The “Santa Fe-Commercial” district shall be the mechanism to enhance and promote the economic revitalization of Placentia’s original business district. Goals of the district are:
(1) 
Promote the use of architectural design consistent with the city’s historical and cultural heritage as evidenced in the area’s building and improvements.
(2) 
Foster civic pride in the area and thereby stabilize and improve property values.
(3) 
Encourage new uses and services to locate in the area.
(4) 
Prohibit those uses which are not compatible with the historic and commercial character of the district.
(5) 
Encourage the concept of “mixed” commercial and residential uses in order to foster a greater sense of community within the district.
(Ord. 84-O-101 § 1, 1984)
The “Santa Fe-Commercial” district shall include all those properties shown on Exhibit 1 of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 84-O-101 § 1, 1984)
Permitted uses in the “SF-C” zone shall consist of businesses which are conducted within a completely enclosed building, except if permitted by Sections 23.37.046 and 23.81.165. Such uses shall include:
(1) 
Apparel stores;
(2) 
Appliance stores;
(3) 
Bicycle shops;
(4) 
Drugstores;
(5) 
Food stores, including bakeries, health food establishments, candy stores, vitamin shops;
(6) 
General merchandise stores;
(7) 
Hardware stores;
(8) 
Hobby supply stores;
(9) 
Household appliance repair;
(10) 
Jewelry stores;
(11) 
Media shops, including bookstores, newsstands, video tape outlets, etc.;
(12) 
Offices including financial institutions, real estate and insurance firms, and travel agencies; offices shall remain incidental and subordinate to the intended retail use;
(13) 
Personal service establishments including barber and beauty shops, and tailors;
(14) 
Photography studios;
(15) 
Restaurants and eating places and fast food establishments excluding drive-through establishments;
(16) 
Small outdoor seating areas per Section 23.81.165;
(17) 
Sporting goods stores;
(18) 
Stationery and office supply stores;
(19) 
Toy shops;
(20) 
Variety stores;
(21) 
Vehicle parts sales;
(22) 
Other uses that the planning commission finds to be in accord with the purpose of this chapter and have characteristics similar to those uses in this section.
(Ord. 84-O-101 § 1, 1984; Ord. 92-O-116 § 1, 1992; Ord. 92-O-123 § 10, 1992; Ord. 97-O-105 § 1, 1997; Ord. 98-O-106 § 1, 1998)
(a) 
The city recognizes that certain uses, although consistent with the purpose of the “SF-C” zone, have special characteristics which have the potential to adversely affect adjoining businesses and/or property owners. These uses shall therefore be reviewed individually pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 23.87; these uses include the following:
(1) 
Dry cleaners;
(2) 
Establishments that sell alcoholic beverages including on-sale and off-sale;
(3) 
Large outdoor seating areas per Section 23.81.165;
(4) 
Laundromat;
(5) 
Music stores;
(6) 
Pet shops;
(7) 
Poolrooms;
(8) 
Mixed residential and commercial uses provided, however, that:
(A) 
There is or will be commercial space on the ground floor adjacent to the public right-of-way (street frontage),
(B) 
The parcel is of adequate size and shape to ensure compliance with all code requirements (parking, setbacks, provision for trash enclosure, etc.),
(C) 
The residential units are directly attached to or are set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the commercial units;
Exception: If a parcel cannot accommodate a viable commercial use, the planning commission may approve only a residential use on the parcel.
(9) 
Studios including dance and music;
(10) 
Veterinary clinics (completely enclosed);
(11) 
Other uses that the planning commission finds to be in accordance with the purpose of this chapter and having characteristics similar to those uses listed in this section.
(b) 
In approving the use permit, the planning commission shall consider the following in addition to the findings required by Chapter 23.87: operating hours; impacts on adjacent business and/or impacts on city services; concentrations of similar uses. Also, where large assemblages of people are involved, the planning commission shall consider the ability of the operators to provide services for and control the subject number of persons.
(Ord. 84-O-101 § 1, 1984; Ord. 85-O-126, 1985; Ord. 90-O-123 § 2, 1990; Ord. 92-O-102 § 1, 1992; Ord. 92-O-116 § 2, 1992; Ord. 94-O-111 § 1, 1994; Ord. 94-O-129 § 1, 1994; Ord. 97-O-105 § 2, 1997; Ord. 98-O-106 § 2, 1998; Ord. O-2002-10 § 3, 2002)
Outdoor sales area shall be permitted within the district on a permanent basis only if at initial construction the structure(s) was originally and specifically designed to accommodate a designated outdoor sales area. Items sold in the sales area shall be clearly related to the primary commercial use.
(Ord. 92-O-123 § 11, 1992)
(a) 
Height: The maximum allowable height of any structure in the “Santa Fe-Commercial” district shall be thirty (30) feet.
(b) 
Setbacks: there shall be no required setbacks except adjacent to an alley, in which case no structure shall be located closer than five (5) feet to the edge of alley right-of-way.
(c) 
Parking: the provisions of Chapter 23.78 shall apply to parking facilities in the “Santa Fe-Commercial” district. Parking areas shall remain visibly striped, readily accessible and free from encroachment by other uses.
(d) 
Signs: the provisions of Chapter 23.90 shall apply to signs in the “Santa Fe-Commercial” district.
(e) 
Trash: trash enclosures shall be provided per city standards on file in the building department and shall be suitably maintained for as long as the use continues.
(f) 
Storage: outdoor storage shall be prohibited in the “Santa Fe-Commercial” district.
(g) 
All uses shall be conducted within a completely enclosed building.
(h) 
No overhead doors shall be permitted along street frontages and all street doors shall be for pedestrian access only.
(Ord. 84-O-101 § 1, 1984; Ord. 85-126, 1985)
Buildings in the “Santa Fe Commercial (SF-C)” district can be grouped into three (3) broad design categories; Main Street, Early California and Spanish Modern. The city recognizes that this district is unique and in order to encourage its continued improvement and insure compatibility, all new construction, additions or exterior modifications shall follow one of the themes listed below in subsections (1)(A) through (C) of this section.
(1) 
Design Themes.
(A) 
Main Street Theme. Key elements shall include:
(i) 
Brick facades with decorative inserts;
(ii) 
Cornices and corbels;
(iii) 
Double-hung windows on the second story;
(iv) 
Display windows with raised sills (minimum two (2) feet six (6) inches from floor) along store fronts;
(v) 
Transoms;
(vi) 
Recessed entries.
(B) 
Early California Theme. Key elements shall include:
(i) 
Heavily textured stucco facades;
(ii) 
“Massive” wood entry doors;
(iii) 
Tile and/or rough-sawn wood for trim enhancement;
(iv) 
Brick-lined arches highlighting windows;
(v) 
Earth-tone colors.
(C) 
Spanish Modern Theme. Key elements shall include:
(i) 
Accent colored paint to highlight fascias, cornices, corbels, columns, window frames and storefronts;
(ii) 
Accent colored paint or decorative tile banding to highlight and wrap building facades, particularly between ground and belt-level;
(iii) 
Thin tube neon lighting to accent major building elements such as fascias or top edges of building parapets;
(iv) 
Canopy/awnings to accentuate storefronts, entrances and windows. Second floor window awnings are specifically encouraged.
(2) 
Additional Requirements. All new construction, additions or exterior modifications of buildings in the “Santa Fe Commercial” district shall be subject to the following requirements:
(A) 
Screening: all exterior mechanical and electrical equipment and roof appurtenances shall be screened. The screen shall be designed as an integral part of the structure.
(B) 
Pedestrian Elements.
(i) 
Storefronts: entrances shall be designed and enhanced to not only add identity to the business but be easily identifiable to the public. Rear entrances shall receive the same attention and detail of design as front entrances. Storefronts shall contain large display windows.
(ii) 
Canopies: canopies are encouraged along zero-setback sidewalks to provide pedestrian protection and also deemphasize the long, unbroken, horizontal facade associated with zero-setback development.
(iii) 
Lighting: pedestrian areas shall be sufficiently lighted to promote safety and security.
(C) 
Landscape Elements: landscaping shall be used to enhance the design and appearance of all structures. Planters and/or planter boxes shall especially be utilized to emphasize entrances. All landscaping shall be maintained in good condition for as long as the use of any structure continues.
(Ord. 84-O-101 § 1, 1984; Ord. 92-O-102 § 2, 1992)