approval shall be accompanied by a
fee to be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council.
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Section 50.56 Building Permit
Following the approval of a planned unit development (PUD), the Chief Building In-
spector shall issue a building permit and shall insure the development is under-
taken and completed in conformance with the approved plans. The approval for a
planned unit development shall be valid for one (1) year. An extension for an
additional year may be requested from the City Council.
Section 50.57 Violations and Revocation of Approval
Planned unit development (PUD) approval may be revoked in any case where any of
the conditions of approval have not been complied with. In such cases, the Chief
Building Inspector shall require all work to cease. Within thirty (30) days after
said order to cease work, the Planning Director shall forward a copy of the find-
ings of such violation to the Planning Commission for hearing. The applicant
shall also be sent notice at least ten (10) days prior -to the date of such hear-
ing. If the Planning Commission finds that a violation has occurred, the Planning
Commission shall require abatement or removal of the violation. The services of
any qualified experts, employed by the City to advise in establishing a violation,
and all costs of abatement or removal including reasonable attorney fees, shall be
paid by the violator if said violation is established. If the violation is not
established, the City shall pay -said costs.
Section 50.58 Revisions
After final building permits are issued, proposed modifications to the approved
planned unit development (PUD) -shall be referred to the Planning Director, who may
approve the proposed modifications only if they are in substantial conformance
with the conditions of approval and conform to the requirements of the underlying
zoning district. If found to be significantly out of conformance, no revisions of
the original terms of approval shall occur unless the applicant reapplies for ap-
proval of the modified planned unit development to the Planning Commission and
such approval is granted by the City Council.
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Section 50.54 Public Hearings and Development Approval
The Planning Commission shall review each planned unit development (PUD) applica-
tion upon receipt of the design review report from the Planning Director. The
Commission may deny the application, or recommend to the City Council that approv-
al be granted as submitted, or granted subject to various conditions. Within
thirty (30) days of the receipt of the recommendation for approval from the Plan-
ning Commission, or appeal of a denial by the Planning Commission, the City Coun-
cil shall review the application. The City Council shall consider the report of
the Planning Commission but shall not be bound thereby. Upon the close of the
hearing, the City Council may deny, grant approval as submitted, or grant approval
subject to such conditions as it deems necessary (in addition to or other than,
those recommended by the Planning Commission). Any planned unit development, as
authorized, shall be subject to all conditions of approval, and shall.be excepted
from regulations of the base zone designation only to the extent specified in the
approved plans.
Section 50.55 Necessary Findings
In order to grant planned unit development (PUD) approval, the Council must make
the. following findings, that the proposed planned unit development shall:
(a) Conform to the Gilroy General Plan in terms of general location and standards
of development.
(b) Provide. the type of development which will fill a specific need of the
surrounding area.
(c) Not require urban services beyond those which are currently available.
(d) Provide a harmonious, integrated plan which justifies exceptions, if such are
required, to the normal requirements of this Ordinance.
(e) Reflect an economical and efficient pattern of land uses.
(f) Include greater provisions for landscaping and open space than would
generally be required.
(g) Utilize aesthetic design principles to create attractive buildings and open
areas which blend with the character of surrounding areas.
(h) Not create traffic congestion, noise, odor, or other adverse effects on
surrounding areas.
(i) Provide adequate access, parking, landscaping, trash areas and storage, as
necessary.
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Section 50.60 Residential Development
Section 50.61 Statement of Intent
(a) Encourage a rate of growth which will not exceed the City's ability to
provide adequate and efficient public services (including sewer, water,
police, fire, streets, parks, general administration, etc.) or the ability of
the local economy to support such growth.
(b) Maintain and improve the quality of the environment considering the City's
natural setting, including hillsides, water courses, viable agricultural/
open lands, recreational, historic and scenic areas.
(c) Provide and maintain a balanced community with adequate housing to meet the
needs of local employment and residents.
(d) Provide and maintain an appropriate share of the regional need for housing.
(e) Provide and maintain housing programs and activities to enable the City to
meet the needs of all economic segments of the community.
(f) Provide and maintain a sound economic base for the City.
Section 50.62 Application
(a) The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all residential development
proposed to be constructed within the City of .Gilroy, except for those resi-
dential developments specifically listed as exempt in Paragraph (b) following.
(b) The following types of residential projects are exempted from the provisions
of this Section. Such projects, however, shall be processed. in accordance
with this and all other applicable ordinances and regulations.
(1) A single family dwelling unit to be built upon a single parcel of record
.owned by an individual is exempt. Single family lots in an approved
subdivision shall receive building permits -in accordance with the as-
signed*build -out schedule. Upon expiration of any such build -out sched-
ule, up to four (4) single family parcels owned by one (1) individual or
entity shall be exempt from the build -out schedule and from the require-
ments of this Ordinance. Where more than four (4) lots in one (1) subdi-
vision are purchased by one (1) individual or entity, a new build -out
schedule assignment shall be requested by such new owner.
(2) Replacement dwellings of substandard dwelling units are exempt. The
number of exempted new dwelling units shall not exceed by more than four
(4) dwelling units, the number of dwelling units removed for such replace-
ment on any parcel. Relocation of dwelling units existing within Gilroy
to another site shall be exempt.
(3) Projects containing four (4) or fewer dwelling units, four (4) or fewer
single family residential lots, or subdivisions of land into four (4) or
fewer parcels are exempt. An applicant who, within any three (3) year
period, groups contiguous parcels .which would result in development of a
series of projects having more than four (4) total parcels shall not be
exempt from.the requirements of this Ordinance.
(4) A residential development project sponsored and funded by government agen-
cies is exempt if the project is approved by a referendum vote, or the
project consists of twenty (20) units or less and the project is specifi-
cally approved for exemption by the City Council..
(5) A residential development project with an expired build -out schedule pre -
viously assigned under the provisions of this Section is exempt if all
necessary public improvements have been 'constructed and accepted by the
City of Gilroy, and at least four (4) units of the approved build -out have
been built and granted occupancy.
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Section 50.63 Annual Numerical Limits
(a) Criteria for Setting Numerical Limits
Once each year, the City Council shall, after considering economic, public
service, environmental, housing, and other studies relevant to the residen-
tial development program, determine the maximum number of dwelling units
which may be issued building permits, consistent with the purpose and intent
of this Ordinance as set forth in Section 50.61. In setting the Numerical
Limits, the City Council shall also consider the number of units previously
Issued permits under assigned build -out schedules and units previously per-
mitted as exceptions to this Ordinance. The numerical limit established by
the City Council shall provide for an adequate number of dwelling units to
meet or exceed the City's regional need for housing as established by State
of California requirements. Said Numerical Limits shall be set in accordance
with the procedures of Paragraph (b), following. The Numerical Limits shall
be expressed as the total number of dwelling units, for projects not exempted
by Section 50.62(b), which may be permitted in a specified calendar year.
(b) Procedure for Setting Numerical Limits:
(1) At the first regular meeting of the City Council in April of each year,
the City Council shall adopt a resolution setting the Numerical Limits
for each of the three (3) subsequent calendar years. Consideration and
adoption of the Numerical Limits shall be done at a duly--noticed public
hearing. If necessary, due to lack of time, the City Council may con-
tinue the public hearing to the subsequent meeting. Said resolution
shall set forth the findings supporting the determination of the Numeri-
cal Limits.
(2) The Numerical Limits adopted each year shall cover the succeeding three
(3) years. -At each subsequent yearly setting of Numerical Limits, the
following two (2) year limits may be adjusted and set, and a new third
year limit shall be established.
(3) At any time during the year, the City Council may adopt a resolution
permitting a special exception to the assigned-build-out schedule or to
the Numerical Limit for that calendar year only. Such a special excep-
tion to the build -out schedule or the Numerical Limit for any calendar
year shall be approved only when the City Council finds and determines
that a major industry has a firm commitment to locate within the City of
Gilroy and, that this major industry would not, however, be able to lo-
cate in Gilroy because the current Numerical Limit on residential dwell -
ings would be clearly insufficient for its.employees' housing needs.
Prior to approving such a special exception to the build -out schedule or
the Numerical Limit, the Council must set forth findings and determine
that the special exception will not adversely affect the City's ability
to provide services.
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Section 50.64 Residential Development Application Procedures
(a) All applications for Residential Development Review shall be submitted
to the City of Gilroy, Department of Planning from the first day of May
through the first day of July each year. The Department of Planning
shall accept only those applications for residential development of land
within the Gilroy City Limits, Gilroy Urban Service Area, or land imme-
diately contiguous to the Urban Service Area.
(b) Each request for Residential Development Review shall contain all infor-
mation and fees requested on the Residential Development application
forms. All applicants will be notified as to the completeness of their
applications and whether or not additional information is required.
(c) Application fees for Residential Development Review shall be established
from time to time by resolution of the City Council.
(d) Applicants may withdraw their application for Residential Development
Review at any time during the process. If an application is withdrawn
within ten (10) days after the filing deadline, all fees submitted with
such application, except those collected for environmental assessment,
will be refunded to the applicant.
(e) Tentative Maps for residential subdivisions and residential Planned Unit
Development (PUD) applications.shall not be accepted by the Department
of Planning until after the Residential Development application has been
rated by both the Planning Commission and City Council under the compet-
itive evaluation in accordance with the project rating scale and proce-
dures set forth in Sections 50.65 and 50.66 following, and assigned a
build -out schedule.
Section 50.65 Project Rating Scale
The competitive evaluation of proposed residential development projects shall be
based upon point scores assigned in accordance with the Project Rating Scale which
shall be adopted from time to time by resolution of the City Council.
Section 50.66 Competitive Evaluation and Ranking Procedures
(a) At a legally noticed public hearing, the Planning Commission shall review and
assign a point score to each properly submitted Residential Development Pro-
ject in accordance with the Project Rating Scale.
(b) The Planning Commission shall also competitively evaluate each Residential
Development Project and establish a ranking for.each Residential Project
based upon its assigned point score.- A build -out schedule shall be recom-
mended only for those projects which the Planning Commission determines can
be permitted within the Numerical Limit.
(c) The Planning.Commission shall also take action recommending denial of all ap-
plications submitted for any residential development project which will not
receive a build =out schedule within the Numerical Limit established by the
City Council. The Planning Commission may also recommend denial of any ap-
plication which they determine to be inappropriate, regardless of whether or
not the Numerical Limit is fully allocated.
50 -14
(d) The City Council shall review the point scores, rankings, and recommended
build -out schedules established by the Planning Commission and may affirm or
modify the determination of the Planning Commission. The City Council shall,
at the same meeting, hear any appeals from the decision of the Planning Com-
mission.
(e) The maximum Numerical Limit for any year need not be fully allocated.
(f) Build -out schedules shall not be assigned for more than three (3) years, nor
shall any individual project be assigned more than twenty -five percent (25 %)
of the Numerical Limit for each year of the build -out schedule. Any building
permits not issued in the assigned calendar year will automatically extend
the build -out, for each project, for one (1) year following the final year of
the build -out schedule. The City Council may grant only one (1) additional
one (1) year build -out schedule extension for each project, only if the City
Council finds that the lack of progress is due to a situation beyond the con-
trol of the developer. A build -out schedule must expire before a new appli-
cation for the annual competition can be accepted for those same specific
dwelling units.
(g) The Planning Director shall review, prior to-issuance of a building permit,
each residential development proposal for conformance with the approved
plans, and may require such other conditions as authorized by Section 50.40.
Any significant modifications from the approved plans for development project
shall obtain City Council approval prior.to issuance of a building permit.
In approving modifications to a project the City Council must find that the
proposed modification to any such project constitutes a substantial improve-
ment over the approved plans for which a build -out schedule had been as-
signed.
50 -15
I
SECTION 51 APPLICATION REVIEW PROCEDURES
Section 51.10 Applications
Section 51.11 Application Procedure
Conditional use permits and variances may be initiated by:
(a) The verified application of all owners of the subject property or by a pur-
chaser or lessee of the property, and the application shall set forth fully
the grounds for and the facts to justify the request.
(b) Motion of the Planning Commission or City Council.
Section 51.12 Application Forms
The Planning Director shall prescribe the form on which all applications are made.
He shall prepare and provide forms for such purpose and may. prescribe the type of
information to be provided in the application by the applicant. No application
shall be accepted unless it complies with such requirements.
Section 51.13 Signatures
If signatures of persons other than the owners of property making the application
are required or offered in support of, or in opposition to, an application, they
may be received as evidence of notice having been served upon them of the pending
application, or as evidence of their opinion on.the pending issue, but they shall
in no case infringe upon the free exercise of the powers vested in the City of
Gilroy as represented by the Planning Commission and City Council.
$ection 51.14 Permanent Record
All applications filed pursuant to this Ordinance shall be numbered consecutively
in the order of their filing, and shall become a part of the permanent records of
the Department of Planning; and -there shall be attached thereto and permarienfly
filed therewith copies of all notices and actions with certificates and affidavits
of posting, mailing or publications pertaining thereto.
Section 51.20, Filing Fees
The filing fees for applications under this Zoning Ordinance shall be paid upon the
filing of any application in the amounts.as *nay be specified from time to time by City
Council resolution. The Planning Director may waive fee requirements for legitimate,
community- based, non - profit organizations.
Section 51.30 Public Hearing
Section 51.31 Setting-of Hearing
All applications described in Section 51.11 shall be set by the Planning Director
for public hearing when such hearings are, to be held before the Planning Commis-
sion, and by the Clerk of the City Council for hearings to be held before the City
Council. The date of the hearings shall not be less than ten (10) days from the
time of filing of the application, or the adoption of a resolution of intention,
or a minute order.
51 -1
Section 51.32 Notices
Notices of time and place of public hearing shall be given in the following
manner:
(a) Notice of any public hearing shall be given by at least one (1) publication
in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Gilroy not less than ten
(10) days before the date of said public hearing; and,
(b) A written notice (except for amending, supplementing or changing the text of
the Zoning Ordinance) shall be mailed not less than ten (10) days prior to
the date of such hearing to the owners of the property within a radius of
three hundred (300) feet of the exterior boundaries of the property to be
changed, using for this purpose the last known name and address of such
owners as are shown in the County Assessor's books on file in the County
Assessor's office of the County of Santa Clara, State of California; or,
(c) The Planning Commission may in special circumstances by minute order cause
notices to be conspicuously posted upon the property to be changed, at least
ten (10) days prior to date of hearing. Such notice shall be printed with a
heading reading "Notice of hearing in letters not less than one
(1) inch in height.
Section 51.33 Required Wording of Notices
Public notice of hearings on any application shall consist of the words "Notice of
hearing ", setting forth the type of application, the description of
the property under consideration, the nature of proposed change or use, and the
time and place at which the public hearing or hearings on the matter will be
held.
Section 51.34 Permanent Files Shall Include Summary of Testimony
A summary of all pertinent testimony offered at public hearings held in connection
with an application filed pursuant to this Ordinance, and the names of persons
testifying at the Planning Commission or City Council hearings, shall be made a
part of the permanent case files.
Section 51.40 Planning Commission Decision and Findings
Section 51.41 Action
The Planning Commission, following the termination of the public hearing, shall:
(a) Not later than its following meeting date, unless this time limit is extended
by agreement of the parties having an interest in the proceedings, announce
its decision to approve or disapprove the application by resolution which
shall clearly state the facts and reasons for the.decision rendered and any
conditions or limitations imposed.
51 -2
J
(b) Within fifteen (15) days after adoption of said resolution, whether the ap-
plication is approved or disapproved, notify the applicant by forwarding
through the mails a copy of the resolution to the address on the application,
and to any other. person who has filed a written request for such notifica-
tion.
Section 51.42 Effective Date
The order of the Planning Commission in approving or disapproving a conditional
use permit, or variance shall become final and effective twenty (20) days after
the rendering of its decision, unless within such twenty (20) day period an appeal
in writing is filed.
Section 51.50 Appeal Procedure
Anyone so desiring may appeal the decision of the Planning Commission to the City
Council by written request to the City Clerk within twenty (20) days, after adoption
of the resolution by the Planning Commission. The City Council within the same twenty
(20) days, may also in either a regular or special meeting initiate such appeal by mo-
tion. Upon being notified of such appeal by the Clerk of the City Council, the Plan-
ning Director shall immediately transmit to the City Clerk the complete case file.
Section 51.50 City Council Public Hearing
Consideration of an appeal of the Planning Commission decision on a conditional use
permit, or variance shall be by public hearing. Notices shall be mailed pursuant to
the provisions of Section 50.32(b) of this Ordinance, and the hearing shall be held
within thirty (30) days of the filing or initiation of-such appeal. The City Council
may, because of a desire for additional information, or due to the submission of sig-
nificant new material or evidence when considering an appeal, refer the matter back to
the Planning Commission for further study and report.
Section 51.70 City Council Decision and Findings
The City Council, following the termination of the .public hearing, shall:
(a) Within thirty (30) days, announce its decision to approve, modify or disapprove
the application by resolution which shall clearly state the facts and reasons
for the decision rendered and any condition or limitations imposed.
(b) Within fifteen (15) days after the City Council. adopts the resolution stating
whether the application is approved or disapproved, notify the applicant by
forwarding through the mails a copy of the resolution to the address on the
application, and to any other person who has .filed a written request for such
notification.
(c) Attach a copy-of the resolution to the case file and return the complete file to
the Planning Department.
Action by the City Council on an appeal for a site development plan, a conditional use
permit or variance shall be final..
51 -3
Section 51.80 Revocation
The Planning Commission may, after having given notice to the complainant and permit -
tee and after hearing, revoke or modify any permit or variance for which an approval
was granted was exercised so as to be detrimental to the public health and safety or
so as to constitute a nuisance. Any approval granted by the Planning Commission or
the City Council shall be immediately null and void if any of the following exists:
(a) The approval was obtained by fraud or incorrect information.
(b) The use for which such approval was granted is not being exercised.
(c) The use for which such approval was granted has ceased to exist or has been sus-
pended for one (1) year or more.
(d) The plan, permit or variance granted is being, or recently has been, exercised
contrary to the terms or conditions of such approval, or in violation of any
statute, ordinance, law or regulation.
Section 51.90 Expiration
Any development plan, conditional use permit, or variance granted by the Planning
Commission or City Council becomes null and void if not exercised within the time
specified in the permit or variance, or if no date is specified, within one (1) year
from the date of approval of said permit, plan or variance; provided, however, that
all conditional use permits and variances granted prior to'the effective date of this
Ordinance by'the City Council or Planning Commission of the City of Gilroy that are
being legally exercised at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance shall
continue in full force and effect in the manner approved, unless the conditional usa
permit or variance is violated, ceases to exist, or is suspended for one (1) year or
more.
J
51 -4
SECTION 52 AMENDMENT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Section 52.10 Amendments
Boundaries of the zones established by this Ordinance, the classifications of property
uses therein or other provisions of this Ordinance may be amended whenever public
necessity, convenience and general welfare require.
Section 52.20 Initiation
Amendments to this Zoning Ordinance or the Zoning Map may be initiated by:
(a) The verified application of one (1) or more owners of property proposed to be
rezoned to be filed with the Planning Commission.
(b) Motion of the City Council or the.Planning Commission.
Section 52.30 Public Hearing
After filing of a verified application for a.zone change, or after the action of the
Planning Commission or the City Council to consider a Zoning Map or Ordinance amend-
ment, the Planning Commission shall hold at least one (1) public hearing on it.
Notice of time and place of public hearing by the Planning Commission shall be given
pursuant to the provisions of Section 51 of this.Ordinance.
Section 52.40 Commission Findings
The Planning Commission shall announce its findings by formal resolution not later
than the meeting following the closing of the public hearing unless this time limit is
extended by,agreement of the parties having an interest in the proceedings. Said res-
olution shall recite, among other things, the facts.and reasons which, in the opinion
of the Commission, make the approval, denial or. denial. "without prejudice," of the
amendment of the Zoning Ordinance or Map necessary to carry out the general purpose of
this Ordinance, and the relationship of the proposed _zone- ' change or...amendme.nt...to._..ap-
pl.icable general and specific plans.
Section 52.41 Notice of Decision
Within fifteen (15) days from the date of their action on a zone change, the Com-
mission shall notify the applicant by forwarding a copy of the resolution to the
applicant at the address shown on the application 'and shall forward to the City
Clerk a copy, of said resolution. If the recommendation is for approval, the com-
plete case file shall also be forwarded to the City Clerk.
52 -1
Section 52.42 Finality of Denial
The action of the Planning Commission denying a zone change application shall be
final and conclusive unless within twenty (20) days following the adoption of the
resolution by the Planning Commission an appeal in writing is filed with the Clerk
of the City Council by the applicant or an interested party.
Section 52.50 Appeal
Upon receipt of a written appeal filed with the City Council by the applicant, or an
interested party as provided for in this Section, the Clerk of the City Council shall
advise the Planning Director who shall transmit the Planning Commission's case file to
the Clerk of the City Council for the hearing.
Within thirty (30) days following receipt' of the resolution from the Planning Commis-
sion recommending the approval of a zone change, Zoning Ordinance amendment or the
filing of a written appeal from an order of the Commission denying an application for
a zone change as provided for in this Section, the City Council shall conduct a duly
advertised public hearing on the matter, public-notice for which shall be given as
provided for in Section 51 of this Ordinance.
Section 52.60 Council Findings
The City Council may approve, modify or disapprove the recommendation of the Planning
Commission, provided that the City Council may, because of a desire for additional in-
formation, or due to the submission of significant new material of evidence, refer any
modification of a proposed zone change or Zoning Ordinance amendment back to the Plan-
ning Commission for further study and report, but the Planning Commission shall not be
required to hold a public hearing thereon. Failure of the Planning Commission to re-
port within forty (40) days after the .reference, or such longer period as may be des-
ignated by the City Council, shall be deemed-to be a recommendation to the City Coun-
cil to approve the proposed modification.
Section 52.61 Notice of Decision
The City Council shall announce its findings and decision for approval, denial, or
denial "without prejudice," by Ordinance or resolution introduced not more than
twenty (20) days following the termination of. proceedings of the hearing, or upon
receipt of a report from the Planning Commission when a matter has been referred
back to the Planning Commission. The.Ordinance or resolution shall recite, among
other things, the facts and reasons which,-in the opinion of the City Council,
make the approval, denial, or denial "without prejudice" of the application for
the amendment of the Zoning Ordinance or Map necessary to carry out the general
purposes of this Ordinance and the General Plan.
Section 52.62 Finality of Decision
The action by the City Council on the application for a zone change or Zoning Or-
dinance amendment shall be final and conclusive..
52 -2
Section 52.70 Withdrawal
The Planning Commission or the City Council, at their discretion, may permit the with-
drawal of any zone change application or appeal. The Planning Commission or the City
Council may abandon any proceeding for an amendment or rezoning initiated by them.
Withdrawal of any petitions or appeal shall terminate all proceedings in reference
thereto.
Section 52.80 Reapplication
If an application for a zone change is denied by the Planning Commission or the City
Council, another request for the same rezoning on the same property or portions there-
of, shall not be accepted within a one (1) year period. If the Planning Commission or
City Council specifies that a denial of a zone change application is made "without
prejudice," or if the Planning Commission or City Council makes a determination that
significant new material.or facts are present which justify reconsideration of the
zone change application and thereby grants specific approval.for refiling of the ap-
plication., said one (1) year waiting period may be waived.
52 -3
SECTION 53 ENFORCEMENT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Section 53.10 Vested Duty
All departments, officials and public employees of the City which are vested with the
duty or authority to issue permits or licenses shall conform to the provisions of this
Ordinance and shall issue no such permit or license for uses, buildings or purposes
where the same would be in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinince and any such
permit or license if issued in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, shall
be null and void. It shall be the duty of the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Chief Build-
ing Inspector, Public Works Director or the Planning Director to enforce or cause to
be enforced the provisions of this Ordinance pertaining to the erection, construction,
reconstruction, moving, conversion, alteration, removal or addition to any building,
sign, structure, building site or parcel of land in the City of Gilroy.
Section 53.20 Penalty and Fine
Any person, firm or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise,
violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of an infraction,
and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as set forth in Government Code Section
36900, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended. The violating party shall be
judged -to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of
which any violation of this Ordinance is committed, continued or permitted by such
person, firm or corporation, and shall be punishable as herein provided. Nothing in
this Ordinance shall be construed as to restrict the right of any individual to pursue
redress by civil action of any violation of. this Ordinance.
Section 53.30 Declaration of Nuisance
Any building or structure set up, erected, constructed, altered, enlarged, converted,
moved or maintained contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance and /or any use of any
land, building or premises conducted, operated or maintained contrary to-the provi-
sions of this Ordinance shall be and the same is hereby declared to be unlawful and a
public nuisance and the City Attorney of the City shall, upon order of the City Coun-
cil, immediately commence action or proceedings for the abatement and. removal and en-
joinment thereof in the manner provided by law and shall take such other steps and
shall apply to such court or courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as
will abate and remove such building or structure and restrain and enjoin any person,
firm or corporation from setting up, erecting, building, maintaining or using any such
building or structure or using any property contrary to the provisions of this Ordi-
nance.
The remedies provided for herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive.
53 -1
SECTION 54 ADOPTION OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Section 54.10 Repeal
City Code Sections 6.6 through 6.8, 21A.1 through 21A.5, 24.12 through 24.24, and 25.1
through 25.41, inclusive, and Ordinances 711 and 79--28 of the City of Gilroy and amend-
ments thereto are hereby repealed; and all other Ordinances and parts of Ordinances of
the City of Gilroy in conflict herewith are also repealed.
Section 54.20 Validity
If any Section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any
reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council
hereby declares that it would have passed -this Ordinance and Section, subsection, sen-
tence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one (1) or more
Sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 54.30 Reference
This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Gilroy.
Section 54.40 Date of Passage
This Ordinance shall take effect in full thirty (30) days from and after its passage
and approval. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of August, 1983; A.D., by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Albert, Gage, Hughan, Link, Taylor, Valdez, Goodrich
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Attest:
Susanne Steinmetz, City Clerk
54 -1
Approved:
...
INDEX
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
ACCESSORY USES
ADOPTION OF ZONING ORDINANCE
AGRICULTURE DISTRICT (Al)
ANTENNAS
APPEALS
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL PROCEDURE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (C2)
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (CM)
COMMERCIAL USES
COMMERCIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
DEFINITIONS
DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONE DISTRICTS
ENFORCEMENT OF ZONING ORDINANCE
EXCEPTIONS
FENCES AND OBSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (M2)
GENERAL REGULATIONS
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R4)
HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (HC)
HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (RH)
HISTORIC DISTRICT -- NEIGHBORHOOD (HN)
HISTORIC DISTRICT - SITE (HS)
HOME OCCUPATIONS
INDUSTRIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
INDUSTRIAL USES
LANDSCAPING
LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (M1)
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R3)
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (Cl)
NONCONFORMING USES
OPEN SPACE DISTRICT (OS)
PARKING
PARKS (PF)
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION•
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT (PO)
PUBLIC FACILITIES (PF)
PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES
iii
39
39
54
4
35
51
50
5.0
14
17
18
19
50
2
3
53
46
34
21
45
8
16
9
27
27
40
23
22
38
20
7
13
48
24
31
25
41
26
49
12
25
51
INDEX (coast.)
RESIDENTIAL SITE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
11
RESIDENTIAL USES
10
SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C3)
15
SIGNS
37
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (RI)
5
STREET TREES
38
SWIMMING POOLS
36
TEMPORARY USES
47
TRAILERS
33
TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R2)
6
VARIANCES
50,
YARDS
32
ZONING MAP
1
BY ZONING DISTRICT ABBREVIATION
Al
AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
4
Cl
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
13
C2
CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
14
C3
SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
15
CM
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
17
HC
HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
16
HN
HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT
27
HS
HISTORIC SITE COMBINING DISTRICT
27
M1
LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
20
M2
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
21
OS
OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
24
PF
PARK /PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT
25
PO
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT
12
PUD
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT COMBINING DISTRICT
26
R1
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
5
R2
TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
6
R3
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
7
R4
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
8
I
RH
RESIDENTIAL HILLSIDE DISTRICT
9
iv
Ord. #83 -15 re: Adopted new Zoning Ordinance No. 83 -15.
Zoning
ORDINANCE NO. 83 -15
ZONING ORDINANCE. CITY OF GILROY, CALIFORNIA.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of August, 1983, by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS'ALBERT, GAGE, HUGHAN, LINK, TAYLOR, VALDEZ
and GOODRICH
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE;