Commercial Districts
Zoning District Information
Commercial - General (CG) District
The purpose of the CG district is to provide for retail uses that rely primarily on automobile traffic and attract customers Citywide and/or in the regional trade area consistent with the General Plan general commercial (C) designation.
Commercial – Neighborhood (CN) District
The CN district provides for a variety of retail uses that serve the needs of nearby neighborhoods and have limited potential to negatively impact nearby residents. This district is consistent with the General Plan neighborhood commercial (NC) designation.
Auto Center (AC) District
(a)
Purpose of auto center district. The purpose of the auto center district regulations is to:
(1)
Provide for the retail sale of automobiles in the community consistent with the General Plan.
(2)
Provide an attractive and architecturally compatible environment along Santa Margarita Parkway in an effort to maximize the retail sale of automobiles in the City.
(3)
Provide for employment opportunities for existing and future residents.
(4)
Provide adequate space to meet the needs of auto dealerships, including off-street parking, display and loading.
(5)
Protect adjacent uses from excessive noise, illumination, odor, smoke, traffic, surface water runoff and other objectionable effects.
Auto Center Overlay (ACO) District
A.
[Purpose of auto center overlay district.] The purpose of the auto center overlay district regulations is to:
(1)
Expand the opportunity to provide for the retail sale of automobiles in the community consistent with the General Plan.
(2)
Provide an attractive and architecturally compatible environment along Santa Margarita Parkway in an effort to maximize the retail sale of automobiles in the City.
(3)
Provide for employment opportunities for existing and future residents.
(4)
Provide adequate space to meet the needs of auto dealerships, including off-street parking, display and loading.
(5)
Provide additional opportunities to expand the auto center district in appropriate areas without creating additional nonconforming lots, uses or structures.
(6)
Protect adjacent uses from excessive noise, illumination, odor, smoke, traffic, surface water runoff and other objectionable effects.
Example of Common Land Uses within the CG and CN Districts
*For a full list of permitted uses and additional information for the Commercial Districts, refer to Section 9.03.080 Commercial Districts.
| Land Use | CG District | CN District | Notes and Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | Permitted | Permitted | a. Outdoor seating and dining requires a Conditional Use Permit b. Subject to nuisance standards in Section 9.05.010 c. Alcohol sales requires a Conditional Use Permit and an ABC license. d. Live entertainment requires a Conditional Use Permit |
| Restaurant (drive-through) | Conditional Use Permit | Conditional Use Permit | Subject to nuisance standards in Section 9.05.010 |
| Live Entertainment and Dancing | Conditional Use Permit | Conditional Use Permit | Includes night clubs, VIP rooms, and similar uses |
| Alcohol beverage retail sale (including wine tasting) | Conditional Use Permit | Conditional Use Permit | Sale for on-premises and off-premises consumption |
| Hotels | Conditional Use Permit | Not permitted | |
| Medical and Dental Offices | Permitted | Permitted | Including physical therapy and laboratories |
| Retail sales and services (Commercial General) | Permitted | Not Permitted | |
| Retail sales and services (Commercial Neighborhood) | Not Permitted | Permitted | |
| Theaters (walk-in) | Conditional Use Permit | Not Permitted | |
| Bar/Tavern/Brewery Pub | Conditional Use Permit | Conditional Use Permit | a. Includes on-site small scale brewery for sale for on and off premises consumption b. Accessory uses such as billiards, pool tables, darts, and game machines also allowed |